Effects of Gα C-terminal deletion on the intrinsic GDP release/GTPase activity and conformational dynamics

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G proteins (G proteins) serve as key signaling mediators downstream of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Comprised of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits, the activation state of Gα, determined by GDP or GTP binding, governs G protein activity. While high-resolution structures of GPCR-G protein complexes have identified the Gα C-terminal 5 residues (i.e., wavy hook) as critical for GPCR binding and coupling selectivity, its influence on Gα’s intrinsic biochemical properties remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of wavy hook truncation in the intrinsic GDP/GTP turnover rate, GTPase activity, and conformational dynamics of Gαs and Gαi1 using BODIPY-labeled nucleotides and hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). Truncation of the wavy hook significantly altered the GDP/GTP turnover rate, GTPase activity, and conformational flexibility of Gαs, particularly at the p-loop through α1 region, but had minimal impact on Gαi1. These findings reveal subtype-specific effects of the wavy hook on G protein stability and conformational dynamics, highlighting the importance of structural elements in regulating G protein function and their implications for GPCR signaling studies.