Pertussis-toxin-sensitive Gα subunits selectively bind to C-terminal domain of neuronal GIRK channels: Evidence for a heterotrimeric G-protein-channel complex

  • Sinead M. Clancy
  • , Catherine E. Fowler
  • , Melissa Finley
  • , Ka Fai Suen
  • , Christine Arrabit
  • , Frédérique Berton
  • , Tohru Kosaza
  • , Patrick J. Casey
  • , Paul A. Slesinger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuronal G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir3; GIRK) channels are activated by G-protein-coupled receptors that selectively interact with PTX-sensitive (Gαi/o) G proteins. Although the G βγ dimer is known to activate GIRK channels, the role of the Gαi/o subunit remains unclear. Here, we established that Gαo subunits co-immunoprecipitate with neuronal GIRK channels. In vitro binding studies led to the identification of six amino acids in the GIRK2 C-terminal domain essential for Gαo binding. Further studies suggested that the Gαi/oβγ heterotrimer binds to the GIRK2 C-terminal domain via Gα and not G βγ. Gαi/o binding-impaired GIRK2 channels exhibited reduced receptor-activated currents, but retained normal ethanol- and Gβγ-activated currents. Finally, PTX-insensitive G αq or Gαs subunits did not bind to the GIRK2 C-terminus. Together, these results suggest that the interaction of PTX-sensitive Gαi/o subunit with the GIRK2 C-terminal domain regulates G-protein receptor coupling, and may be important for establishing specific Gαi/o signaling pathways.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)375-389
Number of pages15
JournalMolecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Volume28
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2005
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pertussis-toxin-sensitive Gα subunits selectively bind to C-terminal domain of neuronal GIRK channels: Evidence for a heterotrimeric G-protein-channel complex'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this