title: Gi Irks GIRKs.
abstract: G protein-activated potassium channels (GIRKs), monitored with the temporal and molecular resolution of electrophysiology, play a key role in the study of signal transduction. GIRKs are activated primarily by the G(beta)(gamma) subunits, but a paper by Peleg et al. (2002 [this issue of Neuron]) demonstrates a role for G(alpha) subunits in suppressing basal activity and supports the idea of a macromolecular complex of G protein, GIRK, and perhaps RGS protein.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biology 156-29, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kovoor
authors.forename: Henry A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Lester
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D051676:G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009420:Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D020710:RGS Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D051676:G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D020710:RGS Proteins; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins