The Ca2+-sensing receptor couples to Galpha12/13 to activate phospholipase D in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Inactivation of the calcium sensing receptor inhibits E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and calcium-induced differentiation in human epidermal keratinocytes

Extracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(o)) is a critical regulator that promotes differentiation in epidermal keratinocytes. The calcium sensing receptor (CaR) is essential for mediating Ca(2+) signaling during Ca(2+)(o)-induced differentiation. Inactivation of the endogenous CaR-encoding gene CASR by adenoviral expression of a CaR antisense cDNA inhibited the Ca(2+)(o)-induced increase in intracellular free calcium (Ca(2+)(i)) and expression of terminal differentiation genes, while promoting apoptosis. Ca(2+)(o) also instigates E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion, which plays a critical role in orchestrating cellular signals mediating cell survival and differentiation. Raising Ca(2+)(o) concentration ([Ca(2+)](o)) from 0.03 to 2 mm rapidly induced the co-localization of alpha-, beta-, and p120-catenin with E-cadherin in the intercellular adherens junctions (AJs). To assess whether CaR is required for the Ca(2+)(o)-induced activation of E-cadherin signaling, we examined the impact of CaR inactivation on AJ formation. Decreased CaR expression suppressed the Ca(2+)(o)-induced AJ formation, membrane translocation, and the complex formation of E-cadherin, catenins, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), although the expression of these proteins was not affected. The assembly of the E-cadherin-catenin-PI3K complex was sensitive to the pharmacologic inhibition of Src family tyrosine kinases but was not affected by inhibition of Ca(2+)(o)-induced rise in Ca(2+)(i). Inhibition of CaR expression blocked the Ca(2+)(o)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of beta-, gamma-, and p120-catenin, PI3K, and the tyrosine kinase Fyn and the association of Fyn with E-cadherin and PI3K. Our results indicate that the CaR regulates cell survival and Ca(2+)(o)-induced differentiation in keratinocytes at least in part by activating the E-cadherin/PI3K pathway through a Src family tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling.

The calcium-sensing receptor and its interacting proteins

Seven membrane-spanning, or G protein-coupled receptors were originally thought to act through het-erotrimeric G proteins that in turn activate intracellular enzymes or ion channels, creating relatively simple, linear signalling pathways. Although this basic model remains true in that this family does act via a relatively small number of G proteins, these signalling systems are considerably more complex because the receptors interact with or are located near additional proteins that are often unique to a receptor or subset of receptors. These additional proteins give receptors their unique signalling personalities. The extracellular Ca-sensing receptor (CaR) signals via Galpha(i), Galpha(q) and Galpha(12/13), but its effects in vivo demonstrate that the signalling pathways controlled by these subunits are not sufficient to explain all its biologic effects. Additional structural or signalling proteins that interact with the CaR may explain its behaviour more fully. Although the CaR is less well studied in this respect than other receptors, several CaR-interacting proteins such as filamin, a potential scaffolding protein, receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) and potassium channels may contribute to the unique characteristics of the CaR. The CaR also appears to interact with additional proteins common to other G protein-coupled receptors such as arrestins, G protein receptor kinases, protein kinase C, caveolin and proteins in the ubiquitination pathway. These proteins probably represent a few initial members of CaR-based signalling complex. These and other proteins may not all be associated with the CaR in all tissues, but they form the basis for understanding the complete nature of CaR signalling.

Hypothesis: the 'metabolic memory', the new challenge of diabetes

Large randomized studies have established that early intensive glycaemic control reduces the risk of diabetic complications, both micro- and macrovascular. However, epidemiological and prospective data support a long-term influence of early metabolic control on clinical outcomes. This phenomenon has recently been defined as 'metabolic memory.' Potential mechanisms for propagating this 'memory' are the non-enzymatic glycation of cellular proteins and lipids, and an excess of cellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, in particular originated at the level of glycated-mitochondrial proteins, perhaps acting in concert with one another to maintain stress signalling. Furthermore, the emergence of this 'metabolic memory' suggests the need for very early aggressive treatment aiming to 'normalize' glycaemic control and the addition of agents which reduce cellular reactive species and glycation in order to minimize long-term diabetic complications.

Interaction of the Ca2+-sensing receptor with the inwardly rectifying potassium channels Kir4.1 and Kir4.2 results in inhibition of channel function

The Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaR), a G protein-coupled receptor, is expressed in many epithelial tissues including the parathyroid glands, kidney, and GI tract. Although its role in regulating PTH levels and Ca(2+) metabolism are best characterized, it may also regulate salt and water transport in the kidney as demonstrated by recent reports showing association of potent gain-of-function mutations in the CaR with a Bartter-like, salt-wasting phenotype. To determine whether this receptor interacts with novel proteins that control ion transport, we screened a human adult kidney cDNA library with the COOH-terminal 219 amino acid cytoplasmic tail of the CaR as bait using the yeast two-hybrid system. We identified two independent clones coding for approximately 125 aa from the COOH terminus of the inwardly rectifying K(+) channel, Kir4.2. The CaR and Kir4.2 as well as Kir4.1 (another member of Kir4 subfamily) were reciprocally coimmunoprecipitated from HEK-293 cells in which they were expressed, but the receptor did not coimmunoprecipitate with Kir5.1 or Kir1.1. Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.2 were immunoprecipitated from rat kidney extracts with the CaR. In Xenopus laevis oocytes, expression of the CaR with either Kir4.1 or Kir4.2 channels resulted in inactivation of whole cell current as measured by two-electrode voltage clamp, but the nonfunctional CaR mutant CaR(R796W), and that does not coimmunoprecipitate with the channels, had no effect. Kir4.1 and the CaR were colocalized in the basolateral membrane of the distal nephron. The CaR interacts directly with Kir4.1 and Kir4.2 and can decrease their currents, which in turn could reduce recycling of K(+) for the basolateral Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and thereby contribute to inhibition of Na(+) reabsorption.

Phospholipase D signaling: orchestration by PIP2 and small GTPases

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by phospholipase D (PLD) leads to the generation of the versatile lipid second messenger, phosphatidic acid (PA), which is involved in fundamental cellular processes, including membrane trafficking, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell proliferation and cell survival. PLD activity can be dramatically stimulated by a large number of cell surface receptors and is elaborately regulated by intracellular factors, including protein kinase C isoforms, small GTPases of the ARF, Rho and Ras families and, particularly, by the phosphoinositide, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). PIP(2) is well known as substrate for the generation of second messengers by phospholipase C, but is now also understood to recruit and/or activate a variety of actin regulatory proteins, ion channels and other signaling proteins, including PLD, by direct interaction. The synthesis of PIP(2) by phosphoinositide 5-kinase (PIP5K) isoforms is tightly regulated by small GTPases and, interestingly, by PA as well, and the concerted formation of PIP(2) and PA has been shown to mediate receptor-regulated cellular events. This review highlights the regulation of PLD by membrane receptors, and describes how the close encounter of PLD and PIP5K isoforms with small GTPases permits the execution of specific cellular functions.

Parathyroid-Specific Double Knockout of Gq and G11 α-Subunits Leads to a Phenotype Resembling Germline Knockout of the Extracellular Ca2+-Sensing Receptor

Germline knockout of the extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaR) leads to a phenotype that includes severe hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, relative hypocalciuria, skeletal abnormalities, retarded growth, and early postnatal death. To investigate the role of heterotrimeric G proteins in CaR signaling, we used cre/lox technology to delete the respective α-subunits of Gq and G11 selectively in parathyroid cells. Mice that were PTH-Cre+/−; Gnaqflox/flox; Gna11−/− (PTH-Gαq/Gα11-double knockouts) were viable, but showed all the features of germline knockout of the CaR except hypocalcuria. Our results demonstrate the critical role of both Gq and G11 in mediating inhibition of PTH secretion by extracellular Ca2+.

