Human Gi protein alpha-subunit: deduction of amino acid structure from a cloned cDNA

Identification of potential diagnostic markers of prostate cancer and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia using cDNA microarray

The identification of novel genes or groups of genes expressed in prostate cancer may allow earlier diagnosis or more accurate staging of the disease. We describe the assembly and use of a 1877-member microarray representing cDNA clones from a range of prostate cancer stages and grades, precursor lesions and normal tissue. Using labelled cDNA from tumour samples obtained from TURP or radical prostatectomy, analysis of expression patterns identified many up-regulated transcripts. Cell lines were found to over-express fewer genes than diseased tissue samples. 17 known genes were found to over-express more than 4-fold in 4 or more cancers out of 15 cancers. Only 2 genes were over-expressed in 6 out of 15 cancers or more, whilst no genes were consistently found to be over-expressed in all cancer samples. Novel prostate cancer associations for several well characterized genes or full length cDNAs were identified, including PLRP1, JM27, human UbcM2, dynein light intermediate chain 2 and human homologue of rat sec61. Novel associations with high-grade PIN include: breast carcinoma fatty acid synthase and cDNA DKFZp434B0335. We shortlist and discuss the most significant over-expressed genes in prostate cancer and PIN, and highlight expression differences between malignant and benign samples.

The N-formyl peptide receptor: a model for the study of chemoattractant receptor structure and function

N-formyl peptides, such as fMet-Leu-Phe, are one of the most potent chemoattractants for phagocytic leukocytes. The interaction of N-formyl peptides with their specific cell surface receptors has been studied extensively and used as a model system for the characterization of G-protein-coupled signal transduction in phagocytes. The cloning of the N-formyl peptide receptor cDNA from several species and the identification of homologous genes have allowed detailed studies of structural and functional aspects of the receptor. Recent findings that the receptor is expressed in nonhematopoietic cells and that nonformylated peptides can activate the receptor suggest potentially novel functions and the existence of additional ligands for this receptor.

Differential coupling of the formyl peptide receptor to adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C by the pertussis toxin-insensitive Gz protein

In neutrophils, activation of receptors for the chemotactic peptide N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) leads to changes in intracellular events such as phosphoinositide turnover and Ca2+ mobilization. Studies have shown that activation of the cloned fMLP receptor can also lead to inhibition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation [Lang, Boulay, Li and Wollheim (1993) EMBO J. 12, 2671-2679; Uhing, Gettys, Tomhave, Snyderman and Didsbury (1992) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 183, 1033-1039]. These responses are apparently mediated through pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi proteins. Since other chemotactic factor receptors can couple to multiple G proteins, we examined the ability of the fMLP receptor to utilize a pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein, Gz, in its signal transduction pathways. The human fMLP receptor was transiently expressed in 293 and Ltk- cells, and subsequently assayed for receptor-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation and stimulation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. In transfected 293 cells, fMLP inhibited choriogonadotropin-stimulated cAMP accumulation by 50% and the response could be abolished by pertussis toxin. Co-expression of the fMLP receptor with the alpha subunit of Gz rendered the fMLP response pertussis toxin-insensitive, indicating that the endogenous Gi proteins can be substituted efficiently by Gz. In contrast, Ltk- cells expressing the fMLP receptor were able to respond to fMLP with an increase in the production of inositol phosphates, but this response was completely abolished by pertussis toxin even in cells co-expressing the alpha subunit of Gz. Thus, although both signalling pathways appeared to utilize Gi-like proteins, Gz can only replace Gi in mediating inhibition of cAMP accumulation, and not in the stimulation of phospholipase C. Differential interaction with Gz might represent a novel mechanism by which fMLP receptors regulate intracellular events.

Cloning of a Cryptococcus neoformans gene, GPA1, encoding a G-protein alpha-subunit homolog

We have isolated a gene, GPA1, from Cryptococcus neoformans by the PCR technique. DNA sequencing of the GPA1 clone suggested that it encodes a protein homologous to the G-protein alpha-subunit family. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of the GPA1-encoded protein revealed that it is about 45% identical to several mammalian Gi alpha subunits and 48% identical to the G alpha protein Gpa2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. G alpha proteins are known to be involved in mating of other yeasts, such as S. cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Southern analysis demonstrated that GPA1 is present in a single copy within the Cryptococcus genome. Isolation of the cDNA for GPA1 confirmed that the gene contains six introns within the coding region. The GPA1 transcript was identified by Northern (RNA) analysis as a 1.6-kb RNA present in exponentially growing cells of both the alpha and a mating types. Moreover, the abundance of this transcript increased in cells shifted to starvation medium. Coincubation of alpha and a cells on starvation medium is required for mating of cryptococcal cells. Thus, our results are consistent with the involvement of C. neoformans GPA1 in mating.

The molecular cloning of the squid (Loligo forbesi) visual Gq-alpha subunit and its expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The sequence of the alpha-subunit of the major G-protein from the squid (Loligo forbesi) retina was predicted from its cDNA to be a member of the Gq subclass. The abundance of the squid Gq-alpha in the squid photoreceptor membranes suggests that the protein functions in phototransduction; the sequence of this G-protein is consistent with it mediating the light-dependent activation of a phospholipase C. The squid G-alpha was expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where it was unable to replace the function of GPA1, the yeast G-alpha homologue that regulates the mating response, suggesting that Gq-alpha was unable to interact with the endogenous G-beta gamma (STE4-STE18).

Regional localization of the human G protein alpha i2 (GNAI2) gene: assignment to 3p21 and a related sequence (GNAI2L) to 12p12-p13

Gi alpha proteins, members of the G protein signal transduction family, include a small number of polypeptides: Gi alpha 1 (GNAI1), Gi alpha 2 (GNAI2), and Gi alpha 3 (GNAI3). A cDNA for the human GNAI2 gene has been isolated from a human T-cell library and is mapped by chromosomal in situ hybridization to the short arm of chromosome 3 at 3p21. A related sequence, GNAI2L, is mapped by in situ hybridization to the short arm of chromosome 12 at p12-p13. These mapping results are further supported by amplification of GNAI2-specific sequences in a monochromosomal human/rodent somatic cell hybrid containing only human chromosome 3. Of note, these assignments are to chromosome regions in which other G proteins reside. Localization of GNAI2 to 3p21 is of great interest as this region of the short arm of chromosome 3 is frequently involved in rearrangements in various human tumors.

Analysis by mRNA levels of the expression of six G protein alpha-subunit genes in mammalian cells and tissues

The distribution and levels of expression of Gs alpha, Gi1 alpha, Gi2 alpha, Gi3 alpha, Go alpha, and Gx alpha mRNAs were compared by Northern blot analysis using several rat tissues and selected human and rat cell lines. Gi1 alpha, Go alpha, and Gx alpha, were detected in a limited number of tissue and cells whereas Gi2 alpha, Gi3 alpha, and Gs alpha, were expressed in all the tissues and cells tested albeit in varying amounts. The expression of these six genes appears to be differentially regulated during postnatal development of the rat brain. High expression levels particularly of Go alpha, in young rat brain may be related to the formation of neurites during differentiation of nerve cells.

G alpha 16, a G protein alpha subunit specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells

Signal-transduction pathways mediated by guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) determine many of the responses of hematopoietic cells. A recently identified gene encoding a G protein alpha subunit, G alpha 16, is specifically expressed in human cells of the hematopoietic lineage. The G alpha 16 cDNA encodes a protein with predicted Mr of 43,500, which resembles the G q class of alpha subunits and does not include a pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylation site. In comparison with other G protein alpha subunits, the G alpha 16 predicted protein has distinctive amino acid sequences in the amino terminus, the region A guanine nucleotide-binding domain, and in the carboxyl-terminal third of the protein. Cell lines of myelomonocytic and T-cell phenotype express the G alpha 16 gene, but no expression is detectable in two B-cell lines or in nonhematopoietic cell lines. G alpha 16 gene expression is down-regulated in HL-60 cells induced to differentiate to neutrophils with dimethyl sulfoxide. Antisera generated from synthetic peptides that correspond to two regions of G alpha 16 specifically react with a protein of 42- to 43-kDa in bacterial strains that overexpress G alpha 16 and in HL-60 membranes. This protein is decreased in membranes from dimethyl sulfoxide-differentiated HL-60 cells and is not detectable in COS cell membranes. The restricted expression of this gene suggests that G alpha 16 regulates cell-type-specific signal-transduction pathways, which are not inhibited by pertussis toxin.

Structure and function of G proteins

G proteins are heterotrimeric proteins involved in the transduction of a variety of external signals in all eukaryotic organisms. This review analyzes the molecular aspects of G protein structure and function. The cloning of cDNAs coding for a great variety of G protein subunits has allowed us to deduce the primary and secondary structure of the subunits. Emphasis is given to the dissection of the molecular regions of the G alpha subunits implicated in the binding and hydrolysis of GTP and in the interaction with the receptor, with the effector and with the beta gamma dimer. The localization of these regions in a two-dimensional model of the G alpha subunit is attempted to provide a more comprehensive view of the structure and function of G proteins.

The p38 and p34 polypeptides of growth cone particle membranes are the alpha- and beta-subunits of G proteins

Growth cone particle (GCP) membranes prepared from fetal day 17 rat brain are comprised of 5 major polypeptides as analyzed by SDS-PAGE: tubulin (p52), actin (p42), pp46/GAP-43 and two unidentified species, p38 and p34. Antibodies specific for the alpha- and beta-subunits of G proteins recognize p38 and p34, respectively, on immunoblots following one- and two-dimensional electrophoretic separation. That G protein subunits comprise major species of GCP membrane-associated polypeptides suggests a role for G proteins in transmembrane signaling in nerve growth cones.

Multiple forms of Go alpha mRNA: analysis of the 3'-untranslated regions

Go, a guanine nucleotide binding protein found predominantly in neural tissues, interacts in vitro with rhodopsin, muscarinic, and other receptors and has been implicated in the regulation of ion channels. Despite the virtual identity of reported cDNA sequences for the alpha subunit of Go (Go alpha), multiple molecular weight forms of mRNA have been identified in tissues from all species examined. To investigate the molecular basis for the size heterogeneity of Go alpha mRNAs, four cDNA clones were isolated from the same retinal lambda gt10 cDNA library that was used earlier to isolate lambda GO9, a clone encompassing the complete coding region of Go alpha. These clones were identified as Go alpha clones based on nucleotide sequence identity with lambda GO9 in the coding region; they diverge, however, from lambda GO9 in the 3'-untranslated region 28 nucleotides past the stop codon. An oligonucleotide probe complementary to a portion of the 3'-untranslated region of lambda GO9 that differs from the newly isolated clones hybridized with 3.0- and 4.0-kb mRNAs present in bovine brain and retina whereas a similar probe for the unique region of the new clones hybridized with a 4.0-kb mRNA in both tissues and with a 2.0-kb mRNA found predominantly in retina. A similar hybridization pattern was observed when brain poly(A+) RNA from other species was hybridized with the different 3'-untranslated region probes. It appears that differences in the 3'-untranslated regions could, in part, be the basis for the observed heterogeneity in Go alpha mRNAs.

Receptor-effector coupling by G proteins

The primary structure of G proteins as deduced from purified proteins and cloned subunits is presented. When known, their functions are discussed, as are recent data on direct regulation of ionic channels by G proteins. Experiments on expression of alpha subunits, either in bacteria or by in vitro translation of mRNA synthesized from cDNA are presented as tools for definitive assignment of function to a given G protein. The dynamics of G protein-mediated signal transduction are discussed. Key points include the existence of two superimposed regulatory cycles in which upon activation by GTP, G proteins dissociate into alpha and beta gamma and their dissociated alpha subunits hydrolyze GTP. The action of receptors to catalyze rather than regulate by allostery the activation of G proteins by GTP is emphasized, as is the role of subunit dissociation, without which receptors could not act as catalysts. To facilitate the reading of this review, we have presented the various subtopics of this rapidly expanding field in sections 1-1X, each of which is organized as a self-contained sub-chapter that can be read independently of the others.

G protein mRNA expression in immunohistochemically identified dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the rat brain

A family of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) is involved in the transduction of information from receptors on the cell surface into cellular responses. Two G proteins, Gi and Gs, were initially defined by their inhibitory or stimulatory actions on adenylyl cyclase, respectively. In addition, brain contains high levels of another G protein, Go. cDNAs for the alpha subunits for these G proteins have been cloned and sequenced. This allowed us to examine the distributions of the mRNAs for the alpha subunits for Gi, Go and Gs in the rat brain using in situ hybridization with radio-labelled, synthetic oligonucleotide probes. Various regions known to contain catecholamine cell groups displayed high levels of G protein mRNA. There is good physiological evidence supporting a role for G proteins in signal transduction in dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons. Therefore, further experiments were undertaken using in situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry to examine G proteins expression in identified catecholamine neurons. The results indicate that the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and the noradrenergic neurons of the locus ceruleus express the mRNA for the alpha subunits of all three of these G proteins. These data provide evidence for the coexpression of multiple G proteins within identified catecholamine neurons in the brain.

Na+ regulation of formyl peptide receptor-mediated signal transduction in HL 60 cells. Evidence that the cation prevents activation of the G-protein by unoccupied receptors

In neutrophils and several other phagocytes, a pertussis and cholera toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) couples the receptors for formyl methionine-containing chemotactic peptides to stimulation of phospholipase C. We used membranes of myeloid-differentiated HL 60 cells to study the role of Na+ in regulating both the interaction of the formyl peptide receptor with the chemotactic agonist, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), and the receptor-mediated activation of the G-protein. Monovalent cations (Na+ greater than Li+ greater than K+ greater than choline+) markedly inhibited the binding of the radiolabeled oligopeptide [3H]FMLP by specifically reducing the number of receptors in the high-affinity state. Half-maximal and maximal inhibition of peptide binding were seen at cation concentrations of approximately 20 and 200 mM, respectively. Inhibition of peptide binding by Na+ was observed in the presence and absence of divalent cations and was strictly additive to inhibition by the poorly hydrolyzable GTP analogue, guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), or to ADP ribosylation of G-proteins by pertussis toxin. The inhibitory effect of Na+ on peptide binding coincided with a marked reduction of the potency of FMLP to stimulate a high-affinity GTPase. In contrast, the degree of FMLP-stimulated GTPase activity was markedly enhanced in the presence of Na+. This was largely due to the fact that Na+ reduced the agonist-independent basal GTPase activity in the same way but less so than pertussis toxin treatment. The results show that monovalent cations, Na+ in particular, regulate the interaction of the formyl peptide receptor with both the chemotactic agonist and the G-protein by acting on a single site, possibly located on the receptor itself. The observation that basal GTPase activity is markedly reduced by both Na+ and pertussis toxin treatment also suggests (a) that G-proteins interact with and are activated by receptors even in the absence of agonists and (b) that Na+ uncouples unoccupied receptors from G-protein interaction and activation.

Purification and identification of two pertussis-toxin-sensitive GTP-binding proteins of bovine spleen

Two alpha subunits of GTP-binding proteins were purified from bovine spleen membranes. Both proteins were ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin in the presence of beta gamma subunits. The major protein had a molecular mass of 40 kDa and its immunological reactivity and fragmentation pattern by limited proteolysis were identical with those of the alpha subunit of Gi2. The minor protein had a molecular mass of 41 kDa and its partial amino acid sequences completely matched with those predicted from human and rat Gi3 alpha cDNAs.

Identification of lung major GTP-binding protein as Gi2 and its distribution in various rat tissues determined by immunoassay

Antisera were raised in rabbits against the 40-kDa alpha subunit of bovine lung GTP-binding protein, which were identified as the alpha subunit of Gi2 (Gi2 alpha) by the analysis of the partial amino acid sequence. Antibodies were purified with a Gi2 alpha-coupled Sepharose column and then were passed through a Gi1 alpha-coupled Sepharose column to remove antibodies reactive also with 41-kDa alpha. Purified antibodies reacted with Gi2 alpha, but not with Gi1 alpha, Gi3 alpha, or Go alpha in an immunoblot assay. A sensitive enzyme immunoassay method for the quantification of Gi2 alpha was developed by using these purified antibodies. The assay system consisted of polystyrene balls with immobilized antibody F(ab')2 fragments and the same antibody Fab' fragments labeled with beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli. The minimal detection limit of the assay was 1 fmol, or 40 pg. Samples from various tissues were solubilized with 2% sodium cholate and 1 M NaCl, and the concentrations of Gi2 alpha were determined. Gi2 alpha was detected in all the tissues examined in the rat. The highest concentration was found in platelets and leukocytes when the data were expressed as picomoles per milligram of protein. The spleen, lung, and cerebral cortex contained relatively high levels of Gi2 alpha. In the bovine brain, Gi2 alpha was distributed almost uniformly among the various regions. The concentrations of Gi2 alpha were constant in the rat brain throughout ontogenic development, in contrast with those of Go alpha which were markedly increased with age.

Identification of both Gi2 and a novel, immunologically distinct, form of Go in rat myometrial membranes

Immunoblotting of rat myometrial membranes with an antiserum (SG1) which recognizes the alpha-subunits of both Gi1 and Gi2 indicated the presence of detectable levels of an apparently single form of some 40 kDa. A second antiserum (LE2) specific for Gi2 also recognized this protein, confirming its identity. Immunoblotting of the myometrial membranes with a series of antipeptide (OC1, IM1, ON1) and polyclonal (RV3) antisera, all of which recognize rat brain Go, produced a more complex pattern. Antisera OC1 and ON1 recognized a single polypeptide which essentially comigrated with rat brain Go. In contrast, antisera RV3 and IM1 did not recognize the myometrial protein. These data provide evidence for the presence of Gi2 and of a novel G-protein, related immunologically to Go, in rat myometrial membranes.

The G protein-gated atrial K+ channel is stimulated by three distinct Gi alpha-subunits

The guanine nucleotide-binding protein, Gi, which inhibits adenylyl cyclase, has recently been shown to have three subtypes of the alpha-subunit, termed Gi alpha-1, Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3. They share 87-94% amino-acid sequence homology and so are difficult to separate from one another. Among other functions, purified preparations activate K+ channels but there is confusion over which of the subtypes activates the muscarinic K+ channels of the atrial muscle of the heart: Gi alpha-3, also termed Gk, has been shown to activate this channel but it is not clear whether Gi alpha-1 does or does not. To clarify this problem, we expressed the subtypes separately in Escherichia coli to eliminate contamination by other subtypes and tested the recombinant alpha- chains on atrial muscarinic K+ channels. Although we anticipated that only Gi alpha-3 would have Gk activity, to our surprise all three recombinant subtypes were active, from which we deduce that the Gi subtypes are multifunctional.

Signal transduction in cells following binding of chemoattractants to membrane receptors

Binding of chemoattractants to specific cell surface receptors on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) initiates a variety of biologic responses, including directed migration (chemotaxis), release of superoxide anions, and lysosomal enzyme secretion. Chemoattractant receptors belong to a large class of receptors which utilize the hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides to initiate Ca2+ mobilization and cellular activation. Receptor occupancy leads to phospholipase C-mediated hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) yielding inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and 1,2 sn-diacylglycerol (DAG). These products synergize to initiate cell activation via calcium mobilization (IP3) and protein kinase C activation (DAG). Pertussis toxin, which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates some GTP binding proteins (G proteins), abolishes all chemoattractant-induced responses, including Ca2+ mobilization, IP3 and DAG production, enzyme secretion, superoxide production and chemotaxis. Direct evidence for chemoattractant receptor: G protein coupling was obtained using PMN membrane preparations which contain a Ca2+-sensitive phospholipase C. Hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides at resting intracellular Ca2+ levels (100 nm) was only observed when the membranes were stimulated with the chemoattractant N-formyl-methyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe) in the presence of GTP. Myeloid cells contain two distinct pertussis toxin substrates of similar molecular weight (40 and 41 kD). The 41 kD substrate resembles Gi, whereas a 40 kD substrate is physically associated with a partially purified fMet-Leu-Phe receptor preparation and may therefore represent a novel G protein involved in chemoattractant-stimulated responses. Metabolism of 1,4,5-IP3 to inositol proceeds via two distinct pathways in PMNs: (1) degradation to 1,4-IP2 and 4-IP1 or (2) conversion to 1,3,4,5-IP4, 1,3,4-IP3, 3,4-IP2 and 3-IP1. Initial formation (0-30 s) of 1,4,5-IP3 and DAG occurs at ambient intracellular Ca2+ levels, whereas formation of 1,3,4-IP3 and a second sustained phase of DAG production (30 s-10 min) require elevated cytosolic Ca2+ influx. The later peak of DAG, which is not derived from phosphoinositides, appears to be required for stimulation of respiratory burst activity. Products formed during activation can feed back to attenuate chemoattractant receptor-mediated stimulation of phospholipase C by uncoupling receptor-G protein-phospholipase C interaction.

Techniques used in the identification and analysis of function of pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding proteins

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GTP analogues promote release of the alpha subunit of the guanine nucleotide binding protein, Gi2, from membranes of rat glioma C6 BU1 cells

The major pertussis-toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein of rat glioma C6 BU1 cells corresponded immunologically to Gi2. Antibodies which recognize the alpha subunit of this protein indicated that it has an apparent molecular mass of 40 kDa and a pI of 5.7. Incubation of membranes of these cells with guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate, or other analogues of GTP, caused release of this polypeptide from the membrane in a time-dependent manner. Analogues of GDP or of ATP did not mimic this effect. The GTP analogues similarly caused release of the alpha subunit of Gi2 from membranes of C6 cells in which this G-protein had been inactivated by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. The beta subunit was not released from the membrane under any of these conditions, indicating that the release process was a specific response to the dissociation of the G-protein after binding of the GTP analogue. Similar nucleotide profiles for release of the alpha subunits of forms of Gi were noted for membranes of both the neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cell line NG108-15 and of human platelets. These data provide evidence that: (1) pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-proteins, in native membranes, do indeed dissociate into alpha and beta gamma subunits upon activation; (2) the alpha subunit of 'Gi-like' proteins need not always remain in intimate association with the plasma membrane; and (3) the alpha subunit of Gi2 can still dissociate from the beta/gamma subunits after pertussis-toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation.

Sequence analysis of cDNA and genomic DNA for a putative pertussis toxin-insensitive guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein alpha subunit

We have isolated cDNA clones from rat C6 glioma cells coding for several guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) alpha subunits (G alpha). The cDNA clones were then used to isolate human chromosomal genes. Among human genomic clones isolated by cross-hybridization with the rat cDNA for the alpha subunit of the inhibitory G protein Gi2, termed Gi2 alpha, a clone designated lambda HGi62 was found to contain a sequence that is highly homologous but distinct from any of the known G alpha sequences, and we have tentatively designated this sequence Gx alpha. We have searched a rat brain cDNA library with the Gx alpha sequence and isolated a cDNA clone containing a rat sequence similar to human Gx alpha. The cDNA contained a single open reading frame of 1065 nucleotides coding for a protein of 355 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 40,879. The amino acid sequence of rat Gx alpha shows 66% and 40% similarity with rat Gi2 alpha and rat Gs alpha (the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein), respectively. By RNA blot hybridization analysis, mRNA of approximately 3.2 kilobases was detected mainly in brain. Interestingly, the deduced amino acid sequence of Gx alpha predicts that the Gx alpha protein may be refractory to modification by pertussis toxin since the cysteine residue in the fourth position from the C terminus of pertussis toxin-sensitive G alpha is replaced by isoleucine.

Identification of cDNA encoding an additional alpha subunit of a human GTP-binding protein: expression of three alpha i subtypes in human tissues and cell lines

The guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), which mediate hormonal regulation of many membrane functions, are composed of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits. We have cloned and characterized cDNA from a human T-cell library encoding a form of alpha i that is different from the human alpha i subtypes previously reported [Didsbury, J. R., Ho, Y.-S. & Snyderman, R. (1987) FEBS Lett. 211, 160-164 and Bray, P., Carter, A., Guo, V., Puckett, C., Kamholz, J., Spiegel, A. & Nirenberg, M. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 5115-5119]. alpha i is the alpha subunit of a class of G proteins that inhibits adenylate cyclase and regulates other enzymes and ion channels. This cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 354 amino acids and is assigned to encode the alpha i-3 subtype of G proteins on the basis of its similarity to other alpha i-like cDNAs and the presence of a predicted site for ADP ribosylation by pertussis toxin. We have determined the expression of mRNA for this and two other subtypes of human alpha i (alpha i-1 and alpha i-2) in a variety of human fetal tissues and in human cell lines. All three alpha i subtypes were present in the tissues tested. However, analysis of individual cell types reveals specificity of alpha i-1 expression. mRNA for alpha i-1 is absent in T cells, B cells, and monocytes but is present in other cell lines. The finding of differential expression of alpha i-1 genes may permit characterization of distinct physiological roles for this alpha i subunit. mRNA for alpha i-2 and alpha i-3 was found in all the primary and transformed cell lines tested. Thus, some cells contain all three alpha i subtypes. This observation raises the question of how cells prevent cross talk among receptors that are coupled to effectors through such similar alpha proteins.

Cloning and characterization of the human gene for the alpha-subunit of Gi2, a GTP-binding signal transduction protein

We isolated and characterized human genomic clones encompassing the gene for the alpha-subunit of Gi2, a GTP-binding signal transduction protein abundantly expressed in myeloid cells. The gene is divided into 9 exons and spans 23.5 kb. Exons 2, 6 and 7 encode putative guanine nucleotide-binding domains that are highly conserved among GTP-binding proteins. A polyadenylation signal located within exon 9 predicts an mRNA size (approximately 2.3 kb) several hundred bases longer than that of published cDNAs, and consistent with the size seen on RNA blot hybridization. Primer extension and S1 nuclease analysis determined a major and several minor transcriptional start sites. The first exon and 5' flanking region are highly G + C rich, contain several GC boxes (SP1 transcription factor binding sites), a CAAT box, and lack a TATA box. The presumptive promoter region is thus similar to that of ras and other widely expressed genes.

Identification of a GTP-binding protein alpha subunit that lacks an apparent ADP-ribosylation site for pertussis toxin

Recent molecular cloning of cDNA for the alpha subunit of bovine transducin (a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein, or G protein) has revealed the presence of two retinal-specific transducins, called Tr and Tc, which are expressed in rod or cone photoreceptor cells. In a further study of G-protein diversity and signal transduction in the retina, we have identified a G-protein alpha subunit, which we refer to as Gz alpha, by isolating a human retinal cDNA clone that cross-hybridizes at reduced stringency with bovine Tr alpha-subunit cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence of Gz alpha is 41-67% identical with those of other known G-protein alpha subunits. However, the 355-residue Gz alpha lacks a consensus site for ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin, and its amino acid sequence varies within a number of regions that are strongly conserved among all of the other G-protein alpha subunits. We suggest that Gz alpha, which appears to be highly expressed in neural tissues, represents a member of a subfamily of G proteins that mediate signal transduction in pertussis toxin-insensitive systems.

Identification of three pertussis toxin substrates (41, 40 and 39 kDa proteins) in mammalian brain. Comparison of predicted amino acid sequences from G-protein alpha-subunit genes and cDNAs with partial amino acid sequences from purified proteins

We have determined the partial amino acid sequences of the 40 kDa protein, one of the three pertussis toxin substrates in porcine brain. Purified 40 kDa protein from porcine brain was completely digested with TPCK-trypsin. Digested peptides were separated by reverse-phase HPLC and subjected to analysis by gas-phase protein sequencing. Several sequences of porcine brain 40 kDa protein completely matched with those which were deduced from the nucleotide sequences of the human Gi2 alpha gene and rat Gi2 alpha cDNA. On the other hand, the previously determined sequences of the rat brain 41 and 39 kDa proteins were in complete agreement with the predicted amino acid sequences of rat Gi1 alpha and Go alpha cDNAs, respectively.

Immunochemical and electrophoretic characterization of the major pertussis toxin substrate of the RAW264 macrophage cell line

The pertussis toxin substrate from RAW264 macrophage cell membranes was characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and by immunoblots using antibodies directed against different guanine nucleotide binding proteins. RAW264 membranes were found to contain one major pertussis toxin substrate, which was recognized by both antibodies AS/6 and LE/3. The AS/6 antibody was made against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide of the alpha-subunit of transducin, and the LE/3 antibody was made against the peptide corresponding to amino acids 160-169 of a guanine nucleotide binding protein (Gi-2-alpha) cloned from a mouse macrophage cell line. The RAW264 pertussis toxin substrate was not recognized by either antibody CW/6 or antibody RV/3, which recognize the 41-kilodalton alpha-subunit of brain Gi (Gi-1-alpha) and Go-alpha, respectively. Pertussis toxin substrates from bovine brain were resolved into four major alpha-subunits by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and the LE/3 antibody recognized only one of the four proteins. The brain LE/3 reactive protein also reacted with the AS/6 antibody, migrated with a 40K molecular weight, and had an isoelectric point slightly more basis than the RAW264 pertussis toxin substrate. Therefore, the major pertussis toxin substrate in RAW264 cells appears to be Gi-2, and bovine brain contains a relatively minor amount of a closely related guanine nucleotide binding protein.

Antibodies which recognize the C-terminus of the inhibitory guanine-nucleotide-binding protein (Gi) demonstrate that opioid peptides and foetal-calf serum stimulate the high-affinity GTPase activity of two separate pertussis-toxin substrates

We investigated the mechanisms of receptor-mediated stimulation of high-affinity GTPase activity in response to opioid peptides and to foetal-calf serum in membranes of the neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cell line NG108-15. Increases in GTPase activity in response to both of these ligands was abolished by prior exposure of the cells to pertussis toxin. Pertussis toxin in the presence of [32P]NAD+ catalysed incorporation of radioactivity into a broad band of approx. 40 kDa in membranes prepared from untreated, but not from pertussis-toxin-pretreated, cells. Additivity studies indicated that the responses to opioid peptides and to foetal-calf serum were mediated by separate guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins). Whereas opioid peptides produced an inhibition of adenylate cyclase in membranes of untreated cells, foetal-calf serum did not. Affinity-purified antibodies which recognize the C-terminus of the inhibitory G-protein identified a 40 kDa polypeptide in membranes of NG108-15 cells. These antibodies attenuated opioid-stimulated high-affinity GTPase activity, but did not markedly affect the response to foetal-calf serum. We conclude that receptors for the opioid peptides function via the inhibitory G-protein (Gi), whereas foetal-calf serum activates a second pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein, which has a C-terminal sequence significantly different from that of Gi.

Screening of cDNA libraries with oligonucleotides as applied to signal transducing G proteins, receptors and effectors

Screening of cDNA libraries constructed in phage or plasmids with oligonucleotide probes has become one of the preferred cloning techniques with the least number of false positive failures. In this article we present our current protocols for designing the procedure to detect cDNA inserts and isolate them. We illustrate with primary screens for G protein subunits and membrane receptors.

GTP-binding proteins in brain and neutrophil are tethered to the plasma membrane via their amino termini

Using specific antisera raised against synthetic peptides, we find that three distinct GTP-binding protein alpha subunits remain bound to the plasma membrane even after activation with nonhydrolyzable GTP analog. Trypsin cleaves each alpha subunit at a site near the amino-terminus, and quantitatively releases the large fragment (comprising all but an amino-terminal 2 kDa piece) from the membrane. Our results indicate that alpha subunits are essentially cytoplasmic proteins tethered to the inner surface of the membrane via an amino terminal stalk.

A small multigene family encodes Gi signal-transduction proteins

The guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins known as G proteins are receptor-associated signal-transduction molecules that are implicated in the control of a variety of metabolic processes. Recent evidence suggests that G proteins may mediate B-lymphocyte responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and may also transduce signals from the T-cell antigen receptor. Since these receptors are uniquely expressed on lymphoid cells, we used molecular cloning strategies to ask whether lymphocytes contain specialized G-protein alpha subunits to assist in signal transduction. Comparison of our two deduced human alpha i amino acid sequences with those previously determined for bovine and rodent G proteins permits the identification of three closely related but distinct types of alpha i molecules that comprise a small multigene family. Using gene-specific probes, we found that both of our alpha i genes are expressed in most cell types but in differing ratios. Our data support the view that a modest repertoire of extremely closely related G proteins mediates the transduction of signals derived from multiple different receptor molecules.