Regulation of purified subtypes of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C beta by G protein alpha and beta gamma subunits

Selective reconstitution of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor with G alpha q

Identification of the molecular mechanisms that determine specificity of coupling interactions between gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPrs) and their cognate heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins is a fundamental step in understanding the signal transduction cascade initiated by receptor-ligand interaction. To explore these mechanisms in greater detail, we have developed an in situ reconstitution assay in chaotrope-extracted membranes from mouse fibroblasts expressing the GRPr, and we have used it to measure GRPr-catalyzed binding of GTP gamma S to purified G protein alpha subunits. Binding studies with 125I-labeled [D-Tyr6]bombesin(6-13) methyl ester (125I-Tyr-ME), a GRPr specific antagonist, show a single binding site with a Kd = 1.4 nM +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SD, n = 3) and capacity of 15-22 pmol of receptor per mg of protein in the extracted membrane preparations, representing a 2- to 3-fold enrichment of binding sites compared with the membranes before extraction. Quantitative ligand displacement analysis using various unlabeled GRPr agonists shows a rank order of potency characteristic of the GRPr: bombesin > or = GRP > > neuromedin B. Reconstitution of urea extracted membranes with a purified G alpha q showed that receptor-catalyzed binding of GTP gamma S was dependent on agonist (GRP) and G beta gamma subunits. The EC50 for GRP was 3.5 nM, which correlates well with the reported Kd of 3.1 nM for GRP binding to GRPr expressed in mouse fibroblasts [Benya, R. V., et al. (1994) Mol. Pharmacol. 46, 235-245]. The apparent Kd for bovine brain G beta gamma in this assay was 60 nM, and the Km for squid retinal G alpha q was 90 nM. The GRPr-catalyzed binding of GTP gamma S is selective for G alpha q, since we did not detect receptor-catalyzed exchange using either G alpha i/o or G alpha t. These data demonstrate that GRPr can functionally couple to G alpha q but not to the pertussis toxin-sensitive G alpha i/o or retinal specific G alpha t. This in situ receptor reconstitution method will allow molecular characterization of G protein coupling to other heptahelical receptors.

Pasteurella multocida toxin activates the inositol triphosphate signaling pathway in Xenopus oocytes via G(q)alpha-coupled phospholipase C-beta1

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) has been hypothesized to cause activation of a GTP-binding protein (G-protein)-coupled phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) in intact cells. We used voltage-clamped Xenopus oocytes to test for direct PMT-mediated stimulation of PLC by monitoring the endogenous Ca2+-dependent C1- current. Injection of PMT induced an inward, two-component Cl- current, similar to that evoked by injection of IP3 through intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. These PMT-induced currents were blocked by specific inhibitors of Ca2+ and Cl- channels, removal of extracellular Ca2+, or chelation of intracellular Ca2+. Specific antibodies directed against an N-terminal, but not a C-terminal, peptide of PMT inhibited the toxin-induced currents, implicating that the N terminus of PMT is important for toxin activity. Injection with specific antibodies against PLCbeta1, PLCbeta2, PLCbeta3, or PLCgamma1 identified PLCbeta1 as the primary mediator of the PMT-induced Cl- currents. Injection with guanosine 5'-O-(2-(thio)diphosphate), antibodies to the common GTP-binding region of G-protein alpha subunits, or antibodies to different regions of G-protein beta subunits established the involvement of a G-protein alpha subunit in PMT-activation of PLCbeta1. Injection with specific antibodies against the alpha-subunits of G(q/11), G(s/olf), G(i/o/t/z), or G(i-1/i-2/i-3) isoforms confirmed the involvement of Gq/11alpha. Preinjection of oocytes with pertussis toxin enhanced the PMT response. Overexpression of G(q)alpha in oocytes could enhance the PMT response by 30-fold to more than 300-fold, whereas introduction of antisense G(q)alpha cRNA reduced the response by 7-fold. The effects of various specific antibodies on the PMT response were reproduced in oocytes overexpressing G(q)alpha.

G protein beta gamma subunits

Guanine nucleotide binding (G) proteins relay extracellular signals encoded in light, small molecules, peptides, and proteins to activate or inhibit intracellular enzymes and ion channels. The larger G proteins, made up of G alpha beta gamma heterotrimers, dissociate into G alpha and G beta gamma subunits that separately activate intracellular effector molecules. Only recently has the G beta gamma subunit been recognized as a signal transduction molecule in its own right; G beta gamma is now known to directly regulate as many different protein targets as the G alpha subunit. Recent X-ray crystallography of G alpha, G beta gamma, and G alpha beta gamma subunits will guide the investigation of structure-function relationships.

G protein mechanisms: insights from structural analysis

This review is concerned with the structures and mechanisms of a superfamily of regulatory GTP hydrolases (G proteins). G proteins include Ras and its close homologs, translation elongation factors, and heterotrimeric G proteins. These proteins share a common structural core, exemplified by that of p21ras (Ras), and significant sequence identity, suggesting a common evolutionary origin. Three-dimensional structures of members of the G protein superfamily are considered in light of other biochemical findings about the function of these proteins. Relationships among G protein structures are discussed, and factors contributing to their low intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis are considered. Comparison of GTP- and GDP-bound conformations of G proteins reveals how specific contacts between the gamma-phosphate of GTP and the switch II region stabilize potential effector-binding sites and how GTP hydrolysis results in collapse (or reordering) of these surfaces. A GTPase-activating protein probably binds to and stabilizes the conformation of its cognate G protein that recognizes the transition state for hydrolysis, and may insert a catalytic residue into the G protein active site. Inhibitors of nucleotide release, such as the beta gamma subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein, bind selectively to and stabilize the GDP-bound state. Release factors, such as the translation elongation factor, Ts, also recognize the switch regions and destabilize the Mg(2+)-binding site, thereby promoting GDP release. G protein-coupled receptors are expected to operate by a somewhat different mechanism, given that the GDP-bound form of many G protein alpha subunits does not contain bound Mg2+.

Regulation of eukaryotic phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and phospholipase D

This review focuses on two phospholipase activities involved in eukaryotic signal transduction. The action of the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C enzymes produces two well-characterized second messengers, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. This discussion emphasizes recent advances in elucidation of the mechanisms of regulation and catalysis of the various isoforms of these enzymes. These are especially related to structural information now available for a phospholipase C delta isozyme. Phospholipase D hydrolyzes phospholipids to produce phosphatidic acid and the respective head group. A perspective of selected past studies is related to emerging molecular characterization of purified and cloned phospholipases D. Evidence for various stimulatory agents (two small G protein families, protein kinase C, and phosphoinositides) suggests complex regulatory mechanisms, and some studies suggest a role for this enzyme activity in intracellular membrane traffic.

Membrane binding of phospholipases C-beta 1 and C-beta 2 is independent of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and the alpha and beta gamma subunits of G proteins

We have measured the membrane binding affinities of purified phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C-beta 1 and C-beta 2 to membranes of varying lipid composition using fluorescence methods. Our studies show that these proteins bind with affinities of 10(-5)-10(-4) M, with a small dependence on lipid type. Binding was relatively insensitive to the presence of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C-beta s' major physiological substrate, phosphatidylinositiol 4,5-bisphosphate, as well as the presence of Ca2+, which is required for activity. The presence of purified GTP gamma S-activated alpha 11 subunits of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) did not alter the membrane binding affinity of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C-beta 1, even though alpha 11 is a potent activator of this protein. Similarly, the presence of purified beta gamma subunits of G proteins did not alter the membrane association of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C-beta 2 even though these subunits strongly activate this isoform. These results argue against a recruitment model for PLC-beta activation by G proteins, negatively charged lipids, Ca2+, or substrate, and suggest that activation occurs through association of the membrane-bound species.

Structural views of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C: signalling the way ahead

Recent structural studies of mammalian phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) have begun to shed light on the mechanism whereby this family of effector enzymes is able to hydrolyze phospholipid substrates to yield second messengers. PI-PLC isozymes employ a variety of modules (PH domain, EF-hand domain, SH2 domain, SH3 domain and C2 domain) that are common in proteins involved in signal transduction to reversibly interact with membranes and protein components of the signalling pathways.

Desensitization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate/Ca2+-induced Cl- currents by prolonged activation of G proteins in Xenopus oocytes

Expression of G protein alpha subunits of the Gq family with various G protein-coupled receptors induces activation of an inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3)/Ca2+-mediated Cl- conductance in Xenopus oocytes. Our present data show that two members of this family, the human Galpha16 subunit and the murine homologue Galpha15, can induce both activation and inhibition of these agonist-induced currents. Although extremely low amounts (10-50 pg) of injected Galpha16 subunit cRNA cause modest ( approximately 2-fold) enhancement of ligand-induced Cl- currents in oocytes co-injected with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor cRNA 48 h postinjection, larger Galpha16 and Galpha15 cRNA injections cause >10-fold inhibition of TRH or 5HT2c receptor responses. The inhibition is analyzed in this study. The inhibited currents are recovered if various Gbetagamma subunit combinations are also expressed with the Galpha subunits. The constitutively active mutant, Galpha16Q212L, also causes a strong attenuation of the ligand-induced Cl- currents, but this inhibition is not recovered by co-expression of Gbetagamma subunits. These results indicate that the free Galpha subunit is responsible for the inhibitory signal. Although expression of TRH receptor alone produces maximum responses approximately 48 h after injection, co-expression of TRH receptor with Galpha16 results in enhanced responses 6-12 h postinjection, followed by complete attenuation at 36 h. Furthermore, injection of Galpha16 cRNA alone at comparable levels gives rise to spontaneous Cl- currents within 6-12 h postinjection, suggesting that the early spontaneous activation underlies the later suppression. Expression of other G protein alpha subunits of the Gq family, at cRNA levels considerably higher than effective for Galpha16, produces both analogous spontaneous Cl- currents and, later, inhibition of ligand-induced Cl- currents. Experiments with direct injection of IP3 and of Ca2+ suggest that this inhibition is consistent with the down-regulation of IP3 receptors. These data indicate that both enhancement and inhibition of signaling through G protein-coupled receptors can be mediated by the expression level and/or activity of an individual G protein.

Phospholipase C beta 2 in vascular smooth muscle

Receptor-mediated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in most tissue is dependent on a variety of phospholipase C isoforms. To determine which phospholipase C isoforms were present in vascular smooth muscle compared to brain, liver, and spleen, we extracted proteins from these tissues and separated and identified the phospholipase C isoforms by immunoblotting. Aliquots of rat tail artery were examined by this procedure, together with aliquots of rat liver, spleen, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, aorta, and mesenteric artery. Phospholipase C gamma 1 was shown to be present in all of these tissues, while phospholipase C beta 1 was shown to be limited to fractions from brain. Phospholipase C delta 1 was detected in rat tail artery, mesenteric artery, aorta, and brain. Phospholipase C beta 2 was found in rat tail artery, liver, and brain. This is the first report of phospholipase C beta 2 in tissues other than HL60 cells. Since G proteins activate IP3 production via stimulation of phospholipase C beta isoforms in many tissues, and agonist-stimulated IP3 production in smooth muscle requires G protein activation, phospholipase C beta 2 may be required for agonist-stimulated force production in vascular smooth muscle.

Carboxyl-terminal fragments of phospholipase C-beta1 with intrinsic Gq GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity

Fragments of the approximately 50 kDa COOH-terminal region of phospholipase C-beta1 (PLC-beta1(1)), ranging in size from 14 to 38 kDa, were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and tested for their regulatory activities. As expected, none of the fragments had phospholipase activity. Several fragments, referred to as PLC tails, displayed GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity for Gq, the G protein class that stimulates the PLC-betas in response to receptors. Gq GAP activity is characteristic of intact PLC-betas. In reconstituted phospholipid vesicles that contained purified Gq and m1 muscarinic cholinergic receptors, the most active tails increased agonist-stimulated, steady-state GTPase activity over 4-fold. Stimulation of steady-state GTPase by the tails depended on receptors for facilitation of GDP-GTP exchange, suggesting that the tails act by accelerating hydrolysis of bound GTP. In addition to intrinsic GAP activity, one tail with high GAP activity and others with low or minimal activity potentiated the GAP activity of intact PLC-beta1. Other tails inhibited PLC-beta1s GAP effect. Both intrinsic GAP activity and potentiation of the PLC-beta1 GAP effect were often biphasic, with maxima as low as 100 nM tail and declining activities at higher concentrations. Several tails inhibited either the phospholipase activity of PLC-beta1, its stimulation by Gq, or both. The tails thus define the region of PLC-beta1 that has Gq GAP activity and suggest a mechanism of action in which the COOH terminus of PLC-betas can interact with Gq and with other PLC-beta1 molecules.

Protein kinase C alters the responsiveness of adenylyl cyclases to G protein alpha and betagamma subunits

The ability of protein kinase C (PKC) to regulate the responsiveness of adenylyl cyclase to different activators was assessed. Membranes prepared from Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses encoding either type II or IV adenylyl cyclase were incubated with recombinant PKCalpha (purified from Sf9 cells), and the effects on adenylyl cyclase activity were measured after reconstitution with Gsalpha, Gbetagamma, or forskolin. PKCalpha treatment of type II adenylyl cyclase leads to increases in basal, forskolin-stimulated, and betagamma-stimulated activities and greater sensitivity to stimulation by Gsalpha. Paradoxically, most of the betagamma potentiation of Gsalpha-stimulated activity is eliminated by pretreatment with PKCalpha. By contrast, treatment of type IV adenylyl cyclase with PKCalpha has little effect on the basal, forskolin-stimulated, or betagamma-stimulated activities but markedly reduces the Gsalpha-stimulated and betagamma-potentiated activity of this isoform. These studies demonstrate that protein kinases can alter both the activity of adenylyl cyclase isoforms and their responsiveness to G protein regulation, thereby altering the ability of adenylyl cyclases to integrate signals derived from multiple hormonal inputs.

A tyrosine kinase signaling pathway accounts for the majority of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate formation in chemoattractant-stimulated human neutrophils

The signaling pathway leading from G protein-coupled chemoattractant receptors to the generation of oxidants by NADPH oxidase in human neutrophils requires the formation of the lipid mediator phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). Two mechanisms through which PIP3 can be generated have been described in human leukocytes. One pathway involves the coupling of the src-related tyrosine kinase Lyn to the "classical" p85/p110 form of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. The second paradigm utilizes a novel form of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase whose activity is directly regulated by G protein betagamma subunits. In this paper, we show that formation of PIP3 in chemoattractant-stimulated neutrophils is substantially attenuated by inhibitors that specifically block tyrosine kinase activity. These data suggest that the Lyn activation pathway plays a major role in the formation of this important lipid messenger during chemoattractant stimulation of human neutrophils.

