Pertussis Toxin-sensitive G-protein Research Articles

Intracellular Signaling Pathway of FGF-2-modulated Corneal Endothelial Cell Migration during Wound Healing in vitro

After wounding, the corneal endothelium heals primarily by migration of adjacent cells into the denuded wound area. In this study, it has been attempted to identify elements of the intracellular signaling pathway activated through basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-2)- and Protein Kinase C (PKC)-modulated migration, using specific inhibitors and stimulators of second messengers in a cell culture model. Bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC) were grown to confluency and experiments performed with first passage cells under serum-free conditions. A central circular ‘wound’ was made with a specially designed trephine. In different experiments, cells were incubated with either FGF-2 (10ngml−1), pertussis toxin (PTX; 1–50ngml−1), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 50ngml−1), 2,4′-di-bromoacetophenone (DAP; 5μM), 1-(5-iosquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine dihydrochloride (H7; 10μM), indomethacin (5ngml−1), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA; 10ngml−1), 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-pheny-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002; 10μM) or different combinations of these agents. Unsupplemented cultures served as controls. Migration was quantitated by counting the cells inside the denuded area in one randomly chosen section from the wound edge 72hr after wounding. Cell toxicity was determined with the trypan blue exclusion test. Results were statistically analysed by Student’s t-test. FGF-2 and PMA (a protein kinase C activator) both stimulated migration of endothelial cells at 2.2- and 3.1-fold, respectively. The PLA2 inhibitor DAP and the PKC inhibitor H7 both significantly reduced PMA-stimulated migration to control levels but had no effect (DAP) or even stimulated (H7) FGF-2-modulated migration. PTX did not affect FGF-2-stimulated migration. The phosphoinositol (3)-kinase inhibitor LY294002 significantly reduced FGF-2-mediated stimulation of endothelial migration similar to the rate of control cultures. LY294002 had no effect when applied together with PMA. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin did not influence migration rates of the cells added either alone or in combination with PMA and FGF-2, respectively. The lipoxygenase inhibitor NDGA significantly reduced the number of migrating cells in cultures with no other supplements, or of those supplemented with either PMA or FGF-2. FGF-2-induced endothelial migration in vitro is not dependent on PKC/PLA2 or pertussis-toxin sensitive G-protein pathways but rather requires activation of a phosphoinositol (3)-kinase-like enzyme and/or arachidonic acid release with subsequent liberation of lipoxygenase products. Independent of FGF-2, PKC is a major intracellular effector of corneal endothelial migration activity after wounding and stimulates migration via the PLA2-dependent generation of lipoxygenase metabolites.

Antigenically distinct conformations of CXCR4.

The major human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coreceptors are the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4. The patterns of expression of the major coreceptors and their use by HIV-1 strains largely explain viral tropism at the level of entry. However, while virus infection is dependent upon the presence of CD4 and an appropriate coreceptor, it can be influenced by a number of factors, including receptor concentration, affinity between envelope gp120 and receptors, and potentially receptor conformation. Indeed, seven-transmembrane domain receptors, such as CCR5, can exhibit conformational heterogeneity, although the significance for virus infection is uncertain. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to CXCR4, we found that CXCR4 on both primary and transformed T cells as well as on primary B cells exhibited considerable conformational heterogeneity. The conformational heterogeneity of CXCR4 explains the cell-type-dependent ability of CXCR4 antibodies to block chemotaxis to stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha and to inhibit HIV-1 infection. In addition, the MAb most commonly used to study CXCR4 expression, 12G5, recognizes only a subpopulation of CXCR4 molecules on all primary cell types analyzed. As a result, CXCR4 concentrations on these important cell types have been underestimated to date. Finally, while the factors responsible for altering CXCR4 conformation are not known, we found that they do not involve CXCR4 glycosylation, sulfation of the N-terminal domain of CXCR4, or pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein coupling. The fact that this important HIV-1 coreceptor exists in multiple conformations could have implications for viral entry and for the development of receptor antagonists.

Partial cloning of putative G-proteins modulating mechanotransduction in the ciliate stentor.

Signal transduction systems known to utilize G-proteins in higher eukaryotes undoubtedly evolved prior to the development of metazoa. Pharmacological evidence indicates that the ciliates Paramecium, Stentor, and Tetrahymena all utilize signaling systems similar to those found in mammals. However, there has been relatively little direct evidence for the existence of G-proteins in ciliates. Since highly conserved heterotrimeric G-proteins form the basis of receptor-coupled signal transduction systems in a wide variety of metazoa, it is of interest to know if these important signaling molecules were early to evolve and are present and functionally important in a wide variety of unicellular organisms. We have previously shown that mechanotransduction in Stentor is modulated by opiates in a manner that may involve pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins. Here we utilize drugs known to interact with G-proteins to further test for the involvement of these important signaling molecules in Stentor mechanotransduction. We present behavioral and electrophysiological data demonstrating that putative G-proteins in Stentor decrease mechanical sensitivity by modulating the mechanotransduction process. In addition, we report the partial cloning of 4 G-protein alpha-subunits from Stentor. We confirm that these clones are of Stentor origin and are transcribed. Furthermore, we employ antisense oligodeoxynucleotide-mediated knockout to demonstrate that these ciliate G-proteins exert a modulatory influence on Stentor behavior, and that a G1/G0-like clone mediates the inhibitory action of beta-endorphin on mechanotransduction.

Norepinephrine acts via α 2 adrenergic receptors to suppress N-type calcium channels in dissociated rat median preoptic nucleus neurons

The median preoptic (MnPO) nucleus, a key CNS site for hydromineral and cardiovascular homeostasis, receives a dense norepinephrine innervation from brainstem autonomic centers. Since norepinephrine is known to influence neuronal excitability by modulating calcium channel function, we applied whole cell patch clamp techniques to study calcium currents in 116 dissociated MnPO neurons, including 30 cells identified by a retrograde label as projecting to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Norepinephrine (3–50 μM) suppressed high-voltage-activated calcium currents (HVA I Ca) in 80% of cells, selectively blockable by yohimbine and mimicked by UK14,304 and clonidine. The norepinephrine effect was relieved by strong prior depolarization, indicating a voltage-dependent component. Intracellular GTP-γ-S blocked the effect. Blockade by extracellular NEM suggested involvement of pertussis-toxin sensitive G-proteins. Based on pharmacological properties, these HVA I Cas had the following composition: 40–45% N-type (blockable by ω-conotoxin GVIA); 20–25% L-type (blockable by nimodipine); 15–20% P/Q-type (blockable by ω-agatoxin IVA). Since ∼75% of the norepinephrine effect was blockable with ω-conotoxin GVIA, we conclude that postsynaptic α 2 adrenoceptors preferentially suppress N-type calcium channels, revealing a novel mechanism whereby norepinephrine can modulate excitability in MnPO neurons.

Regulation of melatonin 1a receptor signaling and trafficking by asparagine-124.

Melatonin is a pineal hormone that regulates seasonal reproduction and has been used to treat circadian rhythm disorders. The melatonin 1a receptor is a seven- transmembrane domain receptor that signals predominately via pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins. Point mutations were created at residue N124 in cytoplasmic domain II of the receptor and the mutant receptors were expressed in a neurohormonal cell line. The acidic N124D- and E-substituted receptors had high-affinity (125)I-melatonin binding and a subcellular localization similar to the neutral N124N wild-type receptor. Melatonin efficacy for the inhibition of cAMP by N124D and E mutations was significantly decreased. N124D and E mutations strongly compromised melatonin efficacy and potency for inhibition of K(+)-induced intracellular Ca(++) fluxes and eliminated control of spontaneous calcium fluxes. However, these substitutions did not appear to affect activation of Kir3 potassium channels. The hydrophobic N124L and N124A or basic N124K mutations failed to bind (125)I-melatonin and appeared to aggregate or traffic improperly. N124A and N124K receptors were retained in the Golgi. Therefore, mutants at N124 separated into two sets: the first bound (125)I-melatonin with high affinity and trafficked normally, but with reduced inhibitory coupling to adenylyl cyclase and Ca(++) channels. The second set lacked melatonin binding and exhibited severe trafficking defects. In summary, asparagine-124 controls melatonin receptor function as evidenced by changes in melatonin binding, control of cAMP levels, and regulation of ion channel activity. Asparagine-124 also has a unique structural effect controlling receptor distribution within the cell.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein downregulates endothelial basic fibroblast growth factor through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein pathway: mediator role of platelet-activating factor-like phospholipids.

Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) inhibits angiogenesis in part by downregulating endothelial basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). To determine the mechanism of the downregulation, we investigated the signal transduction pathway involving potential phospholipid mediators. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were incubated with PBS (lipoprotein-free control), LDL, or copper oxLDL under serum-free conditions. At 24 hours, oxLDL (50 microg/mL) decreased bFGF mRNA (Northern blot), bFGF protein (Western blot and ELISA), and concomitant DNA synthesis, all by 40% to 50% compared with PBS. LDL had no effect. Pretreating the cells with 100 ng/mL pertussis toxin (PTX) for 18 hours before oxLDL exposure almost completely blocked the inhibitory effects of oxLDL. In contrast, inhibiting other major cellular signal transduction pathways with PD-98059 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor), HA-1004 (inhibitor of cGMP- and cAMP-dependent protein kinase), or Ro-31-8220 (protein kinase C inhibitor) or chelating intracellular Ca(2+) with BAPTA-AM failed to attenuate any of the oxLDL effects assayed. Addition to the cultures of WEB 2086, a specific antagonist of the PTX-sensitive G protein-coupled platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor, blocked the action of oxLDL. Whereas PAF dispersed in the culture medium failed to produce oxLDL-like effects, degradation of PAF and PAF-like phospholipids accumulated in oxLDL with a recombinant human PAF acetylhydrolase eliminated the inhibitory effects of oxLDL on bFGF expression and DNA synthesis. OxLDL suppresses endothelial bFGF expression and DNA synthesis through a PTX-sensitive heterotrimeric G-protein pathway involving mediator phospholipids similar, but not identical, to PAF.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha induces astrocyte proliferation through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 pathway.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), the ligand of the CXCR4 receptor, is a chemokine involved in chemotaxis and brain development that also acts as co-receptor for HIV-1 infection. We previously demonstrated that CXCR4 and SDF-1alpha are expressed in cultured type-I cortical rat astrocytes, cortical neurones and cerebellar granule cells. Here, we investigated the possible functions of CXCR4 expressed in rat type-I cortical astrocytes and demonstrated that SDF-1alpha stimulated the proliferation of these cells in vitro. The proliferative activity induced by SDF-1alpha in astrocytes was reduced by PD98059, indicating the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in the astrocyte proliferation induced by CXCR4 stimulation. This observation was further confirmed showing that SDF-1alpha treatment selectively activated ERK1/2, but not p38 or stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). Moreover, both astrocyte proliferation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, induced by SDF-1alpha, were inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX) and wortmannin treatment indicating the involvement of a PTX sensitive G-protein and of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase in the signalling of SDF-1alpha. In addition, Pyk2 activation represent an upstream components for the CXCR4 signalling to ERK1/2 in astrocytes. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a proliferative effect for SDF-1alpha in primary cultures of rat type-I astrocytes, and showing that the activation of ERK1/2 is responsible for this effect. These data suggest that CXCR4/SDF-1 should play an important role in physiological and pathological glial proliferation, such as brain development, reactive gliosis and brain tumour formation.

Different domains in the third intracellular loop of the GLP-1 receptor are responsible for Gα s and Gα i/Gα o activation

It has previously been shown that the GLP-1 receptor is primarily coupled to the adenylate cyclase pathway via activation of Gα s proteins. Recent studies have shown that the third intracellular loop of the receptor is important in the stimulation of cAMP production. We have studied the effect of three synthetic peptide sequences derived from the third intracellular loop of the GLP-1 receptor on signal transduction in Rin m5F cell membranes. The whole third intracellular loop strongly stimulates both pertussis toxin and cholera toxin-sensitive G proteins, while the N-terminal half exclusively stimulates cholera toxin-sensitive G proteins and the C-terminal half only stimulates pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins as demonstrated by measurements of GTPase activity. These data confirm that the principal stimulatory G-protein interaction site resides in the third intracellular loop, but also suggest that the GLP-1 receptor is not only coupled to the Gα s but also to the Gα i/Gα o type of G proteins and that distinct domains within the third intracellular loop are responsible for the activation of the different G-protein subfamilies.

Proinsulin C-peptide rapidly stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinases in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts: requirement of protein kinase C, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein

It has been demonstrated that proinsulin C-peptide possesses several biological activities and that its specific binding sites are present on the surface of cell membranes. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of C-peptide actions are poorly known. In the present study we examined the possible involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in C-peptide effects. C-peptide induced the phosphorylation of MAPK [p44 extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and p42 ERK2] in Swiss 3T3 and 3T3-F442A fibroblasts but not in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and some other cell lines such as L6E9 muscle cells. In Swiss 3T3 cells, C-peptide-induced phosphorylation of MAPK was dependent on time and concentration, being maximal at 1min and at 1nM C-peptide and was accompanied by an increase in MAPK activity and MAPK kinase (MEK) phosphorylation. The MAPK phosphorylation by C-peptide was abolished by treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) and also with a MEK inhibitor, PD 98059. In addition, MAPK phosphorylation was attenuated by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor, wortmannin, and with a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X, and by down-regulation of PKC by prolonged treatment with PMA. Similar effects of the inhibitors and PTX were found on the MAPK phosphorylation induced by neuropeptide Y. These results suggest that C-peptide activates MAPK through a putative Gi/Go-linked receptor for C-peptide and through PI-3K-dependent and PKC-dependent pathways.

Proinsulin C-peptide rapidly stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinases in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts: requirement of protein kinase C, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein.

It has been demonstrated that proinsulin C-peptide possesses several biological activities and that its specific binding sites are present on the surface of cell membranes. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of C-peptide actions are poorly known. In the present study we examined the possible involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in C-peptide effects. C-peptide induced the phosphorylation of MAPK [p44 extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and p42 ERK2] in Swiss 3T3 and 3T3-F442A fibroblasts but not in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and some other cell lines such as L(6)E(9) muscle cells. In Swiss 3T3 cells, C-peptide-induced phosphorylation of MAPK was dependent on time and concentration, being maximal at 1 min and at 1 nM C-peptide and was accompanied by an increase in MAPK activity and MAPK kinase (MEK) phosphorylation. The MAPK phosphorylation by C-peptide was abolished by treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) and also with a MEK inhibitor, PD 98059. In addition, MAPK phosphorylation was attenuated by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor, wortmannin, and with a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X, and by down-regulation of PKC by prolonged treatment with PMA. Similar effects of the inhibitors and PTX were found on the MAPK phosphorylation induced by neuropeptide Y. These results suggest that C-peptide activates MAPK through a putative G(i)/G(o)-linked receptor for C-peptide and through PI-3K-dependent and PKC-dependent pathways.

Pertussis toxin does not affect the time course of quantal release in crayfish and mouse muscle, but has other post- and presynaptic effects, especially on adenosine autoreceptors

While G-proteins are involved in the synaptic release machinery and also can mediate inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+ channels, we find that pertussis toxin (PTX) does not affect the amount and the time course of quantal release from motor nerve terminals on crayfish or mouse muscle. Monoquantal excitatory currents (qEPSCs) were recorded that were elicited by constant depolarisation pulses to a terminal by means of a perfused macro-patch electrode. Although presynaptic effects of PTX on output and time course of release of quanta were absent, postsynaptically the rise time of qEPCs was increased and their decay time constant reduced. Adenosine (Ad) is known to inhibit quantal release in vertebrate motor nerve terminals via PTX sensitive G-proteins, and Ad is generated during nicotinic synaptic transmission by breakdown of the co-transmitter adenosine triphosphate (ATP). As reported by others, we found in mouse muscle inhibition of quantal release after application of Ad, but in addition late facilitation. Both these effects of Ad were blocked when the muscle was pre-incubated with PTX.

Protein kinase C and G(i/o) proteins are involved in adenosine- and ischemic preconditioning-mediated renal protection.

Renal ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury is a significant clinical problem in anesthesia and surgery. Recently, it was demonstrated that both renal ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and systemic adenosine pretreatment protect against renal IR injury. In cardiac IPC, pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins (i.e., G(i/o)), protein kinase C (PKC), and ATP-sensitive potassium (K+(ATP)) channels are implicated in this protective signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to elucidate the signaling pathways that are responsible for renal protection mediated by both IPC and adenosine pretreatment. In addition, because A1 adenosine receptor antagonist failed to block renal IPC, whether activation of bradykinin, muscarinic, or opioid receptors can mimic renal IPC was tested because these receptors have been implicated in cardiac IPC. Rats were acutely pretreated with chelerythrine or glibenclamide, selective blockers of PKC and K+(ATP) channels, respectively, before IPC or adenosine pretreatment. Some rats were pretreated with pinacidil (K+(ATP)channel opener), bradykinin, methacholine, or morphine before renal ischemia. Twenty-four h later, plasma creatinine was measured. Separate groups of rats received pertussis toxin intraperitoneally 48 h before being subjected to the above protective protocols. IPC and adenosine pretreatment protected against renal IR injury. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin and chelerythrine abolished the protective effects of both renal IPC and adenosine. However, glibenclamide pretreatment had no effect on either renal IPC or adenosine-induced renal protection, indicating no apparent role for K+(ATP) channels. Moreover, pinacidil, bradykinin, methacholine, and morphine failed to protect renal function. Therefore, the conclusion is that cellular signal transduction pathways of renal IPC and adenosine pretreatment in vivo involve G(i/o) proteins and PKC but not K+(ATP) channels. Unlike cardiac IPC, bradykinin, muscarinic, and opioid receptors do not mediate renal IPC.

G-protein expression and intimal hyperplasia after arterial injury: A role for Gαi proteins

Purpose: Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G-protein) coupled receptors are involved in smooth muscle cell proliferation, but the role of G-proteins in arterial intimal hyperplasia has not been defined. This study examines the expression of G-proteins in the developing intimal hyperplasia after balloon injury of the rat carotid artery and specifically tests the hypothesis that the pertussis toxin sensitive Gi G-protein subunit plays a role in the initiation of intimal hyperplasia. Methods: In vitro responses to serum stimulation (10% fetal bovine serum) were examined in the presence and absence of pertussis toxin (PTx). After a standard balloon injury in male Sprague-Dawley rats, the expression of G-protein subunits (αo, αi, αq, αs, and βγ) was determined by means of Western blotting in the first 28 days. Thereafter, a second set of animals was allocated to control and PTx-treated (a Gαi inhibitor; 500 ng/mL in an externally applied 30% pluronic gel) groups. Smooth muscle cell proliferation was estimated by means of thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2′ deoxyuridine incorporation 2 days after injury, and vessel dimensions were determined by means of videomorphometry 14 days after injury. Results: There was inhibition of DNA synthesis and smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to serum with an IC50 of 100 ng/mL. Three days after balloon injury, there was an increase in Gαi3 expression, which decreased at days 7, 14, and 28, compared with the uninjured carotid. Gαq expression increased in a time-dependent manner. There was a marked time-dependent increase in Gβγ in the 28 days. Gαi2 and Gαs isoforms (45 and 52 kDa) did not change significantly with time. There was no major change in Gαi1 and Gαo in the study period. At 14 days, PTx treatment reduced intimal hyperplasia by 52% (63 ± 4 μm vs 30 ± 5 μm, control vs PTx; P <.001). Medial smooth muscle cell proliferation at day 2 was decreased in the PTx group, compared with that in the gel-coated group (15% ± 2% and 26% ± 3%; P =.02). Conclusion: After balloon injury, there is a time-dependent increase in G-protein expression, which is subunit specific. Activation of PTx sensitive G-proteins (Gαi) is involved during the initiation of intimal hyperplasia after arterial injury, and their inhibition results in a decrease in early medial cell proliferation. This acute interruption of Gi signaling produces a long-term decrease in intimal hyperplasia. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:408-18.)

Lack of involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins in norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction of rat aorta smooth muscle

Several studies have shown that stimulation of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins amplified α-adrenoceptor (α-AR) agonist-induced vasoconstriction in small muscular and resistance arteries. The aim of this study was to assess the potential involvement of PTX-sensitive G-proteins in norepinephrine (NE)-induced constriction in a large diameter artery, the rat aorta. PTX (1 μg/mL, 2 hr; 3 μg/mL, 4 hr) did not modify concentration–response curves to NE in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. However, several lines of evidence suggested that aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) had a PTX-sensitive G-protein pathway. [α- 32P]ADP-ribosylation of G i/o-proteins by PTX (3 μg/mL, 4 hr) was demonstrated in situ in the intact aorta without endothelium. α i/o subunits were identified in vitro by both immunoblotting and ADP-ribosylation experiments in rat aorta SMC membranes. The measurement of G i/o-specific GTPase activity evidenced an effective coupling between NE receptors and G i/o-proteins, as NE induced an increase in basal G i/o-specific GTPase activity (20.7 ± 2.8 vs 7.2 ± 2.2 pmol P i/mg protein at 5 min; P < 0.05 vs basal). Co-immunoprecipitation revealed the in vitro coupling between α 1D-ARs and G i-protein in rat aorta SMC membranes. In conclusion, we identified a PTX-sensitive G i/o-protein pathway in rat endothelium-denuded aorta. We showed an effective coupling between NE receptors and G i-proteins via α 1D-ARs. Since PTX has no effect on NE-induced vasoconstriction, the PTX-sensitive G i-protein pathway does not play a predominant role in NE-induced responses in rat aorta SMC in contrast to small diameter muscular and resistance arteries.

Pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein and protein kinase C activity are involved in normal synapse elimination in the neonatal rat muscle.

Individual skeletal muscle fibers in most new-born rodents are innervated at a single endplate by several motor axons. During the first postnatal weeks, the polyneuronal innervation decreases in a process of synaptic elimination. Previous studies showed that the naturally occurring serine-protease thrombin mediates the activity-dependent synapse reduction at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in vitro and that thrombin-receptor activation may modulate nerve terminal consolidation through a protein kinase mechanism. To test whether these mechanisms may be operating in vivo, we applied external thrombin and its inhibitor hirudin, and several substances affecting the G protein-protein kinase C system (GP-PKC) directly over the external surface of the neonatal rat Levator auris longus muscle. Muscles were processed for immunocytochemistry to simultaneously detect acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) and axons for counting the percentage of polyinnervated NMJ. We found that exogenous thrombin accelerated synapse loss and hirudin blocked axonal removal. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, a potent PKC activator, had a similar effect as thrombin, whereas the PKC inhibitors, calphostin C and staurosporine, prevented axonal removal. Pertussis toxin, an effective blocker of GP function, blocked synapse elimination. These findings suggest that the normal synapse elimination in the neonatal rat muscle may be modulated, at least in part, by the pertussis-sensitive G-protein and PKC activity and that thrombin could play a role in the postnatal synaptic maturation in vivo.

Role of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins in intracellular Ca2+ release and apoptosis induced by inhibiting cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels in HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells.

Previously, we have reported that inhibition of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels by glibenclamide induced intracellular Ca2+ release from IP(3)-sensitive stores and apoptosis in HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells (Kim JA, Kang YS, Lee SH, Lee EH, Yoo BH, Lee YS. 1999. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 261:682-688). In this study we investigated the upstream signals involved in the mechanism of these actions of glibenclamide. Treatment with glibenclamide initiated production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The glibenclamide-induced formation of IP(3) was significantly inhibited by CFTR activators (levamisole and bromotetramisole). The intracellular Ca2+ release and apoptosis induced by glibenclamide were significantly suppressed by treatment with phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors (U-73122 and manoalide) or by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTx). In addition, PTx-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) was markedly enhanced by treatment with glibenclamide in a time-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that PTx-sensitive G-proteins coupled to PLCbeta may mediate the intracellular Ca2+ release and apoptosis induced by inhibiting CFTR Cl- channels in HepG2 cells. These results further suggest that the PTx-sensitive G-proteins may be a valuable target for the therapeutic intervention of human hepatomas.

Pronectin Promotes Calcium Signaling by Interferon-γ Human Neutrophils via G-Protein and Sphingosine Kinase-Dependent Mechanisms

A common intracellular signal activating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in inflammation is a change in cytosolic calcium concentration. Previously, we have shown that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induces transient calcium signals in PMN, but only after intracellular calcium store depletion. Using a digital imaging system, we show that adhesion of PMN is critical for IFN-gamma-induced calcium signals, and with PMN attached to the optimal coating, the calcium signals are evoked even in presence of extracellular calcium, that is, non-depleted calcium stores. Adhesion to fibronectin, pure or extracted from plasma by gelatin, improved the IFN-gamma responses compared with serum, plasma, or vitronectin coats. In accordance with previous observations, IFN-gamma-induced calcium signals in fibronectin adherent cells were totally abolished by the G-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin and were also inhibited by the sphingosine kinase inhibitors dimethylsphingosine (DMS) and N-acetylsphingosine (N-Ac-Sp). PMN contact with fibronectin alone, measured in cells sedimenting onto a fibronectin-coated surface or by addition of fibronectin to glass-adherent cells, evoked transient calcium signals. However, PMN in suspension did not respond to the addition of fibronectin or arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD). The fibronectin-induced calcium signals were also clearly depressed by pertussis toxin and by the sphingosine kinase inhibitors DMS, dihydrosphingosine (DHS), and N-Ac-Sp. When the product of sphingosine kinase activity, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1-P), was added to the cells, similar calcium signals were induced, which were dependent on a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein activity. Finally, addition of S1-P to the cells prior to stimulation with IFN-gamma partly mimicked the priming effect of fibronectin. In conclusion, fibronectin contact evokes by itself a calcium signal in PMN and further promotes calcium signaling by IFN-gamma. We suggest that fibronectin might activate sphingosine kinase, and that the sphingosine 1-phosphate thereby generated induces a calcium signal via a G-protein-dependent mechanism. Apparently, sphingosine kinase activity is also involved in IFN-gamma induced calcium signals.

Influence of receptor number on functional responses elicited by agonists acting at the human adenosine A(1) receptor: evidence for signaling pathway-dependent changes in agonist potency and relative intrinsic activity.

Activation of A(1) adenosine receptors leads to the inhibition of cAMP accumulation and the stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation via pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins. In this study we have investigated the signaling of the A(1) adenosine receptor in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, when expressed at approximately 203 fmol/mg (CHOA1L) and at approximately 3350 fmol/mg (CHOA1H). In CHOA1L cells, the agonists N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), (R)-N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine, and 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) inhibited cAMP production in a concentration-dependent manner. After pertussis toxin treatment, the agonist NECA produced a stimulation of cAMP production, whereas CPA and (R)-N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine were ineffective. In CHOAIH cells, however, all three agonists produced both an inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and a pertussis toxin-insensitive stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. All three agonists were more potent at inhibiting adenylyl cyclase in CHOA1H cells than in CHOA1L cells. In contrast, A(1) agonists (and particularly NECA) were less potent at stimulating inositol phosphate accumulation in CHOA1H cells than in CHOA1L cells. After pertussis toxin treatment, agonist-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation was reduced in CHOA1H cells and abolished in CHOA1L cells. The relative intrinsic activity of NECA in stimulating inositol phosphate accumulation, compared to CPA (100%), was much greater in the presence of pertussis toxin (289.6%) than in the absence of pertussis toxin (155.2%). These data suggest that A(1) adenosine receptors can couple to both pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive G-proteins in an expression level-dependent manner. These data also suggest that the ability of this receptor to activate different G-proteins is dependent on the agonist present.

Somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1)-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation correlates with the activation of the MAP kinase cascade: role of the phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-2

The mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade represents one of the major regulator of cell growth by hormones and growth factors. However, although the activation of this intracellular pathway has been often regarded as mediator of cell proliferation, in many cell types the increase in MAP kinase (also called extra-cellular signal regulated kinase; ERK) activity may result in cell growth arrest, depending on the length or the intensity of the stimulation. In this review we examine recent data concerning the effects of somatostatin on the MAP kinase cascade through one of its major receptor subtype, the somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1), stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells. Somatostatin inhibits the proliferative effects of basic FGF (bFGF) in CHO-SSTR1 cell line. However, in these cells, somatostatin robustly activates the MAP kinase and augments bFGF-induced stimulation of ERK. We show that the activation of ERK via SSTR1 is mediated by the βγ subunit of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein and requires both the small G protein Ras and the serine/threonine kinase Raf-1. Moreover the phosphatidyl inositol-3kinase and the cytosolic tyrosine kinase c-src participate in the signal transduction regulated by SSTR1 to activate ERK, as well as it is involved the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) SHP-2. Previous studies have suggested that somatostatin-stimulated PTP activity mediates the growth inhibitory actions of somatostatin, in CHO-SSTR1 cells. Thus, the activation of SHP-2 by SSTR1 may mediate the antiproliferative activity of somatostatin. SHP-2 may, in turn, regulate the activity of kinases upstream of ERK that require tyrosine dephosphorylation to be activated, such as c-src. Finally, the synergism between somatostatin and bFGF in the activation of ERK results in an increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 cip1/WAF1 as molecular effector of the antiproliferative activity of somatostatin.

Involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins in CGRP mediated JNK activation in human neuroblastoma cell line

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide with potent cardiovascular effects, which include positive inotropic and chronotropic actions, systemic vasodilation, and hypotension in animal and human studies. Human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-MC) have been used as a model system to study the CGRP receptors and downstream signaling pathways. This investigation was undertaken to study the role of CGRP in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. While exposure of these cells to CGRP had no significant effect on ERK-1 or p38 MAP kinases, JNK activity was stimulated by CGRP in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. CGRP-mediated JNK-activation was inhibited by CGRP receptor antagonist, CGRP8–37, confirming that this is a receptor-mediated event. In addition, pretreatment of the cells with H-89, protein kinase A inhibitor or pertussis toxin greatly attenuated CGRP-mediated JNK activation suggesting the requirement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation and involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein in CGRP-mediated JNK activation.