Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis Research Articles

Guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A signaling antagonizes phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca(2+) release, and activation of protein kinase C.

Thus far, three related natriuretic peptides (NPs) and three distinct sub-types of cognate NP receptors have been identified and characterized based on the specific ligand binding affinities, guanylyl cyclase activity, and generation of intracellular cGMP. Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) specifically bind and activate guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) shows specificity to activate guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-B (GC-B/NPRB). All three NPs bind to natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPRC), which is also known as clearance or silent receptor. The NPRA is considered the principal biologically active receptor of NP family; however, the molecular signaling mechanisms of NP receptors are not well understood. The activation of NPRA and NPRB produces the intracellular second messenger cGMP, which serves as the major signaling molecule of all three NPs. The activation of NPRB in response to CNP also produces the intracellular cGMP; however, at lower magnitude than that of NPRA, which is activated by ANP and BNP. In addition to enhanced accumulation of intracellular cGMP in response to all three NPs, the levels of cAMP, Ca2+ and inositol triphosphate (IP3) have also been reported to be altered in different cells and tissue types. Interestingly, ANP has been found to lower the concentrations of cAMP, Ca2+, and IP3; however, NPRC has been proposed to increase the levels of these metabolic signaling molecules. The mechanistic studies of decreased and/or increased levels of cAMP, Ca2+, and IP3 in response to NPs and their receptors have not yet been clearly established. This review focuses on the signaling mechanisms of ANP/NPRA and their biological effects involving an increased level of intracellular accumulation of cGMP and a decreased level of cAMP, Ca2+, and IP3 in different cells and tissue systems.

Regulation of aldosterone synthesis and secretion.

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone synthesized in and secreted from the outer layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa. Aldosterone is responsible for regulating sodium homeostasis, thereby helping to control blood volume and blood pressure. Insufficient aldosterone secretion can lead to hypotension and circulatory shock, particularly in infancy. On the other hand, excessive aldosterone levels, or those too high for sodium status, can cause hypertension and exacerbate the effects of high blood pressure on multiple organs, contributing to renal disease, stroke, visual loss, and congestive heart failure. Aldosterone is also thought to directly induce end-organ damage, including in the kidneys and heart. Because of the significance of aldosterone to the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, it is important to understand the regulation of its biosynthesis and secretion from the adrenal cortex. Herein, the mechanisms regulating aldosterone production in zona glomerulosa cells are discussed, with a particular emphasis on signaling pathways involved in the secretory response to the main controllers of aldosterone production, the renin-angiotensin II system, serum potassium levels and adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The signaling pathways involved include phospholipase C-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, cytosolic calcium levels, calcium influx pathways, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, diacylglycerol, protein kinases C and D, 12-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid, phospholipase D, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, tyrosine kinases, adenylate cyclase, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. A complete understanding of the signaling events regulating aldosterone biosynthesis may allow the identification of novel targets for therapeutic interventions in hypertension, primary aldosteronism, congestive heart failure, renal disease, and other cardiovascular disorders.

Enhanced proliferation and altered calcium handling in RGS2-deficient vascular smooth muscle cells

Context: Regulator of G-protein signaling-2 (RGS2) inhibits Gq-mediated regulation of Ca2+ signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Objective: RGS2 knockout (RGS2KO) mice are hypertensive and show arteriolar remodeling. VSMC proliferation modulates intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i. RGS2 involvement in VSMC proliferation had not been examined. Methods: Thymidine incorporation and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) conversion assays measured cell proliferation. Fura-2 ratiometric imaging quantified [Ca2+]i before and after UTP and thapsigargin. [3H]-labeled inositol was used for phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Quantitative RT-PCR and confocal immunofluorescence of select Ca2+ transporters was performed in primary aortic VSMC. Results and discussion: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) increased S-phase entry and proliferation in VSMC from RGS2KO mice to a greater extent than in VSMC from wild-type (WT) controls. Consistent with differential PDGF-induced changes in Ca2+ homeostasis, RGS2KO VSMC showed lower resting [Ca2+]i but higher thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i as compared with WT. RGS2KO VSMC expressed lower mRNA levels of plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase-4 (PMCA4) and Na+ Ca2+ Exchanger (NCX), but higher levels of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase-2 (SERCA2). Western blot and immunofluorescence revealed similar differences in PMCA4 and SERCA2 protein, while levels of NCX protein were not reduced in RGS2KO VSMC. Consistent with decreased Ca2+ efflux activity, 45Ca-extrusion rates were lower in RGS2KO VSMC. These differences were reversed by the PMCA inhibitor La3+, but not by replacing extracellular Na+ with choline, implicating differences in the activity of PMCA and not NCX. Conclusion: RGS2-deficient VSMC exhibit higher rates of proliferation and coordinate plasticity of Ca2+-handling mechanisms in response to PDGF stimulation.

Regulation of Gβγi-dependent PLC-β3 activity in smooth muscle: inhibitory phosphorylation of PLC-β3 by PKA and PKG and stimulatory phosphorylation of Gαi-GTPase-activating protein RGS2 by PKG.

In gastrointestinal smooth muscle, agonists that bind to Gi-coupled receptors activate preferentially PLC-β3 via Gβγ to stimulate phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis and generate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) leading to IP3-dependent Ca(2+) release and muscle contraction. In the present study, we identified the mechanism of inhibition of PLC-β3-dependent PI hydrolysis by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Cyclopentyl adenosine (CPA), an adenosine A1 receptor agonist, caused an increase in PI hydrolysis in a concentration-dependent fashion; stimulation was blocked by expression of the carboxyl-terminal sequence of GRK2(495-689), a Gβγ-scavenging peptide, or Gαi minigene but not Gαq minigene. Isoproterenol and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) induced phosphorylation of PLC-β3 and inhibited CPA-induced PI hydrolysis, Ca(2+) release, and muscle contraction. The effect of isoproterenol on all three responses was inhibited by PKA inhibitor, myristoylated PKI, or AKAP inhibitor, Ht-31, whereas the effect of GSNO was selectively inhibited by PKG inhibitor, Rp-cGMPS. GSNO, but not isoproterenol, also phosphorylated Gαi-GTPase-activating protein, RGS2, and enhanced association of Gαi3-GTP and RGS2. The effect of GSNO on PI hydrolysis was partly reversed in cells (i) expressing constitutively active GTPase-resistant Gαi mutant (Q204L), (ii) phosphorylation-site-deficient RGS2 mutant (S46A/S64A), or (iii) siRNA for RGS2. We conclude that PKA and PKG inhibit Gβγi-dependent PLC-β3 activity by direct phosphorylation of PLC-β3. PKG, but not PKA, also inhibits PI hydrolysis indirectly by a mechanism involving phosphorylation of RGS2 and its association with Gαi-GTP. This allows RGS2 to accelerate Gαi-GTPase activity, enhance Gαβγi trimer formation, and inhibit Gβγi-dependent PLC-β3 activity.

Activation of long‐chain free fatty acid receptor FFAR1 (GPR40) and FFAR4 (GPR120) causes release of brain‐derived neurotropic factor from enteric glial cells (905.2)

Recent deorphanization of several G protein‐coupled receptors (GPRs) as endogenous receptors for free fatty acids (FFARs) has increased our understanding of these nutrients as signaling molecules and the integral role of the gut microbiota in the regulation of host defense mechanisms, energy metabolism, gastrointestinal motility, and secretion. Enteric glial cells and neurotrophins such as BDNF, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are essential for the development and integrity of enteric nervous system in the gut. The role of free fatty acid receptors in the regulation of BDNF release from enteric glial cells, however, is not known. Aim. To determine the expression of FFARs and the signaling pathways coupled to FFAR1 and FFAR4, receptors for long chain fatty acids, that mediate BDNF release from enteric glial cells. Results. Quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot studies showed expression of FFAR1, FFAR2, FFAR3, FFAR4 and GPR84 in enteric glial cells; expression of FFAR1, however, was more abundant than other receptors. Linolenic acid which activates FFAR1/FFAR4 caused an increase in phosphoinositide hydrolysis (measured in [3H]myo‐inositol labeled cells), intracellular Ca2+ (measured in Fura‐2 loaded cells) and BDNF release (measured by ELISA). Conclusion. Enteric glial cells express receptors for free fatty acids and activation of FFAR1 and FFAR4 causes BDNF release via stimulation of PLC‐β/IP3/Ca2+ pathway.Grant Funding Source: Supported by DK34153

Poster #T5 ESCALATED SOCIAL AGGRESSION AND EXTRACELLULAR SYNAPTIC ACTIVITY AFTER BLOCKAGE OF NMDA AND MGLUR1 RECEPTORS IN CENTRAL NUCLEUS OF AMYGDALA IN DEVELOPMENTAL SCHIZOPHRENIC MODEL

The effects of selective blockade of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 (mGluR1) on neuronal cell survival and post-traumatic recovery was examined using rat in vitro and in vivo trauma models. The selective mGluR1 antagonists (RS)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid (AIDA), 7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester (CPCCOEt), and (S)-(+)-α-amino-4-carboxy-2-methylbezeneacetic acid (LY367385) provided significant neuroprotection in rat cortical neuronal cultures subjected to mechanical injury, in both pretreatment or posttreatment paradigms. Administration of the antagonists also attenuated glutamate-induced neuronal cell death in the cultures. Coapplication of these antagonists with the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) had additive neuroprotective effects in glutamate injured cultures. Intracerebroventricular administration of AIDA to rats markedly improved recovery from motor dysfunction after lateral fluid percussion induced traumatic brain injury (TBI). Treatment with mGluR1 antagonists also significantly reduced lesion volumes in rats after TBI, as evaluated by MRI. It appears that these compounds mediate their neuroprotective effect through an mGluR1 antagonist action, as demonstrated by inhibition of agonist induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in our in vitro system. Moreover, AIDA, CPCCOEt, and LY367385, at concentrations shown to be neuroprotective, had no significant effects on the steady state NMDA evoked whole cell current. Taken together, these data suggest that modulation of mGluR1 activity may have substantial therapeutic potential in brain injury.

Coincident intracellular calcium rise is essential for Gi/o‐mediated activation of TRPC4 (843.3)

TRPC4 is a member of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential family of non‐selective cation channels. Na+ and Ca2+ influx through the active TRPC4 channel elicits membrane depolarization and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in various cell types including neurons, vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells. It has been well‐established that homomeric TRPC4 channels are synergistically activated by co‐stimulation of two separate G protein pathways, Gq/11 and Gi/o. However, it remains unclear which step(s) or constituent(s) of the Gq/11 pathway is(are) essential for synergizing with Gi/o proteins to maximally activate TRPC4 channels. Using patch‐clamp recordings and fluorescence membrane potential measurements in HEK293 cells heterologously coexpressing mouse TRPC4β and Gi/o‐coupled µ opioid receptor, we have identified intracellular Ca2+ rise as the primary event associated with Gq/11 activation that synergizes with Gi/o stimulation to elicit maximal TRPC4 current. We also show that a signification portion of this effect is independent of calmodulin although Ca2+‐calmodulin can enhance channel activation. Our experiments demonstrate the contribution of phosphoinositide hydrolysis and IP3 receptors but rule them out as essential players. These findings argue for a critical role of intracellular Ca2+ rise in TRPC4 activation by Gi/o‐coupled receptors and illustrate the key requirements that support TRPC4 as a coincidence sensor of multiple signaling pathways.Grant Funding Source: American Heart Association

Mechanisms that regulate PKCδ‐dependent phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I: the role of the C2 domain and ATP‐binding loop phosphorylation S357 (1081.2)

PKCδ's diverse roles in cell growth, survival, and injury have been attributed to stimulus‐specific differences in PKCδ‐dependent signaling responses. PKCδ exerts membrane‐delimited actions following activation by agonists that stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. PKCδ is released from membranes as a Y311‐phosphorylated enzyme that displays a high level of lipid‐independent activity and altered substrate specificity during oxidative stress. We previously showed that PKCδ phosphorylates cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at S23/S24 when it is allosterically‐activated by lipid‐cofactors and that PKCδ acquires activity toward an additional site on cTnI (T144) during oxidative stress when it is Y311‐phosphorylated by Src. This study identifies an interaction between PKCδ’s phosphotyrosine‐binding C2 domain and the Y311‐phosphorylated hinge region (which resides in a C2 domain consensus‐binding motif) that controls PKCδ's enzymology indirectly by regulating ATP‐positioning loop phosphorylation at S357. Mutagenesis studies show that PKCδ‐S357A is a lipid‐independent enzyme that displays high levels of cTnI‐S23/S24 and T141 kinase activity. In contrast, phosphomimetic or bulky substitutions at S357 prevent cTnI phosphorylation at T141 (but not S23/S24) due to an effect on the enzyme’s phosphoacceptor site selectivity. S‐A substitutions at cognate sites in the highly‐conserved ATP‐binding loops of PKCα and PKA increase catalytic activity, but do not alter phosphoacceptor site selectivity. The C2 domain‐pY311 docking interaction that controls ATP‐binding loop phosphorylation represents a novel structural determinant of PKCδ catalytic activity.Grant Funding Source: Supported by HL77860

Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Uncouples mGluR1 from Homer1 and Gq Proteins

Cocaine exposure during gestation causes protracted neurobehavioral changes consistent with a compromised glutamatergic system. Although cocaine profoundly disrupts glutamatergic neurotransmission and in utero cocaine exposure negatively affects metabotropic glutamate receptor-type 1 (mGluR1) activity, the effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on mGluR1 signaling and the underlying mechanism responsible for the prenatal cocaine effect remain elusive. Using brains of the 21-day-old (P21) prenatal cocaine-exposed rats, we show that prenatal cocaine exposure uncouples mGluR1s from their associated synaptic anchoring protein, Homer1 and signal transducer, Gq/11 proteins leading to markedly reduced mGluR1-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in frontal cortex (FCX) and hippocampus. This prenatal cocaine-induced effect is the result of a sustained protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation of mGluR1 on the serine residues. In support, phosphatase treatment of prenatal cocaine-exposed tissues restores whereas PKC-mediated phosphorylation of saline-treated synaptic membrane attenuates mGluR1 coupling to both Gq/11 and Homer1. Expression of mGluR1, Homer1 or Gα proteins was not altered by prenatal cocaine exposure. Collectively, these data indicate that prenatal cocaine exposure triggers PKC-mediated hyper-phosphorylation of the mGluR1 leading to uncoupling of mGluR1 from its signaling components. Hence, blockade of excessive PKC activation may alleviate abnormalities in mGluR1 signaling and restores mGluR1-regulated brain functions in prenatal cocaine-exposed brains.

G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase-6 Interacts with Activator of G Protein Signaling-3 To Regulate CXCR2-Mediated Cellular Functions

The IL-8 (CXCL8) receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 couple to Gαi to induce leukocyte recruitment and activation at sites of inflammation. We recently showed that CXCR1 couples predominantly to the G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)2, whereas CXCR2 interacts with GRK6 to regulate cellular responses. In addition to G protein-coupled receptors, GRKs displayed a more diverse protein/protein interaction in cells. In this study, we sought to identify GRK6 binding partner(s) that may influence CXCL8 activities, using RBL-2H3 cells stably expressing CXCR1 (RBL-CXCR1) or CXCR2 (RBL-CXCR2), as well as human and murine neutrophils. Our data demonstrated that, upon CXCR2 activation, GRK6 interacts with activator of G protein signaling (AGS)3 and Gαi2 to form a GRK6/AGS3/Gαi2 complex. This complex is time dependent and peaked at 2-3 min postactivation. GTPγS pretreatment blocked GRK6/AGS3/Gαi2 formation, suggesting that this assembly depends on G protein activation. Surprisingly, CXCR2 activation induced AGS3 phosphorylation in a PKC-dependent, but GRK6-independent, fashion. Overexpression of AGS3 in RBL-CXCR2 significantly inhibited CXCL8-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and chemotaxis. In contrast, short hairpin RNA inhibition of AGS3 enhanced CXCL8-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, receptor resistance to desensitization, and recycling to the cell surface, with no effect on receptor internalization. Interestingly, RBL-CXCR2-AGS3(-/-) cells displayed a significant increase in CXCR2 expression on the cell surface but decreased ERK1/2 and P38 MAPK activation. Taken together, these results indicate that GRK6 complexes with AGS3-Gαi2 to regulate CXCR2-mediated leukocyte functions at different levels, including downstream effector activation, receptor trafficking, and expression at the cell membrane.

Inhibitory signaling by CB1 receptors in smooth muscle mediated by GRK5/β-arrestin activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase

We examined whether CB1 receptors in smooth muscle conform to the signaling pattern observed with other Gi-coupled receptors that stimulate contraction via two Gβγ-dependent pathways (PLC-β3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/integrin-linked kinase). Here we show that the anticipated Gβγ-dependent signaling was abrogated. Except for inhibition of adenylyl cyclase via Gαi, signaling resulted from Gβγ-independent phosphorylation of CB1 receptors by GRK5, recruitment of β-arrestin1/2, and activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase. Neither uncoupling of CB1 receptors from Gi by pertussis toxin (PTx) or Gi minigene nor expression of a Gβγ-scavenging peptide had any effect on ERK1/2 activity. The latter was abolished in muscle cells expressing β-arrestin1/2 siRNA. CB1 receptor internalization and both ERK1/2 and Src kinase activities were abolished in cells expressing kinase-deficient GRK5(K215R). Activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase endowed CB1 receptors with the ability to inhibit concurrent contractile activity. We identified a consensus sequence (102KSPSKLSP109) for phosphorylation of RGS4 by ERK1/2 and showed that expression of a RGS4 mutant lacking Ser103/Ser108 blocked the ability of anandamide to inhibit acetylcholine-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis or enhance Gαq:RGS4 association and inactivation of Gαq. Activation of Src kinase by anandamide enhanced both myosin phosphatase RhoA-interacting protein (M-RIP):RhoA and M-RIP:MYPT1 association and inhibited Rho kinase activity, leading to increase of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase activity and inhibition of sustained muscle contraction. Thus, unlike other Gi-coupled receptors in smooth muscle, CB1 receptors did not engage Gβγ but signaled via GRK5/β-arrestin activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase: ERK1/2 accelerated inactivation of Gαq by RGS4, and Src kinase enhanced MLC phosphatase activity, leading to inhibition of ACh-stimulated contraction.

Regulation of Protease-activated Receptor 1 Signaling by the Adaptor Protein Complex 2 and R4 Subfamily of Regulator of G Protein Signaling Proteins

The G protein-coupled protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is irreversibly proteolytically activated by thrombin. Hence, the precise regulation of PAR1 signaling is important for proper cellular responses. In addition to desensitization, internalization and lysosomal sorting of activated PAR1 are critical for the termination of signaling. Unlike most G protein-coupled receptors, PAR1 internalization is mediated by the clathrin adaptor protein complex 2 (AP-2) and epsin-1, rather than β-arrestins. However, the function of AP-2 and epsin-1 in the regulation of PAR1 signaling is not known. Here, we report that AP-2, and not epsin-1, regulates activated PAR1-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis via two different mechanisms that involve, in part, a subset of R4 subfamily of "regulator of G protein signaling" (RGS) proteins. A significantly greater increase in activated PAR1 signaling was observed in cells depleted of AP-2 using siRNA or in cells expressing a PAR1 (420)AKKAA(424) mutant with defective AP-2 binding. This effect was attributed to AP-2 modulation of PAR1 surface expression and efficiency of G protein coupling. We further found that ectopic expression of R4 subfamily members RGS2, RGS3, RGS4, and RGS5 reduced activated PAR1 wild-type signaling, whereas signaling by the PAR1 AKKAA mutant was minimally affected. Intriguingly, siRNA-mediated depletion analysis revealed a function for RGS5 in the regulation of signaling by the PAR1 wild type but not the AKKAA mutant. Moreover, activation of the PAR1 wild type, and not the AKKAA mutant, induced Gαq association with RGS3 via an AP-2-dependent mechanism. Thus, AP-2 regulates activated PAR1 signaling by altering receptor surface expression and through recruitment of RGS proteins.

Novel Structural and Functional Insights into M3 Muscarinic Receptor Dimer/Oligomer Formation

Class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are able to form homodimers and/or oligomeric arrays. We recently proposed, based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer studies with the M3 muscarinic receptor (M3R), a prototypic class A GPCR, that the M3R is able to form multiple, structurally distinct dimers that are probably transient in nature (McMillin, S. M., Heusel, M., Liu, T., Costanzi, S., and Wess, J. (2011) J. Biol. Chem. 286, 28584-28598). To provide more direct experimental support for this concept, we employed a disulfide cross-linking strategy to trap various M3R dimeric species present in a native lipid environment (transfected COS-7 cells). Disulfide cross-linking studies were carried out with many mutant M3Rs containing single cysteine (Cys) substitutions within two distinct cytoplasmic M3R regions, the C-terminal portion of the second intracellular loop (i2) and helix H8 (H8). The pattern of cross-links that we obtained, in combination with molecular modeling studies, was consistent with the existence of two structurally distinct M3R dimer interfaces, one involving i2/i2 contacts (TM4-TM5-i2 interface) and the other one characterized by H8-H8 interactions (TM1-TM2-H8 interface). Specific H8-H8 disulfide cross-links led to significant impairments in M3R-mediated G protein activation, suggesting that changes in the structural orientation or mobility of H8 are critical for efficient receptor-G protein coupling. Our findings provide novel structural and functional insights into the mechanisms involved in M3R dimerization (oligomerization). Because the M3R shows a high degree of sequence similarity with many other class A GPCRs, our findings should be of considerable general interest.

Exploiting functional domains of GRK2/3 to alter the competitive balance of pro‐ and anticontractile signaling in airway smooth muscle

To clarify the potential utility of targeting GRK2/3-mediated desensitization as a means of manipulating airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractile state, we assessed the specificity of GRK2/3 regulation of procontractile and relaxant G-protein-coupled receptors in ASM. Functional domains of GRK2/3 were stably expressed, or siRNA-mediated GRK2/3 knockdown was performed, in human ASM cultures, and agonist-induced signaling was assessed. Regulation of contraction of murine tracheal rings expressing GRK2 C terminus was also assessed. GRK2/3 knockdown or expression of the GRK2 C terminus caused a significant (∼ 30-90%) increase in maximal β-agonist and histamine [phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis] signaling, without affecting the calculated EC50. GRK2 C-terminal expression did not affect signaling by methacholine, thrombin, or LTD4. Expression of the GRK2 N terminus or kinase-dead holo-GRK2 diminished (∼ 30-70%) both PI hydrolysis and Ca(2+) mobilization by every Gq-coupled receptor examined. Under conditions of GRK2 C-terminal expression, β-agonist inhibition of methacholine-stimulated PI hydrolysis was greater. Finally, transgenic expression of the GRK2 C terminus in murine ASM enabled ∼ 30-50% greater β-agonist-mediated relaxation of methacholine-induced contraction. Collectively these data demonstrate the relative selectivity of GRKs for the β2AR in ASM and the ability to exploit GRK2/3 functional domains to render ASM hyporesponsive to contractile agents while increasing responsiveness to bronchodilating β-agonist.

Kinin-Stimulated B1 Receptor Signaling Depends on Receptor Endocytosis Whereas B2 Receptor Signaling Does Not

Kinins are potent pro-inflammatory peptides that act through two G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, B1 (B1R) and B2 (B2R). Kinin-stimulated B2R signaling is often transient, whereas B1R signaling is sustained. This was confirmed by monitoring agonist-stimulated intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization in A10 smooth muscle cells expressing human wild-type B2R and B1R. We further studied the role of receptor membrane trafficking in receptor-mediated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in model HEK293 cell lines stably expressing the receptors. Treatment of cells with brefeldin A, to inhibit maturation of de novo synthesized receptors, or hypertonic sucrose, to inhibit receptor endocytosis, showed that the basal cell surface receptor turnover was considerably faster for B1R than for B2R. Inhibition of endocytosis, which stabilized B1R on the cell surface, inhibited B1R signaling, whereas B2R signaling was not perturbed. Signaling by a B1R construct in which the entire C-terminal domain was deleted remained sensitive to inhibition of receptor endocytosis, whereas signaling by a B1R construct in which this domain was substituted with the corresponding domain in B2R was not sensitive. B2R and B1R co-expression, which also appeared to stabilize B1R on the cell surface, presumably by receptor hetero-dimerization, also inhibited B1R signaling, whereas B2R signaling was slightly enhanced. Furthermore, the B2R-specific agonist bradykinin (BK) directed both receptors through a common endocytic pathway, whereas the B1R-specific agonist Lys-desArg(9)-BK was unable to do so. These results suggest that B1R-mediated PI hydrolysis depends on a step in receptor endocytosis, whereas B2R-mediated PI hydrolysis does not. We propose that B1R uses at least part of the endocytic machinery to sustain agonist-promoted signaling.

第15回 カテコールアミンと循環器系研究会 メトキサミンの強心作用とPI代謝促進効果

第15回 カテコールアミンと循環器系研究会 メトキサミンの強心作用とPI代謝促進効果

Characterization of signaling pathways coupled to melatonin receptors in gastrointestinal smooth muscle

Melatonin, a close derivative of serotonin, is involved in physiological regulation of circadian rhythms. In the gastrointestinal (GI) system, melatonin exhibits endocrine, paracrine and autocrine actions and is implicated in the regulation of GI motility. However, it is not known whether melatonin can also act directly on GI smooth muscle cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of melatonin receptors in smooth muscle and identify their signaling pathways. MT1, but not MT2 receptors are expressed in freshly dispersed and cultured gastric smooth muscle cells. Melatonin selectively activated Gq and stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in freshly dispersed and cultured muscle cells. PI hydrolysis was blocked by the expression of Gq, but not Gi minigene in cultured muscle cells. Melatonin also caused rapid increase in cytosolic Ca2+ as determined by epifluorescence microscopy in fura-2 loaded single smooth muscle cells, and induced rapid contraction. Melatonin-induced PI hydrolysis and contraction were blocked by a non-selective MT1/MT2 antagonist luzindole (1μM), but not by a selective MT2 antagonist 4P-PDOT (100nM), and by the PLC inhibitor U73122. MT2 selective agonist IIK7 (100nM) had no effect on PI hydrolysis and contraction. We conclude that rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells express melatonin MT1 receptors coupled to Gq. Activation of these receptors causes stimulation of PI hydrolysis and increase in cytosolic Ca2+, and elicits muscle contraction.

A basic residue in the proximal C-terminus is necessary for efficient activation of the M-channel subunit Kv7.2 by PI(4,5)P2

All Kv7 potassium channels require membrane phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) for their normal function and hence can be physiologically regulated by neurotransmitters and hormones that stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Recent mutational analysis indicates that a cluster of basic residues in the proximal C-terminus (K354/K358/R360/K362) is crucial for PI(4,5)P2 activation of cardiac Kv7.1 channels. Since this cluster is largely conserved in all Kv7 subunits, we tested whether homologous residues are also required for activation of Kv7.2 (a subunit of neuronal M-channels). We found that the mutation Kv7.2 (R325A) (corresponding to R360 in Kv7.1) reduced Kv7.2 current amplitude by ∼60 % (P < 0.02) without change in voltage sensitivity and reduced the sensitivity of Kv7.2 channels to dioctanoyl-phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate by ∼eightfold (P < 0.001). Taking into account previous experiments (Zhang et al., Neuron 37:963–75, 2003) implicating Kv7.2 (H328), and since R325 and H328 are conserved in homologous positions in all other Kv7 channels, we suggest that this proximal C-terminal domain adjacent to the last transmembrane domain that contains R325 and H328 (in Kv7.2) might play a major role in the activation of all members of the Kv7 channel family by PI(4,5)P2.

Regulation of Immune System Cell Functions by Protein Kinase C

Regulation of Immune System Cell Functions by Protein Kinase C

Kinin B1 receptor homo-oligomerization is required for receptor trafficking to the cell surface

The kinin B1 receptor (B1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor with pro-inflammatory activity that is latent in healthy tissues but induced by tissue insult. Here, we investigated if B1R homo-oligomerization is a possible mechanism regulating the presentation of this receptor at the level of maturation and trafficking to the cell surface. To this end, we used HEK293 cells stably expressing N-terminal FLAG and HA epitope-tagged wild-type human B1R and an N-terminal receptor fragment, B1stop135, which terminates at the C-terminal end of the third transmembrane domain and has previously been shown to oligomerize with B1R. Receptors were monitored by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation, receptor function by agonist binding and agonist-promoted phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and receptor trafficking by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. When expressed alone, B1R is core N-glycosylated and forms oligomers localized intracellularly and on the cell surface. B1stop135 also exists as core N-glycosylated oligomers but is localized exclusively intracellularly. When co-expressed, B1stop135 prevents specifically B1R homo-oligomerization by forming nonfunctional B1R-B1stop135 hetero-oligomers, retains B1R intracellularly at least in part in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), increases calnexin binding to the receptor, and increases receptor degradation. We conclude that B1R homo-oligomerization is necessary for B1R maturation and trafficking to the cell surface. Modulating this mechanism may be a novel therapeutic avenue in inflammatory disease.