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PubMed1987

Inhibitory regulation of adenylyl cyclases. Evidence inconsistent with beta gamma-complexes of Gi proteins mediating hormonal effects by interfering with activation of Gs.

The possible effect of cholera toxin (CTX) on hormonal inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in somatostatin (SST)-sensitive GH3 cells was quantitatively evaluated. The toxin treatment employed led to an essentially complete ADP ribosylation of all alpha s subunits of the stimulatory regulatory component (Gs) of the system and to ca. 5- to 7-fold increases in the activity measured, yet it failed to affect the inhibitory action of SST regardless of whether analyzed in terms of degree of inhibition (ca. 60%) that is attainable or in terms of the apparent Kact with which the inhibitory hormone elicits its action. In absolute terms the activity inhibited after CTX was ca. 6 times larger than that inhibited under control conditions, indicating that SST is equally effective in regulating control and CTX-stimulated adenylyl cyclase system and that interpretations are independent of possible intramembraneous compartmentalizations of adenylyl cyclase and its various regulatory components. Since CTX-mediated ADP ribosylation of the alpha-subunits of Gs has been demonstrated to result in an at least 10-fold decrease in the potency (i.e. EC50) with which the beta gamma-complexes of G proteins act to stabilize preactivated purified alpha-subunits of Gs and in an approximately 300-fold decrease in the potency with which exogenously added beta gamma-complexes act to prevent activation of Gs in intact membranes, the present data indicate that beta gamma-complexes cannot be mediating the inhibitory effects of hormones by interfering with activation of the Gs of adenylyl cyclase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗

PubMed1997

Luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin-dependent, cholera toxin-catalyzed adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation of the long and short forms of Gs alpha and pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha*.

Although it is well established that activated LH/human (h) CG receptor stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity (via the heterotrimeric stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein, Gs) and in some cells stimulates phospholipase C activity, there is no evidence for a direct physical interaction between the LH/CG receptor and Gs or any other G protein(s). We conducted studies using cholera toxin (CTX) and pertussis toxin (PTX) to determine which G alpha proteins were associated with the LH/CG receptor in ovarian follicular membranes. Since hormone-dependent, CTX-catalyzed ADP ribosylation (AR) constitutes evidence that a G alpha protein is specifically associated with a receptor, CTX-catalyzed AR of membrane proteins was examined both in the presence and absence of guanine nucleotides to determine which G proteins exhibit hCG-dependent labeling by [32P]NAD. Results demonstrated the time- and hCG-dependent AR of both a 45-kDa protein and a 48/50-kDa doublet as well as a 40-kDa protein that was also sensitive to AR by PTX in a time- and hCG-dependent manner. Using anti-G protein antisera to specifically immunoprecipitate photoaffinity-labeled G proteins, we were able to identify the 45- and 48/50 kDa proteins as the short and long forms of Gs alpha and the 40-kDa protein as Gi alpha. A monoclonal anti-hCG antibody immunoprecipitated the activated LH/CG receptor along with the long and short forms of Gs alpha and Gi. These results suggest that a portion of Gi along with the long and short forms of Gs alpha are associated physically with the LH/CG receptor in ovarian follicular membranes.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1993

Analysis of the Gs alpha gene in growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas by the polymerase chain reaction-direct sequencing method using paraffin-embedded tissues.

We investigated the prevalence of Gs alpha gene mutations in growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenomas from Japanese patients with acromegaly. Forty-five GH-secreting adenomas were examined for the presence of point mutations in codons 201 or 227 of the Gs alpha gene using the polymerase chain reaction-direct sequencing method and deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor specimens. Mutation of codon 227 of the Gs alpha gene was not observed in any of the tumors, but a mis-sense mutation of codon 201 was identified in two tumors (4.4%). One lesion was a densely granulated GH cell adenoma in a patient with adenomatous goiter and breast cancer. The other was a mixed GH cell-prolactin cell adenoma in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 associated with parathyroid hyperplasia and a pancreatic islet cell tumor. The Gs alpha gene detected in parathyroid tissue and pancreatic tumor tissue was of the wild type in this second patient, and the mutation was specific to the pituitary tumor. These results suggest that point mutations of codons 201 or 227 of the Gs alpha gene may not be important mediators of oncogenesis for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas in Japan.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1991

Evidence for direct interaction of Gs alpha with the Ca2+ channel of skeletal muscle.

The alpha subunits of heterotrimeric GTP-binding (G) proteins act upon ion channels through both cytoplasmic and membrane-delimited pathways (Brown, A. M., and Birnbaumer, L. (1990) Annu. Rev. Physiol. 52, 197-213). The membrane pathway may involve either a direct interaction between G protein and ion channel or an indirect interaction involving a membrane-delimited second messenger. To distinguish between the two possibilities, we tested whether a purified G protein could interact with a purified channel protein in a defined system to produce changes in channel currents. We selected the alpha subunit of Gs and the dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca2+ channel of skeletal muscle T-tubules, the DHP binding protein (DHPBP), because: 1) a membrane-delimited interaction between the two has been shown (Brown, A. M., and Birnbaumer, L. (1990) Annu. Rev. Physiol. 52, 197-213; Yatani, A., Imoto, Y., Codina, J., Hamilton, S. L., Brown, A. M., and Birnbaumer, L. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 9887-9895); and 2) at the present time, these Ca2+ channels are the only putative G protein channel effectors which, following purification, still retain channel function. We used a defined system in which purified components were studied by direct reconstitution in planar lipid bilayers. Just as we had found in crude skeletal muscle T-tubule membranes (Yatani, A., Imoto, Y., Codina, J., Hamilton, S. L., Brown, A. M., and Birnbaumer, L. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 9887-9895), alpha*s but not alpha*i-3 stimulated Ca2+ currents. However, in the reconstituted system, this probably represents a direct interaction between Gs alpha and Ca2+ channels. To establish whether the two proteins were physically associated in the native T-tubule membrane, we examined the ability of either endogenous G proteins or exogenous alpha*s to purify with detergent-solubilized DHPBP through a wheat germ agglutinin affinity column and a sucrose gradient. Small amounts of a labeled G protein were found to co-purify with DHPBP. In addition, partially purified DHPBP increased the sedimentation rate of purified alpha*s but not alpha*i-3. G proteins were immunoprecipitated with an antibody to the alpha 1 subunit of the DHPBP, and, in addition, both alpha s and the beta subunit of Gs were detected in Western blots of the partially purified DHPBP. The results suggest that Gs and Ca2+ channels are closely associated in the T-tubule plasma membrane, and we conclude that skeletal muscle Ca2+ channels are direct effectors for Gs.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed1991

Mutations of the human beta 2-adrenergic receptor that impair coupling to Gs interfere with receptor down-regulation but not sequestration.

The integrity of coupling of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) to its guanine nucleotide-binding protein, Gs, and phosphorylation events on the receptor molecule have been proposed to be important determinants in the processes of receptor sequestration and down-regulation. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, and the regions of the receptor molecule that specifically subserve sequestration and down-regulation have yet to be delineated. To address these questions, we stably transfected eight mutant beta 2AR genes into Chinese hamster fibroblasts and evaluated the coupling, sequestration, and down-regulation properties of the mutated receptors. These mutant receptors have been previously demonstrated either to exhibit abnormal coupling to Gs or to lack functionally important phosphorylation sites for either the cAMP-dependent protein kinase or the agonist-dependent beta-adrenergic receptor kinase. All eight mutants exhibited receptor sequestration equivalent in extent to that of the beta 2AR, regardless of their coupling or phosphorylation status. However, four mutants that exhibited various degrees of impairment in coupling to Gs showed blunted receptor down-regulation patterns. Simultaneous treatment with isoproterenol and dibutyryl-cAMP did not improve the abilities of the mutant receptors to undergo down-regulation. These findings demonstrate that a variety of mutant beta 2AR with impaired coupling to Gs are, nevertheless, able to be sequestered normally. In contrast, agonist-induced down-regulation appears to require coupling of the beta 2AR to Gs but is largely independent of the generation of cAMP. Our results also suggest that molecular determinants of the beta 2AR involved in receptor sequestration are distinct from those participating in the down-regulation process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1990

Alternative promoter and 5' exon generate a novel Gs alpha mRNA.

