Myristoylation of the G alpha i2 polypeptide, a G protein alpha subunit, is required for its signaling and transformation functions

Every Detail Matters. That Is, How the Interaction between Gα Proteins and Membrane Affects Their Function

In highly organized multicellular organisms such as humans, the functions of an individual cell are dependent on signal transduction through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and subsequently heterotrimeric G proteins. As most of the elements belonging to the signal transduction system are bound to lipid membranes, researchers are showing increasing interest in studying the accompanying protein-lipid interactions, which have been demonstrated to not only provide the environment but also regulate proper and efficient signal transduction. The mode of interaction between the cell membrane and G proteins is well known. Despite this, the recognition mechanisms at the molecular level and how the individual G protein-membrane attachment signals are interrelated in the process of the complex control of membrane targeting of G proteins remain unelucidated. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which mammalian Gα subunits of G proteins interact with lipids and the factors responsible for the specificity of membrane association. We summarize recent data on how these signaling proteins are precisely targeted to a specific site in the membrane region by introducing well-defined modifications as well as through the presence of polybasic regions within these proteins and interactions with other components of the heterocomplex.

Structure of a D2 dopamine receptor-G-protein complex in a lipid membrane

The D₂ dopamine receptor (DRD2) is a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease¹ and antipsychotic drugs². DRD2 is activated by the endogenous neurotransmitter dopamine and synthetic agonist drugs such as bromocriptine³, leading to stimulation of G_i and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. We used cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structure of an agonist-bound activated DRD2-G_i complex reconstituted into a phospholipid membrane. The extracellular ligand binding site of DRD2 is remodeled in response to agonist binding, with conformational changes in extracellular loop 2 (ECL2), transmembrane domain 5 (TM5), TM6, and TM7 propagating to opening of the intracellular G_i binding site. The DRD2-G_i structure represents the first experimental model of a GPCR-G protein complex embedded in a phospholipid bilayer, which serves as a benchmark to validate the interactions seen in previous detergent-bound structures. The structure also reveals interactions that are unique to the membrane-embedded complex, including helix 8 burial in the inner leaflet, ordered lysine and arginine sidechains in the membrane interfacial regions, and lipid anchoring of the G protein in the membrane. Our model of the activated DRD2 will help inform the design of subtype-selective DRD2 ligands for multiple human CNS disorders.

Effects of Post-translational Modifications on Membrane Localization and Signaling of Prostanoid GPCR-G Protein Complexes and the Role of Hypoxia

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a pivotal role in the adaptive responses to cellular stresses such as hypoxia. In addition to influencing cellular gene expression profiles, hypoxic microenvironments can perturb membrane protein localization, altering GPCR effector scaffolding and altering downstream signaling. Studies using proteomics approaches have revealed significant regulation of GPCR and G proteins by their state of post-translational modification. The aim of this review is to examine the effects of post-translational modifications on membrane localization and signaling of GPCR-G protein complexes, with an emphasis on vascular prostanoid receptors, and to highlight what is known about the effect of cellular hypoxia on these mechanisms. Understanding post-translational modifications of protein targets will help to define GPCR targets in treatment of disease, and to inform research into mechanisms of hypoxic cellular responses.

GPS-Lipid: a robust tool for the prediction of multiple lipid modification sites

As one of the most common post-translational modifications in eukaryotic cells, lipid modification is an important mechanism for the regulation of variety aspects of protein function. Over the last decades, three classes of lipid modifications have been increasingly studied. The co-regulation of these different lipid modifications is beginning to be noticed. However, due to the lack of integrated bioinformatics resources, the studies of co-regulatory mechanisms are still very limited. In this work, we developed a tool called GPS-Lipid for the prediction of four classes of lipid modifications by integrating the Particle Swarm Optimization with an aging leader and challengers (ALC-PSO) algorithm. GPS-Lipid was proven to be evidently superior to other similar tools. To facilitate the research of lipid modification, we hosted a publicly available web server at http://lipid.biocuckoo.org with not only the implementation of GPS-Lipid, but also an integrative database and visualization tool. We performed a systematic analysis of the co-regulatory mechanism between different lipid modifications with GPS-Lipid. The results demonstrated that the proximal dual-lipid modifications among palmitoylation, myristoylation and prenylation are key mechanism for regulating various protein functions. In conclusion, GPS-lipid is expected to serve as useful resource for the research on lipid modifications, especially on their co-regulation.

