Structure, Function, and Regulation of GPCRs

该项目研究哺乳动物味觉受体和其他参与味觉信号传递的分子的结构、功能和调控。与NIDCD内壁研究部的苏珊·沙利文合作，我们创建了一个消减的、归一化的小鼠cDNA库，丰富了味觉感受器细胞中选择性表达的基因。从这个文库中，我们已经从味觉受体细胞的选择性表达中分离出数百个cDNA，通过原位杂交进行检测。这些cDNA包括甜味和苦味受体家族的成员，以及G蛋白亚基、离子通道和其他可能参与味觉信号传递的分子。我们目前正在使用异源表达和小鼠模型来探索这些味觉选择分子的功能。与约翰·诺瑟普在NIDCD内壁研究部的实验室合作，我们正在使用体外受体重建试验来研究正常和突变的苦味受体的配基偏好和偶联特性。

This project studies the structure, function, and regulation of mammalian taste receptors and other molecules involved in taste signaling. In collaboration with Susan Sullivan in the NIDCD Division of Intramural Research, we have created a subtracted, normalized mouse cDNA library enriched in genes selectively expressed in taste receptor cells. From this library, we have isolated hundreds of cDNAs from taste receptor cell selective expression, when assayed by in situ hybridization. These cDNAs include members of the sweet and bitter taste receptor families, as well as G protein subunits, ion channels, and other molecules likely to be involved in taste signaling. We are currently using heterologous expression and mouse models to explore the function of these taste-selective molecules. In a collaboration with John Northup's laboratory in the NIDCD Division of Intramural Research, we are using an in vitro receptor reconstitution assay to study the ligand preferences and coupling properties of normal and mutated bitter receptors.