Humana G Protein Methods and Protocols: Role of G Proteins in Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: 31 (Neuromethods)

The G proteins are a family of structurally homologous, plasma membrane-associated guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins. These proteins play an integral role in the tra- duction of extracellular signals through second messenger systems. As such, G proteins affect a wide variety of intra cellular biochemical reactions by regulating the concent- tion of second messengers in cells. G proteins are heterotrimeric, consisting of a, p, and y polypeptide chains, with G protein specificity largely det- mined by the a-subunit, Molecular cloning of G protein s- units has revealed 23 distinct a-subunits, encoded by 17 different genes. Based on functional measures, G proteins are generally classified into three major categories: the G, family, which is stimulatory for adenylyl cyclase; the G, f- ily, which is inhibitory for adenylyl cyclase; and the G, f- ily, which stimulates phospholipases (Birnbaumer and Birnbaumer, 1995). Alternatively, on the basis of sequence homology, G proteins can be subdivided into four cate- ries: G,, G,, G,, and G12. From the Back Cover 03490-9, Hardcover, April 22, 1997, G PROTEIN METHODS AND PROTOCOLS: Role of Proteins in Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders Edited by Ram K. Mishra, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Glen B. Baker, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada Alan A. Boulton, University of Saskatoon, Canada Combining the cutting-edge insights of leading basic and clinical investigators, G Protein Methods and Protocols provides both critical reviews and detailed protocols for studying the medical role played by G proteins and signal transduction in mental and neurological disease. The psychiatric and neurological disorders covered range from Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia to manic depression, drug addiction, and mood and anxiety disorders. The protocols contain the latest methods and techniques for G protein analysis and application in research related to the central nervous system. This new work marks a novel departure from books focused narrowly on the physical properties of G proteins in isolation. By providing detailed methods and techniques, this volume's front-line contributors bring out the implications of G protein signal transduction for psychiatric and neurological disorders. Practical and authoritative, G Protein Methods and Protocols will surely prove a major practical resource for all neurochemists, neurologists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, and psychiatrists seeking to study and better understand these disease states.