G12/G13 alpha subunits

G12/G13 alpha subunits are a family of proteins that are part of the larger G protein family. These proteins play a crucial role in the transmission of signals from the outside of a cell to its interior. They are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and migration.

Etymology

The name "G12/G13 alpha subunits" refers to the specific type of G protein that these subunits are a part of. The "G" stands for "guanine nucleotide-binding," which is a characteristic feature of these proteins. The "12/13" refers to the specific subtype of G protein that these subunits belong to.

Function

G12/G13 alpha subunits are involved in the transmission of signals from G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on the cell surface to the inside of the cell. When a signal molecule binds to a GPCR, it causes a conformational change in the receptor, which allows it to activate the G12/G13 alpha subunit. This activation triggers a series of events inside the cell, leading to a cellular response.

Related Terms

• G protein: A family of proteins that act as molecular switches inside cells, involved in transmitting signals from a variety of stimuli outside a cell to its interior.
• G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): A large protein family of receptors that sense molecules outside the cell and activate internal signal transduction pathways.
• Signal transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, most commonly protein phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinases, which ultimately results in a cellular response.

See Also

• G protein-coupled receptor
• Signal transduction
• Protein kinase