Structural studies of human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have recently been accelerated through the use of a fusion partner that was inserted into the third intracellular loop. Using chimeras of the human β2-adrenergic and human A2A adenosine receptors, we present the methodology and data for the initial selection of an expanded set of fusion partners for crystallizing GPCRs. In particular, use of the thermostabilized apocytochrome b562RIL as a fusion partner displays certain advantages over previously utilized fusion proteins, resulting in a significant improvement in stability and structure of GPCR-fusion constructs.
Structural studies of human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have recently been accelerated through the use of a fusion partner that was inserted into the third intracellular loop. Using chimeras of the human β2-adrenergic and human A2A adenosine receptors, we present the methodology and data for the initial selection of an expanded set of fusion partners for crystallizing GPCRs. In particular, use of the thermostabilized apocytochrome b562RIL as a fusion partner displays certain advantages over previously utilized fusion proteins, resulting in a significant improvement in stability and structure of GPCR-fusion constructs.
