Role of GPCRs towards Cell: An explanation of G-Protein Coupled Receptor Structure

Abstract

G-protein coupled receptors are the heptahelical, serpentine receptor and are multifunctional receptors having modulatory activity of a wide variety of biological process including: Neurotransmission, Chemoattraction, Cardiac function, Olfaction and Vision etc. At largest level they are involved in signal transduction across cell membranes therefore they represent major targets in the development of novel drug candidates in all clinical areas. Particularly membrane cholesterol has been reported to have a great role in the functioning of a number of GPCRs. Apart from this it also have some drawbacks. Mutations that occur are associated with a broad spectrum of diseases of diverse etiology. As a mutations result, there is a change in receptor activity (GPCR become inactive, overactive, or constitutively active), in the process of ligand binding and signal transduction. Changes in the GPCRs functioning can cause diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (rhodopsin mutations), nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (vasopressin receptor mutations), and obesity (melanocortin receptor mutations).