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YptV2p, a membrane-associated small G protein abundant during embryogenesis in the green algaVolvox carteri

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Summary

The multicellular fresh-water algaVolvox carteri contains at least six small G protein-encoding genes (ypt genes) whose products are probably involved in intracellular vesicle transport. Four of them, YptV1, YptV3, YptV4, and YptV5, have been isolated and characterized previously. Here we report the cloning ofyptV2 cDNA, the production of recombinant His-tagged YptV2p protein (reYptV2p) inE. coli, and the analysis of its GTPase activity and intracellular localization. YptV2p is predominantly present in dividingVolvox embryos. It is a membrane-associated protein which is localized to the cell periphery (plasma membrane or plasma-membrane-associated vesicles), probably by a lipid moiety. Purified,E. coli-expressed YptV2p binds GTP specifically, and has a typically low intrinsic GTPase activity (kcat=0.004/min), which is enhanced by a GTPase activating protein activity present inVolvox. Our observations suggest a role of YptV2p in secretion, with a peak during the rapid cleavages of theVolvox embryo.

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Abbreviations

GAP:

GTPase-activating protein

re:

recombinant

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  1. Institut für Biochemie, Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg

    Stefan Fabry & Kurt Beyser

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  1. Stefan Fabry
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  2. Kurt Beyser
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Fabry, S., Beyser, K. YptV2p, a membrane-associated small G protein abundant during embryogenesis in the green algaVolvox carteri . Protoplasma 190, 79–87 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01281196

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