Regulation of PI4P levels by PI4KIIIα during G-protein-coupled PLC signaling in Drosophila photoreceptors

The activation of phospholipase C (PLC) is a conserved mechanism of receptor-activated cell signaling at the plasma membrane. PLC hydrolyzes the minor membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P-2], and continued signaling requires the resynthesis and availability of PI(4,5)P-2 at the plasma membrane. PI(4,5)P2 is synthesized by the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P). Thus, a continuous supply of PI4P is essential to support ongoing PLC signaling. While the enzyme PI4KA has been identified as performing this function in cultured mammalian cells, its function in the context of an in vivo physiological model has not been established. In this study, we show that, in Drosophila photoreceptors, PI4KIII alpha activity is required to support signaling during G-protein-coupled PLC activation. Depletion of PI4KIII alpha results in impaired electrical responses to light, and reduced plasma membrane levels of PI4P and PI(4,5)P-2. Depletion of the conserved proteins Efr3 and TTC7 [also known as StmA and L(2)k14710, respectively, in flies], which assemble PI4KIII alpha at the plasma membrane, also results in an impaired light response and reduced plasma membrane PI4P and PI(4,5)P-2 levels. Thus, PI4KIII alpha activity at the plasma membrane generates PI4P and supports PI(4,5)P-2 levels during receptor activated PLC signaling.