Structure and function of G protein coupled receptors

Pharm Res. 1990 Dec;7(12):1213-21. doi: 10.1023/a:1015969301407.

Abstract

The G protein coupled receptors (GPC-Rs) comprise a large superfamily of genes encoding numerous receptors which all show common structural features, e.g., seven putative membrane spanning domains. Their biological functions are extremely diverse, ranging from vision and olfaction to neuronal and endocrine signaling. The GPC-Rs couple via multiple G proteins to a growing number of recognized second messenger pathway, e.g., cAMP and phosphatidyl inositol turnover. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which the GPC-Rs activate second messenger systems, and it addresses their regulation and structure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phosphatidylinositols / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / genetics*
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / metabolism
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / physiology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology
  • Receptors, Muscarinic / genetics*
  • Receptors, Muscarinic / metabolism
  • Receptors, Muscarinic / physiology
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / genetics*
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / metabolism
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / physiology
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Phosphatidylinositols
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Muscarinic
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter
  • Cyclic AMP
  • GTP-Binding Proteins