In the laboratory you are testing different types of cells for their ability to activate a G-protein-coupled receptor pathway. You are using the dye fura-2 as a measure of signaling. Fura-2 fluoresces when bound to cytoplasmic calcium (Ca+2). You identify a cell type that is unable to activate the G-protein-coupled signaling pathway.
a) How do these cells react when treated with Fura-2?
b) What type of mutation could cause these results?
Pleaase find the answers below:
Answer a: According to the information, the fluorescent dye fluoresces when bound to cytoplasmic calcium in a cell. Hence, in order to achieve a positive signal, the calcium ions must be present in the cell. Since the intracellular calcium signalling is dependent upon optimized binding of a ligand to the transmembranous GPCR and consequent activation of cytoplasmic domain of this receptor leading to calcium accumulation, fura-2 would bind to this calcium and provide a signal under fluorescence.
Answer b: Since the cell is unable to activate the GPCR signal, it is highly likely that the protein might have undergone mutational change on the protein sequence located on the cytoplasmic side which promoted failure of activation of down-stream signalling cascade, hence no signal from fura-2 dye.
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