Quantitative Analysis of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) as Enzymes

The proteins that possess guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity, which include about ~800 G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs),¹ 15 Arf GEFs,² 81 Rho GEFs,³ 8 Ras GEFs,⁴ and others for other families of GTPases,⁵ catalyze the exchange of GTP for GDP on all regulatory guanine nucleotide binding proteins. Despite their importance as catalysts, relatively few exchange factors (we are aware of only eight for ras superfamily members) have been rigorously characterized kinetically.^5-13 In some cases, kinetic analysis has been simplistic leading to erroneous conclusions about mechanism (as discussed in a recent review¹⁴). In this paper, we compare two approaches for determining the kinetic properties of exchange factors: (i) examining individual equilibria, and; (ii) analyzing the exchange factors as enzymes. Each approach, when thoughtfully used,^14,15 provides important mechanistic information about the exchange factors. The analysis as enzymes is described in further detail. With the focus on the production of the biologically relevant guanine nucleotide binding protein complexed with GTP (G•GTP), we believe it is conceptually simpler to connect the kinetic properties to cellular effects. Further, the experiments are often more tractable than those used to analyze the equilibrium system and, therefore, more widely accessible to scientists interested in the function of exchange factors.

D2-like dopamine and β-adrenergic receptors form a signaling complex that integrates Gs- and Gi-mediated regulation of adenylyl cyclase

β-Adrenergic receptors (βAR) and D(2)-like dopamine receptors (which include D(2)-, D(3)- and D(4)-dopamine receptors) activate G(s) and G(i), the stimulatory and inhibitory heterotrimeric G proteins, respectively, which in turn regulate the activity of adenylyl cyclase (AC). β(2)-Adrenergic receptors (β(2)AR) and D(4)-dopamine receptors (D(4)DR) co-immunoprecipitated when co-expressed in HEK 293 cells, suggesting the existence of a signaling complex containing both receptors. In order to determine if these receptors are closely associated with each other, and with other components involved in G protein-mediated signal transduction, β(2)AR, D(4)DR, G protein subunits (Gα(i1) and the Gβ(1)γ(2) heterodimer) and AC were tagged so that bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) could be used to monitor their interactions. All of the tagged proteins retained biological function. For the first time, FlAsH-labeled proteins were used in BRET experiments as fluorescent acceptors for the energy transferred from Renilla luciferase-tagged donor proteins. Our experiments revealed that β(2)AR, D(4)DR, G proteins and AC were closely associated in a functional signaling complex in cellulo. Furthermore, BRET experiments indicated that although activation of G(i) caused a conformational change within the heterotrimeric protein, it did not cause the Gβγ heterodimer to dissociate from the Gα(i1) subunit. Evidence for the presence of a signaling complex in vivo was obtained by purifying βAR from detergent extracts of mouse brain with alprenolol-Sepharose and showing that the precipitate also contained both D(2)-like dopamine receptors and AC.

Nucleotide exchange factors: Kinetic analyses and the rationale for studying kinetics of GEFs

Exchange factors are enzymes that catalyze the exchange of GTP for GDP on guanine nucleotide binding proteins. Progress in understanding the molecular basis of action and the cellular functions of these enzymes has largely come from structural determinations (e.g., crystal structures) and studying effects on cells when expression levels of the exchange factors are perturbed or mutated exchange factors are expressed. Proportionally little effort has been expended on studying the kinetics of exchange; however, reaction rates are central to understanding enzymes. Here, we discuss the importance of kinetic analysis of exchange factors for guanine nucleotide binding proteins, with a focus on ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) and heterotrimeric G proteins, for providing unique insights into molecular mechanisms and regulation as well as how kinetic analyses are used to complement other approaches.

Modulation of the interaction between neurotensin receptor NTS1 and Gq protein by lipid

Membrane lipids have been implicated to influence the activity of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Almost all of our knowledge on the role of lipids on GPCR and G protein function comes from work on the visual pigment rhodopsin and its G protein transducin, which reside in a highly specialized membrane environment. Thus, insight gained from rhodopsin signaling may not be simply translated to other nonvisual GPCRs. Here, we investigated the effect of lipid head group charges on the signal transduction properties of the class A GPCR neurotensin (NT) receptor 1 (NTS1) under defined experimental conditions, using self-assembled phospholipid nanodiscs prepared with the zwitter-ionic lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), the negatively charged 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (POPG), or a POPC/POPG mixture. A combination of dynamic light scattering and sedimentation velocity showed that NTS1 was monomeric in POPC-, POPC/POPG-, and POPG-nanodiscs. Binding of the agonist NT to NTS1 occurred with similar affinities and was essentially unaffected by the phospholipid composition. In contrast, Gq protein coupling to NTS1 in various lipid nanodiscs was significantly different, and the apparent affinity of Gαq and Gβ(1)γ(1) to activated NTS1 increased with increasing POPG content. NTS1-catalyzed GDP/GTPγS nucleotide exchange at Gαq in the presence of Gβ(1)γ(1) and NT was crucially affected by the lipid type, with exchange rates higher by 1 or 2 orders of magnitude in POPC/POPG- and POPG-nanodiscs, respectively, compared to POPC-nanodiscs. Our data demonstrate that negatively charged lipids in the immediate vicinity of a nonvisual GPCR modulate the G-protein-coupling step.

Large putative PEST-like sequence motif at the carboxyl tail of human calcium receptor directs lysosomal degradation and regulates cell surface receptor level

A deletion between amino acid residues Ser(895) and Val(1075) in the carboxyl terminus of the human calcium receptor (hCaR), which causes autosomal dominant hypocalcemia, showed enhanced signaling activity and increased cell surface expression in HEK293 cells (Lienhardt, A., Garabédian, M. G., Bai, M., Sinding, C., Zhang, Z., Lagarde, J. P., Boulesteix, J., Rigaud, M., Brown, E. M., and Kottler, M. L. (2000) J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 85, 1695-1702). To identify the underlying mechanism(s) for these increases, we investigated the effects of carboxyl tail truncation and deletion in hCaR mutants using a combination of biochemical and cell imaging approaches to define motifs that participate in regulating cell surface numbers of this G protein-coupled receptor. Our data indicate a rapid constitutive receptor internalization of the cell surface hCaR, accumulating in early (Rab7 positive) and late endosomal (LAMP1 positive) sorting compartments, before targeting to lysosomes for degradation. Recycling of hCaR back to the cell surface was also evident. Truncation and deletion mapping defined a 51-amino acid sequence between residues 920 and 970 that is required for targeting to lysosomes and degradation but not for internalization or recycling of the receptor. No singular sequence motif was identified, instead the required sequence elements seem to distribute throughout this entire interval. This interval includes a high proportion of acidic and hydroxylated amino acid residues, suggesting a similarity to PEST-like degradation motif (PESTfind score of +10) and several glutamine repeats. The results define a novel large PEST-like sequence that participates in the sorting of internalized hCaR routed to the lysosomal/degradation pathway that regulates cell surface receptor numbers.

Gipc3 mutations associated with audiogenic seizures and sensorineural hearing loss in mouse and human

Sensorineural hearing loss affects the quality of life and communication of millions of people, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identify mutations in Gipc3 underlying progressive sensorineural hearing loss (age-related hearing loss 5, ahl5) and audiogenic seizures (juvenile audiogenic monogenic seizure 1, jams1) in mice and autosomal recessive deafness DFNB15 and DFNB95 in humans. Gipc3 localizes to inner ear sensory hair cells and spiral ganglion. A missense mutation in the PDZ domain has an attenuating effect on mechanotransduction and the acquisition of mature inner hair cell potassium currents. Magnitude and temporal progression of wave I amplitude of afferent neurons correlate with susceptibility and resistance to audiogenic seizures. The Gipc3(343A) allele disrupts the structure of the stereocilia bundle and affects long-term function of auditory hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Our study suggests a pivotal role of Gipc3 in acoustic signal acquisition and propagation in cochlear hair cells.

Rab1 small GTP-binding protein regulates cell surface trafficking of the human calcium-sensing receptor

The human calcium-sensing receptor (hCaR) is a family-3/C G-protein-coupled receptor that regulates Ca(2+) homeostasis by controlling parathyroid hormone secretion. Here we investigated the role of Rab1, a small GTP-binding protein that specifically regulates protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, in cell surface transport of the hCaR. Cell surface expression of hCaR transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells was strongly augmented by coexpression of Rab1 and attenuated by disruption of endogenous Rab1 function by expression of the dominant-negative Rab1N124I mutant or depletion of Rab1 with small interfering RNA. Rab1N124I expression also partially attenuated cell surface expression and signaling response to gain-of-function mutants of hCaR with truncated carboxyl-terminal sequences at positions 895 and 903. These carboxyl-tail truncations are similar to a deletion between residues S895 and V1075 found in a patient family causing autosomal dominant hypocalcemia. In addition, coexpression with wild-type Rab1 increased cell surface expression of the loss-of-function missense mutation R185Q, located on the hCaR amino-terminal extracellular ligand-binding domain (ECD), which causes familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Truncated hCaR variants containing either the ECD with the first transmembrane helix or only the ECD also display Rab1-dependent cell surface expression or secretion into the culture medium, respectively. These data reveal a role for Rab1 in hCaR trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi that regulates receptor cell surface expression and thereby cell signaling responsiveness to extracellular calcium.

Sar1-dependent trafficking of the human calcium receptor to the cell surface

The molecular mechanisms underlying the exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for cell surface trafficking of the human calcium receptor (hCaR) remain poorly understood. We investigated the role of the Sar1 small GTP-binding protein in cell surface transport of the hCaR. Disruptions of endogenous Sar1 function with the constitutively active Sar1H79G mutant or depletion using small interfering RNA, attenuates cell surface expression of the hCaR. Mutation of several putative di-acidic ER export motifs in the carboxyl-tail of the receptor revealed no apparent defect in cell surface expression. Truncated mutants lacking most of the carboxyl-terminal sequences or all intracellular domains also showed no impairment in cell surface expression at steady state. A truncated receptor containing only the large amino-terminal extracellular ligand-binding domain (ECD) is secreted into the culture medium and Sar1H79G inhibits this secretion. ECD receptor variants with the cysteines essential for intermolecular disulfide-linked dimerization mutated to serine or four of the asparagine sites for N-glycosylation mutated to alanine also disrupt secretion, indicating proper ECD conformation is critical for forward transport of this receptor.

The G-protein coupling properties of the human sweet and amino acid taste receptors

The human T1R taste receptors are family C G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that act as heterodimers to mediate sweet (hT1R2 + hT1R3) and umami (hT1R1 + hT1R3) taste modalities. Each T1R has a large extracellular ligand-binding domain linked to a seven transmembrane-spanning core domain (7TMD). We demonstrate that the 7TMDs of hT1R1 and hT1R2 display robust ligand-independent constitutive activity, efficiently catalyzing the exchange of GDP for GTP on Galpha subunits. In contrast, relative to the 7TMDs of hT1R1 and hT1R2, the 7TMD of hT1R3 couples poorly to G-proteins, suggesting that in vivo signaling may proceed primarily through hT1R1 and hT1R2. In addition, we provide direct evidence that the hT1Rs selectively signal through Galpha(i/o) pathways, coupling to multiple Galpha(i/o) subunits as well as the taste cell specific Gbeta(1)gamma(13) dimer.

Dimerization of the class A G protein-coupled neurotensin receptor NTS1 alters G protein interaction

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been found as monomers but also as dimers or higher-order oligomers in cells. The relevance of the monomeric or dimeric receptor state for G protein activation is currently under debate for class A rhodopsin-like GPCRs. Clarification of this issue requires the availability of well defined receptor preparations as monomers or dimers and an assessment of their ligand-binding and G protein-coupling properties. We show by pharmacological and hydrodynamic experiments that purified neurotensin receptor NTS1, a class A GPCR, dimerizes in detergent solution in a concentration-dependent manner, with an apparent affinity in the low nanomolar range. At low receptor concentrations, NTS1 binds the agonist neurotensin with a Hill slope of approximately 1; at higher receptor concentrations, neurotensin binding displays positive cooperativity with a Hill slope of approximately 2. NTS1 monomers activate G alpha q beta(1)gamma(2), whereas receptor dimers catalyze nucleotide exchange with lower affinity. Our results demonstrate that NTS1 dimerization per se is not a prerequisite for G protein activation.

Elucidation of the Role of Peptide Linker in Calcium-sensing Receptor Activation Process

Family 3 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which includes metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), sweet and "umami" taste receptors (T1Rs), and the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR), represent a distinct group among the superfamily of GPCRs characterized by large amino-terminal extracellular ligand-binding domains (ECD) with homology to bacterial periplasmic amino acid-binding proteins that are responsible for signal detection and receptor activation through as yet unresolved mechanism(s) via the seven-transmembrane helical domain (7TMD) common to all GPCRs. To address the mechanism(s) by which ligand-induced conformational changes are conveyed from the ECD to the 7TMD for G-protein activation, we altered the length and composition of a 14-amino acid linker segment common to all family 3 GPCRs except GABA(B) receptor, in the CaR by insertion, deletion, and site-directed mutagenesis of specific highly conserved residues. Small alterations in the length and composition of the linker impaired cell surface expression and abrogated signaling of the chimeric receptors. The exchange of nine amino acids within the linker of CaR with the homologous sequence of mGluR1, however, preserved receptor function. Ala substitution for the four highly conserved residues within this amino acid sequence identified a Leu at position 606 of the CaR critical for cell surface expression and signaling. Substitution of Leu(606) for Ala resulted in impaired cell surface expression. However, Ile and Val substitutions displayed strong activating phenotypes. Disruption of the linker by insertion of nine amino acids of a random-coiled structure uncoupled the ECD from regulating the 7TMD. These data are consistent with a model of receptor activation in which the peptide linker, and particularly Leu(606), provides a critical interaction for the CaR signal transmission, a finding likely to be relevant for all family 3 GPCRs containing this conserved motif.

Differential activation of G-proteins by mu-opioid receptor agonists

We investigated the ability of the activated mu-opioid receptor (MOR) to differentiate between myristoylated G(alphai1) and G(alphaoA) type G(alpha) proteins, and the maximal activity of a range of synthetic and endogenous agonists to activate each G(alpha) protein. Membranes from HEK293 cells stably expressing transfected MOR were chaotrope extracted to denature endogenous G-proteins and reconstituted with specific purified G-proteins. The G(alpha) subunits were generated in bacteria and were demonstrated to be recognised equivalently to bovine brain purified G(alpha) protein by CB(1) cannabinoid receptors. The ability of agonists to catalyse the MOR-dependent GDP/[(35)S]GTP(gamma)S exchange was then compared for G(alphai1) and G(alphaoA). Activation of MOR by DAMGO produced a high-affinity saturable interaction for G(alphaoA) (K(m)=20+/-1 nM) but a low-affinity interaction with G(alphai1) (K(m)=116+/-12 nM). DAMGO, met-enkephalin and leucine-enkephalin displayed maximal G(alpha) activation among the agonists evaluated. Endomorphins 1 and 2, methadone and beta-endorphin activated both G(alpha) to more than 75% of the maximal response, whereas fentanyl partially activated both G-proteins. Buprenorphine and morphine demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the maximal activities between G(alphai1) and G(alphaoA). Interestingly, DAMGO, morphine, endomorphins 1 and 2, displayed significant differences in the potencies for the activation of the two G(alpha). Differences in maximal activity and potency, for G(alphai1) versus G(alphaoA), are both indicative of agonist selective activation of G-proteins in response to MOR activation. These findings may provide a starting point for the design of drugs that demonstrate greater selectivity between these two G-proteins and therefore produce a more limited range of effects.

Calindol, a Positive Allosteric Modulator of the Human Ca2+ Receptor, Activates an Extracellular Ligand-binding Domain-deleted Rhodopsin-like Seven-transmembrane Structure in the Absence of Ca2+

The extracellular calcium-sensing human Ca(2+) receptor (hCaR),2 a member of the family-3 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) possesses a large amino-terminal extracellular ligand-binding domain (ECD) in addition to a seven-transmembrane helical domain (7TMD) characteristic of all GPCRs. Two calcimimetic allosteric modulators, NPS R-568 and Calindol ((R)-2-{1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl-aminom-ethyl}indole), that bind the 7TMD of the hCaR have been reported to potentiate Ca(2+) activation without independently activating the wild type receptor. Because agonists activate rhodopsin-like family-1 GPCRs by binding within the 7TMD, we examined the ability of Calindol, a novel chemically distinct calcimimetic, to activate a Ca(2+) receptor construct (T903-Rhoc) in which the ECD and carboxyl-terminal tail have been deleted to produce a rhodopsin-like 7TMD. Here we report that although Calindol has little or no agonist activity in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+) for the ECD-containing wild type or carboxyl-terminal deleted receptors, it acts as a strong agonist of the T903-Rhoc. In addition, Ca(2+) alone displays little or no agonist activity for the hCaR 7TMD, but potentiates the activation by Calindol. We confirm that activation of Ca(2+) T903-Rhoc by Calindol truly the is independent using in vitro reconstitution with purified G(q). These findings demonstrate distinct allosteric linkages between Ca(2+) site(s) in the ECD and 7TMD and the 7TMD site(s) for calcimimetics.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a familial der(1)del(1)(p36.33)dup(1)(p36.33p36.22) with variable phenotype

Chromosome deletions involving 1p36 are the most common known terminal rearrangements occurring at a frequency of approximately 1 in 5,000 live births. In contrast, duplications of the same region have been reported rarely. We describe a familial rearrangement der(1)del(1)(p36.33)dup(1)(p36.33p36.22) identified in a mother, daughter, and son. These individuals help define a syndrome with variable mental disability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and a distinctive facial appearance with wide palpebral fissures, broad nasal root, macrostomia, ear malformations, and prominent incisors. Based on our results we suggest that the complex rearrangement seen in our family could be the result of the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycles model of formation.

Comparison of G-Protein Selectivity of Human 5-HT2Cand 5-HT1AReceptors

We compared the ability of human 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors to couple to selected G proteins expressed in insect Sf9 cells through simultaneous infection with recombinant baculoviruses. We also examined the coupling of G proteins to these same receptors in membranes derived from the Sf9 cells using in situ reconstitution with purified G proteins. Our data show that unoccupied 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors can attain an activated conformation that is stabilized by interaction with specific G proteins. While high-affinity agonist binding to the 5-HT2C receptor was increased to a greater extent by Galphaq than by Galphai2, the high-affinity agonist binding to the 5-HT1A receptor was preferentially enhanced by Galphai2 coexpression. When the two 5-HT receptors were expressed in cells also expressing G proteins, both 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors appear to activate Galphai2 in preference to Galphaq. In contrast, in situ reconstitution data show that 5-HT2C receptors robustly activate Galphaq and marginally activate Galphao or Galphai, whereas 5-HT1A receptors only marginally activate Galphaq and robustly activate Galphao and Galphai. These results suggest that the overexpression of receptor and potential G-protein coupling partners in Sf9 cells may lead to erroneous conclusions as to the signaling selectivity of receptors.

The role of cysteines and charged amino acids in extracellular loops of the human Ca(2+) receptor in cell surface expression and receptor activation processes

The Ca(2+) receptor is a plasma-membrane bound G protein-coupled receptor stimulated by extracellular calcium [Ca(2+)](o) and other di- and poly-cations. We investigated the role in receptor activation of all the charged amino acid residues and cysteines in the three extracellular loops (EL1, 2, and 3) of the human Ca(2+) receptor by alanine-scanning mutagenesis. The mutant receptors were transiently expressed in HEK-293 cells, and cell surface expression patterns were analyzed by endoglycosidase-H digestion, immunoblotting, intact cell ELISA, and hydrolysis of phosphoinositides (PI) induced by [Ca(2+)](o.) The mutation of Cys677 and Cys765 located in EL1 and EL2, respectively, ablated PI hydrolysis completely, showed less than 5% cell surface expression of the wild-type receptor, and were not properly glycosylated. Replacement of the charged residues by using a single mutation or multiple alanine mutations in EL1, 2, and 3 produced only minor changes in receptor activation, except for Glu767 and Lys831. The E767A and K831A mutations in EL2 and EL3, respectively, showed gain-of-function by significantly enhancing apparent [Ca(2+)](o) affinity. E767A and K831A exhibited EC(50) values of 2.1 and 2.8 mm, respectively, for [Ca(2+)](o)-stimulated PI hydrolysis as opposed to EC(50) value of 4.2 mm for the wild-type receptor. Like E767A, substitutions of Glu767 with Gln and Lys was similarly activating, whereas Asp substitution displayed wild-type [Ca(2+)](o) sensitivity. Substitution of Lys831 with Glu but not with Gln showed similar activating effect as Ala replacement. A double-mutant E767K/K831E in which charged residues were switched positions showed impaired cell surface expression and failed to respond to [Ca(2+)](o.) Taken together, these results suggest that in ELs, two cysteines form critical disulfide links, and the side chains of Glu767 and Lys831 are probably involved in ionic interactions with other prospective oppositely charged residues. Some of these interactions could be important for receptor folding and also may contribute to keep the Ca(2+) receptor transmembrane helix bundle in an inactive conformation.

Modification of human 5-HT(2C) receptor function by Cys23Ser, an abundant, naturally occurring amino-acid substitution

A human serotonin (5-HT)(2C) receptor gene polymorphism leads to the substitution of cysteine for serine at codon 23 (Cys23Ser); the frequency of the Ser23 allele in unrelated Caucasians is approximately 0.13. In the present study, we assessed whether Cys23Ser could affect receptor function. The two alleles were functionally compared following expression in COS-7 cells. The constitutive activity of the receptor in an in situ reconstitution system was also evaluated following expression of each allele in Sf9 cells. Using radioligands, Ser23-expressed membranes showed reduced high-affinity binding to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) and 5-HT. Although the amplitude of the 5-HT-induced intracellular Ca(2+) peak did not differ between the alleles, Ser23 required higher 5-HT concentrations to elicit the same response. These differences might be due to more extensive desensitization in the Ser23 form. In the in situ reconstitution system, the 5-HT(2C) receptor displayed considerable constitutive activity, with the Ser23 allele being significantly higher in this regard than the Cys23 form. After prolonged serum deprivation in order to resensitize the receptor, four of the 15 cells expressing Ser23 showed abnormally higher m-CPP-induced sensitivity of the Ca(2+) response. These results indicate that the Ser23 allele may be constitutively more active than Cys23. Thus, Ser23 appears to be an abundant candidate allele capable of directly influencing inter-individual variation in behavior, susceptibility to mental disorder, and response to drugs including atypical antipsychotic and some antidepressant drugs that are potent 5-HT(2C) inverse agonists or antagonists.

Gbetagamma affinity for bovine rhodopsin is determined by the carboxyl-terminal sequences of the gamma subunit

Two native betagamma dimers, beta(1)gamma(1) and beta(1)gamma(2), display very different affinities for receptors. Since these gamma subunits differ in both primary structure and isoprenoid modification, we examined the relative contributions of each to Gbetagamma interaction with receptors. We constructed baculoviruses encoding gamma(1) and gamma(2) subunits with altered CAAX (where A is an aliphatic amino acid) motifs to direct alternate or no prenylation of the gamma chains and a set of gamma(1) and gamma(2) chimeras with the gamma(2) CAAX motif at the carboxyl terminus. All the gamma constructs coexpressed with beta(1) in Sf9 cells yielded beta(1)gamma dimers, which were purified to near homogeneity, and their affinities for receptors and Galpha were quantitatively determined. Whereas alteration of the isoprenoid of gamma(1) from farnesyl to geranylgeranyl and of gamma(2) from geranylgeranyl to farnesyl had no impact on the affinities of beta(1)gamma dimers for Galpha(t), the non-prenylated beta(1)gamma(2) dimer had significantly diminished affinity. Altered prenylation resulted in a <2-fold decrease in affinity of the beta(1)gamma(2) dimer for rhodopsin and a <3-fold change for the beta(1)gamma(1) dimer. In each case with identical isoprenylation, the beta(1)gamma(2) dimer displayed significantly greater affinity for rhodopsin compared with the beta(1)gamma(1) dimer. Furthermore, dimers containing chimeric Ggamma chains with identical geranylgeranyl modification displayed rhodopsin affinities largely determined by the carboxyl-terminal one-third of the protein. These results indicate that isoprenoid modification of the Ggamma subunit is essential for binding to both Galpha and receptors. The isoprenoid type influences the binding affinity for receptors, but not for Galpha. Finally, the primary structure of the Ggamma subunit provides a major contribution to receptor binding of Gbetagamma, with the carboxyl-terminal sequence conferring receptor selectivity.

Independent and synergistic interaction of retinal G-protein subunits with bovine rhodopsin measured by surface plasmon resonance

We have used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements for the kinetic analysis of G-protein-receptor interaction monitored in real time. Functionally active rhodopsin was immobilized on an SPR surface, with full retention of biochemical specific activity for catalysis of nucleotide exchange on the retinal G-protein alpha subunit, via binding to immobilized concanavalin A. The binding interactions of bovine retinal alpha(t) and beta(1)gamma(1) subunits with rhodopsin measured by SPR were profoundly synergistic. Synergistic binding of the retinal G-protein subunits to rhodopsin was not observed for guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate-bound Galpha(t), nor was binding observed with squid retinal Galpha(q), which is not activated by bovine rhodopsin. The binding affinity (336+/-171 nM; mean value+/-S.D.) of retinal betagamma for rhodopsin in the presence of retinal alpha subunit measured by SPR confirmed the apparent affinity of 254 nM determined previously by nucleotide exchange assays. Binding of beta(1)gamma(1), beta(1)gamma(2), and beta(1)gamma(8-olf) dimers to rhodopsin, independently of the alpha subunit, was readily observable by SPR. Further, these dimers, differing only in their gamma subunit compositions, displayed markedly distinct binding affinities and kinetics. The beta(1)gamma(2) dimer bound with a kinetically determined K(d) of 13+/-3 nM, a value nearly identical with the biochemically determined K(1/2) of 10 nM. The physiologically appropriate beta(1)gamma(1) displayed rapid association and dissociation kinetics, whereas the other beta(1)gamma dimers dissociated at a rate less than 1/100 as fast. Thus rhodopsin interaction with its native signalling partners is both rapid and transient, whereas the interaction of rhodopsin with heterologous Gbetagamma dimers is markedly prolonged. These results suggest that the duration of a G-protein-coupled receptor signalling event is an intrinsic property of the G-protein coupling partners; in particular, the betagamma dimer.

Phosphorylation uncouples the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor from G(q)

Previous work on the desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors has focused on the role of arrestin binding following receptor phosphorylation. We have examined the hypothesis that phosphorylation alone contributes to desensitization. In this study we demonstrate that for the G(q)-coupled gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R), phosphorylation by GRK2 to a stoichiometry of approximately 1 mol PO(4)/mol GRP-R is sufficient in the absence of arrestin to reduce the rate of receptor catalyzed G protein activation by approximately 80%. Furthermore, GRP-Rs exposed in vivo to agonist are rapidly phosphorylated to a similar stoichiometry and are desensitized to a similar degree. Finally, the molecular mechanism for both in vitro GRK2-induced and in vivo agonist-induced desensitization is primarily a decrease in the maximum velocity (V(max)) for the catalysis of guanine nucleotide exchange by the GRP-R rather than a change in the affinity of the receptor for the alpha(q) or betagamma subunits. Based on these results, we suggest that, for some G protein-coupled receptors, phosphorylation has a role in desensitization that is independent of arrestin.

Agonist selective regulation of G proteins by cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors

We have examined the ligand regulation and G protein selectivity of the human cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors by an in situ reconstitution technique directly measuring G protein activation. Membranes from Spodoptera frugiperda cells expressing CB(1) and CB(2) receptors were chaotrope extracted to denature endogenous GTP-binding proteins. The ability of the receptors to catalyze the GDP-GTP exchange of each G protein was then examined with purified bovine brain G(i) and G(o). Activation of CB(1) receptors produced a high-affinity saturable interaction for both G(i) and G(o). Agonist stimulation of CB(2) receptors also resulted in a high-affinity saturable interaction with G(i). In contrast, CB(2) receptors did not interact efficiently with G(o). G protein activation was then examined with a diverse group of ligands. For the interaction of CB(2) receptors with G(i), HU210 was the only compound tested that demonstrated maximal activation. In contrast, WIN55,212 (64%), anandamide (42%), and Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) (44%) all initiated submaximal levels of G protein activation. For CB(1) receptor-catalyzed activation of G(i), HU210, WIN55,212, and anandamide all elicited maximal activation, whereas Delta(9)-THC (56 +/- 6%) caused only partial G(i) activation. In contrast, only HU210 effected maximal CB(1) stimulation of G(o), with anandamide, WIN55, 212, and Delta(9)-THC all stimulating between 60 and 75% compared with HU210. These data demonstrate that different agonists induce different conformations of the CB(1) receptor, which in turn can distinguish between different G proteins. Our data thus demonstrate agonist-selective G protein signaling by the CB(1) receptor and suggest that therapeutic agents may be designed to regulate individual G protein-signaling pathways selectively.

An aspartate residue at the extracellular boundary of TMII and an arginine residue in TMVII of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor interact to facilitate heterotrimeric G protein coupling

The mammalian bombesin receptor subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors currently consists of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R), neuromedin B receptor, and bombesin receptor subtype 3. All three receptors contain a conserved aspartate residue (D98) at the extracellular boundary of transmembrane domain II and a conserved arginine residue (R309) near the extracellular boundary of transmembrane domain VII. To evaluate the functional role of these residues, site-directed GRP-R mutants were expressed in fibroblasts and assayed for their ability to both bind agonist and catalyze exchange of guanine nucleotides. Alanine substitution at GRP-R position 98 or 309 reduced agonist binding affinity by 24- and 56-fold, respectively, compared to wild-type GRP-R. Single swap GRP-R mutations either resulted in no receptor expression in the membrane (D98R) or the protein was not able to bind agonist (R309D). In contrast, the double swap mutation (D98R/R309D) had high-affinity agonist binding, reduced from wild-type GRP-R by only 6-fold. In situ reconstitution of urea-extracted membranes expressing either wild-type or mutant (D98A or R309A) GRP-R with G(q) indicated that alanine substitution greatly reduced G protein catalytic exchange compared to wild-type GRP-R. The D98R/R309D GRP-R had both a higher intrinsic basal activity and a higher overall catalytic exchange activity compared to wild-type; however, the wild-type GRP-R produced a larger agonist-stimulated response relative to the double swap mutant. Taken together, these data show that GRP-R residues D98 and R309 are critical for efficient coupling of GRP-R to G(q). Furthermore, our findings are consistent with a salt bridge interaction between these two polar and oppositely charged amino acids that maintains the proper receptor conformation necessary to interact with G proteins.

The bombesin receptor subtypes have distinct G protein specificities

We used an in situ reconstitution assay to examine the receptor coupling to purified G protein alpha subunits by the bombesin receptor family, including gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R), neuromedin B receptor (NMB-R), and bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3). Cells expressing GRP-R or NMB-R catalyzed the activation of squid retinal Galphaq and mouse Galphaq but not bovine retinal Galphat or bovine brain Galphai/o. The GRP-R- and NMB-R-catalyzed activations of Galphaq were dependent upon and enhanced by different betagamma dimers in the same rank order as follows: bovine brain betagamma > beta1gamma2 >> beta1gamma1. Despite these qualitative similarities, GRP-R and NMB-R had distinct kinetic properties in receptor-G protein coupling. GRP-R had higher affinities for bovine brain betagamma, beta1gamma1, and beta1gamma2 and squid retinal Galphaq. In addition, GRP-R showed higher catalytic activity on squid Galphaq. Like GRP-R and NMB-R, BRS-3 did not catalyze GTPgammaS binding to Galphai/o or Galphat. However, BRS-3 showed little, if any, coupling with squid Galphaq but clearly activated mouse Galphaq. GRP-R and NMB-R catalyzed GTPgammaS binding to both squid and mouse Galphaq, with GRP-R activating squid Galphaq more effectively, and NMB-R also showed slight preference for squid Galphaq. These studies reveal that the structurally similar bombesin receptor subtypes, in particular BRS-3, possess distinct coupling preferences among members of the Galphaq family.

Mechanism of allosteric regulation of the rod cGMP phosphodiesterase activity by the helical domain of transducin alpha subunit

The G protein alpha subunit (Galpha) is composed of two distinct folding domains: a GTP-binding Ras-like domain and an alpha helical domain (HD). We have recently reported that the helical domain (HDt) of the vertebrate visual transducin alpha subunit (Galphat) synergizes activation of retinal cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) by activated Galphat (Liu, W., and Northup, J. K., (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 95, 12878-12883). Here, we examine the molecular basis for this HD-based signaling regulation, and we provide a new model for the activation of the target effector. The HD proteins derived from visual transducin or taste gustducin alpha subunits, but no other Galpha HD proteins, each attenuate the PDE catalytic core (Palphabeta) and synergize Galphat stimulation of the holoPDE (Palphabetagamma2) with similar apparent affinities. The data from studies of both HDt-mediated attenuation and stimulation indicate that the HDt and the PDE inhibitory subunit (Pgamma) interact with PDE at independent sites and that Palphabeta contains the binding sites for HD. The saturation of both processes by HDt displays positive cooperativity with Hill coefficients of 1.5 for the attenuation of Palphabeta activity and 2.1 for synergism of holoPDE activation. Our data suggest the that Galphat-HDt regulates PDE by allosterically decreasing the affinity of Palphabeta for Pgamma and thus simultaneously facilitating the interaction of the activated Galphat-Ras-like domain with Pgamma. Thus, we propose a new model for the high efficiency of PDE activation as well as deactivation, and, overall, a novel mechanism for controlling fidelity, sensitivity, and efficacy of G protein signaling.

The helical domain of a G protein alpha subunit is a regulator of its effector

The alpha subunit (Galpha) of heterotrimeric G proteins is a major determinant of signaling selectivity. The Galpha structure essentially comprises a GTPase "Ras-like" domain (RasD) and a unique alpha-helical domain (HD). We used the vertebrate phototransduction model to test for potential functions of HD and found that the HD of the retinal transducin Galpha (Galphat) and the closely related gustducin (Galphag), but not Galphai1, Galphas, or Galphaq synergistically enhance guanosine 5'-gamma[-thio]triphosphate bound Galphat (GalphatGTPgammaS) activation of bovine rod cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE). In addition, both HDt and HDg, but not HDi1, HDs, or HDq attenuate the trypsin-activated PDE. GalphatGDP and HDt attenuation of trypsin-activated PDE saturate with similar affinities and to an identical 38% of initial activity. These data suggest that interaction of intact Galphat with the PDE catalytic core may be caused by the HD moiety, and they indicate an independent site(s) for the HD moiety of Galphat within the PDE catalytic core in addition to the sites for the inhibitory Pgamma subunits. The HD moiety of GalphatGDP is an attenuator of the activated catalytic core, whereas in the presence of activated GalphatGTPgammaS the independently expressed HDt is a potent synergist. Rhodopsin catalysis of Galphat activation enhances the PDE activation produced by subsaturating levels of Galphat, suggesting a HD-moiety synergism from a transient conformation of Galphat. These results establish HD-selective regulations of vertebrate retinal PDE, and they provide evidence demonstrating that the HD is a modulatory domain. We suggest that the HD works in concert with the RasD, enhancing the efficiency of G protein signaling.

Selective reconstitution of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor with G alpha q

Identification of the molecular mechanisms that determine specificity of coupling interactions between gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPrs) and their cognate heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins is a fundamental step in understanding the signal transduction cascade initiated by receptor-ligand interaction. To explore these mechanisms in greater detail, we have developed an in situ reconstitution assay in chaotrope-extracted membranes from mouse fibroblasts expressing the GRPr, and we have used it to measure GRPr-catalyzed binding of GTP gamma S to purified G protein alpha subunits. Binding studies with 125I-labeled [D-Tyr6]bombesin(6-13) methyl ester (125I-Tyr-ME), a GRPr specific antagonist, show a single binding site with a Kd = 1.4 nM +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SD, n = 3) and capacity of 15-22 pmol of receptor per mg of protein in the extracted membrane preparations, representing a 2- to 3-fold enrichment of binding sites compared with the membranes before extraction. Quantitative ligand displacement analysis using various unlabeled GRPr agonists shows a rank order of potency characteristic of the GRPr: bombesin > or = GRP > > neuromedin B. Reconstitution of urea extracted membranes with a purified G alpha q showed that receptor-catalyzed binding of GTP gamma S was dependent on agonist (GRP) and G beta gamma subunits. The EC50 for GRP was 3.5 nM, which correlates well with the reported Kd of 3.1 nM for GRP binding to GRPr expressed in mouse fibroblasts [Benya, R. V., et al. (1994) Mol. Pharmacol. 46, 235-245]. The apparent Kd for bovine brain G beta gamma in this assay was 60 nM, and the Km for squid retinal G alpha q was 90 nM. The GRPr-catalyzed binding of GTP gamma S is selective for G alpha q, since we did not detect receptor-catalyzed exchange using either G alpha i/o or G alpha t. These data demonstrate that GRPr can functionally couple to G alpha q but not to the pertussis toxin-sensitive G alpha i/o or retinal specific G alpha t. This in situ receptor reconstitution method will allow molecular characterization of G protein coupling to other heptahelical receptors.

Functional reconstitution in situ of 5-hydroxytryptamine2c (5HT2c) receptors with alphaq and inverse agonism of 5HT2c receptor antagonists

Membranes prepared after infection of Sf9 cells with recombinant baculovirus containing the rat 5HT2c receptor DNA, but not after infection with wild-type virus, expressed high affinity binding sites for 125I-lysergic acid diethylamide and [3H]mesulergine. The receptor site density reached an optimum of 50-70 pmol/mg membrane protein at 60 h postinfection. Extraction of peripheral membrane proteins from the postnuclear membrane fraction with 6 M urea depleted GTPgammaS-binding 4-fold without decreasing 5HT2c receptor binding activity. Urea-extracted Sf9 membranes expressing the 5HT2c receptor catalyzed the activation of squid retinal alphaq but not bovine retinal alphat or bovine alphao/alphai. Productive interaction of 5HT2c receptors with squid alphaq was enhanced by the addition of betagamma dimers prepared from either bovine brain or bovine rod outer segment discs. While the addition of serotonin increased 5HT2c receptor-catalyzed GTPgammaS binding to alphaq, the unoccupied receptor was also catalytically active. The 5HT2c receptor antagonists, mesulergine, mianserin, and ketanserin competitively inhibited 5HT activation of the receptor with predicted rank-order affinities; and mianserin and ketanserin markedly inhibited basal 5HT2c receptor activity. Interestingly, this "inverse agonist" efficacy did not correlate with antagonist affinity for the 5HT2c receptor. Baculoviral expression of the 5HT2c receptor and urea extraction of postnuclear Sf9 cell membranes have provided a high density of in situ, uncoupled, G-protein-linked receptor useful for reconstitution with purified G-protein subunits. This has allowed for independent manipulation of receptor and G-protein chemical concentrations and has revealed that a G-protein-linked receptor can possess a significant basal catalytic activity and that antagonist compounds can act as inverse agonists of this basal activity at the level of receptor activation of G-proteins.

Functional expression of the taste specific G-protein, alpha-gustducin

The taste-specific G-protein alpha-subunit, alpha-gustducin, was expressed using a baculovirus based system. alpha-Gustducin was demonstrated to be myristoylated and was also palmitoylated in insect larval cells. Recombinant alpha-gustducin was purified to homogeneity. Neither receptors nor effectors that interact with gustducin in taste are known. However, alpha-gustducin has a close structural similarity to the visual G-protein, alpha-transducin. Therefore alpha-gustducin was reconstituted with components of the visual system to determine the degree of its functional similarity with alpha-transducin. Despite the fact that the sequences of alpha-gustducin and alpha-transducin share only 80% identity with each other, the interactions and functions of these two proteins were quantitatively identical. These included the interaction with receptor, bovine rhodopsin, with effector, bovine retinal cyclic GMP-phosphodiesterase, and with bovine brain and retinal G-protein beta gamma-heterodimers; receptor-catalysed GDP-GTP exchange and the intrinsic GTPase activity of alpha-gustducin and alpha-transducin were also identical. Gi alpha which is 70% identical with alpha-transducin interacts with different receptor and effector proteins and has very different guanine-nucleotide binding properties. Therefore, the functional equivalence of alpha-gustducin and alpha-transducin suggest that taste buds are likely to contain receptor and effector proteins that share many properties with their retinal equivalents.

Purification, characterization, and partial amino acid sequence of a G protein-activated phospholipase C from squid photoreceptors

Invertebrate visual transduction is thought to be initiated by photoactivation of rhodopsin and its subsequent interaction with a guanyl nucleotide-binding protein (G protein). The identities of the G protein and its target effector have remained elusive, although evidence suggests the involvement of a phospholipase C (PLC). We have identified a phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC from the cytosol of squid retina. The enzyme was purified to near-homogeneity by a combination of carboxymethyl-Sepharose and heparin-Sepharose chromatography. The purified PLC, identified as an approximately 140-kDa protein by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, hydrolyzed phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) at a rate of 10-15 mumol/min/mg of protein with 1 microM Ca2+. The partial amino acid sequence of the protein showed homology with a PLC cloned from a Drosophila head library (PLC21) and lesser homology with Drosophila norpA protein and mammalian PLC beta isozymes. Reconstitution of purified squid PLC with an AlF(-)-activated 44-kDa G protein alpha subunit extracted from squid photoreceptor membranes resulted in a significant increase in PIP2 hydrolysis over a range of Ca2+ concentrations while reconstitution with mammalian Gt alpha or Gi 1 alpha was without effect. These results suggest that cephalopod phototransduction is mediated by G alpha-44 activation of a 140-kDa cytosolic PLC.

Prenyl modification of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein gamma 2 subunits is not required for interaction with the transducin alpha subunit or rhodopsin

Guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) beta gamma dimers that were active in reconstitution assays were produced in insect cells using the baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell expression system. Sf9 cells were infected either singly or in combination with recombinant baculoviruses containing a human G-protein beta 1 gene or a bovine G-protein gamma 2 gene. It was possible to express the beta 1 and gamma 2 gene products independently of each other in this system, as determined by using immunological and metabolic labeling techniques. Further, the ability of recombinant beta and/or gamma chains to function in defined biochemical assays of beta gamma activity was assessed for membrane extracts and supernatant fractions from infected Sf9 cells. Extracts of cells expressing beta or gamma chain alone were inactive in these assays, whereas those from cells coinfected with beta 1 and gamma 2 did display activity. These assays were used to identify recombinant beta gamma dimer migration during chromatographic purification, and the recombinant dimers were purified to near homogeneity. Both the membrane-associated and soluble beta gamma dimers facilitated rhodopsin-catalyzed guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate binding to Gt alpha, the GTP-binding subunit of the retinal G protein transducin (K0.5 of 13 +/- 2 and 36 +/- 5 nM, respectively). Both recombinant beta gamma dimers also facilitated the pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gt alpha with equal potency (K0.5 of 9 +/- 1 and 10 +/- 3 nM for membrane and soluble dimers, respectively). [3H]Mevalonolactone labeling showed that the gamma 2 subunits of membrane-associated beta gamma dimers incorporated radiolabel, whereas in the soluble form they did not. Thus, prenyl modification of gamma 2 directs the membrane association of the beta 1 gamma 2 dimer and increases its apparent affinity for receptor, but it is not required for the functional interaction(s) of the dimer.

Defective guanyl nucleotide-binding protein beta gamma subunits in a forskolin-resistant mutant of the Y1 adrenocortical cell line

Forskolin-resistant mutants derived from Y1 adrenocortical cells display decreased responsiveness both to receptor and postreceptor stimulators of adenylyl cyclase and decreased amounts of the alpha subunits of the GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) that mediate stimulation (Gs) and inhibition (Gi) of adenylyl cyclase--namely, Gs alpha and Gi alpha-2. This phenotype is suggestive of a mutation that affects the processing or plasma membrane incorporation of G protein alpha subunits. Since the membrane attachment of heterotrimeric G proteins has been ascribed in part to the beta gamma subunits, we examined the quantity and functional activity of beta gamma subunits in wild-type Y1 and forskolin-resistant Forsk-10r-9 and Forsk-10r-3 cells. We now show that two assays previously used to examine the activity of purified beta gamma subunits--namely, to support either rhodopsin-catalyzed guanyl nucleotide exchange on Gt alpha or pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gt alpha--can be used with detergent extracts of cells. In both assays the beta gamma activity in Forsk-10r-9 and Forsk-10r-3 extracts was decreased by 53-76% compared with wild-type Y1 extracts. When normalized for immunoreactive beta subunit, the beta gamma activity in the Forsk-10r-9 samples was decreased by 55-57% compared with the wild-type Y1 samples. These results suggest that a mutation of one of the G protein beta or gamma subunits may result in the multiple defects of adenylyl cyclase activity and apparent loss of G protein alpha subunits seen in the forskolin-resistant mutant cells. The frequency with which these spontaneous mutations arise in the Y1 cell line suggests that they may contribute more generally to genetic abnormalities in signal transduction.

Regulatory GTP-binding proteins (ADP-ribosylation factor, Gt, and RAS) are not activated directly by nucleoside diphosphate kinase

The expression of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) genes has been implicated as a negative regulator of murine and human tumor metastases and is critical to proper development in Drosophila melanogaster. Molecular mechanisms for the role(s) of NDK in these complex processes have not yet been elucidated, but several reports have suggested that these and many other signal transduction pathways may be activated by NDK acting directly on a regulatory GTP-binding protein(s). To test this hypothesis, we examined the ability of NDK to catalyze the phosphorylation of the GDP bound to the following three members of the superfamily of regulatory GTP-binding proteins: Gt, Ha-ras p21, and ARF. We have found no evidence to support the hypothesis that NDK can directly activate any GTP-binding protein. Rather, evidence is presented which clearly shows that all of the GTP formed upon incubation of GTP-binding proteins with NDK is the result of NDK utilizing free GDP as substrate. The GDP bound to the regulatory proteins is not a substrate for NDK under conditions in which free nucleotides are rapidly and efficiently phosphorylated. The importance of appropriate controls for dissociation of GDP from the regulatory proteins both during the NDK reaction and during the analysis of product is demonstrated. We believe there is currently no experimental evidence to support the hypothesis that NDK can directly activate a regulatory GTP-binding protein.

Activation of a small GTP-binding protein by nucleoside diphosphate kinase

Genes that encode nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDKs) have been implicated as regulators of mammalian tumor metastasis and development in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the cellular pathways through which NDKs function are not known. One potential mechanism of regulation is phosphorylation of guanosine diphosphate (GDP) bound to regulatory guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding proteins. NDK-catalyzed phosphorylation of bound GDP was investigated for the adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor (ARF), a 21-kilodalton GTP-binding protein that functions in the protein secretion pathway. Bovine liver NDK, recombinant human NDK, and the protein product of the mouse gene nm23-1, which suppresses the metastatic potential of certain tumor cells, used ARF-GDP as a substrate, thereby allowing rapid and efficient production of activated ARF (ARF-GTP) in the absence of nucleotide exchange. These data are consistent with the proposed function of NDK as an activator of a small GTP-binding protein and provide a mechanism of activation for a regulatory GTP-binding protein that is independent of nucleotide exchange.

Inhibitory GTP-binding regulatory protein Gi3 can couple angiotensin II receptors to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in hepatocytes

Angiotensin II can inhibit hormone-stimulated adenylyl cyclase in intact hepatocytes or in hepatic membrane preparations. Because the response can be blocked by pertussis toxin, the object of the present study was to determine which of the known variants of Gi can couple angiotensin II receptors to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. The potential candidates were identified by probing RNA isolated from rat hepatocytes with cDNAs specific for the alpha subunits of known toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). Hepatocytes contained no detectable RNA for the Go or Gi1 alpha subunits and similar levels of RNA coding for the Gi2 and Gi3 alpha subunits. To determine whether Gi3 could couple angiotensin receptors to inhibition of cyclase, membranes were prepared from hepatocytes whose G proteins were fully ADP-ribosylated with pertussis toxin, and the Gi3 holoprotein purified from rabbit liver was reconstituted into the membranes. The nature of the Gi3 reconstituted into the membrane was assessed by immunoblotting with antibodies specific for the Gi alpha subunits. Reconstitution of 6-10 pmol of Gi3/mg of membrane protein into the toxin-treated membranes restored the ability of 10 nM angiotensin II to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Because pertussis toxin has nonspecific effects, an assay was developed to measure the interaction of the angiotensin receptor with reconstituted G proteins in normal membranes. In the presence of Mg2+, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) caused a reduction of the affinity of the angiotensin II receptor for 125I-angiotensin II that was stable to washing and the detergents used to reconstitute G proteins into the membranes. Using this protocol to activate G proteins and "uncouple" receptors, the ability of the GDP-liganded form of Gi to restore high affinity binding was examined. Reconstitution of about 10-15 pmol of oligomeric Gi3/mg of membrane protein restored both the high affinity state of the angiotensin II receptor and the ability of GTP gamma S to shift the affinity to a lower state. The same shift in receptor affinity could be accomplished by reconstituting the Gi3 alpha subunit, resolved free of beta gamma subunits, into the membranes. Reconstitution of up to 50 pmol of Gs/mg of membrane protein had no effect on angiotensin II receptor affinity. The results suggest that a major form of Gi in hepatocytes is Gi3 and that it can couple angiotensin receptors to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase.

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.

G-protein beta gamma forms: identity of beta and diversity of gamma subunits

Signal-transducing G-proteins are heterotrimers composed of GTP-binding alpha subunits in association with a tightly bound complex of beta and gamma subunits. While the alpha subunits are recognized as a family of diverse structures, beta and gamma subunits have also been found as heterogeneous isoforms. To investigate the diversity and tissue specificity of the beta gamma complexes, we have examined homogeneous oligomeric G-proteins from a variety of sources. The beta and gamma subunits isolated from the major-abundance G-proteins from bovine brain, bovine retina, rabbit liver, human placenta, and human platelets were purified and subjected to biochemical and immunological analysis. Protease mapping and immune recognition revealed an identical profile for each of the two distinctly migrating beta isoforms (beta 36 and beta 35) regardless of tissue or G-protein origin. Digestion with V8 protease revealed four distinct, clearly resolved terminal fragments for beta 36 and two for beta 35. Trypsin and chymotrypsin digestion yielded numerous bands, but again each form had a unique profile with no tissue specificity. Tryptic digestion was found to be conformationally specific with the most resistant structure being the native beta gamma complex. With increasing trypsin, the complex was digested but in a pattern distinct from that for denatured beta. In contrast to the two highly homologous beta structures, examination of this set of proteins revealed at least six distinct gamma peptides. Two unique gamma peptides were found in bovine retinal Gt and three gamma peptides in samples of bovine brain derived Go/Gi. Human placental and platelet Gi samples each contained a unique gamma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Unique guanine nucleotide binding properties of the human placental GTP-binding protein Gp

Gp is a major GTP-binding protein of human placenta and platelets [Evans, T., Brown, M. L., Fraser, E. D., & Northup, J. K. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 7052-7059]. High-affinity guanine nucleotide binding is associated with a polypeptide migrating identically with H-ras on SDS-PAGE. We have characterized the interactions of preparations of purified human placental Gp with guanine nucleotides in detergent solution. Equilibrium binding studies with [35S]GTP gamma S, [3H]Gpp(NH)p, and [3H]GTP identified a single class of sites with a dissociation constant of 10 +/- 1, 153 +/- 61, and 125 +/- 77 nM for the ligands, respectively. These three ligands were mutually competitive with Ki values consistent with the Kd values from direct binding experiments. Competition for the binding of [3H]Gpp(NH)p was used to determine the specificity of the site. Ki values determined from this assay were 14 nM for GTP gamma S, 143 nM for Gpp(NH)p, 3.3 microM for GDP beta S, 69 nM for GTP, and 64 nM for GDP. ATP, ADP, cAMP, cGMP, and NAD+ had no detectable affinity for this site. While the equilibrium binding data fit well to a single class of sites, association kinetics of these ligands were better fit to two rate constants. Dissociation kinetics, however, were not clearly resolved into two rates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Binding and hydrolysis of guanine nucleotides by Sec4p, a yeast protein involved in the regulation of vesicular traffic

The 23.5-kDa Sec4 protein is required for vesicular transport between the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In order to analyze its biochemical properties, we have purified the soluble pool of the wild-type protein from an overproducing yeast strain. At 30 degrees C, Sec4p bound [35S] guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) with a rate of 0.18 min-1 in a reaction requiring micromolar concentration of free magnesium ions. The protein had high affinity for guanine nucleotides with Kd values for GTP gamma S and GTP of 3.7 nM and 3.5 nM, respectively, and that for GDP of 77 nM. The dissociation of [3H] GDP from Sec4p occurred with a rate of 0.21 min-1 suggesting that the association of GTP gamma S was the result of exchange for prebound GDP. The release of GTP from Sec4p was slow and correlated with a low inherent GTPase activity of 0.0012 min-1. By analogy with other classes of GTP binding proteins, both the nucleotide exchange and hydrolysis activities of Sec4p may be modulated in vivo to facilitate its role in the regulation of intercompartmental membrane traffic.

Guanine nucleotide binding characteristics of transducin: essential role of rhodopsin for rapid exchange of guanine nucleotides

Transducin (Gt) is a member of a family of receptor-coupled signal-transducing guanine nucleotide (GN) binding proteins (G-proteins). Light-activated rhodopsin is known to catalyze GN exchange on Gt, resulting in the formation of the active state of the Gt alpha-GTP complex. However, purified preparations of Gt have been shown to exchange GN in the absence of activated receptors [Wessling-Resnick, M., & Johnson, G. L. (1987) Biochemistry 26, 4316-4323]. To evaluate the role of rhodopsin in the activation of Gt, we studied GN-binding characteristics of different preparations of Gt. Gt preparations obtained rom the supernate of GTP-treated bovine rod outer segment (ROS) disks, followed by removal of free GTP on a Sephadex G-25 column, bound GTP gamma S at 30 degrees C in the absence of added exogenous rhodopsin with an activity of 1 mol of GTP gamma S bound/mol of Gt (Gt-I preparations). Binding of GTP gamma S to Gt-I preparations closely correlated with the activation of ROS disk cGMP phosphodiesterase. GN-binding activity of Gt-I preparations was dependent on reaction temperature, and no binding was observed at 4 degrees C. In the presence of 10 microM bleached rhodopsin, Gt-I preparations bound GTP gamma S at 4 degrees C. However, hexylagarose chromatography of Gt-I preparations led to a preparation of Gt that showed less than 0.1 mol/mol binding activity following 60-min incubation at 30 degrees C in the absence of rhodopsin (Gt-II preparations).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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

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

Epidermal-growth-factor-stimulated phosphorylation of calpactin II in membrane vesicles shed from cultured A-431 cells

Membrane vesicles shed from intact A-431 epidermoid carcinoma cells and harvested in the presence of Ca2+ contained epidermal-growth-factor (EGF) receptor/kinase substrates of apparent molecular masses 185, 85, 70, 55, 38 and 27 kDa. The 38 kDa substrate (p38) was recognized by an antibody that had been raised against the human placental EGF receptor/kinase substrate calpactin II (lipocortin I). The A-431 and placental substrates, isolated by immunoprecipitation after phosphorylation in situ, yielded identical phosphopeptide maps upon limited proteolytic digestion with each of five different enzymes. The A-431-cell vesicular p38 is therefore calpactin II. EGF treatment of the intact A-431 cells before inducing vesiculation was not necessary for the substrate to be present within the vesicles. Our data thus indicate that receptor internalization is not a prerequisite for receptor-mediated phosphorylation of calpactin II. The ability of the protein to function as a substrate for the receptor/kinase depended upon the continued presence of Ca2+ during the vesicle-isolation procedure. EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of calpactin II was much less pronounced in vesicles prepared from A-431 cells in the absence of Ca2+, although comparable amounts of the protein were detectable by immunoblotting. Calpactin II therefore appears to be sequestered in a Ca2+-modulated manner within shed vesicles, along with at least four other major targets for the EGF receptor/kinase. The vesicle preparation may be a useful model system in which to study the phosphorylation and function of potentially important membrane-associated substrates for the receptor.

Pertussis toxin treatment in vivo is associated with a decline in G-protein beta-subunits

The effects of pertussis toxin on the steady-state levels of G-protein alpha- and beta-subunits were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The steady-state level Go alpha, a major substrate for pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation, was unaltered by pertussis toxin treatment for periods up to 100 h for 3T3-L1 cells in culture or up to 3 days in vivo. In 3T3-L1 cells pertussis toxin treatment did not alter levels of Gs alpha-subunits; in S49 cells the level of Gs alpha-subunits declined moderately following by pertussis toxin treatment. The steady-state levels of G beta-subunits, in contrast, were found to decline to less than 50% of the normal cellular complement following pertussis toxin treatment in vitro and in vivo. Inhibitory control of adenylate cyclase, pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha and Go alpha, and the GTP-dependent shift in agonist-specific binding to beta-adrenergic receptors were attenuated or abolished within 5 h of pertussis toxin treatment, representing "early" effects of the toxin. Stimulatory regulation of adenylate cyclase, in contrast, displayed a progressive enhancement that was first observed 4 h after pertussis toxin treatment, increasing thereafter up until 100 h, the last time point measured. This progressive enhancement of the stimulatory pathway of adenylate cyclase was not manifest at the level of stimulatory receptors, since the Kd and Bmax for one such receptor, the beta-adrenergic receptor, were shown to be unaltered in toxin-treated cells. Furthermore, the potentiation of stimulation of adenylate cyclase was observed in cells stimulated by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and PGE1 alike. The progressive enhancement of the stimulatory pathway correlated best with the decline in G beta-subunit levels that occurs following pertussis intoxication. The changes in both of these parameters occur "late" (12-48 h), as compared to the early events that occur within 5 h. Pertussis toxin action appears to be composed of two, temporally distinct, groups of effects. Pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of G alpha-subunits, attenuation of the inhibitory regulation of adenylate cyclase, and attenuation of the ability of GTP to induce an agonist-specific shift in receptor affinity are members of the early group of effects. The second group of late effects includes the decline in G beta-subunit levels and the progressive enhancement of the stimulatory pathway of adenylate cyclase. This enhanced stimulatory control at these later times cannot be explained by the attenuation of the inhibitory pathway occurring early, but rather appears as G beta-subunit levels decline.