Newly identified structures of trace-amine associated receptor-1 (TAAR1) will aid discovery of next generation neuropsychiatric drugs

The trace-amine associated receptor-1 (TAAR1) is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) receptor family and is widely distributed across the brain and gastrointestinal system and functions in a variety of neuronal processes. A range of endogenous trace amines (TA) activate TAAR1 signalling pathways through G protein subtypes. Several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, drug addiction, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and metabolic disorders are associated with TAAR1. An emerging new class of antipsychotic agents, TAAR1 agonists, show promise for treating schizophrenia (Ulotaront – US FDA Breakthrough therapy status) and other neuropsychiatric conditions...