The present invention is drawn to methods of characterization of the
properties and functions of SV2 proteins. The invention further includes
methods of identifying compounds or agents which modulate the activity of
SV2 proteins. Included in these methods is the identification of
compounds or agents which modulate the binding of levetiracetam to SV2
proteins, including SV2A. Additionally, the present invention provides
biotinylated ligands as a tool to screen chemical libraries and
characterize the SV2 proteins. Further, the present invention provides a
method of solubilizing and purifying functionally active membrane
associated proteins, such as SV2.