Receptor Aggregation Research Articles

Exact solutions to a spatially extended model of kinase–receptor interaction

B and Mast cells are activated by the aggregation of the immune receptors. Motivated by this phenomena we consider a simple spatially extended model of mutual interaction of kinases and membrane receptors. It is assumed that kinase activates membrane receptors and in turn the kinase molecules bound to the active receptors are activated by transphosphorylation. Such a type of interaction implies positive feedback and may lead to bistability. In this study we apply the Steklov eigenproblem theory to analyze the linearized model and find exact solutions in the case of non-uniformly distributed membrane receptors. This approach allows us to determine the critical value of receptor dephosphorylation rate at which cell activation (by arbitrary small perturbation of the inactive state) is possible. We found that cell sensitivity grows with decreasing kinase diffusion and increasing anisotropy of the receptor distribution. Moreover, these two effects are cooperating. We showed that the cell activity can be abruptly triggered by the formation of the receptor aggregate. Since the considered activation mechanism is not based on receptor crosslinking by polyvalent antigens, the proposed model can also explain B cell activation due to receptor aggregation following binding of monovalent antigens presented on the antigen presenting cell.

The efficiency of reactant site sampling in network-free simulation of rule-based models for biochemical systems

Rule-based models, which are typically formulated to represent cell signaling systems, can now be simulated via various network-free simulation methods. In a network-free method, reaction rates are calculated for rules that characterize molecular interactions, and these rule rates, which each correspond to the cumulative rate of all reactions implied by a rule, are used to perform a stochastic simulation of reaction kinetics. Network-free methods, which can be viewed as generalizations of Gillespie's method, are so named because these methods do not require that a list of individual reactions implied by a set of rules be explicitly generated, which is a requirement of other methods for simulating rule-based models. This requirement is impractical for rule sets that imply large reaction networks (i.e. long lists of individual reactions), as reaction network generation is expensive. Here, we compare the network-free simulation methods implemented in RuleMonkey and NFsim, general-purpose software tools for simulating rule-based models encoded in the BioNetGen language. The method implemented in NFsim uses rejection sampling to correct overestimates of rule rates, which introduces null events (i.e. time steps that do not change the state of the system being simulated). The method implemented in RuleMonkey uses iterative updates to track rule rates exactly, which avoids null events. To ensure a fair comparison of the two methods, we developed implementations of the rejection and rejection-free methods specific to a particular class of kinetic models for multivalent ligand–receptor interactions. These implementations were written with the intention of making them as much alike as possible, minimizing the contribution of irrelevant coding differences to efficiency differences. Simulation results show that performance of the rejection method is equal to or better than that of the rejection-free method over wide parameter ranges. However, when parameter values are such that ligand-induced aggregation of receptors yields a large connected receptor cluster, the rejection-free method is more efficient.

Western Blotting via Proximity Ligation for High Performance Protein Analysis

Western blotting is a powerful and widely used method, but limitations in detection sensitivity and specificity, and dependence upon high quality antibodies to detect targeted proteins, are hurdles to overcome. The in situ proximity ligation assay, based on dual antibody recognition and powerful localized signal amplification, offers increased detection sensitivity and specificity, along with an ability to identify complex targets such as phosphorylated or interacting proteins. Here we have applied the in situ proximity ligation assay mechanism in Western blotting. This combination allowed the use of isothermal rolling circle amplification of DNA molecules formed in target-specific ligation reaction, for 16-fold or greater increase in detection sensitivity. The increased specificity because of dual antibody recognition ensured highly selective assays, detecting the specific band when combinations of two cross-reactive antitubulin antibodies were used (i.e. both producing distinct nonspecific bands in traditional Western blotting). We also demonstrated detection of phosphorylated platelet-derived growth factor receptor β by proximity ligation with one antibody directed against the receptor and another directed against the phosphorylated tyrosine residue. This avoided the need for stripping and re-probing the membrane or aligning two separate traditional blots. We demonstrate that the high-performance in situ proximity ligation-based Western blotting described herein is compatible with detection via enhanced chemiluminescence and fluorescence detection systems, and can thus be readily employed in any laboratory.

Restricted Lateral Diffusion of Luteinizing Hormone Receptors in Membrane Microdomains

Single particle tracking was used to evaluate lateral motions of individual FLAG-tagged human luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors expressed on CHO cells and native LH receptors on both KGN human granulosa-derived tumor cells and M17 human neuroblastoma cells before and after exposure to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Compared with LH receptors on untreated cells, LH receptors on cells treated with 100 nm hCG exhibit restricted lateral diffusion and are confined in small, nanometer-scale, membrane compartments. Similar to LH receptors labeled with Au-hCG, LH receptors labeled with gold-deglycosylated hCG, an hCG antagonist, also exhibit restricted lateral diffusion and are confined in nanoscale membrane compartments on KGN cells treated with 100 nm hCG. LH receptor point mutants lacking potential palmitoylation sites remain in large compartments despite treatment with 100 nm hCG as do LH receptors on cells treated with cytochalasin D. Finally, both polarization homotransfer fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging and photon counting histogram analysis indicate that treatment with hCG induces aggregation of YFP-coupled LH receptors stably expressed on CHO cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that binding of hCG induces aggregation of LH receptors within nanoscale, cell surface membrane compartments, that hCG binding also affects the lateral motions of antagonist binding LH receptors, and that receptor surface densities must be considered in evaluating the extent of hormone-dependent receptor aggregation.

Platelet aggregation pathway

Platelet activation and coagulation normally do not occur in an intact blood vessel. After blood vessel wall injury, platelet plug formation is initiated by the adherence of the platelets to subendothelial collagen [1,2]. In high shear arterial blood, platelets are first slowed down from their blood flow velocity by interacting with the collagen-bound von Willebrand factor and are subsequently stopped by binding directly to the collagen by their glycoprotein (GP) receptor complex [2,3]. The activation of these collagen receptors on platelets after their binding to the collagen activates phospholipase C-mediated cascades (Fig. 1) [1–3]. This results in the mobilization of calcium from the dense tubular system [4,5]. An increase in intracellular calcium is associated with the activation of several kinases necessary for morphologic change, the presentation of the procoagulant surface, the secretion of platelet granular content, the activation of GPs, and the activation of phospholipase A2 (see Fig. 1) [2,5–7]. The presentation of the procoagulant surface results in the colocalization of different coagulation factors on the surface of the activated platelet, which triggers a series of zymogen conversions, resulting in the release of active thrombin from prothrombin [8]. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine triphosphate, and serotonin are released from the dense platelet granule. Activated phospholipase A2 enzymes release arachidonic acid (AA) by the cleaving of fatty acids, especially phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, at their sn-2 position [9–11]. AA is a precursor for thromboxane A2 (TBXA2) synthesis. In the first step in platelets, prostaglandin (PG)-endoperoxide synthase 1 (PTGS1; also known as cyclooxygenase 1) catalyzes the transformation of AA into cyclic endoperoxide PG G2 and H2 [9]. In platelets, PGG2 and PGH2 are then mainly converted by TBXA synthase into TBXA2 [9]. Fig. 1 Effects of antiplatelet drugs in platelet aggregation pathway. (PA154444041; http://www.pharmgkb.org/do/serve?objId=PA154444041o cAMP, cyclic AMP; GNAS, guanine nucleotide binding protein a s; IP3, inositol ... The mechanism of action of aspirin is the inhibition of PTGS1, thereby preventing the production of PGs and, particularly in platelets, inhibiting TBXA2 production [10–12]. In ex vivo platelet aggregation testing, aspirin affects predominantly AA-stimulated platelet aggregation through a direct pathway, and also collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation through indirect pathways. A review by Lopez Farre et al. [12] discusses further mechanisms associated with platelet response to aspirin. The processes described above result in the local accumulation of molecules such as thrombin, TBXA2, and ADP, which are important for the further recruitment of platelets and the amplification of activation signals as described above. The secreted agonists activate their respective G protein-coupled receptors: coagulation factor II (thrombin) receptors (F2R also known as protease-activated receptor 1; F2RL3 also known as protease-activated receptor 4), TBXA2 receptor (TBXA2R), and ADP receptors (P2RY1 and P2RY12) [10,11,13–15]. The P2RY12 receptor couples to Gi, and when activated by ADP, inhibits adenylate cyclase [16]. This interaction counteracts the stimulation of cyclic AMP formation by endothelial-derived PGs, which alleviates the inhibitory effect of cyclic AMP on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated calcium release [14,16–20]. P2RY12 has a major role in arterial thrombosis and pharmacologic targeting of this receptor, which is an important strategy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases [21]. Thienopyridines (ticlopidine, clopidogrel, prasugrel), a class of oral anti-platelet agents, permanently inhibit P2RY12 signaling by irreversibly binding the receptor and blocking ADP-induced platelet activation and aggregation [22]. F2R, TBXA2R, and P2RY1 couple to Gq-phospholipase C–inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate–Ca2+ pathway, inducing shape change and platelet aggregation [14,23,24]. In addition, receptor signaling by G12/13 (F2R; TBXA2R) contributes to morphologic changes through the activation of kinases [23,24]. Platelet adhesion, cytoskeletal reorganization, secretion, and amplification loops are all different steps toward the formation of a platelet plug. These cascades finally result in the activation of the fibrinogen receptor (GPIIb/GPIIIa) expressed on platelet cells [14,25,26]. This activation results in the exposure of the binding sites for fibrinogen, which are not available in inactive platelets. The binding of fibrinogen results in the linkage of the activated platelets through fibrinogen bridges, thereby mediating aggregation [3]. The inhibition of this receptor by GPIIb/GPIIIa inhibitors blocks platelet aggregation induced by any agonist [27,28]. The individual platelet response is variable because of polymorphisms in genes involved in the activation and aggregation of platelets, in conjunction with environmental factors, and contributes to diseases such as arterial thrombosis ([29–33], and http://www.bloodomics.org/web/). In addition to the variation in platelet physiology, platelet sensitivity to drugs targeting platelet activation and aggregation is also influenced by gene polymorphisms and clinical and environmental variables [29,31,34].

Oxidative stress increases angiotensin receptor type I responsiveness by increasing receptor degree of aggregation using image correlation spectroscopy

Oxidative stress and hyper-functioning of angiotensin II receptor type I (AT1R) are commonly observed in hypertensive patients but the relationship between oxidative stress and AT1R function is still unclear. We investigated the effects of H2O2 treatment on AT1R-mediated intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i signaling and its cell surface distribution pattern in HEK cells stably expressing EGFP-tagged rat AT1R using image correlation spectroscopy (ICS). Following H2O2 treatment (50–800μM), [Ca2+]i was significantly increased upon angiotensin II stimulation. Similarly ICS revealed a significant increase in degree of AT1R aggregation in H2O2 treated group during Ang II activation but no difference in cluster density compared with untreated control cells or those with N-acetyl cysteine pretreatment. Thus, oxidative stress-induced AT1R hyper-responsiveness can be attributed by an increase in cell surface receptor aggregation state, possibly stemming in part from oxidant-related increase receptor–receptor interactions.

Axonal filopodial asymmetry induced by synaptic target

During vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ) assembly, motor axons and their muscle targets exchange short-range signals that regulate the subsequent steps of presynaptic and postsynaptic specialization. We report here that this interaction is in part mediated by axonal filopodia extended preferentially by cultured Xenopus spinal neurons toward their muscle targets. Immunoblotting and labeling experiments showed that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was expressed by muscle and associated with the cell surface, and treatment of cultured spinal neurons with recombinant bFGF nearly doubled the normal density of filopodia in neurites. This effect of bFGF was abolished by SU5402, a selective inhibitor of FGF-receptor 1 (FGFR1), and forced expression of wild-type or dominant-negative FGFR1 in neurons enhanced or suppressed the assembly of filopodia, respectively. Significantly, in nerve-muscle cocultures, knocking down bFGF in muscle decreased both the asymmetric extension of filopodia by axons toward muscle and the assembly of NMJs. In addition, neurons expressing dominant-negative FGFR1 less effectively triggered the aggregation of muscle acetylcholine receptors at innervation sites than did control neurons. These results suggest that bFGF activation of neuronal FGFR1 generates filopodial processes in neurons that promote nerve-muscle interaction and facilitate NMJ establishment.

Enzymatic synthesis of dimeric glycomimetic ligands of NK cell activation receptors

This work reveals new structural relationships in the complex process of the interaction between activation receptors of natural killer cells (rat NKR-P1, human CD69) and novel bivalent carbohydrate glycomimetics. The length, glycosylation pattern and linker structure of receptor ligands were examined with respect to their ability to precipitate the receptor protein from solution, which simulates the in vivo process of receptor aggregation during NK cell activation. It was found that di-LacdiNAc triazole compounds show optimal performance, reaching up to 100% precipitation of the present protein receptors, and achieving high immunostimulatory activities without any tendency to trigger activation-induced apoptosis. In the synthesis of the compounds tested, two enzymatic approaches were applied. Whereas a β-N-acetylhexosaminidase could only glycosylate one of the two acceptor sites available with yields below 10%, the Y284L mutant of human placental β1,4-galactosyltransferase-1 worked as a perfect synthetic tool, accomplishing even quantitative glycosylation at both acceptor sites and with absolute regioselectivity for the C-4 position. This work insinuates new directions for further ligand structure optimisation and demonstrates the strong synthetic potential of the mutant human placental β1,4-galactosyltransferase-1 in the synthesis of multivalent glycomimetics and glycomaterials.

Bortezomib Enhances the Efficacy of Fulvestrant by Amplifying the Aggregation of the Estrogen Receptor, Which Leads to a Proapoptotic Unfolded Protein Response

Fulvestrant is known to promote the degradation of the estrogen receptor (ER) in the nucleus. However, fulvestrant also promotes the aggregation of the newly synthesized ER in the cytoplasm. Accumulation of protein aggregates leads to cell death but this effect is limited as a result of their elimination by the proteasome. We tested whether combining fulvestrant with the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, could enhance the accumulation of ER aggregates and cause apoptotic cell death. The rate of aggregation of the ER was monitored in ER(+) breast cancer cells lines, T47D, ZR-75.1, BT474, MDA-MB-361, MCF-7, fulvestrant resistance MCF-7, and tamoxifen-resistant T47D-cyclin D1 cells. Activation of the unfolded protein response, apoptosis, and metabolic rate were also monitored in these cell lines following treatment with fulvestrant, bortezomib, or bortezomib in combination with fulvestrant. We found that bortezomib enhances the fulvestrant-mediated aggregation of the ER in the cytoplasm without blocking the degradation of the ER in the nucleus. Further, these aggregates activate a sustained unfolded protein response leading to apoptotic cell death. Further, we show that the combination induced tumor regression in a breast cancer mouse model of tamoxifen resistance. Adding bortezomib to fulvestrant enhances its efficacy by taking advantage of the unique ability of fulvestrant to promote cytoplasmic aggregates of the ER. As this effect of fulvestrant is independent of the transcriptional activity of the ER, these results suggest that this novel combination may be effective in breast cancers that are ER(+) but estrogen independent.

Cholinergic drugs inhibit in vitro megakaryopoiesis via the alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Besides thrombopoietin several additional factors (i.e neurotransmitters and receptors) are known to be involved in the regulation of megakaryopoiesis at different stages. Recently, we identified functional α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRα7) on platelets and megakaryocytic precursors. In platelets nAChRα7 form functional Ca2+ channels and are involved in fibrinogen receptor activation and aggregation. Here, we investigated the impact of nAChRα7 on the differentiation of the human megakaryoblastic cell line MEG-01. In vitro differentiation of MEG-01 cells was induced by the phorbol ester TPA for 5 days in the absence or presence of nicotine or the nAChRα7-selective antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA), and this was monitored by the expression of the megakaryocytic antigens CD41 and CD61. In the presence of the cholinergic drugs (nicotine or MLA) CD41 and CD61 expression was significantly reduced, both at RNA and protein level. We postulate that the nAChRα7 receptor is involved in megakaryopoietic signal transduction and gene regulation. This could affect the generation of platelets in vivo and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic drugs that regulate platelet formation.

Spreading Dynamics and Oscillatory Membrane Behavior of B Lymphocytes

Formation of cellular junctions involves cytoskeleton driven membrane deformations that lead to the spreading of one cell over the surface of another. Mammalian B lymphocytes present B cell receptors, which upon contact with the specific antigen, trigger an activated spreading response on an antigen presenting cell or an antigen coated surface. As signaling events are initiated within a minute of contact, the rapid increase in contact area and accumulation of receptors during early spreading are critical for the immune response. The mechanisms that determine the kinetics of B cell spreading and receptor aggregation are not well understood. We have studied the spreading dynamics of mouse A20 B cells on antibody coated substrates as a model for B cell activated spreading. The adhesion area of the cell on the substrate was imaged using interference reflection microscopy. Concurrently, total internal reflection florescence was used to image the GFP-labeled actin cytoskeletal dynamics during the spreading processes. In order to test the robustness of this spreading behavior and study the effects of the physical environment we also initiated B cell spreading on fibronectin coated surfaces, antibody coated lipid bilayers, and gels of varying stiffness. A significant number of spreading cells were observed to exhibit weakly adhered, large amplitude membrane protrusions and retractions which were dependent on myosin II activity. A variety of inhibition experiments were further performed in order to elucidate the role of microtubules and signaling downstream of BCR ligation in this phenomenon. This dynamic membrane behavior may be a general mechanism for the B cells to sense the surrounding environment.

Pre-Ligand Assembly of TNF Receptors Through Covalent and Non-Covalent Interactions

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of cytokines bind to membrane TNF receptors and cause a number of physiological responses including apoptosis and inflammation. A growing body of evidence suggests that pre-ligand receptor assembly driven through membrane-distal regions of the receptor is important for TNF signaling. Additionally, it has been speculated that, in response to ligand stimulation, receptor interactions drive the formation of large receptor aggregates that represent the functional signaling complex. Here, using a combination of receptor mutagenesis, experiments in living cells (including FRET), and experiments with purified peptides we report receptor oligomerization driven through both covalent and non-covalent interactions in membrane-proximal regions of the receptor. These results represent the first findings that pre-ligand receptor oligomerization and signal propagation into the cell may be driven in part through receptor interactions within and near the membrane.

Novel Mouse Model Reveals Distinct Activity-Dependent and –Independent Contributions to Synapse Development

The balanced action of both pre- and postsynaptic organizers regulates the formation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ). The precise mechanisms that control the regional specialization of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation, guide ingrowing axons and contribute to correct synaptic patterning are unknown. Synaptic activity is of central importance and to understand synaptogenesis, it is necessary to distinguish between activity-dependent and activity-independent processes. By engineering a mutated fetal AChR subunit, we used homologous recombination to develop a mouse line that expresses AChR with massively reduced open probability during embryonic development. Through histological and immunochemical methods as well as electrophysiological techniques, we observed that endplate anatomy and distribution are severely aberrant and innervation patterns are completely disrupted. Nonetheless, in the absence of activity AChRs form postsynaptic specializations attracting motor axons and permitting generation of multiple nerve/muscle contacts on individual fibers. This process is not restricted to a specialized central zone of the diaphragm and proceeds throughout embryonic development. Phenotypes can be attributed to separate activity-dependent and -independent pathways. The correct patterning of synaptic connections, prevention of multiple contacts and control of nerve growth require AChR-mediated activity. In contrast, myotube survival and acetylcholine-mediated dispersal of AChRs are maintained even in the absence of AChR-mediated activity. Because mouse models in which acetylcholine is entirely absent do not display similar effects, we conclude that acetylcholine binding to the AChR initiates activity-dependent and activity-independent pathways whereby the AChR modulates formation of the NMJ.

Nestin negatively regulates postsynaptic differentiation of the neuromuscular synapse

Positive and negative regulation of neurotransmitter receptor aggregation on the postsynaptic membrane is a critical event during synapse formation. Acetylcholine (ACh) and agrin are two opposing signals that regulate ACh receptor (AChR) clustering during neuromuscular junction (NMJ) development. ACh induces dispersion of AChR clusters that are not stabilized by agrin via a cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-mediated mechanism, but regulation of Cdk5 activation is poorly understood. Here we show that the intermediate filament protein nestin physically interacts with Cdk5 and is required for ACh-induced association of p35, the co-activator of Cdk5, with the muscle membrane. Blockade of nestin-dependent signaling inhibits ACh-induced Cdk5 activation and the dispersion of AChR clusters in cultured myotubes. Similar to the effects of Cdk5 gene inactivation, knockdown of nestin in agrin-deficient embryos significantly restores AChR clusters. These results suggest that nestin is required for ACh-induced, Cdk5-dependent dispersion of AChR clusters during NMJ development.

Inhibition of ongoing allergic reactions using a novel anti-IgE DARPin-Fc fusion protein

Aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) with the low-affinity IgG receptor (FcγRIIb) on basophils or mast cells has been shown to inhibit allergen-induced cell degranulation. Molecules cross-linking these two receptors might therefore be of interest for the treatment of allergic disorders. Here, we demonstrate the generation of a novel bispecific fusion protein efficiently aggregating FcεRI-bound IgE with FcγRIIb on the surface of basophils to prevent pro-inflammatory mediator release. Alternative binding molecules recognizing receptor-bound human IgE were selected from DARPin (designed ankyrin repeat protein) libraries. One of the selected DARPins was linked to the Fc-part of a human IgG(1) antibody for binding to FcγRIIb. The resulting anti-IgE DARPin-Fc fusion protein was not anaphylactogenic and inhibited allergen-induced basophil activation in whole blood assays. Both binding moieties of the fusion protein, namely the anti-IgE DARPin as well as the IgG(1) Fc-part, were required to achieve this inhibitory effect. Most importantly, inhibition was faster and more efficient than with Omalizumab, a humanized anti-IgE antibody currently used for the treatment of severe asthma. This novel anti-IgE DARPin-Fc fusion protein might represent a potential drug candidate for preventive or immediate treatment of allergic reactions.

STIM1-Directed Reorganization of Microtubules in Activated Mast Cells

Activation of mast cells by aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptors (FcεRI) initiates signaling events leading to the release of inflammatory and allergic mediators stored in cytoplasmic granules. A key role in this process play changes in concentrations of intracellular Ca(2+) controlled by store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Although microtubules are also involved in the process leading to degranulation, the molecular mechanisms that control microtubule rearrangement during activation are largely unknown. In this study, we report that activation of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) induced by FcεRI aggregation or treatment with pervanadate or thapsigargin results in generation of protrusions containing microtubules (microtubule protrusions). Formation of these protrusions depended on the influx of extracellular Ca(2+). Changes in cytosolic Ca(2+)concentration also affected microtubule plus-end dynamics detected by microtubule plus-end tracking protein EB1. Experiments with knockdown or reexpression of STIM1, the key regulator of SOCE, confirmed the important role of STIM1 in the formation of microtubule protrusions. Although STIM1 in activated cells formed puncta associated with microtubules in protrusions, relocation of STIM1 to a close proximity of cell membrane was independent of growing microtubules. In accordance with the inhibition of Ag-induced Ca(2+) response and decreased formation of microtubule protrusions in BMMCs with reduced STIM1, the cells also exhibited impaired chemotactic response to Ag. We propose that rearrangement of microtubules in activated mast cells depends on STIM1-induced SOCE, and that Ca(2+) plays an important role in the formation of microtubule protrusions in BMMCs.

Monte Carlo simulations of plasma membrane corral-induced EGFR clustering

Experimental evidence suggests that the cell membrane is a highly organized structure that is compartmentalized by the underlying membrane cytoskeleton (MSK). The interaction between the cell membrane and the cytoskeleton led to the “picket-fence” model, which was proposed to explain certain aspects of membrane compartmentalization. This model assumes that the MSK hinders and confines the motion of receptors and lipids to compartments in the membrane. However, the impact of the MSK on receptor clustering, aggregation, and downstream signaling remains unclear. For example, some evidence suggests that the MSK enhances dimerization, while other evidence suggests decreased dimerization and signaling. Herein, we use computational Monte Carlo simulations to examine the effects of MSK density and receptor concentration on receptor dimerization and clustering. Preliminary results suggest that the MSK may have the potential to induce receptor clustering, which is a function of both picket-fence density and receptor concentration.

TLR-mediated signaling pathways circumvent the requirement for DAP12 in mast cells for the induction of inflammatory mediator release

TLR, expressed on the surface of mast cells, respond to a variety of bacterial and viral components to induce and enhance high-affinity IgE receptor-mediated cytokine production. Recent reports have indicated that specific TLR-dependent responses in macrophages and dendritic cells are regulated by the ITAM-containing molecule, DAP12. When phosphorylated, DAP12 recruits Syk, which is a critical molecule for mast cell activation. We therefore examined whether DAP12 similarly regulates TLR-mediated responses in mast cells. DAP12 was confirmed to be expressed in both human and mouse mast cells and, upon phosphorylation, to recruit Syk. However, although TLR agonists induced cytokine production, and synergistically enhanced high-affinity IgE receptor-mediated cytokine production, surprisingly, they failed to increase DAP12 phosphorylation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). Furthermore, normal TLR-mediated responses were observed in DAP12(-/-) BMMC. However, DAP12 phosphorylation and subsequent Syk recruitment were observed in BMMC following Con A-induced aggregation of mannose-glycosylated receptors, and these responses, together with Con A-induced degranulation, were substantially reduced in the DAP12(-/-) BMMC. These data demonstrate that TLR have differential requirements for DAP12 for their function in different cell types and that the inability of TLR to influence mast cell degranulation may be linked to their inability to utilize DAP12 to recruit Syk.

Shaping the response: the role of Fc∊RI and Syk expression levels in mast cell signalling

Many receptor systems initiate cell signaling through ligand-induced receptor aggregation. For bivalent ligands binding to mono- or bivalent receptors, a plot of the equilibrium concentration of receptors in aggregates against the log of the free ligand concentration, the cross-linking curve, is symmetric and bell shaped. However, steady state cellular responses initiated through receptor cross-linking may have a different dependence on ligand concentration than the aggregated receptors that initiate and maintain these responses. The authors illustrate by considering the activation of the protein kinase Syk that rapidly occurs after high affinity receptors for IgE, FcεRI, are aggregated on the surface of mast cells and basophils. Using a mathematical model of Syk activation the authors investigate two effects, one straightforward and one less so, that result in Syk activation not qualitatively following the cross-linking curve. Model predictions show that if the mechanism by which Syk is fully activated involves the transphosphorylation of Syk by Syk, then Syk activation curves can be either bell shaped or double humped, depending on the cellular concentrations of Syk and FcεRI. The model also predicts that the Syk activation curve can be non-symmetric with respect to the ligand concentration. The cell can exhibit differential Syk activation at two different ligand concentrations that produce identical distributions of receptor aggregates that form and dissociate at the same rates. The authors discuss how, even though it is only receptor aggregates that trigger responses, differences in total ligand concentration can lead to subtle kinetic effects that yield qualitative differences in the levels of Syk activation.

Bioinformatics and mathematical modelling in the study of receptor–receptor interactions and receptor oligomerization: Focus on adenosine receptors

The concept of intra-membrane receptor–receptor interactions (RRIs) between different types of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and evidence for their existence was introduced by Agnati and Fuxe in 1980/81 through the biochemical analysis of the effects of neuropeptides on the binding characteristics of monoamine receptors in membrane preparations from discrete brain regions and functional studies of the interactions between neuropeptides and monoamines in the control of specific functions such as motor control and arterial blood pressure control in animal models. Whether GPCRs can form high-order structures is still a topic of an intense debate. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that the hypothesis of the existence of high-order receptor oligomers is correct. A fundamental consequence of the view describing GPCRs as interacting structures, with the likely formation at the plasma membrane of receptor aggregates of multiple receptors (Receptor Mosaics) is that it is no longer possible to describe signal transduction simply as the result of the binding of the chemical signal to its receptor, but rather as the result of a filtering/integration of chemical signals by the Receptor Mosaics (RMs) and membrane-associated proteins. Thus, in parallel with experimental research, significant efforts were spent in bioinformatics and mathematical modelling. We review here the main approaches that have been used to assess the interaction interfaces allowing the assembly of GPCRs and to shed some light on the integrative functions emerging from the complex behaviour of these RMs. Particular attention was paid to the RMs generated by adenosine A 2A, dopamine D 2, cannabinoid CB 1, and metabotropic glutamate mGlu 5 receptors (A 2A, D 2, CB 1 and mGlu 5, respectively), and a possible approach to model the interplay between the D 2–A 2A–CB 1 and D 2–A 2A–mGlu 5 trimers is proposed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: “Adenosine Receptors”.