The present invention relates to a method for identifying a TMEFF2
modulator, comprising (a) contacting a cell which expresses TMEFF2 with a
candidate compound to be tested; (b) measuring whether said compound to
be tested decreases or increases the level of a constituent of the cAMP
signalling pathway, preferably the CRH signalling pathway, in said cell
when compared to a corresponding cell which does not express TMEFF2; (b')
optionally determining whether said compound is capable of reduncing the
binding between Activin and TMEFF2; and (c) identifying said modulator
compound. Furthermore, a method for identifying a TMEFF2 modulator
comprising determining whether said TMEFF2 modulator is capable of
reducing the binding between Activin and TMEFF2 is contemplated. It also
relates to uses and methods applying a TMEFF2 agonist for the treatment
of Cushing's Syndromes and a TMEFF2 modulator for the treatment of
affective disorders. Furthermore, methods of diagnosing affective
disorders or Cushing's Syndromes are provided.