Methods of treatment of renal disease
The invention is directed to a process of identifying a compound capable of inhibiting the activity of a human Ax1 receptor that comprises contacting the Ax1 receptor or cells expressing the Ax1 receptor with the compound; measuring the Ax1 receptor activity in the presence of the compound; and comparing the activity measured to that measured in the absence of the compound under controlled conditions, wherein a decrease identifies the compound as being capable of inhibiting the activity. Therapeutic and diagnostic applications are also described.
1 - 35 . (canceled)
36 . A method of treatment of renal disease associated with expression of a gene in a patient in need of such treatment which comprises intravenous administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of siRNA which inhibits the gene.
37 . The method of claim 36 , wherein the renal disease is selected from kidney fibrosis, renal failure and nephropathy.
38 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the nephropathy is diabetic nephropathy.
39 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the renal disease is renal failure.