Chapter 8 The Role of Gβ5 in Vision

Recent advances in our understanding of R7RGS proteins have benefited from studies involving the fifth member of the Gβ family (Gβ5) that is found throughout the visual system. Unlike conventional Gβs that form dimers with Gγ, Gβ5 partners with R7RGS proteins, which contain the G-protein γ-like (GGL) domain, to act as a GTPase accelerating protein (GAP) complex on certain Gα subunits. Recent studies in the retina underscore the necessity of Gβ5 for normal recovery in photoreceptors and light responses in ON-bipolar cells. Gβ5 may also be important for the generation and propagation of spontaneous retinal waves in retina and proper synapse formation in lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Here, we review these findings and discuss future investigative directions concerning Gβ5's function in vision.