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Related Concept Videos

G Protein-coupled Receptors01:15

G Protein-coupled Receptors

G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
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...
G Protein-coupled Receptors01:15

G Protein-coupled Receptors

G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
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...
G-protein Coupled Receptors01:21

G-protein Coupled Receptors

G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
G-protein Coupled Receptors01:21

G-protein Coupled Receptors

G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors01:30

Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors

G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins01:22

Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins

Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high affinity and are together...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
07:41

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators

Published on: February 20, 2018

G-proteins and GPCrs: from the beginning.

H R Bourne1

  • 1UCSF, San Francisco 94143-2140, USA. bourne@cmp.ucsf.edu

Ernst Schering Foundation Symposium Proceedings
|August 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Discover the historical journey of trimeric G-proteins and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) discovery. This narrative highlights the challenges and triumphs in understanding these crucial cell signaling molecules before modern genetic tools.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Trimeric G-proteins and GPCRs are critical cell signaling molecules.
  • Their discovery predates the recombinant DNA revolution.
  • Understanding their function is vital in molecular biology and medicine.

Observation:

  • The discovery process involved significant obstacles, confusion, and errors.
  • Early research relied on biochemical and physiological approaches.
  • Participant observation provides unique insights into the scientific process.

Findings:

  • Despite limitations, key knowledge about G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways was established.
  • The foundational understanding of these molecules was built through persistent investigation.

More Related Videos

Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding
10:13

Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding

Published on: June 9, 2017

BRET-based G Protein Biosensors for Measuring G Protein-Coupled Receptor Activity in Live Cells
09:21

BRET-based G Protein Biosensors for Measuring G Protein-Coupled Receptor Activity in Live Cells

Published on: November 7, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
07:41

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators

Published on: February 20, 2018

Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding
10:13

Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding

Published on: June 9, 2017

BRET-based G Protein Biosensors for Measuring G Protein-Coupled Receptor Activity in Live Cells
09:21

BRET-based G Protein Biosensors for Measuring G Protein-Coupled Receptor Activity in Live Cells

Published on: November 7, 2025

  • The historical context reveals the ingenuity required for discovery.

    • Implications:

    • This historical account offers valuable lessons for current scientific research.
    • Understanding the discovery of G-proteins and GPCRs informs drug development.
    • It highlights the evolution of molecular biology techniques and knowledge.