guanosine-triphosphate and aluminum-fluoride

Guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins, which cycle between a GDP- and a GTP-bound conformation, are conventionally regulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs), and function by interacting with effector proteins in the GTP-bound 'on' state. Here we present another class of G proteins that are regulated by homodimerization, which we would categorize as G proteins activated by nucleotide-dependent dimerization (GADs). This class includes proteins such as signal recognition particle (SRP), dynamin, septins and the newly discovered Roco protein Leu-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). We propose that the juxtaposition of the G domains of two monomers across the GTP-binding sites activates the biological function of these proteins and the GTPase reaction.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Binding Sites; Dimerization; Fluorides; GTP Phosphohydrolases; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Models, Molecular; Plant Proteins; Protein Structure, Quaternary

Gbetagamma subunits modulate several distinct molecular events involved with G protein signaling. In addition to regulating several effector proteins, Gbetagamma subunits help anchor Galpha subunits to the plasma membrane, promote interaction of Galpha with receptors, stabilize the binding of GDP to Galpha to suppress spurious activation, and provide membrane contact points for G protein-coupled receptor kinases. Gbetagamma subunits have also been shown to inhibit the activities of GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), both phospholipase C (PLC)-betas and RGS proteins, when assayed in solution under single turnover conditions. We show here that Gbetagamma subunits inhibit G protein GAP activity during receptor-stimulated, steady-state GTPase turnover. GDP/GTP exchange catalyzed by receptor requires Gbetagamma in amounts approximately equimolar to Galpha, but GAP inhibition was observed with superstoichiometric Gbetagamma. The potency of inhibition varied with the GAP and the Galpha subunit, but half-maximal inhibition of the GAP activity of PLC-beta1 was observed with 5-10 nM Gbetagamma, which is at or below the concentrations of Gbetagamma needed for regulation of physiologically relevant effector proteins. The kinetics of GAP inhibition of both receptor-stimulated GTPase activity and single turnover, solution-based GAP assays suggested a competitive mechanism in which Gbetagamma competes with GAPs for binding to the activated, GTP-bound Galpha subunit. An N-terminal truncation mutant of PLC-beta1 that cannot be directly regulated by Gbetagamma remained sensitive to inhibition of its GAP activity, suggesting that the Gbetagamma binding site relevant for GAP inhibition is on the Galpha subunit rather than on the GAP. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer between cyan or yellow fluorescent protein-labeled G protein subunits and Alexa532-labeled RGS4, we found that Gbetagamma directly competes with RGS4 for high-affinity binding to Galpha(i)-GDP-AlF4.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Binding Sites; Catalysis; Cell Line; Escherichia coli; Eye Proteins; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer; Fluorescent Dyes; Fluorides; Green Fluorescent Proteins; GTP Phosphohydrolases; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits; GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits; GTP-Binding Protein Regulators; GTPase-Activating Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Hydrolysis; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Insecta; Kinetics; Luminescent Proteins; Mutation; Phosphoproteins; Protein Binding; RGS Proteins; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Type C Phospholipases

The signal recognition particle (SRP) GTPases Ffh and FtsY play a central role in co-translational targeting of proteins, assembling in a GTP-dependent manner to generate the SRP targeting complex at the membrane. A suite of residues in FtsY have been identified that are essential for the hydrolysis of GTP that accompanies disengagement. We have argued previously on structural grounds that this region mediates interactions that serve to activate the complex for disengagement and term it the activation region. We report here the structure of a complex of the SRP GTPases formed in the presence of GDP:AlF4. This complex accommodates the putative transition-state analog without undergoing significant change from the structure of the ground-state complex formed in the presence of the GTP analog GMPPCP. However, small shifts that do occur within the shared catalytic chamber may be functionally important. Remarkably, an external nucleotide interaction site was identified at the activation region, revealed by an unexpected contaminating GMP molecule bound adjacent to the catalytic chamber. This site exhibits conserved sequence and structural features that suggest a direct interaction with RNA plays a role in regulating the activity of the SRP targeting complex.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Bacterial Proteins; Binding Sites; Crystallography, X-Ray; Dimerization; Fluorides; Fluorometry; GTP Phosphohydrolases; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Magnesium; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Protein Binding; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; RNA, Bacterial; Signal Recognition Particle; Thermus

Rab GTPases regulate membrane trafficking by cycling between inactive (GDP-bound) and active (GTP-bound) conformations. The duration of the active state is limited by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), which accelerate the slow intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis. Proteins containing TBC (Tre-2, Bub2 and Cdc16) domains are broadly conserved in eukaryotic organisms and function as GAPs for Rab GTPases as well as GTPases that control cytokinesis. An exposed arginine residue is a critical determinant of GAP activity in vitro and in vivo. It has been expected that the catalytic mechanism of TBC domains would parallel that of Ras and Rho family GAPs. Here we report crystallographic, mutational and functional analyses of complexes between Rab GTPases and the TBC domain of Gyp1p. In the crystal structure of a TBC-domain-Rab-GTPase-aluminium fluoride complex, which approximates the transition-state intermediate for GTP hydrolysis, the TBC domain supplies two catalytic residues in trans, an arginine finger analogous to Ras/Rho family GAPs and a glutamine finger that substitutes for the glutamine in the DxxGQ motif of the GTPase. The glutamine from the Rab GTPase does not stabilize the transition state as expected but instead interacts with the TBC domain. Strong conservation of both catalytic fingers indicates that most TBC-domain GAPs may accelerate GTP hydrolysis by a similar dual-finger mechanism.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Binding Sites; Catalytic Domain; Crystallography, X-Ray; Fluorides; GTPase-Activating Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Hydrolysis; Models, Molecular; Mutation; Protein Structure, Tertiary; rab GTP-Binding Proteins; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; Static Electricity; Structure-Activity Relationship; Substrate Specificity

FtsZ, the prokaryotic homologue of tubulin, is an essential cell division protein. In the cell, it localizes at the center, forming a ring that constricts during division. In vitro, it binds and hydrolyzes GTP and polymerizes in a GTP-dependent manner. We have used atomic force microscopy to study the structure and dynamics of FtsZ polymer assembly on a mica surface under buffer solution. The polymers were highly dynamic and flexible, and they continuously rearranged over the surface. End-to-end joining of filaments and depolymerization from internal zones were observed, suggesting that fragmentation and reannealing may contribute significantly to the dynamics of FtsZ assembly. The shape evolution of the restructured polymers manifested a strong inherent tendency to curve. Polymers formed in the presence of non-hydrolyzable nucleotide analogues or in the presence of GDP and AlF(3) were structurally similar but showed a slower dynamic behavior. These results provide experimental evidence supporting the model of single-strand polymerization plus cyclization recently proposed to explain the hydrodynamic behavior of the polymers in solution.

Topics: Adsorption; Aluminum Compounds; Aluminum Silicates; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry, Physical; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Proteins; Fluorides; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Polymers; Solutions

Human guanylate-binding protein-1 (hGBP-1) is a large GTPase, similar in structure to the dynamins. Like many smaller GTPases of the Ras/Rab family, it is farnesylated, suggesting it may dock into membranes and perhaps play a role in intracellular trafficking. To date, however, hGBP-1 has never been associated with a specific intracellular compartment. Here we present evidence that hGBP-1 can associate with the Golgi apparatus. Redistribution from the cytosol to the Golgi was observed by immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation after aluminum fluoride treatment, suggesting that it occurs when hGBP-1 is in its GTP-bound state. Relocalization was blocked by a farnesyl transferase inhibitor. The C589S mutant of hGBP-1, which cannot be farnesylated, and the previously uncharacterized R48P mutant, which cannot bind GTP, both failed to localize to the Golgi. These two mutants had a dominant-negative effect, preventing endogenous wild-type hGBP-1 from efficiently redistributing after aluminum fluoride treatment. Furthermore, hGBP-1 requires another IFN-gamma-induced factor to be targeted to the Golgi, because constitutively expressed hGBP-1 remained cytosolic in cells treated with aluminum fluoride unless the cells were preincubated with IFN-gamma. Finally, two nonhydrolyzing mutants of hGBP-1, corresponding to active mutants of Ras family proteins, failed to constitutively associate with the Golgi; we propose three possible explanations for this surprising result.

Topics: Alkyl and Aryl Transferases; Aluminum Compounds; Blotting, Western; Cell Fractionation; Cloning, Molecular; Farnesyltranstransferase; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Fluorides; Genetic Vectors; Golgi Apparatus; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; HeLa Cells; Humans; Immunoprecipitation; Interferon-gamma; Methionine; Mutagenesis; Mutation; Protein Prenylation; Protein Transport; Retroviridae; Transduction, Genetic

The rhodopsin/transducin-coupled vertebrate vision system has served as a paradigm for G protein-coupled signaling. We have taken advantage of this system to identify new types of constitutively active, transducin-alpha (alphaT) subunits. Here we have described a novel dominant-negative mutation, made in the background of a chimera consisting of alphaT and the alpha subunit of G(i1) (designated alphaT*), which involves the substitution of a conserved arginine residue in the conformationally sensitive Switch 3 region. Changing Arg-238 to either lysine or alanine had little or no effect on the ability of alphaT* to undergo rhodopsin-stimulated GDP-GTP exchange, whereas substituting glutamic acid for arginine at this position yielded an alphaT* subunit (alphaT*(R238E)) that was incapable of undergoing rhodopsin-dependent nucleotide exchange and was unable to bind or stimulate the target/effector enzyme (cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase). Moreover, unlike the GDP-bound forms of alphaT*, alphaT*(R238A) and alphaT*(R238K), the alphaT*(R238E) mutant did not respond to aluminum fluoride (AlF4(-)), as read out by changes in Trp-207 fluorescence. However, surprisingly, we found that alphaT*(R238E) effectively blocked rhodopsin-catalyzed GDP-GTP exchange on alphaT*, as well as rhodopsin-stimulated phosphodiesterase activity. Analysis by high pressure liquid chromatography indicated that the alphaT*(R238E) mutant exists in a nucleotide-free state. Nucleotide-free forms of G alpha subunits were typically very sensitive to proteolytic degradation, but alphaT*(R238E) exhibited a resistance to trypsin-proteolysis similar to that observed with activated forms of alphaT*. Overall, these findings indicated that by mutating a single residue in Switch 3, it is possible to generate a unique type of dominant-negative G alpha subunit that can effectively block signaling by G protein-coupled receptors.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Arginine; Catalysis; Cattle; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluorides; Genes, Dominant; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Models, Biological; Models, Molecular; Mutation; Nucleotides; Point Mutation; Protein Conformation; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Recombinant Proteins; Retina; Rhodopsin; Signal Transduction; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Time Factors; Transducin; Trypsin

Rap1 is a Ras-like guanine-nucleotide-binding protein (GNBP) that is involved in a variety of signal-transduction processes. It regulates integrin-mediated cell adhesion and might activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Like other Ras-like GNBPs, Rap1 is regulated by guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). These GAPs increase the slow intrinsic GTPase reaction of Ras-like GNBPs by many orders of magnitude and allow tight regulation of signalling. The activation mechanism involves stabilization of the catalytic glutamine of the GNBP and, in most cases, the insertion of a catalytic arginine of GAP into the active site. Rap1 is a close homologue of Ras but does not possess the catalytic glutamine essential for GTP hydrolysis in all other Ras-like and Galpha proteins. Furthermore, RapGAPs are not related to other GAPs and apparently do not use a catalytic arginine residue. Here we present the crystal structure of the catalytic domain of the Rap1-specific Rap1GAP at 2.9 A. By mutational analysis, fluorescence titration and stopped-flow kinetic assay, we demonstrate that Rap1GAP provides a catalytic asparagine to stimulate GTP hydrolysis. Implications for the disease tuberous sclerosis are discussed.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate; Aluminum Compounds; Asparagine; Binding Sites; Catalysis; Catalytic Domain; Crystallography, X-Ray; Fluorides; GTPase-Activating Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Hydrolysis; Models, Molecular; Mutation; Protein Conformation; rap1 GTP-Binding Proteins; Repressor Proteins; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

The size and chemical nature of the stabilizing cap at microtubule (MT) ends has remained enigmatic, in large part because it has been difficult to detect and measure it directly. By pulsing steady-state suspensions of bovine brain microtubules (MTs) with trace quantities of [gamma(32)P]GTP and sedimenting the MTs through 50% sucrose cushions to reduce background contaminating (32)P to negligible levels, we were able to detect a small number of (32)P molecules that remain stably bound to the MTs (a mean of 25.5 molecules of (32)P per MT). Analysis of the chemical form of the stably bound (32)P by thin-layer chromatography revealed that it was all (32)P-orthophosphate ((32)P(i)). The (32)P(i) was determined to be located at the MT ends because colchicine and vinblastine, drugs that suppress tubulin incorporation into the MT by binding specifically at MT ends, reduced the quantity of the stably bound (32)P(i). Taxol, a drug that stabilizes MT dynamics by binding along the MT surface rather than at the ends, did not affect the stoichiometry of the bound (32)P(i). If the bound (32)P is equally distributed between the two ends, each end would contain 12-13 molecules of (32)P(i). Beryllium fluoride (BeF(3-)) and aluminum fluoride (AlF(4-)), inorganic phosphate analogues, suppressed the dynamic instability behavior of individual MTs and, thus, stabilized them. For example, BeF(3-) (70 microM) reduced the MT shortening rate by 2.5-fold and decreased the transition frequency from the growing or the attenuated state to rapid shortening by 2-fold. The data support the hypothesis that the stabilizing cap at MT ends consists of a single layer of tubulin GDP-P(i) subunits. The data also support the hypothesis that the mechanism giving rise to the destabilized GDP-tubulin core involves release of P(i) rather than hydrolysis of the GTP.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Beryllium; Binding Sites; Brain Chemistry; Cattle; Fluorides; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Male; Microscopy, Video; Microtubules; Phosphates; Phosphorus Radioisotopes; Polymers; Sea Urchins; Spermatozoa; Thermodynamics; Tubulin

Human MxA protein is a member of the interferon-induced Mx protein family and an important component of the innate host defense against RNA viruses. The Mx family belongs to a superfamily of large GTPases that also includes the dynamins and the interferon-regulated guanylate-binding proteins. A common feature of these large GTPases is their ability to form high molecular weight oligomers. Here we determined the capacity of MxA to self-assemble into homo-oligomers in vitro. We show that recombinant MxA protein assembles into long filamentous structures with a diameter of about 20 nm at physiological salt concentration as demonstrated by sedimentation assays and electron microscopy. In the presence of guanosine nucleotides the filaments rearranged into rings and more compact helical arrays. Our data indicate that binding and hydrolysis of GTP induce conformational changes in MxA that may be essential for viral target recognition and antiviral activity.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Dimerization; Dynamins; Escherichia coli; Fluorides; GTP Phosphohydrolases; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Microscopy, Electron; Myxovirus Resistance Proteins; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation; Proteins; Recombinant Proteins; Salts

Other than the fact that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel can be activated by cAMP dependent kinase (PKA), little is known about the signal transduction pathways regulating CFTR. Since G-proteins play a principal role in signal transduction regulating several ion channels [4, 5, 9], we sought to test whether G-proteins control CFTR Cl- conductance (CFTR G(Cl)) in the native sweat duct (SD). We permeabilized the basolateral membrane with alpha-toxin so as to manipulate cytosolic nucleotides. We activated G-proteins and monitored CFTR G(Cl) activity as described earlier [20, 23, 25]. We now show that activating G-proteins with GTP-gamma-S (100 microm) also activates CFTR G(Cl) in the presence of 5 mm ATP alone (without exogenous cAMP). GTP-gamma-S increased CFTR G(Cl) by 44 +/- 20 mS/cm(2) (mean +/- se; n = 7). GDP (10 mm) inhibited G-protein activation of CFTR G(Cl) even in the presence of GTP-gamma-S. The heterotrimeric G-protein activator (AlF(4-) in the cytoplasmic bath activated CFTR G(Cl) (increased by 51.5 +/- 9.4 mS/cm(2) in the presence of 5 mm ATP without cAMP, n = 6), the magnitude of which was similar to that induced by GTP-gamma-S. Employing immunocytochemical-labeling techniques, we localized Galphas, Galphai, Galphaq, and Gbeta at the apical membranes of the sweat duct. Further, we showed that the mutant CFTR G(Cl) in ducts from cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects could be partially activated by G-proteins. The magnitude of mutant CFTR G(Cl) activation by G-proteins was smaller as compared to non-CF ducts but comparable to that induced by cAMP in CF ducts. We conclude that heterotrimeric G-proteins are present in the apical membrane of the native human sweat duct which may help regulate salt absorption by controlling CFTR G(Cl) activity.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Adult; Aluminum Compounds; Cyclic AMP; Cystic Fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; Fluorides; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Mutation; Sodium Channels; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Sweat Glands

The mating-specific heterotrimeric G(alpha) protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Gpa1, negatively regulates activation of the pheromone response pathway both by sequestering G(beta)gamma and by triggering an adaptive response through an as yet unknown mechanism. Previous genetic studies identified mutant alleles of GPA1 that downregulate the pheromone response independently of the pheromone receptor (GPA1E364K), or through a receptor-dependent mechanism (GPA1N388D). To further our understanding of the mechanism of action of these mutant alleles, their corresponding proteins were purified and subjected to biochemical analysis. The receptor-dependent activity of Gpa1N388D was further analyzed using yeast strains expressing constitutively active receptor (Ste2) mutants, and C-terminal truncation mutant forms of Gpa1. A combination of G(alpha) affinity chromatography, GTP binding/hydrolysis studies, and genetic analysis allowed us to assign a distinct mechanism of action to each of these mutant proteins.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Alleles; Aluminum Compounds; Amino Acid Substitution; Binding Sites; Chromatography, Affinity; Down-Regulation; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11; GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits; GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins; Histidine; Models, Molecular; Mutation; Pheromones; Protein Binding; Receptors, Mating Factor; Receptors, Peptide; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; Signal Transduction; Transcription Factors

Small G proteins of the Rab family are regulators of intracellular vesicle traffic. Their intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis is very low but is enhanced by specific GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that switch G proteins to their inactive form. We have characterized the activity of recombinant Rab3-GAP on Rab3A in solution. The K(m) and K(d) values (75 microm) indicate a low affinity of Rab3-GAP for its substrate. The affinity is higher for the transition state analog Rab3A:GDP:AlF(x) (15 microm). The k(cat) (1 s(-)(1)) is within the range of values reported for other GAPs. A mutation in the switch I region of Rab3A disrupted the interaction with Rab3-GAP. Furthermore, Rabphilin, a putative target of Rab3, inhibited the activity of Rab3-GAP on Rab3. Therefore, the Rab3-GAP-binding site involves the switch I region of Rab3 and overlaps with the Rabphilin-binding domain. Substitution of a single arginine residue (Arg-728) of Rab3-GAP disrupted its catalytic activity but not its interaction with Rab3A. We propose that Rab3-GAP, like Ras- and Rho-GAPs, stabilizes the transition state of Rab3 and provides a critical arginine residue to accelerate the GTPase reaction.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Arginine; Binding Sites; Calcium; Calmodulin; Catalysis; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; GTPase-Activating Proteins; Guanine Nucleotides; Guanosine Triphosphate; Kinetics; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation; Protein Binding; rab3 GTP-Binding Proteins; rab3A GTP-Binding Protein; ras GTPase-Activating Proteins; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Sequence Alignment; Substrate Specificity; Thermodynamics

Both Gsalpha and Gqalpha are palmitoylated and both can move from a crude membrane fraction to a soluble fraction in response to stimulation with agonists. This response may be mediated through depalmitoylation. Previous studies have not demonstrated that endogenous guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) alpha-subunits are released directly from the plasma membrane. We have examined the effect of agonist stimulation on the location of Gq/11alpha immunoreactivity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Bradykinin (BK; 0.1 microM) caused Gq/11alpha, but not Gialpha, to rapidly translocate from purified plasma membranes to the supernatant. AlF and GTP also caused translocation of Gq/11alpha immunoreactivity from purified plasma membranes. BK caused translocation of Gq/11alpha immunoreactivity in intact cells from the basal and lateral plasma membranes to an intracellular compartment as assessed by confocal microscopy. Thus Gq/11alpha is released directly from the plasma membrane to an intracellular location in response to activation by an agonist and direct activation of G proteins. G protein translocation may be a mechanism for desensitization or for signaling specificity.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Biological Transport; Bradykinin; Cell Line; Cell Membrane; Dogs; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Kidney; Microscopy, Confocal

hGBP1 is a GTPase with antiviral activity encoded by an interferon- activated human gene. Specific binding of hGBP1 to guanine nucleotides has been established although only two classical GTP-binding motifs were found in its primary sequence. The unique position of hGBP1 amongst known GTPases is further demonstrated by the hydrolysis of GTP to GDP and GMP. Although subsequent cleavage of orthophosphates rather than pyrophosphate was demonstrated, GDP coming from bulk solution cannot serve as a substrate. The relation of guanine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis to the antiviral function of hGBP1 is unknown. Here we show similar binding affinities for all three guanine nucleotides and the ability of both products, GDP and GMP, to compete with GTP binding. Fluorimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry were applied to prove that only one nucleotide binding site is present in hGBP1. Furthermore, we identified the third canonical GTP-binding motif and verified its role in nucleotide recognition by mutational analysis. The high guanine nucleotide dissociation rates measured by stopped-flow kinetics are responsible for the weak affinities to hGBP1 when compared to other GTPases like Ras or Galpha. By means of fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy it is demonstrated that aluminium fluoride forms a complex with hGBP1 only in the GDP state, presumably mimicking the transition state of GTP hydrolysis. Tentatively, the involvement of a GAP domain in hGBP1 in GTP hydrolysis is suggested. These results will serve as a basis for the determination of the differential biological functions of the three nucleotide states and for the elucidation of the unique mechanism of nucleotide hydrolysis catalysed by hGBP1.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Binding Sites; Binding, Competitive; Calorimetry; DNA-Binding Proteins; Fluorides; Fluorometry; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Monophosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Kinetics; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mutation; Recombinant Proteins; Thermodynamics

In normal livers, hepatocytes contain a large number of spheroidal mitochondria. Mitochondrial morphology changes drastically in liver disease, but the underlying fusion-fission mechanisms are not known. We detected GTP- and aluminum fluoride-dependent membrane fusion events between rat liver mitochondria. Separation of outer mitochondrial membrane-derived proteins led to a subfraction containing a 60-kDa protein band that is detected by specific antibodies directed to common amino acid sequences of the GTP-binding site or carboxyl-terminus of eukaryotic heterotrimeric G-protein alpha subunits. Addition of this subfraction and aluminum fluoride to permeabilized rat hepatocytes triggered a substantial morphological change in hepatic mitochondria, giving them the three-dimensional appearance of a tubulovesicular network. Comparative stereology using electron and confocal microscopy showed that these morphological changes represent true mitochondrial fusion. Addition of aluminum fluoride alone induces a more limited change in mitochondrial morphology, from spheroidal organelles to short rods. Mitochondria maintained their normal membrane potential and overall membrane ultrastructure after all these morphological changes. Our results reveal that mammalian liver mitochondria contain proteins that stimulate mitochondrial fusion and suggest that members of the GTPase superfamily control the normalcy of mitochondrial morphology, which is closely linked to physiological cellular energetics.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Cell Compartmentation; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Intracellular Membranes; Liver; Membrane Fusion; Microscopy, Confocal; Mitochondria; Rats; Signal Transduction

G protein alpha subunits consist of two domains, a GTPase domain and a helical domain. Receptors activate G proteins by catalyzing replacement of GDP, which is buried between these two domains, with GTP. Substitution of the homologous alphai2 residues for four alphas residues in switch III, a region that changes conformation upon GTP binding, or of one nearby helical domain residue decreases the ability of alphas to be activated by the beta-adrenergic receptor and by aluminum fluoride. Both sets of mutations increase the affinity of alphas for the beta-adrenergic receptor, based on an increased amount of high affinity binding of the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. The mutations also decrease the rate of receptor-mediated activation and disrupt the ability of the beta-adrenergic receptor to increase the apparent affinity of alphas for the GTP analog, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). Simultaneous replacement of the helical domain residue and one of the four switch III residues with the homologous alphai2 residues restores normal receptor-mediated activation, suggesting that the defects caused by mutations at the domain interface are due to altered interdomain interactions. These results suggest that interactions between residues across the domain interface are involved in two key steps of receptor-mediated activation, promotion of GTP binding and subsequent receptor-G protein dissociation.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclases; Aluminum Compounds; Binding, Competitive; Enzyme Activation; Fluorides; GTP Phosphohydrolases; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Iodocyanopindolol; Isoproterenol; Models, Molecular; Mutation; Pindolol; Protein Binding; Protein Structure, Secondary; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Heterotrimeric G proteins have been implicated in the regulation of intracellular protein transport, but their mechanism of action remains unclear. In vivo, secretion of chromogranin B, tagged with the green fluorescent protein, was inhibited by the addition of a general activator of trimeric G proteins (AlF4-) to stably transfected Vero cells and resulted in an accumulation of the tagged protein in the Golgi apparatus. In an in vitro assay that reconstitutes intra-Golgi protein transport, we find that a membrane-bound and AlF4--sensitive factor is involved in the fusion reaction. To determine whether this effect is mediated by a heterotrimeric G protein localized to COPI-coated transport vesicles, we determined the presence of G proteins on these vesicles and found that they were segregated relative to the donor membranes. Because G proteins do not have an obvious sorting, retention, or retrieval signal, we considered the possibility that other interactions might be responsible for this segregation. In agreement with this, we found that trimeric G proteins from isolated Golgi membranes were partially insoluble in Triton X-100. Identification of the proteins that interact with the heterotrimeric G proteins in the Golgi-derived detergent-insoluble complex might help to reveal the regulation of protein secretion mediated by heterotrimeric G proteins.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Cell Line; Chromogranins; Coated Vesicles; Coatomer Protein; Detergents; Fluorides; Golgi Apparatus; Green Fluorescent Proteins; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Luminescent Proteins; Membrane Fusion; Membrane Proteins; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Protein Conformation; Solubility; Transfection

The three-dimensional structure of the complex between human H-Ras bound to guanosine diphosphate and the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-activating domain of the human GTPase-activating protein p120GAP (GAP-334) in the presence of aluminum fluoride was solved at a resolution of 2.5 angstroms. The structure shows the partly hydrophilic and partly hydrophobic nature of the communication between the two molecules, which explains the sensitivity of the interaction toward both salts and lipids. An arginine side chain (arginine-789) of GAP-334 is supplied into the active site of Ras to neutralize developing charges in the transition state. The switch II region of Ras is stabilized by GAP-334, thus allowing glutamine-61 of Ras, mutation of which activates the oncogenic potential, to participate in catalysis. The structural arrangement in the active site is consistent with a mostly associative mechanism of phosphoryl transfer and provides an explanation for the activation of Ras by glycine-12 and glutamine-61 mutations. Glycine-12 in the transition state mimic is within van der Waals distance of both arginine-789 of GAP-334 and glutamine-61 of Ras, and even its mutation to alanine would disturb the arrangements of residues in the transition state.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Amino Acid Sequence; Binding Sites; Catalysis; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Crystallography, X-Ray; Enzyme Activation; Fluorides; GTP Phosphohydrolases; GTP-Binding Proteins; GTPase-Activating Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Models, Molecular; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation; Protein Conformation; Protein Structure, Secondary; Proteins; ras GTPase-Activating Proteins; ras Proteins; Signal Transduction

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Binding Sites; Catalysis; Crystallography, X-Ray; Fluorides; GTP Phosphohydrolases; GTP-Binding Proteins; GTPase-Activating Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Hydrolysis; Models, Molecular; Protein Conformation; Protein Structure, Secondary; Proteins; ras GTPase-Activating Proteins; ras Proteins; RGS Proteins

Hydrolysis-resistant activation of G-proteins by extracellular perfusion of fluoride ions was examined in Type B cells isolated from the cerebral ganglion of the marine mollusc Hermissenda. Under single-electrode voltage-clamp, modulation by aluminum fluoride ions of several classes of outward K+ currents as well as an inward Ca2+ current was observed. Following injection of the Ca2+ chelator EGTA, aluminum fluoride ions selectively increased a slow, voltage-dependent K+ current (IK) within 5 min of application, while in the absence of EGTA, aluminum fluoride ions induced a small, transient reduction of IK. Neither the magnitude nor steady-state inactivation of a fast, voltage-dependent K+ current (IA), nor a slow, Ca2+-dependent K+ current (IK-Ca), were affected by aluminum fluoride ions. In contrast, when perfusion of aluminum fluoride ions was accompanied by a repetitive depolarization and a concomitant increase in intracellular Ca2+, both IA and the combined late currents (IK and IK-Ca) were markedly reduced, a reduction which was not observed following depolarization alone or if the pairing of aluminum fluoride ions and depolarization was preceded by an injection of EGTA. The reduction of membrane conductance by the pairing of aluminum fluoride ions with depolarization could not be accounted for by an increased Ca2+ conductance, as aluminum fluoride ions produced only a small decrease in the voltage-dependent Ca2+ current. In total, these results indicate that regulatory G-proteins may bidirectionally modulate neuronal K+ currents, the direction of which is dependent on intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Such a dual regulatory mechanism may contribute to the modulation of membrane excitability observed when presynaptic activity is paired with postsynaptic depolarization, and thus may contribute to some forms of activity-dependent plasticity involving metabatropic receptors.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Calcium; Electrophysiology; Fluorides; Ganglia, Invertebrate; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; In Vitro Techniques; Ion Channel Gating; Iontophoresis; Membrane Potentials; Mollusca; Neurons; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Photoreceptor Cells; Potassium Channels

The effect of morphine on amylase secretion was studied in isolated rat parotid acinar cells. It was found that aluminum fluoride (AlCl3/NaF) and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP but not by cyclic AMP, enhanced amylase secretion. Cyclic AMP was effective in enhancing secretion following permeabilization of cells with alpha-toxin. Following treatment of cells with alpha-toxin, both GTP and GTP-gamma-S also enhanced secretion. Morphine reduced AlCl3/NaF- or GTP-induced secretion of amylase, but was without effect on GTP-gamma-S-induced secretion. Photoaffinity labeling by the use of [32P] 4-azidoanilido GTP revealed its incorporation into 43 kDa and 31 kDa proteins. Incorporation was further enhanced with AlCl3/NaF. Morphine reduced labeling of the 43 kDa protein. Immunoblot analysis identified the 43 kDa GTP binding protein as Gs. When [gamma 32P] GTP was preloaded into permeabilized acinar cells and its hydrolysis measured, morphine stimulated and AlCl3/NaF inhibited GTPase activity. These results suggested the involvement of Gs in secretion of amylase. Furthermore, morphine reduced secretion of amylase by stimulating GTPase activity and by reducing the incorporation of GTP into Gs.

