Determination of the contact energies between a regulator of G protein signaling and G protein subunits and phospholipase Cβ1

Cell signaling proteins may form functional complexes that are capable of rapid signal turnover. These contacts may be stabilized by either scaffolding proteins or multiple interactions between members of the complex. In this study, we have determined the affinities between a regulator of G protein signaling protein, RGS4, and three members of the G protein-phospholipase C beta (PLC-beta) signaling cascade which may allow for rapid deactivation of intracellular Ca2+ release and activation of protein kinase C. Specifically, using fluorescence methods, we have determined the interaction energies between the RGS4, PLC-beta, G-beta gamma, and both deactivated (GDP-bound) and activated (GTP gammaS-bound) G alpha (q). We find that RGS4 not only binds to activated G alpha (q), as predicted, but also to G beta gamma and PLC beta (1). These interactions occur through protein-protein contacts since the intrinsic membrane affinity of RGS4 was found to be very weak in the absence of the protein partner PLC beta (1) or a lipid regulator, phosphatidylinositol-3, 4, 5 trisphosphate. Ternary complexes between G alpha (q), G beta gamma and phospholipase C beta (1) will form, but only at relatively high protein concentrations. We propose that these interactions allow RGS4 to remain anchored to the signaling complex even in the quiescent state and allow rapid transfer to activated G alpha (q) to shut down the signal. Comparison of the relative affinities between these interacting proteins will ultimately allow us to determine whether certain complexes can form and where signals will be directed.