Biomedical subjects

A G Gilman

Publications and source records attributed to A G Gilman.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Structure of the GDP-Pi complex of Gly203-->Ala gialpha1: a mimic of the ternary product complex of galpha-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis.

BACKGROUND: G proteins play a vital role in transmembrane signalling events. In their inactive form G proteins exist as heterotrimers consisting of an alpha subunit, complexed with GDP and a dimer of betagamma subunits. Upon stimulation by receptors, G protein alpha subunits exchange GDP for GTP and dissociate from betagamma . Thus activated, alphasubunits stimulate or inhibit downstream effectors. The duration of the activated state corresponds to the single turnover rate of GTP hydrolysis, which is typically in the range of seconds. In Gialpha1, the Gly203-->Ala mutation reduces the affinity of the substrate for Mg2+, inhibits a key conformational step that occurs upon GTP binding and consequently inhibits the release of betagamma subunits from the GTP complex. The structure of the Gly203-->Ala mutant of Gialpha1 (G203AGialpha1) bound to the slowly hydrolyzing analog of GTP (GTPgammaS) has been determined in order to elucidate the structural changes that take place during hydrolysis. RESULTS: We have determined the three dimensional structure of a Gly203-->Ala mutant of Gialpha1 at 2.6 A resolution. Although crystals were grown in the presence of GTPgammaS and Mg2+, the catalytic site contains a molecule of GDP and a phosphate ion, but no Mg2+. The phosphate ion is bound to a site near that occupied by the gamma-phosphate of GTPgammaS in the activated wild-type alpha subunit. A region of the protein, termed the Switch II helix, twists and bends to adopt a conformation that is radically different from that observed in other Gialpha1 subunit complexes. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of crystallization, the Gly203-->Ala mutation appears to stabilize a conformation that may be similar, although perhaps not identical, to the transient ternary product complex of Gialpha1-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis. The rearrangement of the Switch II helix avoids a potential steric conflict caused by the mutation. However, it appears that dissociation of the gamma-phosphate from the pentacoordinate intermediate also requires a conformational change in Switch II. Thus, a conformational rearrangement of the Switch II helix may be required in Galpha-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis.

Alanine↗

PubMed1996

Regulation of dynamin I GTPase activity by G protein betagamma subunits and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.

Dynamin I is a 100-kDa GTPase that plays an important role in the recycling of synaptic vesicles. Hydrolysis of GTP by dynamin is thought to be a critical step in fission of coated pits to form coated vesicles. We report that the heterotrimeric G protein betagamma subunit complex (Gbetagamma) and phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) are negative and positive regulators of dynamin GTPase activity, respectively. Furthermore, the apparent affinity of dynamin for Gbetagamma is substantially enhanced by PtdIns(4,5)P2. However, the GTPase activity of oligomeric dynamin is unaffected by Gbetagamma. The effects of heterotrimeric G proteins on endocytosis may thus be mediated directly and not involve more remote aspects of their signaling properties.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

The GTPase-activating protein RGS4 stabilizes the transition state for nucleotide hydrolysis.

RGS proteins constitute a newly appreciated group of negative regulators of G protein signaling. Discovered by genetic screens in yeast, worms, and other organisms, two mammalian RGS proteins, RGS4 and GAIP, act as GTPase-activating proteins for members of the Gi family of G protein alpha subunits. We have purified recombinant RGS4 to homogeneity and demonstrate that it acts catalytically to stimulate GTP hydrolysis by Gi proteins. Furthermore, RGS4 stabilizes the transition state for GTP hydrolysis, as evidenced by its high affinity for the GDP-AlF4--bound forms of Goalpha and Gialpha and its relatively low affinity for the GTPgammaS- and GDP-bound forms of these proteins. Consequently, RGS4 is most likely not a downstream effector for activated Galpha subunits. All members of the Gi subfamily of proteins tested are substrates for RGS4 (including Gtalpha and Gzalpha); the protein has lower affinity for Gqalpha, and it does not stimulate the GTPase activity of Gsalpha or G12alpha.

Aluminum Compounds↗

PubMed1996

Autoacylation of G protein alpha subunits.

The palmitoylation or S-acylation of at least some G protein alpha subunits is a dynamic process that is regulated in vivo by the activation of associated receptors. Highly purified, myristoylated Gialpha1 and other G protein alpha subunits react spontaneously with palmitoyl-CoA in vitro to form thioesterified proteins. This reaction requires native Gialpha1 and occurs exclusively at Cys3, the same residue that is palmitoylated in vivo. The reaction proceeds to completion, and its rate is roughly equal to the rate of loss of palmitate observed in pulse-chase experiments in vivo. The rate of autoacylation is significantly enhanced by the G protein betagamma subunit complex. Autoacylation may play a role in the dynamic thioesterification of some cellular proteins.

Acylation↗

PubMed1996

GAIP and RGS4 are GTPase-activating proteins for the Gi subfamily of G protein alpha subunits.

A novel class of regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins has been identified recently. Genetic evidence suggests that RGS proteins inhibit G protein-mediated signaling at the level of the receptor-G protein interaction or the G protein alpha subunit itself. We have found that two RGS family members, GAIP and RGS4, are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), accelerating the rate of GTP hydrolysis by Gi alpha 1 at least 40-fold. All Gi subfamily members assayed were substrates for these GAPs; Gs alpha was not. RGS4 activates the GTPase activity of certain Gi alpha 1 mutants (e.g., R178C), but not others (e.g., Q204L). The GAP activity of RGS proteins is consistent with their proposed role as negative regulators of G protein-mediated signaling.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Purification and characterization of a soluble form of mammalian adenylyl cyclase.

An engineered, soluble form of mammalian adenylyl cyclase has been expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by three chromatographic steps. The enzyme utilizes one molecule of ATP to synthesize one molecule of cyclic AMP and pyrophosphate at a maximal specific activity of 12.8 micromol/min/mg, corresponding to a turnover number of 720 min-1. Although devoid of membrane spans, the enzyme displays all of the regulatory properties that are common to mammalian adenylyl cyclases. It is activated synergistically by Gsalpha and forskolin and is inhibited by adenosine (P-site) analogs with kinetic patterns that are identical to those displayed by the native enzymes. The purified enzyme is also inhibited directly by the G protein betagamma subunit complex. After adenovirus-mediated expression in adenylyl cyclase-deficient HC-1 cells, the enzyme can be stimulated synergistically by Gs-coupled receptors and forskolin.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed1996

Interaction of the two cytosolic domains of mammalian adenylyl cyclase.

Adenylyl cyclase activity can be reconstituted by simple mixture of the two cytosolic domains of the enzyme after their independent synthesis in Escherichia coli. We have synthesized and purified the C1a domain of type I adenylyl cyclase and the C2 domain of the type II enzyme to assess their interactions with each other and with the activators Gsalpha and forskolin. In the absence of an activator, the fragments associate with low affinity and display low catalytic activity. This basal activity can be stimulated more than 100-fold by either forskolin or activated Gsalpha. Further, the addition of these activators increases the apparent affinity of the fragments for each other. Stimulation of catalysis by Gsalpha and forskolin is synergistic. These data suggest a model wherein either Gsalpha or forskolin enhances association of the other activator with adenylyl cyclase, as well as facilitating the interaction between the C1 and C2 domains of the enzyme.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1996

Protein kinase C phosphorylates G12 alpha and inhibits its interaction with G beta gamma.

Of nine G protein alpha subunits examined, only alpha 12 and alpha z served as substrates for phosphorylation by various isoforms of protein kinase C in vitro. A close homolog of alpha 12, alpha 12 was not phosphorylated. Exposure of NIH 3T3 cells that stably express alpha 12 to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also resulted in phosphorylation of the protein. Phosphorylation in vitro occurred near the amino terminus (probably Ser38), and approximately 1 mol of phosphate was incorporated per mol of alpha 12. Although G protein heterotrimers containing either alpha 12 or a z were poor substrates for phosphorylation, the isolated alpha subunits were phosphorylated equally well in their GDP- or GTP gamma S-bound forms. The guanine nucleotide binding properties of purified alpha 12 and alpha z were unaltered by phosphorylation, as was the capacity of alpha z to inhibit type V adenylyl cyclase. However, phosphorylation of either protein greatly reduced its affinity for G protein beta gamma subunits, consistent with the newly determined crystal structure of a G protein heterotrimer. We suggest that protein kinase C regulates alpha 12- and alpha z-mediated signaling pathways by preventing their association with beta gamma.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1996

Inhibition of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel by G-protein alpha-subunits.

Cholinergic muscarinic, serotonergic, opioid and several other G-protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors activate inwardly rectifying K+ channels of the GIRK family, slowing the heartbeat and decreasing the excitability of neuronal cells. Inhibitory modulation of GIRKs by G-protein-coupled receptors may have important implications in cardiac and brain physiology. Previously G alpha and G beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins have both been implicated in channel opening, but recent studies attribute this role primarily to the G beta gamma dimer that activates GIRKs in a membrane-delimited fashion, probably by direct binding to the channel protein. We report here that free GTP gamma S-activated G alpha i 1, but not G alpha i 2 or G alpha i 3, potently inhibits G beta 1 gamma 2-induced GIRK activity in excised membrane patches of Xenopus oocytes expressing GIRK1. High-affinity but partial inhibition is produced by G alpha s-GTP gamma S. G alpha i 1-GTP gamma S also inhibits G beta 1 gamma 2-activated GIRK in atrial myocytes. Antagonistic interactions between G alpha and G beta gamma may be among the mechanisms determining specificity of G protein coupling to GIRKs.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Functional importance of the amino terminus of Gq alpha.

Gq alpha is palmitoylated at residues Cys9 and Cys10. Removal of palmitate from purified Gq alpha with palmitoylthioesterase in vitro failed to alter interactions of Gq alpha with phospholipase C-beta 1, the G protein beta gamma subunit complex, or m1 muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Mutants C9A, C10A, C9A/C10A, C9S/C10S, and truncated Gq alpha (removal of residues 1-6) were synthesized in Sf9 cells and purified. Loss of both Cys residues or truncation prevented palmitoylation of Gq alpha. However, truncated Gq alpha and the single Cys mutants activated phospholipase C-beta 1 normally, while the double Cys mutants were poor activators. Loss of both Cys residues impaired but did not abolish interaction of Gq alpha with m1 receptors. These Cys residues are thus important regardless of their state of palmitoylation. When expressed in HEK-293 or Sf9 cells, all of the proteins studied associated entirely or predominantly with membranes, although a minor fraction of nonpalmitoylated Gq alpha proteins accumulated in the cytosol of HEK-293 cells. When subjected to TX-114 phase partitioning, a significant fraction of all of the proteins, including those with no palmitate, was found in the detergent-rich phase. Removal of residues 1-34 of Gq alpha caused a loss of surface hydrophobicity as evidenced by complete partitioning into the aqueous phase. The Cys residues at the amino terminus of Gq alpha are thus important for its interactions with effector and receptor, and the amino terminus conveys a hydrophobic character to the protein distinct from that contributed by palmitate.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Time resolved kinetics of direct G beta 1 gamma 2 interactions with the carboxyl terminus of Kir3.4 inward rectifier K+ channel subunits.

The direct interaction of recombinant G beta 1 gamma 2 proteins with the carboxyl terminal domain of a G protein-gated inward rectifier K channel subunit, Kir3.4 (GIRK4), was measured in real time using biosensor chip technology. The carboxyl terminus of Kir3.4 (a.a. 186-419) was expressed in bacteria as a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein, GST-Kir3. 4ct. GST-Kir3.4ct was immobilized to the surface of a biosensor chip by high affinity binding of the GST domain to a covalently attached anti-GST antibody. The association and dissociation rates of G beta 1 gamma 2 dimers with the immobilized Kir3.4ct domain were temporally resolved as a change in refractive index detected by surface plasmon resonance. Specific binding of G beta 1 gamma 2 dimers to Kir3.4ct was characterized by a dissociation rate (kd) of approximately 0.003 s-1. Association kinetics were dominated by a concentration-independent component (time constant approximately 50 s) which complicates models of binding and may indicate conformational changes during binding of G beta 1 gamma 2 to Kir3.4ct. The estimated equilibrium dissociation binding constant (Kd) was approximately 800 nM. These studies demonstrate that G beta gamma dimers interact directly with the Kir3.4 channel subunit, and suggest interesting details in the interaction with the major cytosolic carboxyl terminal domain. The slow G beta 1 gamma 2 dissociation rate measured on the sensor chip is similar in magnitude to a slow component of channel deactivation measured electrophysiologically in Xenopus oocytes expressing Kir3.1/3.4 multimeric channels and a G protein-coupled receptor. Biosensor-based experiments such as those described here will complement electrophysiological studies on the molecular basis of G protein interactions with Kir channels and other ion channel proteins.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Visualizing signal transduction: receptors, G-proteins, and adenylate cyclases.

1. The first glimpses of heterotrimeric G-proteins came with the discoveries of the ubiquitous adenylate cyclase activator, Gs, and the specialized retinal cGMP phosphodiesterase activator, Gi or transducin. The model that evolved for regulation of adenylate cyclase activity by G-proteins soon proved to be a general paradigm for a large number of signalling pathways. Although many different G-proteins interact with a diverse array of receptors and effectors, each is composed of a guaninenucleotide-binding alpha-subunit and a tightly associated complex of a beta- and a gamma-subunit. 2. Receptors catalyse the activation of G-proteins by promoting exchange of GDP for GTP, while G-proteins catalyse their own deactivation as a result of their intrinsic GTPase activity. Crystallographic analysis has described several of the various conformational states that G-proteins undergo as they are activated and deactivated and has provided great insight into the kinetic models of G-protein-mediated signal transduction. 3. The regulation of adenylate cyclase has proven to be intriguing and complex. Gsx activates all forms of mammalian adenylate cyclase; other G-proteins (Gi, Go and Gz) inhibit certain isoforms of the enzyme. The discovery of new isoforms of adenylate cyclase has revealed synergistic and conditional mechanisms of regulation. These include activation or inhibition by the G-protein beta gamma-subunit complex, activation by Ca(2+)-calmodulin, and phosphorylation by protein kinases. The large number of receptors, G-proteins and adenylate cyclases provides a complex signalling network that integrates and interprets a multitude of convergent inputs.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1996

Complexity and diversity of mammalian adenylyl cyclases.

Molecular cloning has permitted identification of several novel isoforms of mammalian adenylyl cyclase; these proteins now comprise a family of at least 10. All of the membrane-bound enzymes are activated by the alpha subunit of G alpha, a receptor-regulated, heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein, and by the diterpene forskolin. Certain cyclases are also activated by Ca(2+)-calmodulin, while some are inhibited by the alpha subunits of the three Gi proteins. The discovery of new isoforms has also revealed unanticipated mechanisms of regulation, including activation or inhibition by the G-protein beta gamma subunit complex, inhibition by G(o) alpha, inhibition by Ca2+, and phosphorylation by protein kinases C and A. The effects of activators are often highly synergistic or conditional, suggesting function of these enyzmes as coincidence detectors. The plethora of receptors, G proteins, and adenylyl cyclases permits assembly of very complex signaling systems with a wide variety of integrative characteristics.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1995

The structure of the G protein heterotrimer Gi alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2.

The crystallographic structure of the G protein heterotrimer Gi alpha 1(GDP)beta 1 gamma 2 (at 2.3 A) reveals two nonoverlapping regions of contact between alpha and beta, an extended interface between beta and nearly all of gamma, and limited interaction of alpha with gamma. The major alpha/beta interface covers switch II of alpha, and GTP-induced rearrangement of switch II causes subunit dissociation during signaling. Alterations in GDP binding in the heterotrimer (compared with alpha-GDP) explain stabilization of the inactive conformation of alpha by beta gamma. Repeated WD motifs in beta form a circularized sevenfold beta propeller. The conserved cores of these motifs are a scaffold for display of their more variable linkers on the exterior face of each propeller blade.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Tertiary and quaternary structural changes in Gi alpha 1 induced by GTP hydrolysis.

