sevenhelix

Sevenhelix is a term used in biology to denote a structural motif consisting of seven alpha helices spanning a lipid bilayer, most notably observed in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The seven transmembrane helices create a compact bundle that forms the receptor’s core, with an ligand-binding pocket typically located toward the extracellular side and signaling interfaces on the cytoplasmic side.

In these receptors, the seven transmembrane helices (often labeled TM1–TM7) organize into a characteristic architecture that enables conformational changes upon ligand binding. These changes propagate through the membrane to activate intracellular signaling pathways, commonly through G proteins or, in some cases, arrestins. The seven-helix arrangement is a defining feature of the 7TM receptor family, which is implicated in a wide range of physiological processes including vision, smell, taste, neurotransmission, and hormone response.

Structural studies of sevenhelix-containing proteins, using methods such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, have illuminated common activation mechanisms and receptor-specific variations. Although originally associated with rhodopsin, the seven-helix motif is now recognized across diverse GPCRs, reflecting both evolutionary conservation and functional diversity.

Outside of biology, sevenhelix may be encountered as a proper noun in non-scientific contexts, including brand names or fictional projects. In such uses, its meaning is determined by context rather than any standardized definition. See also GPCR, seven-transmembrane receptor, and transmembrane protein.