Biochemical Assay of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Oligomerization. Adenosine A₁ and Thromboxane A₂ Receptors Form the Novel Functional Hetero-oligomer

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are classified into a family of seven transmembrane receptors. Receptor oligomerization may be the key to the expression and function of these receptors, for example, ligand binding, desensitization, membrane trafficking, and signaling. The accumulation of evidence that GPCRs form an oligomerization with a functional alternation may change the strategy for the discovery of novel drugs targeting GPCRs. Identification of the oligomer is essential to elucidate GPCR oligomerization. GPCR oligomerizations have been demonstrated using various biochemical approaches, which include the coimmunoprecipitation method, fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, and bioluminescence RET assay. Thus, various assays are useful for the study of GPCR oligomerization, and we should choose the best method to match the purpose. We previously targeted adenosine A₁ and thromboxane A₂ (TP) receptors to form a functionally novel hetero-oligomer, since both receptors function in the same cells. This chapter describes the methods used to detect GPCR oligomerization and alterations in the signaling pathways, principally according to our findings on oligomerization between adenosine A₁ and TPα receptors.