GPCR mediated regulation of synaptic transmission

Prog Neurobiol. 2012 Mar;96(3):304-21. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.01.009. Epub 2012 Jan 28.

Abstract

Synaptic transmission is a finely regulated mechanism of neuronal communication. The release of neurotransmitter at the synapse is not only the reflection of membrane depolarization events, but rather, is the summation of interactions between ion channels, G protein coupled receptors, second messengers, and the exocytotic machinery itself which exposes the components within a synaptic vesicle to the synaptic cleft. The focus of this review is to explore the role of G protein signaling as it relates to neurotransmission, as well as to discuss the recently determined inhibitory mechanism of Gβγ dimers acting directly on the exocytotic machinery proteins to inhibit neurotransmitter release.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits / chemistry
  • GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits / physiology
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits / chemistry
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits / physiology
  • Humans
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology*
  • Synaptic Membranes / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled