Heterotrimeric G protein activation by G-protein-coupled receptors

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2008 Jan;9(1):60-71. doi: 10.1038/nrm2299.

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G proteins have a crucial role as molecular switches in signal transduction pathways mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors. Extracellular stimuli activate these receptors, which then catalyse GTP-GDP exchange on the G protein alpha-subunit. The complex series of interactions and conformational changes that connect agonist binding to G protein activation raise various interesting questions about the structure, biomechanics, kinetics and specificity of signal transduction across the plasma membrane.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / physiology
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / classification
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins