Abstract
Members of the R7 subfamily of regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins (RGS6, 7, 9, and 11) exist as heterodimers with the G protein beta subunit Gβ5. These protein complexes are only found in neurons and are defined by the presence of three domains: DEP/DHEX, Gβ5/GGL, and RGS. This article summarizes published work in the following areas: (1) the functional significance of structural organization of Gβ5–R7 complexes, (2) regional distribution of Gβ5–R7 in the nervous system and regulation of R7 family expression, (3) subcellular localization of Gβ5–R7 complexes, and (4) novel binding partners of Gβ5–R7 proteins. The review points out some contradictions between observations made by different research groups and highlights the importance of using alternative experimental approaches to obtain conclusive information about Gβ5–R7 function in vivo.