Innovation and technology development

The main objective of WG4 is to develop, optimize and promote innovative techniques and methodologies tailored for aGPCR research. This is especially useful as aGPCRs are different from other receptors in many ways (e.g. structurally and regarding signaling abilities).

WG4 consists of a highly multi-disciplinary group of experts, who collect and compile information on technologies and expertise every member of the Action can provide to the network for shared use (e.g. whole-genome sequencers, high-throughput imaging platforms, sample databanks). They develop novel technologies to study aGPCRs, such as providing new antibodies or protocols for aGPCR expression and purification or the development of new transgenic or imaging methods for studying aGPCR function. Further, WG4 brings together scientists working on aGPCRs with specific technological needs and researchers from other fields with expertise in various state-of-the-art techniques.

The experts of WG4 will launch and maintain a technology platform accessible to all aGPCR researchers, containing information on technologies and expertise every member of the Action can provide to the network for shared use (e.g. whole-genome sequencers, high-throughput imaging platforms, sample databanks). Further, information on the availability of novel techniques to study aGPCRs such as protocols is provided by WG4.