FTIR analysis of GPCR activation using azido probes

Nat Chem Biol. 2009 Jun;5(6):397-9. doi: 10.1038/nchembio.167. Epub 2009 Apr 26.

Abstract

We demonstrate the site-directed incorporation of an IR-active amino acid, p-azido-L-phenylalanine (azidoF, 1), into the G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin using amber codon suppression technology. The antisymmetric stretch vibration of the azido group absorbs at approximately 2,100 cm(-1) in a clear spectral window and is sensitive to its electrostatic environment. We used FTIR difference spectroscopy to monitor the azido probe and show that the electrostatic environments of specific interhelical networks change during receptor activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Azides / chemistry*
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Structural
  • Molecular Probes*
  • Phenylalanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Phenylalanine / chemistry
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry
  • Rhodopsin / chemistry
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / methods*
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • Azides
  • Molecular Probes
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • 4-azidophenylalanine
  • Phenylalanine
  • Rhodopsin

Associated data

  • PubChem-Substance/57551958
  • PubChem-Substance/57551959
  • PubChem-Substance/57551960
  • PubChem-Substance/57551961
  • PubChem-Substance/57551962