Analysis of the regulation of microtubule dynamics by interaction of RGSZ1 (RGS20) with the neuronal stathmin, SCG10.

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS proteins) are a diverse family of proteins that act to negatively regulate signaling by heterotrimeric G proteins; however, recent data have implied additional functions for RGS proteins. Previously, we employed the yeast two-hybrid system and identified the microtubule-destabilizing protein, superior cervical ganglia neural-specific 10 protein (SCG10), as a potential effector protein of RGSZ1. This article describes the expression and biochemical purification of both RGSZ1 and SCG10 and details the development of various in vitro assays to evaluate microtubule polymerization?depolymerization. Both turbidimetric and microscopy-based assays can be employed to study the impact that RGS proteins have on SCG10 function. The application of these in vitro assays may help identify a novel role for RGS proteins in regulating the cytoskeletal network.