Generation of Epitope-Tagged GPCRs

The addition of one or more epitope tags to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has facilitated a wide variety of studies on their structure and function. Epitope-tagging is achieved using relatively straightforward molecular techniques but requires careful consideration about the nature of the epitope tag and its location within the receptor. Here, we describe both the strategies and methodologies for the generation of epitope-tagged GPCRs. We highlight a range of possible techniques that depend upon the available starting material, the nature of the epitope to be incorporated, and suggest a strategy to ease the tagging of multiple receptor types.