G protein-coupled receptor internalization assays in the high-content screening format

Methods Enzymol. 2006:414:121-39. doi: 10.1016/S0076-6879(06)14008-2.

Abstract

High-content screening (HCS), a combination of fluorescence microscopic imaging and automated image analysis, has become a frequently applied tool to study test compound effects in cellular disease-modeling systems. This chapter describes the measurement of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) internalization in the HCS format using a high-throughput, confocal cellular imaging device. GPCRs are the most successful group of therapeutic targets on the pharmaceutical market. Accordingly, the search for compounds that interfere with GPCR function in a specific and selective way is a major focus of the pharmaceutical industry today. This chapter describes methods for the ligand-induced internalization of GPCRs labeled previously with either a fluorophore-conjugated ligand or an antibody directed against an N-terminal tag of the GPCR. Both labeling techniques produce robust assay formats. Complementary to other functional GPCR drug discovery assays, internalization assays enable a pharmacological analysis of test compounds. We conclude that GPCR internalization assays represent a valuable medium/high-throughput screening format to determine the cellular activity of GPCR ligands.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Automation
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Cricetinae
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Ligands
  • Microscopy, Confocal / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled