G protein-gated ion channel

Generalized diagram of G protein-gated ion channel: (A) Typically, the activated effector protein begins a signaling cascade which leads to the eventual opening of the ion channel. (B) The GTP-bound α-subunit in some cases can directly activate the ion channel. (C) In other cases, the activated βγ-complex of the G protein may interact with the ion channel.

G protein-gated ion channels are a family of transmembrane ion channels in neurons and atrial myocytes that are directly gated by G proteins.