Heterodimerization of g protein-coupled receptors: specificity and functional significance

SC Prinster, C Hague, RA Hall - Pharmacological reviews, 2005 - ASPET
SC Prinster, C Hague, RA Hall
Pharmacological reviews, 2005ASPET
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors that mediate physiological
responses to a diverse array of stimuli. GPCRs have traditionally been thought to act as
monomers, but recent evidence suggests that GPCRs may form dimers (or higher-order
oligomers) as part of their normal trafficking and function. In fact, certain GPCRs seem to
have a strict requirement for heterodimerization to attain proper surface expression and
functional activity. Even those GPCRs that do not absolutely require heterodimerization may …
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors that mediate physiological responses to a diverse array of stimuli. GPCRs have traditionally been thought to act as monomers, but recent evidence suggests that GPCRs may form dimers (or higher-order oligomers) as part of their normal trafficking and function. In fact, certain GPCRs seem to have a strict requirement for heterodimerization to attain proper surface expression and functional activity. Even those GPCRs that do not absolutely require heterodimerization may still specifically associate with other GPCR subtypes, sometimes resulting in dramatic effects on receptor pharmacology, signaling, and/or internalization. Understanding the specificity and functional significance of GPCR heterodimerization is of tremendous clinical importance since GPCRs are the molecular targets for numerous therapeutic drugs.
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