Several species of mRNA have been shown to encode the alpha subunit of the stimulatory GTP-binding regulatory protein, Gs alpha. The various Gs alpha mRNAs are generated through alternative splicing of a single precursor RNA and through the use of alternative acceptor splice sites. We now report the existence of a Gs alpha mRNA that uses a previously unidentified promoter and leading exon (termed exon 1'). In both the canine and human Gs alpha genes, exon 1' is located 2.5 kilobases 5' of exon 1. Exon 1' does not contribute an in-frame ATG, and thus its mRNA encodes a truncated form of Gs alpha. Initiation of translation is predicted to begin at an AUG in exon 2, as demonstrated both by in vitro translation and COS cell expression studies.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Regulation of calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase by the stimulatory G-protein, Gs.

Studies in bovine and rat brain membranes have suggested that calmodulin can potentiate neurotransmitter- and GTP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities. To examine whether calmodulin and the stimulatory G-protein, Gs, are potentiative at a calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase, Gs was purified from rabbit liver and reconstituted with a partially purified calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase from bovine brain. Activated Gs (G*s) stimulated basal adenylate cyclase activity and enhanced the stimulation by calmodulin. The potentiation of the calmodulin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was dose-dependent with respect to G*s concentration. At the highest concentration of G*s tested (3 nM), a 2-fold enhancement of the calmodulin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was observed at all concentrations of calmodulin. The synergistic activation of adenylate cyclase by calmodulin and Gs was dependent on the presence of Ca2+ and occurred at physiologically relevant Ca2+ concentrations. The potentiation was not observed when either a nonactivated Gs or a mixture of activated Gi/Go was used. G*s was not able to stimulate or potentiate a calmodulin-stimulated adenylate cyclase purified from membranes pretreated with the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog, guanyl-5'-yl beta,gamma-imidodiphosphate. Photochemical cross-linking of 125I-calmodulin-diazopyruvamide to proteins having an Mr corresponding to the known Mr of adenylate cyclase was not enhanced by G*s. The results demonstrate that the guanyl nucleotide-dependent enhancement of calmodulin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity is mediated by G*s and suggest that G*s modulates the enzymatic turnover of the calmodulin-stimulated activity.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1989

Synthesis in Escherichia coli of GTPase-deficient mutants of Gs alpha.

We have reduced the GTPase activity of the alpha subunit of Gs, the guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein that stimulates adenylyl cyclase, by introduction of point mutations analogous to those described in p21ras. Mutants G49V and Q227L differ from the wild type protein in the substitution of Val for Gly49 and Leu for Gln227, respectively (analogous to positions 12 and 61 in p21ras). Wild type and mutant proteins were synthesized in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. The rate constants for dissociation of GDP from G49V recombinant Gs alpha (rGs alpha) (0.47/min) and Q227L rGs alpha (0.23/min) differ by no more than 2-fold from that observed for the wild type protein (0.5/min). In marked contrast, the rate constants for hydrolysis of GTP by G49V rGs alpha (0.78/min) and Q227L rGs alpha (0.03-0.06/min) are 4-fold and roughly 100-fold slower than that for wild type rGs alpha (3.5/min). These reductions in the rate of hydrolysis of GTP result in significant fractional occupancy of these proteins by GTP in the presence of the nucleotide, 0.37 for G49V rGs alpha and 0.78 for Q227L rGs alpha, compared to 0.05 for wild type rGs alpha. When reconstituted with cyc- (Gs alpha-deficient) S49 cell membranes or purified adenylyl cyclase, both mutant proteins stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity in the presence of GTP to a much greater extent than does wild type Gs alpha; their maximal ability to activate the enzyme is largely unaltered. The fractional ability of a given Gs alpha polypeptide to active adenylyl cyclase in the presence of GTP correlates well with the fractinal occupancy of the protein by the nucleotide. The mutant subunits appear to interact normally with G protein beta gamma subunits, and their ability to activate adenylyl cyclase is enhanced by interaction with beta-adrenergic receptors. These results indicate that the structural analogy that has been inferred between the guanine nucleotide-binding domains of G proteins and the p21ras family is at least generally correct. They also provide confirmation of the kinetic model of G protein function and document mutations that permit the expression in vivo of constitutively activated G protein alpha subunits.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1989

Mutations of GS alpha designed to alter the reactivity of the protein with bacterial toxins. Substitutions at ARG187 result in loss of GTPase activity.

We have introduced two types of mutations into cDNAs that encode the alpha subunit of Gs, the guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein that stimulates adenylyl cyclase. The arginine residue (Arg187) that is the presumed site of ADP-ribosylation of Gs alpha by cholera toxin has been changed to Ala, Glu, or Lys. The rate constant for hydrolysis of GTP by all of these mutants is reduced approximately 100-fold compared with the wild-type protein. As predicted from this change, these proteins activate adenylyl cyclase constitutively in the presence of GTP. Despite these substitutions, cholera toxin still catalyzes the incorporation of 0.2-0.3 mol of ADP-ribose/mol of mutant alpha subunit. The sequence near the carboxyl terminus of Gs alpha was altered to resemble those in Gi alpha polypeptides, which are substrates for pertussis toxin. Despite this change, the mutant protein is a poor substrate for pertussis toxin. Although this protein has unaltered rates of GDP dissociation and GTP hydrolysis, its ability to activate adenylyl cyclase in the presence of GTP is enhanced by 3-fold when compared with the wild-type protein but only when these assays are performed after reconstitution of Gs alpha into cyc- (Gs alpha-deficient) S49 cell membranes.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗

PubMed1979

3-Chloro-4-(phenylsuccinimido)-benzenesulfonamide (GS 385), a new anticonvulsant: its quantitative determination, pharmacokinetics and metabolism using high performance liquid chromatography.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) involving dual wave length detection was developed for the determination of a new anticonvulsant, 3-chloro-4-(phenylsuccinimido)-benzenesulfonamide (suclofernide, GS 385, Sulfalepsin), and three of its metabolites: 3-chloro-4-(p-hydroxyphenylsuccinimido)-benzenesulfonamide (I), 3-chloro-4-(3'-phenylsuccinamyl)-benzenesulfonamide (II) and 3-chloro-4-(2'-phenylsuccinamyl)-benzenesulfonamide (III). The concentrations of GS 385 in blood samples from epileptic patients under chronic treatment with this drug was found in the range of 8--11 micrograms/ml. Pharmacokinetic curves of GS 385 blood levels in rats receiving single doses of the drug showed a maximum concentration of 22--23 micrograms/ml 1.5 h after oral application. The quantity of GS 385 in rat feces, bile and brain was also estimated. The p-hydroxy (I) and acid (II, III) metabolites of GS 385 were detected in both rat feces and bile, whereas only the acid metabolites were found in rat urine.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Properties of pigeon sera containing complement-fixing antibodies to the gs-antigen of the avian leukosis-sarcoma complex].

Pigeons bearing tumors caused by the Schmidt-Ruppin strain of Rous sarcoma virus were used for withdrawing sera containing complement-fixing (CF) antibody to the gs-antigen of avian leukosis-sarcoma complex. In the course of this study it was found that some of these sera, while having a high titer of CF antibody to the gs-antigen of the tumor tissue, did not detect this antigen in chicken embryonal tissue and feather follicles. It is suggested that these sera distinguish different components of gs-antigen in the tumor tissue on the one hand and in the embryonal tissue and feather follicles on the other. There was a correlation in the detection or lack of gs-antigen in preparations of feather follicles and embryonal tissue with all the sera examined. Feather follicles may serve as a convenient source of gs-antigen in practical work.

Alpharetrovirus↗

PubMed1994

The amino terminus of ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) 1 is essential for interaction with Gs and ARF GTPase-activating protein.

The role of the amino terminus in the actions of ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) was examined by comparing wild type ARF1, a 13-residue NH2-terminal deletion mutant ([delta 13]ARF1), and a 17-residue NH2-terminal deletion mutant ([delta 17]ARF1). The amino-terminal 13 residues of ARF1 are required for cofactor activity in the ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin when Gs is the substrate. This is in marked contrast to the finding that cofactor activity is the same for wild type and [delta 13]ARF1 when agmatine is substrate (Hong, J.-X., Haun, R. S., Tsai, S.-C., Moss, J., and Vaughan, M. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 9743-9745). These data support the conclusion that ARF1 interacts with both cholera toxin and Gs and that the amino terminus of ARF1 is required specifically for binding Gs. Surprisingly, this result also clearly revealed that the two principal assays for ARF activity, cofactor activity for cholera toxin using either Gs or agmatine as substrates, used for over 10 years in different laboratories, can yield quite different results. While both NH2-terminal deletion mutants failed to support the ADP-ribosylation of Gs by cholera toxin, [delta 13]ARF1, but not [delta 17]ARF1, inhibited the activity of the wild type protein. The GTPase activity of [delta 13]ARF1 was activated to a small extent by ARF GTPase-activating protein (GAP), whereas that of [delta 17]ARF1 was unaffected. We conclude that residues 14-17 are involved in the interaction of ARF with both cholera toxin and ARF GAP. The co-purifying nucleotides, nucleotide exchange kinetics, and dependence of exchange on phospholipids for the mutant proteins were all different from the wild type ARF1 proteins. The importance of monitoring the nucleotide binding to ARF proteins under the conditions used in the ARF assay and expressing ARF activities as specific activities, normalized to GTP binding sites, particularly when comparisons between different proteins or preparations are made, is discussed.

ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1↗

PubMed1993

Alteration in Gs-mediated signal transduction in S49 lymphoma cells treated with inhibitors of microtubules.

We have assessed the possible interaction between the microtubular component of the cytoskeleton and signal transducing GTP-binding (G) proteins by examining the ability of colchicine and vinblastine (two microtubule disrupters) to alter Gs and Gi protein activity in S49 lymphoma cells. Treatment of wild type S49 cells with cholchicine and vinblastine increased beta-adrenergic agonist- and prostaglandin (PG) E1-stimulated formation of cAMP. The microtubular inhibitor nocodazole also enhanced isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation, whereas the inactive analog of colchicine, beta-lumicolchicine, did not have this action. Based on data obtained with wild type, cyc-, and UNC S49 cells, we determined that enhancement in cyclic AMP accumulation is proximal to the catalytic (C) unit of adenylylcyclase, distal to hormone receptors, and seems to be located on Gs. Treatment with colchicine increased guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate-stimulated accumulation of cAMP in permeabilized wild type cells. The increase in activity of Gs appeared not to result from a change in the intracellular concentration of GTP. Treatment of cells with colchicine or vinblastine also increased the amount of the alpha s-C complex, as assessed by the binding of [3H]forskolin to intact cells at 37 degrees C. In contrast to the observed effect on Gs, treatment of wild type S49 cells with colchicine failed to modify the degree of inhibition of cAMP formation produced by somatostatin, which acts via the activation of Gi. These data suggest that microtubules regulate the ability of Gs to interact with and activate the catalyst of adenylylcyclase.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1994

Developmental and glucocorticoid modulation of the expression of mRNAs for Gs alpha and G beta subunits in neonatal liver.

The mRNA levels for Gs alpha and G beta in liver from various age groups of rabbits were assessed by Northern and dot-blot hybridization assays using cDNA and oligonucleotide probes. The mRNA levels for both Gs alpha and G beta exhibited a transient 30-35% decrease at 3-6 h after birth, followed by a 3- to 3.5-fold increase which peaked at 2 days after birth, then gradually declined to adult levels at 4-6 weeks. The changes in mRNA levels paralleled the changes in protein levels [previously measured by immunoblotting (Kawai and Arinze, 1991)] in the first 2 days after birth, but not in the later periods of development. Beyond day 3, the increase in protein levels persists, reaching maximal levels at 4 weeks and equalling adult levels while their mRNA levels decrease to about 50% of the levels at day 2. In vivo administration of dexamethasone to neonatal rabbits increased hepatic mRNA levels for both Gs alpha and G beta by about 50%; the effect was moderate compared to the 2- to 3-fold increase in corresponding protein levels. The transcription rate for the Gs alpha gene increased by only 32% at day 2 after birth compared to term. A 68% increase in transcription rate for this gene was observed after the dexamethasone treatment. Taken together, these data indicate that the developmental and glucocorticoid-regulated expression of Gs alpha- and G beta-subunits in neonatal liver is modulated at the transcriptional level.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1993

Possible role of both the alpha and beta gamma subunits of the heterotrimeric G protein, Gs, in transcytosis of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor.

In endosomes the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is sorted into transcytotic vesicles. Transcytosis of the pIgR in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells is regulated both by phosphorylation of Ser664 and by binding of ligand, dimeric IgA (dIgA). Mutation of Ser664 to Ala (pIgR-Ala664) greatly reduces transcytosis of the pIgR without dIgA bound. Here we report that cholera toxin, which specifically activates the heterotrimeric G protein, Gs, stimulates transcytosis of pIgR-Ala664 when dIgA is not bound. However, transcytosis of the wild-type pIgR without dIgA bound was not stimulated by cholera toxin. To further analyze the involvement of Gs in transcytosis, we reconstituted part of the transcytotic pathway. Vesicles containing endocytosed ligand bound to the pIgR could be released from MDCK cells whose apical surface had been mechanically perforated. Release of these vesicles was controlled by phosphorylation of the pIgR and by binding of dIgA. The use of perforated cells allowed us to directly address the involvement of Gs. Our data suggest that both subunits of Gs, Gs alpha and beta gamma, function together to control vesicular release and may therefore be involved in transcytosis in vivo.

Alanine↗

PubMed1993

Gs alpha--identification of a gene highly expressed by insulinoma and other endocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND: The isolation of mRNA molecules that are either uniquely or more highly expressed by tumor and not normal tissue is a powerful tool in the study of cell regulation and growth. To this end we constructed a complementary DNA (cDNA) library from messenger RNA (mRNA) isolated from a human insulinoma and, by differential hybridization with cDNA from both normal pancreas and insulinoma, isolated clones more highly expressed by insulinoma. METHODS: Total RNA was isolated from human insulinoma and normal pancreas and purified to mRNA by oligo (dT) column. An insulinoma cDNA library was constructed and screened with 32P-labeled cDNA from pancreas and insulinoma. Northern blots from insulinoma, pancreas, carcinomas, normal endocrine tissues, and endocrine tumors were then probed with the 32P-labeled inserts. RESULTS: Two clones that consistently hybridized with 32P cDNA from insulinoma and not pancreas proved to represent mRNAs for insulin and the alpha subunit of the Gs protein. There was a markedly higher expression (30-fold) of the gene for Gs alpha in mRNA from insulinoma compared with normal pancreas by Northern blot analysis. We found Gs alpha to be more highly expressed by a pheochromocytoma, a corticotropin-producing islet cell tumor of the pancreas, and a corticotropin-producing thymic carcinoid (up to 35-fold) compared with normal pancreas, whereas normal endocrine tissues, a parathyroid adenoma, thyroid follicular adenoma, gastrinoma, and several carcinomas showed no expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Gs alpha is highly expressed in insulinoma and certain endocrine tumors. It is not expressed in several cancers or normal endocrine tissues. Others have implicated mutated Gs proteins in the tumorigenesis of pituitary and thyroid tumors. G proteins are also known to mediate hormonal transmembrane signaling. Its overexpression in four of seven endocrine tumors tested suggests that it may have a role in the unregulated hormone secretion and/or a role in the tumorigenesis of differentiated endocrine tumors.

DNA↗

PubMed1993

Coupling of prostaglandin E1 receptors to the stimulatory GTP-binding protein Gs is enhanced in neuroblastoma x glioma (NG108-15) hybrid cells chronically exposed to an opioid.

This study investigates the functional state of the stimulatory GTP-binding protein GS in neuroblastoma x glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells chronically exposed to an opioid. For this purpose, a novel in situ reconstitution protocol was established using membranes selectively depleted of GS function by transient exposure to low pH and then reconstituted with purified exogenous stimulatory GTP-binding proteins. With prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) receptor-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity as an indicator, reconstituted membranes of cells previously rendered tolerant to the delta-opioid [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) exhibited approximately 3-fold elevated cAMP generation upon stimulation with PGE1, compared with nontolerant reconstituted cell membranes. This effect developed dose-dependently with respect to the opioid concentration used for pretreatment of the cells and was blocked by concomitant exposure to naloxone. In contrast, receptor-independent activation of GS by the stable GTP analogue guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate did not reveal any difference in adenylate cyclase activity between reconstituted membranes of control and chronically DADLE-pretreated cells. Furthermore, the functional activity of endogenous GS displayed no difference between control and DADLE-tolerant cells, as assessed in S49 cyc- reconstitution assays using sodium cholate extracts derived from NG108-15 membranes. The data presented suggest that the increase in PGE1 receptor-mediated adenylate cyclase activity in opioid-tolerant/dependent NG108-15 hybrid cells most likely relates to enhanced coupling efficiency between the PGE1 binding site (receptor) and GS. Moreover, our results support the concept that supersensitivity to excitatory drugs reflects an adaptive mechanism of cells chronically exposed to an opioid.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1993

Type II adenylylcyclase integrates coincident signals from Gs, Gi, and Gq.

Agonists for Gi-coupled receptors augment Gs-stimulated cAMP synthesis in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells transiently expressing the type II isozyme of adenylylcyclase (AC-II). This augmentation, mediated by beta gamma subunits released from activated Gi, can be blocked by expression of the alpha subunit (alpha t) of retinal transducin (Gt), which presumably sequesters free beta gamma (Federman, A. D., Conklin, B. R., Schrader, K. A., Reed, R. R., and Bourne, H. R. (1992) Nature 356, 159-161). The alpha subunit of Gq, representing a G protein family distinct from both Gs and Gi, mimicked the inhibitory effect of alpha t, suggesting that hormonal stimulation of endogenous Gq might also release beta gamma subunits and thereby augment AC-II activity. Agonists for either of two Gq-coupled receptors did augment Gs-stimulated cAMP synthesis in HEK-293 cells expressing AC-II, but this effect was not blocked by expression of alpha t. The increased stimulation of AC-II was probably not mediated by the release of beta gamma subunits from Gq but rather by activation of protein kinase C (PKC) because of the following. (a) Phorbol esters, which activate PKC directly, elevated cAMP 2-fold in HEK-293 cells transfected with AC-II; this increase was synergistic with Gs-mediated activation of AC-II. (b) Treatments that partially inhibit or down-regulate PKC also partially prevented stimulation of AC-II by phorbol esters or by agonists for Gq-coupled receptors. Taken together, these results indicate that AC-II can integrate regulatory signals transmitted by at least three classes of G proteins; extracellular signals acting through Gs are enhanced synergistically by simultaneous signals transduced by Gi or Gq and mediated via beta gamma or PKC, respectively.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