In the non-activated state heterotrimeric G proteins exist at membranes as heterotrimeric complexes of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits, with the alpha subunit bound to GDP. Upon activation by a receptor coupled to the heterotrimer, exchange of GDP for GTP by the Gq alpha subunit causes the alpha subunit to lose affinity for the beta and gamma subunits. The alpha subunit with bound GTP then dissociates from the beta and gamma subunits.
Shankaranarayanan, A, Tesmer, JJ, Kozasa, T, Tesmer, VM, Kawano, T
Azpiazu, I, Kalyanaraman, V, Akgoz, M, Gautam, N
Lambert, NA, Digby, GJ, Sethi, PR, Lober, RM
Neuwald, AF
Kalyanaraman, V, Akgoz, M, Gautam, N
McIntire, WE
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