| Modification Notes |
Trace amines are endogenous molecules structurally related to classical biogenic amines that are linked to psychiatric conditions. A family of G-protein coupled receptors referred to as trace-amine-associated receptors, (TaRs or TAARs) are activated by trace amines and are present in very low levels in mammalian tissue. TaRs contain several structural features that are similar to the rhodopsin ∫-adrenergic receptor superfamily, including the positions of the seven transmembrane regions that provide common ligand-binding pockets as well as the short N- and C-terminal domains. TaRs are associated with the detection of social cues, illustrating their significance as therapeutic targets. Specifically, TaR proteins are potential targets for drugs of abuse, such as amphetamine and MDMA, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, depression, and attention deficit disorder. |