In this study, G beta specificity in the regulation of G beta gamma-sensiti
ve phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and phospholipase C beta (PLC beta) i
sozymes was examined. Recombinant mammalian G beta(1-3)gamma(2) complexes p
urified from Sf9 membranes stimulated PI3K gamma lipid kinase activity with
similar potency (10-30 nM) and efficacy, whereas transducin G beta gamma w
as less potent. Functionally active G beta(5)gamma(2) dimers were purified
from Sf9 cell membranes following coexpression of G beta(5) and G gamma(2-H
is). This preparation as well as G beta(1)gamma(2-His) supported pertussis
toxin-mediated ADP-ribosylation of G alpha(i1) G beta(1)gamma(2-His) Stimul
ated PI3K gamma lipid and protein kinase activities at nanomolar concentrat
ions, whereas G beta(5)gamma(2-His) had no effect. Accordingly, G beta(1)ga
mma(2-His), but not G beta(5)gamma(2-His), significantly stimulated the lip
id kinase activity of PI3K beta in the presence or absence of tyrosine-phos
phorylated peptides derived from the p85-binding domain of the platelet der
ived-growth factor receptor. Conversely, both preparations were able to sti
mulate PLC beta(2) and PLC beta(1). However, G beta(1)gamma(2-His) but not
G beta(5)gamma(2-His), activated PLC beta(3). Experimental evidence suggest
s that the mechanism of G beta(5)-dependent effector selectivity may differ
between PI3K and PLC beta. In conclusion, these data indicate that G beta
subunits are able to discriminate among effecters independently of G alpha
due to selective protein-protein interaction.