New roles for G-protein beta gamma-dimers in transmembrane signalling.
When a membrane-bound receptor acts on a G protein, the GTP-binding or G alpha subunit dissociates from the G beta gamma dimer. Until recently, the G alpha subunit alone was thought to act on the enzymes and ion channels controlled by these proteins. Newer evidence indicates that the G beta gamma dimer also plays a major part in signal transmission, enhancing the complexity of the possible interactions between the G proteins and their targets.
Clapham
D E
DE
Department of Pharmacology, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Neer
E J
EJ
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins