Activation Of Guanine Nucleotide Binding Proteins Research Articles

Cloning of the GABAB Receptor Subunits B1 and B2 and their Expression in the Central Nervous System of the Adult Sea Lamprey.

In vertebrates, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory transmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) acting through ionotropic (GABAA) and metabotropic (GABAB) receptors. The GABAB receptor produces a slow inhibition since it activates second messenger systems through the binding and activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins [G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)]. Lampreys are a key reference to understand molecular evolution in vertebrates. The importance of the GABAB receptor for the modulation of the circuits controlling locomotion and other behaviors has been shown in pharmacological/physiological studies in lampreys. However, there is no data about the sequence of the GABAB subunits or their expression in the CNS of lampreys. Our aim was to identify the sea lamprey GABAB1 and GABAB2 transcripts and study their expression in the CNS of adults. We cloned two partial sequences corresponding to the GABAB1 and GABAB2 cDNAs of the sea lamprey as confirmed by sequence analysis and comparison with known GABAB sequences of other vertebrates. In phylogenetic analyses, the sea lamprey GABAB sequences clustered together with GABABs sequences of vertebrates and emerged as an outgroup to all gnathostome sequences. We observed a broad and overlapping expression of both transcripts in the entire CNS. Expression was mainly observed in neuronal somas of the periventricular regions including the identified reticulospinal cells. No expression was observed in identifiable fibers. Comparison of our results with those reported in other vertebrates indicates that a broad and overlapping expression of the GABAB subunits in the CNS is a conserved character shared by agnathans and gnathostomes.

Mechanism of Cardiac Preconditioning with Volatile Anaesthetics

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the mechanisms involved in anaesthetic-induced cardioprotection. It is not thoroughly understood how volatile anaesthetics protect the myocardium from ischaemia or reperfusion injury, but the overall mechanism is likely to be multifactorial. This review examines the recent experimental and clinical research underlying the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in anaesthetic-induced preconditioning. A variety of intracellular signalling pathways have been implicated in the protective phenomenon. Ischaemic preconditioning and anaesthetic-induced preconditioning share similar molecular mechanisms, including activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, triggering of second messenger pathways, activation of multiple kinases, mediation of nitric oxide formation and reactive oxygen species release, maintenance of intracellular and/or mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and moderation of the opening of adenosine-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels. A more thorough understanding of the multiple signalling steps and the ultimate cytoprotective mechanisms underlying anaesthetic-induced preconditioning may lead to improvements in the management of ischaemia and/or reperfusion injury.

Role of Lysine187within the Second Extracellular Loop of the Type A Cholecystokinin Receptor in Agonist-Induced Activation. Use of Complementary Charge-Reversal Mutagenesis To Define a Functionally Important Interdomain Interaction

Activation of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors is believed to involve conformational change that exposes a domain for G protein coupling at the cytosolic surface of the helical confluence, although the mechanisms for achieving this are not well understood. This conformational change can be achieved by docking a diverse variety of agonist ligands, known to occur by interacting with different regions of these receptors. In this study, we focus on the importance of a specific basic residue (Lys187) within the second extracellular loop of the receptor for the peptide hormone, cholecystokinin. Alanine-replacement and charge-reversal mutagenesis of this residue showed that it had no effect on the binding of natural peptide and nonpeptidyl ligands of this receptor but markedly interfered with agonist-stimulated signaling. It was demonstrated that this negative effect on biological activity could be eliminated with the truncation of the first 30 residues of the amino-terminal tail of this receptor. Complementary charge-reversal mutagenesis of each of the five conserved acidic residues within this region of the receptor in the presence of the charge-reversed Lys187 revealed that only the Asp5 mutant fully reversed the negative functional impact of the Lys187 charge reversal. Thus, we have demonstrated that a basic residue within the second extracellular loop of the cholecystokinin receptor interacts with a specific acidic residue within the amino terminus of this receptor. This residue-residue interaction is nicely accommodated within a new molecular model of the agonist-occupied cholecystokinin receptor.

Activation of Guanine Nucleotide-binding Proteins and Induction of Endothelial Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator Gene Transcription by Alcohol

The mechanism by which moderate alcohol ingestion lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease is unknown but may be due, in part, to the ability of alcohol to increase the level of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Human endothelial cells were treated with low concentrations of ethanol (0.25-25 mM, 0-24 h), which are associated with moderate alcohol consumption. Although treatment with ethanol alone did not affect t-PA gene transcription or mRNA expression, it augmented isoproterenol (ISO)-stimulated t-PA gene transcription and mRNA levels by 3.4- and 2.8-fold, respectively, and decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 mRNA levels by 65%. These effects of ethanol correlated with 2.5- and 6.9-fold increases in ISO-stimulated cyclic AMP levels and 4x-cyclic AMP response element heterologous promoter activity, respectively. To determine whether alcohol-induced changes in agonist-stimulated cyclic AMP levels were because of modulation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), we assessed the effects of ethanol on Galphas and Galphai2. Although ethanol did not affect the expression of Galphas or Galphai2, it increased ISO-stimulated Galphas GTPase and GTP binding activity by 2.2- and 2.9-fold and decreased UK14304-stimulated Galphai2 GTPase and GTP binding activity by 38 and 80%. These results indicate that treatment with relatively low concentrations of ethanol enhances agonist-stimulated cyclic AMP-dependent t-PA gene transcription in vascular endothelial cells through differential modulation of G protein.

Ethanol inhibits CCK-induced enzyme secretion by affecting calcium-pump activity in isolated rat pancreatic acini.

The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of ethanol on stimulus-secretion coupling in pancreatic exocrine secretion. We investigated the effects of 600 mM ethanol on cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8)-stimulated amylase release, cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and Ca2+ fluxes using in vitro isolated rat pancreatic acini. Ethanol, given alone, stimulated both the initial and the sustained phases of amylase release. On the other hand, ethanol inhibited only the sustained phase of amylase release stimulated by CCK-8. Ethanol also inhibited amylase release in response to fluoride, a direct activator of guanine nucleotide-binding protein, suggesting that ethanol affects intracellular signal transduction molecules. Ethanol had no influences on the initial rise but increased the sustained rise in [Ca2+]i stimulated by CCK-8 and inhibited CCK-8-stimulated Ca2+ outflux without affecting Ca2+ influx. 8-Bromoguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate, a membrane-permeable analogue of cGMP regulating membrane Ca(2+)-pump activity in various cells, completely reversed the ethanol-induced inhibition of amylase release and Ca2+ outflux in response to CCK-8 as well as fluoride. Given that Ca2+ plays a critical role in stimulus-secretion coupling in pancreatic exocrine secretion, our results indicate that 600 mM ethanol inhibits CCK-8-stimulated amylase release by inhibiting Ca(2+)-pump activity on the plasma membrane.

Tryptophan modulates exocrine secretory function in rat pancreatic acini.

We investigated the effect of tryptophan (Trp) on exocrine secretory function, using isolated rat pancreatic acini. Trp inhibited cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8)-stimulated amylase secretion, causing a downward shift in the dose-response curve. The inhibitory effect of Trp was dose-dependent and was observed only on the sustained secretion, there being no effect on the initial phase of amylase secretion. Trp (10mM) also inhibited amylase secretion in response to carbachol and bombesin, as well as fluoride, a potent activator of guanine-nucleotide binding proteins. Since Ca2+ influx is necessary for sustained secretion, we examined the effect of Trp on Ca2+ influx and efflux. Trp increased the CCK-8-stimulated Ca2+ influx rate without affecting Ca2+ efflux, suggesting that Trp elevates intracellular Ca2+ levels. Increasing intracellular Ca2+ levels with A23187 resulted in the inhibition of CCK-8-stimulated amylase secretion. These results indicate that Trp inhibits CCK-stimulated sustained amylase secretion, in part by increasing Ca2+ influx into acinar cells.

Transmitter release by non-receptor activation of the alpha-subunit of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein in rat striatal slices.

The effects of 5 mM NaF + 10 microM AlCl3, a direct activator of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), on the release of [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA), [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA), and [3H]acethylcholine ([3H]ACh) were investigated in slices of rat striatum. When the tissue was exposed to NaF + AlCl3 the release of [3H]DA, [3H]GABA, and [3H]ACh was enhanced significantly. In a calcium-free solution the release of [3H]GABA and [3H]DA was increased by NaF+AlCl3 much more than in the presence of [Ca2+]o. In slice preparations taken from reserpinized animals, in which the vesicular storage of [3H]DA was therefore prevented, NaF + AlCl3 had no effect on [3H]DA release. HPLC analysis of the radioactivity of the perfusate showed that, in the presence of NaF + AlCl3, the content of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in perfusate samples increased significantly, while in pargyline-treated animals only the DA content was increased. Inhibition of DA carriers by nomifensine or low temperature prevented the effect of NaF + AlCl3. N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) preincubation did not modify the effect of NaF + AlCl3 on [3H]DA release Neomycin (0.1 mM), a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, significantly decreased the effect of NaF + AlCl3 on [3H]DA and [3H]GABA release. The internal concentration of Ca2+ in synaptosomes was enhanced by NaF + AlCl3 in normal solution. However, [Ca2+]i was not influenced by NaF + AlCl3 in Ca(2+)-free medium. It is concluded that a non-receptor-mediated activation, by NaF + AlCl3, of the alpha-subunit of a G protein, results in a [Ca2+]o-independent release of DA and GABA, but not that of ACh.

Erratum

Abstract Figure legends 5 and 6 were reversed in the article, “TNF-α stimulates increased plasma membrane guanine nucleotide binding protein activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes” (J. Leukoc. Biol. 57, 500-506), which was published in the March 1995 issue of the journal. The figures and their correct legends appear below.

TNF-α stimulates increased plasma membrane guanine nucleotide binding protein activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes

TNF-alpha enhances the response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to chemoattractants: however, the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. We addressed the hypothesis that TNF-alpha enhances the PMN response to chemoattractants by increasing chemoattractant receptor transmembrane signaling, using fMLP as the model chemoattractant. fMLP-stimulated guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein activation was significantly increased in plasma membranes isolated from PMNs exposed to TNF-alpha 100 U/ml for 10 minutes (TNF-M), compared to membranes from control cells (CM). Formyl peptide receptor number and affinity were not significantly different in CM and TNF-M. Gi and Gs content were increased in TNF-M as measured by pertussis toxin and cholera toxin (CT) catalyzed ADP-ribosylation, respectively. The increased Gi was coupled to the formyl peptide receptor as shown by receptor-specific CT labeling of Gi. Immunoblot analysis showed that both G alpha i2 and G alpha 3 were increased in TNF-M. The functional activity of the increased G protein content was demonstrated by increased NaF-stimulated phospholipase D activity in TNF-alpha-treated PMNs. We conclude that TNF-alpha rapidly stimulates increased PMN plasma membrane expression of G proteins that couple formyl peptide receptors to effector enzymes. Regulation of G protein expression may be a significant mechanism by which TNF regulates PMN function.

Loss of sensitivity to cholecystokinin stimulation of isolated pancreatic acini from genetically diabetic rats

Pancreatic exocrine function of a new inbred strain Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat that develops spontaneous persistent hyperglycemia was evaluated in in vitro isolated pancreatic acini and compared with that in the control Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rat. Serum glucose and insulin concentrations in the OLETF rats were significantly high (glucose: 270 +/- 12 vs. 208 +/- 10 mg/100 ml, P < 0.01; insulin: 12.4 +/- 1.7 vs. 4.9 +/- 0.6 ng/ml, P) < 0.01), whereas pancreatic wet weight was significantly low (803 +/- 20 vs. 1,138 +/- 17 mg, P < 0.01) compared with those in the LETO rat. Pancreatic acini isolated from the OLETF rat were totally insensitive to cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 stimulation at concentrations of up to 100 nM. However, neither the responsiveness nor the sensitivity to carbamylcholine, bombesin, and secretin of the acini from the OLETF rat was altered or even increased, probably due to the larger amylase content in the OLETF rat acini compared with those of the LETO rat acini (31.5 +/- 2.0 vs. 13.0 +/- 1.1 Somogyi units/micrograms DNA, P < 0.01). The responsiveness to fluoride, a direct activator of guanine nucleotide-binding protein, in the OLETF rat acini was similar to that in the LETO rat, suggesting that the transmembrane signaling and effectors and subsequent intracellular signal transduction molecules in the OLETF rat acini are normal. Moreover, 125I-CCK binding to the acini prepared from the OLETF rat was totally absent. These present results indicate that the OLETF rat has a selective defect in the binding of CCK to its receptors on the acinar cell surface.

Histamine receptor-dependent and/or -independent activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins by histamine and 2-substituted histamine derivatives in human leukemia (HL-60) and human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells

In dibutyryl cAMP-differentiated human leukemia (HL-60) cells, the potent histamine H 1-receptor agonist, 2-(3-chlorophenyl)histamine, activates pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) of the G i-subfamily by a mechanism which is independent of known histamine receptor subtypes (Seifert et al. Mol Pharmacol 45: 578–586, 1994). In order to learn more about this G-protein activation, we studied the effects of histamine and various 2-substituted histamine derivatives in various cell types and on purified G-proteins. In HL-60 cells, histamine and 2-methylhistamine increased cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+] i) in a clemastine-sensitive manner. Phenyl- and thienyl-substituted histamines increased [Ca 2+] i as well, but their effects were not inhibited by histamine receptor antagonists. 2-Substituted histamines activated high-affinity GTPase in HL-60 cell membranes in a PTX-sensitive manner, with the lipophilicity of substances increasing their effectiveness. Although HEL cells do not possess histamine receptors mediating rises in [Ca 2+] i, 2-(3-bromophenyl)histamine increased [Ca 2+] i in a PTX-sensitive manner. It also increased GTP hydrolysis by G i-proteins in HEL cell membranes. All these stimulatory effects of 2-substituted histamine derivatives were seen at concentrations higher than those required for activation of H 1-receptors. In various other cell types and membrane systems, 2-substituted histamine derivatives showed no or only weak stimulatory effects on G-proteins. 2-Substituted histamine derivatives activated GTP hydrolysis by purified bovine brain G i/G o-proteins and by pure G i2 (the major PTX-sensitive G-protein in HL-60 and HEL cells). Our data suggest the following: (1) histamine and 2-methylhistamine act as H 1-receptor agonists in HL-60 cells; (2) incorporation of bulky and lipophilic groups results in loss of H 1-agonistic activity of 2-substituted histamine derivatives in HL-60 cells but causes a receptor-independent G-protein-stimulatory activity; (3) the effects of 2-substituted histamine derivatives on G-proteins are cell-type specific.

Attenuation of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ current run-down in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells by NaF.

Calcium currents in CA1 neurons from rat hippocampus were studied with the whole-cell, patch-clamp technique. Under control conditions high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium currents activated from membrane potentials of -80 mV and -40 mV underwent "run-down". The rate of run-down of the current activated from -40 mV was significantly attenuated by inclusion of the G-protein activator NaF (1 mM) in the pipette and also irreversibly attenuated by brief batch application of NaF (10 mM). This effect was significantly reduced by inclusion of high (10 mM) ethyleneglycoltetraacetate (EGTA) concentrations in the pipette, suggesting an involvement of calcium-dependent processes. It is suggested that activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins by NaF leads to a long-lasting attenuation of HVA calcium current run-down in hippocampal CA1 cells.

Ca2+]i-transients and actin polymerization in human neutrophils under stimulation with GRO alpha and complement fragment C5a.

The neutrophil chemotaxins, complement fragment C5a (C5a) and GRO alpha, induced the mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and the polymerization of actin in human neutrophils as assayed by flow cytometric measurements. [Ca2+]i-transients developed as an "all-or-none" response. Individual neutrophils required different threshold concentrations of added ligand to induce [Ca2+]i-transients which were then always maximal. In contrast, chemotaxin-induced formation of actin filaments in single neutrophils occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Pertussis toxin blocked chemotaxin-induced actin polymerization and [Ca2+]i-transients indicating that both cell responses shared initial activation steps such as ligand binding and activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins).

Cellular signaling by an agonist-activated receptor/Gs alpha fusion protein.

The consequences of agonist-dependent activation of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors vary from cell to cell, depending on a complex network of regulations between components of the signaling cascade. Specific interactions between receptors, G proteins, and effectors are difficult to analyze in intact cells. Engineering of receptor-transducer fusion proteins might be an effective strategy to target cellular effectors more efficiently and specifically. As a model, we evaluated the ability of a fusion protein of beta 2-adrenergic receptor bound to the alpha subunit of adenylyl cyclase-stimulatory G protein (Gs alpha) to restore the defective activation of adenylyl cyclase in S49 cyc- cells that lack endogenous Gs alpha. The coupling between the two partners of the fusion protein was functional, and the agonist-dependent activation of the effector was more potent and more productive in transfected than in wild-type S49 cells. The covalent link between receptor and Gs alpha could thus convey an advantage over freely interacting components. Such receptor-G alpha fusion proteins may help to elucidate the complex interactions between members of signaling pathways and may also constitute a useful tool for studying the effects of single effector activation.

Nitric oxide signaling: a possible role for G proteins.

We have previously reported various inductive effects of nitric oxide on human PBMC. We describe a novel and potentially important mechanism of nitric oxide signaling-through direct activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). We have found that nitric oxide treatment of membranes isolated from fresh human PBMC enhances the ability of these membranes to hydrolyze [gamma-32P]GTP and bind [gamma-35S]GTP. In addition, treatment of whole cells with nitric oxide yielded membranes with enhanced GTPase activity. Furthermore, the GTPase activity of pure, recombinant Gs alpha, Gi alpha 1, and p21ras was greatly enhanced by nitric oxide. In support of the existence of this pathway in whole cells, we found that the G protein inhibitor, GDP-beta-S, blocked NF-kappa B translocation induced by nitric oxide or LPS in permeabilized cells. In addition, nitric oxide greatly reduced the pertussis toxin-mediated ADP-ribosylation of 45- and 41-kDa proteins in membranes of these cells. Because G proteins play a central role in many diverse signaling systems, activation by an endogenous and inducible oxidant may represent a novel signaling pathway.

ADP-ribosylation factors, 20,000 Mr guanine nucleotide-binding protein activators of cholera toxin and components of intracellular vesicular transport systems

ADP-ribosylation factors, 20,000 Mr guanine nucleotide-binding protein activators of cholera toxin and components of intracellular vesicular transport systems

Quantitative and qualitative differences in guanine nucleotide binding protein activation by formyl peptide and leukotriene B4 receptors.

Formyl peptides and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) stimulate disparate neutrophil functional responses and second messenger generation. The hypothesis that differences in receptor-guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G protein) interaction account for the disparate responses was examined using HL-60 granulocyte plasma membranes. The quantity of receptor-coupled G proteins was determined by guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) equilibrium binding in the presence or absence of f-Met-Leu-Phe and/or LTB4. About one-third of the total GTP gamma S binding sites were coupled to f-Met-Leu-Phe receptors, to LTB4 receptors, and to receptors when both ligands were added simultaneously. The dissociation constant of GTP gamma S-binding sites in the presence of LTB4 was significantly greater than that in the presence of f-Met-Leu-Phe. f-Met-Leu-Phe shifted the GDP dose-inhibition curve for GTP gamma S binding further to the right than did LTB4. The apparent initial rate of GTP hydrolysis and GTP gamma S binding stimulated by f-Met-Leu-Phe was significantly greater than that stimulated by LTB4. There were significantly more formyl peptide receptors than LTB4 receptors, however, formyl peptide and LTB4 receptor density did not differ under GTP gamma S binding assay conditions. The rate of GTP hydrolysis stimulated by LTB4 was not increased in membranes containing twice the LTB4 receptor density. We conclude that formyl peptide receptors stimulate more rapid activation of a common pool of G proteins than LTB4 receptors because of a significantly reduced affinity of formyl peptide receptor-activated G proteins for GDP.

Maturational regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate metabolism in rabbit airway smooth muscle.

Airway reactivity has been shown to vary with age; however, the mechanism(s) underlying this process remain unidentified. To elucidate the role of ontogenetic changes in phosphoinositide-linked signal transduction, we examined whether age-related differences in tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) contractility to carbachol (CCh) are associated with developmental changes in the production and metabolism of the second messenger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins (1,4,5)P3). In TSM segments isolated from 2-wk-old and adult rabbits, both the maximal isometric contractile force and sensitivity (i.e., -logED50) to CCh (10(-10)-10(-4) M) were significantly greater in the immature vs. adult tissues (P less than 0.001). Similarly, Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation elicited by either receptor-coupled stimulation with CCh (10(-10)-10(-4) M) or post-receptor-mediated guanine nucleotide binding protein activation of permeabilized TSM with GTP gamma S (100 microM) was also significantly enhanced in 2-wk-old vs. adult TSM. Measurement of the activities of the degradative enzymes for Ins(1,4,5)P3 demonstrated that: (a) mean +/- SE maximal Ins(1,4,5)P3 3'-kinase activity was significantly reduced in the immature vs. adult TSM (i.e., approximately 71.7 +/- 6.0 vs. 137.8 +/- 10.0 pmol/min per mg protein, respectively; P less than 0.005); (b) by contrast, maximal Ins(1,4,5)P3 5'-phosphatase activity was significantly increased in the immature vs. adult TSM (i.e., 27.9 +/- 1.2 vs. 15.6 +/- 1.5 nmol/min per mg protein, respectively; P less than 0.001); and (c) the Km values for Ins(1,4,5)P3 5'-phosphatase were 14- and 19-fold greater than those for Ins(1,4,5)P3 3'-kinase in the 2-wk-old and adult TSM, respectively. Collectively, the findings suggest that the age-related decrease in agonist-induced rabbit TSM contractility is associated with a diminution in Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation which is attributed, at least in part, to ontogenetic changes in the relative activities of the degradative enzymes for Ins(1,4,5)P3.

Retinoic Acid-Induced Granulocytic Differentiation of HL60 Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells Is Preceded by Downregulation of Autonomous Generation of Inositol Lipid-Derived Second Messengers

Inositol phosphates (InsPs) and diacyglycerol (DAG) are second messengers derived via the breakdown of inositol phospholipids, and which play important signalling roles in the regulation of proliferation of some cell types. We have studied the operation of this pathway during the early stages of retionic acid (RA)-induced granulocytic differentiation of HL60 myeloid leukemia cells. The autonomous breakdown of inositol lipids that occurred in HL60 cells labeled with [3H] inositol was completely abolished following 48 hours of RA treatment. The rate of influx of 45Ca2+ was also significantly decreased at 48 hours, consistent with the role of inositol lipid-derived second messengers in regulating Ca2+ entry into cells. The downregulation of inositol lipid metabolism clearly preceded the onset of reduced proliferation induced by RA treatment, and was therefore not a consequence of decreased cell growth. The generation of InsPs in RA-treated cells was reactivated by the fluoroaluminate ion, a direct activator of guanine nucleotide-binding protein(s) (G proteins) that regulate the inositol lipid signalling pathway. Subtle alterations to a regulatory mechanism may therefore mediate the RA-induced downregulation of this pathway. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the autonomous generation of inositol lipid-derived second messengers may contribute to the continuous proliferation of HL60 cells, and that the RA-induced downregulation of this pathway may, in turn, play a role in signalling the cessation of proliferation that preceedes granulocytic differentiation.

Retinoic acid-induced granulocytic differentiation of HL60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells is preceded by downregulation of autonomous generation of inositol lipid-derived second messengers

Inositol phosphates (InsPs) and diacyglycerol (DAG) are second messengers derived via the breakdown of inositol phospholipids, and which play important signalling roles in the regulation of proliferation of some cell types. We have studied the operation of this pathway during the early stages of retionic acid (RA)-induced granulocytic differentiation of HL60 myeloid leukemia cells. The autonomous breakdown of inositol lipids that occurred in HL60 cells labeled with [3H] inositol was completely abolished following 48 hours of RA treatment. The rate of influx of 45Ca2+ was also significantly decreased at 48 hours, consistent with the role of inositol lipid- derived second messengers in regulating Ca2+ entry into cells. The downregulation of inositol lipid metabolism clearly preceded the onset of reduced proliferation induced by RA treatment, and was therefore not a consequence of decreased cell growth. The generation of InsPs in RA- treated cells was reactivated by the fluoroaluminate ion, a direct activator of guanine nucleotide-binding protein(s) (G proteins) that regulate the inositol lipid signalling pathway. Subtle alterations to a regulatory mechanism may therefore mediate the RA-induced downregulation of this pathway. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the autonomous generation of inositol lipid-derived second messengers may contribute to the continuous proliferation of HL60 cells, and that the RA-induced downregulation of this pathway may, in turn, play a role in signalling the cessation of proliferation that preceedes granulocytic differentiation.