G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Health and Disease, Part A

Ya-Xiong Tao

Aug 2009 · Academic Press

About this ebook

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce signals from a diverse array of endogenous ligands, including ions, amino acids, nucleotides, lipids, peptides, and large glycoprotein hormones. They are also responsible for our sensing of exogenous stimuli, including photons and odorants. GPCRs regulate almost every aspect of our physiological functions. It is estimated that 40% to 50% of currently used therapeutic drugs target GPCRs directly or indirectly. Because the current drugs target only a small portion of the GPCRs, opportunities for targeting the remaining GPCRs is enormous. This volume reviews the latest developments in this rapidly advancing field.

• This series provides a forum for discussion of new discoveries, approaches, and ideas
• Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts
• Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields

About the author

Dr. Ya-Xiong Tao is currently Professor of Physiology at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Auburn, Alabama, USA. He has been working on several G protein-coupled receptors, including gonadotropin receptors regulating reproduction, and melanocortin receptors regulating energy and glucose homeostasis. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed biomedical journals and obtained funding for his research from National Institutes of Health, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association, among others. He has delivered numerous lectures at universities and research institutes in USA, Canada, China, India, and Mexico. He has edited ten volumes, including seven volumes in Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. He teaches several courses, including Physiology, Receptorology, Genomics and Personalized Medicine, and Molecular Endocrinology, for veterinarian, graduate, and undergraduate Honors students.