GRK4
Description
The GRK4 (G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.
GRK4 is an enzyme encoded by the GRK4 gene in humans. It belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor kinase subfamily of the Ser/Thr protein kinase family and is most similar to GRK5 and GRK6. GRK4 phosphorylates activated G protein-coupled receptors, facilitating the binding of arrestin proteins. This binding prevents receptor stimulation of G protein transducer proteins, leading to receptor desensitization. Additionally, arrestin binding enables receptor signaling through arrestin partner proteins. Thus, the GRK/arrestin system acts as a signaling switch for G protein-coupled receptors. GRK4 is predominantly expressed in the testes, with lower levels found in the brain, kidney, and other tissues. It exists in four alternatively spliced variants. Polymorphisms in the GRK4 gene have been linked to both genetic and acquired hypertension, potentially through kidney dopamine receptors.
GRK4 is also known as GPRK2L, GPRK4, GRK4a, IT11.
