AAV ACTOne Gs-GPCR Assay Kit-MC1R

The Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R), also known as the Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (MSHR), Melanin-Activating Peptide Receptor, or Melanotropin Receptor, is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) primarily expressed in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. MC1R is activated by melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and plays a key role in determining skin and hair color, as well as providing protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Variations in the MC1R gene are associated with red hair color, fair skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
This kit uses AAV vectors with a CMV promoter to co-express the MC1R and cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel, allowing researchers to conduct high-throughput screening and functional analysis of potential MC1R-targeting compounds. The kit provides a sensitive and reliable method for evaluating the pharmacological properties of MC1R drugs, such as agonists and antagonists, in a live-cell environment.

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Background

ACTOne™ is the only high-throughput GPCR screening technology that can directly measure the intracellular changes of the secondary messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) in living cells, in real-time. It uses a proprietary modified cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel, which is co-localized with adenylate cyclase at the plasma membrane, as a biosensor of cAMP activity. The CNG channel opens when the cAMP level near the plasma membrane increases, resulting in ion flux and cell membrane depolarization. The influx of cations through the CNG channel can be quantified using fluorescent ion indicators or membrane potential (MP) dyes. It provides information on real time intracellular cAMP changes and is highly sensitive. By combining kinetic and endpoint readouts, we are able to capture and analyze transient responses from endogenous GPCRs and weak responses caused by weak Gs or Gi coupled GPCR activities. Using ACTOne, we are able to detect the subcellular cAMP concentration changes directly caused by GPCR activation. Real-time kinetic readouts minimize artifacts, and provide greater content and more statistically relevant data. The intensity of signal increase caused by GPCR activation is directly related to the receptor number on cell surface. Using ACTOne assay, we were able to detect activities of some endogenous Gs coupled receptors in HEK293 cells that have not been reported in literature. In addition, we have also detected weak Gs coupled activity of a GPCR that was widely considered to be only linked to Gq coupled pathway. The ACTOne assay also provides a useful tool for GPCR de-orphanization.