title: GPCR theme editorial.
abstract: This themed section of BJP includes 11 reviews on the biology of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the drug targets that these present, 21 research papers on the pharmacology of a range of GPCRs and Commentaries on four of the papers. Areas reviewed include molecular interactions, particular in respect of hetero-dimerisation between receptors and other membrane-located proteins and other key signalling molecules including cAMP and G12/13 proteins and recently de-orphanised receptors including the Neuromedins U & S and the Free Fatty Acid receptors FFA2 & FFA3. The research papers cover the pharmacology of a range of agents acting at GPCRs, including adrenoceptors, purinoceptors, 5HT, opioid, cannabinoid & PAR-2 receptors. A group of papers is concerned with the interesting and rapidly developing pharmacology of drugs acting at beta(2)-adrenoceptors. The reach of GPCRs is illustrated by the range of physiological systems and therapeutic applications involved, including pain, cancer, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, visual and respiratory and central nervous systems.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Milligan
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McGrath
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled