Trafficking and function of GPCRs in the endosomal compartment

Methods Mol Biol. 2015:1234:197-211. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1755-6_16.

Abstract

New methods based on fluorescently labeled agonists, genetically encoded fluorescent sensors, and advanced microscopy techniques, such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and highly inclined thin illumination (HILO), allow direct monitoring of signaling, internalization, and intracellular trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their ligands in living cells with high temporal and spatial resolution. These methods have been essential in revealing that GPCRs can continue signaling via production of the soluble second messenger cyclic AMP after internalization into the endosomal compartment.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Protein Transport
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Thyroid Gland / cytology

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Cyclic AMP