Thesis supervisor: Attila Borics
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Institute of Biochemistry Abbreviation of location of studies: SZBK
Description of the research topic:
Understanding the activation mechanism of G protein-coupled receptors at molecular structural level is of key importance from both basic and applied research aspects. The mu opioid receptor is an important target of the development of novel analgesics, thus it is one of the most extensively investigated G protein-coupled receptor systems. We intend to identify the role of ligand-receptor interactions with respect to the electrostatic equilibrium in order to reveal general aspects of the function of this receptor family amd to establish new guidelines for de novo ligand design. Our studies are based on the introduction of a new perspective, focusing on the electrostatic charge distribution within the receptor. State-of-the-art experimental and modeling techniques are utilized for structural analysis, which could facilitate the direct observation of physical interactions between the agent molecule and the receptor protein that are responsible for the transmission of the biological effect. The proposed scientific strategy is expected to prove useful for the investigation of other biological systems of medical relevance and to provide basis for the development of modern, targeted therapeutic agents.
Required language skills: English Recommended language skills (in Hungarian): English Further requirements: Strong backround and interest in molecular and structural biology, biology and/or chemistry laboratory work experience, user-level informatics skills.