GPCRs team Oulu

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major targets of therapeutic drugs. These plasma membrane proteins mediate extracellular signals into cellular responses throughout the body, in the nervous system as well as in peripheral tissues. The mechanisms regulating GPCR function are still poorly understood, and the physiological role and natural activating ligands for several receptors have remained unknown. Thus, the full potential of GPCRs in drug discovery awaits new discoveries. The project will decipher novel cell biological phenomena that have relevance at various levels, from cells to patients. Our aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms that govern functional receptor levels at the cell surface. We use a wide variety of methods, ranging from the molecular level to animal experimentation, and utilize several model receptors that have a role in neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, as well as cardiovascular diseases.