Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) are involved as modulators or transducers in various transmembrane signaling systems (PubMed:9687499). Acts as an activator of phospholipase C (PubMed:9687499). Transduces FFAR4 signaling in response to long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) (By similarity). Together with GNAQ, required for heart development (PubMed:9687499). G proteins are composed of 3 units; alpha, beta and gamma. The alpha chain contains the guanine nucleotide binding site. Interacts with RGS22. Interacts with NTSR1. No visible phenoptype (PubMed:9687499). Mice lacking Gnaq and Gna11 are embryonic lethal due to cardiomyocyte hypoplasia (PubMed:9687499). Mice lacking Gnaq and with one single intact copy of Gna11, as well as mice lacking Gna11 and with one single intact copy of Gnaq die shortly after birth; lethality is caused by heart malformations (PubMed:9687499). Newborns display craniofacial defects (PubMed:9687499). Belongs to the G-alpha family. G(q) subfamily.