The discovery has important implications for not only understanding the fundamental mechanism of cellular signalling in our body but also facilitating novel drug discovery. Cell membranes in our body harbour a special type of protein molecules known as receptors. The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in regulating heart function, blood pressure, mental disorders, and our general behaviour. “The researchers have now visualised the cross-talk of GPCRs and arrestins in great detail using the cutting-edge technology cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). “For example, the chemokine receptor, which is one of the receptors investigated in this study, has important role in breast cancer progression.”

Source: The Hindu May 28, 2023 17:53 UTC