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New study reveals ‘droplet’ mechanism behind key drug targets

Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine identified a new mechanism by which G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control signaling in cells. They found that β-arrestin proteins can assemble into liquid-like clusters known as condensates, acting as hubs to organize signaling molecules.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

Uncovering how ascidians measure time to adulthood

Researchers have discovered that ascidians measure time to adulthood by accumulating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), ensuring a reliable timing of metamorphosis. The study's findings provide insights into time-measurement mechanisms in other organisms and may aid in aquaculture and marine biofouling control.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournaleLife·DateJul 10, 2025

New pathways discovered for drugs to act on cells

Researchers have identified new gateways for drugs to modulate proteins regulating cellular activity. These discoveries may facilitate the creation of new medications or improve existing ones, leading to more targeted therapies and reduced side effects.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2025
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Chasing down a cellular ‘short circuit’

A team of researchers at University of California San Diego has identified a biochemical mechanism that can interrupt cellular communication chains, disrupting the signaling pathways related to many diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of growth factors and G protein-coupled receptors in cell signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 4, 2024

Trip or treat?

Scientists at Medical College of Wisconsin create biased agonists that reduce hallucinogenic effects while preserving therapeutic potential. These compounds, designed to selectively activate serotonin receptors, show promise in treating depression and other mental health conditions.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023
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Scientists thought they knew how the nose ‘knows,’ new research suggests otherwise

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2022

Biased signalling for better drugs

Researchers at PSI have developed a platform to measure biased signalling in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enabling selective therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. By testing specially designed bivalent ligands, they can bias signalling towards desired pathways.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
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Balanced dopamine signaling for healthy learning and memory

Researchers found that a balance between dopamine D2 receptors and RGS is crucial for normal long-term memory formation. An imbalance in these molecules is thought to contribute to the development of schizophrenia and dystonia.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2021

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
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Dopamine receptor study offers hope for improved treatments with fewer side effects

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a new approach to targeted and more tolerable therapeutics for treating disorders like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. The study found that selectively activating the G protein signaling pathway can enhance motor function while avoiding negative side effects.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 31, 2018

New painkillers reduce overdose risk

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed new opioid pain relievers that are as potent as morphine but do not slow or stop breathing, reducing the risk of overdose. The compounds show a spectrum of bias between signaling pathways, providing an opportunity to expand the therapeutic window and administer drugs safely.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017

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
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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

Duke team identifies new 'mega-complex' involved in cell signaling

Researchers at Duke Health have discovered a new paradigm for how G protein-coupled receptors activate cell signaling mechanisms. The formation of 'mega-plexes' explains how signals can continue to be sent after internalization, opening up possibilities for targeted drug therapies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell·DateAug 4, 2016
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Study identifies potential new pathway for drug development

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital identified alpha arrestins as crucial regulators of G-protein coupled receptor signaling. Targeting these proteins could lead to more effective and side-effect-free drugs, potentially revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 2012
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Study details molecular structure of major cell signaling pathway

Researchers have elucidated the atomic structure of a major cell signaling pathway, revealing how it converts molecular signals into cellular responses. The study's findings have implications for understanding cancer and developing new treatments.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2010

Enzyme's second messenger contributes to cell overgrowth

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered a novel PLC-epsilon enzyme subtype that activates a second signaling pathway for cell proliferation. This finding may enable targeting the enzyme's second function to prevent pathological responses while preserving its critical physiological roles.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2007

Key regulatory enzyme is a molecular 'octopus'

Researchers deduced the structure of GRK2, a key regulatory enzyme that modulates G protein signaling. The three-dimensional structure reveals three distinct domains capable of performing multiple regulatory functions simultaneously.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2003

New metabolic 'switches' discovered

Researchers identified a novel class of G proteins in yeast that could play a role in sensing unique signals important for health and disease. The discovery offers potential for developing new drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors, which are involved in various diseases.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 18, 2002
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