Recent advances in 7-transmembrane receptor research.
Approximately half of the currently known drugs act on cell surface receptors, the majority of which are 7-transmembrane (7-TM) receptors. The advent of genomic technologies has provided drug discovery scientists with a plethora of fascinating challenges, in particular a large increase in the number of potential 7-TM receptor targets for which the biological role, ligands and assays need to be found. These technologies have also led to novel and puzzling insights into the complex world of structure and function. Recent advances in the identification, classification, structure and function of 7-TM receptors are reviewed, together with the latest assay methods and the identification of novel ligands.
King
F D
FD
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, New Frontiers Science Park (North), Third Avenue, Harlow, EssexCM19 5AW, UK. Frank_King-1@sbphrd.com
Wilson
S
S