Stéphane Laporte

Stéphane Laporte, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University, and a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) Glen site. He is affiliated with the Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program within the Centre for Translational Biology and works in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology at the MUHC.

Dr. Laporte's research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are involved in many physiological responses and are targets for over 30% of marketed drugs. His laboratory develops novel molecules with allosteric and biased signaling properties, particularly for the prostaglandin PG2α (FP) receptor, and studies protein complex dynamics for receptors like the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Using innovative imaging and biophysical approaches, his team creates fluorescently tagged biosensors to study GPCR signaling and trafficking in live cells, with applications in cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, pre-term birth, and cancer.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on GPCR signaling mechanisms, receptor trafficking, and the development of novel analytical tools like BRET sensors. The research demonstrates significant contributions to understanding receptor conformational dynamics, biased signaling, and the identification of novel inhibitors through high-throughput screening approaches.

Dr. Laporte leads the Laporte Lab which employs techniques including confocal microscopy, BRET, FRET, and high-throughput screening for drug discovery related to GPCR function. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with potential therapeutic applications in multiple disease areas.