How Cell Receptors Send Signals in the Body
Mechanisms of spatiotemporal signaling by GPCRs
This work explores how important cell receptors, called GPCRs, send signals from different places inside cells, which could help us understand how medicines work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11340200 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial for how our bodies respond to many signals, and they are targets for a large number of medications. This research looks closely at how these receptors send messages not just from the cell's outer surface, but also from inside the cell. Understanding these different signaling locations is important because they can lead to distinct effects in the body. By learning more about how these signals are organized and controlled, we hope to discover new ways to develop more effective treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit patients with conditions related to GPCR signaling, such as heart disease, neurological disorders, or metabolic issues.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a deeper understanding of how existing drugs work and help in developing new, more targeted therapies for various conditions involving GPCRs.
How similar studies have performed: While the general biochemistry of GPCR activation is well-known, the specific focus on spatiotemporal signaling from internal membranes is an emerging and less explored area.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blythe, Emily Elizabeth — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Blythe, Emily Elizabeth
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.