Interferonβ-1b induces the expression of RGS1 a negative regulator of G-protein signaling

Abstract

We present evidence of a link between interferon-1b (IFN-) and G-protein signaling by demonstrating that IFN- can induce the expression of the negative regulator of G-protein signaling 1 (RGS1). RGS1 reduces G-protein activation and immune cell migration by interacting with heterotrimeric G-proteins and enhancing their intrinsic GTPase activity. In this study, IFN- treatment resulted in the induction of RGS1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocytes, T cells, and B cells. Induction of RGS1 by IFN- was concentration dependent and observed at both the RNA and protein level. Other members of the RGS family were not induced by IFN-, and induction of RGS1 required the activation of the IFN receptor. In addition, RGS1 induction was observed in PBMCs obtained from IFN - treated multiple sclerosis patients suggesting a possible, as yet unexplored, involvement of G-protein regulation in disease treatment. The upregulation of RGS1 by IFN- has not been previously reported. © 2010 Tiffany Tran et al.