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- How Collaboration Sparked a GPCR Imaging Breakthrough in Chemical Biology
Some breakthroughs don’t start with a grant or a roadmap — they start with a question no one expects to matter. For JB, that moment was a cold email from a biologist he’d never met, asking if he could synthesize a molecule “when you’re back in Munich.” That simple ask pulled a young chemist out of the fume hood and into the messy, electrifying world of live-cell biology. What followed — a trip to London, confocal imaging marathons, and a partnership built on trust and curiosity — reshaped both careers and helped unlock a new generation of GPCR imaging tools. This is the story of how collaboration quietly rewires a field. This collaboration would become the foundation of a GPCR imaging breakthrough that neither of them anticipated. How a Collaboration Led to a GPCR Imaging Breakthrough JB didn’t set out to contribute to a GPCR imaging breakthrough, but a simple molecule request set the entire trajectory in motion. He was a PhD student studying ion channels — living in a world defined by reaction mechanisms, synthetic routes, and the reassuring logic of chemistry. Then the unexpected request arrived. David Hodson needed molecules that were only one synthetic step beyond what JB was already making. The ask was simple; the impact wasn’t. That brief exchange connected two people who had never met but were equally driven by curiosity. When David later shared early data — including a moment where he realized he could image an entire islet — it became clear that this wasn’t just a small contribution. It was the start of a scientific partnership with the potential to shift how GPCRs could be visualized in their native environments. How Chemistry and Islet Biology Converged to Enable a GPCR Imaging Breakthrough The collaboration deepened when JB traveled to London, a trip that unexpectedly accelerated what would become a GPCR imaging breakthrough. What he expected to be a technical visit became a complete reframing of how he thought about biological systems. Instead of round-bottom flasks, he was looking at living cells under a confocal microscope. Freshly isolated pancreatic islets. Real-time calcium activity. Signaling waves pulsing across clusters of beta cells. Seeing those images, he realized just how different biological reality is from chemical idealization. Molecules weren’t abstract entities anymore — they were tools that could illuminate dynamic, excitable tissues and reveal mechanisms driving hormone secretion.That shift in perspective became foundational. It would later shape how he designed fluorescent probes, how he evaluated biological constraints, and how he approached GPCR imaging as both a chemical problem and a physiological one. How Chemical Probes Transformed GPCR Imaging and Outperformed Antibodies As JB continued exploring the biology, a major obstacle emerged: validated antibodies for GPCRs, including GLP-1R, were inconsistent and incompatible with high-resolution imaging. For a field that depends on understanding where receptors actually are — and how many are available at the cell surface — this was a major limitation. The shift toward chemical probes became a defining moment in achieving a true GPCR imaging breakthrough. Chemical probes offered a solution. They could be engineered to target surface-exposed receptors, remain stable across batches, support live-cell imaging, and tolerate super-resolution workflows. There was one challenge: JB had never synthesized peptides. The project required designing peptide–fluorophore conjugates that would bind GLP-1R with high specificity. Instead of stopping, he teamed up with a peptide specialist at the Max Planck Institute. Together, they built the first generation of GLP-1R fluorescent ligands — probes precise enough to visualize the receptor across islets, tissue slices, and ultimately living animals. Early images showed clean, bright labeling across whole pancreatic islets. That breakthrough launched the first wave of GLP-1R visualization studies and opened the door to deeper questions about receptor distribution, density, and trafficking. Designing Reliable GPCR Imaging Tools for Real Biological Systems Success brought new challenges. Chemical probes may be elegant, but biology isn’t. Tissue is messy. Cells behave differently day to day. Receptors internalize, traffic, recycle, and degrade. To build tools that performed consistently, JB and collaborators shifted toward a more rigorous parallelized screening approach. Instead of testing one compound at a time, they evaluated multiple probes in the same experimental conditions — same transfection, same cells, same humidity, same everything. This strategy accelerated discovery and reduced noise, helping them understand how each design change influenced labeling, specificity, and photophysical behavior. It also gave them confidence in how the probes would perform once shipped to external labs. The payoff was substantial. These optimizations enabled dual-color labeling strategies, surface-selective imaging, and ultimately in vivo visualization. These parallelized experiments were critical for turning early ideas into a reproducible GPCR imaging breakthrough. Two-photon microscopy experiments showed GLP-1R signaling in intact animals — a milestone that demonstrated just how powerful well-engineered chemical tools can be when paired with the right biology. Collaboration as the Driver Behind Today’s GPCR Imaging Breakthroughs Behind the technical success lies a partnership shaped by trust, shared energy, and a willingness to learn each other’s language. JB brought chemical intuition and a love for toolmaking. David brought deep experience in islet biology, calcium imaging, and tissue physiology. Over the years, they learned from each other in ways that shifted both careers. JB gained a grounded understanding of tissue heterogeneity, signal variability, and the biology that makes GPCR research challenging. David picked up unexpected chemistry insights — including a well-loved lesson involving acetonitrile in conjugation reactions. What made the collaboration durable wasn’t simply aligned expertise. It was a shared sense of fun, the kind of scientific joy that makes late-night imaging sessions feel lighter and big failures feel solvable. That chemistry — human chemistry — is what allowed the science to move as quickly as it did. Curiosity also played a central role. JB emphasizes how much of their progress came from staying open, asking questions freely, and engaging people at conferences regardless of title or reputation. Many of the connections that shaped the probes’ development came from simple conversations that began with genuine scientific interest. Their trust-driven collaboration is ultimately what allowed the GPCR imaging breakthrough to take shape. The Future of GPCR Imaging Breakthroughs: AI, Multiplex Tools, and In Vivo Discovery Today, JB leads an interdisciplinary group at the FMP in Berlin — chemists, theorists, biochemists, toxicologists, and cell biologists — all working toward the same goal: building better tools for visualizing cell-surface proteins, especially GPCRs. The work now stretches far beyond a single receptor. His team is exploring AI-enabled probe design, multiplex fluorescent strategies that allow visualization of multiple GPCRs at once, and approaches capable of mapping receptor crosstalk at nanometer scale. They’re also performing increasingly complex imaging experiments that capture receptor dynamics in intact tissue and live animals, expanding what’s possible in both basic research and translational settings. What started as one molecule request is now a platform vision — a future where any GPCR could be illuminated with high precision, in any tissue, across multiple colors, with tools designed as much by computation as by human intuition. And it all began with a simple moment of collaboration. This conversation is part of a three episode series produced in collaboration with our partners at Celtarys Research . If this behind-the-scenes story resonated, you’ll love the full conversation. 🎧 Listen to the full episode https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/chemical-probes-for-gpcr-imaging-and-internalization If JB's story resonates 🎧 Listen to part 1 of this series with Dr. David Hodson
- How System-Level GPCR Thinking Prevents Discovery Failures
Most GPCR programs don’t fail because of weak molecules—they fail because biology behaves differently than the assay implied. This week’s feature goes straight to the foundation: how system-level GPCR thinking protects discovery teams from the costly misinterpretations that derail programs. If your work touches GPCR pharmacology, these insights aren’t optional—they’re essential. Breakthroughs this week: Eli Lilly cuts Zepbound prices; GNAI1 missense mutation study; rapid Gαs endosomal translocation. 🔍 This Week in Premium: Sneak Peek Industry insights: Lilly cuts Zepbound prices; Lilly hits $1T valuation; Novo advances amycretin. Upcoming events: Adhesion GPCR Workshop; GRC—Transporters, Ion Channels & GPCRs; MPGPCR Joint Satellite Meeting. Career opportunities: Senior/Principal Scientist—GPCR Pharmacology; Principal Scientist—In Vitro Pharmacology; Research Associate—Biologics Discovery. Must-read publications: Gαi1 neurodevelopmental mutation; Gαs endosomal signaling; primary cilia as transduction hubs. Terry’s Corner: GPCR Pharmacology Insights That Prevent Real Drug Discovery Failures Discovery collapses when teams assume stable, linear, receptor-to-response relationships. Dr. Kenakin’s AMA made the central point unmistakable: GPCR systems constantly reshape ligand behavior through coupling efficiency, receptor density, local signaling architecture, and physiological feedback loops. This is where system-level GPCR thinking becomes a competitive advantage—long before a molecule reaches animals or patients. When you see the distortions baked into the system, you interpret your data differently and protect your program from preventable failures. What You’ll Gain Spot false confidence early → Sensitivity differences can turn full agonists into partials or even antagonists depending on system load. Avoid misleading mechanistic labels → NAMs, PAMs, and biased agonists behave in system-dependent ways that single assays cannot reveal. Translate potency and efficacy realistically → Recognize when deviations reflect biology rather than compound failure. Premium Members get 67% discount when they join Terry’s Corner in 2025 Sharpen your interpretation skills ➤ Dr. GPCR Podcast: Chemical Probes for GPCR Imaging with Dr. Johannes Broichhagen Reliable imaging tools change how researchers see receptor behavior. In this episode, Dr. Johannes Broichhagen explains how next-generation fluorescent probes—designed with precise synthetic logic—enable deeper insight into GPCR internalization, trafficking, and surface organization. His work shows why chemical design can outperform antibodies and how rigorous assay validation bridges chemistry and biology effectively. What You’ll Learn Why peptide–fluorophore probes succeed where antibodies fail How parallel synthesis& testing accelerates probe optimization How surface-exposed receptor pools reshape interpretations of trafficking Listen to the episode ➤ High-Content Screening for GPCR Programs: Overcoming Assay Limitations with Fluorescent Ligands High-content screening (HCS) is now indispensable for GPCR workflows—especially when spatial context, trafficking behavior, and live-cell kinetics matter. But HCS only works when assays are built with rigor and powered by the right fluorescent ligands. This feature from Celtarys Research outlines how to structure an HCS workflow that avoids batch effects, imaging artifacts, and variability while delivering reliable, mechanistic data. What You’ll Learn Why traditional radioligand assays miss critical spatial and kinetic signals Five phases of a robust, reproducible HCS pipeline How fluorescent ligands strengthen specificity, relevance, and assay confidence Read the full HCS feature ➤ Why System-Level GPCR Thinking Changes Data Interpretation And How Dr. GPCR Premium Membership Gives You an Edge Premium gives GPCR scientists and biotech teams a single, trusted source of weekly insight that cuts through noise. Members access deep-dive lectures, expert frameworks, curated jobs, upcoming events, and classified more. It’s a system-aware resource built for researchers who need clarity fast—reinforcing system-level GPCR thinking every week so your interpretations stay sharp and aligned with real biology. FAQ 🔹 What’s included? Weekly research, careers, and industry intelligence; GPCR University; 200+ expert talks; networking; and member-only discounts. 🔹 Who is it for? Researchers, pharmacologists, biotech teams, and decision-makers who rely on accurate, efficient, interpretation-first information. 🔹 Why now? GPCR innovation is accelerating—and misinterpretation compounds quickly. Staying informed today prevents the delays others won’t see coming. Don’t Fall Behind—Access the Edge You Need Already a Premium Member? 👉 Access this week’s full Premium Edition here ➤ What Members Say "I am a convert! I will keep Dr. GPCR and the offered resources in my work sphere." Help us reach more scientists by providing quick rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — and a YouTube subscribe. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KQHbC2qhkRIrdgBDtiQVF Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-gpcr-podcast/id1514231064 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGPCR Want to support Dr. GPCR? Donate : https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/donate Dr. GPCR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization—your participation directly supports our mission to advance GPCR research and education across the global community.
- How to Avoid the Most Common Gaps in Your Biotech Pitch
The Cost of Confusion Let’s be honest. Most biotech pitches don’t fail because the science is weak. They fail because the story is unclear. 👉 A confusing pitch doesn’t just slow down progress. It silently shuts down opportunity. You might still get the meeting. You might still get a few questions. But behind the polite nods, your audience is checking out. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: 👉 People make up their minds in the first few seconds. If your pitch doesn’t immediately tell them who it’s for, why it matters, and what makes it different, then they start mentally moving on, even if you’re still speaking. The result? You walk out of the meeting thinking it went well. They walk out already forgetting what you said. 👉 And that gap between delivery and perception is where momentum dies. For biotech founders, this is more than a presentation problem. It’s a strategic vulnerability. Because if you can’t explain your value clearly, your audience assumes there is none. A clear biotech pitch answers three key questions immediately. If your audience has to guess, you’ve already lost the room. The Most Common Mistakes in Biotech Pitches Even the most brilliant science can get lost in a poor pitch. And most of the time, the issue isn’t style. Its structure, sequencing, and focus. 👉 Here are the most common gaps we see in early-stage biotech pitches, even from smart, well-prepared teams: 1️⃣ Starting with the science Founders often begin with detailed technical information, pathways, targets, and models. But your audience isn’t evaluating you as a researcher. They’re trying to understand the opportunity. 👉 Opening with mechanisms forces the listener to do all the work. They have to guess why it matters, what the application is, and whether it fits. ✅ Start with relevance, not results. 2️⃣ Using buzzwords instead of clarity Words like “platform”, “breakthrough”, or “transformative” feel powerful. But without concrete context, they’re empty. Your listener doesn’t want to be impressed. They want to understand. 👉 Replace vague claims with focused positioning: What does your solution actually do ? Who specifically is it valuable for? Why now? 3️⃣ No clear strategic angle You might explain what your technology is. But do you explain why it fits your audience’s world? ✅ Strategic fit is not assumed. It has to be demonstrated. If your pitch doesn’t address timing, portfolio alignment, or internal traction, the audience won’t do that thinking for you. They’ll smile. Nod. Then pass. 4️⃣ Forgetting to frame the next steps One of the most common gaps? No clear “what now”. You finish the pitch ... and wait. If your listener doesn’t know what to do next or who should be involved, the conversation stalls. ✅ A strong pitch ends with direction, not silence. These aren’t “presentation mistakes.” They’re symptoms of an unclear strategy. And the good news is, they can be fixed. Strong biotech pitches don’t just inform, they align. Every sentence should move the conversation forward. How to Fix the Gaps 👉 Fixing your biotech pitch doesn’t require a rebrand. It requires a realignment. The strongest pitches follow a clear, strategic logic, not just a narrative arc. 👉 Here’s a four-part structure that helps founders move from scattered storytelling to focused positioning: 1️⃣ Who it’s for ✅ Begin by clearly defining your audience or market. Avoid vague generalizations. When the listener knows exactly who your solution targets, they can immediately place it in their mental map. ✅ This clarity signals strategic focus and shows that you're not casting a wide net. It shows you’ve made deliberate choices about application, indication, or customer. 2️⃣ Why it matters ✅ This is about urgency and relevance. Instead of leading with technology, lead with the problem it addresses. ✅ Frame the situation in terms of what’s at stake, whether that’s patient outcomes, time delays, unmet needs, or inefficiencies. This immediately shifts the conversation from academic interest to practical significance. 3️⃣ Why it’s different ✅ Differentiation must be more than a claim. It has to be obvious, credible, and valuable. Make it easy for the listener to understand what sets your approach apart from existing solutions or current standards and why that difference matters. Without this, you blend into the noise. 4️⃣ Why it fits ✅ Your pitch should always reflect an understanding of your listener’s world. Consider their priorities, constraints, and objectives. If your message doesn’t show alignment with their strategy or timeline, they won’t engage, no matter how strong your science is. A great pitch makes it easy for the other side to connect the dots and move forward with confidence. This framework is not about simplification. It’s about strategic clarity. ✅ When your pitch follows this logic, it respects the listener’s time, builds trust fast, and moves the conversation toward real decisions. What Changes When Your Pitch Works When your biotech pitch lands, the difference is immediate and powerful. You stop pushing. People start leaning in. You stop explaining. People start connecting the dots for you. 👉 This is what clarity creates. A clear, strategic pitch doesn’t just share information. It communicates that you know who you’re building for, why now is the right time, and how your solution fits into something bigger than your own science. ✅ It shifts perception. From: “That’s interesting” To: “This is worth moving forward.” When that shift happens, follow-ups come faster. Stakeholders engage earlier. And opportunities become more structured, not just more numerous. Because a well-positioned pitch is not just about communication, it’s about leadership. 👉 You’re showing that you think in context. That you understand the system you're entering. That you’re ready to operate at the next level. And in the early stages of a biotech company, that’s often what separates promising science from real traction. So if your meetings keep ending with polite nods and no momentum, it might not be your data. It might be your framing. Reworking your pitch is not polishing. It’s focusing. And when you focus on what your audience actually needs to hear, you don’t just earn attention, you earn action. Strategic Takeaway: Clarity Wins. Fast. 👉 Biotech founders don’t lose opportunities because their ideas are weak. They lose them because their positioning is unclear. A strong biotech pitch isn’t about saying more. It’s about making your value obvious, fast. 👉 The goal is not to simplify your science. It’s to clarify its strategic relevance, in seconds, not slides. If your pitch keeps stalling, stop editing your deck. Start refining your message. Ready to Break Your Bottlenecks? If you're feeling the friction, indecision, misalignment, or slow momentum, it's not just operational. It's strategic. Attila runs focused strategy consultations for biotech founders who are ready to lead with clarity, not just react to pressure. Whether you're refining your narrative, making tough tradeoffs, or simply feeling stuck, this session will get you unstuck, fast. 👉 Book a 1:1 consult and start building the mindset your company actually needs.
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- Dr. GPCR | Explore the Ecosystem for GPCR Professionals and Enthusiasts
Discover the Dr. GPCR Ecosystem, where we connect and empower the GPCR community in the United States. Home: About Accelerating GPCR Drug Discovery, Together Dr. GPCR is the global hub where academia and industry meet to advance GPCR research, accelerate drug discovery, and foster collaboration across the entire ecosystem. 👉 Join Free Today 🔒 Go Premium Strategic Partners Your Path to GPCR Mastery Flexible, career-ready courses designed by scientists for scientists. GPCR Courses ➚ GPCR Weekly News ➚ Dr. GPCR Podcast ➚ Articles from the Ecosystem ➚ How Collaboration Sparked a GPCR Imaging Breakthrough in Chemical Biology How System-Level GPCR Thinking Prevents Discovery Failures How to Avoid the Most Common Gaps in Your Biotech Pitch GPCR Pharmacology Insights That Prevent Real Drug Discovery Failures GPCR Flash News ➚ Closing the Gap Between Academia and Industry Our vision is simple: empower the GPCR field through shared knowledge, collaboration, and open access to tools that accelerate drug discovery. 🤝 Support the Mission Home: Premium $ 249.99 Every year 🚀 Everything you need to master GPCR science — in one membership. Valid until canceled Select 🎓 Full GPCR University + 🔬 200+ expert talks 🗞️ Weekly research, careers & event intelligence 🤝 Members-only networking, AMAs & matchmaking 💡 Support open resources for the global GPCR field 🧠 Designed for researchers at every career stage 🚀 Don’t just keep up — lead the way. 🔒 Grandfather Guarantee, your rate never increases Everything You Need to Master GPCR Science in One Membership Join the most complete GPCR learning & collaboration hub. Closing the Gap Between Academia and Industry Our vision is simple: empower the GPCR field through shared knowledge, collaboration, and open access to tools that accelerate drug discovery. 🤝 Support the Mission
- GPCR Weekly News | Dr. GPCR Ecosystem
Your go-to hub for everything GPCR! Stay ahead with the latest research breakthroughs, industry updates, job opportunities, and upcoming events—all in one place. GPCR Weekly News - Your Hub for GPCR Research, Industry Updates, Jobs & Events Delivered straight to your inbox every week Become a Premium Member Welcome to GPCR Weekly News! Whether you're a GPCR scientist, biotech innovator, or industry professional, GPCR Weekly News keeps you connected to the discoveries and opportunities that matter most. Latest Research Breakthrough discoveries, new publications, and cutting-edge GPCR research insights. Industry Events Upcoming conferences, workshops, webinars, and networking events worldwide. Career Opportunities GPCR job listings, career tips, and networking opportunities in the field. Read the Free Edition Here's a preview of what you'll find in our latest newsletter How System-Level GPCR Thinking Prevents Discovery Failures Most GPCR programs don’t fail because of weak molecules—they fail because biology behaves differently than the assay implied. This week’s feature goes straight to the foundation: how system-level GPCR thinking protects discovery teams from the costly misinterpretations that derail programs. If your work touches GPCR pharmacology, these insights aren’t optional—they’re essential. Dr. GPCR News 3 min read Get Premium for Full Access Latest Issues How System-Level GPCR Insights Strengthen Every Discovery Decision Read Full Issue November 21 - December 4, 2025 Schild Truths & Incretin Insights — This Week in GPCRs Read Full Issue November 14 - 20, 2025 Crafting Chemical Keys for GPCR Drug Discovery Read Full Issue November 7 - 13, 2025 A Note from Yamina — The Next Chapter of Dr. GPCR Read Full Issue Oct 24 - Nov 6, 2025 The Power and Peril of Irreversible Drugs Read Full Issue Oct 17 - 23, 2025 Enzyme Insight, Real-World Impact Read Full Issue Oct 10 - 16, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 8 About GPCR Weekly News GPCR Weekly News was launched in 2020 as part of the Dr. GPCR initiative. Our mission is to provide timely, relevant, and accessible information to scientists and industry professionals working in GPCR research and drug discovery. Every week, our team curates the most important developments so you never miss a breakthrough, opportunity, or event that could impact your work. Learn More about DrGPCR Unlock Premium 🔥 Upgrade to Premium Premium Yearly $249.99 $ 249.99 Every year 🚀 Everything you need to master GPCR science — in one membership. Valid until canceled Join Premium Now 🎓 Full GPCR University + 🔬 200+ expert talks 🗞️ Weekly research, careers & event intelligence 🤝 Members-only networking, AMAs & matchmaking 💡 Support open resources for the global GPCR field 🧠 Designed for researchers at every career stage 🚀 Don’t just keep up — lead the way. 🔒 Grandfather Guarantee, your rate never increases Ready to Stay Ahead in GPCR Research? Join scientists worldwide who rely on GPCR Weekly News for the latest insights and opportunities.
- Flash News: Your Hub for GPCR Insights and Scientific Conference Programs
Explore the scientific conference program at DrGPCR for cutting-edge insights in GPCR research. Stay updated with our program today! Welcome to Flash News—your fastest track to the latest updates in GPCR research, pharmacology, and biotechnology. Stay informed with breaking news, announcements, and key industry trends—all published here before they appear on social media. 🚀 Want full access? Become Premium! Unlock exclusive resources like the University Vault, in-depth courses, and weekly insights that go beyond the headlines. 👉 Become Premium Strategic Partners A GPCR imaging breakthrough that didn’t start in a grant proposal December 3, 2025 Read full article It started with a cold email. A young chemist, Dr. Johannes Broichhagen, was asked if he could synthesize a molecule “when you’re back in Munich.” That small moment pulled him into islet biology, confocal imaging, and a collaboration that would reshape how GLP-1R is visualized in real tissue. The new blog takes you behind the scenes — the London trip, the early confocal experiments, the pivot to chemical probes, and the trust-driven partnership that sparked a new era in GPCR imaging. If you care about chemical biology, receptor visualization, or building tools that actually work in complex systems, this one is worth reading. 🔗 Read the full story : https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/post/how-collaboration-sparked-a-gpcr-imaging-breakthrough-in-chemical-biology Visualizing GPCRs in their native environment changes everything December 2, 2025 Read full article This week on The Dr. GPCR Podcast , we bring you Episode 2 of our three-part series with Celtarys Research — featuring chemist Dr. Johannes Broichhagen , whose work is redefining how we image GPCRs in real tissue. His team’s chemical probes enabled high-resolution GLP-1R visualization across systems — from pancreatic islets to in vivo two-photon imaging. Inside the episode: Chemical probes vs antibodies: specificity, stability, and live-cell performance Mapping GPCR surface pools with precision Tissue-level insights reshaping metabolic disease research What’s next: multiplex receptor labeling + AI-designed tools If GLP-1R biology, receptor trafficking, or advanced imaging are part of your work, this conversation belongs on your radar. 🎧 Listen to Episode 2 → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/chemical-probes-for-gpcr-imaging-and-internalization And stay tuned for Episode 3 with Celtarys. #GPCR #DrGPCR #metabolism #GLP1R #receptorbiology #fluorescenceimaging #drugdiscovery How GPCR Collaboration Built an Innovation Engine November 16, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article Collaboration isn’t a soft skill — it’s an innovation strategy. At Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, a quiet experiment challenged the traditional PI-silo model: no private labs, shared infrastructure, pooled funding, and student rotations. The result? An ecosystem where GPCR innovation accelerated — not because of a single star scientist, but because the system itself made collaboration unavoidable. “No one had their own lab. That meant no one could build a fiefdom — and everyone had to talk.” — Michelle Halls This structure: Multiplied research capacity Attracted talent and funding Created a durable innovation hub This is more than a story — it’s a blueprint for GPCR science, biotech R&D, and CRO partnerships. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: Leadership, Luck, and GPCR Signaling 🔓 Learn more: Dr. GPCR Premium #GPCR #DrGPCR #DrugDiscovery #Innovation #ScienceLeadership #Collaboration Scientific careers aren’t just built on brilliance November 14, 2025 Dr.GPCR Podcast Read full article Scientific careers aren’t just built on brilliance—they’re shaped by curiosity, timing, and paying close attention. In this conversation, Michelle Halls reminds us of something every scientist eventually learns: hard work is essential, but noticing the unexpected often defines your biggest breakthroughs. She also names a truth we rarely acknowledge out loud—luck and timing matter. Many talented scientists leave the field not because they lacked skill, but because the right opportunity didn’t land at the right time. And that’s why attention to detail, persistence, and a bit of serendipity can change the trajectory of a research career. 🎧 Watch this moment — then catch the full episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/leadership-luck-and-gpcr-signaling #GPCR #DrGPCR Why does it matter where signaling happens inside a cell? November 13, 2025 Dr.GPCR Podcast Read full article Why does it matter where signaling happens inside a cell? This moment cuts straight to the heart of how many of us fell in love with GPCR biology — that realization that signaling isn’t random. It’s structured, organized, and spatially constrained. Michelle describes how reading those early papers on lipid-rich domains and GPCR–G protein compartmentalization reframed her view of receptor pharmacology. This shift — from thinking about “pathways” to understanding localized signaling architecture — is what drove her to build a research career around spatial control of GPCR signaling. This isn’t just academic. The way signals are organized defines specificity, drug response, and potential for targeted therapies. If you work with GPCRs, this perspective changes how you design experiments and interpret data. 🎧 Watch this insight — or listen to the full conversation with Michelle.🔗 Full episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/leadership-luck-and-gpcr-signaling ✨ Join Premium: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-university-pricing #GPCR #DrGPCR From Pipettes to Platforms: The Evolution of GPCR Research November 13, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article Back when GPCR assays were performed with single channel pipettes, failure wasn’t cheap. Michelle Halls still remembers pipetting one sample at a time, holding her breath to keep the assay alive. Today, automation and high-throughput platforms make it easy to forget how fragile discovery used to be. But that history matters. It shaped how we design experiments, make decisions, and lead teams. In this week’s Dr. GPCR Podcast blog, we unpack: How the manual era shaped experimental discipline Why technology changed what we ask, not just how we ask How scientists grow from technicians to strategic leaders 🎧 Read the full story and listen to the episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/post/from-pipettes-to-platforms-the-evolution-of-gpcr-research 🔓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for deeper tools and insights: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-university-pricing #GPCR #DrGPCR #DrugDiscovery #Pharmacology #Biotech How GPCR Spatial Signaling Sparked a Scientific Journey November 12, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article When boredom met obsession. It started as a summer project.A reluctant student pipetting through the day, expecting nothing more than routine lab work. But for Michelle Halls, that first experiment flipped everything. One spark led to a PhD at Monash University, a fellowship at University of Cambridge, and eventually a leadership role at the forefront of GPCR spatial signaling — a field reshaping how we understand receptor biology and drug discovery. Michelle’s story isn’t just about science.It’s about what happens when curiosity takes over. From reluctant intern to scientific leader From local signaling to spatial pharmacology From spark to strategy Read the full story here🔗 https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/post/how-gpcr-spatial-signaling-sparked-a-scientific-journey 🔓 Want deeper GPCR insights? Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive content, expert access, and community. #GPCR #DrGPCR #SpatialSignaling #Pharmacology #DrugDiscovery #ScientificLeadership #Biotech Every receptor tells a story November 11, 2025 Dr.GPCR Podcast Read full article Every receptor tells a story — but GPCRs speak a language of organization. Dr. Michelle Halls unpacks how GPCR signaling isn’t just about ligand–receptor interaction. It’s about where and how signaling happens — spatially confined microdomains, scaffolding proteins, and preassembled complexes that fine-tune the cell’s response. This level of organization defines specificity in signaling, and understanding it changes how we think about drug targeting and disease mechanisms. It’s a moment that reframes GPCR biology from static pathways to dynamic, organized systems — where complexity is the key to precision. 🎧 Watch this moment from our conversation, then listen to the full episode on leadership, luck, and GPCR signaling: 👉 https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/leadership-luck-and-gpcr-signaling #GPCR #DrGPCR How sensitive can a GPCR really be? November 9, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article Think femtomolar. That’s the scale we’re talking about. This week on the Dr. GPCR Podcast , we sit down with Michelle Halls , leader of the Spatial Organisation of Signalling lab at Monash University. Her team is redefining how we understand GPCR signaling — not just at the cell surface, but in space, time, and disease context. In this episode, you’ll learn: How GPCR pre-assembly enables femto-level signal detection. Why receptor location matters as much as receptor type. How disease can hijack signaling organization — and what that means for drug discovery. Michelle’s work bridges elegant mechanistic biology with translational impact — giving us new ways to think about receptor pharmacology, biased agonism, and therapeutic precision. 🔗 Listen here → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/leadership-luck-and-gpcr-signaling 🎓 Explore Dr. GPCR Premium → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-university #GPCR #DrGPCR #pharmacology #drugdiscovery #receptors #biotech #signaltransduction AI is changing how we think about structure, function, and discovery November 4, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article AI is changing how we think about structure, function, and discovery — but Jens Carlsson reminds us: the real test isn’t whether we can explain today’s data, it’s whether we can predict tomorrow’s results . In this clip, Jens unpacks a mindset shift that every computational scientist should hear. For decades, molecular modeling focused on explaining — rationalizing why a ligand binds, why a mutation shifts signaling, why a simulation behaves a certain way. But explaining is retrospective. Prediction is transformative. With tools like AlphaFold , his lab can now model receptor–peptide complexes in seconds — an achievement that once took months. Yet Jens’s caution stands: prediction must be proven. A good model doesn’t just match published structures; it forecasts new biology, new ligands, and new function. That’s where the future of GPCR research lies — not in describing the past, but in anticipating it. Whether you’re running simulations, screening compounds, or designing next-gen molecules, this insight reframes what “success” in computational pharmacology really means. 👉 Watch the full episode: model predict discover #GPCR #DrGPCR If your model can’t change an experiment, what’s the point? October 31, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article If your model can’t change an experiment, what’s the point? That’s the standard Dr. Jens Carlsson sets in his lab at Uppsala University. For him, modeling isn’t just about elegant simulations; it’s about impact . The kind of impact that shows up in how experiments are designed, which compounds get prioritized, and what gets synthesized next. Carlsson’s lab doesn’t work in isolation. They collaborate deeply with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and biotech partners to create workflows that connect virtual screening to synthesis and bioassay. Every step has a purpose. Every prediction feeds into a testable hypothesis. But the real differentiator? The way they collaborate: strategically, transparently, and without ego. His team is clear about the capabilities and limitations of their models, an honesty that builds long-term trust across disciplines. In GPCR drug discovery, where complexity is the rule and timelines are tight, this kind of cross-functional fluency is no longer optional. It’s the catalyst for turning insight into innovation. 🎧 Learn how Carlsson turns models into translational outcomes in this episode of the Dr. GPCR Podcast: model predict discover #DrGPCR #GPCR #CollaborationInScience #ComputationalChemistry #Pharmacology #DrugDesign “Technologies come and go. If that’s all you know, you’ll be out of the game fast.” October 30, 2025 Terry's Corner Read full article “Technologies come and go. If that’s all you know, you’ll be out of the game fast.” In our AMA, Terry Kenakin shared timeless career advice for young pharmacologists navigating a fast-changing field: “Try to keep a finger on the pulse of as much as you can… that was one of the main reasons for doing Terry’s Corner. New ideas come up, and if we can encapsulate them and expose them, you can just hit a button, hear about it, and pursue it.” To stay relevant in the next decade, it’s not about chasing the latest assay or tool. It’s about building adaptive thinking—knowing where the field is moving and being ready to pivot with it. That’s what Terry’s Corner was built for: a space to turn decades of industry experience into short, targeted insights that keep you ahead of the curve. 🟢 Join Terry’s Corner → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/terry-corner ✳️ Next AMA Session: ⚠️ Today, Oct 30 | 12–1 PM EST #GPCR #DrGPCR #Pharmacology #DrugDiscovery #CareerDevelopment #Biotech #Mentorship #EarlyDiscovery #ScientificLeadership What happens when 40+ years of discovery experience get distilled into one conversation? October 29, 2025 Terry's Corner Read full article What happens when 40+ years of discovery experience get distilled into one conversation? That’s exactly what our first-ever AMA session with Terry Kenakin set out to do. Terry’s Corner was built to make advanced pharmacology practical: a space where scientists don’t just learn passively—they shape the curriculum and bring their toughest questions forward. As Terry shared during the AMA: “This is a labor of love. Pharmacologists are almost always working in systems they don’t fully understand. The more we can see, the better choices we make.” Through live Q&A, targeted modules, and short, focused lessons, Terry’s Corner gives discovery teams the frameworks to: Decode complex GPCR signaling. Rethink outdated models. Translate early data into better decisions. This is more than another course. It’s an open vault of knowledge. 🟢 Read More → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/post/accelerating-gpcr-drug-discovery-what-40-years-of-pharmacology-reveal ✳️ Next AMA Session: October 30 | 12–1 PM EST #GPCR #DrGPCR #Pharmacology #DrugDiscovery #AllostericModulation #Kinetics #AssayDevelopment #EarlyDiscovery #PharmaR&D #BiotechInnovation Ask-Me-Anything Session - Sept 18 - Trailer October 28, 2025 Terry's Corner Read full article Pharmacology doesn’t stand still—and neither should your toolkit. In the discovery phase, one overlooked kinetic parameter or a misjudged model can set your team back months . Precision in early decisions determines whether your molecule moves forward or stalls. That’s why we’ve built a dedicated space inside Terry’s Corner to get clear, evidence-based answers to the questions that shape your experiments and strategy. In this AMA session, you’ll learn how to: Decode GPCR signaling complexity using functional assay strategies Identify allosteric modulators before they derail downstream decisions Integrate kinetics early—before your program locks into costly pathways Rethink legacy screening frameworks through modern pharmacology This isn’t theory. It’s 45+ years of applied discovery experience from Terry Kenakin distilled into practical, modular lessons designed for scientists who need clarity fast. 🟢 Join Terry’s Corner → Terry's Corner | Dr. GPCR Ecosystem ✳️ BONUS — Live AMA Session: Get direct, unfiltered access to Terry. Bring your most challenging questions to our next Ask Me Anything session on October 30, 12–1 PM EST . ⚠️ Seats are limited. Don’t fall behind on what will shape the next decade of discovery. #GPCR #DrGPCR #Pharmacology #DrugDiscovery #Biotech #AllostericModulation #Kinetics #AssayDevelopment #EarlyDiscovery #PharmaR&D #BiotechInnovation Irreversible kinetics = strategic lever in drug design. October 27, 2025 Terry's Corner Read full article Receptor pharmacology has evolved. Irreversible interactions are no longer niche curiosities — they’re strategic levers that shape how molecules behave in vivo and whether candidates advance or stall in discovery. Inside Terry’s Corner, you’ll gain access to focused, high-impact modules built for teams who need to engineer binding kinetics, not just potency . These lessons bridge molecular pharmacology with real-world design strategy, giving discovery teams the tools to make smarter decisions earlier in the pipeline. Here’s what’s covered in this week’s lesson: Target depletion vs. replenishment dynamics — how offset rates control exposure windows, shape therapeutic durability, and influence dosing intervals. Structured tissue penetration challenges — why high-affinity molecules stall at the periphery and how to optimize kinetic profiles for deeper reach. Quantifying irreversible activity (K_inact / K_I) — turning persistent binding into measurable design parameters that guide candidate optimization. Join to learn the same principles guiding successful drug programs today. 🟢 Browse the full video vault and stay ahead of the curve: ✳️ Courses by Terry | Dr. GPCR Ecosystem #GPCR #DrGPCR #Pharmacology #DrugDiscovery #Kinetics #ReceptorPharmacology #MedicinalChemistry #PKPD #DrugDevelopment Can your model actually predict the outcome of a GPCR experiment? October 27, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article “Explain” is no longer enough. Can your model actually predict the outcome of a GPCR experiment? At Uppsala University, Dr. Jens Carlsson and his team are redefining what computational modeling means in drug discovery. Their lab doesn’t just simulate receptor-ligand interactions after the fact; they aim to forecast receptor behavior before the first assay is run. By integrating molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and machine learning, they design ligands with the goal to anticipate biological outcomes. This kind of predictive modeling challenges the traditional role of computation in pharmacology, where models have too often served as post hoc rationalizations. But Carlsson’s lab stands out for another reason: knowing when not to predict. His team is candid about the limits of their models. If the resolution isn't good enough, or if the data is too uncertain, they’re not afraid to say, “We don’t know.” That scientific humility (combined with deep collaborations with medicinal chemists and pharmacologists) is exactly what makes their predictions so useful. This episode is essential listening for anyone thinking seriously about translational pharmacology and the future of GPCR drug discovery. 