Skip to main content
Advertisement

Main menu

  • Home
  • Articles
    • Current Issue
    • Fast Forward
    • Latest Articles
    • Special Sections
    • Archive
  • Information
    • Instructions to Authors
    • Submit a Manuscript
    • FAQs
    • For Subscribers
    • Terms & Conditions of Use
    • Permissions
  • Editorial Board
  • Alerts
    • Alerts
    • RSS Feeds
  • Virtual Issues
  • Feedback
  • Submit
  • Other Publications
    • Drug Metabolism and Disposition
    • Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
    • Molecular Pharmacology
    • Pharmacological Reviews
    • Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
    • ASPET

User menu

  • My alerts
  • Log in
  • My Cart

Search

  • Advanced search
Molecular Pharmacology
  • Other Publications
    • Drug Metabolism and Disposition
    • Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
    • Molecular Pharmacology
    • Pharmacological Reviews
    • Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
    • ASPET
  • My alerts
  • Log in
  • My Cart
Molecular Pharmacology

Advanced Search

  • Home
  • Articles
    • Current Issue
    • Fast Forward
    • Latest Articles
    • Special Sections
    • Archive
  • Information
    • Instructions to Authors
    • Submit a Manuscript
    • FAQs
    • For Subscribers
    • Terms & Conditions of Use
    • Permissions
  • Editorial Board
  • Alerts
    • Alerts
    • RSS Feeds
  • Virtual Issues
  • Feedback
  • Submit
  • Visit molpharm on Facebook
  • Follow molpharm on Twitter
  • Follow molpharm on LinkedIn
Rapid CommunicationMinireview—Exploring the biology of GPCRs: from in vitro to in vivo

Model Organisms in G Protein–Coupled Receptor Research

Tobias Langenhan, Maureen M. Barr, Michael R. Bruchas, John Ewer, Leslie C. Griffith, Isabella Maiellaro, Paul H. Taghert, Benjamin H. White and Kelly R. Monk
Molecular Pharmacology September 2015, 88 (3) 596-603; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.115.098764
Tobias Langenhan
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
Maureen M. Barr
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
Michael R. Bruchas
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
John Ewer
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
Leslie C. Griffith
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
Isabella Maiellaro
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
Paul H. Taghert
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
Benjamin H. White
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
Kelly R. Monk
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology (T.L.), and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rudolf Virchow Center (I.M.), University of Würzburg, Germany, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (M.M.B.); Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center (M.R.B.), Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (M.R.B., P.H.T.), and Department of Developmental Biology, Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, (K.R.M.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile (J.E.); National Center of Behavioral Genomics, Volen Center for Complex Systems, and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts (L.C.G.); and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (B.H.W.)
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
  • Find this author on PubMed
  • Search for this author on this site
  • Article
  • Figures & Data
  • Info & Metrics
  • eLetters
  • PDF
Loading

Visual Overview

Figure
  • Download figure
  • Open in new tab
  • Download powerpoint

Abstract

The study of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) has benefited greatly from experimental approaches that interrogate their functions in controlled, artificial environments. Working in vitro, GPCR receptorologists discovered the basic biologic mechanisms by which GPCRs operate, including their eponymous capacity to couple to G proteins; their molecular makeup, including the famed serpentine transmembrane unit; and ultimately, their three-dimensional structure. Although the insights gained from working outside the native environments of GPCRs have allowed for the collection of low-noise data, such approaches cannot directly address a receptor’s native (in vivo) functions. An in vivo approach can complement the rigor of in vitro approaches: as studied in model organisms, it imposes physiologic constraints on receptor action and thus allows investigators to deduce the most salient features of receptor function. Here, we briefly discuss specific examples in which model organisms have successfully contributed to the elucidation of signals controlled through GPCRs and other surface receptor systems. We list recent examples that have served either in the initial discovery of GPCR signaling concepts or in their fuller definition. Furthermore, we selectively highlight experimental advantages, shortcomings, and tools of each model organism.

Footnotes

    • Received February 28, 2015.
    • Accepted May 14, 2015.
  • This research was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Grants FOR2149/TP1 and TP3 and SFB1047/A5 (to T.L.)], the National Institutes of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse [Exceptional Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration Grant R01-DA037152 (to M.R.B.)], the Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico [Grant FONDECYT-1141278 (to J.E.)], and the Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaiso [Grant P09-022-F (to J.E.)], which is supported by the Millennium Scientific Initiative of the Ministerio de Economía, Fomento y Turismo. This research was also supported by the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases [Grants R01-DK059418 and R01-DK074746 (to M.M.B.], the National Institutes of Health National Institute of General Medical Sciences [Grant R01-GM54408 (to L.C.G.)], the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health [Grant R01-MH067122 (to P.H.T.)], the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health [(to B.H.W.)], the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Grant R01-NS079445 (to K.R.M.)], and the National Institutes of Health Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [Grant R01-HD080601 (to K.R.M.)].

  • dx.doi.org/10.1124/mol.115.098764.

  • U.S. Government work not protected by U.S. copyright
View Full Text

MolPharm articles become freely available 12 months after publication, and remain freely available for 5 years. 

Non-open access articles that fall outside this five year window are available only to institutional subscribers and current ASPET members, or through the article purchase feature at the bottom of the page. 

 

  • Click here for information on institutional subscriptions.
  • Click here for information on individual ASPET membership.

 

Log in using your username and password

Forgot your user name or password?

Purchase access

You may purchase access to this article. This will require you to create an account if you don't already have one.
PreviousNext
Back to top

In this issue

Molecular Pharmacology: 88 (3)
Molecular Pharmacology
Vol. 88, Issue 3
1 Sep 2015
  • Table of Contents
  • Table of Contents (PDF)
  • About the Cover
  • Index by author
  • Editorial Board (PDF)
  • Front Matter (PDF)
Download PDF
Article Alerts
Sign In to Email Alerts with your Email Address
Email Article

Thank you for sharing this Molecular Pharmacology article.

NOTE: We request your email address only to inform the recipient that it was you who recommended this article, and that it is not junk mail. We do not retain these email addresses.

Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas.
Model Organisms in G Protein–Coupled Receptor Research
(Your Name) has forwarded a page to you from Molecular Pharmacology
(Your Name) thought you would be interested in this article in Molecular Pharmacology.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Citation Tools
Rapid CommunicationMinireview—Exploring the biology of GPCRs: from in vitro to in vivo

Model Organisms in GPCR Research

Tobias Langenhan, Maureen M. Barr, Michael R. Bruchas, John Ewer, Leslie C. Griffith, Isabella Maiellaro, Paul H. Taghert, Benjamin H. White and Kelly R. Monk
Molecular Pharmacology September 1, 2015, 88 (3) 596-603; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.115.098764

Citation Manager Formats

  • BibTeX
  • Bookends
  • EasyBib
  • EndNote (tagged)
  • EndNote 8 (xml)
  • Medlars
  • Mendeley
  • Papers
  • RefWorks Tagged
  • Ref Manager
  • RIS
  • Zotero

Share
Rapid CommunicationMinireview—Exploring the biology of GPCRs: from in vitro to in vivo

Model Organisms in GPCR Research

Tobias Langenhan, Maureen M. Barr, Michael R. Bruchas, John Ewer, Leslie C. Griffith, Isabella Maiellaro, Paul H. Taghert, Benjamin H. White and Kelly R. Monk
Molecular Pharmacology September 1, 2015, 88 (3) 596-603; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.115.098764
del.icio.us logo Digg logo Reddit logo Twitter logo Facebook logo Google logo Mendeley logo
  • Tweet Widget
  • Facebook Like
  • Google Plus One

Jump to section

  • Article
    • Visual Overview
    • Abstract
    • Introduction
    • Animal Models to Discover and Validate Molecular Concepts
    • Insect Ecdysis and the Complexities of In Vivo Studies on GPCRs
    • Tools for In Vivo GPCR Research
    • Conclusions
    • Acknowledgments
    • Authorship Contributions
    • Footnotes
    • Abbreviations
    • References
  • Figures & Data
  • Info & Metrics
  • eLetters
  • PDF

Related Articles

Cited By...

More in this TOC Section

  • Spatial and Temporal Aspects of Signaling by GPCRs
  • Residence Time at GPCRs
Show more Minireview—Exploring the biology of GPCRs: from in vitro to in vivo

Similar Articles

Advertisement
  • Home
  • Alerts
Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   RSS

Navigate

  • Current Issue
  • Fast Forward by date
  • Fast Forward by section
  • Latest Articles
  • Archive
  • Search for Articles
  • Feedback
  • ASPET

More Information

  • About Molecular Pharmacology
  • Editorial Board
  • Instructions to Authors
  • Submit a Manuscript
  • Customized Alerts
  • RSS Feeds
  • Subscriptions
  • Permissions
  • Terms & Conditions of Use

ASPET's Other Journals

  • Drug Metabolism and Disposition
  • Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
  • Pharmacological Reviews
  • Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
ISSN 1521-0111 (Online)

Copyright © 2023 by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics