The Gβγ dimer as a novel source of selectivity in G-protein signaling: GGL-ing at convention

Miller B. Jones, David P. Siderovski, Shelley B. Hooks

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G proteins relay information between cell surface receptors and effector molecules in diverse signaling pathways to mediate critical cellular processes in both physiologic and pathologic conditions. Multiple isoforms of each of the three G protein subunits yield enormous structural and functional diversity. G proteins are thus obvious molecular targets for the therapeutic manipulation of signaling pathways. Their ubiquity among a vast array of G protein-coupled receptor pathways, however, may at first seem to threaten the attractiveness of G proteins as drug targets for specific signaling processes; in order for G proteins to be effective targets, some degree of selectivity must be defined and exploited. Although a great deal has been determined about the functional selectivity of Gα subunits, relatively little is known regarding Gβγ selectivity. In this review, we discuss functional diversity among Gβγ subunits in both receptor coupling and effector activation. The novel functions of Gβ 5, in complex with proteins of the GGL domain - containing R7 subfamily of regulators of G protein signaling, are discussed in detail, with specific focus on the potential of the Gβ 5 - RGS9-2 pair as a therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)200-214
Number of pages15
JournalMolecular interventions
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2004

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