Aashish Manglik

Aashish Manglik, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He leads a research laboratory focused on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), structural biology, and drug discovery. Manglik completed his MD/PhD at Stanford University, where he worked with Brian Kobilka on GPCR function. He began his independent career as a Stanford Distinguished Fellow before joining UCSF in 2017 as an Assistant Professor, rising to Associate Professor.

His research centers on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of GPCRs, particularly opioid receptors, to develop safer analgesics. He has pioneered the use of nanobodies, cryo-EM, and computational methods to study receptor dynamics and design novel therapeutics. His lab has made key contributions to understanding opioid signaling, SARS-CoV-2 neutralization, and Hedgehog pathway regulation.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in structural pharmacology, with a focus on GPCRs, viral proteins, and engineered biologics. His work integrates cryo-EM, AI, and protein engineering to solve complex biological problems and develop therapeutic candidates. Themes include receptor activation, conformational dynamics, and high-affinity binder design.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants:

• While specific student names and grant details are not listed, Manglik leads an active research lab at UCSF, indicating ongoing mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
• His high-impact publications in journals like Nature, Science, and Cell suggest substantial research funding from federal and private sources.

Labs and Teams:

• Manglik directs the Manglik Lab at UCSF, which focuses on GPCR biology and drug discovery.
• He has collaborated extensively with leading structural biologists, including Brian Kobilka, Aashish Manglik, and the QCRG Structural Biology Consortium, particularly during the pandemic.