Inaugural Lectures by Fellows/Associates

Structure, Function and Modulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptors

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are the main conduit of information transfer across the cell membrane. These receptors and their signaling networks are intricately involved in almost every physiological and pathophysiological processes in human body such as cardiovascular regulation, immune response, neurotransmission, behavior and mood regulation. About half of the currently prescribed drugs target this class of receptors including alpha and beta blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers and anti-histamines. GPCR targeting drugs are used in congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma, allergies, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. Our long-term goal is to understand the structural basis of GPCR activation and signaling, and leverage this information to design better therapeutics. In this talk, I will present our recent efforts involving a multipronged approach to decipher the activation, signaling and regulation of selected GPCRs.