G(q)/G(11) mediated cellular signalling and its role in cardiac diseases

Transmembrane and intracellular signalling pathways are at the center of ma ny cellular regulatory processes. One of the most ubiquitous transmembrane signalling mechanisms involves heterotrimeric guaninnucleotide binding prot eins (G-proteins). Members of the G(q/11)-family of G-proteins couple recep tors to beta -isoforms of phospholipase C. During recent years the establis hment of various transgenic animal models has provided new insights into th e physiological and pathological role of this signalling pathway. This over view summerizes recent data on the role of G(q/11)-mediated signalling proc esses in platelet activation and myocardial hypertrophy. The increasing kno wledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes may lead to n ew preventive and therapeutic options for the management of coronary artery disease or heart failure.