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Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Visualizing the Conformational Dynamics of Membrane Receptors Using Single-Molecule FRET
Published on: August 17, 2022
The new fate of internalized membrane receptors: Internalized activation
Wenjing Wang1, Jingwei Bian1, Yang Sun1
1Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China.
Abstract:
Classically, the fate of internalized membrane receptors includes receptor degradation and receptor recycling. However, recent findings have begun to challenge these views. Much research demonstrated that many internalized membrane receptors can trigger distinct signal activation rather than being desensitized inside the cell. Here, we introduce the concept of "internalized activation" which not only represents a new mode of receptor activation, but also endows the new fate for receptor internalization (from death to life). The new activation mode and fate of membrane receptor are ubiquitous and have unique theoretical significance. We systematically put forward the features, process, and regulation of "internalized activation" and its significance in signal transduction and diseases. "Internalized activation" will provide a completely new understanding for the theory of receptor activation, internalization and novel drug targets for precision medicine.
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