Detection of the Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor (B2AR) in Cultured Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK 293) Cells

HEK 293 is a specific line of human embryonic kidney cells that are derived from a tissue culture. These cells grow relatively fast and, thus, are optimal for use in a research setting. In our experiments, we plated HEK 293 cells, subcultured the necessary amount, and cryopreserved the remaining number of cells. In essence, we cultured cells utilizing an established cell culture protocol. After we cultured the cells, we conducted western blots to determine whether or not the Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor – the specific protein we were looking for – was present. The Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor is activated by epinephrine (a neurotransmitter and hormone) receptor found in the plasma membranes of many cell types. After obtaining a sample of human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, we ran the western blots to find that the Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor was present in the sample of HEK 293 cells that we possessed. As of now, this is what we have accomplished. We can use this information to learn more about the Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor and the “biased” signaling pathways that many credible sources have found to be true.