Apelin/APJ GPCR

Principal Investigator:

Apelin-13 (NH2-QRPRLSHKGPMPF-COOH) is a vasoactive peptide and one of the most potent endogenous inotropic agents identified to date. This peptide activates the APJ receptor, a class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and co-receptor for HIV cellular entry. The apelin-APJ system has yet to be fully characterized, but experiments have linked this pathway to a host of physiological roles, including the regulation of cardiovascular functions and water intake control. This system is also of pharmaceutical interest due to its central roles in HIV infection, heart disease, tumor neoangiogenesis, and obesity. We are developing novel cyclic peptides that are agonists and antagonists and these are being evaluated in ethically sourced human tissue as pharmacological probes to determine which disease targets are relevant.

Summary

Date:

Oct 2006 - Jun 2010

Members:

Mr N J Maximilian Macaluso

Partners & Collaborators:

Department of Clinical Pharmacology (Addenbrookes Hospital)

Partners & Collaborators:

The Gates Cambridge Trust