Analysis of G-protein-coupled receptor dimerization following chemokine signaling

An abundance of information has been generated in recent decades on the signaling events triggered through G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Nonetheless, the structural changes at the cell surface that provoke receptor activation are only now beginning to be understood. It is becoming clear that receptors are not isolated entities that are activated following ligand binding, but that they interact with other molecules already present or recruited to the vicinity, which results in a wide variety of new signaling possibilities. Understanding receptor interactions with relatives and/or friends on the cell surface is thus critical. The most important point is to determine which of these interactions are casual and which give rise to functional consequences. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.