Waiting
Login processing...

Trial ends in Request Full Access Tell Your Colleague About Jove

14.13: G-protein Coupled Receptors
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

JoVE Core
Molecular Biology

A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content.

Education
G-protein Coupled Receptors
 
TRANSCRIPT

14.13: G-protein Coupled Receptors

G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.

The G-protein or guanine nucleotide-binding protein, is a large heterotrimeric complex. Its three subunits are labeled alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ). When the receptor is unbound or resting, the α-subunit binds a guanosine diphosphate molecule or GDP, and all three subunits are attached to the receptor.

When a ligand binds the receptor, the α-subunit releases the GDP and binds a molecule of guanosine triphosphate (GTP). This action releases the α-GTP complex and the β-γ complex from the receptor. The α-GTP can move along the membrane to activate second messenger pathways such as cAMP. However there are different types of α-subunits and some are inhibitory, turning off cAMP.

The β-γ complex may interact with potassium ion channels which release potassium (K+) into the extracellular space resulting in hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. This type of ligand-gated ion channel is called a G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel or GIRK.

Ligands do not permanently bind the receptor. When the ligand leaves the receptor, it becomes available for the G-protein units to recouple and reattach. Before this though, nearby enzymes must hydrolyze the GTP attached to the α-subunit back into GDP. Once this is achieved, the β-γ complex reassembles with the GDP-α complex, and the whole G-protein reattaches to its receptor domain.

Common G-protein coupled receptors are: muscarinic acetylcholine receptors found in skeletal muscles, Beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, and vasopressin receptors on smooth muscle cells. In sensory systems, like olfactory receptors and some taste receptors, the binding ligands are environmental molecules. For example, sucrose molecules bind G-protein coupled receptors resulting in the perception of sweet taste.

Alterations in G-protein coupled receptors may play a substantial role in mood disorders, like depression. Serotonin is a ligand for the 5HT1A receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor. It has been suggested that, in depression, interactions between the ligand and the receptor are changed; either the ligand does not bind long enough or the receptor does not fully respond. This results in poor serotonergic signaling which manifests as depression.


Suggested Reading

Tags

G-protein Coupled Receptors Also Known As GPCRs Are A Class Of Cell Membrane Receptors That Play A Crucial Role In Signal Transduction. These Receptors Are Involved In A Wide Range Of Physiological Processes And Are Found In Almost Every Cell Type In The Body. The Structure Of GPCRs Consists Of Seven Transmembrane Domains Which Form A Pocket Or Binding Site For Specific Ligands. When A Ligand Binds To The Receptor It Triggers Conformational Changes That Activate The Associated G-protein. G-proteins Are Heterotrimeric Proteins That Consist Of Three Subunits: Alpha Beta And Gamma. When Activated By The Receptor The Alpha Subunit Exchanges GDP For GTP And Dissociates From The Beta-gamma Subunits. Both The Alpha Subunit And The Beta-gamma Subunits Can Then Interact With Various Effector Proteins To Initiate Downstream Signaling Cascades. The Activation Of GPCRs And Their Associated G-proteins Can Lead To A Variety Of Cellular Responses Including Changes In Enzyme Activity Ion C

Get cutting-edge science videos from JoVE sent straight to your inbox every month.

Waiting X
Simple Hit Counter