Abstract

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major targets for drug discovery. The regulator of G-protein signalling (RGS)-protein family has important roles in GPCR signal transduction. RGS proteins contain a conserved RGS-box, which is often accompanied by other signalling regulatory elements. RGS proteins accelerate the deactivation of G proteins to reduce GPCR signalling; however, some also have an effector function and transmit signals. Combining GPCR agonists with RGS inhibitors should potentiate responses, and could markedly increase the agonist's regional specificity. The diversity of RGS proteins with highly localized and dynamically regulated distributions in brain makes them attractive targets for pharmacotherapy of central nervous system disorders.

Author affiliations

1. Departments of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine (Hypertension Division), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0632, USA.
   Email: RNeubig@umich.edu
2. Department of Pharmacology, UNC Neuroscience Center & Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Campus Box 7365, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, USA.
   Email: DSiderov@med.unc.edu