Description
Humana Press G Protein-Coupled Receptors In Drug Discovery (Methods In Molecular Biology Volume 552) by Leifert Wayne R
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 TherapeuticuseswhichmayincludedrugssuchasallostericregulatorsInverseagonists 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.Show More