Receptor biology and signal transduction

This year has witnessed substantial advances in receptor biology and signal transduction that are relevant to the function and regulation of the healt hy pancreas and to the pathogenesis and potential therapy of pancreatitis a nd pancreatic carcinoma. There has been an expansion in the cast of pancrea tic regulatory molecules, now including protease-activated receptors, chemo kines, and chemokine receptors. There have been new insights into the cellu lar distribution and signaling initiated at the classic pancreatic receptor s. There have also been dramatic advances in insights into the structure of G protein-coupled receptors, with the first solution of a crystal structur e of a member of this superfamily, and into the molecular basis of ligand b inding and activation of these important molecules. This will clearly impro ve the opportunities for the rational design and refinement of receptor-act ive drugs. In addition to these fundamental advances, there has been renewe d attention to the expression, function, and regulation of receptors and si gnaling pathways in pancreatic cells present in the setting of pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma. It is hoped that this will contribute toward ear lier diagnosis, more successful therapy, and new chemopreventive strategies for these illnesses. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2001, 17:410-415 (C) 2001 Lip pincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.