GPCR-SSFE: A comprehensive database of G-protein-coupled receptor template predictions and homology models

Background: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce a wide variety of extracellular signals to within the cell and therefore have a key role in regulating cell activity and physiological function. GPCR malfunction is responsible for a wide range of diseases including cancer, diabetes and hyperthyroidism and a large proportion of drugs on the market target these receptors. The three dimensional structure of GPCRs is important for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases and for performing structure-based drug design. Although structural data are restricted to only a handful of GPCRs, homology models can be used as a proxy for those receptors not having crystal structures. However, many researchers working on GPCRs are not experienced homology modellers and are therefore unable to benefit from the information that can be gleaned from such three-dimensional models. Here, we present a comprehensive database called the GPCR-SSFE, which provides initial homology ...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: BMCBI
• Authors: Catherine L. Worth, Annika Kreuchwig, Gunnar Kleinau, Gerd Krause
• Keywords: Biometrics, BMCBI 2011, G Protein Coupled Receptors, Market Target, Transmembrane Helices