Investigating RGS proteins in yeast

Regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins are vital in the adaptation of cells to stimulation via G protein-coupled receptors. Yeast have been integral in elucidating the important role that RGS proteins play within cellular processes. In addition to extensive characterisation of the endogenous RGS proteins, these organisms have enabled the identification and analysis of numerous mammalian homologues. The simplicity and plasticity of the yeast pheromone-response pathway has facilitated studies which would have been impossible in mammalian systems and it is certain that yeast will continue to have a great impact on this field of research in the future.