Regulators of G protein signaling in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) comprise a diverse group of about 40 proteins which determine signaling amplitude and duration via modulation of receptor/G protein or receptor/effector coupling. Several members of the RGS family are expressed in the brain, where they have precise roles in regulation of important physiological processes. The unique functions of each RGS can be attributed to its structure, distinct pattern of expression, and regulation, and its preferential interactions with receptors, Galpha subunits and other signaling proteins. Evidence suggests dysfunction of RGS proteins is related to several neuropathological conditions. Moreover, clinical and preclinical work reveals that the efficacy and/or side effects of treatments are highly influenced by RGS activity. This article summarizes findings on RGS proteins in vulnerability to several neuropsychiatric disorders, the mechanism via which RGS proteins control neuronal responses and their potential use as drug targets.
Terzi
Dimitra
D
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece.
Stergiou
Eugenia
E
King
Sarah L
SL
Zachariou
Venetia
V
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D020710:RGS Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000378:metabolism
D020710:RGS Proteins; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled