Enhanced fMLP-stimulated chemotaxis in human neutrophils from individuals carrying the G protein β3 subunit 825 T-allele

Abstract
We have recently described a C825T polymorphism in the gene encoding for the Gβ3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins. The 825T allele is associated with a novel splice variant (Gβ3-s) and enhanced signal transduction via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins. fMLP-induced chemotaxis, but not O2− generation, was increased in neutrophils with the TC/TT (EC50=1.5±1.3 nM) genotypes compared to the CC genotype (EC50=5.9±1.5 nM). Maximal fMLP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly reduced in neutrophils from individuals with TC/TT genotype vs. CC genotype (212.9±10.1 nM vs. 146.4±24.2 nM). Gβ3-s appears to be associated with enhanced immune cell function in humans.