Methods and compositions are provided for identifying novel conformers of
proteins not known to exist as different conformers. By using chimeric
genes replacing a native signal sequence with a different signal sequence
resulting in the production of a conformer, one can compare the native
protein with the product of the chimeric gene. Where the conformations are
different, the different protein may be used for production of antibodies,
elucidation of mechanisms associated with the native and different
conformer protein, assays for the presence of the different conformer in
physiological samples, identification of compounds specifically binding to
the conformer, particularly drugs, etc. Where the formation of the
conformer is associated with a diseased state, the conformer may be used
in screens to identify compounds as drug candidates.
