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High-throughput Analysis of Mammalian Olfactory Receptors: Measurement of Receptor Activation via Luciferase Activity
Published on: June 2, 2014
Ligand Binding Properties of Odorant-Binding Protein OBP5 from Mus musculus
Lucie Moitrier1, Christine Belloir1, Maxence Lalis2
1Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France.
Abstract:
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are abundant soluble proteins secreted in the nasal mucus of a variety of species that are believed to be involved in the transport of odorants toward olfactory receptors. In this study, we report the functional characterization of mouse OBP5 (mOBP5). mOBP5 was recombinantly expressed as a hexahistidine-tagged protein in bacteria and purified using metal affinity chromatography. The oligomeric state and secondary structure composition of mOBP5 were investigated using gel filtration and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Fluorescent experiments revealed that mOBP5 interacts with the fluorescent probe N-phenyl naphthylamine (NPN) with micromolar affinity. Competitive binding experiments with 40 odorants indicated that mOBP5 binds a restricted number of odorants with good affinity. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) confirmed that mOBP5 binds these compounds with association constants in the low micromolar range. Finally, protein homology modeling and molecular docking analysis indicated the amino acid residues of mOBP5 that determine its binding properties.
Insights
This study characterizes mouse odorant-binding protein 5 (mOBP5), revealing its specific binding properties for certain odorants. These findings contribute to understanding olfactory mechanisms and odorant transport in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Olfactory Science
Background:
- Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are crucial for olfaction, facilitating odorant transport to receptors.
- Their precise roles and binding specificities require detailed functional characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To functionally characterize mouse odorant-binding protein 5 (mOBP5).
- To elucidate the binding properties and molecular determinants of mOBP5.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant expression and purification of mOBP5.
- Circular dichroism spectroscopy, gel filtration, and fluorescence-based binding assays.
- Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), homology modeling, and molecular docking.
Main Results:
- mOBP5 was successfully expressed and purified.
- Fluorescence and ITC revealed micromolar affinity binding to specific odorants.
- Homology modeling identified key residues responsible for odorant binding.
Conclusions:
- mOBP5 exhibits specific odorant-binding capabilities.
- Structural insights into mOBP5 binding provide a basis for understanding olfactory receptor interactions.
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