C. elegans G protein regulator RGS-3 controls sensitivity to sensory stimuli

Neuron. 2007 Jan 4;53(1):39-52. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.11.015.

Abstract

Signal transduction through heterotrimeric G proteins is critical for sensory response across species. Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are negative regulators of signal transduction. Herein we describe a role for C. elegans RGS-3 in the regulation of sensory behaviors. rgs-3 mutant animals fail to respond to intense sensory stimuli but respond normally to low concentrations of specific odorants. We find that loss of RGS-3 leads to aberrantly increased G protein-coupled calcium signaling but decreased synaptic output, ultimately leading to behavioral defects. Thus, rgs-3 responses are restored by decreasing G protein-coupled signal transduction, either genetically or by exogenous dopamine, by expressing a calcium-binding protein to buffer calcium levels in sensory neurons or by enhancing glutamatergic synaptic transmission from sensory neurons. Therefore, while RGS proteins generally act to downregulate signaling, loss of a specific RGS protein in sensory neurons can lead to defective responses to external stimuli.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / ultrastructure
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / genetics
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Nervous System / ultrastructure
  • RGS Proteins / genetics
  • RGS Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Sensation / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Smell / physiology
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • RGS Proteins
  • RGS-3 protein, C elegans
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Rgs3 protein, mouse
  • Glutamic Acid
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Calcium