The role of beta, gamma-subunits of guanine nucleotide binding proteins in control of a reconstituted signal transmission chain containing purified components of the adenylate cyclase system.

The properties of a reconstituted signal transmission chain using purified beta 1-adrenoceptor (R), G-protein subunits (G) and adenylate cyclase (C) in lipid vesicles are described. This assay system was used to test beta, gamma-subunits of different origin with respect to their effects on R X G and R X G X C coupling and on the functional properties of GS alpha and Gi alpha. The findings reported here point to large differences in the efficacy of beta, gamma-subunits from different sources assessed by deactivation of [ALF4]-activated rabbit liver GS and pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of bovine neutrophil G alpha. This is explained by differences in the interaction domains of the interacting subunits. Furthermore, the sensitivity of R X G and R X G X C coupling to inhibition by beta, gamma-subunits was greater than the effects of beta, gamma-subunits on hormonally activated GTPase activity of GS. One of the consequences of differential inhibition of R X G X C coupling is an amplified response of the signal transmission chain to hormonal activation. This is in agreement with observations reported by Cerione et al.