Unrelated G Protein-coupled Receptor Research Articles

Identification of Small-Molecule Agonists of Human Relaxin Family Receptor 1 (RXFP1) by Using a Homogenous Cell-Based cAMP Assay

The relaxin hormone is involved in a variety of biological functions, including female reproduction and parturition, as well as regulation of cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, and hepatic functions. It regulates extracellular matrix remodeling, cell invasiveness, proliferation, differentiation, and overall tissue homeostasis. The G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) relaxin family receptor 1 (RXFP1) is a cognate relaxin receptor that mainly signals through cyclic AMP second messenger. Although agonists of the receptor could have a wide range of pharmacologic utility, until now there have been no reported small-molecule agonists for relaxin receptors. Here, we report the development of a quantitative high-throughput platform for an RXFP1 agonist screen based on homogenous cell-based HTRF cyclic AMP (cAMP) assay technology. Two small molecules of similar structure were independently identified from a screen of more than 365 677 compounds. Neither compound showed activity in a counterscreen with HEK293T cells transfected with an unrelated GPCR vasopressin 1b receptor. These small-molecule agonists also demonstrated selectivity against the RXFP2 receptor, providing a basis for future medicinal chemistry optimization of selective relaxin receptor agonists.

Engagement of β-arrestin by transactivated insulin-like growth factor receptor is needed for V2 vasopressin receptor-stimulated ERK1/2 activation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been shown to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinases, ERK1/2, through both G protein-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Here, we describe a G protein-independent mechanism that unravels an unanticipated role for β-arrestins. Stimulation of the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) in cultured cells or in vivo in rat kidney medullar collecting ducts led to the activation of ERK1/2 through the metalloproteinase-mediated shedding of a factor activating the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR). This process was found to be both Src- and β-arrestin-dependent. Whereas Src was found to act upstream of the metalloproteinase activation and be required for the release of the IGFR-activating factor, β-arrestins were found to act downstream of the IGFR transactivation. Unexpectedly, the engagement of β-arrestins by the IGFR but not by the V2R was needed to promote the vasopressin-stimulated ERK1/2 activation, indicating that a pool of β-arrestins distinct from those β-arrestins recruited to the V2R acts downstream of the receptor tyrosine kinase to activate ERK1/2. Such a dual site of action for β-arrestins helps explain the pleiotropic actions of this scaffolding protein. Given the role that V2R-stimulated ERK1/2 plays in kidney cell proliferation, this transactivation mechanism may have important implications for renal pathophysiology. Still, the role of β-arrestins downstream of a transactivation event is not limited to the V2R, because we observed a similar involvement for an unrelated GPCR (the platelet-activating factor receptor), indicating that it may be a general mechanism shared among GPCRs.

The Drosophila genes CG14593 and CG30106 code for G-protein-coupled receptors specifically activated by the neuropeptides CCHamide-1 and CCHamide-2

Recently, a novel neuropeptide, CCHamide, was discovered in the silkworm Bombyx mori (L. Roller et al., Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 38 (2008) 1147–1157). We have now found that all insects with a sequenced genome have two genes, each coding for a different CCHamide, CCHamide-1 and -2. We have also cloned and deorphanized two Drosophila G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) coded for by genes CG14593 and CG30106 that are selectively activated by Drosophila CCH-amide-1 (EC50, 2×10−9M) and CCH-amide-2 (EC50, 5×10−9M), respectively. Gene CG30106 (symbol synonym CG14484) has in a previous publication (E.C. Johnson et al., J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 52172–52178) been wrongly assigned to code for an allatostatin-B receptor. This conclusion is based on our findings that the allatostatins-B do not activate the CG30106 receptor and on the recent findings from other research groups that the allatostatins-B activate an unrelated GPCR coded for by gene CG16752. Comparative genomics suggests that a duplication of the CCHamide neuropeptide signalling system occurred after the split of crustaceans and insects, about 410million years ago, because only one CCHamide neuropeptide gene is found in the water flea Daphnia pulex (Crustacea) and the tick Ixodes scapularis (Chelicerata).

Gastrin-Releasing Peptide/Neuromedin B Receptor Antagonists PD176252, PD168368, and Related Analogs Are Potent Agonists of Human Formyl-Peptide Receptors

N-Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in host defense and sensing cellular dysfunction. Thus, FPRs represent important therapeutic targets. In the present studies, we screened 32 ligands (agonists and antagonists) of unrelated GPCRs for their ability to induce intracellular Ca²+ mobilization in human neutrophils and HL-60 cells transfected with human FPR1, FPR2, or FPR3. Screening of these compounds demonstrated that antagonists of gastrin-releasing peptide/neuromedin B receptors (BB₁/BB₂) PD168368 [(S)-a-methyl-a-[[[(4-nitrophenyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]-N-[[1-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexyl]methyl]-1H-indole-3-propanamide] and PD176252 [(S)-N-[[1-(5-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)cyclohexyl]methyl]-a-methyl-a-[[-(4-nitrophenyl)amino]carbonyl]amino-1H-indole-3-propanamide] were potent mixed FPR1/FPR2 agonists, with nanomolar EC₅₀ values. Cholecystokinin-1 receptor agonist A-71623 [Boc-Trp-Lys(ε-N-2-methylphenylaminocarbonyl)-Asp-(N-methyl)-Phe-NH₂] was also a mixed FPR1/FPR2 agonist, but with a micromolar EC₅₀. Screening of 56 Trp- and Phe-based PD176252/PD168368 analogs and 41 related nonpeptide/nonpeptoid analogs revealed 22 additional FPR agonists. Most were potent mixed FPR1/FPR2/FPR3 agonists with nanomolar EC₅₀ values for FPR2, making them among the most potent nonpeptide FPR2 agonists reported to date. In addition, these agonists were also potent chemoattractants for murine and human neutrophils and activated reactive oxygen species production in human neutrophils. Molecular modeling of the selected agonists using field point methods allowed us to modify our previously reported pharmacophore model for the FPR2 ligand binding site. This model suggests the existence of three hydrophobic/aromatic subpockets and several binding poses of FPR2 agonists in the transmembrane region of this receptor. These studies demonstrate that FPR agonists could include ligands of unrelated GPCR and that analysis of such compounds can enhance our understanding of pharmacological effects of these ligands.

Enhanced Selectivity Screening of GPCR Ligands Using a Label-Free Cell Based Assay Technology

Drug discovery efforts advance in step with advancements in assay technologies, as new technologies provide new lenses through which biology can be viewed. The novel information gathered results in the better understanding of drug-target interactions leading to better decision making during the drug discovery process. One area of rapid development is within label-free technologies. Label-free technologies offer many distinct advantages to the drug discovery workflow. One such novel technology is the CellKey System, an impedance-based label-free live cell assay platform. The system is based on impedance technology and is a universal platform for the functional measurement of all classes of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Data are generated in a kinetic fashion on both endogenously expressed and transfected receptors in a wide variety of cell types. In the studies detailed here, we used the system to perform an enhanced selectivity screen of a small panel of compounds simultaneously against two unrelated GPCR targets signaling through different pathways. Utilizing both the quantitative measures of cellular activation and the qualitative information inherent in the rich output data, we gained knowledge not only about the relative selectivity of each compound across both targets, but also about the character of the interaction of each with the cellular target. In this manner, we successfully demonstrated proof of principal for using an impedance-based technology to perform selectivity analyses and to triage lead compounds in a simplified format.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Heterodimeric mGluR2/5HT2A Complex. An Atomistic Resolution Study of a Potential New Target in Psychiatric Conditions

Homo- and heterodimerization is becoming an assessed concept in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology, and the notion that GPCRs may dimerize or oligomerize is allowing for a reinterpretation of some inconsistencies or anomalies and is providing medicinal chemists with potentially relevant novel molecular targets for a variety of therapeutic conditions. Recently, it has been reported that two unrelated GPCRs, namely class C metabotropic glutamate receptor type-2 (mGluR2) and class A 5HT(2A) serotoninergic receptor, can heterodimerize at the transmembrane domain level. We performed a 40 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the mGluR2/5HT(2A) heterocomplex constructed around a TM4/TM5 interface and embedded in an explicit phospholipidic bilayer surrounded by water molecules. In a separate experiment, the monomeric 5HT(2A) receptor was simulated for additional 40 ns under the same conditions. The analysis and the comparison of the two simulations allowed us to clearly identify a cross-talk between the two protomers and to put forward an effect of the heterodimerization on the shape of the binding pocket of 5HT(2A). This result provides the first molecular explanation for the reported allosteric effect of mGluR2 on 5HT(2A)-mediated response and suggests that the heterocomplex can be a more suitable target for in silico screening than the monomeric protomers.

The role of G-protein coupled receptors and associated proteins in receptor tyrosine kinase signal transduction.

It is well established that stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) can activate signalling from receptor tyrosine kinases by a process termed transactivation. Indeed, in recent years, it has become apparent that transactivation is a general phenomenon that has been demonstrated for many unrelated GPCRs and receptor tyrosine kinases. In this case the GPCR/G-protein participation is up-stream of the receptor tyrosine kinase. Substantial research has addressed these findings but meanwhile another mechanism of cross talk has been slowly emerging. For over a decade, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that numerous growth factors use G-proteins and attendant signalling molecules such as beta-arrestins that participate down-stream of the receptor tyrosine kinase to signal to effectors, such as p42/p44 MAPK. This review highlights this novel mechanism of cross talk between receptor tyrosine kinases and GPCRs, which is distinct from growth factor receptor transactivation by GPCRs.

Experimental Systems for Studying the Role of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors in Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signal Transduction

Early conception of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways was that each represented distinct and linear modules that converged on downstream targets, such as p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). It has now become clear that this is not the case and that multiple levels of cross-talk exist between both receptor systems at early points during signaling events. In recent years, it has become apparent that transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases by GPCR agonists is a general phenomenon that has been demonstrated for many unrelated GPCRs and receptor tyrosine kinases. In this case, GPCR/G-protein participation is upstream of the receptor tyrosine kinase. However, evidence now demonstrates that numerous growth factors use G proteins and associated signaling molecules such as beta-arrestins that participate downstream of the receptor tyrosine kinase to signal to effectors, such as p42/p44 MAPK. This article highlights experimental approaches used to investigate this novel mechanism of cross-talk between receptor tyrosine kinases and GPCRs.

Two Novel Xenopus Homologs of Mammalian LPA1/EDG-2 Function as Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptors inXenopus Oocytes and Mammalian Cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induces diverse biological responses in many types of cells and tissues by activating its specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Previously, three cognate LPA GPCRs (LP(A1)/VZG-1/EDG-2, LP(A2)/EDG-4, and LP(A3)/EDG-7) were identified in mammals. By contrast, an unrelated GPCR, PSP24, was reported to be a high affinity LPA receptor in Xenopus laevis oocytes, raising the possibility that Xenopus uses a very different form of LPA signaling. Toward addressing this issue, we report two novel Xenopus genes, xlp(A1)-1 and xlp(A1)-2, encoding LP(A1) homologs (approximately 90% amino acid sequence identity with mammalian LP(A1)). Both xlp(A1)-1 and xlp(A1)-2 are expressed in oocytes and the nervous system. Overexpression of either gene in oocytes potentiated LPA-induced oscillatory chloride ion currents through a pertussis toxin-insensitive pathway. Injection of antisense oligonucleotides designed to inhibit xlp(A1)-1 and xlp(A1)-2 expression in oocytes eliminated their endogenous response to LPA. Furthermore, retrovirus-mediated heterologous expression of xlp(A1)-1 or xlp(A1)-2 in B103 rat neuroblastoma cells that are unresponsive to LPA conferred LPA-induced cell rounding and adenylyl cyclase inhibition. These results indicate that XLP(A1)-1 and XLP(A1)-2 are functional Xenopus LPA receptors and demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of LPA signaling over a range of vertebrate phylogeny.

Detection of beta 2-adrenergic receptor dimerization in living cells using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)

Heptahelical receptors that interact with heterotrimeric G proteins represent the largest family of proteins involved in signal transduction across biological membranes. Although these receptors generally were believed to be monomeric entities, a growing body of evidence suggests that they may form functionally relevant dimers. However, a definitive demonstration of the existence of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) dimers at the surface of living cells is still lacking. Here, using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), as a protein-protein interaction assay in whole cells, we unambiguously demonstrate that the human beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) forms constitutive homodimers when expressed in HEK-293 cells. Receptor stimulation with the hydrophilic agonist isoproterenol led to an increase in the transfer of energy between beta(2)AR molecules genetically fused to the BRET donor (Renilla luciferase) and acceptor (green fluorescent protein), respectively, indicating that the agonist interacts with receptor dimers at the cell surface. Inhibition of receptor internalization did not prevent agonist-promoted BRET, demonstrating that it did not result from clustering of receptors within endosomes. The notion that receptor dimers exist at the cell surface was confirmed further by the observation that BS3, a cell-impermeable cross-linking agent, increased BRET between beta(2)AR molecules. The selectivity of the constitutive interaction was documented by demonstrating that no BRET occurred between the beta(2)AR and two other unrelated GPCR. In contrast, the well characterized agonist-dependent interaction between the beta(2)AR and the regulatory protein beta-arrestin could be monitored by BRET. Taken together, the data demonstrate that GPCR exist as functional dimers in vivo and that BRET-based assays can be used to study both constitutive and hormone-promoted selective protein-protein interactions.

Detection of beta 2-adrenergic receptor dimerization in living cells using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET).

Heptahelical receptors that interact with heterotrimeric G proteins represent the largest family of proteins involved in signal transduction across biological membranes. Although these receptors generally were believed to be monomeric entities, a growing body of evidence suggests that they may form functionally relevant dimers. However, a definitive demonstration of the existence of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) dimers at the surface of living cells is still lacking. Here, using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), as a protein-protein interaction assay in whole cells, we unambiguously demonstrate that the human beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) forms constitutive homodimers when expressed in HEK-293 cells. Receptor stimulation with the hydrophilic agonist isoproterenol led to an increase in the transfer of energy between beta(2)AR molecules genetically fused to the BRET donor (Renilla luciferase) and acceptor (green fluorescent protein), respectively, indicating that the agonist interacts with receptor dimers at the cell surface. Inhibition of receptor internalization did not prevent agonist-promoted BRET, demonstrating that it did not result from clustering of receptors within endosomes. The notion that receptor dimers exist at the cell surface was confirmed further by the observation that BS3, a cell-impermeable cross-linking agent, increased BRET between beta(2)AR molecules. The selectivity of the constitutive interaction was documented by demonstrating that no BRET occurred between the beta(2)AR and two other unrelated GPCR. In contrast, the well characterized agonist-dependent interaction between the beta(2)AR and the regulatory protein beta-arrestin could be monitored by BRET. Taken together, the data demonstrate that GPCR exist as functional dimers in vivo and that BRET-based assays can be used to study both constitutive and hormone-promoted selective protein-protein interactions.

Points: Limited registration

Heptahelical receptors that interact with heterotrimeric G proteins represent the largest family of proteins involved in signal transduction across biological membranes. Although these receptors generally were believed to be monomeric entities, a growing body of evidence suggests that they may form functionally relevant dimers. However, a definitive demonstration of the existence of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) dimers at the surface of living cells is still lacking. Here, using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), as a protein–protein interaction assay in whole cells, we unambiguously demonstrate that the human β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) forms constitutive homodimers when expressed in HEK-293 cells. Receptor stimulation with the hydrophilic agonist isoproterenol led to an increase in the transfer of energy between β2AR molecules genetically fused to the BRET donor (Renilla luciferase) and acceptor (green fluorescent protein), respectively, indicating that the agonist interacts with receptor dimers at the cell surface. Inhibition of receptor internalization did not prevent agonist-promoted BRET, demonstrating that it did not result from clustering of receptors within endosomes. The notion that receptor dimers exist at the cell surface was confirmed further by the observation that BS3, a cell-impermeable cross-linking agent, increased BRET between β2AR molecules. The selectivity of the constitutive interaction was documented by demonstrating that no BRET occurred between the β2AR and two other unrelated GPCR. In contrast, the well characterized agonist-dependent interaction between the β2AR and the regulatory protein β-arrestin could be monitored by BRET. Taken together, the data demonstrate that GPCR exist as functional dimers in vivo and that BRET-based assays can be used to study both constitutive and hormone-promoted selective protein–protein interactions.