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Structure and function in rhodopsin: effects of disulfide cross-links in the cytoplasmic face of rhodopsin on transducin activation and phosphorylation by rhodopsin kinase.

Six rhodopsin mutants containing disulfide cross-links between different cytoplasmic regions were prepared: disulfide bond 1, between Cys65 (interhelical loop I-II) and Cys316 (end of helix VII); disulfide bond 2, between Cys246 (end of helix VI) and Cys312 (end of helix VII); disulfide bond 3, between Cys139 (end of helix III) and Cys248 (end of helix VI); disulfide bond 4, between Cys139 (end of helix III) and Cys250 (end of helix VI); disulfide bond 5, between Cys135 (end of helix III) and Cys250 (end of helix VI); and disulfide bond 6, between Cys245 (end of helix VI) and Cys338 (C-terminus). The effects of local restrictions caused by the cross-links on transducin (G(T)) activation and phosphorylation by rhodopsin kinase (RK) following illumination were studied. Disulfide bond 1 showed little effect on either G(T) activation or phosphorylation by RK, suggesting that the relative motion between interhelical loop I-II and helix VII is not crucial for recognition by G(T) or by RK. In contrast, disulfide bonds 2-5 abolished both G(T) activation and phosphorylation by RK. Disulfide bond 6 resulted in enhanced G(T) activation but abolished phosphorylation by RK, suggesting the structure recognized by G(T) was stabilized in this mutant by cross-linking of the C-terminus to the cytoplasmic end of helix VI. Thus, the consequences of the disulfide cross-links depended on the location of the restriction. In particular, relative motions of helix VI, with respect to both helices III and VII upon light activation, are required for recognition of rhodopsin by both G(T) and RK. Further, the conformational changes in the cytoplasmic face that are necessary for protein-protein interactions need not be cooperative, and may be segmental.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Measurement of dipolar couplings in a transducin peptide fragment weakly bound to oriented photo-activated rhodopsin.

Rhodopsin-containing disks, isolated from rod outer segments of bovine retina, align at high magnetic fields with their membrane normal parallel to the magnetic field. After light-activation of rhodopsin, transient binding of the C-terminal transducin undecapeptide, selectively labeled with 15N at Leu5 and Gly9, results in residual dipolar contributions to the 1J(NH) splittings for these two residues. Both residues show 1J(NH) splittings which are smaller than in the dark-adapted or rhodopsin-free sample, and return to their isotropic values at a rate determined by the decay of the meta II state of rhodopsin. The dipolar couplings indicate that in the bound state, N-H vectors of Leu5 and Gly9 make angles of 48+/-4 degrees and 40+/-8 degrees, respectively, with the disk normal. These 'transferred' dipolar couplings potentially offer a useful method for studying the conformation and orientation of flexible, low affinity ligands when bound to oriented integral membrane receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of functionally important cysteines in the alpha-subunit of transducin by chemical cross-linking techniques.

Transducin (T), the G-protein in the visual system, is a heterotrimer arranged as two functional units, Talpha and Tbetagamma. N,N'-1,2-phenylenedimaleimide (o-PDM) and N,N'-1,4-phenylenedimaleimide (p-PDM), two cysteine specific-homobifunctional agents, were used to covalently cross-link T and its units. A complete inhibition in T function was observed in the presence of these compounds. Incubation of Talpha with o-PDM or p-PDM resulted in the formation of high-molecular-weight oligomers of 70-, 105-, 140-, and >200 kDa, as well as intramolecular cross-linked polypeptides that migrated as 35- and 37-kDa bands. Additionally, the treatment of Tbetagamma with both reagents produced a major species of 46-kDa. The combination of intact Talpha and o-PDM- or p-PDM-treated Tbetagamma reconstituted T native activities. On the contrary, when o-PDM- or p-PDM-modified Talpha was incubated with intact Tbetagamma, more than 90% inhibition on T function was observed. Hence, the cysteines modified and/or cross-linked on Talpha represent functionally important residues of T.

Animals↗

Affinity labeling of the guanine nucleotide binding site of transducin by pyridoxal 5'-phosphate.

Transducin (T), a guanine nucleotide binding regulatory protein composed of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-subunits, serves as an intermediary between rhodopsin and cGMP phosphodiesterase during signaling in the visual process. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), a reagent that has been used to modify enzymes that bind phosphorylated substrates, was probed here as an affinity label for T. PLP inhibited the guanine nucleotide binding activity of T in a concentration dependent manner, and was covalently incorporated into the protein in the presence of [3H]NaBH4. Approximately 1 mol of 3H was bound per mol of T. GTP and GTP analogs appreciably hindered the incorporation of 3H to T, suggesting that PLP specifically modified the protein active site. Interestingly, PLP modified both the alpha- and beta-subunits of T. Moreover, PLP in the presence of GDP behaved as a GTP analog, since this mixture was capable of dissociating T from T:photoactivated rhodopsin complexes.

Animals↗

Millisecond activation of transducin in the cyclic nucleotide cascade of vision.

Cyclic GMP has been implicated as a messenger molecule involved in visual transduction. Photoexcited rhodopsin (R*) binds to a multisubunit membrane protein called transducin (T) and stimulates the exchange of a bound GDP molecule for GTP. This leads to the release of the alpha-subunit of T with bound GTP (T alpha-GTP), which activates a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase. The question arises as to whether the hydrolysis of cyclic GMP that results from activation of the phosphodiesterase is sufficiently rapid to be involved in visual excitation, which occurs on a time scale of approximately 2 s in the single-photon limit. Previous studies have suggested that the cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase is activated in less than 100 ms at moderate light levels. We report here light scattering studies of magnetically orientated frog rod outer segments which show that a molecule of R* catalyses the activation of a molecule of T in about 1 ms. Thus, hundreds of molecules can be activated within the response time of vision in the single-photon limit, and the formation of T alpha-GTP is fast enough for it to be a key step in visual transduction.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

The dTAFII80 subunit of Drosophila TFIID contains beta-transducin repeats.

A key component of the RNA polymerase II transcriptional apparatus, TFIID, is a multi-protein complex containing the TATA box-binding protein (TBP) and at least seven tightly associated factors (TAFs). Although the functions of most TFIID subunits are unknown, it is clear that TAFs are not necessary for basal activity but that one or more are required for regulated transcription, and so behave as coactivators. The presence of multiple subunits indicates that there is an intricate assembly process and that TAFs may be responsible for other activities. We have described the properties of the subunit dTAFII110, which can interact directly with the transcriptional activator Sp1 (ref. 5). In addition, the largest subunit, dTAFII250, binds directly to TBP and links other TAFs to the complex. Here we describe the cloning, expression and partial characterization of the Drosophila TAF of M(r) 80,000, dTAFII80. Sequence analysis reveals that dTAFII80 contains several copies of the WD40 (beta-transducin) repeat. Moreover, dTAFII80 shares extended sequence similarity with an Arabidopsis gene, COP1, which encodes a putative transcription factor that is though to regulate development. We have expressed recombinant dTAFII80 and begun to characterize its interaction with other members of the TFIID complex. Purified recombinant dTAFII80 is unable to bind TBP directly or to interact strongly with the C-terminal domain of dTAFII250 (delta N250). Instead, dTAFII80 is only able to recognize and interact with a higher-order complex containing TBP, delta N250, 110 and 60. These findings suggest the formation of TFIID may require an ordered assembly of the TAFs, some of which bind directly to TBP and others that are tethered to the complex as a result of specific TAF/TAF interactions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The 2.2 A crystal structure of transducin-alpha complexed with GTP gamma S.

The 2.2 A crystal structure of activated rod transducin, Gt alpha.GTP gamma S, shows the bound GTP gamma S molecule occluded deep in a cleft between a domain structurally homologous to small GTPases and a helical domain unique to heterotrimeric G proteins. The structure, when combined with biochemical and genetic studies, suggests: how an activated receptor might open this cleft to allow nucleotide exchange; a mechanism for GTP-induced changes in effector and receptor binding surfaces; and a mechanism for GTPase activity not evident from previous data.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

GTPase mechanism of Gproteins from the 1.7-A crystal structure of transducin alpha-GDP-AIF-4.

Aluminium fluoride (AIF-4) activates members of the heterotrimeric G-protein (G alpha beta gamma) family by binding to inactive G alpha.GDP near the site occupied by the gamma-phosphate in G alpha.GTP (ref. 3). Here we describe the crystal structure of transducin alpha.GDP activated with aluminium fluoride (Gt alpha.GDP.AIF-4.H2O) at 1.7 A, a resolution sufficient to establish the coordination geometry of the bound aluminium fluoride as well as the extensive network of direct and water-mediated interactions that stabilize it. These observations are derived from three independent representations in the asymmetric unit, eliminating any chance of drawing conclusions based on stereochemistry imposed by crystal packing. Surprisingly, aluminium fluoride activates G alpha.GDP by binding with a geometry resembling a pentavalent intermediate for GTP hydrolysis. The stabilizing interactions involve not only residues that interact with the gamma-phosphate in Gt alpha.GTP gamma S, but also conserved residues for GTPase activity. Thus the Gt alpha.GDP.AIF-4.H2O structure provides new insight into the mechanism of GTP hydrolysis.

Aluminum Compounds↗

Binding of the gamma-subunit of retinal rod-outer-segment phosphodiesterase with both transducin and the catalytic subunits of phosphodiesterase.

The gamma-subunit of retinal rod-outer-segment phosphodiesterase (PDE-gamma) is a multifunctional protein which interacts directly with both of the catalytic subunits of PDE (PDE alpha/beta) and the alpha-subunit of the retinal G (guanine-nucleotide-binding)-protein transducin alpha (T alpha). We have previously reported that the PDE gamma binds to T alpha at residue nos. 24-45 [Morrison. Rider & Takemoto (1987) FEBS Lett. 222, 266-270]. In vitro this results in inhibition of T alpha GTP/GDP exchange [Morrison, Cunnick, Oppert & Takemoto (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11671-11681]. We now report that the inhibitory region of PDE gamma for PDE alpha/beta occurs at PDE gamma residues 54-87. This binding results in inhibition of either trypsin-solubilized or membrane-bound PDE alpha/beta. PDE gamma which has been treated with carboxypeptidase Y, removing the C-terminus, does not inhibit PDE alpha/beta, but does inhibit T alpha GTP/GDP exchange. Inhibition by PDE gamma can be removed by T alpha-guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) addition to membranes. This results in a displacement of PDE gamma, but not in removal of this subunit from the membrane [Whalen, Bitensky & Takemoto (1990) Biochem. J. 265, 655-658]. These results suggest that low levels of T alpha-GTP[S] can result in displacement of PDE gamma from the membrane in vitro as a GTP[S]-T alpha-PDE gamma complex. Further activation by high levels of T alpha-GTP[S] occurs by displacement of PDE gamma from its inhibitory site on PDE alpha/beta, but not in removal from the membrane.

Animals↗

Identification of a binding site on retinal transducin alpha for the phosphodiesterase inhibitory gamma subunit.

Transducin alpha (T alpha) activates retinal rod cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) by interacting with and removing the inhibitory PDE gamma subunit. A T alpha-PDE gamma complex can be isolated in vitro, and our previous work [Morrison, Rider and Takemoto (1987) FEBS Lett. 222, 266-270; Morrison, Cunnick, Oppert and Takemoto (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11671-11681] has identified a region of PDE gamma, residues 24-45, that binds to T alpha. The C-terminal region of PDE gamma is the site that interacts with PDE alpha/beta and inhibits catalytic function. The site on T alpha that binds to the PDE gamma 24-45 region has not been identified. Synthetic peptides (15-mers) which span the bovine T alpha sequence were tested for binding to purified recombinant PDE gamma using a solid-phase assay. The peptides were also tested for ability to activate a PDE complex. We have identified a region, residues 250-275 of T alpha, which shows a high affinity of PDE gamma and for the PDE gamma (24-45) binding peptide. The peptide did not bind to the C-terminal residues 50-87 of PDE gamma. Likewise, a region of T alpha, 1-25 did not exhibit high-affinity binding to PDE gamma or to the 24-45 PDE gamma peptide. Specific binding of the 250-275 peptide to PDE gamma was confirmed by its ability to compete with T alpha binding to PDE gamma, although a higher concentration was required (10x). The T alpha-(250-275) peptide activated a fully inhibited PDE alpha beta gamma 2 complex in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that a region on T alpha that recognizes the PDE gamma-binding site is found within residues 250-275 of T alpha.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

A cis-acting element, T alpha-1, in the upstream region of rod alpha-transducin gene that binds a developmentally regulated retina-specific nuclear factor.

The G protein transducin (T) is an integral component of the signal transduction pathway in photoreceptors. We have identified a cis-acting element, T alpha-1, in the upstream region of the mouse rod alpha-T (Tr alpha) gene that may be important for tissue-specific expression. T alpha-1 binds a retina-specific nuclear factor of apparent molecular mass of 90 kDa. Binding to the T alpha-1 site is developmentally regulated and peaks between postnatal days 6 and 9. This corresponds to the time of rod photoreceptor maturation and the rise in Tr alpha gene expression. The sequence of T alpha-1 shows homology with RET-1, a cis-acting element in the proximal promoter of opsin gene that binds a distinct retina-specific factor. T alpha-1 and RET-1 sequences may have been derived from a prototype T alpha-1/RET-1 sequence, evolved to confer photoreceptor specificity on retina-specific genes.

Animals↗

Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for lauroylated isoform of bovine transducin alpha-subunit: immunohistochemical analysis of bovine retinas.

The photoreceptor G protein transducin [alpha- and beta gamma-subunits (T alpha/T beta gamma)] plays a central role in the visual transduction process. The amino-terminus of bovine T alpha is modified by one of four distinct fatty acids-laurate (C12:0), myristate (C14:0), C14:1 (5-cis), and C14:2 (5-cis, 8-cis)-but the biological significance and the localization of the four isoforms of T alpha are poorly understood. To investigate the cellular distribution of each isoform, we prepared monoclonal antibodies against a synthetic C12:0-, C14:0-, C14:1-, or C14:2-nonapeptide corresponding to the N-terminal region of T alpha. Among several types of antibodies isolated, only one type, represented by LA4, reacted specifically with the C12:0-peptide as well as purified T alpha but not with the other proteins in bovine retinal homogenate, including recoverin, indicating that the epitope comprises both C12:0 and the N-terminal amino acids of T alpha. Immunohistochemical analyses of bovine retinal sections by LA4 showed the uniform distribution of C12:0-T alpha in almost all the rod outer segments. Hence, it seemed unlikely that each isoform of T alpha was localized in specific cells. This observation, together with evidence for a possible functional diversity among the isoforms, suggests that the four isoforms of T alpha in a single rod cell may contribute simultaneously to a fine tuning of the photon-signal transduction process.

Acylation↗

Probing the mechanism of rhodopsin-catalyzed transducin activation.

An agonist-bound G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) induces a GDP/GTP exchange on the G protein alpha-subunit (G alpha) followed by the release of G alpha GTP and G beta gamma which, subsequently, activate their targets. The C-terminal regions of G alpha subunits constitute a major receptor recognition domain. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the GPCR-induced conformational change is communicated from the G alpha C-terminus, via the alpha 5 helix, to the nucleotide-binding beta 6/alpha 5 loop causing GDP release. Mutants of the visual G protein, transducin, with a modified junction of the C-terminus were generated and analyzed for interaction with photoexcited rhodopsin (R*). A flexible linker composed of five glycine residues or a rigid three-turn alpha-helical segment was inserted between the 11 C-terminal residues and the alpha 5 helix of G alpha(t)-like chimeric G alpha, G alpha(ti). The mutant G alpha subunits with the Gly-loop (G alpha(ti)L) and the extended alpha 5 helix (G alpha(ti)H) retained intact interactions with G beta gamma(t), and displayed modestly reduced binding to R*. G alpha(ti)H was capable of efficient activation by R*. In contrast, R* failed to activate G alpha(ti)L, suggesting that the Gly-loop absorbs a conformational change at the C-terminus and blocks G protein activation. Our results provide evidence for the role of G alpha C-terminus/alpha 5 helix/beta 6/alpha 5 loop route as a dominant channel for transmission of the GPCR-induced conformational change leading to G protein activation.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗

Are acetylcholine-induced acetyl groups driving fuel cells in the systems of transducin, t and G proteins?

Life is completely dependent on a support of energy which is generated by the direct absorption of light or by the reduction of oxygen. Metabolized food yields ac(et)yl groups which are utilized in the reduction of oxygen with the assistance of many other compounds. Acetylcholine appears to be an important substance for the transportation of acetyl groups. Acetylcholine activates systems regulated by transducin, t and G proteins, probably Se enzymes, reacting by similar mechanisms in triggered reactions ending in nerve or muscle signals. These activations are performed by GTP (or ATP), probably resulting from the reactions of acetylcholine-induced acetyl groups. The inactivation-activation states of these systems are regulated by changes of GTP to cGMP to GMP which form a loop.Diminished support of energy to systems, because of impaired charge transfer to oxygen, may be responsible for many diseases. For example, there is a low level of acetylcholine in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Acetylation↗

Mapping of contact sites in complex formation between transducin and light-activated rhodopsin by covalent crosslinking: use of a photoactivatable reagent.

Interaction of light-activated rhodopsin with transducin (T) is the first event in visual signal transduction. We use covalent crosslinking approaches to map the contact sites in interaction between the two proteins. Here we use a photoactivatable reagent, N-[(2-pyridyldithio)-ethyl], 4-azido salicylamide. The reagent is attached to the SH group of cytoplasmic monocysteine rhodopsin mutants by a disulfide-exchange reaction with the pyridylthio group, and the derivatized rhodopsin then is complexed with T by illumination at lambda >495 nm. Subsequent irradiation of the complex at lambda310 nm generates covalent crosslinks between the two proteins. Crosslinking was demonstrated between T and a number of single cysteine rhodopsin mutants. However, sites of crosslinks were investigated in detail only between T and the rhodopsin mutant S240C (cytoplasmic loop V-VI). Crosslinking occurred predominantly with T(alpha). For identification of the sites of crosslinks in T(alpha), the strategy used involved: (i) derivatization of all of the free cysteines in the crosslinked proteins with N-ethylmaleimide; (ii) reduction of the disulfide bond linking the two proteins and isolation of all of the T(alpha) species carrying the crosslinked moiety with a free SH group; (iii) adduct formation of the latter with the N-maleimide moiety of the reagent, maleimido-butyryl-biocytin, containing a biotinyl group; (iv) trypsin degradation of the resulting T(alpha) derivatives and isolation of T(alpha) peptides carrying maleimido-butyryl-biocytin by avidin-agarose chromatography; and (v) identification of the isolated peptides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We found that crosslinking occurred mainly to two C-terminal peptides in T(alpha) containing the amino acid sequences 310-313 and 342-345.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mapping of contact sites in complex formation between light-activated rhodopsin and transducin by covalent crosslinking: use of a chemically preactivated reagent.

Contact sites in interaction between light-activated rhodopsin and transducin (T) have been investigated by using a chemically preactivated crosslinking reagent, N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate. The 3 propionyl-N-succinimidyl group in the reagent was attached by a disulfide exchange reaction to rhodopsin mutants containing single reactive cysteine groups in the cytoplasmic loops. Complex formation between the derivatized rhodopsin mutants and T was carried out by illumination at lambda > 495 nm. Subsequent increase in pH (from 6 to 7.5 or higher) of the complex resulted in crosslinking of rhodopsin to the T(alpha) subunit. Crosslinking to T(alpha) was demonstrated for the rhodopsin mutants K141C, S240C, and K248C, and the crosslinked sites in T(alpha) were identified for the rhodopsin mutant S240C. The peptides carrying the crosslinking moiety were isolated from the trypsin-digested peptide mixture, and their identification was carried out by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The main site of crosslinking is within the peptide sequence, Leu-19-Arg-28 at the N-terminal region of T(alpha). The total results show that both the N and the C termini of T(alpha) are in close vicinity to the third cytoplasmic loop of rhodopsin in the complex between rhodopsin and T.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Three cytoplasmic loops of rhodopsin interact with transducin.

Rhodopsin is a member of an ancient class of receptors that transduce signals through their interaction with guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). We have mapped the sites of interaction of rhodopsin with its G protein, which by analogy suggests how other members of this class of receptors may interact with their G proteins. Three regions of rhodopsin's cytoplasmic surface interact with the rod cell G protein transducin (Gt). These are (i) the second cytoplasmic loop, which connects rhodopsin helices III and IV, (ii) the third cytoplasmic loop, which connects rhodopsin helices V and VI, and (iii) a putative fourth cytoplasmic loop formed by amino acids 310-321, as the carboxyl-terminal sequence emerges from helix VII and anchors to the lipid bilayer via palmitoylcysteines 322 and 323. Evidence for these regions of interaction of rhodopsin and Gt comes from the ability of synthetic peptides comprising these regions to compete with metarhodopsin II for binding to Gt. A spectroscopic assay that measures the "extra MII" caused by Gt binding was used to measure the extent of binding of Gt in the presence of competing peptides. The three peptides corresponding to the second, third, and fourth cytoplasmic loops competed effectively with metarhodopsin II, exhibiting Kd values in the 2 microM range; 11 additional peptides comprising all remaining surface regions of rhodopsin failed to compete even at 200 microM. Any two peptides that were effective competitors showed a synergistic effect, having 15 times higher effectiveness when mixed than when assayed separately. A mathematical model was developed to describe this behavior.

Animals↗

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.

Animals↗