G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Structural Dynamics and Functional Implications (Z1)

G protein-coupled receptors are essential for intercellular communication in multicellular organisms and they are also the targets for many drugs, already in use or under development, for the treatment of, for example, cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, neurological dysfunction and metabolic disorders. The field of GPCR biology has undergone a radical transformation with the structure determination of over 15 different GPCRs, including the first complex of an activated GPCR bound to a heterotrimeric G protein. This wealth of structural detail is now being translated into both a deeper understanding of GPCR function and into the development of new therapeutics. Structure is, however, only capable of defining atomic details of particular conformational states of a receptor. This meeting will focus on how an integration of structural data and information from experiments that study molecular dynamics in vitro, in vivo and in silico can be integrated to form an in-depth view of GPCR function. In addition, key therapeutic areas of cancer, inflammation and disorders of the central nervous system will be highlighted in relation to the development of novel therapeutics targeting GPCRs.