Molecular cloning, developmental expression and pharmacological characterization of the CCKB/gastrin receptor in the calf pancreas

Cholecystokinin (CCK): a neuromodulator with therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide modulating digestion, glucose levels, neurotransmitters and memory. Recent studies suggest that CCK exhibits neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, we review the physiological function and therapeutic potential of CCK. The neuropeptide facilitates hippocampal glutamate release and gates GABAergic basket cell activity, which improves declarative memory acquisition, but inhibits consolidation. Cortical CCK alters recognition memory and enhances audio-visual processing. By stimulating CCK-1 receptors (CCK-1Rs), sulphated CCK-8 elicits dopamine release in the substantia nigra and striatum. In the mesolimbic pathway, CCK release is triggered by dopamine and terminates reward responses via CCK-2Rs. Importantly, activation of hippocampal and nigral CCK-2Rs is neuroprotective by evoking AMPK activation, expression of mitochondrial fusion modulators and autophagy. Other benefits include vagus nerve/CCK-1R-mediated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, intestinal protection and suppression of inflammation. We also discuss caveats and the therapeutic combination of CCK with other peptide hormones.

The role of Sonic Hedgehog as a regulator of gastric function and differentiation

The Hedgehog (Hh) genes play a key role in the regulation of embryonic development and govern processes such as cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and tissue patterning. In vertebrate embryos, Hh gene expression regulates correct formation of limbs, skeleton, muscles, and organs including stomach. In the adult, the Hh pathway functions in tissue repair and regeneration, along with maintenance of stem cells. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling has been extensively studied for its role in developmental and cancer biology. Recent advances in the field of gastroenterology show that in the stomach, Shh is responsible for proper differentiation of the gastric glands. The aberrant activity of the Shh signaling pathway leads to an altered gastric differentiation program and loss of gastric acid secretion that is the predominant function of the stomach. In this chapter, we review the most recent findings that reveal the role of Shh as a regulator of gastric function and differentiation and how this signaling is dysregulated during the development of gastric cancer in response bacterial infection.

Role of AMP-18 in oral mucositis

Oral mucositis (OM) is a devasting toxicity associated with cytotoxic cancer therapy. Antrum mucosal protein (AMP)-18 and a synthetic peptide surrogate, exhibit cell protective and mitogenic properties in in vitro and in vivo models of gastrointestinal epithelial cell injury. The mucosal barrier-protective effects may be mediated by AMP-18's capacity to increase accumulation of specific tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction proteins, and also protect against their loss after injury. Here we asked if AMP peptide could protect the oral mucosa and speed healing from radiation-induced injury. We found AMP peptide prevented radiation-induced OM in a murine model. The peptide also stimulated HaCaT cell growth used to model the oral mucosa. Binding of recombinant human (rh) AMP-18 to the plasma membrane of keratinocytes in normal human oral mucosal tissue suggested that its effects may be receptor mediated. Using an immobilized His-tagged rhAMP-18 fusion protein the receptor was identified as the cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor (CCKBR) by affinity purification and mass spectrometry analysis. CCKBR was expressed and co-immunoprecipitated with exogenous rhAMP-18 in diverse epithelial cell lines. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that rhAMP-18 colocalized with CCKBR on the surface of CCKBR-transfected cells. Furthermore, rhAMP-18-stimulated signaling pathways were blocked by a CCKBR-specific antagonist, YM022. rhAMP-18 enhanced viability and growth of CCKBR-transfected, but not empty vector-transfected cells. These results suggest the importance of epithelial junctional integrity in the pathogenesis of OM and demonstrate that AMP-18, by targeting TJ proteins through the activation of CCKBR, could provide a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of OM.

The CCK(-like) receptor in the animal kingdom: functions, evolution and structures

In this review, the cholecystokinin (CCK)(-like) receptors throughout the animal kingdom are compared on the level of physiological functions, evolutionary basis and molecular structure. In vertebrates, the CCK receptor is an important member of the G-protein coupled receptors as it is involved in the regulation of many physiological functions like satiety, gastrointestinal motility, gastric acid secretion, gall bladder contraction, pancreatic secretion, panic, anxiety and memory and learning processes. A homolog for this receptor is also found in nematodes and arthropods, called CK receptor and sulfakinin (SK) receptor, respectively. These receptors seem to have evolved from a common ancestor which is probably still closely related to the nematode CK receptor. The SK receptor is more closely related to the CCK receptor and seems to have similar functions. A molecular 3D-model for the CCK receptor type 1 has been built together with the docking of the natural ligands for the CCK and SK receptors in the CCK receptor type 1. These molecular models can help to study ligand-receptor interactions, that can in turn be useful in the development of new CCK(-like) receptor agonists and antagonists with beneficial health effects in humans or potential for pest control.

Cholecystokinin and gastrin receptors

Cholecystokinin and gastrin receptors (CCK1R and CCK2R) are G protein-coupled receptors that have been the subject of intensive research in the last 10 years with corresponding advances in the understanding of their functioning and physiology. In this review, we first describe general properties of the receptors, such as the different signaling pathways used to exert short- and long-term effects and the structural data that explain their binding properties, activation, and regulation. We then focus on peripheral cholecystokinin receptors by describing their tissue distribution and physiological actions. Finally, pathophysiological peripheral actions of cholecystokinin receptors and their relevance in clinical disorders are reviewed.

Presence and localization of CCK receptor subtypes in calf pancreas

This study was undertaken to confirm the presence of CCK receptor subtypes in calf pancreas and establish their cellular localization. Using specific antibodies against CCKA and CCKB receptors, somatostatin, glucagon and insulin, we were able to confirm by Western blot the presence of both CCK receptor protein subtypes in the calf pancreas as a 80-85-kDa CCKA receptor and 40-45-kDa CCKB receptor. By immunofluorescence, the CCKB receptor colocalizes with the islets' somatostatin delta cells, confirming what was previously shown in other species, as well as on ductal cells. We could not reproduce in the calf its colocalization with glucagon alpha cells as observed in human and rat. Any specific localization of CCKA receptors with our multiple antibodies failed. Our observation that the CCKB receptor subtype is specifically localized on pancreatic delta cells as well as on ductal cells lets us support the hypothesis that in this species, CCK could be involved in somatostatin metabolism as well as hydrelatic secretion; its effect on enzyme secretion would be indirect.

Bovine pancreatic secretion in the first week of life: potential involvement of intestinal CCK receptors

The aim of this study was to evaluate pancreatic juice secretion of calves in the first postnatal days, and determine a potential involvement of cholecystokinin (CCK) and intestinal CCK receptor in its regulation. Nine neonatal Friesian calves (five controls and four treated intraduodenally with FK480, a CCK-A receptor antagonist) were surgically fitted with a pancreatic duct catheter and a duodenal cannula before the first colostrum feeding. Collections of pancreatic juice and duodenal luminal pressure recordings were started early after recovery from anaesthesia and continued for 6 days. From day 2 or 3 of life, periodic fluctuations in pancreatic secretions were observed in concert with duodenal myoelectric motor complex (MMC) and variations in plasma pancreatic polypeptide (PP) concentrations. Intraduodenal administration of FK480 reduced pancreatic juice secretion while intravenous infusion of CCK had no effect. Immunocytochemistry indicated an association of mucosal CCK-A and -B receptors with neural components of the small intestine. In conclusion, periodic activity of the exocrine pancreas exists in neonatal calves soon after birth and local neural intestinal CCK-A receptors could be partly responsible for the modulation of neonatal calf pancreatic secretion.

Expression of receptors regulating gastric acidity in the developing sheep stomach

Acid secretion first appears in the stomach during the later stages of fetal development. Gastric acid secretion is regulated by the stimulatory effects of gastrin, histamine, acetylcholine and the inhibitory actions of somatostatin on their respective receptors. A semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method for the determination of changes in mRNA expression for these receptors was developed and correlated with known changes in gastric acidity. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP-DH) was used as a reference and an internal standard. The antrum and fundus from four age groups were assayed: 80 days of gestation, 110 days of gestation, term (145 days) and adult animals. The CCK B/gastrin and the histamine (H(2)) receptor mRNA were significantly lower in samples from the fundus of fetuses, from 80 and 110 days of gestation when compared with the adult fundus. Histamine receptor mRNA in the antrum was also significantly lower in the 80 and 110 days of gestation samples relative to the term fetal antrum. Somatostatin II receptor mRNA levels in the antrum decreased with increasing age with no change in the fundus. These findings suggest that changes in receptor gene expression, may be responsible for the diminished gastric acidity and responsiveness observed in the fetal stomach.

Molecular characterization and organ distribution of type A and B cholecystokinin receptors in cynomolgus monkey

Differences in the molecular structure or organ distribution of receptors can limit the usefulness of a given species for drug studies. In this work, we have studied cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors in cynomolgus monkey, an animal model useful for preclinical testing. The type A CCK receptor cDNA was cloned and predicted to encode a 428 amino acid peptide that was 98% identical to the human receptor. Only 2 of the 10 residues that were distinct from the human receptor were not present in other cloned CCK receptor species. A Chinese hamster ovary cell line that stably expressed this receptor was developed. The cynomolgus receptor expressed in this environment was functionally indistinguishable from the human receptor, binding CCK with high affinity [inhibition constant (K(I)) = 1.8 +/- 0.5 nM] and exhibiting a potent intracellular calcium signaling response to this hormone (EC(50) = 6.6 +/- 2.1 pM). Like the human type A CCK receptor, this receptor was expressed prominently in monkey gallbladder and stomach and was expressed in low levels in brain and pancreas. The type B CCK receptor cDNA was cloned from stomach and brain (450 residue receptor that is 96% identical to the human receptor), where it was highly expressed yet was undetectable in gallbladder or pancreas. This work confirms the relevance of the cynomolgus species for preclinical testing of drugs acting on the type A CCK receptor.

Direct visualization of cholecystokinin subtype2 receptors in rat central nervous system using anti-peptide antibodies

The cholecystokinin receptor, subtype 2 (CCK(2)R), is considered, based on receptor autoradiography, to be the predominant receptor for this peptide transmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. To directly visualize the CCK(2)R we utilized a convenient and sensitive immunohistochemical procedure using antipeptide receptor antibodies raised in rabbits against unique portions of the carboxyl tail and third intracellular loop of the CCK(2)R. Antibodies were characterized by ELISA and Western blotting, and used for immunohistochemistry in rat brain sections. Studies with both antibodies revealed a widespread topographic distribution of CCK(2)R-like immunoreactivity (CCK(2)R-LI) in regions such as cortex, olfactory bulb, nucleus accumbens, septum, striatum, hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, habenula, hypothalamus, thalamus, ventral mesencephalon, inferior colliculus, parabrachial nucleus, pontine nucleus, supercolliculus, red nucleus, subcommisural and occulomotor nucleus, area postrema, solitary, olivary, cochlear, cuneate and trigeminal nuclei and spinal cord dorsal horn in agreement with the results of previous receptor autoradiography.

Pancreatic secretory response to feeding in the calf: CCK-A receptors, but not CCK-B/gastrin receptors are involved

In bovine species, as in human, the pancreas predominantly expresses cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B)/gastrin receptors. However, the role of this receptor in the regulation of meal-stimulated pancreatic enzyme release has not been determined. In milk-fed calves, we previously described prandial patterns of exocrine pancreatic secretion and a long prefeeding phase was observed. The present study was aimed at determining both the role of external stimuli in the outset of the prefeeding phase and the implication of pancreatic CCK-A and CCK-B/gastrin receptors in the mediation of pancreatic response to feeding. The first objective was studied by suppressing external stimuli associated with food intake (unexpected meal) and the second by infusing highly specific and potent antagonists of CCK-A (SR 27897) and CCK-B/gastrin (PD 135158) receptors during the prandial period. When calves were given an unexpected meal, the long prefeeding increase in pancreatic secretion was absent. SR 27897 (but not PD 135158) inhibited the preprandial phase and greatly reduced postprandial pancreatic juice and enzyme outflows. The expectancy of a meal seemed to elicit an increased pancreatic response right before a meal and CCK-A receptors may mediate this information via neural pathways. The implication of CCK and CCK-A receptors in mediating the postfeeding pancreatic response was also demonstrated. The participation of CCK-B/gastrin receptors in this regulation was not demonstrated.Key words: CCK-A and CCK-B/gastrin receptors, cholecystokinin, exocrine pancreatic secretion, feeding, milk-fed calf.

Mutation of Asn-391 within the conserved NPXXY motif of the cholecystokinin B receptor abolishes Gq protein activation without affecting its association with the receptor

Among the most conserved regions in the G-protein-coupled receptors is the (N/D)PX(2-3)Y motif of the seventh transmembrane domain (X represents any amino acid). The mutation of the Asn/Asp residue of this motif in different G-protein-coupled receptors was shown to affect the activation of either adenylyl cyclase or phospholipase C. We have mutated the Asn residue (Asn-391) of the NPXXY motif in the CCKBR to Ala and determined the effects of the mutation on binding, signaling, and G-proteins coupling after expression of the mutated receptor in COS cells. The mutated receptor displayed similar expression levels and high affinity CCK binding compared with the wild type CCKBR. However, unlike the wild type CCKBR, the mutated receptor was completely unable to mediate activation of either phospholipase C and protein kinase C-dependent and -independent mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, indicating an essential role of Asn-391 in CCKBR signaling. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments allowed us to show that the inactive mutant retains an intact capacity to form stable complexes with G(q)alpha subunits in response to CCK. These results indicate that the formation of high affinity CCK-receptor-G(q) protein complexes is not sufficient to activate G(q) and suggest that Asn-391 is specifically involved in G(q) proteins activation.

Small intestinal and pancreatic microstructures are modified by an intraduodenal CCK-A receptor antagonist administration in neonatal calves

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of CCK on the upper gut and pancreas microstructure and on pancreatic juice secretion in neonatal calves assessed by a repetitive intraduodenal administration of FK480, a CCK-A receptor antagonist, during the first 6 days of life. The experiment was performed on 10 neonatal calves surgically fitted with a pancreatic accessory duct catheter and duodenal cannulas. Calves were sacrificed on day 7 for tissue sampling. Treatment with FK480 resulted in: reduction of preprandial pancreatic juice secretion at days 1-3, smaller size of pancreatic acini and number of cells per acinus, reduction in intestinal crypt depth (except in the duodenal bulb), numerous modifications of intestinal villi length and width, lower mitotic index of crypt cells, and increased number and size of enterocytes with 'empty vacuoles'. In conclusion, the blockade of CCK-A receptors during early life both reduced pancreatic exocrine secretion and induced complex changes in pancreatic microstructure. The influence of CCK on the upper gut microstructure in neonatal calves could be either direct via activation of CCK-A receptors located in the mucosa of the upper gut or indirect by modulation of the secretion of pancreatic juice.

The CCKB/gastrin receptor is coupled to the regulation of enzyme secretion, protein synthesis and p70 S6 kinase activity in acinar cells from ElasCCKB transgenic mice

In order to determine which physiological functions can be regulated by the pancreatic CCKB/gastrin receptor, studies were carried out on pancreatic acini from mice expressing transgenic CCKB/gastrin receptors in the exocrine pancreas (ElasCCKB mice). Acini were stimulated by sulfated gastrin in the presence of SR 27897 (1.8 microM), blocking endogenous CCKA receptors. After 30 min incubation with gastrin, the secretion of chymotrypsinogen and amylase showed superimposable monophasic dose-response curves. Enzyme secretion was detectable and maximal at 100 pM and 1 nM of gastrin, respectively. No increase in chymotrypsinogen and amylase mRNAs was detected for doses of gastrin which specifically occupy the CCKB/gastrin receptor. In contrast, gastrin stimulated total protein synthesis in isolated acini from ElasCCKB mice. [35S]Methionine incorporation into total proteins was increased dose-dependently to a maximum for 30 pM gastrin and inhibited with higher doses (> 300 pM). Gastrin stimulated p70 S6 kinase activity for concentrations ranging from 10 pM to 1 nM. Gastrin-stimulated p70 S6 kinase activity and protein synthesis were blocked by rapamycin and wortmannin. Therefore, in ElasCCKB mice acinar cells, the CCKB/gastrin receptor mediates enzyme release and protein synthesis. However, a more efficient coupling of the CCKB/gastrin receptor to protein synthesis than to enzyme secretion was demonstrated. CCKB/gastrin receptor-stimulated protein synthesis likely results from an enhancement of mRNA translation and involves phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase and p70 S6 kinase.

Differential tissular expression of the CCK(A) and CCK(B) gastrin receptor genes during postnatal development in the calf

Local and temporal expression of CCK(A) and CCK(B)/gastrin receptor genes was studied in the calf with a quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. Cerebral cortex, antrum, fundus, gall bladder, pancreas and liver were analyzed in calves at 0, 2, 7, 21, 28 and 150 days of age. Cerebral cortex and pancreas expressed both receptor genes with a ratio between CCK(A) and CCK(B)/gastrin receptor transcripts varying according to the age. Gall bladder and fundus showed an exclusive expression of CCK(A) and CCK(B)/gastrin receptor mRNAs, respectively, with the highest levels of transcripts in newborn and 28-day-old calves. The rank order for CCK(A) receptor mRNA expression was gall bladder > pancreas > cerebral cortex >>> antrum and that for CCK(B)/gastrin receptor mRNA expression was cerebral cortex / pancreas / fundus >> antrum. No CCK(A) and CCK(B)/gastrin receptor mRNA was detected in liver, regardless of the age of calves. The present data represent a basis for a better understanding of the ontogeny of physiological functions linked to the CCK(A) and CCK(B)/gastrin receptors.

Transgenic CCK-B/gastrin receptor mediates murine exocrine pancreatic secretion

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The presence of cholecystokinin (CCK)-B/gastrin receptors in the pancreas of higher mammals including humans has been shown, but their physiological function in the normal pancreas is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether they couple to the secretory machinery of normal acinar cells.

METHODS

A transgenic mouse strain expressing the human CCK-B/gastrin receptor in the exocrine pancreas was created. The transgenic construction used the promoter region of the elastase I gene and the human CCK-B/gastrin receptor gene. Analysis of ElasCCKB mice included polymerase chain reaction and receptor autoradiography. Molecular and binding features of the CCK-B/gastrin receptor were determined by Western blot and radioligand binding studies. Amylase secretion and inositol phosphate production assays were used in functional characterization.

RESULTS

The CCK-B/gastrin receptor was expressed in the exocrine pancreas and had typical molecular and binding features. CCK and sulfated gastrin stimulated enzyme secretion with identical potencies and efficacies. They activated phospholipase C, but CCK was 60-fold less potent than sulfated gastrin.

CONCLUSIONS

The data show that the CCK-B/gastrin receptor mediates exocytosis in acinar cells and can differentially couple to phospholipase C depending on the agonist. The ElasCCKB mice provide a useful model to study phospholipase C-dependent and -independent intracellular transduction pathways leading to pancreatic exocrine secretion.

