Cholera Toxin Substrates Research Articles

A novel G protein alpha subunit in embryo of the ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi.

A cDNA clone encoding a novel G protein alpha subunit, HrGalpha(n) was isolated from the larvae of ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi. In contrast with overall amino acid identity (63%) with G protein alpha subunit of G(i) or G(o) subclass, HrGalpha(n) has a unique amino acid sequence, which lacks a residue for pertussis toxin substrate, but retains for cholera toxin substrate for ADP-ribosylation. The sequence characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis suggest that HrGalpha(n) defines a novel subclass within G(i) class of G protein alpha subunits. The zygotic expression of HrGalpha(n) was first detected at the 64-cell stage and observed in all blastomeres except for B7.4, B7.5 and B7.6 cells till the 110-cell stage. As progress of the developmental stages, the expression of HrGalpha(n) became restricted and was observed in the muscle, mesenchyme and a part of trunk lateral cells in tailbud embryos. With HrGalpha(n)-GFP fusion-gene construct it was showed that the genomic fragment containing 2674 bp upstream of the putative translation start site of HrGalpha(n) contained the regulatory sequence responsible for the expression in the muscle and mesenchyme cells, and that the regulatory sequence functioned also in Ciona intestinalis. Our results suggest a possible involvement of HrGalpha(n) in the signaling system regulates the cell fate during the embryogenesis of the ascidian.

Modification of Adipocyte Membrane Adenylyl Cyclase Activity by NAD: Evidence against NAD-Induced Endogenous ADP-Ribosylation of Gsα Protein

Treatment of saponin-permeabilized adipocytes with NAD enhanced adenylyl cyclase activity stimulated by GTγS, [Al/F4]−, isoproterenol, and forskolin in membrane fractions and potentiated isoproterenol-induced cAMP accumulation in whole cells. In parallel, when permeabilized adipocytes were incubated with [32P]NAD, there was significant incorporation of [32P]ADP-ribose in a 44-kDa acceptor membrane protein. This reaction was inhibited by l-arginine and was enhanced by the addition of GTPγS. Surprisingly, this 44-kDa protein could not be identified as Gs protein: (1) It was not recognized by Gsα specific antibody; (2) it did not comigrate with the major cholera toxin substrates in either 10% SDS-PAGE or two-dimensional electrophoresis; (3) a pretreatment of adipocytes with NAD did not decrease cholera toxin-mediated ADP-ribosylation of Gsα proteins on membrane fractions. Our results indicate that NAD did not induce endogenous ADP-ribosylation of Gsα in permeabilized rat adipocytes but nonetheless modified the adenylyl cyclase response.

Evidence for stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by an activated G s heterotrimer in cell membranes : An experimental method for controlling the G s subunit composition of cell membranes

Heterotrimeric (αβγ) G s mediates agonist-induced stimulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC). Cholera toxin (CTx) will ADP-ribosylate the α-subunit of G s (G sα). G sα-deficient cyc − membranes were “stripped” of Gβ. When the stripped cyc − were incubated with G sα and/or Gβγ, each was incorporated into the membranes independently of the other. Both G sα and Gβγ had to be present in the membranes, and they had to be able to form a heterotrimer in order for CTx to ADP-ribosylate G sα, indicating that the membrane bound G s heterotrimer is a substrate for CTx, but the G sα subunit by itself is not. When G sα was completely and irreversibly activated with GTPγS and incorporated into stripped cyc −, it was a poor substrate for CTx and a weak stimulator of AC unless Gβγ was also incorporated. Furthermore, the level of AC stimulation corresponded to the amount of G s heterotrimer that was formed in the membranes from GTPγS-activated G sα and Gβγ. These data suggest that AC is stimulated by an activated G s heterotrimer in cell membranes.

Selective activation of a chimeric Gi1/Gs G protein alpha subunit by the human IP prostanoid receptor: analysis using agonist stimulation of high affinity GTPase activity and [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding.

A FLAG-tagged form of the human IP prostanoid receptor was expressed stably in HEK 293 cells. This bound [3H]iloprost with high affinity and stimulated cAMP production when exposed to agonist. Iloprost produced weak stimulation of GTPase activity and [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding in membranes of these cells. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin did not modify iloprost-mediated stimulation, but this was blocked by cholera toxin. The effects of iloprost were not increased by coexpression of either Gsalpha or Gi1alpha. In contrast, coexpression of a chimeric G protein alpha subunit in which the carboxyl-terminal six amino acids of Gi1alpha were altered to those of Gsalpha resulted in robust stimulation by iloprost. Because the chimeric G protein alpha subunit (Gi1/Gs6alpha) is not a substrate for either pertussis or cholera toxin, pretreatment of cells coexpressing the IP prostanoid receptor and Gi1/Gs6alpha with a mixture of these toxins resulted in resolution of the signal derived from activation of the chimeric G protein. Agonist-stimulated [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding and GTPase activity assays are the most commonly used strategies to examine interactions between G protein-coupled receptors and G proteins. These usually are not appropriate for receptors such as the IP prostanoid receptor that interact with G proteins with low rates of guanine nucleotide exchange and hydrolysis. Chimeric G proteins such as Gi1/Gs6alpha that allow appropriate receptor contacts to be converted to the higher nucleotide turnover rates typical of the Gi family G proteins can overcome this and offer a novel means to examine agonist function at such receptors.

A role for NAD + and cADP-ribose in melatonin signal transduction

The hormone melatonin modulates constitutive protein secretion and inhibits cGMP in melanoma M2R cells via cholera-toxin (CTX) sensitive pathways. Activation by melatonin of CTX-substrates is due to enhancement of their ADP ribosylation. The possibility that ADP ribosylation was enhanced by elevation of NAD + was studied. Melatonin enhanced NAD + and decreased cADP-ribose in the cells, in a CTX independent pathway, indicating inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrolase (NADase). Dibutyryl cGMP (db-cGMP), which obviates the melatonin-induced decrease in cGMP and prevents the modulation of protein secretion, abrogated the enhancement of NAD +. cADP-ribose is involved in calcium homeostasis and its decrease may reduce intracellular Ca 2+. The intracellular Ca 2+ chelator BAPTA/AM mimicked and Ca 2+ ionophores prevented the melatonin-induced inhibition of protein secretion. These data indicate for the first time hormonal modulation of NADase resulting in two signals: (1) enhancement of NAD + which may explain the increase in ADP ribosylation and activation of CTX substrates leading to facilitation of protein secretion; (2) suppression of cell cADP-ribose and consequently intracellular Ca 2+ which may explain the melatonin-induced inhibition of protein secretion.

Identification of a functional Gs protein in Euglena gracilis

We found a Gs protein coupled to adenylyl cyclase in a free-living protist, Euglena gracilis. This Gs protein of approximately 42 kDa is substrate for cholera toxin and is recognized by an antibody against the C-terminal decapeptide of Gs. Furthermore, this protein is coupled to adenylyl cyclase, as shown by: (a) the activation of the enzyme by GTP-analogues and (b) the effect of cholera toxin on cAMP accumulation in intact cells and the continuous activation of adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes. These data indicate that the Gs-adenylyl cyclase-coupled system is already apparent in the protist kingdom.

