Molecular mechanism of GTP hydrolysis by bovine transducin: pre-steady-state kinetic analyses

Structural basis of effector regulation and signal termination in heterotrimeric Galpha proteins

This chapter addresses, from a molecular structural perspective gained from examination of x-ray crystallographic and biochemical data, the mechanisms by which GTP-bound Galpha subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins recognize and regulate effectors. The mechanism of GTP hydrolysis by Galpha and rate acceleration by GAPs are also considered. The effector recognition site in all Galpha homologues is formed almost entirely of the residues extending from the C-terminal half of alpha2 (Switch II) together with the alpha3 helix and its junction with the beta5 strand. Effector binding does not induce substantial changes in the structure of Galpha*GTP. Effectors are structurally diverse. Different effectors may recognize distinct subsets of effector-binding residues of the same Galpha protein. Specificity may also be conferred by differences in the main chain conformation of effector-binding regions of Galpha subunits. Several Galpha regulatory mechanisms are operative. In the regulation of GMP phospodiesterase, Galphat sequesters an inhibitory subunit. Galphas is an allosteric activator and inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase, and Galphai is an allosteric inhibitor. Galphaq does not appear to regulate GRK, but is rather sequestered by it. GTP hydrolysis terminates the signaling state of Galpha. The binding energy of GTP that is used to stabilize the Galpha:effector complex is dissipated in this reaction. Chemical steps of GTP hydrolysis, specifically, formation of a dissociative transition state, is rate limiting in Ras, a model G protein GTPase, even in the presence of a GAP; however, the energy of enzyme reorganization to produce a catalytically active conformation appears to be substantial. It is possible that the collapse of the switch regions, associated with Galpha deactivation, also encounters a kinetic barrier, and is coupled to product (Pi) release or an event preceding formation of the GDP*Pi complex. Evidence for a catalytic intermediate, possibly metaphosphate, is discussed. Galpha GAPs, whether exogenous proteins or effector-linked domains, bind to a discrete locus of Galpha that is composed of Switch I and the N-terminus of Switch II. This site is immediately adjacent to, but does not substantially overlap, the Galpha effector binding site. Interactions of effectors and exogenous GAPs with Galpha proteins can be synergistic or antagonistic, mediated by allosteric interactions among the three molecules. Unlike GAPs for small GTPases, Galpha GAPs supply no catalytic residues, but rather appear to reduce the activation energy for catalytic activation of the Galpha catalytic site.

New insights into the role of conserved, essential residues in the GTP binding/GTP hydrolytic cycle of large G proteins

The GTP hydrolytic (GTPase) reaction terminates signaling by both large (heterotrimeric) and small (Ras-related) GTP-binding proteins (G proteins). Two residues that are necessary for GTPase activity are an arginine (often called the "arginine finger") found either in the Switch I domains of the alpha subunits of large G proteins or contributed by the GTPase-activating proteins of small G proteins, and a glutamine that is highly conserved in the Switch II domains of Galpha subunits and small G proteins. However, questions still exist regarding the mechanism of the GTPase reaction and the exact role played by the Switch II glutamine. Here, we have characterized the GTP binding and GTPase activities of mutants in which the essential arginine or glutamine residue has been changed within the background of a Galpha chimera (designated alpha(T)*), comprised mainly of the alpha subunit of retinal transducin (alpha(T)) and the Switch III region from the alpha subunit of G(i1). As expected, both the alpha(T)*(R174C) and alpha(T)*(Q200L) mutants exhibited severely compromised GTPase activity. Neither mutant was capable of responding to aluminum fluoride when monitoring changes in the fluorescence of Trp-207 in Switch II, although both stimulated effector activity in the absence of rhodopsin and Gbetagamma. Surprisingly, each mutant also showed some capability for being activated by rhodopsin and Gbetagamma to undergo GDP-[(35)S]GTPgammaS exchange. The ability of the mutants to couple to rhodopsin was not consistent with the assumption that they contained only bound GTP, prompting us to examine their nucleotide-bound states following their expression and purification from Escherichia coli. Indeed, both mutants contained bound GDP as well as GTP, with 35-45% of each mutant being isolated as GDP-P(i) complexes. Overall, these findings suggest that the R174C and Q200L mutations reveal Galpha subunit states that occur subsequent to GTP hydrolysis but are still capable of fully stimulating effector activity.

Determination of the size and chemical nature of the stabilizing "cap" at microtubule ends using modulators of polymerization dynamics

The size and chemical nature of the stabilizing cap at microtubule (MT) ends has remained enigmatic, in large part because it has been difficult to detect and measure it directly. By pulsing steady-state suspensions of bovine brain microtubules (MTs) with trace quantities of [gamma(32)P]GTP and sedimenting the MTs through 50% sucrose cushions to reduce background contaminating (32)P to negligible levels, we were able to detect a small number of (32)P molecules that remain stably bound to the MTs (a mean of 25.5 molecules of (32)P per MT). Analysis of the chemical form of the stably bound (32)P by thin-layer chromatography revealed that it was all (32)P-orthophosphate ((32)P(i)). The (32)P(i) was determined to be located at the MT ends because colchicine and vinblastine, drugs that suppress tubulin incorporation into the MT by binding specifically at MT ends, reduced the quantity of the stably bound (32)P(i). Taxol, a drug that stabilizes MT dynamics by binding along the MT surface rather than at the ends, did not affect the stoichiometry of the bound (32)P(i). If the bound (32)P is equally distributed between the two ends, each end would contain 12-13 molecules of (32)P(i). Beryllium fluoride (BeF(3-)) and aluminum fluoride (AlF(4-)), inorganic phosphate analogues, suppressed the dynamic instability behavior of individual MTs and, thus, stabilized them. For example, BeF(3-) (70 microM) reduced the MT shortening rate by 2.5-fold and decreased the transition frequency from the growing or the attenuated state to rapid shortening by 2-fold. The data support the hypothesis that the stabilizing cap at MT ends consists of a single layer of tubulin GDP-P(i) subunits. The data also support the hypothesis that the mechanism giving rise to the destabilized GDP-tubulin core involves release of P(i) rather than hydrolysis of the GTP.

Inhibition of retinal guanylyl cyclase by the RGS9-1 N-terminus

Cyclic GMP plays a key role in retinal phototransduction and its photoreceptor concentration is precisely controlled by the cooperative action of cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) and retinal guanylyl cyclase (retGC). However, studies of the relationship between these two systems have focused only on a Ca(2+)-mediated, indirect connection. Using a retinal "regulator of G-protein signaling" (RGS9-1) and its fragments, we show that the N-terminus of RGS9-1 inhibits retGC activity. We also indicate that the GGL domain and/or the RGS domain function as an internal suppressor against the N-terminus, suggesting that proteins bound to these domains regulate the inhibitory activity of the N-terminus. Direct interaction of retGC with RGS9-1 and its N-terminus is also proved by immunoprecipitation and an overlay technique. Since RGS9-1 also controls the lifetime of transducin-activated PDE through regulating GTPase activity of transducin, this study strongly suggests that RGS9-1 mediates the direct interaction between PDE and retGC systems, and that this ingenious mechanism plays an important role in tuning of cGMP concentration in photoreceptors.

Late events of translation initiation in bacteria: a kinetic analysis

Binding of the 50S ribosomal subunit to the 30S initiation complex and the subsequent transition from the initiation to the elongation phase up to the synthesis of the first peptide bond represent crucial steps in the translation pathway. The reactions that characterize these transitions were analyzed by quench-flow and fluorescence stopped-flow kinetic techniques. IF2-dependent GTP hydrolysis was fast (30/s) followed by slow P(i) release from the complex (1.5/s). The latter step was rate limiting for subsequent A-site binding of EF-Tu small middle dotGTP small middle dotPhe-tRNA(Phe) ternary complex. Most of the elemental rate constants of A-site binding were similar to those measured on poly(U), with the notable exception of the formation of the first peptide bond which occurred at a rate of 0.2/s. Omission of GTP or its replacement with GDP had no effect, indicating that neither the adjustment of fMet-tRNA(fMet) in the P site nor the release of IF2 from the ribosome required GTP hydrolysis.

GTPases mechanisms and functions of translation factors on the ribosome

The elongation factors (EF) Tu and G and initiation factor 2 (IF2) from bacteria are multidomain GTPases with essential functions in the elongation and initiation phases of translation. They bind to the same site on the ribosome where their low intrinsic GTPase activities are strongly stimulated. The factors differ fundamentally from each other, and from the majority of GTPases, in the mechanisms of GTPase control, the timing of Pi release, and the functional role of GTP hydrolysis. EF-Tu x GTP forms a ternary complex with aminoacyl-tRNA, which binds to the ribosome. Only when a matching codon is recognized, the GTPase of EF-Tu is stimulated, rapid GTP hydrolysis and Pi release take place, EF-Tu rearranges to the GDP form, and aminoacyl-tRNA is released into the peptidyltransferase center. In contrast, EF-G hydrolyzes GTP immediately upon binding to the ribosome, stimulated by ribosomal protein L7/12. Subsequent translocation is driven by the slow dissociation of Pi, suggesting a mechano-chemical function of EF-G. Accordingly, different conformations of EF-G on the ribosome are revealed by cryo-electron microscopy. GTP hydrolysis by IF2 is triggered upon formation of the 70S initiation complex, and the dissociation of Pi and/or IF2 follows a rearrangement of the ribosome into the elongation-competent state.

RGS9, a GTPase accelerator for phototransduction

The rod outer segment phototransduction GAP (GTPase-accelerating protein) has been identified as RGS9, a member of the RGS family of G alpha GAPs. RGS9 mRNA expression is specific for photoreceptor cells, and RGS9 protein colocalizes with other phototransduction components to photoreceptor outer segment membranes. The RGS domain of RGS9 accelerates GTP hydrolysis by the visual G protein transducin (G alpha(t)), and this acceleration is enhanced by the gamma subunit of the phototransduction effector cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDEgamma). These unique properties of RGS9 match those of the rod outer segment GAP and implicate it as a key element in the recovery phase of visual transduction.

Regulation of transducin GTPase activity by human retinal RGS

The intrinsic GTPase activity of transducin controls inactivation of the effector enzyme, cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE), during turnoff of the visual signal. The inhibitory gamma-subunit of PDE (Pgamma), an unidentified membrane factor and a retinal specific member of the RGS family of proteins have been shown to accelerate GTP hydrolysis by transducin. We have expressed a human homologue of murine retinal specific RGS (hRGSr) in Escherichia coli and investigated its role in the regulation of transducin GTPase activity. As other RGS proteins, hRGSr interacted preferentially with a transitional conformation of the transducin alpha-subunit, GtalphaGDPAlF4-, while its binding to GtalphaGTPgammaS or GtalphaGDP was weak. hRGSr and Pgamma did not compete for the interaction with GtalphaGDPAlF4-. Affinity of the Pgamma-GtalphaGDPAlF4- interaction was modestly enhanced by addition of hRGSr, as measured by a fluorescence assay of GtalphaGDPAlF4- binding to Pgamma labeled with 3-(bromoacetyl)-7-diethylaminocoumarin (PgammaBC). Binding of hRGSr to GtalphaGDPAlF4- complexed with PgammaBC resulted in a maximal approximately 40% reduction of BC fluorescence allowing estimation of the hRGSr affinity for GtalphaGDPAlF4- (Kd 35 nM). In a single turnover assay, hRGSr accelerated GTPase activity of transducin reconstituted with the urea-stripped rod outer segment (ROS) membranes by more than 10-fold to a rate of 0.23 s-1. Addition of Pgamma to the reconstituted system reduced the GTPase level accelerated by hRGSr (kcat 0.085 s-1). The GTPase activity of transducin and the PDE inactivation rates in native ROS membranes in the presence of hRGSr were elevated 3-fold or more regardless of the membrane concentrations. In ROS suspensions containing 30 microM rhodopsin these rates exceeded 0.7 s-1. Our data suggest that effects of hRGSr on transducin's GTPase activity are attenuated by Pgamma but independent of a putative membrane GTPase activating protein factor. The rate of transducin GTPase activity in the presence of hRGSr is sufficient to correlate it with in vivo turnoff kinetics of the visual cascade.

Does subunit dissociation necessarily accompany the activation of all heterotrimeric G proteins?

Heterotrimeric (alpha beta gamma) G proteins mediate a variety of signal transduction events in virtually every cell of every eukaryotic organism. The predominant hypothesis is that dissociation of the alpha-subunit from the G beta gamma-subunit complex necessarily accompanies the activation of these proteins, and that the alpha-subunit is primarily responsible for regulating the response of effector molecules. However, there is increasing evidence that both the alpha-subunit and the beta gamma-subunit complex function in regulating effector activity. Furthermore, data for some G proteins suggest that they function as activated heterotrimers rather than as dissociated subunits.

Possible stimulation of retinal rod recovery to dark state by cGMP release from a cGMP phosphodiesterase noncatalytic site

Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase, a key enzyme for phototransduction, contains alpha, beta (Palphabeta), and two gamma (Pgamma) subunits. In addition to catalytic sites, Palphabeta has two classes of noncatalytic cGMP binding sites with different affinities (Kd values <100 nM and >1 microM). Pgamma regulates Palphabeta as an inhibitor of cGMP hydrolysis and as a stimulator of cGMP binding to the high affinity noncatalytic sites. Pgamma release from Palphabeta by the GTP-bound alpha subunit of transducin (GTP.Talpha) interrupts these two functions. Here we describe a novel regulation of the Pgamma release by [cGMP] and its physiological implication. We isolated Pgamma mutants that exhibit abnormally one of these two functions, indicating the distinct domains in Pgamma are involved to express these functions. When [cGMP] was high ( approximately 5 microM), Pgamma responsible for the inhibition of cGMP hydrolysis was preferentially released, and cGMP hydrolysis activity of Palphabeta was increased about 10 times. When [cGMP] was low (less than approximately 0.5 microM), Pgamma responsible for the stimulation of cGMP binding to the high affinity sites was released. The Pgamma release resulted in the decrease of relative affinity of cGMP for the high affinity sites to at least (null)/1;10, followed by the rapid release of cGMP from one of the high affinity sites (apparent t1/2 = 3.8 s). cGMP ( approximately 5 microM) inhibited the extraction of Palphabeta from rod membranes by a Mg2+-free hypotonic buffer. The inhibition of Palphabeta extraction was not affected by Pgamma, suggesting that Palphabeta detects on the order of micromolar [cGMP] using low affinity noncatalytic sites on Palphabeta. Because [cGMP] is approximately 5 microM in darkness and lowered by photoexcitation and phosphodiesterase concentration is approximately 30 microM in rod photoreceptors, it is possible that cGMP phosphodiesterase functions to increase cytoplasamic [cGMP] after [cGMP] is reduced to the illuminated level.

RGS-r, a retinal specific RGS protein, binds an intermediate conformation of transducin and enhances recycling

G proteins regulate intracellular signaling by coupling a cycle of guanine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis to transient changes of cellular functions. The mechanisms that control the recycling of transducin, the "pacesetting" G protein that regulates mammalian phototransduction, are unclear. We show that a novel retinal specific RGS-motif protein specifically binds to an intermediate conformation involved in GTP hydrolysis by transducin and accelerates phosphate release and the recycling of transducin. This specific interaction further rationalizes the kinetics of the phototransduction cascade and provides a general hypothesis to explain the mechanism of interaction of RGS proteins with other G proteins.

Calcium-activated opsin phosphatase activity in retinal rod outer segments

We describe the presence in bovine retinal rod outer segments of a phosphatase which dephosphorylates phosphoopsin with an efficiency similar to that of PP2A, and which is stimulated by submicromolar levels of Ca2+ (half-maximal activation, 0.4-0.5 microM). This enzyme is designated CA2+ -activated opsin phosphatase (CAOP). CAOP has a molecular mass of 70-75 kDa as determined by gel filtration on Superose 12 and exhibits reversible Ca2+ -dependent oligomerization. An unidentified protein of approximately 25 kDa is necessary for full activity of CAOP and for cooperative binding of Ca2+ (h > 2). CAOP does not require Mg2+ and is inhibited by okadaic acid (median inhibitory concentration > 25 microM), which suggests that it is related to the PP1/2A/2b class of protein phosphatases. Like PP2B, CAOP is inhibited by trifluoperazine (median inhibitory concentration 40 microM), but calmodulin has no effect on CAOP activity, and CAOP is inhibited by mastoparan at much higher concentrations than PP2b. This combination of properties suggests that CAOP is not identical to any characterized protein phosphatase. Since the cytoplasmic concentration of Ca2+ -sensitive opsin phosphatase activity suggests that light-dependent Ca2+ levels may control rhodopsin dephosphorylation.

GTP binding to Gs does not promote subunit dissociation

The stimulatory G protein (Gs) mediates activation of adenylyl cyclase. Gs is a heterotrimeric protein (alpha beta gamma) that is activated when guanosine triphosphate (GTP) or a non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue displaces tightly bound guanosine diphosphate (GDP) from the guanine nucleotide-binding site of the alpha-subunit (Gs alpha). Divalent cations such as magnesium are also required for Gs activation. Subunit dissociation can accompany Gs activation and is thought to be critical for this process. We investigated the effects of MgCl2 and various purine nucleotides on Gs-subunit dissociation and activation. Subunit dissociation was assayed by measuring the amount of G protein beta-subunit that was co-precipitated by Gs alpha-specific antiserum. Gs activation was determined by its ability to reconstitute adenylyl cyclase activity in S49 cyc-membranes that lack Gs alpha. High concentrations of MgCl2 caused bound GDP to dissociate from Gs and inactivated the protein unless high concentrations of GDP or GTP were present in solution. MgCl2 caused a concentration-dependent dissociation of Gs subunits. GTP gamma S (a non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue) shifted the MgCl2 concentration-response curve for subunit dissociation to lower concentrations of MgCl2, suggesting that GTP gamma S promoted subunit dissociation. On the other hand, GDP and GTP were equally effective in shifting the curve to higher concentration of MgCl2. These results suggest that GTP, the compound that activates Gs in vivo, was no more effective at promoting Gs subunit dissociation than was GDP.

Partial G protein activation by fluorescent guanine nucleotide analogs. Evidence for a triphosphate-bound but inactive state

N-methyl-3'-O-anthranoyl (MANT) guanine nucleotide analogs are useful environmentally sensitive fluorescent probes for studying G protein mechanisms. Previously, we showed that MANT fluorescence intensity when bound to G protein was related to the degree of G protein activation where MANT-guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (mGTP gammaS) had the highest fluorescence followed by mGTP and mGDP, respectively (Remmers, A. E., Posner, R., and Neubig, R. R. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 13771-13778). To directly examine G protein conformations with nucleotide triphosphates bound, we synthesized several nonhydrolyzable MANT-labeled guanine nucleotides. The relative maximal fluorescence levels observed upon binding to recombinant myristoylated Goalpha (myrGoalpha) and myrGialpha1 were: mGTPgammaS > MANT-5'-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate > MANT-guanylyl-(beta,gamma-methylene)-diphosphonate > MANT-guanosine 5'-O-2-(thio)diphosphate. Using protection against tryptic digestion as a measure of the activated conformation, the ability of the MANT guanine nucleotides to maximally activate myrGo alpha correlated with maximal fluorescence. Biphasic dissociation kinetics were observed for all of the MANT guanine nucleotides. The data were consistent with the following model, [formula: see text] where G protein activation (G*-GXP) is determined by a conformational equilibrium between two triphosphate bound states as well as by the balance between binding and hydrolysis of the nucleotide triphosphate. Compared with myrGialpha1, maximal mGTP fluorescence was only 2-fold higher for the myrGialpha1 Q204L mutant, a mutant with greatly reduced GTPase activity, and only 24% that of mGTPgammaS, indicating that partial activation by mGTP was not just due to hydrolysis of mGTP. These results extend our previous conclusion that GTP analogs do not fully activate G protein.

Recoverin, a calcium-binding protein in photoreceptors

Recoverin is a Ca2+-binding protein found primarily in vertebrate photoreceptors. The proposed physiological function of recoverin is based on the finding that recoverin inhibits light-stimulated phosphorylation of rhodopsin. Recoverin interacts with rod outer segment membranes in a Ca2+-dependent manner. This interaction requires N-terminal acylation of recoverin. Four types of fatty acids have been detected on the N-terminus of recoverin, but the functional significance of this heterogeneous acylation is not yet clear.

Future directions for rhodopsin structure and function studies

NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) may be useful for determining the structure of retinal and its environment in rhodopsin, but not for determining the complete protein structure. Aggregation and low yield of fragments of rhodopsin may make them difficult to study by NMR. A long-term multidisciplinary attack on rhodopsin structure is required.

More answers about cGMP-gated channels pose more questions

Our understanding of the molecular properties and cellular role of cGMP-gated channels in outer segments of vertebrate photo-receptors has come from over a decade of studies which have continuously altered and refined ideas about these channels. Further examination of this current view may lead to future surprises and further refine the understanding of cGMP-gated channels.

Cyclic nucleotides as regulators of light-adaptation in photoreceptors

Cyclic nucleotides can regulate the sensitivity of retinal rods to light through phosducin. The phosphorylation state of phosducin determines the amount of G available for activation by Rho*. Phosducin phosphorylation is regulated by cyclic nucleotides through their activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The regulation of phosphodiesterase activity by the noncatalytic cGMP binding sites as well as Ca2+/calmodulin dependent regulation of cGMP binding to the cation channel are also discussed.

Long term potentiation and CaM-sensitive adenylyl cyclase: Long-term prospects

The type I CaM-sensitive adenylyl cyclase is in a position to integrate signals from multiple inputs, consistent with the requirements for mediating long term potentiation (LTP). Biochemical and genetic evidence supports the idea that this enzyme plays an important role inc LTP. However, more work is needed before we will be certain of the role that CaM-sensitive adenylyl cyclases play in LTP.

Modulation of the cGMP-gated channel by calcium

Calcium acting through calmodulin has been shown to regulate the affinity of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels expressed in cell lines. But is calmodulin the Ca-sensor that normally regulates these channels?

How many light adaptation mechanisms are there?

The generally positive response to our target article indicates that most of the commentators accept our contention that light adaptation consists of multiple and possibly redundant mechanisms. The commentaries fall into three general categories. The first deals with putative mechanisms that we chose not to emphasize. The second is a more extended discussion of the role of calcium in adaptation. Finally, additional aspects of cGMP involvement in adaptation are considered. We discuss each of these points in turn.

Gene therapy, regulatory mechanisms, and protein function in vision

Hereditary retinal degeneration due to mutations in visual genes may be amenable to therapeutic interventions that modulate, either positively or negatively, the amount of protein product. Some of the proteins involved in phototransduction are rapidly moved by a lightdependent mechanism between the inner segment and the outer segment in rod photoreceptor cells, and this phenomenon is important in phototransduction.

A novel protein family of neuronal modulators

A number of proteins homologous to recoverin have been identified in the brains of the several vertebrate species. The brainderived members originally contain four EF-hand domains, but NH2- terminal domain is aberrant. Many of these proteins inhibited light-induced rhodopsin phosphorylation at high [Ca2+], suggesting that the brain-derived members may act as a Ca2+-sensitive modulator of receptor phosphorylation, as recoverin does.

The structure of rhodopsin and mechanisms of visual adaptation

Rapidly advancing studies on rhodopsin have focused on new strategies for crystallization of this integral membrane protein for x-ray analysis and on alternative methods for structural determination from nuclear magnetic resonance data. Functional studies of the interactions between the apoprotein and its chromophore have clarified the role of the chromophore in deactivation of opsin and in photoactivation of the pigment.

Crucial steps in photoreceptor adaptation: Regulation of phosphodiesterase and guanylate cyclase activities and Ca2+-buffering

This commentary discusses the balance of phosphodiesterase and guanylate cyclase activities in vertebrate photoreceptors at moderate light intensities. The rate of cGMP hydrolysis and synthesis seem to equal each other. Ca2+ as regulator of both enzyme activities is also effectively buffered in photoreceptor cells by cytoplasmic buffer components.

The atomic structure of visual rhodopsin: How and when?

Strong arguments are presented by Hargrave suggesting that the crystallization of visual rhodopsin for high resolution analysis by X-ray crystallography or electron microscopy is feasible. However, the effort needed to achieve this goal will most likely exceed the resources of a single laboratory and a concerted approach to the research is necessary.

Molecular insights gained from covalently tethering cGMP to the ligand-binding sites of retinal rod cGMP-gated channels

A photoaffinity analog of cGMP has been used to biochemically identify a new ligand-binding subunit of the retinal rod cGMP-activated ion channel, as well as amino acids in contact with cGMP in the original subunit. Covalent tethering of this probe to channels in excised menbrane patches has revealed a functional heteogeneity in the ligand-binding sites that may arise from the two biochemically identified subunits.

Genetic and functional complexity of inherited retinal degeneration

Recent findings emphasize the complexity, both genetic and functional, of the manifold genes and mutations causing inherited retinal degeneration in humans. Knowledge of the genetic bases of these diseases can contribute to design of rational therapy, as well as elucidating the function of each gene product in normal visual processes.

Channel structure and divalent cation regulation of phototransduction

The identification of additional subunits of the cGMP-gated cation channel suggests exciting questions about their regulatory roles and about structure/functional relationships. How do the different subunits interact? How is the complex assembled into the plasma membrane? Divalent cations have been implicated in the regulation of adaptation. One often overlooked cation is magnesium. Could this ion play a role in phototransduction?

Structure of the cGMP-gated channel

The subunit structure of the cGMP-gated cation channel of rod photoreceptors is rapidly being defined, and in the process the mode of regulation by Ca2+-calmodulin unraveled. Intriguingly, early results suggest that additional subunits of unknown function are associated with the channel and remain to be identified.

Linking genotypes with phenotypes in human retinal degenerations: Implications for future research and treatment

Although undoubtedly it will be incomplete by the time it is published, the target article by Daiger et al. organizes mutations in genes that produce retinal degenerations in humans into categories of clinically relevant phenotypes. Such classifications should help us understand the link between altered photoreceptor cell proteins and subsequent cell death, and they may yield insight into methods for preventing consequent blindness.

Genetic and clinical heterogeneity in tapetal retinal dystrophies

Large scale DNA-mutation screening in patients with hereditary retinal diseases greatly enhances our knowledge about retinal function and diseases. Scientists, clinicians, patients, and families involved with retinal disorders may directly benefit from these developments. However, certain aspects of this expanding knowledge, such as the correlation between genotype and phenotype, may be much more complicated than we expect at present.

