AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of energy homeostasis and a promising drug target for metabolic disorders. It exists as complexes of three subunits, a catalytic alpha, and two regulatory beta and gamma subunits. The regulation of ...
Targeting cells specific to type and state remains a challenge in developing effective therapies, sensitive diagnostics, also robust and versatile tissue engineering. A promising strategy is to focuses on improving the inherent selectivity of the targeting ...
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are 7-transmembrane alpha-helical integral membrane proteins on which cells heavily rely to receive information regarding their external environment. These receptors are able to transfer information to intracellular down ...
The human CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a major role in inflammation and is involved in cancer, HIV, and COVID-19. Despite its importance as a drug target, the molecular activation mechanism of CCR5, i.e., ...
Metal ions, such as Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+, are highly abundant in biological systems. For many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), metal ions, especially Na+, have been found to stabilize the receptors' inactivate state preventing receptor activation. ...
Conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an essential reaction mechanism that takes place in eukaryotes, triggering a variety of signal transduction pathways. ATP conversion is catalyzed by ...
Glycosphingolipids are important components of the plasma membrane where they modulate the activities of membrane proteins including signalling receptors. Glycosphingolipid synthesis relies on competing reactions catalysed by Golgi-resident enzymes during ...
Lipid membranes are complex and dynamic systems which are known to mediate signaling processes between cells and their environment. To do this multiple ion channels and pumps are involved in controlling the in- and out-flux of various ions (K+, Na+, Mg2+, ...