The monomeric G proteins AGS1 and Rhes selectively influence Galphai-dependent signaling to modulate N-type (CaV2.2) calcium channels

Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2008 Nov;295(5):C1417-26. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00341.2008. Epub 2008 Sep 24.

Abstract

Activator of G protein Signaling 1 (AGS1) and Ras homologue enriched in striatum (Rhes) define a new group of Ras-like monomeric G proteins whose signaling properties and physiological roles are just beginning to be understood. Previous results suggest that AGS1 and Rhes exhibit distinct preferences for heterotrimeric G proteins, with AGS1 selectively influencing Galphai and Rhes selectively influencing Galphas. Here, we demonstrate that AGS1 and Rhes trigger nearly identical modulation of N-type Ca(2+) channels (Ca(V)2.2) by selectively altering Galphai-dependent signaling. Whole-cell currents were recorded from HEK293 cells expressing Ca(V)2.2 and Galphai- or Galphas-coupled receptors. AGS1 and Rhes reduced basal current densities and triggered tonic voltage-dependent (VD) inhibition of Ca(V)2.2. Additionally, each protein attenuated agonist-initiated channel inhibition through Galphai-coupled receptors without reducing channel inhibition through a Galphas-coupled receptor. The above effects of AGS1 and Rhes were blocked by pertussis toxin (PTX) or by expression of a Gbetagamma-sequestering peptide (masGRK3ct). Transfection with HRas, KRas2, Rap1A-G12V, Rap2B, Rheb2, or Gem failed to duplicate the effects of AGS1 and Rhes on Ca(V)2.2. Our data provide the first demonstration that AGS1 and Rhes exhibit similar if not identical signaling properties since both trigger tonic Gbetagamma signaling and both attenuate receptor-initiated signaling by the Gbetagamma subunits of PTX-sensitive G proteins. These results are consistent with the possibility that AGS1 and Rhes modulate Ca(2+) influx through Ca(V)2.2 channels under more physiological conditions and thereby influence Ca(2+)-dependent events such as neurosecretion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type / drug effects
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type / genetics
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type / metabolism*
  • Carbachol / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Cholinergic Agonists / pharmacology
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / drug effects
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / metabolism*
  • GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Pertussis Toxin / pharmacology
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Rabbits
  • Receptor, Muscarinic M2 / agonists
  • Receptor, Muscarinic M2 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Calcium Channels, N-Type
  • Cholinergic Agonists
  • G-protein Beta gamma
  • GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Proteins
  • Receptor, Muscarinic M2
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2
  • voltage-dependent calcium channel (P-Q type)
  • Carbachol
  • Pertussis Toxin
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases
  • three prime repair exonuclease 1
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • RASD2 protein, human
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go