The α1-adrenergic receptors: diversity of signaling networks and regulation

J Recept Signal Transduct Res. 2010 Dec;30(6):410-9. doi: 10.3109/10799893.2010.518152. Epub 2010 Oct 18.

Abstract

The α(1)-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes (α(1a), α(1b), and α(1d)) mediate several physiological effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Despite several studies in recombinant systems and insight from genetically modified mice, our understanding of the physiological relevance and specificity of the α(1)-AR subtypes is still limited. Constitutive activity and receptor oligomerization have emerged as potential features regulating receptor function. Another recent paradigm is that β arrestins and G protein-coupled receptors themselves can act as scaffolds binding a variety of proteins and this can result in growing complexity of the receptor-mediated cellular effects. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge on some recently identified functional paradigms and signaling networks that might help to elucidate the functional diversity of the α(1)-AR subtypes in various organs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Arrestins / metabolism
  • Epinephrine / metabolism
  • Norepinephrine / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / genetics
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • beta-Arrestins

Substances

  • Arrestins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1
  • beta-Arrestins
  • Norepinephrine
  • Epinephrine