Mechanisms of regulation and function of G-protein coupled receptor kinases

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are key modulators of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. They constitute a family of seven mammalian serine-threonine protein kinases that phosphorylate agonist-bound receptor. GRKs-mediated receptor phosphorylation rapidly initiates profound impairment of receptor signaling and desensitization. Activity of GRKs and subcellular targeting is tightly regulated by interaction with receptor domains, G protein subunits, lipids, anchoring proteins and calcium sensitive proteins. Moreover, GRK phosphorylation by several other kinases and autophosphorylation have recently been shown to modulate its functionality. This review summarize our current knowledge of GRKs regulatory mechanisms and GRKs physiological function.