PMID: 16506406Mar 2, 2006Paper

Cannabinoid receptor binding to membrane homogenates and cannabinoid-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding to membrane homogenates or intact cultured cells

Methods in Molecular Medicine
Christopher Breivogel

Abstract

Radioligand-binding assays can be used to obtain information about the binding characteristics of a ligand to its receptor or the general location of binding sites within a tissue or even provide evidence for the existence of a specific receptor. In the case of the cannabinoid receptor system, radioligand binding has been instrumental for each of these applications. While receptor binding can provide the above information, it says little about the efficacy of the ligand interacting with it. Binding assays that assess the effect of an unlabeled receptor ligand on the binding of the radiolabeled guanosine triphosphate (GTP) analog [35S]GTPgammaS provide such information and may be the most sensitive assays available for determining the relative efficacies of ligands that act through G protein-coupled receptors, like the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Herein are described methods for radioligand binding to both brain membrane homogenates and membrane homogenates of cultured cells, as well as a recently developed protocol for assessing agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding to intact cultured cells.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.