Figure 9.2.

Functional screening of α2C AR mutations by MAP kinase. An immunofluorescent assay for MAP kinase (pERK) in response to agonist (Dex =dexmedetomidine) allows for screening of GPCR chimeras and mutations to ensure pharmacological function prior to further trafficking analysis. Permeabilized cells were stained with monoclonal antibody 16B12 to examine total cellular HA-α2 AR expression. Note minimal pERK staining in the absence of agonist. Both α2CΔ5-15 and α2CA7D ARs can activate MAP kinase and bind RX-821002 (data not shown) suggesting that they are not misfolded and are functional. Adapted from Angelotti et al. (2010).