RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Multiple G-Protein βγ Combinations Produce Voltage-Dependent Inhibition of N-Type Calcium Channels in Rat Superior Cervical Ganglion Neurons
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 2183
OP 2191
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.20-06-02183.2000
VO 20
IS 6
A1 Victor Ruiz-Velasco
A1 Stephen R. Ikeda
YR 2000
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/20/6/2183.abstract
AB Activation of several G-protein-coupled receptors leads to voltage-dependent (VD) inhibition of N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels via G-protein βγ subunits (Gβγ). The purpose of the present study was to determine the ability of different Gβγ combinations to produce VD inhibition of N-type Ca2+ channels in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons. Various Gβγ combinations were heterologously overexpressed by intranuclear microinjection of cDNA and tonic VD Ca2+ channel inhibition evaluated using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Overexpression of Gβ1–Gβ5, in combination with several different Gγ subunits, resulted in tonic VD Ca2+ channel inhibition. Robust Ca2+ channel modulation required coexpression of both Gβ and Gγ. Expression of either subunit alone produced minimal effects. To substantiate the apparent lack of Gβγ specificity, we examined whether heterologously expressed Gβγ displaced native Gβγ from heterotrimeric complexes. To this end, mutant Gβ subunits were constructed that differentially modulated N-type Ca2+ and G-protein-gated inward rectifier K+ channels. Results from these studies indicated that significant displacement does not occur, and thus the observed Gβγ modulation can be attributed directly to the heterologously expressed Gβγ combinations.