The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and associated peripheral G proteins underpin a multitude of physiological processes. The GPCRs represent one of the largest superfamilies in the human genome and are a significant target for bioactive and drug discovery programs. It is estimated that greater than 50% of all drugs, including those in development, currently target GPCRs. Many of the characterized GPCRs have known ligands; however, approximately 20% of GPCRs are described as orphan GPCRs, apparent GPCRs that share the generic high-level structure charact- istic of GPCRs but whose endogenous ligand is not known. Therefore, it is expected that the field of GPCR drug discovery and development will greatly expand in the coming years with emphasis on new generations of drugs against GPCRs with unique therapeuticuseswhichmayincludedrugssuchasallostericregulators,inverseagonists, and identification of orphan GPCR ligands. AswelearnmoreaboutthemolecularsignalingcascadesfollowingGPCRactivation, we acquire a better appreciation of the complexity of cell signaling and as a result, also acquire a vast array ofnew molecularmethods toinvestigate these andother processes. Thegeneralaimofthisbookistoprovideresearcherswitharangeofprotocolsthatmay be useful in their GPCR drug discovery programs. It is also the basis for the devel- ment of future assays in this field. Therefore, the range of topics covered and the appropriate methodological approaches in GPCR drug discovery are reflected in this book. Itisinterestingtonotethatfuturedirectionsindrugdiscoverywillrequireinput and collaboration from a plethora of fields of research. As such, this book will likely be of interest to scientists involved in such fields as molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cellular signaling, and bio-nanotechnology.

With its particular emphasis on the constitutive activity of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)s, this book comprehensively discusses an important biological process that has not yet been covered in such depth in any other existing books on GPCRs. The international team of highly distinguished authors addresses in detail current models and concepts, to introduce medicinal chemists, physiologists, pharmacologists, and medical researchers into the advances in the understanding of GPCR activation and constitutive activity. In addition, the book provides an overview on methods of investigating constitutive GPCR activity. The text is well illustrated by selected experimental data and schemes._The chaptes are all cross-referenced with each other and cover general mechnisms, methodological approaches and cover selected important GPCR sysstems, the consequences for drug action, including, side effects, and rational drug design for GPCR targets. A highly recommended reference for researchers in academia and industry. authors addresses in detail current models and concepts, so as to introduce pharmaceutical chemists, physiologists and medical researchers to the advances in the understanding of GPCR activation and constitutive activity, and provides an overview of the methods of investigating GPCR activity. The text is backed by abundant case studies and methodological advice for analyzing GPCRs, covering selected pharmacologically relevant GPCR systems, the consequences for drug action, including unwanted side effects, and rational drug design for GPCR targets. A highly practical reference for researchers in academia and industry.

The broad range of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) encompasses all areas of modern medicine and have an enormous impact on the process of drug development. Using disease-oriented methods to cover everything from screening to expression and crystallization, G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Drug Discovery describes the physiological roles of GPCRs

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large protein family of transmembrane receptors vital in dictating cellular responses. GPCRs are involved in many diseases, but are also the target of around half of all modern medicinal drugs. Shifting Paradigms in G Protein Coupled Receptors takes a look at the way GPCRs are examined today, how they react, how their mutations lead to disease, and the many ways in which they can be screened for compounds that modulate them. Chemists, pharmacologists, and biologists will find essential information in this comprehensive reference.

Many advances have been made in the last decade in the understanding of the computational principles underlying olfactory system functioning. Neuromorphic Olfaction is a collaboration among European researchers who, through NEUROCHEM (Fp7-Grant Agreement Number 216916)-a challenging and innovative European-funded project-introduce novel computing p

This detailed volume provides an overview of recent techniques employed in the field of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to screen for new drugs and to derive information about their receptor structure, dynamics, and function for the purpose of developing improved therapeutics. Owing to remarkable recent advances in the structural, biophysical and biochemical analyses of these receptors, as well as a growing body of evidence hinting at the possible relevance of allosteric modulators, biased agonists and oligomer-selective ligands as improved therapeutic agents, drug discovery for GPCRs has recently taken a completely new direction. For this book, expert contributors have shared their protocols and views on the impact of these methodologies on modern drug discovery. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and fully updated, G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Drug Discovery: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for a diverse audience from structural and molecular biologists to pharmacologists and drug designers who wish to explore this extensive class of key drug targets.

G protein coupled receptors remain the most important class of therapeutic targets in medicine. In the last 5 years, tremendous advances have been made in our understanding of the structure and mechanism of this critical family of drug targets. The present volume explores the modern experimental and conceptual framework for drug discovery for G protein coupled receptors. It explores advances in structure determination and structure-based drug design as well as new concepts of allosteric modulation, functional selectivity/biased agonism, and pharmacological chaperones. In addition, emerging drug targets such as receptor families for fatty acids, carboxylic acids, lipid mediators, etc. are included. Final chapters cover novel mechanisms of signal regulation through PDZ domains and RGS proteins. This volume will bring an up-to-date perspective on the G protein coupled receptor field to both academic and industry scientists. The present volume explores the modern experimental and conceptual framework for drug discovery for G protein coupled receptors It explores advances in structure determination and structure-based drug design as well as new concepts of allosteric modulation, functional selectivity/biased agonism, and pharmacological chaperones This volume will bring an up-to-date perspective on the G protein coupled receptor field to both academic and industry scientists

This volume looks at modern computational strategies and techniques used in GPCR drug discovery including structure and ligand-based approaches and cheminformatics. The chapters in this book describe how these approaches can be applied to address key drug discovery issues, such as receptor structure modelling, function and dynamics, prediction of protein-water-ligand interactions and binding kinetics, free energy of binding, interconversion between agonists and antagonists, deorphanization of GPCRs, and the discovery of biased and allosteric modulators. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary software and tools, step-by-step, readily reproducible modelling protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and unique,Computational Methods for GPCR Drug Discovery is a valuable resource for structural and molecular biologists, computational and medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and drug designers.

This fully updated edition targets not only those assays directly involved in the discovery of GPCR-active compounds but also those involved in cell-based experiments designed to study physiological responses. Whether coming from academia or industry, or being an experienced researcher or a newcomer to the field, the reader will find accessible methods and protocols that cover the latest developments on receptor purification, molecular biology, recombinant engineering, and analytical techniques that enable the real time monitoring of the complex GPCR signaling cascade and identification of potential drug targets. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, G Protein-Coupled Receptor Screening Assays: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to provide the tools necessary to contribute to the advancement of GPCR research and discovery and ultimately lead to the availability of innovative and more efficient drugs.