Experimental systems for studying the role of G-protein-coupled receptors in receptor tyrosine kinase signal transduction

Abstract

Early conception of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways was that each represented distinct and linear modules that converged on downstream targets, such as p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). It has now become clear that this is not the case and that multiple levels of cross-talk exist between both receptor systems at early points during signaling events. In recent years, it has become apparent that transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases by GPCR agonists is a general phenomenon that has been demonstrated for many unrelated GPCRs and receptor tyrosine kinases. In this case, GPCR/G-protein participation is upstream of the receptor tyrosine kinase. However, evidence now demonstrates that numerous growth factors use G proteins and associated signaling molecules such as beta-arrestins that participate downstream of the receptor tyrosine kinase to signal to effectors, such as p42/p44 MAPK. This article highlights experimental approaches used to investigate this novel mechanism of cross-talk between receptor tyrosine kinases and GPCRs.