Dr. Peter D'Adamo/ The Blood Type Diets
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A wikipedia of Dr. D'Adamo's research



Receptor


Biochemistry

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Description

In biochemistry, a receptor is a protein on the cell membrane or within the cytoplasm or cell nucleus that binds to a specific molecule (a ligand), such as a neurotransmitter, hormone, or other substance, and initiates the cellular response to the ligand. Ligand-induced changes in the behavior of receptor proteins result in physiological changes that constitute the biological actions of the ligands.

Transmembrane receptor:E=extracellular space; I=intracellular space; P=plasma membrane

Receptor Types

Receptors exist in different types, dependant on their ligand and function:

  • Some receptor proteins are peripheral membrane proteins;
  • Many hormone receptors and neurotransmitter receptors are transmembrane proteins: transmembrane receptors are embedded in the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, that allow the activation of signal transduction pathways in response to the activation by the binding molecule, or ligand.
    • Metabotropic receptors receptors are coupled to G proteins and affect the cell indirectly through enzymes which control ion channels.
    • Ionotropic receptors contain a central pore which functions as a ligand-gated ion channel.
  • Another major class of receptors are intracellular proteins such as those for steroid hormone receptors. These receptors often can enter the cell nucleus and modulate gene expression in response to the activation by the ligand.
  • The shapes and actions of receptors are newly investigated by the X-ray crystallography and computer modelling. This increases the current understanding of drug action at binding sites on the receptors.

G-protein-coupled receptors

These receptors are also known as seven transmembrane receptors or 7TM receptors.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

These receptors detect ligands and propogate signals via the tyrosine kinase of their intracellular domains. This family of receptors includes;

Guanylyl Cyclase Receptors
Ionotropic Receptors
Intracellular receptors
Transcription factors
Various

Role in Genetic Disorders

Many genetic disorders involve hereditary defects in receptor genes. Often, it is hard to determine whether the receptor is nonfunctional or the hormone is produced at decreased level; this gives rise to the "pseudo-hypo-" group of endocrine disorders, where there appears to be a decreased hormonal level while in fact it is the receptor that is not responding sufficiently to the hormone.

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