Oligomerization of recombinant and endogenously expressed human histamine H(4) receptors

Mol Pharmacol. 2006 Aug;70(2):604-15. doi: 10.1124/mol.105.020818. Epub 2006 Apr 27.

Abstract

In this study, we report the homo- and hetero-oligomerization of the human histamine H(4)R by both biochemical (Western blot and immobilized metal affinity chromatography) and biophysical [bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (tr-FRET)] techniques. The H(4)R receptor is the most recently discovered member of the histamine family of G-protein-coupled receptors. Using specific polyclonal antibodies raised against the C-terminal tail of the H(4)R, we demonstrate the presence of H(4)R oligomers in human embryonic kidney 293 and COS-7 cells heterologously overexpressing H(4)Rs and putative native H(4)R oligomers in human phytohaemagglutinin blasts endogenously expressing H(4)Rs. Moreover, we show that H(4)R homo-oligomers are formed constitutively, are formed at low receptor densities (300 fmol/mg of protein), and are present at the cell surface, as detected by tr-FRET. The formation of these oligomers is independent of N-glycosylation and is not modulated by H(4)R ligands, covering the full spectrum of agonists, neutral antagonists, and inverse agonists. Although we show H(4)R homo-oligomer formation at physiological expression levels, the detection of H(1)R-H(4)R hetero-oligomers was achieved only at higher H(1)R expression levels and are most likely not physiologically relevant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Dimerization
  • Glycosylation
  • Histamine Agonists / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology
  • Receptors, Histamine / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Histamine / physiology
  • Receptors, Histamine H1 / chemistry
  • Receptors, Histamine H4
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • HRH4 protein, human
  • Histamine Agonists
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Histamine
  • Receptors, Histamine H1
  • Receptors, Histamine H4
  • Recombinant Proteins