Localized effects of cAMP mediated by distinct routes of protein kinase A

Signalling scaffolds and local organization of cellular behaviour

Cellular responses to environmental cues involve the mobilization of GTPases, protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. The spatial organization of these signalling enzymes by scaffold proteins helps to guide the flow of molecular information. Allosteric modulation of scaffolded enzymes can alter their catalytic activity or sensitivity to second messengers in a manner that augments, insulates or terminates local cellular events. This Review examines the features of scaffold proteins and highlights examples of locally organized groups of signalling enzymes that drive essential physiological processes, including hormone action, heart rate, cell division, organelle movement and synaptic transmission.

PDE4 inhibition reduces neointima formation and inhibits VCAM-1 expression and histone methylation in an Epac-dependent manner

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) activity mediates cAMP-dependent smooth muscle cell (SMC) activation following vascular injury. In this study we have investigated the effects of specific PDE4 inhibition with roflumilast on SMC proliferation and inflammatory activation in vitro and neointima formation following guide wire-induced injury of the femoral artery in mice in vivo. In vitro, roflumilast did not affect SMC proliferation, but diminished TNF-α induced expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Specific activation of the cAMP effector Epac, but not PKA activation mimicked the effects of roflumilast on VCAM-1 expression. Consistently, the reduction of VCAM-1 expression was rescued following inhibition of Epac. TNF-α induced NFκB p65 translocation and VCAM-1 promoter activity were not altered by roflumilast in SMCs. However, roflumilast treatment and Epac activation repressed the induction of the activating epigenetic histone mark H3K4me2 at the VCAM-1 promoter, while PKA activation showed no effect. Furthermore, HDAC inhibition blocked the inhibitory effect of roflumilast on VCAM-1 expression. Both, roflumilast and Epac activation reduced monocyte adhesion to SMCs in vitro. Finally, roflumilast treatment attenuated femoral artery intima-media ratio by more than 50% after 4weeks. In summary, PDE4 inhibition regulates VCAM-1 through a novel Epac-dependent mechanism, which involves regulatory epigenetic components and reduces neointima formation following vascular injury. PDE4 inhibition and Epac activation might represent novel approaches for the treatment of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and in-stent restenosis.

A-kinase anchoring proteins: cAMP compartmentalization in neurodegenerative and obstructive pulmonary diseases

The universal second messenger cAMP is generated upon stimulation of Gs protein-coupled receptors, such as the β2 -adreneoceptor, and leads to the activation of PKA, the major cAMP effector protein. PKA oscillates between an on and off state and thereby regulates a plethora of distinct biological responses. The broad activation pattern of PKA and its contribution to several distinct cellular functions lead to the introduction of the concept of compartmentalization of cAMP. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) are of central importance due to their unique ability to directly and/or indirectly interact with proteins that either determine the cellular content of cAMP, such as β2 -adrenoceptors, ACs and PDEs, or are regulated by cAMP such as the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP. We report on lessons learned from neurons indicating that maintenance of cAMP compartmentalization by AKAP5 is linked to neurotransmission, learning and memory. Disturbance of cAMP compartments seem to be linked to neurodegenerative disease including Alzheimer's disease. We translate this knowledge to compartmentalized cAMP signalling in the lung. Next to AKAP5, we focus here on AKAP12 and Ezrin (AKAP78). These topics will be highlighted in the context of the development of novel pharmacological interventions to tackle AKAP-dependent compartmentalization.

Different role of cAMP pathway on the human mast cells HMC-1(560) and HMC-1(560,816) activation

HMC-1 are inflammatory cells that release vasoactive substances such as histamine. These cells have the c-kit receptor permanently activated in the membrane due to mutations in the proto-oncogene c-kit: Val-560 → Gly and Asp-816 → Val. Thus, there are two known cellular lines: HMC-1(560) and HMC-1(560,816) . These mutations are involved in a disease called mastocitosys. In the present paper both lines were used to study the influence of cAMP/PKA/PDEs pathway on the histamine release and Ca(2+) signaling since this pathway is often involved in these process. For this, the cells were preincubated with cAMP/PKA/PDEs modulators such as dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP), forskolin, H89, rolipram, IBMX, or imidazole and then stimulated with ionomycin. When cells were stimulated with agents that increase cAMP levels, the histamine release was not modified in HMC-1(560) but decreased in HMC-1(560,816) cells. The same happened when PKA was blocked. Furthermore, PDEs role on histamine release was independent of cAMP in HMC-1(560) cells and possibly also in HMC-1(560,816) cells. By contrast, the modulation of PKA and PDEs together changed the response in both cellular lines, therefore a relationship between them was suggested. All these modulatory effects on histamine release are Ca(2+) -independent. On the other hand, the effect of c-kit modulation on the cAMP/PKA/PDEs pathway was also checked. This receptor was blocked with STI571 (imatinib) and BMS-354825 (dasatinib), but only the last one caused a decrease in the cellular response to ionomycin. This article demonstrates for the first time than the cAMP/PKA/PDEs pathway is involved in the activation of HMC-1(560) and HMC-1(560,816) cells.

Proteolytic control of neurite outgrowth inhibitor NOGO-A by the cAMP/PKA pathway

Protein kinase A (PKA) controls major aspects of neurite outgrowth and morphogenesis and plays an essential role in synaptic plasticity and memory. However, the molecular mechanism(s) of PKA action on neurite sprouting and activity are still unknown. Here, we report that in response to neurotrophin or cAMP stimulation the RING ligase praja2 ubiquitinates and degrades NOGO-A, a major inhibitor of neurite outgrowth in mammalian brain. Genetic silencing of praja2 severely inhibited neurite extension of differentiating neuroblastoma cells and mesencephalic neurons and axon outgrowth and sprouting of striatal terminals in developing rat brain. This phenotype was rescued when both praja2 and NOGO-A were depleted, suggesting that NOGO-A is, indeed, a biologically relevant target of praja2 in neuronal cells. Our findings unveil a novel mechanism that functionally couples cAMP signaling with the proteolytic turnover of NOGO-A, positively impacting on neurite outgrowth in mammalian brain.

PKA compartmentalization via AKAP220 and AKAP12 contributes to endothelial barrier regulation

cAMP-mediated PKA signaling is the main known pathway involved in maintenance of the endothelial barrier. Tight regulation of PKA function can be achieved by discrete compartmentalization of the enzyme via physical interaction with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). Here, we investigated the role of AKAPs 220 and 12 in endothelial barrier regulation. Analysis of human and mouse microvascular endothelial cells as well as isolated rat mesenteric microvessels was performed using TAT-Ahx-AKAPis peptide, designed to competitively inhibit PKA-AKAP interaction. In vivo microvessel hydraulic conductivity and in vitro transendothelial electrical resistance measurements showed that this peptide destabilized endothelial barrier properties, and dampened the cAMP-mediated endothelial barrier stabilization induced by forskolin and rolipram. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TAT-Ahx-AKAPis led to both adherens junctions and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Those effects were paralleled by redistribution of PKA and Rac1 from endothelial junctions and by Rac1 inactivation. Similarly, membrane localization of AKAP220 was also reduced. In addition, depletion of either AKAP12 or AKAP220 significantly impaired endothelial barrier function and AKAP12 was also shown to interfere with cAMP-mediated barrier enhancement. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that AKAP220 interacts not only with PKA but also with VE-cadherin and ß-catenin. Taken together, these results indicate that AKAP-mediated PKA subcellular compartmentalization is involved in endothelial barrier regulation. More specifically, AKAP220 and AKAP12 contribute to endothelial barrier function and AKAP12 is required for cAMP-mediated barrier stabilization.

A PKA-ezrin-Cx43 signaling complex controls gap junction communication and thereby trophoblast cell fusion

Cell fusion occurs as part of the differentiation of some cell types, including myotubes in muscle and osteoclasts in remodeling bone. In the human placenta, mononuclear cytotrophoblasts in a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-driven process fuse to form multinucleated syncytia that allow the exchange of nutrients and gases between the maternal and fetal circulation. Experiments in which protein kinase A (PKA) is displaced from A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), or in which specific AKAPs are depleted by siRNA-mediated knockdown, point to ezrin as a scaffold required for hCG-, cAMP- and PKA-mediated regulation of the fusion process. By a variety of immunoprecipitation and immunolocalization experiments, we show that ezrin directs PKA to a molecular complex of connexin 43 (Cx43, also known as GJA1) and zona occludens-1 (ZO-1, also known as TJP1). A combination of knockdown experiments and reconstitution with ezrin or Cx43 with or without the ability to bind to its interaction partner or to PKA demonstrate that ezrin-mediated coordination of the localization of PKA and Cx43 is necessary for discrete control of Cx43 phosphorylation and hCG-stimulated gap junction communication that triggers cell fusion in cytotrophoblasts.

Protein kinase A mediates adenosine A2a receptor modulation of neurotransmitter release via synapsin I phosphorylation in cultured cells from medulla oblongata

Synaptic transmission is an essential process for neuron physiology. Such process is enabled in part due to modulation of neurotransmitter release. Adenosine is a synaptic modulator of neurotransmitter release in the Central Nervous System, including neurons of medulla oblongata, where several nuclei are involved with neurovegetative reflexes. Adenosine modulates different neurotransmitter systems in medulla oblongata, specially glutamate and noradrenaline in the nucleus tractussolitarii, which are involved in hypotensive responses. However, the intracellular mechanisms involved in this modulation remain unknown. The adenosine A2a receptor modulates neurotransmitter release by activating two cAMP protein effectors, the protein kinase A and the exchange protein activated by cAMP. Therefore, an in vitro approach (cultured cells) was carried out to evaluate modulation of neurotransmission by adenosine A2a receptor and the signaling intracellular pathway involved. Results show that the adenosine A2a receptor agonist, CGS 21680, increases neurotransmitter release, in particular, glutamate and noradrenaline and such response is mediated by protein kinase A activation, which in turn increased synapsin I phosphorylation. This suggests a mechanism of A2aR modulation of neurotransmitter release in cultured cells from medulla oblongata of Wistar rats and suggest that protein kinase A mediates this modulation of neurotransmitter release via synapsin I phosphorylation.

Mitotic activation of the DISC1-inducible cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase-4D9 (PDE4D9), through multi-site phosphorylation, influences cell cycle progression

In Rat-1 cells, the dramatic decrease in the levels of both intracellular cyclic 3'5' adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP; cAMP) and in the activity of cAMP-activated protein kinase A (PKA) observed in mitosis was paralleled by a profound increase in cAMP hydrolyzing phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) activity. The decrease in PKA activity, which occurs during mitosis, was attributable to PDE4 activation as the PDE4 selective inhibitor, rolipram, but not the phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) inhibitor, cilostamide, specifically ablated this cell cycle-dependent effect. PDE4 inhibition caused Rat-1 cells to move from S phase into G2/M more rapidly, to transit through G2/M more quickly and to remain in G1 for a longer period. Inhibition of PDE3 elicited no observable effects on cell cycle dynamics. Selective immunopurification of each of the four PDE4 sub-families identified PDE4D as being selectively activated in mitosis. Subsequent analysis uncovered PDE4D9, an isoform whose expression can be regulated by Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) complex, as the sole PDE4 species activated during mitosis in Rat-1 cells. PDE4D9 becomes activated in mitosis through dual phosphorylation at Ser585 and Ser245, involving the combined action of ERK and an unidentified 'switch' kinase that has previously been shown to be activated by H2O2. Additionally, in mitosis, PDE4D9 also becomes phosphorylated at Ser67 and Ser81, through the action of MK2 (MAPKAPK2) and AMP kinase (AMPK), respectively. The multisite phosphorylation of PDE4D9 by all four of these protein kinases leads to decreased mobility (band-shift) of PDE4D9 on SDS-PAGE. PDE4D9 is predominantly concentrated in the perinuclear region of Rat-1 cells but with a fraction distributed asymmetrically at the cell margins. Our investigations demonstrate that the diminished levels of cAMP and PKA activity that characterise mitosis are due to enhanced cAMP degradation by PDE4D9. PDE4D9, was found to locate primarily not only in the perinuclear region of Rat-1 cells but also at the cell margins. We propose that the sequestration of PDE4D9 in a specific complex together with AMPK, ERK, MK2 and the H2O2-activatable 'switch' kinase allows for its selective multi-site phosphorylation, activation and regulation in mitosis.

Calcium influx and male fertility in the context of the sperm proteome: an update

Freshly ejaculated spermatozoa are incapable or poorly capable of fertilizing an oocyte. The fertilization aptness of spermatozoa depends on the appropriate and time-dependent acquisition of hyperactivation, chemotaxis, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction, where calcium (Ca²⁺) is extensively involved in almost every step. A literature review showed that several ion channel proteins are likely responsible for regulation of the Ca²⁺ uptake in spermatozoa. Therefore, manipulation of the functions of channel proteins is closely related to Ca²⁺ influx, ultimately affecting male fertility. Recently, it has been shown that, together with different physiological stimuli, protein-protein interaction also modifies the Ca²⁺ influx mechanism in spermatozoa. Modern proteomic analyses have identified several sperm proteins, and, therefore, these findings might provide further insight into understanding the Ca²⁺ influx, protein functions, and regulation of fertility. The objective of this review was to synthesize the published findings on the Ca²⁺ influx mechanism in mammalian spermatozoa and its implications for the regulation of male fertility in the context of sperm proteins. Finally, Pathway Studio (9.0) was used to catalog the sperm proteins that regulate the Ca²⁺ influx signaling by using the information available from the PubMed database following a MedScan Reader (5.0) search.

Cyclic AMP synthesis and hydrolysis in the normal and failing heart

Cyclic AMP regulates a multitude of cellular responses and orchestrates a network of intracellular events. In the heart, cAMP is the main second messenger of the β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) pathway producing positive chronotropic, inotropic, and lusitropic effects during sympathetic stimulation. Whereas short-term stimulation of β-AR/cAMP is beneficial for the heart, chronic activation of this pathway triggers pathological cardiac remodeling, which may ultimately lead to heart failure (HF). Cyclic AMP is controlled by two families of enzymes with opposite actions: adenylyl cyclases, which control cAMP production and phosphodiesterases, which control its degradation. The large number of families and isoforms of these enzymes, their different localization within the cell, and their organization in macromolecular complexes leads to a high level of compartmentation, both in space and time, of cAMP signaling in cardiac myocytes. Here, we review the expression level, molecular characteristics, functional properties, and roles of the different adenylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase families expressed in heart muscle and the changes that occur in cardiac hypertrophy and failure.

Role of calmodulin-calmodulin kinase II, cAMP/protein kinase A and ERK 1/2 on Aeromonas hydrophila-induced apoptosis of head kidney macrophages

The role of calcium (Ca²⁺) and its dependent protease calpain in Aeromonas hydrophila-induced head kidney macrophage (HKM) apoptosis has been reported. Here, we report the pro-apoptotic involvement of calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin kinase II gamma (CaMKIIg) in the process. We observed significant increase in CaM levels in A. hydrophila-infected HKM and the inhibitory role of BAPTA/AM, EGTA, nifedipine and verapamil suggested CaM elevation to be Ca²⁺-dependent. Our studies with CaM-specific siRNA and the CaM inhibitor calmidazolium chloride demonstrated CaM to be pro-apoptotic that initiated the downstream expression of CaMKIIg. Using the CaMKIIg-targeted siRNA, specific inhibitor KN-93 and its inactive structural analogue KN-92 we report CaM-CaMKIIg signalling to be critical for apoptosis of A. hydrophila-infected HKM. Inhibitor studies further suggested the role of calpain-2 in CaMKIIg expression. CaMK Kinase (CaMKK), the other CaM dependent kinase exhibited no role in A. hydrophila-induced HKM apoptosis. We report increased production of intracellular cAMP in infected HKM and our results with KN-93 or KN-92 implicate the role of CaMKIIg in cAMP production. Using siRNA to PKACA, the catalytic subunit of PKA, anti-PKACA antibody and H-89, the specific inhibitor for PKA we prove the pro-apoptotic involvement of cAMP/PKA pathway in the pathogenicity of A. hydrophila. Our inhibitor studies coupled with siRNA approach further implicated the role of cAMP/PKA in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2). We conclude that the alteration in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels initiated by A. hydrophila activates CaM and calpain-2; both pathways converge on CaMKIIg which in turn induces cAMP/PKA mediated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation leading to caspase-3 mediated apoptosis of infected HKM.

Aeromonas hydrophila is a natural fish pathogen and is known to induce apoptosis of HKM. Head kidney is an important immune-organ in fish and HKM are critical for immunity against the invading pathogen. The mechanisms of cell death induced by A. hydrophila are incompletely characterized. We have studied the role of Ca²⁺-dependent signalling pathways in the induction of A. hydrophila-induced HKM apoptosis. We observed that A. hydrophila infection led to increased CaM expression in infected HKM which was Ca²⁺-dependent. The inhibitor and siRNA studies suggested CaM to be pro-apoptotic and triggered CaMKIIg expression in the infected HKM. Calpain-2 appeared to influence CaMKIIg expression. However, further studies are needed to understand the process. We report that the CaM-CaMKIIg pathway is important for initiating cAMP production within the infected HKM. The pro-apoptotic activation of cAMP dependent PKA was quite evident. The activation of ERK 1/2 was observed in the HKM and results clearly suggested the pro-active role of cAMP/PKA in the process. Thus we conclude that CaM-CaMKIIg initiates the cAMP/PKA pathway that induces ERK 1/2 phosphorylation to promote caspase-3 mediated apoptosis of the A. hydrophila-infected HKM.

How anchoring proteins shape pain

Cellular responsiveness to external stimuli can be altered by extracellular mediators which activate membrane receptors, in turn signalling to the intracellular space via calcium, cyclic nucleotides, membrane lipids or enzyme activity. These signalling events trigger a cascade leading to an effector which can be a channel, an enzyme or a transcription factor. The effectiveness of these intracellular events is enhanced when they are maintained in close proximity by anchoring proteins, which assemble complexes of signalling molecules such as kinases together with their targets, and in this way enhance both the speed and the precision of intracellular signalling. The A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) family are adaptor proteins originally named for their ability to associate Protein Kinase A and its targets, but several other enzymes bound by AKAPs have now been found and a wide variety of target structures has been described. This review provides an overview of anchoring proteins involved in pain signalling. The key anchoring proteins and their ion channel targets in primary sensory neurons responding to painful stimuli (nociceptors) are discussed.

Biosensor imaging in brain slice preparations

Cyclic-AMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) is present in most branches of the animal kingdom, and is an example in the nervous system where a kinase effector integrates the cellular effects of various neuromodulators. The recent development of FRET-based biosensors, such as AKAR, now allows the direct measurement of PKA activation in living cells by simply measuring the ratio between the fluorescence emission at the CFP and YFP wavelengths upon CFP excitation. This novel approach provides data with a temporal resolution of a few seconds at the cellular and even subcellular level, opening a new avenue of understanding the integration processes in space and time. Our protocol has been optimized to study morphologically intact mature neurons and we describe how simple and cheap wide-field imaging, as well as more elaborate two-photon imaging, allows real-time monitoring of PKA activation in pyramidal cortical neurons in neonate rodent brain slices. In addition, many practical details presented here also pertain to image analysis in other cellular preparations, such as cultured cells. Finally, this protocol can also be applied to the various other CFP-YFP-based FRET biosensors that are available for other kinases or other intracellular signals. It is likely that this kind of approach will be generally applicable to a broad range of assays in the near future.

G-protein-coupled receptor 30/adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway is involved in estradiol 17ß-D-glucuronide-induced cholestasis

Estradiol-17ß-D-glucuronide (E17G) activates different signaling pathways (e.g., Ca(2+) -dependent protein kinase C, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinases [MAPKs] p38 and extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2, and estrogen receptor alpha) that lead to acute cholestasis in rat liver with retrieval of the canalicular transporters, bile salt export pump (Abcb11) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Abcc2). E17G shares with nonconjugated estradiol the capacity to activate these pathways. G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is a receptor implicated in nongenomic effects of estradiol, and the aim of this study was to analyze the potential role of this receptor and its downstream effectors in E17G-induced cholestasis. In vitro, GPR30 inhibition by G15 or its knockdown with small interfering RNA strongly prevented E17G-induced impairment of canalicular transporter function and localization. E17G increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, and this increase was blocked by G15, linking GPR30 to adenylyl cyclase (AC). Moreover, AC inhibition totally prevented E17G insult. E17G also increased protein kinase A (PKA) activity, which was blocked by G15 and AC inhibitors, connecting the links of the pathway, GPR30-AC-PKA. PKA inhibition prevented E17G-induced cholestasis, whereas exchange protein activated directly by cyclic nucleotide/MAPK kinase, another cAMP downstream effector, was not implicated in cAMP cholestatic action. In the perfused rat liver model, inhibition of the GPR30-AC-PKA pathway totally prevented E17G-induced alteration in Abcb11 and Abcc2 function and localization.

CONCLUSION

Activation of GPR30-AC-PKA is a key factor in the alteration of canalicular transporter function and localization induced by E17G. Interaction of E17G with GPR30 may be the first event in the cascade of signaling activation.

Control of cytoplasmic and nuclear protein kinase A by phosphodiesterases and phosphatases in cardiac myocytes

AIMS

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) mediates β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) regulation of cardiac contraction and gene expression. Whereas PKA activity is well characterized in various subcellular compartments of adult cardiomyocytes, its regulation in the nucleus remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to compare the modalities of PKA regulation in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cardiomyocytes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cytoplasmic and nuclear cAMP and PKA activity were measured with targeted fluorescence resonance energy transfer probes in adult rat ventricular myocytes. β-AR stimulation with isoprenaline (Iso) led to fast cAMP elevation in both compartments, whereas PKA activity was fast in the cytoplasm but markedly slower in the nucleus. Iso was also more potent and efficient in activating cytoplasmic than nuclear PKA. Similar slow kinetics of nuclear PKA activation was observed upon adenylyl cyclase activation with L-858051 or phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine. Consistently, pulse stimulation with Iso (15 s) maximally induced PKA and myosin-binding protein C phosphorylation in the cytoplasm, but marginally activated PKA and cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in the nucleus. Inhibition of PDE4 or ablation of the Pde4d gene in mice prolonged cytoplasmic PKA activation and enhanced nuclear PKA responses. In the cytoplasm, phosphatase 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) contributed to the termination of PKA responses, whereas only PP1 played a role in the nucleus.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a differential integration of cytoplasmic and nuclear PKA responses to β-AR stimulation in cardiac myocytes. This may have important implications in the physiological and pathological hypertrophic response to β-AR stimulation.

The molecular and metabolic influence of long term agmatine consumption

Agmatine (AGM), a product of arginine decarboxylation, influences multiple physiologic and metabolic functions. However, the mechanism(s) of action, the impact on whole body gene expression and metabolic pathways, and the potential benefits and risks of long term AGM consumption are still a mystery. Here, we scrutinized the impact of AGM on whole body metabolic profiling and gene expression and assessed a plausible mechanism(s) of AGM action. Studies were performed in rats fed a high fat diet or standard chow. AGM was added to drinking water for 4 or 8 weeks. We used (13)C or (15)N tracers to assess metabolic reactions and fluxes and real time quantitative PCR to determine gene expression. The results demonstrate that AGM elevated the synthesis and tissue level of cAMP. Subsequently, AGM had a widespread impact on gene expression and metabolic profiling including (a) activation of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-α and its coactivator, PGC1α, and (b) increased expression of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-γ and genes regulating thermogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and carnitine biosynthesis and transport. The changes in gene expression were coupled with improved tissue and systemic levels of carnitine and short chain acylcarnitine, increased β-oxidation but diminished incomplete fatty acid oxidation, decreased fat but increased protein mass, and increased hepatic ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis but decreased glycolysis. These metabolic changes were coupled with reduced weight gain and a curtailment of the hormonal and metabolic derangements associated with high fat diet-induced obesity. The findings suggest that AGM elevated the synthesis and levels of cAMP, thereby mimicking the effects of caloric restriction with respect to metabolic reprogramming.

NF-κB enhances hypoxia-driven T-cell immunosuppression via upregulation of adenosine A(2A) receptors

Hypoxia affects inflammation by modulating T-cell activation via the adenosinergic system. We supposed that, in turn, inflammation influences cell hypoxic behavior and that stimulation of T-cells in inflammatory conditions involves the concerted action of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and the related hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) on the adenosinergic system. We addressed this hypothesis by monitoring both transcription factors and four adenosinergic signaling parameters - namely adenosine, adenosine deaminase (ADA), adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and cAMP - in T-cells stimulated using phorbol myristate acetate and phytohemagglutinin and submitted to hypoxic conditions which were mimicked using CoCl2 treatment. We found that cell viability was more altered in stimulated than in resting cells under hypoxia. Detailed analysis showed that: i) NF-κB activation remained at basal level in resting hypoxic cells but greatly increased following stimulation, stimulated hypoxic cells exhibiting the higher level; ii) HIF-1α production induced by hypoxia was boosted via NF-κB activation in stimulated cells whereas hypoxia increased HIF-1α production in resting cells without further activating NF-κB; iii) A2AR expression and cAMP production increased in stimulated hypoxic cells whereas adenosine level remained unchanged due to ADA regulation; and iv) the presence of H2S, an endogenous signaling molecule in inflammation, reversed the effect of stimulation on cell viability by down-regulating the activity of transcription factors and adenosinergic immunosuppression. We also found that: i) the specific A2AR agonist CGS-21680 increased the suppressive effect of hypoxia on stimulated T-cells, the antagonist ZM-241385 exhibiting the opposite effect; and ii) Rolipram, a selective inhibitor of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 4, and 8-Br-cAMP, a cAMP analog which preferentially activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), increased T-cell immunosuppression whereas H-89, a potent and selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent PKA, restored cell viability. Together, these data indicate that inflammation enhances T-cell sensitivity to hypoxia via NF-κB activation. This process upregulates A2AR expression and enhances cAMP production and PKA activation, resulting in adenosinergic T-cell immunosuppression that can be modulated via H2S.

Decoding spatial and temporal features of neuronal cAMP/PKA signaling with FRET biosensors

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) regulate a plethora of cellular functions in virtually all eukaryotic cells. In neurons, the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade controls a number of biological properties such as axonal growth, pathfinding, efficacy of synaptic transmission, regulation of excitability, or long term changes. Genetically encoded optical biosensors for cAMP or PKA are considerably improving our understanding of these processes by providing a real-time measurement in living neurons. In this review, we describe the recent progress made in the creation of biosensors for cAMP or PKA activity. These biosensors revealed profound differences in the amplitude of the cAMP signal evoked by neuromodulators between various neuronal preparations. These responses can be resolved at the level of individual neurons, also revealing differences related to the neuronal type. At the sub-cellular level, biosensors reported different signal dynamics in domains like dendrites, cell body, nucleus, and axon. Combining this imaging approach with pharmacology or genetic models points at phosphodiesterases and phosphatases as critical regulatory proteins. Biosensor imaging will certainly emerge as a forefront tool to decipher the subtle mechanics of intracellular signaling. This will certainly help us to understand the mechanism of action of current drugs and foster the development of novel molecules for neuropsychiatric diseases.

FRET and BRET-based biosensors in live cell compound screens

Live cell compound screening with genetically encoded fluorescence or bioluminescence-based biosensors offers a potentially powerful approach to identify novel regulators of a signaling event of interest. In particular, compound screening in living cells has the added benefit that the entire signaling network remains intact, and thus the screen is not just against a single molecule of interest but against any molecule within the signaling network that may modulate the distinct signaling event reported by the biosensor in use. Furthermore, only molecules that are cell permeable or act at cell surface receptors will be identified as "hits," thus reducing further optimization of the compound in terms of cell penetration. Here we discuss a detailed protocol for using genetically encoded biosensors in living cells in a 96-well format for the execution of high throughput compound screens and the identification of small molecules which modulate a signaling event of interest.

Luteolin sensitizes the antiproliferative effect of interferon α/β by activation of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway signaling through protein kinase A-mediated inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in cancer cells

New negative regulators of interferon (IFN) signaling, preferably with tissue specificity, are needed to develop therapeutic means to enhance the efficacy of type I IFNs (IFN-α/β) and reduce their side effects. We conducted cell-based screening for IFN signaling enhancer and discovered that luteolin, a natural flavonoid, sensitized the antiproliferative effect of IFN-α in hepatoma HepG2 cells and cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Luteolin promoted IFN-β-induced Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway activation by enhancing the phosphorylation of Jak1, Tyk2, and STAT1/2, thereby promoting STAT1 accumulation in the nucleus and endogenous IFN-α-regulated gene expression. Of interest, inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) abolished the effect of IFN-β and luteolin on STAT1 phosphorylation. Luteolin also increased the cAMP-degrading activity of PDE bound with type I interferon receptor 2 (IFNAR2) and decreased the intracellular cAMP level, indicating that luteolin may act on the JAK/STAT pathway via PDE. Protein kinase A (PKA) was found to negatively regulate IFN-β-induced JAK/STAT signaling, and its inhibitory effect was counteracted by luteolin. Pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that type II PKA interacted with IFNAR2 via the receptor for activated C-kinase 1 (RACK-1), and such interaction was inhibited by luteolin. Src homology domain 2 containing tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) was further found to mediate the inhibitory effect of PKA on the JAK/STAT pathway. These data suggest that PKA/PDE-mediated cAMP signaling, integrated by RACK-1 to IFNAR2, may negatively regulate IFN signaling through SHP-2. Inhibition of this signaling may provide a new way to sensitize the efficacy of IFN-α/β.

Cyclic phosphatidic acid stimulates cAMP production and inhibits growth in human colon cancer cells

Colon cancer is a malignancy that develops in colon and rectal tissues. The prognosis for metastatic colon cancer remains poor, and novel therapeutic options are required to reduce colon cancer mortality. Recently, intracellular cAMP levels have been suggested to influence the behavior of cancer cells. Intriguingly, cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA) and its structural analogs inhibit growth in many cancer cell lines, and our previous work has suggested that cPA increases cAMP production. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 3 isoforms PDE3A and PDE3B are expressed mainly in cardiovascular tissue and adipose tissue, respectively. Moreover, increase in intracellular cAMP levels has been associated with the inhibition of growth in colon cancer cells. These findings suggest that cPA could be used in colon cancer therapy. In this study, we found that cPA inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells, which express high levels of PDE3B, but not the growth of DLD-1 cells, which express low levels of PDE3B. Furthermore, cPA inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt in HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Our results suggest that PDE3B expression and intracellular cAMP levels are correlated with the proliferation of colon cancer cells. These findings demonstrate for the first time that cPA may serve as a useful a molecule in targeted therapy for colon cancer.

Inactivation of the Carney complex gene 1 (PRKAR1A) alters spatiotemporal regulation of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase: a study using genetically encoded FRET-based reporters

Carney complex (CNC) is a hereditary disease associating cardiac myxoma, spotty skin pigmentation and endocrine overactivity. CNC is caused by inactivating mutations in the PRKAR1A gene encoding PKA type I alpha regulatory subunit (RIα). Although PKA activity is enhanced in CNC, the mechanisms linking PKA dysregulation to endocrine tumorigenesis are poorly understood. In this study, we used Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensors for cAMP and PKA activity to define the role of RIα in the spatiotemporal organization of the cAMP/PKA pathway. RIα knockdown in HEK293 cells increased basal as well as forskolin or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-stimulated total cellular PKA activity as reported by western blots of endogenous PKA targets and the FRET-based global PKA activity reporter, AKAR3. Using variants of AKAR3 targeted to subcellular compartments, we identified similar increases in the response to PGE1 in the cytoplasm and at the outer mitochondrial membrane. In contrast, at the plasma membrane, the response to PGE1 was decreased along with an increase in basal FRET ratio. These results were confirmed by western blot analysis of basal and PGE1-induced phosphorylation of membrane-associated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. Similar differences were observed between the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane in human adrenal cells carrying a RIα inactivating mutation. RIα inactivation also increased cAMP in the cytoplasm, at the outer mitochondrial membrane and at the plasma membrane, as reported by targeted versions of the cAMP indicator Epac1-camps. These results show that RIα inactivation leads to multiple, compartment-specific alterations of the cAMP/PKA pathway revealing new aspects of signaling dysregulation in tumorigenesis.

Dynamic mitochondrial-nuclear redistribution of the immunophilin FKBP51 is regulated by the PKA signaling pathway to control gene expression during adipocyte differentiation

Glucocorticoids play an important role in adipogenesis through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) that forms a heterocomplex with Hsp90•Hsp70 and one high molecular weight immunophilin, either FKBP51 or FKBP52. When 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are induced to differentiate, FKBP51 expression progressively increases, whereas FKBP52 decreases, and Hsp90, Hsp70, p23 and Cyp40 remain unchanged. Interestingly, FKBP51 rapidly translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus where it is retained upon its interaction with chromatin and the nuclear matrix. FKBP51 nuclear localization is transient, and after 48 hours it cycles back to mitochondria. Importantly, this dynamic FKBP51 mitochondrial-nuclear shuttling depends on PKA signaling, because its inhibition by PKI or knockdown of PKA-cα by siRNA, prevented FKBP51 nuclear translocation induced by IBMX. In addition, the electrophoretic pattern of migration of FKBP51 is altered by treatment of cells with PKI or knockdown of PKA-cα, suggesting that FKBP51 is a PKA substrate. In preadipocytes, FKBP51 colocalizes with PKA-cα in mitochondria. When adipogenesis is triggered, PKA-cα also moves to the nucleus colocalizing with FKBP51 mainly in the nuclear lamina. Moreover, FKBP51 and GR interaction increases when preadipocytes are induced to differentiate. GR transcriptional capacity is reduced when cells are incubated in the presence of IBMX, forskolin or dibutyryl-cAMP, compounds that induced FKBP51 nuclear translocation, but not by a specific activator of EPAC. FKBP51 knockdown facilitates adipogenesis, whereas ectopic expression of FKBP51 blocks adipogenesis. These findings indicate that the dynamic mitochondrial-nuclear shuttling of FKBP51 regulated by PKA may be key in fine-tuning the transcriptional control of GR target genes required for the acquisition of adipocyte phenotype.

[Role of T lymphocyte cyclic nucleotides and G protein in sarcoidosis]

CD4+ T lymphocytes play a major role in the pathophysiology of sarcoidosis. Many studies have investigated the immunological and genetic abnormalities in this disease. There are few studies concerning the metabolic pathways. Essentially they concern the pathways: STAT1, MAPK38, NF-κB, Galphai, cAMP and cGMP PDE and PEMT1. Using studies in the literature and results of our own work concerning some metabolic aspects of T lymphocytes in sarcoidosis, we present a revue of the various hypotheses, which involve dysfunction of cAMP signaling pathways, such as RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK in T lymphocytes, leading to a disorder of immunity.

Protein kinase A-Iα regulates Na,K-ATPase endocytosis in alveolar epithelial cells exposed to high CO(2) concentrations

Elevated concentrations of CO2 (hypercapnia) lead to alveolar epithelial dysfunction by promoting Na,K-ATPase endocytosis. In the present report, we investigated whether the CO2/HCO3(-) activated soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) regulates this process. We found that hypercapnia increased the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and stimulated protein kinase A (PKA) activity via sAC, which was necessary for Na,K-ATPase endocytosis. During hypercapnia, cAMP was mainly produced in specific microdomains in the proximity of the plasma membrane, leading to PKA Type Iα activation. In alveolar epithelial cells exposed to high CO2 concentrations, PKA Type Iα regulated the time-dependent phosphorylation of the actin cytoskeleton component α-adducin at serine 726. Cells expressing small hairpin RNA for PKAc, dominant-negative PKA Type Iα, small interfering RNA for α-adducin, and α-adducin with serine 726 mutated to alanine prevented Na,K-ATPase endocytosis. In conclusion, we provide evidence for a new mechanism by which hypercapnia via sAC, cAMP, PKA Type Iα, and α-adducin regulates Na,K-ATPase endocytosis in alveolar epithelial cells.

WAVE1 mediates suppression of phagocytosis by phospholipid-derived DAMPs

Clearance of invading pathogens is essential to preventing overwhelming inflammation and sepsis that are symptomatic of bacterial peritonitis. Macrophages participate in this innate immune response by engulfing and digesting pathogens, a process called phagocytosis. Oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) are danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) generated in response to infection that can prevent the phagocytic clearance of bacteria. We investigated the mechanism underlying OxPL action in macrophages. Exposure to OxPL induced alterations in actin polymerization, resulting in spreading of peritoneal macrophages and diminished uptake of E. coli. Pharmacological and cell-based studies showed that an anchored pool of PKA mediates the effects of OxPL. Gene silencing approaches identified the A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) WAVE1 as an effector of OxPL action in vitro. Chimeric Wave1(-/-) mice survived significantly longer after infection with E. coli and OxPL treatment in vivo. Moreover, we found that endogenously generated OxPL in human peritoneal dialysis fluid from end-stage renal failure patients inhibited phagocytosis via WAVE1. Collectively, these data uncover an unanticipated role for WAVE1 as a critical modulator of the innate immune response to severe bacterial infections.

Paxillin phosphorylation counteracts proteoglycan-mediated inhibition of axon regeneration

In the adult central nervous system, the tips of axons severed by injury are commonly transformed into dystrophic endballs and cease migration upon encountering a rising concentration gradient of inhibitory proteoglycans. However, intracellular signaling networks mediating endball migration failure remain largely unknown. Here we show that manipulation of protein kinase A (PKA) or its downstream adhesion component paxillin can reactivate the locomotive machinery of endballs in vitro and facilitate axon growth after injury in vivo. In dissociated cultures of adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, PKA is activated in endballs formed on gradients of the inhibitory proteoglycan aggrecan, and pharmacological inhibition of PKA promotes axon growth on aggrecan gradients most likely through phosphorylation of paxillin at serine 301. Remarkably, pre-formed endballs on aggrecan gradients resume forward migration in response to PKA inhibition. This resumption of endball migration is associated with increased turnover of adhesive point contacts dependent upon paxillin phosphorylation. Furthermore, expression of phosphomimetic paxillin overcomes aggrecan-mediated growth arrest of endballs, and facilitates axon growth after optic nerve crush in vivo. These results point to the importance of adhesion dynamics in restoring endball migration and suggest a potential therapeutic target for axon tract repair.

Elastin sequences trigger transient proinflammatory responses by human dermal fibroblasts

Following penetrating injury of the skin, a highly orchestrated and overlapping sequence of events helps to facilitate wound resolution. Inflammation is a hallmark that is initiated early, but the reciprocal relationship between cells and matrix molecules that triggers and maintains inflammation is poorly appreciated. Elastin is enriched in the deep dermis of skin. We propose that deep tissue injury encompasses elastin damage, yielding solubilized elastin that triggers inflammation. As dermal fibroblasts dominate the deep dermis, this means that a direct interaction between elastin sequences and fibroblasts would reveal a proinflammatory signature. Tropoelastin was used as a surrogate for elastin sequences. Tropoelastin triggered fibroblast expression of the metalloelastase MMP-12, which is normally expressed by macrophages. MMP-12 expression increased 1056 ± 286-fold by 6 h and persisted for 24 h. Chemokine expression was more transient, as chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8), CXCL1, and CXCL5 transcripts increased 11.8 ± 2.6-, 10.2 ± 0.4-, and 8593 ± 996-fold, respectively, by 6-12 h and then decreased. Through the use of specific inhibitors and protein truncation, we found that transduction of the tropoelastin signal was mediated by the fibroblast elastin binding protein (EBP). In silico modeling using a predictive computational fibroblast model confirmed the up-regulation, and simulations revealed PKA as a key part of the signaling circuit. We tested this prediction with 1 μM PKA inhibitor H-89 and found that 2 h of exposure correspondingly reduced expression of MMP-12 (63.9±12.3%) and all chemokine markers, consistent with the levels seen with EBP inhibition, and validated PKA as a novel node and druggable target to ameliorate the proinflammatory state. A separate trigger that utilized C-terminal RKRK of tropoelastin reduced marker expression to 65.0-76.5% and suggests the parallel involvement of integrin αVβ3. We propose that the solubilization of elastin as a result of dermal damage leads to rapid chemokine up-regulation by fibroblasts that is quenched when exposed elastin is removed by MMP-12.

Improvements in patient-reported outcomes with apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis: results from a phase IIb randomized, controlled study

Background

Apremilast, a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4, modulates pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production.

Objectives

Apremilast’s effect on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis was evaluated in a phase IIb randomized, controlled trial (NCT00773734).

Methods

In this 16-week, placebo-controlled study, 352 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis received placebo or apremilast (10, 20, or 30 mg BID). PROs included Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), pruritus visual analog scale (VAS), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Changes from baseline and patients reporting improvements ≥minimum clinically important differences (MCID) were analyzed. Correlations between changes across various PRO instruments were explored.

Results

Baseline DLQI (>10 points) and SF-36 MCS and domain scores indicated impairments in HRQOL. At 16 weeks, greater improvements from baseline in DLQI scores were reported with apremilast 20 (−5.9) and 30 mg BID (−4.4) compared with placebo (1.9; P≤0.005 for both), and a greater proportion of patients reported improvements ≥MCID (20 mg BID, 49.4%, 30 mg BID, 44.3%) versus placebo (25.0%; P<0.04). Greater improvements from baseline in pruritus VAS scores were reported with apremilast 20 (−35.5%) and 30 mg BID (−43.7%) versus placebo (−6.1%; P≤0.005). Significant and clinically meaningful improvements in SF-36 mental component summary scores (P≤0.008) and Bodily Pain, Mental Health, and Role-Emotional domains were reported with all apremilast doses (P<0.05), and Social Functioning with 20 and 30 mg BID (P<0.05) and Physical Functioning with 20 mg BID (P<0.03). Correlations between SF-36 scores and DLQI were moderate (r>0.30 and ≤0.60) and low between SF-36 and pruritus VAS (r≤0.30), indicating they measure different aspects of the disease.

Conclusions

Apremilast treatment resulted in improved HRQOL, including DLQI and pruritus VAS over 16 weeks of treatment, in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Multilevel pharmacological manipulation of adenosine-prostaglandin E₂/cAMP nexus in the tumor microenvironment: a 'two hit' therapeutic opportunity

Novel trends in cancer treatment research are focused on targeting the tumor microenvironment, thereby developing chemo-immunotherapeutic strategies which not only directly kill tumor cells, but also trigger the anti-tumor immune effector responses. Ectonucleotidases (CD39 and CD73)-generated extracellular adenosine and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2)-derived prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) are amongst the tumor microenvironmental factors that have emerged as attractive targets in this regard. Both comprise a pivotal axis in tumor progression and immune escape via autocrine and paracrine activation of a common intracellular signaling pathway, the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, in cancer and immune cells. In this review, we venture a potential and realistic strategy that this adenosine-PGE₂/cAMP nexus is targetable at different levels, thereby pointing out a 'two hit' chemo-immunotherapeutic proposition: direct killing of tumor cells on one hand, and the rescuing of endogenous anti-tumor immune response on the other. The reviewed experimental, preclinical and clinical data provide the proof of concept that 'two hit' multilevel pharmacological manipulation of adenosine-E₂/cAMP nexus is achievable within the tumor microenvironment.

Compartmentalization of cyclic nucleotide signaling: a question of when, where, and why?

Preciseness of cellular behavior depends upon how an extracellular cue mobilizes a correct orchestra of cellular messengers and effector proteins spatially and temporally. This concept, termed compartmentalization of cellular signaling, is now known to form the molecular basis of many aspects of cellular behavior in health and disease. The cyclic nucleotides cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate are ubiquitous cellular messengers that can be compartmentalized in three ways: first, by their physical containment; second, by formation of multiple protein signaling complexes; and third, by their selective depletion. Compartmentalized cyclic nucleotide signaling is a very prevalent response among all cell types. In order to understand how it becomes relevant to cellular behavior, it is important to know how it is executed in cells to regulate physiological responses and, also, how its execution or dysregulation can lead to a pathophysiological condition, which forms the scope of the presented review.

Patient-reported Health-related Quality of Life with Apremilast for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Phase II, Randomized, Controlled Study

Objective.

Apremilast, a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4, modulates proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokine production. A phase IIb randomized, controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the effect of apremilast on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods.

In this 12-week RCT, patients with active disease (duration > 6 mo, ≥ 3 swollen and ≥ 3 tender joints) received apremilast (20 mg BID or 40 mg QD) or placebo. PRO included pain and global assessment of disease activity [visual analog scale (VAS)], Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Percentages of patients reporting improvements ≥ minimum clinically important differences (MCID) and correlations between SF-36 domains and pain VAS, HAQ-DI, and FACIT-F were determined.

Results.

Among the 204 randomized patients (52.5% men; mean age 50.6 yrs), baseline SF-36 scores reflected large impairments in HRQOL. Apremilast 20 mg BID resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in physical and mental component summary scores and 7 and 6 SF-36 domains, respectively, compared with no change/deterioration in placebo group. Patients receiving apremilast 20 mg BID and 40 mg QD reported significant improvements ≥ MCID in global VAS scores and FACIT-F versus placebo, and significant improvements in pain VAS scores. Moderate-high, significant correlations were evident between SF-36 domains and other PRO.

Conclusion.

Apremilast resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in HRQOL, pain and global VAS, and FACIT-F scores.

Evolutionary paths of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic subunits

3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase or protein kinase A (PKA) has served as a prototype for the large family of protein kinases that are crucially important for signal transduction in eukaryotic cells. The PKA catalytic subunits Cα and Cβ, encoded by the two genes PRKACA and PRKACB, respectively, are among the best understood and characterized human kinases. Here we have studied the evolution of this gene family in chordates, arthropods, mollusks and other animals employing probabilistic methods and show that Cα and Cβ arose by duplication of an ancestral PKA catalytic subunit in a common ancestor of vertebrates. The two genes have subsequently been duplicated in teleost fishes. The evolution of the PRKACG retroposon in simians was also investigated. Although the degree of sequence conservation in the PKA Cα/Cβ kinase family is exceptionally high, a small set of signature residues defining Cα and Cβ subfamilies were identified. These conserved residues might be important for functions that are unique to the Cα or Cβ clades. This study also provides a good example of a seemingly simple phylogenetic problem which, due to a very high degree of sequence conservation and corresponding weak phylogenetic signals, combined with problematic nonphylogenetic signals, is nontrivial for state-of-the-art probabilistic phylogenetic methods.

Biophysical techniques for detection of cAMP and cGMP in living cells

Cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are ubiquitous second messengers which regulate myriads of functions in virtually all eukaryotic cells. Their intracellular effects are often mediated via discrete subcellular signaling microdomains. In this review, we will discuss state-of-the-art techniques to measure cAMP and cGMP in biological samples with a particular focus on live cell imaging approaches, which allow their detection with high temporal and spatial resolution in living cells and tissues. Finally, we will describe how these techniques can be applied to the analysis of second messenger dynamics in subcellular signaling microdomains.

Non-classic thyroid hormone signalling involved in hepatic lipid metabolism

Thyroid hormones are important modulators of lipid metabolism because the liver is a primary hormonal target. The hypolipidaemic effects of thyroid hormones result from the balance between direct and indirect actions resulting in stimulation of lipid synthesis and lipid oxidation, which favours degradation pathways. Originally, it was believed that thyroid hormone activity was only transduced by alteration of gene transcription mediated by the nuclear receptor thyroid hormone receptors, comprising the classic action of thyroid hormone. However, the discovery of other effects independent of this classic mechanism characterised a new model of thyroid hormone action, the non-classic mechanism that involves other signalling pathways. To date, this mechanism and its relevance have been intensively described. Considering the increasing evidence for non-classic signalling of thyroid hormones and the major influence of these hormones in the regulation of lipid metabolism, we reviewed the role of thyroid hormone in cytosolic signalling cascades, focusing on the regulation of second messengers, and the activity of effector proteins and the implication of these mechanisms on the control of hepatic lipid metabolism.

Death of multiple myeloma cells induced by cAMP-signaling involves downregulation of Mcl-1 via the JAK/STAT pathway

There is a continuous search for new therapeutic targets for treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Here we investigated the mechanisms involved in cAMP-induced apoptosis of human MM cells. cAMP-increasing agents rapidly inhibited activation of JAK1 and its substrate STAT3. In line with STAT3 being a regulator of Mcl-1 transcription, the expression of this pro-survival factor was rapidly and selectively reduced. Notably, exogenous interleukin-6 neither prevented the inhibition of JAK1/STAT3 nor the death of MM cells induced by cAMP. Our results suggest that cAMP-mediated killing of MM cells involves inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway, making the cAMP-pathway a promising target for treatment of MM.

