Structure-Function Relationships of the GLP-1 Receptor

The pharmaceutical industry continually sees promising compounds fail during the clinical trials process. Studies have shown that a complex relationship exists between membrane proteins and the surrounding lipid environment. Experimental evidence suggests that lipids can influence protein activity directly via direct allosteric modulation, and by the indirect bulk properties of the membrane. However, the complex nature of these regulatory mechanisms is yet to be fully unveiled. Lipid bilayers are highly fluid and heterogenetic systems, making it challenging to study membrane proteins in vivo. Improvements in high resolution structures and computer hardware have enabled researchers to begin to model these interactions on an atomic level. This multidisciplinary project will use experimental techniques such as microfluidics and SMALPs to gain data to produce improved membrane protein molecular dynamic simulations. These models will then be used to elucidating the subtle, molecular events that determine the efficiency of possible drug treatments on target membrane proteins.