Nucleic acid molecules encoding an ATP-gated ion channel P2X7R which
contains a mutation or a deletion are disclosed. Polypeptides encoded by
the nucleic acid molecules and antibodies that specifically are directed
to these polypeptides are disclosed. Aptamers that specifically bind the
nucleic acid molecules, and primers for selectively amplifying the
nucleic acid molecules are provided, kits, compositions, particularly
pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising the nucleic acid
molecules, vectors, polypeptides, aptamers, antibodies and/or primers,
are provided. Methods for diagnosing affective disorders associated with
a non-functional P2X7R protein, an altered ATP-gating of the P2X7R
protein, an over or underexpression of the P2X7R protein or associated
with the presence of any one of the nucleic acid molecules or
polypeptides encoded thereby are disclosed. Additionally, the present
invention relates to uses and methods for treating affective disorders
employing a functional or non-functional ATP-gated ion-channel P2X7R,
such as treatment with modulators of P2X7R activity.