GPCRs are transmembrane receptor proteins that interact with ligands outside the cell, transmitting signals across the membrane and resulting in intracellular signaling and activity. G-Protein coupled receptors contain 7 transmembrane helices, and are activated by ligands that bind to the GPCR causing a conformational change. This alteration exchanges GDP (guanosine diphosphate) for GTP (Guanosine-5′-triphosphate) and activates the associated G-protein. GPCRs are only found in eukaryotes, and are the targets of over one-third of today’s drugs because of their cell signaling role in vision (photoreceptors), smell (olfactory receptors), mood and behavior regulation, the immune system, inflammation, the nervous system and many other biological processes. Sigma offers several GPCR membrane suspensions you can choose from for your research.
