Studying structure of G protein-coupled receptor kinases could improve an array of drugs
Originally published by Priyanka Naik, The Conversation , on March 10, 2025 The three domains of GRKs resemble a Pac-Man with a ponytail. Shown here is GRK2. Credit: Priyanka Naik, CC BY-ND Each cell in your body relies on precise communication with other cells to function properly . At the center of this process are the molecular switches that turn communication signals in the body on and off. These molecules are key players in health and disease . One such molecular switch is G protein-coupled receptor kinases , or GRKs for short. From vision to heart function and cell growth, GRKs play a vital role in maintaining physiological balance . When they go awry , they can contribute to cardiovascular disease , inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's , and multiple types of cancer . Their involvement in a broad range of diseases makes GRKs an attractive drug target . Around 30% to 40% of all drugs ...