AGS proteins: receptor-independent activators of G-protein signaling

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2005 Sep;26(9):470-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2005.07.003.

Abstract

The identification of AGS proteins as receptor-independent activators of G-protein signaling reveals unexpected mechanisms for the regulation of heterotrimeric G-protein activation and has opened up new areas of research related to the role of G proteins as signal transducers. In addition to their obvious interest associated with G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, AGS proteins might provide alternative binding partners for G-protein subunits that enable them to serve unexpected functions related to cell division, differentiation and organelle structure that might operate independently of a GPCR. Thus, these proteins and the concepts advanced with their discovery highlight the diversity associated with G-protein signaling and present new avenues for the development of therapeutics that target G-protein signaling.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology
  • Signal Transduction
  • ras Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • RASD1 protein, human
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • ras Proteins