Direct observation of ligand-induced receptor dimerization with a bioresponsive hydrogel

Jongseong Kim, Yongdoo Park, Ashley C. Brown, L. Andrew Lyon

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    8 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Multimerization of biomolecules is essential for biological function and thus there is a need for sensitive biochemical assays that determine whether a molecule associates with one or more other molecules in the context of biological function. In this contribution we demonstrate a simple yet versatile method for the identification of physiologically important receptor dimerization events induced by a ligand. Bioresponsive hydrogel microparticles (microgels) conjugated with a receptor, Glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα), display large changes in optical (microscopic) appearance under conditions known for to promote thrombin-induced GPIbα dimerization. In support of X-ray crystal structures, we identify that one thrombin molecule associates with two GPIbα moieties, which may play a role in efficient hemostatic function by increasing local concentration of GPIbα on platelet surfaces. This microgel assay could provide a new way of studying important physiological and pathological mechanisms related to receptor dimerization and/or clustering.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)65173-65175
    Number of pages3
    JournalRSC Advances
    Volume4
    Issue number110
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2014.

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Chemistry
    • General Chemical Engineering

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