Switching of the coupling of the beta2-adrenergic receptor to different G proteins by protein kinase A

Characterization of two LGR genes homologous to gonadotropin and thyrotropin receptors with extracellular leucine-rich repeats and a G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane region

The receptors for LH, FSH, and TSH belong to the large G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane (TM) protein family and are unique in having a large N-terminal extracellular (ecto-) domain containing leucine-rich repeats important for interaction with the glycoprotein ligands. We have identified two new leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors and named them as LGR4 and LGR5, respectively. The ectodomains of both receptors contain 17 leucine-rich repeats together with N- and C-terminal flanking cysteine-rich sequences, compared with 9 repeats found in known glycoprotein hormone receptors. The leucine-rich repeats in LGR4 and LGR5 are arrays of 24 amino acids showing similarity to repeats found in the acid labile subunit of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGF binding protein complexes as well as slit, decorin, and Toll proteins. The TM region and the junction between ectodomain and TM 1 are highly conserved in LGR4, LGR5, and seven other LGRs from sea anemone, fly, nematode, mollusk, and mammal, suggesting their common evolutionary origin. In contrast to the restricted tissue expression of gonadotropin and TSH receptors in gonads and thyroid, respectively, LGR4 is expressed in diverse tissues including ovary, testis, adrenal, placenta, thymus, spinal cord, and thyroid, whereas LGR5 is found in muscle, placenta, spinal cord, and brain. Hybridization analysis of genomic DNA indicated that LGR4 and LGR5 genes are conserved in mammals. Comparison of overall amino acid sequences indicated that LGR4 and LGR5 are closely related to each other but diverge, during evolution, from the homologous receptor found in snail and the mammalian glycoprotein hormone receptors. The identification and characterization of new members of the LGR subfamily of receptor genes not only allow future isolation of their ligands and understanding of their physiological roles but also reveal the evolutionary relationship of G protein-coupled receptors with leucine-rich repeats.

Selective activation of G-protein subtypes by vertebrate and invertebrate rhodopsins

We have quantitatively investigated specificities in activating G-protein subtype by bovine and squid rhodopsins to examine whether or not the phototransduction cascade in each of the photoreceptor cells is determined by the colocalization of a large amount of G-protein subtype (Gt or Gq). In contrast to the efficient activation of respective Gt and Gq, bovine and squid rhodopsins scarcely activated G-protein counterparts. Exchange of alpha- and betagamma-subunits of Gt and Gq indicated the critical role of the alpha-subunit in specific binding to respective rhodopsins. Thus the specific recognition of G-protein subtype by each rhodopsin is a major mechanism in determining the phototransduction cascade.

Activation of muscarinic K+ current by beta-adrenergic receptors in cultured atrial myocytes transfected with beta1 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins

Muscarinic K+ channels (IK(ACh)) in native atrial myocytes are activated by betagamma subunits of pertussis toxin (Ptx)-sensitive heterotrimeric G proteins coupled to different receptors. betagamma subunits of Ptx-insensitive Gs, coupled to beta-adrenergic receptors, do not activate native IK(ACh). In atrial myocytes from adult rats transfected with rat brain beta1 subunit IK(ACh) can be activated by stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors using isoprenaline. This effect is insensitive to Ptx. These findings demonstrate for the first time promiscuous (Ptx-insensitive) coupling of Gsbetagamma to GIRK channels in their native environment.

Interleukin-8 receptors R1 and R2 activate mitogen-activated protein kinases and induce c-fos, independent of Ras and Raf-1 in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Many of the biological effects of interleukin-8 (IL-8) are realized by binding to the two seven-transmembrane receptors IL-8 R1 and IL-8 R2. IL-8 R1 is activated only by IL-8, while IL-8 R2 is activated by IL-8, GROalpha, and a few other alpha chemokines. In addition to the well-known chemoattractant function, IL-8 is also angiogenic and mitogenic. IL-8 R1 and R2 have been shown to interact with Galphai2 and Galpha16, resulting in the activation of several mitogen-activated protein kinases. We have investigated IL-8 R1 and IL-8 R2 regulated upstream mediators and downstream effects of extracellularly responsive kinase (ERK) signaling pathways by expressing the individual receptors in a heterologous system. Our results demonstrate the following in CHO cells stably expressing either IL-8 R1 or R2 receptors: (a) IL-8 activates ERK and ERK kinases (MEK) through R1. Both IL-8 and GROalpha activate ERK and MEK through R2, whereas MIP-1alpha, a beta chemokine, does not activate these kinases through either of these receptors. (b) ERK activation is inhibited by pertussis toxin and MEK1 inhibitor. (c) ERK activation is independent of the upstream mediators Ras and Raf-1. (d) The downstream effects of ERK activation result in an increase of c-fos mRNA through both R1 and R2 receptors.

The beta-adrenoceptor

The human beta-adrenoceptor is a member of the seven-transmembrane family of receptors, encoded by a gene on chromosome 5. beta-Adrenoceptors have been classified into beta1, beta2, and beta3 subgroups, with beta2-receptors being widely distributed in the respiratory tract, particularly in airway smooth muscle. Intracellular signaling following beta2-adrenoceptor activation is largely affected through a trimeric Gs protein coupled to adenylate cyclase. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) induces airway relaxation through phosphorylation of muscle regulatory proteins and attenuation of cellular Ca2+ concentrations. Alternative cAMP-independent pathways involving activation of membrane maxi-K+ channels and coupling through Gi to the MAP kinase system have also been described. Site-directed mutagenesis has identified Asp 113 and Ser 204/207 within the third and fourth membrane domains as the active site of the beta2-receptor, critical for beta2-agonist binding and activity. beta2-Agonists have been characterized as those that directly activate the receptor (albuterol), those that are taken up into a membrane depot (formoterol), and those that interact with a receptor-specific auxiliary binding site (salmeterol). These differences in mechanism of action are reflected in the kinetics of airway smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation in patients with asthma. beta-Adrenoceptor desensitization associated with beta2-agonist activation is a consequence of phosphorylation by beta-ARK and uncoupling of the receptor from Gs following beta-arrestin binding, of internalization and recycling of the receptor through processes of sequestration and resensitization and downregulation, modulated by an effect on receptor gene expression. The degree of receptor desensitization appears to differ, depending on the cell or tissue type, and is reflected in the different profiles of clinical tolerance to chronic beta2-agonist therapy. A number of polymorphisms of the beta2-receptor have been described that appear to alter the behavior of the receptor following agonist exposure. These include Arg-Gly 16, Glu-Gln 27, and Thr-lle 164. The Gly 16 receptor downregulates to a greater extent and is associated with increased airway hyperreactivity, nocturnal symptoms, and more severe asthma. The Glu 27 form appears to protect against downregulation and is associated with less reactive airways. An individual can be homozygous or heterozygous for given polymorphisms, and large populations will have to be studied to determine their importance to the asthma phenotype.

