Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Physiology
Supervisor
Dr. Macarena Pampillo
Second Advisor
Dr. Moshmi Bhattacharya
Abstract
The neuropeptide kisspeptin and its cognate receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) are important regulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Recent research has demonstrated that GPR54 undergoes agonist-dependent desensitization, but underlying molecular mechanisms were unknown. My study reports for the first time on the role of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and (3-arrestin in regulating GPR54 signaling in HEK 293 and MDA MB-231 cells. My study reveals that GRK2 mediates the desensitization of GPR54 in HEK 293 cells and that b-arrestin 2 is required for GPR54 signaling to ERK1/2 in MDA MB-231 cells. The significance of these novel findings in developing molecular-based therapies for treating certain cancers and endocrine-related disorders is discussed.
Recommended Citation
Camuso, Natasha Louise Ellen, "REGULATION OF G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR 54 BY GRK2 AND p-ARRESTINS" (2009). Digitized Theses. 3904.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3904