Structure Function Analysis Of G Protein Coupled Receptors

This is a study of the structure and function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and provides an up-to-date presentation of methods, including molecular genetic, biochemical, and biophysical. It focuses on methodology, but also includes techniques that can be used by readers at the laboratory bench. Furthermore, each chapter provides background information and a discussion of key results.

This book provides a broad base of knowledge of G-protein-coupled receptors. Useful at both the university and industrial levels, this book is of particular interest to those who are developing therapeutic approaches to diseases using drugs that influence receptor activation.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors, with more than 800 members identified thus far in the human genome. They regulate the function of most cells in the body, and represent approximately 3% of the genes in the human genome. These receptors respond to a wide variety of structurally diverse ligands, ranging from small molecules, such as biogenic amines, nucleotides and ions, to lipids, peptides, proteins, and even light. Ligands (agonists and antagonists) acting on GPCRs are important in the treatment of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular and mental disorders, retinal degeneration, cancer, and AIDS. It is estimated that these receptors represent about one third of the actual identified targets of clinically used drugs. The determination of rhodopsin crystal structure and, more recently, of opsin, 1 and 2 adrenergic and A2A adenosine receptors provides both academia and industry with extremely valuable data for a better understanding of the molecular determinants of receptor function and a more reliable rationale for drug design. GPCR structure and function constitutes a hot topic. The book, which lies between the fields of chemical biology, molecular pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, is divided into three parts. The first part considers what receptor structures tell us about the mechanism of receptor activation. Part II focuses on receptor function. It discusses what the data from biophysical and mutational studies, and the analysis of the interactions of the receptor with ligands and regulator proteins, tell us about the process of signal transduction. The final part, on modelling and simulation, details new insights on the link between structure and mechanism and their implications in drug design.

Covering recently developed methods in membrane-bound receptors, this book emphasizes receptor structure and function, knowledge of which is essential to the study of signal transduction. G Protein-Coupled Receptors has culled contributors from domestic and international sources, providing a broad base of knowledge. Some topics covered are the r

This comprehensive text describes many techniques that are used to define the molecular mechanisms involved in receptor regulation. It covers a broad range of important concepts and methodologies in the study of G protein-coupled receptors.

Alan V. Smrcka presents a collection of cutting-edge methods for investigating G protein signaling from a variety of perspectives ranging from in vitro biochemistry to whole animal studies. Among the readily reproducible techniques presented are those for the purification of G proteins and effectors enzymes, assays of these purified G proteins and effector enzymes, and for the study of G proteins interactions with effectors in intact cells. Additional methods are provided for assaying G protein coupled receptor structure, function, and localization, and for studying the physiological roles for endogenous G proteins.

GPCRS: Structure, Function, and Drug Discovery provides a comprehensive overview of recent discoveries and our current understanding of GPCR structure, signaling, physiology, pharmacology and methods of study. In addition to the fundamental aspects of GPCR function and dynamics, international experts discuss crystal structures, GPCR complexes with partner proteins, GPCR allosteric modulation, biased signaling through protein partners, deorphanization of GPCRs, and novel GPCR-targeting ligands that could lead to the development of new therapeutics against human diseases. GPCR association with, and possible therapeutic pathways for, retinal degenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and diabetic nephropathy, among other illnesses, are examined in-depth.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that transduce a vast array of extracellular signals into intracellular reactions ranging from cell-cell communication processes to physiological responses. They play an important role in a variety of diseases from cancer and diabetes, to neurodegenerative, inflammatory and respiratory disorders. GPCRs are therefore of utmost interest in drug development: over half of all prescription drugs currently on the market act by targeting these receptors directly or indirectly. G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology provides a clear summary of the current knowledge in this fast-evolving field. The book sets out with an introduction to signalling molecules and their receptors, and an overview of the technical approaches used to investigate these interactions. Structural, functional and especially pharmacological aspects of GPCRs are then discussed in more detail and much attention is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. The now widespread use of recombinant cell lies, receptor mutants and related artifices in drug research is critically evaluated. Special attention is also devoted to topical but often poorly understood concepts, such as insurmountable antagonism, inverse agonism and allosteric interactions. By combining general information with the major state-of-the-art concepts in GPCR-research, this outstanding book equips the reader with the necessary background for understanding and critically evaluating the current literature. Written by two experts from academia and industry, G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology offers a unique view of academic and applied approaches aiming to reveal new ideas in pharmaceutical research. The book is of interest to anyone involved in drug development and preclinical research and those who need to function within multi-disciplinary teams in the pharmaceutical industry: from investigators to product managers or clinicians who seek to have a broad mechanistic understanding of drug-receptor interactions. It is also an invaluable resource for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students in pharmacology and cell and molecular biology.