GPCR oligomer



A GPCR oligomer is a complex of a small number of G protein-coupled receptors, which is held together by covalent bonds or by intermolecular forces. Receptors within this complex are called protomers, while unconnected receptors are called monomers. Receptor homomers consist of identical, heteromers of different protomers.

The existence of receptor oligomers is a general phenomenon, whose discovery has superseded the prevailing paradigmatic concept of the function of receptors as plain monomers, and has far-reaching implications for the understanding of neurobiological diseases as well as for the development of drugs.

Further reading and external links

 * Smith NJ, Milligan G (2010): "Allostery at G protein-coupled receptor homo- and heteromers: uncharted pharmacological landscapes", Pharmacol Rev, p. 701. PMID 21079041
 * González-Maeso J (2011): "GPCR oligomers in pharmacology and signaling", Mol Brain, p. 20. PMID 21619615
 * Giraldo J, Pin JP, "GPCR - From structure to function", RSC-Publishing (2011), 548 pages. Preview
 * Gilchrist A, "GPCR Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Targeting: Shifting Paradigms and New Directions", John Wiley & Sons (2010), 384 pages. Preview
 * Databases:
 * http://data.gpcr-okb.org/gpcr-okb/
 * http://grip.cbrc.jp/GRIP/index.html, PMID 19888901
 * http://grip.cbrc.jp/GDB/index.html, PMID 21410407