Phospholipase C beta2 association with phospholipid interfaces assessed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. G protein betagamma subunit-mediated translocation is not required for enzyme activation

Phospholipase C beta2 (PLC beta2) is activated by G protein betagamma subunits and calcium. The enzyme is soluble and its substrate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), is present in phospholipid membranes. A potential mechanism for regulation of this enzyme is through influencing the equilibrium association of the enzyme with membrane surfaces. In this paper we describe a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) method for measuring the association of PLC beta2 with phospholipid bilayers. The method allows equilibrium measurements to be made under a variety of conditions, including those that support enzymatic activity and ability to be regulated by G proteins. Using this method it was found that PLC beta2 bound to vesicles containing anionic lipids and demonstrated a selective and unique interaction with PIP2-containing vesicles. The FRET data were corroborated with a centrifugation based method for estimating the affinity of PLC beta2 for vesicles. Apparently different modes of association of PLC beta2 with vesicles of different composition can be distinguished based on alterations in resonance energy transfer efficiency. Association of PLC beta2 with PIP2 vesicles requires an intact lipid bilayer, is blocked by neomycin, and is not affected by D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (D-IP3). G protein betagamma subunits do not alter the affinity of PLC beta2 for lipid bilayers and at the PIP2 concentrations used to measure betagamma-dependent stimulation of PLC activity, the majority of the PLC beta2 is already associated with the vesicle surface. Furthermore, under conditions where betagamma subunits strongly activate PLC activity, the extent of association with vesicles is unaffected by betagamma subunits or calcium. These results indicate that activation of PLC beta2 by G protein betagamma subunits or Ca2+ in vitro does not involve translocation to the vesicle surface.

Spacial compartmentalization of Ca2+ signaling complexes in pancreatic acini

Imaging [Ca2+]i at high temporal resolution and measuring the properties of Ca2+ signaling in streptolysin O (SLO)-permeabilized cells were used to study the spacial organization of signaling complexes. Sequential stimulation of single cells within pancreatic acini with several Ca2+-mobilizing agonists revealed an agonist-specific pattern and propagation rate of Ca2+ waves in the same cells, with CCK8 stimulating the fastest and bombesin the slowest waves. More importantly, each agonist initiated the wave in a different region of the same cell. On the other hand, repetitive stimulation with the same agonist induced Ca2+ waves of the same pattern that were initiated from the same region of the cell. The agonist-specific Ca2+ signaling does not appear to be the result of coupling to different G proteins as infusion of an anti-Galphaq antibody into the cells through a patch pipette equally inhibited Ca2+ signaling by all agonists. Further evidence for compartmentalization of signaling complexes was developed in permeabilized cells. The time-dependent loss of Ca2+ signaling due to SLO permeabilization occurred in an agonist-specific manner in the sequence cabachol > bombesin > cholecystokinin. Signaling by all agonists could be completely restored with as low as 2 micro guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS). At this low concentration GTPgammaS recoupled inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production and Ca2+ release, rather than enhancing phospholipase C activity. Priming of Ca2+ signaling by GTPgammaS was agonist-specific. Guanosine 5'-O-(thio)diphosphate (GDPbetaS) uncoupled the ability of signaling complexes to release Ca2+ much better than stimulating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production. The uncoupling of Ca2+ signaling by GDPbetaS was also agonist-specific. The combined findings of agonist-specific initiation sites of the Ca2+ wave and differential access of guanine nucleotides to signaling complexes suggest spacial compartmentalization of Ca2+ signaling complexes. Each complex must include a receptor, G protein, and phospholipase C that are coupled to a specific portion of the Ca2+ pool.

Functional reconstitution in situ of 5-hydroxytryptamine2c (5HT2c) receptors with alphaq and inverse agonism of 5HT2c receptor antagonists

Membranes prepared after infection of Sf9 cells with recombinant baculovirus containing the rat 5HT2c receptor DNA, but not after infection with wild-type virus, expressed high affinity binding sites for 125I-lysergic acid diethylamide and [3H]mesulergine. The receptor site density reached an optimum of 50-70 pmol/mg membrane protein at 60 h postinfection. Extraction of peripheral membrane proteins from the postnuclear membrane fraction with 6 M urea depleted GTPgammaS-binding 4-fold without decreasing 5HT2c receptor binding activity. Urea-extracted Sf9 membranes expressing the 5HT2c receptor catalyzed the activation of squid retinal alphaq but not bovine retinal alphat or bovine alphao/alphai. Productive interaction of 5HT2c receptors with squid alphaq was enhanced by the addition of betagamma dimers prepared from either bovine brain or bovine rod outer segment discs. While the addition of serotonin increased 5HT2c receptor-catalyzed GTPgammaS binding to alphaq, the unoccupied receptor was also catalytically active. The 5HT2c receptor antagonists, mesulergine, mianserin, and ketanserin competitively inhibited 5HT activation of the receptor with predicted rank-order affinities; and mianserin and ketanserin markedly inhibited basal 5HT2c receptor activity. Interestingly, this "inverse agonist" efficacy did not correlate with antagonist affinity for the 5HT2c receptor. Baculoviral expression of the 5HT2c receptor and urea extraction of postnuclear Sf9 cell membranes have provided a high density of in situ, uncoupled, G-protein-linked receptor useful for reconstitution with purified G-protein subunits. This has allowed for independent manipulation of receptor and G-protein chemical concentrations and has revealed that a G-protein-linked receptor can possess a significant basal catalytic activity and that antagonist compounds can act as inverse agonists of this basal activity at the level of receptor activation of G-proteins.

The role of carboxyl-terminal basic amino acids in Gqalpha-dependent activation, particulate association, and nuclear localization of phospholipase C-beta1

The phospholipase C (PLC)-beta isozymes differ from the PLC-gamma and PLC-delta isozymes in that they possess a long COOH-terminal sequence downstream of their catalytic domain, are activated by alpha subunits of the Gq class of G proteins, associate with the particulate subcellular fraction, and are present in the nucleus. Most of the COOH-terminal domain of PLC-beta isozymes is predicted to be helical, and three regions in this domain, PLC-beta1 residues 911-928 (region 1), 1055-1072 (region 2), and 1109-1126 (region 3), contain a high proportion of basic residues that are highly conserved. Projection of the sequences of these three regions in helical wheels reveals clustering of the basic residues. The role of the COOH terminus and the clustered basic residues in PLC-beta1 was investigated by either truncating the entire COOH-terminal domain (mutant DeltaC) or replacing two or three clustered basic residues with isoleucine (or methionine), and expressing the mutant enzymes in CV-1, Rat-2, or Swiss 3T3 cells. The DeltaC mutant no longer showed the ability to be activated by Gqalpha, to translocate to the nucleus, or to associate with the particulate fraction. Substitution of clusters of basic residues in regions 1 and 2 generally reduced the extent of activation by Gqalpha, whereas substitution of a basic cluster in region 3 had no effect. Substitution of the cluster of lysine residues 914, 921, and 925 in region 1 had the most marked effect, reducing Gqalpha-dependent activity to 10% of that of wild type. All substitution mutants, with the exception of that in which lysine residues 1056, 1063, and 1070 in region 2 were substituted with isoleucine, behaved like the wild-type enzyme in showing an approximately equal distribution between cytoplasm and nucleus; only 12% of the region 2 mutant was present in the nucleus. None of the basic clusters appeared critical for particulate association; however, replacement of each cluster reduced the amount of PLC-beta1 in the particulate fraction by some extent, suggesting that all the basic residues contribute to the association, presumably by interacting with acidic residues in the particulate fraction. Membrane localization of PLC-beta isozymes is therefore likely mediated by both the COOH-terminal domain and the pleckstrin homology domain, the latter of which is known to bind phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate.

Regulation of cardiac Na+,Ca2+ exchange and KATP potassium channels by PIP2

Cardiac Na+,Ca2+ exchange is activated by a mechanism that requires hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but is not mediated by protein kinases. In giant cardiac membrane patches, ATP acted to generate phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) from phosphatidylinositol (PI). The action of ATP was abolished by a PI-specific phospholipase C (PLC) and recovered after addition of exogenous PI; it was reversed by a PIP2-specific PLC; and it was mimicked by exogenous PIP2. High concentrations of free Ca2+ (5 to 20 microM) accelerated reversal of the ATP effect, and PLC activity in myocyte membranes was activated with a similar Ca2+ dependence. Aluminum reversed the ATP effect by binding with high affinity to PIP2. ATP-inhibited potassium channels (KATP) were also sensitive to PIP2, whereas Na+,K+ pumps and Na+ channels were not. Thus, PIP2 may be an important regulator of both ion transporters and channels.

Dopamine D1A receptor regulation of phospholipase C isoform

In LTK- cells stably transfected with rat D1A receptor cDNA, fenoldopam, a D1 agonist, increased phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate hydrolysis in a time-dependent manner. In the cytosol, phospholipase C (PLC) activity increased (50 +/- 7%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 4 h, and decreased below basal values by 24 h; in the membrane, PLC activity also increased (36 +/- 13%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 10 min, and decreased below basal value at 4 and 24 h. Fenoldopam also increased PLC-gamma protein in a time-dependent manner. The latter was blocked by the D1 antagonist SKF83742 and by a D1A antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, indicating involvement of the D1A receptor. The fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-gamma and activity was mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) since it was blocked by the PKA antagonist Rp-8-CTP-adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-CTP-cAMP-S) and mimicked by direct stimulation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin or by a PKA agonist, Sp-cAMP-S. Protein kinase C (PKC) was also involved, since the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-gamma protein was blocked by two different PKC inhibitors, calphostin C and chelerythrine; calphostin C also blocked the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC activity. In addition, forskolin and a PKA agonist, Sp-8-CTP-cAMP-S, increased PKC activity, and direct stimulation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased PLC-gamma protein and activity, effects that were blocked by calphostin C. We suggest that the D1A-mediated stimulation of PLC occurs as a result of PKA activation. PKA then stimulates PLC-gamma in cytosol and membrane via activation of PKC.

Gbetagamma transduces [Ca2+]i oscillations and Galphaq a sustained response during stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells with [Ca2+]i-mobilizing agonists

A central unresolved question in agonist-evoked [Ca2+]i signaling is the pathway by which [Ca2+]i oscillations and a sustained response are transduced. We show here that activation of Gbetagamma signal [Ca2+]i oscillations and activation of Galphaq signal a sustained response during stimulation by a number of Ca2+-mobilizing agonists. Thus, infusion of purified Gbetagamma into pancreatic acinar cells through a patch pipette evokes [Ca2+]i oscillations by Ca2+ release from internal stores, which were inhibited by two independent scavengers of Gbetagamma, the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase fragment, and a mutated Galphai1G203A. These proteins, as well as an inhibitory antibody against Galphaq/11, prevent [Ca2+]i oscillations and the sustained response when applied before cell stimulation, possibly by preventing the dissociation of Gq into its subunits. After cell stimulation and dissociation of Gq into Gbetagamma and Galphaq, scavenging Gbetagamma stabilized the sustained response and inhibited reassociation of the subunits on termination of cell stimulation with antagonist, whereas scavenging Galphaq inhibited the sustained response and uncovered the Gbetagamma-dependent oscillations. These findings provide a general mechanism by which Ca2+-mobilizing agonists can control the type of [Ca2+]i signal to be transduced to the cell interior.

Rhodopsin, Gq and phospholipase C activation in cephalopod photoreceptors

We present characterization of the rhodopsin, Gq and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) from the signal transduction pathway of cephalopod photoreceptors. Cephalopod rhodopsins are unique in possessing a C-terminal extension of proline-rich repeats, and they have a strong tendency to form ordered arrays. Two-dimensional arrays of a full-length and C-terminally-truncated cephalopod rhodopsin have been obtained. The C termini appear to cluster the rhodopsins into small groups. An AlF4(-)-activated Gq alpha subunit has been isolated and shown to activate a partially purified PLC beta. This 130 kDa PLC, isolated by absorption on heparin agarose, showed a specific activity of 195 nmol of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysed per milligram of protein per minute in the presence of 1.6 microM free calcium.

The role of G protein methylation in the function of a geranylgeranylated beta gamma isoform

The gamma subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins is isoprenylated and methylated on its carboxyl terminal cysteine residue. While retinal transducin is farnesylated, all other gamma subunits are modified by geranylgeranylation. An immobilized form of pig liver esterase (iPLE) is able to hydrolyze the methyl ester of a geranylgeranylated beta gamma isoform (beta 1 gamma 2). Since methylation is the only reversible reaction in the isoprenylation pathway, it could be a site of regulation of G protein activity. With both the methylated and demethylated beta 1 gamma 2 now available, the role of methylation for a geranylgeranylated heterotrimeric G protein may be addressed. Here, it is reported that methylation has no effect on the ability of beta gamma to interact with an alpha subunit, as probed by ADP-ribosylation studies with pertussis toxin, and has a small effect (less than 2-fold) on the ability of geranylgeranylated beta gamma to activate phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) and phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K). In binding studies, demethylation only slightly decreased the ability of beta 1 gamma 2 to adhere to azolectin vesicles. Therefore, methylation of heterotrimeric G proteins appears to have only a minor effect in signal transduction processes which can be correlated to a decrease in hydrophobicity of the beta gamma subunit.

Pertussis toxin-sensitive activation of phospholipase C by the C5a and fMet-Leu-Phe receptors

Signal transduction pathways that mediate C5a and fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-induced pertussis toxin (PTx)-sensitive activation of phospholipase C (PLC) have been investigated using a cotransfection assay system in COS-7 cells. The abilities of the receptors for C5a and fMLP to activate PLC beta2 and PLC beta3 through the Gbetagamma subunits of endogenous Gi proteins in COS-7 cells were tested because both PLC beta2 and PLC beta3 were shown to be activated by the betagamma subunits of G proteins in in vitro reconstitution assays. Neither of the receptors can activate endogenous PLC beta3 or recombinant PLC beta3 in transfected COS-7 cells. However, both receptors can clearly activate PLC beta2 in a PTx-sensitive manner, suggesting that the receptors may interact with endogenous PTx-sensitive G proteins and activate PLC beta2 probably through the Gbetagamma subunits. These findings were further corroborated by the results that PLC beta3 could only be slightly activated by Gbeta1gamma1 or Gbeta1gamma5 in the cotransfection assay, whereas the Gbetagamma subunits strongly activated PLC beta2 under the same conditions. PLC beta3 can be activated by Galphaq, Galpha11, and Galpha16 in the cotransfection assay. In addition, the Ggamma2 and Ggamma3 mutants with substitution of the C-terminal Cys residue by a Ser residue, which can inhibit wild type Gbetagamma-mediated activation of PLC beta2, were able to inhibit C5a or fMLP-mediated activation of PLC beta2. These Ggamma mutants, however, showed little effect on m1-muscarinic receptor-mediated PLC activation, which is mediated by the Gq class of G proteins. These results all confirm that the Gbetagamma subunits are involved in PLC beta2 activation by the two chemoattractant receptors and suggest that in COS-7 cells activation of PLC beta3 by Gbetagamma may not be the primary pathway for the receptors.

ATP-evoked inositol phosphates formation through activation of P2U purinergic receptors in cultured astrocytes: regulation by PKC subtypes alpha, delta, and theta

ATP-induced phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was studied in cultured astrocytes. To characterize the P2 purinergic receptor-mediated effects of ATP, the subtype-specific agonists 2-methylthio ATP (2-MeSATP), UTP, and alpha, beta-methylene ATP were compared. ATP, UTP, or 2-MeSATP induced a dose-dependent increase of inositol phosphates (IP) accumulation; alpha, beta-methylene ATP and adenosine had no effect. The order of potency was ATP > or = UTP >> 2-MeSATP. Cross-desensitization experiments indicated that ATP interacted with both P2U and P2Y receptors. P2U was the predominant P2 receptor in mediating PI hydrolysis in astrocytes. The effect of ATP, UTP, or 2-MeSATP was markedly inhibited by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating that both P2U and P2Y receptors coupled to phospholipase C through PTX-sensitive G protein. Short-term (10 min) treatment of cells with 1 microM TPA attenuated ATP, UTP, and 2-MeSATP-induced PI breakdown; however, long-term (24 h) pretreatment resulted in marked potentiation of both ATP and UTP, and restoration of 2-MeSATP responses. In a further analysis of the effect of TPA, 10 min and 1.5 h pretreatment attenuated ATP-and UTP-induced PI breakdown, but this inhibitory action was lost after 3 h of treatment. Both 6 and 24 h pretreatments resulted in a potentiation. Western blot analysis showed translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha, -delta, and -theta from the cytosol to the membrane following 10 min and 1.5 h treatments, and restoration to basal levels in the membrane fraction was seen after 3 h of treatment. On the other hand, partial and complete down-regulation of these three isoforms was seen after 6 and 24 h of treatment, respectively. PKC eta was translocated but not down-regulated by TPA. These results suggested that PKC alpha, -delta, and -theta, not -eta may exert tonic inhibition on P2U receptor-mediated PI turnover in unstimulated astrocytes.

Synergistic interactions between human transfected adenosine A1 receptors and endogenous cholecystokinin receptors in CHO cells

The effect of Gi coupled receptor activation (adenosine A1 and 5-HT1B receptors) on cholecystokinin receptor-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation has been investigated in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human adenosine A1 receptor cDNA (CHO-A1). CHO cells constitutively express the 5-HT1B receptor [Berg, Clarke, Sailstad, Saltzman and Maayani (1994) Mol. Pharmacol. 46, 477-484]. Our previous studies using CHO-A1 cells have revealed that both the adenosine A1 and 5-HT1B receptor are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase activity and stimulate increases in [Ca2+]i, through a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway. In the present study the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine stimulated a pertussis toxin-sensitive increase in total [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. The sulphated C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) stimulated a robust and pertussis toxin-insensitive increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation through the activation of CCKA receptors. Co-stimulation of CHO-A1 cells with N6-cyclopentyladenosine and CCK-8 produced a synergistic increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. The synergistic interaction between N6-cyclopentyladenosine and CCK-8 was abolished in pertussis toxin-treated cells. Synergy between N6-cyclopentyladenosine and CCK-8 still occurred in the absence of extracellular calcium. The 5-HT1B receptor agonist 5-carboxyamidotryptamine did not stimulate a measurable increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. Furthermore, 5-carboxyamidotryptamine had no significant effect on CCK-8 mediated [3H]inositol phosphate production. Activation of endogenous P2U receptors (Gq/Gll coupled) with ATP gamma S produced a significant increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. Co-stimulation of CHO-A1 cells with ATP gamma S and CCK-8 produced additive increases in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. These data indicate that CHO-A1 cells may prove a useful model system in which to investigate further the mechanisms underlying the intracellular 'cross-talk' between phospholipase C coupled receptors (Gq/Gll linked) and Gi/Go coupled receptors.

Heterotrimeric G proteins

Over the past year, the thrust of work in the field of heterotrimeric G proteins has been primarily in the following areas: first, resolution of their three-dimensional structures by X-ray crystallography; second, elucidation of the effect of lipid modifications on the Galpha and Ggamma subunits; third, understanding the role of the Gbetagamma dimer in stimulation of a variety of effectors following receptor activation; and fourth, identification of the points of contact among the Galpha, Gbeta, and Ggamma subunits, and between these subunits and their cognate receptor or effector molecules.

Expression and immunohistochemical localization of eight phospholipase C isoforms in adult male mouse cerebellar cortex

By means of specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies we have investigated the expression and the localization of phospholipase C isoforms in the adult mice cerebellar cortex. Western-blot analysis revealed that mouse cerebellum expressed eight phospholipase C isozymes: -beta 1, -beta 2, -beta 3, -beta 4, -gamma 1, -gamma 2, -delta 1, -delta 2. Immunohistochemical analysis carried out on cryosections showed a distinct pattern of expression for each of the isoforms. Purkinje cells had high levels of -beta 1, -beta 3, -gamma 2 and -delta 2 isotypes. The -gamma 2 isozyme was the only one that was identified also in the dendrites of Purkinje cells. In the molecular layer we detected mostly -beta 1 and -gamma 1 isozymes whereas in the granular layer -gamma 1 and -gamma 2 isoforms prodominated. These results indicate a heterogeneity of the phospholipase C isoforms expressed in the layers of mouse cerebellar cortex conceivably due to the fact that these enzymes are coupled to different receptors and perform selective tasks in regulating cell signalling events taking place in the cerebellar cortex of mice.

Chemical biology of protein isoprenylation/methylation

Isoprenylation/methylation is an important dual hydrophobic post-translational modification which occurs at or near a carboxyl terminal cysteine residue. All known G proteins are modified in this way, making the pathway of central interest for an understanding of signal transduction. In this review, aspects of the molecular enzymology of isoprenylation/methylation are reviewed. The functional significance of these modifications is discussed, with special reference to the signal transducing G proteins. Of further interest is the possible regulatory role of methylation, since this step is the only reversible one in the pathway. The biochemical and functional consequences of isoprenylation/methylation are of especial interest. Isoprenylation/methylation is generally assumed to enhance the abilities of modified proteins to associate with membranes. This can be due either to hydrophobic lipid-lipid or lipid-protein interactions. Available evidence, taken largely from studies on visual signal transduction and ras signalling pathways, strongly points to enhanced membrane binding being a consequence of hydrophobic lipid-lipid interactions. An exciting possibility that also emerges is concerned with whether isoprenylation may also have additional roles, in addition to enhancing the membrane partitioning ability of the modified protein. In a simple mechanism of this type, the isoprenylated/methylated cysteine residue would be specifically recognized by another protein. While no compelling case can yet be made for an effector role for the isoprenylated/methylated cysteine moiety mediating protein-protein interactions, recent studies on the pharmacology of isoprenylated cysteine analogs suggests the possibility of such a role.

Acidification of serotonin-containing secretory vesicles induced by a plasma membrane calcium receptor

Parafollicular (PF) cells secrete 5-hydroxytryptamine in response to increased extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e). This stimulus causes Cl- channels in PF secretory vesicles to open, leading to vesicle acidification. PF cells express a plasmalemmal heptahelical receptor (CaR) that binds Ca2+, Gd3+, and Ba2+. We now report that the CaR mediates vesicle acidification. Ca2+, Gd3+, and Ba2+ induced vesicle acidification, which was independent of channel-mediated Ca2+ entry. Agonist-induced vesicle acidification was blocked by pertussis toxin, inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C, calmodulin, NO synthase, guanylyl cyclase, or protein kinase G. PF cells contained NO synthase immunoreactivity, and vesicles were acidified by NO donors and dibutyryl cGMP. [Ca2+]e, and Gd3+ mobilized thapsigargin-sensitive internal Ca2+ stores. [35S]G alpha i and [35S]G alpha q were immunoprecipitated from PF membranes incubated with agonists in the presence of [35S]adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate). Labeling of G alpha i but not G alpha q was antagonized by pertussis toxin. Vesicles acidified in response to activation of protein kinase C; however, protein kinase C inhibition blocked calcium channel- but not CaR-dependent acidification. We propose the following signal transduction pathway: CaR -> Gi -> phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C -> inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate -> [Ca2+]i -> Ca2+/calmodulin -> NO synthase -> NO -> guanylyl cyclase -> cGMP -> protein kinase G -> opens vesicular Cl- channel.

A 50 KDa protein modulates guanine nucleotide binding of transglutaminase II

Regulation of cellular response is an important mechanism for controlling cellular functions. The transmembrane signaling of the hormone receptors is regulated by GTP-binding proteins (GTPases) and their associated proteins. Our previous studies demonstrated that the bifunctional GTP-binding protein, G alpha h (transglutaminase II), consistently copurified with an approximately 50 kDa protein (G Beta h) which is dissociated from G alpha h upon activation with GTP gamma S or AlF4-. Present immunological and biochemical studies on the regulation of the GTPase cycle of G alpha h, which involves the alpha 1-adrenoceptor and 50 KDa G beta h, reveal that the 50 kDa protein is indeed a G alpha h-associated protein and down regulates functions of G alpha h. Thus, polyclonal antibody against G Beta h coimmunoprecipitates GDP-bound G alpha h but not the GDP-AlF4--bound form. The GTP gamma S binding and GTPase activity of G alpha h are inhibited in a G beta h concentration dependent manner. Supporting this notion, G beta h accelerated GTP gamma S release from G alpha h and changes the affinity of G alpha h from GTP to GDP. Moreover, the ternary complex preparation exhibits TGase activity that is inhibited in the presence of the alpha 1-agonist and GTP. The GTP gamma S binding by the ternary complex, consisting of the alpha 1-agonist, the receptor, and Gh, is also inhibited by G beta h. The inhibition of GTP gamma S binding with the ternary complex requires a > or = 2.7-fold higher concentration of G beta h than the G alpha h alone, indicating that the receptor enhances the affinity of G alpha h for GTP. In addition, G beta h copurifies with an alpha 1-agonist, adrenoceptor, and G alpha h ternary complex, showing that the complex is a heterotetramer. Our data also suggest that G beta h does not directly interact with alpha 1-adrenoceptor. These findings clearly demonstrate that G alpha h associates with a novel protein which modulates the affinity of G alpha h for guanine nucleotides and that the GDP-bound Gh is the ground state for the counterpart activator, the alpha 1-adrenoceptor, in this signaling system.

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C and mitogenic signaling

The importance of PLC activation in cell proliferation is evident from the fact that the hydrolysis of PtdIns(4,5)P2 is one of the early events that follow the interaction of many growth factors and mitogens with their respective receptors. However, the importance of PLC activation is not restricted to proliferation; it is one of the most common transmembrane signaling events elicited by receptors that regulate many other cellular processes, including differentiation, metabolism, secretion, contraction, and sensory perception. It is also clear that cell proliferation signaling does not always require PLC, as indicated by the fact that growth factors such as insulin and CSF-1 do not appear to elicit the hydrolysis of PtdIns(4,5)P2, even though the intracellular domains of their receptors carry a PTK domain and the receptors show topologies very similar to those of the PLC-activating growth factors PDGF, EGF, and FGF. The growth factor-dependent activation of PLC is initiated by the formation of a complex between the receptor PTK and PLC-gamma; the formation of this complex is mediated by a specific interaction between a tyrosine phosphate residue on the intracellular domain of PTK and the SH2 domain of PLC-gamma. The receptor PTK subsequently phosphorylates PLC-gamma, of which two distinct isozymes, PLC-gamma 1 and PLC-gamma 2, have been identified. Proliferation of T cells and B cells in response to the aggregation of their respective cell surface receptors is also accompanied by the activation of PLC-gamma isozymes at an early stage. Unlike growth factor receptors, the T cell and B cell receptors lack intrinsic PTK activity but associate with several non-receptor PTKs of the Src and Syk families. Although the specific kinases are not known, one or more of these enzymes phosphorylate and activate PLC-gamma 1 and PLC-gamma 2. Transduction of growth signals by G protein-coupled receptors such as those for thrombin or bombesin also requires PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, which, in this instance, is mediated by PLC-beta isozymes. The PLC-beta subfamily consists of four distinct members: PLC-beta 1, PLC-beta 2, PLC-beta 3, and PLC-beta 4. Agonist interaction with specific G protein-coupled receptors causes the dissociation of Gq proteins into G alpha and G beta gamma subunits and the exchange of GDP bound to G alpha for GTP. The resulting GTP-bound G alpha subunit then activates PLC-beta isoforms by binding to the carboxyl-terminal region of the enzyme.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tertiary and quaternary structural changes in Gi alpha 1 induced by GTP hydrolysis

Crystallographic analysis of 2.2 angstrom resolution shows that guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis triggers conformational changes in the heterotrimeric G-protein alpha subunit, Gi alpha 1. The switch II and switch III segments become disordered, and linker II connecting the Ras and alpha helical domains moves, thus altering the structures of potential effector and beta gamma binding regions. Contacts between the alpha-helical and Ras domains are weakened, possibly facilitating the release of guanosine diphosphate (GDP). The amino and carboxyl termini, which contain receptor and beta gamma binding determinants, are disordered in the complex with GTP, but are organized into a compact microdomain on GDP hydrolysis. The amino terminus also forms extensive quaternary contacts with neighboring alpha subunits in the lattice, suggesting that multimers of alpha subunits or heterotrimers may play a role in signal transduction.

Functional characterization of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-beta 1 and -beta 3 in intestinal smooth muscle

Soluble and membrane phosphoinositide-specific phospholipases obtained separately from dispersed circular and longitudinal intestinal muscle cells were characterized for substrate specificity and G protein dependence using selective antibodies to various isoforms of phospholipase C (PLC) and G protein subunits. Western blot analysis disclosed the presence of the main PLC isozymes, PLC-gamma 1, PLC-delta 1, and PLC-beta 1. Soluble PLC from circular and longitudinal muscle was stimulated by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) and inhibited by PLC-beta 1 antibody (80-90%) and PLC-beta 3 antibody (approximately 25%) but not by G protein antibodies. Membrane PLC from circular and longitudinal muscle was stimulated by cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) and inhibited selectively by PLC-beta 1 antibody (85%), PLC-beta 3 antibody (15%), and G alpha q/11 antibody (90%). CCK-8-induced contraction in permeabilized circular muscle cells was also selectively inhibited by PLC-beta 1 antibody (76%), PLC-beta 3 antibody (24%), and G alpha q/11 antibody (86%). The combined effects of PLC-beta 1 and PLC-beta 3 antibodies on PLC activity and muscle contraction were additive, causing complete inhibition. Soluble and membrane PLC from circular and longitudinal muscle were immunologically similar but functionally different. The enzymes from circular muscle preferentially hydrolyzed endogenous and exogenous phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2), confirming previous findings of preferential hydrolysis of PIP2 in dispersed intestinal circular muscle cells.

Concentration of enzyme-dependent activation of PLC-beta 1 and PLC-beta 2 by G alpha 11 and beta gamma-subunits

Differential regulation of PLC-beta 1 and -beta 2 by the G-protein alpha-subunit, G alpha 11, and by G-protein beta gamma-subunits was studied utilizing recombinant PLC-beta 1 and -beta 2. Rat PLC-beta 1 and human PLC-beta 2 were purified after recombinant baculovirus-mediated expression in Sf9 cells. The catalytic properties of the purified recombinant isoenzymes were directly compared to PLC-beta 1 purified from bovine brain and PLC-beta 2 partially purified from HL60 polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The recombinant isoenzymes were indistinguishable from the native isoenzymes with respect to dependence of reaction velocity on bulk PtdIns(4,5)P2 substrate concentration, pH, and free Ca2+ concentration. Marked AlF(4-)-dependent activation was observed upon reconstitution of rPLC-beta 1 with the G-protein alpha-subunit, G alpha 11. Activation occurred with a concentration dependence on G alpha 11 for activation and elevation in reaction velocity that was similar to that of native PLC-beta 1. In contrast, G alpha 11 promoted only a small elevation in the catalytic rate of recombinant PLC-beta 2, which was also typical of the native isoenzyme. Maximal reaction rates with respect to PLC-beta isoenzyme concentration were achieved and indicated that rPLC-beta 2 required 10-fold greater concentrations of both G alpha 11 and of rPLC-beta 2 for activation than did rPLC-beta 1. rPLC-beta 1 and rPLC-beta 2 were also differentially regulated by beta gamma-subunits. This differential activation was not the result of different concentration dependencies on beta gamma-subunit for activation, but rather, the result of the greater degree to which the catalytic rate of PLC-beta 2 was elevated by beta gamma-subunits when compared to PLC-beta 1.

Candidate genes for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize candidates for the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene. The development of tumours related to MEN1 is associated with somatic deletions involving the MEN1 locus, suggesting inactivation of a tumour-suppressor gene in this region. We have isolated five cDNA candidates located within the 900 kb remaining for the MEN1 gene, determined their sequence, and characterized their expression in normal tissues and several endocrine tumours. One of the candidates, encoding for phospholipase C-beta 3, showed properties consistent with the idea of a tumour-suppressor gene.

Cloning and characterization of a G protein-activated human phosphoinositide-3 kinase

Phosphoinositide-3 kinase activity is implicated in diverse cellular responses triggered by mammalian cell surface receptors and in the regulation of protein sorting in yeast. Receptors with intrinsic and associated tyrosine kinase activity recruit heterodimeric phosphoinositide-3 kinases that consist of p110 catalytic subunits and p85 adaptor molecules containing Src homology 2 (SH2) domains. A phosphoinositide-3 kinase isotype, p110 gamma, was cloned and characterized. The p110 gamma enzyme was activated in vitro by both the alpha and beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins (G proteins) and did not interact with p85. A potential pleckstrin homology domain is located near its amino terminus. The p110 gamma isotype may link signaling through G protein-coupled receptors to the generation of phosphoinositide second messengers phosphorylated in the D-3 position.

Selective coupling of beta 2-adrenergic receptor to hematopoietic-specific G proteins

The coupling of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (AR) to the alpha subunits of the Gq class of G proteins was investigated in a cotransfection system. COS-7 cells cotransfected with the beta 2-AR cDNA and the G alpha 15 or G alpha 16 cDNA showed marked norepinephrine-induced increases in accumulation of inositol phosphates in a concentration-dependent manner. However, cells cotransfected with the cDNA encoding G alpha q, G alpha 11, or G alpha 14 instead of G alpha 16 gave no ligand-dependent activation of phospholipase C (PLC). The facts that the beta-AR agonist isoprenaline can also induce activation of PLC in cells coexpressing beta 2-AR and G alpha 16 and that the beta 2-AR-specific antagonist propranolol can block norepinephrine-induced activation of PLC in these cotransfected cells further indicate that it is the beta 2-AR that mediates the activation of phospholipase C in these cotransfected cells. To test the possibility of involvement of G beta gamma, a G beta gamma antagonist, G gamma 3 mutant with substitution of a Ser residue for the C-terminal Cys residue, was used because this protein, when expressed in COS-7 cells, can inhibit only G beta gamma-mediated but not G alpha-mediated activation of PLC. The result that the G gamma 3 mutant could not inhibit beta 2-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of PLC in cells cotransfected with the G alpha 16 cDNA suggests that G beta gamma is unlikely to be a major mediator of beta 2-adrenergic receptor-induced activation of PLC. Thus, we conclude that the beta 2-adrenergic receptor can specifically couple to G alpha 15 and G alpha 16, but not to G alpha q, G alpha 11, or G alpha 14 to activate PLC.

G protein control of Drosophila photoreceptor phospholipase C

Light stimulates phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate phospholipase C (PLC) activity in Drosophila photoreceptors. We have investigated the mechanism of this reaction by assaying PLC activity in Drosophila head membranes using exogenous phospholipid substrates. PLC activation depends on the photoconversion of rhodopsin to metarhodopsin and is reduced in norpAEE5 PLC and ninaEP332 rhodopsin mutants. NorpA PLC is stimulated by light at free Ca2+ concentrations between 10 nM and 1 microM. This finding is consistent with a Ca(2+)-mediated positive feedback mechanism that contributes to the rapid temporal response of invertebrate photoreceptor cells. The guanyl nucleotide dependence of light-stimulated PLC activity indicates that a G protein regulates NorpA. This was confirmed by the observation that light stimulation of PLC activity is deficient in mutants that lack the eye-specific G protein beta subunit G beta e. These results indicate that G beta e functions as the beta subunit of the G protein coupling rhodopsin to NorpA PLC.

Synergistic interaction of Y1-neuropeptide Y and alpha 1b-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and arachidonic acid production

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and norepinephrine, found colocalized in sympathetic neurons innervating blood vessels, exert synergistic responses on vasoconstriction. To examine the signaling mechanisms involved, free of complications associated with mixed receptor populations, we have established a stable Chinese hamster ovary cell line expressing both Y1-NPY and alpha 1b-adrenergic receptors. Occupation of either receptor species, with 100 nM peptide YY (PYY) or 10 microM phenylephrine (PE), respectively, resulted in a rapid increase in the cytoplasmic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) as assessed with Fura-2/AM. The rise due to PYY, but not that due to PE, was abolished by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. Both responses were largely maintained in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, but abolished by prior depletion of intracellular Ca2+ pools with either thapsigargin or 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone. Using cells prelabeled with myo-[3H]inositol, PE promoted a rapid (5 s) rise in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) as analyzed by anion-exchange high pressure liquid chromatography, whereas the response to PYY (first significant at > 15 s post-stimulation) was too slow to play a causative role in Ca2+ mobilization. Combination of PE and PYY resulted in increases in [Ca2+]i which were at best additive, whereas they promoted a clearly synergistic rise in Ins(1,4,5)P3 at both 15 and 60 s. Co-stimulation also resulted in a synergistic activation of both protein kinase C (PKC) and [3H]arachidonic acid release. In either instance PYY alone was without effect. The potentiation of arachidonic acid release was abolished by depletion of cellular PKC following chronic treatment with phorbol esters. It is suggested that the ability of PYY to mobilize Ca2+ in an Ins(1,4,5)P3-independent fashion minimizes the functional importance of the capacity to potentiate PE-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation. Instead the major consequences of the synergistic activation of phospholipase C are mediated via PKC, the other route of the signaling pathway.

Genomic organization and complete cDNA sequence of the human phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta 3 gene (PLCB3)

We have characterized the complete cDNA sequence, genomic structure, and expression of the human phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta 3 (PLC beta 3) gene (gene symbol PLCB3). PLC beta 3 plays an important role in initiating receptor-mediated signal transduction. Activation of PLC takes place in many cells as a response to stimulation by hormones, growth factors, neurotransmitters, and other ligands. The partial cDNA sequence of PLC beta 3, previously published, was extended with 876 bp in the 5' direction, giving a transcript of 4400 bp and a total open reading frame of 1234 amino acids. This was in accordance with expression analysis by Northern blotting that revealed a single 4.4-kb transcript in all tissues tested. Genomic data were obtained by sequencing plasmid subclones of a cosmid that contained the whole gene. The size of the complete transcription unit was estimated to be on the order of 15 kb. The gene contains 31 exons, with all splice donor and acceptor sites conforming to the GT/AG rule. No exon exceeds 571 bp in length, and the shortest exon spans only 36 bp. More than half of the introns are smaller than 200 bp, with the smallest being only 79 bp long. The transcription initiation site was determined to be within an 8-bp cluster 328-321 bp upstream of the translation initiation site. The 5'flanking region is highly GC rich, with multiple CpG doublets, and contains multiple binding sites for Sp1. Lacking typical transcriptional regulatory sequences such as TATA and CAAT boxes, the putative promoter region conforms to the group of housekeeping promoters.

