Increased cAMP Formation Research Articles

Ivy leaves dry extract EA 575® mediates biased β2-adrenergic receptor signaling

Backgroundβ2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) stimulation activates the G protein/cAMP pathway, which is opposed by the GRK2/β-arrestin 2 pathway. The latter is undesirable in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Hypothesis/PurposeEA 575® is capable of mediating a biased β2-adrenergic signaling pathway. MethodsThe impact of the ivy leaves dry extract EA 575® on β2-adrenergic signaling was tested in a dynamic mass redistribution assay in HEK wild-type and in HEK β-arrestin knock-out cells. cAMP formation and recruitment of β-arrestin 2 were investigated using GloSensor™ and PathHunter® assays, respectively. NFκB transcriptional activity was determined in both HEK wild-type as well as HEK β-arrestin knock-out cells. ResultsEA 575® inhibits the recruitment of β-arrestin 2 and thereby enhances G protein/cAMP signaling under β2-stimulating conditions, as evidenced by a corresponding increase in cAMP formation. While β2-AR-mediated inhibition of NFκB transcriptional activity is β-arrestin-dependent, EA 575® leads to significant inhibition of NFκB transcriptional activity in β-arrestin knock-out cells and thus via a β-arrestin-independent signaling pathway. ConclusionEA 575® is the first active phytopharmaceutical ingredient for which biased β2-adrenergic activation has been described. This shift towards G protein/cAMP signaling provides the molecular basis for the clinically proven efficacy of EA 575® in the treatment of lower respiratory tract diseases. In this light, EA 575® could potentially reduce β-arrestin-mediated adverse effects in new combinatorial therapeutic approaches.

Divergent off-target effects of RSK N-terminal and C-terminal kinase inhibitors in cardiac myocytes

P90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK) are ubiquitously expressed and regulate responses to neurohumoral stimulation. To study the role of RSK signalling on cardiac myocyte function and protein phosphorylation, pharmacological RSK inhibitors were tested. Here, the ATP competitive N-terminal kinase domain-targeting compounds D1870 and SL0101 and the allosteric C-terminal kinase domain-targeting FMK were evaluated regarding their ability to modulate cardiac myocyte protein phosphorylation. Exposure to D1870 and SL0101 significantly enhanced phospholamban (PLN) Ser16 and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) Ser22/23 phosphorylation in response to D1870 and SL0101 upon exposure to phenylephrine (PE) that activates RSK. In contrast, FMK pretreatment significantly reduced phosphorylation of both proteins in response to PE. D1870-mediated enhancement of PLN Ser16 phosphorylation was also observed after exposure to isoprenaline or noradrenaline (NA) stimuli that do not activate RSK. Inhibition of β-adrenoceptors by atenolol or cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) by H89 prevented the D1870-mediated increase in PLN phosphorylation, suggesting that PKA is the kinase responsible for the observed phosphorylation. Assessment of changes in cAMP formation by FRET measurements revealed increased cAMP formation in vicinity to PLN after exposure to D1870 and SL0101. D1870 inhibited phosphodiesterase activity similarly as established PDE inhibitors rolipram or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Assessment of catecholamine-mediated force development in rat ventricular muscle strips revealed significantly reduced EC50 for NA after D1870 pretreatment (DMSO/NA: 2.33 μmol/L vs. D1870/NA: 1.30 μmol/L). The data reveal enhanced cardiac protein phosphorylation by D1870 and SL0101 that was not detectable in response to FMK. This disparate effect might be attributed to off-target inhibition of PDEs with impact on muscle function as demonstrated for D1870.

Effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in simvastatin antiplatelet activity: Influences on cAMP and mitogen-activated protein kinases

Statins are widely used as hypolipidemic drugs, and have beneficial effects in reducing cardiovascular events. In addition, recent studies on the pleiotropic effects of statins (i.e., simvastatin) reveal that these drugs have many additional anti-atherogenic effects, including antiplatelet activity. The mechanisms may be partly related to activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which are present in human platelets, and whose activation inhibits platelet aggregation. However, the details of the signaling pathway by which simvastatin inhibits platelet activation via PPARs have not yet been completely established. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms by which the PPAR-mediated pathways contribute to the antiplatelet activity of simvastatin. Simvastatin (3-50μM) induced PPARα and PPARγ activation in a dose-dependent manner in washed platelets. Additionally, simvastatin inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation, expression of CD62 and PAC-1, and Ca2+ mobilization. These effects of simvastatin on platelet responses were strongly reduced by adding a selective PPARγ antagonist (GW9662), but not PPARα antagonist (GW6471). Moreover, in the presence of GW9662, simvastatin-mediated increase of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) Ser157 phosphorylation and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation were markedly reversed. Furthermore, simvastatin was found to inhibit phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs, i.e., p38 MAPK, ERK) by increasing the association between PPARγ and the components of MAPKs after platelet activation. Taken together, the present results confirm that simvastatin inhibition of platelet activation is mediated by PPARγ-dependent processes, which involves mediating MAPKs signaling, increase of cAMP formation and VASP Ser157 phosphorylation, inhibition of Akt phosphorylation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.

Small-Molecule Screening Identifies Modulators of Aquaporin-2 Trafficking

In the principal cells of the renal collecting duct, arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the synthesis of cAMP, leading to signaling events that culminate in the phosphorylation of aquaporin-2 water channels and their redistribution from intracellular domains to the plasma membrane via vesicular trafficking. The molecular mechanisms that control aquaporin-2 trafficking and the consequent water reabsorption, however, are not completely understood. Here, we used a cell-based assay and automated immunofluorescence microscopy to screen 17,700 small molecules for inhibitors of the cAMP-dependent redistribution of aquaporin-2. This approach identified 17 inhibitors, including 4-acetyldiphyllin, a selective blocker of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase that increases the pH of intracellular vesicles and causes accumulation of aquaporin-2 in the Golgi compartment. Although 4-acetyldiphyllin did not inhibit forskolin-induced increases in cAMP formation and downstream activation of protein kinase A (PKA), it did prevent cAMP/PKA-dependent phosphorylation at serine 256 of aquaporin-2, which triggers the redistribution to the plasma membrane. It did not, however, prevent cAMP-induced changes to the phosphorylation status at serines 261 or 269. Last, we identified the fungicide fluconazole as an inhibitor of cAMP-mediated redistribution of aquaporin-2, but its target in this pathway remains unknown. In conclusion, our screening approach provides a method to begin dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying AVP-mediated water reabsorption, evidenced by our identification of 4-acetyldiphyllin as a modulator of aquaporin-2 trafficking.

The neuroprotective effects of an extract of Gastrodia elata

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGastrodia elata (GE) Blume (family Orchidaceae) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treating headaches, dizziness, tetanus, and epilepsy, indicating neuronal protective functions. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the neuroprotection of GE and its molecular mechanism in preventing serum deprivation-induced PC12 cell apoptosis. Materials and methodsAn MTT assay and Hoechst staining were used to respectively validate serum deprivation-induced cell death and apoptosis. Cyclic (c)AMP formation and protein kinase (PK)A activity were also measured after GE treatment. Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein. Transient transfection of a dominant negative CREB was used to validate the importance of CREB. ResultsGE targeted the adenosine A2A receptor (A2A-R). GE increased cAMP formation, PKA activity, and phosphorylation of the CREB protein. GE-induced CREB protein phosphorylation and protection was blocked by a PKA inhibitor and overexpression of the dominant negative CREB, respectively. ConclusionsThese results support the neuroprotective effects of GE. The protective mechanism might be mediated through an A2A-R/cAMP/PKA/CREB-dependent pathway.

Differences in the Expression of VPAC2 Receptors and Adenylyl Cyclase V/VI and VIP‐Induced cAMP Generation in Phasic and Tonic Smooth Muscles

The proximal stomach is characterized by its ability to maintain tone as compared to the distal stomach, which is phasic in nature and contracts transiently. In gastric muscle, the inhibitory transmitters VIP, PACAP and NO mediate relaxation. VIP and PACAP interact with VPAC2 receptors to stimulate adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and cAMP formation. AIM To determine whether differences in the VPAC2/AC/cAMP pathway are related to tonic and phasic phenotype of smooth muscles in proximal and distal regions of the stomach, respectively. METHODS Expression of VPAC2 receptor and ACV/VI, the main isoforms(s) expressed in smooth muscle, are determined in muscle cells isolated separately from proximal and distal stomach by qRT-PCR and western blot. Stimulation of AC activity in response to VIP was measured as increase in cAMP formation in the presence of IBMX. RESULTS Expression of VPAC2 receptors and ACV/VI was significantly higher in muscle from distal stomach than from proximal stomach. Consistent with the higher expression of VPAC2 receptors and ACV/VI, VIP induced cAMP levels were significantly higher in muscle cells from distal stomach than muscle cells from proximal stomach. CONCLUSION Higher expression of VPAC2 receptors and ACV/VI, and greater generation of cAMP that mediate relaxation in muscle from distal stomach correlate with the phasic phenotype of muscle in distal stomach relative to proximal stomach.

2-(2-Fluorobenzamido)benzoate ethyl ester (EFB-1) inhibits superoxide production by human neutrophils and attenuates hemorrhagic shock-induced organ dysfunction in rats

Neutrophil activation after trauma–hemorrhagic shock (T/H) has been implicated in the development of multiple organ dysfunction (MOD). In this study, we report that a small chemical compound, 2-(2-fluorobenzamido)benzoic acid ethyl ester (EFB-1), exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the formyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced superoxide anion (O2•−) release and CD11b expression by human neutrophils. Additionally, administration of EFB-1 in rats subjected to T/H caused a significant improvement in MOD. EFB-1 treatment induced an increase in cAMP formation and protein kinase (PK) A activity in FMLP-activated neutrophils, which occurred through the selective inhibition of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity but not an increase in adenylate cyclase function or cGMP-specific PDE activity. FMLP-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), but not calcium mobilization, was reduced by EFB-1. The inhibitory effects of EFB-1 on O2•− production, CD11b expression, and AKT phosphorylation were reversed by PKA inhibitors (H89 and KT5720). Significantly, administration of EFB-1 (1mg/kg body wt) attenuated the myeloperoxidase activity of the intestines, lungs, and liver and reduced the wet/dry weight ratio of the intestines and lungs and plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in Sprague–Dawley rats after T/H. Therefore, EFB-1 is a new inhibitor of cAMP-specific PDE that potently suppresses O2•− release and CD11b expression by human neutrophils and attenuates T/H-induced MOD in rats.

Beta-Adrenergic Stimulation Contributes to Maintenance of Endothelial Barrier Functions Under Baseline Conditions

cAMP signaling within the endothelium is known to reduce paracellular permeability and to protect against loss of barrier functions under various pathological conditions. Because activation of β-adrenergic receptors elevates cellular cAMP, we tested whether β-adrenergic receptor signaling contributes to the maintenance of baseline endothelial barrier properties. We compared hydraulic conductivity of rat postcapillary venules in vivo with resistance measurements and with reorganization of endothelial adherens junctions in cultured microvascular endothelial cells downstream of β-adrenergic receptor-mediated changes of cAMP levels. Inhibition of β-adrenergic receptors by propranolol increased hydraulic conductivity, reduced both cAMP levels and TER of microvascular endothelial cell monolayers and induced fragmentation of VE-cadherin staining. In contrast, activation by epinephrine both increased cAMP levels and TER and resulted in linearized VE-cadherin distribution, however this was not sufficient to block barrier-destabilization by propranolol. Similarly, PDE inhibition did not prevent propranolol-induced TER reduction and VE-cadherin reorganization whereas increased cAMP formation by AC activation enhanced endothelial barrier functions under baseline conditions and under conditions of propranolol treatment. Our results indicate that generation of cAMP mediated by activation of β-adrenergic receptor signaling contributes to the maintenance of endothelial barrier properties under baseline conditions.

Identification and characterization of β-adrenergic receptors in isolated primary equine tracheal epithelial cells

Responses and functions of airway epithelial cells are stimulated by β 2-agonists via the β 2-adrenergic receptors (β 2-ARs)-G s-protein-cAMP-system, thus, affecting airway inflammation such as in asthma and equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Though horses can be used as large animal model for human asthma, evaluation of the expression and functions of the β-AR system in primary equine airway epithelial cells has not been yet carried out. Thus, for the first time, we determined the β-AR density and subtype distribution by [ 125I]-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) binding, examined β-AR function by cAMP assay as well as their expression by western blot analysis and immunocytochemical staining in primary equine tracheal epithelial cells (ETEC). Cells were collected from 19 horses and cultured subsequently. The specific ICYP binding was saturable and of high affinity: in freshly isolated cells the receptor density ( B max) and ICYP affinity ( K D) for β-ARs were 12727 ± 883 binding sites/cell and 31.78 ± 6.57 pM, respectively, and in cultured ETEC 3730 ± 212 binding sites/cell and 15.26 ± 3.37 pM, respectively. The β-AR subtype assessed by β 1-selective (CGP 20712A) and β 2-selective (ICI 118.551) adrenergic receptor antagonists demonstrated that the β 2-AR subtype predominated (>95%) in both cell populations ( p < 0.001). The β-AR agonists increased cAMP formation with a rank order of potency: isoproterenol > epinephrine > norepinephrine. ICI 118.551 (100 nM) significantly blocked ( p < 0.05) isoproterenol-induced cAMP accumulation but not CGP 20712A (300 nM). Western blot analyses and immunocytochemical staining further indicated the expression of the β 2-AR subtype in both cell preparations. Our data indicate that in acutely dissociated and primary cultured ETEC the β 2-AR-AC system is expressed, but varies considerably between the two preparations.

Structural analysis of three peptides related to the transmambranic helix VI of AT1 receptor

Angiotensin II (AII) is the main active product of the renin angiotensin system. Better known effects of AII are via AT1 receptor (AT1R). Expression of AT1R mutants (L265D and L262D) in CHO cells increased cAMP formation when compared to CHO cells expressing the wild type (WT) AT1R. Morphological transformation of CHO cells transfected with mutants correlated with their increased cAMP formation. DNA synthesis was inhibited in these cells too, indicating that cAMP promotes inhibitory effects on transfected CHO cells growth and causes their morphological change from a tumorigenic phenotype to a non-tumorigenic one. To assess the importance of leucine 262 and 265 in determining AT1R structure by means of a comparative structural analysis of two mutant peptides and of a wild-type fragment. Three peptides had their conformation compared by circular dichroism (CD): L262D(259-272), L265D(259-272) (mutants) and WT(260-277). Secondary structures were: beta-turn for WT and L262D and random coil for L265D. Strong correlation was found in the results of biochemical, cellular and structural approaches used to compare WT AT1R to mutant types. Random coil structure of the L265D mutant may be a key point to explain those changes observed in biochemical (binding and signal transduction) and proliferation assays (Correa et al., 2005). beta-Turn formation is an important step during early protein folding and this secondary simple structure is present in L262D and WT, but not in L265D. Therefore, leucine 265 seems to play a crucial role in determining an entirely functional AT1R.

DSM-RX78, a new phosphodiesterase inhibitor, suppresses superoxide anion production in activated human neutrophils and attenuates hemorrhagic shock-induced lung injury in rats

Neutrophils are activated following hemorrhagic shock and the accumulation of neutrophils in the lung is associated with lung injury. This research investigated the effects of a semisynthetic 2-benzoylaminobenzoic acid derivative, methyl 2-(2-fluorobenzamido)benzoate (DSM-RX78), on superoxide anion (O 2 −) production in formyl- l-methionyl- l-leucyl- l-phenylalanine (FMLP)-activated human neutrophils, and on lung injury in Sprague–Dawley rats subjected to trauma-hemorrhage. DSM-RX78 concentration-dependently inhibited O 2 − production, but not elastase release, in FMLP-activated human neutrophils. DSM-RX78 displayed no superoxide-scavenging ability, and it failed to alter the subcellular NADPH oxidase activity. Significantly, DSM-RX78 increased cAMP formation and protein kinase (PK)A activity in FMLP-activated neutrophils, which occurred through the selective inhibition of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity but not an increase in adenylate cyclase function or cGMP-specific PDE activity. These results show that DSM-RX78 is a new inhibitor of cAMP-specific PDE. Moreover, DSM-RX78 reduced FMLP-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), but not calcium mobilization. The inhibitory effects of DSM-RX78 on O 2 − production and Akt phosphorylation were reversed by PKA inhibitors, suggesting that DSM-RX78 regulates O 2 − production of human neutrophils by promoting cAMP/PKA-dependent inhibition of Akt activation. On the other hand, administration of DSM-RX78 significantly attenuated the increase in myeloperoxidase activity and edema in the lung, as well as protein concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in rats after trauma-hemorrhagic shock. In summary, these results strongly suggest that DSM-RX78 exerts anti-inflammatory effects, which result from the elevation of cAMP levels and PKA activity through its inhibition of cAMP-specific PDE. Also, our findings show that DSM-RX78 attenuates hemorrhagic shock-induced lung injury in rats.

Potent inhibition of superoxide anion production in activated human neutrophils by isopedicin, a bioactive component of the Chinese medicinal herb Fissistigma oldhamii

Fissistigma oldhamii is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Activation of neutrophils is a key feature of inflammatory diseases. Herein, the anti-inflammatory functions of isopedicin, a flavanone derived from F. oldhamii, and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in human neutrophils. Isopedicin potently and concentration-dependently inhibited superoxide anion (O 2 − ) production in formyl- l-methionyl- l-leucyl- l-phenylalanine (FMLP)-activated human neutrophils with an IC 50 value of 0.34 ± 0.03 μM. Furthermore, isopedicin displayed no superoxide-scavenging ability, and it failed to alter subcellular NADPH oxidase activity. The inhibitory effect of isopedicin on O 2 − production was reversed by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors. Moreover, isopedicin increased cAMP formation and PKA activity in FMLP-activated human neutrophils, which occurred through the inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity but not an increase in adenylate cyclase function. In addition, isopedicin reduced FMLP-induced phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, which was reversed by the PKA inhibitor. In contrast, isopedicin failed to alter FMLP-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and calcium mobilization. In summary, these results demonstrate that inhibition of O 2 − production in human neutrophils by isopedicin is associated with an elevation of cellular cAMP and activation of PKA through its inhibition of cAMP-specific PDE.

Functional expression of β2 adrenergic receptors responsible for protection against oxidative stress through promotion of glutathione synthesis after Nrf2 upregulation in undifferentiated mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 stem cells

Adrenaline is believed to play a dual role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and an adrenomedullary hormone in the peripheral tissues. In contrast to accumulating evidence for the involvement in endochondral ossification, osteoblastogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis, little attention has been paid to the role of adrenergic signals in the mechanisms underlying proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells with self-renewal capacity and multi-potentiality to differentiate into osteoblast, chondrocyte, adipocyte, and myocyte lineages. Expression of mRNA was seen for different adrenergic receptor (AdR) subtypes, including beta(2)AdR, in the mesenchymal stem cell line C3H10T1/2 cells and mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells before differentiation. Exposure to adrenaline not only increased cAMP formation, phosphorylation of cAMP responsive element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) on serine133 and CRE reporter activity in a manner sensitive to propranolol, but also rendered C3H10T1/2 cells resistant to the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide, but not of either 2,4-dinitirophenol or tunicamycin. Adrenaline induced a rapid but transient increase in mRNA expression of the antioxidative gene nuclear factor E2 p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2) along with an increase in the cystine/glutamate antiporter subunit xCT mRNA expression. Hydrogen peroxide was less cytotoxic in cells overexpressing Nrf2, moreover, while adrenaline significantly increased xCT promoter activity with an increase in endogenous glutathione levels. These results suggest that adrenaline may selectively protect mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells from oxidative stress through a mechanism related to the promoted biosynthesis of glutathione in association with transient Nrf2 expression after activation of beta(2)AdR.

Sensitization of cAMP formation in a neuron-like cell line

Differentiation into a nerve cell-like phenotype and growth arrest of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells went along with increased cAMP formation. Both receptor-dependent as well as direct activation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin were enhanced by at least twenty-fold. Since cAMP controls many processes in nerve cell function and development we have investigated the causal factors and mechanism of sensitization in SH-SY5Y cells. The degree of sensitization depended on pre-incubation of the cells with retinoic acid; however, maximizing the extent of sensitization required the withdrawal of serum from the culture medium. This was necessary for the cells to secrete endogenous substances into the culture supernatant. Because sensitization was blocked by inhibitors of gene transcription we surmised that the autocrine factors were relevant for sensitization and were generated by de novo protein synthesis. A gene expression screen revealed several factor candidates (including dkk1, EphB2, NPY, VEGFB); our preliminary data indicated that a combination of these may be needed to induce full sensitization. Our data further suggest that sensitization was not due to up-regulation of stimulatory G proteins or adenylyl cyclase. Rather, the immediate cause may be clustering of the catalyst and its activator Gs. This interpretation is consistent with the effect caused by altering the membrane lipid composition which enhanced and reduced cAMP formation in undifferentiated and differentiated cells, respectively. from 13th Scientific Symposium of the Austrian Pharmacological Society (APHAR). Joint Meeting with the Austrian Society of Toxicology (ASTOX) and the Hungarian Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology (MFT) Vienna, Austria. 22–24 November 2007

Functional CRF receptors in BON cells stimulate serotonin release

BON cells are human, pancreatic carcinoid-derived, endocrine-like cells that share functional similarities with intestinal enterochromaffin (EC) cells. We investigated the presence of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors, their signalling pathways and the functional effects of their stimulation in BON cells (clone #7). Expression analysis showed that BON cells contain mRNA for the CRF receptor types 1 and 2 (CRF 1/2), although CRF 2 mRNA levels were 23-fold higher than those of CRF 1 mRNA. The CRF 1/2 ligand, rat/human (r/h)CRF (EC 50 = 233 nM), and the selective CRF 2 ligand, human urocortin 3 (Ucn 3) (EC 50 = 48 nM), induced a dose-dependent increase in cAMP formation. Effects of r/hCRF were blocked by 44% with the selective CRF 1 antagonist DMP-696, while the selective CRF 2 antagonist antisauvagine-30 had only marginal effects. Both ligands (100 nM) stimulated the release of serotonin with similar efficacy (3-fold increase over basal). Effects of r/hCRF, but not Ucn 3, were blocked by pre-incubation with antisauvagine-30. These observations demonstrate that the EC cell-related BON cells express functional CRF 2 receptors linked to the release of serotonin. This suggests that EC cells may be a target for CRF and/or Ucn 3 in the intestine during stress-related responses. Actions of CRF/Ucn 3 and EC cell-derived mediators, such as serotonin, might underlie several motor, secretory and/or sensory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract which may play a role in the pathophysiology of functional GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

CAMP Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-β-Stimulated Collagen Synthesis via Inhibition of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 and Smad Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts

Cardiac fibroblasts produce and degrade extracellular matrix and are critical in regulating cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy. Cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) play a fundamental role in the development of tissue fibrosis by stimulating matrix deposition and other profibrotic responses, but less is known about pathways that might inhibit fibrosis. Increased cAMP formation inhibits myofibroblast differentiation and collagen production by cardiac fibroblasts, but the mechanism of this inhibition is not known. We sought to characterize the signaling pathways by which cAMP-elevating agents alter collagen expression and myofibroblast differentiation. Treatment with 10 microM forskolin or isoproterenol increased cAMP production and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in cardiac fibroblasts and inhibited serum- or TGF-beta-stimulated collagen synthesis by 37% or more. These same cAMP-elevating agents blunted TGF-beta-stimulated expression of collagen I, collagen III, and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Forskolin or isoproterenol treatment blocked the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) induced by TGF-beta despite the fact that these cAMP-elevating agents stimulated ERK1/2 activation on their own. cAMP-elevating agents also attenuated the activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase and reduced binding of the transcriptional coactivator CREB-binding protein 1 to transcriptional complexes containing Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK completely blocked TGF-beta-stimulated collagen gene expression, but expression of an active mutant of MEK was additive with TGF-beta treatment. Thus, cAMP-elevating agents inhibit the profibrotic effects of TGF-beta in cardiac fibroblasts largely through inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation but also by reducing Smad-mediated recruitment of transcriptional coactivators.

Adenylyl Cyclase 6 Overexpression Decreases the Permeability of Endothelial Monolayers via Preferential Enhancement of Prostacyclin Receptor Function

Overexpression of adenylyl cyclase (AC) has been proposed as a potential gene therapy strategy to increase cAMP formation in cardiomyocytes and cardiac function in vivo. The impact of AC overexpression on endothelial cells, which will be traversed by genes delivered in vivo, has not been examined. Hence, the goal of the current study was to determine the consequence of AC overexpression on vascular endothelial cells in terms of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and endothelial barrier function. We demonstrate that adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of AC6 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells preferentially enhances prostacyclin receptor (versus other GPCR)-stimulated cAMP synthesis and, in parallel, inhibits thrombin-stimulated increases in endothelial cell barrier function. Using multiple strategies, including prostacyclin receptor-targeted small interfering RNA, we identify that the enhancement of endothelial barrier function by AC6 overexpression is dependent on an autocrine/paracrine feedback pathway involving the release of prostacyclin and activation of prostacyclin receptors. AC6 overexpression in endothelial cells may have use as a means to enhance prostacyclin function and reduce endothelial barrier permeability.

The Neuronal Ca2+ Sensor Protein Visinin-like Protein-1 Is Expressed in Pancreatic Islets and Regulates Insulin Secretion

Visinin-like protein-1 (VILIP-1) is a member of the neuronal Ca2+ sensor protein family that modulates Ca2+-dependent cell signaling events. VILIP-1, which is expressed primarily in the brain, increases cAMP formation in neural cells by modulating adenylyl cyclase, but its functional role in other tissues remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that VILIP-1 is expressed in murine pancreatic islets and beta-cells. To gain insight into the functions of VILIP-1 in beta-cells, we used both overexpression and small interfering RNA knockdown strategies. Overexpression of VILIP-1 in the MIN6 beta-cell line or isolated mouse islets had no effect on basal insulin secretion but significantly increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. cAMP accumulation was elevated in VILIP-1-overexpressing cells, and the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 attenuated increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Overexpression of VILIP-1 in isolated mouse beta-cells increased cAMP content accompanied by increased cAMP-responsive element-binding protein gene expression and enhanced exocytosis as detected by cell capacitance measurements. Conversely, VILIP-1 knockdown by small interfering RNA caused a reduction in cAMP accumulation and produced a dramatic increase in preproinsulin mRNA, basal insulin secretion, and total cellular insulin content. The increase in preproinsulin mRNA in these cells was attributed to enhanced insulin gene transcription. Taken together, we have shown that VILIP-1 is expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and modulates insulin secretion. Increased VILIP-1 enhanced insulin secretion in a cAMP-associated manner. Down-regulation of VILIP-1 was accompanied by decreased cAMP accumulation but increased insulin gene transcription.

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate in Acute Myocardial Infarction With Heart Failure

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a tightly regulated second messenger that is critically involved in many intracellular processes. In cardiomyocytes, the activation of a number of membrane receptors, notably β-receptors and muscarinic receptors, acts through stimulatory or inhibitory G-proteins (Gαs/Gαi) on adenylyl cyclase (AC), which synthesizes cAMP from ATP. cAMP is degraded by phosphodiesterases (PDE). Thereafter, cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), which, in turn, through phosphorylation of L-type calcium channels, ryanodine receptors, phospholamban, and troponin I, improves excitation-contraction coupling and increases heart rate, as well as contraction amplitude and relaxation. PKA also phosphorylates nuclear cAMP-response element binding proteins to activate transcription.1 There are at least 9 isoforms of AC; the mammalian myocardium expresses mainly AC V and VI. AC V is the predominant isoform in adult cardiac tissue, whereas AC VI expression decreases with age. Both isoforms are phosphorylated by PKA and thereby inhibited, thus providing a feedback regulation and potential desensitization pathway.2,3 Transgenic mice with cardiac-directed overexpression of AC VI have normal cAMP and cardiac function at rest but increased responses in both cAMP and function to β-adrenergic stimulation,4 as confirmed in the present study by Takahasi et al.5 Article p 388 The prevailing notion is that increased myocardial cAMP in settings of acute myocardial ischemia is detrimental. In fact, β-adrenergic agonists that increase cAMP formation disrupt perfusion-contraction matching and promote infarction in controlled animal models of myocardial ischemia, both by increasing myocardial energetic requirements and by an unfavorable flow redistribution away from the ischemic subendocardium.6 Apart from increasing infarct size, cAMP promotes ventricular tachyarrhythmias in ischemia/reperfusion.7 Although increased cAMP acutely increases left ventricular function in heart failure, most trials with either β-adrenergic agonists or PDE inhibitors have revealed increased mortality, possibly secondary to tachyarrhythmias.1 The present article by Takahashi et …

Involvement of the Adenylyl Cyclase/Protein Kinase A Signaling Pathway in the Stimulatory Effect of PACAP on Frog Adrenocortical Cells

We have previously shown that PACAP stimulates in vitro the secretion of corticosteroids by frog adrenal explants and that PACAP increases cAMP formation and cytosolic calcium concentration ('Ca2+'i) in adrenocortical cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of cAMP and 'Ca2+'i in the stimulatory effect of PACAP on steroid production. Incubation of adrenal explants with PACAP resulted in a significant increase in total inositol phosphate formation. Administration of the protein kinase A inhibitor, H89, markedly reduced the stimulatory effect of PACAP on corticosterone and aldosterone secretion by perifused adrenal slices. In contrast, chelation of intracellular or extracellular calcium, or incubation with calcium channel blockers, had no effect on PACAP-evoked steroid secretion. Incubation of the cells with BAPTA or thapsigargin totally suppressed the stimulatory effect of PACAP on 'Ca2+'i. In contrast, suppression of extracellular calcium with EGTA or blockage of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels did not impair PACAP-induced Ca2+ response. These data indicate that, in frog adrenocortical cells, the stimulatory effect of PACAP on steroid secretion is mediated through activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway. Concurrently, PACAP causes calcium mobilization from IP(3)-dependent intracellular stores through activation of a phospholipase C, while the calcium response is not involved in the stimulatory effect of PACAP on corticosteroid secretion.