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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 65173-65175 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | RSC Advances |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 110 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Chemical Engineering(all)