Non-traditional roles of G protein-coupled receptors in basic cell biology

Mol Biosyst. 2013 Apr 5;9(4):586-95. doi: 10.1039/c2mb25429h.

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key signaling proteins that regulate how cells interact with their environment. Traditional signaling cascades involving GPCRs have been well described and are well established and very important clinical targets. With the development of more recent technologies, hints about the involvement of GPCRs in fundamental cell biological processes are beginning to emerge. In this review, we give a basic introduction to GPCR signaling and highlight some less well described roles of GPCRs, including in cell division and membrane trafficking, which may occur through canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled