ADP ribosylation by cholera toxin identifies three G-proteins that are activated by the galanin receptor. Studies with RINm5F cell membranes.

Inhibition of insulin secretion by galanin is pertussis toxin (PTX) sensitive, suggesting the activation of one or more heterotrimeric (alpha, beta, gamma) G-proteins (Gi/Go). Multiple effectors, including the K+ATP and L-type Ca2+ channels, adenylyl cyclase, and an as yet unidentified system at a site close to exocytosis, are modulated by galanin. Therefore, it is necessary to delineate the particular G-proteins activated by the galanin receptor as a first step to understanding its net cellular response. During specific conditions, cholera toxin (CTX) can ADP-ribosylate the alpha i/alpha o-subunits of the PTX-sensitive substrates but only during receptor/G-protein interaction. Therefore, we used CTX-catalyzed ADP ribosylation to identify galanin receptor-associated G-protein alpha-subunits in RINm5F cells. Galanin enhanced the ADP ribosylation of membrane proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in two bands at 39,000 and 42,000 M(r). This labeling was blocked in membranes prepared from PTX-treated cells, enhanced by Mg2+, and showed a biphasic dependence on exogenous guanine nucleotides. Identification of the CTX ADP-ribosylated G-proteins by immunoprecipitation with selective antisera indicate activation by the galanin receptor of alpha i1 and alpha i3, which have the same mobility on SDS-PAGE (42,000 M(r)), and alpha i2 (39,000 M(r)). These studies provide evidence for the activation of multiple G-proteins by receptors for galanin in RINm5F cells.