Method for identifying agonists or antagonists of the G-protein coupled receptor mas-like 1

1. A method for identifying an agonist of the G protein-coupled receptor mas-like 1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising the steps of:

a) providing at least one cell or membrane fraction of said cell which expresses said mas-like 1 receptor on its surface,

b) providing at least one candidate chemical compound;

c) providing at least one natural ligand of the GPCR mas-like 1 selected from the group consisting of substance P2-11 (SEQ ID NO:10), P4-11 (SEQ ID NO:11) and P1-9 (SEQ ID NO:12);

d) contacting the at least one cell or membrane fraction with the at least one natural ligand to form a mixture and measuring a first activation of the GPCR mas-like 1;

e) contacting the mixture with the at least one chemical compound;

f) measuring a second activation of the GPCR mas-like 1; and

g) comparing the first activation with the second activation,

such that the second activation is greater than the first activation is indicative that the at least one chemical compound is an agonist the GPCR mas-like 1.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said cell is selected from a group consisting of: CHO cells, CHO K1 cells, and HEK cells.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second activations are measured by measuring [Ca 2+ ] in the mixture.

4. A method for identifying an antagonist of the G protein-coupled receptor mas-like 1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising the steps of:

a) providing at least one cell or membrane fraction of said cell which expresses said mas-like 1 receptor on its surface,

b) providing at least one candidate chemical compound;

c) providing at least one natural ligand of the GPCR mas-like 1 selected from the group consisting of substance P2-11 (SEQ ID NO:10), P4-11 (SEQ ID NO:11) and P1-9 (SEQ ID NO:12);

d) contacting the at least one cell or membrane fraction with the at least one natural ligand to form a mixture and measuring a first activation of the mas-like 1 receptor;

e) contacting the mixture with the at least one chemical compound;

f) measuring a second activation of the mas-like 1 receptor; and

g) comparing the first activation with the second activation,

such that the second activation is less than the first activation is indicative that the at least one chemical compound is an antagonist the GPCR mas-like 1.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said cell is selected from a group consisting of: CHO cells, CHO K1 cells, and HEK cells.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first and second activations are measured by measuring [Ca 2+ ] in the mixture.