Constitutive Activity in Orphan G-Protein Coupled Receptors
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry, Biochemistry Emphasis Area
Research Advisor
Martin, Adam
Aronstam, Robert
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Second Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
The G-protein coupled receptor type is the most diversely expressed in our genome, and their characterization is an important avenue of ongoing pharmacological research. GPCRs are most commonly identified by the endogenous ligand with which they interact. For many of those identified, however, an endogenous ligand is not known. Sequence relationship methods have identified families based on similarity in their ligand-binding site, but require more information before the endogenous ligand can be inferred. This research classifies several of these orphan GPCRs through the analysis of their constitutive activity on the adenylyl cyclase pathway. Signaling was monitored by transfecting cells with a reporter gene construct under control of the CRE promoter in conjunction with a particular orphan receptor vector plasmid. Results of this analysis reveal the potential role of the selected orphan receptors, and provides direction for further research in determining their endogenous ligand.
Biography
Michael A. Steurer, informally known as Abe, has been an involved member of the cDNA resource center of the Missouri S&T biology department for over two years. Guided by his interest in neuroscience, he has sought to apply his biochemical studies to the understanding of this system. In the long term, he hopes to pursue a career in pharmacological research. He was fortunate in that the opportunity for undergraduate research in which he has participated in aligns closely with his long term research goals.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Gasconade Room
Presentation Date
15 Apr 2015, 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Constitutive Activity in Orphan G-Protein Coupled Receptors
Gasconade Room
The G-protein coupled receptor type is the most diversely expressed in our genome, and their characterization is an important avenue of ongoing pharmacological research. GPCRs are most commonly identified by the endogenous ligand with which they interact. For many of those identified, however, an endogenous ligand is not known. Sequence relationship methods have identified families based on similarity in their ligand-binding site, but require more information before the endogenous ligand can be inferred. This research classifies several of these orphan GPCRs through the analysis of their constitutive activity on the adenylyl cyclase pathway. Signaling was monitored by transfecting cells with a reporter gene construct under control of the CRE promoter in conjunction with a particular orphan receptor vector plasmid. Results of this analysis reveal the potential role of the selected orphan receptors, and provides direction for further research in determining their endogenous ligand.
