Investigation of the structure and dynamics of the ghrelin/GHS receptor complex (A02)

• Subject Area: Biophysics ; Bioinformatics and Theoretical Biology ; Structural Biology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 421152132

The peptide hormone ghrelin binds and activates the GHS receptor which is a key regulator of food uptake and body mass regulation. We study the conformational equilibria the GHS receptor undergoes during activation using experimental and computer simulation tools. We are particularly interested in a mechanistic under-standing of the high basal activity of GHS receptor ist downregulation holds pharmacological benefits. We will design peptidic ligands that may downregulate the basal activity of the receptor using modern computational tools and non-canonical amino acids.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1423: Structural Dynamics of GPCR Activation and Signaling
• Applicant Institution: Universität Leipzig
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Peter Hildebrand, until 12/2023; Professor Dr. Daniel Huster; Professorin Dr. Clara Schoeder