Expression of multiple somatostatin receptor genes in AtT-20 cells. Evidence for a novel somatostatin-28 selective receptor subtype

Protein kinase C delta mediates Pasireotide effects in an ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor cell line

PURPOSE

Clinical control of corticotroph tumors is difficult to achieve since they usually persist or relapse after surgery. Pasireotide is approved to treat patients with Cushing's disease for whom surgical therapy is not an option. However, Pasireotide seems to be effective only in a sub-set of patients, highlighting the importance to find a response marker to this approach. Recent studies demonstrated that the delta isoform of protein kinase C (PRKCD) controls viability and cell cycle progression of an in vitro model of ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor, the AtT-20/D16v-F2 cells. This study aims at exploring the possible PRKCD role in mediating Pasireotide effects.

METHODS

It was assessed cell viability, POMC expression and ACTH secretion in AtT20/D16v-F2 cells over- or under-expressing PRKCD.

RESULTS

We found that Pasireotide significantly reduces AtT20/D16v-F2 cell viability, POMC expression and ACTH secretion. In addition, Pasireotide reduces miR-26a expression. PRKCD silencing decreases AtT20/D16v-F2 cell sensitivity to Pasireotide treatment; on the contrary, PRKCD overexpression increases the inhibitory effects of Pasireotide on cell viability and ACTH secretion.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide new insights into potential PRKCD contribution in Pasireotide mechanism of action and suggest that PRKCD might be a possible marker of therapeutic response in ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors.

Immunomodulatory Role of Neuropeptides in the Cornea

The transparency of the cornea along with its dense sensory innervation and resident leukocyte populations make it an ideal tissue to study interactions between the nervous and immune systems. The cornea is the most densely innervated tissue of the body and possesses both immune and vascular privilege, in part due to its unique repertoire of resident immune cells. Corneal nerves produce various neuropeptides that have a wide range of functions on immune cells. As research in this area expands, further insights are made into the role of neuropeptides and their immunomodulatory functions in the healthy and diseased cornea. Much remains to be known regarding the details of neuropeptide signaling and how it contributes to pathophysiology, which is likely due to complex interactions among neuropeptides, receptor isoform-specific signaling events, and the inflammatory microenvironment in disease. However, progress in this area has led to an increase in studies that have begun modulating neuropeptide activity for the treatment of corneal diseases with promising results, necessitating the need for a comprehensive review of the literature. This review focuses on the role of neuropeptides in maintaining the homeostasis of the ocular surface, alterations in disease settings, and the possible therapeutic potential of targeting these systems.

Role of Phosphorylation Sites in Desensitization of µ-Opioid Receptor

Phosphorylation of residues in the C-terminal tail of the µ-opioid receptor (MOPr) is thought to be a key step in desensitization and internalization. Phosphorylation of C-terminal S/T residues is required for internalization (Just et al., 2013), but its role in desensitization is unknown. This study examined the influence of C-terminal phosphorylation sites on rapid desensitization of MOPr. Wild-type MOPr, a 3S/T-A mutant (S363A, T370A, S375A) that maintains internalization, 6S/T-A (S363A, T370A, S375A, T376A, T379A, T383A) and 11S/T-A (all C-terminal S/T residues mutated) mutants not internalized by MOPr agonists were stably expressed in AtT20 cells. Perforated patch-clamp recordings of MOPr-mediated activation of G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir3.X) (GIRK) conductance by submaximal concentrations of Met(5)-enkephalin (ME) and somatostatin (SST; coupling to native SST receptor [SSTR]) were used to examine desensitization induced by exposure to ME and morphine for 5 minutes at 37°C. The rates of ME- and morphine-induced desensitization did not correlate with phosphorylation using phosphorylation site-specific antibodies. ME-induced MOPr desensitization and resensitization did not differ from wild-type for 3S/T-A and 6S/T-A but was abolished in 11S/T-A. Morphine-induced desensitization was unaffected in all three mutants, as was heterologous desensitization of SSTR. Morphine-induced desensitization (but not ME) was reduced by protein kinase C inhibition in wild-type MOPr and abolished in the 11S/T-A mutant, as was heterologous desensitization. These findings establish that MOPr desensitization can occur independently of S/T phosphorylation and internalization; however, C-terminal phosphorylation is necessary for some forms of desensitization because mutation of all C-terminal sites (11S/T-A) abolishes desensitization induced by ME.

Molecular cloning of the cDNAs encoding three somatostatin variants in the dogfish (Scylorhinus canicula)

It has been recently shown that the somatostatin gene family was likely composed of at least three paralogous genes in the common ancestor of all extant jawed vertebrates. These three genes, namely SS1, SS2 and SS5, are thought to have been generated through the two rounds of whole-genome duplications (2R) that took place early during the vertebrate evolution. In the present study, we report the cloning of three distinct somatostatin cDNAs from the dogfish Scylorhinus canicula, a member of the group of cartilaginous fish. We decided to call these cDNAs, at least provisionally, SSa, SSb and SSc, respectively. Two of them, SSa and SSb, encode proteins that both contain the same tetradecapeptide sequence at their C-terminal extremity (AGCKNFFWKTFTSC). This putative peptide is identical to that generated by the SS1 gene in other vertebrate species. The last cDNA, SSc, encodes a protein that contains at its C-terminal extremity the same peptide sequence as that generated by the SS2 gene in teleosts (APCKNFFWKTFTSC). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the SSa and SSc genes likely correspond to the dogfish counterparts of the SS1 and SS2 genes, respectively. In contrast, the phylogenetic status of the SSb gene is less clear. Several lines of evidence suggest that it could correspond to the SS5 gene, but this view will need to be confirmed, for example by synteny analysis. Finally, RT-PCR analysis revealed that SSa, SSb and SSc genes are differentially expressed in dogfish tissues, suggesting that the corresponding peptides may exert distinct functions.

Targeting somatostatin receptors using in situ-bioconjugated fluorescent nanoparticles

Aim: The author’s group report, for the first time, on the development of a quantum dot (QD)-based fluorescent somatostatin (somatotropin release-inhibiting factor [SRIF]) probe that enables specific targeting of somatostatin receptors. Receptor-mediated endocytosis of SRIF was imaged using this probe. Materials & methods: Biotinylated SRIF-analog (SRIF-B) and streptavidin (Sav)-coated QDs were used for the probe synthesis. A dye-labeled streptavidin complex was used to evaluate the effect of Sav binding on the activity of SRIF-B. Results: A preconjugated probe of the form SRIF-B:Sav-QD, was inactive and unable to undergo receptor-mediated endocytosis. An alternative in situ bioconjugation strategy, where SRIF-B and Sav-QD were added in two consecutive steps, enabled visualization of the receptor-mediated endocytosis. The process of Sav binding appeared to be responsible for the inactivity in the first case. Conclusion: The in situ two-step bioconjugation strategy allowed QDs to be targeted to somatostatin receptors. This strategy should enable flexible fluorescent tagging of SRIF for the investigation of molecular trafficking in cells and targeted delivery in live animals.

Original submitted 14 November 2011; Revised submitted 27 February 2012; Published online 20 July 2012

Truncated somatostatin receptors as new players in somatostatin-cortistatin pathophysiology

Somatostatin (SST) and cortistatin (CORT) act through a family of seven transmembrane domain (TMD) receptors (sst1-5) to govern multiple functions, from growth hormone (GH) secretion to neurotransmission, metabolic homeostasis, gastrointestinal and immune function, and tumor cell growth. Thus, SST analogs are used to treat endocrine/tumoral pathologies. Yet, some SST/CORT actions cannot be explained by their interaction with known ssts. We recently identified novel sst5 variants in human, pig, mouse, and rat that lack one or more TMDs and display unique molecular/functional features: they exhibit distinct tissue distribution, divergent responses to SST/CORT, and intracellular localization as opposed to the typical plasma-membrane distribution of full-length ssts. When coexpressed in the same cell, truncated sst5 variants colocalize and physically interact with full-length ssts, providing a molecular basis to disrupt normal sst2/sst5 functioning. This may explain the inverse correlation between hsst5TMD4 expression in pituitary tumors and octreotide responsiveness in acromegaly. Discovery of these new truncated sst5 variants provides novel insights on SST/CORT/sst pathophysiology and suggests new research avenues for the therapeutic potential of this system.

