Fig. 6.
GPCR signalosome: components and actions. GPCRs constitute a large family of transmembrane proteins that transduce extracellular stimuli into intracellular signaling responses. Ligand binding to GPCRs leads to activation of heterotrimeric G alpha (Gα) proteins, which have various downstream effects on intracellular processes. Drug action on GPCRs was reviewed extensively in ref. 35.