G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large superfamily of membrane proteins that are activated by extracellular small molecules or photons. Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) is a GPCR that is activated by neurotensin, i.e. a 13 amino acid peptide. Binding of neurotensin induces conformational changes in the receptor that trigger the intracellular signaling processes. While recent single-molecule studies have reported a dynamic monomerdimer equilibrium of NTSR1 in vitro, a biophysical characterization of the oligomerization status of NTSR1 in living mammalian cells is complicated.Here we report on the oligomerization state of the human NTSR1 tagged with mRuby3 by dissolving the plasma membranes of living HEK293T cells into 10 nm-sized soluble lipid nanoparticles by addition of styrene-maleic acid copolymers (SMALPs). Single SMALPs were analyzed one after another in solution by multi-parameter single molecule spectroscopy including brightness, fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy for homoFRET. Brightness analysis was improved using single SMALP detection in a confocal ABELtrap for extended observation times in solution. A bimodal brightness distribution indicated a significant fraction of dimeric NTSR1 in SMALPs or in the plasma membrane, respectively, before addition of neurotensin.
This study shows that by linear as well as non-linear analysis one can reveal the complexity of the IHR development in humans and may gain insight into the system controlling the heart during the period considered. The positive LLE indicate that there is a non-linear component in the heart rate control. There is no "straight line" development for the parameters analysed within the first 6 months. This may result from manifold influences on the autonomic system, due to structural and functional maturation in this period of life.
Cytochrome C oxidase and FoF1-ATP synthase constitute complex IV and V, respectively, of the five membrane-bound enzymes in mitochondria comprising the respiratory chain. These enzymes are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), which exhibits large invaginations called cristae. According to recent cryo-tomography, FoF1-ATP synthases are located predominantly at the rim of the cristae, while cytochrome C oxidases are likely distributed in planar membrane areas of the cristae. Previous FLIM measurements (K. Busch and coworkers) of complex II and III unravelled differences in the local environment of the membrane enzymes in the cristae. Here, we tagged complex IV and V with mNeonGreen and investigated their mitochondrial nano-environment by FLIM and superresolution microscopy in living human cells. Different lifetimes and anisotropy values were found and will be discussed.
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