Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels colocalize with adenylyl cyclase in regions of restricted cAMP diffusion

Emerging themes of cAMP regulation of the pulmonary endothelial barrier

The presence of excess fluid in the interstitium and air spaces of the lung presents severe restrictions to gas exchange. The pulmonary endothelial barrier regulates the flux of fluid and plasma proteins from the vascular space into the underlying tissue. The integrity of this endothelial barrier is dynamically regulated by transitions in cAMP (3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which are synthesized in discrete subcellular compartments. Cyclic AMP generated in the subplasma membrane compartment acts through PKA and Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) to tighten cell adhesions, strengthen cortical actin, reduce actomyosin contraction, and decrease permeability. Confining cAMP within the subplasma membrane space is critical to its barrier-protective properties. When cAMP escapes the near membrane compartment and gains access to the cytosolic compartment, or when soluble adenylyl cyclases generate cAMP within the cytosolic compartment, this second messenger activates established cytosolic cAMP signaling cascades to perturb the endothelial barrier through PKA-mediated disruption of microtubules. Thus the concept of cAMP compartmentalization in endothelial barrier regulation is gaining momentum and new possibilities are being unveiled for cytosolic cAMP signaling with the emergence of the bicarbonate-regulated mammalian soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC or AC10).

PDE4D and PDE4B function in distinct subcellular compartments in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Signaling through cAMP regulates most cellular functions. The spatiotemporal control of cAMP is, therefore, crucial for differential regulation of specific cellular targets. Here we investigated the consequences of PDE4B or PDE4D gene ablation on cAMP signaling at a subcellular level using mouse embryonic fibroblasts. PDE4B ablation had no effect on the global or bulk cytosol accumulation of cAMP but increased both basal and hormone-dependent cAMP in a near-membrane pool. Conversely, PDE4D ablation enhanced agonist-induced cAMP accumulation in the bulk cytosol as well as at the plasma membrane. Both PDE4B and PDE4D ablation significantly modified the time course and the level of isoproterenol-induced phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, a membrane cytoskeletal component. A second membrane response through Toll-like receptor signaling, however, was only affected by PDE4B ablation. PDE4D but not PDE4B ablation significantly prolonged cAMP-response element-binding protein-mediated transcription. These findings demonstrate that PDE4D and PDE4B have specialized functions in mouse embryonic fibroblasts with PDE4B controlling cAMP in a discrete subdomain near the plasma membrane.

Radixin assembles cAMP effectors Epac and PKA into a functional cAMP compartment: role in cAMP-dependent cell proliferation

cAMP is an ubiquitous second messenger. Localized areas with high cAMP concentration, i.e. cAMP microdomains, provide an elegant mechanism to generate signaling specificity and transduction efficiency. However, the mechanisms underlying cAMP effector targeting into these compartments is still unclear. Here we report the identification of radixin as a scaffolding unit for both cAMP effectors, Epac and PKA. This complex localizes in a submembrane compartment where cAMP synthesis occurs. Compartment disruption by shRNA and dominant negative approaches negatively affects cAMP action. Inhibition can be rescued by expression of Rap1b, a substrate for both Epac1 and PKA, but only in its GTP-bound and phosphorylated state. We propose that radixin scaffolds both cAMP effectors in a functional cAMP-sensing compartment for efficient signal transduction, using Rap1 as a downstream signal integrator.

How pancreatic beta-cells discriminate long and short timescale cAMP signals

The translocation of catalytic protein kinase A (cPKA) in response to cyclic-adenosine mono-phosphate (cAMP) depends on the pattern of stimulus applied to the cell. Experiments with IBMX have shown that 1), sustained cAMP elevation is more effective than oscillations of cAMP at getting cPKA into the nucleus; and 2), cPKA enters the nucleus by diffusion. We constructed mathematical models of cAMP activation of cPKA and their diffusion in order to study nuclear translocation of cPKA, and conclude that hindered diffusion of cPKA through the nuclear membrane by a rapid-binding process, but not globally reduced diffusion, can explain the experimental data. Perturbation analysis suggests that normal physiological oscillations of glucose would not result in nuclear translocation, but chronically high glucose that produces extended calcium plateaus and/or chronic glucagonlike peptide-1 stimulation could result in elevated levels of nuclear cPKA.

K(ATP) channels process nucleotide signals in muscle thermogenic response

Uniquely gated by intracellular adenine nucleotides, sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels have been typically assigned to protective cellular responses under severe energy insults. More recently, K(ATP) channels have been instituted in the continuous control of muscle energy expenditure under non-stressed, physiological states. These advances raised the question of how K(ATP) channels can process trends in cellular energetics within a milieu where each metabolic system is set to buffer nucleotide pools. Unveiling the mechanistic basis of the K(ATP) channel-driven thermogenic response in muscles thus invites the concepts of intracellular compartmentalization of energy and proteins, along with nucleotide signaling over diffusion barriers. Furthermore, it requires gaining insight into the properties of reversibility of intrinsic ATPase activity associated with K(ATP) channel complexes. Notwithstanding the operational paradigm, the homeostatic role of sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels can be now broadened to a wider range of environmental cues affecting metabolic well-being. In this way, under conditions of energy deficit such as ischemic insult or adrenergic stress, the operation of K(ATP) channel complexes would result in protective energy saving, safeguarding muscle performance and integrity. Under energy surplus, downregulation of K(ATP) channel function may find potential implications in conditions of energy imbalance linked to obesity, cold intolerance and associated metabolic disorders.

Protein kinase A phosphorylation of tau-serine 214 reorganizes microtubules and disrupts the endothelial cell barrier

Intracellular cAMP is compartmentalized to near membrane domains in endothelium, where it strengthens endothelial cell barrier function. Phosphodiesterase 4D4 (PDE4D4) interacts with the spectrin membrane skeleton and prevents cAMP from accessing microtubules. Expression of a dominant-negative PDE4D4 peptide enables cAMP to access microtubules, where it results in phosphorylation of the nonneuronal microtubule-associated protein tau at serine 214. Presently, we sought to determine whether PKA is responsible for tau-Ser214 phosphorylation and furthermore whether PKA phosphorylation of tau-Ser214 is sufficient to reorganize microtubules and induce endothelial cell gaps. In cells expressing the dominant-negative PDE4D4 peptide, forskolin activated transmembrane adenylyl cyclases, increased cAMP, and induced tau-Ser214 phosphorylation that was accompanied by microtubule reorganization. PKA catalytic and regulatory I subunits, but not the regulatory II subunit, coassociated with reorganized microtubules. To determine the functional consequence of tau-Ser214 phosphorylation, wild-type human tau40 and tau40 engineered to possess an alanine point mutation (S214A) were stably expressed in endothelium. In cells expressing the dominant-negative PDE4D4 peptide and tau-S214A, PKA-dependent phosphorylation of both the endogenous and heterologously expressed tau were abolished. Expression of tau-S214A prevented forskolin from depolymerizing microtubules, inducing intercellular gaps, and increasing macromolecular permeability. These findings therefore identify nonneuronal tau as a critical cAMP-responsive microtubule-associated protein that controls microtubule architecture and endothelial cell barrier function.

