GPCR screening via ERK 1/2: a novel platform for screening G protein-coupled receptors

J Biomol Screen. 2005 Oct;10(7):730-7. doi: 10.1177/1087057105277968. Epub 2005 Aug 29.

Abstract

Discovery of novel agonists and antagonists for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) relies heavily on cell-based assays because determination of functional consequences of receptor engagement is often desirable. Currently, there are several key parameters measured to achieve this, including mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate or inositol triphosphate. However, no single assay platform is suitable for all situations, and all of the assays have limitations. The authors have developed a new high-throughput homogeneous assay platform for GPCR discovery as an alternative to current assays, which employs detection of phosphorylation of the key signaling molecule p42/44 MAP kinase (ERK 1/2). The authors show that ERK 1/2 is consistently activated in cells stimulated by Gq-coupled GPCRs and provides a new high-throughput platform for screening GPCR drug candidates. The activation of ERK 1/2 in Gq-coupled GPCR systems generates comparable pharmacological data for receptor agonist and antagonist data obtained by other GPCR activation measurement techniques.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Carbachol / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Humans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / genetics
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / genetics
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • Neurotensin / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / analysis*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Neurotensin
  • Carbachol
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3