This screening could provide the tools for either attenuating or enhancing leptin activity in vivo . This assay would also permit the follow-up of avian blood leptin activity and avian leptin to be isolated. In spite of setbacks, due to erroneous sequences published by others, the ARO team is now very close to cloning the chicken leptin gene. In a paper-published collaboratively with Drs. Therefore cloning of the chicken leptin receptor gene provided the ARO team with a unique tool for cloning chicken leptin based on protein-protein interaction, rather than on nucleic acid similarity.
Practical applications being investigated include daily injection of leptin agonists or antagonists.
Another approach considered in this study is a single injection of the gene coding for the appropriate protein, a technique which is being developed for use in human gene therapy. Preliminary investigations by Drs. To clone, sequence, characterize and patent-protect the chicken leptin gene. To use the bioassay to screen for leptin agonists and antagonists, in collaboration with Prof. A.D. Strosberg at the Institut Cochin de Genetique Moleculair in Paris. To identify possible naturally occurring mutations in leptin or leptin receptor in chickens, turkeys and geese with view to producing improved poultry breeds.