Site-directed mutagenesis of the cytoplasmic domains of the human β2-adrenergic receptor. Localization of regions involved in G protein-receptor coupling

B. F. O'Dowd, M. Hnatowich, J. W. Regan, W. M. Leader, M. G. Caron, R. J. Lefkowitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

373 Scopus citations

Abstract

Numerous plasma membrane-bound receptors are coupled to various effectors via a family of guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G proteins). Amino acid sequences of these receptors, deduced from cDNA and genomic clones, indicate the presence of seven transmembrane-spanning domains. Alignment of the available amino acid sequences of these G protein-linked receptors reveals striking homologies in regions predicted to lie near the cytoplasmic surface of the cell membrane. As these areas are likely those which interact with G proteins, we reasoned that systematic introduction of non-native sequence into these highly conserved regions of the human β2-adrenergic receptor would allow resolution of loci participating directly in receptor-G protein coupling. Based on this strategy, we constructed 19 mutant receptor species comprising substitutions and deletions of native sequence in the putative cytoplasmic domains of human β2-adrenergic receptors. By monitoring ligand binding characteristics and receptor-mediated stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, we have determined that the C-terminal portion of the third cytoplasmic loop and the N-terminal segment of the cytoplasmic tail appear to be critical for productive receptor-coupling to G proteins. In addition, we have implicated two other areas of the receptor that possibly play supportive roles in maintaining proper orientation of the G protein binding site. These comprise the second cytoplasmic loop and a conserved cysteine residue in the cytoplasmic tail.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)15985-15992
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume263
Issue number31
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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