Adenylyl Cyclase Type Research Articles

AGS3 blocks D2L dopamine receptor‐mediated heterologous sensitization of adenylyl cyclase 2

The present study was designed to investigate the function of the activator of G protein‐signaling 3 (AGS3/Gpsm1) in cellular signaling. AGS3 acts in vitro as a guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor by binding Gαi in the GDP‐bound state and has been implicated in drug‐seeking or relapse behavior in rats dependent on cocaine, ethanol, or heroin. HEK293 cells expressing adenylyl cyclase type 2 (AC2) and the D2L dopamine receptor were utilized to study the effects of AGS3 expression on G protein signaling following acute or persistent activation of the D2L receptor. AGS3 produced no discernable changes in Gβγ‐dependent stimulation of AC2 upon acute D2L receptor activation. Similar studies revealed analogous results when acute D2L‐stimulated ERK1/2 activation was examined in the presence or absence of AGS3. Subsequent experiments revealed that AGS3 lacked effects on long‐term D2L receptor desensitization. In contrast, the expression of AGS3 completely blocked D2L receptor‐mediated heterologous sensitization. These findings suggest that desensitization and heterologous sensitization depend on distinct mechanisms and that AGS3 may play a role in regulation of D2L receptor‐mediated heterologous sensitization. Our results are consistent with the work of Bohn and colleagues, who showed that tolerance and dependence involve distinct signaling pathways. This work was supported by grant MH060397 to VJW.

A timely characterization of vasopressin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase isoforms in the mouse inner medullary collecting duct

second messenger signaling in the kidney mediates several of the organ's basic physiological functions including the regulation of blood pressure, control of fluid volume, and maintenance of the body's water homeostasis in times of duress. Tight regulation of the second messenger cAMP is critical

β 1-Adrenergic receptor vs adenylyl cyclase 6 expression in cardiac myocytes: Differences in transgene localization and intracellular signaling

Adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6) and the β 1 adrenergic receptor (β 1AR) are pivotal proteins in transmembrane βAR-signaling in cardiac myocytes. Increased expression of AC6 has beneficial effects on the heart, but increased β 1AR expression has marked deleterious effects. Why do these two elements of the βAR pathway have such different effects? Using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of the two transgenes in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, we assessed cellular distribution and performed selected biochemical assays. β 1AR was found predominantly in the plasma membrane. In contrast, AC6 was found in the plasma membrane but also was associated with the nuclear envelope, sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and cytoplasm. Increased β 1AR, but not AC6, increased follistatin expression, p38 phosphorylation, phosphatidylserine translocation to the PM, and apoptosis. In contrast, increased AC6, but not β 1AR, inhibited PHLPP2 activity, activated PI3K and Akt, and increased p70S6 kinase phosphorylation and Bcl-2 expression; apoptosis was unchanged. The distribution of AC6 to multiple cellular compartments appears to enable interactions with other proteins (e.g., PHLPP2) and activates cardioprotective signaling (PI3K/Akt). In contrast, β 1AR, confined to the plasma membrane, increased phosphatidylserine translocation and apoptosis. These data provide a potential underlying mechanism for the beneficial vs deleterious effects of these two related βAR-signaling elements.

Adenylyl cyclase type 5 protein expression during cardiac development and stress

Adenylyl cyclase (AC) types 5 and 6 (AC5 and AC6) are the two major AC isoforms expressed in the mammalian heart that mediate signals from beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Because of the unavailability of isoform-specific antibodies, it is difficult to ascertain the expression levels of AC5 protein in the heart. Here we demonstrated the successful generation of an AC5 isoform-specific mouse monoclonal antibody and studied the expression of AC5 protein during cardiac development in different mammalian species. The specificity of the antibody was confirmed using heart and brain tissues from AC5 knockout mice and from transgenic mice overexpressing AC5. In mice, the AC5 protein was highest in the brain but was also detectable in all organs studied, including the heart, brain, lung, liver, stomach, kidney, skeletal muscle, and vascular tissues. Western blot analysis showed that AC5 was most abundant in the neonatal heart and declined to basal levels in the adult heart. AC5 protein increased in the heart with pressure-overload left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus this new AC5 antibody demonstrated that this AC isoform behaves similarly to fetal type genes, such as atrial natriuretic peptide; i.e., it declines with development and increases with pressure-overload hypertrophy.

An Adenylyl Cyclase-mAKAPβ Signaling Complex Regulates cAMP Levels in Cardiac Myocytes

Protein kinase A-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) play important roles in the compartmentation of cAMP signaling, anchoring protein kinase A (PKA) to specific cellular organelles and serving as scaffolds that assemble localized signaling cascades. Although AKAPs have been recently shown to bind adenylyl cyclase (AC), the functional significance of this association has not been studied. In cardiac myocytes, the muscle protein kinase A-anchoring protein beta (mAKAPbeta) coordinates cAMP-dependent, calcium, and MAP kinase pathways and is important for cellular hypertrophy. We now show that mAKAPbeta selectively binds type 5 AC in the heart and that mAKAPbeta-associated AC activity is absent in AC5 knock-out hearts. Consistent with its known inhibition by PKA phosphorylation, AC5 is inhibited by association with mAKAPbeta-PKA complexes. AC5 binds to a unique N-terminal site on mAKAP-(245-340), and expression of this peptide disrupts endogenous mAKAPbeta-AC association. Accordingly, disruption of mAKAPbeta-AC5 complexes in neonatal cardiac myocytes results in increased cAMP and hypertrophy in the absence of agonist stimulation. Taken together, these results show that the association of AC5 with the mAKAPbeta complex is required for the regulation of cAMP second messenger controlling cardiac myocyte hypertrophy.

Light modulates the melanophore response to α-MSH in Xenopus laevis: An analysis of the signal transduction crosstalk mechanisms involved

Melanin granule (melanosome) dispersion within Xenopus laevis melanophores is evoked either by light or α-MSH. We have previously demonstrated that the initial biochemical steps of light and α-MSH signaling are distinct, since the increase in cAMP observed in response to α-MSH was not seen after light exposure. cAMP concentrations in response to α-MSH were significantly lower in cells pre-exposed to light as compared to the levels in dark-adapted melanophores. Here we demonstrate the presence of an adenylyl cyclase (AC) in the Xenopus melanophore, similar to the mammalian type IX which is inhibited by Ca 2+–calmodulin-activated phosphatase. This finding supports the hypothesis that the cyclase could be negatively modulated by a light-promoted Ca 2+ increase. In fact, the activity of calcineurin PP2B phosphatase was increased by light, which could result in AC IX inhibition, thus decreasing the response to α-MSH. St-Ht31, a disrupting agent of protein kinase A (PKA)–anchoring kinase A protein (AKAP) complex totally blocked the melanosome dispersing response to α-MSH, but did not impair the photo-response in Xenopus melanophores. Sequence comparison of a melanophore AKAP partial clone with GenBank sequences showed that the anchoring protein was a gravin-like adaptor previously sequenced from Xenopus non-pigmentary tissues. Co-immunoprecipitation of Xenopus AKAP and the catalytic subunit of PKA demonstrated that PKA is associated with AKAP and it is released in the presence of α-MSH. We conclude that in X. laevis melanophores, AKAP12 (gravin-like) contains a site for binding the inactive PKA thus compartmentalizing PKA signaling and also possesses binding sites for PKC. Light diminishes α-MSH-induced increase of cAMP by increasing calcineurin (PP2B) activity, which in turn inhibits adenylyl cyclase type IX, and/or by activating PKC, which phosphorylates the gravin-like molecule, thus destabilizing its binding to the cell membrane.

Separate Elements within a Single IQ-like Motif in Adenylyl Cyclase Type 8 Impart Ca2+/Calmodulin Binding and Autoinhibition

The ubiquitous Ca2+-sensing protein calmodulin (CaM) fulfills its numerous signaling functions through a wide range of modular binding and activation mechanisms. By activating adenylyl cyclases (ACs) 1 and 8, Ca2+ acting via calmodulin impacts on the signaling of the other major cellular second messenger cAMP. In possessing two CaM-binding domains, a 1-5-8-14 motif at the N terminus and an IQ-like motif (IQlm) at the C terminus, AC8 offers particularly sophisticated regulatory possibilities. The IQlm has remained unexplored beyond the suggestion that it bound CaM, and the larger C2b region of which it is part was involved in the relief of autoinhibition of AC8. Here we attempt to distinguish the function of individual residues of the IQlm. From a complementary approach of in vitro and cell population AC activity assays, as well as CaM binding, we propose that the IQlm alone, and not the majority of the C2b, imparts CaM binding and autoinhibitory functions. Moreover, this duality of function is spatially separated and depends on amino acid side-chain character. Accordingly, residues critical for CaM binding are positively charged and clustered toward the C terminus, and those essential for the maintenance of autoinhibition are hydrophobic and more N-terminal. Secondary structure prediction of the IQlm supports this separation, with an ideally placed break in the α-helical nature of the sequence. We additionally find that the N and C termini of AC8 interact, which is an association specifically abrogated by fully Ca2+-bound, but not Ca2+-free, CaM. These data support a sophisticated activation mechanism of AC8 by CaM, in which the duality of the IQlm function is critical.

Activation of PH-domain leucine-rich protein phosphatase 2 (PHLPP2) by agonist stimulation in cardiac myocytes expressing adenylyl cyclase type 6

The Ser/Thr-specific phosphatase PHLPP (pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase) regulates the amplitude and duration of agonist-evoked Akt signaling by dephosphorylating the hydrophobic motif (Ser473) of Akt, therefore inactivating Akt. We recently reported that gene transfer of adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6) into neonatal rat cardiac myocytes was associated with increased Akt phosphorylation and activity. To determine the underlying mechanisms for AC6-associated increase in Akt activation, we determined how AC6 gene transfer regulated the activity of PHLPP2 (one of the three PHLPP family phosphatases) in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. We found that increased Akt activity was associated with inhibition of PHLPP2 activity by AC6. AC6 was physically associated with PHLPP2, which prevents PHLPP2-mediated Akt dephosphorylation. However, isoproterenol or forskolin stimulation immediately activated PHLPP2, which resulted in markedly dephosphorylation of Akt at Ser473. Activation of PHLPP2 by isoproterenol and forskolin was cAMP-independent, but required an intact cytoplasmic domain of AC6. Mutation in the cytoplasmic domain of AC6 abolished agonist-induced PHLPP2 activation. This novel bidirectional regulation of Akt activity may contribute to the unexpected favorable effects of AC6 on the failing heart.

α-Tocopherol decreases the somatostatin receptor-effector system and increases the cyclic AMP/cyclic AMP response element binding protein pathway in the rat dentate gyrus

Neuronal survival has been shown to be enhanced by α-tocopherol and modulated by cyclic AMP (cAMP). Somatostatin (SST) receptors couple negatively to adenylyl cyclase (AC), thus leading to decreased cAMP levels. Whether α-tocopherol can stimulate neuronal survival via regulation of the somatostatinergic system, however, is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of α-tocopherol on the SST signaling pathway in the rat dentate gyrus. To that end, 15-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated daily for 1 week with (+)-α-tocopherol or vehicle and sacrificed on the day following the last administration. No changes in either SST-like immunoreactivity (SST-LI) content or SST mRNA levels were detected in the dentate gyrus as a result of α-tocopherol treatment. A significant decrease in the density of the SST binding sites and an increase in the dissociation constant, however, were detected. The lower SST receptor density in the α-tocopherol-treated rats correlated with a significant decrease in the protein levels of the SST receptor subtypes SSTR1-SSTR4, whereas the corresponding mRNA levels were unaltered. G-protein-coupled-receptor kinase 2 expression was decreased by α-tocopherol treatment. This vitamin induced a significant increase in both basal and forskolin-stimulated AC activity, as well as a decrease in the inhibitory effect of SST on AC. Whereas the protein levels of AC type V/VI were not modified by α-tocopherol administration, ACVIII expression was significantly enhanced, suggesting it might account for the increase in AC activity. In addition, this treatment led to a reduction in Giα1-3 protein levels and in Gi functionality. α-Tocopherol did not affect the expression of the regulator of G-protein signaling 6/7 (RGS6/7). Finally, α-tocopherol induced an increase in the levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (p-CREB) and total CREB in the dentate gyrus. Since CREB synthesis and phosphorylation promote the survival of many cells, including neurons, whereas SST inhibits the cAMP-PKA pathway, which is known to be involved in CREB phosphorylation, the α-tocopherol-induced reduction of SSTR observed here might possibly contribute, via increased cAMP levels and CREB activity, to the mechanism by which this vitamin promotes the survival of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus.

Adenylyl cyclase type 6 regulates Akt activity via PHLPP2

Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is the enzyme that catalyzes ATP to generate cyclic AMP (cAMP). Cardiac‐directed expression of adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6) has pronounced favorable effects on heart function in normal and failing hearts. The mechanisms explaining the favorable effects of AC6 are not entirely known, but may reflect effects on cellular events that are not replicated by cAMP production. Because of the central role of Akt in intracellular signaling, and its importance to cardiac myocyte survival and function, we tested the hypothesis that increased AC6 expression influences Akt signaling. Studies were performed in cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes; AC6 gene transfer was performed using recombinant adenovirus encoding AC6 (Ad.AC6). In the basal (unstimulated) state, AC6 gene transfer increased Akt phosphorylation and activity 5‐fold. However, when these cardiac myocytes were stimulated with a ß‐adrenergic receptor agonist (isoproterenol) or with an adenylyl cyclase activator (forskolin), AC6‐associated Akt phosphorylation rapidly was reduced (<2 min). This reduction in Akt phosphorylation required an Akt‐specific phosphatase, PH domain leucine‐rich phosphatase (PHLPP2), but was cAMP‐independent and reversible. The Mg2+ binding domain in the C1 region of AC6 is required for agonist‐induced activation of PHLPP2. This novel bidirectional regulation of Akt activity may contribute to the unexpected favorable effects of AC6 on the failing heart.

Capacitative Ca2+Entry via Orai1 and Stromal Interacting Molecule 1 (STIM1) Regulates Adenylyl Cyclase Type 8

Capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE), which occurs through the plasma membrane as a result of Ca(2+) store depletion, is mediated by stromal interacting molecule 1 (STIM1), a sensor of intracellular Ca(2+) store content, and the pore-forming component Orai1. However, additional factors, such as C-type transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels, may also participate in the CCE apparatus. To explore whether the store-dependent Ca(2+) entry reconstituted by coexpression of Orai1 and STIM1 has the functional properties of CCE, we used the Ca(2+)-calmodulin stimulated adenylyl cyclase type 8 (AC8), which responds selectively to CCE, whereas other modes of Ca(2+) entry, including those activated by arachidonate and the ionophore ionomycin, are ineffective. In addition, the Ca(2+) entry mediated by previous CCE candidates, diacylglycerol-activated TRPC channels, does not activate AC8. Here, we expressed Orai1 and STIM1 in HEK293 cells and saw a robust increment in CCE, and a proportional increase in CCE-stimulated AC8 activity. Inhibitors of the CCE assembly process ablated the effects on cyclase activity in both AC8-overexpressing HEK293 cells and insulin-secreting MIN6 cells endogenously expressing Ca(2+)-sensitive AC isoforms. AC8 is believed to be closely associated with the source of CCE; indeed, not only were AC8, Orai1, and STIM1 colocalized at the plasma membrane but also all three proteins occurred in lipid rafts. Together, our data indicate that Orai1 and STIM1 can be integral components of the cAMP and CCE microdomain associated with adenylyl cyclase type 8.

Adenylyl Cyclase Type 5 Disruption Prolongs Longevity and Protects the Heart Against Stress

Heart failure remains the leading cause of mortality in the USA, despite major advances in therapy over the past several decades, including angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin II inhibitors, vasodilators, calcium-channel blockers and beta-adrenergic receptor blockers. New therapeutic approaches are clearly required and the conceptual origin of these new techniques will be derived from agents that protect the heart against stress and prolong longevity. The combination of stress protection and longevity has been observed in a variety of organisms, from yeast to worms to mammals, and could be the basis for a novel approach to heart failure therapy. A mouse model has been developed with genetic disruption of adenylyl cyclase type 5, which lives one-third longer than the wild-type and is protected from aging-induced, pressure overload-induced and catecholamine-induced stresses. Accordingly, inhibition of this molecule should be considered as a new therapeutic modality for heart failure.

Bitransgenesis with β2‐Adrenergic Receptors or Adenylyl Cyclase Fails to Improve β1‐Adrenergic Receptor Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathic effects of beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) signaling are primarily due to the beta(1)AR subtype. beta(1)/beta(2)AR and beta(1)/adenylyl cyclase type 5 (AC5) bitransgenic mice were created to test the hypothesis that beta(2)AR or AC5 co-overexpression has beneficial effects in beta(1)AR-mediated cardiomyopathy. In young mice, beta(1)/beta(2) hearts had a greater increase in basal and isoproterenol-stimulated contractility compared to beta(1)/AC5 and beta(1)AR hearts. By 6 months, beta(1)AR and beta(1)/beta(2) hearts retained elevated basal contractility but were unresponsive to agonist. In contrast, beta(1)/AC5 hearts maintained a small degree of agonist responsiveness, which may be due to a lack of beta(1)AR downregulation that was noted in beta(1)- and beta(1)/beta(2) hearts. However, by 9 -months, beta(1), beta(1)/beta(2), and beta(1)/AC5 mice had all developed severely depressed fractional shortening in vivo and little response to agonist. p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) was minimally activated by beta(1)AR, but was markedly enhanced in the bitransgenics. Akt activation was only found with the bitransgenics. The small increase in cystosolic second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac), indicative of apoptosis in 9-month beta(1)AR hearts, was suppressed in beta(1)/AC5, but not in beta(1)/beta(2), hearts. Taken together, the unique signaling effects of enhanced beta(2)AR and AC5, which have the potential to afford benefit in heart failure, failed to salvage ventricular function in beta(1)AR-mediated cardiomyopathy.

Loss of Gs Activity in Platelets from Carriers with a Heterozygous Missense Mutation in the Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 (RGS2)

Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins stimulate the GTPase activity of Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins, thereby negatively regulating G protein signaling. In this way, RGS2 acts as a negative regulator of Gq and Gi signaling. It has also been described as a negative regulator of Gs signaling, but via a different mechanism. It inhibits the activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC), the target molecule of Gs, by interacting with it. In olfactory neurons, it was shown that RGS2 attenuates activation of AC type III (Sinnarajah et al., Nature 2001), the main AC subtype in platelets. In this study, we describe the first human genetic defect in RGS2 and provide evidence that RGS2 influences the cAMP level in platelets after Gs stimulation. The proposita is an obese 16-year-old girl with borderline IQ, hirsutism and an increased bone alkaline phosphatase. These symptoms are similar to features of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, due to heterozygous inactivating mutations in the Gsα gene. The Gsα gene of the proposita is normal, but she carries a missense mutation in the RGS2 gene, resulting in a Gly to Asp substitution in the conserved residue 23 (G23D). This substitution could also be found in her mother and brother, but not in 200 unrelated normal controls. The family members carrying this mutation present with a relatively low number of platelets (+/−150.000/μL) and an increased mean platelet volume (+/−13 fL) and platelet distribution width (+/−17.5 %). Also, platelet function is affected by the mutation. Platelet aggregation is normal in response to all standard agonists, but when the Gs pathway is challenged in their platelets, high levels of different Gs agonists are needed to get inhibition of aggregation in comparison to controls or the father. We also measured cAMP levels in platelets and found that stimulation of the Gs coupled receptors with Gs agonists produced less cAMP in the affected family members. The functional relevance of the mutation was further studied in vitro in HEK293 and MEG-01 cells transfected with wildtype RGS2 and RGS2-G23D. cAMP levels were measured at different time points after stimulation of these cells with Gs agonists. These measurements show that cAMP levels are lower in cells transfected with RGS2-G23D, compared to wildtype RGS2. This indicates that the reduction in cAMP levels found in the platelets of the affected members, is a functional consequence of the mutation. To understand why this mutation leads to an altered function of RGS2, we studied the effect of the mutation at the protein level. Recently, it was shown that there are 4 different translation initiation sites in the RGS2 mRNA, giving rise to 4 proteins with different functional characteristics (Gu et al., Mol Pharmacol 2008). An in vitro transcriptiontranslation assay showed that the presence of the mutation results in a different protein expression profile. We excluded a difference in posttranslational modifications to be the cause of this divergent pattern. The G23D mutation is located in the proximity of 2 of the different translation initiation sites and its presence alters the use of these sites. This results in a different expression profile of the functionally different RGS2 proteins. In conclusion, we present the first platelet Gs signaling defect due to an RGS2 mutation associated with aberrant RGS2 translation.

The C1 and C2 domains target human type 6 adenylyl cyclase to lipid rafts and caveolae

Previous data has shown that adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6) is expressed principally in lipid rafts or caveolae of cardiac myocytes and other cell types while certain other isoforms of AC are excluded from these microdomains. The mechanism by which AC6 is localized to lipid rafts or caveolae is unknown. In this study, we show AC6 is localized in lipid rafts of COS-7 cells (expressing caveolin-1) and in HEK-293 cells or cardiac fibroblasts isolated from caveolin-1 knock-out mice (both of which lack prototypical caveolins). To determine the region of AC6 that confers raft localization, we independently expressed each of the major intracellular domains, the N-terminus, C1 and C2 domains, and examined their localization with various approaches. The N-terminus did not associate with lipid rafts or caveolae of either COS-7 or HEK-293 cells nor did it immunoprecipitate with caveolin-1 when expressed in COS-7 cells. By contrast, the C1 and C2 domains each associated with lipid rafts to varying degrees and were present in caveolin-1 immunoprecipitates. There were no differences in the pattern of localization of either the C1 or C2 domains between COS-7 and HEK-293 cells. Further dissection of the C1 domain into four individual proteins indicated that the N-terminal half of this domain is responsible for its raft localization. To probe for a role of a putative palmitoylation motif in the C-terminal portion of the C2 domain, we expressed various truncated forms of AC6 lacking most or all of the C-terminal 41 amino acids. These truncated AC6 proteins were not altered in terms of their localization in lipid rafts or their catalytic activity, implying that this C-terminal region is not required for lipid raft targeting of AC6. We conclude that while the C1 domain may be most important, both the C1 and C2 domains of AC6 play a role in targeting AC6 to lipid rafts.

Abstract 5501: Reduced Coronary Reserve as a Mechanism in Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Mediated Cardiomyopathy and its Rescue by Adenylyl Cyclase Type 5 Knockout

Reduced coronary reserve (CR) is a cardinal feature of human cardiomyopathy, but it has not been studied extensively in mouse models of cardiomyopathy, potentially because of difficulties inherent to measuring CR in such a small heart. The first goal of this study was to determine if reduced CR is a potential mechanism involved in a transgenic (Tg) mouse model of cardiomyopathy, induced by cardiac overexpression of beta 2 -adrenergic receptors (beta 2 -AR Tg). Older beta 2 -AR Tg mice (16–17 months, n=7) developed cardiomyopathy, as reflected by decreased LV ejection fraction (LVEF, 50±7%), and increased fibrosis (5.2±0.4%) and apoptosis (3.8±0.6%). CR was obtained by measuring LV coronary blood flow at baseline and with adenosine (160 microg/kg/min) induced hyperemia using high resolution ultrasound (Vevo 770). CR was significantly decreased in beta 2 -AR Tg (1.8±0.2) compared with wild type (WT) (3.0±0.3, n=6). The next goal was to determine if the rescue of the beta 2 -AR Tg cardiomyopathy resulted in a rescue of reduced CR. Since adenylyl cyclase type 5 knockout (AC5 KO) mice are protected against catecholamine stress and the development of heart failure (HF), and exhibit enhanced CR (3.7±0.4, n=5), we hypothesized that mating these mice with beta 2 -AR Tg might rescue the cardiomyopathy. Older (16–17 months, n=4) bigenic mice (beta 2 -AR Tg x AC5 KO) demonstrated a rescue of cardiomyopathy, as reflected by normalized LVEF (71±1%) and levels of apoptosis (0.11±0.01%) and fibrosis (1.09±0.33%), similar to WT. In these mice, CR was also normalized (3.4±0.6). Reduced CR in beta 2 -AR Tg cardiomyopathy is similar to that observed in large mammalian models, and in patients with cardiomyopathy. Thus, this mechanism is important to consider in mouse models of cardiomyopathy, in general, and also in particular for the mechanism of the rescue of the beta 2 -AR Tg cardiomyopathy by AC5 KO.

Vasopressin receptor-mediated functional signaling pathway in primary cilia of renal epithelial cells

The primary cilium of renal epithelial cells is a nonmotile sensory organelle, implicated in mechanosensory transduction signals. Recent studies from our laboratory indicate that renal epithelial primary cilia display abundant channel activity; however, the presence and functional role of specific membrane receptors in this organelle are heretofore unknown. Here, we determined a functional signaling pathway associated with the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) in primary cilia of renal epithelial cells. Besides their normal localization on basolateral membrane, V2R was expressed in primary cilia of LLC-PK(1) renal epithelial cells. The presence of V2R in primary cilia was determined by spontaneous fluorescence of a V2R-gfp chimera and confirmed by immunocytochemical analysis of wild-type LLC-PK(1) cells stained with anti-V2R antibodies and in LLC-PK(1) cells overexpressing the V2R-Flag, with anti-Flag antibody. Ciliary V2R colocalized with adenylyl cyclase (AC) type V/VI in all cell types tested. Functional coupling of the receptors with AC was confirmed by measurement of cAMP production in isolated cilia and by testing AVP-induced cation-selective channel activity either in reconstituted lipid bilayers or subjected to membrane-attached patch clamping. Addition of either 10 microM AVP (trans) or forskolin (cis) in the presence but not the absence of ATP (1 mM, cis) stimulated cation-selective channel activity in ciliary membranes. This channel activity was reduced by addition of the PKA inhibitor PKI. The data provide the first demonstration for the presence of V2R in primary cilia of renal epithelial cells, and a functional cAMP-signaling pathway, which targets ciliary channel function and may help control the sensory function of the primary cilium.

Adenylyl cyclases types 1 and 8 promote pro-survival pathways after ethanol exposure in the neonatal brain

Although a wide range of developmental disabilities following fetal alcohol exposure are observed clinically, the molecular factors that determine the severity of these sequelae remain undefined. In mice exposed to ethanol, deletion of adenylyl cyclases (ACs) 1 and 8 exacerbates the neuroapoptosis that occurs in a prolonged post-treatment period; however, it remains unclear whether AC1 and AC8 are critical to the primary or secondary mechanisms underlying ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Here we demonstrate that mice lacking AC1 and AC8 (DKO) display significantly increased apoptosis in the striatum, a region sensitive to neuroapoptosis in the acute post-treatment period, compared to WT controls. The enhanced neuroapoptotic response observed in the striatum of DKO mice is accompanied by significant reductions in phosphorylation of known pro-survival proteins, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). These data suggest that AC1/AC8 are crucial activators of cell survival signaling pathways acutely following ethanol exposure and represent molecular factors that may directly modulate the severity of symptoms associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Adenylyl Cyclase Type 5 Disruption Prolongs Longevity and Protects the Heart against Stress

We tested the hypothesis that longevity and stress resistance are mediated by common mechanisms. We have recently identified a novel, genetically engineered animal model, i.e., mice with adenylyl cyclase (AC) type 5 “knocked out” (AC5 KO), which live 30% longer than wild type (WT) animals and do not exhibit the cardiomyopathy and osteoporosis of old age. Thoracic aortic banding reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) in WT (from 70 ± 2.8 to 57 ± 3.9%, P < 0.05), but this was not observed in AC5 KO mice. Chronic (1–2 wks) isoproterenol (ISO) infusion induced more effective desensitization in AC5 KO and less apoptosis. Mice with cardiac overexpression of either β1-adrenergic receptors (β1-AR Tg) or β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR Tg) exhibit the opposite pattern, i.e. development of cardiomyopathy and enhanced premature mortality and less resistance to stress with either chronic pressure overload or chronic catecholamine stimulation. Mating the AC5 KO with β-AR Tg mice rescued their cardiomyopathy. Thus, AC5 is an important mechanism regulating lifespan and stress resistance and protects the heart against stress and from the cardiomyopathy induced by chronically enhanced β-AR signaling. Since the mechanisms of stress resistance appear to involve more effective desensitization, inhibition of AC5 could be a novel approach to the therapy of heart failure.

Ca2+-stimulated Basal Adenylyl Cyclase Activity Localization in Membrane Lipid Microdomains of Cardiac Sinoatrial Nodal Pacemaker Cells

Spontaneous, rhythmic subsarcolemmal local Ca(2+) releases driven by cAMP-mediated, protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation are crucial for normal pacemaker function of sinoatrial nodal cells (SANC). Because local Ca(2+) releases occur beneath the cell surface membrane, near to where adenylyl cyclases (ACs) reside, we hypothesized that the dual Ca(2+) and cAMP/PKA regulatory components of automaticity are coupled via Ca(2+) activation of AC activity within membrane microdomains. Here we show by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR that SANC express Ca(2+)-activated AC isoforms 1 and 8, in addition to AC type 2, 5, and 6 transcripts. Immunolabeling of cell fractions, isolated by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation, confirmed that ACs localize to membrane lipid microdomains. AC activity within these lipid microdomains is activated by Ca(2+) over the entire physiological Ca(2+) range. In intact SANC, the high basal AC activity produces a high level of cAMP that is further elevated by phosphodiesterase inhibition. cAMP and cAMP-mediated PKA-dependent activation of ion channels and Ca(2+) cycling proteins drive sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) releases, which, in turn, activate ACs. This feed forward "fail safe" system, kept in check by a high basal phosphodiesterase activity, is central to the generation of normal rhythmic, spontaneous action potentials by pacemaker cells.