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Glucagon receptor structures reveal G protein specificity mechanism

The study provides detailed molecular maps of interaction patterns between a GPCR and different G protein subtypes, revealing key features that govern G protein specificity. The sixth transmembrane helix adopts a similar outward shift in the two G protein-bound GCGR structures, forming a common binding cavity to accommodate Gs and Gi.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020

Jellyfish help understand the timing of egg production

A new study in PLOS Biology identifies a regulator of jellyfish egg release, shedding light on the evolution of complex hormonal control in animals. The discovery sheds insight into how oocytes transform into eggs and may hold clues for understanding the link between sexual reproduction and nutrition in animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2020

Researchers obtain 'high-definition' view of diabetes-related proteins

Scientists have obtained a high-resolution view of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP1R), which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study provides new insights into GLP1R function and its potential as a target for treating conditions like type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Designing and repurposing cell receptors

Researchers develop computational method to predict and design allosteric functions in proteins, enabling the creation of novel signaling receptors with precise functions. They successfully designed and repurposed a dopamine receptor into a serotonin biosensor, demonstrating the potential for this approach in personalized medicine.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 2, 2019

Researchers find new signaling systems in human cells

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified five new GPCRs activated by 17 peptide ligands, expanding the known peptide-GPCR network. This discovery has high translational potential as therapeutic targets for various diseases, including genetic, nervous system, and neoplastic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateOct 31, 2019

Physics vs. asthma

The study reveals the detailed 3D structure of the CysLT1 receptor, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes and allergic diseases like asthma. The researchers used advanced X-ray sources to determine the receptor's mechanism of operation, providing insights into improving asthma medications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2019

Coupled proteins

The study uncovered several hundred coupling events between GPCRs and G-proteins, greatly expanding the understanding of how these receptors work. This new data enables better prediction of GPCR-G-protein coupling and potential design of artificial GPCRs with specific signalling properties.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell·DateJul 1, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

COMMD3/8 protein complex: a potential drug target for treating inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a molecule involved in immune cell migration that plays a critical role in establishing immune responses. The COMMD3/8 complex promotes signal transduction of chemokine receptors to facilitate immune cell migration, which is essential for efficient immune responses and proper functioning of the immune system.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 30, 2019

Key drug target shown assembling in real-time

Researchers outline detailed sequence of events where a GPCR encounters its downstream signaling partner, providing insights into fundamental mechanisms of drug-induced signaling. The new analysis technique can identify precise amino acids most central to GPCR function, enabling potential sites for precision drug targeting.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

A step ahead in pharmaceutical research

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a new method called BRET that allows them to test the activity and potency of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands in living cells. This breakthrough enables faster discovery of novel pharmaceutical substances with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 5, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New target for treating alcoholism

Researchers discovered that activating GPR139 reduces alcohol intake and restores pain sensitivity thresholds in alcohol-dependent mice. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating alcohol use disorder.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 25, 2018

Cryo-EM reveals interaction between major drug targets

Scientists have visualized the interaction between two critical components of the body's cellular communication network using cryo-electron microscopy. The near-atomic resolution images show a G-protein coupled receptor bound to an inhibitory G protein, providing a blueprint for designing more precise and selective drugs.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Communication in the cell: important step of signal transmission elucidated

Scientists at Charité and Stanford University decipher the molecular step of cellular signal transmission involving G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and arrestin. The study's findings could lead to the development of specific drugs targeting diseases like asthma, schizophrenia, hypertension, and cancer.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature·DateMay 28, 2018

Understanding a cell's 'doorbell'

A multi-institutional project has provided new understanding of how GPCRs regulate in response to physiological ions like sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This research could lead to more effective drugs for controlling pain, hunger, and other conditions by targeting the receptors' function.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study changes long-held concepts of cell decoding

Scientists at NIDA uncovered evidence of a more complex role for GPCRs, suggesting a conceptual advance in biochemistry and pharmacology. The discovery reveals that GPCRs form part of pre-coupled macromolecular complexes that act as computing devices to gather and process information.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2018

Glucagon receptor structure offers new opportunities for type 2 diabetes drug discovery

Scientists at SIMM have determined the crystal structure of the human glucagon receptor in complex with a glucagon analogue, providing insights into its activation mechanism. The study reveals significant conformational changes in the linker region and extracellular loop that facilitate peptide binding and initiate receptor activation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJan 3, 2018

Distinct human mutations can alter the effect of medicine

Researchers mapped genetic mutations in GPCRs and found that 3% of population have receptors with altered drug effects. The study estimates an economic burden of at least 14 million pounds annually on the UK National Health Service.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateDec 15, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Locally administered compound offers prolonged relief from airway constriction

Scientists identified a compound, FR, that provides long-lasting airway relaxation and prevents hyperreactivity in mouse models of asthma. The locally administered compound also blocks aspects of airway remodeling without causing cardiovascular side effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 13, 2017

How receptors for medicines work inside cells

Researchers have discovered that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are active in the cell interior, influencing gene transcription and cell division. This finding has implications for developing innovative drugs targeting receptor function or uptake.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2017

Molecular volume control

Researchers discover latrophilin/CIRL receptor's mechanism of action, using ion channels and intracellular messengers to trigger signal cascades. The study uses Drosophila larvae and super-resolution microscopy to visualize receptor location and signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateAug 22, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Effects of a major drug target regulated through molecular 'codes'

Researchers reveal components of rhodopsin and arrestin that form a critical cellular communication network. The discovery provides new insights into how GPCRs interact with signaling molecules, potentially leading to more effective drugs with fewer side effects for diseases like heart failure and cancer.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2017

Research opens the door to improved drugs for type 2 diabetes

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the structure of the glucagon receptor, a key component in glucose regulation. The study provides detailed molecular information that can guide the development of more accurate and efficient diabetes drugs.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2017

New tool illuminates cell signaling pathways key to disease

Researchers have developed a new technique that allows for precise mapping of cellular signaling networks involved in human biology and disease. This breakthrough opens up exciting avenues for understanding and treating psychiatric diseases, including opioid addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Unexpected protein structure findings could lead to new therapies

USC scientists discovered unexpected characteristics of the AT2 protein, which interacts with the angiotensin II hormone regulating blood pressure. The study reveals potential new paths to drugs controlling cardiovascular disease and pain, offering an important first step towards targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New role of cholesterol in regulating brain proteins discovered

Researchers have found that cholesterol can regulate the activity of the adenosine receptor by accessing its active site, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's. This discovery could also have implications for other central nervous system diseases where GPCRs play a key role.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

How proteins find one another

The study reveals that arrestin's C-edge loops interact directly with the membrane, forming a new type of binding. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the role of the membrane in GPCR-arrestin interactions and developing drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Cholesterol important for signal transmission in cells

Researchers at FAU discovered that cholesterol strongly influences CXCR4 dimerization and signal transmission in human cells. Their computer simulations revealed that cholesterol is required for the correct formation of GPCR pairs, which affects their function.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 16, 2016

Promising drug leads identified to combat heart disease

A research team from UC San Diego and Monash University identified 38 lead compounds that exhibit strong affinity and high selectivity for the M2 mAChR binding site. These compounds target allosteric binding sites, which are built around a more diverse genetic sequence and structure than orthosteric binding sites.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The first stage of the cascade

Researchers at TUM have determined the mechanism of G protein switching, providing insights into the design of new active agents. The study reveals that the open form of the protein is more accessible to active agents than its rigid, closed form.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2016

Researchers discover new therapeutic approach for cardiorenal syndrome type 2

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic approach to prevent renal damage in cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (CRS2), a condition that causes chronic kidney disease secondary to heart failure. By inhibiting G protein-coupled receptors, the study found that renal function can be protected.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 13, 2016

TSRI scientists show how drug molecules regulate a medically important protein

Researchers at TSRI have discovered the dynamics of β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a protein linked to asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that β2AR naturally fluctuates between its active and inactive states in the absence of any drug, and different drugs can either stimulate or inhibit signaling.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New nanoscopic tools to study ligand-binding of receptors and quantifying two ligand-binding sites while imaging membrane receptors

A new high-resolution method allows precise identification and quantification of interactions between a receptor and two ligands. Scientists have developed a novel approach using atomic force microscopy, enabling the imaging of single membrane receptors while detecting their interactions with multiple ligands.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Familiar drugs may block Ebola virus infection

Researchers found that Ebola and Marburg viruses use G protein-coupled receptors to enter cells, which can be blocked by existing drugs targeting these receptors. The study identified 20 GPCR antagonists effective against the two viruses, paving the way for potential therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 7, 2015

Crystal clear images uncover secrets of hormone receptors

Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize the structure of a neurotensin receptor, shedding light on its mechanism. Binding of neurotensin to the receptor triggers critical conformational changes that activate G protein-coupled signaling pathways.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2015
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Long-sought discovery fills in missing details of cell 'switchboard'

A new study has provided never-before-seen details of the human body's cellular switchboard that regulates sensory and hormonal responses. The research, led by Eric Xu at the Van Andel Research Institute, used SLAC's X-ray laser to complete the first 3-D atomic-scale map of a key signaling protein called arrestin.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2015

New signaling pathway provides clues to obesity

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a novel cell signaling pathway that may provide new insights into obesity. The discovery centers on the melanocortin-4 receptor, which plays a key role in regulating appetite, and reveals a molecular mechanism for converting an on-off switch into a rheostat.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

AU professor constructs model of receptor protein linked to human growth

A researcher at American University has constructed a three-dimensional computer model of a receptor protein linked to human growth, which may lead to the development of drugs to treat conditions such as gigantism and dwarfism. The study was led by researchers from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human D...

SourceAmerican University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 4, 2014

Tracing water channels in cell surface receptors

Scientists used computer modeling to trace water channels in cell surface receptors (GPCRs), discovering their role in signal transduction. The study suggests that targeting these internal water pathways could lead to the development of more efficient drugs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2014

Architecture of signaling proteins enhances knowledge of key receptors

Researchers at Duke University, University of Michigan, and Stanford University have determined the underlying architecture of a cellular signaling complex involved in responding to stimuli such as light and pain. The findings reveal a two-step mechanism that has been hypothesized previously but not directly documented.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014

Scientists unlock potential heart attack drug without side effects

Researchers at Monash University developed a new class of drug targeting alternative recognition sites on GPCRs to fine-tune protein behavior, reducing damage and potential side effects. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of a new treatment for heart attacks and heart failure.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Photopharmacology: Optoswitches turn pain off and sight on

Scientists at LMU developed photoreactive compounds that modulate nerve-cell function, opening new routes to treat neurological diseases like chronic pain and visual impairment. They created hybrid photoreceptors that respond to light, potentially leading to new therapies for these conditions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 26, 2014

Team finds new way to map important drug targets

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method to map the 3D structure of membrane proteins, including the human serotonin receptor. This approach enables faster and more accurate imaging, potentially condensing the timeline for structural studies from months to days.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.