Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

07:41
A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
Published on: February 20, 2018
Technology combination to address GPCR allosteric modulator drug-discovery pitfalls
Drug Discovery Today. Technologies
|September 21, 2013
Summary
Novel allosteric modulators (AMs) targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are challenging to discover. Combining FRET and BRET technologies offers a new approach to identify biased AMs effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Allosteric modulators (AMs) offer a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
- Standard functional assays face challenges in identifying and characterizing AMs due to context-dependent phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel technological approach for efficient discovery of biased allosteric modulators (AMs).
- To overcome limitations in current GPCR screening processes for AM identification.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combination of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based library filtering.
- Employed Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET)-based multiparametric compound profiling.
Main Results:
- The integrated FRET and BRET approach demonstrated effectiveness in overcoming limitations of standard GPCR screening.
- This novel methodology simplifies the discovery process for biased AMs.
Conclusions:
- Combining FRET and BRET technologies provides a powerful platform for identifying biased allosteric modulators of GPCRs.
- This approach enhances the efficiency and accuracy of GPCR drug discovery.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Discovery: Overview
Drug discovery is a multifaceted process involving extensive screening, testing, and optimization of lead compounds to identify potential new drugs for therapeutic use. It combines several approaches, including screening large numbers of natural products, chemical modification of known active molecules, identification of new drug targets, and rational design based on biological mechanisms and drug-receptor structure. These approaches are carried out in both academic research laboratories and...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
G Protein-coupled Receptors
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCR Desensitization
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling plays a crucial role in cell functioning. GPCR desensitization is an equally essential process. It allows cells to respond to changing environments and regain sensitivity to new stimuli while preventing unnecessary stimulation when no longer needed. Prolonged exposure to stimuli leads to GPCR desensitization. It involves blocking the receptors from binding and activating additional G proteins. This inhibits activation of downstream effectors, thereby...
Drug-Receptor Interactions
Drug-receptor interaction describes the binding of receptors by drugs, but not all drug-receptor interactions result in activation and tissue response. For instance, the binding of agonists activates the receptor to generate a cellular reaction, while antagonists bind to receptors without causing their activation.
Several parameters, such as the drug's affinity for its receptor and its efficacy, which is its ability to activate the receptor, determine the drug's effect on the tissue.
Several parameters, such as the drug's affinity for its receptor and its efficacy, which is its ability to activate the receptor, determine the drug's effect on the tissue.
