Researchers led by Andreas Plückthun at the University of Zurich have successfully determined the detailed three-dimensional structure of the oxytocin receptor, which could pave the way for the development of new drugs for autism and other related disorders.

The hormone oxytocin has been associated with conditions such as autism, social anxiety, and addiction vulnerability, and understanding the receptor mechanism is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

The team’s discovery of the receptor’s structure, along with its interactions with cholesterol and magnesium, provides a blueprint for the development of new drugs that regulate the receptor’s functioning.

The findings may also be applicable to vasopressin receptors, which are involved in several diseases, including autism spectrum disorders.

This breakthrough could have significant implications for the development of drugs for a wide range of human diseases.

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