More than a collection of review articles, G Proteins, Receptors, and Disease summarizes in depth the state of our knowledge today concerning not only how cells communicate via G-protein-coupled signal transduction processes, but also how defects in these proteins and their receptors can cause serious human disease involving many different organ systems. Written by leading investigators, each chapter describes in detail the structure and function of a particular G protein or receptor, outlines possible mutations, and discusses fully the molecular pathogenesis of associated diseases. Diagnostic and therapeutic implications are also discussed when relevant.

In its unique blend of cutting-edge basic science and clinical medicine, G Proteins, Receptors, and Disease offers deep insights into the physiological significance of this key signal transduction pathway, as well as into the molecular basis of diseases ranging from obesity to malignancy. The basic understanding of the complex signal transduction process achieved here provides a firm foundation for future efforts to prevent and cure these diseases.

Inhalt
1 Introduction to G-Protein-Coupled Signal Transduction and Human Disease.- 2 Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy, Pseudohypopara-thyroidism, and Gs Deficiency.- 3 Gas-Activating Mutations: A Cause of Acromegaly, Thyroid Adenomas, Fibrous Dysplasia, and the McCune-Albright Syndrome.- 4 Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Lacking G?i2.- 5 G Proteins Regulating Insulin Action and Obesity: Analysis by Conditional, Targeted Expression of Antisense RNA in vivo.- 6 G;12- and G?3- Subunits of Heterotrimeric G Proteins : A Novel Family of Oncogenes.- 7 Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism Caused by Mutations of the TSH Receptor.- 8 Disorders Caused by Mutations of the Lutropin/ Choriogonadotropin Receptor Gene.- 9 Inactivating and Activating Mutations of the FSH Receptor Gene.- 10 Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus and Vasopressin Receptor Mutations.- 11 Disorders with Increased or Decreased Responsiveness to Extracellular Ca2+ Owing to Mutations in the Ca2+0-Sensing Receptor.- 12 Constitutively Active PTH/PTHrP Receptors Cause Jansen's Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia.- 13 Mutation of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor in the little Mouse.- 14 Functional Variants of the MSH Receptor (MC1-R), Agouti, and Their Effects on Mammalian Pigmentation.- 15 ACTH Resistance Syndromes.- 16 Altering Adrenergic Signaling and Cardiac Function in Transgenic Mice.- 17 Dopamine Receptors in Human Disease: Lessons from Targeted Mouse Mutants.- 18 The ?3-Adrenergic Receptor and Susceptibility to Obesity, the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, and Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.