In plants, the heterotrimeric G-protein α subunit is kept inactive by binding to the regulator of G protein signalling 1 (RGS1) protein. Jones and colleagues show that G-protein β and γ subunits recruit the WNK8 kinase to the plasma membrane, where WNK8 phosphorylates RGS1 and facilitates its internalization. This effect de-represses Gα signalling and is required for sugar signalling and cell proliferation.
- Daisuke Urano
- Nguyen Phan
- Alan M. Jones