WDR36 as a scaffold protein for GPCR-Gq-PLCbeta signalling

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One way that cells communicate with each other is by sending chemical messages. These messages are picked up at the surface fo the cells by specialized proteins that we refer to as "receptors". The receptors transduce the chemical messages to the interior of the cells and will induce activation or inactivation of a variety of intracellular proteins called "effectors" that cause changes in the function of the cells. The biggest family of receptors is formed by the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) which transduce signals by the intermediary of a "G protein", hence their name. Through diffferent G proteins, a given GPCR can regulate the activity of various effectors. However, the mechanisms that determine the specificity and efficiency of coupling between a GPCR and a particular G protein and effector are not well understood. We have discovered that a protein called WDR36 dictates the formation of a specific complex between a GPCR called TPbeta, a G protein (Gq) and an effector (PLCbeta). The present research program will address in detail the mechanisms involved in the function of WDR36 and how it affects other signalling pathways in the cells.