Cell Signaling Molecule Suggest Main Power Switch
April 24, 2013| |
Duke University researchers revealed a three-dimensional image of a protein that function as switch as it attaches to receptors on a cell which suggests that the main power switch could be tripped. These surface receptors are involved in helping cells discern light, set the heart racing, or detect pain.
The team used X-ray crystallography to develop an atom-scale image of the signaling protein known as beta-arrestin1, which function in dimming the cell's response to hormones like adrenalin. The structural conformation of the active protein was found to be different with the inactive structure. This difference suggest that there may be a general molecular mechanism that activates the protein, a sort of a main switch that regulates the multi-functional signaling process. According to the authors, this study could aid in the development of more effective drugs to turn on or off the cells receptors that regulate various important bodily functions.
Read more at http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/structure-of-cell-signaling-molecule-suggests-general-on-off-switch.
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