G Protein-coupled Receptors (GPCR) represent the largest protein family in the human genome, with about 900 members in total, of which about 420 appear of relevance to pharmaceutical industry. GPCR represent a large proportion of all drugable targets. Receptors and their ligands play key roles in almost all aspects of physiology and hence have broad relevance to numerous diseases. Among the about 200 non-olfactory GPCRs identified in recent years through genomics, the ligand and physiological role is known in only a few cases.
 

Our long term goal at NIBR is to identify ligands for orphan G protein-coupled receptors and to elucidate their physiological function.

The GPCR Expertise Program consists of a core team located in Basel, working closely together with GPCR experts in the Disease Areas and the Expertise Platforms. GPCR is headed by Klaus Seuwen.

Ludwig MG, Seuwen K. Characterization of the human adenylyl cyclase gene family: cDNA, gene structure, and tissue distribution of the nine isoforms. J. Recept. Signal Transduct. Res. 22: 79-110 (2002).
 

Jones CE, Holden S, Tenaillon L, Bhatia U, Seuwen K, Tranter P, Turner J, Kettle R, Bouhelal R, Charlton S, Nirmala NR, Jarai G, Finan P. Expression and characterization of a 5-oxo-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid receptor highly expressed on human eosinophils and neutrophils. Mol Pharmacol. 63:471-477 (2003).
 

Ludwig MG, Vanek M, Guerini D, Gasser JA, Jones CE, Junker U, Hofstetter H, Wolf RM,  Seuwen K. Proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors. Nature 425: 93-98, 2003.