G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway (GPCR pathway)

The G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway is a fundamental mechanism by which cells sense and respond to a wide variety of external signals, including hormones, neurotransmitters, odors, light, and more. GPCRs are the largest family of membrane receptors in eukaryotes and play critical roles in numerous physiological processes such as vision, taste, smell, mood regulation, immune responses, metabolism, and behavior. Dysfunction in this pathway is implicated in diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, depression/anxiety disorders, cancer progression/metastasis and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Over 500 FDA-approved drugs act via these pathways making them attractive for therapeutic intervention.

Modulation of intracellular effectors such as adenylyl cyclase or phospholipase C via G protein activation, leading to second messenger generation and downstream kinase activation.