Functional significance of oligomerization of G-protein-coupled receptors

A Salahpour, S Angers, M Bouvier - Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000 - cell.com
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000cell.com
In contrast to other families of cell surface receptors for which dimerization is an integral part
of the activation process, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were thought, until recently,
to function as monomeric units. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that GPCRs
could exist and be active as oligomeric complexes. Because they are major
pharmacological targets, their existence as homo-or heterodimers could have important
implications for the development and screening of new drugs.
Abstract
In contrast to other families of cell surface receptors for which dimerization is an integral part of the activation process, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were thought, until recently, to function as monomeric units. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that GPCRs could exist and be active as oligomeric complexes. Because they are major pharmacological targets, their existence as homo- or heterodimers could have important implications for the development and screening of new drugs.
cell.com