RGS9-2 modulates D₂ dopamine receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ channel inhibition in rat striatal cholinergic interneurons

Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins negatively regulate receptor-mediated second messenger responses by enhancing the GTPase activity of Gα subunits. We describe a receptor-specific role for an RGS protein at the level of an individual brain neuron. RGS9-2 and Gβ₅ mRNA and protein complexes were detected in striatal cholinergic and γ-aminobutyric acidergic neurons. Dialysis of cholinergic neurons with RGS9 constructs enhanced basal Ca²⁺ channel currents and reduced D₂ dopamine receptor modulation of Cav2.2 channels. These constructs did not alter M₂ muscarinic receptor modulation of Cav2.2 currents in the same neuron. The noncatalytic DEP-GGL domain of RGS9 antagonized endogenous RGS9-2 activity, enhancing D₂ receptor modulation of Ca²⁺ currents. In vitro, RGS9 constructs accelerated GTPase activity, in agreement with electrophysiological measurements, and did so more effectively at Go than Gi. These results implicate RGS9-2 as a specific regulator of dopamine receptor-mediated signaling in the striatum and identify a role for GAP activity modulation by the DEP-GGL domain.