VOLUME 522. G Protein Coupled Receptors - Modeling, Activation, Interactions and Virtual Screening

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"G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of validated drug targets; mutations in GPCRs are the underlying cause of more than 30 diseases. These plasma membrane proteins are utilized by cells to mediate responses to sensory stimuli, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Some estimates are that as much as 4% of the human genome may be reserved for GPCRs; this is testimony to the large number of uses to which nature has put these interesting and highly interactive molecules. Understanding the relation between receptor structure and function frequently explains the underlying pathology of disease and presents therapeutic and prophylactic opportunities. Accordingly, this volume provides descriptions of the range of methods used to analyze these important signal transducers and the authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights."