G protein coupled receptors generally receptors for slow transmitters coupled to effector by a G protein receptors and G proteins found in membranes of cells large family many drugs act on these
Examples muscarinic ACh receptor adrenoreceptors dopamine receptors 5-HT receptors opiate receptors neuropeptide receptors many have been cloned: similar structure
Structure first receptor cloned and sequenced was beta-adrenoceptor single polypeptide one subunit forms receptor 400-500 amino acid residues long hydropathy plot use as before to predict membrane-spanning regions
Hydropathy Plot
Structure from Hydropathy Plots 7 membrane-spanning regions N C in out membrane Similarity in these membrane regions between the different receptors in this family
Rhodopsin much work done on rhodopsin because: a) it is abundant in retinal rods b) has a similar structure to these receptors c) is also coupled to G proteins