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G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large protein family of transmembrane receptors vital in dictating cellular responses. GPCRs are involved in many diseases, but are also the target of around half of all modern medicinal drugs. Shifting Paradigms in G Protein Coupled Receptors takes a look at the way GPCRs are examined today, how they react, how their mutations lead to disease, and the many ways in which they can be screened for compounds that modulate them. Chemists, pharmacologists, and biologists will find essential information in this comprehensive reference.
Book Synopsis GPCR Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Targeting by : Annette Gilchrist
Download or read book GPCR Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Targeting written by Annette Gilchrist and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2010-12-10 with total page 675 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large protein family of transmembrane receptors vital in dictating cellular responses. GPCRs are involved in many diseases, but are also the target of around half of all modern medicinal drugs. Shifting Paradigms in G Protein Coupled Receptors takes a look at the way GPCRs are examined today, how they react, how their mutations lead to disease, and the many ways in which they can be screened for compounds that modulate them. Chemists, pharmacologists, and biologists will find essential information in this comprehensive reference.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that transduce a vast array of extracellular signals into intracellular reactions ranging from cell-cell communication processes to physiological responses. They play an important role in a variety of diseases from cancer and diabetes, to neurodegenerative, inflammatory and respiratory disorders. GPCRs are therefore of utmost interest in drug development: over half of all prescription drugs currently on the market act by targeting these receptors directly or indirectly. G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology provides a clear summary of the current knowledge in this fast-evolving field. The book sets out with an introduction to signalling molecules and their receptors, and an overview of the technical approaches used to investigate these interactions. Structural, functional and especially pharmacological aspects of GPCRs are then discussed in more detail and much attention is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. The now widespread use of recombinant cell lies, receptor mutants and related artifices in drug research is critically evaluated. Special attention is also devoted to topical but often poorly understood concepts, such as insurmountable antagonism, inverse agonism and allosteric interactions. By combining general information with the major state-of-the-art concepts in GPCR-research, this outstanding book equips the reader with the necessary background for understanding and critically evaluating the current literature. Written by two experts from academia and industry, G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology offers a unique view of academic and applied approaches aiming to reveal new ideas in pharmaceutical research. The book is of interest to anyone involved in drug development and preclinical research and those who need to function within multi-disciplinary teams in the pharmaceutical industry: from investigators to product managers or clinicians who seek to have a broad mechanistic understanding of drug-receptor interactions. It is also an invaluable resource for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students in pharmacology and cell and molecular biology.
Book Synopsis G Protein-coupled Receptors by : Georges Vauquelin
Download or read book G Protein-coupled Receptors written by Georges Vauquelin and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2008-03-11 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that transduce a vast array of extracellular signals into intracellular reactions ranging from cell-cell communication processes to physiological responses. They play an important role in a variety of diseases from cancer and diabetes, to neurodegenerative, inflammatory and respiratory disorders. GPCRs are therefore of utmost interest in drug development: over half of all prescription drugs currently on the market act by targeting these receptors directly or indirectly. G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology provides a clear summary of the current knowledge in this fast-evolving field. The book sets out with an introduction to signalling molecules and their receptors, and an overview of the technical approaches used to investigate these interactions. Structural, functional and especially pharmacological aspects of GPCRs are then discussed in more detail and much attention is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. The now widespread use of recombinant cell lies, receptor mutants and related artifices in drug research is critically evaluated. Special attention is also devoted to topical but often poorly understood concepts, such as insurmountable antagonism, inverse agonism and allosteric interactions. By combining general information with the major state-of-the-art concepts in GPCR-research, this outstanding book equips the reader with the necessary background for understanding and critically evaluating the current literature. Written by two experts from academia and industry, G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology offers a unique view of academic and applied approaches aiming to reveal new ideas in pharmaceutical research. The book is of interest to anyone involved in drug development and preclinical research and those who need to function within multi-disciplinary teams in the pharmaceutical industry: from investigators to product managers or clinicians who seek to have a broad mechanistic understanding of drug-receptor interactions. It is also an invaluable resource for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students in pharmacology and cell and molecular biology.
This textbook provides a fresh, comprehensive and accessible introduction to the rapidly expanding field of molecular pharmacology. Adopting a drug target-based, rather than the traditional organ/system based, approach this innovative guide reflects the current advances and research trend towards molecular based drug design, derived from a detailed understanding of chemical responses in the body. Drugs are then tailored to fit a treatment profile, rather than the traditional method of ‘trial and error’ drug discovery which focuses on testing chemicals on animals or cell cultures and matching their effects to treatments. Providing an invaluable resource for advanced under-graduate and MSc/PhD students, new researchers to the field and practitioners for continuing professional development, Molecular Pharmacology explores; recent advances and developments in the four major human drug target families (G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels, nuclear receptors and transporters), cloning of drug targets, transgenic animal technology, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics and looks at the role of calcium in the cell. Current - focuses on cutting edge techniques and approaches, including new methods to quantify biological activities in different systems and ways to interpret and understand pharmacological data. Cutting Edge - highlights advances in pharmacogenomics and explores how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to therapeutic drugs and the potential for harmful side effects. Applied - includes numerous, real-world examples and a detailed case-study based chapter which looks at current and possible future treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis. This case study considers the relative merits of both drug therapy for specific classes of mutation and gene therapy to correct the underlying defect. Accessible - contains a comprehensive glossary, suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter and an associated website that provides a complete set of figures from within the book.
Book Synopsis Molecular Pharmacology by : John Dickenson
Download or read book Molecular Pharmacology written by John Dickenson and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2012-11-30 with total page 675 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This textbook provides a fresh, comprehensive and accessible introduction to the rapidly expanding field of molecular pharmacology. Adopting a drug target-based, rather than the traditional organ/system based, approach this innovative guide reflects the current advances and research trend towards molecular based drug design, derived from a detailed understanding of chemical responses in the body. Drugs are then tailored to fit a treatment profile, rather than the traditional method of ‘trial and error’ drug discovery which focuses on testing chemicals on animals or cell cultures and matching their effects to treatments. Providing an invaluable resource for advanced under-graduate and MSc/PhD students, new researchers to the field and practitioners for continuing professional development, Molecular Pharmacology explores; recent advances and developments in the four major human drug target families (G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels, nuclear receptors and transporters), cloning of drug targets, transgenic animal technology, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics and looks at the role of calcium in the cell. Current - focuses on cutting edge techniques and approaches, including new methods to quantify biological activities in different systems and ways to interpret and understand pharmacological data. Cutting Edge - highlights advances in pharmacogenomics and explores how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to therapeutic drugs and the potential for harmful side effects. Applied - includes numerous, real-world examples and a detailed case-study based chapter which looks at current and possible future treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis. This case study considers the relative merits of both drug therapy for specific classes of mutation and gene therapy to correct the underlying defect. Accessible - contains a comprehensive glossary, suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter and an associated website that provides a complete set of figures from within the book.
G protein coupled receptors remain the most important class of therapeutic targets in medicine. In the last 5 years, tremendous advances have been made in our understanding of the structure and mechanism of this critical family of drug targets. The present volume explores the modern experimental and conceptual framework for drug discovery for G protein coupled receptors. It explores advances in structure determination and structure-based drug design as well as new concepts of allosteric modulation, functional selectivity/biased agonism, and pharmacological chaperones. In addition, emerging drug targets such as receptor families for fatty acids, carboxylic acids, lipid mediators, etc. are included. Final chapters cover novel mechanisms of signal regulation through PDZ domains and RGS proteins. This volume will bring an up-to-date perspective on the G protein coupled receptor field to both academic and industry scientists. The present volume explores the modern experimental and conceptual framework for drug discovery for G protein coupled receptors It explores advances in structure determination and structure-based drug design as well as new concepts of allosteric modulation, functional selectivity/biased agonism, and pharmacological chaperones This volume will bring an up-to-date perspective on the G protein coupled receptor field to both academic and industry scientists
Book Synopsis Pharmacology of G Protein Coupled Receptors by : Richard R. Neubig
Download or read book Pharmacology of G Protein Coupled Receptors written by Richard R. Neubig and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2011-09-19 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: G protein coupled receptors remain the most important class of therapeutic targets in medicine. In the last 5 years, tremendous advances have been made in our understanding of the structure and mechanism of this critical family of drug targets. The present volume explores the modern experimental and conceptual framework for drug discovery for G protein coupled receptors. It explores advances in structure determination and structure-based drug design as well as new concepts of allosteric modulation, functional selectivity/biased agonism, and pharmacological chaperones. In addition, emerging drug targets such as receptor families for fatty acids, carboxylic acids, lipid mediators, etc. are included. Final chapters cover novel mechanisms of signal regulation through PDZ domains and RGS proteins. This volume will bring an up-to-date perspective on the G protein coupled receptor field to both academic and industry scientists. The present volume explores the modern experimental and conceptual framework for drug discovery for G protein coupled receptors It explores advances in structure determination and structure-based drug design as well as new concepts of allosteric modulation, functional selectivity/biased agonism, and pharmacological chaperones This volume will bring an up-to-date perspective on the G protein coupled receptor field to both academic and industry scientists
The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and associated peripheral G proteins underpin a multitude of physiological processes. The GPCRs represent one of the largest superfamilies in the human genome and are a significant target for bioactive and drug discovery programs. It is estimated that greater than 50% of all drugs, including those in development, currently target GPCRs. Many of the characterized GPCRs have known ligands; however, approximately 20% of GPCRs are described as orphan GPCRs, apparent GPCRs that share the generic high-level structure charact- istic of GPCRs but whose endogenous ligand is not known. Therefore, it is expected that the field of GPCR drug discovery and development will greatly expand in the coming years with emphasis on new generations of drugs against GPCRs with unique therapeuticuseswhichmayincludedrugssuchasallostericregulators,inverseagonists, and identification of orphan GPCR ligands. AswelearnmoreaboutthemolecularsignalingcascadesfollowingGPCRactivation, we acquire a better appreciation of the complexity of cell signaling and as a result, also acquire a vast array ofnew molecularmethods toinvestigate these andother processes. Thegeneralaimofthisbookistoprovideresearcherswitharangeofprotocolsthatmay be useful in their GPCR drug discovery programs. It is also the basis for the devel- ment of future assays in this field. Therefore, the range of topics covered and the appropriate methodological approaches in GPCR drug discovery are reflected in this book. Itisinterestingtonotethatfuturedirectionsindrugdiscoverywillrequireinput and collaboration from a plethora of fields of research. As such, this book will likely be of interest to scientists involved in such fields as molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cellular signaling, and bio-nanotechnology.
Book Synopsis G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Drug Discovery by : Wayne R. Leifert
Download or read book G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Drug Discovery written by Wayne R. Leifert and published by Humana Press. This book was released on 2016-08-23 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and associated peripheral G proteins underpin a multitude of physiological processes. The GPCRs represent one of the largest superfamilies in the human genome and are a significant target for bioactive and drug discovery programs. It is estimated that greater than 50% of all drugs, including those in development, currently target GPCRs. Many of the characterized GPCRs have known ligands; however, approximately 20% of GPCRs are described as orphan GPCRs, apparent GPCRs that share the generic high-level structure charact- istic of GPCRs but whose endogenous ligand is not known. Therefore, it is expected that the field of GPCR drug discovery and development will greatly expand in the coming years with emphasis on new generations of drugs against GPCRs with unique therapeuticuseswhichmayincludedrugssuchasallostericregulators,inverseagonists, and identification of orphan GPCR ligands. AswelearnmoreaboutthemolecularsignalingcascadesfollowingGPCRactivation, we acquire a better appreciation of the complexity of cell signaling and as a result, also acquire a vast array ofnew molecularmethods toinvestigate these andother processes. Thegeneralaimofthisbookistoprovideresearcherswitharangeofprotocolsthatmay be useful in their GPCR drug discovery programs. It is also the basis for the devel- ment of future assays in this field. Therefore, the range of topics covered and the appropriate methodological approaches in GPCR drug discovery are reflected in this book. Itisinterestingtonotethatfuturedirectionsindrugdiscoverywillrequireinput and collaboration from a plethora of fields of research. As such, this book will likely be of interest to scientists involved in such fields as molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cellular signaling, and bio-nanotechnology.
With its particular emphasis on the constitutive activity of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)s, this book comprehensively discusses an important biological process that has not yet been covered in such depth in any other existing books on GPCRs. The international team of highly distinguished authors addresses in detail current models and concepts, to introduce medicinal chemists, physiologists, pharmacologists, and medical researchers into the advances in the understanding of GPCR activation and constitutive activity. In addition, the book provides an overview on methods of investigating constitutive GPCR activity. The text is well illustrated by selected experimental data and schemes._The chaptes are all cross-referenced with each other and cover general mechnisms, methodological approaches and cover selected important GPCR sysstems, the consequences for drug action, including, side effects, and rational drug design for GPCR targets. A highly recommended reference for researchers in academia and industry. authors addresses in detail current models and concepts, so as to introduce pharmaceutical chemists, physiologists and medical researchers to the advances in the understanding of GPCR activation and constitutive activity, and provides an overview of the methods of investigating GPCR activity. The text is backed by abundant case studies and methodological advice for analyzing GPCRs, covering selected pharmacologically relevant GPCR systems, the consequences for drug action, including unwanted side effects, and rational drug design for GPCR targets. A highly practical reference for researchers in academia and industry.
Book Synopsis G Protein-Coupled Receptors as Drug Targets by : Roland Seifert
Download or read book G Protein-Coupled Receptors as Drug Targets written by Roland Seifert and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2006-05-12 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With its particular emphasis on the constitutive activity of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)s, this book comprehensively discusses an important biological process that has not yet been covered in such depth in any other existing books on GPCRs. The international team of highly distinguished authors addresses in detail current models and concepts, to introduce medicinal chemists, physiologists, pharmacologists, and medical researchers into the advances in the understanding of GPCR activation and constitutive activity. In addition, the book provides an overview on methods of investigating constitutive GPCR activity. The text is well illustrated by selected experimental data and schemes._The chaptes are all cross-referenced with each other and cover general mechnisms, methodological approaches and cover selected important GPCR sysstems, the consequences for drug action, including, side effects, and rational drug design for GPCR targets. A highly recommended reference for researchers in academia and industry. authors addresses in detail current models and concepts, so as to introduce pharmaceutical chemists, physiologists and medical researchers to the advances in the understanding of GPCR activation and constitutive activity, and provides an overview of the methods of investigating GPCR activity. The text is backed by abundant case studies and methodological advice for analyzing GPCRs, covering selected pharmacologically relevant GPCR systems, the consequences for drug action, including unwanted side effects, and rational drug design for GPCR targets. A highly practical reference for researchers in academia and industry.
Eine umfassende Betrachtung der Struktur, Pharmakologie, Funktion und Rolle von G-Protein-gekoppelten Rezeptoren Mit GPCRs as Therapeutic Targets legt die renommierte Forscherin Dr. Annette Gilchrist einen maßgeblichen, umfassenden Leitfaden für einen dynamischen, aktiven Bereich der akademischen und industriellen Arzneimittelforschung vor. Das Werk, in dem die molekulare Pharmakologie dieser wichtigen Zielklasse behandelt wird, ist ein wichtiges Referenzwerk für neue und erfahrene Forscher, die sich mit G-Protein-gekoppelten Rezeptoren beschäftigen. Es enthält außerdem aktuelle Daten zu GPCR-Strukturen und dem strukturbasierten Wirkstoffdesign. In diesem Werk wird die Rolle von GPCR bei der Behandlung von Krankheiten und für neue Ansätze in deren Erforschung analysiert. Dabei werden nicht nur Informationen über die Struktur, Pharmakologie und Funktion von GPCR dargestellt, sondern es wird auch deren Rolle bei Krankheitszuständen erörtert. Neue Methoden zur Messung der GPCR-Aktivität werden auf verständliche und ansprechende Weise präsentiert. Das Werk bietet: * Eine gründliche Einführung in die molekulare Pharmakologie G-Protein-gekoppelter Rezeptoren mit aktuellen Angaben zu GPCR-Strukturen und dem strukturbasierten Wirkstoffdesign * Ausführliche Erörterungen der entstehenden Pharmakologie von GPCR, des intrazellulären Transports und der subzellulären GPCR-Signalübertragung * Umfassende Betrachtung der allosterischen Modulation, Rezeptordimerisierung, Deorphanisierung und Ubiquitinierung * Ausführliche Besprechung der Rolle von GPCR bei der Behandlung von Krebs, Substanzmissbrauch, zerebrovaskulären Erkrankungen und Stoffwechselkrankheiten Als ideales Referenzwerk für Forscher in den Bereichen Biochemie, Zellbiologie und Pharmakologie sollte GPCRs as Therapeutic Targets auch in den Bibliotheken von Fachleuten der Medizinischen Chemie, Strukturbiologie und klinischen Pharmakologie einen Platz finden.
Book Synopsis GPCRs as Therapeutic Targets by : Annette Gilchrist
Download or read book GPCRs as Therapeutic Targets written by Annette Gilchrist and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2022-09-19 with total page 1610 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Eine umfassende Betrachtung der Struktur, Pharmakologie, Funktion und Rolle von G-Protein-gekoppelten Rezeptoren Mit GPCRs as Therapeutic Targets legt die renommierte Forscherin Dr. Annette Gilchrist einen maßgeblichen, umfassenden Leitfaden für einen dynamischen, aktiven Bereich der akademischen und industriellen Arzneimittelforschung vor. Das Werk, in dem die molekulare Pharmakologie dieser wichtigen Zielklasse behandelt wird, ist ein wichtiges Referenzwerk für neue und erfahrene Forscher, die sich mit G-Protein-gekoppelten Rezeptoren beschäftigen. Es enthält außerdem aktuelle Daten zu GPCR-Strukturen und dem strukturbasierten Wirkstoffdesign. In diesem Werk wird die Rolle von GPCR bei der Behandlung von Krankheiten und für neue Ansätze in deren Erforschung analysiert. Dabei werden nicht nur Informationen über die Struktur, Pharmakologie und Funktion von GPCR dargestellt, sondern es wird auch deren Rolle bei Krankheitszuständen erörtert. Neue Methoden zur Messung der GPCR-Aktivität werden auf verständliche und ansprechende Weise präsentiert. Das Werk bietet: * Eine gründliche Einführung in die molekulare Pharmakologie G-Protein-gekoppelter Rezeptoren mit aktuellen Angaben zu GPCR-Strukturen und dem strukturbasierten Wirkstoffdesign * Ausführliche Erörterungen der entstehenden Pharmakologie von GPCR, des intrazellulären Transports und der subzellulären GPCR-Signalübertragung * Umfassende Betrachtung der allosterischen Modulation, Rezeptordimerisierung, Deorphanisierung und Ubiquitinierung * Ausführliche Besprechung der Rolle von GPCR bei der Behandlung von Krebs, Substanzmissbrauch, zerebrovaskulären Erkrankungen und Stoffwechselkrankheiten Als ideales Referenzwerk für Forscher in den Bereichen Biochemie, Zellbiologie und Pharmakologie sollte GPCRs as Therapeutic Targets auch in den Bibliotheken von Fachleuten der Medizinischen Chemie, Strukturbiologie und klinischen Pharmakologie einen Platz finden.
Book Synopsis G Protein-coupled Receptors by : Georges Vauquelin
Download or read book G Protein-coupled Receptors written by Georges Vauquelin and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
With a focus on functional relationships between drugs and their targets, this book covers basic and general pharmacology, from a cellular and molecular perspective, with particular attention to the mechanisms of drug action – the fundamental basis for proper clinical use- without neglecting clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics. • Covers cell and molecular pharmacology, bringing together current research on regulation of drug targets, at a level appropriate for advanced undergrad and graduate students • Discusses the relevance of pharmacokinetics and drug development for the clinical application of drugs • Presents material from the perspective of drug targets and interaction, the theoretical basis of drug action analysis, and drug properties • Focuses on structure-function relationships of drug targets – informing about their biochemical and physiologic functions and experimental and clinical pathways for drug discovery and development • Has a companion website that offers a host of resources: short additional chapters about methodology, topics at the forefront of research, and all figures and tables from the book
Book Synopsis General and Molecular Pharmacology by : Francesco Clementi
Download or read book General and Molecular Pharmacology written by Francesco Clementi and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-07-01 with total page 784 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With a focus on functional relationships between drugs and their targets, this book covers basic and general pharmacology, from a cellular and molecular perspective, with particular attention to the mechanisms of drug action – the fundamental basis for proper clinical use- without neglecting clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics. • Covers cell and molecular pharmacology, bringing together current research on regulation of drug targets, at a level appropriate for advanced undergrad and graduate students • Discusses the relevance of pharmacokinetics and drug development for the clinical application of drugs • Presents material from the perspective of drug targets and interaction, the theoretical basis of drug action analysis, and drug properties • Focuses on structure-function relationships of drug targets – informing about their biochemical and physiologic functions and experimental and clinical pathways for drug discovery and development • Has a companion website that offers a host of resources: short additional chapters about methodology, topics at the forefront of research, and all figures and tables from the book
LESLIE L. IVERSEN The present series of volumes is well timed, as the impact of molecular genetics on pharmacology has been profound, and a comprehensive review of the rapid advances of the past decade is much needed. Since the pioneering work of Dale, Ariens, and others in the early years of this century, much of pharmacology has been founded on the concept of receptors. To begin with, the receptor was conceived of as a "black box," which recognized and transduced the biological effects of neurotransmit ters, hormones, or other biological messengers-and which could also represent a target for man-made drugs. It is only in the last two decades that "molecular pharmacology" has blossomed, first with the advent of radioligand binding techniques and second messenger studies which greatly facilitated the biochemical study of drug-receptor interactions, and latterly with increasing knowledge of the molecular architecture of the receptor proteins themselves. This started with the traditional biochemical approach of isolating and purifying the receptor molecules. This proved to be a task of immense technical difficulty because of the low density of receptors in most biological source tissues, although there were some notable successes, e. g. , the purification of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from the electric organ of Torpedo. It was the ap plication of molecular genetics technology during the 1980s, however, which really accelerated progress in this field.
Book Synopsis Molecular Biology of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors by : M. Brann
Download or read book Molecular Biology of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors written by M. Brann and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 343 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: LESLIE L. IVERSEN The present series of volumes is well timed, as the impact of molecular genetics on pharmacology has been profound, and a comprehensive review of the rapid advances of the past decade is much needed. Since the pioneering work of Dale, Ariens, and others in the early years of this century, much of pharmacology has been founded on the concept of receptors. To begin with, the receptor was conceived of as a "black box," which recognized and transduced the biological effects of neurotransmit ters, hormones, or other biological messengers-and which could also represent a target for man-made drugs. It is only in the last two decades that "molecular pharmacology" has blossomed, first with the advent of radioligand binding techniques and second messenger studies which greatly facilitated the biochemical study of drug-receptor interactions, and latterly with increasing knowledge of the molecular architecture of the receptor proteins themselves. This started with the traditional biochemical approach of isolating and purifying the receptor molecules. This proved to be a task of immense technical difficulty because of the low density of receptors in most biological source tissues, although there were some notable successes, e. g. , the purification of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from the electric organ of Torpedo. It was the ap plication of molecular genetics technology during the 1980s, however, which really accelerated progress in this field.
