From Curiosity to Breakthrough: Ajay Yekkirala on GPCR Innovation | Dr. GPCR Podcast #173

GPCR tools don’t move the field forward unless researchers can actually use them. This episode breaks down how collaboration turns probes into progress.SummaryIn the final episode of this series, David Hodson, Johannes Broichhagen, and Maria Majellaro unpack how academic labs and Celtarys Research partnered to scale fluorescent probes, improve assay development, and support gpcr drug discovery. The conversation spans receptor internalization, fluorescence assays, tech transfer realities, and why tool availability—not just invention—drives translational pharmacology research.Key takeawaysWhy accessibility defines the real impact of GPCR toolsHow industry enables scalable assay developmentLessons from receptor internalization studies in complex tissuesWhat makes academia–industry collaborations actually workRead more here: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/scaling-glp-1-receptor-tools-through-academia–industry-collaboration

Chemical probes are reshaping how we map GLP-1R in real time — revealing receptor pools antibodies can’t reliably capture.This is Episode 2 of a 3-part GPCR tool-development series created in partnership with Celtarys Research.Summary:Dr. Johannes Broichhagen aka JB breaks down the design logic behind fluorophore-linked peptides, assay trade-offs, and what true receptor internalization looks like in live tissue. A concise masterclass in assay development and GPCR drug discovery.What you’ll learn:• Why antibody variability pushed JB toward chemical probe engineering• The design logic behind Luxendin-based fluorescent tools — and how structure guides function • What “good assay development” looks like when cells, tissue, and probe behavior collide• Behind-the-scenes stories from the collaboration with David Hodson• Why parallelized experiments matter for reproducibility and signal quality• How small-molecule probes outperform antibodies in live-cell and tissue imaging• The surprising breakthroughs that shifted JB’s entire research trajectory• Future directions: multi-color GPCR mapping, AI-guided ligand design, and in vivo chemical biology Dr GPCR Links & Resources:• Dr. GPCR Ecosystem: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/ • Membership & Pricing: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/university-pricing• Weekly News: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-weekly-news

Precise receptor mapping is reshaping how we understand incretin biology. David Hodson explains how GPCR-targeted chemical probes reveal where GLP-1 and GIP receptors actually signal across pancreas and brain—and what this means for metabolic drug design.Learn how these tools refine gpcr drug discovery, clarify receptor internalization, and guide next-gen therapeutics.🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/

What makes Monash a model for modern pharmacology? Dr. Michelle Halls reveals how collaboration, mentorship, and receptor organization shape today’s GPCR breakthroughs — from femtomolar signaling to cancer biology. A look inside a lab culture built on precision, openness, and impact.👉  Watch the complete episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/leadership-luck-and-gpcr-signaling🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.drgpcr.com/premium

Predicting, not just explaining, can change how we design GPCR-targeted drugs. Jens Carlsson reveals how modeling bridges structure, function, and pharmacology.Hear how predictive simulations shape assay development, GPCR drug discovery, and collaborations across disciplines.🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-university-pricing Watch the complete episode at https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/model-predict-discover

🔬 What if you could track GPCR internalization—no wash, high-throughput, and in endogenous systems?Discover how Dr. Eric Trinquet and Revvity built pH Sense, a next-gen fluorescence assay that redefines receptor internalization workflows. Learn assay trade-offs, tool design, and how to decode GPCR behavior with precision.🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-university-pricingWatch the complete episode at https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/from-rare-earth-probes-to-real-internalization-assays-the-ph-sense-story

What if a failed med school plan led to a biotech breakthrough?Ajay Yekkirala shares how GPCRs, AI, and scientific curiosity are reshaping pain therapeutics — and what it really takes to build better medicines.Watch the video version of this podcast episode: What if a failed med school plan led to a biotech breakthrough?Ajay Yekkirala shares how GPCRs, AI, and scientific curiosity are reshaping pain therapeutics — and what it really takes to build better medicines.Watch the video version of this podcast episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/from-curiosity-to-breakthrough-ajay-yekkirala-on-gpcr-innovation

When fentanyl slows your breath and xylazine traps it, the clock starts ticking.PhD candidate Catherine Demery takes us inside her fight to understand how fentanyl and xylazine shut down breathing in different ways—work that blends GPCR pharmacology, animal models, and real-time street data to combat the opioid crisis.Watch the video version of this podcast episode: Ep 172 with Catherine Demery

When fentanyl slows your breath and xylazine traps it, the clock starts ticking.PhD candidate Catherine Demery takes us inside her fight to understand how fentanyl and xylazine shut down breathing in different ways—work that blends GPCR pharmacology, animal models, and real-time street data to combat the opioid crisis.Watch the video version of this podcast episode: Ep 172 with Catherine Demery

Watch the video version of this podcast episode.https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-171-with-alessandro-nicoli---------------------------------Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member---------------------------------Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy.The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCRs. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together.---------------------------------To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets.Premium YearlyPremium Yearly for TeamsDeveloping CountriesAre you a #GPCR professional?Subscribe to the Classified GPCR Weekly NewsListen and subscribe to #DrGPCRPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