Signalling pathways for cardiac hypertrophy

Mechanical stretch is an initial factor for cardiac hypertrophy in response to haemodynamic overload (high blood pressure). Stretch of cardiomyocytes activates second messengers such as phosphatidylinositol, protein kinase C, Raf-1 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs), which are involved in increased protein synthesis. The cardiac renin-angiotensin system is linked to the formation of pressure-overload hypertrophy. Angiotensin II increases the growth of cardiomyocytes by an autocrine mechanism. Angiotensin II-evoked signal transduction pathways differ among cell types. In cardiac fibroblasts, angiotensin II activates ERKs through a pathway including the Gbetagamma subunit of Gi protein, Src family tyrosine kinases, Shc, Grb2 and Ras, whereas Gq and protein kinase C are important in cardiac myocytes. In addition, mechanical stretch enhances the endothelin-1 release from the cardiomyocytes. Further, the Na+ -H+ exchanger mediates mechanical stretch-induced Raf-1 kinase and ERK activation followed by increased protein synthesis in cardiomyocytes. Not only mechanical stress, but also neurohumoral factors induce cardiac hypertrophy. The activation of protein kinase cascades by norepinephrine is induced by protein kinase A through beta-adrenoceptors as well as by protein kinase C through alpha-adrenoceptors.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) constitute a family of six mammalian serine/threonine protein kinases that phosphorylate agonist-bound, or activated, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as their primary substrates. GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation rapidly initiates profound impairment of receptor signaling, or desensitization. This review focuses on the regulation of GRK activity by a variety of allosteric and other factors: agonist-stimulated GPCRs, beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins, phospholipid cofactors, the calcium-binding proteins calmodulin and recoverin, posttranslational isoprenylation and palmitoylation, autophosphorylation, and protein kinase C-mediated GRK phosphorylation. Studies employing recombinant, purified proteins, cell culture, and transgenic animal models attest to the general importance of GRKs in regulating a vast array of GPCRs both in vitro and in vivo.

Mediation of cyclic AMP signaling by the first intracellular loop of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor, which is a unique G protein-coupled receptor without a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, activates both inositol phosphate (InsP) and cAMP signaling responses. The function of the highly basic first intracellular (1i) loop of the GnRH receptor in signal transduction was evaluated by mutating selected residues located in its N and C termini. Replacements of Leu58, Lys59, Gln61, and Lys62 at the N terminus, and Leu73, Ser74, and Leu80 at the C terminus, caused no change in binding affinity. The agonist-induced InsP and cAMP responses of the Q61E and K59Q,K62Q receptors were also unaffected, but the L58A receptor showed a normal InsP response and an 80% decrease in cAMP production. At the C terminus, the InsP response of the L73R receptor was normal, but cAMP production was reduced by 80%. The EC50 for GnRH-induced InsP responses of the S74E and L80A receptors was increased by about one order of magnitude, and the cAMP responses were essentially abolished. These findings indicate that cAMP signaling from the GnRH receptor is dependent on specific residues in the 1i loop that are not essential for activation of the phosphoinositide signaling pathway.

DCC and netrins

Recent advances highlight the versatility and complexity of this highly conserved axon and cell migration guidance system. Characterization of netrin mutant phenotypes in worm, fly and mouse all suggest that netrins play local as well as long-range roles in guidance. Evidence from multiple sources also indicates that the netrin receptor DCC can mediate both attractive and repulsive responses to netrins.

Mechanisms mediating multiple physiological responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone

A central question in endocrinology is how a single ligand interacting with a single receptor can mediate multiple responses. GnRH interaction with receptor offers a prime example, leading to the regulation of synthesis and release of at least three molecules, regulation of target cell responsiveness and receptor number. The present study suggests a molecular model consistent with extant data that provides a mechanism by which this may occur and, further, which allows for coordinate regulation.

Regulated endocytosis of G-protein-coupled receptors by a biochemically and functionally distinct subpopulation of clathrin-coated pits

beta-2 Adrenergic receptors (B2ARs) are endocytosed by clathrin-coated pits. This process serves specialized functions in signal transduction and receptor regulation, raising the question of whether B2ARs are associated with biochemically specialized membrane vesicles during their endocytic trafficking. Here we show that B2ARs are endocytosed by a distinct subpopulation of clathrin-coated pits, which represent a limited subset of coated pits present in the plasma membrane, even in cells overexpressing both B2ARs and beta-arrestin. Coated pits mediating agonist-induced endocytosis of B2ARs differ from other coated pits mediating constitutive endocytosis of transferrin receptors in their temperature dependence for fission from the plasma membrane and in the association of their membrane coats with beta-arrestin. Endocytosis of these coated pits generates endocytic vesicles selectively enriched in B2ARs, which fuse within approximately 10 min after their formation with a common population of endosomes containing both B2ARs and transferrin receptors. These observations demonstrate, for the first time, the existence of a functionally and biochemically distinct subpopulation of clathrin-coated pits that mediate the agonist-regulated endocytosis of G-protein-coupled receptors, and they suggest a new model for the formation of compositionally specialized membrane vesicles at the earliest stage of the endocytic pathway.

Differential coupling of alpha1-, alpha2-, and beta-adrenergic receptors to mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and differentiation in transfected PC12 cells

Three adrenergic receptor families that selectively activate three different G proteins (alpha1/Gq/11, alpha2/Gi, and beta/Gs) were used to study mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and differentiation in PC12 cells. PC12 cells were stably transfected with alpha1A-, alpha2A-, or beta1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in an inducible expression vector, and subclones were characterized. Norepinephrine stimulated inositol phosphate formation in alpha1A-transfected cells, inhibited cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cAMP) formation in alpha2A-transfected cells, and stimulated cAMP formation in beta1-transfected cells. Nerve growth factor activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in all cell lines; however, norepinephrine activated ERKs only in alpha1A- and beta1-transfected cells but not in alpha2A-transfected cells. Norepinephrine also activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK in alpha1A-transfected cells but not in beta1- or alpha2A-transfected cells. Norepinephrine caused differentiation of PC12 cells expressing alpha1A-ARs but not those expressing beta1- or alpha2A-ARs. However, norepinephrine acted synergistically with nerve growth factor in promoting differentiation of cells expressing beta1-ARs. Whereas ERKs are activated by Gi- but not Gs-linked receptors in many fibroblastic cell lines, we observed the opposite in PC12 cells. The results show that activation of the different G protein signaling pathways has different effects on MAPKs and differentiation in PC12 cells, with Gq signaling pathways activating all three major MAPK pathways.

Phosphorylation of the prostacyclin receptor during homologous desensitization. A critical role for protein kinase c

Agonist-induced phosphorylation of an epitope-tagged prostacyclin receptor (HAhIP) is mediated primarily by PKC (Smyth, E. M., Nestor, P. V., and FitzGerald G. A. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 33698-33704). Based on the two consensus sites for protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation in the C-terminal region mutant HAhIPs were generated: S328A and S374A, in which an alanine replaced Ser-328 or Ser-374, respectively, S328A/S374A and C-DEL, in which the C-terminal portion was truncated at amino acid 313. Mutant receptors, stably expressed in HEK293 cells, coupled normally to cAMP production. Substantially less coupling to inositol phosphate was apparent with S328A, S328A/S374A, and C-DEL compared with HAhIP or S374A. Point mutants resolved by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a broad band with a molecular mass of 44-62, indicating that the receptors are glycosylated, and immunofluoresence staining demonstrated their membrane localization. C-DEL demonstrated a substantial reduction in glycosylation; bands with molecular masses of 38-54 (glycosylated), 30, and 27 kDa (unglycosylated) were apparent. Although membrane localization was evident, cellular localization was more diffuse. HAhIP and S374A underwent iloprost- and PMA-induced phosphorylation (1 and 5 microM, respectively, for 10 min). S328A and S328A/S374A showed a markedly less iloprost- and no PMA-induced phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of C-DEL was completely absent with either agonist. Electrospray mass spectrometry indicated that a peptide, including Ser-328, was phosphorylated in vitro by PKC, whereas one including Ser-374 was not. Iloprost (1 microM, 10 min) desensitized HAhIP- and S374A-mediated adenylyl cyclase activation. A less impressive desensitization was evident with S328A and S328A/S374A, and no desensitization of C-DEL coupling was apparent. Exposure of transfected cells to iloprost (1 microM) for increasing times induced a rapid desensitization of subsequent iloprost-induced (1 microM) HAhIP and S374A adenylyl cyclase coupling. In contrast, no significant time-dependent desensitization of S328A, S328A/S374A, or C-DEL coupling was evident. These results indicate that PKC-dependent phosphorylation is of critical importance to homologous regulation of hIP. Ser-328 is a primary site for PKC phosphorylation of hIP.

Chemokines activate natural killer cells through heterotrimeric G-proteins: implications for the treatment of AIDS and cancer

Natural killer (NK) cells are anti-tumor and anti-viral effector cells. These cells show increased cytolytic activity upon stimulation with interleukin 2 or chemokines. In addition, members of the C, CC, CXC, or CX3C chemokines induce the in vitro chemotaxis of NK cells and contribute to their in vivo tissue accumulation. Chemokines induce various intracellular signaling pathways in NK cells by activating members of the heterotrimeric G-proteins. Understanding these pathways should provide an insight into NK cell activation, in vivo distribution, and tissue localization. Based on evidence showing the high lytic activity of these effector cells against transformed or virally infected cells, it is suggested that NK cells can be used to maximize the immunotherapeutic protocols for AIDS and cancer patients.

[Use of a G-protein-coupled receptor to communicate. An evolutionary success]

Among membrane-bound receptors, the seven transmembrane receptors are the most abundant (several thousand, 1% of the genome). They were the most successful during evolution. They are capable of transducing messages as different as photons, organic odorants, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides, lipids, proteins, etc. They are catalysts of the GDP/GTP nucleotide exchange on heterotrimeric G proteins. They are therefore also called 'G-protein-coupled receptors' (GPCR). G proteins are composed of three subunits, G alpha and two undissociable subunits, G beta gamma. There are at least three families of GPCR showing no sequence similarity. Among G proteins, some have been crystallized (including under the heterotrimeric form) and their structure as well as their activation mechanisms are well known. The structures of GPCR are less known owing to the difficulty in crystallizing membrane-bound proteins. Indirect studies (mutations, 2D crystallization of rhodopsine, molecular modelling, etc.) lead to a useful model of the 'central core' composed of the seven transmembrane domains and of its structural modifications during activation. The intimate contact zones between GPCR and G proteins include, on the GPCR side, domains of intracellular loops and C-terminal, which are specific for each family and on the G protein side, essentially the N- et C-terminal domains plus the alpha 4-beta 6 loop. GPCR can adopt several 'active' conformations some of them being found in mutated receptors responsible for pathologies.

G protein-coupled-receptor cross-talk: the fine-tuning of multiple receptor-signalling pathways

Signalling via the large family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can lead to many cellular responses, ranging from regulation of intracellular levels of cAMP to stimulation of gene transcription. Members of this receptor family have been grouped into different categories dependent on the particular G protein subtypes that they predominantly interact with. Thus, receptors that couple to GS proteins will stimulate adenylate cyclase in many cells, while Gq/11-coupled receptors can mobilize intracellular Ca2+ via activation of phospholipase C. There is accumulating evidence, however, that activation of one particular signalling pathway by a GPCR can amplify intracellular signalling within a parallel but separate pathway. In this article Lisa Selbie and Stephen Hill review some of the evidence for these synergistic interactions and suggest that they may have an important role in finetuning signals from multiple receptor signalling pathways.

Essential role for G protein-coupled receptor endocytosis in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase

The classical paradigm for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signal transduction involves the agonist-dependent interaction of GPCRs with heterotrimeric G proteins at the plasma membrane and the subsequent generation, by membrane-localized effectors, of soluble second messengers or ion currents. Termination of GPCR signals follows G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)- and beta-arrestin-mediated receptor uncoupling and internalization. Here we show that these paradigms are inadequate to account for GPCR-mediated, Ras-dependent activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases Erk1 and -2. In HEK293 cells expressing dominant suppressor mutants of beta-arrestin or dynamin, beta2-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of MAP kinase is inhibited. The inhibitors of receptor internalization specifically blocked Raf-mediated activation of MEK. Plasma membrane-delimited steps in the GPCR-mediated activation of the MAP kinase pathway, such as tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and Raf kinase activation by Ras, are unaffected by inhibitors of receptor internalization. Thus, GRKs and beta-arrestins, which uncouple GPCRs and target them for internalization, function as essential elements in the GPCR-mediated MAP kinase signaling cascade.