Screening assays for identifying agents that modulate BK channel activity and further modulate the sleep/wake cycle in a subject, circadian regulated locomotor activity in a subject, or both are provided, as are agents identified using such screening assays. Also provided are methods of modulating the sleep/wake cycle in a subject and methods of modulating circadian regulated locomotor activity in a subject by administering an agent that modulates BK channel activity to the subject, for example, an agent identified by a screening assay as disclosed.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Ser. No. 60/389,759, filed Jun. 17, 2003, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
