This exciting volume elucidates how GPCRs organize signal transduction and control intracellular activities. Chapters written by the recognized expert in each respective topic offer state-of-the-art updates on the principles and technology, as well as stepwise protocols for methods currently applied to the analysis of protein-receptor interactions.

In the recent years, studies based on two-hybrid screens, proteomic, biochemical and cell biology approaches, have shown that intracellular domains of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) or heptaspanning membrane receptors (HSMRs) interact with intracellular proteins. These interactions are the basis of a protein network associated to these receptors which includes scaffolding proteins containing one or several PDZ (post-synaptic density-95, discs large, zona occludens-1) domains, signalling proteins and proteins of the cytoskeleton. The present book is focused on the emerging evidence for interactions of G protein-coupled receptors with scaffolding, cytoskeletal and signalling proteins that will play a role in the targeting, anchoring and functioning of these receptors in the plasma membrane, thus contributing to cell development and plasticity.

Many advances have been made in the last decade in the understanding of the computational principles underlying olfactory system functioning. Neuromorphic Olfaction is a collaboration among European researchers who, through NEUROCHEM (Fp7-Grant Agreement Number 216916)-a challenging and innovative European-funded project-introduce novel computing p

Alan V. Smrcka presents a collection of cutting-edge methods for investigating G protein signaling from a variety of perspectives ranging from in vitro biochemistry to whole animal studies. Among the readily reproducible techniques presented are those for the purification of G proteins and effectors enzymes, assays of these purified G proteins and effector enzymes, and for the study of G proteins interactions with effectors in intact cells. Additional methods are provided for assaying G protein coupled receptor structure, function, and localization, and for studying the physiological roles for endogenous G proteins.