RGS17

Regulator of G-protein signaling 17 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the RGS17 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes a member of the regulator of is_associated_with::G-protein signaling family. This protein contains a conserved, 120 amino acid motif called the RGS domain and a cysteine-rich region. The protein attenuates the signaling activity of G-proteins by binding to activated, GTP-bound G alpha subunits and acting as a is_associated_with::GTPase activating protein (GAP), increasing the rate of conversion of the GTP to GDP. This hydrolysis allows the G alpha subunits to bind G beta/gamma subunit heterodimers, forming inactive G-protein heterotrimers, thereby terminating the signal. Along with is_associated_with::RGS4, is_associated_with::RGS9 and is_associated_with::RGS14, RGS17 plays an important role in termination of signalling by is_associated_with::mu opioid receptors and development of tolerance to is_associated_with::opioid analgesic drugs.

Clinical significance
RGS17 is a putative lung cancer susceptibility gene in the lung cancer associated locus on chromosome 6q in humans. RGS17 is overexpressed in lung and prostate cancers, induces cAMP production, CREB phosphorylation and CREB responsive gene expression[2]. Expression of RGS17 is required for maintenance of proliferation in lung tumor cell lines.