title: Desensitization, internalization, and signaling functions of beta-arrestins demonstrated by RNA interference.
abstract: Beta-arrestins bind to activated G protein-coupled receptor kinase-phosphorylated receptors, which leads to their desensitization with respect to G proteins, internalization via clathrin-coated pits, and signaling via a growing list of "scaffolded" pathways. To facilitate the discovery of novel adaptor and signaling roles of beta-arrestins, we have developed and validated a generally applicable interfering RNA approach for selectively suppressing beta-arrestins 1 or 2 expression by up to 95%. Beta-arrestin depletion in HEK293 cells leads to enhanced cAMP generation in response to beta(2)-adrenergic receptor stimulation, markedly reduced beta(2)-adrenergic receptor and angiotensin II receptor internalization and impaired activation of the MAP kinases ERK 1 and 2 by angiotensin II. This approach should allow discovery of novel signaling and regulatory roles for the beta-arrestins in many seven-membrane-spanning receptor systems.
authors.affiliation: The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Seungkirl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Tiffany Runyan
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Garrison
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Lefkowitz
mesh_terms: D019390:Arrestins / Q000378:metabolism*; D001483:Base Sequence; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D017931:DNA Primers; D004705:Endocytosis; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010766:Phosphorylation; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D000071557:beta-Arrestins
chemical_list: D019390:Arrestins; D017931:DNA Primers; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D000071557:beta-Arrestins; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases