Lebon Laboratory

 
 

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins localised at the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. GPCRs are complex allosteric machineries regulated by endogenous ligands and drugs, as well as exogenous natural compounds. They mediate signal transduction from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment and play an important role in different physiological and pathological processes. They are classified into three main distinct families, A, B and C. Class C GPCRs that includes metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu), taste receptors, GABAB receptor and Calcium-sensing receptor, are unusual in terms of their molecular architecture and allosteric regulation. They all form obligate dimers, dimerization being fundamental for their function. We are aiming to decipher the structural basis of GPCRs activation mechanism, allosteric regulation and functional selectivity. We have a strong focus on class C GPCRs.

 

Structural characterisation of G protein-coupled receptors