With the publication of the sequence of the human genome, we are challenged to identify the functions of an estimated 70,000 human genes and the much larger number of proteins encoded by these genes. Of particular interest is the identification of gene products that play a role in human disease pathways, as these proteins include potential new targets that may lead to improved therapeutic strategies. This requires the direct measurement of gene function on a genomic scale in cell-based, functional assays.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe human 5-hydroxytryptamine5A (h5-ht5A) receptor was expressed in Escherichia coli (h5-ht5A-E. coli) to verify its pharmacological profile in the absence of G proteins. In addition, the ability of the h5-ht5A receptor to interact with mammalian Gi/o and Gs proteins was investigated by a new reconstitution approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe ability of the human 5-hydroxytryptamine serotonin type 5A (h5-ht(5A)) receptor to couple to G proteins from distinct families was investigated through the simultaneous infection of Spodoptera frugiperda 9 insect cells with recombinant baculoviruses encoding the various proteins. Expression of G proteins was demonstrated in immunoblots. Receptor-G protein coupling was monitored by high-affinity agonist binding and agonist-induced stimulation of [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio) triphosphate binding to membranes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHuman dopamine D(2) (hD(2)) and D(3) (hD(3)) receptors were expressed at similar, high expression levels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and their coupling to G proteins and further signal transduction pathways were compared. In competition radioligand-binding experiments, guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) treatment of hD(2S)- or hD(3)-CHO cell membranes induced a rightward shift and steeping of the dopamine inhibition curve. This effect was pronounced for hD(2) receptors and small for hD(3) receptors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe G protein coupling of human 5-hydroxytryptamine5A (h5-ht5A) receptors was investigated in stably transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, using radioligand and guanosine-5'[gamma-35S]thiotriphosphate binding to membranes and cyclic adenosine monophosphate measurements in cells. 5-Carboxamido[3H]tryptamine bound to high- and low-affinity sites on h5-ht5A-HEK 293 cell membranes. Guanylyl-imidodiphosphate addition and pertussis toxin pre-treatment abolished high-affinity binding, indicating coupling to G proteins of the Gi/Go family.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF