Single-molecule analysis of fluorescently labeled G-protein-coupled receptors reveals complexes with distinct dynamics and organization

The Endocannabinoid System as a Target in Cancer Diseases: Are We There Yet?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been placed in the anti-cancer spotlight in the last decade. The immense data load published on its dual role in both tumorigenesis and inhibition of tumor growth and metastatic spread has transformed the cannabinoid receptors CB1 (CB1R) and CB2 (CB2R), and other members of the endocannabinoid-like system, into attractive new targets for the treatment of various cancer subtypes. Although the clinical use of cannabinoids has been extensively documented in the palliative setting, clinical trials on their application as anti-cancer drugs are still ongoing. As drug repurposing is significantly faster and more economical than de novo introduction of a new drug into the clinic, there is hope that the existing pharmacokinetic and safety data on the ECS ligands will contribute to their successful translation into oncological healthcare. CB1R and CB2R are members of a large family of membrane proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). GPCRs can form homodimers, heterodimers and higher order oligomers with other GPCRs or non-GPCRs. Currently, several CB1R and CB2R-containing heteromers have been reported and, in cancer cells, CB2R form heteromers with the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4, the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and the tyrosine kinase receptor (TKR) human V-Erb-B2 Avian Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog 2 (HER2). These protein complexes possess unique pharmacological and signaling properties, and their modulation might affect the antitumoral activity of the ECS. This review will explore the potential of the endocannabinoid network in the anti-cancer setting as well as the clinical and ethical pitfalls behind it, and will develop on the value of cannabinoid receptor heteromers as potential new targets for anti-cancer therapies and as prognostic biomarkers.

Distinct Dopamine D₂ Receptor Antagonists Differentially Impact D₂ Receptor Oligomerization

Dopamine D₂ receptors (D₂R) are known to form transient homodimer complexes, of which the increased formation has already been associated with development of schizophrenia. Pharmacological targeting and modulation of the equilibrium of these receptor homodimers might lead to a better understanding of the critical role played by these complexes in physiological and pathological conditions. Whereas agonist addition has shown to prolong the D₂R dimer lifetime and increase the level of dimer formation, the possible influence of D₂R antagonists on dimerization has remained rather unexplored. Here, using a live-cell reporter assay based on the functional complementation of a split Nanoluciferase, a panel of six D₂R antagonists were screened for their ability to modulate the level of D_2LR dimer formation. Incubation with the D₂R antagonist spiperone decreased the level of D_2LR dimer formation significantly by 40–60% in real-time and after long-term (≥16 h) incubations. The fact that dimer formation of the well-studied A_2a–D_2LR dimer was not altered following incubation with spiperone supports the specificity of this observation. Other D₂R antagonists, such as clozapine, risperidone, and droperidol did not significantly evoke this dissociation event. Furthermore, molecular modeling reveals that spiperone presents specific Tyr199^5.48 and Phe390^6.52 conformations, compared to clozapine, which may determine D₂R homodimerization.

The subcellular dynamics of GPCR signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane receptors and mediate the effects of a multitude of extracellular cues, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, odorants and light. Because of their involvement in numerous physiological and pathological processes and their accessibility, they are extensively exploited as pharmacological targets. Biochemical and structural biology investigations have clarified the molecular basis of GPCR signaling to a high level of detail. In spite of this, how GPCRs can efficiently and precisely translate extracellular signals into specific and well-orchestrated biological responses in the complexity of a living cell or organism remains insufficiently understood. To explain the high efficiency and specificity observed in GPCR signaling, it has been suggested that GPCR might signal in discrete nanodomains on the plasma membrane or even form stable complexes with G proteins and effectors. However, directly testing these hypotheses has proven a major challenge. Recent studies taking advantage of innovative optical methods such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and single-molecule microscopy have begun to dig into the organization of GPCR signaling in living cells on the spatial (nm) and temporal (ms) scales on which cell signaling events are taking place. The results of these studies are revealing a complex and highly dynamic picture, whereby GPCRs undergo transient interaction with their signaling partners, membrane lipids and the cytoskeleton to form short-lived signaling nanodomains both on the plasma membrane and at intracellular sites. Continuous exchanges among such nanodomains via later diffusion as well as via membrane trafficking might provide a highly sophisticated way of controlling the timing and location of GPCR signaling. Here, we will review the most recent advances in our understanding of the organization of GPCR signaling in living cells, with a particular focus on its dynamics.

St John's wort extract influences membrane fluidity and composition of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine in rat C6 glioblastoma cells

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress, an important factor in the development of depressive disorders, leads to an increased formation of cortisol, which causes a hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, cortisol mediates an adaptive effect on plasma membrane fluidity which may affect signal transduction of membrane-bound receptors and contribute to pathophysiological changes.

METHODS

Membrane fluidity was measured by fluorescence anisotropy using DPH (1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene) and TMA-DPH (1-(4-(trimethylamino)phenyl)-6-phenylhexa-1,3,5-triene). Changes in cellular content of phosphatidylcholine species was determined by pulse-chase experiments using deuterated choline and mass spectrometry. Single molecule tracking was used to examine the lateral mobility of β1-adrenoceptors and changes in cAMP formation were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Chronic exposure (6 - 8 days) of C6 cells to cortisol dose-dependently decreased DPH and TMA-DPH fluorescence anisotropy, reflecting increased membrane fluidity. In contrast, cells pretreated with St. John's wort extract Ze117 showed increased DPH and TMA-DPH fluorescence anisotropy values, indicating a membrane rigidification effect which was mediated at least by the constituents hypericin, hyperforin, quercetin, amentoflavone and biapigenin. The observed membrane fluidizing effect of cortisol could be reversed by cotreatment with Ze117. The membrane rigidification of Ze117 was in line with the in parallel observed decrease in the phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio determined in whole cell lipid extracts. Interestingly, pulse-chase experiments demonstrated, that Ze117 inhibited the incorporation of choline-D9 in phosphatidylcholine species with saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids compared to control cells, while the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine species with polyunsaturated fatty acids was not affected. C6 cells whose membranes have become more rigid by Ze117 showed altered lateral mobility of β1-adrenoceptors as well as reduced cAMP formation after stimulation with the β1-adrenoceptor agonist dobutamine.

