Understanding structure and activation of GLP-1R

In this thesis, single particle cryo-electron microscopy was used to determine molecular details of the structure and dynamic motion of a major diabetes and obesity therapeutic target, the GLP-1 receptor. Studying structures of the receptor bound to both clinically approved and tool activators with distinct properties, the work provided critical insight into how current drugs work. This thesis work will be instrumental in development of the next generation of drugs targeting the GLP-1 receptor.