Two-step mechanism of interaction of rhodopsin intermediates with the C-terminal region of the transducin alpha-subunit

Rhodopsin is a prototypical G-protein-coupled receptor that contains 11-cis-retinal as a light-absorbing chromophore. Light causes conformational changes in the protein moiety through cis-trans isomerization of the chromophore, which leads to the formation of G-protein-interacting states. Our previous studies indicated that there are two intermediate states of rhodopsin, Meta Ib and Meta II, which interact differently with retinal G-protein transducin (Gt) [S. Tachibanaki, H. Imai, T. Mizukami, T. Okada, Y. Imamoto, T. Matsuda, Y. Fukada, A. Terakita, and Y. Shichida (1997) Biochemistry 36, 14173-14180]. Here we demonstrate that the interactions of Gt with these intermediates in the absence of GTPgammaS can be mimicked by the C-terminus 11-amino acid peptide (340-350) of the alpha-subunit of Gt (Gt(alpha)), suggesting that the C-terminal region of Gt(alpha) plays important roles in the interaction with rhodopsin intermediates. Replacement of either of the two leucine residues (Leu344 and Leu349) in the peptide with alanine caused the loss of the interaction with Meta II. However, the interaction with Meta Ib was abolished only when both residues were replaced. These results indicate that rearrangement of the C-terminal region of Gt(alpha) after the binding of a rhodopsin intermediate is necessary for the GDP-GTP exchange reaction on Gt(alpha).     

Purification of p100, a protein antigenically related to the signal transducing G proteins Gt and Gi. Evidence for an adaptin-like protein.

A 100-kDa protein, termed p100, cross-reacts with antisera raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide of the alpha-subunit of the retinal G protein Gt. p100 is abundantly expressed in liver and, on subcellular fractionation of rat liver homogenates, is distributed between the cytosolic and microsome fractions (Traub, L. M., Evans, W. H., and Sagi-Eisenberg, R. (1990) Biochem. J. 272, 453-458; Udrisar, D., and Rodbell, M. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 87, 6321-6325). We have now purified p100 to near-homogeneity from rat liver microsomes. The protein was purified approximately 500-fold by ATP extraction followed by a series of four chromatographic steps. Similar to partially purified p100, on two-dimensional electrophoresis, the final preparation contained a major series of five immunoreactive 100-kDa charge isoforms. Partial amino terminus amino acid sequencing of the purified protein revealed that p100 is a previously unidentified protein. Further analysis of the soluble form of p100 showed the protein migrated with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 110,000 on gel filtration, indicating that the soluble protein occurs as a monomeric polypeptide. The soluble form of p100 was also partially purified from rat liver cytosol and amino acid sequencing yielded the same amino-terminal sequence as obtained from the microsome-associated form. The amino-terminal sequence of p100 exhibits significant similarity to the deduced amino-terminal amino acid sequences of both alpha- and gamma-adaptins. Using the amino-terminal sequence from p100, we have raised antipeptide polyclonal antisera. The antisera reacted specifically with the purified 100-kDa protein on immunoblots. With the purified protein and specific antisera now available, it will be possible to explore the physiological role of p100.     

A novel guanine nucleotide-binding protein coupled to the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. II. Purification, characterization, and reconstitution

In the previous paper, we reported the identification of a 74-kDa G-protein that co-purifies with the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor following ternary complex formation. We report here on the purification and characterization of this 74-kDa G-protein (termed Gh) isolated de novo from rat liver membranes. After solubilization of rat liver membranes with the detergent sucrose monolaurate, Gh was isolated by sequential chromatography using heparin-agarose, Ultrogel AcA 34, hydroxylapatite, and heptylamine-Sepharose columns. The protein, thus isolated, is not a substrate for cholera or pertussis toxin but displays GTPase activity (turnover number, 3-5 min-1) and high-affinity guanosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding (half-maximal binding = 0.25-0.3 microM), which is Mg2(+)-dependent and saturable. The relative order of nucleotide binding by Gh is GTP gamma S greater than GTP greater than GDP greater than ITP much much greater than ATP greater than or equal to adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, which is similar to that observed for other heterotrimeric G-proteins involved in receptor signaling. Moreover, specific alpha 1-agonist-stimulated GTPase (turnover number, 10-15 min-1) and GTP gamma S binding activity could be demonstrated after reconstitution of purified Gh with partially purified alpha 1-adrenergic receptor into phospholipid vesicles. The alpha 1-agonist stimulation of GTP gamma S binding and GTPase activity was inhibited by the alpha-antagonist phentolamine. A 50-kDa protein co-purifies with the 74-kDa G-protein. This protein does not bind guanine nucleotides and may be a subunit (beta-subunit) of Gh. These findings indicate that Gh is a G-protein that functionally couples to the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor.     

A novel guanine nucleotide-binding protein coupled to the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. I. Identification by photolabeling or membrane and ternary complex preparation

The G-protein involved in alpha 1-adrenergic receptor signaling was identified using two different approaches. First, purified rat liver membranes were incubated with [alpha-32P]GTP in the absence or presence of the adrenergic agonist (-)-epinephrine, or in the presence of GTP. After UV irradiation, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography, covalent labeling of a number of proteins was apparent and could be blocked by unlabeled GTP. In the preparation treated with (-)-epinephrine alone, labeling of a 74-kDa species was markedly enhanced. Enhanced labeling of 40-50-kDa species was also observed. Labeling of the 74-kDa protein was also evident in similarly treated membranes prepared from FRTL-5 thyroid cells, which contain abundant alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, but not in those prepared from turkey erythrocytes or NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, which are essentially devoid of alpha 1-receptors. Second, alpha 1-agonist-receptor-G-protein ternary complex formation was induced by incubating purified rat liver membranes with (-)-epinephrine. Rauwolscine (10(-7) M) and (+/-)-propranolol (10(-6) M) were included to prevent activation of alpha 2- and beta-adrenergic receptors by (-)-epinephrine. The ternary complex of hormone, receptor, and G-protein was solubilized, partially purified using heparin- and wheat germ agglutinin-agarose, and reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles. The vesicles displayed agonist-stimulated guanosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding that was blocked by phentolamine (10(-4) M). By contrast, stimulation of GTP gamma S binding was not evident when the vesicles were incubated with the beta-agonist, isoproterenol. Incubation of the vesicles with [alpha-32P]GTP or [alpha-32P]azido-GTP in the presence of (-)-epinephrine, followed by photolysis, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography, resulted in the covalent labeling of a 74-kDa protein. Labeling of this protein could be blocked by preincubation with phentolamine or unlabeled GTP. These findings provide direct evidence for the coupling of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor to a previously uncharacterized G-protein (termed Gh), which has an apparent molecular mass of approximately 74 kDa.     

Cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate and 78 kDa receptors for lysosomal enzyme targeting are located in different cell compartments

The distribution of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate and 78 kDa receptors was studied in postnuclear subcellular fractions from two rat liver cell lines. ELISA assays revealed that the mannose 6-phosphate receptor is enriched in the light buoyant Percoll fractions that contain Golgi structures and early endosomes. Most of the 78 kDa receptor is localized in a heavy fraction at the bottom of the Percoll gradient and smaller amounts in the endosomal fractions. The high-density compartment is denser than lysosomes, contains LAMP2 but not LIMPII or acid hydrolases, and is not disrupted with glycyl-l-phenylalanine 2-naphthylamide, a substrate for cathepsin C that selectively disrupts lysosomes. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies indicate no colocalization of the 78 kDa receptor with the mannose 6-phosphate receptor or LIMPII. Mannose 6-phosphate-independent endocytosed beta-glucuronidase was found in the lysosomal, the early and late endosomal fractions. These fractions were immunoadsorbed in columns containing antibodies against the 78 kDa receptor. Only the endocytosed beta-glucuronidase present in the early and late endosomal fractions is associated to immunoadsorbed vesicles. In these vesicles, LAMP2 was detected but no LIMPII or the mannose 6-phosphate receptor. Results obtained suggest that the 78 kDa receptor is found along the endocytic pathway, but in vesicles different from the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor.     

Photoaffinity labeling of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors of rat heart

The photoaffinity probe [125I]aryl azidoprazosin was used to examine structural aspects of rat left ventricular alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. Autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-resolved proteins from photoaffinity-labeled membranes revealed a specifically labeled protein of mass 77 kDa. Adrenergic drugs competed with the photoaffinity probe for binding to the receptor in a manner expected of an alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist. Because the autoradiographic pattern was unaltered by incubating labeled membranes in gel sample buffer containing high concentrations of reducing agents, the binding component of the cardiac alpha 1-adrenergic receptor appears to be a single polypeptide chain. The photoaffinity probe specifically labeled a single protein of approximately 68 kDa in membranes of cardiac myocytes prepared from rat left ventricles. The role played by sulfhydryls in receptor structure and function was also studied. Dithiothreitol (DTT) inhibited [3H]prazosin binding to left ventricular membranes and altered both the equilibrium dissociation constant and maximal number of [3H]prazosin-binding sites but not the ability of the guanine nucleotide guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate to decrease agonist affinity for the receptors. When photoaffinity-labeled membranes were incubated with 40 mM DTT for 30 min at room temperature, two specifically labeled proteins of 77 and 68 kDa were identified. The DTT-induced conversion of the 77-kDa protein to 68 kDa was irreversible with washing, but the effect of DTT on [3H]prazosin binding was reversible. Both 77- and 68-kDa proteins were observed with liver membranes even in the absence of reducing agent. We suggest that the DTT-induced conversion of the 77-kDa protein to 68 kDa is due to enhancement in protease activity by the reductant. These results document that the cardiac alpha 1-adrenergic receptor is a 77-kDa protein, similar in mass to the receptor in liver and other sites. Proteolysis likely accounts for lower Mr forms of this receptor found in cardiac myocytes and in previous publications on hepatic alpha 1-receptors.     

Immunochemical detection of the alpha-subunit of the G-protein, GZ, in membranes and cytosols of mammalian cells

An antiserum (AS 98) was raised against a synthetic peptide deduced from published cDNA sequences of the alpha-subunit of the putative G-protein, GZ (Fong et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 3066-3070, 1988; Matsuoka et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 5384-5388, 1988). In membrane and cytosol preparations of many but not all tested mammalian tissues, AS 98 predominantly recognized two proteins of 40 and 43 kDa Mr. Whereas high levels of a 40 kDa GZ alpha-subunit were found in rat liver membranes and in brain cytosol, AS 98 failed to detect the alpha-subunit of GZ in brain membranes.     

Transducin-alpha C-terminal mutations prevent activation by rhodopsin: a new assay using recombinant proteins expressed in cultured cells.

We have measured the activation by recombinant rhodopsin of the alpha-subunit (alpha 1) of retinal transducin (Gt, also recombinant) using a new assay. Cultured cells are transiently transfected with DNAs encoding opsin and the three subunits of Gt (alpha t, beta 1 and gamma 1). In the microsomes of these cells, incubated with 11-cis-retinal, light causes the rapid activation of Gt, as measured by the ability of GTP gamma S to protect alpha t fragments from proteolytic degradation. The activation of Gt is also observed when all-trans-retinal is added to microsomes under constant illumination. Activation depends on both opsin and retinal. Opsin mutants with known defects in activating Gt show similar defects in this assay. alpha t mutations that mimic the corresponding mutations in the alpha-subunit of Gs also produce qualitatively similar effects in this assay. As a first step in a strategy aimed at exploring the relationships between structure and function in the interactions of receptors with G proteins, we tested mutant alpha t proteins with alanine substituted for each of the 10 amino acids at the C-terminus, a region known to be crucial for interactions with rhodopsin. Alanine substitution at four positions moderately (K341) or severely (L344, G348, L349) impairs the susceptibility of alpha 1 to activation by rhodopsin. All four mutants retain their ability to be activated by AIF-4. Two other substitutions (N343 and F350) resulted in very mild defects, while substitutions at the remaining four positions (E342, K345, D346 and C347) had no effect. In combination with previous observations, these results constrain models of the interaction of the C-terminus of alpha t with rhodopsin.     

Reconstitution of vesicle fusions occurring in endocytosis with a cell-free system.

We have used defined subcellular fractions to reconstitute in a cell-free system vesicle fusions occurring in the endocytic pathway. The endosomal fractions were prepared by immuno-isolation using as antigen an epitope located on a foreign protein, the transmembrane glycoprotein G (G-protein) of vesicular stomatitis virus. The G-protein was first implanted in the cell plasma membrane and subsequently endocytosed for 15 to 30 min at 37 degrees C. The endosomal fractions were immuno-isolated on a solid support using as antigen the cytoplasmic domain of the G-protein in combination with a specific monoclonal antibody. For comparative studies the plasma membrane was immuno-isolated from cells in the absence of G internalization with a monoclonal antibody against the exoplasmic domain of the G-protein. The immuno-isolated endosomal vesicles contained 70% of horseradish peroxidase internalized in the endosome fluid phase, exhibited an acidic luminal pH as shown by acridine orange fluorescence and differed in their protein composition from the immuno-isolated plasma membrane fraction. The fusion of endocytic vesicles originating from different stages of the pathway was studied in a cell-free assay using both a bio-chemical and a morphological detection system. These well defined endosomal vesicles were immuno-isolated with the G-protein on the solid support and provided the recipient compartment of the fusion (acceptor). They were mixed with a post-nuclear supernatant containing endosomes loaded with exogenous lactoperoxidase (donor) at 37 degrees C. Fusion delivered the donor peroxidase to the lumen of acceptor vesicles permitting fusion-specific iodination of the G-protein itself. The fusion of vesicles required ATP and was detected only with an endosomal fraction prepared after internalization of the G-protein for 15 min at 37 degrees C but not with a plasma membrane or with an endosomal fraction prepared after 30 min G-protein internalization.     

Follicle-stimulating hormone increases guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein subunit alpha i-3 mRNA but decreases alpha i-1 and alpha i-2 mRNA in Sertoli cells.

FSH interacts with a guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein)-coupled receptor, which in turn modulates signal transduction via the G-protein subunit alpha s. However, it is unknown whether FSH regulates alpha-subunit gene expression and whether G-protein alpha-subunit genes other than alpha s are modulated in FSH-stimulated signal transduction. Regulation of mRNA for alpha s and alpha i-2 was studied in primary cultures of rat Sertoli cells because these proteins are linked to the control of adenylyl cyclase. In addition, mRNA for alpha i-1 and alpha i-3 were quantified because these proteins are putatively linked to ion channels but have not been well characterized in the Sertoli cell. Northern blot analyses demonstrated that FSH induced a dose-dependent increase in steady state levels of alpha i-3 mRNA. In contrast, FSH caused a dose-dependent decrease in levels of alpha i-1 and alpha i-2 mRNA. No significant effect of FSH on alpha s mRNA levels was detectable. The time course of FSH effects showed a 75% decrease in alpha i-1 mRNA levels, a 50% decrease in alpha i-2 mRNA levels and a nearly 3-fold increase in levels of alpha i-3 mRNA between 4-6 h of treatment with 100 ng/ml FSH. Steady state levels of alpha i-1 and alpha i-2 mRNA returned to pretreatment levels after 10 h FSH treatment, while alpha i-3 mRNA returned to a new steady state level approximately 50% greater than the pretreatment level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Yeast GTB1 encodes a subunit of glucosidase II required for glycoprotein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum

Glucosidase II is essential for sequential removal of two glucose residues from N-linked glycans during glycoprotein biogenesis in the endoplasmic reticulum. The enzyme is a heterodimer whose alpha-subunit contains the glycosyl hydrolase active site. The function of the beta-subunit has yet to be defined, but mutations in the human gene have been linked to an autosomal dominant form of polycystic liver disease. Here we report the identification and characterization of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, GTB1, encoding a polypeptide with 21% sequence similarity to the beta-subunit of human glucosidase II. The Gtb1 protein was shown to be a soluble glycoprotein (96-102 kDa) localized to the endoplasmic reticulum lumen where it was present in a complex together with the yeast alpha-subunit homologue Gls2p. Surprisingly, we found that Deltagtb1 mutant cells were specifically defective in the processing of monoglucosylated glycans. Thus, although Gls2p is sufficient for cleavage of the penultimate glucose residue, Gtb1p is essential for cleavage of the final glucose. Our data demonstrate that Gtb1p is required for normal glycoprotein biogenesis and reveal that the final two glucose-trimming steps in N-glycan processing are mechanistically distinct.     

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.     

Identification of Galpha13 as one of the G-proteins that couple to human platelet thromboxane A2 receptors.

Previous studies have shown that ligand or immunoaffinity chromatography can be used to purify the human platelet thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor-Galphaq complex. The same principle of co-elution was used to identify another G-protein associated with platelet TXA2 receptors. It was found that in addition to Galphaq, purification of TXA2 receptors by ligand (SQ31,491)-affinity chromatography resulted in the co-purification of a member of the G12 family. Using an antipeptide antibody specific for the human G13 alpha-subunit, this G-protein was identified as Galpha13. In separate experiments, it was found that the TXA2 receptor agonist U46619 stimulated [35S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) incorporation into G13 alpha-subunit. Further evidence for functional coupling of G13 to TXA2 receptors was provided in studies where solubilized platelet membranes were subjected to immunoaffinity chromatography using an antibody raised against native TXA2 receptor protein. It was found that U46619 induced a significant decrease in Galphaq and Galpha13 association with the receptor protein. These results indicate that both Galphaq and Galpha13 are functionally coupled to TXA2 receptors and dissociate upon agonist activation. Furthermore, this agonist effect was specifically blocked by pretreatment with the TXA2 receptor antagonist, BM13.505. Taken collectively, these data provide direct evidence that endogenous Galpha13 is a TXA2 receptor-coupled G-protein, as: 1) its alpha-subunit can be co-purified with the receptor protein using both ligand and immunoaffinity chromatography, 2) TXA2 receptor activation stimulates GTPgammaS binding to Galpha13, and 3) Galpha13 affinity for the TXA2 receptor can be modulated by agonist-receptor activation.     

Cell-free synthesis and assembly of prolyl 4-hydroxylase: the role of the beta-subunit (PDI) in preventing misfolding and aggregation of the alpha-subunit.

Prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4-H) catalyses a vital post-translational modification in the biosynthesis of collagen. The enzyme consists of two distinct polypeptides forming an alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer (alpha = 64 kDa, beta = 60 kDa), the beta-subunit being identical to the multifunctional enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). By studying the cell-free synthesis of the rat alpha-subunit of P4-H we have shown that the alpha-subunit can be translocated, glycosylated and the signal peptide cleaved by dog pancreatic microsomal membranes to yield both singly and doubly glycosylated forms. When translations were carried out under conditions which prevent disulfide bond formation, the product synthesized formed aggregates which were associated with the immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP). Translations carried out under conditions that promote disulfide bond formation yielded a product that was not associated with BiP but formed a complex with the endogenous beta-subunit (PDI). Complex formation was detected by co-precipitation of the newly synthesized alpha-subunit with antibodies raised against PDI, by sucrose gradient centrifugation and by chemical cross-linking. When microsomal vesicles were depleted of PDI, BiP and other soluble endoplasmic reticulum proteins, no complex formation was observed and the alpha-subunit aggregated even under conditions that promote disulfide bond formation. We have therefore demonstrated that the enzyme P4-H can be assembled at synthesis in a cell-free system and that the solubility of the alpha-subunit is dependent upon its association with PDI.     

Characterization, size estimation and solubilization of alpha-macroglobulin complex receptors in liver membranes

Receptors for alpha 2-macroglobulin-proteinase complexes have been characterized in rat and human liver membranes. The affinity for binding of 125I-labelled alpha 2-macroglobulin.trypsin to rat liver membranes was markedly pH-dependent in the physiological range with maximum binding at pH 7.8-9.0. The half-time for association was about 5 min at 37 degrees C in contrast to about 5 h at 4 degrees C. The half-saturation constant was about 100 pM at 4 degrees C and 1 nM at 37 degrees C (pH 7.8). The binding capacity was approx. 300 pmol per g protein for rat liver membranes and about 100 pmol per g for human membranes. Radiation inactivation studies showed a target size of 466 +/- 71 kDa (S.D., n = 7) for alpha 2-macroglobulin.trypsin binding activity. Affinity cross-linking to rat and human membranes of 125I-labelled rat alpha 1-inhibitor-3.chymotrypsin, a 210 kDa analogue which binds to the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptors in hepatocytes (Gliemann, J. and Sottrup-Jensen, L. (1987) FEBS Lett. 221, 55-60), followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed radioactivity in a band not distinguishable from that of cross-linked alpha 2-macroglobulin (720 kDa). This radioactivity was absent when membranes with bound 125I-alpha 1-inhibitor-3 complex were treated with EDTA before cross-linking and when incubation and cross-linking were carried out in the presence of a saturating concentration of unlabelled complex. The saturable binding activity was maintained when membranes were solubilized in the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]propane sulfonate (CHAPS) and the size of the receptor as estimated by cross-linking experiments was shown to be similar to that determined in the membranes. It is concluded that liver membranes contain high concentrations of an approx. 400-500 kDa alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor soluble in CHAPS. The soluble preparation should provide a suitable material for purification and further characterization of the receptor.     

Properties of a novel GTP-binding protein which is associated with soluble phosphoinositides-specific phospholipase C

Recently we demonstrated the presence in calf thymocytes of a GTP-binding protein (G-protein) composed of three polypeptides, 54, 41, and 27 kDa, which was physically and functionally associated with a soluble phosphoinositides-specific phospholipase C (PI-phospholipase C). The properties of this G protein were further investigated with the following results. 1) In addition to the ability to bind [35S]guanosine-5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S), the G-protein exhibited GTPase activity, which was enhanced by Mg2+, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol, but inhibited by sodium cholate, GTP gamma S and F-.2) The 54-kDa polypeptide was ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin and also by endogenous membrane-bound ADP-ribosyltransferase, but none of these three polypeptides was ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxin. 3) The G-protein did not cross-react with either anti-rat brain alpha 1 (alpha-subunit of inhibitory G-protein, G1), alpha 0 (alpha-subunit of other G1-like G-protein, G0) or beta gamma antibodies. 4) Incubation of this G Protein with GTP gamma S caused dissociation of the three polypeptides. 5) The 27 kDa polypeptide showed GTP-binding activity and enhanced the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis by purified PI-phospholipase C. These results suggest that the PI-phospholipase C-associated G-protein in calf thymocytes may be a novel one and that it is involved in the regulation of PI-phospholipase C activity.     

Identification of two novel GTP-binding protein alpha-subunits that lack apparent ADP-ribosylation sites for pertussis toxin

Molecular cloning of cDNAs encoding alpha-subunits of guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G-proteins) has revealed the existence of nine species of alpha-subunits. We have identified two additional G-protein alpha-subunits, which we refer to as GL1 alpha and GL2 alpha, by isolating bovine liver cDNA clones that cross-hybridized at reduced stringency with bovine Gi1 alpha-subunit cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequences of GL1 alpha and GL2 alpha share 83% identity with each other and show 45-55% identity with those of other known G-protein alpha-subunits. Both GL1 alpha and GL2 alpha lack a consensus site for ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin. Messenger RNA corresponding to GL2 alpha was detected in all tissues examined, but GL1 alpha mRNA was detected only in liver, lung, and kidney. Antiserum prepared against a synthetic pentadecapeptide corresponding to the deduced carboxyl terminus of GL2 alpha specifically reacted with a 40-kDa protein in mouse liver, brain, lung, heart, kidney, and spleen. The amount of the 40-kDa protein was highest in brain and lung. We suggest that GL1 alpha and GL2 alpha are new members of a subfamily of pertussis toxin-insensitive G-proteins.     

Disulfide bonds within the alpha-subunit of insulin receptors in rat liver and brain membranes

We have characterized inter- and intrasubunit disulfide bonds of insulin receptors using reductant-treated rat liver and brain membranes. In autoradiograms of 125I-insulin cross-linked to both membranes pretreated with dithiothreitol, the intensity of affinity-labeled bands of the alpha beta-heterodimer and alpha-subunit was increased. Interestingly, labeled 120 and 110 kDa bands considered to be the alpha-subunit in partially reduced liver and brain membranes moved to 130 and 120 kDa bands under further reduced conditions, respectively. Double electrophoresis of each partially reduced band in the presence of reductants clearly demonstrates that the alpha-subunit of insulin receptors contains intrasubunit disulfide bonds.     

A 43 kDa form of the GTP-binding protein Gi3 in human erythrocytes

Purified preparations of human erythrocyte G-proteins contain a 43 kDa pertussis toxin substrate which appears to be the alpha-subunit of a heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein. The 43 kDa protein is recognized by antisera that are sequence-specific for peptides encoding a sequence common to all 39-53 kDa G-protein alpha-subunits. G alpha o-specific antiserum did not recognize 43 or 40-41 kDa alpha-subunits. AS/6, which recognizes the alpha i proteins, recognized 43 kDa as well as 40-41 kDa proteins. Of the three antisera specific for individual members of the alpha i family, only the Gi3-specific antiserum recognized the 43 kDa erythrocyte G-protein. However, 40-41 kDa forms of all three alpha is are present. These observations indicate that human erythrocytes contain a novel 43 kDa form of Gi3.     

Identification of a cDNA clone coding for the acetylcholine binding subunit of Torpedo marmorata acetylcholine receptor.

A recombinant DNA plasmid has been constructed that contains sequences of the gene coding for the acetylcholine binding subunit (alpha-subunit, 40 000 daltons) of Torpedo marmorata acetylcholine receptor protein (AChR). Polyadenylated RNA purified from Torpedo electric organ was used to construct a cDNA library. The AChR alpha-subunit cDNA clone was then identified by a two-step screening of 700 recombinant clones. As AChR is present in Torpedo electric organ but not in Torpedo liver or spleen, differential screening led to the selection of 12 clones specific for the electric organ. We then tested the ability of cDNA inserts to hybridize alpha-subunit mRNA specifically, as judged by cell-free translation and immunoprecipitation. The insert from one clone, p alpha-1, selectively hybridized with a mRNA species which elicited the synthesis of a 38 000 mol. wt. polypeptide. This polypeptide was precipitated by: (1) a rabbit serum raised against purified denatured alpha-subunit (the pure alpha-subunit displaced the complex); and (2) a rat monoclonal antibody specific for the denatured alpha-subunit. It was thus identified as a precursor of the alpha chain. Blot hybridization analysis of polyadenylated RNA from Torpedo electric organ with the p alpha-1 probe revealed a major species of 2.0 kb, which thus contains approximately 800 non-coding nucleotides.