🎧 Explore how predictive modeling is reshaping GPCR science in this Dr. GPCR Podcast episode: model predict discover #DrGPCR #GPCR #MolecularModeling #PredictivePharmacology #DrugDiscovery Persistent binding ≠ just covalent. October 24, 2025 Terry's Corner Read full article Why do some inhibitors act long after the drug itself is gone? It’s not always about covalent chemistry — often, it’s about kinetics. Irreversible interactions emerge when one simple imbalance tips the scale: inflow outpacing outflow. That’s why a compound like phenoxybenzamine can knock down receptor populations after just a brief exposure. And why slow-dissociating allosteric inhibitors can reshape signaling curves for hours — or even days — after dosing stops. When persistent binding meets structured tissues, this effect can amplify or collapse. High-affinity molecules can get trapped at the periphery of a tumor, never reaching the core. The result: inconsistent exposure, patchy activity, and sometimes, outright therapeutic failure. This isn’t a subtle nuance. Binding kinetics are a design variable, as critical as potency or clearance. Get it wrong, and the best molecule on paper stalls in development. Get it right, and you unlock durable efficacy with leaner dosing strategies. If your discovery strategy still treats kinetics as an afterthought, you’re already behind. ✳️ Read More: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/post/beyond-clearance-the-strategic-power-of-irreversible-drug-binding #GPCR #DrGPCR #Pharmacology #DrugDiscovery #BindingKinetics #ReceptorPharmacology #MedicinalChemistry #PKPD #DrugDesign Dr. GPCR Weekly News - Oct 23 - The Power and Peril of Irreversible Drugs October 23, 2025 GPCR Weekly News Read full article This week’s Weekly News breaks down how to control target engagement—so duration, penetration, and PK/PD separation serve your program, not sink it. Premium sneak peek inside. 🔹 Terry’s Corner: A practical framework for irreversible drugs—defining “irreversible” in real systems, anticipating PK/PD decoupling, and using k_inact/K_I when Ki falls short. 🔹 Podcast Spotlight: Dr. Jens Carlsson on predictive modeling—where structure-based design and MD guide experiments (and where AlphaFold still needs a chaperone). If you’re advancing covalent or tight-binding candidates—or building models meant to predict, not narrate —this edition is built to shorten cycles and reduce surprises. Read the full Weekly News ➤ https://bit.ly/3KVlL4m If it helps your team, share it forward. #DrGPCR #GPCR Model. Predict. Discover. – Podcast Episode Release October 22, 2025 Dr. GPCR Podcast Read full article What if a failed experiment became the best thing that ever happened to your career? Dr. Jens Carlsson started his journey aiming to be a biotech engineer. But during a summer internship in protein purification, he faced a harsh reality: lab work wasn’t his strength. The experiments didn’t work, the data didn’t flow, and it was frustrating. But in the quiet hours, he found himself drawn to the structures, to the models, to figuring out why things weren’t working. A professor noticed and called it out in a recommendation letter. That unexpected moment of clarity redirected his path. Today, Jens is a Professor of Computational Biochemistry at Uppsala University , where his lab uses structure-based modeling to predict GPCR-ligand interactions, before they’re ever tested in the lab. The mindset shift? Stop explaining experiments after they happen. Start designing them to happen. His journey is a powerful reminder that the right career often reveals itself through “failure.” Follow what lights you up. Notice where your mind naturally goes. And don’t ignore the signs, it might be your real path calling. 🎧 Listen to Jens’ full story on the Dr. GPCR Podcast : https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/model-predict-discover #DrGPCR #GPCR #CareerInScience #ComputationalBiology #DrugDiscovery #PhDLife Irreversible Drugs – Trailer October 21, 2025 Terry's Corner Read full article Irreversible drugs change the rules of engagement. Unlike reversible ligands, their impact can persist long after the compound is gone — creating durable pharmacological effects that reshape how pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics intersect. In modern discovery programs, that’s a decisive advantage (or a hidden liability) in candidate selection. In this week’s lesson, you’ll unpack: Why low offset rates can mimic covalent effects without forming actual bonds. How target depletion and replenishment kinetics define the therapeutic window. How persistent binding alters structured tissue penetration — and why that matters for tumor targeting and beyond. These tactical frameworks are used to optimize molecules, sharpen PK/PD strategy, and mitigate downstream safety surprises before they appear in IND-enabling studies. Understanding irreversible interactions can mean the difference between a stalled program and a strategic breakthrough. Those who master kinetic pharmacology set the pace. 🟢 Join Terry’s Corner and sharpen your pharmacology toolkit. ✳️ Terry's Corner | Dr. GPCR Ecosystem #GPCR #DrGPCR #Pharmacology #DrugDiscovery #MedicinalChemistry #PKPD #ReceptorKinetics #DrugDevelopment 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ... 7 🔔 Don’t Just Stay Updated—Stay Ahead Flash News gives you a glance at what’s happening right now in the GPCR world. But to go deeper—with full presentations, expert courses, and exclusive resources—you’ll need more than just a headline. 🎓 Go Premium and unlock: 200+ expert presentations in the University Vault Weekly News with in-depth insights Exclusive courses and masterclasses 👉 Upgrade to Premium Today
Events (6)
- October 2, 2025 | 2:00 PM
- September 24, 2025 | 10:00 PM105 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199, USA
- Practical Quantification of Allosteric ModulationTickets: $0.00May 1, 2025 | 2:00 PM







