G proteins are considered as significant molecules for signal
transduction in cells. Function of G proteins can be regulated
by,
- Certain factors (GTPase activating proteins) present in the
cell, hydrolyze GTP to GDP. The factors on binding to GTP, it is on
and on binding to GDP, it is off.
- Another way to regulate the G proteins is the covalent
modification. This includes phosphorylation and lipid
attachment.
- Lipid attachment regulate by preventing the subunit attachment
with each other.
- Phosphorylation also, inhibits the interaction of these
proteins with dimers, thus prolonging the signal.