Topics: Affinity Labels; Aluminum Compounds; Amylases; Animals; Azides; Bacterial Toxins; Bucladesine; Cyclic AMP; Fluorides; GTP Phosphohydrolases; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Hemolysin Proteins; In Vitro Techniques; Morphine; Neurotoxins; Parotid Gland; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

In invertebrate photoreceptors, illuminated rhodopsin activates multiple G proteins, which are assumed to initiate multiple phototransduction cascades. In this paper, we focused on one of the phototransduction cascades, which utilizes rhodopsin, a Gq-like G protein, and phospholipase C (PLC). A Gq-like G protein from octopus photoreceptors was successfully purified to apparent homogeneity as an active form by simple two-step chromatography. The purified G protein had an alpha beta gamma-trimeric structure consisting of 44-kDa alpha, 37-kDa beta, and 9-kDa gamma subunits. The 44-kDa alpha subunit was assigned to the Gq class by western blot with antiserum against mammalian Gq alpha and by partial amino acid sequencing of its proteolytic fragments. Light-dependent binding of GTP gamma S was observed when the purified octopus Gq was reconstituted with octopus rhodopsin that had been integrated into phospholipid vesicles. Octopus Gq activated PLC beta 1 purified from bovine brain dose-dependently in the presence of A1F4-. Finally, light- and GTP-dependent activation of PLC beta 1 was observed in a reconstitution system consisting of octopus rhodopsin, Gq, and bovine PLC beta 1.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Brain; Cattle; Enzyme Activation; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Light; Liposomes; Molecular Sequence Data; Octopodiformes; Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation; Rhodopsin; Sequence Analysis; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Type C Phospholipases

Internal administration of the G protein activator, guanosine-5'-o-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) or aluminum fluoride (AIF) complex, produced an inward nonselective cation current (INS) at -55 mV. This current was rapidly diminished under conditions of high intracellular Mg2+ ([Mg2+] = 979 microM), the half decay time (T1/2) being 80 to 100 s. As [Mg2+] in AlF solutions decreased from 400 to 12 microM, the maximum amplitude of AlF-induced INS became larger and the current was diminished more slowly. The AlF INS in the presence of 12 microM Mg2+ reversed polarity at about +9 mV, irrespective of the extent of decline. Bath application of muscarine produced a sustained INS in the absence of AlF complex, but in its presence, the overall current comprising a spontaneously developed INS and muscarine-induced INS was rapidly diminished. Addition of vanadate (0.5 mM) to 979 microM Mg2+ -containing AlF solution mimicked the effects of low Mg2+ solution. Inversely, addition of alkaline phosphatase (40 units/ml) to 12 microM Mg2+ AlF solution reproduced the effects of high Mg2+ solution. It is suggested that AlF complex deactivates INS through facilitating an apparent activity of Mg2+ -dependent phosphatase.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Cations; Chromaffin System; Fluorides; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Guinea Pigs; Ion Channels; Magnesium; Muscarine; Muscarinic Agonists; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Phosphoprotein Phosphatases; Protein Phosphatase 2C

We studied the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) and a small GTP-binding protein (G-protein), rho, in receptor-mediated Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile apparatus of smooth muscle of guinea pig vas deferens. In beta-escin-permeabilized smooth muscle strips, norepinephrine (NE) in the presence of GTP caused further contraction of the preparations at a constant Ca2+ level (Ca2+ sensitization). Prazosin and GDP beta S, a nonhydrolyzable GDP analogue, inhibited NE-induced Ca2+ sensitization, indicating an alpha-1 adrenoceptor/G-protein mediated response. GTP alone (> 10 microM) and GTP gamma S, a non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue, also induced Ca2+ sensitization. Pretreatment of preparations with C3 exoenzyme of Clostridium botulinum, which is known to ADP-ribosylate rho family proteins, with NAD resulted in complete inhibition of NE- and GTP (GTP gamma S)-induced Ca2+ sensitization. AIF4-, which activates heterotrimeric G-, but not small G-protein also induced Ca2+ sensitization. Interestingly, AIF4(-)-induced Ca2+ sensitization was inhibited by not only GDP beta S but also C3-treatment, suggesting that activation of heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein precedes activation of rho protein. On the other hand, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, like NE, also induced Ca2+ sensitization. The sensitization was inhibited by PKC(19-31), a PKC inhibitor peptide. However, PKC(19-31) did not have any effect on NE- or AIF4(-)-induced Ca2+ sensitization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; ADP Ribose Transferases; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Botulinum Toxins; Calcium; Escin; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Norepinephrine; Peptides; Phorbol 12,13-Dibutyrate; Protein Kinase C; rho GTP-Binding Proteins; Vas Deferens

The fusicoccin-binding protein was solubilised from purified oat root plasma membranes. The solubilised protein retained full binding activity, provided that protease inhibitors were included. Sodium fluoride reduced the high-affinity [3H]fusicoccin binding to almost zero in a concentration-dependent way, with an optimum at approximately 20 mM sodium fluoride. The presence of magnesium (> 100 microM) was required for the inhibitory action of fluoride, whereas addition of low amounts of aluminum (25 microM) shifted the fluoride optimum to lower concentrations. Fluoride changes the biochemical properties of the binding protein in a reversible manner, because the inhibition was both prevented and reversed by 1 M ammonium sulphate. The combined effects of aluminium, fluoride and magnesium are reminiscent of the action of activated GTP-binding proteins. Since no functional assay for GTP-binding-protein activity in plants is available yet, GTP-binding-protein activation by fluoride and magnesium was deduced from competition with binding of [gamma-35S]GTP[S] to purified plasma membranes. Indeed, fluoride (20 mM) completely blocked the specific binding of [gamma-35S]GTP[S]. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of fluoride upon the binding of fusicoccin is indirect and mediated through activated GTP-binding proteins. A hypothesis on the mechanism of fusicoccin action is presented wherein the fusicoccin-binding protein is one component of a signal-transduction chain, two or more steps downstream of a heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein.

Topics: Acetone; Aluminum Compounds; Binding Sites; Cell Membrane; Edible Grain; Fluorides; Glucosides; Glycosides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Magnesium; Plant Proteins; Receptors, Cell Surface; Signal Transduction; Sodium Fluoride

To determine whether G proteins activate cardiac ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels by regulating intracellular ATP (ATPi)-dependent gating, currents were measured in inside-out patches. When ATPi closed KATP channels, activators of endogenous G proteins, GTP (plus adenosine or acetylcholine), GTP gamma S, or AlF-4 stimulated channels, an effect prevented by GDP beta S. In the absence of ATPi, G protein activators were ineffective. Intracellular nucleoside diphosphates restored KATP channel openings after the "rundown" of spontaneous activity. Only when ATPi suppressed nucleoside diphosphate-induced openings, GTP gamma S or AlF-4 enhanced KATP channel activity. Active forms of exogenous G protein subunits (G alpha i-1, G alpha i-2, or G alpha o) activated only KATP channels closed by ATPi. G proteins stimulate cardiac KATP channels apparently by antagonizing ATPi-dependent inhibitory gating. Regulation of ligand-dependent gating represents a distinct type of G protein modulation of ion channels.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Adenosine; Adenosine Triphosphate; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Guinea Pigs; Inosine Diphosphate; Ion Channel Gating; Potassium Channels; Thionucleotides; Uridine Diphosphate

The GTP-dependent interaction of ADP ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) with Golgi membranes is required for the binding of cytosolic coatomer proteins to those membranes. Whereas both GTP and GTP gamma S can support coatomer binding to membranes, by using partially purified components, GTP-driven binding is rapidly reversible (t1/2 of 2 min) while that driven by GTP gamma S is more stable (t1/2 of over 30 min). In the presence of GTP, aluminum fluoride, an activator of trimeric G proteins, promotes the stable ARF-dependent binding of coatomer to membranes, even though this reagent does not itself activate ARF. Aluminum fluoride appears to act, like GTP gamma S, to make the binding of coatomer relatively irreversible. It acts to inhibit ARF-GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by the membrane and thus makes the ARF-GTP active state persistent. This effect is not dependent on the presence of any cytosolic component, such as the coatomer. The number of molecules of ARF that can be protected from hydrolysis by aluminum fluoride, however, is only a fraction of the total amount of ARF that can bind to membranes in the presence of GTP gamma S. We propose that this population defines a set of binding sites that are sufficient for coat protein assembly onto the membrane.

Topics: ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1; ADP-Ribosylation Factors; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Cattle; CHO Cells; Coatomer Protein; Cricetinae; Cytosol; Fluorides; Golgi Apparatus; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Triphosphate; Hydrolysis; Membrane Proteins; Protein Binding

We have produced a recombinant transducin alpha subunit (rT alpha) in sf9 cells, using a baculovirus system. Deletion of the myristoylation site near the N-terminal increased the solubility and allowed the purification of rT alpha. When reconstituted with excess T beta gamma on retinal membrane, rT alpha displayed functional characteristics of wild-type T alpha vis à vis its coupled receptor, rhodopsin and its effector, cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE). We further mutated a tryptophan, W207, which is conserved in all G proteins and is suspected to elicit the fluorescence change correlated to their activation upon GDP/GTP exchange or aluminofluoride (AlFx) binding. [W207F]T alpha mutant displayed high affinity receptor binding and underwent a conformational switch upon receptor-catalysed GTP gamma S binding or upon AlFx binding, but this did not elicit any fluorescence change. Thus W207 is the only fluorescence sensor of the switch. Upon the switch the mutant remained unable to activate the PDE. To characterize better its effector-activating interaction we measured the affinity of [W207F]T alpha GDP-AlFx for PDE gamma, the effector subunit that binds most tightly to T alpha. [W207F]T alpha still bound in an activation-dependent way to PDE gamma, but with a 100-fold lower affinity than rT alpha. This suggests that W207 contributes to the G protein effector binding.

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases; Aluminum Compounds; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Baculoviridae; DNA Mutational Analysis; Enzyme Activation; Fluorescence; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Models, Molecular; Molecular Sequence Data; Moths; Protein Conformation; Recombinant Proteins; Rod Cell Outer Segment; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Signal Transduction; Transducin; Tryptophan

Calcium influx in electrically non-excitable cells is regulated by the filling state of intracellular calcium stores. Depletion of stores activates plasma membrane channels that are voltage-independent and highly selective for Ca2+ ions. We report here that the activation of plasma membrane Ca2+ currents induced by depletion of Ca2+ stores requires a diffusible cytosolic factor that washes out with time when dialyzing cells in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The activation of calcium release-activated calcium current (ICRAC) by ionomycin- or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced store depletion is blocked by guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) and guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, non-hydrolyzable analogs of GTP, suggesting the involvement of a GTP-binding protein. The inhibition by GTP gamma S occurs at a step prior to the activation of ICRAC and is prevented by the addition of GTP. We conclude that the activation mechanism of depletion-induced Ca2+ influx encompasses a GTP-dependent step, possibly involving an as yet unidentified small GTP-binding protein.

Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Biological Transport; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Cell Membrane; Egtazic Acid; Fluorides; Guanosine Triphosphate; Indicators and Reagents; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Ion Channel Gating; Ionomycin; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured

We have examined the effects of various agonists and antagonists of GTP-binding proteins on receptor-mediated endocytosis in vitro. Stage-specific assays which distinguish coated pit assembly, invagination, and coat vesicle budding have been used to demonstrate requirements for GTP-binding protein(s) in each of these events. Coated pit invagination and coated vesicle budding are both stimulated by addition of GTP and inhibited by GDP beta S. Although coated pit invagination is resistant to GTP gamma S, A1F4-, and mastoparan, late events involved in coated vesicle budding are inhibited by these antagonists of G protein function. Earlier events involved in coated pit assembly are also inhibited by GTP gamma S, A1F4-, and mastoparan. These results demonstrate that multiple GTP-binding proteins, including heterotrimeric G proteins, participate at discrete stages in receptor-mediated endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Amino Acid Sequence; Coated Pits, Cell-Membrane; Endocytosis; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Molecular Sequence Data; Peptides; Receptors, Transferrin; Thionucleotides; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Wasp Venoms

The thermodynamics of tubulin assembly into Zn sheets have been studied, with special emphasis on the role of bound nucleotide and of GTP hydrolysis in polymerization. In contrast to microtubules, Zn sheets could be assembled from GDP-tubulin as well as from GTP-tubulin. Accordingly, no appreciable destabilization of the Zn sheets was observed following GTP hydrolysis and P(i) release, indicating that the binding of Zn2+ to tubulin has abolished the regulatory switch role played by GTP hydrolysis in tubulin assembly. As a consequence, the critical concentration for assembly of Zn sheets did not increase with tubulin concentration, a feature characteristic of microtubule assembly. Zn sheets do not bind P(i) analogs, indicating that the gamma-phosphate binding locus of the E-site of tubulin is occluded following GTP hydrolysis in these GDP-tubulin polymers. Nonlinear van't Hoff plots were obtained for assembly of Zn sheets in the presence of either GTP or GDP, consistent with a change in heat capacity. Enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity changes had values similar to those reported for assembly of microtubules or polymerization of tubulin-colchicine, indicating that hydrophobic tubulin-tubulin interactions are of comparable size in these different polymers.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Beryllium; Brain; Colchicine; Fluorides; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Kinetics; Microscopy, Electron; Polymers; Rats; Subtilisins; Swine; Temperature; Thermodynamics; Tubulin; Zinc

Guanyl nucleotide binding-proteins, or G-proteins, are ubiquitous molecules that are involved in cellular signal transduction mechanisms. Because a role has been established for cAMP in meiosis and G-proteins participate in cAMP-generating systems by stimulating or inhibiting adenylate cyclase, the present study was conducted to examine the possible involvement of G-proteins in the resumption of meiotic maturation. Cumulus cell-free mouse oocytes (denuded oocytes) were maintained in meiotic arrest in a transient and dose-dependent manner when microinjected with the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog, GTP gamma S. This effect was specific for GTP gamma S, because GppNHp, GTP, and ATP gamma S were without effect. Three compounds, known to interact with G-proteins, were tested for their ability to modulate meiotic maturation: pertussis toxin, cholera toxin, and aluminum fluoride (AlF4-). Pertussis toxin had little effect on maturation in either cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes or denuded oocytes when meiotic arrest was maintained with dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) or hypoxanthine. Cholera toxin stimulated germinal vesicle breakdown (GVB) in cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes during long-term culture, but its action was inhibitory in denuded oocytes. AlF4- stimulated GVB in both cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes and denuded oocytes when meiotic arrest was maintained with hypoxanthine but was much less effective in dbcAMP-arrested oocytes. In addition, AlF4- abrogated the inhibitory action of cholera toxin in denuded oocytes and also that of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes. Cholera toxin or FSH alone each stimulated the synthesis of cAMP in oocyte-cumulus cell complexes, whereas pertussis toxin or AlF4- alone were without effect. Both cholera toxin and AlF4- augmented the stimulatory action of FSH on cAMP. These data suggest the involvement of guanyl nucleotides and G-proteins in the regulation of GVB, although different G-proteins and mediators may be involved at the oocyte and cumulus cell levels. Cholera toxin most likely acts by ADP ribosylation of the alpha subunit of Gs and increased generation of cAMP, whereas AlF4- appears to act by antagonizing a cAMP-dependent step.

Topics: Adenylate Cyclase Toxin; Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Bucladesine; Cells, Cultured; Cholera Toxin; Female; Fluorides; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanine Nucleotides; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Hypoxanthine; Hypoxanthines; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microinjections; Oogenesis; Ovarian Follicle; Pertussis Toxin; Virulence Factors, Bordetella; Zona Pellucida

1. Inhibition of GTP-dependent membrane fusion of rat liver microsomes requires preincubation of the membranes with GDP (17 microM) and relatively high Mg2+ concentration (0.5 mM) as well as AlCl3 (30 microM) and KF (5 mM). Preincubation is required for maximal inhibition (75%). 2. Vesicle fusion in rat liver microsomes has been demonstrated in the absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Further, inhibition by AlF4- of GTP-dependent vesicle fusion in the absence of PEG has been demonstrated. 3. Under similar preincubation conditions AlF4- can bring about inhibition (80%) of the high-affinity PEG-stimulated GTPase activity in rat liver microsomes, previously described by Nicchitta, Joseph & Williamson [(1986) FEBS Lett. 209, 243-248]. 4. Preincubation of small-Mr GTP-binding proteins (Gn proteins) on nitrocellulose strips with GDP (20 pM), AlCl3 (30 microM) and KF (5 mM) results in inhibition of binding of guanosine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate to Gn proteins. The extent of inhibition of this binding differs for different Gn proteins.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Calcium; Fluorides; GTP Phosphohydrolases; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Membrane Fusion; Microsomes, Liver; Polyethylene Glycols; Rats

Studies were performed to examine a potential role for a guanine nucleotide-binding protein in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. EGF increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in intact or saponin-permeabilized rat inner medullary collecting tubule (RIMCT) cells. Incubation of permeabilized cells with guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) enhanced and with guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S) inhibited the response to EGF. GDP beta S had no effect on ionomycin-stimulated PGE2 production. Exposure of intact cells to 25 mM NaF + 10 microM AlCl3 enhanced both basal and EGF-stimulated PGE2 production. Pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylated a 41-kDa protein in RIMCT cell membranes. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml for 16 h) eliminated the response to EGF in intact cells and the response to EGF + GTP gamma S in permeabilized cells. Pertussis toxin had no effect on the response to ionomycin. The effect of pertussis toxin was not due to alterations in cAMP as cellular cAMP levels were unaffected by pertussis toxin both in the basal state and in the presence of EGF. PGE2 production in response to EGF was not transduced by a G protein coupled to phospholipase C (PLC) as neomycin, which inhibited PLC, did not decrease EGF-stimulated PGE2 production. Also, PGE2 production was not increased by inositol trisphosphate and did not require the presence of extracellular Ca2+. In contrast to EGF-stimulated PLC activity, stimulation of PLA2 by EGF was not susceptible to inhibition by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. These results clearly demonstrate the existence of a PLA2-specific pertussis toxin-inhibitable guanine nucleotide-binding protein coupled to the EGF receptor in RIMCT cells.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Dinoprostone; Epidermal Growth Factor; ErbB Receptors; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Kidney Medulla; Kidney Tubules; Kidney Tubules, Collecting; Kinetics; Pertussis Toxin; Phosphatidylinositols; Phospholipases; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Rats; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Thionucleotides; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

In human HeLa carcinoma cells, histamine causes a dose-dependent formation of inositol phosphates, production of diacylglycerol and a transient rise in intracellular [Ca2+]. These responses are completely blocked by the H1-receptor antagonist pyrilamine. In streptolysin-O-permeabilized cells, formation of inositol phosphates by histamine is strongly potentiated by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate and inhibited by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate, suggesting the involvement of a GTP-binding protein. Histamine stimulates the rapid but transient formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(1,3,4)P3 and InsP4. InsP accumulates in a much more persistent manner, lasting for at least 30 min. Studies with streptolysin-O-permeabilized cells indicate that InsP accumulation results from dephosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, rather than direct hydrolysis of PtdIns. The rise in intracellular [Ca2+] is biphasic, with a very fast release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, that parallels the Ins(1,4,5)P3 time course, followed by a more prolonged phase of Ca2+ influx. In individual cells, histamine causes a rapid initial hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane, which can be mimicked by microinjected Ins(1,4,5)P3. Histamine-induced hyperpolarization is followed by long-lasting oscillations in membrane potential, apparently owing to periodic activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. These membrane-potential oscillations can be mimicked by microinjection of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, but are not observed after microinjection of Ins(1,4,5)P3. We conclude that H1-receptors in HeLa cells activate a PtdInsP2-specific phospholipase C through participation of a specific G-protein, resulting in long-lasting oscillations of cytoplasmic free Ca2+.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Calcium; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Diglycerides; Enzyme Activation; Fluorides; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; HeLa Cells; Histamine; Humans; Hydrolysis; Kinetics; Membrane Potentials; Periodicity; Phosphatidylinositols; Potassium Channels; Receptors, Histamine H1; Signal Transduction; Thionucleotides; Type C Phospholipases

Agonist-induced PIP2 breakdown has been demonstrated in permeabilized vascular smooth muscle and shown to depend on a G protein. Segments of rat tail artery were permeabilized with ATP and EGTA after prelabeling with [3H]inositol. Norepinephrine and GTP gamma S were both able to increase levels of IP, IP2 and IP3 in the segments. The effects of both norepinephrine and GTP gamma S on the segments was non-additive. Aluminum fluoride also increased inositol phosphates in intact segments and norepinephrine-stimulated increases in IP, IP2 and IP3 were insensitive to pertussis toxin.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Inositol Phosphates; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Norepinephrine; Pertussis Toxin; Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate; Phosphatidylinositols; Rats; Thionucleotides; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

It is well known that with aging the immune response decreases. Most of the effector functions occur through specific receptors. Thus, we investigated the effects of various stimulants, acting through receptors or directly through the GTP-binding Gi protein, on phosphatidylinositol breakdown in PMNLs of young and elderly subjects and try to modulate it. A marked decrease in inositol phosphate (IP1, IP2, IP3) formation in PMNLs of elderly was found under FMLP stimulation when compared to that of young subjects. Neither GTP gamma S, nor AIF4- could induce an increase of IP3 in PMNLs of elderly comparable to that of young subjects. The results suggest that at least an alteration exists at the GTP-binding Gi protein level, as well as in the mechanism of linkage of the receptor to the G protein.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Chloroquine; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Inositol Phosphates; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neomycin; Neutrophils; Phosphatidylinositols; Thionucleotides; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Ca2+ and GTP hydrolysis are shown to be required for the transport of protein between the ER and the cis-Golgi compartment in semiintact cells, an in vitro system that reconstitutes transport between intact organelles. Transport was inhibited rapidly and irreversibly in the presence of micromolar concentrations of the nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue, GTP gamma S. The transport block in the presence of GTP gamma S was found to be distal to a post-ER, pre-Golgi compartment where proteins accumulate during incubation at 15 degrees C. In addition, transport was completely inhibited in the absence of free Ca2+. A sharp peak defining optimal transport between the ER and the cis-Golgi was found to occur in the presence of 0.1 microM free Ca2+. Inhibition of transport in the absence of free Ca2+ was found to be fully reversible allowing the step inhibited by GTP gamma S to be assigned to a position intermediate between the ER and the Ca2+ requiring step. The results suggest that GTP hydrolysis may trigger a switch to insure vectorial transport of protein along the ER/Golgi pathway, and that a free Ca2+ level similar to the physiological levels found in interphase cells is essential for a terminal step in vesicle delivery to the cis-Golgi compartment.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Biological Transport; Calcium; Cell Line; Cytosol; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Fluorides; Golgi Apparatus; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Hydrolysis; Kinetics; Membrane Glycoproteins; Thionucleotides; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus; Viral Envelope Proteins

Phosphodiesterase activity was stimulated in myelin membranes in the presence of guanine nucleotide analogues. This activity was reduced in myelin membranes which had been adenosine diphosphate ribosylated in the presence of cholera toxin which ADP-ribosylated three proteins of Mr 46,000, 43,000 and 18,500. Aluminum fluoride treatment of myelin had the same stimulatory effects on phosphodiesterase activity as did the guanine nucleotides.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Cell Membrane; Fluorides; Guanine Nucleotides; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Hydrolysis; Myelin Proteins; Myelin Sheath; Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate; Phosphatidylinositol Diacylglycerol-Lyase; Phosphatidylinositols; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; Thionucleotides; Tritium

The light-stimulated production of inositol triphosphate (IP3), via hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2), can be demonstrated in an in vitro preparation of isolated distal segments of squid photoreceptors. The retina is labeled with [3H]inositol (Szuts, E. Z., Wood, S. F., Reid, M. S., and Fein, A. (1986) Biochem. J. 240, 929-932), and the rhodopsin-containing distal segments are isolated in artificial cytosol. Within 2 s after a flash, IP3 levels increase 200% (corresponding to an intracellular increase of approximately 5 microM), and the lipid precursor PIP2 decreases by 50%. Inositol bisphosphate (IP2) levels increase later, as a breakdown product of IP3. IP3 response is light-dependent, saturating when 0.5% of the rhodopsin is photoactivated. Guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding demonstrates that the plasma membrane of most of the photoreceptor distal segments is intact or only transiently permeable. Membrane permeabilization enhances light-activated GTP gamma S binding but abolishes the light-activated IP3 production. Receptor-mediated production of IP3 is believed to be the result of a receptor-G-protein-phospholipase C cascade (i.e. Cockcroft, S., and Gomperts, B. D. (1985) Nature 314, 534-536). To test for G-proteins, we incubated the photoreceptors in AlF4- (an activator of G-proteins) in the dark. IP3 and IP2 were produced with a corresponding decrease in PIP2. Incubation with GTP or GTP gamma S, in hypotonic buffer, which causes transient leakiness, increased dark levels by IP3 by 50%. Addition of GTP in isotonic buffer enhanced the light-induced increase of IP3. These results localize the light-stimulated phospholipase C activity to the distal segments and suggest that a G-protein couples rhodopsin to phospholipase C.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Decapodiformes; Fluorides; Guanine Nucleotides; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Inositol Phosphates; Light; Photoreceptor Cells; Sugar Phosphates; Thionucleotides

The only known cellular action of AlF4- is to stimulate the G-proteins. The aim of the present work is to demonstrate that AlF4- also inhibits 'P'-type cation-transport ATPases. NaF plus AlCl3 completely and reversibly inhibits the activity of the purified (Na+ + K+)-ATPase (Na+- and K+-activated ATPase) and of the purified plasmalemmal (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase (Ca2+-stimulated and Mg2+-dependent ATPase). It partially inhibits the activity of the sarcoplasmic-reticulum (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase, whereas it does not affect the mitochondrial H+-transporting ATPase. The inhibitory substances are neither F- nor Al3+ but rather fluoroaluminate complexes. Because AlF4- still inhibits the ATPase in the presence of guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate, and because guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate does not inhibit the ATPase, it is unlikely that the inhibition could be due to the activation of an unknown G-protein. The time course of inhibition and the concentrations of NaF and AlCl3 required for this inhibition differ for the different ATPases. AlF4- inhibits the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and the plasmalemmal (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase noncompetitively with respect to ATP and to their respective cationic substrates, Na+ and Ca2+. AlF4- probably binds to the phosphate-binding site of the ATPase, as the Ki for inhibition of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and of the plasmalemmal (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase is shifted in the presence of respectively 5 and 50 mM-Pi to higher concentrations of NaF. Moreover, AlF4- inhibits the K+-activated p-nitrophenylphosphatase of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase competitively with respect to p-nitrophenyl phosphate. This AlF4- -induced inhibition of 'P'-type cation-transport ATPases warns us against explaining all the effects of AlF4- on intact cells by an activation of G-proteins.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphatases; Aluminum; Aluminum Chloride; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Beryllium; Binding Sites; Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cell Membrane; Chlorides; Deferoxamine; Fluorides; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Guanylyl Imidodiphosphate; Isoenzymes; Magnesium; Magnesium Chloride; Nitrophenols; Organophosphorus Compounds; Phosphates; Sodium Fluoride; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Swine; Thionucleotides

Membrane-bound G proteins carry information from receptors on the outside of cells to effector proteins inside cells. The alpha subunits of these heterotrimeric proteins bind and hydrolyse GTP and control the specificity of interactions with receptor and effector elements. Signalling by G proteins involves a cycle in which the inactive alpha beta gamma-GDP complex dissociates to produce alpha*-GTP, which is capable of activating the effector enzyme or ion channel; the alpha*-GTP complex hydrolyses bound GTP and reassociates with beta gamma to form the inactive complex. We have characterized a mutation that interrupts this GTP-driven cycle in alpha s, the alpha-chain of Gs, the G protein that stimulates adenylyl cyclase. The mutation converts a glycine to an alanine residue in the presumed GDP-binding domain of alpha s. The location and biochemical consequences of this mutation suggest a common mechanism by which binding of GTP or ATP may induce changes in the conformation of a number of nucleoside triphosphate binding proteins.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Adenylyl Cyclases; Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Binding Sites; Cell Membrane; DNA; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Guanylyl Imidodiphosphate; Lymphoma; Magnesium; Mice; Mutation; Protein Conformation; Trypsin; Tumor Cells, Cultured

GTP gamma S irreversibly inhibits protein transport between successive compartments of the Golgi stack in a cell-free system. Fluoride, potentiated by the addition of aluminum ion, also causes a strong inhibition. These are hallmarks of the involvement of a guanine nucleotide-binding or regulatory "G" protein. Inhibition by GTP gamma S requires a cytosolic inhibitory factor that binds to Golgi membranes during inhibition. Preincubation experiments reveal that GTP gamma S blocks the function of acceptor Golgi but not donor Golgi membranes. More specifically, a processing step in between vesicle attachment and the actual fusion event seems to be affected. Electron microscopy demonstrates a corresponding 5-fold accumulation of non-clathrin-coated buds and vesicles associated with the Golgi cisternae during inhibition by GTP gamma S.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Biological Transport; Cell Line; Cell-Free System; Fluorides; Golgi Apparatus; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Intracellular Membranes; Membrane Glycoproteins; Microscopy, Electron; Thionucleotides; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus; Viral Envelope Proteins; Viral Matrix Proteins

Fluoride activation of G proteins requires the presence of aluminium or beryllium and it has been suggested that AIF4- acts as an analogue of the gamma-phosphate of GTP in the nucleotide site. We have investigated the action of AIF4- or of BeF3- on transducin (T), the G protein of the retinal rods, either indirectly through the activation of cGMP phosphodiesterase, or more directly through their effects on the conformation of transducin itself. In the presence of AIF4- or BeF3-, purified T alpha subunit of transducin activates purified cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) in the absence of photoactivated rhodopsin. Activation is totally reversed by elution of fluoride or partially reversed by addition of excess T beta gamma. Activation requires that GDP or a suitable analogue be bound to T alpha: T alpha-GDP and T alpha-GDP alpha S are activable by fluorides, but not T alpha-GDP beta S, nor T alpha that has released its nucleotide upon binding to photoexcited rhodopsin. Analysis of previous works on other G proteins and with other nucleotide analogues confirm that in all cases fluoride activation requires that a GDP unsubstituted at its beta phosphate be bound in T alpha. By contrast with alumino-fluoride complexes, which can adopt various coordination geometries, all beryllium fluoride complexes are tetracoordinated, with a Be-F bond length of 1.55 A, and strictly isomorphous to a phosphate group. Our study confirms that fluoride activation of transducin results from a reversible binding of the metal-fluoride complex in the nucleotide site of T alpha, next to the beta phosphate of GDP, as an analogue of the gamma phosphate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases; Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Beryllium; Cattle; Fluorides; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Kinetics; Photoreceptor Cells; Protein Binding; Rod Cell Outer Segment

Fluoride activation of the cGMP cascade of vision requires the presence of aluminum, and is shown to be mediated by the binding of one A1F-4 to the GDP/GTP-binding subunit of transducin. The presence of GDP in the site is required: A1F-4 is ineffective when the site is empty or when GDP beta S is substituted for GDP. This sensitivity to the sulfur of GDP beta S suggests that A1F-4 is in contact with the GDP. Striking structural similarities between A1F-4 and PO3-4 lead us to propose that A1F-4 mimics the role of the gamma-phosphate of GTP.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Binding Sites; Cattle; Fluorides; Guanine Nucleotides; Guanosine Diphosphate; Guanosine Triphosphate; Light; Membrane Proteins; Phosphates; Photoreceptor Cells; Rod Cell Outer Segment; Sodium Fluoride; Thionucleotides; Transducin