The Molecular Process of GPCR Desensitisation

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to GPCR desensitisation.

GPCR

G-Protein Coupled Receptor, a large family of membrane receptors that mediate various signaling pathways.

Desensitisation

The process by which a receptor becomes less responsive to a ligand or stimulus over time.

Arrestin

A family of proteins that regulate GPCR signaling and help in the desensitisation of receptors.

Homologous desensitisation

Desensitisation that is specific to a particular receptor type when activated by an agonist.

Heterologous desensitisation

Desensitisation of one type of receptor by the activation of another receptor, often involving second messenger pathways.

Biased ligands

Ligands that preferentially activate specific signaling pathways over others, especially in GPCRs.

GRK

G-protein-coupled receptor kinases, enzymes that phosphorylate GPCRs, leading to their desensitisation.

Adenylyl Cyclase

An enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP, a key secondary messenger in GPCR signaling.

Second messengers

Small molecules that relay signals received by receptors to target molecules inside the cell.

Ubiquitination

The process of tagging a protein for degradation by attaching ubiquitin molecules, often involving GPCR internalization.