A novel guanine nucleotide-binding protein coupled to the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. I. Identification by photolabeling or membrane and ternary complex preparation

Probing tissue transglutaminase mediated vascular smooth muscle cell aging using a novel transamidation-deficient Tgm2-C277S mouse model

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2), a multifunctional protein of the transglutaminase family, has putative transamidation-independent functions in aging-associated vascular stiffening and dysfunction. Developing preclinical models will be critical to fully understand the physiologic relevance of TG2's transamidation-independent activity and to identify the specific function of TG2 for therapeutic targeting. Therefore, in this study, we harnessed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to introduce a mutation at cysteine 277 in the active site of the mouse Tgm2 gene. Heterozygous and homozygous Tgm2-C277S mice were phenotypically normal and were born at the expected Mendelian frequency. TG2 protein was ubiquitously expressed in the Tgm2-C277S mice at levels similar to those of wild-type (WT) mice. In the Tgm2-C277S mice, TG2 transglutaminase function was successfully obliterated, but the transamidation-independent functions ascribed to GTP, fibronectin, and integrin binding were preserved. In vitro, a remodeling stimulus led to the significant loss of vascular compliance in WT mice, but not in the Tgm2-C277S or TG2^-/- mice. Vascular stiffness increased with age in WT mice, as measured by pulse-wave velocity and tensile testing. Tgm2-C277S mice were protected from age-associated vascular stiffening, and TG2 knockout yielded further protection. Together, these studies show that TG2 contributes significantly to overall vascular modulus and vasoreactivity independent of its transamidation function, but that transamidation activity is a significant cause of vascular matrix stiffening during aging. Finally, the Tgm2-C277S mice can be used for in vivo studies to explore the transamidation-independent roles of TG2 in physiology and pathophysiology.

Transglutaminase Type 2 regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vertebrates

TG2 is a multifunctional enzyme involved in several cellular processes and has emerging as a potential regulator of gene expression. In this regard, we have recently shown that TG2 is able to activate HSF1, the master transcriptional regulator of the stress-responsive genes; however, its effect on the overall gene expression remains unclear. To address this point, we analyzed, by RNA-seq, the effect of TG2 on the overall transcriptome as well as we characterized the TG2 interactome in the nucleus. The data obtained from these omics approaches reveal that TG2 markedly influences the overall cellular transcriptome profile and specifically the Wnt and HSF1 pathways. In particular, its ablation leads to a drastic downregulation of many key members of these pathways. Interestingly, we found that key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are also downregulated in cells lacking HSF1, thus confirming that TG2 regulates the HSF1 and this axis controls the Wnt signaling. Mechanistic studies revealed that TG2 can regulate the Wnt pathway by physically interacts with β-catenin and its nuclear interactome includes several proteins known to be involved in the regulation of the Wnt signaling. In order to verify whether this effect is playing a role in vivo, we ablated TG2 in Danio rerio. Our data show that the zebrafish lacking TG2 cannot complete the development and their death is associated with an evident downregulation of the Wnt pathway and a defective heat-shock response. Our findings show for the first time that TG2 is essential for the correct embryonal development of lower vertebrates, and its action is mediated by the Wnt/HSF1 axis.

The diamond anniversary of tissue transglutaminase: a protein of many talents

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is capable of binding and hydrolyzing GTP, as well as catalyzing an enzymatic transamidation reaction that crosslinks primary amines to glutamine residues. tTG adopts two vastly different conformations, depending on whether it is functioning as a GTP-binding protein or a crosslinking enzyme. It has been shown to have important roles in several different aspects of cancer progression, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Here, we highlight many of the major findings involving tTG since its discovery 60 years ago, and describe recent drug discovery efforts that target specific activities or conformations of this unique protein.

Transglutaminase regulation of cell function

Transglutaminases (TGs) are multifunctional proteins having enzymatic and scaffolding functions that participate in regulation of cell fate in a wide range of cellular systems and are implicated to have roles in development of disease. This review highlights the mechanism of action of these proteins with respect to their structure, impact on cell differentiation and survival, role in cancer development and progression, and function in signal transduction. We also discuss the mechanisms whereby TG level is controlled and how TGs control downstream targets. The studies described herein begin to clarify the physiological roles of TGs in both normal biology and disease states.

Gα(h)/transglutaminase-2 activity is required for maximal activation of adenylylcyclase 8 in human and rat glioma cells

Gα(h) (or transglutaminase-2 (TG2)) is an atypical guanine nucleotide binding-protein that associates with G protein-coupled receptors. TG2 also exerts transglutaminase activity that catalyzes posttranslational protein cross-linking with the formation of ε-(γ-glutamyl) lysine or (γ-glutamyl) polyamine bonds. Here, the role of Gα(h)/TG2 in signal transduction in glial cells was examined in detail. In 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells that lack Gα(h)/TG2, overexpression of Gα(h)/TG2 caused an enhancement of cAMP accumulation stimulated with the β-adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol, or the adenylylcyclase activator, forskolin. This cAMP-enhancement was reversed by the TG2 inhibitor, ERW1069. In rat C6 glioma cells that express endogenous Gα(h)/TG2, cAMP accumulation induced by isoproterenol or forskolin was significantly inhibited by overexpression of Gα(h)/TG2-C277V, a dominant-negative mutant that lacks transglutaminase activity, but was not inhibited by the Gα(h)/TG2-S171E mutant that cannot bind GTP/GDP. These results suggest Gα(h)/TG2 potentiates adenylylcyclase activity by its transglutaminase activity and not by its G-protein activity. Gα(h)/TG2 also increased the activities of the cAMP response element and interleukin-6 promoter, accompanied by an of cAMP in both glioma cells. Since adenylylcyclase 8 plays a major role in cAMP production, we focused on post-translational modification of adenylylcyclase 8 by Gα(h)/TG2. Adenylylcyclase 8 is expressed in both 1321N1 and C6 cells; however, Gα(h)/TG2 affected neither adenylylcyclase 8 expression levels, glycosylation, nor dimerization status. In contrast, pentylamine, a substrate of Gα(h)/TG2, was incorporated into adenylylcyclase 8 in a transglutaminase activity-dependent manner. Taking these results together, Gα(h)/TG2 promotes cAMP production accompanied by a modification of adenylylcyclase 8 in glioma cells.

Regulation of ATPase activity of transglutaminase 2 by MT1-MMP: implications for mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures

A pro-mineralization function for transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been suggested in numerous studies related to bone, cartilage, and vascular calcification. TG2 is an enzyme which can perform protein crosslinking functions, or act as a GTPase/ATPase depending upon different stimuli. We have previously demonstrated that TG2 can act as an ATPase in a Ca(2+)-rich environment and that it can regulate phosphate levels in osteoblast cultures. In this study, we investigate the role MT1-MMP in regulating the ATPase activity of TG2. We report that proteolytic cleavage of TG2 by MT1-MMP in vitro results in nearly a 3-fold increase in the ATPase activity of TG2 with a concomitant reduction in its protein-crosslinking activity. We show that MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts secreted full-length TG2 and major smaller fragments of 66 and 56 kDa, the latter having ATP-binding abilities. MT1-MMP inhibition by a neutralizing antibody suppressed mineralization of osteoblast cultures to 35% of control, and significantly reduced phosphate levels in conditioned medium (CM). Furthermore, MT1-MMP inhibition abolished two of TG2 fragments in the cultures, one of which, the 56-kDa fragment, has ATPase activity. Neutralization of MT1-MMP at early phases of mineralization significantly reduced mineral deposition, but had no effect in later phases implying MT1-MMP and TG2 might contribute to the initiation of mineralization. The cleavage of TG2 by MT1-MMP likely occurs on the cell surface/pericellular matrix where MT1-MMP and TG2 were co-localized. Based on these data, we propose that MT1-MMP modulates the extracellular function TG2 as part of a regulatory mechanism activates the pro-mineralization function of TG2.

Transglutaminases and disease: lessons from genetically engineered mouse models and inherited disorders

The human transglutaminase (TG) family consists of a structural protein, protein 4.2, that lacks catalytic activity, and eight zymogens/enzymes, designated factor XIII-A (FXIII-A) and TG1-7, that catalyze three types of posttranslational modification reactions: transamidation, esterification, and hydrolysis. These reactions are essential for biological processes such as blood coagulation, skin barrier formation, and extracellular matrix assembly but can also contribute to the pathophysiology of various inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative conditions. Some members of the TG family, for example, TG2, can participate in biological processes through actions unrelated to transamidase catalytic activity. We present here a comprehensive review of recent insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of TG family members that have come from studies of genetically engineered mouse models and/or inherited disorders. The review focuses on FXIII-A, TG1, TG2, TG5, and protein 4.2, as mice deficient in TG3, TG4, TG6, or TG7 have not yet been reported, nor have mutations in these proteins been linked to human disease.

Signal transduction and regulation: are all alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtypes created equal?

The current manuscript reviews the evidence whether and how subtypes of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors, i.e. alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptors, differentially couple to signal transduction pathways and exhibit differential susceptibility to regulation. In both regards studies in tissues or cells natively expressing the subtypes are hampered because the relative expression of the subtypes is poorly controlled and the observed effects may be cell-type specific. An alternative approach, i.e. transfection of multiple subtypes into the same host cell line overcomes this limitation, but it often remains unclear whether results in such artificial systems are representative for the physiological situation. The overall evidence suggests that indeed subtype-intrinsic and cell type-specific factors interact to direct alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor signaling and regulation. This may explain why so many apparently controversial findings have been reported from various tissues and cells. One of the few consistent themes is that alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptors signal less effectively upon agonist stimulation than the other subtypes, most likely because they exhibit spontaneous internalization.

Culture of human cervical cancer cells, SiHa, in the presence of fibronectin activates MMP-2

PURPOSE

Several studies indicate that integrin receptors are involved in the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Integrin-ECM ligand interaction leads to phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and activation of mitogen activated protein kinase pathways. In this present communication, we cultured human cervical cancer cells, SiHa, in the presence of fibronectin to study fibronectin-integrin mediated modulation of MMP activity.

METHODS

SiHa cells were cultured in serum-free medium (SFCM) in the presence of fibronectin, SFCM was collected and gelatin zymography was performed. Western blot, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were performed with SiHa cells cultured in the presence of fibronectin.

RESULTS

The culture of SiHa cells in the presence of 50 microg/1.5 ml fibronectin led to expression of pro-MMP-9 and activation of MMP-2 within 2 h. When cells were treated with ERK inhibitor (PD98059) and grown in the presence of fibronectin MMP-2 activation was partially inhibited, but when cells were treated with PI-3K inhibitor (LY294002) and grown in the presence of fibronectin MMP-2 activation was appreciably reduced. Tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, PI-3K and ERK and nuclear trafficking of ERK were increased in SiHa cells grown in the presence of fibronectin. Increased MT1-MMP mRNA expression and processing of MT1-MMP were also observed in SiHa cells grown in the presence of fibronectin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the culture of SiHa cells in SFCM in the presence of fibronectin perhaps generates a signalling cascade which leads to the expression of pro-MMP-9 and the activation of MMP-2 within 2 h. The signalling pathways activated seem to be the FAK/ERK/PI-3K pathway.

Characterization of purified rat testicular transglutaminase and age-dependent changes of the enzyme activities

The Ca2+-dependent tissue transglutaminase is widely distributed in various tissues and has been reported to participate in many cellular growth and differentiation processes. In the past decade, tissue transglutaminase is also identified as a G protein, G(alphah), for intercellular signaling. To further characterize testicular transglutaminase, the rat testicular transglutaminase was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE ion-exchange, heparin-agarose, and GTP-agarose affinity chromatographies. This purification protocol resulted in a 8400-fold enrichment of the enzyme with a reproducible 15% yield. The purified enzyme showed as a single band of 78kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel. Western blot analysis using anti-liver tissue transglutaminase monoclonal antibody also recognized the enzyme, indicating it is a t-TGase in nature. The Km values of purified testicular transglutaminase for putrescine and N,N-dimethylcasein were determined to be 35 and 17 microM, respectively. Its transglutaminase cross-linking activity was strongly inhibited by EGTA, GTP, polyamines, and cystamine, as well as moderately by ATP and NaCl. The enzyme exhibited a magnesium-dependent GTP-hydrolyzing capacity, but its GTP-binding activity did not require magnesium. Furthermore, the enzyme activity was found to be closely related with the first wave of spermatogenesis. Thus, testicular transglutaminase is speculated to participate in the event of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, the purified testicular transglutaminase displays property of either the tissue-type transglutaminase, or the GTP-binding and hydrolyzing characteristics. The activity of testicular transglutaminase is age-dependent, greatly stimulated during the first wave of spermatogenesis.

Alpha1B-adrenoceptor signaling and cell motility: GTPase function of Gh/transglutaminase 2 inhibits cell migration through interaction with cytoplasmic tail of integrin alpha subunits

A multifunctional enzyme, G(h), is a GTP-binding protein that couples to the alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor and stimulates phospholipase C-delta1 but also displays transglutaminase 2 (TG2) activity. G(h)/TG2 has been implicated to play a role in cell motility. In this study we have examined which function of G(h)/TG2 is involved in this cellular response and the molecular basis. Treatment of human aortic smooth muscle cell with epinephrine inhibits migration to fibronectin and vitronectin, and the inhibition is blocked by the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin or chloroethylclonidine. Up-regulation or overexpression of G(h)/TG2 in human aortic smooth muscle cells, DDT1-MF2, or human embryonic kidney cells, HEK 293 cells, results in inhibition of the migratory activity, and stimulation of the alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor with the alpha(1) agonist further augments the inhibition of migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells and DDT1-MF2. G(h)/TG2 is coimmunoprecipitated by an integrin alpha(5) antibody and binds to the cytoplasmic tail peptide of integrins alpha(5), alpha(v), and alpha(IIb) subunits in the presence of guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS). Mutation of Lys-Arg residues in the GFFKR motif, present in the alpha(5)-tail, significantly reduces the binding of GTPgammaS-G(h)/TG2. Moreover, the motif-containing integrin alpha(5)-tail peptides block G(h)/TG2 coimmunoprecipitation and reverse the inhibition of the migratory activity of HEK 293 cells caused by overexpression G(h)/TG2. These results provide evidence that G(h) function initiates the modulation of cell motility via association of GTP-bound G(h)/TG2 with the GFFKR motif located in integrin alpha subunits.

