FASEB SRC: The G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinases and Arrestins Conference: Key Modulators of Signal Transduction

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Project Summary G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their downstream signaling pathways are important for the regulation of many essential cellular processes and are targets of some of the most commonly prescribed drugs, such as those used to treat pain, heart failure, and high blood pressure (e.g. morphine, β blockers, and angiotensin inhibitors, respectively). GPCR kinases (GRKs) and arrestins are key regulators of GPCR signaling. They act in tandem to promote receptor desensitization by reducing the ability of receptors to couple with G proteins and by targeting active GPCRs for endocytosis. Although these desensitization mechanisms are important for returning cells to their physiological resting states, GRKs and arrestins are also known to instigate non-canonical signaling. In this regard, these proteins play prominent roles in the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, and especially in diseases such as drug addiction and heart failure, respectively. This proposal seeks funding for a forum that would bring together world-leading researchers who study different aspects of GRK and arrestin biology and their roles in disease called "G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases and Arrestins: Key Modulators of Signal Transduction". Two major highlights of the meeting will be two keynote lectures who are experts in GPCR, GRK, and arrestin structure, function, and cell biology. In addition, senior and junior scientists will be able to present their most recent and unpublished work to leaders in the field, which should stimulate the generation of new hypotheses and methodologies and hopefully lead to the beginning of collaborations that can be used to study and combat drug abuse and cardiovascular disease. This will be a great opportunity for trainees to get critical feedback and make important connections, which will benefit their career advancement.