G-Protein-Coupled-Receptors: from Structural Insights to Functional Mechanisms

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the subject of intense research effort, both in academic laboratories and within the pharmaceutical industry. There have been a series of very exciting advances in the field recently, including the publication of several GPCR crystal structures representing ground state and active states. This new structural insight increases our understanding of functional receptor mechanisms, as well as, the potential for therapeutic intervention and has had an impact throughout the GPCR field. In addition to crystallography, which presents a static 'snap-shot' of these very dynamic proteins, the synergistic approaches of biophysics, molecular modelling, protein chemistry, pharmacology and cell biology are helping to address key receptor functions including: ligand binding, receptor activation, coupling to effectors and resultant signalling mechanisms and receptor trafficking. This two day meeting based at Prato near Florence in Italy will examine GPCRs from Families A and B, thereby, revealing the extent of shared mechanisms for ligand binding and activation, but also highlighting points the of diversity.

 Wed, Sep 12, 2012 - Fri, Sep 14, 2012