RGS6, a modulator of parasympathetic activation in heart.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Parasympathetic regulation of heart rate is mediated by acetylcholine binding to G protein-coupled muscarinic M2 receptors, which activate heterotrimeric G(i/o) proteins to promote G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) channel activation. Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins, which function to inactivate G proteins, are indispensable for normal parasympathetic control of the heart. However, it is unclear which of the more than 20 known RGS proteins function to negatively regulate and thereby ensure normal parasympathetic control of the heart.

Objective

To examine the specific contribution of RGS6 as an essential regulator of parasympathetic signaling in heart.

Methods and results

We developed RGS6 knockout mice to determine the functio

SUBMITTER: Yang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2997524 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature