G proteins.

J R Hepler, A G Gilman

Index: Trends Biochem. Sci. 17 , 383-387, (1992)

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Abstract

The family of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) serves an essential role in transducing receptor-generated signals across the plasma membrane. Recent findings reveal unexpected functional roles for individual G protein subunits. Thus, GTP-binding alpha-subunits and the beta gamma-subunit complex can influence the activity of effector molecules independently or simultaneously, either synergistically or in opposition, to elicit a complex constellation of cellular events.