Evidence for functional pre-coupled complexes of receptor heteromers and adenylyl cyclase

Nat Commun. 2018 Mar 28;9(1):1242. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-03522-3.

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), G proteins and adenylyl cyclase (AC) comprise one of the most studied transmembrane cell signaling pathways. However, it is unknown whether the ligand-dependent interactions between these signaling molecules are based on random collisions or the rearrangement of pre-coupled elements in a macromolecular complex. Furthermore, it remains controversial whether a GPCR homodimer coupled to a single heterotrimeric G protein constitutes a common functional unit. Using a peptide-based approach, we here report evidence for the existence of functional pre-coupled complexes of heteromers of adenosine A2A receptor and dopamine D2 receptor homodimers coupled to their cognate Gs and Gi proteins and to subtype 5 AC. We also demonstrate that this macromolecular complex provides the necessary frame for the canonical Gs-Gi interactions at the AC level, sustaining the ability of a Gi-coupled GPCR to counteract AC activation mediated by a Gs-coupled GPCR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenylyl Cyclases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Computer Simulation
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptor, Adenosine A2A / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • ADORA2A protein, human
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DRD2 protein, human
  • Ligands
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Peptides
  • Receptor, Adenosine A2A
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • yellow fluorescent protein, Bacteria
  • Cyclic AMP
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Adenylyl Cyclases