Interactions between neurotensin receptors and G proteins

Nanoliposomal short-chain ceramide inhibits agonist-dependent translocation of neurotensin receptor 1 to structured membrane microdomains in breast cancer cells

Neurotensin (NTS) receptor 1 (NTSR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that has been recently identified as a mediator of tumorigenicity and metastasis. NTSR1, as well as its endogenous ligand, NTS, are coexpressed in several breast cancer cell lines and breast cancer tumor samples but not in normal breast tissue. We have previously published that ceramide mimetics could inhibit breast cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Thus, understanding the biochemical and biophysical regulation of NTSR1 by ceramide can help further define NTSR1 as a novel target in breast cancer. Our results show that nanoliposomal formulations of ceramide inhibit NTSR1-mediated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer progression (mitogenesis, migration, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity). In addition, liposomal ceramide inhibited NTSR1-mediated, but not phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-mediated, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Mechanistically, nanoliposomal short-chain ceramide reduces NTSR1 interaction with Galphaq/11 subunits within structured membrane microdomains, consistent with diminished NTS-induced translocation of NTSR1 into membrane microdomains. Collectively, our findings suggest that exogenous short-chain ceramide has the potential to be used as an adjuvant therapy to inhibit NTS-dependent breast cancer progression.

Selection and characterization of DARPins specific for the neurotensin receptor 1

We describe here the selection and characterization of designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) that bind specifically to the rat neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1), a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). The selection procedure using ribosome display and the initial clone analysis required <10 microg of detergent-solubilized, purified NTR1. Complex formation with solubilized GPCR was demonstrated by ELISA and size-exclusion chromatography; additionally, the GPCR could be detected in native membranes of mammalian cells using fluorescence microscopy. The main binding epitope in the GPCR lies within the 33 amino acids following the seventh transmembrane segment, which comprise the putative helix 8, and additional binding interactions are possibly contributed by the cytoplasmic loop 3, thus constituting a discontinuous epitope. Since the selected binders recognize the GPCR both in detergent-solubilized and in membrane-embedded forms, they will be potentially useful both in co-crystallization trials and for signal transduction experiments.

Progestin signaling through an olfactory G protein and membrane progestin receptor-alpha in Atlantic croaker sperm: potential role in induction of sperm hypermotility

Progestin stimulation of sperm hypermotility remains poorly understood despite having been described in numerous vertebrate species. We show here that progestin stimulation of sperm hypermotility in a teleost, the Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) is associated with activation of an olfactory G protein (Golf). Furthermore, we provide evidence that this progestin action is mediated by membrane progestin receptor-alpha (mPRalpha). Golf was identified in croaker sperm membranes and was specifically activated after treatment with the progestin 17,20beta,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20beta-S). Treatment of sperm membranes with 20beta-S caused an increase in cAMP production, which was blocked by pretreatment with cholera toxin and two membrane adenylyl cyclase inhibitors: 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine and SQ22536. Moreover, preincubation of croaker sperm with 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine and SQ22536 resulted in a significant inhibition of 20beta-S-stimulated hypermotility. Binding of [3H]20beta-S to sperm membranes was decreased after pretreatment with GTPgammaS but not pertussis toxin, suggesting the receptor is coupled to a pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein. Golf and mPRalpha were coexpressed on the sperm midpiece and flagella and were coimmunoprecipitated from sperm membranes. Finally, expression of mPRalpha protein on sperm increased after in vivo treatment with LHRH and was associated with increased induction of sperm motility by 20beta-S. These results suggest that 20beta-S activates mPRalpha in croaker sperm, which in turn activates Golf and membrane adenylyl cyclase to stimulate sperm hypermotility. Taken together these findings provide a plausible mechanism by which progestins stimulate sperm hypermotility in croaker and provide the first evidence of hormonal activation of Golf in any species.

Neurotensin Enhances GABAergic Activity in Rat Hippocampus CA1 Region by Modulating L-Type Calcium Channels

Neurotensin (NT) is a tridecapeptide that interacts with three NT receptors; NTS1, NTS2, and NTS3. Although NT has been reported to modulate GABAergic activity in the brain, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of NT are elusive. Here, we examined the effects of NT on GABAergic transmission and the involved cellular and signaling mechanisms of NT in the hippocampus. Application of NT dose-dependently increased the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons with no effects on the amplitude of sIPSCs. NT did not change either the frequency or the amplitude of miniature (m)IPSCs recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Triple immunofluorescent staining of recorded interneurons demonstrated the expression of NTS1 on GABAergic interneurons. NT increased the action potential firing rate but decreased the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) amplitude in identified CA1 interneurons. Application of L-type calcium channel blockers (nimodipine and nifedipine) abolished NT-induced increases in action potential firing rate and sIPSC frequency and reduction in AHP amplitude, suggesting that the effects of NT are mediated by interaction with L-type Ca2+channels. NT-induced increase in sIPSC frequency was blocked by application of the specific NTS1 antagonist SR48692, the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122, the IP3receptor antagonist 2-APB, and the protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X, suggesting that NT increases γ-aminobutyric acid release via a PLC pathway. Our results provide a cellular mechanism by which NT controls GABAergic neuronal activity in hippocampus.

Neurotensin receptors as modulators of glutamatergic transmission

Functional studies have provided evidence supporting the concept that the tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) acts in the central nervous system as a classical neurotransmitter and/or as an important modulator of neuronal signalling. The role of NT in the regulation of the striatal amino acidergic transmission, mainly by antagonising D2 receptor function, will be analysed. In addition, in different rat brain regions, including the basal ganglia, the contribution of NT receptors in modulating and reinforcing glutamate signalling will be shown including the involvement of interactions between NT and NMDA receptors. Since the enhancement of glutamate transmission and in particular the excessive activation of NMDA receptors, has been postulated to be an important factor in the induction of glutamate-mediated neuronal damage, the involvement of NT in the glutamate-induced neurodegenerative effects will be discussed. Moving from these observations and in order to further investigate this issue, results from preliminary behavioural, functional and biochemical experiments will be presented on the putative neuroprotective effect obtained by the blockade of NT receptor 1 (NTS1) via the systemic administration of the selective NTS1 antagonist SR48692 in an in vivo animal model of Parkinson's disease [unilateral nigral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway].

Mesolimbic dopamine and cortico-accumbens glutamate afferents as major targets for the regulation of the ventral striato-pallidal GABA pathways by neurotensin peptides

The tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) acts in the mammalian brain as a primary neurotransmitter or neuromodulator of classical neurotransmitters. Morphological and functional in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the existence of close interactions between NT and dopamine both in limbic and in striatal brain regions. Additionally, biochemical and neurochemical evidence indicates that in these brain regions NT plays also a crucial role in the regulation of the aminoacidergic signalling. It is suggested that in the nucleus accumbens the regulation of prejunctional dopaminergic transmission induced by NT may be primarily due to indirect mechanism(s) involving mediation via the aminoacidergic neuronal systems with increased glutamate release followed by increased GABA release in the nucleus accumbens rather than a direct action of the peptide on accumbens dopaminergic terminals. The neurochemical profile of action of NT in the control of the pattern of dopamine, glutamate and GABA release in the nucleus accumbens differs to a substantial degree from that shown by the peptide in the dorsal striatum. The neuromodulatory NT mechanisms in the regulation of the ventral striato-pallidal GABA pathways are discussed and their relevance for schizophrenia is underlined.