WO2009006140A1 - Use of mdck cells in the evaluation of cholesterol modulators - Google Patents

Abstract

A novel use for MDCK cells in the evaluation of cholesterol modulators is provided. In particular, methods for detecting substances which bind to NPC1L1 and block intestinal cholesterol absorption are provided. Such substances are of use in the treatment of individuals with hypercholesterolemia. The various assays may additionally be employed for studying NPC1L1 function.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

USE OF M0CIC CELLS IN THE EVALUATION OF CHOLESTEROL MODULATORS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/937,798 filed on June 28, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel use of an existing cell line for the identification and study of cholesterol modulators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A factor leading to the development of vascular disease, a leading cause of death in industrialized nations, is elevated serum cholesterol. It is estimated that 19% of Americans between 20 and 74 years of age have high serum cholesterol. The most prevalent form of vascular disease is arteriosclerosis, a condition associated with the thickening and hardening of the arterial wall. Arteriosclerosis of the large vessels is referred to as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the predominant underlying factor in vascular disorders such as coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, arterial disease of the lower extremities and cerebrovascular disease. Adequate regulation of serum cholesterol is, therefore, of critical import for the prevention and treatment of vascular disease.

Whole-body cholesterol homeostasis in mammals and animals involves the regulation of various pathways including intestinal cholesterol absorption, cellular cholesterol trafficking, dietary cholesterol and modulation of cholesterol biosynthesis, bile acid biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis and the catabolism of the cholesterol-containing plasma lipoproteins.

The effective identification and study of critical factors involved in cholesterol homeostasis through such pathways relies significantly on the availability of appropriate cell lines that express and model the critical proteins and many cellular factors that contribute to such processes. Niemann-Pick Cl-Like 1 ("NPClLl") protein is one such critical component of cholesterol uptake in enterocytes. NPClLl is an JV-glycosylated protein comprising a YQRL (SEQ ID NO: 1) motif (i.e., a frans-golgi network to plasma membrane transport signal; see Bos et al, 1993 EMBOJ. 12:2219-2228; Humphrey et al , 1993 J Cell Biol 120:1 123-1 135; Ponnambalam et al, 1994 J Cell. Biol. 125:253-268; and Rothman et al, 1996 Science 272:227- 234). NPClLl exhibits limited tissue distribution and gastrointestinal abundance. While the role of NPClLl is not well defined (Huff ef al, 2006 Arterioscler, Thromb. Vase. Biol. 26:2433- 2438), administration of compounds that target NPClLl block cholesterol absorption and are effective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Accordingly, the further study of the underlying mechanism of NPClLl is of significant import. Obtaining a full understanding of the molecular mechanism of NPClLl, like other critical components involved in cholesterol homeostasis, however, requires identification of an appropriate in vitro system for detailed biochemical studies. Enterocytes, while the current cell line of choice, have proven difficult to culture in vitro; Simon-Assmann et al, 2007 Cell Biol. Toxicol. 23:241-256. Several groups have expressed NPClLl in recombinant systems (Iyer et al., 2005 Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1722:282-292; Davies et al, 2005 J. Biol. Chem, 280:12710-12720; Yu et al, 2006 J Biol Chem. 281:6616-6624) or, in the alternative, identified cell lines, such as CaCo-2 cells (Davies et al., 2005 J Biol Chem. 280:12710-12720, During et al, 2005 J Nutr. 135:2305-2312; Sane et al, 2006 J Lipid Res. 47(10:2112-2120) and HepG2 cells (Davies et al, 2005 J Biol Chem. 280:12710-12720; Yu et al, 2006 J Biol Chem. 281:6616-6624) that endogenously express NPClLl . While these strategies have seemingly presented a path forward, their utility is somewhat limited. They are either not fully representative of the natural environment, responsible proteins and systems (recombinant systems) or they exhibit discrepancies in the subcellular localization and functionality of expressed NPClLl (CaCo-2 and HepG2 cells). Said shortcomings ultimately raise the question of whether they are appropriate surrogates for studying the mechanism of NPClLl.

Development of an appropriate in vitro system is critical to enable the study of not just NPClLl but all critical cellular components involved in cholesterol absorption.

The present invention addresses this need by providing a novel system for using an existing cell line which expresses and models such critical components and pertinent cellular factors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel method for using polarized Madin-Darby Canine Kidney ("MDCK") cells in the study and identification of cholesterol modulators {i.e., compounds, biologicals and other molecules that impact cholesterol homeostasis through an effect on cholesterol absorption, transport, synthesis and/or catabolism). In additional embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of MDCK cells for use in the identification and study of cellular proteins or factors involved in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. In specific embodiments, the method comprises contacting MDCK cells with a candidate NPClLl modulator and identifying those candidate NPClLl modulators that bind to NPClLl . Such experiments may be performed along with a control experiment wherein NPCl Ll -dependent binding is minimal or absent, including but not limited to a different cell line not expressing NPClLl, cells from which genomic NPClLl DNA has been disrupted or deleted, or cells where endogenous NPClLl RNA has been depleted, for example, by RNAi. In specific embodiments, the present invention relates to a method which comprises contacting the MDCK cells with a detectably labeled known or previously characterized NPClLl modulator, and a candidate NPClLl modulator, and determining whether the candidate modulator binds to NPClLl, displacing the detectably labeled NPClLl modulator, essentially competing for binding with the known NPClLl modulator. In such instances where the candidate NPClLl modulator competes with the known NPClLl modulator, the candidate NPClLl modulator binds NPClLl selectively and is a likely inhibitor of sterol (e.g., cholesterol) and 5α-stanol absorption.

The present invention also relates to methods for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) saturating NPClLl binding sites on MDCK cells with a detectably labeled previously characterized NPClLl modulator, (b) measuring the amount of bound label, (c) contacting the cells with an unlabeled candidate NPClLl modulator (or, in the alternative, a candidate modulator bearing a distinct label); and (d) measuring the amount of bound label remaining; displacement of the label indicating the presence of an NPClLl modulator that competes with the known NPC 1 L 1 modulator.

In specific embodiments, the saturation and measurement steps comprises: (a) contacting MDCK cells with increasing amounts of labeled known NPClLl modulator, (b) removing unbound, labeled known NPClLl modulator (e.g., by washing), and (c) measuring the amount of remaining bound, labeled NPClLl modulator. In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for identifying NPClLl modulators, which comprises (a) contacting MDCK cells bound to a known amount of labeled bound sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol with a candidate NPClLl modulator; and (b) measuring the amount of labeled bound sterol or 5α-stanol; substantially reduced direct or indirect binding of the labeled sterol or 5α-stanol to NPClLl compared to what would be measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl modulator.

The present invention additionally relates to methods for identifying and evaluating NPClLl modulators which comprises (a) incubating MDCK cells or a membrane fraction thereof with SPA beads (e.g., WGA coated YOx beads or WGA coated YSi beads) for a period of time sufficient to allow capture of the MDCK cells or membrane fraction by the SPA beads; (b) contacting the SPA beads obtained from step (a) with (i) detectably labeled known NPClLl modulator (e.g., labeled, known Hgand or agonist or antagonist, including but not limited to ³H-cholesterol, ³H-ezetimibe, ¹²⁵I-ezetimibe or a 35S-ezetimibe analog) and (ii) a candidate NPClLl modulator (or sample containing same); and (c) measuring fluorescence to determine scintillation; substantially reduced fluorescence as compared to that measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating the candidate NPClLl modulator competes for binding with the known NPClLl modulator. In alternative embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) incubating MDCK cells or a membrane fraction thereof with SPA beads for a period of time sufficient to allow capture of the MDCK cells or membrane fraction by the SPA beads; (b) contacting the SPA beads obtained from step (a) with detectably labeled candidate NPClLl modulator; and (c) measuring fluorescence to detect the presence of a complex between the labeled candidate NPClLl modulator and the MDCK cell or membrane fraction expressing NPClLl or a complex including NPClLL

In related embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells, lysate or membrane fraction of the foregoing bound to a plurality of support particles (e.g., in solution); said support particles impregnated with a fluorescer (e.g., yttrium silicate, yttrium oxide, diphenyloxazole and polyvinyltoluene); (b) contacting the MDCK cells, lysate or membrane fraction with a radiolabeled (e.g., with ³H, ¹⁴C or ¹²⁵I) known NPClLl modulator; (c) contacting the MDCK cells, lysate or membrane fraction with a candidate NPClLl modulator or sample containing same; and (d) comparing emitted radioactive energy with that emitted in a control not contacted with the candidate NPClLl modulator; wherein substantially reduced light energy emission, compared to that measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl modulator. hi specific embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) providing, in an aqueous suspension, a plurality of support particles attached to MDCK cells, lysate or membrane fraction of the foregoing, said support particles impregnated with a fluorescer; (b) adding, to the suspension, a radiolabeled (e.g., with ³H, ¹⁴C or ¹²⁵I) known NPClLl modulator; (c) adding, to the suspension, a candidate NPClLl modulator or sample containing same; and (d) comparing emitted radioactive energy emitted with that emitted in a control where the candidate NPClLl modulator was not added; wherein substantially reduced light energy emission, compared to what would be measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl modulator.

In specific embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells transfected to over-express NPClLl; (b) reducing or depleting cholesterol from the plasma membrane of the cells

(including, but not limited to, by providing methyl-β-cyclodextrin or by inhibiting or blocking endogenous cholesterol synthesis, for example, by providing a statin); (c) contacting MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol (e.g., ³H-cholesterol or ¹²⁵I-cholesterol)) or 5α-stanol and a candidate NPClLl modulator; and (d) monitoring for an effect on cholesterol flux. In additional embodiments, the present invention relates to methods of identifying

NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells transfected to over-express NPClLl; (b) reducing or depleting cholesterol from the plasma membrane of the cells (including, but not limited to, by providing methyl- β-cyclodextrin or by inhibiting or blocking endogenous cholesterol synthesis, for example, by providing a statin); (c) contacting MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol (e.g., ³H-cholesterol or ¹²⁵I-cholesterol)) or 5α-stanol; (d) providing to said MDCK cells a known NPClLl modulator, including but not limited to ezetimibe ("EZE"), analogs or functional equivalents thereof; (e) providing to said cells a candidate NPClLl modulator, and (f) and measuring NPC ILl -mediated sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol uptake; a decrease in sterol or 5α-stanol uptake as compared to that effected in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl antagonist; and an increase of sterol or 5α-stanol influx as compared to that effected in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NP ClLl agonist.

In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a method for identifying an NPClLl modulator capable of effecting NPC ILl -mediated cholesterol absorption or flux, which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells transfected to over-express NPClLl; (b) reducing or depleting cholesterol from the plasma membrane (e.g., by using methyl- β-cyclodextrin or through any suitable alternative means); (c) contacting the MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol; (d) providing a candidate NPClLl modulator to the MDCK cells; and (e) measuring uptake or influx of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol; a decrease in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl antagonist; and an increase in cholesterol influx indicating an NPClLl agonist. In specific embodiments, a cellular lysale is prepared between steps (d) and (e). In specific embodiments, detection of uptake of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol is measured by liquid scintillation counting of a cellular lysate. In additional embodiments, the method further comprises the administration of a known NPClLl modulator as a comparator or control. In additional embodiments, the present invention provides a method for identifying an NPC 1 L 1 modulator capable of effecting NPC ILl -mediated chol esterol absorption or flux, which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells transfected or induced to express NPClLl; (b) inhibiting or blocking endogenous cholesterol synthesis (e.g., with the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin or by any suitable alternative means); (c) contacting the MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol; (d) providing a candidate NPClLl modulator to the MDCK cells; and (e) measuring uptake or influx of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol; a decrease in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl antagonist; and an increase in cholesterol influx indicating an NPClLl agonist. In specific embodiments, a cellular lysate is prepared between steps (d) and (e). In specific embodiments, detection of uptake of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol is measured by liquid scintillation counting of a cellular lysate. In additional embodiments, the method further comprises the administration of a known NPClLl modulator as a comparator or control. The present invention further relates to isolated or purified canine NPClLl polypeptide wherein said polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO: 5.

The present invention also relates to isolated nucleic acid encoding canine NPClLl polypeptide which comprises SEQ ID NO: 5. In particular embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NO: 4.

The present invention also encompasses vectors comprising the described nucleic acid encoding SEQ ID NO: 5 (or nucleic acid comprising SEQ ID NO: 4).

The present invention further encompasses, as particular embodiments hereof, cells, populations of cells, and non-human transgenic animals comprising the nucleic acid and vectors described herein, hi particular aspect, the present invention encompasses MDCK cells expressing recombinant (i.e., derived by man) NPClLl protein including but not limited to that of SEQ ID NO: 5.

Terms Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. One skilled in the art will recognize other methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which can be used in the practice of the present teachings. It is to be understood, that the teachings presented herein are not intended to limit the methodology or processes described herein.

For purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below: A "polynucleotide", "nucleic acid " or "nucleic acid molecule" may refer to the phosphate ester polymeric form of ribonucleosides (adenosine, guanosine, uridine or cytidine;

"RNA molecules") or deoxyribonucleosides (deoxyadenosine, deoxyguanosine, deoxythymidine, or deoxycytidine; "DNA molecules"), or any phosphoester analogs thereof, such as phosphorothioates and thioesters, in single stranded form, double-stranded form or otherwise.

A "polynucleotide sequence", "nucleic acid sequence" or "nucleotide sequence" is a series of nucleotide bases (also called "nucleotides") in a nucleic acid, such as DNA or RNA, and means any chain of two or more nucleotides. A "coding sequence" or a sequence "encoding" an expression product, such as a

RNA, polypeptide, protein, or enzyme, is a nucleotide sequence that, when expressed, results in production of the product.

The term "gene" means a DNA sequence that codes for or corresponds to a particular sequence of ribonucleotides or amino acids which comprise all or part of one or more RNA molecules, proteins or enzymes, and may or may not include regulatory DNA sequences, such as promoter sequences, which determine, for example, the conditions under which the gene is expressed. Genes may be transcribed from DNA to RNA which may or may not be translated into an amino acid sequence.

A "protein sequence", "peptide sequence" or "polypeptide sequence" or "amino acid sequence" may refer to a series of two or more amino acids in a protein, peptide or polypeptide.

"Protein", "peptide" or "polypeptide" includes a contiguous string of two or more amino acids.

"Isolated" as used herein describes a property as it pertains to the MDCK cells that makes it different from that found in nature. The difference may be, for example, that the cells are in a different environment than that found in nature or that the MDCK cells are those which are substantially free from other cell types.

The terms "isolated polynucleotide" or "isolated polypeptide" include a polynucleotide (e.g., RNA or DNA molecule, or a mixed polymer) or a polypeptide, respectively, which are partially or fully separated from other components that are normally found in cells or in recombinant DNA expression systems. These components include, but are not limited to, cell membranes, cell walls, ribosomes, polymerases, serum components and extraneous genomic sequences.

An isolated polynucleotide or polypeptide will, preferably, be an essentially homogeneous composition of molecules but may contain some heterogeneity. The terms "express" and "expression" mean allowing or causing the information in a gene, RNA or DNA sequence to become manifest; for example, producing a protein by activating the cellular functions involved in transcription and translation of a corresponding gene. A DNA sequence is expressed in or by a cell to form an "expression product" such as an RNA (e.g. , mRNA) or a protein. The expression product itself may also be said to be "expressed" by the cell.

The term "functional equivalent thereof means that the protein, compound, biological or other exhibits at least 10% and in order of increasing preference, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%_s 60%, 70,%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the activity of thai referred to. For purposes of exemplification, with respect to, for example, EZE or its derivatives, the activity could be either specific binding to NPC 1 L 1 or inhibition of NPC ILl -mediated absorption of cholesterol, or both. In another example, in terms of a functional equivalent of NPClLl, the activity could be specific binding to EZE, its derivatives (or other previously characterized NPClLl modulators), or the absorption of cholesterol. In specific examples, the activity may be the absorption of cholesterol in an EZE-sensitive manner (i.e., where the absorption of cholesterol is significantly reduced in the presence of EZE).

The term "selective" or "specific" with respect to binding refers to the fact that the protein, compound, biological or other does not show significant binding to other than the particular substance or protein, except in those specific instances where the protein, compound, biological or other is manipulated to, or possesses, an additional, distinct specificity to other than the particular substance or protein. This may be the case, for instance, with bi specific or bifunctional molecules where the molecule is designed to bind or effect two functions, at least one of which is to specifically affect the particular substance or protein. Furthermore, "specific binding" includes direct or indirect binding directly to the particular substance or protein. Indirect binding may happen, for example, when the particular substance or protein is presented via another moiety such as a complex. The determination of specific binding may be made by comparing with a negative control. "Candidate cholesterol modulator", "candidate NPClLl modulator", "sample",

"candidate compound" or "candidate substance" refers to a compound, biologic, protein, composition or other which is evaluated in a test or assay, for example, for the ability to bind to NPClLl₅ induce NPC ILl -mediated cholesterol uptake into the cell and/or induce cholesterol homeostasis within the cell. The composition may comprise candidate compounds, such as small molecules, peptides, nucleotides, polynucleotides, subatomic particles (e.g., α particles, β particles) or antibodies.

As used herein, the term "sterol" includes, but is not limited to, cholesterol and phytosterols (including, but not limited to, sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and avenosterol). As used herein, the term "5α-stanol" includes, but is not limited to, cholestanol, 5α-campestanol and 5α-sitostanol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE IA illustrates saturation studies of [³H]AS binding to HEK 293 cells stably transfected with rat NPClLl (^Mrat NPClLl/HEK293 cells"). rNPClLl/HEK293 cells were seeded in 96-well poly-D-lysine plates, at a density of 10,000 cells/well and incubated with increasing concentrations of [³H]AS for 4 hours at 37°C. Bound radioligand was separated from free radioligand. Total binding (A), non-specific binding determined in the presence of 100 μM ezetimibe glucuronide ("EZE-gluc") (•) and specific binding (■), defined as the difference between total and nonspecific binding are presented. Specific binding was a saturable function of [³H]AS (see Example 1) concentration and displayed a single high affinity site with Kd of 4.62 nM and B_maχ of 2.21 x l≠ sites/cell.

FIGURE IB illustrates association kinetics of [³H]AS binding to rNPClLl/HEK293 cells. rNPClLl/HEK293 cells were incubated with 5 nM [3H]AS at 37°C. Nonspecific binding determined in the presence of 100 μM EZE-gluc was time invariant and has been subtracted from experimental points. Inset: a semilogarithmic representation of the pseudo- first order association reaction, where B_e and Bt represent ligand bound at equilibrium (e) and time (t), respectively, yielded kobs (0.0208 min-1), corresponding to a ki of k_On (0.0024 nM-1 mirrl).

FIGURE 1C illustrates dissociation kinetics of [3H]AS binding to rNPClLl/HEK293 cells. After incubation with 5 nM [³H]AS overnight, wells were rinsed and rNPC 1 L 1 /HEK293 cells were incubated with growth media containing 100 μM EZE-gluc for different amounts of time at 37°C. [3H]AS dissociation followed mono-exponential kinetics, indicative of a first-order reaction with koff = 0.0059 min-ϊ . The Kd determined from k_off/k_On is 2.46 nM.

FIGURE 2 A illustrates pharmacology data concerning the interaction of cell surface rat NPClLl with [³H]AS. rNPClLl cells were incubated with 5.36 nM [³H]AS in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of AS, PS (see Example 1), EZE-gluc or ezetimibe ("EZE") for 4 hours at 37°C. Inhibition of binding was assessed relative to an untreated control. Specific binding was fit to a single-site inhibition model, yielding IC50 values of (■) 5.25 nM (AS), (♦) 6.61 nM (PS), (A) 398 nM (EZE) and (•) 182 nM (EZE-gluc). FIGURE 2B illustrates acid wash data concerning the interaction of cell surface rat NPClLl with [³H]AS. Plot shows the normalized equilibrium levels of bound radioligand to rNPClLl/HEK293 cells after 2 hours incubation with 5 nM [³H]AS (IB₅ 5B, 15B). After washing the cells once with PBS, the cells were acid washed by incubation in DMEM pH 3.5 for 1 (IA), 5 (5A)₅ or 15 (15A) minutes. Thereafter, acid was removed by two PBS washes and after re-presentation of 5 nM [³H]AS for 2 hours, radioligand binding is monitored for each acid wash condition.

FIGURE 3 A illustrates an equilibrium determination of 5 nM [³H]AS binding to selected cell lines. At the appropriate time after seeding, binding was measured at 37°C for 4 hours in the absence or presence of 100 μM EZE-gluc. FIGURE 3B illustrates saturation binding data for [³H]AS binding to MDCKII cells. MDCKII cells were seeded into tissue culture treated 96- well plates, at a density of 25,000 cells/well and incubated with increasing concentrations of [³H]AS for 4 hours at 37°C. Bound radioligand was separated from free radioligand. Total binding (•), non-specific binding determined in the presence of 100 μM EZE-gluc (■) and specific binding (A), defined as the difference between total and nonspecific binding are presented. Specific binding was a saturable function of [³H]AS concentration and displayed a single high affinity site with Kd of 0.59 nM and Bmax of 4.9 x 10$ sites/cell.

FIGURE 4A illustrates association kinetics for [³H]AS binding to MDCKII cells. Cells were incubated with 1.2 nM [³H]AS for indicated amounts of time at 37⁰C. Nonspecific binding determined in the presence of 100 μM EZE-gluc was time invariant and has been subtracted from experimental points. Inset; a semilogarithmic representation of the pseudo-first order association reaction, where B₆ and Bt represent ligand bound at equilibrium (e) and time (t), respectively, yielded kobs (0.0247 mkr¹), corresponding to a k\ of k_On (0.0163 nM-1 mirr h

FIGURE 4B illustrates dissociation kinetics for [3H]AS binding to MDCKII cells. After incubation with 1 nM [3H]AS overnight, wells were rinsed and cells were incubated with growth media containing 100 μM EZE-gluc for different amounts of time at 37°C. [3 H] AS dissociation followed mono-exponential kinetics, indicative of a first-order reaction with koff=0.0023 min-1. The KD determined from k_off/k_On is 0.14 nM.

FIGURE 4C illustrates acid wash data for [3H]AS binding to MDCKII cells.

Plot shows the normalized equilibrium levels of bound radioligand to MDCKII cells after 2 hours incubation with 5 nM [3H]AS (IB, 5B, 15B). After washing the cells once with PBS, the cells were acid washed by incubation in DMEM pH 3.5 for 1 (IA), 5 (5A) or 15 minutes (15A).

Thereafter, acid was removed by two PBS washes and after re-presentation of 5 nM [3H]AS for

2 hours, radioligand binding was monitored for each acid wash condition (IPA, 5PA, 15PA).

FIGURE 4D illustrates NPC ILl -like activity expressed at the apical membrane of MDCKII cells. MDCKII cells were presented with 1 nM [³H]AS at either the apical (a) or basolateral (b) side of cells grown on impermeable Transwells in the absence (T) or presence

(NS) of 100 μM EZE-gluc.

FIGURE 4E illustrates the pharmacology of [³H]AS binding to MDCKII cells.

Cells were incubated with 5.49 nM [³H]AS in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of AS, PS, EZE-gluc or EZE for 4 hours at 37⁰C. Inhibition of binding was assessed relative to an untreated control. Specific binding was fit to a single-site inhibition model, yielding IC50 values of (■) 2.86 nM (AS), (♦) 3.02 nM (PS)₅ (A) 126 nM (EZE) and (•)

24 nM (EZE-gluc).

FIGURE 5 illustrates the pharmacology of [³H]AS binding to dog NPClLl transiently expressed in TsA201 cells. Cells were incubated with 4.65 nM [³H]AS in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of AS, PS, EZE-gluc or EZE for 4 hours at 37°C. Inhibition of binding was assessed relative to an untreated control. Specific binding was fit to a single-site inhibition model, yielding IC50 values of (■) 3.79 nM (AS), (♦) 3.73 nM (PS),

( A) 1 11 nM (EZE) and (•) 27 nM (EZE-gluc). Inset: PCR product of full length dog NPClLl cDNA.

FIGURE 6A illustrates a time course of 5 nM [³H]AS binding to MDCKII cells grown in either 10% FBS or 5% LPDS in the absence or presence of 4μM lovastatin. At each time point, cells are harvested and [3H]AS binding determined in the absence (T) or presence (NSB) of 100 μM EZE-gluc. Subtraction of the non-specific binding from the total binding yields the plotted specific [3H]AS binding.

FIGURE 6B illustrates how Lovastatin leads to an increase in [3H]AS binding to MDCKII cells grown in 5% LPDS. Figure 6B particularly illustrates saturation binding of [3H]AS to MDCKII cells three days after initiating growth in either 5% LPDS or 5% LPDS with 4 μM lovastatin. Specific binding is shown and was assessed from the difference of total and non-specific binding (defined with 100 μM EZE-gluc). Binding was measured with 25000 cells in a volume of 200 μl after 2 hours incubation at 37°C. Data were fit by nonlinear regression. Binding data identify a single high affinity site with KD=I 80 pM and B_max °f either 75 pM (5%

LPDS) or 154 pM (5% LPDS and 4 μM lovastatin).

FIGURE 7 A illustrates results from a functional assay of [3 H] sterol influx into MDCKII-FIp cells overexpressing human NPClLl. Figure 7 A particularly illustrates a correlation of human NPClLl expression levels with PS blockade [3H] cholesterol "[3H]Ch" influx into MDCKII-FIp cells and human NPC ILl variants. I, Influence of βmCD and PS on the influx of [3H]Ch into MDCKII-FIp cells. Cells were seeded on 96-well plates and [3H]Ch flux was performed. Cells were pre-incubated in the absence or presence of 10 μM PS for 3 hours. Thereafter, cells were incubated with or without 5.5% βmCD for 45 minutes prior to addition of [3H]cholesterol in 5% LPDS. II, Binding of [3H] AS to MDCKIΪ-Flp and human NPC 1 Ll/MDCK H-FIp cells. MDCKII-FIp and hNPC 1 Ll/MDCKII-Flp cells were seeded on 96-well plates. Cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of [3H] AS for 4 hours at 37°C. Bound radioligand was separated from free radioligand. Specific binding was fit to a single-site saturation model, yielding Kd/B_max values of 0.4 nM/73 pM for MDCKII-FIp cells

(■) and 11 nM/1260 pM for hNPC 1 Ll/MDCKII-Flp cells (•). Ill, Influence of βmCD and PS on the influx of [3H]Ch into human NPCl Ll/MDCKII-Flp cells. Cells were seeded on 96-well plates and [3H]Ch flux was performed. Cells were pre-incubated in the absence or presence of 10 μM PS for 3 hours. Thereafter, cells were incubated with or without 5.5% βmCD for 45 minutes prior to addition of [3H] cholesterol in 5% LPDS.

FIGURE 7B illustrates results from a functional assay of [3 H] sterol influx into MDCKII-FIp cells overexpressing dog NPClLl . Figure 7B particularly illustrates a correlation of dog NPClLl expression levels with PS blockade [3 H] cholesterol influx into MDCKII-FIp cells and dog variants. I, Influence of βmCD and PS on the influx of [3H]Ch into dNPCILl/MDCKII-Flp cells. Cells were seeded on 96-well plates and [3H]Ch flux was performed. Cells were pre-incubated in the absence or presence of 10 μM PS for 3 hours. Thereafter, cells were incubated with or without 5.5% LPDS. II, Binding of pH] AS to dog NPCILl/MDCKII-Flp cells before and after induction. Dog NPCl Ll/MDCKII-Flp cells were seeded on 96-well plates. Cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of βH] AS for 4 hours at 37⁰C. Bound radioligand was separated from free radioligand. Specific binding was fit to a single-site saturation model, yielding Kd/B_max values of 0.78 nM/131 pM for dNPCl Ll/MDCKII-Flp cells without induction (■) and 1.53 nM/384 pM for cells after 24 hours induction with 4 mM sodium butyrate ( A ). Ill, Influence of βmCD and PS on the influx of [3H]Ch into dog NPCl Ll/MDCKII-Flp cells. Cells were seeded on 96-well plates, dog NPClLl was induced for 24 hours with 4mM sodium butyrate and [3H]Ch flux was performed. Cells were pre-incubated in the absence or presence of 10 μM PS for 3 hours. Thereafter, cells were incubated with or without 5.5% βmCD for 45 minutes prior to addition of βH] cholesterol in 5% LPDS. FIGURE 7C illustrates results from a functional assay of [3 H] sterol influx into

MDCKII-FIp cells overexpressing dog or human NPClLl. Figure 7C particularly illustrates compound blockade [^H] Cholesterol flux into dog NPC ILl /MDCKII-FIp and human NPCILl/MDCKII-Flp cells. Dog NPC ILl /MDCKII-FIp and human MDCKII-FIp cells were seeded and treated. Cholesterol flux was performed in the presence of increasing concentrations of PS. [^H]Ch flux was fit to a single-site inhibition model, yielding IC50 values of (■) 0.32 nM for dNPC ILl /MDCKlI-FIp and 0)10.3 nM for hNPClLl/MDCKII-Flp.

FIGURE 7D illustrates results of characterized compounds' ability to bind to and block [3H] sterol flux through MDCKII-FIp cells overexpressing human NPClLl. Figure 7D particularly illustrates a correlation between a compound's affinity for human NPClLl and its ability to block cholesterol flux. Binding and flux experiments were performed. Specific

[3H]AS was fit to a single-site inhibition model, yielding Ki values of (•) 5 nM (PS), (A) 209 nM (EZE-gluc), (♦) 1.3 μM (EZE), and (■) N.D. (ent-1). [3H]Ch flux was fit to a single-site inhibition model yielding IC50 values of (•) 7 nM (PS), (A) 300 nM (EZE-gluc), (♦) >1 μM

(EZE), and (■) N.D. (ent-1).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel method for using polarized Madin-Darby Canine Kidney ("MDCK") cells in the study and identification of cholesterol modulators.

Applicants have surprisingly found that MDCK cells exhibit cholesterol-sensitive endogenous expression of a critical cholesterol absorption protein, NPC 1 Ll in the apical membrane of MDCK cells, in a similar manner to enterocytes despite the fact that they originate from a different organ. Based on the foregoing, they are expected to possess all of the necessary proteins for cholesterol flux across the apical membrane. This biochemically tractable source of critical cholesterol-regulating factors is of great utility in providing a mechanistic insight into cholesterol absorption pathways and presents a viable system to identify and evaluate novel cholesterol modulators.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to the use of MDCK cells for use in the evaluation of cholesterol modulators (i.e., compounds, biologicals and other molecules that impact cholesterol homeostasis through an effect on cholesterol absorption, transport, synthesis and/or catabolism). In additional embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of

MDCK cells for use in the identification and study of cellular proteins or factors involved in the regulation of cholesterol absorption. Application in the Study of NPClLl

NPClLl is a protein which mediates the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the proximal region of the intestine. NPClLl is a validated target for lowering low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and inhibitors thereof are effectively used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. NPClLl is particularly sensitive to the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe ("EZE"), alone or in combination with a statin.

The molecular mechanism of NPCl Ll -dependent cholesterol absorption in the intestine remains unclear. Therefore, the identification and validation of a cell line expressing endogenous NPClLl in a cholesterol-sensitive manner would permit detailed studies into the process of NPC 1 L 1 -dependent cholesterol flux .

Polarized, epithelial MDCK cells were identified as expressing robust amounts of an NPC 1 L 1 -like activity with similar pharmacology to rat NPC ILL Furthermore, and in agreement with a recent study comparing the binding of glucuronidated ezetimibe to multiple species of NPClLl orthologs (Hawes et al, 2007 MoI Pharmacol 71 : 19-29), MDCKII cells were found to consistently bind EZE analogs more potently than rat NPC 1 L 1 expressed in

HEK293 cells. Importantly, [3 H]AS binding to MDCKII cells occurs almost exclusively at the apical surface, consistent with the apparent localization of NPClLl in both enterocytes (Altmann et al, 2004 Science 303:1201-1204 and hepatocytes (Yu et al., 2006 J Biol. Chem. 281:6616- 6624). This presented a workable in vitro system for detailed biochemical studies of NPClLl function.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to the use of MDCK cells to evaluate the functioning of NPClLl and modulators thereof (i.e., compounds, biologicals and other molecules that specifically impact the functioning of NPClLl in cholesterol absorption, including but not limited to the antagonism or agonism of NPC ILl -mediated cholesterol influx). NPClLl modulators may be useful in the treatment and management of a variety of medical conditions, including elevated serum sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol.

NPClLl Binding Assays

The present invention relates to the use of MDCK cells in an assay to detect NPClLl modulators that can bind to NPClLl and impact the functioning of NPClLl in cholesterol influx. In specific embodiments, the method comprises contacting MDCK cells with a candidate NPClLl modulator and identifying those candidate NPClLl modulators that specifically bind to NPC ILL Such experiments may be performed along with a control experiment wherein NPC ILl -dependent binding is minimal or absent, including but not limited to a different cell 1 ine not expressing NPC 1 L 1 , cells from which genomic NPC 1 L 1 DNA has been disrupted or deleted, or cells where endogenous NPClLl RNA has been depleted, for example, by RNAi. In specific embodiments, the present invention relates to a method which comprises contacting the MDCK cells with a detectably labeled known or previously characterized NPClLl modulator, and a candidate NPClLl modulator, and determining whether the candidate modulator binds to NPClLl₅ displacing the detectably labeled NPClLl modulator, essentially competing for binding with the known NPClLl modulator. This is typically measured after removing unbound, labeled ligand or known antagonist or agonist by washing. Where the candidate NPClLl modulator competes with the known NPClLl modulator, the candidate NPClLl modulator binds NPClLl selectively and is a likely inhibitor of sterol {e.g., cholesterol) and 5α-stanol absorption. One measure of competition with a known NPClLl modulator is reduced binding of the known NPC 1 L 1 modulator to NPC ILl₅ compared to what would be measured in the absence of the candidate modulator.

"Known" or "previously characterized" NPClH modulators, as such terms are used interchangeably herein, are compounds, biologicals, proteins or other which have been determined to be either ligand, agonists or antagonists of NPC ILl -mediated activity. Said known NPClLl modulators include but are by no means limited to sterols (such as cholesterol, phytosterols, including, but not limited to, sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and avenosterol), cholesterol oxidation products, 5α-stanol (including, but not limited to, cholestanol, 5α- campestanol and 5α-sitostanol), substituted azetidinone (e.g., ezetimibe ("EZE")), BODIPY- ezetimibe (Altmann et al, 2002 Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1580(1): 77-93) or 4", 6"-bis[(2- fluorophenyl)carbamoyl]-beta-D-cellobiosyl derivative of 11-ketotigogenin as described in

DeNinno, et al., (1997) (J. Med. Chem. 40(16): 2547-54) or any substituted azetidinone, analogs or functional equivalents thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable substituted azetidinones for use in the assays disclosed herein include but are not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. RE37J21; 5,631,365; 5,767,115; 5,846,966; 5,688,990; 5,656,624; 5,624,920; 5,698,548; 5,756,470; 5,688,787; 5,306,817; 5,633,246; 5,627,176; 5,688,785; 5,744,467; 5,846,966;

5,728,827; 6,632,933, U.S. Patent Publication No 2003/0105028 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0078098. Specific embodiments are wherein the known NPClLl modulator is substituted 2-azetidinone, and preferably substituted 2-azetidinone-glucuronide. Substituted 2-azetidinones including but not limited to substituted 2-azetidinone-glucuronide, are disclosed in International Publication No. WO 2005/06990O₅ U.S. Patent No. 5,756,470, International Publication No. WO 02/066464 and US Publication No. US 2002/0137689. Ezetimibe can be prepared by a variety of methods well know to those skilled in the art, for example such as are disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,631,365, 5,767,115, 5,846,966, 6,207,822, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0193607 and PCT Patent Application WO 93/02048. In preferred embodiments, Ezetimibe or its derivatives are glucoronidated. Particular embodiments are wherein the known NPClLl modulator has a binding affinity KQ value of 200 nM or lower and, in further specific embodiments, 100 nM, 50 nM, and 10 nM or lower. Known modulators, as one of skill in the art is aware, may be labeled with any label which enables the modulator to be specifically detected through either its' presence, binding and/or activity, as appropriate. Examples of labels of use in the disclosed methods include, but are not limited to, 3H, 35S, 125^ 32p_; 14c, biotin, or fluorescent labels. Various labeled forms of sterols (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanols are available commercially or can be generated using standard techniques (e.g., Cholesterol-[1, 2-3H(N)L Cholesterol-[l,2,ό,7-3H(N)] or Cholesterol- [7-3H(N)]; American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc.; St. Louis, MO). In a preferred embodiment, ezetimibe is fluorescently labeled with a BODIPY group (Altmann, et al, 2002, Biochim. Biophys, Acta 1580(1 ):77-93) or labeled with a detectable group such as 35s, 125i_s or 3H, and preferably, 35s.

Saturation Analysis

The present invention also relates to methods for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) saturating NPClLl binding sites on MDCK cells with a detectably labeled previously characterized NPClLl modulator, (b) measuring the amount of bound label, (c) contacting the cells with an unlabeled candidate NPClLl modulator (or, in the alternative, a candidate modulator bearing a distinct label); and (d) measuring the amount of bound label remaining; displacement of the label indicating the presence of an NPClLl modulator that competes with the known NPClLl modulator. In specific embodiments, the saturation and measurement steps comprises: (a) contacting MDCK cells with increasing amounts of labeled known NPClLl modulator, (b) removing unbound, labeled known NPClLl modulator (e.g., by washing), and (c) measuring the amount of remaining bound, labeled NPClLl modulator. As the amount of the labeled NPClLl modulator is increased, a point is eventually reached at which all binding sites are occupied or saturated. Specific binding of the labeled NPClLl modulator is abolished by a large excess of unlabeled NPClLl modulator.

Preferably, an assay system is used in which non-specific binding of the labeled NPClLl to the receptor is minimal. Non-specific binding is typically less than 50%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10% and, most preferably, 5% or less of the total binding of the labeled ligand or known antagonist or agonist.

In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for identifying NPClLl modulators, which comprises (a) contacting MDCK cells bound to a known amount of labeled bound sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol with a candidate NPClLl modulator; and (b) measuring the amount of labeled bound sterol or 5α-stanol; substantially reduced direct or indirect binding of the labeled sterol or 5α-stanol to NPClLl compared to what would be measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl modulator. This assay can include a control experiment lacking any NPC ILl -dependent Iigand (e.g., sterol such as cholesterol or 5α-stanol) binding, for example, including but not limited to a different cell line not expressing NPClLl, cells from which genomic NPClLl DNA has been disrupted or deleted, or cells where endogenous NPClLl RNA has been depleted, for example, by RNAi.

In specific embodiments, the labeled Iigand employed in any of the assays disclosed herein may be obtained by labeling a sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or a 5α-stanol or a known NPClLl agonist or antagonist with a measurable group (e.g., ³⁵S, ¹²⁵I or ³H). In addition, various labeled forms of sterols (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanols are available commercially or can be generated using standard techniques (e.g., Cholesterol- [1,2-³H(N)], Cholesterol-! 1,2,6,7- ³H(N)] or Cholesterol- [7-³H(N)]; American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc; St. Louis, MO). In a preferred embodiment, ezetimibe is fluorescently labeled with a BODIPY group (Altmann, et al., (2002) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1580(1): 77-93) or labeled with a detectable group such as ³⁵S,

US_{1 or} 3_H

SPA Binding Assays

NPClLl modulators may also be identified using scintillation proximity assays (SPA). SPA assays are conventional and very well known in the art; see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,568,649. In SPA-type assays, the target of interest is immobilized to a small microsphere approximately 5 microns in diameter. The microsphere, typically, includes a solid scintillant core which has been coated with a polyhydroxy film, which in turn contains coupling molecules, which allow generic links for assay design. When a radioisotopically labeled molecule binds to the microsphere, the radioisotope is brought into close proximity to the scintillant and effective energy transfer from electrons emitted by the isotope will take place resulting in the emission of light. While the radioisotope remains in free solution, it is too distant from the scintillant and the electron will dissipate the energy into the aqueous medium and therefore remain undetected. Scintillation may be detected with a scintillation counter. In general, ³H, ¹²⁵I and 35s labels are well suited to SPA, although as the skilled artisan will no doubt be aware, any suitable label may be utilized. The present invention, therefore, relates in specific embodiments to methods for identifying and evaluating NPClLl modulators which comprises (a) incubating MDCK cells or a membrane fraction thereof with SPA beads (e.g., WGA coated YOx beads or WGA coated YSi beads) for a period of time sufficient to allow capture of the MDCK cells or membrane fraction by the SPA beads; (b) contacting the SPA beads obtained from step (a) with (i) detectably labeled known NPClLl modulator (e.g., labeled, known Iigand or agonist or antagonist, including but not limited to ³H-cholesterol, ³H-ezetimibe, ^I25I-ezetimibe or a 35S-ezetimibe analog) and (ii) a candidate NPClLl modulator (or sample containing same); and (c) measuring fluorescence to determine scintillation; substantially reduced fluorescence as compared to that measured in the absence of the candidate modulator indicating the candidate NPClLl modulator competes for binding with the known NPClLl modulator.

A control employing a blank {e.g., water) in place of the candidate NPClLl modulator may be used for purposes of comparing. In such a case, the amount of fluorescence measured would be compared with that measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator (i.e., that obtained with the blank).

In alternative embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) incubating MDCK cells or a membrane fraction thereof with SPA beads for a period of time sufficient to allow capture of the MDCK cells or membrane fraction by the SPA beads; (b) contacting the SPA beads obtained from step (a) with detectably labeled candidate NPClLl modulator; and (c) measuring fluorescence to detect the presence of a complex between the labeled candidate NPClLl modulator and the MDCK cell or membrane fraction expressing NPClLl or a complex including NPClLl. A candidate NPClLl modulator which binds directly or indirectly to NPClLl may possess

NPClLl agonistic or antagonistic activity. As above, the assay may be performed along with a control experiment lacking or minimally possessing any NPC ILl -dependent binding. Said control experiment may be performed, for example, with a cell or cell membrane lacking any functional NPClLl including but not limited to a different cell line not expressing NPClLl₅ cells from which genomic NPClLl DNA has been disrupted or deleted, or cells where endogenous NPClLl RNA has been depleted, for example, by RNAi. When a control experiment is performed, the level of binding observed in the presence of sample being tested for the presence of an antagonist may be compared with that observed in the control experiment.

In specific embodiments employing a SPA assay for identification and evaluation of NPClLl modulators, lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) may be used as the SPA bead coupling molecule (Amersham Biosciences; Piscataway, NJ). The WGA coupled bead captures glycosylated, cellular membranes and glycoproteins and has been used for a wide variety of receptor sources and cultured cell membranes. The binding protein is immobilized onto the WGA-SPA bead and a signal is generated on binding of an isotopically labeled ligand. Other coupling molecules which may be useful for SPA binding assays include poly-L-lysine and WGA/polyethyleneimine (Amersham Biosciences; Piscataway, NJ). See, for example, Berry, J.A., et al., (1991) Cardiovascular Pharmacol. 17 (Suppl.7): S143-S145; Hoffman, R., el ah, (1992) Anal. Biochem. 203: 70-75; Kienhus, et al., (1992) J. Receptor Research 12: 389-399; Jing, S., et al, (1992) Neuron 9: 1067-1079. The scintillant contained in SPA beads may include, for example, yttrium silicate

(YSi), yttrium oxide (YOx), diphenyloxazole or polyvinyltoluene (PVT) which acts as a solid solvent for diphenylanthracine (DPA). General Support Binding Assays

In related embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells, lysate or membrane fraction of the foregoing bound to a plurality of support particles (e.g., in solution); said support particles impregnated with a fluorescer (e.g. , yttrium silicate, yttrium oxide, diphenyloxazole and poly vinyl toluene); (b) contacting the particles with a radiolabeled (e.g., with ³H, ¹⁴C or ¹²⁵I) known NPClLl modulator; (c) contacting the particles with a candidate NPClLl modulator or sample containing same; and (d) comparing emitted radioactive energy with that emitted in a control not contacted with the candidate NPClLl modulator; wherein substantially reduced light energy emission, compared to what would be measured in the absence of the candidate NPC ILl modulator indicates an NPClLl modulator. This is because the radiolabel emits radiation energy capable of activating the fluorescer upon the binding of the radiolabeled known NPClLl modulator to the polypeptide to produce light energy. Radiolabeled known NPClLl modulator that does not bind to the polypeptide is, generally, too far removed from the support particles to enable the radioactive energy to activate the fluorescer.

In specific embodiments thereof, the present invention relates to a method for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) providing, in an aqueous suspension, a plurality of support particles attached to MDCK cells (lysate or membrane fractions thereof), said support particles impregnated with a fluorescer; (b) adding, to the suspension, a radiolabeled (e.g., with ³H, ¹⁴C or ¹²⁵I) known NPC ILl modulator; (c) adding, to the suspension, a candidate NPClLl modulator or sample containing same; and (d) comparing emitted radioactive energy emitted with that emitted in a control where the candidate NPClLl modulator was not added; wherein substantially reduced light energy emission, compared to what would be measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl modulator.

Functional Assays

MDCK cells have been validated as an appropriate surrogate system for monitoring NPClLl function and, as exemplified herein, clearly possess required critical cellular factors necessary for cholesterol absorption. More specifically, Applicants evaluated and identified the ability of MDCK cells to perform EZE-sensitive cholesterol flux using a protocol described in the art; see, Yu et al, 2006 J Biol. Chem. 281:6616-6624. Importantly, over- expression of NPClLl in MDCK cells resulted in cholesterol influx and the influx was pharmacologically modulated by known NPClLl modulators, such as ezetimibe ("EZE") and its analogs. Over-expression of NPClLl into these cells afforded a considerable window for cholesterol flux that was capable of being pharmacologically modulated by EZE and its analogs, a window that was not readily apparent from MDCK cells in the absence of such manipulation. Over-expression of either human or dog NPClLl significantly effected the measurements of EZE-sensitive [^H] cholesterol flux as a consequence of the dramatic increase in levels of NPClLl. In particular, Applicants found that, dependent on the species of NPClLl, overexpression to a level such that there are at least 1,500,000 binding sites per cell provides a significant window to identify and measure cholesterol flux. This calculation, as well as the appropriate degree of expression for the assay of interest, may be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using suitable methodology. One specific means to carry out this analysis upon measuring radiolabeled sterol flux is via the following protocol: starting with the Y-axis value reached at plateau, (1) convert counts per minute of radioactivity ("CPM") to disintegrations per minute of radioactivity ("DPM") to correct for liquid scintillation counting efficiency; (2) convert DPM to Ci; (3) correct for specific activity of radioligand in Ci/mmol; (4) convert into nM binding sites (5) divide by the number of cells/well.

The present invention, therefore, relates to the use of MDCK cells to identify NPClLl modulators that antagonize cholesterol influx or, alternatively, serve to further promote or aggravate cholesterol influx. In specific embodiments, said methods may employ known NPClLl modulators, including but not limited to ezetimibe ("EZE"), analogs or functional equivalents thereof as comparators or to establish the baseline (i.e., serve as a control). In specific embodiments, the known NPClLl modulator is azetidinone (e.g., ezetimibe) or an EZE- like compound including but not limited to [3H]AS.

In specific embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) contacting MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol (e.g., ³H-cholesterol or ¹²⁵I~cholesterol)) or 5α-stanol and a candidate NPClLl modulator; and (b) monitoring for an effect on cholesterol flux. After an optional incubation, the cells may be washed to remove unabsorbed sterol or 5α-stanol. Remaining bound sterol or 5α-stanol may then be measured by detecting the presence of labeled sterol or 5α-stanol in the MDCK cells. In specific embodiments, assayed cells, lysates or fractions thereof (e.g., fractions resolved by thin- layer chromatography) may be contacted with a liquid scintillant and scintillation can be measured using a scintillation counter. Preferred methods in accordance herewith further comprise reducing or depleting cholesterol from the plasma membrane of the cells prior to step (a). In the functional assays provided, preferably the sterol or 5α-stanol is attached to or delivered with a compound, molecule or agent that facilitates delivery of the sterol or stanol into and through the membrane lipid. In specific embodiments, the sterol or 5o>stanol is delivered with BSA; see, e.g., Yu et al, 2006 J. Biol. Chem, 281:6616-6624.

In additional embodiments, the present invention relates to methods of identifying NPClLl modulators which comprises: (a) contacting MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol (e.g., ³H-cholesterol or ¹²⁵I-cholesterol)) or 5α-stanol; (b) providing to said MDCK cells a known NPClLl modulator, including but not limited to ezetimibe ("EZE"), analogs or functional equivalents thereof; (c) providing to said cells a candidate NPClLl modulator, and (d) and measuring NPC ILl -mediated sterol (e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol uptake; a decrease in sterol or 5α-stanol uptake as compared to that effected in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl antagonist; and an increase of sterol or 5α-stanol influx as compared to that effected in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl agonist Preferred methods in accordance herewith further comprise reducing or depleting cholesterol from the plasma membrane of the cells prior to step (a).

In all assays disclosed herein, the experiments may be performed with a control experiment lacking or minimally possessing any NPC ILl -binding. The control experiment may be performed, for example with a cell or cell membrane lacking any functional NPClLl including but not limited to a different cell line not expressing NPClLl, cells from which genomic NPClLl DNA has been disrupted or deleted, or cells where endogenous NPClLl RNA has been depleted, for example, by RNAi. When the control experiment is performed, the level of binding observed in the presence of candidate NPClLl being tested for the presence of an antagonist can be compared with that observed in the control experiment.

Cholesterol Reduction/Depletion Assays

Discovery of a robust endogenous NPClLl-like activity in MDCK cells provided a means to assess, physiologically, what results after perturbing cholesterol homeostasis by either depleting cholesterol from the plasma membrane (e.g., by using methyl- β-cyclodextrin ("MpCD")) and/or blocking endogenous cholesterol synthesis (e.g., with the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin). Interestingly, and in agreement with a recent report indicating that the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor mevinolin up-regulates transcription of NPClLl in CaCo- 2 cells (Alrefai et al, 2007 Am, J. Physiol. Gaslrointest. Liver Physiol. 292(1 ):G369-376), serum-depleted MDCK cells respond to inhibition of HMG CoA reductase by increasing the amount of NPClLl expressed at the cell surface. Notably, this mechanism was readily apparent only in cells grown in lipoprotein depleted media, suggesting that, under normal conditions, the acquisition of lipoproteins, cholesterol ester and cholesterol through LDLR may bypass the need for up-regulating surface NPClLl levels. These observations support the contention that NPClLl may act as part of a cholesterol transport mechanism in MDCKII cells.

The determination of whether MDCK cells, although sensing and responding to variations in endogenous cholesterol, could actually transport enough cholesterol, in an NPClLl- dependent manner was an important one. Using an assay similar to that reported for monitoring EZE-sensitive cholesterol influx into McArdles RH7777 rat hepatoma cells overexpressing humanNPClLl tagged with GFP (Yu et al. , 2006 J Biol. Chem. 281 :6616-6624), after overexpressing NPClLl in the apical membrane of MDCKII cells and depleting the membrane with βmCD, cholesterol flux was significantly sensitive to EZE (Yu et ah, 2006 J Biol. Chem. 281:6616-6624).

Accordingly, in specific embodiments, the present invention provides a method for identifying an NPClLl modulator capable of effecting NPC ILl -mediated cholesterol absorption or flux, which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells overexpressing NPClLl; (b) reducing or depleting cholesterol from the plasma membrane {e.g., by using methyl- β- cyclodextrin or through any suitable alternative means); (c) contacting the MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol {e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol; (d) providing a candidate NPClLl modulator to the MDCK cells; and (e) measuring uptake or influx of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol; a decrease in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl antagonist; and an increase in cholesterol influx indicating an NPClLl agonist. In specific embodiments, the MDCK cells are transfected with nucleic acid encoding either dog or human NPClLl . In specific embodiments, the cells are incubated with methyl-β-cyclodextrin or suitable agent for a sufficient period of time to allow for significant depletion of cholesterol from the plasma membrane. In specific embodiments, a cellular lysate is prepared between steps (d) and (e). In specific embodiments, detection of uptake of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol is measured by liquid scintillation counting of a cellular lysate. In additional embodiments, the method further comprises the administration of a known NPClLl modulator as a comparator or control. In the situations where a known NPClLl antagonist is present, a decrease in cholesterol influx as compared to the control without the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl antagonist. Similarly, where the control is in the absence of an NPClLl antagonist, a decrease in cholesterol influx as compared to the control without the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl antagonist.

In additional embodiments, the present invention provides a method for identifying an NPC ILl modulator capable of effecting NPC ILl -mediated cholesterol absorption or flux, which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells overexpressing NPClLl; (b) inhibiting or blocking endogenous cholesterol synthesis {e.g., with the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin or by any suitable alternative means); (c) contacting the MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol {e.g., cholesterol) or 5α-stanol; (d) providing a candidate NPClLl modulator to the MDCK cells; and (e) measuring uptake or influx of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol; a decrease in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl antagonist; and an increase in cholesterol influx indicating an NPClLl agonist, hi specific embodiments, the MDCK cells are transfected with nucleic acid encoding human or dog NPClLl. In specific embodiments, the cells are incubated with methyl-β-cyclodextrin or suitable agent for a sufficient period of time to allow for significant depletion of cholesterol from the plasma membrane. In specific embodiments, a cellular lysate is prepared between steps (d) and (e). In specific embodiments, detection of uptake of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α- stanol is measured by liquid scintillation counting of a cellular lysate. In additional embodiments, the method further comprises the administration of a known NPClLl modulator as a comparator or control. In the situations where a known NPClLl antagonist is present, a decrease in cholesterol influx as compared to the control without the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPCILl antagonist. Similarly, where the control is in. the absence of an NPClLl antagonist, a decrease in cholesterol influx as compared to the control without the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl antagonist.

Cells of Use in the Disclosed Assays MDCK cells of use in the assays disclosed herein may be any MDCK cells or

MDCK-derived cells including but not limited to that described in Blacarova-Stander et al, 1984 EMBO J. 3:2687-2694; Louvard, 1980 Proc. Natl. Acad. ScL USA 77(7): 4132-4136; Cohen & Mϋsch, 2003 Methods 30:269-276, or as deposited as ATCC Number CCL-34. In preferred embodiments, the MDCK cells employed in the disclosed assays are those MDCK cells characterized as MDCKII cells, see, e.g,, Reinsch & Karsenti, 1994 J Cell Biol 126(6): 1509- 1526 ("MDCKlI" cells).

In preferred embodiments, the MDCK cells are polarized. Cells fully polarize after roughly 2-3 days on plates. This allows for high expression of endogenous NPClLl.

In preferred embodiments, the MDCK cells express greater than 1,500,000 ligand binding sites of NPClLl on the cell surface. This may be measured and the appropriate concentration of ligand binding sites determined using available methods routinely employed by the skilled artisan and as described herein for the binding assays.

In specific embodiments, the cells may be manipulated to overexpress NPClLl by any method available to the skilled artisan, including but not limited to induction of NPClLl expression, induction of increased NPClLl available at the cell surface, or transient transfection of the cells with nucleic acid encoding NPClLl protein.

In specific embodiments, a nucleic acid encoding an NPClLl polypeptide is transfected into an MDCK cell, and the NPClLl expressed is incorporated into the membrane of the cell, as described, for instance, in Yu et al., 2006 J Biol. Chem. 281 (10): 6616-6624. Stable transfection of MDCK cells with human NPClLl led to a 10-20 fold increase in [3H]AS binding compared to the MDCK background tested. Dog or human NPClLl were over-expressed in MDCKII cells to increase the amount of NPC ILl -mediated cholesterol influx relative to nonspecific delivery of cholesterol. Such an approach, in a similar manner to the over-expression of NPClLl in CaCo-2 cells (Yamanashi etal., 2007 J Pharmacol Exp. Ther. 320(2):559-564), allowed the delivery of pH]cholesterol or [3 H] sitosterol to MDCKII cells in an EZE-sensitive manner and with a pharmacology that resembled that of the [3H]AS binding assay, supporting its utility for identifying novel inhibitors of NPC ILl -mediated processes. Membrane preparations bearing NPClLl are also of use in the binding assays disclosed herein. A membrane fraction may be isolated from MDCK cells and used as a source of HPClLl for assay. Similar to above, preferably the membrane is derived from a cell expressing greater than 1,500,000 binding sites for NPC IL I/cell. Membrane preparations may be obtained according to methods fully available to the skilled artisan, see, e.g., Yu et al. , 2006 J Biol. Chem. 281(10):6616-6624. The membrane preparation may be in vesicular or nonvesicular form.

Alternatively, the disclosed binding assays may be run with cell lysates prepared from MDCK cells. Similar to above, preferably the membrane is derived from a cell expressing greater than 1 ,500,000 binding sites for NPClLl per cell. Cellular lysates may be obtained according to conventional methods in the art.

NPClLl of Use in The Disclosed Assays

NPClLl useful in the assays disclosed herein is a protein or fragment thereof characterized by:

(a) one or more of the following characteristics: (i) its homology (>80%) on an amino acid level to previously characterized NPClLl proteins; and (ii) the ability of encoding nucleic acid to hybridize Io the complement of nucleic acid encoding known NPClLl proteins (i.e., a protein confirmed to be NPClLl based on binding to known NPClLl ligands (e.g., sterol, Sα-stanol, EZE or its derivatives) or the ability to mediate cholesterol influx into suitable cells (including but not limited to HepG2, cells, CaCo-2 cells and MDCK cells (inclusive of MDCKII cells)); and

(b) one or more of the following characteristics: (i) the ability of the candidate NPClLl to bind known NPClLl ligands (e.g., EZE or its derivatives, including but not limited to substituted azetidmones, substituted 2-azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinone-glucuronide, and ezetimibe-glucuronide), and (ii) the ability to mediate cholesterol influx into suitable cells, including but not limited to HepG2 cells, CaCo-2 cells and MDCK cells (inclusive of MDCKII cells over-expressing NPClLl)).

A fragment of use in the disclosed assays should be capable of binding at least one previously characterized NPClLl modulator, including but not limited to sterol, 5α-stanol, EZE and its derivatives and/or possess the ability to induce cholesterol influx into suitable cells, including but not limited to HepG2 cells, CaCo-2 cells and MDCK cells (including but not limited to MDCKII cells).

In specific embodiments, the NPClLl used in the disclosed assays is at least about 70% identical, preferably at least about 80% identical, more preferably at least about 90% identical and most preferably at least about 95% identical (e.g., 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%) on the amino acid level to a previously characterized NPClLl protein when the comparison is performed by a BLAST algorithm; the parameters of the algorithm being selected to give the largest match between the respective sequences over the entire length of the respective reference sequences. BLAST algorithms are known in the art; see, e.g., Altschul, S.F., et at., (1990) J. MoI. Biol 215: 403-410; Gish, W., et al, (1993) Nature Genet. 3: 266-272; Madden, T.L., et al, (1996) Meth. Enzymol. 266: 131-141 ; Altschul, S.F., et al, (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 3389-3402; Zhang, J., et al., (1997) Genome Res. 7: 649-656; Wootton, J.C., et al, (1993) Comput. Chem. 17: 149-163; Hancock, J.M., et al, (1994) Comput. Appl. Biosci. 10: 67-70.

Alternatively, a functional equivalent of NPClLl may be employed in the disclosed assays. Functional equivalents of NPClLl include but are not limited to isoforms and variants of previously characterized NPClLl protein, and derivatives of previously characterized NPClLl protein, including but not limited to post-translationally-modified and chemically- modified derivatives of NPClLl, fragments of previously characterized NPClLl or any of the foregoing. Functional equivalents also contemplates function-conserved variants, defined herein as those sequences or proteins in which one or more amino acid residues in a previously characterized NPClLl have been changed without altering the overall conformation and function. The changes in such function-conserved variants include, but are by no means limited to, replacement of an amino acid with one having similar properties. Such conservative amino acid substitutions, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, are substitutions that replace an amino acid residue with one imparting similar or better (for the intended purpose) functional and/or chemical characteristics. For example, conservative amino acid substitutions are often ones in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine, tryptophan), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). The purpose for making a substitution is not significant and can include, but is by no means limited to, replacing a residue with one better able to maintain or enhance the structure of the molecule, the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule, or the size of the molecule. For instance, one may desire simply to substitute a less desired residue with one of the same polarity or charge. Such modifications can be introduced by standard techniques known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. Functional equivalents should exhibit at least 10% and in order of increasing preference, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70,%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of: (i) the degree of binding to NPClLl or cell, membrane preparation or cell lysate expressing greater than 1,500,000 binding sites for NPClLl that known NPClLl modulators (e.g., EZE, its derivatives, including but not limited to substituted azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinones, substituted 2-azetϊdinone- glucuronide, and ezetirnibe-glucuronide) exhibit; or (ii) the degree of cholesterol influx mediated by known NPClLl modulators in a given assay. In specific embodiments, the activity of (H) is the absorption of cholesterol in an EZE-sensitive manner (i.e., where the absorption of cholesterol is significantly reduced by the act of providing EZE or its derivatives).

The NPClLl expressed may be derived from any species. In specific embodiments, the NPClLl employed is derived from a dog (see, e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. NPJ)Ol 091019, ABK32534), with particular encoding nucleic acid disclosed in DQ897676. In preferred embodiments, the dog NPClLl is that disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 5 (an encoding nucleic acid provided in SEQ ID NO: 4). In other embodiments, the NPClLl employed is derived from a human (see, e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. AA17179, NP_037521, AAF20397, AAF20396, AAR97886, EAL23753, AF192522; (see, Davies, et al, (2000) Genomics 65(2): 137-45), SEQ ID NO: 4 of International Publication No. WO 2005/062824 A2). In further embodiments, the NPClLl employed is derived from a mouse (see, e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. AAI31789, AAI31790, NP_997125_S EDL40576, AAR97887, CAI24395, SEQ ID NO: 12 of International Publication No. WO 2005/062824 A2). In additional embodiments, the NPClLl employed is derived from a rat (see, e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. NP_001002025, AAR97888, SEQ ID NO: 2 of International Publication No. WO 2005/062824 A2). In alternative embodiments, the NPClLl employed is derived from a macaque (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. ABK32536, ABK32535, NPJ)01071157).

In specific embodiments, the NPClLl is encoded by nucleic acid which hybridizes to the complement of nucleic acid encoding a previously characterized NPClLl. Preferably, the nucleic acids hybridize under low stringency conditions, more preferably under moderate stringency conditions and most preferably under high stringency conditions. Methods for hybridizing nucleic acids are well-known in the art; see, e.g., Ausubel, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, N. Y., 6.3.1-6.3.6, 1989. For purposes of exemplification and not limitation, low stringency conditions may, in specific embodiments, use the following conditions: (i) 55⁰C, SX sodium chloride/sodium citrate ("SSC"), 0.1% SDS, 0.25% milk, and no formamide at 42⁰C; or (ii) 30% formamide, 5X SSC, 0.5% SDS at 42⁰C.

For purposes of exemplification and not limitation, moderately stringent hybridization conditions may, in specific embodiments, use the foregoing conditions with some modifications, e.g., hybridization in 40% formamide, with 5X (or 6X) SSC, One specific example of moderately stringent hybridization conditions is the following protocol: aprewashmg solution containing 5X sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC), 0.5% w/v SDS, 1.0 raM EDTA (pH 8.0), hybridization buffer of about 50% v/v formamide, 6 x SSC, and a hybridization temperature of 55° C (or other similar hybridization solutions, such as one containing about 50% v/v formamide, with a hybridization temperature of 42°C), and washing conditions of 60⁰C₅ in 0.5 x SSC, 0.1% w/v SDS. For purposes of exemplification and not limitation, stringent hybridization conditions may, in specific embodiments, use the conditions for low stringency with some modifications, e.g., hybridization in 50% formamide, with 5 X (or 6X) SSC and possibly at a higher temperature (e.g., higher than 42°C). One specific example of high stringency hybridization conditions is the following: 6 x SSC at 45°C, followed by one or more washes in 0.1 x SSC, 0.2% SDS at 68°C. One of skill in the art may, furthermore, manipulate the hybridization and/or washing conditions to increase or decrease the stringency of hybridization such that nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences that are, for example, at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, or 99% identical to each other typically remain hybridized to each other. The basic parameters affecting the choice of hybridization conditions and guidance for devising suitable conditions are set forth by Sambrook et al. , Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y., chapters 9 and 11, 1989 and Ausubel et al. feds), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., sections 2.10 and 6.3-6.4, 1995. Such parameters can be readily determined by those having ordinary skill in the art based on, for example, the length and/or base composition of the DNA.

NPClLl Obtained from MDCK Cells

The present invention relates to isolated or purified canine NPClLl polypeptide wherein said polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO: 5.

The proteins, polypeptides and antigenic fragments of this invention may be purified by standard methods, including, but not limited to, salt or alcohol precipitation, affinity chromatography (e.g., used in conjunction with a purification tagged NPClLl polypeptide as discussed above), preparative disc-gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)₅ reversed-phase HPLC, gel filtration, cation and anion exchange and partition chromatography, and countercurrent distribution. Such purification methods are well known in the art and are disclosed, e.g., in "Guide to Protein Purification", Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 182, M. Deutscher, Ed., 1990, Academic Press, New York, NY.

Particularly where an NPClLl polypeptide is being isolated from a cellular or tissue source, it is preferable to include one or more inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes in the assay system, such as phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), Pefabloc SC, pepstatin, leupeptin, chymostatin and EDTA.

Polypeptides disclosed herein may additionally be produced by chemical synthesis or by the application of recombinant DNA technology. Any method available to the skilled artisan may be utilized including, but not limited to, through direct synthesis or via various recombinant expression techniques available (for instance, in yeast, E. coli, or any other suitable expression system). In specific embodiments, the polypeptide of the invention may be prepared by culturing transformed host cells under culture conditions suitable to express the recombinant polypeptide. The resulting expressed polypeptide may then be purified from such culture (i.e., from culture medium or cell extracts) using known purification processes including, but not limited to, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. Purified, recombinant polypeptides form specific embodiments of the present invention. The polypeptide thus purified is substantially free of other mammalian polypeptides other than those polypeptides affirmatively adjoined or added after or during purification and is defined in accordance with the present invention as an "isolated polypeptide" or "recombinant polypeptide"; such isolated or recombinant polypeptides of the invention include polypeptides of the invention, fragments, and variants.

The present invention also relates to isolated nucleic acid encoding dog NPClLl polypeptide which comprises SEQ ID NO: 5. In particular embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NO: 4.

Nucleic acid encoding the disclosed polypeptides may be flanked by natural regulatory (expression control) sequences, or may be associated with heterologous sequences, including promoters, internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) and other ribosome binding site sequences, enhancers, response elements, suppressors, signal sequences, polyadenylation sequences, introns, 5'- and 3'- non-coding regions, and the like. hi specific embodiments, the heterologous promoter is recognized by a eukaryotic RNA polymerase. One example of a promoter suitable for use in the present invention is the immediate early human cytomegalovirus promoter (Chapman et al, 1991 Nucl. Acids Res. 19:3979-3986). Further examples of promoters that can be used in the present invention are the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5,385,839 and 5,168,062), the SV40 early promoter region (see, e.g., Benoist, et ah, (1981) Nature 290: 304-310), the promoter contained in the 3' long terminal repeat of Rous sarcoma virus (see, e.g., Yamamoto, et al,

(1980) Cell 22: 787-797), the herpes thymidine kinase promoter (see, e.g,. Wagner, et al, (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78: 1441-1445), the regulatory sequences of the metallothionein gene (see, e.g., Brinster, et ah, (1982) Nature 296: 39-42); prokaryotic expression vectors such as the β-lactamase promoter (see, e.g., Villa-Komaroff, et al., (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75 : 3727-3731 ), or the tac promoter (see, e.g., DeBoer, et al, (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80: 21-25); see also "Useful proteins from recombinant bacteria" in Scientific American (1980) 242: 74-94; and promoter elements from yeast or other fungi such as the Gal 4 promoter, the ADC (alcohol dehydrogenase) promoter, PGK (phosphoglycerol kinase) promoter or the alkaline phosphatase promoter; albeit those of skill in the art can appreciate that any promoter capable of effecting expression of the heterologous nucleic acid in the intended host can be used in accordance with the methods of the present invention. The promoter may comprise a regulatable sequence such as the Tet operator sequence. Sequences such as these that offer the potential for regulation of transcription and expression are useful in circumstances where repression/modulation of gene transcription is sought.

Nucleic acid as referred to herein may be DNA and/or RNA, and may be double or single stranded. The nucleic acid may be in the form of an expression cassette. In this respect, specific embodiments of the present invention relate to a gene expression cassette comprising (a) nucleic acid encoding SEQ ID NO: 5 (or nucleic acid comprising SEQ ID NO: 4); (b) a heterologous promoter operatively linked to the nucleic acid; and (c) a transcription termination signal.

The present invention also encompasses vectors comprising the described nucleic acid encoding SEQ ID NO: 5 (or nucleic acid comprising SEQ ID NO: 4). Known recombinant nucleic acid methodology may be used to incorporate the nucleic acid sequences into various vector constructs.

Vectors that can be used in this invention include plasmids, viruses, bacteriophage, integratable DNA fragments, and other vehicles that may facilitate introduction of the nucleic acids into the genome of the host. Plasmids are the most commonly used form of vector but all other forms of vectors which serve a similar function and which are, or become, known in the art are suitable for use herein. See, e.g. , Pouwels, et al., Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual, 1985 and Supplements, Elsevier, N. Y., and Rodriguez et a (eds.), Vectors: A Survey of Molecular Cloning Vectors and Their Uses, 1988, Buttersworth, Boston, MA. The term "expression system" means a host cell and compatible vector which, under suitable conditions, can express a protein or nucleic acid which is carried by the vector and introduced to the host cell. Common expression systems include E. coli host cells and plasmid vectors, insect host cells and Baculovirus vectors, and mammalian host cells and vectors.

Expression of nucleic acids encoding the NPClLl polypeptides of this invention can be carried out by conventional methods in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. Although E. coli host cells are employed most frequently in prokaryotic systems, many other bacteria, such as various strains of F 'seudomonas and Bacillus, are known in the art and can be used as well. Suitable host cells for expressing nucleic acids encoding the NPClLl polypeptides include prokaryotes and higher eukaryotes. Prokaryotes include both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, e.g., E. coli and B. subtilis. Higher eukaryotes include established tissue culture cell lines from animal cells, both of non-mammalian origin, e.g., insect cells, and birds, and of mammalian origin, e.g., human, primates, and rodents.

Prokaryotic host- vector systems include a wide variety of vectors for many different species. A representative vector for amplifying DNA is pBR322 or many of its derivatives {e.g. , pUC 18 or 19). Vectors that can be used to express the NPC ILl polypeptides include, but are not limited to, those containing the lac promoter (pUC-series); trp promoter (pBR322~trp); Ipp promoter (the pIN-series); lambda-pP or pR promoters (pOTS); or hybrid promoters such asptac (pDR540). See Brosius et aL, "Expression Vectors Employing Lambda-, trp-, lac-, and Ipp-deήveά Promoters", in Rodriguez and Denhardt (eds.) Vectors: A Survey of Molecular Cloning Vectors and Their Uses, 1988, Buttersworth, Boston, pp. 205-236. Many polypeptides can be expressed, at high levels, in an E.colifTl expression system as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,952,496; 5,693,489 and 5,869,320 and in Davanloo, P., et aL, (1984) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 81: 2035-2039; Studier, F.W., et aL, (1986) J. MoL Biol. 189: 113-130; Rosenberg, A. H., et aL, (1987) Gene 56: 125-135; and Dunn, J.J., et aL, (1988) Gene 68: 259.

Higher eukaryotic tissue culture cells may also be used for the recombinant production of the NPClLl polypeptides of the invention. Although any higher eukaryotic tissue culture cell line might be used, including insect baculovirus expression systems, mammalian cells are preferred. Transformation or transfection and propagation of such cells have become a routine procedure. Examples of useful cell lines include HeLa cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, J774 cells, Caco2 cells, baby rat kidney (BRK) cell lines, insect cell lines, bird cell lines, and monkey (COS) cell lines. Expression vectors for such cell lines usually include an origin of replication, a promoter, a translation initiation site, RNA splice sites (if genomic DNA is used), a polyadenylation site, and a transcription termination site. These vectors also, usually, contain a selection gene or amplification gene. Suitable expression vectors may be plasmids, viruses, or retroviruses carrying promoters derived, e.g., from such sources as adenovirus, SV40, parvoviruses, vaccinia virus, or cytomegalovirus. Examples of expression vectors include pCR®3.1, pCDNAl, pCD (Okayama, et aL, (1985) MoL Cell Biol. 5: 1136), pMClneo PoIy-A (Thomas, et aL, (1987) Cell 51: 503), pREP8, pSVSPORT and derivatives thereof, and baculovirus vectors such as pAC373 or pAC610.

The present invention also includes fusions which include of the disclosed NPClLl polypeptides (polypeptides comprising SEQ ID NO: 5) and NPClLl polynucleotides of the present invention (nucleic acid encoding SEQ ID NO: 5 or comprising SEQ ID NO: 4) and a second polypeptide or polynucleotide moiety, which may be referred to as a "tag". The fused polypeptides of the invention may be conveniently constructed, for example, by insertion of a polynucleotide of the invention or fragment thereof into an expression vector. The fusions of the invention may include tags which facilitate purification or detection. Such tags include glutathione- S -transferase (GST), hexahistidine (His6) tags, maltose binding protein (MBP) tags, haemagglutinin (HA) tags, cellulose binding protein (CBP) tags and myc tags. Detectable tags such as ³²P, ³⁵S, ³H, ^99mTc, ¹²³I₅ ¹¹¹In, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁸F, ¹²⁵1, ¹³¹I, ^n3mϊn, ⁷⁶Br, ⁶⁷Ga, ^99mTc, ¹²³1, ¹¹¹In and ⁶⁸Ga may also be used to label the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention. Methods for constructing and using such fusions are very conventional and well known in the art. Modifications (e.g. , post-translational modifications) that occur in a polypeptide often will be a function of how it is made. For polypeptides made by expressing a cloned gene in a host, for instance, the nature and extent of the modifications, in large part, will be determined by the host cell's post-translational modification capacity and the modification signals present in the polypeptide amino acid sequence. For instance, as is well known, glycosylation often does not occur in bacterial hosts such as E. coli. Accordingly, when glycosylation is desired, a polypeptide can be expressed in a glycosylating host, generally a eukaryotic cell. Insect cells often carry out post-translational glycosylations which are similar to those of mammalian cells. For this reason, insect cell expression systems have been developed to express, efficiently, mammalian proteins having native patterns of glycosylation. An insect cell which may be used in this invention is any cell derived from an organism of the class Insecta. Preferably, the insect is Spodopterafrugiperda (Sf9 or Sfil) or Trichoplusia ni (High 5). Examples of insect expression systems that can be used with the present invention, for example to produce NPClLl polypeptide, include Bac-To-Bac (Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad, CA) or Gateway (Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad, CA). If desired, deglycosylation enzymes can be used to remove carbohydrates attached during production in eukaryotic expression systems.

Other modifications may also include addition of aliphatic esters or amides to the polypeptide carboxyl terminus. The present invention also includes analogs of the NPClLl polypeptides which contain modifications, such as incorporation of unnatural amino acid residues, or phosphorylated amino acid residues such as phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine or phosphothreonine residues. Other potential modifications include sulfonation, biotinylation, or the addition of other moieties. For example, the NPClLl polypeptides of the invention may be appended with a polymer which increases the half-life of the peptide in the body of a subject. Preferred polymers include polyethylene glycol (PEG) (e.g., PEG with a molecular weight of 2 kDa, 5 kDa, 10 kDa, 12 kDa, 20 kDa, 30 kDa and 40 kDa), dextran and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG).

The peptides of the invention may also be cyclized. Specifically, the amino- and carboxy-terminal residues of an NPClLl polypeptide or two internal residues of an NPClLl polypeptide of the invention can be fused to create a cyclized peptide. Methods for cyclizing peptides are conventional and very well known in the art; for example, see Gurrath, et aL, (1992) Eur. J. Biochem. 210: 911-921.

The present invention further encompasses, as particular embodiments hereof, cells, isolated populations of cells, membrane fractions thereof, and non-human transgenic animals comprising the nucleic acid and vectors described herein. In particular aspect, the present invention encompasses MDCK cells and membrane fractions thereof expressing recombinant (i.e., derived by man) NPClLl protein including but not limited to that of SEQ ID NO: 5. Said NPClLl protein may be any NPClLl protein described herein and includes but is by no means limited to that comprising SEQ ID NO: 5. "Recombinant" NPClLl includes but is not limited to NPClLl expressed as a result of transfection of nucleic acid encoding NPClLl into MDCIC cells, and NPClLl expressed through the acts of incorporating and activating a promoter operably linked to nucleic acid encoding NPClLl (or alternatively, activating a native promoter operably linked to nucleic acid encoding NPClLl) such that NPClLl is overexpressed. A coding sequence is "under the control of, "functionally associated with", "operably linked to" or "operably associated with" transcriptional and translational control sequences in a cell when the sequences direct RNA polymerase mediated transcription of the coding sequence into RNA, preferably mRNA, which then may be NRA spliced (if it contains introns) and, optionally, translated into a protein encoded by the coding sequence.

The following non-limiting examples are presented to better illustrate the worki ngs of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 MATERIALS

Restriction enzymes and Pfusion polymerase were from New England Biolabs

(Beverly, MA). pCDN AS-FRT-TOPO₅ pCDNA5-FRT, SuperscriptII and STBL2 competent cells were purchased from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, CA). Synthetic oligonucleotides were synthesized by IDT (Coral ville, IA). Tri Reagent for RNA preparation was obtained from Molecular Research Center (Cinncinati, OH). dNTP's were purchased from Roche Diagnostics, (Indianapolis, IN), RNeasy columns from Qiagen® (Valencia, CA), and Chromaspin columns from Clontech (Mountain View, CA). Dye terminator sequence reactions were performed with the ABI Big Dye 3.1 sequencing kit and analyzed with an ABI3100 genetic analyzer, both from Applied Biosystems (Foster City, CA). Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, HepG2, LLC-PKJ and CaCo-2 cell lines were from American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, VA). MDCKII cells (see, Louvard 1980 Proc. Natl Acad. ScI USA ITA 132-4136) and TsA-201 cells (see, Hanner et al, 2001 Biochemistry 40:11687-11697) were provided. Fugene6 transfection reagent was obtained from Roche (Indianapolis, IN). Generation and maintenance of a stable cell line expressing rat NPClLl in HEK 293 cells (rNPClLl/HEK293) (see, Garcϊa-Calvo et al, 2005 Proc. Natl Acad, ScL USA 102:8132-8137), and procedures for handling TsA-201 cells and their transfection with FuGENEβ have been previously described; see, Hanner et al , 2001 Biochemistry 40:11687-11697. LLC-PKI cells were maintained in medium 199 + Glutamax, CaCo-2 and MDCKII cells in DMEM + Glutamax (Sigma) and HepG2 cells in Eagles minimum essential medium. All media were supplemented with 10% FBS, penicillin and streptomycin and cells were grown at 37 ⁰C in 5% CO2. Ezetimibe (EZE), ezetimibe glucuronide (EZE-gluc) and the EZE-gluc-enantiomer (ent-1) were prepared as previously described; see Garcia-Calvo et al. , supra. The propargyl sulphonamide, 4-[(2Sj3R)-3-[(3S)-3-(4-fiuorophenyI)-3-hydroxyρropyl]-l- (4- { 3 - [(methylsulfonyl)amino]prop- 1 -yn- 1 -yl } phenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-2-yl]phenyl methyl-β-D- glucopyranosidυronate (PS) and the alkyl sulphonamide, 4-[(2S,3R)-3-[(3S)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)- 3-hydroxypropyl] - 1 -(4- { 3- [(methylsulfonyl)amino]propyl } phenyl )-4- oxoazetidin-2-yl]phenyl β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (AS) are described in Goulet et at, International Publication No. WO 2005/062824 A2. All other reagents were obtained from commercial sources and were of the highest purity commercially available.

EXAMPLE 2 PREPARATION OF ^H]AS

A solution of AS (2 mg, 0.0028 mmol) in 0.8 mL of anhydrous N,N- dimethylformamide was de-gassed at dry ice/acetone temperature in the presence of 5 mg 10% Pd/C (Sigma-Aldrich Chemical, 10% (dry basis) on activated carbon, wet, Degussa type). The mixture was stirred at O⁰C for 2 hr under 240 mmHg of carrier-free tritium gas (1.2 Ci, American Radiochemical Chemicals). Un-reacted tritium gas was removed, the catalyst was filtered through a syringe-less filter device (Whatman Auto vial, 0.45u PTFE), and the solvent and labile tritium were removed by concentration to near dryness. This procedure was repeated three times to ensure complete reduction of the C-C triple bonds and ensure high specific activity. The dried residue was re-suspended in 2 mL of ethanol and purified by HPLC (Phenomenex Luna Phenyl- Hexyl HPLC column, 9.4mm x 25 cm, CH₃CNrH₂O: TFA, 25:75:0.1 to 27:73:0.1 in 50 min). The [³H]AS eluted with a retention time of 32 min and was collected as a single fraction (210 mCi, 85 Ci/mmol, radiochemical purity -99% by HPLC). The identity was confirmed by LC/MS analysis and HPLC co-elution with unlabeled standard.

EXAMPLE 3 CELL BASED [3H] AS BINDING

rNPClLl/HEK293 and TsA201 cells were seeded at a density of 10,000 cells per well in 96-well poly-D-lysine coated plates and cells were allowed to attach for approximately 18 h at 37°C. TsA201 cells were subsequently transfected with dog NPClLl/pcDNA5/FRT according to the manufacturer's instructions (Roche) and incubated for 3 days at 37⁰C.

MDCKII-derived, LLC-PKJ, HepG2, or CaCo-2 cells were seeded at a density of 25,000 cells per well in 96-well tissue culture treated plates, and cells were allowed to attach and differentiate for approximately 72 h at 37°C, except for CaCo-2 cells where differentiation took approximately 14 days at 37°C. For all binding studies, ~5 nM [3 H]AS in a total volume of -200 μl was added to the well, and cells were incubated under normal growth conditions for determined periods of time. Duplicate samples were averaged for each experimental point. For saturation binding experiments, cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of [3 H] AS for 4 h. In competition binding experiments, cells were incubated with [3H]AS in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of test compound. To determine the kinetics of ligand association, cells were incubated with [^H]AS for different periods of time. Dissociation kinetics were determined by addition of 100 μM EZE-gluc, and incubating for different periods of time. Nonspecific binding was defined in the presence of 100 μM EZE-gluc. At the end of the incubation period, cells were washed twice with 200 μl of pre- warmed DMEM to separate bound from free ligand, 1% SDS was added to the wells followed by 5 ml of Scintillant, and radioactivity associated with cells was determined using a β-counter. For acid wash experiments, cells were incubated with either 5 nM (rNPClLl/HEK293) or 1 nM (MDCKII) [3H]AS for 2 h. Thereafter, plates were placed on ice and cells were washed twice with ice-cold PBS, followed by ice-cold acid wash with DMEM, pH 3.5, for 1, 5 or 15 minutes. Cells were then washed twice with PBS and re-incubated with [3H]AS for 2 h at 37°C. For Transwell experiments, MDCKJI cells were seeded at 200,000 cells/well in a 24-well plate and incubated for 3 days at 37°C. [3H]AS was added to either the apical or basolateral compartment of the Transwell membrane, at a concentration of 1 nM, and incubation took place for 2 h at 37⁰C.

Thereafter, both apical and basolateral compartments were washed three times with PBS, and the Transwell filter was cut out and its associated radioactivity determined using a β-counter. Data from saturation, competition and ligand dissociation experiments were analyzed as described in the literature; see, Priest, et al, 2004 Biochemistry 43:9866-9876; Knaus et al, 1995 Biochemistry 34: 13627-13634. The association rate, kl , was determined by employing the pseudo-first-order rate equation kiH<obs([LRV[L][LR]_maχ)) where [LR]_e is the concentration of the complex at equilibrium, [L] is the concentration of ligand, [LR]_maχ is the total receptor concentration, k_obs ^{ιs tne} slope of the pseudo-first order plot, ln([LR]_e/([LR]_e-[LR]t)) versus time, and [LR]t is the receptor-ligand complex at one given time point t.

EXAMPLE 4 BINDING OF [3H]AS TO RNPC1L1/HEK293 CELLS

To identify cell lines that endogenously express NPClLl at the cell surface, a cell based assay that quantifies binding of the EZE analog, [3H]AS, to rat NPClLl heterologously expressed HEK293 cells (rNPClLl/HEK293 cells) was established and validated. When rNPClLl/HEK293 cells are incubated with increasing concentrations of [3H]AS, in the absence or presence of 100 μM Eze-Gluc, the radioligand associates specifically with cells as a saturatable function of ligand concentration and displays a good signal-noise ratio (Figure IA). As expected, the nonspecific binding component varied linearly with the [3H]AS concentration. A fit of the specific binding component to a single binding isotherm yielded an equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, of 4.62 ± 0.69 nM, and a maximum density of cell surface binding sites, Bmax, of 180 pM corresponding to 2.21 x 106 binding sites/cell.

Incubation of rNPClLl/HEK293 cells with 5 nM [3 H]AS results in a time- dependent association of ligand with cells that reaches equilibrium in ~ 3 h (Figure IB). The nonspecific binding component is time-independent and has been subtracted from the experimental data. A semilogarithmic transformation of the data yielded a linear dependence (Figure IB, inset), as expected for a pseudo-first order reaction, and the slope of this line gives k_obs of 0.0208 min-1. The association rate constant., Iq, calculated as described under Example

3, is 2.4 x 106 M-I mirr*. Dissociation of cell bound [3H]AS, initiated by addition of 100 μM Eze-Gluc, followed a single mono-exponential decay with a Ij /2 of ~3 h, corresponding to k_i of 0.0059 mur* (Figure 1C). The Kd calculated from these rate constants was 2.46 nM, a value similar to that determined under equilibrium binding conditions (4.62 nM). These kinetic observations indicate that [3 H] AS binds to a single class of sites through a simple bimolecular and fully reversible reaction. Binding of [³H]AS to rat NPCl L1/HEK293 cells was inhibited in a concentration dependent manner by increasing concentrations of AS, PS, EZE-gluc and EZE (Figure 2A). K₁ values, determined as described above, are presented in Table 1 below and display the expected rank order of potency for interaction of these ligands with rat NPClLl; Garcia-Calvo et al., 2005 Proc. Natl Acad. ScI USA 102:8132-8137. To confirm that the non-covalent interaction between [³H]AS and rat NPC ILl occurs at the cell surface, rNPClLl/HEK293 cells were incubated with [³H]AS and subsequently acid washed with DMEM at pH 3.5. Such an approach has previously been previously used to characterize cell surface, non-covalent interactions; Hopkins & Trowbridge, 1983 J Cell Biol. 97:508-521; Chen et al, 1998 Proc. Natl. Acad. USA 95:6373-6378. Treatment of cells at pH 3.5 for 1, 5 or 15 minutes led to dissociation of >70%, 80% and 85% of bound [³H]AS₅ respectively (Figure 2B), indicating that the majority of radioligand binding sites are present at the cell surface and not at intracellular compartments. Importantly, after acid removal, incubation of cells with [³H]AS for 2 h at 37⁰C causes re-binding of ligand at levels similar to those observed before the acid wash (Figure 2B) indicating that the loss of radioligand after acid treatment was not due to any significant loss in cell viability. All data, taken together, strongly provide support for [³H]AS binding to cell surface expressed NPClLl and suggest that such a binding assay can be used to identify cell lines expressing this protein. Table L Binding properties of select β-lactams to rat NPC1L1/HEK293, MDCKII or dog NPClLl expressed in TsA201 cellsa, b. rNPClLl/HEK293 MDCKJI Dog NPClLl/TsA 201

KD (AS) 4.62 ± 0.69 nM 0.59 ± 0.07 nM 2.15 ± 0.39 nM

Ki (AS) 2.35 ± 0.49 nM 0.34 ± 0.04 nM 1.00 ± 0.11 nM Ki (PS) 4.07 ± 1.47 nM 0.33 ± 0.05 nM 0.97 ± 0.08 nM Ki (EZE) 209 ± 40.4 nM 14.01 ± 4.1 I nM 21.48 ± 7.56 nM

Ki (EZE-gluc) 95.1 ± 8.62 nM 3.51 ± 0.89 nM 5.51 ± 1.52 nM a Kd values were determined from saturation experiments with increasing concentrations of [3H]AS. Values represent the mean ± SD of at least three independent determinations. b Ki values were determined from competition experiments with [3H]AS and increasing concentrations of unlabeled β-lactams. Values represent the mean ± SD of 2-6 independent determinations.

EXAMPLE 5

IDENTIFICATION OF [3H]AS BINDING ACTIVITY ON THE APICAL SURFACE OF MADIN DARBY CANINE KIDNEY II (MDCKII) CELLS

Based on the observation that [3H]AS binding to cells can accurately reflect the number of NPClLl molecules at the cell surface, HepG2, CaCo-2, LLC-PKl or MDCKII cells were incubated with [3H]AS to determine whether any of these cell lines express NPClLl. Notably, [3 H] AS was only found to bind in a specific and robust manner to MDCKII cells (Figure 3A). Saturation binding studies indeed indicate that [^H]AS binding to MDCKII cells occurs in a concentration dependent and saturable manner to a single class of sites that display a Kd of 0.59 ± 0.07 nM and a B_max of 87 pM, corresponding to 4.19 x 105 sites/cell, (Figure 3B).

Under the growth and assay conditions described in Example 3 for CaCo-2, HepG2 and LLC- PKI cells, speciøc binding of [3H] AS was not observed in any case at ligand concentrations of up to 100 nM (data not shown). The kinetics of [3H]AS binding to MDCKII cells demonstrate that radioligand binding occurs through a simple bimolecular reaction. Thus, incubation of MDCKII cells with [3 H]AS results in a time-dependent association of ligand with cells that reached equilibrium in ~ 2 h. A semilogarithmic transformation of the data yielded a linear dependence, as expected for a pseudo-first order reaction, and the slope of this line gives a kobs value of 0.0247 rnin-1 (Figure 4A) from which Iq of 1.63x10⁷ M-lmin-1 can be calculated. Dissociation of cell bound [3 H] AS, initiated by addition of 100 μM Eze-Gluc, followed a single mono-exponential decay with a tj/2 of ~3 h, corresponding to Li of 0.0023 min-1 (Figure 4B). The Kd calculated from these rate constants, 0.14 pM, is similar to that determined under equilibrium binding conditions, 0.59 ± 0.07 nM, (Figure 3B). As previously observed with rNPClLl/HEK293 cells, acid washing of MDCKlI cells equilibrated with [^H]AS leads to dissociation of up to 85% of the radioligand (Figure 4C). Likewise, after acid removal, [3H]AS binds to MDCKII cells at similar levels to those obtained before acid treatment indicating that the loss of binding was not due to any significant loss in cell viability, but to disruption of non-covalent interactions between ligand and cell surface expressed NPCILl-like activity.

Since MDCKII cells, like enterocytes and hepatocytes, are polarized epithelial cells demonstrating microvilli and tight junctions, the distribution of [^H]AS binding sites was evaluated on Transwell supports where cells polarize to form an impermeable barrier between the apical and basolateral compartments. Addition of 1 riM [3 H] AS to the apical side of the Transwell, which represents the apical surface of MDCKII cells, leads to significant speciflc [³H]AS binding (Figure 4D). However, when the same amount of ligand is added to the basolateral side of the Transwell, corresponding to the basolateral surface of the MDCKII cells, specific [3H]AS binding is significantly lower than in the previous situation (Figure 4D), indicating that most of the NPClLl-iike activity resides at the apical surface of MDCKJI cells. Furthermore, these results suggest that [3H]AS does not appreciably diffuse through the membrane, into the cell since in such a case it should be able to reach [^H]AS binding sites regardless of their apical or basolateral localization.

The NPC ILl -like activity expressed at the apical surface of MDCK cells was further characterized pharmacologically using a series of EZE-like compounds (Figure 4E and Table I). Similarly to rat NPClLl expressed in HEK293 cells, AS and PS display equivalent potency as inhibitors of [3H]AS binding to MDCK cells, Ki values of 0.34 ±0.04 nM (AS) and 0.33 ± 0.05 nM (PS), respectively, with EZE-gluc being ~ 10-fold weaker, K} of 3.51 ± 0.89 nM, and EZE being the weakest of all tested analogs with a Kj of 14.01 ± 4.11 nM. It is worth noting that although the relative potencies of these compounds are similar for rat NPClLl expressed in HEK293 cells and MDCK cells, the absolute affinities are higher for MDCK cells.

EXAMPLE 6 CLONING OF DOG NPClLl AND EXPRESSION IN MDCKII CELLS

Total RNA was isolated from 3 x 10? MDCKII cells either 5- or 9-days post- splitting using TriReagent® (Molecular Research Center, Cincinnatti, OH) and purified with RNeasy columns. Single stranded cDNA was synthesized from total RNA using Superscript™ II (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) and random hexamer primers and subsequently purified with Chromaspin 200 following conditions suggested by the manufacturer (Clontech). BLAST searches of public DNA databases with the human NPClLl protein sequence identified a partial sequence for dog NPClLl. Based on alignments with multiple sequences for NPClLl this dog sequence was missing its 3' region. Using the partial dog NPClLl sequence and the human sequence, genomic sequence for dog NPClLl was identified. Translation of an open reading frame extracted from the genomic sequence was in good agreement with human and bovine NPClLl. Therefore, the primers dNLl-s (CTGCACAGGGATGGCGGACACTGGCCTGAG; SEQ ID NO: 2) and dNLl-as (CTCCGGCTTCATCAGAGGTCCGGTCCACTGC, SEQ ID NO: 3) were designed to amplify a product of approximately 4 Kbp using Phusion DNA polymerase in a high fidelity PCR reaction performed with single stranded cDNA and an extension time of 135 seconds and 33 cycles. PCR products from several reactions were combined and purified prior to cloning into the vector pCDNA5/FRT TOPO. Sequencing of several plasmids containing insert revealed a PCR product for the complete coding region of dog NPC ILl, with start and putative stop codons. Since the insert consistently integrated into pCDNA5/FRT TOPO in the reverse orientation, it was isolated by restriction digest, and directionally cloned into the vector pCDNA5/FRT.

MDCKII-FIp cells were generated by stably transfecting with pFRT/lacZeo cDNA (Invitrogen) using Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen) according to manufacturer's instructions. Forty eight hours after transfection, cells were selected in zeocin (700 μg/ml), and resulting cell colonies were isolated and assayed for β-galactosidase activity (β-galactosidase assay kit, Invitrogen). The clone with the highest activity was used as the host cell line in subsequent transfections. Dog and human NPC1L1/MDCK II— FIp stable cell lines were generated by transfecting MDCKII-FIp cells with pCDNAS/FRTdog NPClLl or pCDNA5/FRT-human NPClLl plasmids using lipofectamine, followed by selection on 200 μg/ml hygromycin B. Clones were isolated with cloning rings and selected for levels of [3H]AS binding in the absence, or presence, of 10 mM sodium butyrate, in order to identify cells expressing high amounts of human or dog NPClLl.

EXAMPLE 7

CLONING AND PHARMACOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NPClLl-

LIKE ACTIVITY FROM MDCK II CELLS.

Given that [3R]AS binding data strongly suggest the presence of NPClLl in the apical membrane of MDCKII cells, total RNA was isolated from MDCKII cells in order to clone dog NPClLl cDNA (Figure 5, inset) The isolated full length clone contains a single amino acid change from the predicted genomic sequence (1864M), and is in agreement with another recently reported dog NPClLl sequence; Hawes et at, 2007 MoI Pharmacol 71 : 19-29. Furthermore, our clone contains a single amino acid change from the recently reported dog NPClLl clone (L64P), in agreement with the predicted genomic sequence. Dog NPClLl, like its homologues in other species is predicted to have 13 transmembrane domains, with N-terminus outside and C- terminus inside. Similarly, the sterol sensing domain (SSD) is conserved with that found in other species. These data strongly suggest that the NPC ILl -like activity from MDCK cells indeed represent dog NPClLl and is consistent with all the features of [3H]AS interaction with these cells (see below). To further validate this statement, cloned dog NPClLl was transiently expressed in TsA201 cells and binding of [3H]AS to these cells was then characterized (Figure 5 and Table I). Under equilibrium binding conditions, [3 H]AS binds with a Kd of 2.15 ± 0.39 nM and a B_max of approximately 5.68 x 106 sites/cell (Table I). AS, PS, EZE-gluc, and EZE inhibit [3H]AS binding to transiently transfected TsA201 cells with Kj values of 1.00 ± 0.11, 0.97 ± 0.08, 5.51 ± 1.52, and 21.48 ± 7.56 nM, respectively. It appears that the differences in absolute Kd and Ki values between MDCKII and dog NPCl Ll -transfected TsA201 cells are the result of the transient over-expression in TsA201 cells. When over-expression is limited so that the B_max becomes equivalent to that of MDCKII cells, Kj and Kd values become similar (data not shown), however, it is difficult to control for reduced levels of expression in transiently transfected TsA201 cells. Nonetheless, our data are consistent with dog NPClLl being endogenously expressed in MDCK cells.

EXAMPLE 8

SURFACE EXPRESSION OF NPClLl IN MDCK CELLS IS SENSITIVE TO CELL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS.

