Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
In vivo functions of heterotrimeric G-proteins: studies in Galpha-deficient mice
1Pharmakologisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) mediate the effects of numerous hormones, neurotransmitters or sensory stimuli by coupling their transmembranous receptors to various effectors like enzymes and ion channels. Changes in the activity of these effector molecules eventually lead to the regulation of multiple cellular functions ranging from short term regulatory processes like the control of secretion rates, muscle tonus or metabolic processes to long term effects like regulation of growth and differentiation. Heterotrimeric G-proteins play a pivotal role in this transmembrane signaling process as they take part in processing and sorting of incoming signals as well as in adjusting the sensitivity of the system. This review describes some of the new insights into the biological role of G-protein mediated signaling processes provided by the analysis of mice genetically engineered to lack distinct G-protein alpha-subunits.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
G Protein-coupled Receptors
In-vitro Mutagenesis (Gene Knockouts)
GTPases and their Regulation
Large G-proteins, also known...
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
G Protein-coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins

