Stimulus modality and signal transduction events of G protein-coupled receptors of the Adhesion class (aGPCR) are poorly defined. Previous work suggests that aGPCRs sense mechanical signals, possibly through intramolecular distance changes between extracellular and transmembrane receptor portions. This project will use FRET measurements to optically quantify such changes upon ligand exposure, and test artificially elongated aGPCR variants for altered receptor activity in an established Drosophila model. Lastly, FRET sensor constructs will be employed to assess the effect of human mutations on aGPCR distance changes.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
