Vanadium compounds promote biocatalysis in cells through actions on cell membranes

Membrane receptors are a protein-based class of biocatalysts distinct from enzymes. The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family (GPCR), the largest class of receptors with approximately 800 known examples in humans, is the topic of this manuscript. G proteins, upon activation by GPCRs, transduce signal from membrane receptor to signaling pathways that are activated by biocatalytic processes inside living cells and, as such, are responsible for many physiological responses related to metabolism, nervous system function and other physiologic processes. Activation of the LHR a GPCR resulting from binding of a ligand or, as discussed in this review, by vanadium compounds, and subsequent activation of G proteins, has a multiplicative effect to activate downstream biocatalysts participating in well-defined, often branching, signaling pathways. Several aspects of GPCR-mediated signaling are being targeted in the development of pharmacologically important compounds and, recently, we have shown that the plasma membrane functions as an additional target for modulation of receptor activity by vanadium compounds.

Automated summary

Membrane receptors are a class of protein-based biocatalysts that are different from enzymes. The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), plays a crucial role in transducing signals from the membrane receptor to the signaling pathways inside living cells. Activation of LHR can be achieved through ligand binding or binding of vanadium compounds, which then activates G proteins and downstream biocatalysts in well-defined signaling pathways. Understanding GPCR-mediated signaling is important for the development of pharmacologically significant compounds, and recent studies have shown that the plasma membrane can serve as an additional target for regulating receptor activity by vanadium compounds.