Forskolin-inducible cAMP pathway negatively regulates T-cell proliferation by uncoupling the interleukin-2 receptor complex

Cytokine-mediated regulation of T-cell activity involves a complex interplay between key signal transduction pathways. Determining how these signaling pathways cross-talk is essential to understanding T-cell function and dysfunction. In this work, we provide evidence that cross-talk exists between at least two signaling pathways: the Jak3/Stat5 and cAMP-mediated cascades. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (Fsk) significantly increased intracellular cAMP levels and reduced proliferation of the human T-cells via inhibition of cell cycle regulatory genes but did not induce apoptosis. To determine this inhibitory mechanism, effects of Fsk on IL-2 signaling was investigated. Fsk treatment of MT-2 and Kit 225 T-cells inhibited IL-2-induced Stat5a/b tyrosine and serine phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and DNA binding activity. Fsk treatment also uncoupled IL-2 induced association of the IL-2Rβ and γc chain, consequently blocking Jak3 activation. Interestingly, phosphoamino acid analysis revealed that Fsk-treated cells resulted in elevated serine phosphorylation of Jak3 but not Stat5, suggesting that Fsk can negatively regulate Jak3 activity possibly mediated through PKA. Indeed, in vitro kinase assays and small molecule inhibition studies indicated that PKA can directly serine phosphorylate and functionally inactivate Jak3. Taken together, these findings suggest that Fsk activation of adenylate cyclase and PKA can negatively regulate IL-2 signaling at multiple levels that include IL-2R complex formation and Jak3/Stat5 activation.

Functional mapping of protein kinase A reveals its importance in adult Schistosoma mansoni motor activity

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase/protein kinase A (PKA) is the major transducer of cAMP signalling in eukaryotic cells. Here, using laser scanning confocal microscopy and 'smart' anti-phospho PKA antibodies that exclusively detect activated PKA, we provide a detailed in situ analysis of PKA signalling in intact adult Schistosoma mansoni, a causative agent of debilitating human intestinal schistosomiasis. In both adult male and female worms, activated PKA was consistently found associated with the tegument, oral and ventral suckers, oesophagus and somatic musculature. In addition, the seminal vesicle and gynaecophoric canal muscles of the male displayed activated PKA whereas in female worms activated PKA localized to the ootype wall, the ovary, and the uterus particularly around eggs during expulsion. Exposure of live worms to the PKA activator forskolin (50 µM) resulted in striking PKA activation in the central and peripheral nervous system including at nerve endings at/near the tegument surface. Such neuronal PKA activation was also observed without forskolin treatment, but only in a single batch of worms. In addition, PKA activation within the central and peripheral nervous systems visibly increased within 15 min of worm-pair separation when compared to that observed in closely coupled worm pairs. Finally, exposure of adult worms to forskolin induced hyperkinesias in a time and dose dependent manner with 100 µM forskolin significantly increasing the frequency of gross worm movements to 5.3 times that of control worms (P≤0.001). Collectively these data are consistent with PKA playing a central part in motor activity and neuronal communication, and possibly interplay between these two systems in S. mansoni. This study, the first to localize a protein kinase when exclusively in an activated state in adult S. mansoni, provides valuable insight into the intricacies of functional protein kinase signalling in the context of whole schistosome physiology.

Bioassays for anticancer activities

The MTT/MTS in vitro cell proliferation assay is one of the most widely used assays for evaluating preliminary anticancer activity of both synthetic derivatives and natural products and natural product extracts. The highly reliable, colorimetric based assay is readily performed on a wide range of cell lines. This assay gives an indication of whole cell cytotoxicity; however, to determine the exact molecular target further assays need to be performed. Of these, kinase inhibition assays are also one of the most widespread enzyme inhibition screening assays performed. Kinases are enzymes that play a key role in a number of physiological processes and their inhibitors have been found to exhibit anticancer activity against various human cancer cell lines. Herein, we describe the methods for performing both in vitro MTT/MTS cytotoxicity and kinase enzyme inhibition assays. These are two of the most useful anticancer screening techniques available that are relatively economical and can be easily and routinely performed in the laboratory to characterize anticancer activity. Both assays are highly versatile and can be modified to test against targeted disease processes by using specific kinase enzymes or cell lines.

PKIB expression strongly correlated with phosphorylated Akt expression in breast cancers and also with triple-negative breast cancer subtype

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor-β (PKIB) is presumed to be one of the regulatory factors controlling the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and patterns of PKIB overexpression in human breast cancer. We also examined the relationship between PKIB and phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) expression in the tumors. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we examined the expression of PKIB, ER, PR, HER2, and pAkt in 148 primary human breast carcinomas. We then analyzed the relationships between PKIB expression and that of pAkt, ER, PR, and HER2, as well as between PKIB expression and various clinicopathological characteristics. We assessed 64 and 27 cases, respectively, as positive for either PKIB or pAkt expression; 20 cases were positive for both PKIB and pAkt. We observed a significant positive correlation between the expression of PKIB and that of pAkt (P = 0.006). We showed by immunohistochemical analyses that PKIB expression was positively correlated with triple-negative breast cancers (P = 0.0004). These findings provide evidence for PKIB overexpression associated with pAkt expression. Furthermore, PKIB expression was strongly correlated with triple-negative breast cancer, suggesting that PKIB expression might contribute to the tumor behavior and development of breast cancer.

Multiple facets of cAMP signalling and physiological impact: cAMP compartmentalization in the lung

Therapies involving elevation of the endogenous suppressor cyclic AMP (cAMP) are currently used in the treatment of several chronic inflammatory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Characteristics of COPD are airway obstruction, airway inflammation and airway remodelling, processes encompassed by increased airway smooth muscle mass, epithelial changes, goblet cell and submucosal gland hyperplasia. In addition to inflammatory cells, airway smooth muscle cells and (myo)fibroblasts, epithelial cells underpin a variety of key responses in the airways such as inflammatory cytokine release, airway remodelling, mucus hypersecretion and airway barrier function. Cigarette smoke, being next to environmental pollution the main cause of COPD, is believed to cause epithelial hyperpermeability by disrupting the barrier function. Here we will focus on the most recent progress on compartmentalized signalling by cAMP. In addition to G protein-coupled receptors, adenylyl cyclases, cAMP-specific phospho-diesterases (PDEs) maintain compartmentalized cAMP signalling. Intriguingly, spatially discrete cAMP-sensing signalling complexes seem also to involve distinct members of the A-kinase anchoring (AKAP) superfamily and IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein (IQGAPs). In this review, we will highlight the interaction between cAMP and the epithelial barrier to retain proper lung function and to alleviate COPD symptoms and focus on the possible molecular mechanisms involved in this process. Future studies should include the development of cAMP-sensing multiprotein complex specific disruptors and/or stabilizers to orchestrate cellular functions. Compartmentalized cAMP signalling regulates important cellular processes in the lung and may serve as a therapeutic target.

Cell-stimulation therapy of lateral epicondylitis with frequency-modulated low-intensity electric current

In addition to the routine therapy, the patients with lateral epicondylitis included into experimental group were subjected to a 12-week cell-stimulation therapy with low-intensity frequency-modulated electric current. The control group received the same routine therapy and sham stimulation (the therapeutic apparatus was not energized). The efficiency of this microcurrent therapy was estimated by comparing medical indices before therapy and at the end of a 12-week therapeutic course using a 10-point pain severity numeric rating scale (NRS) and Roles-Maudsley pain score. The study revealed high therapeutic efficiency of cell-stimulation with low-intensity electric current resulting probably from up-regulation of intracellular transmitters, interleukins, and prostaglandins playing the key role in the regulation of inflammation.