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RTP family members induce functional expression of mammalian odorant receptors

Harumi Saito1, Momoka Kubota, Richard W Roberts

  • 1Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

Cell
|November 20, 2004
PubMed

Insights

RTP1 and RTP2 proteins facilitate the cell surface expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically odorant receptors (ORs). These proteins are crucial for olfactory neuron function and odorant ligand detection.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) require cell surface localization for ligand binding.
  • Mammalian odorant receptors (ORs) exhibit poor cell surface expression when heterologously expressed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of transmembrane proteins in the cell surface expression of ORs.
  • To identify factors enhancing functional OR expression in HEK293T cells.

Main Methods:

  • Heterologous expression of ORs in HEK293T cells.
  • Co-expression with candidate transmembrane proteins RTP1, RTP2, and REEP1.
  • Assessment of cell surface expression and odorant-induced responses.

Main Results:

  • RTP1 and RTP2 significantly promote functional cell surface expression of ORs.
  • RTP1 and RTP2 associate with ORs and enhance odorant responses.
  • REEP1 shows a weaker, similar effect; RTP1/RTP2 are specifically expressed in olfactory neurons.

Conclusions:

  • RTP1 and RTP2 are key regulators of OR translocation to the plasma membrane and OR function.
  • This system provides a platform for screening OR chemical selectivity and identifying odorant ligands.

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