Neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles located in the presynaptic terminals of nerve cells. Activation of a neuron results in the generation of an electrical signal which travels the length of the cell as an action potential until it reaches the presynaptic terminal. The change in membrane potential in the terminal causes synaptic vesicles to fuse with the nerve cell membrane, prompting the release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. After traversing the cleft by diffusion, neurotransmitter binds to highly selective receptors on the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron. The nature of the postsynaptic response is dictated by the particular neurotransmitter. Excitatory neurotransmitters cause depolarization of the postsynaptic cell membrane, triggering an action potential that recreates the signal electrically in the postsynaptic neuron. In contrast, inhibitory neurotransmitters suppress activation of the postsynaptic neuron by inhibiting the formation of an action potential.

The extent of the signaling response is controlled by both the quantity of neurotransmitter released and the duration of its activity in the synapse. Many mechanisms ensure removal of the neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft,

including enzymatic destruction, active transport or reabsorption into the presynaptic neuron. Active transport is mediated by a class of transporter proteins, each specific to a particular type of neurotransmitter.

Drugs that alter brain function may impact synaptic signaling. Drugs such as cocaine and Prozac, for example, alter brain activity by blocking the normal function of transporter proteins. Cocaine is a nonselective amine transporter antagonist which exerts its primary addictive effect by blocking dopamine transporter function. Prozac belongs to a class of compounds known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRRIs, that enhance the mood-elevating effects of 5HT by preventing its reabsorption into the presynaptic neuron. Other mood-altering drugs target different neurotransmitters, including Edronax, which is used to treat severe depression and functions by altering NE levels.

A family of proteins specialized for transport and reputake of neurotransmitters has been identified and cloned. Known as the GABA/ norepinephrine transporter (GAT1/NET) gene family, this group of proteins is characterized by identity of amino acid sequence as well as similarity of predicted topographies. Specifically, transporters contain 12 hydrophobic regions thought to form transmembrane domains.

Recently, multiple genes were identified in the nematode C. elegans as having significant homology to the GAT1/NET gene family. See Wilson et. al., Nature 368,32 (1994). One such gene, T23G5.5, is located on chromosome 3, spanning cosmids CET23G5 and CET02C1. The inferred translation of T23G5.5 has high sequence similarity to a subgroup of the GAT1/NET family, the biogenic amine neurotransmitter transporters. This subgroup includes dopamine transporters (DATs), norepinephrine transporters (NE) and serotonin transporters (SERTs).

The profound behavioral effects of exogenous dopamine in C. elegans, including inhibition of locomotion [Schafer, W. R. et al. Genetics 143,1219 (1996)] and egg laying [Horvitz, H. R. et al., Science 216,1012 (1982)] indicate that dopamine uptake blockers are suitable as antihelmintic agents. Broader pesticidal

effects of monamine uptake blockers are suggested by flies with mutations in the gene inebriated, which encodes a homologue of the GAT I/NET family of transporters. These mutants display altered motor coordination in response to anesthetics.

Dopamine uptake blockers identified in high-throughput screens using heterologously expressed cDNAs of the present invention are suitable anti-parasitic agents. The cDNAs themselves are useful for synthesizing suitable probes in molecular diagnostics. The proteins expressed by the cDNAs of the present invention, CeDATI and CeDAT2, are useful antigens for generating specific antibodies.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a nucleic acid sequence encoding a functional catecholamine/dopamine transporter from C. elegans.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a nucleic acid sequence to make probes for the same protein in other species and related proteins.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a protein, as well as an antibody, useful in research and molecular diagnostics.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a protein useful in the design of therapeutic transporter modulators for clinical treatment.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a protein useful in the identification or design of antihelmintic compounds, as well as new psychoactive drugs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects and advantages are obtained by the present invention, which relates to cDNA from the nematode C. elegans encoding at least two proteins, CeDATI and CeDAT2, with significant homology to mammalian biogenic amine neurotransmitter transport proteins is described. The sequences were not predictable from known DNA data bank sequences. CeDAT1 is a shortened form of CeDAT2,

with 19 amino acids removed from the NH2 terminus of CeDAT2. The sequence of the cDNA has been employed to construct transfected cellular expression systems, which are useful as screening assays for psychoactive drugs that interact with mammalian biogenic amine neurotransmitter transport proteins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 schematically diagrams CeDAT cDNAs and related primers. RB452, 453,517, and SL1 are PCR primers used to identify partial CeDAT cDNAs in C. elegans. PCeDAT2 was constructed by splicing sequences amplified with RB517 and RB516 into pCeDATI at an internal SphI site. Asterisks denote the position of in-frame stop codons.

FIG. 2A sets forth the functional characterization of CeDAT1 in transiently transfected HeLa cells. Substrate selectivity assessed using either pCeDATI transfected cells ("CEDATI"), or vector (pGEMTEasy) transfected cells ("VECTOR").

FIG. 2B sets forth the functional characterization of CeDAT2 in transiently transfected HeLa cells. Substrate selectivity assessed using either pCeDAT2 transfected cells ("CEDAT2"), or vector (pGEMTEasy) transfected cells ("VECTOR").

FIGURES 3A &3B set forth inhibition profiles of [3H] DA transport induced by pCeDATI using unlabeled substrate analogs.

FIGURES 4A & 4B set forth saturation kinetics of catecholamine transport induced by pCeDATI in transfected HeLa cells. Cells were transfected with pCeDATI and assayed in parallel with increasing concentrations of labeled [3H] DA or [3H] NE. Insets represent Eadie-Hofstee replots of saturation data. KM for [3H] DA <BR> <BR> <BR> was 1.2 FM and Vmax was 0.6pmol/106 cells/min. KM for [3H] NE was 4.1 (J. M and Vmaxwas 0.46mol/106 cells/min.

FIG. 5 sets forth CeDAT cDNA and protein sequences, including composite cDNA sequence taken from pCeDAT2 and pCETU. Highlighted sequence

represents in-frame stop codons relative to the open-reading frame translated. Lines indicate an estimation of the positions of transmembrane domains from hydrophilicity analysis and comparisons with other family members. Boxed sequences reflect canonical N-glycosylation sites in the predicted extracellular domain separating TMD 3 and 4. Sequence enclosed in brackets represents that encoded by pCETU. Numbers reflect bp length of cDNA beginning at the SL1 primer to the poly (A) tail.

FIG. 6 sets forth the profile of [3H] DA transport in GH4C1 cells stably transfected with CeDAT2 ("CeDAT2") or C. elegans serotonin receptor ("Ce5- HT"). Specific uptake is calculated by subtracting uptake in the presence of 1 uM imipramine from total uptake in the absence of imipramine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a nematode dopamine transporter, wherein the molecule hybridizes under standard conditions to a nucleic acid molecule complementary to the full length of SEQ ID NO: 9.

One embodiment of the present invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a nematode dopamine transporter, said transporter comprising the amino acid sequence of CeDAT2, which is SEQ ID NO: 10.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a nematode dopamine transporter, said transporter comprising the amino acid sequence of CeDAT1, which is SEQ ID NO: 11.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a nematode dopamine transport protein expressed in nematodes as shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, the DNA being substantially free of DNA that does not encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10 or a functional equivalent thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a nematode dopamine transporter, comprising SEQ ID NO: 9.

Another embodiment of the present invention is any isolated nucleic acid molecule of the present invention with a label for detection.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, operatively linked to at least one control sequence compatible with a suitable host cell.

The present invention also relates to an expression system comprising a host cell transformed with the expression vector of the present invention. The host cell of the expression system can be selected from the group consisting of prokaryotes, yeast and mammalian cells. One host cell is a HeLa cell. Other host cells include MDCK cells, HEK-293 cells, and GH4C1 cells..

The present invention also relates to a process for producing a substantially purified nematode dopamine transport protein comprising the steps of : (a) culturing a transformed host cell of the present invention; and (b) purifying the protein from the cultured host cell.

The protein prepared by this process is another embodiment of the present invention, as well as antibodies specific for the protein.

The present invention also relates to a purified dopamine transport protein comprising the sequence of amino acids as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10. The present invention also relates to a purified dopamine transport protein comprising the sequence of amino acids as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11. Antibodies specifically binding these proteins are another embodiment of the present invention.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is a purified nematode dopamine transport protein having an amino acid sequence that is substantially homologous to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.

One method for identifying a dopamine transport antagonist, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of : (A) providing a quantity of the expression system of the present invention;

(B) mixing said quantity with a sample of a compound to be measured ; (C) measuring inhibition of dopamine uptake.

One screening assay for dopamine transport antagonists, according to the present invention, comprises the expression system of the present invention.

Another method of the present invention identifies a dopamine transport stimulator, and comprises the steps of : (A) providing a quantity of the expression system of the present invention; (B) mixing said quantity with a sample of a compound to be measured; (C) measuring enhancement of dopamine uptake.

Another screening assay of the present invention identifies dopamine transport stimulator, and comprises the expression system of the present invention.

The present invention also relates to compounds having dopamine transport antagonist activity with an ICso of less than or equal to about lOpM, or compounds having dopamine transport stimulator activity with an IC50 of less than or equal to about 10pM, as measured by an appropriate method or screening assay of the prsent invention.

Still another emobdiment of the present invention is a DNA probe which hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule complementary to the full length of SEQ ID NO: 9.

Another embodiment of the present invention is any DNA probe of the present invention with a label for detection.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for detecting the presence of a gene encoding a dopamine transporter from an organism suspected of containing the gene comprising the steps of contacting a DNA probe of the present invention with a DNA from the organism under hybridizing conditions and detecting the presence of the hybridized probe.

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS DA Dopamine DAT DA transporter GABA y-Aminobutyric acid 5HT Serotonin NE Norepinephrine NET NE transporter pCeDATI Vector having nucleotide sequence for C. elegans DA transporter 1, which is SEQ ID NO: 9, but codes for the CeDAT1 protein with SEQ ID NO: 11 pCeDAT2 Vector having nucleotide sequence for C. elegans DA transporter 2, which is SEQ ID NO: 9, but codes for the CeDAT2 protein with SEQ ID NO: 10 Library Screening Conventional library screening in combination with RT-PCR was used to identity the complete cDNA, known as CEDAT, encoding the transport protein.

Results obtained by conventional screening suggested that the available cDNA library was poorly represented in T23G5.5 cDNAs with complete 5'ends and that the coding region predicted in the scientific literature for the 3'end of the T23G5.5 transcript was incorrect. RT-PCR was then used to identify the complete cDNA, as generated by an alternative splicing pattern. Transient expression of the complete cDNA in HeLa cells conferred high affinity [3H] dopamine transport (Km = 1.2KtM).

Dopamine was also the most potent competitor of [3H] dopamine transport (Kl= 146nM). [3H] DA transport was also sensitive to inhibition by tyramine (KI= 827mM) and L-NE (KI= 1180). [3H] DA transport was sensitive to inhibition by cocaine (KI= 3.5pM), comparable to cloned mammalian dopamine transporters.

Uptake was also very sensitive to other known mammalian transporter antagonists, including nisoxetine (Kl= 3nM), GBR12909 (Kl= 70 NM) and mazindol (KI= 8nM).

The cloned cDNA predicts a 597 amino acid protein with 12 hydrophobic regions, thought to represent transmembrane domains. This inferred protein exhibits 37-47% amino acid sequence identity with mammalian biologic amine neurotransmitter transporters. These findings support the characterization of CEDAT as a functional catacholamine transport protein specialized for dopamine transport in the nematode C. elegans. This cDNA is the first of its type cloned from a nematode and is different from the cDNA predicted in scientific literature.

The cDNA is useful in a variety of contexts, many involving technqiues well known to those skilled in the art. The nucleic acid sequence can be incorporated into a host cell to generate large quantities of the transport protein for research or other purposes according to techniques well known in the art. The nucleic acid and protein can be used as probes for the same protein in other species and related proteins. Furthermore, the protein can be used to make antibodies useful in research and molecular diagnostics. The protein can also be used to design functional and structural analogs for use in research and clinical settings. The protein is useful for the identification and design of transporter modulators with clinical applications.

The protein is specifically useful in the identification and design of compounds with antihelmintic, endectocidal, or psychoactive activity.

Isolation of cDNA clone for T23G5.5 Conventional library screening and RT-PCR were used to isolate a full-length cDNA clone of the hypothetical transporter gene T23G5.5.

Oligonucleotide probes matching nucleotide sequences reported in cosmid CET235 [Wilson, R. et al., Nature 368,32 (1994)] were created by procedures generally known to those skilled in the art. Specifically, sequences derived from hypothetical exons 2 (RB436) (SEQ ID NO: 1) and 7 (RB437) (SEQ ID NO: 2) were synthesized.

These oligonucleotides were used as probes to screen an oligo (dT) primed cDNA library using conventional plaque hybridization techniques that are generally known to those skilled in the art. Specifically, the probes were hybridized to plaques on Magna nylon filters.

Positive plaques were cored from master plates, and rescreened until single plaques were identified. Insert size was estimated by PCR according to a procedure generally familiar to those skilled in the art. Specifically, insert size was estimated on 0.4 til of boiled phage stock using T3 and T7 sequencing primers (45° 1 min, 72° 3 min, 30 cycles). Inserts were excised by in vivo plasmid rescue, and sequenced according to techniques generally familiar to those skilled in the art. Specifically, inserts were sequenced with vector and internal primers, using fluorescent dye terminators.

Screening produced multiple positive plaques for probe RB437 (exon 7) but no positive isolates for probe RB436 (exon 2). PCR yielded an insert estimate of 1.1 kb for the largest insert. These results suggested that the cDNA library contained few T23G5.5 cDNA's with complete 5'ends. Sequencing confirmed the identity of these sequences as T23G5.5, with the 5'end beginning in exon 6. The 3'end of the cDNA was found to match the genomic sequence of cosmid CET02C 1. However, sequence data revealed a pattern of 3'exon usage and translation termination which suggested that the GenBank hypothetical exon splicing pattern predicted for the 3' end of the T23G5.5 transcript was incorrect. Specifically, exon 11 was found to splice at base pair (bp) 26895 to exon 12 at bp 465 using canonical gt/ag donor and acceptor sites rather than at base 301, creating a new C-terminus.

This situation gives the inferred protein a longer COOH terminus (Figure 5), following the amino acid sequence"RGNTISE"with an unpredicted set of 32 additional amino acids, and including three residues that are well conserved in catecholamine transporters from worm to man (R587, Y592, P596). Such strict conservation of these three amino acids in the otherwise highly divergent COOH terminus suggests they may serve to stabilize secondary structure of this domain that

is required for recognition by physically associated accessory proteins or by regulatory protein kinases. The new stop codon is followed in the cDNA (and genomic sequence) by 227 bp of 3'noncoding sequence including a canonical polyadenylation signal (AATAAA), located 19 bp upstream of a nongenomic poly (A) tail, suggesting that the polyadenylated 3'end of the CEDAT transcript has been reached.

RT-PCR of C. elegans RNA RT-PCR was used to establish a complete ORF required for expression in transfected cells. Total C. elegans RNA was prepared and was quality checked by 6% formaldehyde-agarose gel analysis. RT-PCR was conducted with random priming of cDNA using oligonucleotides matching genomic sequences. The sense primer (RB452) (SEQ ID NO: 3) is located 5'and upstream of the predicted initiator methionine. The antisense primer (RB453) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is located distal to the stop codon, and was synthesized to allow full amplification of the newly predicted ORF. See Figure 1.

The oligonucleotide primers amplified a 1.9 kb PCR product, which appeared on ethidium stained agarose gels. The product was gel purified and ligated into vector. Multiple clones bearing the DNA insert were isolated and sequenced as decried above. Missense mutations due to PCR were corrected using nonmutated segments of subclones and by site-directed mutagenesis to establish the final expression construct, the plasmid pCEDATl.

Although this cDNA for CeDATI induced full transport expression in transfected cells, no in-frame stop codons lay between the 5'PCR primer used to create pCeDAT1 and the predicted initiator methionine, and thus further amplifications were needed to establish the transporter's true 5'end and validate the most likely initiation site for translation. Turning again to RT-PCR, a sense primer was used complementary to the SL1 leader RNA that is transspliced to the 5'end of the majority of C. elegans mRNAs, and nested antisense primers downstream of the

5'end of CeDATl (Figure 1). The fragment amplified using the SL1 strategy identified a new exon in the TG235.5 gene from bp 23763 to bp 23850 in cosmic CET23G5. Canonical gt/ag splice junctions splice this new first exon into exon 2 at bp 24227 (377bp intron) just upstream of the original, mispredicted initiator methionine. The new exon adds an additional 19 amino acids to the transporter's NH2 terminus in frame with the sequence originating at the previous CeDATl starting methionine (Figure 5). This sequence was transferred to pCeDATl to create pCeDAT2. Two in-frame stop codons precede the new start codon (GCCATGC) of pCeDAT2 and the new start codon reasonably conforms to the Kozak consensus sequence ( (A/G) CCATG (G)) for translation initiation. However, translation could begin under some circumstances at Met 20, which also has a good consensus sequence (GGCATGC) and pCeDATl expresses in transfected cells. No evidence was found in 5'RT-PCR reactions for alternative splicing of mRNA encoding the transporter's NH2 terminus. The composite sequence of the predicted CeDAT mRNA drawn from RT-PCR and phage isolates and the inferred translation of CeDAT protein is provided in Figure 5.

Nucleotide and Inferred Amino Acid Sequence of T23G5.5 The composite sequence from the cDNA library screening and RT-PCR isolation of cDNAs is shown in the sequence listing as SEQ ID NO: 10. The cDNA sequence predicts a 615 amino acid polypeptide having twelve regions of significant hydrophobicity suitable for formation of transmembrane domains (TMDs) like other members of the GAT1/NET gene family.

Two canonical sites for N-linked glycosylation are present in the large hydrophilic loop between TMDs 3 and 4. Additional N-glycosylation sites are evident in the transporter's NH2 (N22) and COOH (N597) termini, although direct evidence suggests analogous regions of mammalian transporter homologs are intracellular. The COOH terminal motif is preceded by a proline'residue (P596) that typically renders the Asn inaccessible by the glycosylation machinery. The NH2 and

COOH termini possess a number of Ser and Thr residues that may be targets for regulatory phosphorylation, with two PKC sites (Ser 45, Ser 582) and one casein kinase II site (Thr 580) among these. A PKC site (Ser 255) also lies in a putative intracellular loop between TMDs 4 and 5 within a span of residues found in all catecholamine transporters. Similarly a casein kinase II site between TMDs 6 and 7 lies in a highly conserved stretch of sequence.

A comparison of the inferred amino acid sequence with those of other GAT1/NET family members demonstrates highest similarity to mammalian catecholamine transporters, about 47% amino acid identity with human, mouse and bovine NETs.

Expression of CEDAT in HeLa Cells Confers High Affinity Uptake In the present invention, the CEDAT cDNA was transiently expressed in HeLa cells by a vaccinia-T7 virus expression system, according to Blakely, R. D. et al., Anal. Biochem. 194,302 (1991). Radiolabeled DA, NE, Epi, and SHT, each at 50 nm, was tested since CeDAT bears the greatest sequence identity with mammalian amine transporters in the GAT1/NET gene family. Using pCeDATI which presumably initiates at the originally predicted Met 20, transfected HeLa cells were found to transport DA to a greater extent (~2 fold) than NE, with little or no transport of Epi and 5HT. See Figure 2A. Similar results were obtained with pCeDAT2 (Figure 2B), for which there were overall higher expression levels, but the maintained preference for DA over NE, and Epi and 5HT remained transported only at very low levels. The increased DA transport activity of pCeDAT2 vs pCEDAT2 may reflect a more efficient use of the translation initiation site present in pCEDAT2.

Competitive inhibition at the active/binding site by related analogs was next carried out. Aliquots of [3H] DA and unlabeled competitors were incubated with the HeLa expression system to explore relative potencies of substrate analogs and antagonists in competing for catecholamine transport. See Figures 3A and 3B. For

pCEDATl, it was found that DA (KI=146 nM) is almost a 10 fold more potent<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> inhibitor of transport than L-NE (KI= 1 180 nM), consistent with their relative KM<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> values. Tyramine (KI=827 nM) and octopamine (KI=67~M) were also less potent than DA. Octopamine, a suspected neurotransmitter in invertebrates including C. elegans, showed low potency against CeDAT, indicating the carrier coded by CeDAT is unlikely to be involved in its clearance in vivo. D-amphetamine competed for DA transport at micromolar concentrations (KI=3.3 RM) and was more potent than the L-isomer (KI= 13 pM), a typical selectivity associated with the mammalian L-NE transporter.

In separate experiments, the sensitivity of pCeDATI induced [3H] DA transport to conventional amine transport antagonists was assessed. Nanomolar concentrations of the mammalian NET-selective antagonist nisoxetine (KI=3 nM), the catecholamine transporter-selective antagonist mazindol (KI=8 nM) and the DAT-selective antagonist GBR12909 (KI=70 nM) blocked CeDAT activity.

Transport could also be blocked by the nonselective amine transporter antagonist cocaine (KI=3.5 AM), a potency also observed with heterologously expressed DATs.

CeDAT has a unique profile of inhibitor sensitivity, sharing pharmacologic properties with both mammalian NETs and DATs. No differences in the pharmacologic properties of pCEDATI versus pCEDAT2 have been found, except that CeDAT appears to drive higher levels of expression in transfected cells.

CeDAT 1 and CeDAT2 are each useful for a variety of screening assays, including assays for compounds having anthelmintic or psychoactive indications.

Saturation kinetics The true substrate for CeDAT can be inferred from the relative maximal capacities to transport different substrates. Mammalian NETs exhibit higher Vmax values for NE versus DA whereas the reverse is true for mammalian DATs.

Similarly, the frog Epi transporter transports substrates with a maximal rank order velocity of Epi>NE>>DA. However, all three carriers exhibit greatest inhibitory

potency for DA, suggesting that Ki or KM values may be less informative than VMAX rank order as to the identity of native substrates.

Accordingly, saturation kinetics on pCeDATl transfected cells were carrried out. The relative capacities of NE and DA for transport were tested, these two substrates exhibiting the greatest transport activity at low substrate concentrations.

The substrate DA was found to exhibit a lower substrate KM and a higher transport VMAX than NE, indicating that in C. elegans, DA is likely to be the preferred substrate. See Figure 4A and 4B. There are 8 DA synthesizing neurons in C. elegans hermaphrodites.

These results validate the CEDAT cDNA as a functional catecholamine transporter specialized for the transport of dopamine.

Expression of CEDAT in GH4C1 Cells CeDAT2 cDNA was also expressed in GH4C 1 cells, subcloned from the GH3 cell line (ATCC No. CCL-82.1,82.2) according to A. Tashjam Jr., Methods in Enzymology 58,527 (1979). The CeDAT2 clone used to transfect HeLa cells was excised from the pGEM-T easy vector and then ligated into a vector providing superior expression stability. Specifically, CeDAT2 was excised from pGEM-T using ApaI and NotI, purified by agarose gel electrophoresis, and litigated into pcDNA3.1 (-). GH4C 1 cells were then transfected with the pcDNA3.1/CeDAT construct, with GH4C 1 cells transfected with C. elegans serotonin receptor (CH4Cl/Ce5-HT) serving as a control. Transfected GH4C1 cells were found to transport radiolabeled DA.

The sequence described herein is useful in a variety of contexts. The nucleic acid sequence is useful as a probe, for example, for similar or related proteins in other species. For use as a probe, the sequence is labeled with a radioisotope or other tagging system, and is incubated with immobilized denatured DNA under conditions well-known to those skilled in the art. T. Maniatis, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2nd ed. 1989). Hybridization between the probe and the source

DNA is then measured using an assay appropriate to the label (e. g., autoradiography). The use of the present invention as a probe aids the phylogenetic study of transporter biology, which permits evaluation across species variants of sites responsible for substrate specificity and antagonist recognition.

The nucleic acid sequence of the present invention is also useful for cloning purposes, whereby large quantities of the dopamine transporter molecule can be generated. A variety of methods and procedures for cloning are familiar to those skilled in the art, as discussed above. T. Maniatis, Molecular Cloning : A Laboratory Manual (2nd ed. 1989). The availability of large quantities of dopamine transporter protein is particularly useful in the identification and design of transporter directed- pharmaceutics, including therapeutic transporter modulators and antihelmintic compounds.

Expressed protein can also be used to generate both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Ed Harlowe and David Lane, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual (1988). In monoclonal antibody technology, immortalized tumor cells are fused with antibody producing cells to form a hybridoma capable of continually producing large quantities of specific antibody of one amino acid sequence. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are useful in research and clinical settings according to methods well known to those skilled in the art. In particular, monoclonal antibodies are useful in detection and treatment methodologies.

One principal use for the sequences of the present invention is for screening assays for agonists or antagonists of dopamine and its transporters. [Uhl, et al., Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 13,421 (1992)]. Assays to screen large numbers of candidate compounds, including automated assays, are readily set up using the transfected cell system set forth in the present invention, including HeLa cells transfected with vectors for CeDATI or CeDAT2. Conversely, the transfected cell systems can be useful as counterscreens, as the case may be.

Protein can be expressed from cDNA using standard techniques for expression in vitro in cell free translation systems, in bacteria, yeast, and animal

cells, including, insect, amphibian, avian, and mammalian cells, as well as genetically engineered, or transgenic animals. The techniques are known to those skilled in the art. Reagents, including expression vectors and cell lines, for use in these methods, are commercially available from sources such as Promega and Stratagene.

It is understood that specific cDNA sequences can be modified by those skilled in the art, for example, by labeling, fusion with regulatory sequences, insertion into expression vectors, site-directed mutagenesis and substitution or deletion of nucleotides encoding specific amino/acids, without departing from the scope of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the present invention, and the methods for their use.

The theories and standard procedures for molecular cloning are described in Molecular Cloning, edited by T. Maniatis, et al. (2nd ed. 1989) and are generally known to those skilled in the art. Procedures include preparation of DNA and RNA, preparation of cloning vectors, ligation, transformation of competent cells, selection and screening by in situ filter hybridization, as described by David, et al., Advanced Bacterial Genetics (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring, N. Y.). In addition, techniques for separation of DNA by gel electrophoresis, mapping of restriction enzyme cleavage sites, and modification of DNA fragments by modifying enzymes are used. Most restriction enzymes, vectors, and reagents can be obtained from commercial companies. Common vectors and E. coli strains are used, for example, pBR322, pUC series, lambda-WES, M13mp, DH5, LE392, JM109 and HB101.

Chain termination methods are used for nucleotide sequence determination to confirm the DNA constructs at the splicing sites, as reported by Sanger, et al. Proc.

Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74,5463 (1977). Many commercial suppliers provide both reagent kits and detailed protocols. Since most nucleotide sequences are known for the vectors, promoters and genes to be used, oligonucleotides of dEefined sequences are used as primers in sequencing experiments. These are typically 15 to 20

nucleotides long and very convenient for sequencing specific regions of interest, using the techniques of Messing, et al. Nucleic Acid Res. 9,309 (1981). Either single-stranded or double-stranded DNA can be sequenced with this technique.

Oliogonucleotides to be used in DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction are synthesized by an automated DNA synthesizer. This service can be obtained from commercial sources, such as Genetic Designs, Inc., Houston, Tex.

The oligonucleotides greater than 30 nucleotides are then subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to assess purity.

DNAs are transfected into cells by one of several standard published procedures to form stable transformants, including, for example, calcium phosphate precipitation, DEAE-Dextran, electroporation, and protoplast fusion. Some of these methods are described below.

In calcium phosphate precipitation, DNAs are coprecipitated with calcium phosphate, according to the method of Graham and VanDer in Virology 52,456 (1973), before transfer into cells. A quantity of 40-50 llg of DNA with salmon sperm or calf thymus DNA as carrier is used for 0.5xl06 cells plated on a 100 mm dish. DNA is mixed with 0.5 ml of 2 X Hepes solution (280 mM NaCI, 50 mM Hepes and 1.5 mM Na2HP04, pH 7.0) to which an equal volume of 2xCa C12 (250 mM CaCl2 and 10 mM Hepes, pH 7.0) is added. A white granular precipitate appearing after 30-40 minutes is distributed dropwise evenly on the cells and allowed to sit for 4-16 hours at 37° C. The medium is removed and the cells are shocked with 15% glycerol, the cells are fed with DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum and left in the incubator.

DNA can also be transferred using the DEAE-Dextran method of Kimura, et al. Virology 49,394 (1972) and Sompayrac, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78, 7575 (1981); the electroporation method of Potter, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 7161 (1984), and the protoplast fusion method of Sandri-Goddin, et al. Molec. Cell Biol. 1,743 (1981). Another transfection method uses vaccina virus and vector

encapsulated with liposomes, according to Blakely, R. D. et al., Anal. Biochem. 194, 302 (1991).

Standard hybridization conditions, according to the methods of the present invention, will vary with the size of the probe, the background, the concentration of the nucleic acid reagents, as well as the type of hybridization, e. g., in situ, Southern blot, or hybrization of DNA-RNA hybrids. One preferred set of standard hybrization conditions involves a blot prehybridized at 42°C in 50% formamide, 5 times SSPE (SSPE is 150 nM NaCl, 10 mM Na H2P04 [pH 7.4], 1 mM EDTA [pH 8.0]), 5 times Denhardt's solution (Denhardt's solution is 20 mg Ficoll, 20 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone, and 20 mg BSA per 100 ml water), 10% dextran sulphate, 1% SDS, 100 µg/mlsalmon sperm DNA for 2 hours. 32P-labeledcDNA probe was added, and hybridization continued for 14 hours. The blot was rinsed with two 20 minute washes in 2 times SSPE, 0.1% SDS (22°C), followed by a 1 hour rinse at 65°C in 0.1 times SSPE, 0.1 % SDS, and then exposed to autoradiographic film with an intensifying screen for 5 days. For additional details, see U. S. Patent 5,580,775, herein incorporated by reference for these purposes. Se also Southern, E. M., J. Mol.

Biol. 98,503 (1975): Alwine, J. C. et al., Meth. Enzymol. 68,220 (1979).

Protein samples are prepared for Western blot analysis by lysing cells and separating proteins by SDS-PAGE. The proteins are transferred to nitrocellulose by electroblotting as described by Ausubek, et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (John Wiley and Sons, 1987). After blocking the filter with instant nonfat dry milk (1 g in 100 ml PBS), primary antibody is added to the filter and incubated for 1 h at room temperature. The filter is washed thoroughly with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and incubated with horseradish peroxidase (HRPO)-antibody conjugate for 1 hour at room temperature. The filter is again washed thoroughly with PBS and the antigen bands are identified by adding diaminobenzidine (DAB).

Enzyme assays, protein purification, and other classical biochemical methods are employed. DNA and RNA are analyzed by Southern blotting and Northern blotting techniques. Typically, the samples to be analyzed are size fractionated by

gel electrophoresis. The gel samples, DNA or RNA, are then transferred to nitrocellulose or nylon membranes by blotting techniques. The blots, which are replicas of sample patterns in the gels, are hybridized with probes in Southern and Northen analysis. Specific bands of interest can then be visualized by detection systems such as autoradiography.

EXAMPLE 1 cDNA Library Screening : An oligo (dT) primed cDNA library in lamdaZap (Stratagene) was screened by conventional plaque hybridization, according to Sambrook, J., et al., Molecular Cloning Cold Spring Harbor (1989), using oligonucleotides matching DNA sequences reported in COSMID CET23G5 [Wilson, R. et al., Nature 368,32 (1994)] associated with a hypothetical transporter gene (T23G5.5). Oligonucleotide RB 436 (sense, 5'- TAACCGCATTCTATGTGGATTTC-3', exon 2, SEQ ID NO. 1) and RB437 (antisense, 5'GTTGCACAATTGATGAATGATGTG-3', exon 7, SEQ ID NO. : 2) were synthesized, precipitated, and end labeled with [y32P] ATP using T4 polynucleotide kinase. Probes were purified away from unincorporated nucleotides by gel filtration, and hybridized to plaques on nylon filters at 55°C in 5XSSPE, 0.5 mg/ml heparin, 0.5% SDS for 3 hrs. Filters were washed 2X at room temperature in 5XSSPE, 0.1% SDS for 5 minutes, followed by a single 55°C wash in the same solution. The filters were air dried and exposed to X-ray film. Positive plaques were cored from master plates, eluted in SM media, rescreened until single plaques were identified. Insert sizes were estimated using PCR on 0.4 p, l of boiled phage stock using T3 and T7 sequencing primers (45° 1 min, 72° 3 min, 30 cycles). Inserts were excised as pBluescript SK plasmids via in vivo plasmid rescue (Ex-Assist kit, Stratagene). Inserts were sequenced with vector and internal primers using fluorescent dye terminators on an automated DNA sequencer. Sequence contigs, alignments, and analyses utilized Lasergene software for the Macintosh from DNASTAR.

EXAMPLE 2 RT-PCR of C. elegans RNA: Isolated cDNAs lacked sequences complementary to the NH2 terminus of known GAT I/NET family members as well as sequences matching inferred 5'exons of the T23G5.5 locus. An initial 5'end of the transporter's mRNA was amplified using reverse-transcriptase-mediated polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). Total C. elegans RNA was prepared with TRIZOL reagent (Sigma) according to manufacturer's recommendations and analyzed on 6% formaldehyde-agarose gels, according to Sambrook, J. et al., supra (1989). RNA was further treated with RQ1 RNase free Dnase prior to RT-PCR.

RT-PCR was conducted with random priming of cDNA using oligonucleotides for PCR matching inferred exonic sequences. The first sense primer was located 5'of the hypothetical initiation codon of the T23G5.5 gene product (RB452: 5'CAAATCTTCAGACGATCCCGACGAA-3', SEQ ID NO: 3). The antisense primer (RB453: 5'CTAGGATAATGAAAGTGGAAGACAC-3', SEQ ID NO: 4) was designed from sequence of phage clone that, though not complete on its 5'end, extended past a presumptive translation termination codon and established a significant extent of the transporter's open reading frame (ORP), including novel 3' sequences (pCEGTB1, Figure 1). Using these primers, we amplified a single PCR product (pCeDATI, Figure 1) for ligation into the vector pGEMTEasy (Promega).

Multiple clones bearing the cDNA insert were isolated and sequenced as described above. Missense mutations due to PCR in the 3'end of the cDNA were corrected by transfer of a nonmutant NcoI fragment from a nonmutant PCR isolate. A single missense mutation in the 3'end of the cDNA was corrected by oligonucleotide- mediated site-directed mutagenesis.

To obtain additional 5'cDNA sequences, a set of nested RT-PCR reactions using an SL1 primer (GCAGGATCCGGTTTAATTACCCAAGCTTGAG, SEQ ID NO: 5), matching the 5'trans-spliced leader sequence found on the majority of C. elegans mRNAs (see, e. g., Conrad. R. et al., RNA 1, 164 (1995); Blaxter, M. et al.

Parasitology 26 (10), 1025 (1996), and two nested antisense primers (RB 515: 5'- AGTCCAGCTTTCCAGACCACTGTTC-3', SEQ ID NO: 6 and RB516: 5'CTGGCCGAGGCACAACTCCATGTAG-3', SEQ ID NO: 7), complementary to sequences in the 5'end of pCeDAT1, were used to identify the 5'end of CeDAT mRNA (Figure 1). Following sequencing of this product to validate its T23G5.5 and CeDAT origin, this fragment was reamplified with a sense oligonucleotide complementary to sequences immediately adjacent to the SL1 primer. An SphI restriction site was added to the 5'end of this primer (RB517: 5'- GCGCGCATGCTCCATATTCCAAATTAG TCGAAAAGCT-3', SEQ ID NO: 8) to permit the use of an internal SphI site within the 5'RT-PCR product and pCeDATI to construct pCeDAT2 (Figure 1). The completed pCeDAT2 5'end was sequenced to verify proper insertion and a lack of PCR-generated sequence errors.

EXAMPLE 3 Transient Expression of Transporters in HeLa cells: The vaccinia T7 expression system, according to Blakely, R. D. et al., Anal. Biochem. 194,302 (1991), was used to determine whether isolated cDNAs encoded functional transporters in transfected cells. An aliquot of pCeDAT DNA was prepared using Qiagen DNA isolation columns and mixed with via lipofection in a 1: 3 (g/vol) ratio at the time of transfection. HeLa cells were cultured in DMEM (10% fetal bovine serum, 100 tlg/ml penicillin and 100 units/ml streptomycin) at 37°C in 5% CO2. One day before <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> transfections, 1 xl 05 cells were plated in 24 well tissue culture plates. Medium was removed and cells washed with sterile, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Vaccinia- virus suspensions were added in DMEM medium (50 pl) to cells and allowed to infect for 30 minutes at 37°C followed by application of pCeDAT liposomes diluted in DMEM/0.45% BME (450 1li). Cells were assayed 6-12 hrs after transfections for induction of transport relative to plasmid vector or nontransfected cells. Transport assays were conducted at 37°C in 500 u. 1 final volume of KRH buffer (120 mM

NaCl, 10 mM HEPES, 4.7 mM KC1,1.2 mM KH2P04,1.2 mM MgS04,2.2 mM CaCl2 , 10 mM D-glucose) containing 100 FM ascorbic acid, 100 |M pargyline and 10 FM U-0251 (a known catecholamine O-methyl transferase inhibitor, Upjohn Laboratories). Assays were initiated by addition of radiolabeled substrates with or without varying concentrations of competitors. Amine transporter antagonists were preincubated with cells for 10 minutes prior to addition of substrate. Radiolabeled substrates examined included [3H] DA, [3H] NE, or [3H] 5HT. Ion-dependence of [3H] DA transport was inspected in assays substituting Li+ for Na+ and isethionate for Cl-Assays were terminated by three ice cold washes in KRH prior to solubilization of cells and direct quantitation of accumulated radioactivity in a scintillation counter.

Data were analyzed using Kaleidagraph software (Synergy Software), using a nonlinear least-squares curve fitting algorithm to fit concentration response curves <BR> <BR> <BR> and determine IC50 values of competitors. KI values were estimated from IC50 values using the Cheng-Prusoff correction for substrate concentration, according to Cheng, Y.-C. et al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 22,3099 (1973).

EXAMPLE 4 Stable Expression of Transporters in GC4H1 Cells: The CeDAT insert was removed from pGMTE/CeDAT by digestion with restriction enzymes Apal and NotI. The clone was then purified and ligated into pcDNA3.1 (-) (InVitrogen). An aliquot of pcDNA3.1 (-)/CeDAT was mixed with LipofectAMINE reagent (LifeTechnologies) in a 6: 1 ratio at a final DNA concentration of 1 llg/ml in DMEM (serum/antibiotic free). GH4C1 (rat pituitary) cells, grown to about 10% confluence, were incubated in lipofectin: DNA for five hours at 37°C. The transfection medium was then removed and replaced by DMEM + 10% FBS + penicillin and streptomycin. After an overnight incubation, the medium was removed and clones derived from single cells were selected by growing transfected cells at 37°C with 5% C02 in DMEM + FBS (dialyzed) + 600 pg/ml G-418 (Life Technologies) + 50 units/ml penicillin + 5Lg/ml streptomycin.

To determine whether the transporter was stably expressed, transport assays were conducted at 37°C in 0.5 KRH buffer (as detailed in Example 3) containing 0.1 mM ascorbate, 0.1 mM parygline and 26 nM [3H] dopamine. For background incubations, 101lM impramine was added to block dopamine transport.

GC4H1/Ce5-HT cells were used as controls. Transport assays were terminated by rising cells with 0.5 ml of ice cold transport medium, and then solubilized in 3% SDS. Accumulated radioactivity was quantitated in a scintillation counter. All assay were done in triplicate.

EXAMPLE 5 Screening Assay for Transporter Inhibitors: GH4C1 cells transfected according to Example 4were cultured in 48 well plates, under conditions outlined in Example 4. Mixtures of six random synthetic chemical compounds were added to each well, at a final concentration of0. 5uM or 1. 0FM of each compound. Transport assays were then conducted according to the method described in Example 4. One sample reduced [3H] dopamine transport to appropximately 50% of control levels.

The six components of the sample were then rescreened, and a single compound was found to inhibit transport.

The references cited herein are incorporated by reference.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described above in detail, various modifications and adaptation thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of invention as set forth in the claims below. Specifically, it is understood that those skilled in the art can modify specific cDNA sequences, for example by labeling, site-directed mutagenesis, substitution/deletion, or by fusion or insertion into an expression vector, without departing from the scope of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the present invention, nor methods of their use.