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Research from University of California yields new data on biology
2009 JUL 7 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to a study from the United States, "G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of signaling proteins expressed in every cell in the body and are targeted by the majority of clinically used drugs [1]. GPCR signaling, including rhodopsin-driven phototransduction, is terminated by receptor phosphorylation followed by arrestin binding [2]." "Genetic defects in receptor phosphorylation and excessive signaling by overactive GPCR mutants result in a wide variety of diseases, from retinal degeneration to cancer [3-6]. Here, we tested whether arrestin1 mutants with enhanced ability to bind active unphosphorylated rhodopsin [7-10] can suppress uncontrolled signaling, bypassing receptor phosphorylation by rhodopsin kinase (RK) and replacing this two-step mechanism with a single-step deactivation in rod photoreceptors. We show that in this precisely timed signaling system with single-photon sensitivity [11], an enhanced arrestin1 mutant partially compensates for defects in rhodopsin phosphorylation, promoting photoreceptor survival, improving functional performance, and facilitating photoresponse recovery. These proof-of-principle experiments demonstrate the feasibility of functional compensation in vivo for the first time, which is a promising approach for correcting genetic defects associated with gain-of-function mutations," wrote X. Song and colleagues, University of California. The researchers concluded: "Successful modification of protein-protein interactions by appropriate mutations paves the way to targeted redesign of signaling pathways to achieve desired functional outcomes." Song and colleagues published the results of their research in Current Biology (Enhanced Arrestin Facilitates Recovery and Protects Rods Lacking Rhodopsin Phosphorylation. Current Biology, 2009;19(8):700-705). For additional information, contact M.E. Burns, University of California, Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vis Science, Center Neuroscience, Davis, CA 95618, USA. The publisher of the journal Current Biology can be contacted at: Cell Press, 600 Technology Square, 5TH Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Keywords: United States, Davis, Life Sciences, Cancer, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Retinal Degeneration, Enzyme Research, Kinase, Genetics, Biology, University of California. This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
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