The determination of rhodopsin structure may require alternative approaches

The structure of rhodopsin is a subject of intense interest. Solving the structure by traditional methods has proved exceedingly challenging. It may therefore be useful to confront the problem by a combination of alternate techniques. These include FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and AFM (atomic force microscopy) on the intact protein. Furthermore, additional insights may be gained through structural investigations of discrete rhodopsin domains.

Na-Ca + K exchanger and Ca2+ homeostasis in retinal rod outer segments: Inactivation of the Ca2+ efflux mode and possible involvement of intracellular Ca2+ stores in Ca2+ homeostasis

Inactivation of the Ca2+ extrusion mode of the retinal rod Na- Ca + K exchanger is suggested to be the mechanism that prevents lowering of cytosolic free Ca2+ to < 1 nM when rod cells are saturated for a prolonged time under bright light conditions. Under these conditions, Ca2+ fluxes across disk membranes can contribute significantly to Ca2+ homeostasis in rods.

Nuclear magnetic resonance studies on the structure and function of rhodopsin

Magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR methods provide a means of obtaining high resolution structural data on rhodopsin and its photoin termediates. Current work has focused on the structure of the retinal chromophore and its interactions with surrounding protein charges. The recent development of MAS NMR methods for measuring internuclear distances with a resolution of ∼0.2 will complement diffraction methods for addressing key mechanistic questions.

Glutamate accumulation in the photoreceptor-presumed final common path of photoreceptor cell death

Genetic abnormalities of three factors related to the photoreceptor mechanism have been reported in both animal models and humans. Apoptotic mechanism has also been suggested as a final common pathway of photoreceptor cell death. Our findings of increased level of glutamate in photoreceptor cells in rds mice suggest that amino acid might mediate between these two pathological mechanisms.

Unique lipids and unique properties of retinal proteins

Amino-terminal heteroacylation has been identified in retinal proteins including recoverin and α subunit of G-protein, transducin. The tissue-specific modification seems to mediate not only a proteinmembrane interaction but also a specific protein-protein interaction. The mechanism generating the heterogeneity and its physiological role are still unclear, but an interesting idea for the latter postulates a fine regulation of the signal transduction pathway by distinct N-acyl groups.

Further insight into the structural and regulatory properties of the cGMP-gated channel

Recent studies from several different laboratories have provided further insight into structure-function relationships of cyclic nucleotide-gated channel and in particular the cCMPgated channel of rod photoreceptors. Site-directed mutagenesis and rod-olfactory chimeria constructs have defined important amino acids and peptide segments of the channel that are important in ion blockage, ligand specificity, and gating properties. Molecular cloning studies have indicated that cyclic nucleotide-gated channels consist of two subunits that are required to reproduce the properties of the native channels. Biochemical analysis of the cGMP-gated channel of rodcells have indicated that the 240 kDa protein that co-purifies with the 63 kDa channel subunit contains both the previously cloned second subunit of the channel and a glutamic acid-rich protein. The regulatory properties of the cGMP-gated channel from rod cells has also been studied in more detail. Studies indicate that the beta subunit of the cGMP-gated channel of rod cells contains the binding site for calmodulin. Interaction of calmodulin with the channel alters the apparent affinity of the channel for cGMP in all in vitro systems that have been studied. The significance of these recent studies are discussed in relation to the commentaries on the target article.

Unsolved issues in S-modulin/recoverin study

S-Modulin is a frog homolog of recoverin. The function and the underlying mechanism of the action of these proteins are now understood in general. However, there remain some unsolved issues including; two distinct effects of S-modulin; Ca2+-dependent binding of S-modulin to membranes and a possible target protein; S-modulin-like proteins in other neurons. These issues are considered in this commentary.

Mechanisms of photoreceptor degenerations

The candidate gene approach has identified many causes of photoreceptor rod cell death in retinitis pigmentosa. Some mutations lead to increased cyclicGMP concentrations in rods. Rod photoreceptors are also particularly susceptible to some mutations in housekeeping genes. Although many more cases of macular degeneration than retinitis pigmentosa occur each year, there is much less known about both genetic and sporadic forms of this disease.