History of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) assays from traditional to a state-of-the-art biosensor assay

J Pharmacol Sci. 2014;126(4):302-9. doi: 10.1254/jphs.14R13CP. Epub 2014 Nov 22.

Abstract

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest and the most versatile superfamily that share a seven-transmembrane-spanning architecture. GPCR-signaling is involved in vision, taste, olfaction, sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous functions, metabolism, and immune regulation, indicating that GPCRs are extremely important therapeutic targets for various diseases. Cellular dielectric spectroscopy (CDS) is a novel technology that employs a label-free, real-time and cell-based assay approach for the comprehensive pharmacological evaluation of cells that exogenously or endogenously express GPCRs. Among the biosensors that use CDS technology, the CellKey™ system not only detects the activation of GPCRs but also distinguishes between signals through different subtypes of the Gα protein (Gs, Gi/o, and Gq). In this review, we discuss the traditional assays and then introduce the principles by which the CellKey™ system evaluates GPCR activation, followed by a perspective on the advantages and future prospects of this system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Biosensing Techniques / trends
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dielectric Spectroscopy*
  • Humans
  • Rats
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / analysis*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled