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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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Fluorescent Calcium Imaging and Subsequent In Situ Hybridization for Neuronal Precursor Characterization in Xenopus laevis
Published on: February 18, 2020
Calcium flux assay in Xenopus oocytes
1National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Current Protocols in Neuroscience
|April 23, 2008
Summary
This study details a straightforward calcium flux assay for measuring G protein-coupled receptor activation in Xenopus oocytes. This method offers a convenient way to study receptor signaling in neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial drug targets and signaling molecules in neuroscience.
- GPCR activation often leads to transient intracellular calcium increases ([Ca(2+)](i)).
- Measuring these calcium fluxes provides a direct readout of receptor activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a simple and effective calcium flux assay.
- To demonstrate the application of this assay in Xenopus oocytes.
- To provide a tool for studying GPCR activation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Xenopus oocytes as a model system.
- Implementing a calcium flux assay to detect changes in intracellular calcium.
- Measuring transient increases in [Ca(2+)](i) upon receptor activation.
Main Results:
- The assay successfully detected transient increases in intracellular calcium.
- Demonstrated the utility of the assay for monitoring GPCR activation.
- Provided a reproducible method for studying receptor signaling.
Conclusions:
- The described calcium flux assay is a simple and valuable tool for neuroscience research.
- Xenopus oocytes are a suitable model for studying GPCR-mediated calcium signaling.
- This assay facilitates the investigation of GPCR function and activation.
