Role of beta-arrestin in mediating agonist-promoted G protein-coupled receptor internalization

Science. 1996 Jan 19;271(5247):363-6. doi: 10.1126/science.271.5247.363.

Abstract

beta-Arrestins are proteins that bind phosphorylated heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and contribute to the desensitization of GPCRs by uncoupling the signal transduction process. Resensitization of GPCR responsiveness involves agonist-mediated receptor sequestration. Overexpression of beta-arrestins in human embryonic kidney cells rescued the sequestration of beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) mutants defective in their ability to sequester, an effect enhanced by simultaneous overexpression of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1. Wild-type beta 2AR sequestration was inhibited by the overexpression of two beta-arrestin mutants. These findings suggest that beta-arrestins play an integral role in GPCR internalization and thus serve a dual role in the regulation of GPCR function.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Antigens / genetics
  • Antigens / physiology*
  • Arrestins*
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Eye Proteins / genetics
  • Eye Proteins / physiology*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Isoproterenol / pharmacology
  • Mutation
  • Phosphorylation
  • Point Mutation
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / genetics
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / metabolism*
  • Transfection
  • beta-Adrenergic Receptor Kinases
  • beta-Arrestins

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Antigens
  • Arrestins
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Eye Proteins
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2
  • beta-Arrestins
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • beta-Adrenergic Receptor Kinases
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Isoproterenol