Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay for Detection of DNA Binding Proteins Recognizing β-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Sequences

The β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) are important modulators in the sympathetic control of various metabolic processes in the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (1 –4 ). The β-ARs mediate the physiological effects of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. These receptors are localized at multiple sites throughout the nervous system, and serve as important regulators of CNS-mediated behavior and several neural functions, including mood, memory, neuroendocrine control, and stimulation of autonomic function (1 –4 ). Abnormalities in the expression of the β-AR system have been implicated as playing potential roles in a variety of psychiatric and neurological diseases, including depression and disorders affecting autonomic nervous system activity. Although much is known about the physiological responses of β-ARs to catecholamines in the periphery, there is limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms that differentially regulate β-AR activation and expression in the CNS.