Mapping of ligand binding sites of the cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor with lipo-gastrin peptides and molecular modeling

Double-tailed lipo-tetragastrin derivatives of increasing fatty acid chain length were used to identify the minimum size of the fatty acid moieties (> or = C10) that restricts the access to the CCK-B/gastrin (CCK: cholecystokinin) receptor via a membrane-bound pathway. Then dimyristoyl-mercaptoglycerol/maleoyl-gastrin adducts of increasing peptide chain length were synthesized to define the minimal peptide size required for receptor binding affinities comparable, to those of underivatized gastrin peptides despite anchorage of the lipid tails in the membrane bilayer. The experimental results indicated that most of the little-gastrin sequence, i.e., 2-17, is needed for optimal interaction of the molecule with the binding cleft of the receptor. From these data experimentally based restraints could be derived for docking of lipo-gastrin onto a CCK-B/gastrin receptor model applying molecular dynamics simulations and energy minimizations. In the receptor-bound state some of the secondary structure elements of gastrin as determined by nmr analysis of gastrin-peptides in low dielectric constant media are retained. The N-terminal gastrin portion interacts in a more or less extended conformation with the receptor surface, and upon a sharp kink at the Ala-Tyr dipeptide portion the C-terminal pentapeptide amide part inserts deeply into the helix bundle. Besides Arg-57 on top of helix 1 of the receptor, for which no potential interaction with the ligand could be detected, the other amino acid residues identified by mutagenesis studies as involved in gastrin recognition were found to interact with the C-terminal portion of gastrin. Even taking into account the strong limitations of such a model system, it represents an interesting tool for rationalizing the experimental results of the extensive structure-function studies performed previously on gastrin and to delineate more precisely the putative ligand binding site on the extracellular face of the receptor.

Gut regulatory peptides in young cattle and sheep

This review summarizes recent advances on blood plasma patterns, receptors, secondary messengers and metabolism of gut regulatory peptides (i.e. gastrin, secretin, somatostatin, cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, pancreatic polypeptide, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, motilin), in young ruminants during fetal and perinatal stages, during the preruminant stage and at weaning. It also deals with their role in the digestive tract function and postabsorptive changes. Some pathological situations in young ruminants are considered. Recent molecular aspects of digestive enzyme synthesis are also reported.

Pharmacological and biochemical evidence for the simultaneous expression of CCKB/gastrin and CCKA receptors in the pig pancreas

1. In the pig, the secretory response of the pancreas is not inhibited by the antagonist MK329 suggesting that cholecystokininA (CCKA) receptors are not involved. 2. Membranes were isolated from the pancreas of 6 Large White pigs to characterize their CCK receptors. 3. The binding of [125I]-BH-[Thr, Nle]CCK-9 was dependent on pH, maximal after a 90 min incubation period, saturable and reversible. Saturation analysis of the binding demonstrated a single class of high affinity sites (Kd = 0.22 +/- 0.02 nM) and a binding capacity, Bmax = 110.64 +/- 12.50 fmol mg-1 protein. 4. Competition binding by agonists and antagonists of CCKA and CCKB/gastrin receptors demonstrated the presence of two distinct binding components, sites presenting a high affinity for [Thr, Nle]CCK-9, gastrin, PD 135158, L-365, 260 and a low affinity for MK329, SR 27897, and sites presenting a high affinity for [Thr, Nle]CCK-9, MK329, SR 27897 and a low affinity for gastrin, PD 135158, L-365,260. 5. These pharmacological data demonstrate the presence of both CCKA and CCKB/gastrin receptors in the pig pancreas, the latter being predominant. 6. Two distinct membrane proteins (50 and 85-100 kDa, respectively) display pharmacological features of CCKB/gastrin and CCKA receptors. 7. In pigs, as in calves and humans, CCKB/gastrin receptors are predominant in the pancreas.