title: Monitoring interactions between G-protein-coupled receptors and beta-arrestins.
abstract: beta-Arrestins 1 and 2 are ubiquitously expressed intracellular adaptor and scaffolding proteins that play important roles in GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor) desensitization, internalization, intracellular trafficking and G-protein-independent signalling. Recent developments in BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy transfer) technology enable novel insights to be gained from real-time monitoring of GPCR-beta-arrestin complexes in live cells for prolonged periods. In concert with confocal microscopy, assays for studying internalization and recycling kinetics such as ELISAs, and techniques for measuring downstream signalling pathways such as those involving MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), investigators can now use a range of experimental tools to elucidate the ever-expanding roles of beta-arrestins in mediating GPCR function.
authors.affiliation: 7TM Laboratory/Laboratory for Molecular Endocrinology, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) and Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia. kpfleger@waimr.uwa.edu.au
authors.forename: K D G
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Pfleger
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Dalrymple
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Dromey
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Eidne
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019390:Arrestins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D025941:Protein Interaction Mapping; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000378:metabolism*; D000071557:beta-Arrestins
chemical_list: D019390:Arrestins; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D000071557:beta-Arrestins