Inositol Phosphate Formation Research Articles

Mutation analysis of the MCHR1 gene in human obesity

The importance of the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) system for regulation of energy homeostasis and body weight has been demonstrated in rodents. We analysed the human MCH receptor 1 gene (MCHR1) with respect to human obesity. This consisted of genomic screening of 13.4 kb encompassing the MCHR1 in extremely obese German children and adolescents and association analyses for two coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To confirm initial positive association results, additional association studies and transmission disequilibrium tests in further German, Danish, French and American samples were conducted. Selected SNPs were investigated using functional in vitro studies and reporter gene assays. Single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis, re-sequencing, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses, tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation systems, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and reporter gene assays were carried out as well as measuring inositol phosphate formation, inhibition of cAMP formation and activation of p42/44 MAP kinase. We identified 11 infrequent variations and two SNPs in the MCHR1 coding sequence and 18 SNPs (eight novel) in the flanking sequence. Association and transmission disequilibrium with obesity were detected for several SNPs in independent study groups of German obese children and adolescents and controls. In two German samples, encompassing 4056 and 295 individuals, trends towards association with obesity were detected. Findings in a second epidemiological German sample and in Danish, French and American samples were negative. Functional in vitro studies as well as reporter gene assays revealed no significant results. Our initial association of MCHR1 alleles/haplotype detected might be related to juvenile-onset obesity, conditional on a particular genetic and/or environmental background. Alternatively, we could not exclude the possibility that the initially detected association represented a false positive finding.

Lysophosphatidylserine stimulates leukemic cells but not normal leukocytes

In this study, we observed that lysophosphatidylserine (LPS) stimulated intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+] i) increase in leukemic cells but not in normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. LPS also stimulated [Ca 2+] i increase in human leukemic THP-1 cells. LPS-stimulated [Ca 2+] i increase was inhibited by U-73122 but not by U-73343. LPS also stimulated inositol phosphates formation in THP-1 cells, suggesting that LPS stimulates calcium signaling via phospholipase C activation. Moreover, pertussis toxin (PTX) completely inhibited [Ca 2+] i increase by LPS, indicating the activation of PTX-sensitive G-proteins. We also found that LPS-induced [Ca 2+] i increase was completely inhibited by suramin, suggesting G-protein coupled receptor activation. Since LPS specifically stimulates PTX-sensitive G-proteins, phospholipase C-dependent [Ca 2+] i increase in leukemic cells but not normal peripheral blood leukocytes, LPS receptor may be associated with leukemia.

Role of the ERC motif in the proximal part of the second intracellular loop and the C-terminal domain of the human prostaglandin F2α receptor (hFP-R) in G-protein coupling control

The human FP-R (F2alpha prostaglandin receptor) is a Gq-coupled heptahelical ectoreceptor, which is of significant medical interest, since it is a potential target for the treatment of glaucoma and preterm labour. On agonist exposure, it mediates an increase in intracellular inositol phosphate formation. Little is known about the structures that govern the agonist-dependent receptor activation. In other prostanoid receptors, the C-terminal domain has been inferred in the control of agonist-dependent receptor activation. A DRY motif at the beginning of the second intracellular loop is highly conserved throughout the G-protein-coupled receptor family and appears to be crucial for controlling agonist-dependent receptor activation. It is replaced by an ERC motif in the FP-R and no evidence for the relevance of this motif in ligand-dependent activation of prostanoid receptors has been provided so far. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the potential role of the C-terminal domain and the ERC motif in agonist-controlled intracellular signalling in FP-R mutants generated by site-directed mutagenesis. It was found that substitution of the acidic Glu(132) in the ERC motif by a threonine residue led to full constitutive activation, whereas truncation of the receptor's C-terminal domain led to partial constitutive activation of all three intracellular signal pathways that had previously been shown to be activated by the FP-R, i.e. inositol trisphosphate formation, focal adhesion kinase activation and T-cell factor signalling. Inositol trisphosphate formation and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation were further enhanced by ligand binding in cells expressing the truncation mutant but not the E132T (Glu132-->Thr) mutant. Thus C-terminal truncation appeared to result in a receptor with partial constitutive activation, whereas substitution of Glu132 by threonine apparently resulted in a receptor with full constitutive activity.

Effect of adenosine triphosphate on phosphate uptake in renal proximal tubule cells: Involvement of PKC and p38 MAPK

ATP has been known to act as an extracellular signal and to be involved in various functions of kidney. Renal proximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate (Pi) contributes to the maintenance of phosphate homeostasis, which is regulated by Na+/Pi cotransporter. However, the effects of ATP on Na+/Pi cotransporters were not elucidated in proximal tubule cells (PTCs). Thus, the effects of ATP on Na+/Pi cotransporter and its related signal pathways are examined in the primary cultured renal PTCs. In the present study, ATP inhibited Pi uptake in a time (> 1 h) and dose (>10(-6)M) dependent manner. ATP-induced inhibition of Pi uptake was correlated with the decrease of type II Na+/Pi cotransporter mRNA. ATP-induced inhibition of Pi uptake may be mediated by P2Y receptor activation, since suramin (non-specific P2 receptor antagonist) and RB-2 (P2Y receptor antagonist) blocked it. ATP-induced inhibition of Pi uptake was blocked by neomycin, U73122 (phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors), bisindolylmaleimide I, H-7, and staurosporine (protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors), suggesting the role of PLC/PKC pathway. ATP also increased inositol phosphates (IPs) formation and induced PKC translocation from cytosolic fraction to membrane fraction. In addition, ATP-induced inhibition of Pi uptake was blocked by SB 203580 [a p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor], but not by PD 98059 (a p44/42 MAPK inhibitor). Indeed, ATP induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, which was not blocked by PKC inhibitor. In conclusion, ATP inhibited Pi uptake via PLC/PKC as well as p38 MAPK in renal PTCs.

Potentiation of bradykinin actions by analogues of the bradykinin potentiating nonapeptide BPP 9α

Synthetic analogues of the bradykinin potentiating nonapeptide BPP 9α indicate significantly different structural requirements for potentiation of the bradykinin (BK)-induced smooth muscle contraction (GPI) and the inhibition of isolated somatic angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). The results disprove the ACE inhibition as the only single mechanism and also the direct interaction of potentiating peptides with the bradykinin receptors in transfected COS-7 cells as molecular mechanism of potentiation. Our results indicate a stimulation of inositol phosphates (IP n ) formation independently from the B 2 receptor. Furthermore, the results with La 3+ support the role of extracellular Ca 2+ and its influx through corresponding channels. The missing effect of calyculin on the GPI disproves the role of phosphatases in the potentiating action. These experimental studies should not only contribute to a better understanding of the potentiating mechanisms but also incorporate a shift in the research towards the immune system, in particular towards the immunocompetent polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The chemotaxis of these cells can be potentiated most likely by exclusive inhibition of the enzymatic degradation of bradykinin. Thus the obtained results give evidence that the potentiation of the bradykinin action can occur by different mechanisms, depending on the system and on the applied potentiating factor.

Cloning and pharmacological characterization of the cat urotensin-II receptor (UT)

Urotensin-II (U-II), acting through its G-protein-coupled receptor, UT, is a possible contributor to hypertension. Variable functional responses to U-II, both within and between species studied to date, complicate the characterization of UT antagonists. In the cat, however, U-II causes systemic hypertension and constricts arterial segments isolated from several vascular beds. The purpose of this study was to clone and pharmacologically characterize cat recombinant UT to determine whether this system represents a model for characterizing UT antagonists. Cloned cat UT displayed 74% identity to primate UT, and 77% identity to rodent UT. [ 125I] hU-II bound in a saturable manner to a single site on recombinant cat UT with high affinity ( K D 288 ± 13 pM) and high density ( B max 747 ± 66 fmol/mg protein). U-II isopeptides displayed equipotent, high affinity binding to cat UT ( K i 1.8–5.3 nM). Cat UT was coupled to intracellular [Ca 2+] release (EC 50 0.6 ± 0.2 nM) and total inositol phosphate (IP) formation (EC 50 0.4 ± 0.1 nM). Protein kinase C activation desensitized cat, but not human, UT-mediated IP formation. UT mRNA expression was detected in cat blood vessels, trachea, lung, and kidney, where the medulla ( K D 815 ± 34) and cortex and ( K D 316 ± 39 pM) displayed high affinity binding for human U-II (hU-II). The cat urotensin-II receptor represents a suitable in vitro model to examine the role of the U-II/UT system in the etiology of hypertension, assisting in the evaluation of the UT antagonists to help treat cardiovascular disease.

Insulin stimulates Ca 2+ uptake via PKC, cAMP, and p38 MAPK in mouse embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are provided as a powerful tool for developmental biology and have been shown to respond to insulin. However, little is known about the effect of insulin on [Ca 2+] i regulation in the ES cells, although many cellular functions are tightly regulated by [Ca 2+] i. Therefore, we examined the effect of insulin on Ca 2+ uptake and its related signal pathways in the mouse ES cells. Mouse ES cells expressed alkaline phosphatase (AP), transcription factor Oct-4, and stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1). Insulin increased the Ca 2+ uptake in a time- and dose-dependent manner and the effect was blocked by L-type Ca 2+ channel blockers, nifedifine and methoxyverapamil. Genistein or herbimycin A (tyrosine kinase inhibitors), wortmannin (PI-3K inhibitor), and staurosporine or bisindolylmaleimide I (PKC inhibitors) completely prevented insulin-induced increase of Ca 2+ uptake. Wortmannin blocked insulin-induced PKC activation, but SQ 22536 (adenylate cyclase inhibitor) did not. Insulin also rapidly increased formation of inositol phosphates (IPs). We examined the involvement of MAPKs in mediating the effect of insulin on Ca 2+ uptake. SB 203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) but not PD 98059 (p44/42 MAPKs inhibitor) blocked insulin-induced increase of Ca 2+ uptake. Insulin significantly increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK but not p44/42 MAPKs. In addition, genistein, PKI, and bisindolylmaleimide I blocked the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK by insulin, suggesting a causal relationship. In conclusion, insulin partially stimulated Ca 2+ uptake via PKC, cAMP, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in mouse ES cells.

The NK1 Receptor Localizes to the Plasma Membrane Microdomains, and Its Activation Is Dependent on Lipid Raft Integrity

The spatial targeting of receptors to discrete domains within the plasma membrane allows their preferential coupling to specific effectors, which is essential for rapid and accurate discrimination of signals. Efficiency of signaling is further increased by protein and lipid segregation within the plasma membrane. We have previously demonstrated the importance of raft-mediated signaling in the regulation of smooth and skeletal muscle cell contraction. Since G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key components in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction-relaxation cycles, it is important to determine whether GPCR signaling is mediated by lipid rafts and raft-associated molecules. Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) is expressed in central and peripheral nervous system as well as in endothelial and smooth muscle cells and involved in mediation of pain, inflammation, exocrine secretion, and smooth muscle contraction. The NK1 receptor was transiently expressed in HEK293 and HepG2 cell lines and its localization in membrane microdomains investigated using biochemical methods and immunofluorescent labeling. We show that the NK1 receptor, similar to the earlier described beta(2)-adrenergic receptor and G proteins, localizes to lipid rafts and caveolae. Protein kinase C (PKC) is one of the downstream effectors of the NK1 activation. Its active form translocates from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. Upon stimulation of the NK1 receptor with Substance P, the activated PKC relocated to lipid rafts. Using cholesterol extraction and replenishment assays we show that activation of NK1 receptor is dependent on the microarchitecture of the plasma membrane: NK1R-mediated signaling was abolished after cholesterol depletion of the receptor-expressing cells with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Our results demonstrate that reorganization of the plasma membrane has an effect on the activation of the raft-associated NK1R and the down-stream events such as recruitment of protein kinases.

Bradykinin B2 receptor signaling: Structural and functional characterization of the C‐terminus

Over the last few years the importance of the intracellular C-terminus in the signaling of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) has become increasingly evident. In an effort to provide a structural framework for biological function, we have determined the conformation of the C-terminus of the bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor. Using a uniformly 15N- and 13C-enriched sample of the BKB2 receptor [309-366], NMR results clearly define three alpha-helices lying on the zwitterionic surface of the dodecylphosphocholine. The proximal helix consisting of residues 311-326 was previously predicted based on homology modeling with rhodopsin. This corresponds to what is often called helix-8 of the GPCRs. The two distal helices, residues 333-345 and 348-363, are clearly borne out by the NMR data. The functional importance of these secondary structural elements was probed by determination of the signaling properties (inositol phosphate formation) of mutant BKB2 receptors lacking the domains (deletion mutants) or containing the corresponding region from the related GPCR, angiotensin II AT1a (chimera receptors). We demonstrate that the regions between the helices (residues 327-333 and 346-347) can be exchanged without loss of signaling. In contrast, modification of the three helices, particularly the hydroxyl-containing residues, has drastic effects on the signaling profile of the BKB2 receptor. By coupling of the structural features with the functional data, the molecular mechanisms of signaling by the BKB2 receptor are beginning to be established.

The Pathway for the Production of Inositol Hexakisphosphate in Human Cells

The yeast and Drosophila pathways leading to the production of inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP(6)) have been elucidated recently. The in vivo pathway in humans has been assumed to be similar. Here we show that overexpression of Ins(1,3,4)P(3) 5/6-kinase in human cell lines results in an increase of inositol tetrakisphosphate (InsP(4)) isomers, inositol pentakisphosphate (InsP(5)) and InsP(6), whereas its depletion by RNA interference decreases the amounts of these inositol phosphates. Expression of Ins(1,3,4,6)P(4) 5-kinase does not increase the amount of InsP(5) and InsP(6), although its depletion does block InsP(5) and InsP(6) production, showing that it is necessary for production of InsP(5) and InsP(6). Expression of Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P(5) 2-kinase increases the amount of InsP(6) by depleting the InsP(5) in the cell, and depletion of 2-kinase decreases the amount of InsP(6) and causes an increase in InsP(5). These results are consistent with a pathway that produces InsP(6) through the sequential action of Ins(1,3,4)P(3) 5/6-kinase, Ins(1,3,4,6)P(4) 5-kinase, and Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 2-kinase to convert Ins(1,3,4)P(3) to InsP(6). Furthermore, the evidence implicates 5/6-kinase as the rate-limiting enzyme in this pathway.

Changes in IP3 Receptor Are Associated With Altered Calcium Response to Cholecystokinin in Diabetic Rat Pancreatic Acini

Pancreatic acini of diabetic rats release amylase less than normal acini on cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulation. Pancreatic enzyme secretion by CCK is closely related to the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which mobilizes intracellular calcium stores via the endoplasmic reticulum-located receptor IP3 (IP3R). Recently, we observed altered intracellular calcium response on CCK-8 stimulation in streptozotocin (STZ)- treated diabetic rat acini. To determine whether IP3R is involved in altered calcium response, we measured inositol phosphate (IP) formation and the expression and phosphorylation of type III IP3R protein in diabetic acini. Also, CCK receptor mRNA expression was examined to determine whether the changes in IP formation and IP3R protein phosphorylation in diabetic acini might result from the defect at the postreceptor level. CCK-8-induced IP formation at all concentrations used was significantly reduced in diabetic acini, though IP formation was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of type III IP3R protein was significantly reduced in diabetic acini. Additionally, CCK-8-stimulated phosphorylation of type III IP3R protein was not observed in diabetic acini. However, the reduction of CCK receptor mRNA expression was not detected in diabetic acini. Our results indicate that altered calcium response to CCK-8 in diabetic acini might be associated with a post-CCK receptor defect including the changes in IP formation, type III IP3R protein expression, and phosphorylation of type III IP3R protein.

Methotrexate enhances prostaglandin [formula omitted]-stimulated heat shock protein 27 induction in osteoblasts

As for the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), prostaglandins (PGs) act as important mediators of inflammation and joint destruction. Among them, PGD 2 is well recognized as a potent regulator of osteoblastic functions. We previously showed that PGD 2 stimulates the induction of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) via protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and p44/p42 MAP kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Therefore, it is a current topic to clarify how HSP27 plays a role for regulating osteoblastic functions in the lesion of RA. On the other hand, methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most effective medicines for the treatment of RA. Here, we examined the effect of MTX on PGD 2 -stimulated HSP27 induction in MC3T3-E1 cells. The cells were pretreated with various doses of MTX including therapeutic dosage for RA, and then stimulated by PGD 2 . MTX significantly enhanced the PGD 2 - increased levels of HSP27 in a dose-dependent manner, although MTX alone had no effect on the levels of HSP27. In addition, MTX amplified the PGD 2 -increased levels of HSP27 mRNA. On the contrary, MTX had little effect on PGD 2 -induced formation of inositol phosphates, PKC activation and phosphorylations of MAP kinases. Our results strongly suggest that MTX enhances PGD 2 -stimulated HSP27 induction at a point downstream from MAP kinases in osteoblasts.

Prostaglandin E2 Selectively Antagonizes Prostaglandin F2α-stimulated T-cell Factor/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway by the FPB Prostanoid Receptor

FP prostanoid receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors that consist of two isoforms named FPA and FPB. Both isoforms activate inositol phosphate second messenger signaling pathways by their endogenous ligand prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). Previously we have shown that both isoforms undergo Rho-mediated cell rounding following treatment with PGF2alpha. Following the removal of PGF2alpha, however, FPA-expressing cells return to their original morphology, whereas FPB-expressing cells do not. It was also found that PGF2alpha-could activate T-cell factor (Tcf)/beta-catenin signaling in cells expressing the FPB isoform but not in cells expressing the FPA isoform. We now show that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can induce cell rounding and stimulate the formation of inositol phosphates to the same extent as PGF2alpha in cells expressing either the FPA or FPB isoforms. However, PGE2 has much lower efficacy as compared with PGF2alpha for the activation of Tcf/beta-catenin signaling in FPB-expressing cells, and the cell rounding is reversible. Interestingly, pretreatment of FPB-expressing cells with PGE2-attenuated PGF2alpha-stimulated Tcf/beta-catenin signaling in a dose-dependent manner while having no effect on PGF2alpha-stimulated inositol phosphates formation. Thus, the ratio of endogenous PGE2 and PGF2alpha has the potential to selectively regulate one signaling pathway over another. This represents a novel mechanism for the regulation of cell signaling that is distinct from regulation occurring at the level of the receptor and its effector pathways.

Subtype-selective Noncompetitive or Competitive Inhibition of Human α1-Adrenergic Receptors by ρ-TIA

The 19-amino acid conopeptide (rho-TIA) was shown previously to antagonize noncompetitively alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors (ARs). Because this is the first peptide ligand for these receptors, we compared its interactions with the three recombinant human alpha(1)-AR subtypes (alpha(1A), alpha(1B), and alpha(1D)). Radioligand binding assays showed that rho-TIA was 10-fold selective for human alpha(1B)-over alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-ARs. As observed with hamster alpha(1B)-ARs, rho-TIA decreased the number of binding sites (B(max)) for human alpha(1B)-ARs without changing affinity (K(D)), and this inhibition was unaffected by the length of incubation but was reversed by washing. However, rho-TIA had opposite effects at human alpha(1A)-ARs and alpha(1D)-ARs, decreasing K(D) without changing B(max), suggesting it acts competitively at these subtypes. rho-TIA reduced maximal NE-stimulated [(3)H]inositol phosphate formation in HEK293 cells expressing human alpha(1B)-ARs but competitively inhibited responses in cells expressing alpha(1A)- or alpha(1D)-ARs. Truncation mutants showed that the amino-terminal domains of alpha(1B)- or alpha(1D)-ARs are not involved in interaction with rho-TIA. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis of rho-TIA showed F18A had an increased selectivity for alpha(1B)-ARs, and F18N also increased subtype selectivity. I8A had a slightly reduced potency at alpha(1B)-ARs and was found to be a competitive, rather than noncompetitive, inhibitor in both radioligand and functional assays. Thus rho-TIA noncompetitively inhibits alpha(1B)-ARs but competitively inhibits the other two subtypes, and this selectivity can be increased by mutation. These differential interactions do not involve the receptor amino termini and are not because of the charged nature of the peptide, and isoleucine 8 is critical for its noncompetitive inhibition at alpha(1B)-ARs.

Radioligand Binding and Functional Characterization of Recombinant Human NmU1 and NmU2 Receptors Stably Expressed in Clonal Human Embryonic Kidney-293 Cells

Neuromedin U (NmU) is a smooth muscle contracting peptide. Recently, two G-protein-coupled receptors for NmU (NmU1R and NmU2R) have been cloned having approximately 50% homology. They have distinct patterns of expression suggesting they may have different biological functions. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of both NmU receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. [¹²⁵I]hNmU binding to the recombinant NmU receptors was rapid, saturable, of high affinity and to a single population of binding sites. Exposure of these cells to NmU isopeptides resulted in an increase in intracellular [Ca²⁺]_i release (EC₅₀ value of 0.50 ± 0.10 nmol/l) and inositol phosphate formation (EC₅₀ 1.6 ± 0.2 and 1.50 ± 0.4 nmol/l for NmU1R and NmU2R respectively). Furthermore, hNmU inhibited forskolin (3 µmol/l)-stimulated accumulation of cAMP in intact HEK-293 cells expressing either NmU1R or NmU2R. The inhibitory effect was significant for the cells expressing NmU2R with IC₅₀ value of 0.80 ± 0.21 nmol/l. In summary, both NmU1R and NmU2R in HEK-293 cells have similar signaling capability.

Vascular activity of (-)-anonaine, (-)-roemerine and (-)-pukateine, three natural 6a(R)-1,2-methylenedioxyaporphines with different affinities for alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes.

We have studied the mechanism of action of three 6a( R)-1,2-methylenedioxyaporphines as vasorelaxant compounds. The alkaloids assayed showed different affinities for the three human cloned alpha (1)-adrenoceptor (AR) subtypes stably expressed in rat-1 fibroblasts, showing lower affinity for alpha(1B)-AR with regard to the alpha(1A)- or alpha(1D)-subtypes. These three natural compounds are more potent inhibitors of [ (3)H]-prazosin binding than of [ (3)H]-diltiazem binding to rat cerebral cortical membranes. As all these alkaloids inhibited noradrenaline (NA)-induced [ (3)H]-inositol phosphate formation in cerebral cortex and rat tail artery, they may be safely viewed as alpha (1)-AR antagonists, as is demonstrated by the vasorelaxant responses observed in isolated rat tail artery and/or aorta precontracted with NA. The alkaloids also inhibited the contractile response evoked by KCl (80 mM) but with a lower potency than that shown against NA-induced contraction. We have also examined their ability to inhibit the different forms of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) isolated from bovine aortic smooth muscle and endothelial cells, with negative results. We conclude that N-methylation favours the interaction of (R)-aporphines with all alpha (1)-AR subtypes, and that the topography of the binding site recognizing the basic or protonated nitrogen atom is similar in all three alpha (1)-AR subtypes. The presence of a hydroxy group at C-11 has different effects on the affinity for each alpha (1)-AR subtype but decreases the affinity for Ca (2+) channels. These results confirm and extend the view that subtle changes in the hydroxylation patterns on the aromatic ring of the aporphine structure affect the interactions of these compounds with the three alpha (1)-AR subtypes in different ways, suggesting that the binding site recognizing the aporphine skeleton is different in each of the three subtypes.

Ceramide 1-phosphate enhances calcium entry through voltage-operated calcium channels by a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism in GH4C1 rat pituitary cells.

Sphingomyelin derivatives modulate a multitude of cellular processes, including the regulation of [Ca2+]i (the intracellular free calcium concentration). Previous studies have shown that these metabolites often inhibit calcium entry through VOCCs (voltage-operated calcium channels). In the present study, we show that, in pituitary GH4C1 cells, C1P (C2-ceramide 1-phosphate) enhances calcium entry in a dose-dependent manner. The phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 attenuated the response. C1P invoked a small, but significant, increase in the formation of inositol phosphates. Pre-treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin was without an effect on the C1P-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i. The effect of C1P was critically dependent on extracellular calcium, since no increase in [Ca2+]i was observed when cells in a calcium-free buffer were stimulated with C1P. Furthermore, if the cells were retreated with 300 nM of the VOCC inhibitor nimodipine, the effect of C1P was almost totally abolished. In addition, ceramide C8-1-phosphate evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i, but the onset of the response was slow compared with that of C1P. In cells treated with 1 mM thapsigargin for 15 min, C1P still evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i. In patch-clamp experiments in the whole-cell mode, C1P enhanced calcium entry through the VOCCs compared with vehicle-treated cells. Dialysis of the cells with C1P did not enhance the calcium current. On-cell patch-clamp experiments showed an enhanced probability of the VOCCs being open (P(open)) in the presence of C1P. Inhibition of PKC (protein kinase C) with GF109203X and down-regulation of PKC with PMA attenuated the C1P-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, down-regulation of PKC abolished the effect of C1P on P(open). This is the first report showing that a sphingomyelin derivative enhances calcium entry through VOCCs.

LY-294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] affects calcium signaling in airway smooth muscle cells independently of phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) may potentially influence intracellular [Ca(2+)](i) concentration by several mechanisms. We have investigated the effects of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors wortmannin and LY-294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] on Ca(2+) signaling in rat airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells using fura-2 and imaging methodology. Wortmannin (1 microM) and LY-294002 (1 and 10 microM) had opposite effects: wortmannin caused a small increase, whereas LY-294002 caused a significant decrease of peak Ca(2+) responses to serotonin (5-HT). LY-294002 (10 microM) diminished 5-HT-induced ASM cell contraction, measured as a change in cell surface area, and inositol phosphate formation, measured by anion exchange chromatography. Thin layer chromatography revealed that the levels of phospholipase C (PLC) substrate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate were not affected. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting have shown that both wortmannin and LY-294002 inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-induced PI3K activation. However, PI3K activation could not be detected after 5-HT stimulation. The specific casein kinase-2 (CK2) inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-d-ribofuranosyl-benzimidazole (10-40 microM) reduced 5-HT-triggered responses to a similar extent as LY-294002. We conclude that LY-294002 modulates Ca(2+) signaling in rat ASM independently of its action on PI3K by acting on, or upstream of, PLC, possibly by inhibiting CK2.

Differential agonistic and antagonistic effects of the urotensin-II ligand SB-710411 at rodent and primate UT receptors

SB-710411 (Cpa-c[d-Cys-Pal-d-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys]-Cpa-amide) inhibited [125I]urotensin-II rat and monkey UT receptor binding (pKis 7.50±0.07 and 6.82±0.06). However, whereas SB-710411 antagonized urotensin-II-induced inositol phosphate formation at the rat UT receptor (pKb 6.54±0.05), this ligand functioned as an agonist at the monkey UT receptor (pEC50 6.56±0.35, Emax 5.27±0.65-fold over basal). Indeed, in contrast to the rat UT receptor (and rat isolated arteries), SB-710411 exhibited intrinsic activity in monkey arteries acting as an efficacious vasoconstrictor (pEC50s 5.03±0.18 to 5.71±0.21, Emaxs 101±4 to 218±58% KCl). These data demonstrate that caution must be taken when extrapolating the pharmacology of a specific ligand(s) between the rodent and primate UT receptors.

Fate of Internalized Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors Monitored with a Timer Fusion Protein

Trafficking of TRH receptors was studied in a stable HEK293 cell line expressing receptor fused to a Timer protein (TRHR-Timer) that spontaneously changes from green to red over 10 h. Cells expressing TRHR-Timer responded to TRH with an 11-fold increase in inositol phosphate formation, increased intracellular free calcium, and internalization of 75% of bound [(3)H][N(3)-methyl-His(2)]TRH within 10 min. After a 20-min exposure to TRH at 37 C, 75-80% of surface binding sites disappeared as receptors internalized. When TRH was removed and cells incubated in hormone-free medium, approximately 75% of [(3)H][N(3)-methyl-His(2)]TRH binding sites reappeared at the surface over the next 2 h with or without cycloheximide. Trafficking of TRHR-Timer was monitored microscopically after addition and withdrawal of TRH. In untreated cells, both new (green) and old (red) receptors were seen at the plasma membrane, and TRH caused rapid movement of young and old receptors into cytoplasmic vesicles. When TRH was withdrawn, some TRHR-Timer reappeared at the plasma membrane after several hours, but much of the internalized receptor remained intracellular in vesicles that condensed to larger structures in perinuclear regions deeper within the cell. Strikingly, receptors that moved to the plasma membrane were generally younger (more green) than those that underwent endocytosis. There was no change in the red to green ratio over the course of the experiment in cells exposed to vehicle. The results indicate that, after agonist-driven receptor internalization, the plasma membrane is replenished with younger receptors, arising either from an intracellular pool or preferential recycling of younger receptors.