Week 1 – Description of the Cxcr3 Receptor

Christopher Y -

Hello everyone,

For the topic of this week’s blog post, please view the attached figure of the structure of Cxcr3 (Fig. 1). As described in the previous blog post, Cxcr3 is a seven transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptor that is used to signal chemotaxis in lymphocytes (as a part of an immune system response). Additionally, the third intracellular loop of Cxcr3 has been shown to also have a role in immune cell response, specifically with the binding of the other ligand Cxcl11.

In my previous internship, the mutant gene I designed encoded for Cxcr3 with a deletion right above the “Chemotaxis” region at the intracellular end of the receptor. This means that my project is testing a shortened Cxcr3 with the binding site and intracellular loops without the highlighted chain at the end. By studying this mutant receptor, we might be able to understand if the carboxyl-terminal domain of CXCR3 is required for breast cancer cell migration.

This week I completed a Designated Campus Colleague (DCC) form to start hands-on work and continued to research work done on the Cxcr3 receptor. I look forward to keeping these weekly updates when I start lab work. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.

Fig. 1. Visualization of Cxcr3 showing 7 transmembrane domains, cxcl10 binding, and some effects of ligand binding<sup>1</sup>
Fig. 1. Visualization of Cxcr3 showing 7 transmembrane domains, cxcl10 binding, and some effects of ligand binding1

 

1Figure 1 Created with BioRender.com

More Posts

Comments:

All viewpoints are welcome but profane, threatening, disrespectful, or harassing comments will not be tolerated and are subject to moderation up to, and including, full deletion.

    camille_bennett
    Hi Chris, great start. Can you explain what does the DCC form represent, and why is it necessary for starting hands-on work?
    February 20, 2025 at 10:20 am - Reply
    anita_m
    Super interesting topic, Chris! If you do find that the carboxyl-terminal domain of CXCR3 does, in fact, aid in breast cancer cell metastasis, what kind of steps/measures can be taken to counter the adverse effects?
    February 20, 2025 at 4:03 pm - Reply
    adam_b
    Hi Christopher! This is a fascinating topic! What are you most hopeful to discover in this project?
    February 20, 2025 at 11:48 pm - Reply
    christopher_y
    Hello Adam, thank you for the question! I think this project is a great opportunity to finish investigating the mutant gene that I made before my previous internship tapered off. I am most hopeful to discover if the gene will be properly expressed in a cell line or not.
    March 2, 2025 at 6:32 pm - Reply
    christopher_y
    Hi Ms. Bennett, good question! The DCC form was mainly a contract to establish myself as a "volunteer" for my mentor at the site placement. This identification allows me to work in the building without being flagged by security.
    March 2, 2025 at 6:38 pm - Reply
    christopher_y
    Thank you for the question Anita! If the carboxyl-domain of Cxcr3 is required for this type of breast cancer cell migration, then there may be treatment options that can target this c-terminal domain specifically or upstream mechanisms. I can't say for sure!
    March 2, 2025 at 6:46 pm - Reply
    William Schaffer
    Great description of your project and it is clear what you are working on. What valuable info you will glean from this. Super cool you designed your own mutant gene!
    March 12, 2025 at 2:34 pm - Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *