G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Growth factors (GFs) and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are both known to be key regulators for complex biological processes including cell growth, differentiation, motility, and death. Therefore, they play crucial roles in the regulation of numerous physiological functions. This article assigns potential interface between GPCR and growth factor signaling pathways. In addition, activation of certain GPCRs initiates extension of microtubule-based cellular outgrowth including, but not limited to, neurites. The article also reveals that this is due, at least in part, to internalization of the G protein, Gsα, which associates with microtubule plus ends and activates GTPase, increasing dynamic instability of microtubules and promoting neurite outgrowth.