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

7 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. This journal is

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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Chemical Engineering(all)

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