GPCR Signalling Complexes – Synthesis, Assembly, Trafficking and Specificity


Book Description

Main Question: G protein coupled receptors are involved in highly efficient and specific activation of signalling pathways. How do GPCR signalling complexes get assembled to generate such specificity? In order to answer this question, we need to understand how receptors and their signalling partners are synthesized, folded and quality-controlled in order to generate functional proteins. Then, we need to understand how each partner of the signalling complex is selected to join a complex, and what makes this assembly possible. GPCRs are known to be able to function as oligomers, what drives the assembly into oligomers and what will be the effects of such organization on specificity and efficacy of signal transduction. Once the receptor complexes are assembled, they need to reach different locations in the cell; what drives and controls the trafficking of GPCR signalling complexes. Finally, defects in synthesis, maturation or trafficking can alter functionality of GPCRs signalling complexes; how can we manipulate the system to make it function normally again? Pharmacological chaperones may just be part of the answer to this question.




Regulation of G Protein Coupled Receptor Function and Expression


Book Description

Recent advances in molecular and cell biology enabling the cloning, expression, and mutagenesis of signal transduction proteins has prompted an explosion of knowledge in the field of receptor regulation, facilitating the discovery of new classes of regulatory proteins, and providing a basis and means for manipulating receptor function through multiple intracellular targets. This volume covers methods used to examine how the function(s) of receptors are regulated. Understanding how to regulate the function and expression of these receptors is critical in determining how to modify receptors and to translocating receptors away from the cell surface and its recycling. Individual chapters focus on specific techniques used to characterize receptors (epitope tagging, measurement and analysis of receptor phosphorylation, analysis of the kinetics of receptor desensitization, and assessment of receptor/G protein coupling); the role of regulatory proteins (receptor kinases and phosphatases, arrestins) in modulating receptor function; and the methods used to measure receptor trafficking (ligand binding, immunofluoresence) and expression (transcriptional and translational regulation). * Covers a broad range of important concepts and methodologies which are current in the study of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) * G-protein coupled receptors make up over 40% of the current pharmacological targets * Provides detailed protocols for executing various strategies and offers informed judgments as to what approaches are and aren't useful * Volume Editor, Jeffrey Benovic, is a dominant world leader in the study of receptor regulation of GPCR kinases and is highly respected in the field




Trafficking Inside Cells


Book Description

This book covers the past, present and future of the intra-cellular trafficking field, which has made a quantum leap in the last few decades. It details how the field has developed and evolved as well as examines future directions.




Trafficking of GPCRs


Book Description

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of cell surface receptors that regulate a variety of cell functions. Over the past few decades great progress has been made in defining the roles of intracellular trafficking in controlling the functionality of the receptors as well as in the development of various human diseases. This volume of Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science reviews the recent understanding of GPCR trafficking regulators and molecular mechanisms. - Written by future leaders in the pain field - Covers a wide range of targets - Contains provocative ideas about GPCR trafficking




Neuromorphic Olfaction


Book Description

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




Protein Homeostasis Diseases


Book Description

Protein Homeostasis Diseases: Mechanisms and Novel Therapies offers an interdisciplinary examination of the fundamental aspects, biochemistry and molecular biology of protein homeostasis disease, including the use of natural and pharmacological small molecules to treat common and rare protein homeostasis disorders. Contributions from international experts discuss the biochemical and genetic components of protein homeostasis disorders, the mechanisms by which genetic variants may cause loss-of-function and gain-of-toxic-function, and how natural ligands can restore protein function and homeostasis in genetic diseases. Applied chapters provide guidance on employing high throughput sequencing and screening methodologies to develop pharmacological chaperones and repurpose approved drugs to treat protein homeostasis disorders. - Provides an interdisciplinary examination of protein homeostasis disorders, with an emphasis on treatment strategies employing small natural and pharmacological ligands - Offers applied approaches in employing high throughput sequencing and screening to develop pharmacological chaperones to treat protein homeostasis disease - Gathers expertise from a range of international chapter authors who work across various biological methods and disease specific disciplines of relevance




Cannabinoids and the Brain


Book Description

Endocannabinoids have tremendous therapeutic potential. This book introduces readers to our current understanding of the neurobiology of endocannabinoids and related systems, detailing their pathophysiological role and therapeutic potential. Authors, experienced clinical investigators, present and analyze results of recent clinical trials as well as the development of new therapeutic strategies and medicines.




G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Dimers


Book Description

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are believed to be the largest family of membrane proteins involved in signal transduction and cellular responses. They dimerize (form a pair of macromolecules) with a wide variety of other receptors. The proposed book will provide a comprehensive overview of GPCR dimers, starting with a historical perspective and including, basic information about the different dimers, how they synthesize, their signaling properties, and the many diverse physiological processes in which they are involved. In addition to presenting information about healthy GPCR dimer activity, the book will also include a section on their pathology and therapeutic potentials.




Myeloid Cells in Health and Disease


Book Description

The structure, functions, and interactions of myeloid cells have long been the focus of research and therapeutics development. Yet, much more remains to be discovered about the complex web of relationships that makes up the immune systems of animals. Scientists today are applying genome-wide analyses, single-cell methods, gene editing, and modern imaging techniques to reveal new subclasses of differentiated myeloid cells, new receptors and cytokines, and important interactions among immune cells. In Myeloid Cells in Health and Disease: A Synthesis, Editor Siamon Gordon has assembled an international team of esteemed scientists to provide their perspectives of myeloid cells during innate and adaptive immunity. The book begins by presenting the foundational research of Paul Ehrlich, Elie Metchnikoff, and Donald Metcalf. The following chapters discuss evolution and the life cycles of myeloid cells; specific types of differentiated myeloid cells, including macrophage differentiation; and antigen processing and presentation. The rest of the book is organized by broad topics in immunology, including the recruitment of myeloid and other immune cells following microbial infection the role of myeloid cells in the inflammation process and the repair of damaged tissue the vast arsenal of myeloid cell secretory molecules, including metalloproteinases, tumor necrosis factor, histamine, and perforin receptors and downstream signaling pathways that are activated following ligand-receptor binding roles of myeloid cells during microbial and parasite infections contributions of myeloid cells in atherosclerosis myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor development and cancer Myeloid Cells in Health and Disease: A Synthesis will benefit graduate students and researchers in immunology, hematology, microbial pathogenesis, infectious disease, pathology, and pharmacology. Established scientists and physicians in these and related fields will enjoy the book's rich history of myeloid cell research and suggestions for future research directions and potential therapies.




Receptor-Receptor Interactions


Book Description