The role of membrane curvature elastic stress for function of rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors

• Signal transduction by rhodopsin-like GPCR is modulated by the lipid matrix.
• The primary mechanism has been identified as curvature elastic stress.
• Elastic stress in the lipid matrix also modulates receptor oligomerization.
• Phosphatidylethanolamines with polyunsaturated hydrocarbon chains greatly enhance receptor activation.

The human genome encodes about 800 different G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). They are key molecules in signal transduction pathways that transmit signals of a variety of ligands such as hormones and neurotransmitters to the cell interior. Upon ligand binding, the receptors undergo structural transitions that either enhance or inhibit transmission of a specific signal to the cell interior. Here we discuss results which indicate that transmission of such signals can be strongly modulated by the composition of the lipid matrix into which GPCR are imbedded. Experimental results have been obtained on rhodopsin, a prototype GPCR whose structure and function is representative for the great majority of GPCR in humans. The data shed light on the importance of curvature elastic stress in the lipid domain for function of GPCR.