Use of fluorescent ligands and receptors to visualize adrenergic receptors

McGrath, J. C. and Daly, C. J. (2006) Use of fluorescent ligands and receptors to visualize adrenergic receptors. In: Perez, D. M. (ed.) The Adrenergic Receptors: In the 21st Century. Series: The receptors, III. Humana Press, pp. 151-172. ISBN 9781588294234 (doi: 10.1385/1-59259-931-1:151)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-931-1:151

Abstract

This chapter reviews and compares the strengths, limitations, and potential for development of the two major methodologies employed to visualize the locations and properties of adrenergic receptors: fusion proteins of receptors with fluorescent protein tags and fluorescent ligands. In each case, the three subfamilies of adrenergic receptors (β, α1, and α2) are considered. Emphasis is placed on time sequence imaging in live cells, providing insights to receptor mobilization and regulation. The use of recombinant fusion proteins such as green fluorescent protein has been mainly confined to cell culture; fluorescent ligands can also be utilized in native tissues. It is shown how the two approaches can validate each other and provide complementary information. The importance of appropriate image acquisition and quantitative image analysis is stressed if meaningful data are to be acquired. These approaches have resulted in the recent discovery of more diverse adrenergic receptor locations in both unexpected tissue types and subcellular locations. Finally, the ability to exploit the changing fluorescent properties of interacting fluorophores to elucidate interactions between receptor molecules, such as dimerization or chaperoning, are considered. It is concluded that we have entered a new phase in which visualization of adrenergic receptors in multidimensional analysis is providing new insights to receptor biology, and that visualization in live heterogeneous organs and tissues is bringing this to the physiological level.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McGrath, Professor John and Daly, Professor Craig
Authors: McGrath, J. C., and Daly, C. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Publisher:Humana Press
ISBN:9781588294234

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record