Heterotrimeric Gα12/13proteins in kidney injury and disease

Abstract

Gα12and Gα13are ubiquitous members of the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) family that play central and integrative roles in the regulation of signal transduction cascades within various cell types in the kidney. Gα12/Gα13proteins enable the kidney to adapt to an ever-changing environment by transducing stimuli from cell surface receptors and accessory proteins to effector systems. Therefore, perturbations in Gα12/Gα13levels or their activity can contribute to the pathogenesis of various renal diseases, including renal cancer. This review will highlight and discuss the complex and expanding roles of Gα12/Gα13proteins on distinct renal pathologies, with emphasis on more recently reported findings. Deciphering how the different Gα12/Gα13interaction networks participate in the onset and development of renal diseases may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic strategies.