Training and outreach portal of

Drugs and the Brain

molecules for mental health

The brain orchestrates everything we do, sending signals through the nervous system to control different parts of our body. The brain is also the home of our thoughts and consciousness, as neurons process the input from our senses and store what they find as memories. Many drugs are available to help tune the function of the brain and nervous system when there are problems. Unfortunately, the effects of some of these drugs are hard to control and can lead to abuse and addiction.

Molecule of the Month Articles (12)

Acetylcholine Receptor

Acetylcholinesterase

Adrenergic Receptors

AMPA Receptor

	Acetylcholine Receptor The neurotransmitter acetylcholine opens a protein channel, stimulating muscle contraction
	Acetylcholinesterase Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell
	Adrenergic Receptors Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action
	AMPA Receptor Receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate in our brain come in several shapes and sizes.
	Calcium Pump Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action
	Capsaicin Receptor TRPV1 TRPV1 is an ion channel that senses heat and contributes to pain sensation.
	G Proteins G proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell
	Myelin-associated Glycoprotein Nerve axons are insulated and protected by a sheath of myelin
	Opioid Receptors Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain
	Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel Mechanosensitive ion channels give our cells a sense of touch.
	Sodium-Potassium Pump Cells continually pump sodium ions out and potassium ions in, powered by ATP
	Voltage-gated Sodium Channels Voltage-gated sodium channels transmit signals in a wave through the nervous system.

Learning Resources (6)

G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)

(Paper Model)

Award-winning Illustration of Glutamatergic Synapse

(Poster)

Opioids and Pain Signaling

(Video)

Neuronal Signaling and Sodium-Potassium Pump

(Video)

	G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Paper Model GPCRs are a large family of membrane-embedded receptors, with structural features that have been preserved through the course of evolution. This model represents the shared structural features of all GPCRs. With the extracellular N-terminus, the protein chain folds to form a bundle of seven transmembrane alpha helices connected by 3 intracellular and 3 extracellular loops with the C-terminus reaching inside the cell.
	Award-winning Illustration of Glutamatergic Synapse Poster Molecular view of glutamatergic synapse by RCSB PDB's Maria Voigt was selected as a national finalist in the 2021 Wiki Science Competition in the United States.
	Opioids and Pain Signaling Video Pain is one of the most trying experiences of life. On the cellular level it is communicated via special neuronal pathways. On the molecular level, however, pain is communicated like any other sensation, via a set of electrical and chemical signals facilitated by complex molecular machinery. These signals can be modulated by opioids, causing us to feel less pain, or no pain at all. Learn how opioids activate the G-proteins which in turn interact with other proteins to edit the pain signal.
	Neuronal Signaling and Sodium-Potassium Pump Video Explore the concepts of resting and action potentials and the role of sodium-potassium pump in regulating them.
	2021 Molecular Mechanisms of Drugs for Mental Disorders Video
	2020 Molecular Mechanisms of Opioid Action Video

Structural Biology Highlights (1)

G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Goodsell Molecular Landscapes (2)

Myelin

Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses

	Myelin Myelin forms an insulating sheath around nerve axons
	Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses (2018) by David S. Goodsell