Regulation of chemokine-induced lymphocyte migration by RGS proteins

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activate heterotrimeric G proteins by inducing the G-protein alpha (Galpha) subunit to exchange guanosine diphosphate for guanosine triphosphate. Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins enhance the deactivation of Galpha subunits, thereby reducing the activation of downstream effectors. Several members of the RGS family are expressed in lymphocytes. Among RGS proteins with the highest levels of expression are RGS1, RGS2, RGS10, RGS13, RGS14, RGS16, and RGS19. Perhaps the most important G-protein-coupled receptors in lymphocytes potentially subject to regulation by RGS proteins are the chemokine receptors. By signaling through these receptors, chemokines help orchestrate immune cell trafficking both during the development of the immune system and during responses to exogenous or infectious agents. Thus, the level and regulation of RGS proteins in lymphocytes likely significantly impact lymphocyte migration and function. This article provides some tools for the analysis of RGS protein expression in lymphocytes and outlines a number of methods for the analysis of the effects of RGS proteins on lymphocyte migration and chemokine receptor signaling.