Using the NCBI web site to understand GPCR structure

Abstract

Pharmacology educators have discussed the need for future PhD scientists to have diverse training, to think critically and question assumptions, to acquire communication skills, to critically evaluate articles, and demonstrate independence. Many students enter pharmacology doctoral programs with diverse backgrounds and high GRE scores but lack these skills. The required doctoral courses provide a vast array of scientific knowledge and students must apply this information to their field of specialty. All of our graduate students take an entry level course titled “Molecular Biology in Pharmacology” where the above skill sets are integrated into the curriculum. The course objective is to provide students with knowledge of basic concepts of molecular biology and more importantly, to use this information to understand pharmacological principles. One course component introduces students to the tools and information available on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) web site. Using bioinformatics, students must complete an assignment that integrates principles of molecular biology and biochemistry into an investigation of a G‐protein coupled receptor gene, its disease states, and protein structure. Upon completing this exercise students demonstrate the ability to use data base resources and apply that information to understand the structure and function of receptors in pharmacology.