Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Characterization of Intra-Cartilage Transport Properties of Cationic Peptide Carriers
Published on: August 10, 2020
The CART receptors: background and recent advances
Aleksandra Vicentic1, Anita Lakatos, Douglas Jones
1Neuroscience Division, Yerkes National Primate Research Center of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. avicen2@emory.edu
Researchers identified specific CART receptor binding in AtT20 cells, confirming CART signaling properties. This discovery offers a new target for developing drugs for obesity and other disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous studies suggested multiple CART receptors, but binding remained elusive.
- CART peptide (CART 55-102) inhibited calcium signaling, and CART activated ERK 1/2 via Gi/o cascade in AtT20 cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize CART receptor binding in AtT20 cells.
- To validate CART signaling pathways and explore potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Radioligand binding assays using [(125)I]-CART 61-102.
- Dose- and time-dependent analysis of CART-induced ERK 1/2 activation.
- Inhibition studies with pertussis toxin and genistein.
Main Results:
- Specific, saturable binding of [(125)I]-CART 61-102 was observed in AtT20 cells.
- Binding affinity (Kd) was 21.9+/-8.0 pM, with Bmax of 101.4+/-8.8 fmol/mg protein.
- CART-induced ERK activation was blocked by pertussis toxin, indicating Gi/o-linked signaling.
Conclusions:
- Specific CART receptor binding exists in AtT20 cells, correlating with demonstrated CART signaling.
- Identification of CART receptors provides a novel target for pharmacological interventions in feeding, reward, and stress-related disorders like obesity.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
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...
G-protein Coupled Receptors
Channel Rhodopsins
Rhodopsins belong to the family of cell surface proteins called G-protein coupled receptors,...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Patch Clamp
In this method, a glass micropipette containing electrolyte solution is tightly sealed against a small portion of the cell membrane. As a result, a patch of the cell...

