In vitro reverse pharmacology for characterising ligand-receptor interactions

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Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Animal health
  • Human health
The Method is situated in
  • Basic Research
  • Translational - Applied Research
Type of method
  • In vitro - Ex vivo
This method makes use of
  • Animal derived cells / tissues / organs
Species from which cells/tissues/organs are derived
Mammalian cell lines for heterologous expression
Type of cells/tissues/organs
Mammalian cell lines for heterologous expression

Description

Method keywords
  • reverse pharmacology
  • GPCR deorphanization
  • ligand-receptor screening
  • cell culture
Scientific area keywords
  • pharmacology
  • neurobiology
  • signal transduction
  • GPCR signaling
Method description

Reverse pharmacology is a high-throughput in vitro method to characterise ligand-receptor interactions. In this method, a receptor of interest is expressed in a heterologous cell line and used as a hook to fish out its ligand(s) from a library of synthetic compounds. Receptor activation is measured by monitoring secondary messengers, such as the release of calcium from intracellular storage sites, using fluorescent or bioluminescent indicators. The method can be used for high-throughput screening of ligand-receptor interactions and for in depth follow-up studies characterising the potency, affinity and downstream signalling pathways of ligand-receptor couples.

Lab equipment

This method requires an automated liquid handling system that can simultaneously detect fluorescence and/or bioluminescent signals, e.g. a FLIPR system. It also requires standard facilities for cell culture.

Method status
  • Published in peer reviewed journal

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages

The main advantage of reverse pharmacology is its amenability for high-throughput screening, providing the ability to perform large-scale screens of ligand-receptor interactions. In addition, no prior knowledge on downstream signalling pathways is required to monitor receptor activation.

References, associated documents and other information

References

Caers, J. et al. Molecular characterization of a short neuropeptide F signaling system in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. Gen Comp Endocrinol 235, 142–149 (2016).

Caers, J. et al. Characterization and pharmacological analysis of two adipokinetic hormone receptor variants of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 70, 73–84 (2016).

Caers, J. et al. Characterization of G protein-coupled receptors by a fluorescence-based calcium mobilization assay. J Vis Exp e51516–e51516 (2014). doi:10.3791/51516

Beets, I. et al. Vasopressin/oxytocin-related signaling regulates gustatory associative learning in C. elegans. Science 338, 543–545 (2012).

Contact person

Isabel Beets

Organisations

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)
Biology
Belgium
Flemish Region