The GTP-binding protein Rhes modulates dopamine signalling in striatal medium spiny neurons

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2008 Feb;37(2):335-45. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2007.10.007. Epub 2007 Oct 23.

Abstract

Rhes is a small GTP-binding protein prominently localized in the striatum. Previous findings obtained in cell culture systems demonstrated an involvement of Rhes in cAMP/PKA signalling pathway, at a level proximal to the activation of heterotrimeric G-protein complex. However, its role in the striatum has been, so far, only supposed. Here we studied the involvement of Rhes in dopaminergic signalling, by employing mice with a null mutation in the Rhes gene. We demonstrated that the absence of Rhes modulates cAMP/PKA signalling in both striatopallidal and striatonigral projection neurons by increasing Golf protein levels and, in turn, influencing motor responses challenged by dopaminergic agonist/antagonist. Interestingly, we also show that Rhes is required for a correct dopamine-mediated GTP binding, a function mainly associated to stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors. Altogether, our results indicate that Rhes is an important modulator of dopaminergic transmission in the striatum.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corpus Striatum / cytology
  • Corpus Striatum / metabolism*
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Dendritic Spines / metabolism
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Female
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Hyperkinesis / genetics
  • Hyperkinesis / metabolism
  • Hyperkinesis / physiopathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / genetics
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • olfactory G protein subunit alpha olf
  • Cyclic AMP
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Rasd2 protein, mouse
  • Dopamine