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Nature 450, 355-356 (15 November 2007) | doi:10.1038/450355a; Published online 14 November 2007
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Structural biology: A receptor unlocked
Stephen R. Sprang1
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors govern many biological functions, yet little is known about the molecular basis of their activity. The structure of a prominent example of these receptors is now revealed.
The pounding heart and speeding metabolism that accompany fear and fury are the work of the adrenaline molecule, which is produced by the adrenal gland at times of stress. Adrenaline is an agonist — an activator — of 
2-adrenergic receptors (2ARs).
- Stephen R. Sprang is at the Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA.
Email: stephen.sprang@umontana.edu
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