Gq/G11 mediated cellular signalling and its role in cardiac diseases [Der Gq/G11-vermittelte zelluläre signalweg und seine bedeutung für kardiale erkrankungen]

Transmembrane and intracellular signalling pathways are at the center of many cellular regulatory processes. One of the most ubiquitous transmembrane signalling mechanisms involves heterotrimeric guaninnucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins). Members of the Gq/11-family of G-proteins couple receptors to β-isoforms of phospholipase C. During recent years the establishment of various transgenic animal models has provided new insights into the physiological and pathological role of this signalling pathway. This overview summerizes recent data on the role of Gq/11-mediated signalling processes in platelet activation and myocardial hypertrophy. The increasing knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes may lead to new preventive and therapeutic options for the management of coronary artery disease or heart failure.