CA18240 - ADHEsion GPCR Network: Research and Implementation Set the path for future Exploration (Adher N Rise)

The Action aims to promote, stimulate and translate research on Adhesion-G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) ‘from bench to bedside’ in Europe. Adhesion-GPCRs are a class of structurally and functionally highly intriguing cell surface receptors with essential functions in health and disease, which have remained understudied for a long time and thus, display a vastly unexploited pharmacological potential. Only the past years have seen an increase in efforts to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic family of GPCRs. Scientists as well as clinicians from different fields with divergent expertise and interests begin to recognise the relevance of aGPCRs and get involved into aspects of aGPCR research. As a consequence, the community is young, only just forming and not well organised. The Action will assemble this community to increase the awareness of fellow scientist and the interaction between them so that their separate efforts and methods can be complemented. Especially Early Career Investigators (ECIs) who represent a great proportion of the community but most of the time lack the means to interact, will be encouraged and integrated to ensure the development of novel ideas and the long-term progress of the field. To achieve this goal the Action will establish a network of dedicated non-tenured ECIs, clinicians and representatives of pharmaceutical companies, provide communication platforms and opportunities to interact. This will lead to a more focused approach to tackle the most pressing scientific questions in the field and will help bridging the gap between fundamental research and therapeutic innovation.