Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
Regulator of G-protein signaling 17 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RGS17 gene.[5][6]
Function
This gene encodes a member of the regulator of G-protein signaling family. This protein contains a conserved, 120 amino acid motif called the RGS domain and a cysteine-rich region. The protein attenuates the signaling activity of G-proteins by binding to activated, GTP-bound G alpha subunits and acting as a GTPase activating protein (GAP), increasing the rate of conversion of the GTP to GDP. This hydrolysis allows the G alpha subunits to bind G beta/gamma subunit heterodimers, forming inactive G-protein heterotrimers, thereby terminating the signal.[6] Along with RGS4, RGS9 and RGS14,[7][8] RGS17 plays an important role in termination of signalling by mu opioid receptors and development of tolerance to opioid analgesic drugs.[9][10]
Clinical significance
RGS17 is a putative lung cancer susceptibility gene in the lung cancer associated locus on chromosome 6q in humans.[11] RGS17 is overexpressed in lung and prostate cancers, induces cAMP production, CREB phosphorylation and CREB responsive gene expression[2]. Expression of RGS17 is required for maintenance of proliferation in lung tumor cell lines.[12]