G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) may form homomeric or heteromeric complexes and cooperatively mediate intracellular responses. Previously, we showed modulation of type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) function by metabotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABABR) in cerebellar Purkinje cells. The activity of mGluR1 is mediated by a Gq protein, and has a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and motor learning. GABABR inhibits neuronal activity through Gi protein, which regulates the release of neurotransmitters and the activity of ion channels. In this report, we investigated in greater detail the relationship of these GPCRs using non-neuronal cells. Using live cell imaging and biochemical analysis, we showed that mGluR1 and GABABR form complexes at the cell surface. Moreover, using cAMP homogenous luminescence assay and calcium imaging, we found that mGluR1 and GABABR regulate their signal transduction of each other. These findings provide a new insight into neuronal GPCR signaling and demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism of synaptic transmission. This interaction would be involved in several important physiological and pathophysiological functions related to mGluR1 and GABABR, such as cerebellar motor learning and its dysfunction.

To: 要旨(抄録)