Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:49
Brain Membrane Fractionation: An Ex Vivo Approach to Assess Subsynaptic Protein Localization
Published on: May 12, 2017
A candidate target for G protein action in brain
L T Chen1, A G Gilman, T Kozasa
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235-9041, USA.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|September 10, 1999
Summary
Researchers discovered GRIN1, a novel brain protein that interacts with G proteins like G(z)alpha. This protein, along with GRIN2, influences neurite outgrowth, suggesting a role in neural development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- G proteins are key regulators of cellular signaling pathways.
- G(z)alpha is a specific type of G protein involved in cellular processes.
- Understanding novel effector proteins is crucial for deciphering complex signaling networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel effector candidates for G protein signaling.
- To characterize the interaction of GRIN1 with specific G proteins.
- To investigate the role of GRIN1 and GRIN2 in neurite growth.
Main Methods:
- cDNA expression library screening using phosphorylated GTPgammaS-G(z)alpha.
- Protein binding assays to determine interactions with activated G proteins (G(z)alpha, G(o)alpha, G(i)alpha).
- Coexpression studies in Neuro2a cells to observe effects on neurite morphology.
Main Results:
- Identification of GRIN1 as a novel G protein effector.
- GRIN1 binds specifically to activated G(z)alpha, G(o)alpha, and G(i)alpha via its carboxyl terminus.
- GRIN1 and the homologous protein GRIN2 bind activated G(o)alpha and are enriched in neurite growth cones.
- Coexpression of GRIN1/GRIN2 with G(o)alpha induces fine process network formation in Neuro2a cells.
Conclusions:
- GRIN1 is a novel effector protein for G protein signaling, particularly interacting with G(o)alpha.
- GRIN1 and GRIN2, in conjunction with G(o)alpha, play a role in controlling neurite outgrowth.
- These findings suggest a downstream pathway involving G(o)alpha that regulates neural development.
More Related Videos
07:41A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
Published on: February 20, 2018
07:16Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:15G Protein-coupled Receptors
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
01:22Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high affinity and are together...
01:21G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision. The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory organs,...
Sensory organs,...
01:30Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...