Projects in the Schiedel Research Group
Research
We are particularly interested in orphan receptors—that is, GPCRs whose endogenous ligands are as yet unknown. Our goal is to deorphanize receptors and identify additional agonists and antagonists in addition to the endogenous ligands. Only by understanding these ligands we can elucidate the physiological role of orphan receptors. Furthermore, we are interested in investigating regulatory mechanisms related to GPCR signal transduction.
We employ a wide range of methods: Our focus is on molecular biology (including PCR, mutagenesis, cloning, and real-time PCR) and pharmacological studies (including radioligand binding assays and functional assays such as cAMP accumulation assays, calcium ion mobilization assays, and beta-arrestin assays).
G-protein-coupled receptor 143 (GPR143)
GPR143 is an atypical GPCR. The (pathological) knockout of this receptor or the presence of certain mutations in the receptor gene leads to ocular albinism, which causes severe pigmentation and visual impairments, particularly in affected males. GPR143 is encoded by the Ocular Albinism Gene 1 (OA1) and is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. GPR143 is an intracellularly localized GPCR that has not yet been extensively studied.
Protein-protein interactions and dimerization of GPCRs.
In another project, we are investigating homodimers of the dopamine D2 receptor.
Contact
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email. We can then schedule a time to talk.
PD Dr. Anke C. Schiedel
4.120
An der Immenburg 4
53121 Bonn