Regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor degradation by heterotrimeric Galphas protein

Mol Biol Cell. 2004 Dec;15(12):5538-50. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e04-06-0446. Epub 2004 Oct 6.

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G proteins have been implicated in the regulation of membrane trafficking, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. Here, we report that overexpression of the stimulatory G protein subunit (Galphas) promotes ligand-dependent degradation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and Texas Red EGF, and knock-down of Galphas expression by RNA interference (RNAi) delays receptor degradation. We also show that Galphas and its GTPase activating protein (GAP), RGS-PX1, interact with hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs), a critical component of the endosomal sorting machinery. Galphas coimmunoprecipitates with Hrs and binds Hrs in pull-down assays. By immunofluorescence, exogenously expressed Galphas colocalizes with myc-Hrs and GFP-RGS-PX1 on early endosomes, and expression of either Hrs or RGS-PX1 increases the localization of Galphas on endosomes. Furthermore, knock-down of both Hrs and Galphas by double RNAi causes greater inhibition of EGF receptor degradation than knock-down of either protein alone, suggesting that Galphas and Hrs have cooperative effects on regulating EGF receptor degradation. These observations define a novel regulatory role for Galphas in EGF receptor degradation and provide mechanistic insights into the function of Galphas in endocytic sorting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / genetics
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs / deficiency
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs / metabolism*
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • RGS Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction
  • Time Factors
  • Xanthenes / pharmacology

Substances

  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • RGS Proteins
  • Xanthenes
  • hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Texas red
  • ErbB Receptors
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs