A finer tuning of G-protein signaling through regulated control of RGS proteins

Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2012 Jul;303(1):H19-35. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00764.2011. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

Abstract

Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are GTPase-activating proteins (GAP) for various Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. Through this mechanism, RGS proteins regulate the magnitude and duration of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling and are often referred to as fine tuners of G-protein signaling. Increasing evidence suggests that RGS proteins themselves are regulated through multiple mechanisms, which may provide an even finer tuning of G-protein signaling and crosstalk between G-protein-coupled receptors and other signaling pathways. This review summarizes the current data on the control of RGS function through regulated expression, intracellular localization, and covalent modification of RGS proteins, as related to cell function and the pathogenesis of diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arginine / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • RGS Proteins / biosynthesis
  • RGS Proteins / genetics
  • RGS Proteins / physiology*
  • Receptor Cross-Talk / physiology
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Sumoylation / physiology
  • Ubiquitination / physiology

Substances

  • RGS Proteins
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Arginine
  • GTP-Binding Proteins