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Identification of the monomeric G‐protein, Rhes, as an efaroxan‐regulated protein in the pancreatic β‐cell
Author(s) -
Chan Sue L. F.,
Monks Lara K.,
Gao Hongwei,
Deaville Pamela,
Morgan Noel G.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704680
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , protein subunit , biochemistry , biology , gene
Efaroxan induces membrane depolarization by interaction with the pore forming subunit of the ATP‐sensitive potassium channel, Kir6.2. However, this effect is not responsible for its full secretory activity. In this study we have used an anti‐idiotypic approach to generate antibodies that recognize additional proteins that may be regulated by efaroxan in pancreatic β‐cells. Using these antisera in an expression cloning strategy we have identified a monomeric GTP‐binding protein, Rhes, as a potential target for regulation by imidazoline ligands. Rhes is shown to be expressed in β‐cells and its expression is regulated by efaroxan under conditions when a structurally related molecule, KU14R, is ineffective. The results reveal that β‐cells express Rhes and suggest that changes in the expression of this molecule may regulate the sensitivity of β‐cells to imidazoline secretagogues.British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 136 , 31–36; doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704680