G protein coupled receptor transcripts in human immune cells and platelets

Abstract

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are encoded by nonabundant mRNAs, and it is difficult to detect them reliably with the highly parallel methods that are in general use. Because of this, we developed and validated a sensitive, specific, semi-quantitative method for detecting these transcripts. We have used the method to profile GPCR transcripts in white blood cells (WBCs)-B, CD4, CD8, NK, and dendritic cells; monocytes, and macrophage-like monocytes treated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-as well as platelets. On average, the white cells studied expressed 160 receptor mRNAs (range, 123-206). Platelets made 69. Some, but far from all, of the receptors we found have been detected earlier. We believe our data should stimulate studies of receptor function and contribute to drug development.