The present invention relates generally to nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins associated with the modulation of obesity, diabetes and/or metabolic energy levels. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules and the recombinant and purified proteins encoded thereby and their use in therapeutic and diagnostic protocols for conditions such as obesity, diabetes and energy imbalance. The subject nucleic acid molecules and proteins and their derivatives, homologs, analogs, chemical equivalents and mimetics are proposed as therapeutic and diagnostic agents for obesity, diabetes and energy imbalance.