Molecular Pharmacology PhD

University of Glasgow

Around a third of all currently approved drugs target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), making these receptors the most successful drug target in history. Our research is focused on the structure and function of GPCRs and understanding the signalling pathways that are important for different physiological and pathophysiological responses. Our PhD programmes offer training in all aspects of molecular pharmacology and our large internationally recognised research group have significant expertise in pharmacological analyses, cell signalling, drug discovery and use of a extensive range of transgenic and disease mouse models to define the physiological functions and therapeutic potential of specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) subtypes. GPCRs are the largest family of cell surface receptors and are involved in the regulation of nearly every mammalian cellular response. Around a third of all currently approved drugs target GPCRs, making these receptors the most successful drug target in history.Our research is focused on the structure and function of GPCRs and understanding the signalling pathways that are important for different physiological and pathophysiological responses. We employ wide-ranging and multi-disciplinary approaches to take a ‘molecule to behaviour’ approach to understand, validate and then translate therapeutic opportunities by targeting trans-plasma membrane and intracellular signalling pathways. We identify unique small molecule ligands that modulate cellular signalling cascades and exploit these to define both underpinning biology and their effects on disease progression and remission.