G-protein-coupled receptor

In cell biology, G-protein-coupled receptors (also known as GPCRs, seven transmembrane receptors, heptahelical receptors, or 7TM receptors) are transmembrane receptors that transduce an extracellular signal (ligand binding) into an intracellular signal (G protein activation). The GPCR protein superfamily is the largest protein family known, members of which are involved in all types of stimulus-response pathways, from intercellular communication to physiological senses. The diversity of functions is matched by the wide range of ligands recognized by members of the family, from photons (rhodopsin, the archetypal GPCR) to small molecules (in the case of the histamine receptors) to proteins (for example, chemokine receptors). This pervasive involvement in nor al biological processes has the consequence of involving GPCRs in many pathological conditions, which has led to GPCRs being the target of 40 to 50% of modern medicinal drugs.{{ref|lotsofdrugs}}

Related Topics:
Cell biology - Transmembrane receptor - Transduce - G protein

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