The lipid phase preference of the adenosine A receptor depends on its ligand binding state.

Giant unilamellar protein vesicles (GUPs) were formed with the adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) incorporated in the lipid bilayer and protein partitioning into the liquid ordered and liquid disordered phases was observed. When no ligand is bound, A(2A)R partitions preferentially into the liquid disordered phase of GUPs, while ligand-bound A(2A)R partitions into the liquid ordered phase.