Monitoring the interaction of a single G-protein key binding site with rhodopsin disk membranes upon light activation

Biochemistry. 2009 May 12;48(18):3801-3. doi: 10.1021/bi900308c.

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G-proteins interact with their G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) via key binding elements comprising the receptor-specific C-terminal segment of the alpha-subunit and the lipid anchors at the alpha-subunit N-terminus and the gamma-subunit C-terminus. Direct information about diffusion and interaction of GPCRs and their G-proteins is mandatory for an understanding of the signal transduction mechanism. By using single-particle tracking, we show that the encounters of the alpha-subunit C-terminus with the GPCR rhodopsin change after receptor activation. Slow as well as less restricted diffusion compared to the inactive state within domains 60-280 nm in length was found for the receptor-bound C-terminus, indicating short-range order in rhodopsin packing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Light*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Rhodopsin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Rhodopsin
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins