Interrogating GPCR dynamics through high-resolution, time-resolved cryo-EM. Cell surface proteins called GPCRs provide critical control of communication within evolved organisms to maintain normal cel

Description

Interrogating GPCR dynamics through high-resolution, time-resolved cryo-EM. Cell surface proteins called GPCRs provide critical control of communication within evolved organisms to maintain normal cell & tissue function. GPCRs are highly dynamic and ligand binding and receptor activation occur across different time scales. This project aims to develop cryo-EM methods that move from static snapshots of structures at different stages of GPCR activation to continuous assessment of protein dynamics using time-resolved sampling and sophisticated analytical methods. The expected outcomes will address key knowledge gaps in understanding of how the largest family of receptors works. They will evolve techniques broadly applicable to other membrane proteins, and they have potential to advance drug discovery and development. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Patrick Sexton