Viewing rare conformations of the β adrenergic receptor with pressure-resolved DEER spectroscopy.

The β adrenergic receptor (βAR) is an archetypal G protein coupled receptor (GPCR). One structural signature of GPCR activation is a large-scale movement (ca. 6 to 14 Å) of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) to a conformation which binds and activates a cognate G protein.

Vectors and parameters that enhance the efficacy of RNAi-mediated gene disruption in transgenic Drosophila.

Whole-genome transgenic RNAi libraries permit systematic genetic screens in individual tissues of Drosophila. However, there is a high incidence of nonspecific phenotypes because of off-target effects. To minimize such effects, it is essential to obtain a deeper understanding of the specificity of action of RNAi.