Fluorescence Imaging Methods for Monitoring GPCR/G-protein Signaling in Single Live Cells
GPCR
Tian Jin, Ph.D. Sr. Investigator, Chief, Chemotaxis Signal Section, LIG, NIAID, NIH
Abstract
Many eukaryotic cells are able to detect and translate a small concentration difference of chemicals on their surface into highly polarized intracellular responses, leading to directional cell movement. This chemical signal-guided cell movement is called chemotaxis. Chemotaxis is involved in diverse biological processes, and improper regulation of the cell movements causes pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis and inflammatory diseases. Chemicals or chemoattractants, such as chemokines in human, are detected by G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). Binding of chemoattractants to GPCRs induces the dissociation of
heterotrimeric G-proteins into Gα and Gβγ subunits. To fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying chemotaxis, it is crucial to quantitatively measure dynamic changes of each signaling event involved in GPCR/G-proteins. Here, we review recent progress in monitoring GPCR/Gprotein signaling events in single live cells using fluorescence microscopy methods.
This article was published in the October/November 2009 issue of International Drug Discovery, Volume 4, Issue 1, on pgs. 56-62.
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