Tag: Drug targets

In pharmacology, approximately 7% of approved drugs did not have a known target at the time of approval, highlighting the complexity of how drugs work. Understanding **what does mechanism of action mean** (MOA) involves exploring the specific biochemical interactions a drug has with the body, which is crucial for modern drug development and therapeutic applications.

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.

Recent analysis shows that over 95% of known drug targets are proteins [1.3.1]. These proteins facilitate how medications work, but what are the four main targets for drug action that are most crucial for therapeutic effects? [1.2.1, 1.2.4]

At its core, the principle of drugs is fundamentally a two-way interaction: the body acts on the drug (pharmacokinetics), and the drug acts on the body (pharmacodynamics). Understanding this dual process is crucial for comprehending how medications produce their therapeutic and adverse effects.

First misidentified as a type of opioid receptor in the 1970s, modern pharmacology now recognizes that sigma ($σ$) receptors are a unique class of proteins involved in a wide array of cellular functions. The compelling question, "What is sigma primarily used for?", leads to a diverse list of potential therapeutic applications, including the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and chronic pain.