The 'magic tail' of G protein-coupled receptors: an anchorage for functional protein networks

FEBS Lett. 2003 Jul 3;546(1):65-72. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00453-8.

Abstract

All cell types express a great variety of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are coupled to only a limited set of G proteins. This disposition favors cross-talk between transduction pathways. However, GPCRs are organized into functional units. They promote specificity and thus avoid unsuitable cross-talk. New methodologies (mostly yeast two-hybrid screens and proteomics) have been used to discover more than 50 GPCR-associated proteins that are involved in building these units. In addition, these protein networks participate in the trafficking, targeting, signaling, fine-tuning and allosteric regulation of GPCRs. To date, proteins that interact with the GPCR C-terminus are the most abundant and are the focus of this review.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Allosteric Regulation
  • Animals
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptor Cross-Talk
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • GTP-Binding Proteins