Understanding how G protein-coupled receptors behave and interact with drugs
Official title: Conformational Dynamics of G Protein-Coupled Receptors at the Single-Molecule Level
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11133036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of protein, called the A2A adenosine receptor, changes shape and works with other proteins, which could help us understand diseases better and find new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,668 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM142946-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to GPCR dysfunction, such as adult-onset diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to GPCRs or those who do not have adult-onset diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamic behavior of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are crucial for recognizing hormones and drugs. By using advanced techniques like single-molecule fluorescence, the study aims to observe how these receptors change shape and interact with other proteins in real-time. This could help in understanding how mutations related to diseases affect these interactions and may lead to the development of new therapies. The focus is particularly on the A2A adenosine receptor, which plays a significant role in various physiological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective drugs targeting GPCRs, improving treatment options for conditions like adult-onset diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding GPCR dynamics, but this specific approach using single-molecule fluorescence is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamichhane, Rajan — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Lamichhane, Rajan
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.