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.

On the extracellular side, the helices form a cavity where ligands (e.g. endorphins, morphine, serotonin) bind. On the intracellular side, the receptor is coupled to G protein. When the receptor is activated by a ligand, the G protein splits in two parts which then activate other proteins in the internal signal transduction pathways.

Examples of GPCRs are opioid receptors, rhodopsin or adrenergic receptors.

To build the paper model featuring the shared structural features of all GPCRs download and print the template PDF.

This paper model is not based on any particular PDB structure. Explore examples of GPCRs in 3D: 6dde (opioid receptor), 2rh1 (adrenergic receptor), and 1f88 (rhodopsin).

Video Instructions: How to fold the GPCR paper model