GPCRs Flashcards
What is the structure of a GPCR
7 transmembrane proteins in a single chain.
3 intra and 3 extra cellular loops
N-terminus extracellular
C-terminus intracellular
Name the 5 families of GPCRs
Secretin Adhesion Glutamate Frizzled/Taste2 Rhodopsin
What is the special feature of the Adhesion family of GPCRs
Large N-terminus which includes similar regions to adhesion molecules
What are the special features of the Glutamate family of GPCRs
Mainly neuronal
Smaller extracellular region
Can be ligand gated ion channels
What are the special features of the Frizzled/Taste2 family of GPCRs
Generally involved in controlling development and cell growth
What are the special features of the Rhodopsin family of GPCRs
Biggest family of GPCRs.
Include amine receptors, light receptors, olfactory receptors etc.
How was the structure/function relationship of GPCRs determined?
They created chimeras. Fused two different receptors and measured response
What region of a GPCR determines function
Function is usually controlled by intracellular loops.
Specifically intracellular loop 3 and carboxyl (C)-terminus.
How does a GPCR signal?
Receptor activation causes the alpha subunit of the G-protein to exchange a GDP for a GTP.
The GTP bound alpha subunit is able to activate an effector molecule
How does a GPCR signal switch off
Each G-protein has an intrinsic GTPase. It hydrolyses the GTP to give GDP (inactive)
What are the 4 stages of the G-protein cycle
Basal state
Receptor activation
Effector modulation
GTP hydrolysis
What happens in the basal state of the G-protein cycle
Nothing. Alpha bound to GDP
What happens in the receptor activation state of the G-protein cycle
Agonist activates receptor
G-protein coupled and GDP exchanged for GTP
G-protein subunits dissociated
What happens in the effector modulation state of the G-protein cycle
Effector is bound to the G alpha subunit
What happens in the GTP hydrolysis state of the G-protein cycle
GTP bound to alpha subunit dissociates.
Alpha G protein bound to GDP
Subunits re-associate
What is the role of the alpha subunit of a G-protein
Bound to GDP/GTP
Activates effector molecule
What is the role of the beta subunit of a G-protein
Propeller structure that creates stability
What makes up a G-protein
Alpha subunit
Beta subunit
Gamma subunit
What is the effector pair of a Gs protein
Adenylate cyclase
What is the effector pair of a G (alpha i) protein
Adenylate cyclase
What is the effector pair of a G (alpha o) protein
K+ and Ca2+ channels
What is the effector pair of a G (alpha t) protein
cGMP phosphodiesterase
What is the effector pair of a G (alphah gust) protein
cGMP phosphodiesterase and possibly adenylate cyclase
What is the effector pair of a G (q / 11) protein
Phospholipase C - beta
What is the effector pair of a G (12 / 13) protein
Rho A
Misc small proteins
What are the main downstream signalling molecules associated with GPCRs
Adenylyl cyclase cAMP Protein Kinase A (PKA) Phosphodiesterase RGS (regulator of G-protein signalling)
Name a common downstream signalling pathway
Adenylyl (adenylate) cyclase activation -> increased cAMP levels -> Increased PKA levels -> lots of intracellular pathways
How does cAMP activate protein kinase A
PKA is made up of four subunits - two catalytic subunits, and two regulatory subunits.
cAMP binds to and mediates the dissociation of the regulatory subunits, enabling PKA to function.
What is Forskolin and why is it used?
It is a drug that increases the effect of GPCRs coupled to a Gs protein. Usually used in labs to show effects of adenylyl cyclase as it bypasses the need for GPCR activation
Give an example of a downstream event triggered by PKA activation
Calcium-handling proteins activated, increases force of contraction in the heart
Which G-proteins change intracellular levels of cAMP
Gs - increases
Gi - decreases
Define phospholipase
An enzyme that hydrolyses phospholipids (e.g. cAMP) into fatty acids and other lipophilic substances
What are the three groups of Protein Kinase C
Calcium-dependent, DAG-activated (cPKC; conventional)
Calcium-independent, DAG-activated (nPKC; novel)
Calcium-independent, DAG-non-responsive (aPKC; atypical)
What does adenylyl cyclase do
Synthesises cAMP from ATP.
How is adenylate cyclase regulated by GPCRs
Gs alpha protein stimulates AC effector. (e.g. beta-adrenoceptor)
Gi alpha protein inhibits AC effector (e.g. alpha2-adrenoceptor; and CB1 cannabinoid receptor)
What is the structure of adenylate cyclase (AC)
Two transmembrane domains; C terminus is bound to the N terminus of the other
How many isoforms of Adenylate Cyclase (AC) have been identified
9
How does adenylate cyclase act as a catalyst
The two cytoplasmic C-domains in the second transmembrane domain interact.
Where is the AC1 receptor located
Brain retina, adrenal medulla
Where is the AC3 receptor located
Olfactory neurones, brain, retina, heart, lung