Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors
Published on: September 13, 2013
Large-scale polymorphism discovery in macaque G-protein coupled receptors
Dharmendra B Goswami1, Lisa M Ogawa, Joshua M Ward
1New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, One Pine Hill Drive, Southborough, MA 01772, USA. eric_vallender@hms.harvard.edu.
Genetic variations in G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are common in macaques, with key signaling regions showing high polymorphism. These findings aid in developing better non-human primate models for human diseases.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Pharmacogenetics
- Primate genetics
Background:
- G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial drug targets, and genetic variations are linked to human diseases.
- Naturally occurring polymorphisms in non-human primates offer valuable models for studying these variations.
- Previous studies focused on specific candidate genes, necessitating broader investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively resequence and analyze genetic variations across non-olfactory GPCRs in multiple macaque populations.
- To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within coding sequences of GPCRs.
- To compare patterns of polymorphism and divergence between macaques and humans.
Main Methods:
- Target enrichment using Agilent system for GPCR exonic sequences.
- Next-generation sequencing of Indian and Chinese rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus macaques (M. fascicularis).
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify and categorize SNPs.
Main Results:
- Identification of nearly 25,000 SNPs in coding sequences, including over 14,000 non-synonymous and 9,500 synonymous SNPs.
- Regions with lower evolutionary constraint exhibited higher polymorphism rates.
- Approximately 1,750 non-synonymous and 2,900 synonymous SNPs were found in multiple individuals.
Conclusions:
- Polymorphism and divergence are concentrated in functionally critical GPCR domains (N-terminal, C-terminal, third intracellular loop).
- SNP frequencies in macaques mirror human divergence patterns.
- Newly identified polymorphisms in primates may serve as valuable parallels to human variations, enhancing disease models.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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
G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein Coupled Receptors
Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical,...
Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...

