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G Protein-Coupled Receptors As Regulators of Localized Translation: The Forgotten Pathway?

Aurélie Tréfier1,2,3,4, Lucie P Pellissier5,2,3,4, Astrid Musnier1,2,3,4

  • 1Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation, INRA, UMR85, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France.

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|February 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) rapidly impact cell function by regulating mRNA translation, not just gene expression. This early response influences cell phenotype and localizes protein synthesis within minutes of activation.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Signaling
  • Genomics and Proteomics

Background:

  • G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key regulators of cellular function, primarily known for orchestrating gene expression changes over hours.
  • The impact of GPCRs on mRNA translation, a faster mechanism for protein synthesis, remains less understood.
  • mRNA translation occurs within minutes of receptor activation, offering a rapid response to extracellular signals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the translatome regulated by GPCRs.
  • To explore how GPCRs control local mRNA translation within subcellular compartments.
  • To highlight the rapid, minute-timescale impact of GPCRs on cellular phenotype via translation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on GPCR signaling and mRNA translation.
  • Analysis of high-throughput data acquisition methods for translatome studies.
  • Discussion of mechanisms controlling localized mRNA translation.

Main Results:

  • GPCRs rapidly influence cellular phenotype by modulating mRNA translation, distinct from slower transcriptional regulation.
  • Local mRNA translation, regulated by GPCRs, contributes to cellular micro-specialization in processes like synaptic plasticity and cell migration.
  • Emerging high-throughput techniques enable comprehensive analysis of GPCR-regulated translatomes.

Conclusions:

  • GPCR-mediated mRNA translation represents a critical, rapid layer of cellular regulation.
  • Understanding GPCR-controlled local translation is essential for deciphering cellular responses to environmental cues.
  • Further investigation into GPCR-regulated translatomes will illuminate novel therapeutic targets.
Keywords:
G protein-coupled receptordifferentiationlocal translationsignalingtranslatome

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