GABA(B2) is essential for G-protein coupling of the GABA(B) receptor heterodimer

Citation
Mj. Robbins et al., GABA(B2) is essential for G-protein coupling of the GABA(B) receptor heterodimer, J NEUROSC, 21(20), 2001, pp. 8043-8052
Citations number
39
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
ISSN journal
02706474 → ACNP
Volume
21
Issue
20
Year of publication
2001
Pages
8043 - 8052
Database
ISI
SICI code
0270-6474(20011015)21:20<8043:GIEFGC>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
GABA(B) receptors are unique among G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in t heir requirement for heterodimerization between two homologous subunits, GA BA(B1) and GABA(B2), for functional expression. Whereas GABA(B1) is capable of binding receptor agonists and antagonists, the role of each GABA(B) sub unit in receptor signaling is unknown. Here we identified amino acid residu es within the second intracellular domain of GABA(B2) that are critical for the coupling of GABA(B) receptor heterodimers to their downstream effector systems. Our results provide strong evidence for a functional role of the GABA(B2) subunit in G-protein coupling of the GABA(B) receptor heterodimer. In addition, they provide evidence for a novel "sequential" GPCR signaling mechanism in which ligand binding to one heterodimer subunit can induce si gnal transduction through the second partner of a heteromeric complex.