Helix VIII of G protein coupled receptors is a lipid-activated signalling sensor

G蛋白偶联受体（GPCR）是膜包埋受体的最大超家族，并且代表药物开发的主要靶标。其激活和调节的分子基础知之甚少，特别是膜环境对受体功能的贡献。使用一系列的分子和生物物理的方法和血管紧张素受体作为模型GPCR，研究提出了了解细胞膜在GPCR激活的作用。这些结果将为GPCR调控的分子机制提供重要的新信息，并为药物设计提供激动人心的新方法。

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest superfamily of membrane-embedded receptors and represent prime targets for drug development. The molecular basis for their activation and regulation is poorly understood, particularly the contribution of the membrane environment to receptor function. Using a range of molecular and biophysical approaches and the angiotensin receptor as a model GPCR, studies are proposed to understand the role of the cell membrane in GPCR activation. The results will provide important new information on the molecular mechanism of GPCR regulation and exciting new approaches for drug design.