Abstract
Transmission of signals through G proteins can be achieved by the use of either α or βγ subunits. It is generally believed that α subunits were the prime signal transmitters. Only a few systems such as certain types of K+ channels and the effector(s) in the yeast pheromone pathway were thought to be regulated by βγ subunits. However, it has now been shown that βγ subunits can by themselves regulate the activity of a number of mammalian effectors such as certain types of adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C. Thus it has become obvious that βγ subunits play a central role in many signaling pathways. In deciphering the role of βγ subunits it is useful to have simple assay systems that can be used to assess the biological activity of the purified or expressed βγ subunits. Both adenylyl cyclases as well as phospholipases C offer excellent readout systems for βγ subunits.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 451-456 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Methods in Enzymology |
Volume | 237 |
Issue number | C |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 1994 |