G protein-coupled receptor dimerisation: molecular basis and relevance to function

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007 Apr;1768(4):825-35. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.09.021. Epub 2006 Sep 30.

Abstract

The belief that G protein-coupled receptors exist and function as monomeric, non-interacting species has been largely supplanted in recent years by evidence, derived from a range of approaches, that indicate they can form dimers and/or higher-order oligomeric complexes. Key roles for receptor homo-dimerisation include effective quality control of protein folding prior to plasma membrane delivery and interactions with hetero-trimeric G proteins. Growing evidence has also indicated the potential for many co-expressed G protein-coupled receptors to form hetero-dimers/oligomers. The relevance of this to physiology and function is only beginning to be unravelled but may offer great potential for more selective therapeutic intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dimerization
  • Humans
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Rhodopsin / chemistry*
  • Rhodopsin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Rhodopsin