Structure of Galpha(i1) bound to a GDP-selective peptide provides insight into guanine nucleotide exchange

Structure. 2005 Jul;13(7):1069-80. doi: 10.1016/j.str.2005.04.007.

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G proteins are molecular switches that regulate numerous signaling pathways involved in cellular physiology. This characteristic is achieved by the adoption of two principal states: an inactive, GDP bound state and an active, GTP bound state. Under basal conditions, G proteins exist in the inactive, GDP bound state; thus, nucleotide exchange is crucial to the onset of signaling. Despite our understanding of G protein signaling pathways, the mechanism of nucleotide exchange remains elusive. We employed phage display technology to identify nucleotide state-dependent Galpha binding peptides. Herein, we report a GDP-selective Galpha binding peptide, KB-752, that enhances spontaneous nucleotide exchange of Galpha(i) subunits. Structural determination of the Galpha(i1)/peptide complex reveals unique changes in the Galpha switch regions predicted to enhance nucleotide exchange by creating a GDP dissociation route. Our results cast light onto a potential mechanism by which Galpha subunits adopt a conformation suitable for nucleotide exchange.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Buffers
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Dimerization
  • Electrons
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / chemistry*
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / chemistry
  • Guanine Nucleotides / chemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Magnesium / chemistry
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleotides / chemistry
  • Peptide Library
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Buffers
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Guanine Nucleotides
  • Nucleotides
  • Peptide Library
  • Peptides
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go
  • Magnesium

Associated data

  • PDB/1Y3A