Adenylyl Cyclase Signaling Pathway Research Articles

Regulating the balance between differentiation and apoptosis: role of CREM in the male germ cells.

Various endocrine and neuronal functions are governed by the cAMP-dependent signaling pathway. In eukaryotes, transcriptional regulation upon stimulation of the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway is mediated by a family of cAMP-responsive nuclear factors. This family consists of a large number of members which may act as activators or repressors. These factors contain the basic domain/leucine zipper motifs and bind as dimers to cAMP-response elements (CRE). The function of CRE-binding proteins (CREBs) is modulated by phosphorylation by several kinases. Direct activation of gene expression by CREBs requires phosphorylation by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A to the serine-133 residue. The gene CREM encodes various transcription factors which play key physiological and developmental roles within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. We have previously shown that the transcriptional activator CREMtau is highly expressed in postmeiotic cells. Spermiogenesis is a complex process by which postmeiotic male germ cells differentiate into mature spermatozoa. This process involves remarkable structural and biochemical changes which are under the hormonal control of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. We have addressed the specific role of CREM in spermiogenesis using CREM-mutant mice generated by homologous recombination. Analysis of the seminiferous epithelium from mutant male mice reveals that spermatogenesis stops at the first step of spermiogenesis. Late spermatids are completely absent while there is a significant increase in apoptotic germ cells. A series of postmeiotic germ cell-specific genes are not expressed. Mutant male mice completely lack spermatozoa. This phenotype is reminiscent of cases of human infertility.

CREM: a master–switch governing male germ cells differentiation and apoptosis

Several endocrine and neuronal functions are governed by the cAMP–dependent signalling pathway. In eukaryotes, transcriptional regulation upon stimulation of the adenylyl cyclase signalling pathway is mediated by a family of cAMP–responsive nuclear factors. The CREM gene plays a key physiological and developmental role within the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. CREM is highly expressed in postmeiotic cells upon a striking developmental switch regulated by the pituitary hormone FSH. CREM–mutant mice generated by homologous recombination reveal that spermatogenesis stops at the first step of spermiogenesis. Late spermatids are completely absent while there is a significant increase in apoptotic germ cells. A series of post–meiotic germ cell–specific genes are not expressed. Mutant male mice completely lack spermatozoa. This phenotype is reminiscent of cases of human infertility.

Glucocorticoid-targeting of the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway in the cerebellum of young vs. aged rats

Glucocorticoids exacerbate aging-induced cell death, but relatively little is known about other CNS effects in senescence. We examined noradrenergic/adenylyl cyclase signaling in the cerebellum, which is a brain region that is susceptible to deterioration of synaptic function in aging. Aged control rats had increased total cyclase catalytic activity, but showed deficits in basal adenylyl cyclase. Deficits resolved when G-proteins were stimulated with GTP, GTP and fluoride, or GTP and isoproterenol, despite reductions in β-receptors. In young rats, long-term dexamethasone infusions evoked the same types of changes that had been seen in aging, including induction of cyclase catalytic activity and enhanced G-protein responsiveness. The same dexamethasone regimens given to aged rats failed to cause stimulation of these processes in the cerebellum, but did so in a peripheral tissue (kidney). These data indicate homology between the cellular events involved in noradrenergic signaling during aging and after glucocorticoid administration to young animals; the absence of glucocorticoid effects in the elderly cohort supports a convergent mechanism with aging. Given the high incidence of HPA axis dysregulation in the elderly, and particularly in elderly depression, effects of glucocorticoids on cell signaling may contribute to disrupted function and to altered drug reactivity.

Functional Analysis of the D 2L Dopamine Receptor Expressed in a cAMP-Responsive Luciferase Reporter Cell Line

A Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line expressing the firefly luciferase gene under the control of six cAMP response elements (CREs) was stably transfected with the long form of the rat D 2 dopamine receptor. Saturation binding analysis using [ 3H]spiperone showed that the receptor was expressed at low levels ( B max = 96.5 ± 15.8 fmol/mg), but with an affinity characteristic of the D 2 receptor ( K d = 21.5 ± 3.7 pM). Luciferase expression in this cell line was modified in a dose dependent manner with dopamine receptor agonists ( N-propylapomorphine > apomorphine > quinpirole > dopamine) and antagonists (spiperone > (+)-butaclamol > D0710 > (−)-sulpiride > tiapride > remoxipride), according to their rank order of potency in binding and cAMP accumulation studies. Dopamine-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated luciferase expression was pertussis toxin sensitive. This demonstrated the efficiency of the luciferase reporter gene assay for the functional testing of D 2 dopamine receptors, which are negatively coupled to the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway, when heterogously expressed at low levels in CHO cells.

Calcineurin Mediates Calcium-induced Potentiation of Adenylyl Cyclase Activity in Dispersed Chief Cells from Guinea Pig Stomach: FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR CROSS-TALK BETWEEN SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS THAT REGULATE PEPSINOGEN SECRETION

In cholera toxin-treated gastric chief cells, incubation with a cholinergic agonist (carbamylcholine), a regulatory peptide (cholecystokinin), or a calcium ionophore (A23187) causes a dose- and time-dependent potentiation of cAMP levels. Because this augmented response is calcium/calmodulin-dependent, we hypothesized that it was mediated by calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B). To test this hypothesis, we examined the actions of calcineurin inhibitors on secretagogue-induced potentiation of cAMP levels in guinea pig chief cells. Preincubation of cells with 0.1 microM FK-506 completely prevented carbachol-induced augmentation of cAMP levels and pepsinogen secretion from cholera toxin-treated cells. Cyclosporin-A, another calcineurin inhibitor, also prevented the augmented cAMP response. FK-506 and cyclosporin inhibited augmentation of cAMP levels following treatment with cholecystokinin(26-33) and A23187, but not the smaller increase in cAMP following treatment with a phorbol ester that activates protein kinase C. Hence, the actions of calcineurin inhibitors were limited to secretagogues that increase cellular calcium. Rapamycin, an agent that competes with FK-506 for the immunophilin, FK binding protein 12, does not inhibit calcineurin. In the present study, preincubation with rapamycin did not prevent carbachol-induced augmentation of cAMP levels in cholera toxin-treated chief cells. However, a molar excess of rapamycin reversed the inhibitory actions of FK-506. These experiments provide further evidence that the actions of FK-506 on cholera toxin-treated gastric chief cells are caused by its inhibitory actions on calcineurin. FK-506 also inhibited potentiation of cAMP levels when carbachol was added to cells that were preincubated with forskolin, an agent that directly activates adenylyl cyclase. We conclude that, in gastric chief cells, calcineurin mediates cross-talk between the calcium/calmodulin and adenylyl cyclase signaling pathways.

GnRH and PACAP action in gonadotropes: Cross-talk between phosphoinositidase C and adenylyl cyclase mediated signaling pathways

In order to respond appropriately to their environment, gonadotropes, like other cells, must integrate informational input from multiple ligands acting through multiple intracellular signaling pathways. In recent years, an increasing number of examples of functional interactions between the phosphoinositidase C (PIC) and adenylyl cyclase signaling pathways in gonadotropes have been described, and the discovery that these cells are targets for pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) has provided a physiological context for earlier work on gonadotrope regulation by cAMP. It has become clear that gonadotropes possess multiple PIC-coupled receptor types, in addition to receptors activating adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases, so that the potential for both coincidence signaling and cross-talk in these cells is immense; examples of both are seen in the effects of PACAP and GnRH on Ca 2+ mobilization and adenylyl cyclase activation in αT3-1 cells. In these cells, GnRH, acting via PIC-coupled receptors, can dramatically inhibit adenylyl cyclase activated by PACAP, but can also alter cellular levels of protein kinase A subunits, providing a mechanism for coordinated regulation of both messenger and effector.

Ca2+‐dependent and ‐independent mechanism of cyclic‐AMP reduction: mediation by bradykinin B2 receptors

1. Bradykinin caused a transient reduction of about 25% in the cyclic AMP level in forskolin prestimulated DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells (IC50: 36.4 +/- 4.9 nM) and a pronounced, sustained inhibition (40%) of the isoprenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP level (IC50: 37.5 +/- 1.1 nM). 2. The Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin, mimicked both the bradykinin-induced transient reduction in the forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP level and the sustained reduction in the isoprenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP level. 3. The Ca(2+)-dependent effect on cyclic AMP induced by bradykinin was mediated solely by Ca2+ release from internal stores, since inhibition of Ca2+ entry with LaCl3 did not reduce the response to bradykinin. 4. The involvement of calmodulin-dependent enzyme activities, protein kinase C or an inhibitory GTP binding protein in the bradykinin-induced responses was excluded since a calmodulin inhibitor, calmidazolium, a PKC inhibitor, staurosporine and pertussis toxin, respectively did not affect the decline in the cyclic AMP level. 5. Bradykinin enhanced the rate of cyclic AMP breakdown in intact cells, which effect was not mimicked by ionomycin. This suggested a Ca(2+)-independent activation of phosphodiesterase activity by bradykinin in DDT1 MF-2 cells. 6. The bradykinin B1 receptor agonist, desArg9-bradykinin, did not affect cyclic AMP formation in isoprenaline prestimulated cells, while the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists, Hoe 140 (D-Arg[Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oic8]-BK) and D-Arg[Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-BK completely abolished the bradykinin response in both forskolin and isoprenaline prestimulated cells. 7. Bradykinin caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+, which was antagonized by the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists, Hoe 140 and D-Arg[Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-BK. The bradykinin B2 receptor agonist,desArg9-bradykinin, did not evoke a rise in cytoplasmic Ca2 .8. It is concluded, that stimulation of bradykinin B2 receptors causes a reduction in cellular cyclic AMP in DDT1, MF-2 cells. This decline in cyclic AMP is partly mediated by a Ca2+/calmodulin independent activation of phosphodiesterase activity. The increase in [Ca2+], mediated by bradykinin B2 receptors inhibited forskolin- and isoprenaline-activated adenylyl cyclase differently, most likely by interfering with different components of the adenylyl cyclase signalling pathway.

Cell Cycle Regulation of Cyclin A Gene Expression by the Cyclic AMP-Responsive Transcription Factors CREB and CREM

Cyclin A is a pivotal regulatory protein which, in mammalian cells, is involved in the S phase of the cell cycle. Transcription of the human cyclin A gene is cell cycle regulated. We have investigated the role of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent signalling pathway in this cell cycle-dependent control. In human diploid fibroblasts (Hs 27), induction of cyclin A gene expression at G1/S is stimulated by 8-bromo-cAMP and suppressed by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89, which was found to delay S phase entry. Transfection experiments showed that the cyclin A promoter is inducible by activation of the adenylyl cyclase signalling pathway. Stimulation is mediated predominantly via a cAMP response element (CRE) located at positions -80 to -73 with respect to the transcription initiation site and is able to bind CRE-binding proteins and CRE modulators. Moreover, activation by phosphorylation of the activators CRE-binding proteins and CRE modulator tau and levels of the inducible cAMP early repressor are cell cycle regulated, which is consistent with the pattern of cyclin A inducibility by cAMP during the cell cycle. These results suggest that the CRE is, at least partly, implicated in stimulation of cyclin A transcription at G1/S.

Positive regulation of the cAMP-responsive activator CREM by the p70 S6 kinase: An alternative route to mitogen-induced gene expression

Activation of the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway elicits the induction of genes via activators binding to cAMP-responsive elements (CREs). Nuclear factor CRE modulator (CREM) is activated by PKA-mediated phosphorylation on a serine at position 117. We show that Ser-117 is also phosphorylated by the mitogenactivated p70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K) in vitro. Activation of cellular p70 S6K by serum factors enhances Ser-117 phosphorylation and CREM transactivation. Coexpression of p70 S6K significantly increases transactivation by a GAL4-CREM fusion. The macrolide rapamycin, a potent and specific inhibitor of p70 S6K in vivo, completely blocks CREM activation induced by serum and by p70 S6K. Thus, CREM constitutes a target for mitogenic signaling through p70 S6K and may acts as a nuclear effector in which transduction pathways may converge and cross-talk.

β-Adrenergic receptor desensitization in the early stage of hereditary cardiomyopathy in hamsters

The beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR)/adenylyl cyclase signalling pathway was examined in cardiac membranes from cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters. Three stages were examined during the progression of this hereditary cardiomyopathy (30 days old, prenecrotic phase; 60 days old, necrotic phase; and 120 days old, compensatory phase). Isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was decreased by 32 +/- 16% in 30-day-old cardiomyopathic hamsters, compared with age-matched controls. This was not accompanied by any change in the fluoride- or forskolin-stimulated activities, suggesting that the decrease reflects a perturbation of the receptor-mediated stimulation. Neither the density nor the subcellular distribution of the beta AR, as assessed by [125I]iodocyanopindolol binding assays, was affected in these animals. However, the agonist binding properties of the beta AR were significantly affected. Indeed, the effect of guanyl nucleotides on isoproterenol binding was decreased in 30-day-old cardiomyopathic hamsters. Given that guanyl nucleotide sensitivity is correlated with the ability of the beta AR to productively interact with Gs protein, these results suggest that the decreased beta-adrenergic-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity results from a functional uncoupling of the beta AR with no change in receptor density. The desensitization of the beta-adrenergic-stimulated adenylyl cyclase was transient, since no change in isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase was detected in 60- and 120-day-old hamsters, compared with age-matched controls. Similarly, the receptor number and distribution were not affected at those ages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stress relaxation of fibroblasts activates a cyclic AMP signaling pathway.

Mechanical force regulates gene expression and cell proliferation in a variety of cell types, but the mechanotransducers and signaling mechanisms involved are highly speculative. We studied the fibroblast signaling mechanism that is activated when cells are switched from mechanically stressed to mechanically relaxed conditions, i.e., stress relaxation. Within 10 min after initiation of stress relaxation, we observed a transient 10-20-fold increase in cytoplasmic cyclic AMP (cAMP) and a threefold increase in protein kinase A activity. The increase in cAMP depended on stimulation of adenylyl cyclase rather than inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Generation of cAMP was inhibited by indomethacin, and release of arachidonic acid was found to be an upstream step of the pathway. Activation of signaling also depended on influx of extracellular Ca2+ because addition of EGTA to the incubations at concentrations just sufficient to exceed Ca2+ in the medium inhibited the stress relaxation-dependent increase in free arachidonic acid and cAMP. This inhibition was overcome by adding CaCl2 to the medium. On the other hand, treating fibroblasts in mechanically stressed cultures with the calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated arachidonic acid and cAMP production even without stress relaxation. In summary, our results show that fibroblast stress relaxation results in activation of a Ca(2+)-dependent, adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway. Overall, the effect of stress relaxation on cAMP and PKA levels was equivalent to that observed after treatment of cells with forskolin.

Giα2 mediates the inhibitory regulation of adenylylcyclase in vivo: Analysis in transgenic mice with Giα2 suppressed by inducible antisense RNA

The role of the GTP-binding regulatory protein (G-protein) Gi alpha 2 in vivo was explored using transgenic mice in which the alpha-subunit of Gi alpha 2 was suppressed by antisense RNA. Rat hepatoma FTO-2B cells provide an ideal test system for constructs employing the expression vector pPCK-AS, designed to express antisense RNA at birth under the control of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter. Cells transfected with the expression vector containing a sequence antisense to Gi alpha 2 (pPCK-ASGi alpha 2) displayed expression of RNA antisense to Gi alpha 2 that, like transcription of the PEPCK gene, was inducible by cyclic AMP. Expression of RNA antisense to Gi alpha 2 and suppression of the expression of Gi alpha 2, but not Gsa and Gi alpha 3, was observed in the transfected FTO-2B cells. BDF1 mice carrying the transgene displayed suppression of Gi alpha 2 in liver and fat, two targets for tissue-specific expression of the PEPCK gene. The loss of Gi alpha 2 in white adipocytes of transgenic mice resulted in 3.1-fold elevation of basal cyclic AMP accumulation. Cyclic AMP accumulation in response to stimulation by epinephrine (10 microM) was normal in adipocytes of transgenic mice, demonstrating no alteration in the stimulatory adenylylcyclase capacity in the Gi alpha 2-deficient cells. The inhibitory adenylylcyclase pathway, in sharp contrast, was severely blunted in response to challenge by the inhibitory A1-purinergic agonist, (-)R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine. These studies illuminate a critical role of Gi alpha 2 in the inhibitory adenylylcyclase signaling pathway in vivo.

Regulation and possible functional implications of G-protein mRNA expression in nonfailing and failing ventricular myocardium.

In human end-stage heart failure an increased amount of inhibitory G-protein alpha-subunits (Gi alpha) is assumed to play a role in desensitization of the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway. In the present study, northern blot experiments with 32P-labeled cDNA probes in ventricular tissue samples from explanted human hearts revealed that Gi alpha-2- and Gi alpha-3- mRNA are the predominant Gi alpha-mRNA subtypes in human ventricles, whereas Gi alpha-1-mRNA was not detectable. The mRNA for the stimulatory G-protein alpha-subunit (GS alpha) consisted of two mRNA sizes. Quantification of mRNA levels revealed a 103 +/- 38% increase in Gi alpha-2-mRNA levels in hearts with idiopathic dilative cardiomyopathy (IDC; n = 8), and a 77 +/- 25% increase in hearts with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM; n = 6) as compared to nonfailing controls (NF, n = 8). In contrast, Gi alpha-3- and GS alpha-mRNA levels were similar in failing and nonfailing hearts. To investigate whether or not the increased expression of Gi alpha-2-mRNA might be due to chronically elevated catecholamine levels, we determined the influence of a 4-day infusion of isoprenaline (Iso; 2.4 mg/kg.d), propranolol (Prop; 9.9 mg/kg.d), Iso + Prop or 0.9% NaCl as control (Ctr) on myocardial Gi alpha-mRNA and Gi alpha-protein levels in rats. In Iso-treated rats, hybridization experiments revealed a 49 +/- 18% (n = 7) and 27 +/- 7% (n = 8) increase in Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3-mRNA, respectively. Pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation revealed a 22 +/- 7% (n = 8) increase in Gi-protein as compared to Ctr (n = 8). These alterations were accompanied by an increased potency for the negative inotropic effect (NIE) of carbachol (mean EC50: 0.04 microM vs. 0.28 microM) in the presence of Iso in isolated electrically driven (1 Hz) papillary muscles. Prop itself had no effect, but it antagonized all Iso-induced effects. We conclude that, in human heart failure due to IDC or ICM, increased Gi alpha-2-, but not Gi alpha-3- mRNA levels accompany the increased amount of Gi alpha-protein, suggesting that this increase is at least in part due to increased de novo synthesis. The experiments in rats demonstrated that chronic beta-adrenergic stimulation leads to an increased expression of Gi alpha-mRNA and -protein, and to an enhanced potency of the negative inotropic effect of muscarinic agonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Isoprenaline-induced increase in the 40/41 kDa pertussis toxin substrates and functional consequences on contractile response in rat heart.

Chronic beta-adrenoceptor stimulation leads to desensitization of the myocardial adenylyl cyclase signalling pathway which includes beta-adrenoceptor downregulation and upregulation of Gi-protein alpha-subunits. However, these investigations have mainly been done in cellular preparations. In this study we report that isoprenaline infusion in vivo leads to an increase in myocardial Gi alpha and present evidence for functional consequences of this increase. Rats were treated by a 4-day subcutaneous infusion with isoprenaline (2.4 mg/kg.d), propranolol (9.9 mg/kg.d) and triiodothyronine (T3, 0.5 mg/kg.d) for comparison. Isoprenaline treatment increased the pertussis toxin-sensitive amount of Gi alpha by 22 +/- 6% and decreased beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor density from 35 +/- 4 to 23 +/- 6 fmol/mg protein and 24 +/- 4 to 8 +/- 6 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Contraction experiments on electrically driven papillary muscles revealed that the negative inotropic potency of the M-cholinoceptor agonist carbachol in the presence of isoprenaline was increased as compared to control (mean EC50-values: 0.04 mumol/l vs. 0.28 mumol/l). All isoprenaline-induced effects were antagonized by simultaneously administered propranolol. T3 treatment had no influence on the parameters investigated. The results suggest that chronic beta-adrenoceptor stimulation desensitizes myocardial adenylyl cyclase by at least two mechanisms: beta-adrenoceptor downregulation leading to diminished signal transduction in the stimulatory pathway and Gi alpha upregulation leading to sensitization of the inhibitory pathway. Such adaptation might protect the heart from chronic exposure to catecholamines in heart diseases with elevated plasma catecholamine levels.