How cell-surface signaling proteins (GPCRs) work in the brain and body
G protein coupled receptor structure, dynamics, and signaling.
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11355427
The team is exploring how G-protein-coupled receptors — common cell-surface receptors involved in Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and other conditions — change shape and trigger different signals to help guide safer, more precise medicines.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11355427 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are mapping the shapes and movements of GPCR proteins and watching how they activate different internal pathways. They study how different drug-like molecules can turn these pathways on, off, or partially activate them, sometimes favoring one signaling route over another (called biased signaling). The work uses lab-based protein and cell experiments, imaging and biochemical tests to reveal which molecular interactions lead to beneficial or harmful effects. By understanding these details, the team aims to guide the design of drugs that hit the intended pathway with fewer side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, certain cardiovascular conditions, or other disorders linked to GPCR signaling might be ideal candidates to donate samples or join future clinical work informed by these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or those without GPCR-related conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to medicines that more precisely target disease-related signaling and cause fewer side effects for conditions like Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior structural and signaling studies of GPCRs have successfully guided drug development, though pathway-selective (biased) therapies remain an emerging and actively researched approach.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOBILKA, BRIAN K — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KOBILKA, BRIAN K
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Cardiovascular Diseases