Cell Lines with Receptors Important to Mental Health

The long-term objective of this project is to develop cell lines that stably express G-protein coupreceptors important to mental health. The specific aim of this application is to demonstrate the feaby developing a permanent cell line expressing the human D1 dopamine receptor (d1R). Cell lines whicreceptors will be useful in functional assays for finding new ligands (drugs) which will be highly ssubtypes and thus be effective therapeutic agents with minimal side effects. The methodology for achinvolves a powerful functional assay system in which melanophores from Xenopus laevis disperse or agpigment granules upon appropriate ligand-receptor interaction. Transient expression of the cDNA forresults in pigment dispersion which is easily detected visually. Expression of this cDNA in conjunctantibiotic resistance marker will allow for establishment of a permanent cell line expressing the D1represent a breakthrough in technology for functional screening of ligands for this receptor. Drug dthe commercial application.