A specific role of AGS3 in the surface expression of plasma membrane proteins

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Nov 13;104(46):18103-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0709282104. Epub 2007 Nov 8.

Abstract

Activator of G protein signaling 3 (AGS3), originally identified in a functional screen for mammalian proteins that activate heterotrimeric G protein signaling, is known to be involved in drug-seeking behavior and is up-regulated during cocaine withdrawal in animal models. These observations indicate a potential role for AGS3 in the formation or maintenance of neural plasticity. We have found that the overexpression of AGS3 alters the surface-to-total ratios of a subset of heterologously expressed plasma membrane receptors and channels. Further analysis of the endocytic trafficking of one such protein by a biotin-based internalization assay suggests that overexpression of AGS3 moderately affects the internalization or recycling of surface proteins. Moreover, AGS3 overexpression and siRNA-mediated knockdown of AGS3 both result in the dispersal of two endogenously expressed trans-Golgi network (TGN)-associated cargo proteins without influencing those in the cis- or medial-Golgi compartments. Finally, adding a TGN-localization signal to a CD4-derived reporter renders the trafficking of fusion protein sensitive to AGS3. Taken together, our data support a model wherein AGS3 modulates the protein trafficking along the TGN/plasma membrane/endosome loop.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Golgi Apparatus / metabolism
  • Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • GPSM1 protein, human
  • Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors
  • KCNJ2 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
  • RNA, Small Interfering