CONCLUSION

Obviously, the signaling of β1-adrenoceptors depends on the nature of the membrane environment. It can therefore be assumed that Ze117 has a normalizing effect not only on the membrane fluidity of "stressed" cells, but also on lateral mobility and subsequently on the signal transduction of membrane-associated receptors.

The heterotetrameric structure of the adenosine A1-dopamine D1 receptor complex: Pharmacological implication for restless legs syndrome

Dopaminergic and purinergic signaling play a pivotal role in neurological diseases associated with motor symptoms, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and ataxias. Extracellular dopamine and adenosine exert their functions interacting with specific dopamine (DR) or adenosine (AR) receptors, respectively, expressed on the surface of target cells. These receptors are members of the family A of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which is the largest protein superfamily in mammalian genomes. GPCRs are target of about 40% of all current marketed drugs, highlighting their importance in clinical medicine. The striatum receives the densest dopamine innervations and contains the highest density of dopamine receptors. The modulatory role of adenosine on dopaminergic transmission depends largely on the existence of antagonistic interactions mediated by specific subtypes of DRs and ARs, the so-called A_2AR-D₂R and A₁R-D₁R interactions. Due to the dopamine/adenosine antagonism in the CNS, it was proposed that ARs and DRs could form heteromers in the neuronal cell surface. Therefore, adenosine can affect dopaminergic signaling through receptor-receptor interactions and by modulations in their shared intracellular pathways in the striatum and spinal cord. In this work we describe the allosteric modulations between GPCR protomers, focusing in those of adenosine and dopamine within the A₁R-D₁R heteromeric complex, which is involved in RLS. We also propose that the knowledge about the intricate allosteric interactions within the A₁R-D₁R heterotetramer, may facilitate the treatment of motor alterations, not only when the dopamine pathway is hyperactivated (RLS, chorea, etc.) but also when motor function is decreased (SCI, aging, PD, etc.).

Regulation of G protein-coupled receptor signaling by plasma membrane organization and endocytosis

The trafficking of G protein coupled-receptors (GPCRs) is one of the most exciting areas in cell biology because of recent advances demonstrating that GPCR signaling is spatially encoded. GPCRs, acting in a diverse array of physiological systems, can have differential signaling consequences depending on their subcellular localization. At the plasma membrane, GPCR organization could fine-tune the initial stages of receptor signaling by determining the magnitude of signaling and the type of effectors to which receptors can couple. This organization is mediated by the lipid composition of the plasma membrane, receptor-receptor interactions, and receptor interactions with intracellular scaffolding proteins. GPCR organization is subsequently changed by ligand binding and the regulated endocytosis of these receptors. Activated GPCRs can modulate the dynamics of their own endocytosis through changing clathrin-coated pit dynamics, and through the scaffolding adaptor protein β-arrestin. This endocytic regulation has signaling consequences, predominantly through modulation of the MAPK cascade. This review explores what is known about receptor sorting at the plasma membrane, protein partners that control receptor endocytosis, and the ways in which receptor sorting at the plasma membrane regulates downstream trafficking and signaling.

Dopamine transporter forms stable dimers in the live cell plasma membrane in a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-independent manner

The human dopamine transporter (hDAT) regulates the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in the synaptic cleft and recycles DA for storage in the presynaptic vesicular pool. Many neurotransmitter transporters exist as oligomers, but the physiological role of oligomerization remains unclear; for example, it has been speculated to be a prerequisite for amphetamine-induced release and protein trafficking. Previous studies point to an oligomeric quaternary structure of hDAT; however, the exact stoichiometry and the fraction of co-existing oligomeric states are not known. Here, we used single-molecule brightness analysis to quantify the degree of oligomerization of heterologously expressed hDAT fused to monomeric GFP (mGFP–hDAT) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We observed that monomers and dimers of mGFP–hDAT co-exist and that higher-order molecular complexes of mGFP–hDAT are absent at the plasma membrane. The mGFP–hDAT dimers were stable over several minutes, and the fraction of dimers was independent of the mGFP–hDAT surface density. Furthermore, neither oxidation nor depletion of cholesterol had any effect on the fraction of dimers. Unlike for the human serotonin transporter (hSERT), in which direct binding of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) stabilized the oligomers, the stability of mGFP–hDAT dimers was PIP₂ independent.

Spatial encoding of GPCR signaling in the nervous system

Several GPCRs, including receptors previously thought to signal primarily from the cell surface, have been recently shown to signal from many intracellular compartments. This raises the idea that signaling by any given receptor is spatially encoded in the cell, with distinct sites of signal origin dictating distinct downstream consequences. We will discuss recent developments that address this novel facet of GPCR physiology, focusing on the spatial segregation of signaling from the cell surface, endosomes, and the Golgi by receptors relevant to the nervous system.

Dimers of serotonin receptors: Impact on ligand affinity and signaling

Membrane receptors often form complexes with other membrane proteins that directly interact with different effectors of the signal transduction machinery. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were for long time considered as single pharmacological entities. However, evidence for oligomerization appeared for various classes and subtypes of GPCRs. This review focuses on metabotropic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptors, which belong to the rhodopsin-like class A of GPCRs, and will summarize the convergent evidence that homo- and hetero-dimers containing 5-HT receptors exist in transfected cells and in-vivo. We will show that complexes involving 5-HT receptors may acquire new signal transduction pathways and new physiological roles. In some cases, these complexes participate in disease-specific deregulations, that can be differentially affected by various drugs. Hence, selecting receptor complex-specific responses of these heterodimers may constitute an emerging strategy likely to improve beneficial therapeutic effects.

Shaky ground - The nature of metastable GPCR signalling complexes

How G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) interact with one another remains an area of active investigation. Obligate dimers of class C GPCRs such as metabotropic GABA and glutamate receptors are well accepted, although whether this is a general feature of other GPCRs is still strongly debated. In this review, we focus on the idea that GPCR dimers and oligomers are better imagined as parts of larger metastable signalling complexes. We discuss the nature of functional oligomeric entities, their stabilities and kinetic features and how structural and functional asymmetries of such metastable entities might have implications for drug discovery. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Receptor heteromers and their allosteric receptor-receptor interactions'.

Separating Actin-Dependent Chemokine Receptor Nanoclustering from Dimerization Indicates a Role for Clustering in CXCR4 Signaling and Function

A current challenge in cell motility studies is to understand the molecular and physical mechanisms that govern chemokine receptor nanoscale organization at the cell membrane, and their influence on cell response. Using single-particle tracking and super-resolution microscopy, we found that the chemokine receptor CXCR4 forms basal nanoclusters in resting T cells, whose extent, dynamics, and signaling strength are modulated by the orchestrated action of the actin cytoskeleton, the co-receptor CD4, and its ligand CXCL12. We identified three CXCR4 structural residues that are crucial for nanoclustering and generated an oligomerization-defective mutant that dimerized but did not form nanoclusters in response to CXCL12, which severely impaired signaling. Overall, our data provide new insights to the field of chemokine biology by showing that receptor dimerization in the absence of nanoclustering is unable to fully support CXCL12-mediated responses, including signaling and cell function in vivo.

Homo-molecular Fluorescence Complementation for Direct Visualization of Receptor Oligomerization in Living Cells

Cell surface receptor oligomerization is an attractive target process for drug screening. However, simple but reliable (and thus high-throughput) visualization methods for receptor oligomerization are still lacking. Herein, we report on a new single-construct homo-molecular fluorescence complementation (Homo-FC) probe, which shows strong fluorescence signals by oligomerization of fused receptors in living cells with unexpectedly low background signals. Importantly, this high signal-to-noise ratio was not affected by expression level variations of fused receptors. The Homo-FC probe was developed by optimized flopped fusion of split fragments of superfolder green fluorescence protein and subsequent surface charge engineering. Homo-FC reliably visualized the oligomerization of diverse natural receptors such as GPCR, EGFR, and even cytosolic DAI.

Identifying diffusive motions in single-particle trajectories on the plasma membrane via fractional time-series models

In this paper we show that an autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average time-series model can identify two types of motion of membrane proteins on the surface of mammalian cells. Specifically we analyze the motion of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. We find that the autoregressive (AR) part models well the confined dynamics whereas the fractionally integrated moving average (FIMA) model describes the nonconfined periods of the trajectories. Since the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process is a continuous counterpart of the AR model, we are also able to calculate its physical parameters and show their biological relevance. The fitted FIMA and AR parameters show marked differences in the dynamics of the two studied molecules.

Signal Transduction and Pathogenic Modifications at the Melanocortin-4 Receptor: A Structural Perspective

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) can be endogenously activated by binding of melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), which mediates anorexigenic effects. In contrast, the agouti-related peptide (AgRP) acts as an endogenous inverse agonist and suppresses ligand-independent basal signaling activity (orexigenic effects). Binding of ligands to MC4R leads to the activation of different G-protein subtypes or arrestin and concomitant signaling pathways. This receptor is a key protein in the hypothalamic regulation of food intake and energy expenditure and naturally-occurring inactivating MC4R variants are the most frequent cause of monogenic obesity. In general, obesity is a growing problem on a global scale and is of social, medical, and economic relevance. A significant goal is to develop optimized pharmacological tools targeting MC4R without adverse effects. To date, this has not been achieved because of inter alia non-selective ligands across the five functionally different MCR subtypes (MC1-5R). This motivates further investigation of (i) the three-dimensional MC4R structure, (ii) binding mechanisms of various ligands, and (iii) the molecular transfer process of signal transduction, with the aim of understanding how structural features are linked with functional-physiological aspects. Unfortunately, experimentally elucidated structural information is not yet available for the MC receptors, a group of class A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). We, therefore, generated MC4R homology models and complexes with interacting partners to describe approximate structural properties associated with signaling mechanisms. In addition, molecular insights from pathogenic mutations were incorporated to discriminate more precisely their individual malfunction of the signal transfer mechanism.

Hot spots for GPCR signaling: lessons from single-molecule microscopy

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are among the best-studied membrane receptors, mainly due to their central role in human physiology, involvement in disease and relevance as drug targets. Although biochemical and pharmacological studies have characterized the main steps in GPCR signaling, how GPCRs produce highly specific responses in our cells remains insufficiently understood. New developments in single-molecule microscopy have made it possible to study the protein-protein interactions at the basis of GPCR signaling in previously inconceivable detail. Using this approach, it was recently possible to follow individual receptors and G proteins as they diffuse, interact and signal on the surface of living cells. This has revealed hot spots on the plasma membrane, where receptors and G proteins undergo transient interactions to produce rapid and local signals. Overall, these recent findings reveal a high degree of dynamicity and complexity in signaling by GPCRs, which provides a new basis to understand how these important receptors produce specific effects and might pave the way to innovative pharmacological approaches.

GPCR homo-oligomerization

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an extensive class of trans-plasma membrane proteins that function to regulate a wide range of physiological functions. Despite a general perception that GPCRs exist as monomers an extensive literature has examined whether GPCRs can also form dimers and even higher-order oligomers, and if such organization influences various aspects of GPCR function, including cellular trafficking, ligand binding, G protein coupling and signalling. Here we focus on recent studies that employ approaches ranging from computational methods to single molecule tracking and both quantal brightness and fluorescence fluctuation measurements to assess the organization, stability and potential functional significance of dimers and oligomers within the class A, rhodopsin-like GPCR family.

Single-molecule labeling for studying trafficking of renal transporters

The ability to detect and track single molecules presents the advantage of visualizing the complex behavior of transmembrane proteins with a time and space resolution that would otherwise be lost with traditional labeling and biochemical techniques. Development of new imaging probes has provided a robust method to study their trafficking and surface dynamics. This mini-review focuses on the current technology available for single-molecule labeling of transmembrane proteins, their advantages, and limitations. We also discuss the application of these techniques to the study of renal transporter trafficking in light of recent research.

Dopamine D2 Receptors Dimers: How can we Pharmacologically Target Them?

BACKGROUND

Dopamine D2 and D3 receptors can form homo- and heterodimers and are important targets in Schizophrenia and Parkinson's. Recently, many efforts have been made to pharmacologically target these receptor complexes. This review focuses on various strategies to act specifically on dopamine receptor dimers, that are transiently formed.

METHODS

Various binding and functional assays were reviewed to study the properties of bivalent ligands, particularly for the dualsteric compound SB269,652. The dimerization of D2 and D3 receptors were analyzed by using single particle tracking microscopy.

RESULTS

The specific targeting of dopamine D2 and D3 dimers can be achieved with bifunctional ligands, composed of two pharmacophores binding the two orthosteric sites of the dimeric complex. If the target is a homodimer, then the ligand is homobivalent. Instead, if the target is a heterodimer, then the ligand is heterobivalent. However, there is some concern regarding pharmacokinetics and binding properties of such drugs. Recently, a new generation of bitopic compounds with dualsteric properties have been discovered that bind to the orthosteric and the allosteric sites in one monomeric receptor. Regarding dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, a new dualsteric molecule SB269,652 was shown to have selective negative allosteric properties across D2 and D3 homodimers, but it behaves as an orthosteric antagonist on receptor monomer. Targeting dimers is also complicated as they are transiently formed with varying monomer/dimer ratio. Furthermore, this ratio can be altered by administering an agonist or a bifunctional antagonist.

CONCLUSION

Last 15 years have witnessed an explosive amount of work aimed at generating bifunctional compounds as a novel strategy to target GPCR homo- and heterodimers, including dopamine receptors. Their clinical use is far from trivial, but, at least, they have been used to validate the existence of receptor dimers in-vitro and in-vivo. The dualsteric compound SB269, 652, with its peculiar pharmacological profile, may offer therapeutic advantages and a better tolerability in comparison with pure antagonists at D2 and D3 receptors and pave the way for a new generation of antipsychotic drugs.

Single-molecule diffusion-based estimation of ligand effects on G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major drug targets. Developing a method to measure the activities of GPCRs is essential for pharmacology and drug screening. However, it is difficult to measure the effects of a drug by monitoring the receptor on the cell surface; thus, changes in the concentrations of downstream signaling molecules, which depend on the signaling pathway selectivity of the receptor, are often used as an index of receptor activity. We show that single-molecule imaging analysis provides an alternative method for assessing the effects of ligands on GPCRs. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), we monitored the dynamics of the diffusion of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3), a class C GPCR, under various ligand conditions. Our single-molecule tracking analysis demonstrated that increases and decreases in the average diffusion coefficient of mGluR3 quantitatively reflected the ligand-dependent inactivation and activation of receptors, respectively. Through experiments with inhibitors and dual-color single-molecule imaging analysis, we found that the diffusion of receptor molecules was altered by common physiological events associated with GPCRs, including G protein binding, and receptor accumulation in clathrin-coated pits. We also confirmed that agonist also decreased the average diffusion coefficient for class A and B GPCRs, demonstrating that this parameter is a good index for estimating ligand effects on many GPCRs regardless of their phylogenetic groups, the chemical properties of the ligands, or G protein-coupling selectivity.

Ligand-Induced Coupling between Oligomers of the M2 Receptor and the Gi1 Protein in Live Cells

Uncertainty over the mechanism of signaling via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) relates in part to questions regarding their supramolecular structure. GPCRs and heterotrimeric G proteins are known to couple as monomers under various conditions. Many GPCRs form oligomers under many of the same conditions, however, and the biological role of those complexes is unclear. We have used dual-color fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to identify oligomers of the M₂ muscarinic receptor and of G_i1 in purified preparations and live Chinese hamster ovary cells. Measurements on differently tagged receptors (i.e., eGFP-M₂ and mCherry-M₂) and G proteins (i.e., eGFP-Gα_i1β₁γ₂ and mCherry-Gα_i1β₁γ₂) detected significant cross-correlations between the two fluorophores in each case, both in detergent micelles and in live cells, indicating that both the receptor and G_i1 can exist as homo-oligomers. Oligomerization of differently tagged G_i1 decreased upon the activation of co-expressed wild-type M₂ receptor by an agonist. Measurements on a tagged M₂ receptor (M₂-mCherry) and eGFP-Gα_i1β₁γ₂ co-expressed in live cells detected cross-correlations only in the presence of an agonist, which therefore promoted coupling of the receptor and the G protein. The effect of the agonist was retained when a fluorophore-tagged receptor lacking the orthosteric site (i.e., M₂(D103A)-mCherry) was co-expressed with the wild-type receptor and eGFP-Gα_i1β₁γ₂, indicating that the ligand acted via an oligomeric receptor. Our results point to a model in which an agonist promotes transient coupling of otherwise independent oligomers of the M₂ receptor on the one hand and of G_i1 on the other and that an activated complex leads to a reduction in the oligomeric size of the G protein. They suggest that GPCR-mediated signaling proceeds, at least in part, via oligomers.

Single-Molecule Microscopy Reveals Dynamic FLNA Interactions Governing SSTR2 Clustering and Internalization

The cytoskeletal protein filamin A (FLNA) has been suggested to play an important role in the responsiveness of GH-secreting pituitary tumors to somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) agonists by regulating SSTR2 expression and signaling. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we use fast multicolor single-molecule microscopy to image individual SSTR2 and FLNA molecules at the surface of living cells with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. We find that SSTR2 and FLNA undergo transient interactions, which occur preferentially along actin fibers and contribute to restraining SSTR2 diffusion. Agonist stimulation increases the localization of SSTR2 along actin fibers and, subsequently, SSTR2 clustering and recruitment to clathrin-coated pits (CCPs). Interfering with FLNA-SSTR2 binding with a dominant-negative FLNA fragment increases SSTR2 mobility, hampers the formation and alignment of SSTR2 clusters along actin fibers, and impairs both SSTR2 recruitment to CCPs and SSTR2 internalization. These findings indicate that dynamic SSTR2-FLNA interactions critically control the nanoscale localization of SSTR2 at the plasma membrane and are required for coupling SSTR2 clustering to internalization. These mechanisms explain the critical role of FLNA in the control of SSTR2 expression and signaling and suggest the possibility of targeting SSTR2-FLNA interactions for the therapy of pharmacologically resistant GH-secreting pituitary tumors.

Oligomerization of a G protein-coupled receptor in neurons controlled by its structural dynamics

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play essential roles in intercellular communication. Although reported two decades ago, the assembly of GPCRs into dimer and larger oligomers in their native environment is still a matter of intense debate. Here, using number and brightness analysis of fluorescently labeled receptors in cultured hippocampal neurons, we confirm that the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 2 (mGlu₂) is a homodimer at expression levels in the physiological range, while heterodimeric GABA_B receptors form larger complexes. Surprisingly, we observed the formation of larger mGlu₂ oligomers upon both activation and inhibition of the receptor. Stabilizing the receptor in its inactive conformation using biochemical constraints also led to the observation of oligomers. Following our recent observation that mGlu receptors are in constant and rapid equilibrium between several states under basal conditions, we propose that this structural heterogeneity limits receptor oligomerization. Such assemblies are expected to stabilize either the active or the inactive state of the receptor.

A New Fluorogenic Small-Molecule Labeling Tool for Surface Diffusion Analysis and Advanced Fluorescence Imaging of β-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein-Cleaving Enzyme 1 Based on Silicone Rhodamine: SiR-BACE1

β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a major player in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Structural and functional fluorescence microscopy offers a powerful approach to learn about the physiology and pathophysiology of this protease. Up to now, however, common labeling techniques require genetic manipulation, use large antibodies, or are not compatible with live cell imaging. Fluorescent small molecules that specifically bind to the protein of interest can overcome these limitations. Herein, we introduce SiR-BACE1, a conjugate of the BACE1 inhibitor S-39 and SiR647, as a novel fluorogenic, tag-free, and antibody-free label for BACE1. We present its chemical development, characterize its photophysical and pharmacologic properties, and evaluate its behavior in solution, in overexpression systems, and in native brain tissue. We demonstrate its applicability in confocal, stimulated emission depletion and dynamic single-molecule microscopy. The first functional studies with SiR-BACE1 on the surface mobility of BACE1 revealed a markedly confined diffusion pattern.

Muscarinic receptor oligomerization

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been classically described as monomeric entities that function by binding in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio to both ligand and downstream signalling proteins. However, in recent years, a growing number of studies has supported the hypothesis that these receptors can interact to form dimers and higher order oligomers although the molecular basis for these interactions, the overall quaternary arrangements and the functional importance of GPCR oligomerization remain topics of intense speculation. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors belong to class A of the GPCR family. Each muscarinic receptor subtype has its own particular distribution throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the central nervous system, muscarinic receptors regulate several sensory, cognitive, and motor functions while, in the peripheral nervous system, they are involved in the regulation of heart rate, stimulation of glandular secretion and smooth muscle contraction. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors have long been used as a model for the study of GPCR structure and function and to address aspects of GPCR dimerization using a broad range of approaches. In this review, the prevailing knowledge regarding the quaternary arrangement for the various muscarinic acetylcholine receptors has been summarized by discussing work ranging from initial results obtained using more traditional biochemical approaches to those generated with more modern biophysical techniques. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neuropharmacology on Muscarinic Receptors'.

CCR5 Revisited: How Mechanisms of HIV Entry Govern AIDS Pathogenesis

The chemokine receptor CCR5 has been the focus of intensive studies since its role as a coreceptor for HIV entry was discovered in 1996. These studies lead to the development of small molecular drugs targeting CCR5, with maraviroc becoming in 2007 the first clinically approved chemokine receptor inhibitor. More recently, the apparent HIV cure in a patient transplanted with hematopoietic stem cells devoid of functional CCR5 rekindled the interest for inactivating CCR5 through gene therapy and pharmacological approaches. Fundamental research on CCR5 has also been boosted by key advances in the field of G-protein coupled receptor research, with the realization that CCR5 adopts a variety of conformations, and that only a subset of these conformations may be targeted by chemokine ligands. In addition, recent genetic and pathogenesis studies have emphasized the central role of CCR5 expression levels in determining the risk of HIV and SIV acquisition and disease progression. In this article, we propose to review the key properties of CCR5 that account for its central role in HIV pathogenesis, with a focus on mechanisms that regulate CCR5 expression, conformation, and interaction with HIV envelope glycoproteins.

Evidence of G-protein-coupled receptor and substrate transporter heteromerization at a single molecule level

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can constitute complexes with non-GPCR integral membrane proteins, while such interaction has not been demonstrated at a single molecule level so far. We here investigated the potential interaction between the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), a member of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). Both the proteins are expressed endogenously on the basolateral plasma membrane of the thyrocytes and are involved in stimulation of thyroid hormone production and release. Indeed, we demonstrate strong interaction between both the proteins which causes a suppressed activation of Gq/11 by TSH-stimulated TSHR. Thus, we provide not only evidence for a novel interaction between the TSHR and MCT8, but could also prove this interaction on a single molecule level. Moreover, this interaction forces biased signaling at the TSHR. These results are of general interest for both the GPCR and the MFS research fields.

