Human, rat and mouse cAMP phosphodiesterase isoforms (denoted PDE4D7s), as
well as the DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides, are disclosed. Also
disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides in diagnostic
assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequences encoding the
polypeptides of the present invention, for detecting altered levels of
the polypeptide of the present invention as a means of detecting diseases
and methods of screening potential modulators, especially inhibitors, of
the novel PDE4D7s disclosed herein. Such as inhibitors can be used, for
example, as a means of increasing cyclic AMP in neurons and thus treating
neurological problems, such as long term memory loss, if not preventing
such maladies entirely. Transgenic animals expressing polypeptides
disclosed herein are also described.
