The β-Arrestins: Multifunctional Regulators of G Protein-coupled Receptors.

ABSTRACT: The β-arrestins (βarrs) are versatile, multifunctional adapter proteins that are best known for their ability to desensitize G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), but also regulate a diverse array of cellular functions. To signal in such a complex fashion, βarrs adopt multiple conformations and are regulated at multiple levels to differentially activate downstream pathways. Recent structural studies have demonstrated that βarrs have a conserved structure and activation mechanism, with plasticity of their structural fold, allowing them to adopt a wide array of conformations. Novel roles for βarrs continue to be identified, demonstrating the importance of these dynamic regulators of cellular signaling.

SUBMITTER: Smith JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4861465 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature