Advance in pain relief research

Neuropeptide FF receptor 1 (NPFFR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in the signalling of various physiological processes in the human body. In recent years, it has been discovered that this protein is mainly found in the spinal cord and in areas of the brain involved in pain perception. Blocking this receptor could help treat chronic pain. This has not been possible until now because NPFFR1 has many similar relatives.

Two scientists from Beck-Sickinger’s research group tested thousands of substances. Michael Schaefer, Professor of Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine, provided a screening platform for this purpose. The researchers came across the naturally occurring substance hederagenin. They characterised the binding mode of the inhibitor in detailed in vitro studies. Computer modelling of the three-dimensional receptor-inhibitor complex by Professor Jens Meiler’s group at the Institute for Drug Discovery confirmed this insight.

“These findings make a significant contribution to understanding the activation mechanism of NPFFR1 and may facilitate the rational design of future therapeutics for chronic pain. They demonstrate the importance of basic research in translating findings into applications,” says Professor Beck-Sickinger. The work was carried out as part of Collaborative Research Centre 1423, Structural Dynamics of GPCR Activation and Signaling. This research success was only possible thanks to close collaboration between the various working groups at Leipzig University, as is made possible by such a Collaborative Research Centre.