Thermodynamic analysis of protein kinase A Ialpha activation

Thermodynamic analysis of protein kinase A (PKA) Ialpha activation was performed using Quantum 3.3.0 docking software and a Gaussian 03W quantum mechanical computational package. Expected stacking interactions between adenine of 3':5'-AMP and aromatic moieties of amino acids were taken into account by means of MP2/6-31G(d) IPCM (isodensity polarizable continuum model) computations (epsilon = 4.0). It is demonstrated that thermodynamically favorable agonist-induced PKA Ialpha activation is mediated by two processes. First, 3':5'-AMP binding is accompanied by structural changes leading to a thermodynamically favorable regulatory subunit conformation, which is hardly realized in the absence of the ligand (DeltaG degrees (R) = -23.9 +/- 8.2 kJ/mol). Second, 3':5'-AMP affinity to the regulatory subunit conformation observed after agonist-induced PKA Ialpha activation is higher than that to inactive holoenzyme complex (DeltaG degrees (3':5'-AMP) = -28.1 +/- 9.7 kJ/mol). ATP is capable of docking into the 3':5'-AMP-binding site B of the regulatory subunit complexed with the catalytic one, resulting in inhibition of kinase activation. True constants of 3':5'-AMP binding to PKA Ialpha holoenzyme were found to be 60 and 57 microM for the regulatory subunit domains A and B, respectively. These constants, unlike the binding equilibrium constant determined using established experimental techniques and ranging from 15 nM to 2.9 microM, are proved to be direct measures of 3':5'-AMP-PKA Ialpha binding affinity. Their values are in a reasonable agreement with the changes in 3':5'-AMP concentration in the cell (2-55 microM) and account for PKA Ialpha activation in response to adequate stimuli.

Type 4 phosphodiesterase plays different integrating roles in different cellular domains in pyramidal cortical neurons

We investigated the role of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in the integration of cAMP signals and protein kinase A (PKA) activity following beta-adrenergic stimulation, by carrying out real-time imaging of male mouse pyramidal cortical neurons expressing biosensors to monitor cAMP levels (Epac1-camps and Epac2-camps300) or PKA activity (AKAR2). In the soma, isoproterenol (ISO) increased the PKA signal to approximately half the maximal response obtained with forskolin, with a characteristic beta(1) pharmacology and an EC(50) of 4.5 nm. This response was related to free cAMP levels in the submicromolar range. The specific type 4 PDE (PDE4) inhibitor rolipram had a very small effect alone, but strongly potentiated the PKA response to ISO. Blockers of other PDEs had no effect. PDE4 thus acts as a brake in the propagation of the beta(1)-adrenergic signal from the membrane to the bulk somatic cytosol. The results for a submembrane domain were markedly different, whether recorded with a PKA-sensitive potassium current related to the slow AHP or by two-photon imaging of small distal dendrites. The responses to ISO were stronger than in the bulk cytosol. This is consistent with the cAMP/PKA signal being strong at the membrane, as shown by electrophysiology, and favored in cellular domains with a high surface area to volume ratio, in which this signal was detected by imaging. Rolipram alone also produced a strong cAMP/PKA signal, revealing tonic cAMP production. PDE4 thus appears as a crucial integrator with different physiological implications in different subcellular domains.

Protein kinase inhibition differentially regulates organic cation transport

Previous studies showed that amantadine transport increased while tetraethylammonium (TEA) transport decreased in kidney tissue from diabetic rats. Changes in transport activity were reversed by exogenous insulin. We hypothesized that this difference in transport regulation is due to differential regulation of different transport systems. Native human embryonic kidney cortex cells (HEK293 cell line) and rat organic cation transporter (rOCT)-transfected cells were used to test the hypothesis. In support of differential regulation, short-term glucose starvation stimulated amantadine transport and inhibited TEA transport, but the effect was bicarbonate-modulated only for amantadine. cAMP analogues inhibited TEA transport while stimulating amantadine transport. This effect was additive to the effect of insulin, and the presence of bicarbonate affected the extent of the change. Our findings indicated that regulation of rOCT 1 and 2 was mediated by transmembrane adenylyl cyclase, and regulation of amantadine transport was mediated by soluble adenylyl cyclase, suggesting that intracellular microdomains of cAMP may be important in determining overall cellular transport for organic cations. Soluble adenylyl cyclase activity is known to be modulated by bicarbonate and lactate. These observations support our hypothesis and reconcile our previous studies demonstrating increased transport affinity for amantadine in the presence of bicarbonate and decreased transport affinity in the presence of lactate.

Persistent cAMP-signals triggered by internalized G-protein-coupled receptors

Real-time monitoring of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in native cells suggests that the receptor for thyroid stimulating hormone remains active after internalization, challenging the current model for GPCR signaling.

G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are generally thought to signal to second messengers like cyclic AMP (cAMP) from the cell surface and to become internalized upon repeated or prolonged stimulation. Once internalized, they are supposed to stop signaling to second messengers but may trigger nonclassical signals such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Here, we show that a GPCR continues to stimulate cAMP production in a sustained manner after internalization. We generated transgenic mice with ubiquitous expression of a fluorescent sensor for cAMP and studied cAMP responses to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in native, 3-D thyroid follicles isolated from these mice. TSH stimulation caused internalization of the TSH receptors into a pre-Golgi compartment in close association with G-protein α_s-subunits and adenylyl cyclase III. Receptors internalized together with TSH and produced downstream cellular responses that were distinct from those triggered by cell surface receptors. These data suggest that classical paradigms of GPCR signaling may need revision, as they indicate that cAMP signaling by GPCRs may occur both at the cell surface and from intracellular sites, but with different consequences for the cell.

Cells respond to many environmental cues through the activity of cell surface receptor proteins, which sense these cues and convey that information to signaling molecules inside the cell. G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest eukaryotic family of plasma membrane receptors. They convert the information provided by extracellular stimuli into intracellular second messengers, like cyclic AMP (cAMP). After prolonged stimulation, they are internalized inside cells, an event that to date has been thought to terminate the production of second messengers. Though many of the key steps of GPCR signaling are known in detail, precisely how signaling and termination actually occur in time and space (i.e., in subcellular compartments or microdomains) is still largely unexplored. To observe GPCR signaling in living cells, we generated mice expressing a fluorescent sensor that allows monitoring the intracellular levels of cAMP with a microscope. We utilized this system to study, directly in native thyroid follicles, the signal sent by the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Our findings indicate that TSH receptors are internalized rapidly after activation but continue to stimulate cAMP production inside cells and that this sustained, cAMP production is apparently required for localized activation of downstream components. These data challenge the current model of the GPCR-cAMP pathway by suggesting the existence of previously unrecognized intracellular site(s) for cAMP generation and of differential signaling outcomes as a result of intracellular GPCR signaling. Such intracellular site(s) may provide specialized signaling platforms, thus contributing to the spatiotemporal regulation of cAMP production and to signaling specificity within the GPCR family.

Soluble adenylyl cyclase-dependent microtubule disassembly reveals a novel mechanism of endothelial cell retraction

Soluble adenylyl cyclase toxins, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoY, generate a cAMP pool that retracts cell borders. However, the cytoskeletal basis by which this cAMP signal retracts cell borders is not known. We sought to determine whether activation of chimeric, soluble adenylyl cyclase I/II (sACI/II) reorganizes either microtubules or peripheral actin. Endothelial cells were stably transfected with either green fluorescent protein-labeled alpha-tubulin or beta-actin, and then infected with adenovirus to express sACI/II. Forskolin, which stimulates both the endogenously expressed transmembrane adenylyl cyclases and sACI/II, induced cell retraction accompanied by the reorganization of peripheral microtubules. However, cortical filamentous-actin (f-actin) did not reorganize into stress fibers, and myosin light-chain-20 phosphorylation was decreased. Isoproterenol, which activates endogenous adenylyl cyclases but does not activate sACI/II, did not induce endothelial cell gaps and did not influence microtubule or f-actin architecture. Thus, sACI/II generates a cAMP signal that reorganizes microtubules and induces cell retraction, without inducing f-actin stress fibers. These findings illustrate that endothelial cell gap formation can proceed without f-actin stress fiber formation, and provide mechanistic insight how bacterial adenylyl cyclase toxins reorganize the cytoskeleton to induce cell rounding.

cAMP signal transduction in the heart: understanding spatial control for the development of novel therapeutic strategies

3'-5'-Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a pleiotropic intracellular second messenger generated in response to activation of G(s) protein-coupled receptors. In the heart, cAMP mediates the catecholaminergic control on heart rate and contractility but, at the same time, it is responsible for the functional response to a wide variety of other hormones and neurotransmitters, raising the question of how the myocyte can decode the cAMP signal and generate the appropriate functional output to each individual extracellular stimulus. A growing body of evidence points to the spatial organization of the components of the cAMP signalling pathway in distinct, spatially segregated signalling domains as the key feature underpinning specificity of response and data is emerging, indicating that alteration of spatial control of the cAMP signal cascade associates with heart pathology. Most of the details of the molecular organization and regulation of individual cAMP signalling compartments are still to be elucidated but future research should provide the knowledge necessary to develop and test new therapeutic strategies that, by acting on a limited subset of downstream targets, would improve efficacy and minimize off-target effects.

Novel techniques for real-time monitoring of cGMP in living cells

Recent developments of biophysical and electrophysiological techniques have enabled researchers to monitor levels of free intracellular cGMP in real-time and in intact living cells. These techniques are based on the use of cGMP sensors, which respond to cGMP with changes in transmembrane ion current or changes in fluorescence. Here, we describe the principles of these techniques, compare them in terms of sensitivity and discuss possible application for current cell biology and physiology.

Spatial distribution of protein kinase A activity during cell migration is mediated by A-kinase anchoring protein AKAP Lbc

Protein kinase A (PKA) has been suggested to be spatially regulated in migrating cells due to its ability to control signaling events that are critical for polarized actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Here, using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based A-kinase activity reporter (AKAR1), we find that PKA activity gradients form with the strongest activity at the leading edge and are restricted to the basal surface in migrating cells. The existence of these gradients was confirmed using immunocytochemistry using phospho-PKA substrate antibodies. This observation holds true for carcinoma cells migrating randomly on laminin-1 or stimulated to migrate on collagen I with lysophosphatidic acid. Phosphodiesterase inhibition allows the formation of PKA activity gradients; however, these gradients are no longer polarized. PKA activity gradients are not detected when a non-phosphorylatable mutant of AKAR1 is used, if PKA activity is inhibited with H-89 or protein kinase inhibitor, or when PKA anchoring is perturbed. We further find that a specific A-kinase anchoring protein, AKAP-Lbc, is a major contributor to the formation of these gradients. In summary, our data show that PKA activity gradients are generated at the leading edge of migrating cells and provide additional insight into the mechanisms of PKA regulation of cell motility.

Compartmentalized signalling: spatial regulation of cAMP by the action of compartmentalized phosphodiesterases

cAMP is the original second messenger that is synthesized in response to a number of extracellular stimuli. Recent advances in cAMP reporter technology have given an insight into how cAMP signals retain their specificity. Spatial and temporal cAMP dynamics are regulated by discretely positioned phosphodiesterases that act as sinks to create simultaneous, multiple cAMP gradients in many cellular locations. Such gradients are sampled within microdomains that contain anchored cAMP effector proteins. Compartmentalization of proteins that produce, degrade and are activated by cAMP is crucial for the specificity of action required for normal cell function.

A mathematical analysis of second messenger compartmentalization

Intracellular compartmentalization of second messengers can lead to microdomains of elevated concentration that are thought to be involved in ensuring signaling specificity. Most experimental evidence for this compartmentalization involves the second messenger adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is degraded by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). One possible way of creating these compartments, supported by recent experiments, is to spatially separate the source of cAMP from regions of elevated PDE concentration. To quantify this possibility, we study here a simplified geometry in two dimensions (2D) and in three dimensions (3D), containing a cAMP point source and regions with different degradation constants. Using the symmetry of our geometry, we are able to derive steady state solutions for the cAMP concentration as a function of the system parameters. Furthermore, we show, using analytics as well as direct numerical simulations, that for physiologically relevant time scales the steady state solution has been reached. Our results indicate that elevating the degradation constant throughout the cell, except for a small microdomain surrounding the source, requires an unphysiologically high cellular PDE concentration. On the other hand, a tight spatial relationship of localized PDEs with the cAMP source can result in functional microdomains while maintaining a physiologically plausible cellular PDE concentration.

Selective coupling of type 6 adenylyl cyclase with type 2 IP3 receptors mediates direct sensitization of IP3 receptors by cAMP

Interactions between cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and Ca²⁺ are widespread, and for both intracellular messengers, their spatial organization is important. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates formation of cAMP and sensitizes inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP₃R) to IP₃. We show that PTH communicates with IP₃R via “cAMP junctions” that allow local delivery of a supramaximal concentration of cAMP to IP₃R, directly increasing their sensitivity to IP₃. These junctions are robust binary switches that are digitally recruited by increasing concentrations of PTH. Human embryonic kidney cells express several isoforms of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and IP₃R, but IP₃R2 and AC6 are specifically associated, and inhibition of AC6 or IP₃R2 expression by small interfering RNA selectively attenuates potentiation of Ca²⁺ signals by PTH. We define two modes of cAMP signaling: binary, where cAMP passes directly from AC6 to IP₃R2; and analogue, where local gradients of cAMP concentration regulate cAMP effectors more remote from AC. Binary signaling requires localized delivery of cAMP, whereas analogue signaling is more dependent on localized cAMP degradation.

The C1 and C2 domains target human type 6 adenylyl cyclase to lipid rafts and caveolae

Previous data has shown that adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6) is expressed principally in lipid rafts or caveolae of cardiac myocytes and other cell types while certain other isoforms of AC are excluded from these microdomains. The mechanism by which AC6 is localized to lipid rafts or caveolae is unknown. In this study, we show AC6 is localized in lipid rafts of COS-7 cells (expressing caveolin-1) and in HEK-293 cells or cardiac fibroblasts isolated from caveolin-1 knock-out mice (both of which lack prototypical caveolins). To determine the region of AC6 that confers raft localization, we independently expressed each of the major intracellular domains, the N-terminus, C1 and C2 domains, and examined their localization with various approaches. The N-terminus did not associate with lipid rafts or caveolae of either COS-7 or HEK-293 cells nor did it immunoprecipitate with caveolin-1 when expressed in COS-7 cells. By contrast, the C1 and C2 domains each associated with lipid rafts to varying degrees and were present in caveolin-1 immunoprecipitates. There were no differences in the pattern of localization of either the C1 or C2 domains between COS-7 and HEK-293 cells. Further dissection of the C1 domain into four individual proteins indicated that the N-terminal half of this domain is responsible for its raft localization. To probe for a role of a putative palmitoylation motif in the C-terminal portion of the C2 domain, we expressed various truncated forms of AC6 lacking most or all of the C-terminal 41 amino acids. These truncated AC6 proteins were not altered in terms of their localization in lipid rafts or their catalytic activity, implying that this C-terminal region is not required for lipid raft targeting of AC6. We conclude that while the C1 domain may be most important, both the C1 and C2 domains of AC6 play a role in targeting AC6 to lipid rafts.

Rebaudioside A directly stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells: a glucose-dependent action via inhibition of ATP-sensitive K-channels

Recently, we showed that rebaudioside A potently stimulates the insulin secretion from isolated mouse islets in a dose-, glucose- and Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying the insulinotropic action of rebaudioside A. The aim of this study was to define the signalling system by which, rebaudioside A acts. Isolated mouse islets were used in the cAMP[(125)I] scintillation proximity assay to measure total cAMP level, and in a luminometric method to measure intracellular ATP and ADP concentrations. Conventional and permeabilized whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to verify the effect of rebaudioside A on ATP-sensitive K(+)-channels from dispersed single beta cells from isolated mouse islets. Insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay from insulinoma MIN6 cells. In the presence of 16.7 mM glucose, the addition of the maximally effective concentration of rebaudioside A (10(-9) M) increased the ATP/ADP ratio significantly, while it did not change the intracellular cAMP level. Rebaudioside A (10(-9) M) and stevioside (10(-6) M) reduced the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) conductance in a glucose-dependent manner. Moreover, rebaudioside A stimulated the insulin secretion from MIN6 cells in a dose- and glucose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the insulinotropic effect of rebaudioside A is mediated via inhibition of ATP-sensitive K(+)-channels and requires the presence of high glucose. The inhibition of ATP-sensitive K(+)-channels is probably induced by changes in the ATP/ADP ratio. The results indicate that rebaudioside A may offer a distinct therapeutic advantage over sulphonylureas because of less risk of causing hypoglycaemia.

The A-kinase anchoring protein Yotiao binds and regulates adenylyl cyclase in brain

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) influence the spatial and temporal regulation of cAMP signaling events. Anchoring of PKA in proximity to certain adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms is thought to enhance the phosphorylation dependent termination of cAMP synthesis. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation and enzymological approaches, we show that the plasma membrane targeted anchoring protein AKAP9/Yotiao displays unique specificity for interaction and the regulation of a variety of AC isoforms. Yotiao inhibits AC 2 and 3, but has no effect on AC 1 or 9, serving purely as a scaffold for these latter isoforms. Thus, Yotiao represents an inhibitor of AC2. The N terminus of AC2 (AC2-NT), which binds directly to amino acids 808-957 of Yotiao, mediates this interaction. Additionally, AC2-NT and Yotiao (808-957) are able to effectively inhibit the association of AC2 with Yotiao and, thus, reverse the inhibition of AC2 by Yotiao in membranes. Finally, disruption of Yotiao-AC interactions gives rise to a 40% increase in brain AC activity, indicating that this anchoring protein functions to directly regulate cAMP production in the brain.

Protein kinase A type I and type II define distinct intracellular signaling compartments

Protein kinase A (PKA) is a key regulatory enzyme that, on activation by cAMP, modulates a wide variety of cellular functions. PKA isoforms type I and type II possess different structural features and biochemical characteristics, resulting in nonredundant function. However, how different PKA isoforms expressed in the same cell manage to perform distinct functions on activation by the same soluble intracellular messenger, cAMP, remains to be established. Here, we provide a mechanism for the different function of PKA isoforms subsets in cardiac myocytes and demonstrate that PKA-RI and PKA-RII, by binding to AKAPs (A kinase anchoring proteins), are tethered to different subcellular locales, thus defining distinct intracellular signaling compartments. Within such compartments, PKA-RI and PKA-RII respond to distinct, spatially restricted cAMP signals generated in response to specific G protein-coupled receptor agonists and regulated by unique subsets of the cAMP degrading phosphodiesterases. The selective activation of individual PKA isoforms thus leads to phosphorylation of unique subsets of downstream targets.

Quantitative measurement of cAMP concentration using an exchange protein directly activated by a cAMP-based FRET-sensor

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors for the quantitative analysis of intracellular signaling, including sensors for monitoring cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), are of increasing interest. The measurement of the donor/acceptor emission ratio in tandem biosensors excited at the donor excitation wavelength is a commonly used technique. A general problem, however, is that this ratio varies not only with the changes in cAMP concentration but also with the changes of the ionic environment or other factors affecting the folding probability of the fluorophores. Here, we use a spectral FRET analysis on the basis of two excitation wavelengths to obtain a reliable measure of the absolute cAMP concentrations with high temporal and spatial resolution by using an "exchange protein directly activated by cAMP". In this approach, FRET analysis is simplified and does not require additional calibration routines. The change in FRET efficiency (E) of the biosensor caused by [cAMP] changes was determined as DeltaE = 15%, whereas E varies between 35% at low and 20% at high [cAMP], allowing quantitative measurement of cAMP concentration in the range from 150 nM to 15 microM. The method described is also suitable for other FRET-based biosensors with a 1:1 donor/acceptor stoichiometry. As a proof of principle, we measured the specially resolved cAMP concentration within living cells and determined the dynamic changes of cAMP levels after stimulation of the Gs-coupled serotonin receptor subtype 7 (5-HT7).

Control of cardiac rate by "funny" channels in health and disease

Activation of the "funny" (pacemaker, I f) current during the diastolic depolarization phase of an action potential is the main mechanism underlying spontaneous, rhythmic activity of cardiac pacemaker cells. In the past three decades, a wealth of evidence elucidating the function of the funny current in the generation and modulation of cardiac pacemaker activity has been gathered. The slope of early diastolic depolarization, and thus the heart rate, is controlled precisely by the degree of I f activation during diastole. I f is also accurately and rapidly modulated by changes of the cytosolic concentration of the second messenger cAMP, operated by the autonomous nervous system through beta-adrenergic, mainly beta2, and in the opposite way by muscarinic receptor, stimulation. Recently, novel in vivo data, both in animal models and humans, have been collected that confirm the key role of I f in pacemaking. In particular, an inheritable point mutation in the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain of human HCN4, the main hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN) isoform contributing to native funny channels of the sinoatrial node, was shown to be associated with sinus bradycardia in a large family. Because of their properties, funny channels have long been a major target of classical pharmacological research and are now target of innovative gene/cell-based therapeutic approaches aimed to exploit their function in cardiac rate control.

The cyclic AMP phenotype of fragile X and autism

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a second messenger involved in many processes including mnemonic processing and anxiety. Memory deficits and anxiety are noted in the phenotype of fragile X (FX), the most common heritable cause of mental retardation and autism. Here we review reported observations of altered cAMP cascade function in FX and autism. Cyclic AMP is a potentially useful biochemical marker to distinguish autism comorbid with FX from autism per se and the cAMP cascade may be a viable therapeutic target for both FX and autism.

Cytoplasmic cAMP concentrations in intact cardiac myocytes

In cardiac myocytes there is evidence that activation of some receptors can regulate protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent responses by stimulating cAMP production that is limited to discrete intracellular domains. We previously developed a computational model of compartmentalized cAMP signaling to investigate the feasibility of this idea. The model was able to reproduce experimental results demonstrating that both beta(1)-adrenergic and M(2) muscarinic receptor-mediated cAMP changes occur in microdomains associated with PKA signaling. However, the model also suggested that the cAMP concentration throughout most of the cell could be significantly higher than that found in PKA-signaling domains. In the present study we tested this counterintuitive hypothesis using a freely diffusible fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor constructed from the type 2 exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac2-camps). It was determined that in adult ventricular myocytes the basal cAMP concentration detected by the probe is approximately 1.2 muM, which is high enough to maximally activate PKA. Furthermore, the probe detected responses produced by both beta(1) and M(2) receptor activation. Modeling suggests that responses detected by Epac2-camps mainly reflect what is happening in a bulk cytosolic compartment with little contribution from microdomains where PKA signaling occurs. These results support the conclusion that even though beta(1) and M(2) receptor activation can produce global changes in cAMP, compartmentation plays an important role by maintaining microdomains where cAMP levels are significantly below that found throughout most of the cell. This allows receptor stimulation to regulate cAMP activity over concentration ranges appropriate for modulating both higher (e.g., PKA) and lower affinity (e.g., Epac) effectors.

Farnesol and dodecanol effects on the Candida albicans Ras1-cAMP signalling pathway and the regulation of morphogenesis

Candida albicans hypha formation which has been stimulated via the Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 signalling cascade is inhibited by farnesol, a C. albicans autoregulatory factor, and small molecules such as dodecanol. In cultures containing farnesol or dodecanol, hypha formation was restored upon addition of dibutyryl-cAMP. The CAI4-Ras1(G13V) strain, which carries a dominant-active variant of Ras1 and forms hyphae in the absence of inducing stimuli, grew as yeast in medium with farnesol or dodecanol; the heat shock sensitivity of the CAI4-Ras1(G13V) strain was also suppressed by these compounds. Neither Pde1 nor Pde2 was necessary for the repression of hyphal growth by farnesol or dodecanol. Two transcripts, CTA1 and HSP12, which are at higher levels upon mutation of Ras1 or Cdc35, were increased in abundance in cells grown with farnesol or dodecanol. Microscopic analysis of strains carrying CTA1 and HWP1 promoter fusions grown with intermediate concentrations of farnesol or dodecanol indicated a link between cells with the increased expression of cAMP-repressed genes and cells repressed for hypha formation. Because several cAMP-controlled outputs are affected by farnesol and dodecanol, our findings suggest that these compounds impact activity of the Ras1-Cdc35 pathway, thus leading to an alteration of C. albicans morphology.

Application of the BD ACTOne technology for the high-throughput screening of Gs-coupled receptor antagonists

A novel technology for monitoring the changes of 3,'5'-adenosine cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in live cells suitable for drug screening relies on the use of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels as biosensors coexpressed with the appropriate target receptor. The technique (termed BD ACTOne) offers measurement of cAMP-dependent calcium influx or membrane depolarization with conventional fluorescent methods both in kinetic and in endpoint modes, optimal for high-throughput and subsequent compound screening. The utility of the technique is reported here based on assay development and high-throughput screening for small-molecule antagonists of the peptide parathyroid hormone 2 receptor (PTH2R). The dual-signaling properties of the receptor were retained in the recombinant system, and the observed pharmacological profile corresponded to data from radiolabeled cAMP determination. The membrane-potential-based high-throughput assay produced reproducible actives and led to the identification of several chemical scaffolds with potential utility as PTH2R ligands.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of beta-adrenergic cAMP signals and L-type Ca2+ channel regulation in adult rat ventricular myocytes: role of phosphodiesterases

Steady-state activation of cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors leads to an intracellular compartmentation of cAMP resulting from localized cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. To evaluate the time course of the cAMP changes in the different compartments, brief (15 seconds) pulses of isoprenaline (100 nmol/L) were applied to adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs) while monitoring cAMP changes beneath the membrane using engineered cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and within the cytosol with the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based sensor, Epac2-camps. cAMP kinetics in the two compartments were compared to the time course of the L-type Ca(2+) channel current (I(Ca,L)) amplitude. The onset and recovery of cAMP transients were, respectively, 30% and 50% faster at the plasma membrane than in the cytosol, in agreement with a rapid production and degradation of the second messenger at the plasma membrane and a restricted diffusion of cAMP to the cytosol. I(Ca,L) amplitude increased twice slower than cAMP at the membrane, and the current remained elevated for approximately 5 minutes after cAMP had already returned to basal level, indicating that cAMP changes are not rate-limiting in channel phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Inhibition of PDE4 (with 10 micromol/L Ro 20-1724) increased the amplitude and dramatically slowed down the onset and recovery of cAMP signals, whereas PDE3 blockade (with 1 micromol/L cilostamide) had a minor effect only on subsarcolemmal cAMP. However, when both PDE3 and PDE4 were inhibited, or when all PDEs were blocked using 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (300 micromol/L), cAMP signals and I(Ca,L) declined with a time constant >10 minutes. cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibition with protein kinase inhibitor produced a similar effect as a partial inhibition of PDE4 on the cytosolic cAMP transient. Consistently, cAMP-PDE assay on ARVMs briefly (15 seconds) exposed to isoprenaline showed a pronounced (up to approximately 50%) dose-dependent increase in total PDE activity, which was mainly attributable to activation of PDE4. These results reveal temporally distinct beta-adrenergic receptor cAMP compartments in ARVMs and shed new light on the intricate roles of PDE3 and PDE4.

Roles of GRK and PDE4 activities in the regulation of beta2 adrenergic signaling

An important focus in cell biology is understanding how different feedback mechanisms regulate G protein-coupled receptor systems. Toward this end we investigated the regulation of endogenous beta(2) adrenergic receptors (beta2ARs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) by measuring cAMP signals in single HEK-293 cells. We monitored cAMP signals using genetically encoded cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. This high resolution approach allowed us to make several observations. (a) Exposure of cells to 1 muM isoproterenol triggered transient increases in cAMP levels near the plasma membrane. Pretreatment of cells with 10 muM rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, prevented the decline in the isoproterenol-induced cAMP signals. (b) 1 muM isoproterenol triggered a sustained, twofold increase in phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) activity. (c) The decline in isoproterenol-dependent cAMP levels was not significantly altered by including 20 nM PKI, a PKA inhibitor, or 3 muM 59-74E, a GRK inhibitor, in the pipette solution; however, the decline in the cAMP levels was prevented when both PKI and 59-74E were included in the pipette solution. (d) After an initial 5-min stimulation with isoproterenol and a 5-min washout, little or no recovery of the signal was observed during a second 5-min stimulation with isoproterenol. (e) The amplitude of the signal in response to the second isoproterenol stimulation was not altered when PKI was included in the pipette solution, but was significantly increased when 59-74E was included. Taken together, these data indicate that either GRK-mediated desensitization of beta2ARs or PKA-mediated stimulation of PDE4 activity is sufficient to cause declines in cAMP signals. In addition, the data indicate that GRK-mediated desensitization is primarily responsible for a sustained suppression of beta2AR signaling. To better understand the interplay between receptor desensitization and PDE4 activity in controlling cAMP signals, we developed a mathematical model of this system. Simulations of cAMP signals using this model are consistent with the experimental data and demonstrate the importance of receptor levels, receptor desensitization, basal adenylyl cyclase activity, and regulation of PDE activity in controlling cAMP signals, and hence, on the overall sensitivity of the system.

Pharmacological and kinetic characterization of adrenomedullin 1 and calcitonin gene-related peptide 1 receptor reporter cell lines

Adrenomedullin (ADM) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors and their respective ligands play important roles in cardiovascular (patho-)physiology. Functional expression of ADM and CGRP receptors requires the presence of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) together with receptor-activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). We have characterized the expression patterns of CRLR and RAMP1 to RAMP3 in human cardiovascular-related tissues by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We could identify high expression levels of CRLR, RAMP1, and RAMP2 in human heart and various blood vessels. RAMP3 expression in these tissues, however, was detectable at significantly lower levels. In addition, we describe here a novel, aequorin luminescence-based G protein-coupled receptor reporter assay that enables the real-time detection of receptor activation in living cells. In the assay system, intracellular cAMP levels are monitored with high sensitivity by using a modified, heteromultimeric cyclic nucleotide-gated channel mediating calcium influx. G(q)-coupled receptor activation is detected via aequorin luminescence stimulated by calcium release from intracellular stores. Using this novel reporter assay, we established and characterized stable ADM1 and CGRP1 receptor cell lines. The peptide ligands ADM, CGRP1, and CGRP2 were characterized as potent agonists at their respective receptors. In contrast, intermedin acted as a weak agonist on both receptors and showed only partial agonism on the ADM1 receptor. Agonist activities were effectively antagonized by the receptor antagonists ADM(22-52) and CGRP(8-37). Various vasoactive ADM fragments were also characterized but showed no activity on the ADM1 receptor cell line. In addition, luminescence signal kinetics after activation of G(s)- and G(q)-coupled receptors were found to be markedly different.

A toolkit for real-time detection of cAMP: insights into compartmentalized signaling

The study of cAMP signaling has received a renewed impulse since the recognition that a key aspect of this pathway is the tight spatial control of signal propagation. The study of the mechanism that regulates cAMP signaling in space and time has prompted the development of new methodological approaches to detect cAMP in intact cells. Over the last decades, techniques to assess cAMP concentration with high spatial and temporal resolution in living cells have been elaborated that are based on fluorescent molecules and the phenomenon of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). A FRET-based indicator of cAMP concentration is typically a protein, including two fluorophores that are linked to a cAMP-binding domain. Binding of cAMP causes a change in the protein conformation and, as a consequence, in the distance between the fluorophores, thus altering the energy transfer between them. Several FRET indicators have been developed, differing in their affinity for cAMP, kinetic features and intracellular targeting. Such indicators enable the measurement of cAMP fluctuations as they happen in the complex intracellular environment and are proving to be effective tools to dissect compartmentalized cAMP signaling.

Live-cell imaging of cAMP dynamics

Spatial and temporal compartmentalization of cAMP (and its target proteins) is central to the ability of this second messenger to govern cellular activity over timescales ranging from milliseconds to several hours. Recent years have witnessed a burgeoning of methodologies that enable researchers to directly monitor rapid subcellular cAMP dynamics, which are unobtainable by traditional cAMP assays. In this review, we examine cAMP biosensors that are currently available for measuring cAMP at the single-cell level, compare their various operating principles and discuss their applications.

Spectrin-anchored phosphodiesterase 4D4 restricts cAMP from disrupting microtubules and inducing endothelial cell gap formation

Dynamic cAMP fluctuations that are restricted to a sub-plasma-membrane domain strengthen endothelial barrier integrity. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) localize within this domain where they limit cAMP diffusion into the bulk cytosolic compartment; however, the molecular identity of PDEs responsible for endothelial cell membrane cAMP compartmentation remain poorly understood. Our present findings reveal that the D4 splice variant of the PDE4 phosphodiesterase family - PDE4D4 - is expressed in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, and is found in plasma membrane fractions. PDE4D4 interacts with alpha II spectrin within this membrane domain. Although constitutive PDE4D4 activity limits cAMP access to the bulk cytosol, inhibiting its activity permits cAMP to access a cytosolic domain that is rich in microtubules, where it promotes protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of tau at Ser214. Such phosphorylation reorganizes microtubules and induces interendothelial cell gap formation. Thus, spectrin-anchored PDE4D4 shapes the physiological response to cAMP by directing it to barrier-enhancing effectors while limiting PKA-mediated microtubule reorganization.

Altering cAMP levels within a central pattern generator modifies or disrupts rhythmic motor output

Cyclic AMP is a second messenger that has been implicated in the neuromodulation of rhythmically active motor patterns. Here, we tested whether manipulating cAMP affects swim motor pattern generation in the mollusc, Tritonia diomedea. Inhibiting adenylyl cyclase (AC) with 9-cyclopentyladenine (9-CPA) slowed or stopped the swim motor pattern. Inhibiting phosphodiesterase with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) or applying dibutyryl-cAMP (dB-cAMP) disrupted the swim motor pattern, as did iontophoresing cAMP into the central pattern generator neuron C2. Additionally, during wash-in, IBMX sometimes temporarily produced extended or spontaneous swim motor patterns. Photolysis of caged cAMP in C2 after initiation of the swim motor pattern inhibited subsequent bursting. These results suggest that cAMP levels can dynamically modulate swim motor pattern generation, possibly shaping the output of the central pattern generator on a cycle-by-cycle basis.

Dynamic regulation, desensitization, and cross-talk in discrete subcellular microdomains during beta2-adrenoceptor and prostanoid receptor cAMP signaling

Dynamic and localized actions of cAMP are central to the generation of discrete cellular events in response to a range of G(s)-coupled receptor agonists. In the present study we have employed a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel sensor to report acute changes in cAMP in the restricted cellular microdomains adjacent to two different G(s)-coupled receptor pathways, beta(2)-adrenoceptors and prostanoid receptors that are expressed endogenously in HEK293 cells. We probed by either selective small interference RNA-mediated knockdown or dominant negative overexpression the contribution of key signaling components in the rapid attenuation of the local cAMP signaling and subsequent desensitization of each of these G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways immediately following receptor activation. Direct measurements of cAMP changes just beneath the plasma membrane of single HEK293 cells reveal novel insights into key regulatory roles provided by protein kinase A-RII, beta-arrestin2, cAMP phosphodiesterase-4D3, and cAMP phosphodiesterase-4D5. We provide new evidence for distinct modes of cAMP down-regulation in these two G(s)-linked pathways and show that these distinct G-protein-coupled receptor signaling systems are subject to unidirectional, heterologous desensitization that allows for limited cross-talk between distinct, dynamically regulated pools of cAMP.

Modulation of TASK-like background potassium channels in rat arterial chemoreceptor cells by intracellular ATP and other nucleotides

The carotid body's physiological role is to sense arterial oxygen, CO(2) and pH. It is however, also powerfully excited by inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation. This latter observation is the cornerstone of the mitochondrial hypothesis which proposes that oxygen is sensed through changes in energy metabolism. All of these stimuli act in a similar manner, i.e. by inhibiting a background TASK-like potassium channel (K(B)) they induce membrane depolarization and thus neurosecretion. In this study we have evaluated the role of ATP in modulating K(B) channels. We find that K(B) channels are strongly activated by MgATP (but not ATP(4)(-)) within the physiological range (K(1/2) = 2.3 mm). This effect was mimicked by other Mg-nucleotides including GTP, UTP, AMP-PCP and ATP-gamma-S, but not by PP(i) or AMP, suggesting that channel activity is regulated by a Mg-nucleotide sensor. Channel activation by MgATP was not antagonized by either 1 mm AMP or 500 microm ADP. Thus MgATP is probably the principal nucleotide regulating channel activity in the intact cell. We therefore investigated the effects of metabolic inhibition upon both [Mg(2+)](i), as an index of MgATP depletion, and channel activity in cell-attached patches. The extent of increase in [Mg(2+)](i) (and thus MgATP depletion) in response to inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation were consistent with a decline in [MgATP](i) playing a prominent role in mediating inhibition of K(B) channel activity, and the response of arterial chemoreceptors to metabolic compromise.

Organization and Ca2+Regulation of Adenylyl Cyclases in cAMP Microdomains

The adenylyl cyclases are variously regulated by G protein subunits, a number of serine/threonine and tyrosine protein kinases, and Ca2+. In some physiological situations, this regulation can be readily incorporated into a hormonal cascade, controlling processes such as cardiac contractility or neurotransmitter release. However, the significance of some modes of regulation is obscure and is likely only to be apparent in explicit cellular contexts (or stages of the cell cycle). The regulation of many of the ACs by the ubiquitous second messenger Ca2+provides an overarching mechanism for integrating the activities of these two major signaling systems. Elaborate devices have been evolved to ensure that this interaction occurs, to guarantee the fidelity of the interaction, and to insulate the microenvironment in which it occurs. Subcellular targeting, as well as a variety of scaffolding devices, is used to promote interaction of the ACs with specific signaling proteins and regulatory factors to generate privileged domains for cAMP signaling. A direct consequence of this organization is that cAMP will exhibit distinct kinetics in discrete cellular domains. A variety of means are now available to study cAMP in these domains and to dissect their components in real time in live cells. These topics are explored within the present review.

Cardiac beta-adrenergic signaling: from subcellular microdomains to heart failure

beta-adrenergic signaling plays a central role in the neurohumoral regulation of the heart and the progression of heart failure. Initially thought to be a simple linear cascade, this complex network is now recognized to utilize cross-talk with numerous other pathways, spatial compartmentation, and feedback control to coordinate cardiac electrophysiology, contractility, and adaptive remodeling. Here, we review recent basic insights and novel quantitative approaches that are leading to a more comprehensive understanding of beta-adrenergic signaling and thus motivate new therapeutic strategies for cardiac disease.

Modeling of spatial metabolite distributions in the cardiac sarcomere

Although a high ATP diffusion rate implies homogeneous distribution of the principal energetic currency in the cytosol, local diffusion barriers represented by macromolecular structures can render ATP concentrations to be inhomogeneous. A method is presented here that provides apparent diffusion coefficient values in local intracellular regions and allows the estimation of spatial metabolite distribution. The apparent local diffusion coefficient for ATP in cardiac myofibrils was determined from the analysis of diffusion-dependent rightward shift of the substrate dependence for actomyosin ATPase activity using the reaction-diffusion model, which accounted for the properties of phosphotransfer reactions. This functional analysis, which took into account the local diffusional ATP delivery to the active sites, provided an apparent value that was three orders of magnitude lower than that defined by direct methods for the cytosol. The low value of the diffusion coefficient was shown to define unusual properties of the intracellular space in working heart, where small reductions in ATP levels in the surrounding cytosol result in a large drop in [ATP] inside myofibrils. This drop is critical for vital cellular functions, and the analysis presented here defines its physical basis. The diffusion barriers thus defined explain the coexistence of pathological energy deficit with almost normal average ATP levels.

Compartmentation of cAMP signaling in cardiac myocytes: a computational study

Receptor-mediated changes in cAMP production play an essential role in sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of the electrical, mechanical, and metabolic activity of cardiac myocytes. However, responses to receptor activation cannot be easily ascribed to a uniform increase or decrease in cAMP activity throughout the entire cell. In this study, we used a computational approach to test the hypothesis that in cardiac ventricular myocytes the effects of beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)AR) and M(2) muscarinic receptor (M(2)R) activation involve compartmentation of cAMP. A model consisting of two submembrane (caveolar and extracaveolar) microdomains and one bulk cytosolic domain was created using published information on the location of beta(1)ARs and M(2)Rs, as well as the location of stimulatory (G(s)) and inhibitory (G(i)) G-proteins, adenylyl cyclase isoforms inhibited (AC5/6) and stimulated (AC4/7) by G(i), and multiple phosphodiesterase isoforms (PDE2, PDE3, and PDE4). Results obtained with the model indicate that: 1), bulk basal cAMP can be high ( approximately 1 microM) and only modestly stimulated by beta(1)AR activation ( approximately 2 microM), but caveolar cAMP varies in a range more appropriate for regulation of protein kinase A ( approximately 100 nM to approximately 2 microM); 2), M(2)R activation strongly reduces the beta(1)AR-induced increases in caveolar cAMP, with less effect on bulk cAMP; and 3), during weak beta(1)AR stimulation, M(2)R activation not only reduces caveolar cAMP, but also produces a rebound increase in caveolar cAMP following termination of M(2)R activity. We conclude that compartmentation of cAMP can provide a quantitative explanation for several aspects of cardiac signaling.

Distinct roles of presynaptic dopamine receptors in the differential modulation of the intrinsic synapses of medium-spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens

Background

In both schizophrenia and addiction, pathological changes in dopamine release appear to induce alterations in the circuitry of the nucleus accumbens that affect coordinated thought and motivation. Dopamine acts principally on medium-spiny GABA neurons, which comprise 95% of accumbens neurons and give rise to the majority of inhibitory synapses in the nucleus. To examine dopamine action at single medium-spiny neuron synapses, we imaged Ca²⁺ levels in their presynaptic varicosities in the acute brain slice using two-photon microscopy.

Results

Presynaptic Ca²⁺ rises were differentially modulated by dopamine. The D1/D5 selective agonist SKF81297 was exclusively facilitatory. The D2/D3 selective agonist quinpirole was predominantly inhibitory, but in some instances it was facilitatory. Studies using D2 and D3 receptor knockout mice revealed that quinpirole inhibition was either D2 or D3 receptor-mediated, while facilitation was mainly D3 receptor-mediated. Subsets of varicosities responded to both D1 and D2 agonists, showing that there was significant co-expression of these receptor families in single medium-spiny neurons. Neighboring presynaptic varicosities showed strikingly heterogeneous responses to DA agonists, suggesting that DA receptors may be differentially trafficked to individual varicosities on the same medium-spiny neuron axon.

Conclusion

Dopamine receptors are present on the presynaptic varicosities of medium-spiny neurons, where they potently control GABAergic synaptic transmission. While there is significant coexpression of D1 and D2 family dopamine receptors in individual neurons, at the subcellular level, these receptors appear to be heterogeneously distributed, potentially explaining the considerable controversy regarding dopamine action in the striatum, and in particular the degree of dopamine receptor segregation on these neurons. Assuming that post-receptor signaling is restricted to the microdomains of medium-spiny neuron varicosities, the heterogeneous distribution of dopamine receptors on individual varicosities is likely to encode patterns in striatal information processing.

Real-time and high throughput monitoring of cAMP in live cells using a fluorescent membrane potential-sensitive dye

Adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) conveys the signals from G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and regulates a variety of downstream cellular events. However, there are few robust assays available for measuring cAMP in live cells. Most of the existing cAMP assays require cell lysis and/or have relatively low throughput. We report a live cell-based cAMP assay that has been developed to record the real-time changes in intracellular cAMP. By employing a mutated cyclic-nucleotide-gated ion channel (CNGC) as the cAMP biosensor, the change of cAMP level is coupled to the change of transmembrane potential that is measured through a new fluorescent membrane potential (MP)-sensitive dye, HLB 021-152. We have successfully used HLB 021-152 for homogeneously monitoring cAMP stimulations in live cells under both serum-containing and serum-free environments. Upon stimulating the endogenous or heterogenous GPCRs on CNGC-cloned human embryonic kidney 293 cells with agonists, the fluorescence signal of HLB 021-152 increases rapidly. It has much greater assay dynamic range than DiSBAC2(3), the existing "gold standard" dye for measuring cellular MP. This new MP dye can be readily formulated for high throughput screening of GPCR modulators either with serum or without serum.

Localization of f-channels to caveolae mediates specific β2-adrenergic receptor modulation of rate in sinoatrial myocytes

beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (ARs) coexist in different regions of the heart. The beta(2)/beta(1) expression ratio is higher in the sinoatrial node (SAN) than in atria and ventricles, but the specific contribution of either type of receptor to rate modulation is still not well established. We have recently demonstrated that pacemaker ("funny") f-channels are located in lipid rafts of the rabbit SAN. Since in ventricular myocytes beta(2)-, but not beta(1)-ARs, localize to caveolae, we hypothesized that modulation of f-channels and of pacemaker activity in SAN myocytes is controlled mainly by beta(2)-AR activation. To address this point, we investigated the caveolar localization of proteins by co-immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry, and found that f-channels interact with caveolin 3. We also recorded I(f) current and spontaneous activity from SAN myocytes, and found that beta-AR activation by the non-selective agonists isoproterenol and fenoterol shifted the I(f) activation curve similarly (by 6.3 and 5.3 mV) and increased similarly spontaneous rate (by 23.1% and 21.6%, respectively). Specific beta(2) stimulation had similar effects (4.9 mV shift of the activation curve and 16.9% rate increase), but specific beta(1) stimulation was less effective (1.7 mV shift and 7.2% rate increase). However, after caveolar disorganization by MbetaCD (2%), stimulation of beta(1)-ARs was as effective as non-specific beta-AR stimulation. These data show that specific stimulation of beta(2)-ARs is the main mechanism by which heart rate is modulated through a positive shift of the I(f) activation curve and that this mechanism requires specific membrane compartmentation.

PGE(1) stimulation of HEK293 cells generates multiple contiguous domains with different [cAMP]: role of compartmentalized phosphodiesterases

There is a growing appreciation that the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is organized to form transduction units that function to deliver specific messages. Such organization results in the local activation of PKA subsets through the generation of confined intracellular gradients of cAMP, but the mechanisms responsible for limiting the diffusion of cAMP largely remain to be clarified. In this study, by performing real-time imaging of cAMP, we show that prostaglandin 1 stimulation generates multiple contiguous, intracellular domains with different cAMP concentration in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. By using pharmacological and genetic manipulation of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), we demonstrate that compartmentalized PDE4B and PDE4D are responsible for selectively modulating the concentration of cAMP in individual subcellular compartments. We propose a model whereby compartmentalized PDEs, rather than representing an enzymatic barrier to cAMP diffusion, act as a sink to drain the second messenger from discrete locations, resulting in multiple and simultaneous domains with different cAMP concentrations irrespective of their distance from the site of cAMP synthesis.

Integration of enzyme kinetic models and isotopomer distribution analysis for studies of in situ cell operation

A current trend in neuroscience research is the use of stable isotope tracers in order to address metabolic processes in vivo. The tracers produce a huge number of metabolite forms that differ according to the number and position of labeled isotopes in the carbon skeleton (isotopomers) and such a large variety makes the analysis of isotopomer data highly complex. On the other hand, this multiplicity of forms does provide sufficient information to address cell operation in vivo. By the end of last millennium, a number of tools have been developed for estimation of metabolic flux profile from any possible isotopomer distribution data. However, although well elaborated, these tools were limited to steady state analysis, and the obtained set of fluxes remained disconnected from their biochemical context. In this review we focus on a new numerical analytical approach that integrates kinetic and metabolic flux analysis. The related computational algorithm estimates the dynamic flux based on the time-dependent distribution of all possible isotopomers of metabolic pathway intermediates that are generated from a labeled substrate. The new algorithm connects specific tracer data with enzyme kinetic characteristics, thereby extending the amount of data available for analysis: it uses enzyme kinetic data to estimate the flux profile, and vice versa, for the kinetic analysis it uses in vivo tracer data to reveal the biochemical basis of the estimated metabolic fluxes.

Compartmentation of cyclic nucleotide signaling in the heart: the role of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases

A current challenge in cellular signaling is to decipher the complex intracellular spatiotemporal organization that any given cell type has developed to discriminate among different external stimuli acting via a common signaling pathway. This obviously applies to cAMP and cGMP signaling in the heart, where these cyclic nucleotides determine the regulation of cardiac function by many hormones and neuromediators. Recent studies have identified cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases as key actors in limiting the spread of cAMP and cGMP, and in shaping and organizing intracellular signaling microdomains. With this new role, phosphodiesterases have been promoted from the rank of a housekeeping attendant to that of an executive officer.

Dynamic regulation of cAMP synthesis through anchored PKA-adenylyl cyclase V/VI complexes

Spatiotemporal organization of cAMP signaling begins with the tight control of second messenger synthesis. In response to agonist stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors, membrane-associated adenylyl cyclases (ACs) generate cAMP that diffuses throughout the cell. The availability of cAMP activates various intracellular effectors, including protein kinase A (PKA). Specificity in PKA action is achieved by the localization of the enzyme near its substrates through association with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). Here, we provide evidence for interactions between AKAP79/150 and ACV and ACVI. PKA anchoring facilitates the preferential phosphorylation of AC to inhibit cAMP synthesis. Real-time cellular imaging experiments show that PKA anchoring with the cAMP synthesis machinery ensures rapid termination of cAMP signaling upon activation of the kinase. This protein configuration permits the formation of a negative feedback loop that temporally regulates cAMP production.

Layers of organization of cAMP microdomains in a simple cell

Based on a variety of single-cell measurements, the notion that cAMP microdomains exist in cells is being increasingly embraced. The cellular and molecular underpinnings of this organization are also steadily being revealed. A dependence of Ca(2+)-sensitive ACs (adenylate cyclases) in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) on capacitative Ca(2+) entry is enforced by their presence in lipid rafts and protein-protein interactions. In these cells, many of the participants in the cAMP cascade, including AC, phosphodiesterase 4, cAMP-dependent protein kinase [PKA (protein kinase A)] and protein phosphatase 2A, are now seen to be involved in higher order assemblies. Moreover, the presence of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 in these domains creates a microclimate, protected against global swings in cellular pH. The Ca(2+)-stimulatable AC8, which is targeted to these regions, can sequester calmodulin for its own regulatory purposes. These devices are a sampling of the multiple layers of organization that are in place -- even in a simple cell -- to ensure faithful and economical communication of the cAMP message.

Restricted diffusion of a freely diffusible second messenger: mechanisms underlying compartmentalized cAMP signalling

It is becoming increasingly evident that the freely diffusible second messenger cAMP can transduce specific responses by localized signalling. The machinery that underpins compartmentalized cAMP signalling is only now becoming appreciated. Adenylate cyclases, the enzymes that synthesize cAMP, are localized at discrete parts of the plasma membrane, and phosphodiesterases, the enzymes that degrade cAMP, can be targeted to selected subcellular compartments. A-kinase-anchoring proteins then serve to anchor PKA (protein kinase A) close to specific targets, resulting in selective activation. The specific activation of such individual subsets of PKA requires that cAMP is made available in discrete compartments. In this presentation, the molecular and structural mechanisms responsible for compartmentalized PKA signalling and restricted diffusion of cAMP will be discussed.