Credit: Katrin Bussell

GPCRDB, a website for G-protein-coupled-receptors (GPCRs) — also known as seven-transmembrane-spanning receptors or serpentine receptors — has existed for a while, but it's recently undergone an extensive update and is well worth a re-visit.

The information on the homepage is categorized into three clear titles. Under the 'primary and secondary data' heading, you can access information on various aspects of GPCR data, from chromosomal location, through phylogenetic trees for several of the families, to ligand-dissociation constants.

An exciting feature is the 'snake-like plots for mutant data'. Select this and you can visualize two-dimensional snake-like plots, and also see the consensus sequences for your selected GPCR family. Even better, it also highlights residues that are mutated, and hyperlinks them to GRAP (a database of GPCR mutants), which allows you to find out more about GPCR mutations. Also available are three-dimensional GPCR models, although if you are not a modeller by trade, visualizing these might not be that straightforward.

If you have a specific query about a GPCR, you might find the answer under the 'useful tools' heading. Meanwhile, 'other information' provides links to relevant conferences and a list of companies that work on GPCRs. And if all the information within the GPCRDB has tempted you into changing your area of research, take a look at the job postings!