receptor

Human olfactory receptors belong to an enormous family of proteins known as G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Situated within cell membranes, these proteins contribute to a vast array of physiological processes by detecting all kinds of stimuli, from light to hormones.Over the past two decades, researchers have determined detailed structures for an ever-expanding number of GPCRs—but not for the olfactory receptors among them. To get enough receptors for these studies, researchers must produce them in cultured cells.…

Scientists have mapped neurotransmitter receptors in macaque brains, discovering key organizational principles that help distinguish internal thoughts from external influences. The data, made publicly available, could provide valuable insights into brain activity, behavior, and drug interactions, and potentially guide the development of new treatments targeting specific brain functions.Receptor patterns define key organizational principles in the brain, scientists have discovered. An international team of researchers,…

Coronaviruses (round particles) with spike proteins (cyan) infect a host cell carrying sporadic ACE-2 receptors (pink). After membranes fuse and release viral components (purple). (violet) are released. Credit: RVZ WürzburgA new study reveals that the <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>SARS-CoV-2</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the official name of the…

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have created a powerful drug that can effectively neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, including the Omicron variant and all other tested variants. The innovative design of the drug allows it to remain effective against future variants, even if the virus undergoes natural selection to maintain its infectiousness.Investigational drug works differently than antibody drugs which are losing effectiveness against the <span class="glossaryLink"…

MIT chemists have discovered how the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor changes its conformation when it binds to EGF. Credit: Courtesy of the researchersNew insight into the way the EGF receptor sends signals into cells could help researchers design new cancer drugs that target this protein.Receptors found on cell surfaces bind to hormones, proteins, and other molecules, helping cells respond to their environment. Chemists at <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt"…

The arms race between the human immune system and gonorrhea might have had the useful side effect of promoting healthy brain tissue later in life.This tiny boost to cognitive health in our twilight years might have played a small role in ensuring grandmas were sharp-minded enough for evolution to keep them around.  While it's fiendishly difficult – and may be impossible – to figure out what evolutionary factors are responsible for living beyond ages where we no longer reproduce, researchers at the University of…

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a previously unknown mechanism of cocaine’s activity in the brain, which could open new types of treatment for addiction to the drug. Intriguingly, it seems to work differently in male and female mice.Cocaine is known to interact with synapses in the brain, preventing neurons from taking up dopamine, a neurotransmitter chemical associated with feelings of reward and pleasure. That causes the dopamine to build up in synapses, making those positive feelings last longer. That’s the…

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique can be used to change genetic coding with great precision, and its uses include curing disease and fixing genetic faults. Now it's been used to change animal behavior – and the results are not what scientists were expecting.  CRISPR was used on a group of hamsters to knock out the Avpr1a receptor, which is acted on by the hormone vasopressin. Vasopressin is linked to social actions, such as bonding, cooperation, communication, dominance, and aggression.Without the Avpr1a receptor,…