GPCR Seminar

On November 21, 2014, Dr. Deb Kendall from The University of Connecticut, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences came to visit UNCG and talk about Allosteric, Biased-Signaling Modulators of the Cannabinoid Receptor One. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes. These cell surface receptors act like an inbox for messages in the form of light energy, peptides, lipids, sugars, and proteins. I learned that GPCR is a superfamily. . I has over 1000 members. It constitute for approximately 3% of the human genome and sever as sensors, converting extracellular signals to intracellular signals. It is also used in drugs. It also helps in womens health, immunology, cardiovascular, and in the Central Nervous System 40%! The functions mediated by GPCRs in the CNS:cognition, memory, attention,  movement, mood, stress, appetite and pain. 

http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/gpcr-14047471