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Title G protein-coupled receptor regulation: The role of protein interactions and receptor trafficking
Author/s Caroline Sandén
Department/s Drug Target Discovery
Full-text Available as PDF
Defence date 2009-09-07
Defence time 13:00
Defence place Segerfalksalen, BMC A10
Opponent Docent Gunnar Schulte
Publication/Series Lund University, Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Dissertation Series
Publishing year 2009
Volume 2009:74
Pages 155
Document type Dissertation
Language English
Publisher Experimentel medicinsk vetenskap, Lunds Universitet
Abstract English The superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) is the largest gene family in the human genome. GPCR-mediated signaling operates in every human cell, and about 50% of existing clinically useful drugs act through GPCR. Kinins are proinflammatory peptides that are rapidly produced extracellularly following pathological insults and tissue damage. These peptides act through two GPCR subtypes, B1 (B1R) and B2 (B2R), to elicit numerous inflammatory responses including vasodilatiation, increased vascular permeability, and pain. GPER1 (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1) has recently been suggested as a novel estrogen receptor. Much controversy surrounds this receptor regarding its subcellular localization and activation. The aim of the present thesis was to explore the role of receptor trafficking and protein-interactions in kinin receptor regulation, as well as studying the receptor trafficking and signaling of GPER1. B1R forms homo-oligomers, which is required for proper B1R maturation and cell-surface expression. Furthermore, the endopeptidase EP24.15 is able to degrade BK intracellularly and attenuate maximal B2R responsiveness without influencing the potency of BK. Finally, GPER1 is localized both intracellularly and on the cell surface, where it is subject to rapid, constitutive endocytosis. Estrogen was found to elevate the level of cAMP in mouse myotube C2C12 cells, in a GPER1-dependent manner, but it is still not clear whether estrogen is the true agonist for GPER1. Taken together, the present thesis demonstrates the importance of protein-protein interactions and trafficking for B1R, B2R, and GPER1 regulation and activity. Understanding these mechanisms will be of great benefit in drug development by presenting novel drug targets.
Subject Biology and Life Sciences
Keywords B1 receptor, receptor trafficking, receptor oligomerization, estrogen, GPER1, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1, EP24.15, BK, bradykinin, B1R, B2R, B2 receptor, GPCR, receptor maturation
ISBN/ISSN/Other ISSN: 1652-8220
ISBN: 978-91-86253-62-2
Supervisor Fredrik Leeb-Lundberg
References References
Part of B1 Bradykinin Receptor Homo-oligomers in Receptor Cell Surface Expression and Signaling: Effects of Receptor Fragments.
Part of Kinin B2 Receptor-Mediated Bradykinin Internalization and Metalloendopeptidase EP24.15-Dependent Intracellular Bradykinin Degradation.

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