Evidencias biofísicas de la formación del heteroreceptor de Oxitocina - Colecistoquinina B

Abstract

The neuropeptides oxytocin (OX) and cholecystokinin (CCK) are widely implicated in the physiological and pathophysiological response of anxiety, fear and depression. Thus, its membrane receptors are specific targets to which drugs are targeted. Actually, it has been described that both the formation of homodimers and heterodimers of membrane receptors coupled to G proteins (GPCR) and the allosteric regulation that takes place between the involved protomers, represent new more specific and effective therapeutic options. Therefore, the objective of this study was to demonstrate the formation of a heterodimer among these receptors. In this work, HeLa cells were used for transient expression of fluorescently labeled receptors. Microscopy analysis showed the coexpression of receptors in discrete regions of the cytoplasmic membrane. In addition, proximity ligation assays confirmed the biophysical interaction of the receptors elucidating the formation of the OxTR / CCKB heteroreceptor. These findings could become a starting point to explore the use of this heteroreceptor as a new strategy for the treatment of anxiety disorders.