To determine whether the expression pattern of NPClLl in MDCKII cells is sensitive to changes in the endogenous concentration of cholesterol, MDCKII cells were seeded and grown in either 10% FBS or 5% lipoprotein deficient serum (5% LPDS) in the absence or presence of the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, lovastatin. MDCKII cells grown in either 10% FBS or 5% LPDS₅ display an increase in the amount of [3H]AS binding from 24 to up to 72 h (Figure 6A). Incubation of MDCKII cells with 4 μM lovastatin, does not cause any significant effect on the surface expression of NPClLl grown in 10% FBS (Figure 6A, I). However, lovastatin treatment doubles pH]AS binding in cells grown in 5% LPDS at 72 h (Figure 6A, II). The increase in [3H]AS binding caused by lovastatin/5% LPDS is not due to enhanced [3H]AS affinity, Kd values of 180 in either case, but to an increase in the number of NPClLl sites at the cell surface, B_maχ of 75 pM (5% LPDS) and 154 pM (5% LPDS and 4 μM lovastatin), (Figure 6B). EXAMPLE 9 CELL BASED [3H]CHOLESTEROL OR [3H]SITOSTEROL FLUX

Flux assays were performed essentially as described by Yu et al, 2006 J Biol. Chem. 281 :6616-6624. Briefly, cell growth medium was completely aspirated and replaced with 200 μl of 5% LPDS containing the appropriate concentration of compound and incubated at 37°C/3 h in a 5% CO2 incubator. Media was subsequently aspirated from cells and cells were incubated in 200 μl of 0-5.5% βmCD dissolved and filtered through a 0.22 μM filter at 37°C/45 minutes in a 5% CO2 incubator. Media was dumped from cells that were then washed twice with 125 μl of 5% LPDS before media was aspirated and [3 H] cholesterol complexed to BSA in 5% LPDS was added; see Yu et al, 2006 J Biol Chem. 281:6616-6624. After 45 minute incubation, cells were washed twice with DMEM, thoroughly aspirated and then 1% SDS was added prior to extraction for scintillation counting.

EXAMPLE 10

OVER-EXPRESSION OF NPClLl IN MDCKII-FLP CELLS IS NECESSARY FOR EZE- LIKE SENSITIVE [3 H] CHOLESTEROL FLUX.

To validate MDCKII cells as an appropriate surrogate system for monitoring NPC 1 L 1 -dependent processes, we evaluated their ability to perform EZE-sensitive cholesterol flux using a similar protocol to that recently reported. This assay makes use of the ability of βmCD to deplete membrane-bound cholesterol. Subsequent exposure of cells to [3H] cholesterol provides a time-dependent flux of this substrate into the cells. However, pre- treatment of MDCKII-FIp cells with 5.5% βmCD only caused a small increase in [3H] cholesterol influx into the cells that was marginally blocked with 10 μM PS (Figure 7A₅ 1). In an attempt to improve the assay window, a stable MDCKII-FIp cell line over-expressing human NPClLl, hNPCILl/MDCKII-Flp, was generated. [3H]AS binding to MDCKII-FIp or hNPC ILl /MDCKII-FIp cells indicated that the expression of human NPClLl led to a change in Kd from 0.4 nM to 11 nM, as a consequence of the dramatic increase in levels of liNPClLl, B_max increased from 73 pM (3.55 x 105 sites/cell) in MDCKII-FIp cells to 1260 pM (6.07 x 106 sites/cell) in hNPC ILl /MDCKII-FIp cells (Figure 7A, II). Remarkably, in hNPClLl -/MDCKII- FIp cells, treatment with 5.5% βmCD led to a significant increase in the amount of [3 H] cholesterol influx into cells that is almost completely blocked in the presence of 10 μM PS (Figure 7A, III). Further evidence for the role of NPClLl expression levels on EZE-sensitive

[3H]cholesterol influx was obtained by analyzing the properties of MDCKII-FIp cells over- expressing dog NPClLl (dNPCILl/MDCKII-Flp cells) in an inducible manner. Without induction, dNPCl Ll /MDCKII-FIp cells bind [3H]AS with a Kd of 0.78 nM, and a B_max of 131 pM (6.23 x 105 sites/cell, Figure 7B, I). Following induction of dNPClLl/MDCKII-Flp cells for 24 h with 4 mM sodium butyrate (Chen et at., 1997 Proc. Natl Acad. ScI USA 94:5798-5803, Kd remains similar at 1.53 nM, however, the B_max rises to 384 pM (1.83 x 106 sites/cell, Figure 7B₅ H). Notably, after NPClLl induction, treatment of the cells with 5.5% βmCD leads to a significant increase in the amount of [3 H] cholesterol entering cells and this process is almost completely blocked by 10 μM PS (Figure 7B, III).

To further characterize the [3H] cholesterol influx process into MDCK cells, the potency of EZE-like compound PS for inhibiting [3H] cholesterol uptake was determined. [3FFj cholesterol influx into both dNPCILl/MD CKII-FIp and human NPC ILl /MDCKII-FIp cells was found to be sensitive to the presence of increasing concentrations of PS. IC50 values for inhibition of [3H] cholesterol uptake, 0.32 ± 0.09 and 10.3 ± 1.5 nM for dNPCILl/MD CKII-FIp and hNPClLl/MDCKII-Flp, respectively, correlated well with corresponding Kd values, 0.8 and

11 nM, respectively (Figure 7C). Furthermore, the rank order of potency of for a series of β- lactams as inhibitors of [3H] AS binding [(Figure 7D, I), PS (5 nM)»EZE-gluc (209 nM)>EZE (1.3 μM)>ent-l (N.D., > 100 μM)] correlates well with the IC50 values of these compounds to block [3H] cholesterol influx [(Figure 7D, II), PS (7 nM)»EZE-Gluc (300 nM)>EZE (N.D. > 1 μM)>ent-l(N.D., > 100 μM)]. In addition, [3H]sitosterol behaves in a similar manner to [3H]cholesterol in both dNPCILl/MDCKII-Flp and hNPCILl/MDCKII-Flp cells, in agreement with a previous report (Yamanashl et al. , 2007 J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 320(2):559-564) and in vivo pharmacology. These data, taken together, strongly support the notion that MDCKII cells represent a powerful functional system for studying NPC ILl -dependent processes.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for identifying an NPClLl modulator, which comprises:

(a) contacting MDCK cells or membrane preparation thereof with a candidate NPClLl modulator; and

(b) determining whether the candidate NPClLl modulator specifically binds to NPClLl; specific binding to NPClLl indicating an NPClLl modulator.

2. A method for identifying an NPC ILl modulator, which comprises :

(a) contacting MDCK cells or membrane preparation thereof with a detectably labeled known NPClLl modulator;

(b) contacting the cells or membrane preparation with a candidate NPC 1 L 1 modulator; and (c) measuring the amount of bound detectably labeled known NPC ILl modulator; wherein a reduced amount of bound detectably labeled known NPClLl modulator in the presence of the candidate NPClLl modulator as compared to that measured in its absence indicates the presence of an NPClLl modulator.

3. A method for identifying an NPClLl modulator, which comprises:

(a) contacting MDCK cells or membrane preparation thereof with a detectably labeled known NPClLl modulator;

(b) contacting the cells or membrane preparation with a candidate NPC 1 L 1 modulator; and

(c) measuring the amount of bound detectably labeled known NPC ILl modulator; wherein a reduced amount of bound delectably labeled known NPClLl modulator in the presence of the candidate NPClLl modulator as compared to that measured in its absence indicates the presence of an NPClLl modulator; and wherein the known NPClLl modulator is selected from the group consisting of: substituted azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinone-glucuronide, and ezetimibe-glucuronide.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of: ^H, 35s, 125I₇ 32p_s 14c, biotin and fluorescence.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the known NPClLl modulator is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) EZE-gluc-enantiomer ("ent- 1 ") ;

(b) 4-[(2S,3R)-3-[(3S)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-l-(4-{3- [(methylsulfonyl)amino]prop-l-yn-l-yl}phenyl)~4-oxoazetidin-2-yl]phenyl methyl-β-D- glucopyranosiduronate ("PS"); and

(c) 4-[(2S,3R)-3-[(3S)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-l-(4-{3- [(methylsulfony^aminoJpropylJpheny^^-oxoazetidin-l-ylJphenyl β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid ("AS").

6. The method of claim 2 which comprises:

(a) saturating NPClLl binding sites on MDCK cells or membrane preparation thereof with a detectably labeled known NPClLl modulator;

(b) measuring the amount of bound detectably labeled known NPC ILl modulator;

(c) contacting the cells or membrane preparation with an unlabeled or differently labeled candidate NPClLl modulator; and

(d) determining the amount of bound detectably labeled known NPC ILl modulator remaining from (b); wherein a reduced amount of bound detectably labeled known NPClLl modulator as compared to that measured in its absence indicates the presence of an NPClLl modulator.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the known NPClLl modulator is selected from the group consisting of: substituted azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinones, substituted 2- azetidinone-glucuronide, and ezetimibe-glucuronide.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of: ^H, 35s, 125I₁ 32p_; 14c, biotin and fluorescence.

9. The method of claim 2 which comprises:

(a) incubating MDCK cells or membrane fraction thereof with scintillation proximity assay ("SPA") beads;

(b) contacting the SPA beads obtained from step (a) with: (i) detectably labeled known NPC ILl modulator and (ii) a candidate NPClLl modulator; and

(c) measuring fluorescence to determine scintillation; wherein a reduction of fluorescence as compared to thai measured in. the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl modulator.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the known NPC 1 L 1 modulator is selected from the group consisting of: substituted azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinones, substituted 2- azetidinone-glucuronide, and ezetimibe-glucuronide.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the SPA bead is selected from the group consisting of: yttrium silicate, yttrium oxide, diphenyloxazole and polyvinyltoluene.

12. A method for identifying an NPC ILl modulator which comprises:

(a) incubating MDCK cells or membrane fraction thereof with SPA beads;

(b) contacting the SPA beads obtained from step (a) with detectably labeled candidate NPClLl modulator; and (c) measuring fluorescence; wherein detection of fluorescence indicates an NPClLl modulator.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the SPA bead is selected from the group consisting of: yttrium silicate, yttrium oxide, diphenyloxazole and polyvinyltoluene.

14. The method of claim 2 which comprises:

(a) providing a plurality of fluorescer-bearing support particles bound to MDCK cells or membrane fraction thereof;

(b) contacting the particles with a radiolabeled known NPClLl modulator; (c) contacting the particles with a candidate NPClLl modulator; and

(d) measuring emitted radioactive energy; wherein a reduction in energy emission as compared to that measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl modulator.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the known NPC ILl modulator is selected from the group consisting of: substituted azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinone-glucuronide₅ and ezetimibe-glucuronide.

16. The method of claim 2 which comprises : (a) providing, in an aqueous suspension, a plurality of fluorescer-bearing support particles attached to MDCK cells or membrane traction thereof;

(b) contacting the suspension with a radiolabeled known NPClLl modulator; (c) contacting the suspension with a candidate NPC ILl modulator; and

(d) measuring emitted radioactive energy; wherein a reduction in energy emission as compared to that measured in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl modulator.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the known NPCl Ll modulator is selected from the group consisting of: substituted azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinones, substituted 2-azetidinone-glucuronide, and ezetimibe-glucurorύde.

18. A method for identifying an NPC 1 L 1 modulator which comprises :

(a) providing MDCK cells over-expressing NPC ILl;

(b) reducing or depleting cholesterol from plasma membrane of the cells;

(c) contacting MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol and a candidate NPClLl modulator; and (d) monitoring for an effect on cholesterol influx; wherein a decrease in sterol or 5α-stanol influx as compared to that effected in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl antagonist; and wherein an increase of sterol or 5α-stanol influx as compared to that effected in the absence of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicating an NPClLl agonist.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the sterol is selected from the group consisting of: cholesterol, phytosterol, sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, avenosterol and a cholesterol oxidation product and/or the 5α-stanol is selected from the group consisting of choleslanol, 5α-campestanol₅ and 5α-sitostanol.

20. A method for identifying an NPClLl modulator which comprises:

(a) providing MDCK cells over-expressing NPClLl;

(b) reducing or depleting cholesterol from plasma membrane of the cells;

(c) contacting the MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol; (d) providing a candidate NPClLl modulator to the MDCK cells; and

(e) measuring influx of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol; wherein a decrease in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate

NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl antagonist; and wherein an increase in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate NPC ILl modulator indicates an NPC 1 L 1 agonist.

21. The method of claim 20 where step (b) is carried out by the addition of methyl-β-cyclodextrin ("MβCD").

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the sterol is selected from the group consisting of: cholesterol, phytosterol, sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, avenosterol and a cholesterol oxidation product and/or the 5α-stanol is selected from the group consisting of cholestanol, 5α-campestanol, and 5α-sitostanol.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of: ^H, 35s, 125i_s 32p_s 14c, biotin and fluorescence.

24. The method of claim 20 which further comprises preparing a cell lysate from the MDCK cells between steps (d) and (e).

25. The method of claim 20 wherein the influx of detectably labeled sterol or

5o>stanol is measured by liquid scintillation counting.

26. A method for identifying an NPC 1 Ll modulator which comprises: (a) providing MDCK cells over-expressing NPC ILl; (b) inhibiting or blocking endogenous cholesterol synthesis;

(c) contacting the MDCK cells with detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol;

(d) providing a candidate NPC ILl modulator to the MDCK cells; and

(e) measuring influx of the detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol; wherein a decrease in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl antagonist; and wherein an increase in cholesterol influx upon the addition of the candidate NPClLl modulator indicates an NPClLl agonist.

27. The method of claim 26 where step (b) is carried out by the addition of a statin.

28. The method of claim 26 wherein the sterol is selected from the group consisting of: cholesterol, phytosterol, sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, avenosterol and a cholesterol oxidation product and/or the 5α~stanol is selected from the group consisting of cholestanol, 5α-campestanol, and 5α-sitostanol.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of: ^H, 35s, 125i_; 32p_? 14c, biotin and fluorescence.

30. The method of claim 26 which further comprises preparing a cell Iy sate from the MDCK cells between steps (d) and (e).

31. The method of claim 26 wherein the influx of detectably labeled sterol or 5α-stanol is measured by liquid scintillation counting.

32. Isolated NPClLl polypeptide which comprises SEQ ID NO: 5.

33. Isolated nucleic acid which comprises a sequence of nucleotides encoding SEQ ID NO: 5.

34. Isolated nucleic acid which comprises SEQ ID NO: 4.

35. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim 33.

36. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim 34.

37. An isolated population of MDCK cells expressing recombinant NPC 1 L 1 protein or a membrane fraction thereof.