Membrane cholesterol affects stimulus-activity coupling in type 1, but not type 2, CCK receptors: use of cell lines with elevated cholesterol.

The lipid microenvironment of membrane proteins can affect their structure, function, and regulation. We recently described differential effects of acute modification of membrane cholesterol on the function of type 1 and 2 cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors. We now explore the regulatory impact of chronic cholesterol modification on these receptors using novel receptor-bearing cell lines with elevated membrane cholesterol.