Oncogenic Gα signaling requires AP-3-dependent recruitment to the endolysosomal compartment

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of cell-surface receptors, yet the spatial constraints governing their signaling remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that Gα, an essential downstream component of GPCR signaling, undergoes a spatial shift from the plasma membrane to the endolysosomal compartment upon its constitutive activation. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identify the adaptor protein AP-3 as the essential mediator of this trafficking event. Loss of AP-3-dependent recruitment impairs Gα-driven signaling and proliferation in uveal melanoma cells harboring oncogenic Gα mutations. We further identify a highly evolutionarily conserved AP-3 binding motif in all Gα proteins, present from yeast to humans. Disrupting this site causes Gα mislocalization and potently suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Conversely, tethering Gα to the endolysosomal membrane is sufficient to rescue oncogenic signaling. Our findings reveal that endolysosomal recruitment is a fundamental, conserved requirement for Gα activity, uncovering a spatial vulnerability that may be exploited to target dysregulated G-protein signaling in human disease.

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Publication Details

Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Published
2026-07-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2615774123
Primary Topic
Cellular transport and secretion
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Oncogenic Gα signaling requires AP-3-dependent recruitment to the endolysosomal compartment

Alexander L. DeVine, Cécile Gstalder, John G. Doench, Megha Shettigar et al.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Cellular transport and secretion
article

Oncogenic Gα signaling requires AP-3-dependent recruitment to the endolysosomal compartment

Alexander L. DeVine, Cécile Gstalder, John G. Doench, Megha Shettigar, Mikel Garcia‐Marcos, Vidyasagar Koduri, William G. Kaelin, Rizwan Haq, Ksander Br, Larissa Isenegger, Salomé Moulière
article en

Abstract

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of cell-surface receptors, yet the spatial constraints governing their signaling remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that Gα, an essential downstream component of GPCR signaling, undergoes a spatial shift from the plasma membrane to the endolysosomal compartment upon its constitutive activation. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identify the adaptor protein AP-3 as the essential mediator of this trafficking event. Loss of AP-3-dependent recruitment impairs Gα-driven signaling and proliferation in uveal melanoma cells harboring oncogenic Gα mutations. We further identify a highly evolutionarily conserved AP-3 binding motif in all Gα proteins, present from yeast to humans. Disrupting this site causes Gα mislocalization and potently suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Conversely, tethering Gα to the endolysosomal membrane is sufficient to rescue oncogenic signaling. Our findings reveal that endolysosomal recruitment is a fundamental, conserved requirement for Gα activity, uncovering a spatial vulnerability that may be exploited to target dysregulated G-protein signaling in human disease.

Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesVol. 123(30)
Broad Institute (US), Boston University (US), Brigham and Women's Hospital (US), Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (US), Harvard University (US), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (US), Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Cellular transport and secretion
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