Receptor function and quantitation is accomplished by binding its labeled ligand (growth factor, metabolic trigger, cancer drug, etc.) or other specific agents such as antibodies. Nonspecific binding is also measured and corrected specific binding is calculated. Some receptors are internalized and degraded following binding of their ligand and this can be measured. Activation of tyrosine kinase receptors is followed by phosphorylation that can be measured. Membrane preparations can be used for direct binding assays for quantitation of ligands

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