Description

The GRM2 Knockout HEK293 Cell Line is a CRISPR/Cas9-edited knockout cell line derived from human embryonic kidney HEK293 epithelial cells, engineered for targeted disruption of the GRM2 gene. This loss-of-function model eliminates metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) expression, providing a clean background for studying receptor signaling. As a stable cell line, it ensures consistent results across experiments and is suitable for pharmacological, biochemical, and genetic applications requiring absence of endogenous GRM2 activity.

HEK293 cells are a commonly used human embryonic kidney epithelial cell line transformed with sheared adenovirus 5 DNA. They are valued for their high transfection efficiency and robust protein expression, making them ideal for heterologous expression of receptors, signaling studies, and recombinant protein production. The epithelial phenotype and well-characterized genome facilitate reliable interpretation of exogenous gene function in a simplified, scalable system.

GRM2 encodes mGluR2, a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor that couples to Gi/o proteins. Upon glutamate activation, mGluR2 inhibits adenylate cyclase, reducing cAMP and PKA activity, thereby modulating neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal excitability. Key regulators include glutamate and the antagonist LY341495; downstream mediators comprise adenylate cyclase, cAMP, PKA, and the transcription factor CREB. mGluR2 also signals through G?¦? to PI3K/Akt and interacts with scaffolding proteins such as Homer proteins, PICK1, and ??-arrestin, which influence receptor trafficking, desensitization, and downstream signaling specificity.

In the HEK293 context, GRM2 knockout allows focused analysis of mGluR2 coupling mechanisms without interference from native receptor expression. Despite the non-neuronal origin, this model recapitulates core GPCR signaling events and supports drug screening, target validation, and mutant receptor characterization. Rescue experiments with exogenous GRM2 variants enable study of disease-associated mutations and biased signaling pathways in an isolated system.

The GRM2 Knockout HEK293 Cell Line is employed in cAMP accumulation assays, glutamate-induced signaling readouts, and Western blot or RT-qPCR confirmation of gene disruption. Applications include GPCR signaling dissection, agonist/antagonist profiling, immunofluorescence-based localization, and high-throughput screening for allosteric modulators. It serves as a key tool in psychiatric disease research, supporting investigations into schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. For further details, contact Ascent Research.