Decoding Gαq signaling.

Gαq signals with phospholipase C-β (PLC-β) to modify behavior in response to an agonist-bound GPCR. While the fundamental steps which prime Gαq to interact with PLC-β have been identified, questions remain concerning signal strength with PLC-β and other effectors. Gαq is generally viewed to function as a simple ON and OFF switch for its effector, dependent on the binding of GTP or GDP.

Regulating G protein activity by lipase-independent functions of phospholipase C.

The phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) family is known to regulate physiological response through an increase in the levels of cytosolic Ca(2+). PLC hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to inositol-1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). IP3 releases the stored pool of Ca(2+).

Regulation of phospholipase C-β(1) GTPase-activating protein (GAP) function and relationship to G(q) efficacy.

How cells regulate Gq efficacy (initiation and termination of Gq signaling) to effect response remains a central question in pharmacology and drug discovery. Phospholipase C-β1 (PLC-β1) is an effector and a GTPase activating protein (GAP) specific to Gαq. The physiological function of PLC-β1 GAP remains unclear and controversial.

Negative feedback regulation of Gq signaling by protein kinase C is disrupted by diacylglycerol kinase ζ in COS-7 cells.

Cellular response to G(q)-linked agonists is shaped by regulatory inputs which determine signal strength and duration. Stimulation of phospholipase C-β (PLC-β) lipase activity results in an increase in the levels of diacylglycerol (DAG) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) activity. PKC has been implicated in the feedback regulation of G(q) signaling through actions on PLC-β and phospholipase D (PLD) lipase activity.

RhoA co-ordinates with heterotrimeric G proteins to regulate efficacy.

Heterotrimeric G proteins have a critical role in mediating signal transduction by ligand-stimulated GPCRs. While activation of heterotrimeric G proteins is known to proceed via the G protein guanine nucleotide cycle, there is much uncertainty regarding the process that determines efficacy, the extent of response across signaling pathways. Gα(GTP) can interact with multiple binding partners, including several effectors and regulators.