G protein-coupled receptor
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of cell surface receptors involved in various physiological functions in organisms. This Wikipedia article provides an overview of the structure, function, and signaling pathways associated with GPCRs.
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This Wikipedia article provides an overview of the structure, function, and signaling pathways associated with GPCRs. The article begins by discussing the structure of GPCRs, which consists of a single polypeptide chain that spans the cellular membrane seven times. It describes the different domains of a GPCR, including the extracellular domain that binds the ligand and the intracellular domain that interacts with G proteins. Next, the article delves into the function of GPCRs, which is primarily involved in signal transduction across the cellular membrane. It explains how ligand binding to the extracellular domain of a GPCR triggers conformational changes that activate the associated G protein. This activation leads to the release of intracellular second messengers, such as cyclic AMP or calcium ions, which initiate downstream signaling cascades. Furthermore, the article highlights the tremendous importance of GPCRs in various physiological processes, including sensory perception, neurotransmission, hormone signaling, and immune response. It provides examples of specific GPCRs involved in these processes, such as the olfactory receptors, adrenergic receptors, and chemokine receptors. Moreover, the article discusses the extensive pharmacological relevance of GPCRs. It explains how many drugs target GPCRs to modulate their signaling pathways, making them important therapeutic targets for various diseases. Examples of drugs targeting GPCRs, including beta blockers and antihistamines, are mentioned to illustrate their clinical significance. In addition, the article touches upon the evolutionary aspects of GPCRs, highlighting their widespread presence and conservation across different species. It emphasizes the diverse range of ligands that can bind to GPCRs, including hormones, neurotransmitters, and light-sensitive molecules. The article also touches upon the discovery and classification of GPCRs, providing a brief historical perspective. Finally, the article concludes by summarizing the importance of GPCRs in cellular signal transduction and their broad relevance to human health. It emphasizes the need for further research on GPCRs to better understand their roles in disease processes and exploit their therapeutic potential.