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GPCRs RESEARCH TEAM

RESEARCH AREA

GPCRs (G Protein-Coupled Receptors) Research Team is focused on investigating biosynthesis,

processing and degradation of G protein-coupled receptors. These cell surface proteins mediate

extracellular signals into cellular responses and constitute the largest known protein family in the

human genome. They control vital physiological processes, both in health and disease, and are

immensely important drug targets.

Development of more specialized drugs requires further knowledge on functional characteristics

of GPCRs and on mechanisms that regulate their activity. Our aim is to provide comprehensive

information on these aspects at the cellular level.

MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS

We have made significant contributions to GPCR research field by observing that not only

mutant, disease-causing receptors, but even wild-type ones may have difficulties in finding the

correct functional conformation during biosynthesis. We have also been among the first to

describe a novel paradigm for ligand-mediated GPCR up-regulation (increase in receptor levels).

The pharmacological chaperone activity of membrane-permeable GPCR ligands allows them to

bind and stabilize immature intracellular receptors and enhance their transport to the cell surface.

This property is independent of their signaling activity, proposing that drugs that are in clinical

use may have previously unknown properties that affect their usefulness and efficacy.

RESEARCH TEAM

At present, GPCRs Research Team consists of a post doctoral fellow, four Ph.D. students, a

medical student and a technician led by Ulla Petäjä-Repo, Ph.D, University Researcher. Ph.D

students participate in Biocenter Oulu Graduate School and Glycoscience Graduate School. We

are located at the University of Oulu, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell

Biology at Aapistie 7, Oulu, Finland.

Research is funded by Academy of Finland, Sigrid Juselius Foundation and University of Oulu.

OPEN POSITIONS

Applications for a PhD studentship are welcome. The position, funded by the Academy of

Finland, is available immediately.

Undergraduate students preparing Master Thesis are welcome to join the team at any time.

For enquiries and applications, please contact group leader Ulla Petäjä-Repo, tel. 08-5375011,

extension 5193, mobile 040-7247328, e-mail: Ulla Petaja-Repo(at)oulu.fi