University Chemistry

Previous Articles     Next Articles

The life narrative of G protein coupled receptors: from signal codes to health guardians

Xingyu Wang1, Xijia Ren1, Yulu Zhang2, Yuewei Yang2, Jingyan Yi3, Yuan Li4, Kai Guo3   

  1. 1 Department of Medical Imaging, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 640000, Sichuan Province, China;
    2 Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 640000, Sichuan Province, China;
    3 School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 640000, Sichuan Province, China;
    4 Editorial Department of Journal of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-24 Revised:2025-11-20
  • Contact: Kai Guo E-mail:guokai@swmu.edu.cn

Abstract: This article takes the 20th Advanced Collective Selection Presentation of Human Health Defenders as the narrative framework, with Alo, the representative of the previous award-winning team (receptor tyrosine kinase team), as the moderator, and Aji, the representative of the current candidate team (G protein coupled receptor team), as the presenter. Through the dialogue between Alo and Aji, the system unfolds a popular science narrative around G protein coupled receptors. The full text covers three core contents. Mechanism decryption: tracing the discovery history and structural characteristics of G protein, elaborating on the dynamic signal regulation mechanisms of G protein coupled receptors binding and dissociation with G protein, guanosine triphosphate/guanosine diphosphate exchange, and conformational changes; Disease tackling: anthropomorphic presentation of the intervention mechanism of G protein coupled receptor members in the regulation of blood glucose in diabetes, vasodilation in hypertension, and inflammatory response in asthma; Sensory exploration: the system introduces the signal transduction mechanism of G protein coupled receptor members mediating visual, olfactory, sweet, umami, bitter, and itchy sensations. The article comprehensively introduces the biochemical and pathophysiological knowledge related to G protein coupled receptors through personification narrative techniques. It not only rigorously presents basic cutting-edge knowledge, but also conveys the values of cherishing life, protecting health, and selfless dedication through the metaphor of “human health guardians”.

Key words: Human Health Defender, G protein coupled receptor, G protein, Diabetes, Asthma, Hypertension, Sensory system