Regulation of Na+, K+-ATPase isoforms in rat neostriatum by dopamine and protein kinase C

Our previous studies showed that dopamine inhibits Na+,K+-ATPase activity in acutely dissociated neurons from striatum. In the present study, we have found that in this preparation, dopamine inhibited significantly (by approximately 25%) the activity of the alpha3 and/or alpha2 isoforms, but not the alpha1 isoform, of Na+,K+-ATPase. Dopamine, via D1 receptors, activates cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in striatal neurons. Dopamine is also known to activate the calcium- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC) in a number of different cell types. The PKC activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate reduced the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase alpha3 and/or alpha2 isoforms (by approximately 30%) as well as the alpha1 isoform (by approximately 15%). However, dopamine-mediated inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity was unaffected by calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor. Dopamine did not affect the phosphorylation of Na+,K+-ATPase isoforms at the PKA-dependent phosphorylation site. Phorbol ester treatment did not alter the phosphorylation of alpha2 or alpha3 isoforms of Na+,K+-ATPase in neostriatal neurons but did increase the phosphorylation of the alpha1 isoform. Thus, in rat neostriatal neurons, treatment with either dopamine or PKC activators results in inhibition of the activity of specific (alpha3 and/or alpha2) isoforms of Na+,K+-ATPase, but this is not apparently mediated through direct phosphorylation of the enzyme. In addition, PKC is unlikely to mediate inhibition of rat Na+,K+-ATPase activity by dopamine in neostriatal neurons.

D(2) dopamine receptors induce mitogen-activated protein kinase and cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in neurons

Dopamine, by activating D(1)- and D(2)-class receptors, plays a significant role in regulating gene expression. Although much is known about D(1) receptor-regulated gene expression, there has been far less information on gene regulation mediated by D(2) receptors. In this study, we show that D(2) receptors can activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in neurons. Treatment of brain slices with the D(2) receptor agonist quinpirole induced rapid phosphorylation of MAPK and CREB. The neuroleptic drug eticlopride, a highly selective D(2) receptor antagonist, blocked the quinpirole-induced phosphorylation of MAPK and CREB. D(2) receptor-induced MAPK phosphorylation depended on intracellular Ca(2+) elevation, protein kinase C activation, and MAPK kinase activation, but not on the protein tyrosine kinase Pyk2, even though quinpirole stimulated Pyk2 phosphorylation. D(2) receptor-induced CREB phosphorylation was mediated by activation of protein kinase C and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, but not MAPK. The dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein DARPP-32 also was required for the regulation of MAPK and CREB phosphorylation by D(2) receptors. Our results suggest that MAPK and CREB signaling cascades are involved in the regulation of gene expression and other long-term effects of D(2) receptor activation.

Regulation of neurabin I interaction with protein phosphatase 1 by phosphorylation

Neurabin I is a brain-specific actin-binding protein. Here we show that neurabin I binds protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and inhibits PP1 activity. Neurabin I interacted with PP1alpha in an overlay assay, in yeast two-hybrid interaction analysis, and in coprecipitation and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Neurabin I also copurified with both the alpha and gamma isoforms of PP1. A glutathione S-transferase (GST)-neurabin I fusion protein (residues 318-661) containing the putative PP1 binding domain (residues 456-460) inhibited PP1 activity (K(i) = 2.7 +/- 1.2 nM). This fusion protein was also rapidly phosphorylated in vitro by PKA (K(m) = 6 microM) to a stoichiomtry of 1 mol/mol. The phosphorylated residue was identified as serine 461 by HPLC-MS analysis of a tryptic digest. Phosphorylation of GST-neurabin I (residues 318-661) by PKA significantly reduced its binding to PP1 by overlay and by glutathione-Sepharose coprecipitation assays. A 35-fold decrease in inhibitory potency was also observed using a S461E mutant, which mimics phosphorylation of S461. These findings identify a signaling mechanism involving the regulation of PP1 activity and localization mediated by the cAMP pathway.

Effects of chronic 'Binge' cocaine administration on plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels in mice deficient in DARPP-32

The product of the DARPP-32 gene mediates intracellular signals initiated by the binding of dopamine to its receptors. Cocaine administration leads to increased activation of dopamine receptors, and causes activation of the stress-responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We determined the effects of chronic 'binge' pattern cocaine on HPA activity in mice containing a targeted disruption of the DARPP-32 gene. Mice received three daily injections of cocaine (15 mg/kg/injection) for 14 days, and were sacrificed 30 min after the last injection. We measured the levels of plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone which reflect HPA activity. In wild-type controls, 'binge' cocaine administration significantly increased plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels. In contrast, DARPP-32-deficient mice failed to show a significant elevation of either plasma ACTH or corticosterone levels following 'binge' cocaine. The results indicate that DARPP-32 plays a role in mediating the stimulatory effects of cocaine on the HPA axis.

Regulation of synaptotagmin I phosphorylation by multiple protein kinases

Synaptotagmin I has been suggested to function as a low-affinity calcium sensor for calcium-triggered exocytosis from neurons and neuroendocrine cells. We have studied the phosphorylation of synaptotagmin I by a variety of protein kinases in vitro and in intact preparations. SyntagI, the purified, recombinant, cytoplasmic domain of rat synaptotagmin I, was an effective substrate in vitro for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), protein kinase C (PKC), and casein kinase II (caskII). Sequencing of tryptic phosphopeptides from syntagI revealed that CaMKII and PKC phosphorylated the same residue, corresponding to Thr112, whereas caskII phosphorylated two residues, corresponding to Thr125 and Thr128. Endogenous synaptotagmin I was phosphorylated on purified synaptic vesicles by all three kinases. In contrast, no phosphorylation was observed on clathrin-coated vesicles, suggesting that phosphorylation of synaptotagmin I in vivo occurs only at specific stage(s) of the synaptic vesicle life cycle. In rat brain synaptosomes and PC12 cells, K+-evoked depolarization or treatment with phorbol ester caused an increase in the phosphorylation state of synaptotagmin I at Thr112. The results suggest the possibility that the phosphorylation of synaptotagmin I by CaMKII and PKC contributes to the mechanism(s) by which these two kinases regulate neurotransmitter release.

Inhibitor-1 is not required for the activation of glycogen synthase by insulin in skeletal muscle

Glycogen synthase is an excellent in vitro substrate for protein phosphatase-1 (PP1), which is potently inhibited by the phosphorylated forms of DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, M(r) = 32,000) and Inhibitor-1. To test the hypothesis that the activation of glycogen synthase by insulin is due to a decrease in the inhibition of PP1 by the phosphatase inhibitors, we have investigated the effects of insulin on glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles from wild-type mice and mice lacking Inhibitor-1 and DARPP-32 as a result of targeted disruption of the genes encoding the two proteins. Insulin increased glycogen synthase activity and the synthesis of glycogen to the same extent in wild-type and knockout mice, indicating that neither Inhibitor-1 nor DARPP-32 is required for the full stimulatory effects of insulin on glycogen synthase and glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle.

Requirement for DARPP-32 in mediating effect of dopamine D2 receptor activation

It is well documented that dopamine and dopamine D1 agonists convert the protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor, DARPP-32, from its dephosphorylated, inactive form into its Thr34-phosphorylated, active form, and that these effects on DARPP-32 constitute essential components of the mechanism by which dopamine and D1 agonists achieve their biological effects. In contrast to dopamine and D1 agonists, dopamine D2 agonists dephosphorylate and inactivate DARPP-32. Here we have examined the possibility that the biological effects of dopamine D2 receptor agonists might also involve DARPP-32. For this purpose, we have examined regulation of the activity of the electrogenic ion pump Na+,K+-ATPase, an established target for dopamine signalling. We have found that dopamine D1 agonists and dopamine D2 agonists inhibit Na+,K+-ATPase activity in dissociated cells from the mouse neostriatum and that, in each case, the effect is abolished in cells from mice deficient in DARPP-32. We conclude that DARPP-32 may play an obligatory role in dopaminergic signalling mediated both by D1 receptors and by D2 receptors.

[Ca2+]i determines the effects of protein kinases A and C on activity of rat renal Na+,K+-ATPase

1. It is well established that the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) is regulated by protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC), but results on their effects have been conflicting. The aim of this study was to examine if this is ascribed to the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). 2. Rat renal NKA was stably expressed in COS cells (green monkey kidney cells). Increases in [Ca2+]i were achieved with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and verified by direct measurements of [Ca2+]i using fura-2 AM as an indicator. The activity of NKA was measured as ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake and the state of phosphorylation of NKA was monitored with two site-directed phosphorylation state-specific antibodies. 3. Activation of PKA with forskolin decreased NKA activity by 45.5 +/- 8.9 % at low [Ca2+]i (120 nM) and increased it by 40.5 +/- 6.4 % at high [Ca2+]i (420 nM). The change in NKA activity by forskolin correlated with the level of increase in [Ca2+]i. 4. The effect of 1-oleoyl-2-acetoyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), a specific PKC activator, on the activity of NKA was also Ca2+ dependent, being inhibitory when [Ca2+]i was low (29.3 +/- 3.6 % decrease at 120 nM Ca2+) and stimulatory when [Ca2+]i was high (36.6 +/- 10.1 % increase at 420 nM Ca2+). 5. The alpha subunit of NKA was phosphorylated under both low and high [Ca2+]i conditions upon PKA or PKC activation. PKA phosphorylates Ser943. PKC phosphorylates Ser23. 6. To see if the observed effects on NKA activity are secondary to changes in Na+ entry, we measured NKA hydrolytic activity using permeabilized membranes isolated from cells under controlled Na+ conditions. A decreased activity at low [Ca2+]i and no change in activity at high [Ca2+]i were observed following forskolin or OAG treatment. 7. Purified NKA from rat renal cortex was phosphorylated and inhibited by PKC. This phosphorylation-associated inhibition of NKA was neither affected by Ca2+ nor by calmodulin, tested alone or together. 8. We conclude that effect of PKA/PKC on NKA activity is dependent on [Ca2+]i. This Ca2+ dependence may provide an explanation for the diversity of responses of NKA to activation of either PKA or PKC.

Receptor recruitment: a mechanism for interactions between G protein-coupled receptors

There is a great deal of evidence for synergistic interactions between G protein-coupled signal transduction pathways in various tissues. As two specific examples, the potent effects of the biogenic amines norepinephrine and dopamine on sodium transporters and natriuresis can be modulated by neuropeptide Y and atrial natriuretic peptide, respectively. Here, we report, using a renal epithelial cell line, that both types of modulation involve recruitment of receptors from the interior of the cell to the plasma membrane. The results indicate that recruitment of G protein-coupled receptors may be a ubiquitous mechanism for receptor sensitization and may play a role in the modulation of signal transduction comparable to that of the well established phenomenon of receptor endocytosis and desensitization.

Role of phosphorylation of Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein during neuronal differentiation

Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein (APP), the precursor of beta-amyloid (Abeta), is an integral membrane protein with a receptor-like structure. We recently demonstrated that the mature APP (mAPP; N- and O-glycosylated form) is phosphorylated at Thr668 (numbering for APP695 isoform), specifically in neurons. Phosphorylation of mAPP appears to occur during, and after, neuronal differentiation. Here we report that the phosphorylation of mAPP begins 48-72 hr after treatment of PC12 cells with NGF and that this correlates with the timing of neurite outgrowth. The phosphorylated form of APP is distributed in neurites and mostly in the growth cones of differentiating PC12 cells. PC12 cells stably expressing APP with Thr668Glu substitution showed remarkably reduced neurite extension after treatment with NGF. These observations suggest that the phosphorylated form of APP may play an important role in neurite outgrowth of differentiating neurons.

Mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonists inhibit DARPP-32 phosphorylation in distinct populations of striatal projection neurons

In the striatum, DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa) is highly expressed by virtually all projection medium-sized spiny neurons. cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of DARPP-32 is stimulated via activation of dopamine D1 receptors in striatonigral neurons, and via activation of adenosine A2A receptors in striatopallidal neurons. In this study, we have examined the contribution of mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors to the regulation of DARPP-32 phosphorylation, in rat striatal slices. The results show that, at low concentrations (100 pm-1 nm), the mu-opioid agonist, Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-N-Me-Phe-glycinol (DAMGO), inhibits the increase in DARPP-32 phosphorylation induced by activation of D1, but not by activation of A2A receptors. Conversely, the delta-receptor agonist, Tyr-D-Pen-Gly-Phe-D-Pen (DPDPE), inhibits DARPP-32 phosphorylation induced by activation of A2A, but not by activation of D1 receptors. The kappa-receptor agonist, U50488, does not affect DARPP-32 phosphorylation induced by either D1 or A2A agonists. Thus, mu-opioid receptors interact with dopamine D1 receptors on striatonigral neurons, whereas delta-opioid receptors interact with adenosine A2A receptors on striatopallidal neurons. These results suggest that regulation of DARPP-32 phosphorylation is involved in mediating some of the effects exerted by enkephalin on striatal medium-sized spiny neurons.

Activation of dopamine D2 receptors decreases DARPP-32 phosphorylation in striatonigral and striatopallidal projection neurons via different mechanisms

The vast majority of striatal neurons are GABAergic medium-sized spiny neurons. These cells receive glutamatergic input from the cortex, thalamus and limbic areas and dopaminergic input from the mesencephalon. Most relevant evidence indicates that dopamine D1 receptors are located on striatonigral projection neurons, and that adenosine A2A receptors and most dopamine D2 receptors are located on striatopallidal projection neurons (see, however, Refs I and 13). Here we have utilized regulation of the phosphorylation of dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein of mol. wt 32,000 (DARPP-32) to study the possible interactions among nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and the two classes of dopaminoceptive target neurons. We show that, in striatal slices, the D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole, strongly inhibits the phosphorylation of DARPP-32 induced by either the D1 receptor agonist, SKF 81297, or the A2A receptor agonist, CGS 21680. Tetrodotoxin abolished the effect of quinpirole on the D1 agonist-induced but not the A2A agonist-induced phosphorylation of DARPP-32. These data indicate that: (i) adenosine A2A and dopamine D2 receptors interact within the same striatopallidal neurons, and (ii) D2 receptors present on the striatopallidal neurons modulate the effects of D1 receptors on the striatonigral neurons. Thus, a single neurotransmitter is capable of activating distinct classes of receptors on distinct populations of target neurons, which, in turn, interact with each other through intercellular communication.

Phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid precursor protein at Ser655 by a novel protein kinase

The cytoplasmic domain of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) can be phosphorylated at Thr654, Ser655, and Thr668 (APP695 isoform numbering). Previous studies demonstrated that Ser655 of APP was phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in vitro and by unidentified protein kinase(s) in vivo. We report here the characterization of a novel protein kinase (designated APP kinase I) which phosphorylates Ser655 of APP. APP kinase I was partially purified over 7,000-fold from rat brain and identified as a approximately 43 kDa protein that is distinct from a number of known protein kinases, including PKC and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). The identification of a novel protein kinase that phosphorylates Ser655 will hopefully contribute to our understanding of the metabolism and/or function of APP in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Role of calcineurin and protein phosphatase-2A in the regulation of DARPP-32 dephosphorylation in neostriatal neurons

DARPP-32, a dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein of Mr 32 kDa, is phosphorylated on Thr34 by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, resulting in its conversion to a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1). Conversely, Thr34-phosphorylated DARPP-32 is dephosphorylated and inactivated in vitro by calcineurin and protein phosphatase-2A (PP-2A). We have investigated the relative contributions of these protein phosphatases to the regulation of DARPP-32 dephosphorylation in mouse neostriatal slices. Cyclosporin A (5 microM), a calcineurin inhibitor, maximally increased the level of phosphorylated DARPP-32 by 17+/-2-fold. Okadaic acid (1 microM), an inhibitor of PP-1 and PP-2A, had a smaller effect, increasing phospho-DARPP-32 by 5.1+/-1.3-fold. The effect of okadaic acid on DARPP-32 phosphorylation was shown to be due to inhibition of PP-2A activity. Incubation of slices in the presence of cyclosporin A plus either okadaic acid or calyculin A, another PP-1/PP-2A inhibitor, caused a synergistic increase in the level of phosphorylated DARPP-32. The use of Ca2(+)-free/EGTA medium mimicked the effects of cyclosporin A on DARPP-32 phosphorylation, supporting the conclusion that the action of cyclosporin on DARPP-32 phosphorylation was attributable to blockade of the Ca2(+)-dependent activation of calcineurin. The results indicate that calcineurin and PP-2A, but not PP-1, act synergistically to maintain a low level of phosphorylated DARPP-32 in neostriatal slices.

Phylogenetically conserved CK-II phosphorylation site of the murine homeodomain protein Hoxb-6

In an effort to characterize the signal transduction mechanisms that operate to regulate homeodomain protein function, we have analyzed the phosphorylation state of two homeodomain proteins, Hoxb-6 and Hoxc-8, in vitro and in vivo. The baculovirus expression system was employed to demonstrate that Hoxb-6 is phosphorylated in Sf9 cells while Hoxc-8 is not. Using two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide mapping and purified protein kinases, we demonstrate that Hoxb-6 is phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinase II and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The casein kinase II phosphorylation site was mapped to serine-214. Two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide mapping of immunoprecipitated Hoxb-6 from mouse embryonic spinal cords demonstrates that the same peptide phosphorylated in vitro and in Sf9 cells by casein kinase II is also phosphorylated in vivo. The conservation of this site in several homeodomain proteins from various species is discussed.

Characterization of the neuronal targeting protein spinophilin and its interactions with protein phosphatase-1

Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) plays an important role in a variety of cellular processes, including muscle contraction, cell-cycle progression, and neurotransmission. The localization and substrate specificity of PP1 are determined by a class of proteins known as targeting subunits. In the present study, the interaction between PP1 and spinophilin, a neuronal protein that targets PP1 to dendritic spines, has been characterized. Deletion analysis revealed that a high-affinity binding domain is located within residues 417-494 of spinophilin. This domain contains a pentapeptide motif (R/K-R/K-V/I-X-F) between amino acids 447 and 451 (R-K-I-H-F) that is conserved in other PP1 regulatory subunits. Mutation of phenylalanine-451 (F451A) or deletion of the conserved motif abolished the ability of spinophilin to bind PP1, as observed by coprecipitation, overlay, and competition binding assays. In addition, deletion of regions 417-442 or 474-494, either singly or in combination, impaired the ability of spinophilin to coprecipitate PP1. A comparison of the binding and inhibitory properties of spinophilin peptides suggested that distinct subdomains of spinophilin are responsible for binding and modulating PP1 activity. Mutational analysis of the modulatory subdomain revealed that spinophilin interacts with PP1 via a mechanism unlike those used by the cytosolic inhibitors DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32 000) and inhibitor-1. Finally, characterization of the interactions between spinophilin and PP1 has facilitated the design of peptide antagonists capable of disrupting spinophilin-PP1 interactions. These studies support the notion that spinophilin functions in vivo as a neuronal PP1 targeting subunit by directing the enzyme to postsynaptic densities and regulating its activity toward physiological substrates.

Characterization of the inhibition of protein phosphatase-1 by DARPP-32 and inhibitor-2

Phospho-DARPP-32 (where DARPP-32 is dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32,000), its homolog, phospho-inhibitor-1, and inhibitor-2 are potent inhibitors (IC50 approximately 1 nM) of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). Our previous studies have indicated that a region encompassing residues 6-11 (RKKIQF) and phospho-Thr-34, of phospho-DARPP-32, interacts with PP1. However, little is known about specific regions of inhibitor-2 that interact with PP1. We have now characterized in detail the interaction of phospho-DARPP-32 and inhibitor-2 with PP1. Mutagenesis studies indicate that within DARPP-32 Phe-11 and Ile-9 play critical roles, with Lys-7 playing a lesser role in inhibition of PP1. Pro-33 and Pro-35 are also important, as is the number of amino acids between residues 7 and 11 and phospho-Thr-34. For inhibitor-2, deletion of amino acids 1-8 (I2-(9-204)) or 100-204 (I2-(1-99)) had little effect on the ability of the mutant proteins to inhibit PP1. Further deletion of residues 9-13 (I2-(14-204)) resulted in a large decrease in inhibitory potency (IC50 approximately 800 nM), whereas further COOH-terminal deletion (I2-(1-84)) caused a moderate decrease in inhibitory potency (IC50 approximately 10 nM). Within residues 9-13 (PIKGI), mutagenesis indicated that Ile-10, Lys-11, and Ile-13 play critical roles. The peptide I2-(6-20) antagonized the inhibition of PP-1 by inhibitor-2 but had no effect on inhibition by phospho-DARPP-32. In contrast, the peptide D32-(6-38) antagonized the inhibition of PP1 by phospho-DARPP-32, inhibitor-2, and I2-(1-120) but not I2-(85-204). These results indicate that distinct amino acid motifs contained within the NH2 termini of phospho-DARPP-32 (KKIQF, where italics indicate important residues) and inhibitor-2 (IKGI) are critical for inhibition of PP1. Moreover, residues 14-84 of inhibitor-2 and residues 6-38 of phospho-DARPP-32 share elements that are important for interaction with PP1.

Regulation of beta-amyloid secretion by FE65, an amyloid protein precursor-binding protein

The principal component of Alzheimer's amyloid plaques, Abeta, derives from proteolytic processing of the Alzheimer's amyloid protein precursor (APP). FE65 is a brain-enriched protein that binds to APP. Although several laboratories have characterized the APP-FE65 interaction in vitro, the possible relevance of this interaction to Alzheimer's disease has remained unclear. We demonstrate here that APP and FE65 co-localize in the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi and possibly in endosomes. Moreover, FE65 increases translocation of APP to the cell surface, as well as both alphaAPPs and Abeta secretion. The dramatic (4-fold) FE65-dependent increase in Abeta secretion suggests that agents which inhibit the interaction of FE65 with APP might reduce Abeta secretion in the brain and therefore be useful for preventing or slowing amyloid plaque formation.

Molecular identification of human G-substrate, a possible downstream component of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase cascade in cerebellar Purkinje cells

G-substrate, an endogenous substrate for cGMP-dependent protein kinase, exists almost exclusively in cerebellar Purkinje cells, where it is possibly involved in the induction of long-term depression. A G-substrate cDNA was identified by screening expressed sequence tag databases from a human brain library. The deduced amino acid sequence of human G-substrate contained two putative phosphorylation sites (Thr-68 and Thr-119) with amino acid sequences [KPRRKDT(p)PALH] that were identical to those reported for rabbit G-substrate. G-substrate mRNA was expressed almost exclusively in the cerebellum as a single transcript. The human G-substrate gene was mapped to human chromosome 7p15 by radiation hybrid panel analysis. In vitro translation products of the cDNA showed an apparent molecular mass of 24 kDa on SDS/PAGE which was close to that of purified rabbit G-substrate (23 kDa). Bacterially expressed human G-substrate is a heat-stable and acid-soluble protein that cross-reacts with antibodies raised against rabbit G-substrate. Recombinant human G-substrate was phosphorylated efficiently by cGMP-dependent protein kinase exclusively at Thr residues, and it was recognized by antibodies specific for rabbit phospho-G-substrate. The amino acid sequences surrounding the sites of phosphorylation in G-substrate are related to those around Thr-34 and Thr-35 of the dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein DARPP-32 and inhibitor-1, respectively, two potent inhibitors of protein phosphatase 1. However, purified G-substrate phosphorylated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibited protein phosphatase 2A more effectively than protein phosphatase 1, suggesting a distinct role as a protein phosphatase inhibitor.

Neuronal and behavioural abnormalities in striatal function in DARPP-32-mutant mice

We investigated the role of the protein phosphatase inhibitor, dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32), in the expression of striatal neuropeptides and in biochemical and behavioural responses to repeated cocaine administration, using DARPP-32 knock-out mice. The striatum of DARPP-32-mutant mice showed heightened substance-P-like immunoreactivity, but normal levels of other neuropeptides. Repeated cocaine administration increased levels of DeltaFosB, a Fos family transcription factor, in the striatum of wild-type mice, and this increase was abolished in DARPP-32-mutant mice. Cocaine (20 mg/kg) acutely induced the same level of locomotor activity in the mutant and wild-type mice, but the mutants showed a higher rate of locomotor sensitization to repeated cocaine exposures. These data show that DARPP-32 is involved in regulating substance P expression in the striatonigral pathway, and in biochemical and behavioural plasticity with chronic administration of cocaine.

Synapsins as regulators of neurotransmitter release

One of the crucial issues in understanding neuronal transmission is to define the role(s) of the numerous proteins that are localized within presynaptic terminals and are thought to participate in the regulation of the synaptic vesicle life cycle. Synapsins are a multigene family of neuron-specific phosphoproteins and are the most abundant proteins on synaptic vesicles. Synapsins are able to interact in vitro with lipid and protein components of synaptic vesicles and with various cytoskeletal proteins, including actin. These and other studies have led to a model in which synapsins, by tethering synaptic vesicles to each other and to an actin-based cytoskeletal meshwork, maintain a reserve pool of vesicles in the vicinity of the active zone. Perturbation of synapsin function in a variety of preparations led to a selective disruption of this reserve pool and to an increase in synaptic depression, suggesting that the synapsin-dependent cluster of vesicles is required to sustain release of neurotransmitter in response to high levels of neuronal activity. In a recent study performed at the squid giant synapse, perturbation of synapsin function resulted in a selective disruption of the reserve pool of vesicles and in addition, led to an inhibition and slowing of the kinetics of neurotransmitter release, indicating a second role for synapsins downstream from vesicle docking. These data suggest that synapsins are involved in two distinct reactions which are crucial for exocytosis in presynaptic nerve terminals. This review describes our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which synapsins modulate synaptic transmission, while the increasingly well-documented role of the synapsins in synapse formation and stabilization lies beyond the scope of this review.

A 127-kDa protein (UV-DDB) binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein

Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein (APP) is an integral membrane protein with a short cytoplasmic domain of 47 amino acids. It is hoped that identification of proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic domain will provide new insights into the physiological function of APP and, in turn, into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. To identify proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of APP, we employed affinity chromatography using an immobilized synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 645-694 of APP695 and identified a protein of approximately 130 kDa in rat brain cytosol. Amino acid sequencing of the protein revealed the protein to be a rat homologue of monkey UV-DDB (UV-damaged DNA-binding protein, calculated molecular mass of 127 kDa). UV-DDB/p127 co-immunoprecipitated with APP using an anti-APP antibody from PC12 cell lysates. APP also co-immunoprecipitated with UV-DDB/p127 using an anti-UV-DDB/p127 antibody. These results indicate that UV-DDB/p127, which is present in the cytosolic fraction, forms a complex with APP through its cytoplasmic domain. In vitro binding experiments using a glutathione S-transferase-APP cytoplasmic domain fusion protein and several mutants indicated that the YENPTY motif within the APP cytoplasmic domain, which is important in the internalization of APP and amyloid beta protein secretion, may be involved in the interaction between UV-DDB/p127 and APP.