G protein-activated K+ channels: a reporter for rapid activation of G proteins by lysophosphatidic acid in Xenopus oocytes

FEBS Lett. 2004 Apr 23;564(1-2):157-60. doi: 10.1016/S0014-5793(04)00334-5.

Abstract

Threshold concentrations of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or acetylcholine (ACh) induce pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive rapid desensitization of responses to LPA in Xenopus oocytes. To demonstrate that threshold [LPA] rapidly activates Gi/o proteins, we used the G protein-activated K+ channel (GIRK) as a reporter. Low [LPA] induced IK+ in <3 s of the agonist addition with little or no activation of chloride current. Depletion of Galphao/Galphao1 each decreased the LPA-induced IK+ by approximately 40-50%, while PTX completely abolished it. This is the first direct evidence showing the activation of GIRK by LPA, and the involvement of G proteins of the Go family in rapid desensitization of LPA responses.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electrophysiology
  • G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / drug effects
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lysophospholipids / pharmacology*
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Microinjections
  • Oocytes
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels / agonists*
  • Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying*
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Rodentia
  • Xenopus

Substances

  • G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
  • RNA, Messenger
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go
  • lysophosphatidic acid
  • Potassium