Leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor promotes G alpha q-coupled activation of RhoA

Leukemia-associated Rho guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (LARG) belongs to the subfamily of Dbl homology RhoGEF proteins (including p115 RhoGEF and PDZ-RhoGEF) that possess amino-terminal regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) boxes also found within GTPase-accelerating proteins (GAPs) for heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits. p115 RhoGEF stimulates the intrinsic GTP hydrolysis activity of G alpha 12/13 subunits and acts as an effector for G13-coupled receptors by linking receptor activation to RhoA activation. The presence of RGS box and Dbl homology domains within LARG suggests this protein may also function as a GAP toward specific G alpha subunits and couple G alpha activation to RhoA-mediating signaling pathways. Unlike the RGS box of p115 RhoGEF, the RGS box of LARG interacts not only with G alpha 12 and G alpha 13 but also with G alpha q. In cellular coimmunoprecipitation studies, the LARG RGS box formed stable complexes with the transition state mimetic forms of G alpha q, G alpha 12, and G alpha 13. Expression of the LARG RGS box diminished the transforming activity of oncogenic G protein-coupled receptors (Mas, G2A, and m1-muscarinic cholinergic) coupled to G alpha q and G alpha 13. Activated G alpha q, as well as G alpha 12 and G alpha 13, cooperated with LARG and caused synergistic activation of RhoA, suggesting that all three G alpha subunits stimulate LARG-mediated activation of RhoA. Our findings suggest that the RhoA exchange factor LARG, unlike the related p115 RhoGEF and PDZ-RhoGEF proteins, can serve as an effector for Gq-coupled receptors, mediating their functional linkage to RhoA-dependent signaling pathways.     

Structure of the rgRGS domain of p115RhoGEF

p115RhoGEF, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPase, is also a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for G(12) and G(13) heterotrimeric G alpha subunits. Near its N-terminus, p115RhoGEF contains a domain (rgRGS) with remote sequence identity to RGS (regulators of G protein signaling) domains. The rgRGS domain is necessary but not sufficient for the GAP activity of p115RhoGEF. The 1.9 A resolution crystal structure of the rgRGS domain shows structural similarity to RGS domains but possesses a C-terminal extension that folds into a layer of helices that pack against the hydrophobic core of the domain. Mutagenesis experiments show that rgRGS may form interactions with G alpha(13) that are analogous to those in complexes of RGS proteins with their G alpha substrates.     

Interaction between the G alpha subunit of heterotrimeric G(12) protein and Hsp90 is required for G alpha(12) signaling

The G alpha subunit of G(12) protein, one of the heterotrimeric G proteins, regulates diverse and complex cellular responses by transducing signals from the cell surface, presumably involving more than one downstream effector. Yeast two-hybrid screening of a human testis cDNA library identified a large fragment of Hsp90 as a protein that interacted with G alpha(12). The interaction between G alpha(12) and Hsp90 was further substantiated by a co-immunoprecipitation technique. We have determined that Hsp90 is not required for the interaction of G alpha(12) with its binding partners, p115(RhoGEF) and the G beta subunit. Importantly, Hsp90 is required for G alpha(12)-induced serum response element activation, cytoskeletal changes, and mitogenic response. Closely related to G alpha(12), the G alpha(13) subunit did not interact with Hsp90 and did not require functional Hsp90 for serum response element activation. Thus, our results identify a novel signaling module of G alpha(12) and Hsp90.     

Recognition of the activated states of Galpha13 by the rgRGS domain of PDZRhoGEF

G12 class heterotrimeric G proteins stimulate RhoA activation by RGS-RhoGEFs. However, p115RhoGEF is a GTPase Activating Protein (GAP) toward Galpha13, whereas PDZRhoGEF is not. We have characterized the interaction between the PDZRhoGEF rgRGS domain (PRG-rgRGS) and the alpha subunit of G13 and have determined crystal structures of their complexes in both the inactive state bound to GDP and the active states bound to GDP*AlF (transition state) and GTPgammaS (Michaelis complex). PRG-rgRGS interacts extensively with the helical domain and the effector-binding sites on Galpha13 through contacts that are largely conserved in all three nucleotide-bound states, although PRG-rgRGS has highest affinity to the Michaelis complex. An acidic motif in the N terminus of PRG-rgRGS occupies the GAP binding site of Galpha13 and is flexible in the GDP*AlF complex but well ordered in the GTPgammaS complex. Replacement of key residues in this motif with their counterparts in p115RhoGEF confers GAP activity.     

Chimeric G alpha i2/G alpha 13 proteins reveal the structural requirements for the binding and activation of the RGS-like (RGL)-containing Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) by G alpha 13

The alpha-subunit of G proteins of the G(12/13) family stimulate Rho by their direct binding to the RGS-like (RGL) domain of a family of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RGL-RhoGEFs) that includes PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG), p115RhoGEF, and LARG, thereby regulating cellular functions as diverse as shape and movement, gene expression, and normal and aberrant cell growth. The structural features determining the ability of G alpha(12/13) to bind RGL domains and the mechanism by which this association results in the activation of RGL-RhoGEFs are still poorly understood. Here, we explored the structural requirements for the functional interaction between G alpha(13) and RGL-RhoGEFs based on the structure of RGL domains and their similarity with the area by which RGS4 binds the switch region of G alpha(i) proteins. Using G alpha(i2), which does not bind RGL domains, as the backbone in which G alpha(13) sequences were swapped or mutated, we observed that the switch region of G alpha(13) is strictly necessary to bind PRG, and specific residues were identified that are critical for this association, likely by contributing to the binding surface. Surprisingly, the switch region of G alpha(13) was not sufficient to bind RGL domains, but instead most of its GTPase domain is required. Furthermore, membrane localization of G alpha(13) and chimeric G alpha(i2) proteins was also necessary for Rho activation. These findings revealed the structural features by which G alpha(13) interacts with RGL domains and suggest that molecular interactions occurring at the level of the plasma membrane are required for the functional activation of the RGL-containing family of RhoGEFs.     

Mechanisms for reversible regulation between G13 and Rho exchange factors.

The heterotrimeric G proteins, G(12) and G(13), mediate signaling between G protein-coupled receptors and the monomeric GTPase, RhoA. One pathway for this modulation is direct stimulation by Galpha(13) of p115 RhoGEF, an exchange factor for RhoA. The GTPase activity of both Galpha(12) and Galpha(13) is increased by the N terminus of p115 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). This region has weak homology to the RGS box sequence of the classic regulators of G protein signaling (RGS), which act as GTPase-activating proteins (GAP) for G(i) and G(q). Here, the RGS region of p115 RhoGEF is shown to be distinctly different in that sequences flanking the predicted "RGS box" region are required for both stable expression and GAP activity. Deletions in the N terminus of the protein eliminate GAP activity but retain substantial binding to Galpha(13) and activation of RhoA exchange activity by Galpha(13). In contrast, GTRAP48, a homolog of p115 RhoGEF, bound to Galpha(13) but was not stimulated by the alpha subunit and had very poor GAP activity. Besides binding to the N-terminal RGS region, Galpha(13) also bound to a truncated protein consisting only of the Dbl homology (DH) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains. However, Galpha(13) did not stimulate the exchange activity of this truncated protein. A chimeric protein, which contained the RGS region of GTRAP48 in place of the endogenous N terminus of p115 RhoGEF, was activated by Galpha(13). These results suggest a mechanism for activation of the nucleotide exchange activity of p115 RhoGEF that involves direct and coordinate interaction of Galpha(13) to both its RGS and DH domains.     

Identification of critical residues in G(alpha)13 for stimulation of p115RhoGEF activity and the structure of the G(alpha)13-p115RhoGEF regulator of G protein signaling homology (RH) domain complex

RH-RhoGEFs are a family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors that contain a regulator of G protein signaling homology (RH) domain. The heterotrimeric G protein Gα(13) stimulates the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity of RH-RhoGEFs, leading to activation of RhoA. The mechanism by which Gα(13) stimulates the GEF activity of RH-RhoGEFs, such as p115RhoGEF, has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, specific residues in Gα(13) that mediate activation of p115RhoGEF are identified. Mutation of these residues significantly impairs binding of Gα(13) to p115RhoGEF as well as stimulation of GEF activity. These data suggest that the exchange activity of p115RhoGEF is stimulated allosterically by Gα(13) and not through its interaction with a secondary binding site. A crystal structure of Gα(13) bound to the RH domain of p115RhoGEF is also presented, which differs from a previously crystallized complex with a Gα(13)-Gα(i1) chimera. Taken together, these data provide new insight into the mechanism by which p115RhoGEF is activated by Gα(13).     

Regulation of G protein-mediated signal transduction by RGS proteins

RGS proteins form a new family of regulatory proteins of G protein signaling. They contain homologous core domains (RGS domains) of about 120 amino acids. RGS domains interact with activated Galpha subunits. Several RGS proteins have been shown biochemically to act as GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) for their interacting Galpha subunits. Other than RGS domains, RGS proteins differ significantly in size, amino acid sequences, and tissue distribution. In addition, many RGS proteins have other protein-protein interaction motifs involved in cell signaling. We have shown that p115RhoGEF, a newly identified GEF(guanine nucleotide exchange factor) for RhoGTPase, has a RGS domain at its N-terminal region and this domain acts as a specific GAP for Galpha12 and Galpha13. Furthermore, binding of activated Galpha13 to this RGS domain stimulated GEF activity of p115RhoGEF. Activated Galpha12 inhibited Galpha13-stimulated GEF activity. Thus p115RhoGEF is a direct link between heterotrimeric G protein and RhoGTPase and it functions as an effector for Galpha12 and Galpha13 in addition to acting as their GAP. We also found that RGS domain at N-terminal regions of G protein receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) specifically interacts with Galphaq/11 and inhibits Galphaq-mediated activation of PLC-beta, apparently through sequestration of activated Galphaq. However, unlike other RGS proteins, this RGS domain did not show significant GAP activity to Galphaq. These results indicate that RGS proteins have far more diverse functions than acting simply as GAPs and the characterization of function of each RGS protein is crucial to understand the G protein signaling network in cells.     

G alpha 13 signals via p115RhoGEF cascades regulating JNK1 and primitive endoderm formation

The heterotrimeric G-protein G(13) mediates the formation of primitive endoderm from mouse P19 embryonal carcinoma cells in response to retinoic acid, signaling to the level of activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. The signal linkage map from MEKK1/MEKK4 to MEK1/MKK4 to JNK is obligate in this G alpha(13)-mediated pathway, whereas that between G alpha(13) and MEKKs is not known. The overall pathway to primitive endoderm formation was shown to be inhibited by treatment with Clostridium botulinum C3 exotoxin, a specific inactivator of RhoA family members. Constitutively active G alpha(13) was found to activate RhoA as well as Cdc42 and Rac1 in these cells. Although constitutively active Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA all can activate JNK1, only the RhoA mutant was able to promote formation of primitive endoderm, mimicking expression of the constitutively activated G alpha(13). Expression of the constitutively active mutant form of p115RhoGEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) was found to activate RhoA and JNK1 activities. Expression of the dominant negative p115RhoGEF was able to inhibit activation of both RhoA and JNK1 in response to either retinoic acid or the expression of a constitutively activated mutant of G alpha(13). Expression of the dominant negative mutants of RhoA as well as those of either Cdc42 or Rac1, but not Ras, attenuated G alpha(13)-stimulated as well as retinoic acid-stimulated activation of all three of these small molecular weight GTPases, suggesting complex interrelationships among the three GTPases in this pathway. The formation of primitive endoderm in response to retinoic acid also could be blocked by expression of dominant negative mutants of RhoA, Cdc42, or Rac1. Thus, the signal propagated from G alpha(13) to JNK requires activation of p115RhoGEF cascades, including p115RhoGEF itself, RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1. In a concerted effort, RhoA in tandem with Cdc42 and Rac1 activates the MEKK1/4, MEK1/MKK4, and JNK cascade, thereby stimulating formation of primitive endoderm.     

Genetic and structural analysis of G protein alpha subunit regulatory domains.

Genetic and structural analysis of the alpha chain polypeptides of heterotrimeric G proteins defines functional domains for GTP/GDP binding, GTPase activity, effector activation, receptor contact and beta gamma subunit complex regulation. The conservation in sequence comprising the GDP/GTP binding and GTPase domains among G protein alpha subunits readily allows common mutations to be made for the design of mutant polypeptides that function as constitutive active or dominant negative alpha chains when expressed in different cell types. Organization of the effector activation, receptor and beta gamma contact domains is similar in the primary sequence of the different alpha subunit polypeptides relative to the GTP/GDP binding domain sequences. Mutation within common motifs of the different G protein alpha chain polypeptides have similar functional consequences. Thus, what has been learned with the Gs and Gi proteins and the regulation of adenylyl cyclase can be directly applied to the analysis of newly identified G proteins and their coupling to receptors and regulation of putative effector enzymes.     

Two G12 family G proteins, G alpha12 and G alpha13, show different subcellular localization

The G alpha subunits of the G12 family of heterotrimeric G proteins, G alpha12 and G alpha13, are closely related in sequences and some effectors, but they often act through different pathways or bind to different proteins. We have examined subcellular distribution of these two G proteins and found that endogenous G alpha12 and G alpha13 localize in membrane and cytoplasmic fractions, respectively. Exogenously expressed G alpha12 and G alpha13 also localize in membrane and cytoplasmic fractions, respectively, in COS-7 cells. Stimulation of lysophosphatidic acid receptor coupled to G alpha13 markedly promotes the translocation of G alpha13 from cytoplasm to membrane. This different localization of G alpha12 and G alpha13 may explain some of the nonoverlapping actions of G alpha12 and G alpha13.     

Structure of the p115RhoGEF rgRGS domain-Galpha13/i1 chimera complex suggests convergent evolution of a GTPase activator

p115RhoGEF, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rho GTPase, is also a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for G12 and G13 heterotrimeric Galpha subunits. The GAP function of p115RhoGEF resides within the N-terminal region of p115RhoGEF (the rgRGS domain), which includes a module that is structurally similar to RGS (regulators of G-protein signaling) domains. We present here the crystal structure of the rgRGS domain of p115RhoGEF in complex with a chimera of Galpha13 and Galphai1. Two distinct surfaces of rgRGS interact with Galpha. The N-terminal betaN-alphaN hairpin of rgRGS, rather than its RGS module, forms intimate contacts with the catalytic site of Galpha. The interface between the RGS module of rgRGS and Galpha is similar to that of a Galpha-effector complex, suggesting a role for the rgRGS domain in the stimulation of the GEF activity of p115RhoGEF by Galpha13.     

Whither Goest the RGS Proteins?

Studies of the desensitization of G protein-coupled signal transduction have led to the discovery of a family of guanosine triphosphatase-activating proteins (GAPs) for heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits — the “regulator of G protein signaling” or RGS proteins. In considering both documented and potential functions of several RGS protein family members with demonstrable multidomain compositions (p115RhoGEF, PDZRhoGEF, Axin, Axil/Conductin, D-AKAP2, the G protein-coupled receptor kinases [GRKs], the DEP/GGL/RGS subfamily [RGS6, RGS7, RGS9, RGS11], and RGS12), this review explores the shift in our appreciation of the RGS proteins from unidimensional desensitizing agents to multifocal signal transduction regulators.     

Regulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in adult myocardium: differential roles of G(q/11), Gi and G(12/13) proteins in signalling by alpha1-adrenergic, endothelin-1 and thrombin-sensitive protease-activated receptors

Using adenoviruses encoding RGS2, RGS4 and Lsc (regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) domain of p115 RhoGEF), we investigated the contributions of G(q/11), Gi and G(12/13) proteins to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM). Exposure to phenylephrine, endothelin-1 (ET-1) or thrombin induced significant activation of ERK1/2 and their downstream target 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), which was abolished by overexpression of RGS4 (inhibits signalling via G(q/11) and Gi) or RGS2 (inhibits signalling via G(q/11)). Pertussis toxin (inhibits signalling via Gi) only partially attenuated the activation of ERK1/2 and p90(RSK) by phenylephrine and ET-1, but abolished such activation by thrombin. Overexpression of Lsc (inhibits signalling via G(12/13)) did not affect the responses to phenylephrine and ET-1, but suppressed the activation of ERK1/2 and p90RSK by thrombin. We conclude that full activation of the ERK pathway in ARVM by alpha1-adrenergic, ET-1 and thrombin receptors requires the activation of distinct families of heterotrimeric G proteins.     

Whither goest the RGS proteins?

Studies of the desensitization of G protein-coupled signal transduction have led to the discovery of a family of guanosine triphosphatase-activating proteins (GAPs) for heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits - the "regulator of G protein signaling" or RGS proteins. In considering both documented and potential functions of several RGS protein family members with demonstrable multidomain compositions (p115RhoGEF, PDZRhoGEF, Axin, Axil/Conductin, D-AKAP2, the G protein-coupled receptor kinases [GRKs], the DEP/GGL/RGS subfamily [RGS6, RGS7, RGS9, RGS11], and RGS12), this review explores the shift in our appreciation of the RGS proteins from unidimensional desensitizing agents to multifocal signal transduction regulators.     

RGS12 and RGS14 GoLoco motifs are G alpha(i) interaction sites with guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor Activity

The regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins accelerate the intrinsic guanosine triphosphatase activity of heterotrimeric G-protein alpha subunits and are thus recognized as key modulators of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. RGS12 and RGS14 contain not only the hallmark RGS box responsible for GTPase-accelerating activity but also a single G alpha(i/o)-Loco (GoLoco) motif predicted to represent a second G alpha interaction site. Here, we describe functional characterization of the GoLoco motif regions of RGS12 and RGS14. Both regions interact exclusively with G alpha(i1), G alpha(i2), and G alpha(i3) in their GDP-bound forms. In GTP gamma S binding assays, both regions exhibit guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) activity, inhibiting the rate of exchange of GDP for GTP by G alpha(i1). Both regions also stabilize G alpha(i1) in its GDP-bound form, inhibiting the increase in intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence stimulated by AlF(4)(-). Our results indicate that both RGS12 and RGS14 harbor two distinctly different G alpha interaction sites: a previously recognized N-terminal RGS box possessing G alpha(i/o) GAP activity and a C-terminal GoLoco region exhibiting G alpha(i) GDI activity. The presence of two, independent G alpha interaction sites suggests that RGS12 and RGS14 participate in a complex coordination of G-protein signaling beyond simple G alpha GAP activity.     

Minimal determinants for binding activated G alpha from the structure of a G alpha(i1)-peptide dimer

G-proteins cycle between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state, serving as molecular switches that coordinate cellular signaling. We recently used phage display to identify a series of peptides that bind G alpha subunits in a nucleotide-dependent manner [Johnston, C. A., Willard, F. S., Jezyk, M. R., Fredericks, Z., Bodor, E. T., Jones, M. B., Blaesius, R., Watts, V. J., Harden, T. K., Sondek, J., Ramer, J. K., and Siderovski, D. P. (2005) Structure 13, 1069-1080]. Here we describe the structural features and functions of KB-1753, a peptide that binds selectively to GDP x AlF4(-)- and GTPgammaS-bound states of G alpha(i) subunits. KB-1753 blocks interaction of G alpha(transducin) with its effector, cGMP phosphodiesterase, and inhibits transducin-mediated activation of cGMP degradation. Additionally, KB-1753 interferes with RGS protein binding and resultant GAP activity. A fluorescent KB-1753 variant was found to act as a sensor for activated G alpha in vitro. The crystal structure of KB-1753 bound to G alpha(i1) x GDP x AlF4(-) reveals binding to a conserved hydrophobic groove between switch II and alpha3 helices and, along with supporting biochemical data and previous structural analyses, supports the notion that this is the site of effector interactions for G alpha(i) subunits.     

Regulated Localization Is Sufficient for Hormonal Control of Regulator of G Protein Signaling Homology Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors (RH-RhoGEFs)

The regulator of G protein signaling homology (RH) Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) (p115RhoGEF, leukemia-associated RhoGEF, and PDZ-RhoGEF) contain an RH domain and are specific GEFs for the monomeric GTPase RhoA. The RH domains interact specifically with the α subunits of G₁₂ heterotrimeric GTPases. Activated Gα₁₃ modestly stimulates the exchange activity of both p115RhoGEF and leukemia-associated RhoGEF but not PDZ-RhoGEF. Because all three RH-RhoGEFs can localize to the plasma membrane upon expression of activated Gα₁₃, cellular localization of these RhoGEFs has been proposed as a mechanism for controlling their activity. We use a small molecule-regulated heterodimerization system to rapidly control the localization of RH-RhoGEFs. Acute localization of the proteins to the plasma membrane activates RhoA within minutes and to levels that are comparable with activation of RhoA by hormonal stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors. The catalytic activity of membrane-localized RhoGEFs is not dependent on activated Gα₁₃. We further show that the conserved RH domains can rewire two different RacGEFs to activate Rac1 in response to a traditional activator of RhoA. Thus, RH domains act as independent detectors for activated Gα₁₃ and are sufficient to modulate the activity of RhoGEFs by hormones via mediating their localization to substrate, membrane-associated RhoA.     

G13alpha-mediated PYK2 activation. PYK2 is a mediator of G13alpha -induced serum response element-dependent transcription

G(12)alpha/G(13)alpha transduces signals from G-protein-coupled receptors to stimulate growth-promoting pathways and the early response gene c-fos. Within the c-fos promoter lies a key regulatory site, the serum response element (SRE). Here we show a critical role for the tyrosine kinase PYK2 in muscarinic receptor type 1 and G(12)alpha/G(13)alpha signaling to an SRE reporter gene. A kinase-inactivate form of PYK2 (PYK2 KD) inhibits muscarinic receptor type 1 signaling to the SRE and PYK2 itself triggers SRE reporter gene activation through a RhoA-dependent pathway. Placing PYK2 downstream of G-protein activation but upstream of RhoA, the expression of PYK2 KD blocks the activation of an SRE reporter gene by GTPase-deficient forms of G(12)alpha or G(13)alpha but not by RhoA. The GTPase-deficient form of G(13)alpha triggers PYK2 kinase activity and PYK2 tyrosine phosphorylation, and co-expression of the RGS domain of p115 RhoGEF inhibits both responses. Finally, we show that in vivo G(13)alpha, although not G(12)alpha, readily associates with PYK2. Thus, G-protein-coupled receptors via G(13)alpha activation can use PYK2 to link to SRE-dependent gene expression.