LINC-53 FROM C. ELEGANS AND ITS USES IN LISTING COMPOUNDS INVOLVED IN THE CONTROL OF CELL BEHAVIOUR AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

摘要

UNC-53 protein of C. elegans or its functional equivalent is identified as a signal transducer/integrator involved in controlling the rate and directionality of cell migration and/or cell shape. Nucleic acid sequences encoding UNC-53 protein or its functional equivalent, such as genomic or cDNA are used to transfect C. elegans or mammalian cell lines useful for identifying inhibitors or enhancers of the UNC-53 protein. Any of the inhibitors or enhancers identified or the UNC-53 protein itself or sequences encoding UNC-53 protein can be used in the preparation of medicament for treatment of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's or Huntingdon's disease, peripheral neuropathies for inhibition of metastasis.