We have recently discovered that regulation of a RGS protein subtype in the brain reward pathway (see Box 1) dramatically alters GIRK channel signaling in dopamine neurons [2]. In this opinion essay, we discuss the evidence for the involvement of RGS proteins in addiction, the role of RGS2 proteins in directly modifying signaling through GIRK channels, and postulate the role of RGS proteins in regulating GPCR signaling in other pathways.
