Category: Cell biology

Over 30% of FDA-approved drugs target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), one of the primary classes of what are the 4 membrane receptors crucial for cellular communication. These specialized proteins embedded in the cell's outer wall serve as vital intermediaries, translating extracellular signals into specific cellular responses.

Over 30% of all approved drugs target G protein-coupled receptors alone, making them one of the most prominent pharmacological targets. But they are just one class of the four main types of receptors you have, which are fundamental to how cells communicate and respond to medication. This guide explains each of the four types of receptors and their specific responsibilities in the body.

A single neuron can form thousands of synaptic connections with other neurons [1.8.5]. So, **how many receptors are there in a neuron?** The answer is not a single number but a vast, dynamic range, from thousands to millions, constantly in flux.

An estimated one-third to one-half of all marketed drugs act by binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), highlighting the critical role these proteins play in medicine. In pharmacology, understanding what are the four types of drug receptors is fundamental to grasping how medications produce their therapeutic or adverse effects.

It is estimated that around 30% to 50% of all FDA-approved drugs target one of the four main types of drug receptors. Understanding what are the main types of drug receptors is fundamental to grasping how medications exert their therapeutic effects at a cellular level.

The M1 muscarinic receptor is the most predominantly expressed muscarinic receptor subtype in the central nervous system [1.6.2]. So, what is the action of the M1 muscarinic receptor? It plays a critical role in cognitive processes like learning and memory [1.3.1].

Over 48 ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporters have been identified in the human genome, acting as membrane-spanning proteins that move substances across cellular barriers. The most significant pharmacological meaning of **ABC in drugs** refers to this family of transport proteins, which play a crucial role in the absorption, distribution, and elimination of many medications. However, the acronym can refer to entirely different concepts, such as inventory control methods in pharmacy management.

Dysregulation of the cell cycle is a fundamental hallmark of cancer, allowing for uncontrolled proliferation and tumor growth. Understanding the mechanisms that control cell division has led to the development of powerful medications known as cell cycle inhibitors, which are essential tools in modern oncology and pharmacological research.

Originally isolated from the bacterium *Streptomyces alboniger*, the aminonucleoside antibiotic puromycin is primarily known for its potent ability to inhibit protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, a discovery that has made it an indispensable tool for molecular and cellular biology research.

In some multidrug-resistant bacteria, efflux pumps can increase drug resistance by thousands of times. This mechanism is crucial to understanding **what is drug expulsion** in a cellular context, a process where cells actively remove foreign substances like antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs. This active cellular defense differs significantly from the body's general drug elimination processes carried out by organs like the kidneys and liver.