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G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are my favorite receptors in the whole wide world. Their versatility allows them to modulate a remarkable number of signaling pathways; environmental stimuli such as light, neurotransmission signals like acetylcholine, and hormonal stimuli such as adrenaline, all utilize GPCRs.
GPCRs are localized on plasma membranes and activated by extracellular ligands. However, recent studies have opened the door to the possibility that GPCRs exist and function INSIDE the cell -- HOW THE! -- is exactly what a group from Washington University in St. Louis (a.k.a. Wash-U) has been exploring...
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 A subclass of glutamate receptors (mGluR5) have been shown to be located on intracellular and nuclear membranes of striatal neurons and HEK cells. The question arises as to what are the signals that mobilize mGluR5 to the nuclear vs. the plasma membrane. Using chimeras (mGluR5 - and a related plasma membrane receptor - GABABR2), the Wash-U trio of Ismail Sergin, Vikas Kumar and Karen O’Malley determined that a string of amino acids located near the mGluR5 C-terminus play an important role in localizing or retaining this receptor on inner nuclear membranes. They speculate that this region might be involved in a process that actively weaves it through the nuclear surface.
How are GPCRs located inside the cell activated? Using sponge constructs that buffer IP3 signaling, they experimentally determined that glutamate most likely is able to traverse cell membranes and activate these intracellular receptors. How bout that!
Part of the beauty of OneSci, is that those researchers who are kind enough to provide us with a poster rE-print allow our readers the opportunity to view the detailed experimental methods in vivid color. So, although Jeremy has completely trumped all the other editors covering the 2009 SfN conference, both in quantity and (I’ll let you be the judge of) quality -- I now present to you… THE POSTER FYI: be sure to click on the poster image to enhance
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