PIM-3 kinase as a target for type 2 diabetes mellitus
The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and to host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the invention relates to a polypeptide having PIM-3 activity and having a definite amino acid sequence, as well as to the use of PIM-3 as a screening agent for identifying anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus drugs and for preparing a medicament for the treatment of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
1. A method of treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in a patient, comprising the steps of:
(a) identifying an agent that stimulates PIM-3 activity, wherein the identifying comprises:
(i) contacting the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a compound that is known to interact with and stimulate PIM-3 activity, to form an assay mixture;
(ii) contacting the assay mixture with a test compound; and
(iii) determining if the test compound preferentially interacts with the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 as compared to the known compound;
wherein the test compound is identified as the agent if it preferentially interacts with the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 and stimulates PIM-3 activity; and
(b) treating the patient with the agent.
2. A method of treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in a patient, comprising the steps of:
(a) identifying an agent that stimulates PIM-3 activity, wherein the identifying comprises:
(i) contacting the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a test compound; and
(ii) determining the ability of the test compound to stimulate PIM-3 the activity;
wherein the test compound is identified as the agent if it stimulates PIM-3 activity; and
(b) treating the patient with the agent.
3. The method of either claim 1 or 2 , wherein said contacting with the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 occurs in vitro.