Active Gαq subunits and M3 acetylcholine receptors promote distinct modes of association of RGS2 with the plasma membrane

RGS proteins accelerate the GTPase activity of heterotrimeric G proteins at the plasma membrane. Association of RGS proteins with the plasma membrane can be mediated by interactions with other membrane proteins and by direct interactions with the lipid bilayer. Here we use fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to characterize interactions between RGS2 and M3 acetylcholine receptors (M3Rs), Gα subunits and the lipid bilayer. Active Gαq and M3Rs both recruited RGS2-EGFP to the plasma membrane. RGS2-EGFP remained bound to the plasma membrane between interactions with active Gαq, but rapidly exchanged between membrane-associated and cytosolic pools when recruited by M3Rs.