What is Gq alpha subunit?

Gq protein alpha subunit is a family of heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits. This family is also commonly called the Gq/11 family or Gq/11/14/15 family to include closely related family members. G alpha subunits may be referred to as Gq alpha, Gαq, or Gqα. Gq proteins couple to G protein-coupled receptors to activate beta-type phospholipase C enzymes. PLC-β in turn hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to diacyl glycerol and inositol trisphosphate. IP3 acts as a second messenger to release stored calcium into the cytoplasm, while DAG acts as a second messenger that activates protein kinase C.