New Delhi: A team of scientists has revealed the surprising features on an enigmatic protein. The findings uncover potential new paths to drugs for numerous chronic illnesses.
Scientists have determined unexpected characteristics of a key protein linked to blood pressure control and to nerve growth, pain control and heart tissue regeneration.
The findings open doors to potential new therapies to control cardiovascular disease and pain.
The protein, called AT2, is one of a group of receptors that interact with the angiotensin II hormone, which regulates blood pressure.
Angiotensin II receptor proteins are important factors in diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and congestive heart failure, and stroke.
AT2 is also a member of a superfamily of proteins called G protein-coupled receptors, or GPCRs.
These receptor proteins span the cell membrane, responding to different stimuli outside the cell -- nutrients, hormones and even light -- then triggering responses inside the cell.
Because they are active in so many physiological processes in both healthy and disease states, GPCRs like AT2 are important drug targets.
(With ANI inputs)
