Beyond the plasma membrane—how G proteins help direct protein translation

Abstract

Activation of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) lead to a series of events that can result in changes in the cell such as growth, migration, and release of exocytotic vesicles. These events are mediated by the second messengers (i.e. cAMP, Ca2+, diacyglycerol) that are generated by G protein activity. For example, activation of Gαq by acetylcholine, dopamine or other neurotransmitters causes an increase in intracellular calcium that changes the properties of specific transcription factors to impact cell properties.