Signalling complexes associated with adenylyl cyclase II are assembled during their biosynthesis

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that adenylyl cyclase II (ACII) interacts with β 2 -adrenergic receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins as part of a pre-assembled signalling complex. In this study, we further show that AC interacts with these proteins before it is targetted to the cell surface. Using a combination of approaches including bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) in concert with subcellular fractionation, we show that ACII and β 2 AR initially interact in the ER. Further, dominant-negative Rab1 and Sar1 GTPases which block anterograde trafficking out of the ER have no effect on either ACII/receptor or ACII/Gβγ protein interactions. However, DN Rab1 and Sar1 constructs (but not DN Rabs 2, 6, 8 or 11) prevent the inclusion of Gα subunits in ACII signalling complexes suggesting it assembles into the complex at a slightly later stage. Thus, like Kir3.1 inwardly rectifying potassium channels, signalosomes containing ACII are formed during their biosynthesis and not in response to agonist at the cell surface.