The FFAR4 G Protein-Coupled Receptor Localizes in the Nucleus of the Cardiac Myocyte
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a key role in cardiac function. Abnormalities in GPCRs result in a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure. In addition, we know that inflammation leading to fibrosis is associated with the development of heart failure. Understanding GPCR signaling pathways and their potential roles in inflammation and heart failure could lead to the development of novel strategies to treat heart failure. The convention is that GPCRs are located on the cell surface. However, recent data reveals GPCRs can be located within the cardiac myocyte. In the O’Connell Lab, our overall hypothesis is that Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 (FFAR4), a GPCR, is cardioprotective by preventing Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced fibrosis. In this project, my goal was to create a fluorescent protein-tagged FFAR4 for use in determining its localization in adult mouse cardiac myocytes. Here, I describe the successful creation of a FFAR4-mCherry2 construct.