Receptor activated solely by a synthetic ligand

A receptor activated solely by a synthetic ligand (RASSL), permits spatial and temporal control of G protein signaling in vivo. The system utilizes G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) engineered to respond exclusively to synthetic small molecule ligands and not to their natural ligand(s).

GPCRs are the target for some of the most widely used pharmaceuticals to treat diseases that involve virtually all tissues of the body. New GPCR signaling systems will provide insights into GPCR-induced physiological responses and will allow for new forms of controlling engineered tissues "in vivo".

The concept for RASSLs was first published in 1998 (Coward et al.) and has gradually been gaining momentum. The first international RASSL meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2006. [http://www.qb3.org/RASSL_symposium.htm]

Bibliography

* cite journal
author=Coward P, Wada HG, Falk MS, Chan SD, Meng F, Akil H, Conklin BR
title=Controlling signaling with a specifically designed Gi-coupled receptor.
journal=Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
year=1998
volume=95
pages=352–357
url=http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=9419379
doi=10.1073/pnas.95.1.352