Heterotrimeric G proteins in heart disease

Guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) are largely grouped into t hree classes: heterotrimeric G proteins, ras-like or small molecular weight GTP binding proteins, and others like G(h). In the heart G proteins transd uce signals from a variety of membrane receptors to generate diverse effect s on contractility, heart rate, and myocyte growth. This central position o f G proteins forming a switchboard between extracellular signals and intrac ellular effectors makes them candidates possibly involved in the pathogenes is of cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and arrhythmia. This review focus es primarily on discoveries of heterotrimeric G protein alterations in hear t diseases that help us to understand the pathogenesis and pathophysiology. We also discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms of heterotrimeric G pr otein signalling.