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Imaging G-protein Coupled Receptor GPCR-mediated Signaling Events that Control Chemotaxis of Dictyostelium Discoideum
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G-Protein Dependent Signal Transduction and Ubiquitination in Dictyostelium

Barbara Pergolizzi1, Salvatore Bozzaro2, Enrico Bracco3

  • 1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, AOUS. Luigi, 10043 Orbassano TO, Italy. barbara.pergolizzi@unito.it.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control cell functions and are implicated in diseases. This review explores GPCR signaling pathways and the role of ubiquitination in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial for regulating cellular functions and are involved in various human diseases.
  • GPCRs activate heterotrimeric G-proteins, initiating signaling cascades that generate second messengers and diverse cellular responses.
  • Spatiotemporal regulation of GPCR signaling is essential and involves biochemical modifications, including ubiquitination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize key signaling pathways activated by GPCR stimulation.
  • To discuss the role of ubiquitination in GPCR-mediated processes.
  • To highlight the utility of Dictyostelium discoideum as a model organism for studying GPCR signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of GPCR signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of studies on ubiquitination in cellular signaling.
  • Focus on research conducted in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Main Results:

  • GPCRs initiate complex signaling networks involving various second messengers.
  • Ubiquitination, a posttranslational modification, plays a significant role in protein regulation beyond degradation.
  • Ubiquitin ligases are increasingly recognized for their involvement in GPCR-related cellular processes.

Conclusions:

  • GPCR signaling is fundamental to cellular life and disease.
  • Ubiquitination is a critical regulatory mechanism in GPCR pathways.
  • Dictyostelium discoideum offers valuable insights into GPCR signal transduction and ubiquitination.
Keywords:
Dictyostelium discoideumGPCRsHECTHERC1TORC2cAMPmammalssignal transductionubiquitination

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