p63RhoGEF Couples G_αq/11-Mediated Signaling to Ca²⁺Sensitization of Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractility

Abstract

We demonstrate that p63RhoGEF selectively couples Gα(q/11) but not Gα(12/13), to RhoA activation in blood vessels and cultured cells and thus mediates the physiologically important Ca2+ sensitization of force induced with Gα(q/11)-coupled agonists. Our results suggest that signaling through p63RhoGEF provides a novel mechanism for selective regulation of blood pressure.