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Signal-transducing GTP-binding proteins of mammalian heart and lungs

V A Tkachuk1, S I Hoffenberg, M G Starikova

  • 1Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, USSR.

Insights

Signal-transducing proteins in mammalian heart and lungs were studied. Pertussis toxin and cholera toxin modified G-proteins, affecting adenylate cyclase activity and guanine nucleotide binding.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Cardiology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • G-Protein Signaling

Background:

  • Mammalian heart sarcolemma contains three distinct G-proteins: Gi, Gp, and Gs.
  • G-proteins are crucial signal transducers in cellular pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of G-proteins in mammalian heart and lung tissues.
  • To characterize the effects of ADP-ribosylation on G-protein function.

Main Methods:

  • ADP-ribosylation assays using pertussis toxin (PT) and cholera toxin (CT).
  • Analysis of adenylate cyclase activity following G-protein modification.
  • Investigation of G-protein interactions with guanine nucleotides.

Main Results:

  • Pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylation of Gi increased adenylate cyclase activity and blocked carbachol inhibition.
  • Isoproterenol's activating effect on adenylate cyclase was preserved after Gi modification.
  • Endogenous ADP-ribosylation of Gi abolished PT-induced ADP-ribosylation.
  • Gpp(NH)p modulated PT and CT-induced ADP-ribosylation.
  • Soluble Gi and Gs proteins were identified in lung cytosol.

Conclusions:

  • G-protein modification by ADP-ribosylation significantly impacts signal transduction pathways in heart and lung.
  • PT-induced ADP-ribosylation of Gi affects adenylate cyclase regulation.
  • Soluble G-proteins in lung cytosol can be modified by PT and CT.

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