Enhancement by melatonin of GTP exchange and ADP ribosylation reactions

The pineal hormone melatonin modulates constitutive protein secretion from murine melanoma M2R cells in vitro, in a cholera-toxin (CTX)-sensitive process, without effecting major changes in cAMP. The effects of melatonin on GTP binding proteins and putative CTX substrates in these cells were investigated. Melatonin enhanced GTPγ 35S binding and the incorporation of 32P-P 3-(4-azidoanilido)-P 1-5′-guanosine triphosphate (Az- 32P-GTP) into 94, 40 and 28 kilodalton proteins. Similar changes were induced by CTX treatment. In addition, melatonin enhanced ADP ribosylation of several proteins, among them 94 and 40 kilodalton bands, apparently at arginyl residues. CTX catalyzed the ADP ribosylation of 45 and 40 (both recognized by antibodies specific to the C-terminal peptide of the Gsα subunit) and 94 kilodalton proteins and attenuated melatonin's effect. The melatonin-mediated ADP ribosylation reactions were attenuated by nicotinamide which inhibits mono(ADP ribosyl)transferases and poly(ADP-ribose)synthetase, but not by 3-amino benzamide, a specific inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose)synthetase. Nicotinamide but not 3-amino benzamide prevented the enhancement by melatonin of GTPγ 35S binding. These results indicate that melatonin enhances protein ADP ribosylation and consequently GTP exchange in a number of CTX-sensitive G proteins. They demonstrate a novel route for concerted activation of multiple GTP binding proteins by a single hormone.

A Novel G Protein α Subunit Containing Atypical Guanine Nucleotide-binding Domains Is Differentially Expressed in a Molluscan Nervous System

We described the characterization of a novel G protein alpha subunit, G alpha a. cDNA encoding this subunit was cloned from the central nervous system of the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis. The deduced protein contains all characteristic guanine nucleotide-binding domains of G alpha subunits but shares only a limited degree of overall sequence identity with known subtypes (approximately 30%). Moreover, two of the nucleotide-binding domains exhibit salient deviations from corresponding sequences in other G protein alpha subunits. The A domain, determining kinetic features of the GTPase cycle, contains a markedly unique amino acid sequence (ILIIGGPGAGK). In addition, the C domain is also clearly distinct (DVAGQRSL). The presence of a leucine in this motif, instead of glutamic acid, has important implications for hypotheses concerning the GTPase mechanism. In contrast to other G alpha subtypes, G alpha a has no appropriate N-terminal residues that could be acylated. It does contain the strictly conserved arginine residue that serves as a cholera toxin substrate in G alpha s and G alpha t but lacks a site for ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin. In situ hybridization experiments indicate that G alpha a-encoding mRNA is expressed in a limited subpopulation of neurons within the Lymnaea brain. These data suggest that G alpha a defines a separate class of G proteins with cell type-specific functions.

Inhibition of ADP-ribosyltransferase increases synthesis of Gsα in neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells and reverses iloprost-dependent heterologous loss of fluoride-sensitive adenylate cyclase

Exposure of NG108-15 cells to 50 mM nicotinamide [an inhibitor of mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase] for 18 hr led to an increase in membrane associated Gsα measured either as cholera toxin substrate or by immunoblotting with a specific antiserum. Prolonged exposure of NG108-15 cells to iloprost is followed by homologous loss of iloprost sensitivity, and heterologous loss of fluoride-dependent activation of adenylate cyclase. Nicotinamide reversed the loss of fluoride sensitivity, but failed to restore iloprost-dependent activation of adenylate cyclase. These results with nicotinamide in NG108-15 cells contrasted with those from platelets, which also exhibit heterologous desensitization of fluoride sensitivity following prolonged exposure to iloprost. Treatment of platelets with 50 mM nicotinamide for 18 hr led to an increase of 75.0 ± 19.4% in the amount of membrane associated cholera toxin substrate. However, there was no associated increase in the abundance of Gsα as determined by immunoblotting. Furthermore, in platelets there was no restoration by nicotinamide of the iloprost-dependent loss of fluoride-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. It follows that heterologous desensitization in platelets is accompanied by inactivation of Gsα, which is retained within the plasma membrane in its inactive state.. The nicotinamide-dependent increase in the abundance of membrane associated cholera toxin substrate and immunoreactive Gsα in NG108-15 cells is associated with an increase of 72.0 ± 20.3% in the levels of mRNA encoding Gsα. The capacity of nicotinamide to increase the abundance of membrane associated Gsα was reversed when the cells were cultured in the presence of 20 μg/mL cycloheximide. These results suggest that the ability of nicotinamide to increase the abundance of Gsα in NG108-15 cells is mediated by de novo protein synthesis.

Expression of human M2 muscarinic receptors in Sf9 cells: characterisation and reconstitution with G-proteins.

The gene for the human m2 muscarinic receptor was expressed in Sf9 cells using the baculovirus expression system. As assessed by [3H]NMS binding, Sf9 cells expressed receptor at levels of 3.3 pmoles/mg protein. The receptor was identified on western blots using an anti-muscarinic receptor antibody and was shown to have the pharmacological characteristics of an m2 muscarinic receptor. Membranes from Sf9 cells were examined to identify endogenous G-proteins by immuno-blotting and by ADP-ribosylation, indicating the presence of Gq, and a pertussis-toxin substrate which was not recognised by antibodies raised against the alpha-subunits of Gi1, Gi2, Gi3 or Go. Gsalpha was not detected, neither were there any cholera toxin substrates in Sf9 membranes. Sf9 membranes expressing m2 receptors did not show carbachol-stimulated GTPgammaS binding to endogenous G-proteins; however, when membranes were reconstituted with a mixture of purified Gi and Go, a maximum 8-fold stimulation of GTPgammaS binding was observed in response to carbachol that could be reduced by atropine. These data show that the human muscarinic m2 receptor expressed in Sf9 cells is functional.

GTP-binding proteins associated with the human placental syncytiotrophoblast plasma membrane

International Journal of Gynecology & ObstetricsVolume 47, Issue 2 p. 194-194 Citations from the literature placenta GTP-binding proteins associated with the human placental syncytiotrophoblast plasma membrane P. Kenton, P. KentonSearch for more papers by this authorP.M. Johnson, P.M. JohnsonSearch for more papers by this author P. Kenton, P. KentonSearch for more papers by this authorP.M. Johnson, P.M. JohnsonSearch for more papers by this author First published: November 1994 https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(94)90374-3AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume47, Issue2November 1994Pages 194-194 RelatedInformation

GTP-Binding proteins associated with the human placental syncytiotrophoblast plasma membrane

The nature of GTP-binding components associated with isolated human term placental syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) was determined; these are relevant to elucidation of intracellular signal transduction mechanisms. Four proteins were identified, with molecular weights of 29, 27, 23 and 21 kDa, which specifically bound [alpha-32P]GTP in the presence of Mg2+. Studies employing anti-p21c-ras monoclonal antibodies indicated these four GTP-binding components were ras-related and one, the 21 kDa component, may be p21c-ras. In addition, SPMV were also found to express the alpha subunits of three separate G proteins. A 45 kDa SPMV GTP-binding protein was identified as a substrate for Vibrio cholera toxin and was recognized by a rabbit antibody to the alpha subunit of the adenylate cyclase stimulating G protein, Gs. A 41 kDa SPMV GTP-binding protein substrate of Bordetella pertussis toxin was also recognized by rabbit antibodies to the alpha subunits of the adenylate cyclase inhibiting G proteins, Gi-1 and Gi-3. No evidence was found to support the presence of the 21 kDa Gp, a G protein previously associated with membranes prepared from whole placental tissue homogenates.

Estrogen uncouples beta-adrenergic receptor from the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein in female rat hypothalamus.

The responsiveness of adenylyl cyclase to beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation was investigated in membranes prepared from hypothalamus-preoptic area and cortex of ovariectomized female rats injected with oil vehicle or estradiol benzoate 24 or 48 h before death. Membranes from the hypothalamus-preoptic area of ovariectomized animals displayed a concentration-dependent stimulation of adenylyl cyclase when incubated with the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol (10(-7)-10(-5) M). This response was suppressed in membranes from estrogen-treated animals. The effect of estrogen was observed 48 h, but not 24 h, after hormone administration. In addition, estrogen had no measurable effect on hypothalamic adenylyl cyclase activation by either GTP (10(-8)-10(-5) M) or forskolin (10(-8)-10(-6) M), on beta-adrenergic receptor density, or on antagonist binding affinity measured with the beta-adrenergic antagonist [125I]iodocyanopindolol. Analysis of isoproterenol displacement of iodocyanopindolol binding revealed that estrogen reduced agonist binding affinity in hypothalamus-preoptic area membranes. In membranes from ovariectomized controls, high affinity agonist binding to the beta-adrenergic receptor was apparent and was abolished by guanine nucleotides. However, membranes from estradiol-treated rats demonstrated only low affinity agonist binding that was unaffected by guanine nucleotides. Estradiol did not detectably alter concentrations of either cholera or pertussis toxin substrates in hypothalamus-preoptic area membranes. These data indicate that estrogen promotes a stable time-dependent desensitization of beta-adrenergic receptor activation of adenylyl cyclase in hypothalamus and preoptic area by uncoupling the receptor from the guanine nucleotide-binding protein, G8.

ADP-ribosylation of Gs by cholera toxin is potentiated by agonist activation of beta-adrenergic receptors in the absence of GTP

Purified Gs is a substrate for ADP-ribosylation catalyzed by cholera toxin (CTx). In S49 cyc- membranes complemented with in vitro translated Gs alpha, the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol enhanced the ADP-ribosylation rate. This effect was maximal if all guanyl nucleotides were suppressed but was blocked by the beta-adrenergic antagonist alprenolol. Enhancement was partially diminished if addition of GDP followed that of isoproterenol. When added in the absence of agonist, the GTP analogues guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) and guanosine 5'-(beta, gamma-imido)triphosphate potentiated CTx-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gs alpha consistent with their activating ADP-ribosylation factors. However, this effect was lessened when the same nucleotides were tested in the presence of agonist. Taken altogether, these results indicate that like Gt and Gi, Gs is an optimal substrate for CTx when coupled to an agonist-activated receptor and depleted of nucleotide. Therefore, coupling to the receptor and subsequent departure of the GDP turn out to be the common features underlying the sensitivity of all GTP-binding proteins to CTx-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation.

The GTP-binding regulatory proteins, Gs and G(i), are altered in erythrocyte membranes of patients with ischemic heart disease resulting from coronary atherosclerosis.

Acute ischemic heart disease is associated with alterations in the cardiac adenylate cyclase system response, although the specificity and mechanism of these events are unknown. We studied the characteristics of inhibitory (G(i)) and stimulatory (Gs) GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) of adenylate cyclase in erythrocyte membranes of patients (n = 16) with nonacute ischemic heart disease resulting from coronary atherosclerosis. Gs was measured by reconstitution with the resolved catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase and by cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 42-kD protein; G(i) was tested as a 41-kD substrate of pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation. Gs activity was decreased by 27 +/- 2% in the cholate extract and by 25 +/- 3% in the supernatant of guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate-treated membranes. The amount of cholera toxin substrate was decreased by 33 +/- 3%, and the pertussis toxin substrate was increased by 27 +/- 5% compared with healthy subjects (n = 10). All changes in G-protein characteristics appear to be specific relative to other erythrocyte membrane proteins and hemoglobin. Those patients who have a decreased Gs possess approximately normal Gi, and those with increased G(i) showed no change in Gs. Patients with increased G(i) (normal Gs) exhibited more severe deterioration of their coronary arteries than did patients with decreased Gs (normal G(i)) (P < .05), but these two groups did not differ significantly in serum lipids, hormones, drug therapy, historical data, or baseline assessment (P < 0.05).

A Gq-type G protein couples muscarinic receptors to inositol phosphate and calcium signaling in exocrine cells from the avian salt gland.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) activation in isolated cells from the nasal salt gland of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos) results in a rapid increase in the rate of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and pronounced intracellular calcium signals. Both responses can be elicited by treating these cells with fluoroaluminate (AlF4-) indicating the involvement of a heterotrimeric G protein in the transmembrane signaling process. To characterize this G protein, electrophoretically separated membrane proteins were blotted onto nitrocellulose filters and probed with peptide-antibodies raised against portions of different alpha-subunits of mammalian G proteins. We could demonstrate the presence of at least four different G proteins in salt gland cell membranes. Two of these proteins (40 and 41 kD) were ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin and were recognized by an antiserum against a common sequence in all G protein alpha-subunits. One protein (46 kD) was a cholera toxin-substrate and was recognized by a Gs-specific antiserum; the other (42 kD) was recognized by Gq-specific antisera and was resistant to ADP-ribosylation. Since the initial inositol phosphate production upon receptor activation with carbachol and the resulting calcium signals were not affected by pertussis toxin-pretreatment of salt gland cells, we conclude that muscarinic receptors are coupled to phospholipase C by a Gq-type G protein.

Impaired G-proteins and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in T-lymphocytes from patients with sarcoidosis.

Among the various immune abnormalities which characterize active sarcoidosis, a low proliferative response of peripheral blood lymphocytes to mitogenic lectins has long been observed. Since membrane-associated G-proteins are very likely to be crucial elements in lectin signal transduction, we investigated the binding of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp), a non hydrolyzable GTP analogue, to blood total lymphocyte membranes and to blood T-lymphocyte membranes from patients with active sarcoidosis, and from healthy control subjects. GppNHp binding was markedly decreased in peripheral cells from patients with sarcoidosis as compared to controls, suggesting the occurrence of a defect at the level of G-protein(s). A further characterization of G-proteins in these cells by means of ADP-ribose-labelling in the presence of bacterial toxins brought forward a significant decrease in the labelling of a 40 kDa protein, the major pertussis toxin substrate, in membranes from sarcoid patients, while the labelling of the major 44 kDa cholera toxin substrate proved to be unchanged with respect to control membranes. It is hypothesized that, in sarcoid lymphocytes, a defect in the negative control of adenylate cyclase mediated by the inhibitory G-protein Gi, prevents the lowering of cAMP necessary to normal mitogenic response of blood lymphocytes to stimulation. cAMP degradation by the specialized enzyme phosphodiesterase constitutes another critical step in the control of cAMP levels. Both cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterase activities were found decreased in blood total lymphocyte preparations from sarcoid patients. With purified T-cells, although the mean cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterase activities from sarcoid patients were found more markedly decreased with respect to healthy donors, only the decrease in cGMP phosphodiesterase was found statistically significant. The role these defects in cyclic nucleotide degradation potentially play in the disturbance of blood lymphocytes response associated with sarcoidosis is discussed.

Identification of heterotrimeric and low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins in rabbit skeletal muscle longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum

Direct photoaffinity labeling of proteins of longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum (LSR) of rabbit skeletal muscle with [ 32P]GTP revealed GTP-binding proteins of about 52, 45 and 30 kDa. ADP-ribosylation with [ 32P]NAD in the presence of cholera toxin (CTX) or pertussis toxin (PTX) indicates the existence of a CTX substrate (about 45 kDa); no PTX substrates were observed. Western blots of LSR probed with RM/1, an antiserum against a decapeptide from the C-terminus of G sα, showed an immunoreactive band at about 45 kDa. [ 32P]GTP overlays of Western blots of LSR showed a heavily-labeled protein of about 29 kDa and one or more additional slightly smaller proteins that were more weakly labeled. When LSR was subjected to mild trypsin hydrolysis, the Western blot overlay revealed three bands at about 23, 25 and 29 kDa. Western blots of LSR proteins showed no significant immunoreactivity with the anti-(pan)- ras monoclonal antibodies 142-24E05 and Ras 11. ADP-ribosylation of LSR with [ 32P]NAD in the presence of C3 exoenzyme of Clostridium botulinum yielded a labeled band at about 23 kDa. Our results indicate the presence in rabbit LSR of a G sα, the absence of G i and G o, and the presence of several low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins, distinct from p21 ras, one of which belongs to the rho or rac family.

Gs alpha is a substrate for mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase of NG108-15 cells. ADP-ribosylation regulates Gs alpha activity and abundance.

NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma somatic hybrid cells were permeabilized in the presence of [32P]NAD+ and then cultured for 18 h. Resolution of the cell proteins on polyacrylamide gels revealed [32P]ADP-ribosylation of five major protein species with molecular mass values of 52 kDa, 44 kDa, 35 kDa, 30 kDa and 25 kDa. A similar pattern of labelling was also seen when NG108-15 cell membranes were incubated with [32P]NAD+ and hydrolysis of the product revealed mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation. Immunoprecipitation of these products with anti-Gs alpha antiserum revealed a single band identical to cholera toxin substrate. Culture of [32P]NAD(+)-loaded cells for 18 h in the presence of 50 mM-nicotinamide inhibited the eukaryotic mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase activity. Inhibition of the eukaryotic enzyme was also accompanied by an increase in the abundance of Gs alpha, whether measured by Western blotting with anti-Gs alpha antibody (two separate antisera) or by cholera toxin-dependent [32P]ADP-ribosylation. There was no accompanying change in the abundance of G beta. The increase in Gs alpha abundance in nicotinamide-treated NG108-15 cells was accompanied by a 2-fold increase in basal adenylate cyclase activity (measured in the presence of GTP), and by a smaller but significant increase in iloprost-dependent activation of adenylate cyclase. Receptor number or affinity was not affected by nicotinamide, since this treatment did not alter the binding parameters of [3H]iloprost to NG108-15 cell membranes. Short-term exposure of cells to nicotinamide for 1 h revealed no significant difference in either basal or agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. These results reveal that mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation of Gs alpha by eukaryotic ADP-ribosyltransferase modifies the abundance and activity of Gs alpha in NG108-15 cells, and hence may play a role in the hormonal regulation of cell function.

Identification of G Protein Subtypes in Peripheral Nerve and Cultured Schwann Cells

In this study, we investigated the expression of various G proteins in whole sciatic nerves, in myelin and nonmyelin fractions from these nerves, and in membranes of immortalized Schwann cells. In myelin, nonmyelin, and Schwann cell membranes we detected two 39-40-kDa pertussis toxin substrates that were resolved on separation on urea-gradient gels. Two cholera toxin substrates with apparent molecular masses of 42 and 47 kDa were present in nerve and brain myelin and in Schwann cell membranes. In these membranes, a third 45-kDa cholera toxin substrate, which displayed the highest labeling, was also present. Immunoblotting with specific antisera allowed the identification of G(o) alpha, Gi1 alpha, Gi2 alpha, Gi3 alpha, Gq/G11 alpha, and the two isoforms of Gs alpha in nerve homogenates, nerve, and brain myelin fractions. In Schwann cell membranes we identified G(o) alpha, Gi2 alpha, Gi3 alpha, and proteins from the Gq family, but no immunoreactivity toward anti-Gi1 alpha antiserum was detected. In these membranes, anti-Gs alpha antibody recognized the three cholera toxin substrates mentioned above, with the 45-kDa band displaying the highest immunoreactivity. Relative to sciatic nerve myelin, the Schwann cell membranes revealed a significantly higher expression of Gi3 alpha and the absence of Gi1 alpha. The different distribution of G proteins among the different nerve compartments might reflect the very specialized function of Schwann cells and myelin within the nerve.