State-selective binding peptides for heterotrimeric G-protein subunits: novel tools for investigating G-protein signaling dynamics.
Heterotrimeric G-proteins, comprising Galpha, Gbeta, and Ggamma subunits, are molecular switches that regulate numerous signaling pathways involved in cellular physiology. This characteristic is achieved by the adoption of two principal states: an inactive state in which GDP-bound Galpha is complexed with the Gbetagamma dimer, and an active state in which GTP-bound Galpha is freed of its Gbetagamma binding partner. Structural studies have illustrated the basis for the distinct conformations of these states which are regulated by alterations in three precise 'switch regions' of the Galpha subunit. Discrete differences in conformation between GDP- and GTP-bound Galpha underlie its nucleotide-dependent protein-protein interactions (e.g., with Gbetagamma/receptor and effectors, respectively) that are critical for maintaining their proper nucleotide cycling and signaling properties. Recently, several screening approaches have been used to identify peptide sequences capable of interacting with Galpha (and free Gbetagamma) in nucleotide-dependent fashions. These peptides have demonstrated applications in direct modulation of the nucleotide cycle, assessing the structural basis for aspects of Galpha and Gbetagamma signaling, and serving as biosensor tools in assays for Galpha activation including high throughput drug screening. In this review, we highlight some of the methods used for such discoveries and discuss the insights that can be gleaned from application of these identified peptides.
Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and UNC Neuroscience Center, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7365, USA.
Christopher A
CA
Johnston
Francis S
FS
Willard
J Kevin
JK
Ramer
Rainer
R
Blaesius
C Natalia
CN
Roques
David P
DP
Siderovski
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D020962:Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015398:Signal Transduction
D010455:Peptides; D020962:Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins