| abstract |
The present invention provides an alternative strategy for optimizing the signal to noise ratio of a given receptor. Specifically, the present invention provides receptor mutants having an increased signal to noise ratio. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides receptor mutants having a decreased level of basal activity. As part of this aspect, the present invention provides a mutant serotonin receptor and a mutant CCR-3 receptor, each having decreased basal activity. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides receptor mutants having an increased maximal level of ligand induced signaling. Such receptors optimize the signal to noise ratio of a receptor and provide, for example, for more sensitive screens for drug discovery. |