Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
08:46
A "Dual-Addition" Calcium Fluorescence Assay for the High-Throughput Screening of Recombinant G Protein-Coupled Receptors
Published on: December 2, 2022
GPCR Heterodimerization in the Reproductive System: Functional Regulation and Implication for Biodiversity
Honoo Satake1, Shin Matsubara, Masato Aoyama
1Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic Research Institute , Osaka , Japan.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|August 23, 2013
Summary
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimers modulate functions like ligand binding and signaling. This review explores GPCR heterodimerization
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can form heterodimers with other GPCRs.
- GPCR heterodimerization modifies protomer functions, including ligand binding, signal transduction, and internalization.
- GPCR heterodimers are increasingly reported in the reproductive system, impacting hormone secretion and gamete development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on GPCR heterodimers and their functional modulation.
- To explore the biological significance of GPCR heterodimerization in various systems.
- To highlight the role of GPCR heterodimerization in reproduction and biodiversity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on GPCR heterodimerization.
- Analysis of functional consequences of GPCR heterodimerization.
- Examination of species-specific GPCR heterodimerization examples, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors.
Main Results:
- GPCR heterodimerization significantly modulates receptor activity and cellular responses.
- Reproductive system GPCR heterodimers are crucial for hormonal regulation and reproductive processes.
- Studies on Ciona intestinalis GnRH receptors reveal species-specific functional regulation through heterodimerization.
Conclusions:
- GPCR heterodimerization is a key mechanism for modulating GPCR function.
- GPCR heterodimerization plays a vital role in reproductive biology.
- GPCR heterodimerization contributes to the evolution of biodiversity through species-specific adaptations.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Global Regulatory Systems
Global regulatory systems in bacteria enable rapid and coordinated responses to environmental changes by integrating sensory inputs with gene expression, ensuring efficient adaptation to fluctuating conditions. Key global regulatory mechanisms include regulons, two-component systems, sigma factors, and secondary messengers.Regulons and Global RegulatorsA regulon is a collection of genes and operons controlled by a common global regulator. These regulators enable bacteria to prioritize resource...
01:09GPCRs 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...
Two...
01:15G 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 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...
02:31Homologous Recombination
The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
02:08Gene Conversion
Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...