Date Approved
2017
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Chemistry
First Advisor
Dr. Hedeel Guy Evans
Second Advisor
Dr. Deborah Heyl-Clegg
Abstract
The dopamine receptor subtypes known as DI and D2 have been shown to form a heteromer complex, which is thought to lead to the disruption of a multitude of signaling pathways within the brain. As a result, this has been proposed to lead to diseased states such as Alzheimer's and depression. In previous studies, it has been shown that the use of synthetic peptides corresponding to the surface interface of the interactions (specifically in the third intracellular loop of D2 interface) within the complex have served to compete against the formation of the heteromer. Through in vitro biochemical techniques such as SDS-Page and Western blotting, we observed the degree of dissociation of the Dl-D2 complex through a variety of small peptides. These peptides consist of peptide 1, 2, 3 and 4 with the sequences corresponding to Ac-EAARRAQE, AcEERRAQ, Ac-ARRA, and Ac-AARRAQ, respectively. Peptide 1 was found to be the most effective in preventing complex formation.
Recommended Citation
Baraka, Adam, "Understanding the interface that enables the interaction between two dopamine receptor subtypes known as D1 and D2 implicated in depression" (2017). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 547.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/547