G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Covering recently developed methods in membrane-bound receptors, this book emphasizes receptor structure and function, knowledge of which is essential to the study of signal transduction. G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Methods in Signal Transduction has culled contributors from domestic and international sources, providinga broad base of knowledge.Some topics covered are the regulation of receptors; phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channel receptors; phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channel receptors; desensitization studies using electrophysiological or confocal microscopic methods and the search for endogenous ligands for orphan receptors. The focus of this book is primarily to cover current methods used to study GPCRs, particularly methods related to studies that become possible by the molecular cloning of GPCRs. Most of the chapters include step-by-step protocols which are intended to be useful for inexperienced researchers as well as specialists. G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Methods in Signal Transduction is useful at both the university and industrial levels, and is of particular interest to those who are developing therapeutic approaches to diseases using drugs that influence receptor activation. More specifically, this volume is useful for those who want to develop new drugs targeted to GCPRs, find endogenous ligands for orphan receptors, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the function and regulation of GCPRs, or determine the three-dimensional structure of GCPRs. Pharmacologists, neuroscientists, biochemists, industrial scientists and molecular biologists will find this book useful.