| First Author | Kolesnikov AV | Year | 2011 |
| Journal | J Neurosci | Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 22 | Pages | 8067-77 |
| PubMed ID | 21632928 | Mgi Jnum | J:173381 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5013976 | Doi | 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0174-11.2011 |
| Citation | Kolesnikov AV, et al. (2011) G-Protein {beta}{gamma}-Complex Is Crucial for Efficient Signal Amplification in Vision. J Neurosci 31(22):8067-8077 |
| abstractText | A fundamental question of cell signaling biology is how faint external signals produce robust physiological responses. One universal mechanism relies on signal amplification via intracellular cascades mediated by heterotrimeric G-proteins. This high amplification system allows retinal rod photoreceptors to detect single photons of light. Although much is now known about the role of the alpha-subunit of the rod-specific G-protein transducin in phototransduction, the physiological function of the auxiliary betagamma-complex in this process remains a mystery. Here, we show that elimination of the transducin gamma-subunit drastically reduces signal amplification in intact mouse rods. The consequence is a striking decline in rod visual sensitivity and severe impairment of nocturnal vision. Our findings demonstrate that transducin betagamma-complex controls signal amplification of the rod phototransduction cascade and is critical for the ability of rod photoreceptors to function in low light conditions. |
