Latest news from the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology database of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels. http://www.iuphar-db.org/ IUPHAR scientists give thier comments on the X-ray crystal structure (resolution 3.6 Å) of the rat homotetrameric GluA2 LGIC receptor, recently published in Nature by the Eric Gouaux and his laboratory. http://www.iuphar-db.org/hotTopics.jsp#AMPA-structure http://www.iuphar-db.org/hotTopics.jsp#AMPA-structure Renström and colleagues report that overexpression of the alpha2a adrenergic receptor contributes to reduced insulin secretion and impaired glucose tolerance. http://www.iuphar-db.org/hotTopics.jsp#ADRA2A-diabetes http://www.iuphar-db.org/hotTopics.jsp#ADRA2A-diabetes The IUPHAR Database has undergone behind-the-scenes restructuring, resulting in the GPCRs and Ion Channels being combined in a new database. The webpage addresses have changed to reflect the new structure, so we ask that all users please update their bookmarks and links into IUPHAR-DB from other resources. In the meantime all previous page addresses will automatically redirect. http://www.iuphar-db.org/index.jsp New database A complete list of all unique ligand molecules described in the database is now available on the website. Each name links to an individual ligand data page including synonyms, affinity data and structure (where available). http://www.iuphar-db.org/DATABASE/LigandListForward Ligand list Detailed annotation of an orphan class A G protein-coupled receptor, GPR3, has been added to the database. http://www.iuphar-db.org/DATABASE/ObjectDisplayForward?objectId=83 GPCR GPR3 Recent nomenclature and review publications in Pharmacological Reviews from the International Union of Pharmacology. http://www.iuphar-db.org/hotTopics.jsp 3 2008 2009 Pharmacol Rev Structural information and database links have been added for GABAA receptors, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and P2X receptors. http://www.iuphar-db.org/DATABASE/ReceptorFamiliesForward?type=IC LGICs Oct 2009 The initial LGIC data release includes detailed annotation and introductions for 3 families. The new LGIC families are: the 5-HT3 receptors, the Glycine receptors and the Zinc-activated channel. Annotation of further LGIC families is underway. http://www.iuphar-db.org/IC/ReceptorFamiliesForward LGICs June 2009 The latest data release includes detailed annotation for 7 VGIC families, which, together with the LGICs, represents a signicant addition to the IUPHAR ion channels database. The new VGIC families are: the Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels, the CatSper and Two-Pore Channels, the Cyclic Nucleotide-Regulated Channels, the Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels, the Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels, the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels and the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. http://www.iuphar-db.org/IC/ReceptorFamiliesForward VGICs June 2009 In the latest release, 3 GPCR families have been updated: 1) detailed annotation and an introduction are now available for the Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor family; 2) the P2Y receptor family data and introduction have been updated; and 3) an introduction has been added for the Estrogen G protein-coupled receptor. http://www.iuphar-db.org/GPCR/ReceptorFamiliesForward GPCRs June 2009 Three publications have recently suggested lysophosphatidylinositol as an endogenous ligand for the orphan receptor GPR55. http://www.iuphar-db.org/latestPairings.jsp#GPR55-LPI http://www.iuphar-db.org/latestPairings.jsp#GPR55-LPI Two publications have recently suggested lactate as an endogenous ligand for the orphan receptor GPR81. http://www.iuphar-db.org/latestPairings.jsp#GPR81-lactate http://www.iuphar-db.org/latestPairings.jsp#GPR81-lactate The dopamine receptor family introduction has been updated. http://www.iuphar-db.org/GPCR/IntroductionDisplayForward?chapterID=1282 GPCR intro=1282 The adrenoceptor family has been updated. http://www.iuphar-db.org/GPCR/ChapterMenuForward?chapterID=1274 GPCR chapter=1274 The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor family introduction has been updated. http://www.iuphar-db.org/GPCR/IntroductionDisplayForward?chapterID=1271 GPCR intro=1271 The nomenclature of ligand-gated ion channels and their subunits has recently been re-examined by NC-IUPHAR. Their revised recommendations for nomenclature are summarised. http://www.iuphar-db.org/hotTopics.jsp#LGIC-nomenclature http://www.iuphar-db.org/hotTopics.jsp#LGIC-nomenclature A new Nomenclature Guidelines information page is available at http://www.iuphar-db.org/nomenclature.html, providing links to key NC-IUPHAR receptor nomenclature documents http://www.iuphar-db.org/nomenclature.html http://www.iuphar-db.org/nomenclature.html