Functional coupling of rat myometrial alpha 1-adrenergic receptors to Gh alpha/tissue transglutaminase 2 during pregnancy

Gh alpha protein, which exhibits both transglutaminase and GTPase activities, represents a new class of GTP-binding proteins. In the present study, we characterized Gh alpha in rat uterine smooth muscle (myometrium) and followed its expression during pregnancy by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot. We also measured transglutaminase and GTP binding functions and used a smooth muscle cell line to evaluate the role of Gh alpha in cell proliferation. The results show that pregnancy is associated with an up-regulation of Gh alpha expression at both the mRNA and protein level. Gh alpha induced during pregnancy is preferentially localized to the plasma membrane. This was found associated with an increased ability of plasma membrane preparations to catalyze Ca(2+)-dependent incorporation of [(3)H]putrescine into casein in vitro. In the cytosol, significant changes in the level of immunodetected Gh alpha and transglutaminase activity were seen only at term. Activation of alpha1-adrenergic receptors (alpha1-AR) enhanced photoaffinity labeling of plasma membrane Gh alpha. Moreover, the level of alpha1-AR-coupled Gh alpha increased progressively with pregnancy, which parallels the active period of myometrial cell proliferation. Overexpression of wild type Gh alpha in smooth muscle cell line DDT1-MF2 increased alpha1-AR-induced [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. A similar response was obtained in cells expressing the transglutaminase inactive mutant (C277S) of Gh alpha. Together, these findings underscore the role of Gh alpha as signal transducer of alpha1-AR-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation. In this context, pregnant rat myometrium provides an interesting physiological model to study the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the GTPase function of Gh alpha

Roles of calcium ions in the activation and activity of the transglutaminase 3 enzyme

The transglutaminase 3 enzyme is widely expressed in many tissues including epithelia. We have shown previously that it can bind three Ca2+ ions, which in site one is constitutively bound, while those in sites two and three are acquired during activation and are required for activity. In particular, binding at site three opens a channel through the enzyme and exposes two tryptophan residues near the active site that are thought to be important for enzyme reaction. In this study, we have solved the structures of three more forms of this enzyme by x-ray crystallography in the presence of Ca2+ and/or Mg2+, which provide new insights on the precise contribution of each Ca2+ ion to activation and activity. First, we found that Ca2+ ion in site one can be exchanged with difficulty, and it has a binding affinity of Kd = 0.3 microm (DeltaH = -6.70 +/- 0.52 kcal/mol), which suggests it is important for the stabilization of the enzyme. Site two can be occupied by some lanthanides but only Ca2+ of the Group 2 family of alkali earth metals, and its occupancy are required for activity. Site three can be occupied by some lanthanides, Ca2+,or Mg2+; however, when Mg2+ is present, the enzyme is inactive, and the channel is closed. Thus Ca2+ binding in both sites two and three cooperate in opening the channel. We speculate that manipulation of the channel opening could be controlled by intracellular cation levels. Together, these data have important implications for reaction mechanism of the enzyme: the opening of a channel perhaps controls access to and manipulation of substrates at the active site.

Modulation of intracellular Ca(2+) via alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor signaling molecules, G alpha(h) (transglutaminase II) and phospholipase C-delta 1

We characterized the alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor (alpha(1B)-AR)-mediated intracellular Ca(2+) signaling involving G alpha(h) (transglutaminase II, TGII) and phospholipase C (PLC)-delta 1 using DDT1-MF2 cell. Expression of wild-type TGII and a TGII mutant lacking transglutaminase activity resulted in significant increases in a rapid peak and a sustained level of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in response to activation of the alpha(1B)-AR. Expression of a TGII mutant lacking the interaction with the receptor or PLC-delta 1 substantially reduced both the peak and sustained levels of [Ca(2+)](i). Expression of TGII mutants lacking the interaction with PLC-delta 1 resulted in a reduced capacitative Ca(2+) entry. Reduced expression of PLC-delta 1 displayed a transient elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) and a reduction in capacitative Ca(2+) entry. Expression of the C2-domain of PLC-delta 1, which contains the TGII interaction site, resulted in reduction of the alpha(1B)-AR-evoked peak increase in [Ca(2+)](i), while the sustained elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) and capacitative Ca(2+) entry remained unchanged. These findings demonstrate that stimulation of PLC-delta 1 via coupling of the alpha(1B)-AR with TGII evokes both Ca(2+) release and capacitative Ca(2+) entry and that capacitative Ca(2+) entry is mediated by the interaction of TGII with PLC-delta 1.

Targeted inactivation of Gh/tissue transglutaminase II

The novel G-protein, G(h)/tissue transglutaminase (TGase II), has both guanosine triphosphatase and Ca(2+)-activated transglutaminase activity and has been implicated in a number of processes including signal transduction, apoptosis, bone ossification, wound healing, and cell adhesion and spreading. To determine the role of G(h) in vivo, the Cre/loxP site-specific recombinase system was used to develop a mouse line in which its expression was ubiquitously inactivated. Despite the absence of G(h) expression and a lack of intracellular TGase activity that was not compensated by other TGases, the Tgm2(-/-) mice were viable, phenotypically normal, and were born with the expected Mendelian frequency. Absence of G(h) coupling to alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor signaling in Tgm2(-/-) mice was demonstrated by the lack of agonist-stimulated [alpha-(32)P]GTP photolabeling of a 74-kDa protein in liver membranes. Annexin-V positivity observed with dexamethasone-induced apoptosis was not different in Tgm2(-/-) thymocytes compared with Tgm2(+/+) thymocytes. However, with this treatment there was a highly significant decrease in the viability (propidium iodide negativity) of Tgm2(-/-) thymocytes. Primary fibroblasts isolated from Tgm2(-/-) mice also showed decreased adherence with culture. These results indicate that G(h) may be importantly involved in stabilizing apoptotic cells before clearance, and in responses such as wound healing that require fibroblast adhesion mediated by extracellular matrix cross-linking.

The alpha, but not the beta, isoform of the human thromboxane A2 receptor is a target for prostacyclin-mediated desensitization

In this study, we examined the effects the prostacyclin receptor (IP) agonist cicaprost exhibited on U46619-mediated thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP) signaling in platelets and compared it to that which occurs in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably overexpressing the individual TPalpha or TPbeta isoforms. Consistent with previous studies, cicaprost abrogated U46619-mediated platelet aggregation and mobilization of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)). In HEK 293 cells, signaling by TPalpha, but not TPbeta, was subject to IP-mediated desensitization in a protein kinase A-dependent, protein kinase C-independent manner. Desensitization of TPalpha signaling was independent of the nature of the IP agonist used, the level of IP expression, or the subtype of G(q) protein. Signaling by TP(Delta)(328), a truncated variant of TP devoid of the divergent residues of the TPs, or by TPalpha(S329A), a site-directed mutant of TPalpha, were insensitive to IP agonist activation. Whole cell phosphorylations established that TPalpha, but not TPbeta or TPalpha(S329A), is subject to IP-mediated phosphorylation and that TPalpha phosphorylation is inhibited by H-89. Thus, we conclude that TPalpha, but not TPbeta, is subject to cross-desensitization by IP mediated through direct protein kinase A phosphorylation at Ser(329) and propose that TPalpha may be the isoform physiologically relevant to TP:IP-mediated vascular hemostasis.

Nucleotide binding by the erythrocyte transglutaminase/Gh protein, probed with fluorescent analogs of GTP and GDP

GTP is known to be a potent inhibitor of the protein crosslinking activity of transglutaminase (TG), probably the most abundant G protein in the human red cell. Nucleotide binding to TG was examined by fluorescence spectroscopy and anisotropy in mixtures of TG with methylanthraniloyl analogs of GTP and GDP. A characteristic feature was the appearance of a major energy transfer band (lambda(exc, max) = 290 nm, lambda(em) = 444 nm) from protein tryptophans to the bound nucleotides. Quenching of the bound fluorophore (lambda(exc) = 360 nm, lambda(em) = 444 nm) by acrylamide was barely different from that of free ligand. However, major changes were observed in anisotropy, which was used to demonstrate a facile exchange between bound and free nucleotides and to evaluate affinity constants for the binding of methylanthraniloyl GTP and GDP to TG.

GTP binding and signaling by Gh/transglutaminase II involves distinct residues in a unique GTP-binding pocket

G(h) is a dual function protein. It has receptor signaling activity that requires GTP binding and Ca(2+)-activated transglutaminase (TGase) activity that is inhibited by GTP binding. G(h) shows no homology with other GTP-binding proteins, and its GTP-binding site has not been defined. Based on sequence analysis of [alpha-(32)P]GTP-photolabeled and proteolytically released internal peptide fragments, we report localization of GTP binding to a 15-residue segment ((159)YVLTQQGFIYQGSVK(173)) of the G(h) core domain. This was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis; a G(h)/fXIIIA chimera (in which residues 162-179 of G(h) were substituted with the equivalent but nonhomologous region of the non-GTP-binding TGase factor XIIIA) and a G(h) point mutant, S171E, retained TGase activity but failed to bind and hydrolyze GTP and did not support alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor signaling. Slight impairment of GTP binding (1.5-fold) and hydrolysis (10-fold) in the absence of altered TGase activity did not affect signaling by the mutant K173N. However, greater impairment of GTP binding (6-fold) and hydrolysis (50-fold) abolished signaling by the mutant K173L. Mutant S171C exhibited enhanced GTP binding and signaling. Thus, residues Ser(171) and Lys(173) are critical for both GTP binding and signaling but not TGase activity. Mutagenesis of residues N-terminal to Gly(170) impaired both GTP binding and TGase activity. From computer modeling of G(h), it is evident that the GTP-binding region identified here is distinct from, but interacts with, the TGase active site. Together with structural considerations of G(h) versus other GTP-binding proteins, these findings indicate that G(h) has a unique GTP-binding pocket and provide for the first time a mechanism for GTP-mediated regulation of the TGase activity of G(h).

Investigation of the role of the carboxyl-terminal tails of the alpha and beta isoforms of the human thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP) in mediating receptor:effector coupling

We have investigated the functional coupling of alpha and beta isoforms of the human thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP) to Galpha(16) and Galpha(12) members of the G(q) and G(12) families of heterotrimeric G proteins in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell lines HEK.alpha10 or HEK.beta3, stably over-expressing TPalpha and TPbeta, respectively. Moreover, using HEK.TP(Delta328) cells which over-express a variant of TP truncated at the point of divergence of TPalpha and TPbeta, we investigated the requirement of the C-tail per se in mediating G protein coupling and effector activation. Both TPalpha and TPbeta couple similarly to Galpha(16) to affect increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) and mobilisation of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in response to the TP agonist U46619. Whilst both TP isoforms mediated [Ca(2+)](i) mobilisation in cells co-transfected with Galpha(12), neither receptor generated corresponding increases in IP(3), indicating that the Galpha(12)-mediated increases in [Ca(2+)](i) do not involve PLC activation. Verapamil, an inhibitor of voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels, reduced [Ca(2+)](i) mobilisation in TPalpha and TPbeta cells co-transfected with Galpha(12) to approximately 40% of that mobilised in its absence, whereas [8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4, 5-trimethoxybenzoate, hydrochloride] (TMB-8), an antagonist of intracellular Ca(2+) release, had no effect on [Ca(2+)](i) mobilisation by either receptor isoform co-transfected with Galpha(12). Despite the lack of differential coupling specificity by TPalpha and TPbeta, TP(Delta328) signalled more efficiently in the absence of a co-transfected G protein compared to the wild type receptors but, on the other hand, displayed an impaired ability to couple to co-transfected Galpha(11), Galpha(12) or Galpha(16) subunits. In studies investigating the role of the C-tail in influencing coupling to the effector adenylyl cyclase, similar to TPalpha but not TPbeta, TP(Delta328) coupled to Galpha(s), leading to increased adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), rather than to Galpha(i). Whereas TP(Delta328) signalled more efficiently in the absence of co-transfected G protein compared to the wild type TPalpha, co-transfection of Galpha(s) did not augment cAMP generation by TP(Delta328). Hence, from these studies involving the wild type TPalpha, TPbeta and TP(Delta328), we conclude that the C-tail sequences of TP are not a major determinant of G protein coupling specificity to Galpha(11) and Galpha(16) members of the G(q) family or to Galpha(12); it may play a role in determining G(s) versus G(i) coupling and may act as a determinant of coupling efficiency.

Contribution of phosphoinositide-dependent signalling to photomotility of Blepharisma ciliate

The effect of experimental procedures designed to modify an intracellular phosphoinositide signalling pathway, which may be instrumental in the photophobic response of the protozoan ciliate Blepharisma japonicum, has been investigated. To assess this issue, the latency time of the photophobic response and the cell photoresponsiveness have been assayed employing newly developed computerized videorecording and standard macro-photographic methods. Cell incubation with neomycin, heparin and Li+, drugs known to greatly impede phosphoinositide turnover, causes evident dose-dependent changes in cell photomotile behaviour. The strongest effect on photoresponses is exerted by neomycin, a potent inhibitor of polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis. The presence of micromolar concentrations of neomycin in the cell medium causes both prolongation of response latency and decrease of cell photoresponsiveness. Neomycin at higher concentrations (> 10 microM) abolishes the cell response to light at the highest applied intensity. A slightly lower inhibition of cell responsiveness to light stimulation and prolongation of response latency are observed in cells incubated in the presence of heparin, an inositol trisphosphate receptor antagonist. Lithium ions, widely known to deplete the intracellular phosphoinositide pathway intermediate, inositol trisphosphate, added to the cell medium at millimolar level, also cause a slowly developing inhibitory effect on cell photoresponses. Mastoparan, a specific G-protein activator, efficiently mimics the effect of light stimulation. In dark-adapted ciliates, it elicits ciliary reversal with the response latency typical for ciliary reversal during the photophobic response. Sustained treatment of Blepharisma cells with mastoparan also suppresses the photoresponsiveness, as in the case of cell adaptation to light during prolonged illumination. The mastoparan-induced responses can be eliminated by pretreatment of the cells with neomycin. Moreover, using antibodies raised against bovine transducin, a cross-reacting protein with an apparent molecular mass of about 55 kDa in the Blepharisma cortex fraction is detected on immunoblots. The obtained results indirectly suggest that the changes in internal inositol trisphosphate level, possibly elicited by G-protein-coupled phospholipase C, might play a role in the photophobic response of Blepharisma. However, further experiments are necessary to clarify the possible coupling between the G-protein and the putative phospholipase C.

The autocrine mitogenic loop of the ciliate Euplotes raikovi: the pheromone membrane-bound forms are the cell binding sites and potential signaling receptors of soluble pheromones

Homologous proteins, denoted pheromones, promote cell mitotic proliferation and mating pair formation in the ciliate Euplotes raikovi, according to whether they bind to cells in an autocrine- or paracrine-like manner. The primary transcripts of the genes encoding these proteins undergo alternate splicing, which generates at least two distinct mRNAs. One is specific for the soluble pheromone, the other for a pheromone isoform that remains anchored to the cell surface as a type II protein, whose extracellular C-terminal region is structurally equivalent to the secreted form. The 15-kDa membrane-bound isoform of pheromone Er-1, denoted Er-1mem and synthesized by the same E. raikovi cells that secrete Er-1, has been purified from cell membranes by affinity chromatography prepared with matrix-bound Er-1, and its extracellular and cytoplasmic regions have been expressed as recombinant proteins. Using the purified material and these recombinant proteins, it has been shown that Er-1mem has the property of binding pheromones competitively through its extracellular pheromone-like domain and associating reversibly and specifically with a guanine nucleotide-binding protein through its intracellular domain. It has been concluded that the membrane-bound pheromone isoforms of E. raikovi represent the cell effective pheromone binding sites and are functionally equipped for transducing the signal generated by this binding.

Tissue transglutaminase: an enzyme with a split personality

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) belongs to the family of transglutaminase enzymes that catalyze the posttranslational modification of proteins via Ca(2+)-dependent cross-linking reactions. The catalytic action of tTG results in the formation of an isopeptide bond that is of great physiological significance since it is highly resistant to proteolysis and denaturants. Although tTG-mediated cross-linking reactions have been implicated to play a role in diverse biological processes, the precise physiological function of the enzyme remains unclear. Recent data, however, suggest that the protein polymers resulting from tTG-catalyzed reactions may play a role in commitment of cells to undergo apoptosis. On the same token, tTG-mediated formation of insoluble protein aggregates may underlie the markers of numerous pathological conditions, such as the senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease and the Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease. In addition to catalyzing Ca(2+)-dependent cross-linking reactions, tTG can also bind and hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate and adenosine triphosphate. By virtue of this ability, tTG has been identified as a novel G-protein that interacts and activates phospholipase C following stimulation of the alpha-adrenergic receptor. The ability of tTG to mediate signal transduction may contribute to its involvement in the regulation of cell cycle progression. The following review summarizes the important features of this multifunctional enzyme that have emerged as a result of recent work from different laboratories.

Cardiac specific overexpression of transglutaminase II (G(h)) results in a unique hypertrophy phenotype independent of phospholipase C activation

Tissue type transglutaminase (TGII, also known as G(h)) has been considered a multifunctional protein, with both transglutaminase and GTPase activity. The role of the latter function, which is proposed as a coupling mechanism between alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors and phospholipase C (PLC), is not well defined. TGII was overexpressed in transgenic mice in a cardiac specific manner to delineated relevant signaling pathways and their consequences in the heart. Cardiac transglutaminase activity in the highest expressing line was approximately 37-fold greater than in nontransgenic lines. However, in vivo signaling to PLC, as assessed by inositol phosphate turnover in [(3)H]myoinositol organ bath atrial preparations, was not increased in the TGII mice at base line or in response to alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor stimulation; nor was protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) or PKCepsilon activity enhanced in the TGII transgenic mice. This is in contrast to mice moderately (approximately 5-fold) overexpressing G(alphaq), where inositol phosphate turnover and PKC activity were found to be clearly enhanced. TGII overexpression resulted in a remodeling of the heart with mild hypertrophy, elevated expression of beta-myosin heavy chain and alpha-skeletal actin genes, and diffuse interstitial fibrosis. Resting ventricular function was depressed, but responsiveness to beta-agonist was not impaired. This set of pathophysiologic findings is distinct from that evoked by overexpression of G(alphaq). We conclude that TGII acts in the heart primarily as a transglutaminase, and modulation of this function results in unique pathologic sequelae. Evidence for TGII acting as a G-protein-like transducer of receptor signaling to PLC in the heart is not supported by these studies.

GTPase and transglutaminase are associated in the secretion of the rat anterior prostate

We have found that in the secretion of rat anterior prostate, a hydrolyzing activity on GTP is present with a high affinity for the substrate; ATP, GDP, and ADP are not substrates for enzymatic activity. At the same time we have shown that GTP is a negative modulator for the well-known type IV transglutaminase activity present in the prostatic secretion. The hydrolyzing activity on GTP appears to be due to two molecular species: a high-molecular-weight GTPase, having electrophoretical mobility higher than 100 kDa, and a low-molecular-weight GTPase, of about 30 kDa. The two enzymatic activities are associated in the prostatic secretion with the transglutaminase (type IV). We describe an experimental procedure to separate them.

Organization and chromosomal mapping of mouse Gh/tissue transglutaminase gene (Tgm2)

The mouse Gh/tissue transglutaminase gene (Tgm2), coding a dual-function protein that both binds guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and catalyzes the posttranslational modification of proteins by transamidation of glutamine residues, has been cloned. Sequence analysis of Tgm2 and comparison with the TGase sequences of other species allowed correction of several apparent sequencing artifacts in the Tgm2 cDNA. Tgm2 spans approximately 34 kb and has 13 exons and 12 introns. Although the structure of Tgm2 shows similarity to that of other transglutaminase genes, with introns ranging from 921 bp to >5 kb, several introns differ considerably in size from those of the human Gh gene, TGM2. Tgm2 maps to the distal region of mouse chromosome 2, a region syntenic to human chromosome 20q containing TGM2. Tgm2 is in the vicinity of two uncloned mouse mutations, diminutive (dm) and blind-sterile (bs). Genomic DNA from dm mice was unavailable; however, Southern blot analysis of bs DNA showed no gross rearrangements of Tgm2.

Differential signaling by the thromboxane receptor isoforms via the novel GTP-binding protein, Gh

Thromboxane A2 acts via G protein-coupled receptors; two splice variants of the thromboxane A2 receptor (TPalpha and TPbeta) have been cloned. It is unknown whether they differ in their capacity to activate intracellular signaling pathways. Recently, a high molecular weight G protein, Gh, that can also function as a tissue transglutaminase, has been described. We investigated whether Gh functions as a signaling protein in association with thromboxane receptors. First, we sought Gh expression in cells known to express TPs. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting demonstrated Gh expression in platelets, megakaryocytic cell lines, and endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Second, immunoprecipitation of both TPalpha and TPbeta in transfected COS-7 cells resulted in the co-immunoprecipitation of Gh, indicating that TPs may associate Gh in vivo. Finally, agonist activation of TPalpha, but not of TPbeta, resulted in stimulation of phospholipase C-mediated inositol phosphate production in cells cotransfected with Gh. By contrast, agonist activation of both TP isoforms resulted in Gq-mediated inositol phosphate signaling. Gh is expressed in platelets and vascular cells and may associate with both TP isoforms. However, stimulation of TP isoforms results in differential activation of downstream signaling pathways via this novel G protein.

Non-specific action of methoxamine on Ito, and the cloned channels hKv 1.5 and Kv 4.2

The alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine acted independently of receptor activation to reduce Ito and the sustained outward current in rat ventricular myocytes, and hKv 1.5 and Kv 4.2 cloned K+ channel currents. Two hundred microM methoxamine reduced Ito by 36% in the presence of 2 microM prazosin, and by 37 and 38% after preincubation of myocytes with either N-ethylmaleimide or phenoxybenzamine (n=6). The EC50 values at +60 mV for direct reduction of Ito, hKv 1.5, and Kv 4.2 by methoxamine were 239, 276, and 363 microM, respectively, with Hill coefficients of 0.87-1.5. Methoxamine accelerated Ito and Kv 4.2 current inactivation in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. Apparent rate constants for methoxamine binding and unbinding gave Kd values in agreement with EC50 values measured from dose-response relations. The voltage-dependence of block supported charged methoxamine binding to a putative intracellular site that sensed approximately 20% of the transmembrane electrical field. In the presence of methoxamine, deactivating Kv 4.2 tail currents displayed a distinct rising phase, and were slowed relative to control, such that tail current crossover was observed. These observations support a dominant mechanism of open channel block, although closed channel block could not be ruled out. Single-channel data from hKv 1.5 patches revealed increased closed times with blank sweeps and decreased burst duration in the presence of drug, and a reduction of mean channel open time from 1.8 ms in control to 0.4 ms in 500 microM methoxamine. For this channel, therefore, both open and closed channel block appeared to be important mechanisms for the action of methoxamine.

Families of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C: structure and function

A large number of extracellular signals stimulate hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). PI-PLC isozymes have been found in a broad spectrum of organisms and although they have common catalytic properties, their regulation involves different signalling pathways. A number of recent studies provided an insight into domain organisation of PI-PLC isozymes and contributed towards better understanding of the structural basis for catalysis, cellular localisation and molecular changes that could underlie the process of their activation.

Properties of purified lens transglutaminase and regulation of its transamidase/crosslinking activity by GTP

On account of its protein crosslinking activity, the Ca2+-dependent transglutaminase of the lens is likely to be involved in the formation of cataracts. We have now purified the rabbit lens enzyme to near homogeneity as judged by SDS-PAGE (Mr approximately 78 kDa), and a key feature of the procedure was the use of a highly selective affinity chromatographic step with a fibronectin fragment as ligand. The catalytic activity of the lens transglutaminase, measured by the incorporation of dansylcadaverine into dimethylcasein, was compared with those of two similar enzymes isolated from human red cells and from guinea pig liver, respectively. All three enzymes were inhibited by GTP, but the lens enzyme was most sensitive to inhibition by the nucleotide. Moreover, GTP was also shown to inhibit the formation of the approximately 55 kDa betacrystallin dimers in the Ca2+-treated rabbit lens homogenate, proving that the nucleotide is a negative regulator for the crosslinking activity of transglutaminase in this tissue.

Identification of a distinct molecular mass G alpha(h) (transglutaminase II) coupled to alpha1-adrenoceptor in mouse heart

Our previous studies on alpha1-adrenoceptor signaling suggested that G alpha(h) family is a signal mediator in different species. To elucidate the species-specificity of G alpha(h) family in molecular mass, we used the solubilized membranes from mouse heart and the ternary complex preparations containing alpha1-agonist/receptor/G-protein. Binding of [35S]GTPgammaS and the intensity of the [alpha-32P]GTP photoaffinity labeled protein resulting from activation of the alpha1-adrenoceptor were significantly attenuated by the antagonist, phentolamine. The molecular mass of the specific GTP-binding protein was approximately 72-kDa; homologous with G alpha(h) (transglutaminase II) family. Furthermore, immunological cross-reactivity of ternary complex from mouse heart and purified G alpha(h) from rat, guinea pig, and bovine using anti-G alpha(h7) antibody showed that their molecular masses were distinctly different and approximately 72-kDa G alpha(h) from mouse heart was the lowest molecular mass. Consistent with these observations, in co-immunoprecipitation and co-immunoadsorption of the alpha1-adrenoceptor in the ternary complex preparation by anti-G alpha(h7) antibody, the G alpha(h) family protein tightly coupled to alpha1-adrenoceptor. These results demonstrate the species-specificity of G alpha(h) family in molecular mass, especially the lowest molecular mass in mouse.

The intermediate filament protein, vimentin, in the lens is a target for cross-linking by transglutaminase

Mere addition of Ca2+ to a lens cortical homogenate (bovine) generates a series of products composed of a variety of high molecular weight vimentin species. The Ca2+-induced cross-linking of this cytoskeletal element seems to be mediated by the intrinsic transglutaminase of lens, because the reaction could be blocked at the monomeric state of vimentin by the inclusion of small synthetic substrates of the enzyme dansylcadaverine or dansyl-epsilon-aminocaproyl-Gln-Gln-Ile-Val. These compounds are known to compete against the Gln or Lys functionalities of proteins that would participate in forming the Nepsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine protein-to-protein cross-links. The cytosolic transglutaminase-catalyzed reactions could be reproduced with purified bovine lens vimentin and also with recombinant human vimentin preparations. Employing the latter system, we have titrated the transglutaminase-reactive sites of vimentin and, by sequencing the dansyl-tracer-labeled segments of the protein, we have shown that residues Gln453 and Gln460 served as acceptor functionalities and Lys97, Lys104, Lys294, and Lys439 as electron donor functionalities in vimentin. The transglutaminase-dependent reaction of this intermediate filament protein might influence the shape and plasticity of the fiber cells, and the enzyme-catalyzed cross-linking of vimentin, in conjunction with other lens constituents, may contribute to the process of cataract formation.

Biochemical effects of retinoic acid on GTP-binding Protein/Transglutaminases in HeLa cells. Stimulation of GTP-binding and transglutaminase activity, membrane association, and phosphatidylinositol lipid turnover

Treatment of HeLa cells with retinoic acid (RA) gives rise to a marked stimulation in the incorporation of [alpha-32P]GTP into an approximately 87-kDa cytosolic protein that cross-reacts with a monoclonal antibody raised against tissue transglutaminases. In the absence of RA treatment, the transglutaminase immunoreactivity elutes from a gel filtration column with an apparent size of approximately 600 kDa (designated TGa), whereas following RA treatment, a second peak of transglutaminase immunoreactivity (designated TGb) is detected with an apparent size of approximately 150 kDa. The TGa fractions show little or no GTP-binding or GTP hydrolytic activity and very little transglutaminase activity. However, the TGb fractions show all three activities. Retinoic acid treatment also promotes the association of the GTP-binding protein/transglutaminase with membrane fractions, as detected by Western blotting and photoaffinity cross-linking with [alpha-32P]GTP. In addition, the TGb fraction shows a markedly enhanced ability (relative to TGa) to associate with membranes from control (non-RA-treated) cells. The ability of the GTP-binding protein/transglutaminase to bind to membranes is correlated with the stimulation of a membrane-associated phospholipase C activity. Thus, these findings indicate that RA treatment results in a number of changes in the biochemical properties of a GTP-binding protein/transglutaminase which strongly enhance its ability to bind GTP, associate with plasma membranes, and stimulate phosphoinositide lipid turnover.

Fluid flow rapidly activates G proteins in human endothelial cells. Involvement of G proteins in mechanochemical signal transduction

Fluid shear stimulates endothelial cells, with the external hemodynamic forces transduced across the plasma membrane to modulate intracellular events. We report the first direct evidence that identifies specific GTP binding proteins (G proteins) activated within 1 second of flow onset, representing one of the earliest mechanochemical signal transduction events reported to date in shear-stimulated endothelium. A nonhydrolyzable GTP photoreactive analogue, azidoanilido [alpha-32P]GTP (AAGTP), allowed irreversible labeling of flow-stimulated G proteins, with two protein bands (42 kD and 31 kD) identified in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to laminar flow (10 dyne/cm2) in a parallel-plate flow chamber. Immunoprecipitation of labeled whole-cell lysates identified the specific G-protein subunits G q zero/alpha 11 and G alpha i3/alpha 0) as being activated by flow. Endothelial cell membrane vesicles were sheared in a cone-and-plate viscometer, with the 42-kD protein band labeled by AAGTP, but the 31-kD protein absent, indicating that the 42-kD G protein is membrane associated and activated independently of intact cytoskeletal or cytosolic components. Our results describe one of the earliest flow-induced signaling events reported in HUVECs, providing insight into the primary mechanosensing and signal transduction mechanisms.

Analysis of lysophophatidylcholine-induced endothelial dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction caused by the early atherosclerotic process or by endothelial exposure to atherogenic lipids, including lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), is characterized by a selective impairment of responses mediated by the pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi-2 protein. Experiments were performed to analyze the mechanisms underlying this effect. Bradykinin (BK: Gi-2 protein-independent), serotonin (5-HT: Gi-2 protein-dependent), or direct activation of the G(i-2)-protein by mastoparan increased the release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) from porcine arterial endothelial cells (EC). LysoPC decreased the release of EDNO caused by 5-HT, but did not affect the response to BK or mastoparan. LysoPC did not increase production of superoxide radicals detected by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Western blot analysis showed no difference in the level of immunoreactive Gi alpha-2 between control and lysoPC-treated cells. Activation of the Gi-2 protein by serotonergic or alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation decreased the pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha-2 protein in membranes from control but not lysoPC-treated cells. However, direct activation of the Gi-2 protein by mastoparan inhibited the ADP-ribosylation in membranes from control and lysoPC-treated cells. The toxin-catalyzed reaction was reduced in lysoPC-treated cells or lysoPC-treated membranes. LysoPC reduced the ability of endothelin to increase GTP gamma S binding to the Gi-2 protein but did not affect the activity of mastoparan. These results suggest that lysoPC inhibits a pertussis toxin-sensitive signaling pathway in EC by an effect consistent with receptor:Gi-2-protein uncoupling.

Alpha 1-adrenergic receptor coupling with Gh in the failing human heart

BACKGROUND

We recently demonstrated that Gh, which transfers the signal from the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor to the 69-kD phospholipase C, is the previously identified tissue-type transglutaminase (TGase II). The alpha 1-adrenergic receptor mediates actions of the sympathetic nervous system, including cardiac, arteriolar, and smooth muscle contractions. In human cardiac tissue, the expression of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor is increased under pathophysiological conditions, but changes in the physiological response are small. Therefore, it has been suggested that the other components involved in the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor-mediated signaling pathway are probably altered.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunological and biochemical studies with nonfailling and failing human heart tissues revealed that the GTP-binding and TGase activities of human heart TGase II (hhG alpha n) are downregulated in both ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathic human heart. In ischemic cardiomyopathy, the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor number increased twofold (27.0 fmol/mg) compared with the nonfailing (12.8 fmol/mg) and the dilated cardiomyopathic (15.6 fmol/mg) heart tissues, but the coupling of hhG alpha h with the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor did not increase. The intrinsic activity of hhG alpha h, was greatly decreased in membrane fractions, whereas the cytosolic TGase activity was not changed. In the dilated cardiomyopathic human heart, these intrinsic enzyme activities of hhG alpha h were also downregulated in the membrane fraction, whereas the amount of hhG alpha h protein was greatly increased (2.8-fold) compared with the nonfailing heart.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor in human heart couples with Gh (TGase II) and indicate that downregulation of hhG alpha h activity is associated with human cardiac failure but that the mechanism differs between ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathies.

Modulation of the hepatic alpha 1-adrenoceptor responsiveness by colchicine: dissociation of free cytosolic Ca(2+)-dependent and independent responses

1. The cytoskeletal depolymerizing agent, colchicine, prevents the hepatic alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated stimulation of respiration, H+ and Ca2+ release to the effluent perfusate, intracellular alkalosis, and glycogenolysis. Unlike the other parameters, colchicine does not perturb the alpha 1-agonist-induced stimulation of gluconeogenesis or phosphorylase 'a' activation, and enhances the increase in portal pressure response. The lack of effect of colchicine on the hepatic alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated effects indicates that its actions are alpha 1-specific. 2. Colchicine enhances the acute alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and prevents the activation of protein kinase C. This differential effect on the two branches of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling pathway is a distinctive feature of the colchicine action. 3. The lack of effect of colchicine in altering the alpha 1-adrenoceptor ligand binding affinity suggests that it might interact with some receptor-coupled regulatory element(s). 4. The acuteness of the colchicine effect and the ability of its isomer beta-lumicolchicine to prevent all the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated responses but the increase in vascular resistance, indicate that its action cannot be merely ascribed to its effects in depolymerizing tubulin. 5. Colchicine perturbs the hepatic responses to vasoactive peptides. It enhances the vasopressin-induced rise of cytosolic free Ca2+ in isolated hepatocytes and prevents the sustained decrease of Ca2+ in the effluent perfusate. It also inhibits the stimulation of glycogenolysis, without altering the stimulation of gluconeogenesis. 6. It is concluded that there are at least two major alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling pathways. One is colchicine-sensitive, independent of variations in free cytosolic Ca2+, and protein kinase C-dependent; the other one is colchicine-insensitive, dependent on variations in free cytosolic Ca2+, and protein kinase C-independent.

G protein gene expression during mouse oocyte growth and maturation, and preimplantation embryo development

Fertilization in mammals initiates "egg activation," a series of events leading to embryo development. The signal transduction events that occur as a result of sperm-egg interactions and that initiate egg activation may be analogous to a ligand-receptor-effector pathway, but the details of this signaling pathway are poorly understood. Several lines of evidence support a role for guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) in mammalian egg activation. Prior to initiating studies to examine further the role of specific G proteins in sperm-induced mouse egg activation, we needed to define the complement of G proteins expressed in the egg. Using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, the relative levels of mRNAs encoding specific G protein alpha, beta, and gamma subunits were determined in meiotically incompetent oocytes, fully-grown competent oocytes, metaphase II-arrested eggs, one-, two-, and eight-cell embryos, and blastocysts. mRNA transcripts representing all of the heterotrimeric G protein families were present at all of the stages examined, and all underwent significant changes in their patterns of expression. The following heterotrimeric G protein mRNA transcripts were present in oocytes, eggs, or preimplantation embryos: G alpha q family (q, 11, and 14), G alpha 12 family (12 and 13), G alpha i family (i1, i2, i3, t2, z, and s), beta subunits 1, 2, 4, and 5, and gamma subunits 2, 3, 5, and 7. A recently described large molecular weight G protein, G alpha h (Nakaoka et al., 1994: Science 264:1593-1596), was also present, G alpha 15, G alpha t1, G alpha olf, G alpha oA, G beta 3, G gamma 1, and G gamma 8 mRNA transcripts were not detected using this method. The most common pattern of expression observed was a maturation-associated decrease followed by an increase after the two-cell stage. Some transcripts, however, were expressed at low levels until the eight-cell to blastocyst stages, whereas others were expressed at high levels in the oocyte but following maturation declined and remained at a low level throughout preimplantation development.

Interaction site of GTP binding Gh (transglutaminase II) with phospholipase C

The GTP binding G alpha h (transglutaminase II) mediates the alpha 1B-adrenoreceptor signal to a 69-kDa phospholipase C (PLC). Thus, G alpha h possesses both GTPase and transglutaminase activities with a signal transfer role. The recognition sites of this unique GTP binding protein for either the receptor or the effector are completely unknown. A site on human heart G alpha h (hhG alpha h) has been identified that interacts with and stimulates PLC. Expressed mutants of hhG alpha h with deleted C-terminal regions lost the response to (-)-epinephrine and GTP and failed to coimmunoprecipitate PLC by the specific Gh7 alpha antibody. The interaction regions were further defined by studies with synthetic peptides of hhG alpha h and a chimera in which residues Val665-Lys672 of hhG alpha h were substituted with Ile707-Ser714 residues of human coagulation factor XIIIa. Thus, eight amino acid residues near the C terminus of hhG alpha h are critical for recognition and stimulation of PLC.

Lactogen enhances Nb2 cell GTPase activity after 4 hours incubation

The lactogen receptor has been suggested to associate with one or more G proteins despite the absence of a 7-transmembrane spanning sequence. These studies were designed to determine whether lactogens acutely increase GTP binding to or GTPase activity in Nb2 cell membrane. Incubation of Nb2 cell membrane with either ovine PRL (10 ng/ml) or diluent for 0-1 h resulted in a decrease in total(35)S-GTP binding to both with no difference in GTP binding between PRL- and diluent-treated membranes. There was also no change in(35)S-GTP binding to Nb2 cell membrane incubated with increasing oPRL concentrations (0.001-100 ng/ml) for 60 min. α-(32)P-GTP photoaffinity labelling was used to evaluate changes in GTP binding to specific G proteins. Photoaffinity labelling of α-(32)P-GTP to no G protein was changed after preincubation with oPRL (10 ng/ml) for 0-60 min or with oPRL (0.01-10 ng/ml) for 60 min. Finally, it was determined whether oPRL had any acute effect on GTPase activity, as determined by release of(32)Pi from γ-(32)P-GTP. When Nb2 cell membrane was preincubated for 0-60 min with oPRL (10 ng/ml) or a range of oPRL concentrations (0-10 ng/ml), no change in GTPase activity was observed. However, when Nb2 cells were incubated with lactogen for 0-7 h, GTPase activity in equal quantities of Nb2 cell membrane prepared from those cells increased over time. Increased GTPase activity (64.9-74.4%;P<0.03 compared to 0 h) was observed after 4-7 h incubation with lactogen.In summary, addition of lactogen to Nb2 cell membrane did not acutely increase either GTP binding or GTPase activity. Yet when Nb2 cells were incubated with lactogen for 4 h prior to preparation of membrane, GTPase activity was significantly increased. This evidence, in addition to our previous results showing that 4 h incubation with lactogen increased G protein β subunit concentration and pertussis toxin-stimulated ADP-ribosylation of Gi, support a role for delayed lactogen modulation of one or more G proteins in the Nb2 cell, requiring at least 4 h for maximal effect.

GTP-binding proteins in plants: new members of an old family

Regulatory guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) have been studied extensively in animal and microbial organisms, and they are divided into the heterotrimeric and the small (monomeric) classes. Heterotrimeric G proteins are known to mediate signal responses in a variety of pathways in animals and simple eukaryotes, while small G proteins perform diverse functions including signal transduction, secretion, and regulation of cytoskeleton. In recent years, biochemical analyses have produced a large amount of information on the presence and possible functions of G proteins in plants. Further, molecular cloning has clearly demonstrated that plants have both heterotrimeric and small G proteins. Although the functions of the plant heterotrimeric G proteins are yet to be determined, expression analysis of an Arabidopsis G alpha protein suggests that it may be involved in the regulation of cell division and differentiation. In contrast to the very few genes cloned thus far that encode heterotrimeric G proteins in plants, a large number of small G proteins have been identified by molecular cloning from various plants. In addition, several plant small G proteins have been shown to be functional homologues of their counterparts in animals and yeasts. Future studies using a number of approaches are likely to yield insights into the role plant G proteins play.

Neuropeptide Y promotes GTP photo-incorporation into a 55 kDa protein

Incubation of bovine hippocampal membranes with [alpha-32P]GTP and exposure to ultraviolet light resulted in the labelling of seven species with apparent molecular masses of 200, 74, 55, 53, 50, 43 and 40 kDa. Labelling of the 55 kDa species was greatly enhanced in the presence of carboxyl terminal fragments [neuropeptide Y-(18-36)] of neuropeptide Y. Labelling occurred with [alpha-32P]GTP but not [alpha-32P]ATP. A group of putative direct G protein activating peptides including mastoparan, melittin, substance P and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-(1-24), were also able to stimulate the labelling of this protein. Labelling of the 55 kDa protein could be demonstrated in bovine brain but not peripheral tissues. Western blot analysis using an antibody against the common alpha subunit of G proteins recognized a protein co-migrating with the 55 kDa GTP-binding protein. These findings demonstrate the existence of a previously uncharacterized neuronal protein, with an apparent molecular mass of 55 kDa, that binds GTP in response to neuropeptide Y and other peptides.

Gh: a GTP-binding protein with transglutaminase activity and receptor signaling function

The alpha 1-adrenergic receptors activate a phospholipase C enzyme by coupling to members of the large molecular size (approximately 74 to 80 kilodaltons) G alpha h family of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins. Rat liver G alpha h is now shown to be a tissue transglutaminase type II (TGase II). The transglutaminase activity of rat liver TGase II expressed in COS-1 cells was inhibited by the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) or by alpha 1-adrenergic receptor activation. Rat liver TGase II also mediated alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation of phospholipase C activity. Thus, G alpha h represents a new class of GTP-binding proteins that participate in receptor signaling and may be a component of a complex regulatory network in which receptor-stimulated GTP binding switches the function of G alpha h from transglutamination to receptor signaling.

Subtype-specific binding of azidoanilido-GTP by purified G protein alpha subunits

Azidoanilido-GTP (AA-GTP), a hydrolysis-resistant, photoreactive GTP analog, is becoming an increasingly popular tool for identifying activation of specific G proteins by receptors within native plasma membranes. Despite the use of AA-GTP as an affinity probe, surprisingly little is known regarding the ability of various G protein alpha subunits to bind this analog. To directly address this issue, we compared the ability of four purified G protein alpha subunits (Go, Gi2, Gs, and Gz) to bind AA-GTP with their ability to bind GTP gamma S, a GTP analog commonly used to characterize the GTP-binding properties of G proteins. All four G alpha subunits tested bound AA-GTP in a manner distinct from their binding of GTP gamma S. One of these proteins, Gs alpha, required millimolar levels of free Mg2+ for significant binding of AA-GTP, while Go alpha and Gi alpha 2 displayed peak AA-GTP binding at approximately 100 microM free Mg2+. The fourth G alpha subunit, Gz, bound AA-GTP very poorly relative to GTP gamma S regardless of the magnesium concentration. These results indicate that individual G protein alpha subunits differ markedly in their ability to bind AA-GTP. Use of AA-GTP to identify specific G protein-receptor interactions must therefore take into account the varied abilities of G alpha subunits to bind this analog.