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C. elegans G Protein Regulator RGS-3 Controls Sensitivity to Sensory Stimuli
- Source :
-
Neuron . Jan2007, Vol. 53 Issue 1, p39-52. 14p. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Summary: 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *CELLULAR signal transduction
*SENSORY receptors
*PROTEINS
*SENSORY neurons
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 08966273
- Volume :
- 53
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Neuron
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23553072
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2006.11.015