Loss of G protein γ₇ alters behavior and reduces striatal α_olf level and cAMP production

The G protein βγ-dimer is required for receptor interaction and effector regulation. However, previous approaches have not identified the physiologic roles of individual subtypes in these processes. We used a gene knockout approach to demonstrate a unique role for the G protein γ₇-subunit in mice. Notably, deletion of Gng7 caused behavioral changes that were associated with reductions in the α_olf-subunit content and adenylyl cyclase activity of the striatum. These data demonstrate that an individual γ-subunit contributes to the specificity of a given signaling pathway and controls the formation or stability of a particular G protein heterotrimer.