phospholipase C-activating G protein-coupled glutamate receptor signaling pathway

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A phospholipase C-activating G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway initiated by glutamate binding to its receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with the regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription. [GOC:dph, GOC:mah, GOC:signaling, GOC:tb]

The phospholipase C-activating G protein-coupled glutamate receptor signaling pathway is a complex cellular mechanism involved in various physiological processes, including neurotransmission, neuronal plasticity, and cell growth. It is initiated by the binding of glutamate, a neurotransmitter, to its specific receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) known as the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). Upon glutamate binding, the mGluR undergoes a conformational change, activating a heterotrimeric G protein, typically of the Gq/11 subtype. This activation leads to the dissociation of the G protein α-subunit from the βγ-subunit.

The activated Gαq/11 subunit then binds to and activates phospholipase C (PLC), an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into two second messengers: diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol trisphosphate (IP3). DAG remains associated with the plasma membrane and activates protein kinase C (PKC), a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates various downstream target proteins, leading to diverse cellular responses.

IP3, on the other hand, diffuses into the cytoplasm and binds to IP3 receptors on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), triggering the release of calcium ions (Ca2+) from intracellular stores. The increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration activates various calcium-dependent signaling pathways, including the calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) pathway and the calcineurin pathway.

In addition to these canonical signaling events, other downstream pathways can be activated by the mGluR signaling cascade. These include the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, and the Ras-related GTPase pathway.

The activation of these downstream pathways ultimately results in a wide range of cellular responses, including modulation of neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, cell proliferation, and cell survival. These effects are crucial for maintaining proper brain function and regulating various physiological processes.

In summary, the phospholipase C-activating G protein-coupled glutamate receptor signaling pathway is a multifaceted signaling cascade that plays a critical role in neuronal function and beyond. Its activation by glutamate triggers a series of events involving G protein activation, PLC activation, production of second messengers (DAG and IP3), and activation of downstream signaling pathways, leading to a diverse array of cellular responses.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (72)