G Protein-coupled Receptors Stimulation Research Articles

Positive cross talk between protein kinase D and β-catenin in intestinal epithelial cells: impact on β-catenin nuclear localization and phosphorylation at Ser552.

Given the fundamental role of β-catenin signaling in intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and the growth-promoting function of protein kinase D1 (PKD1) in these cells, we hypothesized that PKDs mediate cross talk with β-catenin signaling. The results presented here provide several lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis. We found that stimulation of intestinal epithelial IEC-18 cells with the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonist angiotensin II (ANG II), a potent inducer of PKD activation, promoted endogenous β-catenin nuclear localization in a time-dependent manner. A significant increase was evident within 1 h of ANG II stimulation (P< 0.01), peaked at 4 h (P< 0.001), and declined afterwards. GPCR stimulation also induced a marked increase in β-catenin-regulated genes and phosphorylation at Ser(552) in intestinal epithelial cells. Exposure to preferential inhibitors of the PKD family (CRT006610 or kb NB 142-70) or knockdown of the isoforms of the PKD family prevented the increase in β-catenin nuclear localization and phosphorylation at Ser(552) in response to ANG II. GPCR stimulation also induced the formation of a complex between PKD1 and β-catenin, as shown by coimmunoprecipitation that depended on PKD1 catalytic activation, as it was abrogated by cell treatment with PKD family inhibitors. Using transgenic mice that express elevated PKD1 protein in the intestinal epithelium, we detected a marked increase in the localization of β-catenin in the nucleus of crypt epithelial cells in the ileum of PKD1 transgenic mice, compared with nontransgenic littermates. Collectively, our results identify a novel cross talk between PKD and β-catenin in intestinal epithelial cells, both in vitro and in vivo.

G protein-coupled receptors: signalling and regulation by lipid agonists for improved glucose homoeostasis.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a pivotal role in cell signalling, controlling many processes such as immunity, growth, cellular differentiation, neurological pathways and hormone secretions. Fatty acid agonists are increasingly recognised as having a key role in the regulation of glucose homoeostasis via stimulation of islet and gastrointestinal GPCRs. Downstream cell signalling results in modulation of the biosynthesis, secretion, proliferation and anti-apoptotic pathways of islet and enteroendocrine cells. GPR40 and GPR120 are activated by long-chain fatty acids (>C12) with both receptors coupling to the Gαq subunit that activates the Ca(2+)-dependent pathway. GPR41 and GPR43 are stimulated by short-chain fatty acids (C2-C5), and activation results in binding to Gαi that inhibits the adenylyl cyclase pathway attenuating cAMP production. In addition, GPR43 also couples to the Gαq subunit augmenting intracellular Ca(2+) and activating phospholipase C. GPR55 is specific for cannabinoid endogenous agonists (endocannabinoids) and non-cannabinoid fatty acids, which couples to Gα12/13 and Gαq proteins, leading to enhancing intracellular Ca(2+), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) phosphorylation and Rho kinase. GPR119 is activated by fatty acid ethanolamides and binds to Gαs utilising the adenylate cyclase pathway, which is dependent upon protein kinase A. Current research indicates that GPCR therapies may be approved for clinical use in the near future. This review focuses on the recent advances in preclinical diabetes research in the signalling and regulation of GPCRs on islet and enteroendocrine cells involved in glucose homoeostasis.

Chapter Three - Ubiquitination and Protein Turnover of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases in GPCR Signaling and Cellular Regulation.

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are responsible for regulating a wide variety of physiological processes, and distinct mechanisms for GPCR inactivation exist to guarantee correct receptor functionality. One of the widely used mechanisms is receptor phosphorylation by specific G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), leading to uncoupling from G proteins (desensitization) and receptor internalization. GRKs and β-arrestins also participate in the assembly of receptor-associated multimolecular complexes, thus initiating alternative G-protein-independent signaling events. In addition, the abundant GRK2 kinase has diverse "effector" functions in cellular migration, proliferation, and metabolism homeostasis by means of the phosphorylation or interaction with non-GPCR partners. Altered expression of GRKs (particularly of GRK2 and GRK5) occurs during pathological conditions characterized by impaired GPCR signaling including inflammatory syndromes, cardiovascular disease, and tumor contexts. It is increasingly appreciated that different pathways governing GRK protein stability play a role in the modulation of kinase levels in normal and pathological conditions. Thus, enhanced GRK2 degradation by the proteasome pathway occurs upon GPCR stimulation, what allows cellular adaptation to chronic stimulation in a physiological setting. β-arrestins participate in this process by facilitating GRK2 phosphorylation by different kinases and by recruiting diverse E3 ubiquitin ligase to the receptor complex. Different proteolytic systems (ubiquitin-proteasome, calpains), chaperone activities and signaling pathways influence the stability of GRKs in different ways, thus endowing specificity to GPCR regulation as protein turnover of GRKs can be differentially affected. Therefore, modulation of protein stability of GRKs emerges as a versatile mechanism for feedback regulation of GPCR signaling and basic cellular processes.

Abstract 17562: GPCR Gβγ Signaling Mediates Renal Dysfunction and Fibrosis in Heart Failure Mice

Background: Cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (CRS2), the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) secondary to chronic heart failure (CHF), is clinically associated with increased incidence of organ failure and reduced survival. Heart and kidney damage in CRS2 is greatly caused by chronic stimulation of the adrenergic and endothelin receptors as a result of elevated neurohormonal signaling of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and its downstream endothelin (ET) system, respectively. These receptors belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). While chronic GPCR stimulation and its associated upregulated interaction between the G-protein βγ subunit (Gβγ), the GPCR-kinase 2 (GRK2) and β-arrestin are known to be central to various cardiovascular diseases, their role in kidney diseases are by far unknown and beg investigation. Objective: CRS2 animal studies utilize combine ischemic cardiac injury and renal injury, which is of poor clinical relevance. Our study investigates: (1) the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a model of non-ischemic CHF without inducing surgical kidney injury, aiming to establish a more clinically relevant CRS2 model. (2) The possible salutary effect of renal GPCR-Gβγ inhibition in CKD developed in the established CRS2 model. Methods and results: We utilized transverse aortic constriction (TAC) as a non-ischemic hypertrophic murine CHF model. Twelve weeks after TAC, mice developed CKD secondary to CHF suggesting a CRS2 model. This was associated with elevated renal GPCR-Gβγ signaling and ET system expression. Importantly, systemic pharmacologic Gβγ inhibition by gallein attenuated these renal pathological changes in parallel with alleviated CHF. A direct effect of gallein on the kidney was subsequently confirmed in a bilateral ischemia reperfusion acute kidney injury (AKI) mouse model where it attenuated renal dysfunction, tissue damage and ET system activation, indicating a direct role for GPCR-Gβγ signaling in AKI. Further, in vitro studies in mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed a key role for ET receptor-Gβγ signaling in fibroblast activation. Conclusion: Our data suggest TAC as a clinically relevant CRS2 model and GPCR-Gβγ inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach for CRS2 and AKI.

Receptor sequestration in response to β-arrestin-2 phosphorylation by ERK1/2 governs steady-state levels of GPCR cell-surface expression

MAPKs are activated in response to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) stimulation and play essential roles in regulating cellular processes downstream of these receptors. However, very little is known about the reciprocal effect of MAPK activation on GPCRs. To investigate possible crosstalk between the MAPK and GPCRs, we assessed the effect of ERK1/2 on the activity of several GPCR family members. We found that ERK1/2 activation leads to a reduction in the steady-state cell-surface expression of many GPCRs because of their intracellular sequestration. This subcellular redistribution resulted in a global dampening of cell responsiveness, as illustrated by reduced ligand-mediated G-protein activation and second-messenger generation as well as blunted GPCR kinases and β-arrestin recruitment. This ERK1/2-mediated regulatory process was observed for GPCRs that can interact with β-arrestins, such as type-2 vasopressin, type-1 angiotensin, and CXC type-4 chemokine receptors, but not for the prostaglandin F receptor that cannot interact with β-arrestin, implicating this scaffolding protein in the receptor's subcellular redistribution. Complementation experiments in mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking β-arrestins combined with in vitro kinase assays revealed that β-arrestin-2 phosphorylation on Ser14 and Thr276 is essential for the ERK1/2-promoted GPCR sequestration. This previously unidentified regulatory mechanism was observed after constitutive activation as well as after receptor tyrosine kinase- or GPCR-mediated activation of ERK1/2, suggesting that it is a central node in the tonic regulation of cell responsiveness to GPCR stimulation, acting both as an effector and a negative regulator.

The Role of GRK2 and Its Potential as a New Therapeutic Target in Diabetic Vascular Complications

A decrease in nitric oxide (NO) production may induce pathological conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction and diabetes. Although a decrease in NO production caused by impaired Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthesis (eNOS) signaling has been demonstrated at the aorta in the presence of diabetic vascular complications, little is known regarding the details of the mechanism. We identified G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) as a critical factor in diabetic endothelial dysfunction. GRK2 plays a role in many physiological functions including regulation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We found that the vasculature affected by type 2 diabetes expresses high levels of GRK2, which may induce endothelial dysfunction caused by impaired Akt/eNOS signaling. GRK2 activation also induces changes in the subcellular localization of GRK2 and β-arrestin 2, a downstream protein, from the cytosol to membrane. In mouse aorta GRK2 may be, on translocation, a key negative regulator and an important regulator of β-arrestin 2/Akt/eNOS signaling, which has been implicated in diabetic endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, in the aortic membrane of type 2 diabetic model mice under insulin stimulation, the impaired Akt/eNOS signaling was improved by a selective GRK2 inhibitor. These results suggest that in diabetes the GRK2 inhibitor ameliorates vascular endothelial dysfunction via Akt/eNOS signaling by inhibiting GRK2 activity and enhancing β-arrestin 2 translocation to the membrane under GPCR or non-GPCR stimulation, thereby contributing to blood pressure- and blood glucose-lowering effects. We propose that the GRK2 inhibitor may be a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes.

Nuclear G protein signaling: new tricks for old dogs.

According to the standard model of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, GPCRs are localized to the cell membrane where they respond to extracellular signals. Stimulation of GPCRs leads to the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins and their intracellular signaling pathways. However, this model fails to accommodate GPCRs, G proteins, and their downstream effectors that are found on the nuclear membrane or in the nucleus. Evidence from isolated nuclei indicates the presence of GPCRs on the nuclear membrane that can activate similar G protein-dependent signaling pathways in the nucleus as at the cell surface. These pathways also include activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, calcium and nitric oxide synthase signaling in cardiomyocytes. In addition, a number of distinct heterotrimeric and monomeric G proteins have been found in the nucleus of various cell types. This review will focus on understanding the function of nuclear G proteins with a focus on cardiac signaling where applicable.

Signaling through Homomeric and Heteromeric Dopamine D2 and Cannabinoid Cb1 Receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play important roles in signal transduction and represent about half of the drug targets. Accumulating evidence suggests that GPCRs exist and function not only as homomers but as heteromers as well. Coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) results have provided evidence for heteromerization of D2-CB1 receptors in co-transfected cell lines. Besides, co-localization of CB1 and D2 receptors in the somata and dendrites of striato-pallidal GABA neurons and cortical-striatal glutamate terminals has been demonstrated. Studies have shown that homomeric D2 and CB1 receptors are Gi/o coupled able to inhibit upon stimulation the forskolin-induced adenylyl-cyclase activation leading to a decrease in cAMP levels. However, stimulation of the CB1 receptor upon the co-expression of D2-CB1 receptors in cell lines increased cAMP levels presumably because CB1 receptors switch their specificity to becoming Gs-coupled when complexed with the D2 receptor. In this study, we utilized Xenopus laevis oocytes as a heterologous expression system in which G protein-sensitive inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels are co-expressed with GPCRs. Stimulation of GPCRs with specific ligands activates GIRK channels via the betagamma subunits of the G proteins (Gbg). The GIRK channel current is monitored by two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) to access receptor activity. We have found that stimulation of homomeric D2 and CB1 receptors increases the GIRK currents. This increase could be blocked by pertussis toxin (PTX) that specifically ADP-ribosylates Gi/o. Overexpression of Gs in Xenopus oocytes biases signaling to couple Gs coupled receptors to GIRK channels via Gbg. Using this approach, we demonstrated that neither the CB1 nor the D2 homomeric receptors can couple to Gs. We are in the process of testing whether the channel response of CB1 receptor ligands through the heteromeric D2-CB1 receptors proceeds via Gs.

Cell-surface receptors transactivation mediated by g protein-coupled receptors.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven transmembrane-spanning proteins belonging to a large family of cell-surface receptors involved in many intracellular signaling cascades. Despite GPCRs lack intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, tyrosine phosphorylation of a tyrosine kinase receptor (RTK) occurs in response to binding of specific agonists of several such receptors, triggering intracellular mitogenic cascades. This suggests that the notion that GPCRs are associated with the regulation of post-mitotic cell functions is no longer believable. Crosstalk between GPCR and RTK may occur by different molecular mechanism such as the activation of metalloproteases, which can induce the metalloprotease-dependent release of RTK ligands, or in a ligand-independent manner involving membrane associated non-receptor tyrosine kinases, such as c-Src. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also implicated as signaling intermediates in RTKs transactivation. Intracellular concentration of ROS increases transiently in cells stimulated with GPCR agonists and their deliberated and regulated generation is mainly catalyzed by enzymes that belong to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase family. Oxidation and/or reduction of cysteine sulfhydryl groups of phosphatases tightly controls the activity of RTKs and ROS-mediated inhibition of cellular phosphatases results in an equilibrium shift from the non-phosphorylated to the phosphorylated state of RTKs. Many GPCR agonists activate phospholipase C, which catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bis-phosphate to produce inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and diacylglicerol. The consequent mobilization of Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum leads to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms. PKCα mediates feedback inhibition of RTK transactivation during GPCR stimulation. Recent data have expanded the coverage of transactivation to include Serine/Threonine kinase receptors and Toll-like receptors. Herein, we discuss the main mechanisms of GPCR-mediated cell-surface receptors transactivation and the pathways involved in intracellular responses induced by GPCR agonists. These studies may suggest the design of novel strategies for therapeutic interventions.

Abstract 5000: Upregulation of WDR26 promotes breast cancer cell growth, migration and invasion via enhancing PI3K/AKT signaling

Abstract Background: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is one of the most deregulated pathways in breast cancer. One of PI3K isoforms, p110 β, has been shown to be activated predominantly by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) through the heterotrimeric G protein βγ subunits (Gβγ), and plays a key role in breast cancer development. PI3Ks mediates their effects primarily through the activation of select AKT, which consists of three isoforms. We have recently made important observations that diverse GPCRs converge at Gβγ to promote breast tumor cell growth and migration both in vitro and in vivo, and that a novel Gβγ-interacting protein, WDR26, promotes Gβγ-dependent signal transductions, including PI3K/AKT activation. In this study, we have evaluated the role of WDR26 in regulating PI3K/AKT signaling for breast tumor cell growth, migration and invasion. Methods: The level of WDR26 expression was evaluated in breast cancer cells and human breast cancer samples by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis. WDR26 was then downregulated by siRNAs or overexpressed in breast cancer cells, and the effects on PI3K/AKT activation, tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated in vitro. Results: WDR26 was upregulated in a subset of highly malignant and invasive breast tumor cell lines (such as MDA-MB231 and DU4475), and high grade human breast tumor samples. Upon GPCR stimulation of breast tumor cells, WDR26 facilitated the formation of a signaling complex consisting of Gβγ, PI3Kβ and AKT2. Downregulation of WDR26 in MDA-MB231 and DU4475 cells using RNA interference inhibited PI3K/AKT activation, tumor cell growth, migration and invasion. Similar effects were achieved by disruption of WDR26 function through induced expression of WDR26 deletion mutants in MDA-MB231 cells. Conversely, overexpression of WDR26 in MCF7 cells enhanced PI3K/AKT activation and rendered MCF7 cell migration and enhanced proliferation. Conclusions: Together, these results indicate that WDR26 serves as a scaffold to foster interactions between Gβγ, PI3Kβ and AKT2, thereby promoting Gβγ-dependent PI3K/AKT activation, thereby regulating breast tumor progression. WDR26, thus, may represent a novel target for the intervention of breast tumors. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Yuanchao Ye, Songhai Chen. Upregulation of WDR26 promotes breast cancer cell growth, migration and invasion via enhancing PI3K/AKT signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5000. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5000

GPCRs are regulators of MRTF‐A and YAP mediated CCN1 expression (1066.4)

Cysteine‐rich 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) is a multifunctional matricellular, secreted protein involved in myriad cellular processes including tumor cell growth, inflammation, and wound healing. It is part of a family of three immediate early genes all largely subserving regulatory rather than structural roles in signaling. CCN1 functions in the extracellular matrix through binding to integrins on the cell surface. The role of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in CCN1 regulation has remained largely unexplored. However, recent evidence from our laboratory indicates that CCN1 is highly and rapidly induced via a subset of GPCRs, in particular the protease activated receptor (PAR1) thrombin receptor and the receptors for lysophospholipids, LPA and S1P through Rho activation. Myocardin‐related transcription factor A (MRTF‐A), a transcription coactivator has been shown to regulate CCN1 expression, as has Yes‐associated protein (YAP). Whether these transcriptional co‐activators work in parallel or in synergy to induce CCN1 expression is not known, nor are the distinct signals that activate these pathways defined. Here we report that stimulation of GPCRs that activate Rho leads to YAP dephosphorylation and MRTF‐A dissociation from the actin cytoskeleton, both of which result in nuclear translocation and gene activation. Whereas both responses are Rho‐dependent and inhibited with C3 exoenzyme, inhibiton of Rho kinase blocks MRTF‐A but not YAP activation. Studies using reporter genes confirm these findings. Knockdown of either MRTF‐A or YAP significantly reduces agonist induced CCN1 expression and we are currently examining other genes to determine whether regulation of multiple genes requires activation by these two signals. Our observations establish that MRTF‐A and YAP are activated through different signals downstream of RhoA, but CCN1 serves as a downstream effector where these two important transcriptional hubs converge.

β-Arrestin Regulation of Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation Promotes AT1aR-mediated Cell Contraction and Migration

Over the last decade, it has been established that G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) signal not only through canonical G-protein-mediated mechanisms, but also through the ubiquitous cellular scaffolds β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2. Previous studies have implicated β-arrestins as regulators of actin reorganization in response to GPCR stimulation while also being required for membrane protrusion events that accompany cellular motility. One of the most critical events in the active movement of cells is the cyclic phosphorylation and activation of myosin light chain (MLC), which is required for cellular contraction and movement. We have identified the myosin light chain phosphatase Targeting Subunit (MYPT-1) as a binding partner of the β-arrestins and found that β-arrestins play a role in regulating the turnover of phosphorylated myosin light chain. In response to stimulation of the angiotensin Type 1a Receptor (AT1aR), MLC phosphorylation is induced quickly and potently. We have found that β-arrestin-2 facilitates dephosphorylation of MLC, while, in a reciprocal fashion, β-arrestin 1 limits dephosphorylation of MLC. Intriguingly, loss of either β-arrestin-1 or 2 blocks phospho-MLC turnover and causes a decrease in the contraction of cells as monitored by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, by employing the β-arrestin biased ligand [Sar1,Ile4,Ile8]-Ang, we demonstrate that AT1aR-mediated cellular motility involves a β-arrestin dependent component. This suggests that the reciprocal regulation of MLC phosphorylation status by β-arrestins-1 and 2 causes turnover in the phosphorylation status of MLC that is required for cell contractility and subsequent chemotaxic motility.

Morphological, immunocytochemical, and functional characterization of esophageal enteric neurons in primary culture

The enteric nervous system of the esophagus plays an important role in its sensory and motor functions. Although the esophagus contains enteric neurons, they have never been isolated and characterized in primary culture. We isolated and cultured enteric neurons of the rat esophagus and determined their morphological appearance, chemical coding for neurotransmitters, and functional characteristics. After primary culture for 2 wk, dendrites and axons appeared in the enteric neurons, which usually have one axon and several dendrites. Although the size of neuronal bodies varied from Dogiel type I to type II, their average size was 39 ± 1.8 μm in length and 23 ± 1.4 μm in width. Immmunocytochemical studies revealed that over 95% of these cells were positively stained for two general neuronal markers, PGP 9.5 or Milli-Mark Fluoro. Chemical coding showed that the neurons were positively stained for choline acetyltransferease (53 ± 6%) or nNOS (66 ± 13%). In functional studies, membrane depolarization and stimulation of several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) induced Ca²⁺ signaling in the esophageal enteric neurons. The GPCR stimulation was found to induce both intracellular Ca²⁺ release and extracellular Ca²⁺ entry. The functional expressions of Ca²⁺ channels (voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels and store-operated channels) and Ca²⁺ pump (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase) were also demonstrated on these neurons. We have grown, for the first time, esophageal enteric neurons in primary culture, and these contain excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. The functional integrity of GPCRs, Ca²⁺ channels, and Ca²⁺ pump in these neurons makes them a useful cell model for further studies.

Astrocytic group I mGluR-dependent potentiation of astrocytic glutamate and potassium uptake

One of the most important functions of astrocytes is removal of glutamate released during synaptic transmission. Surprisingly, the mechanisms by which astrocyte glutamate uptake is acutely modulated remain to be clarified. Astrocytes express metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are activated during neuronal activity. Here, we test the hypothesis that astrocytic group I mGluRs acutely regulate glutamate uptake by astrocytes in situ. This hypothesis was tested in acute mouse hippocampal slices. Activation of astrocytic mGluRs, using a tetanic high-frequency stimulus (HFS) applied to Schaffer collaterals, led to potentiation of the amplitude of the synaptically evoked glutamate transporter currents (STCs) and associated charge transfer without changes in kinetics. Similar potentiation of STCs was not observed in the presence of group I mGluR antagonists or the PKC inhibitor, PKC 19-36, suggesting that HFS-induced potentiation of astrocyte glutamate uptake is astrocytic group I mGluR and PKC dependent. Pharmacological stimulation of a transgenic GPCR (MrgA1R), expressed exclusively in astrocytes, also potentiated STC amplitude and charge transfer, albeit quicker and shorter lasting compared with HFS-induced potentiation. The amplitude of the slow, inward astrocytic current due to potassium (K(+)) influx was also enhanced following activation of the endogenous mGluRs or the astrocyte-specific MrgA1 Gq GPCRs. Taken together, these findings suggest that astrocytic group I mGluR activation has a synergistic, modulatory effect on the uptake of glutamate and K(+).

Globin gene expression in correlation with G protein-related genes during erythroid differentiation

BackgroundThe guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. G proteins are also implicated in erythroid differentiation, and some of them are expressed principally in hematopoietic cells. GPCRs-linked NO/cGMP and p38 MAPK signaling pathways already demonstrated potency for globin gene stimulation. By analyzing erythroid progenitors, derived from hematopoietic cells through in vitro ontogeny, our study intends to determine early markers and signaling pathways of globin gene regulation and their relation to GPCR expression.ResultsHuman hematopoietic CD34+ progenitors are isolated from fetal liver (FL), cord blood (CB), adult bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood (PB) and G-CSF stimulated mobilized PB (mPB), and then differentiated in vitro into erythroid progenitors. We find that growth capacity is most abundant in FL- and CB-derived erythroid cells. The erythroid progenitor cells are sorted as 100% CD71+, but we did not find statistical significance in the variations of CD34, CD36 and GlyA antigens and that confirms similarity in maturation of studied ontogenic periods. During ontogeny, beta-globin gene expression reaches maximum levels in cells of adult blood origin (176 fmol/μg), while gamma-globin gene expression is consistently up-regulated in CB-derived cells (60 fmol/μg). During gamma-globin induction by hydroxycarbamide, we identify stimulated GPCRs (PTGDR, PTGER1) and GPCRs-coupled genes known to be activated via the cAMP/PKA (ADIPOQ), MAPK pathway (JUN) and NO/cGMP (PRPF18) signaling pathways. During ontogeny, GPR45 and ARRDC1 genes have the most prominent expression in FL-derived erythroid progenitor cells, GNL3 and GRP65 genes in CB-derived cells (high gamma-globin gene expression), GPR110 and GNG10 in BM-derived cells, GPR89C and GPR172A in PB-derived cells, and GPR44 and GNAQ genes in mPB-derived cells (high beta-globin gene expression).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the concomitant activity of GPCR-coupled genes and related signaling pathways during erythropoietic stimulation of globin genes. In accordance with previous reports, the stimulation of GPCRs supports the postulated connection between cAMP/PKA and NO/cGMP pathways in activation of γ-globin expression, via JUN and p38 MAPK signaling.

GDP Release Preferentially Occurs on the Phosphate Side in Heterotrimeric G-proteins

After extra-cellular stimulation of G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), GDP/GTP exchange appears as the key, rate limiting step of the intracellular activation cycle of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Despite the availability of a large number of X-ray structures, the mechanism of GDP release out of heterotrimeric G-proteins still remains unknown at the molecular level. Starting from the available X-ray structure, extensive unconstrained/constrained molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the complete membrane-anchored Gi heterotrimer complexed to GDP, for a total simulation time overcoming 500 ns. By combining Targeted Molecular Dynamics (TMD) and free energy profiles reconstruction by umbrella sampling, our data suggest that the release of GDP was much more favored on its phosphate side. Interestingly, upon the forced extraction of GDP on this side, the whole protein encountered large, collective motions in perfect agreement with those we described previously including a domain to domain motion between the two ras-like and helical sub-domains of Gα.

GBF1 bears a novel phosphatidylinositol-phosphate binding module, BP3K, to link PI3Kγ activity with Arf1 activation involved in GPCR-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide production

Most chemoattractants for neutrophils bind to the Gα(i) family of heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and release Gβγ subunits to activate chemotaxis and superoxide production. GIT2, a GTPase-activating protein for Arf1, forms a complex with Gβγ and is integral for directional sensing and suppression of superoxide production. Here we show that GBF1, a guanine nucleotide exchanging factor for Arf-GTPases, is primarily responsible for Arf1 activation upon GPCR stimulation and is important for neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide production. We find that GBF1 bears a novel module, namely binding to products of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which binds to products of PI3Kγ. Through this binding, GBF1 is translocated from the Golgi to the leading edge upon GPCR stimulation to activate Arf1 and recruit p22phox and GIT2 to the leading edge. Moreover, GBF1-mediated Arf1 activation is necessary to unify cell polarity during chemotaxis. Our results identify a novel mechanism that links PI3Kγ activity with chemotaxis and superoxide production in GPCR signaling.

Differential PKC-dependent and -independent PKD activation by G protein α subunits of the Gq family: Selective stimulation of PKD Ser748 autophosphorylation by Gαq

Protein kinase D (PKD) is activated within cells by stimulation of multiple G protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Earlier studies demonstrated a role for PKC to mediate rapid activation loop phosphorylation-dependent PKD activation. Subsequently, a novel PKC-independent pathway in response to Gαq-coupled GPCR stimulation was identified. Here, we examined further the specificity and PKC-dependence of PKD activation using COS-7 cells cotransfected with different Gq-family Gα and stimulated with aluminum fluoride (AlF4−). PKD activation was measured by kinase assays, and Western blot analysis of activation loop sites Ser744, a prominent and rapid PKC transphosphorylation site, and Ser748, a site autophosphorylated in the absence of PKC signaling. Treatment with AlF4− potently induced PKD activation and Ser744 and Ser748 phosphorylation, in the presence of cotransfected Gαq, Gα11, Gα14 or Gα15. These treatments achieved PKD activation loop phosphorylation similar to the maximal levels obtained by stimulation with the phorbol ester, PDBu. Preincubation with the PKC inhibitor GF1 potently blocked Gα11-, Gα14-, and Gα15-mediated enhancement of Ser748 phosphorylation induced by AlF4−, and largely abolished Ser744 phosphorylation. In contrast, Ser748 phosphorylation was almost completely intact, and Ser744 phosphorylation was significantly activated in cells cotransfected with Gαq. Importantly, the differential Ser748 phosphorylation was also promoted by treatment of Swiss 3T3 cells with Pasteurella multocida toxin, a selective activator of Gαq but not Gα11. Taken together, our results suggest that Gαq, but not the closely related Gα11, promotes PKD activation in response to GPCR ligands in a unique manner leading to PKD autophosphorylation at Ser748.

Src Family Kinases Contribute to GI and Gq-Mediated Platelet Activation

Abstract 5263The Src family kinases (SFKs) play an essential role in collagen- and von Willebrand factor (vWF)-mediated platelet activation. However, the role of SFKs in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated platelet activation is not fully understood, and little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which SFKs are activated by GPCR stimulation. Here we demonstrate that SFKs are activated by the Gq and Gi pathways, respectively and SFKs play important roles in Gq- and Gi-dependent secretion and activation. ADP induced SFK phosphorylation in wild type and Gq−/− platelets, and ADP-induced SFK phosphorylation was inhibited by the P2Y12 antagonist AR-C69931MX or P2Y12 knockout but was not affected by the P2Y1 antagonist MRS-2179. Lyn and Fyn were co-immunoprecipitated with Gi2 in platelets, and ADP-induced SFK phosphorylation was diminished in Lyn−/− platelets. These results demonstrate that ADP induces SFK activation mainly depending on the Gi pathway activated via its receptor P2Y12. Furthermore, epinephrine also dose-dependently induced SFK phosphorylation in mouse platelets. A selective inhibitor of Src family kinase PP2 inhibited ADP-induced Akt phosphorylation, fibrinogen binding, and platelet aggregation. Thus, activation of Gi is sufficient to induce SFK activation, which plays an important role in Gi-dependent platelet activation. We further show that the thrombin receptor PAR4 peptide AYPGKF elicited SFK phosphorylation in P2Y12−/−, but not in Gq−/− platelets, and AYPGKF-induced SFK phosphorylation was inhibited by the calcium chelator dimethyl-BAPTA, suggesting that Gq-dependent SFK phosphorylation is downstream from the Ca2+ signaling. The calcium ionophore, A23187-induced TXA2 synthesis, platelet aggregation and secretion were inhibited by pre-incubation of platelets with PP2. PAR4-induced TXA2 synthesis was also abolished by PP2. Moreover, PAR4-mediated granule secretion, integrin aIIbb3 activation, and aggregation of P2Y12 deficient platelets were partially inhibited by PP2 or a PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220, but were completely abolished by Ro-31-8220 plus PP2 or dimethyl-BAPTA, suggesting that Ca2+/SFKs and PKC represent two parallel signaling pathways mediating Gq-dependent platelet activation. In summary, SFKs can be activated by Gq/Ca2+-dependent mechanisms and by Gi-dependent mechanisms, and SFKS play important roles in Gq- and Gi-dependent platelet activation. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Regulators of G-Protein Signaling in the Heart and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets

Signal transduction through G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is central for the regulation of virtually all cellular functions and has been widely implicated in human disease. Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS proteins) belong to a diverse protein family that was originally discovered for their ability to accelerate signal termination in response to GPCR stimulation, thereby reducing the amplitude and duration of GPCR effects. All RGS proteins share a common RGS domain that interacts with G protein α subunits and mediates their biological regulation of GPCR signaling. However, RGS proteins differ widely in size and the organization of their sequences flanking the RGS domain, which contain several additional functional domains that facilitate protein-protein (or protein-lipid) interactions. RGS proteins are subject to posttranslational modifications, and, in addition, their expression, activity, and subcellular localization can be dynamically regulated. Thus, there exists a wide array of mechanisms that facilitate their proper function as modulators and integrators of G-protein signaling. Several RGS proteins have been implicated in the cardiac remodeling response and heart rate regulation, and changes in RGS protein expression and/or function are believed to participate in the pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy, failure and arrhythmias as well as hypertension. This review is based on recent advances in our understanding of the expression pattern, regulation, and functional role of canonical RGS proteins, with a special focus on the healthy heart and the diseased heart. In addition, we discuss their potential and promise as therapeutic targets as well as strategies to modulate their expression and function.