Phosphatidyl inositol-phospholipase C in squid photoreceptor membrane is activated by stable metarhodopsin via GTP-binding protein, Gq

Phosphatidyl inositol-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) in squid retina was studied by immunoblotting and its activities were determined using [3H]phosphatidyl inositol bisphosphate ([3H]PIP2) as substrate. PI-PLC activity was found mostly in soluble fraction when the retina homogenate was treated with 400 mM KCl, but was associated with rhabdomal membranes under low salt conditions (20 mM Hepes). A protein with apparent molecular mass of 130kD was recognized by an antibody against PLC beta 4/norp A in both 400 mM KCl soluble and rhabdomal membrane fractions. A 42 kD protein recognized by antibody against the C-terminus of Gq alpha was also present in these two fractions. GTP gamma S stimulated only the PI-PLC activity associated with membrane and was magnesium dependent. PI-PLC activity was found to be (i) highly dependent upon calcium concentrations, (ii) enhanced by GTP but not by other nucleotides, and (iii) significantly stimulated by light at lower concentrations of GTP gamma S. The stimulation by light was still observed when irradiated membrane was incubated at 10 degrees C for 10 min and then mixed with GTP gamma S. These results suggest that stable metarhodopsin stimulates a PLC beta 4/norp A-like enzyme via a G-protein, Gq.

Significance of PIP2 hydrolysis and regulation of phospholipase C isozymes

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is an important component of several intracellular signaling pathways. It serves as a substrate for phospholipase C, which produces the second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. It is also a substrate for a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and regulates the function of a number of actin-binding proteins. PIP2 has been shown recently to serve as a cofactor for a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D and as a membrane-attachment site for many signaling proteins containing pleckstrin homology domains. The need to stringently regulate the cellular concentration of PIP2 is reflected in part by the fact that there are at least ten distinct mammalian phospholipase C isozymes and multiple mechanisms linking these isozymes to various receptors.

Potentiation of Gi-mediated phospholipase C activation by retinoic acid in HL-60 cells. Possible role of G gamma 2

Differentiated HL-60 cells acquire responsiveness to fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP), which activates phospholipase C and O2- generation in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Addition of retinoic acid (RA) for the last 24 h during dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO)-induced differentiation enhanced fMLP-dependent signals and interaction between fMLP receptor and G(i). RA modifies both the function and subunit composition of G(i)2, the predominant G(i) of HL-60 membranes, as shown by comparing purified G(i)2 from membranes of Me2SO-treated cells (D-G(i)2) to G(i)2 from membranes of cells treated with both Me2SO and RA (DR-G(i)2). As compared to D-G(i)2, DR-G(i)2 induced more fMLP binding when added to membranes of pertussis toxin-treated HL-60 cells and, in the presence of GTP gamma S, stimulated beta gamma-sensitive phospholipase C in extracts of HL-60 cells to a much greater extent at a lower concentrations. Immunoblasts revealed that RA induced expression of the gamma 2 subunit, which was otherwise undetectable in G(i)2 purified from HL-60 cells or in HL-60 membranes. Possibly by inducing expression of gamma 2, RA alters two functions of the G(i) beta gamma subunit, modulation of fMLP receptor-G(i)2 coupling and activation of the effector, Phospholipase C.

Endogenous cleavage of phospholipase C-beta 3 by agonist-induced activation of calpain in human platelets

Two membrane-associated phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cs (mPI-PLC-1 and mPI-PLC-2) and a cytosolic enzyme (cPI-PLC) that were activated by brain G-protein beta gamma subunits have been isolated from human platelets. The truncation of mPI-PLC-1 that was mediated by mu-calpain induced much higher activation by beta gamma subunits (Banno, Y., Asano, T., and Nozawa, Y. (1994) FEBS Lett. 340, 185-188). On the basis of size and immunological cross-reactivity, mPI-PLC-1 (155 kDa) was PLC-beta 3, and mPI-PLC-2 (100 kDa) was its truncated form. The cPI-PLC (140 kDa) was recognized by the antibody selective for internal sequences of PLC-beta 3 but not by the antibody raised against its carboxyl terminus, indicating that it may be related to PLC-beta 3. Treatment of human platelets with A23187 and dibucaine, activators of calpain, caused cleavage of actin-binding protein and talin in a time-dependent manner. At the same time, decrease of PLC-beta 3 (155 and 140 kDa) and concomitant increase of the 100-kDa product of cleavage were observed on immunoblots with the antibody to internal sequences of PLC-beta 3. Furthermore, stimulation of platelets by natural agonists, thrombin and collagen, caused the cleavage of PLC-beta 3 (155 and 140 kDa) and an increase of 100 kDa PLC-beta 3 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The cleavage of these PLC-beta 3 enzymes was completely blocked by calpain inhibitor, calpeptin, indicating that the PLC-beta 3 modification may be a consequence of platelet activation leading to activation of calpain. This is the first demonstration that PLC-beta 3 is indeed cleaved by calpain upon platelet activation by physiological agonists. The cleavage of PLC-beta 3 evoked by thrombin and collagen but not ADP was correlated with irreversible aggregation, suggesting that the PLC-beta 3 modification may play a role in secondary irreversible aggregation in agonist-stimulated human platelets.

Functional analysis of a dominant negative mutant of G alpha i2

The key event in receptor-catalyzed activation of heterotrimer G proteins is binding of GTP, which leads to subunit dissociation generating GTP-bound alpha subunits and free beta gamma complexes. We have previously identified a mutation that abolished GTP binding in G alpha o (S47C) and demonstrated that the mutant retained the ability to bind beta gamma and could act in a dominant negative fashion when expressed in Xenopus oocytes (Slepak, V.Z., Quick, M.W., Aragay, A.M., Davidson, N., Lester, H.A., and Simon, M.I. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 21889-21894). In the current work, we investigated the effects of the homologous mutant of G alpha i2 (S48C) upon signaling pathways reconstituted in transiently transfected COS-7 cells. We found that expression of the G alpha i2 S48C mutant prevented stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC) beta 2 by free beta gamma subunit complexes. This effect of G alpha i S48C was not readily reversible in contrast to the inhibitory effect of wild-type G alpha i2, which could be reversed upon activation of the cotransfected muscarinic M2 receptor, presumably by release of beta gamma from the G protein heterotrimer. Coexpression of G alpha i S48C or the wild-type G alpha i2 also dramatically decreased G16-mediated stimulation of PLC by C5a in the cells transfected with cDNAs encoding C5a receptor and G alpha 16. Activation of PLC via endogenous Gq or G11 in the presence of alpha 1C adrenergic receptors was similarly attenuated by coexpression of G alpha i or G alpha i S48C. Pertussis toxin treatment of the transfected cells enhanced the inhibition of the receptor-stimulated PLC by wild-type G alpha i subunits but did not influence the effects of the dominant negative mutant. The enhancement of the wild-type G alpha i inhibitory effect by pertussis toxin can be explained by stabilization of G alpha i binding to beta gamma as a result of ADP-ribosylation, while G alpha i S48C mutant binds beta gamma irreversibly even without pertussis toxin treatment. Therefore, a feasible mechanism to rationalize the attenuation of the G alpha 16 and Gq/11-mediated activation of PLC by cotransfected G alpha i is the competition between G alpha i and G alpha 16 or Gq/11 for the beta gamma complexes, which are necessary for the G protein coupling with receptors. These experiments provide new evidence for the role of beta gamma in the integration of signals controlling phosphoinositide release through different G alpha families.