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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
GTPases and their Regulation02:14

GTPases and their Regulation

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins), also known as GTPases, are a superfamily of proteins that regulate many cellular processes, such as cell signaling, vesicular transport, and the regulation of cell shape and motility. Mutation or dysfunction of these proteins can lead to disease. There are around 40,000 known G-proteins that can broadly be classified into two groups ‒  small G-proteins consisting of a single domain and large multi-domain G-proteins.
Large G-proteins, also known...
GTPases and their Regulation02:14

GTPases and their Regulation

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins), also known as GTPases, are a superfamily of proteins that regulate many cellular processes, such as cell signaling, vesicular transport, and the regulation of cell shape and motility. Mutation or dysfunction of these proteins can lead to disease. There are around 40,000 known G-proteins that can broadly be classified into two groups ‒  small G-proteins consisting of a single domain and large multi-domain G-proteins.
Large G-proteins, also known...
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...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity01:09

GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity

Some GPCRs transmit signals through adenylyl cyclase (AC), a transmembrane enzyme. AC helps synthesize second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). AC catalyzes cyclization reaction and converts ATP to cAMP by releasing a pyrophosphate. The pyrophosphate is further hydrolyzed to phosphate by the enzyme pyrophosphatase, which drives cAMP synthesis to completion. However, cAMP is rapidly degraded to 5′ AMP by the enzymes phosphodiesterase (PDE), preventing overstimulation of cells.
Two...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

In Vivo Calcium Imaging in C. elegans Body Wall Muscles
08:03

In Vivo Calcium Imaging in C. elegans Body Wall Muscles

Published on: October 20, 2019

Heterotrimeric G proteins in C. elegans.

Carol Bastiani1, Jane Mendel

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.

Wormbook : the Online Review of C. Elegans Biology
|December 1, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Heterotrimeric G proteins signal via alpha and beta-gamma subunits. C. elegans research reveals diverse G protein roles in development, behavior, and chemosensation, highlighting alpha subunit importance.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Heterotrimeric G proteins (Gα, Gβ, Gγ) mediate signal transduction from receptors to effectors.
  • G protein signaling involves GDP/GTP exchange on Gα and dissociation of Gβγ dimers.
  • Regulatory proteins like RIC-8 (GEF) and RGS proteins (GAP) modulate G protein activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diverse roles and regulation of G protein signaling pathways in C. elegans.
  • To characterize the functions of various Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits in development and behavior.
  • To explore receptor-dependent and independent G protein signaling mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis to identify C. elegans G protein subunits.
  • Expression pattern analysis of G protein genes.

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Imaging G-protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR)-mediated Signaling Events that Control Chemotaxis of Dictyostelium Discoideum
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Imaging G-protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR)-mediated Signaling Events that Control Chemotaxis of Dictyostelium Discoideum

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Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

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  • Functional studies using genetic mutants to assess roles in development, behavior, and neuronal function.

    • Main Results:

    • C. elegans encodes 21 Gα, 2 Gβ, and 2 Gγ subunits, with diverse expression patterns.
    • Conserved Gα subunits (GSA-1, GOA-1, EGL-30) are crucial for viability, development, and behavior.
    • Unique C. elegans Gα subunits are primarily involved in chemosensation; receptor-independent signaling pathways exist.

    Conclusions:

    • The alpha subunit diversity dictates the functional specificity of G protein pathways in C. elegans.
    • Interactions between G protein pathways regulate fundamental processes like spindle positioning and neurotransmitter release.
    • C. elegans serves as a powerful model for dissecting complex G protein signaling networks and their regulation.