Expression of α-gustducin in mammalian retinas

Neuroreport. 2011 Feb 16;22(3):146-50. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e328343701f.

Abstract

α-Gustducin (Gα-gust) is the α subunit of the heterotrimeric G-protein complex specific for taste receptor cells of the tongue. However, it has been shown to be present in ectopic regions, such as airways and digestive tract. Recently, Gα-gust was found within neurons in various regions of the mouse brain. In this study, we tested whether Gα-gust is expressed in the mammalian retina. Gα-gust was identified in mouse, rat, and rabbit retinas by western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. Double-labeling experiments in the mouse retina clearly showed that Gα-gust is exclusively expressed in the axon terminals of the rod bipolar cells. The evidence suggests that Gα-gust may selectively participate in signal transduction in the axon terminals of rod bipolar cells in the mammalian retina.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism*
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism*
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Retina / cytology
  • Retina / metabolism*
  • Retinal Bipolar Cells / metabolism*
  • Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / cytology
  • Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Subunits
  • GNAT3 protein, mouse
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins