UM Chemistry/Research Forum Winner - Shaffer

Unlocking the Structure of G Protein-Coupled Receptors The Development of a Water Soluble GPCR Model

 Becky Shaffer (Biochemistry), Presenter
Contributors: Erin Bonilla, Abby L. Parrill
 Department of Chemistry, The University of Memphis

The purpose of our research is to generate a water-soluble GPCR model system that will provide valuable information relating to studies of GPCR in their natural environment. Modified sequences of S1P1 and β-2 adrenergic receptors have been created by replacing outward-facing hydrophobic amino acids with polar residues that allow the receptors to maintain shape and function. Computational tools have been used to predict the disorder tendency for each modified sequence. By generating sequences to be experimentally built and tested for structural and functional fidelity, we hope to develop a model system that will provide a complementary method to studying GPCR.