Dr. Sivaraj Sivaramakrishnan

Seminar Details

Host: Dr. Bo Zhou

Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm

Location: BICH 108

Seminar Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) enable mammalian cells to sense and respond to their extracellular environment. GPCRs are a major target (> 30%) of all FDA approved therapies, including beta-blockers, GLP1 agonists, prescription opioids, and antidepressants. However, side-effect burden from off-target effects at structurally similar receptors and compartmentalized cellular signaling limit realizable therapeutic efficacy. To address this challenge, our Protein Acrobatics Lab in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development at UMN uses innovative protein engineering technologies to investigate structure-function and membrane trafficking mechanisms of GPCRs. I will present highlights from recent studies from my lab (Sadler et al., Nature, 23; Patel et al., Nature Comm., 24) along with unpublished data on structural and cellular mechanisms of GPCRs. Our technologies and conceptual insights are advancing next generation GPCR therapeutics in obesity and neurological disorders.