Crystal structure of the multifunctional Gbeta5-RGS9 complex
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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Strategic Screening and Characterization of the Visual GPCR-mini-G Protein Signaling Complex for Successful Crystallization
Published on: March 16, 2020
Matthew L Cheever1, Jason T Snyder, Svetlana Gershburg
1Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Campus Box 7365, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, USA.
Abstract:
Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins enhance the intrinsic GTPase activity of G protein alpha (Galpha) subunits and are vital for proper signaling kinetics downstream of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). R7 subfamily RGS proteins specifically and obligately dimerize with the atypical G protein beta5 (Gbeta5) subunit through an internal G protein gamma (Ggamma)-subunit-like (GGL) domain. Here we present the 1.95-A crystal structure of the Gbeta5-RGS9 complex, which is essential for normal visual and neuronal signal transduction. This structure reveals a canonical RGS domain that is functionally integrated within a molecular complex that is poised for integration of multiple steps during G-protein activation and deactivation.
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