G-protein diseases furnish a model for the turn-on switch.

Iiri, T; Farfel, Z; Bourne, H R · Nature · 1998

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

How does a trimeric G protein on the inside of a cell membrane respond to activation by a transmembrane receptor? G-protein mutations in patients with hypertension and inherited endocrine disorders enhance or block signals from stimulated receptors. In combination with three-dimensional crystal structures and results from biochemical experiments, the phenotypes produced by these mutations suggest a model for the molecular activation mechanism that relays hormonal and sensory signals transmitted by many transmembrane receptors.

Medical subject headings