Publications by authors named "Natalie H Valentin"
Heterotrimeric G proteins (Gα, Gβ and Gγ) act downstream of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to mediate signaling pathways that regulate various physiological processes and human disease conditions. Previously, human Gαi and its yeast homolog Gpa1 have been reported to function as intracellular pH sensors, yet the pH sensing capabilities of Gαi and the underlying mechanism remain to be established. Herein, we identify a pH sensing network within Gαi, and evaluate the consequences of pH modulation on the structure and stability of the G-protein.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFG proteins play a central role in signal transduction and pharmacology. Signaling is initiated by cell-surface receptors, which promote guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding and dissociation of Gα from the Gβγ subunits. Structural studies have revealed the molecular basis of subunit association with receptors, RGS proteins, and downstream effectors.
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- The yeast mating pathway is a complex system involving pheromone receptors, G proteins, and proteins that help with cell growth and gene expression.
- The study found that the G-protein α subunit Gpa1 signals through proteins like Dia2 and Vps34, which are important for vacuolar sorting and autophagy.
- Researchers demonstrated that pheromone exposure triggers vacuolar targeting of a cytoplasmic protein, requiring Dia2 and indicating a new aspect of the mating signaling pathway that could affect protein recycling for mating preparation.