A novel somatic mutation in GNAQ in a capillary malformation provides insight into molecular pathogenesis.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a sporadic, congenital, neuro-cutaneous disorder characterized by a mosaic, capillary malformation. SWS and non-syndromic capillary malformations are both caused by a somatic activating mutation in GNAQ encoding the G protein subunit alpha-q protein. The missense mutation R183Q is the sole GNAQ mutation identified thus far in 90% of SWS-associated or isolated capillary malformations. In this study, we sequenced skin biopsies of capillary malformations from 9 patients. We identified the R183Q mutation in nearly all samples, but one sample exhibited a Q209R mutation. This new mutation occurs at the same residue as the constitutively-activating Q209L mutation, commonly seen in tumors. However, Q209R is a rare variant in this gene. To compare the effect of the Q209R mutation on downstream signaling, we performed reporter assays with a GNAQ-responsive reporter co-transfected with either GNAQ WT, R183Q, Q209L, Q209R, or C9X (representing a null allele). Q209L showed the highest reporter activation, with R183Q and Q209R showing significantly lower activation. To determine whether these mutations had similar or different downstream consequences we performed RNA-seq analysis in microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) electroporated with the same GNAQ variants. The R183 and Q209 missense variants caused extensive dysregulation of a broad range of transcripts compared to the WT or null allele, confirming that these are all activating mutations. However, the missense variants exhibited very few differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when compared to each other. These data suggest that these activating GNAQ mutations differ in magnitude of activation but have similar downstream effects.

Regulation of the cold-sensing TRPM8 channels by phosphoinositides and Gq-coupled receptors.

The Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) ion channel is an important sensor of environmental cold temperatures. Cold- and menthol-induced activation of this channel requires the presence of the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. This review discusses recent findings on the role of PI(4,5)P2 and G-proteins in the modulation of TRPM8 upon receptor activation. We will also summarize knowledge on the role of PI(4,5)P2 in Ca2+ dependent desensitization/adaptation of TRPM8 activity, and recent advances in the structural basis of how this lipid binds to TRPM8.

Molecular Cloning, mRNA Expression, and Localization of the G-protein Subunit Galphaq in Sheep Testis and Epididymis.

The reproductive function of G-protein subunit Galphaq (GNAQ), a member of the G protein alpha subunit family, has been extensively studied in humans and rats. However, no data is available on its status in ruminants. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the expression pattern of the GNAQ in the testis and epididymis of sheep by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA expression levels were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, and cellular localization of GNAQ in the testis and epididymis was examined by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, GNAQ protein was qualitatively evaluated via western blot, with the results indicating that similarities between GNAQ mRNA levels from sheep was highly conserved with those observed in Bos taurus and Sus scrofa. Our results also indicated that GNAQ exists in the caput and cauda epididymis of sheep, while GNAQ in the testis and epididymis was localized to Leydig cells, spermatogonial stem cells, spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, spermatid, principal cells, and epididymis interstitial cells. The concentrations of GNAQ mRNA and protein in the caput and cauda epididymis were significantly greater than those observed in the corpus epididymis (p<0.01) and testis (p<0.05). Our results indicated that GNAQ exists at high concentrations in the caput and cauda epididymis of sheep, suggesting that GNAQ may play an important role in gonad development and sperm maturation.

Cooperation of Gbeta and Galphaq Protein in Contractile Response of Cat Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

We previously shown that LES contraction depends on M3 receptors linked to PTX insensitive Gq protein and activation of PLC. This results in production of IP3, which mediates calcium release, and contraction through a CaM dependent pathway. In the esophagus ACh activates M2 receptors linked to PTX sensitive Gi3 protein, resulting in activation of PLD, presumably, production of DAG. We investigated the role of PLC isozymes which can be activated by Gq or Gbeta protein on ACh-induced contraction in LES and esophagus. Immunoblot analysis showed the presence of 3 types of PLC isozymes, PLC-beta1, PLC-beta3, and PLC-gamma1, but not PLC-beta2, PLC-beta4, PLC-gamma2, PLC-delta1, and PLC-delta2 from both LES and esophageal muscle. ACh produced contraction in a dose dependent manner in LES and esophageal muscle cells obtained by enzymatic digestion with collagenase. PLC-beta1 or PLC-beta3 antibody incubation reduced contraction in response to ACh in LES but not in esophageal permeabilized cells, but PLC-gamma1 antibody incubation did not have an inhibitory effect. The inhibition by PLC-beta1 or PLC-beta3 antibody on Ach-induced contraction was antibody concentration dependent. The combination with PLC-beta1 and PLC-beta3 antibody completely abolished the contraction, suggesting that PLC-beta1 and PLC-beta3 have a synergism to inhibit the contraction in LES. PLC-beta1, -beta3 or -gamma1 antibody did not reduce the contraction of LES cells in response to DAG (10 (-6) M), suggesting that this isozyme of PLC may not activate PKC. When Gq/11 antibody was incubated, the inhibitory effect of the incubation of PLC beta3, but not of PLC beta1 was additive (Fig. 6). In contrast, when Gbeta antibody was incubated, the inhibitory effect of the incubation of PLC beta1, but not of PLC beta3 was additive. This data suggest that Gq/11 or Gbeta may activate cooperatively different PLC isozyme, PLCbeta1 or PLCbeta3 respectively.