Induction of starfish oocyte maturation by the beta gamma subunit of starfish G protein and possible existence of the subsequent effector in cytoplasm.

beta gamma subunits of G proteins were purified from starfish oocytes, and their role in the induction of oocyte maturation by 1-methyladenine was investigated. When injected into starfish oocytes, the purified beta gamma subunit of the starfish G protein induced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) faster than that of bovine brain G protein. Injection of the starfish beta gamma into cytoplasm near the germinal vesicle (GV) induced GVBD earlier than when injected into the GV or the cytoplasm near the plasma membrane. Fluorescent-labeled beta gamma was retained in the injected area even after GVBD. Injected beta gamma also induced the formation of maturation-promoting factor as well as an increase of histone H1 kinase activity. These results suggest that beta gamma dissociates from alpha-subunit by the stimulation of 1-methyladenine and interacts with a cytoplasmic effector, which results in formation of active cdc2 kinase.     

Stimulation of phospholipase C by guanine-nucleotide-binding protein beta gamma subunits.

We have previously shown that soluble fractions obtained from human HL-60 granulocytes contain a phospholipase C which is markedly stimulated by the stable GTP analogue guanosine 5'-[3-O-thio]triphosphate (Camps, M., Hou, C., Jakobs, K. H. and Gierschik, P. (1990) Biochem. J. 271, 743-748]. To investigate whether this stimulation was due to a soluble alpha subunit of a heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding protein or a soluble low-molecular-mass GTP-binding protein, we have examined the effect of purified guanine-nucleotide-binding protein beta gamma dimers on the phospholipase-C-mediated formation of inositol phosphates by HL-60 cytosol. We found that beta gamma subunits, purified from bovine retinal transducin (beta gamma t), markedly stimulated the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by this phospholipase C preparation. The stimulation of phospholipase C by beta gamma t was not secondary to a phospholipase-A2-mediated generation of arachidonic acid, was prevented by the GDP-liganded transducin alpha subunit and was additive to activation of phospholipase C by guanosine 5'-[3-O-thio]triphosphate. Beta gamma t also stimulated soluble phospholipase C from human and bovine peripheral neutrophils, as well as membrane-bound, detergent-solubilized phospholipase C from HL-60 cells. Stimulation of soluble HL-60 phospholipase C was not restricted to beta gamma t, but was also observed with highly purified beta gamma subunits from bovine brain. Fractionation of HL-60 cytosol by anion-exchange chromatography revealed the existence of at least two distinct forms of phospholipase C in HL-60 granulocytes. Only one of these forms was sensitive to stimulation by beta gamma t, demonstrating that stimulation of phospholipase C by beta gamma subunits is isozyme specific. Taken together, our results suggest that guanine-nucleotide-binding protein beta gamma subunits may play an important and active role in mediating the stimulation of phospholipase C by heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins.     

Selectivity of the beta-adrenergic receptor among Gs, Gi's, and Go: assay using recombinant alpha subunits in reconstituted phospholipid vesicles.

The selective regulation of Gs (long and short forms), Gi's (1, 2, and 3), and Go by the beta-adrenergic receptor was assessed quantitatively after coreconstitution of purified receptor, purified G-protein beta gamma subunits, and individual recombinant G-protein alpha subunits that were expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli. Receptor and beta gamma subunits were incorporated into phospholipid vesicles, and the alpha subunits bound to the vesicles stoichiometrically with respect to beta gamma. Efficient regulation of alpha subunit by receptor required the presence of beta gamma. Regulation of G proteins was measured according to the stimulation of the initial rate of GTP gamma S binding, steady-state GTPase activity, and equilibrium GDP/GDP exchange. The assays yielded qualitatively similar results. GDP/GDP exchange was a first-order reaction for each subunit. The rate constant increased linearly with the concentration of agonist-liganded receptor, and the dependence of the rate constant on receptor concentration was a reproducible measurement of the efficiency with which receptor regulated each G protein. Reconstituted alpha s (long or short form) was stimulated by receptor to approximately the extent described previously for natural Gs. Both alpha i,1 and alpha i,3 were regulated with 25-33% of that efficiency. Stimulation of alpha o and alpha i,2 was weak, and stimulation of alpha o was barely detectable over its high basal exchange rate. Reduction of the receptor with dithiothreitol increased the exchange rates for all G proteins but did not alter the relative selectivity of the receptor.     

Subunit composition of G(o) proteins functionally coupling galanin receptors to voltage-gated calcium channels.

The neuropeptide galanin is widely expressed in the central nervous system and other tissues and induces different cellular reactions, e.g. hormone release from pituitary and inhibition of insulin release from pancreatic B cells. By microinjection of antisense oligonucleotides we studied the question as to which G proteins mediate the galanin-induced inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the rat pancreatic B-cell line RINm5F and in the rat pituitary cell line GH3. Injection of antisense oligonucleotides directed against alpha 01, beta 2, beta 3, gamma 2 and gamma 4 G protein subunits reduced the inhibition of Ca2+ channel current which was induced by galanin, whereas no change was seen after injection of cells with antisense oligonucleotides directed against alpha i, alpha q, alpha 11, alpha 14, alpha 15, beta 1, beta 4, gamma 1, gamma 3, gamma 5, or gamma 7 G protein subunits or with sense control oligonucleotides. In view of these data and of previous results, we conclude that the galanin receptors in GH3 and in RINm5F cells couple mainly to the G(0) protein consisting of alpha 01 beta 2 gamma 2 to inhibit Ca2+ channels and use alpha 01beta 3 gamma 4 less efficiently. The latter G protein composition was previously shown to be used by muscarinic M4 receptors to inhibit Ca2+ channels.     

Assembly of Torpedo acetylcholine receptors in Xenopus oocytes

To study pathways by which acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunits might assemble, Torpedo alpha subunits were expressed in Xenopus oocytes alone or in combination with beta, gamma, or delta subunits. The maturation of the conformation of the main immunogenic region (MIR) on alpha subunits was measured by binding of mAbs and the maturation of the conformation of the AChR binding site on alpha subunits was measured by binding of alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha Bgt) and cholinergic ligands. The size of subunits and subunit complexes was assayed by sedimentation on sucrose gradients. It is generally accepted that native AChRs have the subunit composition alpha 2 beta gamma delta. Torpedo alpha subunits expressed alone resulted in an amorphous range of complexes with little affinity for alpha Bgt or mAbs to the MIR, rather than in a unique 5S monomeric assembly intermediate species. A previously recognized temperature-dependent failure in alpha subunit maturation may cause instability of the monomeric assembly intermediate and accumulation of aggregated denatured alpha subunits. Coexpression of alpha with beta subunits also resulted in an amorphous range of complexes. However, coexpression of alpha subunits with gamma or delta subunits resulted in the efficient formation of 6.5S alpha gamma or alpha delta complexes with high affinity for mAbs to the MIR, alpha Bgt, and small cholinergic ligands. These alpha gamma and alpha delta subunit pairs may represent normal assembly intermediates in which Torpedo alpha is stabilized and matured in conformation. Coexpression of alpha, gamma, and delta efficiently formed 8.8S complexes, whereas complexes containing alpha beta and gamma or alpha beta and delta subunits are formed less efficiently. Assembly of beta subunits with complexes containing alpha gamma and delta subunits may normally be a rate-limiting step in assembly of AChRs.     

Ligand-induced conformational changes in the Escherichia coli F1 adenosine triphosphatase probed by trypsin digestion

Digestion of the F1-ATPase of Escherichia coli with trypsin stimulated ATP hydrolytic activity and removed the delta and epsilon subunits of the enzyme. A species represented by the formula alpha 1(3) beta 1(3) gamma 1, where alpha 1, beta 1 and gamma 1 are forms of the native alpha, beta and gamma subunits which have been attacked by trypsin, was formed by trypsin digestion in the presence of ATP. In the presence of ATP and MgCl2, conversion of gamma to gamma 1 was retarded and the enzyme retained the epsilon subunit. These results imply that binding of ATP to the beta subunits alters the conformation of ECF1 to increase the accessibility of the gamma subunit to trypsin. The likely trypsin cleavage sites in the alpha, beta and gamma subunits are discussed. ECF1 from the alpha subunit-defective mutant uncA401, or after treatment with N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan, was present in a conformation in which the gamma subunit was readily accessible to trypsin and could not be protected by the presence of ATP and MgCl2. In a similar manner to native E. coli F1-ATPase, the hydrolytic activity of the trypsin-digested enzyme was stimulated by the detergent lauryldimethylamine N-oxide. Since the digested enzyme lacked the epsilon subunit, a putative inhibitor of hydrolytic activity, a mechanism for the stimulation which involves loss or movement of this subunit is untenable.     

The NH2-terminal alpha subunit attenuator domain confers regulation of G protein activation by beta gamma complexes.

Gs and Gi, respectively, activate and inhibit the enzyme adenylyl cyclase. Regulation of adenylyl cyclase by the heterotrimeric Gs and Gi proteins requires the dissociation of GDP and binding of GTP to the alpha s or alpha i subunit. The beta gamma subunit complex of Gs and Gi functions, in part, to inhibit GDP dissociation and alpha subunit activation by GTP. Multiple beta and gamma polypeptides are expressed in different cell types, but the functional significance for this heterogeneity is unclear. The beta gamma complex from retinal rod outer segments (beta gamma t) has been shown to discriminate between alpha i and alpha s subunits (Helman et al: Eur J Biochem 169:431-439, 1987). beta gamma t efficiently interacts with alpha i-like G protein subunits, but poorly recognizes the alpha s subunit. beta gamma t was, therefore, used to define regions of the alpha i subunit polypeptide that conferred selective regulation compared to the alpha s polypeptide. A series of alpha subunit chimeras having NH2-terminal alpha i and COOH-terminal alpha s sequences were characterized for their regulation by beta gamma t, measured by the kinetics of GTP gamma S activation of adenylyl cyclase. A 122 amino acid NH2-terminal region of the alpha i polypeptide encoded within an alpha i/alpha s chimera was sufficient for beta gamma t to discriminate the chimera from alpha s. A shorter 54 amino acid alpha i sequence substituted for the corresponding NH2-terminal region of alpha s was insufficient to support the alpha i-like interaction with beta gamma t. The findings are consistent with our previous observation (Osawa et al: Cell 63:697-706, 1990) that a region in the NH2-terminal moiety functions as an attenuator domain controlling GDP dissociation and GTP activation of the alpha subunit polypeptide and that the attenuator domain is involved in functional recognition and regulation by beta gamma complexes.     

Consequence of the presence of two different beta subunit isoforms in a GABA(A) receptor

The major isoforms of GABA(A) receptors are thought to be composed of two alpha, two beta and one gamma subunit(s). GABA(A) receptors containing two beta1 subunits respond differently to the anticonvulsive compound loreclezole and the general anaesthetic etomidate than receptors containing two beta2 subunits. Receptors containing beta2 subunits show a much larger allosteric stimulation by these agents than those containing beta1 subunits. We were interested to know how receptors containing both beta1 and beta2 subunits, in different positions respond to loreclezole and etomidate. To answer this question, subunits were fused at the DNA level to form dimeric and trimeric subunits. Concatenated receptors (alpha1-beta1-alpha1/gamma2-beta1, alpha1-beta2-alpha1/gamma2-beta1, alpha1-beta1-alpha1/gamma2-beta2 and alpha1-beta2-alpha1/gamma2-beta2) were expressed in Xenopus ooctyes and functionally compared in their response to the agonist GABA and to the positive allosteric modulators, loreclezole and etomidate. We have shown that (I) in the presence of both beta1 and beta2 subunits in the same pentamer (mixed receptors) direct gating by etomidate is similar to exclusively beta1 containing receptors; (II) In mixed receptors, stimulation by etomidate assumed characteristics intermediate to exclusively beta1 or beta2 containing receptors, but the values for the concentrations < 10 microM were always much closer to those observed in alpha1-beta1-alpha1/gamma2-beta1 receptors; and (III) mixed receptors show no positional effects.     

Endoplasmic reticulum retention and associated degradation of a GABAA receptor epilepsy mutation that inserts an aspartate in the M3 transmembrane segment of the alpha1 subunit

A GABA(A) receptor alpha1 subunit epilepsy mutation (alpha1(A322D)) introduces a negatively charged aspartate residue into the hydrophobic M3 transmembrane domain of the alpha1 subunit. We reported previously that heterologous expression of alpha1(A322D)beta2gamma2 receptors in mammalian cells resulted in reduced total and surface alpha1 subunit protein. Here we demonstrate the mechanism of this reduction. Total alpha1(A322D) subunit protein was reduced relative to wild type protein by a similar amount when expressed alone (86 +/- 6%) or when coexpressed with beta2 and gamma2S subunits (78 +/- 6%), indicating an expression reduction prior to subunit oligomerization. In alpha1beta2gamma2S receptors, endoglycosidase H deglycosylated only 26 +/- 5% of alpha1 subunits, consistent with substantial protein maturation, but in alpha1(A322D)beta2gamma2S receptors, endoglycosidase H deglycosylated 91 +/- 4% of alpha1(A322D) subunits, consistent with failure of protein maturation. To determine the cellular localization of wild type and mutant subunits, the alpha1 subunit was tagged with yellow (alpha1-YFP) or cyan (alpha1-CFP) fluorescent protein. Confocal microscopic imaging demonstrated that 36 +/- 4% of alpha1-YFPbeta2gamma2 but only 5 +/- 1% alpha1(A322D)-YFPbeta2gamma2 colocalized with the plasma membrane, whereas the majority of the remaining receptors colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum (55 +/- 4% alpha1-YFPbeta2gamma2S, 86 +/- 3% alpha1(A322D)-YFP). Heterozygous expression of alpha1-CFPbeta2gamma2S and alpha1(A322D)-YFPbeta2gamma2S or alpha1-YFPbeta2gamma2S and alpha1(A322D)-CFPbeta2gamma2S receptors showed that membrane GABA(A) receptors contained primarily wild type alpha1 subunits. These data demonstrate that the A322D mutation reduces alpha1 subunit expression after translation, but before assembly, resulting in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation and membrane alpha1 subunits that are almost exclusively wild type subunits.     

Molecular determinants of desensitization and assembly of the chimeric GABA(A) receptor subunits (alpha1/gamma2) and (gamma2/alpha1) in combinations with beta2 and gamma2

Two gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)) receptor chimeras were designed in order to elucidate the structural requirements for GABA(A) receptor desensitization and assembly. The (alpha1/gamma2) and (gamma2/alpha1) chimeric subunits representing the extracellular N-terminal domain of alpha1 or gamma2 and the remainder of the gamma2 or alpha1 subunits, respectively, were expressed with beta2 and beta2gamma2 in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) cells using the baculovirus expression system. The (alpha1/gamma2)beta2 and (alpha1/gamma2)beta2gamma2 but not the (gamma2/alpha1)beta2 and (gamma2/alpha1)beta2gamma2 subunit combinations formed functional receptor complexes as shown by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and [3H]muscimol and [3H]flunitrazepam binding. Moreover, the surface immunofluorescence staining of Sf-9 cells expressing the (alpha1/gamma2)-containing receptors was pronounced, as opposed to the staining of the (gamma2/alpha1)-containing receptors, which was only slightly higher than background. To explain this, the (alpha1/gamma2) and (gamma2/alpha1) chimeras may act like alpha1 and gamma2 subunits, respectively, indicating that the extracellular N-terminal segment is important for assembly. However, the (alpha1/gamma2) chimeric subunit had characteristics different from the alpha1 subunit, since the (alpha1/gamma2) chimera gave rise to no desensitization after GABA stimulation in whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, which was independent of whether the chimera was expressed in combination with beta2 or beta2gamma2. Surprisingly, the (alpha1/gamma2)(gamma2/alpha1)beta2 subunit combination did desensitize, indicating that the C-terminal segment of the alpha1 subunit may be important for desensitization. Moreover, desensitization was observed for the (alpha1/gamma2)beta2gamma2 receptor with respect to the direct activation by pentobarbital. This suggests differences in the mechanism of channel activation for pentobarbital and GABA.     

Effects of treatment with GABA(A) receptor subunit antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on GABA-stimulated 36Cl- influx in the rat cerebral cortex

GABA(A) receptor function was studied in cerebral cortical vesicles prepared from rats after intracerebroventricular microinjections of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (aODNs) for alpha1, gamma2, beta1, beta2 subunits. GABA(A) receptor alpha1 subunit aODNs decreased alpha1 subunit mRNA by 59+/-10%. Specific [3H]GABA binding was decreased by alpha1 or beta2 subunit aODNs (to 63+/-3% and 64+/-9%, respectively) but not changed by gamma2 subunit aODNs (94+/-5%). Specific [3H]flunitrazepam binding was increased by alpha1 or beta2 subunit aODNs (122+/-8% and 126+/-11%, respectively) and decreased by gamma2 subunit aODNs (50+/-13%). The "knockdown" of specific subunits of the GABA(A )receptor significantly influenced GABA-stimulated 36Cl- influx. Injection of alpha1 subunit aODNs decreased basal 36Cl- influx and the GABA Emax; enhanced GABA modulation by diazepam; and decreased antagonism of GABA activity by bicuculline. Injection of gamma2 subunit aODNs increased the GABA Emax; reversed the modulatory efficacy of diazepam from enhancement to inhibition of GABA-stimulation; and reduced the antagonist effect of bicuculline. Injection of beta2 subunit aODNs reduced the effect of diazepam whereas treatment with beta1 subunit aODNs had no effect on the drugs studied. Conclusions from our studies are: (1) alpha1 subunits promote, beta2 subunits maintain, and gamma2 subunits suppress GABA stimulation of 36Cl- influx; (2) alpha1 subunits suppress, whereas beta2, and gamma2 subunits promote allosteric modulation by benzodiazepines; (3) diazepam can act as an agonist or inverse agonist depending on the relative composition of the receptor subunits: and (4) the mixed competitive/non-competitive effects of bicuculline result from activity at alpha1 and gamma2 subunits and the lack of activity at beta1 and beta2 subunits.     

Identification of subunits mediating clustering of GABA(A) receptors by rapsyn.

Human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with alpha1beta1gamma2, alpha1beta2gamma2, alpha1beta3gamma2, alpha1beta1, alpha1beta2, alpha1beta3, beta3gamma2, or beta3 subunits formed gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors on the cell surface that could be clustered by rapsyn. In contrast, alpha1, beta1, beta2, or gamma2 subunits, or alpha1gamma2 subunit combinations could not be detected on the surface of transfected cells and could not be clustered by rapsyn. Experiments investigating the ability of rapsyn to cluster chimeras consisting of the N-terminus of the beta3 subunit and the remaining part of the alpha1, beta2 or gamma2 subunits indicated that the intracellular domains of beta1, beta2, beta3 or gamma2 subunits, but not those of alpha1 subunits are able to form sites mediating clustering by rapsyn. These results demonstrate that rapsyn has the potential to cluster the majority of GABA(A) receptor subtypes via beta or gamma2 subunits. Further experiments will have to clarify the physiological importance of this observation.     

Site-specific antibodies directed against G protein beta and gamma subunits: effects on alpha and beta gamma subunit interaction.

Little is known about the specific domains of G protein beta and gamma subunits which interact with each other and with the alpha subunit. We used site-specific anti-peptide antibodies directed against beta and gamma subunits to investigate domains on beta and gamma subunits involved in alpha subunit interaction. Antibodies included four against the transducin (Gt) beta subunit (residues 1-10 = MS, 127-136 = KT, 256-265 = RA, and 330-340 = SW) and two against the gamma subunit (residues 2-12 = PV and 58-68 = PE). All antisera, when affinity-purified on peptide columns, yielded antibodies capable of recognizing the denatured cognate subunit on immunoblots, but only RA, SW, PV, and PE recognized native beta gamma t subunits. Affinity purification of MS and KT antisera on columns of immobilized native Gt yielded antibodies capable of recognizing native beta gamma t subunits. The functional effects of each antibody preparation on alpha t-beta gamma t interaction were assessed by assaying the ability of the preparations to immunoprecipitate beta gamma t subunits in the presence of excess alpha subunits and by testing the inhibition of beta gamma t-dependent ADP-ribosylation of alpha t-subunits catalyzed by pertussis toxin. On the basis of the results, we conclude that the domains on beta gamma t which may be directly involved in alpha t-beta gamma t interaction include the extreme amino terminus, residues 127-136 and 256-265 of beta t, and the carboxyl terminus of gamma t.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Modification of AlF-4- and receptor-stimulated phospholipase C activity by G-protein beta gamma subunits

Turkey erythrocyte membranes possess a phospholipase C that is markedly activated by P2Y-purinergic receptor agonists and guanine nucleotides. Reconstitution of [3H]inositol-labeled turkey erythrocyte membranes with guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (G-protein) beta gamma subunits resulted in inhibition of both AlF-4-stimulated adenylate cyclase and AlF-4-stimulated phospholipase C activities. The apparent potency (K0.5 approximately 1 microgram or 20 pmol of beta gamma/mg of membrane protein) of beta gamma subunits for inhibition of each enzyme activity was similar and occurred with beta gamma purified by different methodologies from turkey erythrocyte, bovine brain, or human placenta membranes. In contrast to the effect on AlF-4-stimulated activity, the stimulatory effect on phospholipase C of the P2Y-purinergic receptor agonist 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate in the presence of guanine nucleotides was potentiated by 50-100% in a concentration-dependent manner by reconstitution of beta gamma subunits. beta gamma subunits did not affect the K0.5 value of 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate for the stimulation of phospholipase C activity. These results indicate that beta gamma subunits influence phospholipase C activity in a concentration range similar to that necessary for regulation of adenylate cyclase activity and suggest the involvement of a G-protein possessing an alpha beta gamma heterotrimeric structure in coupling hormone receptors to phospholipase C.     

Rhodopsin and the retinal G-protein distinguish among G-protein beta gamma subunit forms

The beta gamma subunits of G-proteins are composed of closely related beta 35 and beta 36 subunits tightly associated with diverse 6-10 kDa gamma subunits. We have developed a reconstitution assay using rhodopsin-catalyzed guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding to resolved alpha subunit of the retinal G-protein transducin (Gt alpha) to quantitate the activity of beta gamma proteins. Rhodopsin facilitates the exchange of GTP gamma S for GDP bound to Gt alpha beta gamma with a 60-fold higher apparent affinity than for Gt alpha alone. At limiting rhodopsin, G-protein-derived beta gamma subunits catalytically enhance the rate of GTP gamma S binding to resolved Gt alpha. The isolated beta gamma subunit of retinal G-protein (beta 1, gamma 1 genes) facilitates rhodopsin-catalyzed GTP gamma S exchange on Gt alpha in a concentration-dependent manner (K0.5 = 254 +/- 21 nM). Purified human placental beta 35 gamma, composed of beta 2 gene product and gamma-placenta protein (Evans, T., Fawzi, A., Fraser, E.D., Brown, L.M., and Northup, J.K. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 176-181), substitutes for Gt beta gamma reconstitution of rhodopsin with Gt alpha. However, human placental beta 35 gamma facilitates rhodopsin-catalyzed GTP gamma S exchange on Gt alpha with a higher apparent affinity than Gt beta gamma (K0.5 = 76 +/- 54 nM). As an alternative assay for these interactions, we have examined pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of the Gt alpha subunit which is markedly enhanced in rate by beta gamma subunits. Quantitative analyses of rates of pertussis modification reveal no differences in apparent affinity between Gt beta gamma and human placental beta 35 gamma (K0.5 values of 49 +/- 29 and 70 +/- 24 nM, respectively). Thus, the Gt alpha subunit alone does not distinguish among the beta gamma subunit forms. These results clearly show a high degree of functional homology among the beta 35 and beta 36 subunits of G-proteins for interaction with Gt alpha and rhodopsin, and establish a simple functional assay for the beta gamma subunits of G-proteins. Our data also suggest a specificity of recognition of beta gamma subunit forms which is dependent both on Gt alpha and rhodopsin. These results may indicate that the recently uncovered diversity in the expression of beta gamma subunit forms may complement the diversity of G alpha subunits in providing for specific receptor recognition of G-proteins.     

Influence of differential stability of G protein βγ dimers containing the γ11 subunit on functional activity at the M1 muscarinic receptor, A1 adenosine receptor, and phospholipase C-β

Ggamma11 is an unusual guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) subunit. To study the effect of different Gbeta-binding partners on gamma11 function, four recombinant betagamma dimers, beta1gamma2, beta4gamma2, beta1gamma11, and beta4gamma11, were characterized in a receptor reconstitution assay with the G(q)-linked M1 muscarinic and the G(i1)-linked A1 adenosine receptors. The beta4gamma11 dimer was up to 30-fold less efficient than beta4gamma2 at promoting agonist-dependent binding of [35S]GTPgammaS to either alpha(q) or alpha(i1). Using a competition assay to measure relative affinities of purified betagamma dimers for alpha, the beta4gamma11 dimer had a 15-fold lower affinity for G(i1) alpha than beta4gamma2. Chromatographic characterization of the beta4gamma11 dimer revealed that the betagamma is stable in a heterotrimeric complex with G(i1) alpha; however, upon activation of alpha with MgCl2 and GTPgammaS under nondenaturing conditions, the beta4 and gamma11 subunits dissociate. Activation of purified G(i1) alpha:beta4gamma11 with Mg+2/GTPgammaS following reconstitution into lipid vesicles and incubation with phospholipase C (PLC)-beta resulted in stimulation of PLC-beta activity; however, when this activation preceded reconstitution into vesicles, PLC-beta activity was markedly diminished. In a membrane coupling assay designed to measure the ability of G protein to promote a high-affinity agonist-binding conformation of the A1 adenosine receptor, beta4gamma11 was as effective as beta4gamma2 when coexpressed with G(i1) alpha and receptor. However, G(i1) alpha:beta4gamma11-induced high-affinity binding was up to 20-fold more sensitive to GTPgammaS than G(i1) alpha:beta4gamma2-induced high-affinity binding. These results suggest that the stability of the beta4gamma11 dimer can modulate G protein activity at the receptor and effector.     

The purified alpha subunits of Go and Gi from bovine brain require beta gamma for association with phospholipid vesicles

The purified G-proteins from bovine brain were examined for potential solubility in the absence of detergent. The isolated alpha o and alpha i subunits migrated through sucrose with rates consistent with the existence of monomeric species either in the presence or the absence of cholate. The beta gamma subunits or holo-G-proteins aggregated extensively if cholate was absent. Al3+, Mg2+, and F- prevented the aggregation of alpha o and alpha i caused by the addition of beta gamma and could also prevent the aggregation of alpha s when Gs was examined at higher temperature. The association of subunits with phospholipid vesicles was examined. Whereas beta gamma associated totally with phospholipid vesicles, purified alpha o showed little interaction. alpha o did bind to vesicles containing beta gamma (beta gamma vesicles) in a saturable fashion that indicated a stoichiometric association between the subunits. Treatment with guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate could partially dissociate alpha o that was bound to beta gamma vesicles. These data suggest that beta gamma may be an anchor for association of alpha subunits with membranes and that regulation by these proteins may not be limited to the plasma membrane. This possibility and its implications are discussed. The reversible association of alpha o to beta gamma vesicles may provide a very sensitive system for the study of the interactions between these subunits.     

A conserved sequence immediately N-terminal to the Bateman domains in AMP-activated protein kinase gamma subunits is required for the interaction with the beta subunits

Mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase is a serine/threonine protein kinase that acts as a sensor of cellular energy status. AMP-activated protein kinase is a heterotrimer of three different subunits, i.e. alpha, beta, and gamma, with alpha being the catalytic subunit and beta and gamma having regulatory roles. Although several studies have defined different domains in alpha and beta involved in the interaction with the other subunits of the complex, little is known about the regions of the gamma subunits involved in these interactions. To study this, we have made sequential deletions from the N termini of the gamma subunit isoforms and studied the interactions with alpha and beta subunits, both by two-hybrid analysis and by co-immunoprecipitation. Our results suggest that a conserved region of 20-25 amino acids in gamma1, gamma2, and gamma3, immediately N-terminal to the Bateman domains, is required for the formation of a functional, active alphabetagamma complex. This region is required for the interaction with the beta subunits. The interaction between the alpha and gamma subunits does not require this region and occurs instead within the Bateman domains of the gamma subunit, although the alpha-gamma interaction does appear to stabilize the beta-gamma interaction. In addition, sequential deletions from the C termini of the gamma subunits indicate that deletion of any of the CBS (cystathionine beta-synthase) motifs prevents the formation of a functional complex with the alpha and beta subunits.     

G(alpha)(i) controls the gating of the G protein-activated K(+) channel, GIRK.

GIRK (Kir3) channels are activated by neurotransmitters coupled to G proteins, via a direct binding of G(beta)(gamma). The role of G(alpha) subunits in GIRK gating is elusive. Here we demonstrate that G(alpha)(i) is not only a donor of G(beta)(gamma) but also regulates GIRK gating. When overexpressed in Xenopus oocytes, GIRK channels show excessive basal activity and poor activation by agonist or G(beta)(gamma). Coexpression of G(alpha)(i3) or G(alpha)(i1) restores the correct gating parameters. G(alpha)(i) acts neither as a pure G(beta)(gamma) scavenger nor as an allosteric cofactor for G(beta)(gamma). It inhibits only the basal activity without interfering with G(beta)(gamma)-induced response. Thus, GIRK is regulated, in distinct ways, by both arms of the G protein. G(alpha)(i) probably acts in its GDP bound form, alone or as a part of G(alpha)(beta)(gamma) heterotrimer.     

A truncated recombinant alpha subunit of Gi3 with a reduced affinity for beta gamma dimers and altered guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate binding.

The baculovirus-based expression system was adapted to express alpha subunits of the complete (alpha i3) and an amino-terminally truncated (alpha i3') form of Gi3 and of two complete forms of Gs (alpha s-L and alpha s-S). Subunits encoded in full length cDNAs were obtained with yields of 40-60 mg of recombinant protein/liter of cells, of which alpha i3 was between 30 and 50% soluble, but alpha s subunits were only 5-10% soluble. Only the complete alpha i3 was myristoylated. alpha i3 was purified in four steps. The purified protein bound 0.8-0.9 mol of guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) per mol of protein and had one predominant contaminant which was identified as a truncated form that begins with methionine 18 instead of methionine 1. Both the full length alpha i3 and the truncated alpha i3' formed trimers with human erythrocyte beta gamma as seen by their migration in sucrose density gradients and by an increased rate of ADP ribosylation by pertussis toxin, but compared to alpha i3, alpha i3' interacted with beta gamma with a reduced affinity and dissociated upon warming. At 32 degrees C, only full length alpha i3 was ADP-ribosylated; at 4 degrees C, alpha i3 and alpha i3' were both ADP-ribosylated, with the truncated form requiring approximately 200-fold higher concentrations of beta gamma. A genetically engineered alpha i3' (alpha i3[18-354]) was also expressed in Sf9 cells. Yields, assessed as saturable GTP gamma S binding sites, were 3-5 mg per liter. Scatchard analysis showed that truncation of the amino terminus interferes with the ability of Mg2+ to promote high affinity binding of GTP gamma S. We conclude that the G protein alpha subunit amino terminus is not essential for interaction with beta gamma dimers, but rather is important in determining the affinity of the alpha subunit for both the beta gamma dimers and guanine nucleotide.