Balázs R. Varga

This study uses deep mutational pharmacology to show how different residues in the -opioid receptor determine the efficacy of opioids by shaping distinct activation mechanisms.

The paper uses cryo-EM to capture non-equilibrium states of the μ-opioid receptor bound to different ligands, revealing ligand-dependent conformational dynamics and G-protein activation differences.

The paper examines how sodium ions differentially modulate agonist-induced conformational changes and signaling at μ and κ opioid receptors, revealing opposing effects between the two receptor types.