Detection of Heteromers Formed by Cannabinoid CB₁, Dopamine D₂, and Adenosine A_2A G-Protein-Coupled Receptors by Combining Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation and Bioluminescence Energy Transfer

Abstract

Functional interactions in signaling occur between dopamine D₂ (D₂R) and cannabinoid CB₁ (CB₁R) receptors, between CB₁R and adenosine A_2A (A_2AR) receptors, and between D₂R and A_2AR. Furthermore, direct molecular interactions have been reported for the pairs CB₁R-D₂R, A_2AR-D₂R, and CB₁R-A_2AR. Here a combination of bimolecular fluorescence complementation and bioluminescence energy transfer techniques was used to identify the occurrence of D₂R-CB₁R-A_2AR hetero-oligomers in living cells.