Chanjuan Xu

Nov 27, 2024 | nature.com | Chanjuan Xu |Kun Xi |Robert B. Quast |Yi-Ru Liu |Yang Gao |Emmanuel Margeat | +3 more

AbstractThe structural basis for the allosteric interactions within G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) heterodimers remains largely unknown. The metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are complex dimeric GPCRs important for the fine tuning of many synapses. Heterodimeric mGlu receptors with specific allosteric properties have been identified in the brain.

Sep 26, 2024 | nature.com | Chanjuan Xu |Chang Zhao |Wei Yan |Jianfeng Liu |Zhenhua Shao

AbstractDelta opioid receptor (δOR) plays a pivotal role in modulating human sensation and emotion. It is an attractive target for drug discovery since, unlike Mu opioid receptor, it is associated with low risk of drug dependence. Despite its potential applications, the pharmacological properties of δOR, including the mechanisms of activation by small-molecule agonists and the complex signaling pathways it engages, as well as their relation to the potential side effects, remain poorly understood.

Mar 4, 2024 | nature.com | Chanjuan Xu |Jean-Philippe Pin |Philippe Rondard

AbstractG protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane proteins and are important drug targets. The discovery of drugs targeting these receptors and their G protein signaling properties are based on assays mainly performed with modified receptors expressed in heterologous cells. However, GPCR responses may differ in their native environment.