Coupling and Activation of the β1 Adrenergic Receptor - The Role of the Third Intracellular Loop.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the most diverse group of membrane receptors with a conserved structure of seven transmembrane (TM) α-helices connected by intracellular and extracellular loops. Intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) connects TM5 and TM6, the two helices shown to play significant roles in receptor activation. Herein, we investigate the activation and signaling of the β adrenergic receptor (βAR) using mass spectrometry (MS) with a particular focus on the ICL3 loop.

Coarse-Grained Simulations of Adeno-Associated Virus and Its Receptor Reveal Influences on Membrane Lipid Organization and Curvature.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a well-known gene delivery tool with a wide range of applications, including as a vector for gene therapies. However, the molecular mechanism of its cell entry remains unknown. Here, we performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) capsid and the universal AAV receptor (AAVR) in a model plasma membrane environment.

Modulating the unfolded protein response with ISRIB mitigates cisplatin ototoxicity.

Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapy agent with a nearly universal side effect of sensorineural hearing loss. The cellular mechanisms underlying cisplatin ototoxicity are poorly understood. Efforts in drug development to prevent or reverse cisplatin ototoxicity have largely focused on pathways of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

What You Are Hiding Could Be Hurting You: Autistic Masking in Relation to Mental Health, Interpersonal Trauma, Authenticity, and Self-Esteem.

Background: Autistic masking refers to some autistic individuals' tendency to hide, suppress, or camouflage their autistic traits, autistic identity, or autism diagnosis. Autistic masking also may include unconscious or conscious attempts to mimic the behavioral, cognitive, or sensory styles of nonautistic neurotypical people and to suppress natural forms of autistic behavior, cognition, and reactions to sensory experiences. Since autistic people are a stigmatized minority in many neurotypical dominated societies, passing as nonautistic through autistic masking may be an attempt to avoid autism stigma and a reaction to previous interpersonal trauma.

Lipid regulation of the glucagon receptor family.

The glucagon receptor family are typical class B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with important roles in metabolism, including the control of pancreas, brain, and liver function. As proteins with seven transmembrane domains, GPCRs are intimately in contact with lipid bilayers and therefore can be putatively regulated by interactions with their lipidic components, including cholesterol, sphingolipids, and other lipid species. Additionally, these receptors, as well as the agonists they bind to, can undergo lipid modifications, which can influence their binding capacity and/or elicit modified or biased signalling profiles.