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G proteins and G-protein-coupled receptors: structure, function and interactions
1Centre CNRS-INSERM de Pharmacologie-Endocrinologie, Montpellier, France.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
The G protein-coupled receptor family includes over 15 types of G proteins. This review explores the functional domains of these receptors and their associated G proteins.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Biochemistry
Background:
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a vast superfamily of cell surface receptors.
- Heterotrimeric G proteins are crucial signal transducers that link GPCRs to intracellular effectors.
- The diversity and complexity of GPCR-G protein interactions are key to cellular regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the G protein-coupled receptor family.
- To elucidate the nature of functional domains within GPCRs.
- To examine the characteristics of associated heterotrimeric G proteins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on GPCRs and G proteins.
- Analysis of structural and functional domain data for GPCRs.
- Compilation of information on the known types and functions of heterotrimeric G proteins.
Main Results:
- At least 15 distinct types of heterotrimeric G proteins have been identified.
- Specific functional domains within GPCRs mediate interactions with G proteins.
- The diversity of G proteins allows for a wide range of cellular responses.
Conclusions:
- The growing G protein family underscores the complexity of cellular signaling pathways.
- Understanding GPCR and G protein domains is essential for deciphering signal transduction.
- Further research into these interactions will reveal new therapeutic targets.