Instability of GGL domain-containing RGS proteins in mice lacking the G protein β-subunit Gβ5

RGS (regulator of G protein signaling) proteins containing the G protein γ-like (GGL) domain (RGS6, RGS7, RGS9, and RGS11) interact with the fifth member of the G protein β-subunit family, Gβ5. This interaction is necessary for the stability of both the RGS protein and for Gβ5. Consistent with this notion, we have found that elevation of RGS9-1 mRNA levels by transgene expression does not increase RGS9-1 protein level in the retina, suggesting that Gβ5 levels may be limiting. To examine further the interactions of Gβ5 and the GGL domain-containing RGS proteins, we inactivated the Gβ5 gene. We found that the levels of GGL domain-containing RGS proteins in retinas and in striatum are eliminated or reduced drastically, whereas the levels of G_γ2 and RGS4 proteins remain normal in the absence of Gβ5. The homozygous Gβ5 knockout (Gβ5^-/-) mice derived from heterozygous knockout mating are runty and exhibit a high preweaning mortality rate. We concluded that complex formation between GGL domain-containing RGS proteins and the Gβ5 protein is necessary to maintain their mutual stability in vivo. Furthermore, in the absence of Gβ5 and all four RGS proteins that form protein complexes with Gβ5, the animals that survive into adulthood are viable and have no gross defects in brain or retinal morphology.