Myristoylation exerts direct and allosteric effects on Gα conformation and dynamics in solution

Coupling of heterotrimeric G proteins to activated G protein-coupled receptors results in nucleotide exchange on the Gα subunit, which in turn decreases its affinity for both Gβγ and activated receptors. N-Terminal myristoylation of Gα subunits aids in membrane localization of inactive G proteins. Despite the presence of the covalently attached myristoyl group, Gα proteins are highly soluble after GTP binding. This study investigated factors facilitating the solubility of the activated, myristoylated protein. In doing so, we also identified myristoylation-dependent differences in regions of Gα known to play important roles in interactions with receptors, effectors, and nucleotide binding. Amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange and site-directed fluorescence of activated proteins revealed a solvent-protected amino terminus that was enhanced by myristoylation. Furthermore, fluorescence quenching confirmed that the myristoylated amino terminus is in proximity to the Switch II region in the activated protein. Myristoylation also stabilized the interaction between the guanine ring and the base of the α5 helix that contacts the bound nucleotide. The allosteric effects of myristoylation on protein structure, function, and localization indicate that the myristoylated amino terminus of Gα(i) functions as a myristoyl switch, with implications for myristoylation in the stabilization of nucleotide binding and in the spatial regulation of G protein signaling.

Molecular mechanisms of go signaling

Go is the most abundant G protein in the central nervous system, where it comprises about 1% of membrane protein in mammalian brains. It functions to couple cell surface receptors to intercellular effectors, which is a critical process for cells to receive, interpret and respond to extracellular signals. Go protein belongs to the pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/Go subfamily of G proteins. A number of G-protein-coupled receptors transmit stimuli to intercellular effectors through Go. Go regulates several cellular effectors, including ion channels, enzymes, and even small GTPases to modulate cellular function. This review summarizes some of the advances in Go research and proposes areas to be further addressed in exploring the functional role of Go.

Galpha subunit Gpa2 recruits kelch repeat subunits that inhibit receptor-G protein coupling during cAMP-induced dimorphic transitions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

All eukaryotic cells sense extracellular stimuli and activate intracellular signaling cascades via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and associated heterotrimeric G proteins. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae GPCR Gpr1 and associated Galpha subunit Gpa2 sense extracellular carbon sources (including glucose) to govern filamentous growth. In contrast to conventional Galpha subunits, Gpa2 forms an atypical G protein complex with the kelch repeat Gbeta mimic proteins Gpb1 and Gpb2. Gpb1/2 negatively regulate cAMP signaling by inhibiting Gpa2 and an as yet unidentified target. Here we show that Gpa2 requires lipid modifications of its N-terminus for membrane localization but association with the Gpr1 receptor or Gpb1/2 subunits is dispensable for membrane targeting. Instead, Gpa2 promotes membrane localization of its associated Gbeta mimic subunit Gpb2. We also show that the Gpa2 N-terminus binds both to Gpb2 and to the C-terminal tail of the Gpr1 receptor and that Gpb1/2 binding interferes with Gpr1 receptor coupling to Gpa2. Our studies invoke novel mechanisms involving GPCR-G protein modules that may be conserved in multicellular eukaryotes.

Distribution of C-terminal splice variant of G alpha i2 in rat and monkey brain

The significance of Galphai2 in neural signal transmission is well defined. However, the function of its alternative splice variant named sGi2 is unknown. Therefore here, we have studied the localization of sGi2 protein in rat and monkey brain at light and electron microscopy level. We found that this novel protein is widely expressed in rat and monkey brain regions, which are known to play crucial role in brain functions. Hippocampus, cerebral cortex, amygdala, thalamus, striatum, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle and dopaminergic cell groups of substantia nigra, hypothalamus and olfactory bulb showed strong labeling with anti-sGi2. At subcellular level, sGi2 protein was localized in intracellular compartments, including endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, mitochondria and nucleus. This protein was also found localized extra-synaptically in both axons and spines, which were making excitatory as well as inhibitory synaptic contacts. Moreover, the frequent localization of sGi2 protein in neck of spines further suggests that this protein may not engage directly in neuronal signal transmission but could influence other participating proteins of this process.

Regulation of G proteins by covalent modification

Heterotrimeric G protein alpha,beta, and gamma subunits are subject to several kinds of co- and post-translational covalent modifications. Among those relevant to G protein-coupled receptor signaling in normal cell function are lipid modifications and phosphorylation. N-myristoylation is a co-translational modification occurring for members of the G(i) family of Galpha subunits, while palmitoylation is a post-translational modification that occurs for these and most other Galpha subunits. One or both modifications are required for plasma membrane targeting and contribute to regulating strength of interaction with the Gbetagamma heterodimer, effectors, and regulators of G protein signaling (RGS proteins). Galpha subunits, including those with transforming activity, are often inactive when unable to be modified with lipids. The reversible nature of palmitoylation is intriguing in this regard, as it lends itself to a regulation integrated with the activation state of the G protein. Several Galpha subunits are substrates for phosphorylation by protein kinase C and at least one is a substrate for phosphorylation by the p21-activated protein kinase. Phosphorylation in both instances inhibits the interactions of these subunits with the Gbetagamma heterodimer and RGS proteins. Several Galpha subunits are also substrates for tyrosine phosphorylation. A Ggamma subunit is phosphorylated by protein kinase C, with the consequence that it interacts more tightly with a Galpha subunit but less well with an effector.

Administration of myr(+)-G(i2)alpha subunits prevents acute tolerance (tachyphylaxis) to mu-opioid effects in mice

The administration of efficacious doses of morphine or beta-endorphin causes acute tolerance (tachyphylaxis) to the effects of additional administrations of these opioids. Mice intracerebroventricularly (icv)-injected with biologically active myristoylated (myr(+))-G(i2)alpha subunits developed no tachyphylaxis to morphine antinociception in the tail-flick test. This treatment increased the potency of opioid-induced analgesia during the declining phase. Moreover, animals showing tachyphylaxis to opioid effects exhibited normal responses to the agonists after icv-administration of myr(+)-G(i2)alpha subunits. In morphine tolerant/dependent mice, an icv dose of 12 pmol/mouse myr(+)-G(i2)alpha subunits facilitated complete restoration of morphine antinociception in only 4 or 5 days instead of the 10 to 11 days required for post-dependent mice. This was observed when myr(+)-G alpha subunits were injected within the first 24 h of chronic morphine administration -- but not later when long-term tolerance takes place. These results suggest that during the course of an opioid effect a progressive reduction of receptor-regulated G-proteins occurs, and hence tachyphylaxis develops. Exogenous administration of myr(+)-G alpha subunits may be of therapeutic potential in improving agonist activity and accelerating the recovery of post-dependent receptors.

Mapping the interface between calmodulin and MARCKS-related protein by fluorescence spectroscopy

MARCKS-related protein (MRP) is a myristoylated protein kinase C substrate that binds calmodulin (CaM) with nanomolar affinity. To obtain structural information on this protein, we have engineered 10 tryptophan residues between positions 89 and 104 in the effector domain, a 24-residue-long amphipathic segment that mediates binding of MRP to CaM. We show that the effector domain is in a polar environment in free MRP, suggesting exposure to water, in agreement with a rod-shaped structure of the protein. The effector domain participates in the binding of MRP to CaM, as judged by the dramatic changes observed in the fluorescent properties of the mutants on complex formation. Intermolecular quenching of the fluorescence emission of the tryptophan residues in MRP by selenomethionine residues engineered in CaM reveals that the N-terminal side of the effector domain contacts the C-terminal domain of CaM, whereas the C-terminal side of the effector domain contacts the N-terminal domain of CaM. Finally, a comparison of the fluorescent properties of the myristoylated and unmyristoylated forms of a construct in which a tryptophan residue was introduced at position 4 close to the myristoylated N terminus of MRP suggests that the lipid moiety is also involved in the interaction of MRP with CaM.

Myr+-Gi2 alpha and Go alpha subunits restore the efficacy of opioids, clonidine and neurotensin giving rise to antinociception in G-protein knock-down mice

In mice whose Gi/o-protein function had been impaired by antisense 'knock-down' or pertussis toxin treatment, i.c.v. injection of myr+-Gi/o alpha subunits restored the effectiveness of beta-endorphin, morphine, DPDPE, clonidine and neurotensin to produce antinociception. Myr+-G alpha subunits of the class of G-proteins actually impaired were more effective than unlike but related myr+-G alpha subunits. Selectivity was noted in that only exogenous myr+-G alpha subunits affected (enhanced) the activity of agonists in G alpha-deficient signalling systems. This treatment had little effect on agonist potency when the impairment resided at the receptor level. The potential of the opioids, clonidine and R-PIA to increase G alpha-related in vitro hydrolysis of GTP was also re-established after injecting myr+-Gi2 alpha subunits into Gi2-knocked-down mice. Myr+-Gi2 alpha subunits pre-incubated with GTPgammaS or GDPbetaS before i.c.v. injection did not improve the activity of agonists in vivo (antinociception) or in vitro (regulation of low Km GTPase). After impairing the function of PKCbeta1 by antisense treatment or with the inhibitor H7, the effect of myr+-G alpha subunits on agonist potency was prevented. Electron microscope analysis showed the entry of gold-conjugated myr+-G alpha subunits into neural cells. These particles were found in the cytoplasm, associated with the plasma membranes of different neuronal processes and also in synaptic junctions. In cultured neurons and astrocytes myr+-Gi2 alpha-associated fluorescence was internalised in a dose-dependent manner and distributed in the plasma membrane and cytosol, as well as in nuclei of dividing astrocytes. Thus, G alpha subunits in CSF enter into neurons and functionally couple to the receptor-triggered signalling cascade. As G-proteins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neural disorders, this finding may be valuable in the therapy of such dysfunctions.

Mutagenesis of putative acylation sites alters function, localization, and accumulation of a Gi alpha subunit of the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica

Targeted disruption of cpg-1, a gene encoding the G protein Gi alpha subunit, CPG-1, in the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, results in reduced mycelial growth, reduced orange pigmentation, loss of virulence, loss of asexual sporulation, and female infertility. We report the development of a complementation system for cpg-1 null mutants and its use to evaluate the in vivo consequences of mutating conserved putative CPG-1 myristoylation (G2) and palmitoylation (C3) sites. Independent mutations of the two putative acylation sites differentially altered complex fungal biological processes, including virulence, and modified CPG-1 membrane association. Results of combined Northern (RNA) and Western (immunoblot) analysis also indicated a role for lipid modification in post-transcriptional regulation of CPG-1 accumulation.

Activation of protein kinase C modulates alpha2-adrenergic signalling in rat pancreatic islets

Treatment of rat pancreatic islets with 4beta-phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA) caused a significant reduction in the ability of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist noradrenaline to inhibit glucose-induced insulin secretion. This effect was most evident when low concentrations of the catecholamine were used (less than 1 microM) and was lost when the noradrenaline concentration was increased to 10 microM. The effect was probably mediated by activation of protein kinase C, because the ability of PMA to desensitise islets to noradrenaline was prevented by a selective inhibitor of calcium-dependent isoforms of the enzyme, Gö6976. The response to PMA was reproduced when islet protein kinase C was activated by a receptor-mediated mechanism involving incubation with the muscarinic agonist carbachol. In parallel with desensitisation of the inhibitory control of insulin secretion by noradrenaline, PMA treatment also reduced the ability of a low concentration of noradrenaline (0.1 microM) to inhibit islet cAMP formation. The loss of sensitivity to catecholamine, induced by PMA in rat islets, was not caused by any change in the levels of alpha2-adrenoceptor expression or in their ligand-binding affinity. It was, however, associated with a marked increase in the extent of phosphorylation of members of the Gi/Go, family of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in PMA-treated islets. Immunoprecipitation of Gi alpha2 and Galpha o from 32P-labelled islets after treatment with PMA revealed that both G proteins are substrates for protein kinase C. Overall, the results indicate that activation of protein kinase C leads to phosphorylation of islet Gi and Go causing their uncoupling from alpha2-adrenoceptors. We propose that this mechanism may form an important component of a physiological system designed to limit the tendency for catecholamines to inhibit insulin secretion under conditions in which the parasympathetic innervation of the islets is activated.

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.

G protein mechanisms: insights from structural analysis

This review is concerned with the structures and mechanisms of a superfamily of regulatory GTP hydrolases (G proteins). G proteins include Ras and its close homologs, translation elongation factors, and heterotrimeric G proteins. These proteins share a common structural core, exemplified by that of p21ras (Ras), and significant sequence identity, suggesting a common evolutionary origin. Three-dimensional structures of members of the G protein superfamily are considered in light of other biochemical findings about the function of these proteins. Relationships among G protein structures are discussed, and factors contributing to their low intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis are considered. Comparison of GTP- and GDP-bound conformations of G proteins reveals how specific contacts between the gamma-phosphate of GTP and the switch II region stabilize potential effector-binding sites and how GTP hydrolysis results in collapse (or reordering) of these surfaces. A GTPase-activating protein probably binds to and stabilizes the conformation of its cognate G protein that recognizes the transition state for hydrolysis, and may insert a catalytic residue into the G protein active site. Inhibitors of nucleotide release, such as the beta gamma subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein, bind selectively to and stabilize the GDP-bound state. Release factors, such as the translation elongation factor, Ts, also recognize the switch regions and destabilize the Mg(2+)-binding site, thereby promoting GDP release. G protein-coupled receptors are expected to operate by a somewhat different mechanism, given that the GDP-bound form of many G protein alpha subunits does not contain bound Mg2+.

Myristoylation

N-myristoylation is an acylation process absolutely specific to the N-terminal amino acid glycine in proteins. This maturation process concerns about a hundred proteins in lower and higher eukaryotes involved in oncogenesis, in secondary cellular signalling, in infectivity of retroviruses and, marginally, of other virus types. Thy cytosolic enzyme responsible for this activity, N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), studied since 1987, has been purified from different sources. However, the studies of the specificities of the various NMTs have not progressed in detail except for those relating to the yeast cytosolic enzyme. Still to be explained are differences in species specificity and between various putative isoenzymes, also whether the data obtained from the yeast enzyme can be transposed to other NMTs. The present review discusses data on the various addressing processes subsequent to myristoylation, a patchwork of pathways that suggests myristoylation is only the first step of the mechanisms by which a protein associates with the membrane. Concerning the enzyme itself, there are evidences that NMT is also present in the endoplasmic reticulum and that its substrate specificity is different from that of the cytosolic enzyme(s). These differences have major implications for their differential inhibition and for their respective roles in several pathologies. For instance, the NMTs from mammalians are clearly different from those found in several microorganisms, which raises the question whether the NMT may be a new targets for fungicides. Finally, since myristoylation has a central role in virus maturation and oncogenesis, specific NMT inhibitors might lead to potent antivirus and anticancer agents.

Regulation of membrane and subunit interactions by N-myristoylation of a G protein alpha subunit in yeast

Initiation of the mating process in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires the action of secreted pheromones and G protein-coupled receptors. As in other eukaryotes, the yeast G protein alpha subunit undergoes N-myristoylation (GPA1 gene product, Gpa1p). This modification appears to be essential for function, since a myristoylation site mutation exhibits the null phenotype in vivo (gpa1(G2A)). Here we examine how myristoylation affects Gpa1p activity in vitro. We show that the G2A mutant of Gpa1p, when fused with glutathione S-transferase, can still form a complex with the G protein betagamma subunits. The complex is stabilized by GDP and is dissociated upon treatment with guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate). In addition, there is no apparent difference in the relative binding affinity of Gbetagamma for mutant and wild-type Gpa1p. Using sucrose density gradient fractionation of cell membranes, Gpa1p associates normally with the plasma membrane whereas Gpa1pG2A is mislocalized to a microsomal membrane fraction. A portion of Gbetagamma is also mislocalized in these cells, as it is in a gpa1Delta strain. In contrast, wild-type Gpa1p reaches the plasma membrane in cells that do not express Gbetagamma or cell surface receptors. These findings indicate that mislocalization of Gpa1pG2A is not caused by a redistribution of Gbetagamma, nor is it the result of any difference in Gbetagamma binding affinity. These data suggest that myristoylation is required for specific targeting of Gpa1p to the plasma membrane, where it is needed to interact with the receptor and to regulate the release of Gbetagamma.

Effect of thyroid deficiency on Go alpha-subunit isoforms in developing rat cerebral cortex

Postnatal development of G alpha o isoforms in rat cerebral cortex was studied by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. When rat cerebral cortical membranes were resolved on separating gels containing 9% acrylamide and 8 M urea, three electrophoretically distinct G alpha o-immunoreactive proteins were evident. Comparison of their electrophoretic mobilities and partial tryptic digest pattern with recombinant G alpha o1 or G alpha o1-specific antibody revealed that the slowest and intermediate-migrating bands represent unmodified and fatty acylated forms of G alpha o1 protein, respectively. The fastest-migrating band corresponds to G alpha o2. While the fatty acylated form of G alpha o1 is the predominant species, its appearance paralleled that observed for G alpha o2 in developing rat cortex. Perinatal hypothyroidism induced by methimazole treatment did not significantly alter the appearance of cerebral cortical G alpha o1 and G alpha o2 between days 1 and 22 postpartum. Our findings support the earlier idea that heterogeneity of G alpha o proteins in mammalian brain is likely the result of different co- or post-translational processings of each splice variant of G alpha o. While the appearance of G alpha o isoforms is developmentally regulated, they likely do not play an obligatory role in neonatal brain development. Alternatively, the expression of G alpha o isoforms in developing rat cortex may be controlled by an intrinsic signal(s) that is independent of the thyroid status.

The myristoyl moiety of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) and MARCKS-related protein is embedded in the membrane

Members of the myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS) family are involved in several cellular processes such as secretion, motility, mitosis, and transformation. In addition to their ability to bind calmodulin and to cross-link actin filaments, reversible binding to the plasma membrane is most certainly an important component of the so far unknown functions of these proteins. We have therefore investigated the binding of murine MARCKS-related protein (MRP) to lipid vesicles. The partition coefficient, Kp, describing the affinity of myristoylated MRP for acidic lipid vesicles (20% phosphatidylserine, 80% phosphatidylcholine) is 5-8 x 10(3) M-1, which is only 2-4 times larger than the partition coefficient for the unmyristoylated protein. Interestingly, the affinity of MRP for acidic lipid membranes is 20-30-fold smaller than reported for murine MARCKS (Kim, J., Shishido, T., Jiang, X., Aderem, A. A., and McLaughlin, S. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 28214-28219). Since only a marginal binding could be observed with neutral phosphatidylcholine vesicles, we propose that electrostatic interactions are the major determinant of the binding of MRP to pure lipid membranes. Although the myristoyl moiety does not contribute drastically to the binding of MRP to vesicles, photolabeling experiments with a photoreactive phospholipid probe show that the fatty acid is embedded in the bilayer. The same membrane topology was found for bovine brain MARCKS. Since the relatively low affinity of MRP for vesicles is insufficient to account for a stable anchoring of the protein to cellular membranes, insertion of the myristoyl moiety into the bilayer might favor the interaction of MRP with additional factors required for the binding of the protein to intracellular membranes.

Regulation of G-protein alpha i2 subunit expression by oxidized low-density lipoprotein

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) inhibits signalling pathways mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (Gi proteins). To determine whether this inhibition is due to altered G protein alpha i subunit expression, mRNA and protein levels of alpha i isoforms were assessed in bovine aortic endothelial cells treated with oxidized LDL (0-100 micrograms/ml, 0-72 h). Oxidized LDL did not affect the expression of alpha i3, but did cause time- and concentration-dependent decrease in alpha i2 mRNA and protein resulting in a 3.2- and 3.5-fold reduction, respectively, after 72 h. This decrease in alpha i2 coincided with a 86% decrease in alpha i2 GTPase activity. Nuclear run-off studies did not show any significant effect of oxidized LDL on alpha i2 or alpha i3 transcription. In the presence of actinomycin D, oxidized LDL shortened the t1/2 of alpha i2 mRNA from 16 h to 8 h which was attenuated by cycloheximide. In addition, pulse-chase labelling with [35S]methionine revealed that oxidized LDL reduced the t1/2 of alpha i2 protein from 27 to 14 h. Our results indicate that oxidized LDL can modulate receptor-Gi coupling by downregulating the expression of alpha i2, but not alpha i3. The mechanism involves both mRNA destabilization and protein degradation.

Lipid modifications of trimeric G proteins

G protein alpha subunits and beta gamma dimers are covalently modified by lipids. The emerging picture is one in which attached lipids provide more than just a nonspecific "glue" for sticking G proteins to membranes. We are only beginning to understand how different lipid modifications of different G protein subunits affect specific protein-protein interactions and localization to specific cellular sites. In addition, regulation of these modifications, particularly palmitoylation, can provide new ways to regulate signals transmitted by G proteins.

N-terminal fatty acylation of the alpha-subunit of the G-protein Gi1: only the myristoylated protein is a substrate for palmitoylation

The alpha-subunit of the G-protein Gi1 carries two fatty acyl moieties covalently bound to its N-terminal region: myristic acid is linked to glycine-2 and palmitic acid is linked to cysteine-3. Using site-directed mutagenesis on a cDNA construct of alpha i1 we have generated an alpha i1-G2A mutant, carrying alanine instead of glycine at position 2, and alpha i1-C3S mutant, in which serine replaced cysteine-3 and a double mutant with both substitutions (alpha i1-G2A/C3S). These constructs were individually expressed by transfection in Cos-7 cells, and incorporation of fatty acids into the various mutants was compared with wild-type alpha i1 monitoring metabolic labelling with [3H]palmitate or [3H]myristate. The disruption of the palmitoylation site in alpha i1-C3S did not influence myristoylation, whereas prevention of myristoylation in alpha i1-G2A also abolished palmitoylation. Co-translational myristoylation is thus an absolute requirement for alpha i1 to be post-translationally palmitoylated. The non-palmitoylated alpha i1-C3S showed reduced membrane binding to the same extent as the non-myristoylated/non-palmitoylated alpha i1-G2A and alpha i1-G2A/C3S mutants, indicating that the attachment of palmitic acid is necessary for proper interaction with the membrane.

The palmitoylation status of the G-protein G(o)1 alpha regulates its activity of interaction with the plasma membrane

Plasmids containing cDNAs encoding either the wild-type guanine-nucleotide-binding protein G(o)1 alpha or the palmitoylation-negative cysteine-3-to-serine (C3S) mutant of G(o)1 alpha were transfected into Rat 1 cells, and clones stably expressing immunoreactivity corresponding to these polypeptides were isolated. Clones C5B (expressing wild-type G(o)1 alpha) and D3 (expressing the mutant form) were selected for detailed study. Immunoprecipitation of whole cell lysates of each clone labelled with either [3H]palmitate or [3H]myristate demonstrated incorporation of [3H]myristate into both wild-type and the C3S mutant of G(o)1 alpha, but that incorporation of hydroxylamine-sensitive [3H]palmitate was restricted to the wild type. When membrane and cytoplasmic fractions were prepared from cells of either the C5B or D3 clones, although immunodetection of wild-type G(o)1 alpha was observed only in the membrane fraction, the C3S mutant was present in both membrane and cytoplasmic fractions. Furthermore, a significant proportion of the C3S G(o)1 alpha immunoreactivity was also detected in the cytoplasmic fraction if immunoprecipitation of recently synthesized G(o)1 alpha was performed from fractions derived from cells pulse-labelled with [35S]Trans label. Pretreatment of cells of both clones C5B and D3 with pertussis toxin led to complete ADP-ribosylation of the cellular population of G(o)1 alpha in both cell types, irrespective of whether the polypeptide was subsequently found in the membrane or cytoplasmic fraction following cellular disruption. By contrast, separation of membrane and cytoplasmic fractions before pertussis-toxin-catalysed [32P]ADP-ribosylation allowed modification only of the membrane-associated G(o)1 alpha (whether wild-type or the C3S mutant). This labelling was decreased substantially by incubation of the membranes with guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate. No cytoplasmic G-protein beta subunit was detected immunologically, and the non-membrane-associated C3S G(o)1 alpha from D3 cells migrated as an apparently monomeric 40 kDa protein on a Superose 12 gel-filtration column. Membrane-associated wild-type and C3S G(o)1 alpha appeared to interact with guanine nucleotides with similar affinity, as no alteration in the dose-response curves for guanine-nucleotide-induced maintenance of a stable 37 kDa tryptic fragment was noted for the two forms of G(o)1 alpha. Chemical depalmitoylation of membranes of clone C5B with neutral 1 M hydroxylamine caused a release of some 25-30% of each of G(o)1 alpha, Gi2 alpha and Gq alpha/G11 alpha from the membranes. Equivalent treatment of D3 cells caused an equivalent release of Gi2 alpha and Gq alpha/G11 alpha, but was unable to cause any appreciable release of the CS3 form of G(o)1 alpha, which was membrane-bound.

Pheromone action regulates G-protein alpha-subunit myristoylation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Myristic acid (C14:0) is added to the N-terminal glycine residue of the alpha subunits of certain receptor-coupled guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). The G alpha subunit (GPA1 gene product) coupled to yeast pheromone receptors exists as a pool of both myristoylated and unmyristolyated species. After treatment of MATa cells with alpha factor, the myristoylated form of Gpa1p increases dramatically, and the unmyristoylated form decreases concomitantly. This pheromone-stimulated shift depends on the function of STE2 (alpha-factor receptor), STE11 (a protein kinase in the response pathway), and NMT1 (myristoyl-CoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase) genes and uses the existing pool of fatty acids (is not blocked by cerulenin). Myristoylated Gpa1p persists long after pheromone is removed. Because myristoylation is essential for proper G alpha-G beta gamma association and receptor coupling, pheromone-dependent stimulation of Gpa1p myristoylation may be an important contributing factor in adaptation after signal transmission.

Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by Gi alpha

Evidence suggests that both alpha and beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Although type I adenylyl cyclase is inhibited directly by exogenous beta gamma, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by Gi alpha has not been convincingly demonstrated in vitro. Concentration-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclases by purified Gi alpha subunits is described. Activated Gi alpha but not G(o) alpha was effective, and myristoylation of Gi alpha was required. The characteristics of the inhibitory effect were dependent on the type of adenylyl cyclase and the nature of the activator of the enzyme. The concentrations of Gi alpha required to inhibit adenylyl cyclase were substantially higher than those normally thought to be relevant physiologically. However, analysis indicates that these concentrations may be relevant and reasonable.

Characterization of the myristylated polypeptide encoded by the UL1 gene that is conserved in the genome of defective interfering particles of equine herpesvirus 1

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1, Kentucky A strain) preparations enriched for defective interfering particles (DIPs) can readily establish persistent infection. The UL1 gene, which is conserved in the genome of DIPs that mediate persistent infection, maps between nucleotides 1418 and 2192 (258 amino acids) from the L (long) terminus. UL1 has no homology with any known gene encoded by herpes simplex virus type 1 but has limited homology to open reading frame 2 of varicella-zoster virus and the "circ" gene of bovine herpesvirus type 1. Previous work showed that the EHV-1 UL1 gene belongs to the early kinetic class and is transcribed as a 1.2-kb polyadenylated mRNA (R. N. Harty, R. R. Yalamanchili, and D. J. O'Callaghan, Virology 183:830-833, 1991). In this report, the UL1 protein was identified and characterized as a 33-kDa polypeptide in EHV-1-infected cells by using rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised against a TrpE-UL1 fusion protein (amino acids 7 to 258 of UL1) synthesized in Escherichia coli. Results from Western blot (immunoblot), immunoprecipitation, indirect immunofluorescence, and biochemical analyses indicated that the UL1 polypeptide (i) is more abundant in cells infected with DIP-enriched virus than in cells infected with standard EHV-1, (ii) is synthesized as early as 3 h postinfection (p.i.) in infection with standard virus or in infection with DIP-enriched virus preparations and increases in abundance up to 12 h p.i., (iii) appears to be associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus early in infection (3 to 4 h p.i.), while a diffuse cytoplasmic pattern of fluorescence is observed late in infection (7 to 8 h p.i.), (iv) is modified by myristic acid as it contains a consensus N-terminal myristylation site and is readily labeled with [3H]myristic acid, and (v) is associated with mature EHV-1 virions.