Method of identifying transmembrane protein-interacting compounds

A method for screening a candidate compound for its ability to interact with at least one transmembrane protein comprising:

• (i) contacting a eukaryotic cell with a candidate compound wherein the cell is transfected with at least one nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising a fusion protein comprising a transmembrane protein containing at least one nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and a detectable moiety and the encoded protein is expressed in the cell;
• and wherein the transmembrane protein exhibits basal agonist-independent translocation into the cell nucleus;
• (ii) detecting whether the amount of the detectable moiety is higher at the cell membrane in cells contacted with the candidate compound relative to control cells not contracted with the candidate compound;
• and
• (iii) selecting said candidate compound as a compound that interacts with the transmembrane protein when it is detected, in accordance with step (ii), that the amount of the detectable moiety is higher at the cell membrane in cells contacted with the candidate compound, relative to control cells not contacted with the candidate compound, and wherein the wild type transmembrane protein contains an NLS.