G Protein - Function

Function

G proteins are important signal transducing molecules in cells. "Malfunction of GPCR signaling pathways are involved in many diseases, such as diabetes, blindness, allergies, depression, cardiovascular defects, and certain forms of cancer. It is estimated that more than half of the modern drugs' cellular targets are GPCRs."

The human genome encodes roughly 950 G protein-coupled receptors, which detect photons (light), hormones, growth factors, drugs, and other endogenous ligands. Approximately 150 of the GPCRs found in the human genome have unknown functions.

Read more about this topic:  G Protein

Famous quotes containing the word function:

    The art of living is to function in society without doing violence to one’s own needs or to the needs of others. The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children.
    Elaine Heffner (20th century)

    Literature does not exist in a vacuum. Writers as such have a definite social function exactly proportional to their ability as writers. This is their main use.
    Ezra Pound (1885–1972)

    Advocating the mere tolerance of difference between women is the grossest reformism. It is a total denial of the creative function of difference in our lives. Difference must be not merely tolerated, but seen as a fund of necessary polarities between which our creativity can spark like a dialectic.
    Audre Lorde (1934–1992)