Heterotrimeric G-protein beta-subunit is localized in the plasma membrane and nuclei of tobacco leaves.
Heterotrimeric G-proteins are involved in a variety of cellular responses, but relatively little is known about their function and biochemistry in plants. Antibodies raised against the tobacco heterotrimeric G-protein beta-subunit (Gbeta) were used to analyse its distribution in tobacco leaves. In young tissue the protein level was relatively high, while it declined substantially during later stages of leaf development. Cell fractionation revealed that Gbeta is tightly associated with plasma membrane, but can also be detected in purified nuclei.