Module 1 - Pharmacodynamics Flashcards
2 & 3: List the 6 cellular locations of drug targets
Cell surface targets: transporters, receptors, ion channels
Intracellular targets: enzymes, nuclear receptors, protein synthesis
2 & 3: Name the FOUR main kinds of regulatory proteins commonly involved as primary drug targets.
Receptors - the sensing elements in the system of chemical communications that coordinate the function of all the different cells in the body.
Enzymes - many drugs are targeted on enzymes.
Carrier molecules (transporters) - the transport of ions and small organic molecules across cell membranes generally requires a carrier protein, because the permeating molecules are often too polar (insufficiently lipid-soluble) to penetrate lipid membranes on their own.
Ion Channels - known as LIGAND-GATED ION CHANNELS, incorporates a receptor and open only when the receptor is occupied by an agonist.
2 & 3: Where do drugs that hyrophillic (water soluble) act on?
Act at the cell surface.
2 & 3: Where do drugs that are lipid permeable (fat soluble) act on?
Cross the membrane to inhibit an enzyme or regulate gene expression.
2 & 3: Drugs need to get into 4 different places
Hydrophillic (cell surface)
Lipid permeable (cross the membrane to inhibit an enzyme or regulate gene expression).
Mimic endogenous compounds to hijack cellular systems.
Drugs that act in the CNS have to cross the Blood Brain Barrier.
2 & 3: G-Protein-Couple Receptors (GPCRs)
Are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes.
These cell surface receptors act like an inbox for messages in the form of light energy, peptides, lipids, sugars and proteins.
Approximately 50% of drugs act of GPCRs. There are about 3000 types of GPCRs/ 10% of human gene is coding GPCR - therefore they play many roles
2 & 3: Structure of GPCRs
Their characteristic structure comprises seven transmembrane alpha-helices, often linked as dimeric structures.
The G-protein is a membrane protein comprising three subunits (alpha, beta, gamma)
- Ligand bonds to GPCR.
- GPCR undergoes conformational change.
- alpha subunit exchanges GPP for GTP.
- alpha subunit dissociates and regulates target proteins.
- Target protein relay signal via 2nd messenger.
- GTP hydrolyzed to GPP.
2 & 3: Types of Receptor (3)
Agonist, antagonist, modulators
2 & 3: Agonist
A chemical that binds to a receptor and activates the receptor to produce a biological response; CAUSES AN ACTION.
Agonists can be endogenous (from the body) or exogenous (not from the body)
E.g. Acetylcholine
2 & 3: Antagonist
A substance that acts against and BLOCKS an action.
2 & 3: Modulators (receptor)
A substance which indirectly influences (modulates) the effects of an agonist or inverse agonist at a target protein.
2 & 3: Types of Enzymes (2)
Inhibitors, false substrates
2 & 3: Inhibitors
Molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity; the normal reaction can’t take place.
2 & 3: False substrates (enzyme)
Molecule binds to an enzyme an abnormal metabolite is produced.
2 & 3: Types of Carrier molecules (transporters) (2)
Blockers, false substrates
2 & 3: Blockers (carrier molecules)
Blocks transporter from working; plugs it up
2 & 3: False substrates (carrier molecules)
Drugs undergo chemical transformation to form an abnormal product that subverts the normal metabolic pathway.
2 & 3: Types of Ion Channels (2)
Blockers, modulators
2 & 3: Blockers (ion channels)
Stop the ions flowing in or out of the cell.
2 & 3: Modulators (ion channels)
Change the way the channel is activated or inactivated (make it open more or less).
2 & 3: What was the first GPCR to be fully characterised?
The beta-adrenoceptor agonist.
2 & 3: What does Noradrenaline activate?
Activates beta and alpha adrenergic receptors