Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS proteins) are key components of GPCR complexes, interacting directly with G protein α-subunits to enhance their intrinsic GTPase activity. The functional consequence is an accelerated termination of G protein effectors including certain ion channels. RGS proteins have a profound impact on the membrane-delimited gating behavior of G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels as demonstrated in reconstitution assays and recent RGS knockout mice studies.






















