Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
10:20
In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
20.4K
GPCRs and arrestins in airways: implications for asthma
Raymond B Penn1, Richard A Bond, Julia K L Walker
1Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1025 Walnut Street, Suite 317, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA, Raymond.Penn@jefferson.edu.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|December 3, 2013
Summary
Arrestins regulate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in asthma. Targeting arrestins may offer new treatments for obstructive lung diseases by modulating airway smooth muscle contraction and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Asthma treatment involves drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
- GPCRs mediate airway smooth muscle contraction (Gq) and relaxation (Gs-coupled beta-2-adrenoceptor).
- GPCRs in airway epithelium and immune cells influence asthma-related lung inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential role of arrestins in GPCR-mediated airway cell functions in asthma.
- To explore arrestins as a therapeutic target for asthma and obstructive lung diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on arrestin regulation of GPCR signaling.
- Analysis of arrestin's role in GPCR desensitization/resensitization.
- Examination of G protein-independent signaling pathways involving arrestins.
Main Results:
- Arrestins modulate GPCR signaling, impacting airway smooth muscle tone and inflammation.
- Dysregulated GPCR-arrestin interactions are implicated in asthma pathophysiology.
- Arrestins offer a potential therapeutic avenue for controlling asthma-related airway dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Arrestins are critical regulators of GPCRs involved in asthma.
- Targeting arrestin pathways presents a promising strategy for novel asthma therapeutics.
- Further research into arrestin function can advance the treatment of obstructive lung diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
311
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
311
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.7K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.7K
01:09GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
6.9K
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...
6.9K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.5K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.5K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.6K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.6K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
5.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
5.0K