Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Characterization of G Protein-coupled Receptors by a Fluorescence-based Calcium Mobilization Assay
Published on: July 28, 2014
Molecular and functional characterization of adipokinetic hormone receptor and its peptide ligands in Bombyx mori
Chenggang Zhu1, Haishan Huang, Rongsheng Hua
1Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
Abstract:
Neuropeptides of the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) family are among the best studied hormone peptides, but its signaling pathways remain to be elucidated. In this study, we molecularly characterized the signaling of Bombyx AKH receptor (AKHR) and its peptide ligands in HEK293 cells. In HEK293 cells stably expressing AKHR, AKH1 stimulation not only led to a ligand concentration dependent mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) and cAMP accumulation, but also elicited transient activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway. We observed that AKH receptor was rapidly internalized after AKH1 stimulation. We further demonstrated that AKH2 exhibited high activities in cAMP accumulation and ERK1/2 activation on AKHR comparable to AKH1, whereas AKH3 was much less effective.
Related Concept Videos
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...

