Objective
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) proteins are the single largest drug target, representing 30% of all marketed drugs. All GPCRs share a basic structural core of seven transmembrane alpha-helical domains. In spite of this similarity, GPCRs have evolved to be extremely versatile receptors for extracellular messengers as diverse as biogenic amines, purines and nucleic acid derivatives, lipids, peptides and proteins, odorants, pheromones, tastants, ions like calcium and protons, and even photons. Due to their significant effect on human physiology and disease, it is crucial to understand from a structural biology perspective, the molecular basis for the interaction between a GPCR and its ligand. The recent success in the structure determination of the Beta2-adrenergic GPCR and the adenosine A2a GPCR using the in meso crystallization methodolgy paves the way for further advances in structure determination of GPCR structures. As of today, there is no structural information available that helps us in understanding the molecular basis of interaction between a GPCR and its protein ligand. In this application, we propose to perform structure-function studies on two GPCRs, CXCR4 and Formyl Peptide Receptor, that are activated by the polypeptides SDF1 and f-MLF respectively. We propose to use in a synergistic fashion two novel methodologies, the BACMAM system and in meso crystallography, to express, purify and crystallize complexes between CXCR4-SDF1 and FPR-fMLF. Information obtained from the structure determination of these complexes would go a long way in helping us understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the signal transduction properties of GPCRs that are activated by protein ligands. In addition, this information would also help us in designing and developing better drugs aimed at treating cancer metastases, AIDS and Parkinsons disease.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases viral diseases RNA viruses HIV
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology neurodegenerative diseases parkinson
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
D02 CX56 Dublin
Ireland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.