A putative α-helical Gβγ-coupling domain in the second intracellular loop of the 5-HT1A receptor

We have identified a conserved threonine residue in the second intracellular (i2) loop of the 5-HT1A receptor that when mutated to alanine prevents coupling to G beta gamma-mediated signaling, while preserving G alpha i-induced actions.(48) In this review, we investigate the characteristics and potential role of the i2 domain in the coupling of the 5-HT1A receptor and other receptors to C proteins. The i2 domain, as well as portions of the i3 domain, is predicted to form an amphipathic alpha-hetix with a positively charged face and a hydrophobic face. Mutagenesis experiments support a model in which the hydrophobic faces of these alpha-helical domains form an intracellular binding "pocket" for interaction with G proteins. Embedded in the hydrophobic face, Thr149 is crucial for signaling through G beta gamma subunits, perhaps via interaction sith its hydroxyl side-chain. Mutation of other residues of the i2 domain of Gi-coupied receptors is required to substantiate the importance of the alpha-helical i2 domain in receptor-G beta gamma signaling. If confirmed in other receptors, these results support a general model in which activated receptor and G beta gamma subunits remain associated to interact with effecters in a receptor-specific manner.