From ligand binding to gene expression: new insights into the regulation of G-protein-coupled receptors

Trends Biochem Sci. 1992 Jan;17(1):37-9. doi: 10.1016/0968-0004(92)90425-9.

Abstract

Transmembrane signaling systems relay information from the exterior to the interior of a cell, through a series of complex protein-protein interactions and second messenger cascades. One such system consists of the G-protein-coupled receptors, which interact with G proteins upon ligand binding, and in turn activate an effector molecule. The receptor is the first component in this signaling cascade and is subject to considerable regulation. Recent studies have shown that these regulatory events can occur at the levels of receptor protein modification and receptor gene expression. Interestingly, some of these processes appear to be mediated by the same second messenger systems that these receptors activate, which leads to various forms of positive and negative feedback regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Ligands
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / genetics
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / physiology

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta
  • Transcription Factors
  • Cyclic AMP
  • GTP-Binding Proteins