The heptahelical G protein coupling receptors oligomerize extensively via transmembrane domains, in association with heterotrimeric G proteins. This provides higher affinity for agonists, conformational stability necessary for signal transduction, and protection from intracellular proteinases. The oligomerization is relevant to organismic pathophysiology and could be targeted by natural or modified agonists. For Supplement material, please see the online version of the article.
Keywords: Rhodopsin-like receptor, receptor homodimer, receptor heterodimer, receptor oligomer, signal transduction