Gαq signalling: the new and the old

Area of Science:

• Cellular Biology
• Molecular Signaling
• G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Background:

• The Gαq alpha subunit is a key regulator of cellular processes.
• Recent advances have expanded the known interactome of Gαq.
• Understanding Gαq interactions is crucial for deciphering its physiological and pathological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding interactome of Gαq.
• To highlight novel Gαq effectors and signaling pathways.
• To discuss the regulatory mechanisms and subcellular localization influencing Gαq function.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on Gαq interactome.
• Analysis of high-resolution crystal structures to identify effector-binding regions.
• Integration of findings on novel effectors, regulators, and localization.

Main Results:

• Gαq interacts with numerous effectors beyond phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ).
• Novel effectors include p63RhoGEF, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), TRPM8 channels, PKCζ, and MEK5.
• Gαq's effector coupling is modulated by regulatory proteins and subcellular localization.

Conclusions:

• The Gαq interactome is complex and functionally diverse.
• Gαq plays critical roles in various physiological functions and diseases.
• Further research into Gαq interactions will illuminate its broader significance.