[The molecular mechanisms of the interaction of hormonal receptors coupled with G-proteins]

Abstract

In recent years, quite a few structures of the genes coding membrane-bound hormonal receptors, have been revealed, and the recombinant receptors were cloned in heterogeneous systems. The role of the specific sites of a receptor molecule in the latter's functions is reviewed on example of the beta-adrenergic receptor. These functions involve ligand recognition, signal transmission to the GTP-binding protein, and desensitisation of the receptor. Different procedures of the receptor purification are compared. The data on beta-adrenergic modification by serine protease inhibitors and the homology between beta-receptor and chymotrypsin obtained by the authors, are discussed.