Receptor Signaling Study
Receptor Signaling Study - Related Videos
16:16
Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors
0 Views •
Cited by 15 •
2013
We genetically-encode the unnatural amino acid, p-azido-L-phenylalanine at various targeted positions in GPCRs and show the versatility of the azido group in different applications. These include a targeted photocrosslinking technology to identify residues in the ligand-binding pocket of a GPCR, and site-specific bioorthogonal modification of GPCRs with a peptide-epitope tag or fluorescent probe.
01:41
Signal Sequences and Sorting Receptors
0 Views •
2023
Signal sequences are short amino acid sequences that guide newly synthesized proteins to their proper location within the cell. Classical signal sequences are fifteen to sixty amino acids long and present at the N-terminus of a polypeptide chain. Each signal sequence has a conserved segment of basic residues towards their N terminus, a hydrophobic core, and a C-terminus rich in polar residues. The C-terminus also contains a signal cleavage site and features a -3 -1 sequence motif. The -3-1...
01:28
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
0 Views •
2024
Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but this inhibition is released...
10:13
Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding
0 Views •
Cited by 11 •
2017
Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding is one of the earliest events in G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) activation. This protocol describes how to pharmacologically characterize specific GPCR-ligand interactions by monitoring the binding of the radio-labeled GTP analog, [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS), in response to a ligand of interest.
03:53
An Assay to Screen Bioactive Nanoparticles for Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Inhibition
0 Views •
2025
This video demonstrates a reporter cell-based assay for screening potential bioactive nanoparticles that inhibit Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. The assay involves introducing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) mixed with peptide-gold nanoparticle hybrids to reporter macrophages expressing the reporter proteins — secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) and luciferase. The reduction of LPS-induced TLR signal mediated by the hybrids is determined by measuring the reporter signals.
FAQs
Specificity begins when a signaling molecule binds its matching receptor, rather than interacting randomly with other cellular proteins. This binding can produce a conformational change, meaning an alteration in the receptor’s shape that affects its activity or interactions. Researchers then examine how that initial molecular event leads to phosphorylation, second-messenger production, altered protein activity, or changes in gene expression.
The receptor’s location helps determine how a cell detects a particular cue and how the signal enters the response pathway. Cell-surface receptors can respond to external signaling molecules, whereas receptors within the cell participate in responses to cues that reach intracellular compartments. Distinguishing these locations helps researchers organize pathway maps and interpret differences in cellular responses.
Phosphorylation events and second-messenger production provide molecular steps between receptor activation and the cell’s final response. Phosphorylation can modify protein activity, while second messengers can transmit information from the receptor to additional intracellular targets. Tracking these events helps connect an initial binding interaction with changes in protein behavior and gene expression.
A study can follow the sequence from signaling-molecule binding through receptor changes, phosphorylation events, second-messenger production, and downstream effects on proteins or genes. This pathway-oriented approach shows how individual molecular interactions are connected rather than treating the cellular response as a single event. The resulting map helps explain how cells coordinate responses to external cues.
These studies identify how different classes of signaling molecules engage receptors and produce distinct intracellular responses. By connecting each cue with receptor activity, downstream molecular events, and changes in protein activity or gene expression, researchers can explain how cells respond to hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. This provides biological context for communication, coordination, and adaptation.
Researchers use pathway information to identify signaling disruptions associated with disease and to evaluate whether particular receptors or downstream components could serve as therapeutic targets. The findings support drug discovery and therapeutic target validation by linking molecular signaling events with altered cellular behavior. They can also clarify how abnormal communication contributes to disease-related changes.