Cell-cell communication relies on the assembly of receptor-ligand complexes at the plasma membrane. The spatiotemporal receptor organization has a pivotal role in evoking cellular responses. We studied the clustering of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide–binding protein (G protein)–coupled receptors (GPCRs) and established a photoinstructive matrix with ultrasmall lock-and-key interaction pairs to control lateral membrane organization of hormone neuropeptide Y₂ receptors in living cells by light. Within seconds, receptor clustering was modulated in size, location, and density. After in situ confinement, changes in cellular morphology, motility, and calcium signaling revealed ligand-independent receptor activation. This approach may enhance the exploration of mechanisms in cell signaling and mechanotransduction.

细胞之间的通讯依赖于质膜上受体-配体复合物的组装。时空受体组织在引起细胞反应中起关键作用。我们研究了异源三聚体鸟嘌呤核苷酸结合蛋白（G蛋白）偶联受体（GPCR）的聚集，并建立了具有超小型锁键相互作用对的光指导基质，以控制活细胞中激素神经肽Y ₂受体的侧向膜组织。光。在几秒钟内，受体簇的大小，位置和密度得到调节。原位限制后，细胞形态，运动性和钙信号的变化揭示了配体独立的受体激活。这种方法可以增强对细胞信号传导和机械转导机制的探索。