Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Using an α-Bungarotoxin Binding Site Tag to Study GABA A Receptor Membrane Localization and Trafficking
Published on: March 28, 2014
Benzalkonium salts: effects on G protein-mediated processes and surface membranes
R Patarca1, J A Rosenzwei, A A Zuniga
1Department of Medicine, and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101, USA.
Abstract:
Benzalkonium salts comprise a group of positively charged surface-active alkylamine biocides with the general formula alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride or bromide. They interact with guanine nucleotide triphosphate-binding proteins (G proteins), thereby affecting signal transduction in a variety of cell types and processes. This article reviews the known and potential basic science research and clinical applications and manifestations of benzalkonium salts. Benzalkonium salts have antiproliferative effects on a variety of cells (including T cells) through G protein-dependent pathways, affect cytokine gene expression (downregulate tumor necrosis factor expression), and are also effective bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal agents with multisite (direct and immunologically mediated) inhibitory activity against many pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), papillomavirus, and herpesviruses. Therefore, benzalkonium salts not only appear to be effective as disinfectants and spermicides but may also prove useful in the prevention and treatment of neoplasias and other disease, particularly those linked to viruses and originating at the skin or mucosal surface.
Related Concept Videos
G-protein Coupled Receptors
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
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone

