Direct interrogation of context-dependent GPCR activity with a universal biosensor platform. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38412860/)

These scientists wanted to learn more about a group of proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are important for how our cells communicate with each other. They found that it was difficult to study these proteins because there weren't good tools available to measure how they work in different situations. So, they created a new tool called ONE-GO biosensor constructs that could help them measure how GPCRs are activated by different signals in our bodies.

They tested this new tool on many different types of cells, like heart cells and brain cells, to see how different GPCRs behaved. They discovered that GPCRs can interact with different proteins in our cells depending on the type of cell they are in or if the cell is in a diseased state. They also found out how certain medications affect these proteins differently.

Overall, this new tool they created will help scientists all over the world learn more about how these important proteins work in our bodies, which could lead to new discoveries in medicine and treatments for diseases.

Janicot R., Maziarz M., Park JC., Zhao J., Luebbers A., Green E., Philibert CE., Zhang H., Layne MD., Wu JC., Garcia-Marcos M. Direct interrogation of context-dependent GPCR activity with a universal biosensor platform. Cell. 2024 Mar 14;187(6):1527-1546.e25. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.028. Epub 2024 Feb 26.