Human cytomegalovirus-encoded G protein-coupled receptor US28 mediates smooth muscle cell migration through Galpha12

J Virol. 2004 Aug;78(15):8382-91. doi: 10.1128/JVI.78.15.8382-8391.2004.

Abstract

Coupling of G proteins to ligand-engaged chemokine receptors is the paramount event in G-protein-coupled receptor signal transduction. Previously, we have demonstrated that the human cytomegalovirus-encoded chemokine receptor US28 mediates human vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration in response to either RANTES or monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. In this report, we identify the G proteins that couple with US28 to promote vascular SMC migration and identify other signaling molecules that play critical roles in this process. US28-mediated cellular migration was enhanced with the expression of the G-protein subunits Galpha12 and Galpha13, suggesting that US28 may functionally couple to these G proteins. In correlation with this observation, US28 was able to activate RhoA, a downstream effector of Galpha12 and Galpha13 in cell types with these G proteins but not in those without them and activation of RhoA was dependent on US28 stimulation with RANTES. In addition, inactivation of RhoA or the RhoA-associated kinase p160ROCK with a dominant-negative mutant of RhoA or the small molecule inhibitor Y27632, respectively, abrogated US28-induced SMC migration. The data presented here suggest that US28 functionally signals through Galpha12 family G proteins and RhoA in a ligand-dependent manner and these signaling molecules are important for the ability of US28 to induce cellular migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Movement
  • Chemokine CCL5 / pharmacology
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / cytology*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Chemokine / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Viral Proteins / physiology*
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / physiology

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL5
  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • US28 receptor, Cytomegalovirus
  • Viral Proteins
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein