Structural Biology

Membrane Proteins and Receptors

Membrane proteins and receptors are vital components of cell membranes, responsible for transporting molecules, transmitting signals, and maintaining cellular communication. They include ion channels, transporters, and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play key roles in numerous physiological processes. Despite their complexity and structural challenges, studying these proteins is crucial, as over 50% of current drugs target membrane proteins. Understanding their structures helps in unraveling disease mechanisms and designing more effective, targeted therapies. Their importance continues to rise with advancements in cryo-EM and other structural tools that now make high-resolution visualization possible.