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Light-Based Molecular Tools to Precisely Monitor and Operate β-Adrenoceptors
Ignazzitto Maria Tindara1, Gómez-Santacana Xavier1, Llebaria Amadeu1
1Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Abstract:
β-Adrenoceptors are important G protein-coupled receptors involved in cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological regulation. To study their function with high precision, light-based molecular tools have been developed offering precise spatiotemporal control. Fluorescence and bioluminescence techniques allow real-time monitoring of receptor activation and organization, while photopharmacology and optogenetics enable precise external modulation of their activity. A particularly valuable approach involves photoswitchable ligands, which can be switched on and off by specific wavelengths and provide reversible control over receptor activity. In general, the combination of optical biosensing and photopharmacology enhances our ability to analyze GPCR signaling dynamics and function with minimal perturbation. In particular, these approaches open new avenues for targeted research and therapeutic interventions, offering a powerful framework for understanding β-adrenoceptors-related diseases.
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