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Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors and neuronal functions.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Gainetdinov, RR; Premont, RT; Bohn, LM; Lefkowitz, RJ; Caron, MG
Published in: Annu Rev Neurosci
2004

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have proven to be the most highly favorable class of drug targets in modern pharmacology. Over 90% of nonsensory GPCRs are expressed in the brain, where they play important roles in numerous neuronal functions. GPCRs can be desensitized following activation by agonists by becoming phosphorylated by members of the family of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). Phosphorylated receptors are then bound by arrestins, which prevent further stimulation of G proteins and downstream signaling pathways. Discussed in this review are recent progress in understanding basics of GPCR desensitization, novel functional roles, patterns of brain expression, and receptor specificity of GRKs and beta arrestins in major brain functions. In particular, screening of genetically modified mice lacking individual GRKs or beta arrestins for alterations in behavioral and biochemical responses to cocaine and morphine has revealed a functional specificity in dopamine and mu-opioid receptor regulation of locomotion and analgesia. An important and specific role of GRKs and beta arrestins in regulating physiological responsiveness to psychostimulants and morphine suggests potential involvement of these molecules in certain brain disorders, such as addiction, Parkinson's disease, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Furthermore, the utility of a pharmacological strategy aimed at targeting this GPCR desensitization machinery to regulate brain functions can be envisaged.

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Published In

Annu Rev Neurosci

DOI

ISSN

0147-006X

Publication Date

2004

Volume

27

Start / End Page

107 / 144

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • beta-Arrestins
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Protein Kinases
  • Phosphorylation
  • Neurons
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Humans
  • Dopamine
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
 

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Gainetdinov, R. R., Premont, R. T., Bohn, L. M., Lefkowitz, R. J., & Caron, M. G. (2004). Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors and neuronal functions. Annu Rev Neurosci, 27, 107–144. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.27.070203.144206
Gainetdinov, Raul R., Richard T. Premont, Laura M. Bohn, Robert J. Lefkowitz, and Marc G. Caron. “Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors and neuronal functions.Annu Rev Neurosci 27 (2004): 107–44. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.27.070203.144206.
Gainetdinov RR, Premont RT, Bohn LM, Lefkowitz RJ, Caron MG. Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors and neuronal functions. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2004;27:107–44.
Gainetdinov, Raul R., et al. “Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors and neuronal functions.Annu Rev Neurosci, vol. 27, 2004, pp. 107–44. Pubmed, doi:10.1146/annurev.neuro.27.070203.144206.
Gainetdinov RR, Premont RT, Bohn LM, Lefkowitz RJ, Caron MG. Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors and neuronal functions. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2004;27:107–144.

Published In

Annu Rev Neurosci

DOI

ISSN

0147-006X

Publication Date

2004

Volume

27

Start / End Page

107 / 144

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • beta-Arrestins
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Protein Kinases
  • Phosphorylation
  • Neurons
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Humans
  • Dopamine
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants