A surface on the G protein beta-subunit involved in interactions with adenylyl cyclases

Unusual phototransduction via cross-motif signaling from G(q) to adenylyl cyclase in intrinsically photosensitive retinalganglion cells

Nonimage-forming vision in mammals is mediated primarily by melanopsin (OPN4)-expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). In mouse M1-ipRGCs, melanopsin predominantly activates, via Gα_q,11,14, phospholipase C-β4 to open transient receptor 6 (TRPC6) and TRPC7 channels. In M2- and M4-ipRGCs, however, a prominent phototransduction mechanism involves the opening of hyperpolarization- and cyclic nucleotide-gated channels via cyclic nucleotide, although the upstream steps remain uncertain. We report here experiments, primarily on M4-ipRGCs, with photo-uncaging of cyclic nucleotides and virally expressed CNGA2 channels to conclude that the second messenger is cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) - very surprising considering that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is used in almost all cyclic nucleotide-mediated phototransduction mechanisms across the animal kingdom. We further found that the upstream G protein is likewise G_q, which via its Gβγ subunits directly activates adenylyl cyclase (AC). Our findings are a demonstration in a native cell of a cross-motif GPCR signaling pathway from G_q directly to AC with a specific function.

Regulation of G Protein βγ Signaling

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) deliver external signals to the cell interior, upon activation by the external signal stimulated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).While the activated GPCRs control several pathways independently, activated G proteins control the vast majority of cellular and physiological functions, ranging from vision to cardiovascular homeostasis. Activated GPCRs dissociate GαGDPβγ heterotrimer into GαGTP and free Gβγ. Earlier, GαGTP was recognized as the primary signal transducer of the pathway and Gβγ as a passive signaling modality that facilitates the activity of Gα. However, Gβγ later found to regulate more number of pathways than GαGTP does. Once liberated from the heterotrimer, free Gβγ interacts and activates a diverse range of signaling regulators including kinases, lipases, GTPases, and ion channels, and it does not require any posttranslation modifications. Gβγ family consists of 48 members, which show cell- and tissue-specific expressions, and recent reports show that cells employ the subtype diversity in Gβγ to achieve desired signaling outcomes. In addition to activated GPCRs, which induce free Gβγ generation and the rate of GTP hydrolysis in Gα, which sequester Gβγ in the heterotrimer, terminating Gβγ signaling, additional regulatory mechanisms exist to regulate Gβγ activity. In this chapter, we discuss structure and function, subtype diversity and its significance in signaling regulation, effector activation, regulatory mechanisms as well as the disease relevance of Gβγ in eukaryotes.

Aggressive behaviour and physiological responses to pheromones are strongly impaired in mice deficient for the olfactory G-protein -subunit G8

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are critical players in the transduction mechanisms underlying odorant and pheromonal signalling. In the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the adult mouse, two different G-protein complexes have been identified. Gαoβ2γ8 is preferentially expressed in the basal neurons and coexpresses with type-2 vomeronasal pheromone receptors (V2Rs) whereas Gαi2β2γ2 is found in the apical neurons and coexpresses with type-1 vomeronasal pheromone receptors (V1Rs). V2R-expressing neurons project to the posterior accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) whereas neurons expressing V1Rs send their axon to the anterior AOB. Gγ8 is also expressed in developing olfactory neurons where this protein is probably associated with Go. Here, we generated mice with a targeted deletion of the Gγ8 gene and investigated the behavioural effects and the physiological consequences of this mutation. Gγ8(-/-) mice show a normal development of the main olfactory epithelium; moreover, they do not display major deficits in odour perception. In contrast, the VNO undergoes a slow but remarkable loss of basal neurons starting from the fourth postnatal week, with a 40% reduction of cells at 2 months and 70% at 1 year. This loss is associated with a reduced early-gene expression in the posterior AOB of mice stimulated with pheromones. More interestingly, the Gγ8 deletion specifically leads to a reduced pheromone-mediated aggressiveness in both males and females, all other socio-sexual behaviours remaining unaltered. This study defines a specific role for Gγ8 in maintenance of the neuronal population of the VNO and in the mechanisms of pheromonal signalling that involve the aggressive behaviour towards conspecifics.

The expanding roles of Gβγ subunits in G protein-coupled receptor signaling and drug action

Gβγ subunits from heterotrimeric G proteins perform a vast array of functions in cells with respect to signaling, often independently as well as in concert with Gα subunits. However, the eponymous term "Gβγ" does not do justice to the fact that 5 Gβ and 12 Gγ isoforms have evolved in mammals to serve much broader roles beyond their canonical roles in cellular signaling. We explore the phylogenetic diversity of Gβγ subunits with a view toward understanding these expanded roles in different cellular organelles. We suggest that the particular content of distinct Gβγ subunits regulates cellular activity, and that the granularity of individual Gβ and Gγ action is only beginning to be understood. Given the therapeutic potential of targeting Gβγ action, this larger view serves as a prelude to more specific development of drugs aimed at individual isoforms.

Regions on adenylyl cyclase VII required for selective regulation by the G13 pathway

Regulation of multiple adenylyl cyclases (AC) provides unique inputs to mediate the synthesis of cAMP, a ubiquitous second messenger that controls many aspects of cellular function. On stimulation by G(s), the activities of ACs can be further selectively modulated by other pathways to ensure precise control of intracellular cAMP responses to specific stimuli. Recently, we reported that one of the AC isoforms, AC7, is uniquely regulated by the G(13) pathway. To understand more fully the molecular mechanism of this regulation, we compared the regulation of AC7 with that of AC2 in bone marrow-derived macrophages devoid of AC7. Although both enzymes could fully restore regulation of cAMP by Gβγ, activation of the G(13) pathway preferentially synergized with AC7. Exchange of domains between the two isoforms indicates that the C1b domain and the N-terminus of the C1a domain are important for directing selective regulation of AC7 by the G(13) pathway. A mutagenesis screen identified more specific regions of AC7 that differentially mediate its regulation by distinct pathways.

A new site and mechanism of action for the widely used adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22,536

We evaluated the efficacy, potency, and selectivity of the three most commonly used adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitors in a battery of cell lines constructed to study signaling via three discrete cAMP sensors identified in neuroendocrine cells. SQ22,536 [9-(tetrahydrofuryl)-adenine] and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (ddAd) are effective and potent AC inhibitors in HEK293 cells expressing a cAMP response element (CRE) reporter gene, and MDL-12,330A [cis-N-(2-phenylcyclopentyl)azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine hydrochloride] is not. Neuroscreen-1 (NS-1) cells were used to assess the specificity of the most potent AC inhibitor, SQ22,536, to block downstream cAMP signaling to phosphorylate CREB (via PKA); to activate Rap1 (via Epac); and to activate ERK signaling leading to neuritogenesis (via the newly described neuritogenic cAMP sensor NCS). SQ22,536 failed to inhibit the effects of cAMP analogs 8-Br-cAMP and 8-CPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP on PKA-mediated CREB activation/phosphorylation and Epac-mediated Rap1 activation, indicating that it does not inhibit these cAMP pathways beyond the level of AC. On the other hand, SQ22,536, but not ddAd, inhibited the effects of cAMP analogs 8-Br-cAMP and 8-CPT-cAMP on ERK phosphorylation and neuritogenesis, indicating that it acts not only as an AC blocker, but also as an inhibitor of the NCS. The observed off-target actions of SQ22,536 are specific to cAMP signaling: SQ22,536 does not block the actions of compounds not related to cAMP signaling, including ERK induction by PMA, and ERK activation and neuritogenesis induced by NGF. These data led us to indicate a second target for SQ22,536 that should be considered when interpreting its effects in whole cell and in vivo experiments.

Identification of new Gβγ interaction sites in adenylyl cyclase 2

The role of Gβγ in adenylyl cyclase (AC) signaling is complicated due to its role as a conditional activator (AC2, AC4 and AC7) and an inhibitor (AC1, AC3 and AC8). AC2 is stimulated by Gα(s) and if Gβγ is present the stimulation is synergistic. The precise mechanism of this synergistic activation is still not known. In order to further elucidate the role of Gβγ in AC2 activation by Gα(s), peptides derived from the C1 domains of AC2 were synthesized and the ability of the various peptides to regulate AC2 function was tested. Our results identify two new Gβγ-binding sites in the AC2 C1 domain, AC2 C1a 339-360 and AC2 C1b 578-602 that are involved with stimulation of AC2 by Gβγ. These two regions are different from the previously described QEHA motif in the C2 domain of AC2. Further, the recently discovered PFAHL motif was confirmed to bind and to be involved with stimulation of AC2 by Gβγ. These functional studies indicate that multiple regions of AC2 are involved in the interaction with Gβγ.

A proteomic analysis of the ventral hippocampus of rats subjected to maternal separation and escitalopram treatment

Early life stress is known to predispose humans to the development of depression. Developmental stress has been shown to cause various changes in neurotransmitter systems, neurotrophin expression and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal-axis in the rat brain. The aim of this study was to identify which cytosolic proteins are altered by maternal separation, as a model for depression, as well as by chronic antidepressant treatment. Rats were maternally separated from postnatal day 2-14 for 3 h per day while control rats were normally reared. Both groups were divided and received either escitalopram or saline injections for 6 weeks starting from postnatal day 40. The ventral hippocampal tissue was fractionated and the cytosolic fraction used for 2-D-gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analyses to identify peptides. Mascot database searches were done to identify proteins that were differentially expressed between the groups. Proteins that were significantly changed by maternal separation included amongst others: molecular chaperones and proteins related to energy metabolism; neuroplasticity; oxidative stress regulation; and protein metabolism. Treatment with escitalopram, a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor, induced changes in a different group of proteins, except for a few involved in energy metabolism and neuroprotective pathways. The results indicate which cytosolic proteins are changed by early life stress and may therefore be involved in the development of depression.

Understanding the ligand-receptor-G protein ternary complex for GPCR drug discovery

Understanding the ternary complex between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), cognate G proteins, and their ligands is an important landmark for drug discovery. Yet, little is known about the specific interactions between GPCRs and G proteins. For a better perspective on the ternary complex dynamics, we adapted a beta(2)-adrenergic receptor(beta(2)AR)-tetGs(alpha) reconstitution system and found evidence that for efficient coupling of the beta(2)AR to Gs does not require specific interactions between the betagamma-subunits and the beta(2)AR. Our results demonstrate that specific interactions between betagamma and the beta(2)AR are not required for G protein activation but likely serve to anchor Gs(alpha) to the plasma membrane. Our results also suggests that the advantages of analysis of G protein activation by using beta(2)AR receptor-tetGs(alpha) system in vitro at the close proximity of the receptor may constitute a simple screening system that avoids false positives and potentially adapted to screen drugs for other GPCRs.

G protein βγ subunits: central mediators of G protein-coupled receptor signaling

G protein betagamma subunits are central participants in G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways. They interact with receptors, G protein alpha subunits and downstream targets to coordinate multiple, different GPCR functions. Much is known about the biology of Gbetagamma subunits but mysteries remain. Here, we will review what is known about general aspects of structure and function of Gbetagamma as well as discuss emerging mechanisms for regulation of Gbetagamma signaling. Recent data suggest that Gbetagamma is a potential therapeutic drug target. Thus, a thorough understanding of the molecular and physiological functions of Gbetagamma has significant implications.

Immunolocalization of a Galphaq protein to the chemosensory organs of Dipolydora quadrilobata (polychaeta: spionidae)

Chemoreception in marine invertebrates mediates a variety of ecologically important behaviors including defense, reproduction, larval settlement and recruitment, and feeding. The sensory pathways that regulate deposit-feeding activity by polychaetes living in sedimentary habitats are of particular interest because such feeding has profound effects on the physical and chemical properties of the habitat. Nevertheless, little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms of chemical signal transduction associated with deposit feeding and other behaviors in polychaetes. Chemosensory-based feeding behaviors are typically regulated by G-protein-coupled signal transduction pathways. However, the presence and role of such pathways have not been demonstrated in marine polychaetes. Methodologies involving degenerate primer-based reverse transcription with the polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends were used to identify and characterize a Galphaq subunit expressed in the feeding palps of the spionid polychaete Dipolydora quadrilobata. The D. quadrilobata Galphaq protein had high sequence similarity with previously reported Galphaq subunits from both invertebrate and vertebrate taxa. Immunhistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were used with confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to visualize the distribution of a Galphaq antibody in whole worms and in cilia of the feeding palps. Galphaq immunoreactivity was concentrated in the nuchal organs, food-groove cilia, and lateral/abfrontal cilia of the feeding palps. Because these structures are known to be involved in chemoreception, we propose that Galphaq isolated from D. quadrilobata is a key component of chemosensory signal transduction pathways in this species.

Conformational memories with variable bond angles

Conformational Memories (CM) is a simulated annealing/Monte Carlo method that explores peptide and protein dihedral conformational space completely and efficiently, independent of the original conformation. Here we extend the CM method to include the variation of a randomly chosen bond angle, in addition to the standard variation of two or three randomly chosen dihedral angles, in each Monte Carlo trial of the CM exploratory and biased phases. We test the hypothesis that the inclusion of variable bond angles in CM leads to an improved sampling of conformational space. We compare the results with variable bond angles to CM with no bond angle variation for the following systems: (1) the pentapeptide Met-enkephalin, which is a standard test case for conformational search methods; (2) the proline ring pucker in a 17mer model peptide, (Ala)(8)Pro(Ala)(8); and (3) the conformations of the Ser 7.39 chi(1) in transmembrane helix 7 (TMH7) of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, a 25-residue system. In each case, analysis of the CM results shows that the inclusion of variable bond angles results in sampling of regions of conformational space that are inaccessible to CM calculations with only variable dihedral angles, and/or a shift in conformational populations from those calculated when variable bond angles are not included. The incorporation of variable bond angles leads to an improved sampling of conformational space without loss of efficiency. Our examples show that this improved sampling leads to better exploration of biologically relevant conformations that have been experimentally validated.

Heterotrimeric G protein gamma subunits provide functional selectivity in Gbetagamma dimer signaling in Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis thaliana heterotrimeric G protein complex is encoded by single canonical Galpha and Gbeta subunit genes and two Ggamma subunit genes (AGG1 and AGG2), raising the possibility that the two potential G protein complexes mediate different cellular processes. Mutants with reduced expression of one or both Ggamma genes revealed specialized roles for each Ggamma subunit. AGG1-deficient mutants, but not AGG2-deficient mutants, showed impaired resistance against necrotrophic pathogens, reduced induction of the plant defensin gene PDF1.2, and decreased sensitivity to methyl jasmonate. By contrast, both AGG1- and AGG2-deficient mutants were hypersensitive to auxin-mediated induction of lateral roots, suggesting that Gbetagamma1 and Gbetagamma2 synergistically inhibit auxin-dependent lateral root initiation. However, the involvement of each Ggamma subunit in this root response differs, with Gbetagamma1 acting within the central cylinder, attenuating acropetally transported auxin signaling, while Gbetagamma2 affects the action of basipetal auxin and graviresponsiveness within the epidermis and/or cortex. This selectivity also operates in the hypocotyl. Selectivity in Gbetagamma signaling was also found in other known AGB1-mediated pathways. agg1 mutants were hypersensitive to glucose and the osmotic agent mannitol during seed germination, while agg2 mutants were only affected by glucose. We show that both Ggamma subunits form functional Gbetagamma dimers and that each provides functional selectivity to the plant heterotrimeric G proteins, revealing a mechanism underlying the complexity of G protein-mediated signaling in plants.

Direct G protein modulation of Cav2 calcium channels

The regulation of presynaptic, voltage-gated calcium channels by activation of heptahelical G protein-coupled receptors exerts a crucial influence on presynaptic calcium entry and hence on neurotransmitter release. Receptor activation subjects presynaptic N- and P/Q-type calcium channels to a rapid, membrane-delimited inhibition-mediated by direct, voltage-dependent interactions between G protein betagamma subunits and the channels-and to a slower, voltage-independent modulation involving soluble second messenger molecules. In turn, the direct inhibition of the channels is regulated as a function of many factors, including channel subtype, ancillary calcium channel subunits, and the types of G proteins and G protein regulatory factors involved. Twenty-five years after this mode of physiological regulation was first described, we review the investigations that have led to our current understanding of its molecular mechanisms.

Structures, mechanism, regulation and evolution of class III nucleotidyl cyclases

Cyclic 3',5'-guanylyl and adenylyl nucleotides function as second messengers in eukaryotic signal transduction pathways and as sensory transducers in prokaryotes. The nucleotidyl cyclases (NCs) that catalyze the synthesis of these molecules comprise several evolutionarily distinct groups, of which class III is the largest. The domain structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic class III NCs are diverse, including a variety of regulatory and transmembrane modules. Yet all members of this family contain one or two catalytic domains, characterized by an evolutionarily ancient topological motif (betaalphaalphabetabetaalphabeta) that is preserved in several other enzymes that catalyze the nucleophilic attack of a 3'-hydroxyl upon a 5' nucleotide phosphate. Two dyad-related catalytic domains compose one catalytic unit, with the catalytic sites formed at the domain interface. The catalytic domains of mononucleotidyl cyclases (MNCs) and diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) are called cyclase homology domains (CHDs) and GGDEF domains, respectively. Prokaryotic NCs usually contain only one catalytic domain and are catalytically active as intermolecular homodimers. The different modes of dimerization in class III NCs probably evolved concurrently with their mode of binding substrate. The catalytic mechanism of GGDEF domain homodimers is not completely understood, but they are expected to have a single active site with each subunit contributing equivalent determinants to bind one GTP molecule or half a c-diGMP molecule. CHD dimers have two potential dyad-related active sites, with both CHDs contributing determinants to each site. Homodimeric class III MNCs have two equivalent catalytic sites, although such enzymes may show half-of-sites reactivity. Eukaryotic class III MNCs often contain two divergent CHDs, with only one catalytically competent site. All CHDs appear to use a common catalytic mechanism, which requires the participation of two magnesium or manganese ions for binding polyphosphate groups and nucleophile activation. In contrast, mechanisms for purine recognition and specificity are more diverse. Class III NCs are subject to regulation by small molecule effectors, endogenous domains, or exogenous protein partners. Many of these regulators act by altering the interface of the catalytic domains and therefore the integrity of the catalytic site(s). This review focuses on both conserved and divergent mechanisms of class III NC function and regulation.

A Single Gβ Subunit Locus Controls Cross-talk between Protein Kinase C and G Protein Regulation of N-type Calcium Channels

The modulation of N-type calcium channels is a key factor in the control of neurotransmitter release. Whereas N-type channels are inhibited by Gbetagamma subunits in a G protein beta-isoform-dependent manner, channel activity is typically stimulated by activation of protein kinase C (PKC). In addition, there is cross-talk among these pathways, such that PKC-dependent phosphorylation of the Gbetagamma target site on the N-type channel antagonizes subsequent G protein inhibition, albeit only for Gbeta(1)-mediated responses. The molecular mechanisms that control this G protein beta subunit subtype-specific regulation have not been described. Here, we show that G protein inhibition of N-type calcium channels is critically dependent on two separate but adjacent approximately 20-amino acid regions of the Gbeta subunit, plus a highly conserved Asn-Tyr-Val motif. These regions are distinct from those implicated previously in Gbetagamma signaling to other effectors such as G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channels, phospholipase beta(2), and adenylyl cyclase, thus raising the possibility that the specificity for G protein signaling to calcium channels might rely on unique G protein structural determinants. In addition, we identify a highly specific locus on the Gbeta(1) subunit that serves as a molecular detector of PKC-dependent phosphorylation of the G protein target site on the N-type channel alpha(1) subunit, thus providing for a molecular basis for G protein-PKC cross-talk. Overall, our results significantly advance our understanding of the molecular details underlying the integration of G protein and PKC signaling pathways at the level of the N-type calcium channel alpha(1) subunit.

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors couple to multiple G-proteins to activate diverse intracellular signaling pathways in mouse hippocampus: role in neuronal excitability and associative learning

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) exerts a key neuroregulatory control on stress responses in various regions of the mammalian brain, including the hippocampus. Using hippocampal slices, extracts, and whole animals, we investigated the effects of human/rat CRF (h/rCRF) on hippocampal neuronal excitability and hippocampus-dependent learning in two mouse inbred strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6N. Intracellular recordings from slices revealed that application of h/rCRF increased the neuronal activity in both mouse inbred strains. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) by bisindolylmaleimide I (BIS-I) prevented the h/rCRF effect only in hippocampal slices from BALB/c mice but not in slices from C57BL/6N mice. Inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) by H-89 abolished the h/rCRF effect in slices from C57BL/6N mice, with no effect in slices from BALB/c mice. Accordingly, h/rCRF elevated PKA activity in hippocampal slices from C57BL/6N mice but increased only PKC activity in the hippocampus of BALB/c mice. These differences in h/rCRF signal transduction were also observed in hippocampal membrane suspensions from both mouse strains. In BALB/c mice, hippocampal CRF receptors coupled to G(q/11) during stimulation by h/rCRF, whereas they coupled to G(s), G(q/11), and G(i) in C57BL/6N mice. As expected on the basis of the slice experiments, h/rCRF improved context-dependent fear conditioning of BALB/c mice in behavioral experiments, and BIS-I prevented this effect. However, although h/rCRF increased neuronal spiking in slices from C57BL/6N mice, it did not enhance conditioned fear. These results indicate that the CRF system activates different intracellular signaling pathways in mouse hippocampus and may have distinct effects on associative learning depending on the mouse strain investigated.

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors couple to multiple G-proteins to activate diverse intracellular signaling pathways in mouse hippocampus: role in neuronal excitability and associative learning

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) exerts a key neuroregulatory control on stress responses in various regions of the mammalian brain, including the hippocampus. Using hippocampal slices, extracts, and whole animals, we investigated the effects of human/rat CRF (h/rCRF) on hippocampal neuronal excitability and hippocampus-dependent learning in two mouse inbred strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6N. Intracellular recordings from slices revealed that application of h/rCRF increased the neuronal activity in both mouse inbred strains. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) by bisindolylmaleimide I (BIS-I) prevented the h/rCRF effect only in hippocampal slices from BALB/c mice but not in slices from C57BL/6N mice. Inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) by H-89 abolished the h/rCRF effect in slices from C57BL/6N mice, with no effect in slices from BALB/c mice. Accordingly, h/rCRF elevated PKA activity in hippocampal slices from C57BL/6N mice but increased only PKC activity in the hippocampus of BALB/c mice. These differences in h/rCRF signal transduction were also observed in hippocampal membrane suspensions from both mouse strains. In BALB/c mice, hippocampal CRF receptors coupled to G(q/11) during stimulation by h/rCRF, whereas they coupled to G(s), G(q/11), and G(i) in C57BL/6N mice. As expected on the basis of the slice experiments, h/rCRF improved context-dependent fear conditioning of BALB/c mice in behavioral experiments, and BIS-I prevented this effect. However, although h/rCRF increased neuronal spiking in slices from C57BL/6N mice, it did not enhance conditioned fear. These results indicate that the CRF system activates different intracellular signaling pathways in mouse hippocampus and may have distinct effects on associative learning depending on the mouse strain investigated.

Endogenous mono-ADP-ribosylation of the free Gbetagamma prevents stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase-gamma and phospholipase C-beta2 and is activated by G-protein-coupled receptors

We have recently demonstrated that the beta subunit of the heterotrimeric G-proteins is endogenously mono-ADP-ribosylated in intact cells. The modified betagamma heterodimer loses its ability to inhibit calmodulin-stimulated type 1 adenylate cyclase and, remarkably, is de-ADP-ribosylated by a cytosolic hydrolase that completes an ADP-/de-ADP-ribosylation cycle of potential physiological relevance. In the present study, we show that this ADP-ribosylation might indeed be a general mechanism for termination of betagamma signalling, since the ADP-ribosylated betagamma subunit is also unable to activate both phosphoinositide 3-kinase-gamma and phospholipase C-beta2. Moreover, we show that beta subunit ADP-ribosylation is induced by G-protein-coupled receptor activation, since hormone stimulation of Chinese-hamster ovary plasma membranes leads to increases in beta subunit labelling. This occurs when betagamma is in its active heterodimeric conformation, since full inhibition of this modification can be achieved by binding of GDP-alphai3 to the betagamma heterodimer. Taken together, these findings delineate a pathway that arises from the activation of a G-protein-coupled receptor and leads to the inhibition of betagamma activity through its reversible mono-ADP-ribosylation.

Binding specificity for RACK1 resides in the V5 region of beta II protein kinase C

Identification of selective anchoring proteins responsible for specialized localization of specific signaling proteins has led to the identification of new inhibitors of signal transduction, inhibitors of anchoring protein-ligand interactions. RACK1, the first receptor for activated C kinase identified in our lab, is a selective anchoring protein for betaII protein kinase C (betaIIPKC). We previously found that at least part of the RACK1-binding site resides in the C2 domain of betaIIPKC (Ron, D., Luo, J., and Mochly-Rosen, D. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 24180-24187). Here we show that the V5 domain also contains part of the RACK1-binding site in betaIIPKC. In neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, the betaIIV5-3 peptide (amino acids 645-650 in betaIIPKC) selectively inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced translocation of betaIIPKC and not betaIPKC. In addition, the betaIIV5-3 peptide inhibited cardiac myocyte hypertrophy in PMA-treated cells. Interestingly, betaIV5-3 (646-651 in betaIPKC), a selective translocation inhibitor of betaIPKC, also inhibited PMA-induced cardiac myocyte hypertrophy, demonstrating that both betaI- and betaIIPKC are essential for this cardiac function. Therefore, the betaIIV5 domain contains part of the RACK1-binding site in betaIIPKC; a peptide corresponding to this site is a selective inhibitor of betaIIPKC and, hence, enables the identification of betaIIPKC-selective functions.

Identification of a surface on the beta-propeller protein RACK1 that interacts with the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4D5

A strategy of mutagenesis followed by yeast two-hybrid assay was used to determine the sites on the WD-repeat protein Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) necessary for it to interact with the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase isoform PDE4D5. Analysis of deletion mutations demonstrated that WD-repeats 5-7, inclusively, of RACK1 contained the major site for interaction with PDE4D5. A reverse two-hybrid screen focusing on WD-repeats 5-7 of RACK1 isolated 11 single amino acid mutations from within this region that blocked the interaction. The ability of these mutations to block the interaction was confirmed by "pull-down" assays using bacterially expressed glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-RACK1 and mammalian cell-expressed PDE4D5. A model of RACK1 structure, based on the structural similarity of RACK1 to other beta-propeller WD-repeat proteins, indicated that the majority of the amino acids identified by mutagenesis are clustered in a discrete surface of RACK1. We propose that this surface of RACK1 is the major site for its interaction with the unique amino-terminal region of PDE4D5.

The G protein beta subunit is a determinant in the coupling of Gs to the beta 1-adrenergic and A2a adenosine receptors

The signaling specificity of five purified G protein betagamma dimers, beta(1)gamma(2), beta(2)gamma(2), beta(3)gamma(2), beta(4)gamma(2), and beta(5)gamma(2), was explored by reconstituting them with G(s) alpha and receptors or effectors in the adenylyl cyclase cascade. The ability of the five betagamma dimers to support receptor-alpha-betagamma interactions was examined using membranes expressing the beta(1)-adrenergic or A2a adenosine receptors. These receptors discriminated among the defined heterotrimers based solely on the beta isoform. The beta(4)gamma(2) dimer demonstrated the highest coupling efficiency to either receptor. The beta(5)gamma(2) dimer coupled poorly to each receptor, with EC(50) values 40-200-fold higher than those observed with beta(4)gamma(2). Strikingly, whereas the EC(50) of the beta(1)gamma(2) dimer at the beta(1)-adrenergic receptor was similar to beta(4)gamma(2), its EC(50) was 20-fold higher at the A2a adenosine receptor. Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase type I (AC1) and stimulation of type II (AC2) by the betagamma dimers were measured. betagamma dimers containing Gbeta(1-4) were able to stimulate AC2 similarly, and beta(5)gamma(2) was much less potent. beta(1)gamma(2), beta(2)gamma(2), and beta(4)gamma(2) inhibited AC1 equally; beta(3)gamma(2) was 10-fold less effective, and beta(5)gamma(2) had no effect. These data argue that the beta isoform in the betagamma dimer can determine the specificity of signaling at both receptors and effectors.

Site-directed mutagenesis of the magB gene affects growth and development in Magnaporthe grisea

G protein signaling is commonly involved in regulating growth and differentiation of eukaryotic cells. We previously identified MAGB, encoding a Galpha subunit, from Magnaporthe grisea, and disruption of MAGB led to defects in a number of cellular responses, including appressorium formation, conidiation, sexual development, mycelial growth, and surface sensing. In this study, site-directed mutagenesis was used to further dissect the pleiotropic effects controlled by MAGB. Conversion of glycine 42 to arginine was predicted to abolish GTPase activity, which in turn would constitutively activate G protein signaling in magB(G42R). This dominant mutation caused autolysis of aged colonies, misscheduled melanization, reduction in both sexual and asexual reproduction, and reduced virulence. Furthermore, magB(G42R) mutants were able to produce appressoria on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, although development on the hydrophilic surface was delayed. A second dominant mutation, magB(G203R) (glycine 203 converted to arginine), was expected to block dissociation of the Gbetagamma from the Galpha subunit, thus producing a constitutively inactive G protein complex. This mutation did not cause drastic phenotypic changes in the wild-type genetic background, other than increased sensitivity to repression of conidiation by osmotic stress. However, magB(G203R) is able to complement phenotypic defects in magB mutants. Comparative analyses of the phenotypical effects of different magB mutations are consistent with the involvement of the Gbetagamma subunit in the signaling pathways regulating cellular development in M. grisea.

RGS7 complex formation and colocalization with the Gbeta5 subunit in the adult rat brain and influence on Gbeta5gamma2-mediated PLCbeta signaling

This study describes the colocalized distribution and dimeric complex formation between RGS7, a GTPase-activating protein for several heterotrimeric Galpha protein families, and the Gbeta5 subunit in the adult rat brain. Confocal dual immunofluorescence labeling studies indicated a broad regional specificity in the cellular coexpression between RGS7 and Gbeta5 within the cerebral cortical layers I and V-VI, hippocampal formation, caudate-putamen, medial habenula, most thalamic nuclei, and cerebellar molecular and granular layers. In all instances, Gbeta1-beta4 immunoreactivities exhibited no observable colocalization with RGS7, despite their widespread codistribution throughout similar neuronal networks. Coimmunoprecipitation studies confirmed the selective protein-protein interaction between RGS7 and Gbeta5 within brain regions that displayed immunohistochemical colocalization. The influence of RGS7 to modulate Gbeta5gamma2-mediated phosphatidyl inositol (PI) production was examined in COS-7-cotransfected cells. In the presence of Gbeta5gamma2 only, intracellular PI accumulation was increased by 25% above basal levels; addition of RGS7 produced no significant alteration in Gbeta5gamma2-mediated PI accumulation. A similar trend was exhibited when full-length RGS7 was substituted with an RGS7 construct lacking the Gbeta5-interacting region (G protein gamma-like domain; GGL domain) or with RGS4. In conclusion, RGS7/Gbeta5 dimers occurred within most brain regions in which both proteins were cellularly coexpressed. However, an influence of RGS7 on Gbeta5gamma2-mediated PLCbeta signaling activity was not apparent, athough this was in COS-7 cell transfection studies.

Endogenous ADP-ribosylation of the G protein beta subunit prevents the inhibition of type 1 adenylyl cyclase

Mono-ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification of cellular proteins that has been implicated in the regulation of signal transduction, muscle cell differentiation, protein trafficking, and secretion. In several cell systems we have observed that the major substrate of endogenous mono-ADP-ribosylation is a 36-kDa protein. This ADP-ribosylated protein was both recognized in Western blotting experiments and selectively immunoprecipitated by a G protein beta subunit-specific polyclonal antibody, indicating that this protein is the G protein beta subunit. The ADP-ribosylation of the beta subunit was due to a plasma membrane-associated enzyme, was sensitive to treatment with hydroxylamine, and was inhibited by meta-iodobenzylguanidine, indicating that the involved enzyme is an arginine-specific mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase. By mutational analysis, the target arginine was located in position 129. The ADP-ribosylated beta subunit was also deribosylated by a cytosolic hydrolase. This ADP-ribosylation/deribosylation cycle might be an in vivo modulator of the interaction of betagamma with specific effectors. Indeed, we found that the ADP-ribosylated betagamma subunit is unable to inhibit calmodulin-stimulated type 1 adenylyl cyclase in cell membranes and that the endogenous ADP-ribosylation of the beta subunit occurs in intact Chinese hamster ovary cells, where the NAD(+) pool was labeled with [(3)H]adenine. These results show that the ADP-ribosylation of the betagamma subunit could represent a novel cellular mechanism in the regulation of G protein-mediated signal transduction.

Structural features of heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptors and their modulatory proteins

Over the past 20 years, the general mechanism for signaling through 7-transmembrane helix receptors coupled to GTP hydrolysis has been worked out. Although similar in overall organization, subtype variability and subcellular localization of components have built in considerable signaling specificity. Atomic resolution structures for many of the components have delineated the domain organization of these complex proteins and have given physical form to the idea of subtype specificity. This review describes what is known about the physical structures of the 7-transmembrane helix receptors, the heterotrimeric GTP binding coupling proteins, the adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C effector proteins, and signaling modulatory proteins, such as arrestin, phosducin, recoverin-type myristoyl switch proteins, and the pleckstrin homology domain of G-protein receptor kinase-2. These images allow experimenters to contemplate the details of the supramolecular organization of the multiprotein complexes involved in the transmission of signals across the cellular lipid bilayer.

Resolution of a signal transfer region from a general binding domain in gbeta for stimulation of phospholipase C-beta2

Signaling by guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) involves sequential protein-protein interactions. G protein-betagamma subunit (Gbetagamma) interactions with phospholipase C-beta2 (PLC-beta2) were studied to determine if all Gbeta contacts are required for signaling. A peptide encoding Gbeta amino acid residues 86 to 105 stimulated PLC-beta2. Six residues (96 to 101) within this sequence could transfer signals and thus constitute a core signal transfer region. Another peptide, encoding Gbeta amino acid residues 115 to 135, did not substantially stimulate PLC-beta2 by itself but inhibited Gbetagamma stimulation, indicating that residues 115 to 135 constitute a general binding domain. Resolution of signal transfer regions from general binding domains indicates that all protein-protein contacts are not required for signal transfer and that it may be feasible to synthesize agonists and antagonists that regulate intracellular signal flow.

G protein beta subunit is closely associated with microtubules

Previously, we have identified the association of G protein beta subunit (Gbeta) with mitotic spindles in various mammalian cells. Since microtubules are the main component of mitotic spindles, here we have isolated bovine brain microtubules and purified Gbeta subunit to identify the close association of Gbeta subunit with purified brain microtubules and have shown the direct incorporation of Gbeta subunit into the microtubules both in vitro and in vivo. It was found that: (1) microtubular fraction isolated from bovine brain contained Gbeta subunit, (2) coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that Gbeta subunit could be coprecipitated with tubulin, (3) addition of purified Gbeta subunit into cytosolic extract for microtubule assembly caused direct incorporation of Gbeta subunit into assembled microtubules and increased the association of microtubule-associated proteins with microtubules, and (4) incubation of exogenous Gbeta subunit with detergent-permeabilized cells resulted in direct incorporation of Gbeta subunit into microtubule fibers and depolymerized tubulin molecules. We conclude that G protein beta subunit is closely associated with microtubules and may play an important role in the regulation of microtubule formation in addition to its regulatory role in cellular signal transduction.

The G-protein betagamma complex

The vast majority of signalling pathways in mammalian cells are mediated by heterotrimeric (alpha betagamma) G proteins. Reviewed here is regulation of signal transduction by the betagamma complex at different protein interfaces: subunit-subunit, receptor-G protein and G protein-effector. The role of diverse beta and gamma subunit types in achieving specificity in signalling and potentially unidentified functions for these subunits also are discussed.

Sites for Galpha binding on the G protein beta subunit overlap with sites for regulation of phospholipase Cbeta and adenylyl cyclase

Heterotrimeric G proteins, composed of alpha and betagamma subunits, forward signals from transmembrane receptors to intracellular effector enzymes and ion channels. Free betagamma activates downstream targets, but its action is terminated by association with GDP-liganded alpha subunits. Because alpha can inhibit activation of many effectors by betagamma, it is likely that the alpha subunit binding surfaces on betagamma overlap the surfaces necessary for effector activation. To test this hypothesis, we mutated residues on beta shown to contact alpha in the recently published crystal structures of the alphabetagamma heterotrimer (Wall, M. A., Coleman, D. E., Lee, E., Iniguez-Lluhi, J. A., Posner, B. A., Gilman, A. G., and Sprang, S. R. (1995) Cell 83, 1047-1058; Lambright, D. G., Sondek, J., Bohm, A., Skiba, N. P., Hamm, H. E., and Sigler, P. B. (1996) Nature 379, 311-319.). The alpha subunit binds to the flat, top surface of the toroidal beta subunit and also extends a helix along the side of the beta subunit at blade 1. We mutated four residues on the top surface of beta (Hbeta1[L117A], Hbeta1[D228R], Hbeta1[D246S], and Hbeta1[W332A]) and two residues on the side of beta that contacts alpha (Hbeta1[N88A/K89A]). Each of the mutant proteins was able to form beta gamma dimers, but they differed in their ability to bind alpha and to activate phospholipase C beta2 (PLCbeta2), PLCbeta3, and adenylyl cyclase II. Mutation of residues along the side of the torus at blade 1 diminish affinity for alpha but do not prevent activation of any of the effectors. Mutations on the alpha binding surface differentially affected PLCbeta2, PLCbeta3, and adenylyl cyclase II. Residues that affect PLCbeta and adenylyl cyclase II activity are found on opposite sides of the central tunnel, suggesting that PLC and adenylyl cyclase, like the alpha subunit, make many contacts on the top surface. None of the mutations affected the ability of betagamma to inhibit adenylyl cyclase I. We conclude that alpha, PLCbeta2, PLCbeta3, and adenylyl cyclase II share an interaction on the top surface of beta. The importance of individual residues is different for alpha binding and for effector activation and differs even between closely related isoforms of the same effector.

Crystal structure of the catalytic domains of adenylyl cyclase in a complex with Gsalpha.GTPgammaS

The crystal structure of a soluble, catalytically active form of adenylyl cyclase in a complex with its stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunit (Gsalpha) and forskolin was determined to a resolution of 2.3 angstroms. When P-site inhibitors were soaked into native crystals of the complex, the active site of adenylyl cyclase was located and structural elements important for substrate recognition and catalysis were identified. On the basis of these and other structures, a molecular mechanism is proposed for the activation of adenylyl cyclase by Gsalpha.