GRK2/BARK1

GRK2, originally isolated as beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1 (BARK1), is the prototype of the BARK subfamily and among the most abundant GRKs in cells. Its domain organisation combines an N-terminal regulator of G protein signalling homology domain that binds activated Gαq, a central kinase domain and a C-terminal pleckstrin homology domain that docks Gβγ and clathrin to bring the enzyme to activated receptors at the membrane. GRK2 desensitises beta-adrenergic, muscarinic, opioid and chemokine receptors and also acts away from the membrane on partners such as PI3Kgamma and tubulin. Cardiac GRK2 levels rise in heart failure, making it a therapeutic target.