Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026
10:11
In-depth Physiological Analysis of Defined Cell Populations in Acute Tissue Slices of the Mouse Vomeronasal Organ
Published on: September 10, 2016
8.1K
Mapping GPR88-Venus illuminates a novel role for GPR88 in sensory processing
Aliza T Ehrlich1,2, Meriem Semache3, Julie Bailly1
1Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Perry Pavilion Room E-3317.1, 6875 boulevard LaSalle, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
Brain Structure & Function
|November 8, 2017
Summary
GPR88 protein plays a key role in integrating sensory information within the brain. This discovery highlights GPR88 as a potential therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders involving sensory processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- GPR88 is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor primarily found in the striatum.
- Previous research on GPR88 knockout mice focused mainly on striatal functions.
- A comprehensive understanding of GPR88's brain-wide distribution and function was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the precise localization of GPR88 protein across the brain.
- To investigate the functional role of GPR88 in sensory processing and behavior.
- To explore GPR88 as a potential therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Generation of Gpr88-Venus knock-in mice for fluorescent tracking of GPR88.
- Whole-brain mapping of GPR88 localization using microscopy.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain microstructure in Gpr88 knockout mice.
- Behavioral testing of Gpr88 knockout mice in sensory-dependent tasks.
Main Results:
- GPR88 protein is localized in neuronal soma, fibers, and primary cilia.
- A novel layer-4 cortical lamination pattern of GPR88 was identified in sensory processing areas.
- Gpr88 knockout mice exhibited microstructural alterations in the somatosensory cortex and caudate putamen.
- Knockout mice showed delayed responses in somatosensory, visual, and olfactory tasks, indicating impaired sensory integration.
Conclusions:
- GPR88 plays a significant role in the integration of multisensory information.
- The identified GPR88 cortical pattern suggests a function in sensory processing from early life.
- GPR88 is a promising therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by disrupted sensory integration.
Keywords:
Gpr88Gpr88-Venus fluorescent proteinKnock-in and knockout miceLayer 4 cortexOrphan G protein-coupled receptorPrimary ciliaMore Related Videos
08:16Detection of G Protein-coupled Receptor Expression in Mouse Vagal Afferent Neurons using Multiplex In Situ Hybridization
Published on: September 20, 2021
4.6K
11:26Imaging Neuronal Responses in Slice Preparations of Vomeronasal Organ Expressing a Genetically Encoded Calcium Sensor
Published on: December 6, 2011
11.3K
Related Concept Videos
01:21G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
5.9K
GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision. The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory...
Sensory...
5.9K
01:15G Protein-coupled Receptors
18.0K
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
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...
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...
18.0K
01:30Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
4.7K
G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical,...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical,...
4.7K
01:12GPCR Desensitization
8.3K
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling plays a crucial role in cell functioning. GPCR desensitization is an equally essential process. It allows cells to respond to changing environments and regain sensitivity to new stimuli while preventing unnecessary stimulation when no longer needed. Prolonged exposure to stimuli leads to GPCR desensitization. It involves blocking the receptors from binding and activating additional G proteins. This inhibits activation of downstream effectors, thereby...
8.3K
01:22Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
11.8K
Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high...
11.8K
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
132.4K
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
132.4K