Space motion sickness

Motion sickness remains a persistent problem in spaceflight. The present review summarizes available knowledge concerning the incidence and onset of space motion sickness and aspects of the physiology of motion sickness. Proposed etiological factors in the elicitation of space motion sickness are evaluated including fluid shifts, head movements, visual orientation illusions, Coriolis cross-coupling stimulation, and otolith asymmetries. Current modes of treating space motion sickness are described. Theoretical models and proposed ground-based paradigms for understanding and studying space motion sickness are critically analyzed. Prediction tests and questionnaires for assessing susceptibility to space motion sickness and their limitations are discussed. We conclude that space motion sickness does represent a form of motion sickness and that it does not represent a unique diagnostic entity. Motion sickness arises when movements are made during exposure to unusual force backgrounds both higher and lower in magnitude than 1 g earth gravity.

Dynamic phospholipid signaling by G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control a variety of fundamental cellular processes by regulating phospholipid signaling pathways. Essential for signaling by a large number of receptors is the hydrolysis of the membrane phosphoinositide PIP(2) by phospholipase C (PLC) into the second messengers IP(3) and DAG. Many receptors also stimulate phospholipase D (PLD), leading to the generation of the versatile lipid, phosphatidic acid. Particular PLC and PLD isoforms take differential positions in receptor signaling and are additionally regulated by small GTPases of the Ras, Rho and ARF families. It is now recognized that the PLC substrate, PIP(2), has signaling capacity by itself and can, by direct interaction, affect the activity and subcellular localization of PLD and several other proteins. As expected, the synthesis of PIP(2) by phosphoinositide 5-kinases is tightly regulated as well. In this review, we present an overview of how these signaling pathways are governed by GPCRs, explain the molecular basis for the spatially and temporally organized, highly dynamic quality of phospholipid signaling, and point to the functional connection of the pathways.

Nitric oxide regulation of mitochondrial oxygen consumption I: cellular physiology

Mitochondrial biochemistry is complex, expanding from oxygen consumption, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid catabolism, heme biosynthesis, to apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, and production of reactive oxygen species, including nitric oxide (NO). The latter molecule is produced by a mitochondrial NO synthase (mtNOS). The rates of consumption and production determine the steady-state concentration of NO at subcellular levels, leading to regulation of mitochondrial events. Temporospatial processes tightly regulate production of NO in mitochondria to maximize target effects and minimize deleterious reactions. Temporal regulatory mechanisms of mtNOS include activation by calcium signaling and transcriptional/translational regulations. Calcium-activated mtNOS inhibits mitochondrial respiration, resulting in a decrease of the oxygen consumption. This negative regulation antagonizes the effects of calcium on calcium-dependent dehydrogenases in the citric acid cycle, preventing the formation of anoxic foci. Temporal regulation of NO production by intracellular calcium signaling is a complex process, considering the heterogeneous intracellular calcium response and distribution. NO production in mitochondria is spatially regulated by mechanisms that determine subcellular localization of mtNOS, likely acylation and protein-protein interactions, in addition to transcriptional regulation as neuronal NOS. Because NO rapidly decays in mitochondria, subcellular localization of mtNOS is crucial for NO to function as a signal molecule. These temporospatial processes are biologically important to allow NO to act as an effective signal molecule to regulate mitochondrial events such as oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species production.

Recent advances in physiological calcium homeostasis

A constant extracellular Ca2+ concentration is required for numerous physiological functions at tissue and cellular levels. This suggests that minor changes in Ca2+ will be corrected by appropriate homeostatic systems. The system regulating Ca2+ homeostasis involves several organs and hormones. The former are mainly the kidneys, skeleton, intestine and the parathyroid glands. The latter comprise, amongst others, the parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin. Progress has recently been made in the identification and characterisation of Ca2+ transport proteins CaT1 and ECaC and this has provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ transport in cells. The G-protein coupled calcium-sensing receptor, responsible for the exquisite ability of the parathyroid gland to respond to small changes in serum Ca2+ concentration was discovered about a decade ago. Research has focussed on the molecular mechanisms determining the serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3, and on the transcriptional activity of the vitamin D receptor. The aim of recent work has been to elucidate the mechanisms and the intracellular signalling pathways by which parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin affect Ca2+ homeostasis. This article summarises recent advances in the understanding and the molecular basis of physiological Ca2+ homeostasis.

Ca2+-sensing receptor induces Rho kinase-mediated actin stress fiber assembly and altered cell morphology, but not in response to aromatic amino acids

The Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaR) is a pleiotropic, type III G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that associates functionally with the cytoskeletal protein filamin. To investigate the effect of CaR signaling on the cytoskeleton, human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells stably transfected with CaR (CaR-HEK) were incubated with CaR agonists in serum-free medium for up to 3 h. Addition of the calcimimetic NPS R-467 or exposure to high extracellular Ca2+ or Mg2+ levels elicited actin stress fiber assembly and process retraction in otherwise stellate cells. These responses were ablated by cotreatment with the calcilytic NPS 89636 and were absent in vector-transfected HEK-293 cells. Cotreatment with the Rho kinase inhibitors Y-27632 and H1152 attenuated the CaR-induced morphological change but not intracellular Ca2+ (Cai2+) mobilization or ERK activation, although transfection with a dominant-negative RhoA-binding protein also inhibited calcimimetic-induced actin stress fiber assembly. CaR effects on morphology were unaffected by inhibition of Gq/11 or Gi/o signaling, epidermal growth factor receptor, or the metalloproteinases. In contrast, CaR-induced cytoskeletal changes were not induced by the aromatic amino acids, treatments that also failed to potentiate CaR-induced ERK activation despite inducing Cai2+ mobilization. Together, these data establish that CaR can elicit Rho-mediated changes in stress fiber assembly and cell morphology, which could contribute to the receptor's physiological actions. In addition, this study provides further evidence that aromatic amino acids elicit differential signaling from other CaR agonists.

Differential expression proteomics of human colon cancer

The focus of this study was to use differential protein expression to investigate operative pathways in early stages of human colon cancer. Colorectal cancer represents an ideal model system to study the development and progression of human tumors, and the proteomic approach avoids overlooking posttranslational modifications not detected by microarray analyses and the limited correlation between transcript and protein levels. Colon cancer samples, confined to the intestinal wall, were analyzed by expression proteomics and compared with matched samples from normal colon tissue. Samples were processed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and spots differentially expressed and consistent across all patients were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry analyses and by Western blot analyses. After differentially expressed proteins and their metabolic pathways were analyzed, the following main conclusions were achieved for tumor tissue: 1) a shift from beta-oxidation, as the main source of energy, to anaerobic glycolysis was observed owed to the alteration of nuclear- versus mitochondrial-encoded proteins and other proteins related to fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism; 2) lower capacity for Na(+) and K(+) cycling; and 3) operativity of the apoptosis pathway, especially the mitochondrial one. This study of the human colon cancer proteome represents a step toward a better understanding of the metabolomics of colon cancer at early stages confined to the intestinal wall.

Osteoblast calcium-sensing receptor has characteristics of ANF/7TM receptors

There is evidence for a functionally important extracellular calcium-sensing receptor in osteoblasts, but there is disagreement regarding its identity. Candidates are CASR and a putative novel calcium-sensing receptor, called Ob.CASR. To further characterize Ob.CASR and to distinguish it from CASR, we examined the extracellular cation-sensing response in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and in osteoblasts derived from CASR null mice. We found that extracellular cations activate ERK and serum response element (SRE)-luciferase reporter activity in osteoblasts lacking CASR. Amino acids, but not the calcimimetic NPS-R568, an allosteric modulator of CASR, also stimulate Ob.CASR-dependent SRE-luciferase activation in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In addition, we found that the dominant negative Galphaq(305-359) construct inhibited cation-stimulated ERK activation, consistent with Ob.CASR coupling to Galphaq-dependent pathways. Ob.CASR is also a target for classical GPCR desensitization mechanisms, since beta-arrestins, which bind to and uncouple GRK phosphorylated GPCRs, attenuated cation-stimulated SRE-luciferase activity in CASR deficient osteoblasts. Finally, we found that Ob.CASR and CASR couple to SRE through distinct signaling pathways. Ob.CASR does not activate RhoA and C3 toxin fails to block Ob.CASR-induced SRE-luciferase activity. Mutational analysis of the serum response factor (SRF) and ternary complex factor (TCF) elements in SRE demonstrates that Ob.CASR predominantly activates TCF-dependent mechanisms, whereas CASR activates SRE-luciferase mainly through a RhoA and SRF-dependent mechanism. The ability of Ob.CASR to sense cations and amino acids and function like a G-protein coupled receptor suggests that it may belong to the family of receptors characterized by an evolutionarily conserved amino acid sensing motif (ANF) linked to an intramembranous 7 transmembrane loop region (7TM).

Hypothyroid phenotype is contributed by mitochondrial complex I inactivation due to translocated neuronal nitric-oxide synthase

Although transcriptional effects of thyroid hormones have substantial influence on oxidative metabolism, how thyroid sets basal metabolic rate remains obscure. Compartmental localization of nitric-oxide synthases is important for nitric oxide signaling. We therefore examined liver neuronal nitric-oxide synthase-alpha (nNOS) subcellular distribution as a putative mechanism for thyroid effects on rat metabolic rate. At low 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine levels, nNOS mRNA increased by 3-fold, protein expression by one-fold, and nNOS was selectively translocated to mitochondria without changes in other isoforms. In contrast, under thyroid hormone administration, mRNA level did not change and nNOS remained predominantly localized in cytosol. In hypothyroidism, nNOS translocation resulted in enhanced mitochondrial nitric-oxide synthase activity with low O2 uptake. In this context, NO utilization increased active O2 species and peroxynitrite yields and tyrosine nitration of complex I proteins that reduced complex activity. Hypothyroidism was also associated to high phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and decreased phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and cyclin D1 levels. Similarly to thyroid hormones, but without changing thyroid status, nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester increased basal metabolic rate, prevented mitochondrial nitration and complex I derangement, and turned mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and cyclin D1 expression back to control pattern. We surmise that nNOS spatial confinement in mitochondria is a significant downstream effector of thyroid hormone and hypothyroid phenotype.

Mechanical force-activated phospholipase D is mediated by Galpha12/13-Rho and calmodulin-dependent kinase in renal epithelial cells

The renal glomerulus, the site of plasma ultrafiltration, is exposed to mechanical force in vivo arising from capillary blood pressure and fluid flow. Studies of cultured podocytes demonstrate that they respond to stretch by altering the structure of the actin cytoskeleton, but the mechanisms by which physical force triggers this architectural change and the signaling pathways that lead to generation of second messengers are not defined. In the present study, we found that in renal epithelial cells [podocytes and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells], application of mechanical force to the cell surface through fibronectin-coated ferric beads and exposure of the cells to magnetic force lead to Rho translocation and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. This application of force recruited Rho and filamentous actin (F-actin) to bead loci and subsequently stimulated phospholipase D (PLD), a downstream effector of Rho. Using MDCK cells that stably express regulators of G protein-signaling (RGS) proteins [RGS4 attenuates Galpha(i) and Galpha(q), and the p115RhoGEF-RGS domain (p115-RGS) attenuates Galpha(12/13)] to define the signaling pathway, we found that mechanical force induced Galpha(12/13)-Rho activation and increased F-actin to stimulate PLD activity. The activation can be partially prevented by the C(3) exoenzyme. Pretreatment of the cells with chemical inhibitors of several kinases showed that calmodulin-dependent kinase is also involved in stretch-induced PLD activation by a separate pathway. Taken together, our data demonstrate that in cultured podocytes and MDCK cells, mechanical force leads to actin cytoskeleton reorganization and PLD activation. The signaling pathways for PLD activation involve Galpha(12/13)/Rho/F-actin and calmodulin-dependent kinase.

G alpha12/G alpha13 subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins mediate parathyroid hormone activation of phospholipase D in UMR-106 osteoblastic cells

PTH, a major regulator of bone remodeling and a therapeutically effective bone anabolic agent, stimulates several signaling pathways in osteoblastic cells. Our recent studies have revealed that PTH activates phospholipase D (PLD) -mediated phospholipid hydrolysis through a RhoA-dependent mechanism in osteoblastic cells, raising the question of the upstream link to the PTH receptor. In the current study, we investigated the role of heterotrimeric G proteins in mediating PTH-stimulated PLD activity in UMR-106 osteoblastic cells. Transfection with antagonist minigenes coding for small peptide antagonists to G alpha 12 and G alpha13 subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins prevented PTH-stimulated activation of PLD, whereas an antagonist minigene to G alphas failed to produce this effect. Effects of pharmacological inhibitors (protein kinase inhibitor, Clostridium botulinum exoenzyme C3) were consistent with a role of Rho small G proteins, but not of cAMP, in the effect of PTH on PLD. Expression of constitutively active G alpha12 and G alpha13 activated PLD, an effect that was inhibited by dominant-negative RhoA. The results identify G alpha12 and G alpha13 as upstream transducers of PTH effects on PLD, mediated through RhoA in osteoblastic cells.

Receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins of the G12 family

Much regarding the engagement of the G(12) family of heterotrimeric G proteins (G(12) and G(13)) by agonist-activated receptors remains unclear. For example, the identity of receptors that couple unequivocally to G(12) and G(13) and how signals are allocated among these and other G proteins remain open questions. Part of the problem in understanding signaling through G(12) and G(13) is that the activation of these G proteins is rarely demonstrated directly and is instead presumed usually from far removed downstream events. Furthermore, receptors that couple to G(12) and G(13) invariably couple to additional G proteins, and thus few events can be linked unambiguously to one G protein or another. In this article, we document receptors that reportedly couple to G(12), G(13) or both G(12) and G(13), evaluate the methodology used to understand the coupling of these receptors, and discuss the ability of these receptors to couple also to G(q).

Role of ceramide in Ca2+-sensing receptor-induced apoptosis

Increased extracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](o)) can damage tissues, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly defined. Using HEK 293 cell lines that stably overexpress the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaR), a G protein-coupled receptor, we demonstrate that activation of the CaR leads to apoptosis, which was determined by nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, and increased cytosolic cytochrome c. This CaR-induced apoptotic pathway is initiated by CaR-induced accumulation of ceramide which plays an important role in inducing cell death signals by distinct G protein-independent signaling pathways. Pretreatment of wild-type CaR-expressing cells with pertussis toxin inhibited CaR-induced [(3)H]ceramide formation, c-Jun phosphorylation, and caspase-3 activation. The ceramide accumulation, c-Jun phosphorylation, and caspase-3 activation by the CaR can be abolished by sphingomyelinase and ceramide synthase inhibitors in different time frames. Cells that express a nonfunctional mutant CaR that were exposed to the same levels of [Ca(2+)](o) showed no evidence of activation of the apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, we report the involvement of the CaR in stimulating programmed cell death via a pathway involving GTP binding protein alpha subunit (Galpha(i))-dependent ceramide accumulation, activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase, c-Jun phosphorylation, caspase-3 activation, and DNA cleavage.

Hypoxia accelerates nitric oxide-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial complex I in activated macrophages

Excess production of nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in the development of multiple organ failure, with a putative mechanism involving direct mitochondrial inhibition, predominantly affecting complex I. The persistent effects of NO on complex I may be mediated through S-nitrosylation and/or nitration. The temporal contribution of these chemical modifications to the inhibition of respiration and the influence of concurrent hypoxia have not been previously examined. We therefore addressed these questions using J774 macrophages activated by endotoxin and interferon-γ over a 24-h period, incubated at 21% and 1% oxygen. Oxygen consumption and complex I activity fell progressively over time in the activated cells. This was largely prevented by coincubation with the nonspecific NO synthase inhibitor l- N5-(1-iminoethyl)-ornithine. Addition of glutathione ethyl ester reversed the inhibition at initial time points, suggesting an early mechanism involving nitrosylation. Thereafter, the inhibition of complex I became more persistent, coinciding with a progressive increase in mitochondrial nitration. Hypoxia accelerated the persistent inhibition of complex I, despite a reduction in the total amount of NO generated. Our results suggest that hypoxia amplified the mitochondrial inhibition induced by NO generated during inflammatory disease states.

Proteomic identification of 3-nitrotyrosine-containing rat cardiac proteins: effects of biological aging

Proteomic techniques were used to identify cardiac proteins from whole heart homogenate and heart mitochondria of Fisher 344/Brown Norway F1 rats, which suffer protein nitration as a consequence of biological aging. Soluble proteins from young (5 mo old) and old (26 mo old) animals were separated by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. One- and two-dimensional Western blots with an anti-nitrotyrosine antibody show an age-related increase in the immunoresponse of a few specific proteins, which were identified by nanoelectrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (NSI-MS/MS). Complementary proteins were immunoprecipitated with an immobilized anti-nitrotyrosine antibody followed by NSI-MS/MS analysis. A total of 48 proteins were putatively identified. Among the identified proteins were alpha-enolase, alpha-aldolase, desmin, aconitate hydratase, methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, GAPDH, malate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, electron-transfer flavoprotein, manganese-superoxide dismutase, F1-ATPase, and the voltage-dependent anion channel. Some contaminating blood proteins including transferrin and fibrinogen beta-chain precursor showed increased levels of nitration as well. MS/MS analysis located nitration at Y105 of the electron-transfer flavoprotein. Among the identified proteins, there are important enzymes responsible for energy production and metabolism as well as proteins involved in the structural integrity of the cells. Our results are consistent with age-dependent increased oxidative stress and with free radical-dependent damage of proteins. Possibly the oxidative modifications of the identified proteins contribute to the age-dependent degeneration and functional decline of heart proteins.

Biological significance of nitric oxide-mediated protein modifications

Nitric oxide (NO), despite an apparently simple diatomic structure, has a wide variety of functions in both physiology and pathology and within every major organ system. It has become an increasingly important scientific challenge to decipher how this wide range of activity is achieved. To this end a number of investigators have begun to explore how NO-mediated posttranslational modifications of proteins may represent mechanisms of cellular signaling. These modifications include: 1). binding to metal centers; 2). nitrosylation of thiol and amine groups; 3). nitration of tyrosine, tryptophan, amine, carboxylic acid, and phenylalanine groups; and 4). oxidation of thiols (both cysteine and methionine residues) and tyrosine. However, two particular modifications have recently received much attention, nitrosylation of thiols to produce S-nitrosothiol and nitration of tyrosine residues to produce nitrotyrosine. It is the purpose of this review to examine the possibility that these modifications may play a role in NO-mediated signaling.

Calcium receptor-mediated intracellular signalling

As a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) responds to changes in extracellular free calcium concentration by inducing intracellular signalling. These CaR-induced signals then specifically modulate cellular functions such as parathyroid hormone secretion from the parathyroid glands and calcium reabsorption in the kidney and thus to understand how the CaR functions one must understand how it signals. CaR-induced signalling involves intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation/oscillations as well as the activation of various phospholipases and protein kinases and the suppression of cAMP formation. This review will detail the intracellular pathways by which the CaR is believed to elicit its physiological functions and summarises the evidence for cell- and agonist-specific differential signalling.

Rapid and selective oxygen-regulated protein tyrosine denitration and nitration in mitochondria

Growing evidence connects a cumulative formation of 3-nitrotyrosyl adducts in proteins as a marker for oxidative damage with the pathogenesis of various diseases and pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress. A physiological signaling role for protein nitration has also been suggested. Controlled "denitration" would be essential for such a contribution of protein nitration to cellular regulatory processes. Thus, we further characterized such a potentially controlled, reversible tyrosine nitration that occurs in respiring mitochondria during oxygen deprivation followed by reoxygenation, which we recently discovered. Mitochondria constitute cellular centers of protein nitration and are leading candidates for a "nitrative" regulation. Mitochondria are capable of completely eliminating 3-nitrotyrosyl adducts during 20 min of hypoxia-anoxia and undergoing a selective partial reduction after only 5 min. This denitration is independent of protein degradation but depends on the oxygen tension. Reoxygenation re-establishes protein tyrosine nitration patterns that are almost identical to the pattern that occurs before hypoxia-anoxia, with nitration levels that depend on the duration of hypoxia-anoxia. The identified mitochondrial targets of this process are critical for energy and antioxidant homeostasis and, therefore, cell and tissue viability. This cycle of protein nitration and denitration shows analogies to protein phosphorylation, and we demonstrate that the cycle meets most of the criteria for a cellular signaling mechanism. Taken together, our data reveal that protein tyrosine nitration in mitochondria can be controlled, is target-selective and rapid, and is dynamic enough to serve as a nitrative regulatory signaling process that likely affects cellular energy, redox homeostasis, and pathological conditions when these features become disturbed.

New insights into protein S-nitrosylation. Mitochondria as a model system

The biological effects of nitric oxide (NO) are in significant part mediated through S-nitrosylation of cysteine thiol. Work on model thiol substrates has raised the idea that molecular oxygen (O(2)) is required for S-nitrosylation by NO; however, the relevance of this mechanism at the low physiological pO(2) of tissues is unclear. Here we have used a proteomic approach to study S-nitrosylation reactions in situ. We identify endogenously S-nitrosylated proteins in subcellular organelles, including dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase and catalase, and show that these, as well as hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase and sarcosine dehydrogenase (SarDH), are S-nitrosylated by NO under strictly anaerobic conditions. S-Nitrosylation of SarDH by NO is best rationalized by a novel mechanism involving the covalently bound flavin of the enzyme. We also identify a set of mitochondrial proteins that can be S-nitrosylated through multiple reaction channels, including anaerobic/oxidative, NO/O(2), and GSNO-mediated transnitrosation. Finally, we demonstrate that steady state levels of S-nitrosylation are higher in mitochondrial extracts than the intact organelles, suggesting the importance of denitrosylation reactions. Collectively, our results provide new insight into the determinants of S-nitrosothiol levels in subcellular compartments.

Calcium sensing by endocrine cells

The elucidation of the structure and function of the Ca2+(o)-sensing receptor (CaR) has provided important insights into the normal control of Ca2+(o) homeostasis, particularly the key role of the receptor in kidney and parathyroid. Further studies are needed to define more clearly the homeostatic role of the CaR in additional tissues, both those that are involved and those that are uninvolved in systemic Ca2+(o) homeostasis. The availability of the cloned CaR has also permitted documentation of the molecular basis of inherited disorders of Ca2+(o) sensing, including those in which the receptor is less and or more sensitive than normal to Ca2+(o). Antibodies to the CaR that either activate it or inactivate it produce syndromes resembling the corresponding genetic diseases. Expression of the receptor is abnormally low in 1 degree and 2 degrees hyperparathyroidism, which could contribute to the defective Ca2+(o) sensing in these conditions. The recent discovery of calcimimetics, which sensitize the CaR to Ca2+(o), has provided what will likely be an effective medical therapy for the secondary/tertiary hyperparathyroidism of end stage renal failure as well as for 1 degree hyperparathyroidism.