ARRESTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Arrestin is a term that refers to a type of protein involved in the process called desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in cells. GPCRs are a large family of membrane-bound receptors that play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including sensory perception, neurotransmission, and hormone signaling. The activation of GPCRs triggers intracellular signaling cascades that ultimately lead to cellular responses.
However, prolonged activation of GPCRs can be detrimental, leading to a loss of receptor responsiveness and potentially causing disorders or diseases. This is where arrestin proteins come into play. Arrestins bind to the activated GPCRs, modulating their activity and initiating the process of desensitization. This prevents further signaling through these receptors and allows the cell to recover its sensitivity to other incoming stimuli.
Arrestins not only help terminate GPCR signaling by uncoupling G proteins from the receptor but also mediate the internalization of receptors into the cell, leading to their sequestration or degradation. These actions contribute to the regulation and control of GPCR signaling, ensuring that the receptors remain responsive to subsequent stimuli.
Due to their vital role in receptor desensitization and trafficking, arrestins have garnered significant attention in pharmacology and drug development. Researchers have been exploring arrestin-biased ligands, which selectively activate certain signaling pathways while reducing the potential side effects associated with indiscriminately activating GPCRs. Studying the mechanisms underlying arrestin function and regulation can thus provide valuable insights into cellular signaling and potentially pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
Common Misspellings for ARRESTIN
- arrestine
- zrrestin
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- qrrestin
- aerestin
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- arrdstin
Etymology of ARRESTIN
The word "Arrestin" is a term used in biology and medicine to refer to a family of proteins involved in regulating signal transduction pathways. Its etymology can be traced back to its function and the process it regulates.
The term "Arrestin" is derived from the word "arrest", which means to stop or halt something. In the context of biology, arrestin proteins were named based on their role in arresting or stopping the signaling activity of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs are a large family of proteins that play a crucial role in transmitting signals from various stimuli outside the cell to the inside.
When a GPCR is activated by an extracellular signal, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, it initiates a cascade of intracellular events through interaction with G-proteins.
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