Visualizing receptor endocytosis and trafficking

Methods Mol Biol. 2011:756:311-23. doi: 10.1007/978-1-61779-160-4_18.

Abstract

G-protein-coupled 7 transmembrane domain receptors (GPCR-7TMR) represent the largest class of membrane protein drug targets. They respond to a plethora of ligands ranging from small molecules to polypeptide hormones. Upon activation, almost all GPCR-7TMRs undergo desensitization followed by receptor internalization and resensitization. This cycle is crucially important for regulating the signal emanating from the receptor and is tightly linked to the receptor and/or the ligands studied. In this chapter, we describe some of the technical approaches that can be used to study GPCR internalization and trafficking.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Endocytosis
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / methods*
  • Gene Expression
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / analysis
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • Protein Transport
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / analysis*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins