ATPalphaS is a ligand for P2Y receptors in synaptosomal membranes: solubilization of [35S]ATPalphaS binding proteins associated with G-proteins.

ATPalphaS was established as a P2Y receptor-specific ligand for assaying the solubilization of functional native P2Y receptors from synaptosomal membranes. These receptors are not yet amenable to biochemical studies. High-affinity 35S]ATPalphaS binding sites in synaptosomal membranes, solubilized with Brij58, retained the binding affinity and ligand specificity (ATPalphaS = ATP > 2-MeSATP > ADP, ADPbetaS > AMP > alpha,beta-MeATP) corresponding to P2Y receptors. Mg2+ but not Ca2+, enhanced high-affinity 35S]ATPalphaS binding 30-fold, supporting specific recognition by P2Y receptors. ATPalphaS stimulated P2Y receptor-mediated 35S]GTPgammaS binding equipotently with ATP in synaptosomal membranes and in Brij58-solubilized proteins demonstrating the association with G-proteins. Anion-exchange chromatography of solubilized synaptosomal membrane proteins yielded two fractions in which 35S]ATPalphaS binding was regulated by GTPgammaS/Mg2+, thus possibly by heterotrimeric G-proteins. After a second chromatographic step (hydroxyapatite) the regulation of high-affinity 35S]ATPalphaS binding by Mg2+ was still present, whereas the regulation by GTPgammaS/Mg2+ was lost indicating the dissociation from G-proteins. Thus, conditions were found to stabilize ligand binding activity of solubilized P2Y receptors and to solubilize P2Y receptors associated with G-proteins.