Novel signaling pathway through the β-adrenergic receptor

β -Adrenergic receptors transduce signals through the heterotrimeric G protein Gαs to regulate cardiac function. Recently, it has been discovered that Gαs could directly stimulate the Src family tyrosine kinase activity. This novel signaling pathway provides insights into the cAMP-PKA-independent signaling mechanisms used by β -adrenergic receptors to regulate apoptosis, receptor desensitization, and other physiological functions.