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7TMR necklace | 18k gold vermeil
A 7TMR necklace for pharmacologists, structural biologists, and anyone working on the receptor family that around 35% of approved drugs target. The seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor architecture, in 18k gold vermeil.
The Science of the 7TMR
The seven-transmembrane receptor, almost always a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is one of the most successful protein architectures in biology. Seven alpha helices traverse the cell membrane, connected by intracellular and extracellular loops. The N-terminus sits outside the cell, the C-terminus inside. When a ligand binds the extracellular face, the helical bundle rearranges, the intracellular loops change shape, and a G-protein coupled to the cytoplasmic side activates. From there, second messengers, kinases, and downstream signalling cascades take over. Around 800 GPCRs are encoded in the human genome, sensing everything from light, taste, and smell to neurotransmitters, peptides, and hormones. Roughly 35 percent of all FDA-approved drugs target a GPCR. Brian Kobilka and Robert Lefkowitz shared the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for crystallising the active state of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor and revealing how the family actually works.
A Meaningful Gift for Science Lovers
For the people who have spent their careers at the membrane.
- pharmacologists and medicinal chemists working on GPCR drug discovery
- structural biologists who crystallise or cryo-EM membrane proteins
- cell signalling researchers and molecular pharmacology PhDs
- computational biologists modelling receptor-ligand binding
- clinical pharmacologists working on receptor-targeted drugs
For the colleague who can sketch a seven-helix bundle from memory and tell you exactly where the conserved DRY motif sits.
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FAQ
Will a working pharmacologist actually appreciate this?
Yes. The seven-helix bundle is one of those structures the field carries in its head as a single image, and getting the topology right matters: seven membrane-spanning alpha helices, three extracellular loops, three intracellular loops, N-terminus out, C-terminus in. The pendant renders that architecture cleanly. People who work on GPCR drug discovery for a living tend to recognise it immediately.
Why is this called a 7TMR rather than a GPCR?
They are mostly the same thing in practice. 7TMR (seven-transmembrane receptor) refers to the architecture: seven alpha helices crossing the membrane. GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor) refers to the function: receptors that couple to G-proteins to transmit signals. The vast majority of 7TMRs are GPCRs and vice versa, so the terms are used interchangeably in most contexts. The pendant emphasises the architecture, which is what gives the family its visual identity.
What size is the pendant and what does it ship with?
The pendant is 24 mm tall, sized so the seven membrane-spanning helices and the loop arrangement read clearly. The 18k gold vermeil is a 2.5 micron gold layer over a sterling silver core, nickel-free and hypoallergenic. It ships on a 45 cm gold-plated chain (1.8 mm width, lobster clasp) with a 5 cm extender. Free worldwide DHL Express shipping in 1-5 business days, all import duties covered, in a ready-to-gift jewelry box.
How does this differ from the silver 7TMR?
The structure is identical. The silver version reads cooler and tends to disappear under a lab coat. The gold vermeil reads warmer and more emblematic, which suits people who already wear gold daily and want this piece in the same register. Same molecular biology, two finishes.
Cellular Biology
Step into the fascinating world of cellular biology through our unique jewelry designs. These pieces serve as wearable reflections of life's microscopic wonders, capturing the aesthetics of DNA strands, cellular formations, and more. Far from simple adornments, they spark dialogue and honor the captivating complexities found within biological research. Merging scientific accuracy with artistic flair, each creation offers a tactile experience that bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and aesthetic appreciation.
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