Dynamic lateral organization of opioid receptors (kappa, muwt and muN40D ) in the plasma membrane at the nanoscale level

Opioid receptors are important pharmacological targets for the management of numerous medical conditions (eg, severe pain), but they are also the gateway to the development of deleterious side effects (eg, opiate addiction). Opioid receptor signaling cascades are well characterized. However, quantitative information regarding their lateral dynamics and nanoscale organization in the plasma membrane remains limited. Since these dynamic properties are important determinants of receptor function, it is crucial to define them. Herein, the nanoscale lateral dynamics and spatial organization of kappa opioid receptor (KOP), wild type mu opioid receptor (MOPwt ), and its naturally occurring isoform (MOPN40D ) were quantitatively characterized using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and photoactivated localization microscopy. Obtained results, supported by ensemble-averaged Monte Carlo simulations, indicate that these opioid receptors dynamically partition into different domains. In particular, significant exclusion from GM1 ganglioside-enriched domains and partial association with cholesterol-enriched domains was observed. Nanodomain size, receptor population density and the fraction of receptors residing outside of nanodomains were receptor-specific. KOP-containing domains were the largest and most densely populated, with the smallest fraction of molecules residing outside of nanodomains. The opposite was true for MOPN40D . Moreover, cholesterol depletion dynamically regulated the partitioning of KOP and MOPwt , whereas this effect was not observed for MOPN40D .

Molecular details of dimerization kinetics reveal negligible populations of transient µ-opioid receptor homodimers at physiological concentrations

Various experimental and computational techniques have been employed over the past decade to provide structural and thermodynamic insights into G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) dimerization. Here, we use multiple microsecond-long, coarse-grained, biased and unbiased molecular dynamics simulations (a total of ~4 milliseconds) combined with multi-ensemble Markov state models to elucidate the kinetics of homodimerization of a prototypic GPCR, the µ-opioid receptor (MOR), embedded in a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/cholesterol lipid bilayer. Analysis of these computations identifies kinetically distinct macrostates comprising several different short-lived dimeric configurations of either inactive or activated MOR. Calculated kinetic rates and fractions of dimers at different MOR concentrations suggest a negligible population of MOR homodimers at physiological concentrations, which is supported by acceptor photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments. This study provides a rigorous, quantitative explanation for some conflicting experimental data on GPCR oligomerization.

Remodeling our concept of chemokine receptor function: From monomers to oligomers

The chemokines direct leukocyte recruitment in both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions, and are therefore critical for immune reactions. By binding to members of the class A G protein-coupled receptors, the chemokines play an essential role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In the last quarter century, the field has accumulated much information regarding the implications of these molecules in different immune processes, as well as mechanistic insight into the signaling events activated through their binding to their receptors. Here, we will focus on chemokine receptors and how new methodological approaches have underscored the role of their conformations in chemokine functions. Advances in biophysical-based techniques show that chemokines and their receptors act in very complex networks and therefore should not be considered isolated entities. In this regard, the chemokine receptors can form homo- and heterodimers as well as oligomers at the cell surface. These findings are changing our view as to how chemokines influence cell biology, identify partners that regulate chemokine function, and open new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Dynamic tuneable G protein-coupled receptor monomer-dimer populations

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of membrane receptors, playing a key role in the regulation of processes as varied as neurotransmission and immune response. Evidence for GPCR oligomerisation has been accumulating that challenges the idea that GPCRs function solely as monomeric receptors; however, GPCR oligomerisation remains controversial primarily due to the difficulties in comparing evidence from very different types of structural and dynamic data. Using a combination of single-molecule and ensemble FRET, double electron–electron resonance spectroscopy, and simulations, we show that dimerisation of the GPCR neurotensin receptor 1 is regulated by receptor density and is dynamically tuneable over the physiological range. We propose a “rolling dimer” interface model in which multiple dimer conformations co-exist and interconvert. These findings unite previous seemingly conflicting observations, provide a compelling mechanism for regulating receptor signalling, and act as a guide for future physiological studies.

Evidence suggests oligomerisation of G protein-coupled receptors in membranes, but this is controversial. Here, authors use single-molecule and ensemble FRET, and spectroscopy to show that the neurotensin receptor 1 forms multiple dimer conformations that interconvert - “rolling” interfaces.

Dimerization of the voltage-sensing phosphatase controls its voltage-sensing and catalytic activity

The Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensing phosphatase (Ci-VSP) was not thought to multimerize. Rayaprolu et al. show that Ci-VSP exists as a dimer and that this interaction lowers the voltage dependence of activation and alters substrate specificity.

Multimerization is a key characteristic of most voltage-sensing proteins. The main exception was thought to be the Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensing phosphatase (Ci-VSP). In this study, we show that multimerization is also critical for Ci-VSP function. Using coimmunoprecipitation and single-molecule pull-down, we find that Ci-VSP stoichiometry is flexible. It exists as both monomers and dimers, with dimers favored at higher concentrations. We show strong dimerization via the voltage-sensing domain (VSD) and weak dimerization via the phosphatase domain. Using voltage-clamp fluorometry, we also find that VSDs cooperate to lower the voltage dependence of activation, thus favoring the activation of Ci-VSP. Finally, using activity assays, we find that dimerization alters Ci-VSP substrate specificity such that only dimeric Ci-VSP is able to dephosphorylate the 3-phosphate from PI(3,4,5)P₃ or PI(3,4)P₂. Our results indicate that dimerization plays a significant role in Ci-VSP function.

The Dynamics of GPCR Oligomerization and Their Functional Consequences

The functional importance of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomerization remains controversial. Although obligate dimers of class C GPCRs are well accepted, the generalizability of this phenomenon is still strongly debated with respect to other classes of GPCRs. In this review, we focus on understanding the organization and dynamics between receptor equivalents and their signaling partners in oligomeric receptor complexes, with a view toward integrating disparate viewpoints into a unified understanding. We discuss the nature of functional oligomeric entities, and how asymmetries in receptor structure and function created by oligomers might have implications for receptor function as allosteric machines and for future drug discovery.

Transient Acceleration of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Dynamics Produces Higher-Order Signaling Clusters

Cell signaling depends on spatiotemporally regulated molecular interactions. Although the movements of signaling proteins have been analyzed with various technologies, how spatial dynamics influence the molecular interactions that transduce signals is unclear. Here, we developed a single-molecule method to analyze the spatiotemporal coupling between motility, clustering, and signaling. The analysis was performed with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which triggers signaling through its dimerization and phosphorylation after association with EGF. Our results show that the few EGFRs isolated in membrane subdomains were released by an EGF-dependent increase in their diffusion area, facilitating molecular associations and producing immobile clusters. Using a two-color single-molecule analysis, we found that the EGF-induced state transition alters the properties of the immobile clusters, allowing them to interact for extended periods with the cytoplasmic protein, GRB2. Our study reveals a novel correlation between this molecular interaction and its mesoscale dynamics, providing the initial signaling node.

G protein-coupled receptor-receptor interactions give integrative dynamics to intercellular communication

The proposal of receptor-receptor interactions (RRIs) in the early 1980s broadened the view on the role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in the dynamics of the intercellular communication. RRIs, indeed, allow GPCR to operate not only as monomers but also as receptor complexes, in which the integration of the incoming signals depends on the number, spatial arrangement, and order of activation of the protomers forming the complex. The main biochemical mechanisms controlling the functional interplay of GPCR in the receptor complexes are direct allosteric interactions between protomer domains. The formation of these macromolecular assemblies has several physiologic implications in terms of the modulation of the signaling pathways and interaction with other membrane proteins. It also impacts on the emerging field of connectomics, as it contributes to set and tune the synaptic strength. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the transfer of GPCR and GPCR complexes between cells via the exosome pathway could enable the target cells to recognize/decode transmitters and/or modulators for which they did not express the pertinent receptors. Thus, this process may also open the possibility of a new type of redeployment of neural circuits. The fundamental aspects of GPCR complex formation and function are the focus of the present review article.

Roles of A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins and Phosphodiesterases in the Cardiovascular System

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are essential enzymes in the cyclic adenosine 3′-5′ monophosphate (cAMP) signaling cascade. They establish local cAMP pools by controlling the intensity, duration and compartmentalization of cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling. Various members of the AKAP and PDE families are expressed in the cardiovascular system and direct important processes maintaining homeostatic functioning of the heart and vasculature, e.g., the endothelial barrier function and excitation-contraction coupling. Dysregulation of AKAP and PDE function is associated with pathophysiological conditions in the cardiovascular system including heart failure, hypertension and atherosclerosis. A number of diseases, including autosomal dominant hypertension with brachydactyly (HTNB) and type I long-QT syndrome (LQT1), result from mutations in genes encoding for distinct members of the two classes of enzymes. This review provides an overview over the AKAPs and PDEs relevant for cAMP compartmentalization in the heart and vasculature and discusses their pathophysiological role as well as highlights the potential benefits of targeting these proteins and their protein-protein interactions for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Capturing the multiscale dynamics of membrane protein complexes with all-atom, mixed-resolution, and coarse-grained models

The structures and dynamics of protein complexes are often challenging to model in heterogeneous environments such as biological membranes. Herein, we meet this fundamental challenge at attainable cost with all-atom, mixed-resolution, and coarse-grained models of vital membrane proteins. We systematically simulated five complex models formed by two distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the lipid-bilayer membrane on the ns-to-μs timescales. These models, which suggest the swinging motion of an intracellular loop, for the first time, provide the molecular details for the regulatory role of such a loop. For the models at different resolutions, we observed consistent structural stability but various levels of speed-ups in protein dynamics. The mixed-resolution and coarse-grained models show two and four times faster protein diffusion than the all-atom models, in addition to a 4- and 400-fold speed-up in the simulation performance. Furthermore, by elucidating the strengths and challenges of combining all-atom models with reduced resolution models, this study can serve as a guide to simulating other complex systems in heterogeneous environments efficiently.

An efficient algorithm for extracting the magnitude of the measurement error for fractional dynamics

Modern live-imaging fluorescent microscopy techniques following the stochastic motion of labeled tracer particles, i.e. single particle tracking (SPT) experiments, have uncovered significant deviations from the laws of Brownian motion in a variety of biological systems. Accurately characterizing the anomalous diffusion for SPT experiments has become a central issue in biophysics. However, measurement errors raise difficulty in the analysis of single trajectories. In this paper, we introduce a novel surface calibration method based on a fractionally integrated moving average (FIMA) process as an effective tool for extracting both the magnitude of the measurement error and the anomalous exponent for autocorrelated processes of various origins. This method is developed using a toy model - fractional Brownian motion disturbed by independent Gaussian white noise - and is illustrated on both simulated and experimental biological data. We also compare this new method with the mean-squared displacement (MSD) technique, extended to capture the measurement noise in the toy model, which shows inferior results. The introduced procedure is expected to allow for more accurate analysis of fractional anomalous diffusion trajectories with measurement errors across different experimental fields and without the need for any calibration measurements.

Single-Molecule Analysis of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Stoichiometry: Approaches and Limitations

How G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are organized at the cell surface remains highly contentious. Single-molecule (SM) imaging is starting to inform this debate as receptor behavior can now be visualized directly, without the need for interpreting ensemble data. The limited number of SM studies of GPCRs undertaken to date have strongly suggested that dimerization is at most transient, and that most receptors are monomeric at any given time. However, even SM data has its caveats and needs to be interpreted carefully. Here, we discuss the types of SM imaging strategies used to examine GPCR stoichiometry and consider some of these caveats. We also emphasize that attempts to resolve the debate ought to rely on orthogonal approaches to measuring receptor stoichiometry.

Allosteric interactions between GABAB1 subunits control orthosteric binding sites occupancy within GABAB oligomers

The GABA_B receptor was the first G protein-coupled receptor identified as an obligate heterodimer. It is composed of two subunits, GABA_B1 containing the agonist binding site and GABA_B2 responsible for G protein activation. The GABA_B receptor was found to associate into larger complexes through GABA_B1-GABA_B1 interactions, both in transfected cells and in brain membranes. Here we assessed the possible allosteric interactions between GABA_B heterodimers by analyzing the effect of mutations located at the putative interface between the extracellular binding domains. These mutations decrease, but do not suppress, the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal measured between GABA_B1 subunits. Further analysis of one of these mutations revealed an increase in G protein-coupling efficacy and in the maximal antagonist binding by approximately two-fold. Hypothesizing that a tetramer is an elementary unit within oligomers, additional FRET data using fluorescent ligands and tagged subunits suggest that adjacent binding sites within the GABA_B oligomers are not simultaneously occupied. Our data show a strong negative effect between GABA_B1 binding sites within GABA_B oligomers. Accordingly, GABA_B receptor assembly appears to limit receptor signaling to G proteins, a property that may offer novel regulatory mechanism for this important neuronal receptor. This article is part of the "Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery".

Diversity of structure and function of GABAB receptors: a complexity of GABAB-mediated signaling

γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA_B) receptors are broadly expressed in the nervous system and play an important role in neuronal excitability. GABA_B receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate slow and prolonged inhibitory action, via activation of Gαi/o-type proteins. GABA_B receptors mediate their inhibitory action through activating inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels, inactivating voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels, and inhibiting adenylate cyclase. Functional GABA_B receptors are obligate heterodimers formed by the co-assembly of R1 and R2 subunits. It is well established that GABA_B receptors interact not only with G proteins and effectors but also with various proteins. This review summarizes the structure, subunit isoforms, and function of GABA_B receptors, and discusses the complexity of GABA_B receptors, including how receptors are localized in specific subcellular compartments, the mechanism regulating cell surface expression and mobility of the receptors, and the diversity of receptor signaling through receptor crosstalk and interacting proteins.

Quantitative single-molecule study of TGF-β/Smad signaling

TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway triggers diverse cellular responses among different cell types and environmental conditions. Quantitative analysis of protein-protein interactions involved in TGF-β/Smad signaling is demanded for understanding the molecular mechanism of this signaling pathway. Live-cell single-molecule microcopy with high spatiotemporal resolution is a new tool to monitor key molecular events in a real-time manner. In this review, we mainly presented the recent work on the quantitative characterization of TGF-β/Smad signaling proteins by single-molecule method, and showed how it enabled us to obtain new insights about this canonical signaling process.

Studying GPCR Pharmacology in Membrane Microdomains: Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Comes of Age

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are organised within the cell membrane into highly ordered macromolecular complexes along with other receptors and signalling proteins. Understanding how heterogeneity in these complexes affects the pharmacology and functional response of these receptors is crucial for developing new and more selective ligands. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and related techniques such as photon counting histogram (PCH) analysis and image-based FCS can be used to interrogate the properties of GPCRs in these membrane microdomains, as well as their interaction with fluorescent ligands. FCS analyses fluorescence fluctuations within a small-defined excitation volume to yield information about their movement, concentration and molecular brightness (aggregation). These techniques can be used on live cells with single-molecule sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Once the preserve of specialist equipment, FCS techniques can now be applied using standard confocal microscopes. This review describes how FCS and related techniques have revealed novel insights into GPCR biology.

Intracellular Protein-Labeling Probes for Multicolor Single-Molecule Imaging of Immune Receptor-Adaptor Molecular Dynamics

Single-molecule imaging (SMI) has been widely utilized to investigate biomolecular dynamics and protein-protein interactions in living cells. However, multicolor SMI of intracellular proteins is challenging because of high background signals and other limitations of current fluorescence labeling approaches. To achieve reproducible intracellular SMI, a labeling probe ensuring both efficient membrane permeability and minimal non-specific binding to cell components is essential. We developed near-infrared fluorescent probes for protein labeling that specifically bind to a mutant β-lactamase tag. By structural fine-tuning of cell permeability and minimized non-specific binding, SiRcB4 enabled multicolor SMI in combination with a HaloTag-based red-fluorescent probe. Upon addition of both chemical probes at sub-nanomolar concentrations, single-molecule imaging revealed the dynamics of TLR4 and its adaptor protein, TIRAP, which are involved in the innate immune system. Statistical analysis of the quantitative properties and time-lapse changes in dynamics revealed a protein-protein interaction in response to ligand stimulation.

TRH receptor mobility in the plasma membrane is strongly affected by agonist binding and by interaction with some cognate signaling proteins

OBJECTIVES

Extensive research has been dedicated to elucidating the mechanisms of signal transduction through different G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, relatively little is known about the regulation of receptor movement within the cell membrane upon ligand binding. In this study we focused our attention on the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor that typically couples to G_q/11 proteins.

METHODS

We monitored receptor diffusion in the plasma membrane of HEK293 cells stably expressing yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged TRH receptor (TRHR-YFP) by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP).

RESULTS

FRAP analysis indicated that the lateral movement of the TRH receptor was markedly reduced upon TRH binding as the value of its diffusion coefficient fell down by 55%. This effect was prevented by the addition of the TRH receptor antagonist midazolam. We also found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of G_q/11α, Gβ, β-arrestin2 and phospholipase Cβ1, but not of G_iα1, β-arrestin1 or G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2, resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of TRHR-YFP diffusion, indicating the involvement of the former proteins in the regulation of TRH receptor behavior. The observed partial reduction of the TRHR-YFP mobile fraction caused by down-regulation of G_iα1 and β-arrestin1 suggests that these proteins may also play distinct roles in THR receptor-mediated signaling.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate for the first time that not only agonist binding but also abundance of some signaling proteins may strongly affect TRH receptor dynamics in the plasma membrane.

The Class-A GPCR Dopamine D2 Receptor Forms Transient Dimers Stabilized by Agonists: Detection by Single-Molecule Tracking

Whether class-A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) exist and work as monomers or dimers has drawn extensive attention. A class-A GPCR dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) is involved in many physiological and pathological processes and diseases, indicating its critical role in proper functioning of neuronal circuits. In particular, D2R homodimers might play key roles in schizophrenia development and amphetamine-induced psychosis. Here, using single-molecule imaging, we directly tracked single D2R molecules in the plasma membrane at a physiological temperature of 37 °C, and unequivocally determined that D2R forms transient dimers with a lifetime of 68 ms in its resting state. Agonist addition prolonged the dimer lifetime by a factor of ~1.5, suggesting the possibility that transient dimers might be involved in signaling.