Crystallographic analysis of 2.2 angstrom resolution shows that guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis triggers conformational changes in the heterotrimeric G-protein alpha subunit, Gi alpha 1. The switch II and switch III segments become disordered, and linker II connecting the Ras and alpha helical domains moves, thus altering the structures of potential effector and beta gamma binding regions. Contacts between the alpha-helical and Ras domains are weakened, possibly facilitating the release of guanosine diphosphate (GDP). The amino and carboxyl termini, which contain receptor and beta gamma binding determinants, are disordered in the complex with GTP, but are organized into a compact microdomain on GDP hydrolysis. The amino terminus also forms extensive quaternary contacts with neighboring alpha subunits in the lattice, suggesting that multimers of alpha subunits or heterotrimers may play a role in signal transduction.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed1995

Truncation and alanine-scanning mutants of type I adenylyl cyclase.

A variety of truncated constructs of type I and type II adenylyl cyclase have been synthesized in Sf9 cells using recombinant baculoviruses, as have a number of type I adenylyl cyclases with point mutations. Truncations indicate that the nonconserved C1b and C2b domains of adenylyl cyclase are not necessary for regulation of enzymatic activity by Gs alpha and forskolin. Point mutations demonstrate the requirement for both of the conserved (and homologous) domains of adenylyl cyclase (C1a and C2a) and the nonequivalence of these domains. Linkage of certain effects of mutations on the Km for substrate with alterations of the characteristics of P-site inhibition suggest that ATP and P-site inhibitors may bind to different conformations of the same site. However, other mutations affected only P-site inhibition. Although the mutations studied have not permitted assignment of unique functions to the two homologous domains, they have revealed novel phenotypes that appear to reflect the regulatory complexity of mammalian membrane-bound adenylyl cyclases, including the possibility of oligomerization of the enzymes.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1995

Construction of a soluble adenylyl cyclase activated by Gs alpha and forskolin.

A soluble adenylyl cyclase was constructed by linkage of portions of the cytosolic domains of the mammalian type I and type II enzymes. The soluble enzyme was stimulated by both forskolin and the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) Gs (Gs alpha). Expression of the construct complemented the catabolic defect in a strain of Escherichia coli that is deficient in adenylyl cyclase activity. The active, approximately 60-kilodalton enzyme accumulated in the cytoplasmic fraction of E. coli to yield activities in excess of 1 nanomole per minute per milligram of protein. The two sets of transmembrane helices of mammalian adenylyl cyclases are thus not necessary for the catalytic or the most characteristic regulatory activities of the enzyme. This system may be useful for both genetic and biochemical analysis of G protein-regulated adenylyl cyclases.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1995

Purification of recombinant G proteins from Sf9 cells by hexahistidine tagging of associated subunits. Characterization of alpha 12 and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by alpha z.

A method is described for purification of G protein alpha and beta gamma subunits from Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses. The subunit to be purified is coexpressed with an associated subunit bearing a hexahistidine tag. After adsorption of the oligomer to a Ni(2+)-containing column, the subunit to be purified is eluted specifically by promoting subunit dissociation with AIF4-. The alpha subunits of G12, Gq, Gz, and Gi1 and the beta 1 gamma 2 subunit complex were easily and efficiently purified by this method. Results was superior to established procedures in all cases. Purified alpha 12 was characterized for the first time. The protein has a slow rate of guanine nucleotide exchange (kon, GTP gamma S = 0.01 min-1) and a very slow kcat for hydrolysis of GTP (0.1-0.2 min-1). GTP gamma S (guanosine 5' -3-O- (thio)triphosphate) alpha 12 does not influence the activity of several adenylyl cyclases or phospholipases. Activated alpha z inhibits the activity of type I and type V adenylyl cyclases. It is a somewhat more potent inhibitor of type V adenylyl cyclase than is activated alpha i1.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