Identification and subcellular distribution of the Gi-proteins in the enterocytic-differentiated adenocarcinoma...

As evidenced by pertussis toxin-catalysed [32P]ADP-ribosylation, immunoblotting and Northern blot, the human adenocarcinoma intestinal cell line Caco-2 expresses Gi2 and Gi3 proteins. The localization of these two Gis within the cell was investigated by using subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy on intact cell layer. A brush-border rich fraction and a pellet containing the remaining cellular membranes were prepared. [32P]ADP-ribosylation and immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of both alpha i2 and alpha i3 in these two preparations. Immunofluorescence studies performed on intact cells grown on Transwell filters and viewed by confocal microscopy further confirmed the localization of alpha i3-subunit on basolateral as well as on apical membranes. In contrast, alpha i2-subunit was shown to accumulate mainly in the intra-cellular compartment while only faint staining of the plasma membrane was detectable. Based upon double-labelling experiments with antibody against rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), there is a strong possibility that intra-cellular sites of alpha i2-subunit correspond to association with RER membranes.