G proteins are essential molecular switches in the body, responsible for transmitting signals from outside a cell to its interior. They are involved in nearly every physiological process, from regulating blood sugar levels in diabetes to controlling heart rate and immune responses. Remarkably, more than half of all drugs on the market target G protein-coupled signaling pathways, making these proteins central to modern medicine and pharmacology.
In the vast and fascinating world of biology, stories are waiting to be told—stories about discoveries that have been overlooked for far too long. One of those is the fifth class of G proteins, called Gv. Unlike the four well-known G protein classes (Gs, Gi, Gq, and G12) that scientists have studied extensively, Gv has remained hidden in plain sight. Despite its ancient origins—older than even multicellular animals—no one paid much attention, and its function remained a mystery. That is, until now.
Through my research, I took on the challenge of understanding Gv. Using zebrafish as our model organism and powerful tools like CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to precisely edit its DNA, we uncovered its role for the first time. What we found was groundbreaking: Gv plays a crucial role in maintaining ionic balance -the delicate levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium essential for life. When we disrupted the Gv gene, we observed striking developmental issues: premature hatching, bone and cartilage formation defects, and reduced fertility. These results showed that Gv is not just another protein - it is a key player in processes like bone growth, cartilage development, and osmoregulation, which keep the body’s internal environment balanced and functional.
This discovery is both exciting and humbling. It’s a reminder that science often lies in the details, waiting for someone to look closer. Gv’s story was hidden for centuries, but now it’s stepping into the light, opening up a world of new questions. What other roles might Gv play? How does it fit into the bigger picture of life’s evolution? These questions fuel the next chapter of research. Science is about rediscovery, and sometimes, the smallest, most forgotten pieces turn out to be the ones that change how we understand life itself. This work is only the beginning of an exciting journey, and Gv is ready to take center stage.
Dr. Asmaa Abu Obaid
Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Department of Biomedical Sciences
College of Health Sciences
Abu Dhabi University
References
Abu Obaid, A., Ivandic, I., & Korsching, S. I. (2024). Deciphering the function of the fifth class of Gα proteins: Regulation of ionic homeostasis as a unifying hypothesis. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 81(213). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-024-05228-w