This textbook provides a fresh, comprehensive and accessible introduction to the rapidly expanding field of molecular pharmacology. Adopting a drug target-based, rather than the traditional organ/system based, approach this innovative guide reflects the current advances and research trend towards molecular based drug design, derived from a detailed understanding of chemical responses in the body. Drugs are then tailored to fit a treatment profile, rather than the traditional method of ‘trial and error’ drug discovery which focuses on testing chemicals on animals or cell cultures and matching their effects to treatments. Providing an invaluable resource for advanced under-graduate and MSc/PhD students, new researchers to the field and practitioners for continuing professional development, Molecular Pharmacology explores; recent advances and developments in the four major human drug target families (G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels, nuclear receptors and transporters), cloning of drug targets, transgenic animal technology, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics and looks at the role of calcium in the cell. Current - focuses on cutting edge techniques and approaches, including new methods to quantify biological activities in different systems and ways to interpret and understand pharmacological data. Cutting Edge - highlights advances in pharmacogenomics and explores how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to therapeutic drugs and the potential for harmful side effects. Applied - includes numerous, real-world examples and a detailed case-study based chapter which looks at current and possible future treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis. This case study considers the relative merits of both drug therapy for specific classes of mutation and gene therapy to correct the underlying defect. Accessible - contains a comprehensive glossary, suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter and an associated website that provides a complete set of figures from within the book.

An essential text, this is a fully updated second edition of a classic, now in two volumes. It provides rapid access to information on molecular pharmacology for research scientists, clinicians and advanced students. With the A-Z format of over 2,000 entries, around 350 authors provide a complete reference to the area of molecular pharmacology. The book combines the knowledge of classic pharmacology with the more recent approach of the precise analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which drugs exert their effects. Short keyword entries define common acronyms, terms and phrases. In addition, detailed essays provide in-depth information on drugs, cellular processes, molecular targets, techniques, molecular mechanisms, and general principles.

With a focus on functional relationships between drugs and their targets, this book covers basic and general pharmacology, from a cellular and molecular perspective, with particular attention to the mechanisms of drug action – the fundamental basis for proper clinical use- without neglecting clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics. • Covers cell and molecular pharmacology, bringing together current research on regulation of drug targets, at a level appropriate for advanced undergrad and graduate students • Discusses the relevance of pharmacokinetics and drug development for the clinical application of drugs • Presents material from the perspective of drug targets and interaction, the theoretical basis of drug action analysis, and drug properties • Focuses on structure-function relationships of drug targets – informing about their biochemical and physiologic functions and experimental and clinical pathways for drug discovery and development • Has a companion website that offers a host of resources: short additional chapters about methodology, topics at the forefront of research, and all figures and tables from the book

A comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of our current understanding of the molecular and structural biology of 5-HT receptors and their potential use for drug discovery. The authors describe the anatomical, cellular, and subcellular distribution of 5-HT receptors and demonstrate a powerful approach to elucidating their physiological role using knockout mice in which the 5-HT receptors were deleted. They also review our understanding of the physiological role(s) of 5-HT receptors based mainly on studies performed in genetically engineered mice. Highlights include discussions of the behavioral phenotypes of 5-HT receptor knockout animals, the molecular biology and pharmacology of 5-HT receptors, and insights into the complexity of 5-HT receptor signal transduction.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that transduce a vast array of extracellular signals into intracellular reactions ranging from cell-cell communication processes to physiological responses. They play an important role in a variety of diseases from cancer and diabetes, to neurodegenerative, inflammatory and respiratory disorders. GPCRs are therefore of utmost interest in drug development: over half of all prescription drugs currently on the market act by targeting these receptors directly or indirectly. G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology provides a clear summary of the current knowledge in this fast-evolving field. The book sets out with an introduction to signalling molecules and their receptors, and an overview of the technical approaches used to investigate these interactions. Structural, functional and especially pharmacological aspects of GPCRs are then discussed in more detail and much attention is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. The now widespread use of recombinant cell lies, receptor mutants and related artifices in drug research is critically evaluated. Special attention is also devoted to topical but often poorly understood concepts, such as insurmountable antagonism, inverse agonism and allosteric interactions. By combining general information with the major state-of-the-art concepts in GPCR-research, this outstanding book equips the reader with the necessary background for understanding and critically evaluating the current literature. Written by two experts from academia and industry, G Protein-coupled Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology offers a unique view of academic and applied approaches aiming to reveal new ideas in pharmaceutical research. The book is of interest to anyone involved in drug development and preclinical research and those who need to function within multi-disciplinary teams in the pharmaceutical industry: from investigators to product managers or clinicians who seek to have a broad mechanistic understanding of drug-receptor interactions. It is also an invaluable resource for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students in pharmacology and cell and molecular biology.

This book concentrates on recent developments related to the application of original structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, physiology, genetics, and molecular biology as well as basic pharmacological problems that offer mechanistic insights that are generally significant for the field of pharmacology. Written by experts, chapters cover such topics as drug transport mechanisms and drug–receptor complexes. This volume offers up-to-date, expert reviews of the fast-moving field of molecular pharmacology.