4. Research initiated by knowledge acquired about receptors

Drugs act after binding to their cellular targets (receptors, enzymes, ion channels, DNA, etc.). Under these conditions, the synthesis of ligands for these same targets can lead to substances with interesting biological or therapeutic properties.

Some receptors have a protein, glycoprotein or lipoprotein structure that can be located on the cell membrane (membrane receptors) and transmit information directly or via a second messenger (transduction). They can also be found inside the nucleus (nuclear receptor super-family).

• Examples of drugs acting on membrane receptors

  The adrenergic system, whose neuromediator is noradrenaline, comprises α1, α2 and β1, β2 and β3 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors gives rise to a variety of physiological effects on target cells in various organs (table...