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Recent research led by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute has revealed that proteins within cell membranes conceal unique pathways that can alter how cells function. This study, published in Nature Communications, involved collaboration with various research institutions from multiple countries, including Spain, Switzerland, the UK, Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Sweden, China, and the United States. The implications of these findings could lead to the development of new pharmaceutical treatments or enhance the effectiveness of existing drugs.
Utilizing advanced computer simulations, the researchers achieved an exceptional level of detail in their study. They observed, at an atomic level and in real-time, the interactions between membrane lipids and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) within their natural setting. These interactions have unveiled novel mechanisms for modulating cellular functions that previously remained hidden. “We have uncovered new pathways through which drugs can influence proteins that control cellular processes,” stated Dr. Jana Selent, the head of the GPCR Drug Discovery Research Group at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, which collaborates with Pompeu Fabra University.
GPCRs play a crucial role in pharmacology, as a substantial proportion of medications target these receptors to exert their effects on cells. Notably, 34% of drugs approved by the FDA are designed to interact with GPCRs. Dr. Selent commented, “Access to detailed information regarding the precise locations within the cell where these drugs exert their action will expedite the development of targeted therapies.”
Continuing Research
The recent study is built on 190 different experimental scenarios, encompassing 60% of all known GPCRs, yet the exploration into these proteins’ functional mechanisms is ongoing. Researchers have identified additional pathways that are only observable through computer models, beyond those previously recognized. Dr. David Aranda, a postdoctoral researcher at GRIB and the study’s lead author, noted that these pathways represent “more specific routes for each receptor, providing a more direct means to influence cell behavior.”
While it was established that certain drugs acted on cells, the specifics of their mechanisms were not well understood. The insights gained from this research illuminate these cellular dynamics, leading to the identification of specific targets that may result in the formulation of more selective and precise medications, which could diminish potential side effects. “This progress could enable us to surpass the current methodologies employed in treating various conditions,” he added.
This vital information, along with additional findings, will be made accessible for any laboratory engaged in the development or enhancement of medications.
Source
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