Expression of G protein coupled receptors in yeast

摘要

Disclosed is a transformed yeast cell containing a first heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a mammalian G protein-coupled receptor and a second heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a mammalian G protein alpha subunit (mammalian G_alpha). The first and second heterologous DNA sequences are capable of expression in the cell, but the cell is incapable of expressing an endogenous G protein alpha-subunit (yeast G_alpha). The cells are useful for screening compounds which affect the rate of dissociation of G_alpha from G_betagamma in a cell. Also disclosed is a novel DNA expression vector useful for making cells as described above. The vector contains a first segment comprising at least a fragment of the extreme amino-terminal coding sequence of a yeast G protein-coupled receptor. A second segment is positioned downstream from the first segment (and in correct reading frame therewith), with the second segment comprising a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous G protein-coupled receptor.