Hacking GPCRs: Tools, Tech & Drug Discovery w/ Drs. Tom Sakmar & Ilana Kotliar / Dr.GPCR Podcast 167

Watch the video version of this podcast episode:https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-168-with-dr.-maria-majellaro-from-celtarysVisit Celtarys' website in the Ecosystem: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/celtarys-research-dr-gpcr-ecosystemRead the DrGPCR x Celtarys Partnership Press Release: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/post/dr-gpcr-and-celtarys-research-join-forces-to-expand-access-to-innovative-gpcr-toolsLearn more about Celtarys Research: https://www.celtarys.com/---------------------------------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

Watch the video version of this podcast episode.https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-167-with-tom-sakmar-%26-ilana-kotliar---------------------------------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

Episode 166 of the Dr. GPCR Podcast features Benjamin Clements, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, who brings fresh insight into the therapeutic promise of GPCRs — particularly in the context of opioid pharmacology. With a background in pharmaceutical sciences and neuroscience, Ben now focuses on positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) targeting the mu-opioid receptor, aiming to preserve opioid analgesia while reducing harmful side effects like respiratory depression and addiction.In this episode, Ben and Dr. Yamina Berchiche discuss how a passion for translational science led him to investigate chronic pain models, including neuromas, where opioids traditionally fail. His lab’s preliminary findings — including a tenfold improvement in methadone efficacy — highlight the potential of GPCR-targeted allosteric modulators to change the treatment landscape for intractable pain conditions. These discoveries are the result of collaborative, curiosity-driven science in a lab culture that values both rigor and levity.Ben also shares his perspective on learning “old-school” assays like radioligand binding and GTPγS, emphasizing their enduring value even amid advanced high-throughput techniques. The conversation touches on mentorship, imposter syndrome, and the critical importance of creating space for new voices in the GPCR field. As Ben puts it:“Academia is all about knowing when to walk and when to run.”This episode is a powerful reminder of the role that early-career scientists play in shaping the future of GPCR drug discovery — blending pharmacological fundamentals with bold experimentation and a deep commitment to patient-centered science.Watch the complete episode at: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-166-with-ben-clements---------------------------------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

In this episode of the Dr. GPCR Podcast, we step outside the lab to talk about what keeps research-driven organizations running behind the scenes: finance and operations. Yamina Berchiche is joined by Joe St. Germain and Chuck DeWeese from Company Launch Partners to discuss the real-world challenges of building startups and nonprofits—including Dr. GPCR itself. Joe shares his leap from corporate finance to launching a firm that supports early-stage ventures, while Chuck explains his journey from sales to becoming the behind-the-scenes problem-solver for mission-driven organizations.What emerges is a compelling conversation about how science and finance are more similar than we think. Chuck and Joe explain how reconciling financial data mirrors the satisfaction of solving scientific puzzles. They also dive into the unique hurdles of accounting for grants, setting up sustainable financial systems, and choosing clients whose values align with their own. The episode bridges two traditionally separate worlds—science and business—by highlighting their shared reliance on structure, integrity, and impact.At its core, the episode is about building things that last—with the right people. From hiring based on character and teachability to growing teams organically through trust and mentorship, Joe and Chuck share lessons that resonate far beyond finance. Whether you’re a GPCR scientist applying for a grant or a founder navigating early growth, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success is never solo—it’s built on relationships, purpose, and a clear sense of mission.Watch the complete episode at: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-165-with-chuckdeweese-joestgermain

In this science-focused episode of the Dr. GPCR podcast, we meet Dr. Ian Chronis, a freshly minted PhD from the University of Michigan. While his academic roots started in classical history and ancient Greek, Ian’s curiosity pulled him toward chemistry, then pharmacology, and eventually into the complex world of GPCR signaling. His story is a testament to the power of staying open to change and following emerging scientific questions wherever they lead.Ian’s doctoral work focused on two key GPCR systems: the well-characterized β2-adrenergic receptor and the lesser-known proton-sensing receptor GPR65. In the former, he explored how PKA phosphorylation modulates receptor interactions and discovered a regulatory role for 14-3-3 proteins. But it’s GPR65 — a receptor that constitutively internalizes and signals from acidic endosomes — that has captured Ian’s attention and become the centerpiece of his current research. Unlike classical GPCRs, GPR65 uses non-canonical internalization mechanisms, presenting new opportunities to uncover novel biology.The receptor’s ability to signal within the tumor microenvironment and immune cells makes it an emerging drug target, especially in cancer immunotherapy. However, there are still major gaps: no selective ligands, little clarity on its internalization machinery, and limited tools to modulate its function. Ian’s wish list? A high-affinity agonist and antagonist to begin untangling these questions. Until then, he's carefully optimizing pH-based assays and preparing for next steps in a postdoctoral lab focused on more physiological and therapeutic systems.Whether he’s decoding novel trafficking pathways or reflecting on career strategy, Ian brings a balanced perspective that’s both ambitious and grounded. His advice to peers? Attend talks outside your field, learn constantly, and surround yourself with people who make science sustainable. This episode is a must-listen for those navigating the intersection of curiosity, technical rigor, and translational potential in the GPCR research community.Watch the video version of this podcast episode:https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-164-with-dr.-ian-chronis---------------------------------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

Ask the Right GPCR Question: A Conversation with Prof. Dmitry VeprintsevIn this episode, Yamina sits down with Prof. Dmitry Veprintsev, a molecular pharmacologist at the University of Nottingham, to discuss his scientific journey, GPCR research, and the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship.Watch the video version of this podcast episode:⁠https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-163-with-dr.-dmitry-⁠---------------------------------⁠Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member⁠---------------------------------Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy.Dr. GPCR is dedicated to fostering a collaborative ecosystem focused on GPCRs. By connecting researchers, sharing knowledge, and facilitating partnerships, the #DrGPCR Ecosystem provides resources to support advancements in GPCR drug discovery.The ecosystem includes a variety of initiatives designed to inform and engage the scientific community, from courses and news updates to networking opportunities.---------------------------------Learn more about Dr. GPCR: ⁠https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/⁠  Membership & Pricing: ⁠https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/university-pricing⁠  Dr. GPCR Courses: ⁠https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-courses⁠ GPCR Weekly News: ⁠https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-news/categories/gpcr-weekly-news⁠ 

Watch the video version of this podcast episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-162-with-dr-gabriele-kockelkoren---------------------------------Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member---------------------------------Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy.Dr. GPCR is dedicated to fostering a collaborative ecosystem focused on GPCRs. By connecting researchers, sharing knowledge, and facilitating partnerships, the #DrGPCR Ecosystem provides resources to support advancements in GPCR drug discovery.The ecosystem includes a variety of initiatives designed to inform and engage the scientific community, from courses and news updates to networking opportunities.---------------------------------Learn more about Dr. GPCR: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/  Membership & Pricing: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/university-pricing  Dr. GPCR Courses: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-courses GPCR Weekly News: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-news/categories/gpcr-weekly-news

Watch the video version of this podcast episode.https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-161-with-dr.-brian-hudson---------------------------------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. Individuals OrganizationsAre you a #GPCR professional? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to #DrGPCR Monthly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen and subscribe to #DrGPCR Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen and watch GPCR-focused scientific talks at #VirtualCafe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Watch the video version of this podcast episode.https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-160-with-dr.-remi-janicot---------------------------------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. Individuals OrganizationsAre you a #GPCR professional? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to #DrGPCR Monthly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen and subscribe to #DrGPCR Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen and watch GPCR-focused scientific talks at #VirtualCafe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Register for the next Dr. GPCR University course before February 14th https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/event-details-registration/the-practical-assessment-of-signaling-bias Spots are limited! _________ Watch the video version of this podcast episode. https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-159-with-dr.-riccardo-capelli --------------------------------- 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. Individuals Organizations Are you a #GPCR professional? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to #DrGPCR Monthly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen and subscribe to #DrGPCR Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen and watch GPCR-focused scientific talks at #VirtualCafe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.