title: Regulation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors and the implications for bronchial asthma: an update.
abstract: Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2-AR) have opened new insights into the structure, function and regulation of beta 2-AR. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing and site-directed mutagenesis have made it possible to localize the receptor regions, which are essential for beta 2-AR phosphorylation, sequestration, and downregulation. Furthermore, identification of specific regulatory sites within the nucleotide sequence of the beta 2-AR gene is contributing to a better understanding of the control of beta 2-AR gene transcription. All these mechanisms are involved in homologous and heterologous regulation of beta 2-AR, which accounts for the modulation of beta 2-AR synthesis and responsiveness mediated by catecholamines, steroid hormones, inflammatory mediators and other agents. Homologous and heterologous regulation of beta 2-AR, along with modulation of expression and turnover of the G proteins coupled to adenylyl cyclase, may play an important role in the pathogenesis, evolution, and management of bronchial asthma.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Malattie dell'Apparato Respiratorio, Università degli Studi di Napoli, II Ateneo, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pelaia
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Marsico
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D016296:Mutagenesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins