Recombinant Human GRM1 protein

GRM1. or metabotropic glutamate receptor 1. is a class C G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a critical role in modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity within the central nervous system. It is activated by glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, and regulates intracellular signaling cascades through coupling with G proteins, particularly Gαq/11. which triggers phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated pathways. GRM1 is involved in diverse physiological processes, including learning, memory, motor coordination, and sensory perception. Dysregulation of GRM1 has been implicated in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain cancers, notably melanoma, where aberrant receptor signaling promotes tumor progression.

Recombinant GRM1 protein is engineered through molecular cloning and heterologous expression systems (e.g., mammalian, insect, or bacterial cells) to produce purified, functional receptor variants for structural and functional studies. This protein often includes tags (e.g., FLAG, His-tag) for ease of purification and detection. Researchers utilize recombinant GRM1 to investigate ligand-receptor interactions, signal transduction mechanisms, and receptor oligomerization. It also serves as a tool for drug discovery, enabling high-throughput screening of potential therapeutics targeting glutamate receptor dysfunction. Additionally, structural studies using recombinant GRM1. often combined with cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography, have advanced understanding of its activation/inactivation states and allosteric modulation. Challenges in producing stable, membrane-bound GPCRs have driven optimization of expression conditions and solubilization techniques. Recombinant GRM1 thus bridges basic research and clinical applications, offering insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.