Signal transduction: a review about G protein <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To review, in a comprehensive and didactic way, the issue G protein and its mechanisms of cellular transduction. SOURCE OF DATA: Articles that address the specific issue, available online, and found through the databases LILACS, PubMed and SciELO, were reviewed. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Signal transduction is a physiological function that mediates the external stimulus and cellular response; it is the conversion step of agonism of several intracellular substances. The protein compounds involved in this activity are present in all body systems, thus dysfunction in its structure results in several pathological states. The description of the dynamics of transduction, structure and functions of G protein and its role in some diseases were addressed in this review. CONCLUSIONS: The literature review shows that the subject protein G has not generated many experimental studies. However, the study of this protein compound makes evident its great importance in physiology and indicates that dysfunctions in its structure result in various pathological conditions.