Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Rhodopsin Transport Assay by High-Content Imaging Analysis
Published on: January 16, 2019
The G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin in the native membrane
Dimitrios Fotiadis1, Yan Liang2, Slawomir Filipek3
1M.E. Müller Institute for Microscopy, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The higher-order structure of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in membranes may involve dimerization and formation of even larger oligomeric complexes. Here, we have investigated the organization of the prototypical GPCR rhodopsin in its native membrane by electron and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Disc membranes from mice were isolated and observed by AFM at room temperature. In all experimental conditions, rhodopsin forms structural dimers organized in paracrystalline arrays. A semi-empirical molecular model for the rhodopsin paracrystal is presented validating our previously reported results. Finally, we compare our model with other currently available models describing the supramolecular structure of GPCRs in the membrane.
More Related Videos
09:19Strategic Screening and Characterization of the Visual GPCR-mini-G Protein Signaling Complex for Successful Crystallization
Published on: March 16, 2020
08:18Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein
Published on: October 4, 2024
Related Concept Videos
G-protein Coupled Receptors
Channel Rhodopsins
Rhodopsins belong to the family of cell surface proteins called G-protein coupled receptors,...
G Protein-coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways