Analysis of the Gs/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mutant S49 cells

Activation and targeting of extracellular signal-regulated kinases by beta-arrestin scaffolds

Using both confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and biochemical approaches, we have examined the role of beta-arrestins in the activation and targeting of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) following stimulation of angiotensin II type 1a receptors (AT1aR). In HEK-293 cells expressing hemagglutinin-tagged AT1aR, angiotensin stimulation triggered beta-arrestin-2 binding to the receptor and internalization of AT1aR-beta-arrestin complexes. Using red fluorescent protein-tagged ERK2 to track the subcellular distribution of ERK2, we found that angiotensin treatment caused the redistribution of activated ERK2 into endosomal vesicles that also contained AT1aR-beta-arrestin complexes. This targeting of ERK2 reflects the formation of multiprotein complexes containing AT1aR, beta-arrestin-2, and the component kinases of the ERK cascade, cRaf-1, MEK1, and ERK2. Myc-tagged cRaf-1, MEK1, and green fluorescent protein-tagged ERK2 coprecipitated with Flag-tagged beta-arrestin-2 from transfected COS-7 cells. Coprecipitation of cRaf-1 with beta-arrestin-2 was independent of MEK1 and ERK2, whereas the coprecipitation of MEK1 and ERK2 with beta-arrestin-2 was significantly enhanced in the presence of overexpressed cRaf-1, suggesting that binding of cRaf-1 to beta-arrestin facilitates the assembly of a cRaf-1, MEK1, ERK2 complex. The phosphorylation of ERK2 in beta-arrestin complexes was markedly enhanced by coexpression of cRaf-1, and this effect is blocked by expression of a catalytically inactive dominant inhibitory mutant of MEK1. Stimulation with angiotensin increased the binding of both cRaf-1 and ERK2 to beta-arrestin-2, and the association of beta-arrestin-2, cRaf-1, and ERK2 with AT1aR. These data suggest that beta-arrestins function both as scaffolds to enhance cRaf-1 and MEK-dependent activation of ERK2, and as targeting proteins that direct activated ERK to specific subcellular locations.

Endothelin-1[1-31], acting as an ETA-receptor selective agonist, stimulates proliferation of cultured rat zona glomerulosa cells

Endothelin-1 (ET-1)[1-31] is a novel hypertensive peptide that mimics many of the vascular effects of the classic 21 amino acid peptide ET-1[1-21]. However, at variance with ET-1[1-21] that enhances aldosterone secretion from cultured rat zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells by acting via ETB receptors, ET-1[1-31] did not elicit such effect. Both ET-1[1-21] and ET-1[1-31] raised the proliferation rate of cultured ZG cells, the maximal effective concentration being 10(-8) M. This effect was blocked by the ETA-receptor antagonist BQ-123 and unaffected by the ETB-receptor antagonist BQ-788. Quantitative autoradiography showed that ET-1[1-21] displaced both [(125)I]PD-151242 binding to ETA receptors and [(125)I]BQ-3020 binding to ETB receptors in both rat ZG and adrenal medulla, while ET-1[1-31] displaced only [(125)I]BQ-3020 binding. The tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor tyrphostin-23 and the p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor PD-98059 abolished the proliferogenic effect of ET-1[1-31], while the protein kinase-C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin-C significantly reduced it. ET-1[1-31] (10(-8) M) stimulated TK and MAPK activity of dispersed ZG cells, an effect that was blocked by BQ-123. The stimulatory action of ET-1[1-31] on TK activity was annulled by tyrphostin-23, while that on MAPK activity was reduced by calphostin-C and abolished by either tyrphostin-23 and PD-98059. These data suggest that ET-1[1-31] is a selective agonist of the ETA-receptor subtype, and enhances proliferation of cultured rat ZG cells through the PKC- and TK-dependent activation of p42/p44 MAPK cascade.

Direct binding of activated c-Src to the beta 3-adrenergic receptor is required for MAP kinase activation

Both beta(2)- and beta(3)-adrenergic receptors (ARs) are able to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. We previously showed that c-Src is required for ERK activation by beta(2)AR and that it is recruited to activated beta(2)AR through binding of the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain to proline-rich regions of the adapter protein beta-arrestin1. Despite the absence of sites for phosphorylation and beta-arrestin binding, ERK activation by beta(3)AR still requires c-Src. Agonist activation of beta(2)AR, but not beta(3)AR, led to redistribution of green fluorescent protein-tagged beta-arrestin to the plasma membrane. In beta-arrestin-deficient COS-7 cells, beta-agonist-dependent co-precipitation of c-Src with the beta(2)AR required exogenous beta-arrestin, but activated beta(3)AR co-precipitated c-Src in the absence or presence of beta-arrestin. ERK activation and Src co-precipitation with beta(3)AR also occurred in adipocytes in an agonist-dependent and pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Protein interaction studies show that the beta(3)AR interacts directly with the SH3 domain of Src through proline-rich motifs (PXXP) in the third intracellular loop and the carboxyl terminus. ERK activation and Src co-precipitation were abolished in cells expressing point mutations in these PXXP motifs. Together, these data describe a novel mechanism of ERK activation by a G protein-coupled receptor in which the intracellular domains directly recruit c-Src.

CD28 and the tyrosine kinase lck stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in T cells via inhibition of the small G protein Rap1

Proliferation of T cells via activation of the T-cell receptor (TCR) requires concurrent engagement of accessory costimulatory molecules to achieve full activation. The best-studied costimulatory molecule, CD28, achieves these effects, in part, by augmenting signals from the TCR to the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade. We show here that TCR-mediated stimulation of MAP kinase extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) is limited by activation of the Ras antagonist Rap1. CD28 increases ERK signaling by blocking Rap1 action. CD28 inhibits Rap1 activation because it selectively stimulates an extrinsic Rap1 GTPase activity. The ability of CD28 to stimulate Rap1 GTPase activity was dependent on the tyrosine kinase Lck. Our results suggest that CD28-mediated Rap1 GTPase-activating protein activation can help explain the augmentation of ERKs during CD28 costimulation.

Cell type-specific regulation of B-Raf kinase by cAMP and 14-3-3 proteins

Cyclic AMP can either activate or inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in different cell types; MAPK activation has been observed in B-Raf-expressing cells and has been attributed to Rap1 activation with subsequent B-Raf activation, whereas MAPK inhibition has been observed in cells lacking B-Raf and has been attributed to cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A)-mediated phosphorylation and inhibition of Raf-1 kinase. We found that cAMP stimulated MAPK activity in CHO-K1 and PC12 cells but inhibited MAPK activity in C6 and NB2A cells. In all four cell types, cAMP activated Rap1, and the 95- and 68-kDa isoforms of B-Raf were expressed. cAMP activation or inhibition of MAPK correlated with activation or inhibition of endogenous and transfected B-Raf kinase. Although all cell types expressed similar amounts of 14-3-3 proteins, approximately 5-fold less 14-3-3 was associated with B-Raf in cells in which cAMP was inhibitory than in cells in which cAMP was stimulatory. We found that the cell type-specific inhibition of B-Raf could be completely prevented by overexpression of 14-3-3 isoforms, whereas expression of a dominant negative 14-3-3 mutant resulted in partial loss of B-Raf activity. Our data suggest that 14-3-3 bound to B-Raf protects the enzyme from protein kinase A-mediated inhibition; the amount of 14-3-3 associated with B-Raf may explain the tissue-specific effects of cAMP on B-Raf kinase activity.

Direct tumor lysis by NK cells uses a Ras-independent mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway

Destruction of tumor cells is a key function of lymphocytes, but the molecular processes driving it are unclear. Analysis of signal molecules indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular regulated kinase 2 critically controlled lytic function in human NK cells. We now have evidence to indicate that target ligation triggers a Ras-independent MAPK pathway that is required for lysis of the ligated tumor cell. Target engagement caused NK cells to rapidly activate MAPK within 5 min, and PD098059 effectively blocked both MAPK activation and tumoricidal function in NK cells. Target engagement also rapidly activated Ras, detected as active Ras-GTP bound to GST-Raf-RBD, a GST fusion protein linked to the Raf protein fragment containing the Ras-GTP binding domain. However, Ras inactivation by pharmacological disruption with the farnesyl transferase inhibitor, FTI-277, had no adverse effect on the ability of NK cells to lyse tumor cells or to express MAPK activation upon target conjugation. Notably, MAPK inactivation with PD098059, but not Ras inactivation with FTI-277, could interfere with perforin and granzyme B polarization within NK cells toward the contacted target cell. Using vaccinia delivery of N17 Ras into NK cells, we demonstrated that IL-2 activated a Ras-dependent MAPK pathway, while target ligation used a Ras-independent MAPK pathway to trigger lysis in NK cells.

The stimulation of beta(3)-adrenoceptor causes phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 through a G(s)- but not G(i)-dependent pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with three beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists, (+/-)-(R*, R*)-(4-[2-([2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino)propyl]phenoxy)ac etic acid (BRL37344), 4-[3-[(1, 1-dimethylethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-1, 3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (CGP12177) and [(7S)7-¿(2R)2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl-amino¿-5,6,7, 8-tetrahydronapht-2-yl]ethyl oxyacetate, hydrochloride (SR58611) induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The phosphorylations were not affected by pretreatment of the adipocytes with pertussis toxin, whereas the same treatment completely abolished lisophosphatidic acid-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, suggesting the role of pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein in the ERK1/2 phosphorylation by stimulation with the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was mimicked by treating the adipocytes with cholera toxin, a direct activator of stimulatory G (G(s)) protein. In addition, the ERK1/2 phosphorylations by the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists were completely diminished by long-term treatment of the adipocytes with cholera toxin (100 ng/ml, 24 h), whereas that obtained with lisophosphatidic acid stimulation was not. Our findings strongly suggest that the three beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through a G(s) protein-dependent cascade.

beta 2-adrenergic receptor activates extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) via the small G protein rap1 and the serine/threonine kinase B-Raf

G protein-coupled receptors can induce cellular proliferation by stimulating the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade. Heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of both alpha and betagamma subunits that can signal independently to diverse intracellular signaling pathways including those that activate MAP kinases. In this study, we examined the ability of isoproterenol, an agonist of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR), to stimulate extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). Using HEK293 cells, which express endogenous beta(2)AR, we show that isoproterenol stimulates ERKs via beta(2)AR. This action of isoproterenol requires cAMP-dependent protein kinase and is insensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting that Galpha(s) activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase is required. Interestingly, beta(2)AR activates both the small G proteins Rap1 and Ras, but only Rap1 is capable of coupling to Raf isoforms. beta(2)AR inhibits the Ras-dependent activation of both Raf isoforms Raf-1 and B-Raf, whereas Rap1 activation by isoproterenol recruits and activates B-Raf. beta(2)AR activation of ERKs is not blocked by expression of RasN17, an interfering mutant of Ras, but is blocked by expression of either RapN17 or Rap1GAP1, both of which interfere with Rap1 signaling. We propose that isoproterenol can activate ERKs via Rap1 and B-Raf in these cells.

Beta 3- and alpha1-adrenergic Erk1/2 activation is Src- but not Gi-mediated in Brown adipocytes

A novel signaling pathway for mediation of beta(3)-adrenergic activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases Erk1/2 (associated with proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis) has recently been proposed, which implies mediation via constitutively coupled G(i)-proteins and Gbetagamma-subunits, distinct from the classical cAMP pathway of beta-adrenergic stimulation. To verify the significance of this pathway in cells in primary cultures that entopically express beta(3)-adrenoreceptors, we examined the functionality of this pathway in cultured brown adipocytes. Norepinephrine activated Erk1/2 via both beta(3) receptors and alpha(1) receptors but not via alpha(2) receptors. Forskolin induced Erk1/2 activation similarly to beta(3) activation, indicating cAMP-mediation; this induction could be inhibited with H89, implying protein kinase A mediation. The G(i)-pathway was functional in these cells, as pertussis toxin increased agonist-induced cAMP accumulation. However, pertussis toxin was unable to affect adrenergically induced Erk1/2 activation. Also, wortmannin was without effect, implying that Gbetagamma activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway was not involved. PP1/2, which inhibits Src, abolished both beta(3)- and alpha(1)-induced Erk1/2 activation. Thus, the proposed novel G(i) pathway for beta(3) mediation is not universal, because it is not functional in the untransformed primary cell culture system with entopically expressed beta(3) receptors examined here. Here, the beta(3) signal is mediated classically via cAMP/protein kinase A. beta(3) and alpha(1) signals converge at Src, which thus mediates Erk1/2 activation in both pathways.

Apoptotic signaling through the beta -adrenergic receptor. A new Gs effector pathway

Stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptor normally results in signaling by the heterotrimeric G protein G(s), leading to the activation of adenylyl cyclase, production of cAMP, and activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Here we report that cell death of thymocytes can be induced after stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptor, or by addition of exogenous cAMP. Apoptotic cell death in both cases was observed with the appearance of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP end labeling reactivity and the activation of caspase-3 in S49 T cells. Using thymocytes deficient in either Galpha(s) or PKA, we find that engagement of beta-adrenergic receptors initiated a Galpha(s)-dependent, PKA-independent pathway leading to apoptosis. This alternative pathway involves Src family tyrosine kinase Lck. Furthermore, we show that Lck protein kinase activity can be directly stimulated by purified Galpha(s). Our data reveal a new signaling pathway for Galpha(s), distinct from the classical PKA pathway, that accounts for the apoptotic action of beta-adrenergic receptors.

Adrenomedullin enhances cell proliferation and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in rat adrenal zona glomerulosa: receptor subtype involved and signaling mechanism

The effect of adrenomedullin (ADM) on the proliferative activity of the rat adrenal cortex has been investigated in vivo, using an in situ perfusion technique of the intact left gland. ADM and other chemicals were dissolved in the perfusion medium, and the perfusion was continued for 180 min. ADM infusion concentration dependently increased the mitotic index and [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in the zona glomerulosa (ZG; the maximal effective concentration was 10(-8) M), but not in inner adrenocortical layers, where basal proliferative activity was negligible. The effect of 10(-8) M ADM was equipotently counteracted by both the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) type 1 receptor antagonist CGRP-(8-37) and ADM-(22-52). The adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ-22536 (10(-4) M), the cAMP blocker Rp-cAMP-S (10(-3) M), and the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (10(-5) M), although counteracting the ZG proliferogenic action of 10(-9) M ACTH, did not affect the 10(-8) M ADM-elicited increase in ZG DNA synthesis. Similar results were obtained using the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (10(-5) M), the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate antagonist D,L-myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphothiate (10(-4) M), and the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C (10(-5) M), which, however, significantly inhibited the ZG proliferogenic effect of 10(-9) M angiotensin II. The growth-promoting action of 10(-8) M ADM was not affected by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor AACOCF3 (10(-5) M), the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin (10(-5) M), or the mixed COX/lipoxygenase inhibitor phenidone (10(-5) M). In contrast, the ZG proliferogenic effect of 10(-8) M ADM was abolished by either the tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor tyrphostin-23 (10(-5) M) or the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antagonists PD-98059 and U0216 (10(-4) M). ADM (10(-8) M) stimulated TK and p42/p44 MAPK activity in dispersed ZG, but not ZF, cells, and the effect was reversed by either 10(-6) M CGRP-(8-37) and ADM-(22-52) or preincubation with 10(-5) M tyrphostin-23. Collectively, our findings indicate that 1) ADM stimulates cell proliferation in the rat ZG, through CGRP-(8-37)- and ADM-(22-52)-sensitive receptors, probably of the CGRP1 subtype; and 2) the mitogenic effect of ADM is mediated by activation of the TK-MAPK cascade, without any involvement of the adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A-, phospholipase C/protein kinase C-, and COX- or lipoxygenase-dependent signaling pathways.

Inhibitory effect of isoproterenol on NADPH-dependent H(2)O(2) generation in human adipocyte plasma membranes is mediated by betagamma-subunits derived from G(s)

Previous studies revealed that human fat cell plasma membranes contain a multireceptor-linked H(2)O(2)-generating system that is under antagonistic control by hormones and cytokines and is stimulated by insulin via Galpha(i2). In this report, it is shown that the inhibitory action of the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol is mediated by G protein betagamma-subunits, based on observations that its action was specifically reversed by anti-Gbeta antibodies or a C-terminal beta-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 fragment containing the Gbetagamma-binding site of the enzyme, and was mimicked by exogenously supplied G protein betagamma-subunits. Isoproterenol signals through a prototypical G(s)-coupled receptor. Consistent with these results, direct activation of G(s) by cholera toxin or by an anti-Galpha(s) antibody exhibiting beta-adrenergic receptor-mimetic properties (K-20) resulted in an isoproterenol-like inhibition of NADPH-dependent H(2)O(2) generation. In addition, a peptide corresponding to the target sequence of K-20 blocked the action of the catecholamine, apparently by competition between the peptide and G(s) for activated beta-adrenergic receptors, indicating that the G protein betagamma-subunits mediating the inhibitory effects of the catecholamine were in fact derived from G(s).

beta(3)-adrenergic stimulation differentially inhibits insulin signaling and decreases insulin-induced glucose uptake in brown adipocytes

Activity of the sympathetic nervous system is an important factor involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and associated metabolic and vascular abnormalities. In this study, we investigate the molecular basis of cross-talk between beta(3)-adrenergic and insulin signaling systems in mouse brown adipocytes immortalized by SV40 T infection. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), and IRS-2 was reduced by prestimulation of beta(3)-adrenergic receptors (CL316243). Similarly, insulin-induced IRS-1-associated and phosphotyrosine-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity, but not IRS-2-associated PI 3-kinase activity, was reduced by beta(3)-adrenergic prestimulation. Furthermore, insulin-stimulated activation of Akt, but not mitogen-activated protein kinase, was diminished. Insulin-induced glucose uptake was completely inhibited by beta(3)-adrenergic prestimulation. These effects appear to be protein kinase A-dependent. Furthermore inhibition of protein kinase C restored the beta(3)-receptor-mediated reductions in insulin-induced IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase activity. Together, these findings indicate cross-talk between adrenergic and insulin signaling pathways. This interaction is protein kinase A-dependent and, at least in part, protein kinase C-dependent, and could play an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance associated with sympathetic overactivity and regulation of brown fat metabolism.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase by the A(2A)-adenosine receptor via a rap1-dependent and via a p21(ras)-dependent pathway

The A(2A)-adenosine receptor, a prototypical G(s)-coupled receptor, activates mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in a manner independent of cAMP in primary human endothelial cells. In order to delineate signaling pathways that link the receptor to the regulation of MAP kinase, the human A(2A) receptor was heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and HEK293 cells. In both cell lines, A(2A) agonist-mediated cAMP accumulation was accompanied by activation of the small G protein rap1. However, rap1 mediates A(2A) receptor-dependent activation of MAP kinase only in CHO cells, the signaling cascade being composed of G(s), adenylyl cyclase, rap1, and the p68 isoform of B-raf. This isoform was absent in HEK293 cells. Contrary to CHO cells, in HEK293 cells activation of MAP kinase by A(2A) agonists was not mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP, was independent of Galpha(s), and was associated with activation of p21(ras). Accordingly, overexpression of the inactive S17N mutant of p21(ras) and of a dominant negative version of mSos (the exchange factor of p21(ras)) blocked MAP kinase stimulation by the A(2A) receptor in HEK 293 but not in CHO cells. In spite of the close homology between p21(ras) and rap1, the S17N mutant of rap1 was not dominant negative because (i) overexpression of rap1(S17N) failed to inhibit A(2A) receptor-dependent MAP kinase activation, (ii) rap1(S17N) was recovered in the active form with a GST fusion protein comprising the rap1-binding domain of ralGDS after A(2A) receptor activation, and (iii) A(2A) agonists promoted the association of rap1(S17N) with the 68-kDa isoform of B-raf in CHO cells. We conclude that the A(2A) receptor has the capacity two activate MAP kinase via at least two signaling pathways, which depend on two distinct small G proteins, namely p21(ras) and rap1. Our observations also show that the S17N version of rap1 cannot be assumed a priori to act as a dominant negative interfering mutant.

Protein tyrosine kinase-mediated pathways in G protein-coupled receptor signaling

Abundant evidence has indicated that protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) convey signals from G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to regulate cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and potentially cellular transformation. Molecular mechanisms by which PTKs regulate such diverse effects in GPCR signaling are not well understood. Recently, an unifying theme has emerged where both growth factors and GPCRs utilize protein tyrosine kinase activity and the highly conserved Ras/MAP kinase pathway to control mitogenic signals. Additionally, PTKs are also involved in the regulation of signal transmission from GPCRs to activation of the JNK/SAPK kinase pathway. Furthermore novel insights in chemokine receptor-activated PTKs and their role in mediating cell functions are discussed in this review.

Partial agonists and G protein-coupled receptor desensitization

Weak or partial agonists induce less desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) than do strong agonists. However, there have been few attempts to relate partial agonism quantitatively with the various parameters of agonist-induced desensitization, and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Our understanding of how the treatment of cells and tissues with partial agonists affects their capacity to activate receptors is based on continued progress in defining partial agonism and the mechanisms of desensitization in which protein kinases, phosphatases, endocytosis and recycling play various roles. In this review, current research concerning partial-agonist-induced desensitization of GPCRs and the nature of partial agonism is summarized, and an attempt is made to put the existing knowledge into a working hypothesis concerning the mechanisms that account for the reduced desensitization in response to partial agonists.

Differential activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in PC12 cells by closely related alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtypes

Coupling of the three known alpha1-adrenergic receptor (alpha1-AR) subtypes to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were studied in stably transfected PC12 cells. Subclones stably expressing alpha1A-, alpha1B-, and alpha1D-ARs under control of an inducible promoter, or at high and low receptor density, were isolated and characterized. Radioligand binding showed similar ranges of expression of each subtype. Norepinephrine (NE) increased inositol phosphate formation and intracellular Ca2+ level in these cells in a manner dependent on receptor density. However, alpha1A-ARs activated these second messenger responses more effectively than alpha1B-ARs, whereas alpha1D-ARs were least effective. NE stimulated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in cells expressing all three alpha1-AR subtypes, although alpha1A- and alpha1B-ARs caused larger ERK activation than did alpha1D-ARs. Nerve growth factor (NGF) caused similar levels of ERK activation in all subclones. NE also activated p38 MAPK in alpha1A- and alpha1B- but not alpha1D-transfected cells and activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) only in alpha1A-transfected cells. NE, but not NGF, strongly stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of a 70-kDa protein only in alpha1A-transfected PC12 cells. NE caused neurite outgrowth only in alpha1A-expressing PC12 cells, but not in alpha1B- or alpha1D-transfected cells, whereas NGF caused neurite outgrowth in all cells. These studies show that alpha1A-ARs activate all three MAPK pathways, alpha1B-ARs activate ERKs and p38 but not JNKs, and alpha1D-ARs only activate ERKs. Only the alpha1A-AR-expressing cells differentiated in response to NE. The relationship of these responses to second messenger pathways activated by these subtypes is discussed.

The role of protein kinases A and C pathways in the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor activation

There is convincing evidence that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation is coupled to both receptor tyrosine kinase and G protein-coupled receptors. The presence of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and the GnRH receptor on the surface of GGH(3)1' cells makes this cell line a good model for the assessment of MAPK activation by receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors. In this study, to assess the activated and total (i.e. activated plus inactivated) MAPK, the phosphorylation state of p44 and p42 MAPKs was examined using antisera that distinguish phospho-p44/42 MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204) from p44/42 MAPK (phosphorylation state independent). The data show that both EGF (200 ng/ml) and Buserelin (a GnRH agonist; 10 ng/ml) provoke rapid activation of MAPK (within 5 and 15 min, respectively) after binding to their receptors. The role of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathways in mediating MAPK activation was also assessed. Both phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; 10 ng/ml) and (Bu)2cAMP (1 mM) trigger the phosphorylation of MAPK, suggesting potential roles for PKC and PKA signaling events in MAPK activation in GGH(3)1' cells. Treatment of PKC-depleted cells with Buserelin activated MAPK, suggesting involvement of PKC-independent signal transduction pathways in MAPK activation in response to GnRH. Similarly, treatment of PKC-depleted cells with forskolin (50 microM) or cholera toxin (100 ng/ml) stimulated MAPK activation, whereas pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml) had no measurable effect. To further assess the role of PKA in response to EGF and Buserelin, cells were treated with EGF (200 ng/ml) for 3 min or with Buserelin (10 ng/ml) for 10 min after pretreatment with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (0.5 mM), forskolin (50 microM), or (Bu)2cAMP (1 mM) for 15 min. The results show that MAPK can be activated in a PKA-dependent manner in GGH(3)1' cells. Consistent with previous reports, the current data support the view that MAPK activation can be achieved via both PKC- and PKA-dependent signaling pathways triggered by the GnRH receptor that couples to G(q/11) and Gs alpha-subunit proteins. In contrast, G(i/o)alpha does not appear to participate in MAPK activation in GGH(3)1' cells.

The beta3-adrenergic receptor activates mitogen-activated protein kinase in adipocytes through a Gi-dependent mechanism

Promiscuous coupling between G protein-coupled receptors and multiple species of heterotrimeric G proteins provides a potential mechanism for expanding the diversity of G protein-coupled receptor signaling. We have examined the mechanism and functional consequences of dual Gs/Gi protein coupling of the beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3AR) in 3T3-F442A adipocytes. The beta3AR selective agonist disodium (R, R)-5-[2[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-amino]propyl]-1, 3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate (CL316,243) stimulated a dose-dependent increase in cAMP production in adipocyte plasma membrane preparations, and pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin resulted in a further 2-fold increase in cAMP production by CL316,243. CL316,243 (5 microM) stimulated the incorporation of 8-azido-[32P]GTP into Galphas (1.57 +/- 0.12; n = 3) and Galphai (1. 68 +/- 0.13; n = 4) in adipocyte plasma membranes, directly demonstrating that beta3AR stimulation results in Gi-GTP exchange. The beta3AR-stimulated increase in 8-azido-[32P]GTP labeling of Galphai was equivalent to that obtained with the A1-adenosine receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (1.56 +/- 0.07; n = 4), whereas inclusion of unlabeled GTP (100 microM) eliminated all binding. Stimulation of the beta3AR in 3T3-F442A adipocytes led to a 2-3-fold activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, as measured by extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and -2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX) eliminated MAP kinase activation by beta3AR, demonstrating that this response required receptor coupling to Gi. Expression of the human beta3AR in HEK-293 cells reconstituted the PTX-sensitive stimulation of MAP kinase, demonstrating that this phenomenon is not exclusive to adipocytes or to the rodent beta3AR. ERK1/2 activation by the beta3AR was insensitive to the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor H-89 but was abolished by genistein and AG1478. These data indicate that constitutive beta3AR coupling to Gi proteins serves both to restrain Gs-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase and to initiate additional signal transduction pathways, including the ERK1/2 MAP kinase cascade.

Both Gs and Gi proteins are critically involved in isoproterenol-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Activation of beta-adrenoreceptors induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In the present study, we examined isoproterenol-evoked intracellular signal transduction pathways leading to activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Inhibitors for cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) abolished isoproterenol-evoked ERK activation, suggesting that Gs protein is involved in the activation. Inhibition of Gi protein by pertussis toxin, however, also suppressed isoproterenol-induced ERK activation. Overexpression of the Gbetagamma subunit binding domain of the beta-adrenoreceptor kinase 1 and of COOH-terminal Src kinase, which inhibit functions of Gbetagamma and the Src family tyrosine kinases, respectively, also inhibited isoproterenol-induced ERK activation. Overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of Ras and Raf-1 kinase and of the beta-adrenoreceptor mutant that lacks phosphorylation sites by PKA abolished isoproterenol-stimulated ERK activation. The isoproterenol-induced increase in protein synthesis was also suppressed by inhibitors for PKA, Gi, tyrosine kinases, or Ras. These results suggest that isoproterenol induces ERK activation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through two different G proteins, Gs and Gi. cAMP-dependent PKA activation through Gs may phosphorylate the beta-adrenoreceptor, leading to coupling of the receptor from Gs to Gi. Activation of Gi activates ERKs through Gbetagamma, Src family tyrosine kinases, Ras, and Raf-1 kinase.