Tools for investigating functional interactions between ligands and G-protein-coupled receptors

Trends Neurosci. 1994 Apr;17(4):142-6. doi: 10.1016/0166-2236(94)90087-6.

Abstract

A general assay for evaluating functional interactions between ligands and G-protein-coupled receptors within minutes has been developed. The system uses the principles employed by animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish to control their colors. In nature, activation of G-protein-coupled receptors expressed by skin cells called chromatophores effects pigment redistribution within the cells to change an animal's coloration. The in vitro 'chameleon in a dish' equivalent can use essentially any cloned G-protein-coupled receptor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay*
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclic AMP / physiology
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Ligands*
  • Melanophores / drug effects
  • Melanophores / physiology*
  • Melanophores / radiation effects
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Ranidae
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / drug effects
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / radiation effects
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Skin Pigmentation / physiology*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Peptides
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Cyclic AMP
  • GTP-Binding Proteins