Activation of phosphatidylinositol lipid-specific phospholipase C-beta 3 by G-protein beta gamma subunits.

A novel member of the inositol lipid-specific phospholipase C family, PtdIns-PLC beta 3, is shown to be activated by beta gamma subunits of the heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein, transducin. The activation is a direct effect since it is observed with the purified proteins. Furthermore, the activation is blocked by the GDP-liganded alpha subunit of transducin, confirming that the effect is due to free beta gamma subunits. The implications with respect to receptor-PtdIns-PLC coupling are discussed.