title: Reverse pharmacology and the de-orphanization of 7TM receptors.
abstract: Approximately 800 genes coding for seven-transmembrane, G-protein-coupled receptors have so far been recognized. In spite of this, many of these receptors are defined by their sequence only, and are therefore classified as orphan receptors. Without knowing what their endogenous ligands are, we lack the information needed to understand their physiological role and hence cannot make use of them as drug targets. In this communication, we discuss different strategies, as well as difficulties in the deorphanizing process.:
authors: Section of Immunology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lund University, BMC I13, Tornavägen 10 221 84 Lund, Sweden. Electronic address:knut.kotarsky@immuno.lu.se.
authors: Knut
authors: K
authors: Kotarsky
authors: Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Lund University, BMC A12, Tornavagen 10 221 84 Lund, Sweden. Electronic address:http://www.mphy.lu.se/mnb.
authors: Niclas E
authors: NE
authors: Nilsson