Methods for diagnosing a predisposition to developing a scoliosis (e.g., adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)) and identifying compounds for treating scoliosis based on the modulation of Gi protein-coupled receptor activity are described. Specific embodiments of the methods involve measuring a change in impedance signals of cells expressing a receptor coupled to a Gi protein with a ligand. To identify compounds useful in treatment, the cell is contacted with a test compound and a ligand. A higher impedance in the presence relative to the absence of said test compound is indicative that the test compound is useful for treating scoliosis.
