Crosstalk: phosphorylation of alpha1b-adrenoceptors induced through activation of bradykinin B2 receptors

Sites phosphorylated in human α1B-adrenoceptors in response to noradrenaline and phorbol myristate acetate

Phosphorylation of the human α_1B-adrenergic receptor (fused with the green fluorescent protein) was studied employing the inducible Flp-ln HEK293 T-Rex system for expression. Serine/alanine substitutions were performed in five sites corresponding to those previously identified as phosphorylation targets in the hamster ortholog. Desensitization was decreased in these mutants but receptor phosphorylation was still clearly detected. The protein phosphorylation of the wild-type receptor (fused to the green fluorescent protein) was studied, using mass spectrometry, under baseline and stimulated conditions (noradrenaline or phorbol myristate acetate). Basal phosphorylation was detected at sites located at the intracellular loop 3 and carboxyl terminus, and the number of sites detected increased under agonist activation and stimulation of protein kinase C. The phosphorylation patterns differed under the distinct conditions. Three of the phosphorylation sites detected in this work corresponded to those observed in the hamster receptor. The phosphorylation sites detected included the following: a) at the intracellular loop 3: serines 246, 248, 257, 267, and 277; and threonines 252, 264, and 268, and b) at the carboxyl terminus: serines 396, 400, 402, 406, 423, 425, 427, 455, and 470, and threonines 387, 392, 420, and 475. Our data indicate that complex phosphorylation patterns exist and suggest the possibility that such differences could be relevant in receptor function and subcellular localization.

α1B-adrenergic receptors differentially associate with Rab proteins during homologous and heterologous desensitization

Internalization of G protein-coupled receptors can be triggered by agonists or by other stimuli. The process begins within seconds of cell activation and contributes to receptor desensitization. The Rab GTPase family controls endocytosis, vesicular trafficking, and endosomal fusion. Among their remarkable properties is the differential distribution of its members on the surface of various organelles. In the endocytic pathway, Rab 5 controls traffic from the plasma membrane to early endosomes, whereas Rab 4 and Rab 11 regulate rapid and slow recycling from early endosomes to the plasma membrane, respectively. Moreover, Rab 7 and Rab 9 regulate the traffic from late endosomes to lysosomes and recycling to the trans-Golgi. We explore the possibility that α_1B-adrenergic receptor internalization induced by agonists (homologous) and by unrelated stimuli (heterologous) could involve different Rab proteins. This possibility was explored by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) using cells coexpressing α_1B-adrenergic receptors tagged with the red fluorescent protein, DsRed, and different Rab proteins tagged with the green fluorescent protein. It was observed that when α_1B-adrenergic receptors were stimulated with noradrenaline, the receptors interacted with proteins present in early endosomes, such as the early endosomes antigen 1, Rab 5, Rab 4, and Rab 11 but not with late endosome markers, such as Rab 9 and Rab 7. In contrast, sphingosine 1-phosphate stimulation induced rapid and transient α_1B-adrenergic receptor interaction of relatively small magnitude with Rab 5 and a more pronounced and sustained one with Rab 9; interaction was also observed with Rab 7. Moreover, the GTPase activity of the Rab proteins appears to be required because no FRET was observed when dominant-negative Rab mutants were employed. These data indicate that α_1B-adrenergic receptors are directed to different endocytic vesicles depending on the desensitization type (homologous vs. heterologous).

Sphingosine 1-phosphate-mediated α1B-adrenoceptor desensitization and phosphorylation. Direct and paracrine/autocrine actions

Sphingosine-1-phosphate-induced α1B-adrenergic receptor desensitization and phosphorylation were studied in rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged adrenoceptors. Sphingosine-1-phosphate induced adrenoceptor desensitization and phosphorylation through a signaling cascade that involved phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C activities. The autocrine/paracrine role of sphingosine-1-phosphate was also studied. It was observed that activation of receptor tyrosine kinases, such as insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors increased sphingosine kinase activity. Such activation and consequent production of sphingosine-1-phosphate appear to be functionally relevant in IGF-I- and EGF-induced α1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization as evidenced by the following facts: a) expression of a catalytically inactive (dominant-negative) mutant of sphingosine kinase 1 or b) S1P1 receptor knockdown markedly reduced this growth factor action. This action of sphingosine-1-phosphate involves EGF receptor transactivation. In addition, taking advantage of the presence of the eGFP tag in the receptor construction, we showed that S1P was capable of inducing α1B-adrenergic receptor internalization and that its autocrine/paracrine generation was relevant for internalization induced by IGF-I. Four distinct hormone receptors and two autocrine/paracrine mediators participate in IGF-I receptor-α1B-adrenergic receptor crosstalk.

Mechanisms involved in α1B-adrenoceptor desensitization

α(1B)-Adrenergic receptors mediate many of the actions of the natural catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline. They belong to the seven transmembrane domains G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and exert their actions mainly through activation of Gq proteins and phosphoinositide turnover/calcium signaling. Many hormones and neurotransmitters are capable of inducing α(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization; among them: adrenaline and noradrenaline, phorbol esters, endothelin-I, bradykinin, lysophosphatidic acid, insulin, EGF, PDGF, IGF-I, TGF-β, and estrogens. Key protein kinases for these effects are G protein coupled receptor kinases and protein kinase C. The lipid/protein kinase, phosphoinositide-3 kinase also appears to play a key role, acting upstream of protein kinase C. In addition to the agents employed for cells stimulation, we observed that paracrine/autocrine mediators also participate; these processes include EGF transactivation and sphingosine-1-phosphate production and action. The complex regulation of these receptors unlocks opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Effect of inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase on alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation

1 Mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate hormone/neurotransmitter action on proliferation and differentiation and participate in receptor regulation. The effect of inhibitors of mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MEK) on alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation state and function was studied using different cell lines. It was observed that at nanomolar concentrations the MEK inhibitors, PD98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone) and UO126 [1,4-(diamino-2,3-dicyano/1,4-bis-(2-aminophenylthio)-butadiene], increased alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and diminished the functional response of this receptor to noradrenaline. These agents did not alter the action of lysophosphatidic acid. 2 Staurosporine (IC(50) approximately 0.8 nm) (a general protein kinase inhibitor) and bis-indolyl-maleimide I (IC(50) approximately 200 nm) (a selective protein kinase C inhibitor) inhibited PD98059-induced alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation. In contrast, neither wortmannin (phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor) nor genistein (protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor) had any effect. The data suggest the possibility that MEK might exert control on the activity of the enzymes that regulate receptor phosphorylation, such as G-protein-coupled receptor kinases, protein kinase C or serine/threonine protein phosphatases. 3 Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed a constant association of total extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) with alpha(1B)-adrenoceptors. Association of phospho-ERK 1/2 to alpha(1B)-adrenoceptors increased not only in response to agonist but also in response to agents that increase alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor and ERK1/2 phosphorylation [such as endothelin-1, phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)]; not surprisingly, PD98059 decreased this effect. 4 Our data show that blockade of MEK activity results in increased alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation, diminished adrenoceptor function and perturbation of receptor-ERK1/2 interaction.

Roles of c-Src in alpha1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization

1 The role of the protein tyrosine kinase, c-Src, on the function and phosphorylation of alpha1B-adrenoceptors (alpha1B-AR) and their association with G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) isozymes was studied. 2 Inhibitors of this kinase (PP2 and Src Inhibitor II) decreased ( approximately 50-75%) noradrenaline- (NA) and phorbol myristate acetate-mediated receptor phosphorylation. Expression of a dominant-negative mutant of c-Src similarly reduced receptor phosphorylation induced by the natural agonists, active phorbol esters and endothelin-1 (ET-1). 3 c-Src, GRK2, GRK3 and GRK5 coimmunoprecipitate with alpha1B-ARs in the basal state. In cells treated with NA or phorbol myristate acetate the amount of coimmunoprecipitated GRK2 and GRK3 increased ( approximately 2- to 3-fold), while treatment with ET-1 only augmented the amount of coimmunoprecipitated GRK2 ( approximately 2-fold). The Src inhibitor, PP2, markedly attenuated all these increases. 4 Cell pretreatment with PP2 amplified the increase in intracellular-free calcium observed with NA, in the basal state and after the stimulation (desensitization) induced by ET-1. 5 The data suggest a role of c-Src in alpha1B-AR desensitization/phosphorylation and in the interaction of these ARs with GRKs.

Regulation of LPA receptor function by estrogens

17beta-Estradiol induced LPA(1) receptor desensitization in C9 cells stably expressing LPA(1) receptors and transiently expressing estrogen receptor alpha. Such desensitization was evidenced by a reduction in lysophosphatidic acid-mediated Ca(2+)mobilization and it was associated to receptor phosphorylation and internalization. These effects of 17beta-estradiol were rapid (taking place over 5 min) and were blocked by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780. Similarly, inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (wortmannin and LY294002) and of protein kinase C (staurosporine and Gö 6976) blocked 17beta-estradiol-induced LPA(1) receptor desensitization and phosphorylation. Confocal microscopy evidenced LPA(1) receptor internalization in response to 17beta-estradiol treatment. Association between LPA(1) receptors and protein kinase C alpha was suggested by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Protein kinase C alpha was associated with LPA(1) receptors in the absence of stimulus and such association further increased in a dynamic fashion in response to 17beta-estradiol. The results demonstrated that in C9 cells estrogens modulate LPA(1) action through estrogen receptor alpha with the participation of protein kinase C alpha and phosphoinositide 3-kinase.

Phosphorylation, desensitization and internalization of human alpha1B-adrenoceptors induced by insulin-like growth factor-I

The effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on human alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor function, phosphorylation state and cellular location was studied. Rat-1 fibroblasts were transfected with a plasmid construction containing enhanced green fluorescent protein joined to the carboxyl terminus of the human alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor. Receptors were identified by radioligand binding and photoaffinity labeling, and were immunoprecipitated with an antiserum generated against the enhanced green fluorescent protein. The receptor was functional, as evidenced by noradrenaline action on intracellular calcium and inositol phosphate production. IGF-I had no significant effect by itself on these parameters but markedly reduced the effects of noradrenaline. IGF-I induced alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation, which was markedly reduced by the following agents: pertussis toxin, a metalloproteinase inhibitor, diphtheria toxin mutant CRM 197, an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor intrinsic kinase activity inhibitor, and by phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C inhibitors. IGF-I action appears to involve activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, shedding of heparin-binding EGF and autocrine activation of EGF receptors. G protein subunits and phosphotyrosine residues stimulate phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity leading to activation of protein kinase C, which in turn phosphorylates alpha(1B)-adrenoceptors. Confocal fluorescent microscopy showed that alpha(1B)-adrenoceptors fussed to the green fluorescent protein were located in plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles in the basal state. IGF-I induced receptor redistribution favoring the intracellular location; this effect was blocked by hypertonic sucrose and concanavalin A. Our data show that IGF-I induces alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor desensitization associated to receptor phosphorylation and internalization.

Insulin-like growth factor-I induces alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation through G beta gamma and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation

IGF-I induces alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor (alpha(1B)-AR) phosphorylation. The effect of IGF-I was rapid and transient, reaching near-maximal values at 10 min and decreasing after 30 min; it was observed at low IGF-I concentrations (EC(50) approximately 10 ng/ml) and was associated to receptor desensitization as evidenced by a decreased alpha(1B)-adrenergic effect on intracellular calcium and production of inositol phosphates. The effect of IGF-I was markedly decreased in cells treated with pertussis toxin suggesting involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Transfection of the carboxyl terminus of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase or the Deltap85 mutant of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) markedly decreased the alpha(1B)-AR phosphorylation induced by IGF-I without decreasing the receptor phosphorylation induced by noradrenaline. Inhibitors of PI3K and protein kinase C blocked IGF-I-induced alpha(1B)-AR phosphorylation. In addition, it was observed that AG1478, an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor kinase, and BB-94, a metalloproteinase inhibitor, also diminished IGF-I-induced adrenoceptor phosphorylation. The data clearly show that IGF-I triggers a complex signaling pathway, which leads to the phosphorylation and desensitization of a serpentine G protein-coupled receptor, suggesting the following hypothetical model: 1) stimulation of IGF-I receptors activate pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins; 2) the growth factor action activates metalloproteinases, which catalyze heparin binding-EGF shedding, and transactivation of EGF receptors, and 3) dissociated Gbetagamma subunits and phosphotyrosine residues seem to trigger PI3K activity, which leads to activation of protein kinase C, resulting in alpha(1B)-AR phosphorylation and desensitization.

Role of epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation in alpha1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation

Phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors is one of the earliest events that regulate their function. Current evidence indicates that homologous desensitization of these receptors mainly involves G protein-coupled receptor kinases whereas in heterologous desensitization second messenger-activated kinases play key roles. Recent data show that transactivation of EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptors may also play a role in receptor phosphorylation. The role of this process was studied for the alpha1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation induced by agents acting through different processes using inhibitors to block the EGF receptor transactivation process at different levels. Experiments were performed using transfected rat-1 fibroblasts that express alpha1B-adrenoceptors in a stably fashion. A metalloproteinase inhibitor, an anti-heparin-binding-EGF-selective antibody, and a selective EGF-receptor kinase inhibitor blocked the alpha1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation induced by noradrenaline or endothelin-1. Our results indicate that shedding of heparin-binding-EGF, transactivation of EGF receptors plays a more general role in alpha1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation than previously anticipated. It is possible that other receptors/channels could be modulated through a similar pathway.

The role of the alpha-1 adrenoceptor in modulating human mesangial cell matrix production

BACKGROUND

The sympathetic nervous system is frequently activated in hypertension and may modify various aspects of renal function. Whether modulation of the sympathetic nervous system directly influences the development of renal fibrosis is yet to be established. The current study investigates the role of the alpha-1 adrenoceptor on human mesangial cell scarring.

METHODS

Human mesangial cells were injured with macrophage-conditioned medium (MPCM) and treated with doxazosin for 1 or 3 days.

RESULTS

alpha-1 Adrenoceptor antagonist doxazosin of 2 micromol/l reduced fibronectin protein in MPCM-injured female mesangial cells by 31 +/- 1.03% (P < 0.001) and by 9.5 +/- 0.3% (P = 0.01) in male mesangial cells. The differential response between sexes was significant (P = 0.004). alpha-1B Adrenoceptors were detected in human mesangial cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with expression in female cells being 87% higher than in males (P = 0.04). Injury with MPCM reduced alpha-1B adrenoceptor mRNA expression in both cell types. Doxazosin had no effect on the protein levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) or interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), however, a small reduction in tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels was observed. Doxazosin had no effect on the modulators of matrix turnover matrix metalloproteinases MMP3, MMP9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), although a significant reduction in tissue plasminogen activator (tPA); (36.5 +/- 2.6%, P < 0.001) was observed. Doxazosin caused an up-regulation of kallikrein expression, both at mRNA and protein levels. Co-treatment with the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist HOE140 was able to attenuate the effects of doxazosin treatment on fibronectin levels.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that inhibition of alpha-1B adrenoceptors in mesangial cells exerts an anti-fibrotic effect in a sex-specific manner via modulation of the kallikrein-kinin/plasminogen activator system.

Estrogens Cross-Talk to α1b-Adrenergic Receptors

beta-Estradiol induced alpha1b-adrenergic receptor desensitization in U373 MG cells stably expressing alpha1b-adrenoceptors, as evidenced by a reduction in the adrenergic-mediated Ca2+ mobilization; desensitization was associated with receptor phosphorylation and internalization. These effects of beta-estradiol were rapid (taking place during 15 min) and were blocked by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (faslodex). Likewise, inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase [wortmannin and 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002)] and of protein kinase C [staurosporine, 3-[1-[3-(amidinothio)propyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-3-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl) maleimide (Ro31-8220), and rottlerin] blocked the desensitization and phosphorylation of alpha1b-adrenoceptors induced by estradiol. The formation of a complex was suggested by coimmunoprecipitation assays. The regulatory and catalytic subunits of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p85 and p110) and protein kinase C delta were associated with alpha1b-adrenoceptors in the absence of stimulus, and such association further increased in a dynamic fashion in response to beta-estradiol. In cells cotransfected with the estrogen receptor alpha and alpha1b-adrenoceptors, beta-estradiol induced phosphorylation, desensitization and internalization of the adrenergic receptors; pretreatment with ICI 182,780 inhibited these effects. Our data support the idea that estrogens modulate alpha1b-adrenergic action through estrogen receptor alpha.

Insulin induces α1B-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization

The ability of insulin to induce alpha1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization was tested in two model systems: rat-1 cells that stably express alpha1B-adrenoceptors, through transfection, and endogenously express insulin receptors and DDT1 MF2 cells that endogenously express both receptors. Insulin induced concentration-dependent increases in the phosphorylation state of the adrenergic receptors in the two models with similar EC50 values (0.5-2 nM). The effect was rapid in the two systems but it was sustained in rat-1 cells and transient in DDT1 MF2 cells. In both cell lines, the insulin-mediated phosphorylation of alpha1B-adrenoceptors was blocked by wortmannin and LY 294002, and by staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide I, indicating that the effect involved phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C activities. The adrenoceptor phosphorylation induced by insulin was associated to desensitization as evidences by a diminished elevation of intracellular calcium in response to noradrenaline. Inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C blocked the functional desensitization induced by insulin.

alpha1B-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization induced by transforming growth factor-beta

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) induced alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation in Rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing these adrenoceptors. This effect of TGF-beta was rapid, reaching a maximum within 30 min and decreasing thereafter, and concentration-dependent (EC(50) 0.3 pM). The phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002, and the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine, Ro 318220 and bisindolylmaleimide, blocked the effect of this growth factor. alpha(1B)-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation was associated with desensitization, as indicated by a reduction in the adrenergic-mediated production of [(3)H]inositol phosphates. Phosphorylation of alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors by TGF-beta was also observed in Cos-1 cells transfected with the receptor. Co-transfection of the dominant-negative mutant of the regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Deltap85) inhibited the phosphorylation of alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors induced by TGF-beta. Our results indicate that activation of TGF-beta receptors induces alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization. The data suggest that phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C play key roles in this effect of TGF-beta.

Acute agonist-mediated desensitization of the human alpha 1a-adrenergic receptor is primarily independent of carboxyl terminus regulation: implications for regulation of alpha 1aAR splice variants

Despite important roles in myocardial hypertrophy and benign prostatic hyperplasia, little is known about acute effects of agonist stimulation on alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1a)AR) signaling and function. Regulatory mechanisms are likely complex since 12 distinct human alpha(1a)AR carboxyl-terminal splice variants have been isolated. After determining the predominance of the alpha(1a-1)AR isoform in human heart and prostate, we stably expressed an epitope-tagged alpha(1a-1)AR cDNA in rat-1 fibroblasts and subsequently examined regulation of signaling, phosphorylation, and internalization of the receptor. Human alpha(1a)AR-mediated inositol phosphate signaling is acutely desensitized in response to both agonist and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) exposure. Concurrent with desensitization, alpha(1a)ARs in (32)P(i)-labeled cells are rapidly phosphorylated in response to both NE and PMA stimulation. Despite the ability of PKC to desensitize alpha(1a)ARs when directly activated with PMA, inhibitors of PKC have no effect on agonist-mediated desensitization. In contrast, involvement of GRK kinases is suggested by the ability of GRK2 to desensitize alpha(1a)ARs. Internalization of cell surface alpha(1a)ARs also occurs in response to agonist stimulation (but not PKC activation), but is initiated more slowly than receptor desensitization. Significantly, deletion of the alpha(1a)AR carboxyl terminus has no effect on receptor internalization or either agonist-induced or GRK-mediated receptor desensitization. Because mechanisms underlying acute agonist-mediated regulation of human alpha(1a)ARs are primarily independent of the carboxyl terminus, they may be common to all functional alpha(1a)AR isoforms.

Homologous and heterologous uncoupling of muscarinic M(3) and alpha(1B) adrenoceptors to Galpha(q/11) in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

1. The present study employed a [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding protocol in conjunction with immunoprecipitation (IP) of the Galpha subunits to investigate the desensitization of G(q/11)-coupled receptors at the level of the G-protein activation. Membranes from SH-SY5Y cells expressing the recombinant human alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor (alpha(1B)-AR) (and endogenously expressing the M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M(3)-AChR)) exhibited G(q/11) activation in a concentration-dependent manner in response to noradrenaline or methacholine. 2. Pre-treatment of intact cells with agonist prior to membrane preparation and use in the [(35)S]-GTPgammaS IP assay demonstrated that both receptors were homologously desensitized by pre-treatment with agonist since the G(q/11) activation in response to a secondary challenge with agonist was markedly reduced. Stimulation of alpha(1B)-AR was effective at heterologously desensitizing the M(3)-AChR. The PKC inhibitor, Ro-31-8220 (10 microM) was ineffective at preventing the agonist-mediated receptor desensitization. 3. [(32)P]P(i)-labelled cells allowed the detection of increases in receptor phosphorylation. Phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu) (1 microM) was effective at producing a Ro-31-8220 (10 microM)-sensitive, detectable increase in alpha(1B)-AR but not M(3)-AChR phosphorylation. Noradrenaline (30 microM) stimulated alpha(1B)-AR phosphorylation, which could be partially inhibited by Ro-31-8220 (10 microM). The phosphorylation of M(3)-AChR was increased by methacholine (100 microM) incubation and this effect appeared to be insensitive to Ro-31-8220 (10 microM). 4. These findings demonstrate that [(35)S]-GTPgammaS-Galpha-subunit IP can be used to estimate receptor desensitization as a decline in receptor-G-protein coupling. Both the alpha(1B)-AR and M(3)-AChR undergo rapid homologous desensitization that is associated with an increase in receptor phosphorylation. The heterologous desensitization of M(3)-AChR produced by alpha(1B)-AR stimulation is not associated with a detectable increase in M(3)-AChR phosphorylation, suggesting that receptor phosphorylation is not necessarily a prerequisite for desensitization.

Phosphorylation and desensitization of alpha1d-adrenergic receptors

In rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing rat alpha(1d)-adrenoceptors, noradrenaline and PMA markedly decreased alpha(1d)-adrenoceptor function (noradrenaline-elicited increases in calcium in whole cells and [(35)S]guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate binding in membranes), suggesting homologous and heterologous desensitizations. Photoaffinity labelling, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation identified alpha(1d)-adrenoceptors as a broad band of 70-80 kDa. alpha(1d)-Adrenoceptors were phosphorylated in the basal state and noradrenaline and PMA increased it. The effect of noradrenaline was concentration-dependent (EC(50) 75 nM), rapid (maximum at 1 min) and transient. Phorbol ester-induced phosphorylation was concentration-dependent (EC(50) 25 nM), slightly slower (maximum at 5 min) and stable for at least 60 min. Inhibitors of protein kinase C decreased the effect of phorbol esters but not that of noradrenaline. Evidence of cross-talk of alpha(1d)-adrenoceptors with receptors endogenously expressed in rat-1 fibroblasts was given by the ability of endothelin, lysophosphatidic acid and bradykinin to induce alpha(1d)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation. In summary, it is shown for the first time here that alpha(1d)-adrenoceptors are phosphoproteins and that receptor phosphorylation is increased by the natural ligand, noradrenaline, by direct activation of protein kinase C and via cross-talk with other receptors endogenously expressed in rat-1 fibroblasts. Receptor phosphorylation has functional repercussions.

Norepinephrine- and phorbol ester-induced phosphorylation of alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptors. Functional aspects

Maximal adrenergic responses in Rat-1 fibroblasts expressing alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptors are not blocked by activation of protein kinase C. In contrast, activation of protein kinase C induces the phosphorylation of alpha(1b)-adrenoreceptors and blocks their actions. The effect of norepinephrine and phorbol esters on alpha(1a)-adrenoreceptor phosphorylation and coupling to G proteins were studied. Both stimuli lead to dose-dependent receptor phosphorylation. Interestingly, protein kinase C activation affected to a much lesser extent the actions of alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptors than those of the alpha(1b) subtype (norepinephrine elicited increases in calcium in whole cells and [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes). Basal phosphorylation of alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptors was much less than that observed with the alpha(1b) subtype. The carboxyl terminus seems to be the main domain for receptor phosphorylation. Therefore, chimeric receptors, where the carboxyl-terminal tails of alpha(1a) and alpha(1b) adrenergic receptors were exchanged, were constructed and expressed. alpha(1a)-Adrenoreceptors wearing the carboxyl tail of the alpha(1b) subtype had a high basal phosphorylation and displayed a strong phosphorylation in response to norepinephrine and phorbol esters. Our results demonstrate that stimulation of alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptor, or activation of protein kinase C, leads to alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation. alpha(1a)-Adrenoreceptors are affected to a much lesser extent than alpha(1b)-adrenoreceptors by protein kinase C activation.

Alpha 1-adrenoceptors: function and phosphorylation

This review focuses on alpha(1)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and function. Most of what is currently known is based on studies on the hamster alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor. It is known that agonist stimulation leads to homologous desensitization of these receptors and current evidence indicates that such decrease in receptor activity is associated with receptor phosphorylation. Such receptor phosphorylation seems to involve G protein-receptor kinases and the receptor phosphorylation sites have been located in the carboxyl tail (Ser(404), Ser(408), and Ser(410)). There is also evidence showing that in addition to desensitization, receptor phosphorylation is associated with internalization and roles of beta-arrestins have been observed. Direct activation of protein kinase C leads to receptor desensitization/internalization associated with phosphorylation; the protein-kinase-C-catalyzed receptor phosphorylation sites have been also located in the carboxyl tail (Ser(394) and Ser(400)). Activation of G(q)-coupled receptors, such as the endothelin ET(A) receptor induces alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization. Such effect involves protein kinase C and a yet unidentified tyrosine kinase. Activation of G(i)-coupled receptors, such as the lysophosphatidic acid receptor, also induces alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization. These effects involve protein kinase C and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase. Interestingly, activation of epidermal growth factor receptors also induces alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization involving protein kinase C and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase. A pivotal role of these kinases in heterologous desensitization is evidenced.

Protein phosphatase-protein kinase interplay modulates alpha 1b-adrenoceptor phosphorylation: effects of okadaic acid

In the present work we studied the effect of protein phosphatase inhibitors on the phosphorylation state and function of alpha(1b)-adrenoceptors. Okadaic acid increased receptor phosphorylation in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion (maximum at 30 min, EC(50) of 30 nM). Other inhibitors of protein phosphatases (calyculin A, tautomycin and cypermethrin) mimicked this effect. Staurosporine and Ro 31-8220, inhibitors of protein kinase C, blocked the effect of okadaic acid on receptor phosphorylation. Neither genistein nor wortmannin altered the effect of okadaic acid. The intense adrenoceptor phosphorylation induced by okadaic acid altered the adrenoceptor-G protein coupling, as evidenced by a small decreased noradrenaline-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding. Okadaic acid did not alter the noradrenaline-stimulated increases in intracellular calcium or the production of inositol trisphosphate. Our data indicate that inhibition of protein phosphatases increases the phosphorylation state of alpha(1b)-adrenoceptors; this effect seems to involve protein kinase C. In spite of inducing an intense receptor phosphorylation, okadaic acid alters alpha(1b)-adrenergic actions to a much lesser extent than the direct activation of protein kinase C by phorbol myristate acetate.

Protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation and desensitization of human alpha(1b)-adrenoceptors

Human alpha(1b)-adrenoceptors stably expressed (B(max) approximately 800 fmol/mg membrane protein) in mouse fibroblasts were able to increase intracellular Ca(2+) and inositol phosphate production in response to noradrenaline. Activation of protein kinase C desensitized the alpha(1b)-adrenergic-mediated actions but did not block the ability of the cells to respond to lysophosphatidic acid. Inhibition or downregulation of protein kinase C also blocked the action of the tumor promoter on the adrenergic effects. Photolabeling experiments indicated that the receptor has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 80 kDa. The receptors were phosphorylated in the basal state and such phosphorylation was increased when the cells were incubated with phorbol myristate acetate or noradrenaline. Incubation of the cells with phorbol myristate acetate or noradrenaline blocked noradrenaline-promoted [35S]GTP-gamma-S binding to membranes, suggesting receptor-G protein uncoupling. The results indicate that activation of protein kinase C blocked/desensitized human alpha(1b)-adrenoceptors and that such effect was associated to receptor phosphorylation.

Receptor phosphorylation does not mediate cross talk between muscarinic M(3) and bradykinin B(2) receptors

This study examined cross talk between phospholipase C-coupled muscarinic M(3) and bradykinin B(2) receptors coexpressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Agonists of either receptor enhanced phosphoinositide signaling (which rapidly desensitized) and caused protein kinase C (PKC)-independent, homologous receptor phosphorylation. Muscarinic M(3) but not bradykinin B(2) receptors were also phosphorylated after phorbol ester activation of PKC. Consistent with this, muscarinic M(3) receptors were phosphorylated in a PKC-dependent fashion after bradykinin B(2) receptor activation, but muscarinic M(3) receptor activation did not influence bradykinin B(2) receptor phosphorylation. Despite heterologous phosphorylation of muscarinic M(3) receptors, phosphoinositide and Ca(2+) signaling were unaffected. In contrast, marked heterologous desensitization of bradykinin-mediated responses occurred despite no receptor phosphorylation. This desensitization was associated with a sustained component of muscarinic receptor-mediated signaling, whereas bradykinin's inability to influence muscarinic receptor-mediated responses was associated with rapid and full desensitization of bradykinin responses. Thus the mechanism of functional cross talk most likely involves depletion of a shared signaling component. These data demonstrate that receptor phosphorylation is not a prerequisite for heterologous desensitization and that such desensitization is not obligatory after heterologous receptor phosphorylation.

Alpha 1-adrenoceptors: subtypes, signaling, and roles in health and disease

Alpha 1-adrenoceptors mediate some of the main actions of the natural catecholamines, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. They participate in many essential physiological processes, such as sympathetic neurotransmission, modulation of hepatic metabolism, control of vascular tone, cardiac contraction, and the regulation of smooth muscle activity in the genitourinary system. It is now clear that alpha 1-adrenoceptors mediate, in addition to immediate effects, longer term actions of catecholamines such as cell growth and proliferation. In fact, adrenoceptor genes can be considered as protooncogenes. Over the past years, considerable progress has been achieved in the molecular characterization of different alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes. Three main subtypes have been characterized pharmacologically and in molecular terms. Splice variants, truncated isoforms, and polymorphisms have also been detected. Similarly, it is now clear that these receptors are coupled to several classes of G proteins that, therefore, are capable of modulating different signaling pathways. In the present article, some of these aspects are reviewed, together with the distribution of the subtypes in different tissues and some of the known roles of these receptors in health and disease.

Intracellular calcium and alpha 1b-adrenoceptor phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors is associated with receptor phosphorylation. Two groups of kinases seem to participate in such receptor phosphorylation, i.e., second messenger-activated protein kinases and G protein-coupled receptor kinases. Calcium seems to play a role in the phosphorylation of some G protein-coupled receptors. The role of calcium in alpha 1b-adrenoceptor phosphorylation has not been critically assessed.

METHODS

Rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing the hamster alpha 1b-adrenergic receptor were used. To study receptor phosphorylation cells metabolically labeled with [32P]Pi were lysed and the receptor immunoprecipitated using a polyclonal antibody generated against the receptor carboxyl terminal decapeptide. Intracellular calcium was determined by using Fura-2 fluorescence.

RESULTS

Norepinephrine, endothelin-1, and lysophosphatidic acid increased intracellular calcium concentration. All these agents and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induce alpha 1b-adrenoceptor phosphorylation. The intracellular chelator, BAPTA, abolished the increase in intracellular calcium induced by the previously mentioned agents but did not affect the receptor phosphorylation induced by norepinephrine, PMA, or lysophosphatidic acid. Under these conditions, receptor phosphorylation induced by endothelin was slightly but consistently decreased. Thapsigargin increased intracellular calcium concentration but was unable to induce alpha 1b-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and decreased PMA-induced receptor phosphorylation. No increase in receptor phosphorylation was observed when calcium ionophores were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that an increase in [Ca2+]i is not sufficient to induce alpha 1b-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and that buffering of [Ca2+]i does not alter the receptor phosphorylation induced by norepinephrine, lysophosphatidic acid, and PMA. A marginal role of calcium in the alpha 1b-adrenoceptor phosphorylation induced by endothelin-1 cannot be discarded.