Fast Breaking Comment by Stephen G. Ferguson

Stephen G. Ferguson answers a few questions about this month's fast breaking paper in field of Pharmacology & Toxicology.

From •>>April 2002

Field: Pharmacology & Toxicology
Article Title: "Evolving concepts in G protein-coupled receptor endocytosis: The role in receptor desensitization and signaling"
Authors: Ferguson, SSG
Journal: PHARMACOL REV
Volume: 53
Page: 1-24
Year: MAR 2001
* Univ Western Ontario, John P Robarts Res Inst, 100 Perth Dr, POB 5015, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada.
* Univ Western Ontario, John P Robarts Res Inst, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada.
* Univ Western Ontario, Dept Physiol, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada.
* Univ Western Ontario, Dept Pharmacol & Toxicol, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada.
* Univ Western Ontario, Dept Med, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada.

Why do you think that your paper is highly cited?

It provides an up-to-date picture of the mechanisms underlying the endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and the contribution of endocytosis in regulating both receptor desensitization resensitization and signaling.

Is it a condensation of previous literature on the subject?

Yes, it describes an expanding literature on GPCR endocytosis

Could you summarize the significance in layman's terms?

GPCRs represent one of the primary targets of pharmaceuticals. Understanding the mechanisms by which GPCR activity is regulated is essential for the design of even more effective medications.

Stephen S. G. Ferguson
Canada Research Chair in Molecular Neuroscience
Scientist, John P. Robarts Research Institute
Assistant Professor, University of Western Ontario
100 Perth Dr. P.O. Box 5015
London, Ontario, Canada
N6A 5K8

ESI Special Topics, april 2002
Citing URL - http://www.esi-topics.com/fbp/comments/april02-StephenFerguson.html