G protein-coupled receptor-G protein interactions: a single-molecule perspective

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate many cellular and physiological processes, responding to a diverse range of extracellular stimuli including hormones, neurotransmitters, odorants, light. Decades biochemical pharmacological studies have provided fundamental insights into the mechanisms GPCR signaling. Thanks recent advances in structural biology, we now possess an atomistic understanding receptor activation protein coupling. However, how GPCRs proteins interact living cells confer signaling efficiency specificity remains insufficiently understood. The development advanced optical methods, single-molecule microscopy, has means study with unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. results these reveal unexpected level complexity, whereby undergo transient interactions among themselves as well elements plasma membrane form short-lived nanodomains that likely both rapidity These findings may provide new strategies pharmaceutically modulate function, which might eventually pave way innovative drugs for common diseases such diabetes or heart failure.