Dimers of the Neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y2 Receptor Show Asymmetry in Agonist Affinity and Association with G Proteins

In conditions precluding activation of G proteins, the binding of agonists to dimers of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y2 receptor shows two components of similar size, but differing in affinity. The dimers of all NPY receptors are solubilized as ∼ 180-kDa complexes containing one G protein α β γ trimer. These heteropentamers are stable to excess agonists, chelators, and alkylators. However, dispersion in the weak surfactant cholate releases ∼ 300-kDa complexes. These findings indicate that both protomers in the Y2 dimer are associated with G protein heterotrimers, but the extent of interaction depends on affinity for the agonist peptide. The G protein in contact with the first-liganded, higher-affinity protomer should have a stronger interaction with the receptor and a larger probability of activation.