Identification and characterization of new functional truncated variants of somatostatin receptor subtype 5 in rodents

Somatostatin and cortistatin exert multiple biological actions through five receptors (sst1-5); however, not all their effects can be explained by activation of sst1-5. Indeed, we recently identified novel truncated but functional human sst5-variants, present in normal and tumoral tissues. In this study, we identified and characterized three novel truncated sst5 variants in mice and one in rats displaying different numbers of transmembrane-domains [TMD; sst5TMD4, sst5TMD2, sst5TMD1 (mouse-variants) and sst5TMD1 (rat-variant)]. These sst5 variants: (1) are functional to mediate ligand-selective-induced variations in [Ca(2+)]i and cAMP despite being truncated; (2) display preferential intracellular distribution; (3) mostly share full-length sst5 tissue distribution, but exhibit unique differences; (4) are differentially regulated by changes in hormonal/metabolic environment in a tissue- (e.g., central vs. systemic) and ligand-dependent manner. Altogether, our results demonstrate the existence of new truncated sst5-variants with unique ligand-selective signaling properties, which could contribute to further understanding the complex, distinct pathophysiological roles of somatostatin and cortistatin.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of Kir3 following kappa-opioid receptor activation of p38 MAPK causes heterologous desensitization

Prior studies showed that tyrosine 12 phosphorylation in the N-terminal, cytoplasmic domain of the G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel, K(ir)3.1 facilitates channel deactivation by increasing intrinsic GTPase activity of the channel. Using a phosphoselective antibody directed against this residue (pY12), we now report that partial sciatic nerve ligation increased pY12-K(ir)3.1-immunoreactivity (ir) in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of wild-type mice, but not in mice lacking the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) or lacking the G-protein receptor kinase 3 (GRK3) genes. Treatment of AtT-20 cells stably expressing KOR-GFP with the selective KOR agonist U50,488 increased both phospho-p38-ir and pY12-K(ir)3.1-ir. The U50,488-induced increase in pY12-K(ir)3.1-ir was blocked by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. Cells expressing KOR(S369A)-GFP did not increase either phospho-p38-ir or pY12-K(ir)3.1-ir following U50,488 treatment. Whole cell voltage clamp of AtT-20 cells expressing KOR-GFP demonstrated that p38 activation by U50,488 reduced somatostatin-evoked K(ir)3 currents. This heterologous desensitization was blocked by SB203580 and was not evident in cells expressing KOR(S369A)-GFP. Tyrosine phosphorylation of K(ir)3.1 was likely mediated by p38 MAPK activation of Src kinase. U50,488 also increased (pY418)Src-ir; this increase was blocked by SB203580 and not evident in KOR(S369A)-GFP expressing AtT20 cells; the Src inhibitor PP2 blocked the U50,488-induced increase in pY12-K(ir)3.1-ir; and the heterologous desensitization of K(ir)3 currents was blocked by PP2. These results suggest that KOR causes phosphorylation of Y12-K(ir)3.1 and channel inhibition through a GRK3-, p38 MAPK- and Src-dependent mechanism. Reduced inward potassium current following nerve ligation would increase dorsal horn neuronal excitability and may contribute to the neuropathic pain response.

Identification and characterization of two novel truncated but functional isoforms of the somatostatin receptor subtype 5 differentially present in pituitary tumors

CONTEXT

Somatostatin and its related peptide cortistatin exert multiple actions on normal and tumoral tissue targets through a family of receptors termed somatostatin receptor (sst)1-5. Despite the considerable advances in the knowledge on these receptors and their (patho)physiological roles, there is still evidence that additional receptors for these peptides should exist to fully explain their actions.

OBJECTIVE

The growing number of spliced variants found in similar receptor families, often present in tumors, and results from our group obtained on sst5 from other species (pig) led us to explore the existence of new human sst5 isoforms.

DESIGN AND RESULTS

A rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR approach on samples from a human pituitary tumor and a cell line enabled identification of two novel alternatively spliced sst5 receptor variants. The sequences obtained encode putative proteins that correspond to truncated isoforms of five and four transmembrane domains (TMDs), accordingly named sst5TMD5 and sst5TMD4, respectively. Both novel receptors show a differential expression pattern in normal tissues and are also present in pituitary tumors of diverse etiology including nonfunctioning adenomas, corticotropinomas, somatotropinomas, and a prolactinoma. In contrast to the predominant plasma membrane localization of full-length sst5, both sst5TMD5 and sst5TMD4 show a preferentially intracellular localization. Despite their truncated nature, both receptors are functional, as shown by their ability to mediate selective, ligand-induced rises in free cytosolic calcium concentration. Specifically, whereas sst5TMD5 is selectivity activated by somatostatin compared with cortistatin, cells transfected with sst5TMD4 almost exclusively respond to cortistatin and not to somatostatin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the existence of two previously unidentified sst5 spliced variants with distinct distribution in normal tissues and pituitary tumors, unique ligand-selective signaling properties, and subcellular distribution, which could contribute to somatostatin and cortistatin signaling in normal and tumoral cells.

Expression of somatostatin and somatostatin receptor subtypes in Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) knockout mouse brain: An immunohistochemical analysis

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is widely distributed in central and peripheral nervous system. ApoD expression has been shown to increase in several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as during regeneration in the nervous system. Like ApoD, in the central nervous system somatostatin (SST) is widely present and functions as neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. The biological effects of SST are mediated via binding to five high-affinity G-protein coupled receptors termed SSTR1-5. Mice lacking ApoD exhibit reduced SST labeling in cortex and hippocampus and increased expression in striatum and amygdala without any noticeable changes in substantia nigra. Changes in SSTRs expressions have been described in several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. In the present study, using SSTR1-5 receptor-specific antibodies, we mapped their distribution in wild type (wt) and ApoD knockout (ApoD(-/-)) mouse brain. SSTR1-5 expression was observed both as membrane and cytoplasmic protein and display regions and receptor specific differences between wt and ApoD(-/-) mice brains. In cortex and hippocampus, SSTR subtypes like immunoreactivity are decreased in ApoD(-/-) mice brain. Unlike cortex and hippocampus, in the striatum of ApoD(-/-) mice, projection neurons showed increased SSTR immunoreactivity, as compared to wt. Higher SSTR subtypes immunoreactivity is seen in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) whereas lower in substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) of ApoD(-/-) mice brains as compared to wt. Whereas, amygdala displayed SSTR subtypes changes in different nuclei of ApoD(-/-) mice in comparison to wt mice brain. Taken together, our results describe receptor and region specific changes in SST and SSTR subtypes expression in ApoD(-/-) mice brain, which may be linked to specific neurological disorders.

New insight into the molecular evolution of the somatostatin family

The present review describes the molecular evolution of the somatostatin family and its relationships with that of the urotensin II family. Most of the somatostatin sequences collected from different vertebrate species can be grouped as the products of at least four loci. The somatostatin 1 (SS1) gene is present in all vertebrate classes from agnathans to mammals. The SS1 gene has given rise to the somatostatin 2 (SS2) gene by a segment/chromosome duplication that is probably the result of a tetraploidization event according to the 2R hypothesis. The somatostatin-related peptide cortistatin, first identified in rodents and human, is the counterpart of SS2 in placental mammals. In fish, the existence of two additional somatostatin genes has been reported. The first gene, which encodes a peptide usually named somatostatin II (SSII), exists in almost all teleost species investigated so far and is thought to have arisen through local duplication of the SS1 gene. The second gene, which has been characterized in only a few teleost species, encodes a peptide also named SSII that exhibits a totally atypical structure. The origin of this gene is currently unknown. Nevertheless, because the two latter genes are clearly paralogous genes, we propose to rename them SS3 and SS4, respectively, in order to clarify the current confusing nomenclature. The urotensin II family consists of two genes, namely the urotensin II (UII) gene and the UII-related peptide (URP) gene. Both UII and URP exhibit limited structural identity to somatostatin so that UII was originally described as a "somatostatin-like peptide". Recent comparative genomics studies have revealed that the SS1 and URP genes, on the one hand, and the SS2 and UII genes, on the other hand, are closely linked on the same chromosomes, thus confirming that the SS1/SS2 and the UII/URP genes belong to the same superfamily. According to these data, it appears that an ancestral somatostatin/urotensin II gene gave rise by local duplication to a somatostatin ancestor and a urotensin II ancestor, whereupon this pair was duplicated (presumably by a segment/chromosome duplication) to give rise to the SS1-UII pair and the SS2-URP pair.

Colocalization of somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR1-5) with somatostatin, NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d), and tyrosine hydroxylase in the rat hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a major site of somatostatin (SST) production and action. SST is synthesized in several hypothalamic nuclei and involved in a variety of functions. Using SST receptor (SSTR)-specific antibodies, we localized SSTR subtypes in the rat hypothalamus. In addition, we also demonstrated SSTRs colocalization with SST, NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). SSTR1 is strongly localized in neurons in all major hypothalamic nuclei as well as in nerve fibers in the zona externa of the median eminence and the ependyma of the third ventricle. SSTR2 is also well expressed in most regions but with a relatively lower abundance in comparison to SSTR1. In contrast, SSTR3 is localized primarily in the paraventricular nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and median eminence. SSTR4-like immunoreactivity is mainly confined to the arcuate nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, median eminence, and ependymal cells of third ventricle, with the rare SSTR4-positive neuron in the paraventricular nucleus. SSTR5 is the least expressed subtype occurring only in few cells in the inner layer of the median eminence. Overall, SSTR1 is the predominant subtype, followed by SSTR2, 4, 3, and 5. Combined immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and histochemistry were used to demonstrate SSTRs colocalization with SST, TH, and NADPH-d. SSTRs colocalization with SST, TH, and NADPH-d displays in a region and receptor specificity. Colocalization of SST and NADPH-d with SSTRs in hypothalamic regions was similar, suggesting that SST and NADPH-d producing cells are same. In contrast, TH was selectively coexpressed with SSTRs in the hypothalamus in a receptor-specific manner. Taken together, these data suggest that SSTRs may interact with NADPH-d and TH to exert a physiological role in concert within the hypothalamus.

Function and regulation of somatostatin receptor subtypes

The five known somatostatin receptors serve unique biological roles by virtue of their tissue-specific expression and particular biochemical properties. However, the function of any individual receptor in its normal physiological milieu is not understood. Studies to address this problem have been difficult because tissues and cell lines often express multiple somatostatin receptors and, in the absence of receptor-selective somatostatin analogues, the actions of individual receptors cannot be identified. Moreover, the biological and biochemical actions of somatostatin receptors depend on their cellular environment, so that the behaviour of a receptor expressed in heterologous cells does not necessarily mimic that of endogenous receptors. We have developed two approaches to examine somatostatin receptors which circumvent these problems. Using a biotinylated somatostatin analogue for affinity purification, we isolated somatostatin receptors together with associated G proteins. Subsequent analysis of the purified complex with G protein-specific antibodies showed that the somatostatin receptors in AR42J cells preferentially couple with two pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins: Gi alpha 1 and Gi alpha 3. To examine individual receptor types, we developed receptor-specific antibodies and used them to show that both sstr1 and sstr2 proteins were present in the GH4C1 pituitary cell line whereas AR42J cells contained sstr2 but not sstr1. Immunoprecipitation of receptor-G protein complexes with GH4C1 cells showed that sstr1 and sstr2 are both coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, in contrast to the results observed when these receptors are overexpressed in some non-endocrine cells. We also showed that the somatostatin receptors in GH4C1 cells are subject to both homologous and heterologous hormonal regulation. The mechanisms involved in the regulation of different receptor types are now being characterized using the receptor-specific antibodies to isolate the individual receptor proteins. Elucidating signal transduction by endogenous somatostatin receptors as well as their hormonal regulation will be critical for understanding the functions of these receptors in the different physiological targets of somatostatin.

Expression of sstr1 and sstr2 in rat hypothalamus: correlation with receptor binding and distribution of growth hormone regulatory peptides

With the aim of elucidating the role of individual somatostatin receptors in the central control of growth hormone secretion, we have examined the distribution of sstr1 and sstr2 mRNAs in the hypothalamus of the adult rat by in situ hybridization using 35S-labelled antisense riboprobes. Both receptors were expressed strongly in the preoptic area, suprachiasmatic nucleus and arcuate nucleus. High sstr1, but low sstr2, expression was evident in the paraventricular and periventricular nuclei as well as in the ventral premammillary nucleus. Conversely, moderate to high sstr2, but low sstr1, mRNA levels were detected in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, ventromedial and dorsomedial nuclei and medial tuberal nucleus. Within the arcuate nucleus, the distribution of cells expressing sstr1 and sstr2 was comparable to that of neurons which bind somatostatin-14 selectively, one third of which have been documented to contain growth hormone-releasing hormone. Within the periventricular nucleus, the distribution of cells expressing sstr1 and, to a lesser extent, sstr2 was reminiscent of that of both [125I]somatostatin-labelled and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells. Taken together, these results imply a role for both sstr1 and sstr2 receptors in the central regulation of growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin secretion, and hence of growth hormone release, by somatostatin.

Effects of chimeric somatostatin–dopamine molecules on human peripheral blood lymphocytes activation

BIM 23A761, selective for somatostatin receptors subtypes 2, 5 and the dopamine receptor subtype 2, and BIM 23A757 with affinity for SSTR2 and DAR2 were studied on human PBL proliferation and activation. BIM 23A761 was significantly more potent than specific SSTR and DAR2 agonists in suppressing lymphocyte proliferation induced by mitogen or alloantigen, while BIM 23A757 was more potent than specific SSTR2 and DAR2 agonists in suppressing antigen induced proliferation only. Both molecules displayed enhanced potency in suppressing IFNgamma and IL-6 secretion compared with the SSTR and DAR2 analogs, while only BIM 23A761 was able to inhibit IL-2 secretion and its effect is more potent than the control analogs. Furthermore BIM 23A761 inhibit cell progression into the S phase and then into the G2/M, while BIM 23A757 inhibited bromodeoxyuridine incorporation only during the S phase. Both chimeric molecules resulted significantly more effective than the respective controls.

Somatostatin down-regulates the expression and release of endozepines from cultured rat astrocytes via distinct receptor subtypes

Endozepines, a family of regulatory peptides related to diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI), are synthesized and released by astroglial cells. Because rat astrocytes express various subtypes of somatostatin receptors (sst), we have investigated the effect of somatostatin on DBI mRNA level and endozepine secretion in rat astrocytes in secondary culture. Somatostatin reduced in a concentration-dependent manner the level of DBI mRNA in cultured astrocytes. This inhibitory effect was mimicked by the selective sst4 receptor agonist L803-087 but not by the selective sst1, sst2 and sst3 receptor agonists L779-591, L779-976 and L797-778, respectively. Somatostatin was unable to further reduce DBI mRNA level in the presence of the MEK inhibitor U0126. Somatostatin and the sst1, sst2 and sst4 receptor agonists induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of endozepine release. Somatostatin and the sst1, sst2 and sst4 receptor agonists also inhibited cAMP formation dose-dependently. In addition, somatostatin reduced forskolin-induced endozepine release. H89 mimicked the inhibitory effect of somatostatin on endozepine secretion. In contrast the PLC inhibitor U73122, the PKC activator PMA and the PKC inhibitor calphostin C had no effect on somatostatin-induced inhibition of endozepine release. The present data demonstrate that somatostatin reduces DBI mRNA level mainly through activation of sst4 receptors negatively coupled to the MAPK pathway, and inhibits endozepine release through activation of sst1, sst2 and sst4 receptors negatively coupled to the adenylyl cyclase/PKA pathway.

Distinct functional properties of native somatostatin receptor subtype 5 compared with subtype 2 in the regulation of ACTH release by corticotroph tumor cells

In a series of human corticotroph adenomas, we recently found predominant mRNA expression of somatostatin (SS) receptor subtype 5 (sst5). After 72 h, the multiligand SS analog SOM230, which has a very high sst5 binding affinity, but not Octreotide (OCT), significantly inhibited basal ACTH release. To further explore the role of sst5 in the regulation of ACTH release, we conducted additional studies with mouse AtT-20 cells. SOM230 showed a 7-fold higher ligand binding affinity and a 19-fold higher potency in stimulating guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding in AtT-20 cell membranes compared with OCT. SOM230 potently suppressed CRH-induced ACTH release, which was not affected by 48-h dexamethasone (DEX) pretreatment. However, DEX attenuated the inhibitory effects of OCT on ACTH release, whereas it increased the inhibitory potency of BIM-23268, an sst5-specific analog, on ACTH release. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that DEX lowered sst(2A+2B) mRNA expression significantly after 24 and 48 h, whereas sst5 mRNA levels were not significantly affected by DEX treatment. Moreover, Scatchard analyses showed that DEX suppressed maximum binding capacity (B(max)) by 72% when 125I-Tyr3-labeled OCT was used as radioligand, whereas B(max) declined only by 17% when AtT-20 cells were treated with [125I-Tyr11]SS-14. These data suggest that the sst5 protein, compared with sst2, is more resistant to glucocorticoids. Finally, after SS analog preincubation, compared with OCT both SOM230 and BIM-23268 showed a significantly higher inhibitory effect on CRH-induced ACTH release. In conclusion, our data support the concept that the sst5 receptor might be a target for new therapeutic agents to treat Cushing's disease.

Binding and functional properties of the novel somatostatin analogue KE 108 at native mouse somatostatin receptors

Clinically used somatostatin (SRIF) analogs, octreotide and lanreotide, act primarily by binding to SRIF receptor subtype 2 (sst2). In contrast, the recently described multiligand SOM230 binds with high affinity to sst(1-3) and sst5 and KE 108 is characterised as a high affinity ligand for all five SRIF receptors. In tumoural mouse corticotrophs (AtT-20 cells) and in mouse hippocampus, binding and functional features of KE 108 were examined and compared to SRIF-14, octreotide and SOM230. In AtT-20 cells, KE 108 bound with high affinity at [125I]LTT-SRIF-28-labelled sites similarly to SRIF-14, octreotide and SOM230. At the functional level, all four ligands increased guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate binding and decreased cAMP accumulation or intracellular Ca2+ concentration through G(i/o) proteins. In hippocampal slices, KE 108, octreotide and SOM230 also bound with high affinity at [125I]LTT-SRIF-28-labelled sites similarly to SRIF-14, but KE 108, octreotide or SOM230 did not influence spontaneous epileptiform activity which was, in contrast, inhibited by SRIF-14. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that KE 108 has high affinity for native mouse SRIF receptors. Functionally, KE 108 mediates SRIF action at sst(2/5) in corticotrophs whereas it does not mimic the SRIF-induced inhibition of hippocampal excitation suggesting that the high potency and efficacy of a synthetic ligand to all known SRIF receptors may not reproduce entirely the effects of the natural SRIF.

D2 dopamine receptor activation of potassium channels is selectively decoupled by Galpha-specific GoLoco motif peptides

The GoLoco motif is a short polypeptide sequence found in G-protein signaling regulators such as regulator of G-protein signaling proteins type 12 and 14 and activator of G-protein signaling protein type 3. A unique property of the GoLoco motifs from these three proteins is their preferential interaction with guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound Galpha(i1), Galpha(i3) and, sometimes, Galpha(i2) subunits over Galpha(o) subunits. This interaction prevents both spontaneous guanine nucleotide release and reassociation of Galpha(i)-GDP with Gbetagamma. We utilized this property of the GoLoco motif to examine dopamine (D2 and D3) and somatostatin receptor coupling to G-protein-regulated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels in mouse AtT20 cells. GoLoco motif peptides had no effect on either basal channel activity or the initial responses to agonists, suggesting that the GoLoco motif cannot disrupt pre-formed G-protein heterotrimers. GoLoco motif peptides did, however, interfere with human D2((short)) receptor coupling to GIRK channels as demonstrated by the progressively diminished responses after repeated agonist application. This behavior is consistent with some form of compartmentalization of D2 receptors and GIRK channels such that Gbetagamma subunits, freed by local receptor activation and prevented from reforming a heterotrimeric complex, are not functionally constrained within the receptor-channel complex and thus are unable to exert a persistent activating effect. In contrast, GoLoco motif peptides had no effect on either D3 or somatostatin coupling to GIRK channels. Our results suggest that GoLoco motif-based peptides will be useful tools in examining the specificity of G-protein-coupled receptor-effector coupling.

GoLoco motif peptides as probes of Galpha subunit specificity in coupling of G-protein-coupled receptors to ion channels

Biochemical and structural studies of signaling proteins have revealed critical features of peptide motifs at the interaction surfaces between proteins. Such information can be used to design small peptides that can be used as functional probes of specific interactions in signaling cascades. This article describes the use of a novel domain (the GoLoco motif) found in several members of the regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) protein family to probe the specificity of Galpha subunit involvement in the coupling of dopamine and somatostatin receptors to ion channels in the AtT20 neuroendocrine cell line. Peptides encoding the GoLoco motifs of RGS12 and AGS3 were perfused into single cells during electrical recording of agonist-induced current responses by whole cell patch clamp methods. The particular sequences chosen have been demonstrated to bind selectively to the GDP-bound form of Galphai, but not Galphao, and preclude association of Gbetagamma and Galphai subunits. A functional manifestation of this property is observed in the progressive uncoupling of D2 dopamine receptors and Kir3.1/3.2 channels with repeated agonist application. Similar uncoupling is not observed with somatostatin receptors nor with D2 receptors coupling to calcium channels, suggesting Galpha subunit specificity in these signaling pathways. Motifs found in other proteins in the GPCR signaling machinery may also prove useful in assessing G-protein signaling specificity and complexity in single cells in the future.

Role of Amphiphysin II in Somatostatin Receptor Trafficking in Neuroendocrine Cells

Amphiphysins are SH3 domain-containing proteins thought to function in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. To investigate the potential role of amphiphysin II in cellular trafficking of G protein-coupled somatostatin (SRIF) receptors, we generated an AtT-20 cell line stably overexpressing amphiphysin IIb, a splice variant that does not bind clathrin. Endocytosis of (125)I-[d-Trp(8)]SRIF was not affected by amphiphysin IIb overexpression. However, the maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of the ligand on intact cells was significantly lower in amphiphysin IIb overexpressing than in non-transfected cells. This difference was no longer apparent when the experiments were performed on crude cell homogenates, suggesting that amphiphysin IIb overexpression interferes with SRIF receptor targeting to the cell surface and not with receptor synthesis. Accordingly, immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that, in amphiphysin overexpressing cells, sst(2A) and sst(5) receptors were segregated in a juxtanuclear compartment identified as the trans-Golgi network. Amphiphysin IIb overexpression had no effect on corticotrophin-releasing factor 41-stimulated adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion, suggesting that it is not involved in the regulated secretory pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that amphiphysin II is not necessary for SRIF receptor endocytosis but is critical for its constitutive targeting to the plasma membrane. Therefore, amphiphysin IIb may be an important component of the constitutive secretory pathway.

The role of somatostatin analogs in Cushing's disease

Somatostatin (SRIF) has been proposed to be of therapeutic interest in the medical treatment of Cushing's disease. While in vitro data demonstrate the presence of SRIF-receptor subtype (sst) expression in corticotroph adenomas, the current clinically available SRIF-analog Octreotide, predominantly targeting sst(2), is ineffective in lowering ACTH levels in Cushing's disease and only appears to inhibit the release of ACTH in Nelson's syndrome. In the present review, current knowledge on the physiological role of SRIF in the regulation of ACTH secretion by the anterior pituitary gland, as well as by corticotroph tumor cells is summarized. In addition, the role of glucocorticoids in regulating sst-mediated inhibition of ACTH release by corticotroph adenoma cells is discussed. Recently, it was reported that the novel multiligand SRIF-analog SOM230 might have the potential to be of therapeutic interest for Cushing's disease. On the basis of the potent suppressive effects on ACTH release by SRIF-analogs with high binding affinity to sst(5) and the observation that sst(5) expression and action is relatively resistant to glucocorticoid treatment, including the recent observation that sst(5) is the predominant sst expressed in human corticotroph adenomas, it is hypothesized that sst(5) may be a new therapeutic target for the control of ACTH and cortisol hypersecretion in patients with pituitary dependent Cushing's disease.

Pharmacological characterisation of native somatostatin receptors in AtT-20 mouse tumour corticotrophs

1. The mouse corticotroph tumour cell line AtT-20 is a useful model to investigate the physiological role of native somatostatin (SRIF, Somatotropin release inhibitory factor) receptor subtypes (sst(1) - sst(5)). The objective of this study was to characterise the pharmacological features and the functional effects of SRIF receptors expressed by AtT-20 cells using radioligand binding and cAMP accumulation. 2. [(125)I]LTT-SRIF-28, [(125)I]CGP 23996, [(125)I]Tyr(10)-cortistatin-14 and [(125)I]Tyr(3)-octreotide labelled SRIF receptor binding sites with high affinity and in a saturable manner (B(max)=315, 274, 239 and 206 fmol mg(-1), respectively). [(125)I]LTT-SRIF-28 labels significantly more sites than [(125)I]Tyr(10) -cortistatin-14 and [(125)I]Tyr(3) -octreotide as seen previously in cells expressing pure populations of sst(2) or sst(5) receptors. 3. SRIF analogues displaced the binding of the four radioligands. sst(2/5) receptor-selective ligands showed much higher affinity than sst(1/3/4) receptor-selective ligands. The binding profile of [(125)I]Tyr(3)-octreotide was different from that of [(125)I]LTT-SRIF-28, [(125)I]CGP 23996 and [(125)I]Tyr(10)-cortistatin-14. The sst(5/1) receptor-selective ligand L-817,818 identified two binding sites, one with subnanomolar affinity (sst(5) receptors) and one with micromolar affinity (sst(2) receptors); however, the proportions were different: 70 - 80% high affinity with [(125)I]LTT-SRIF-28, [(125)I]CGP 23996, [(125)I]Tyr(10)-cortistatin-14, but only 20% with [(125)I]Tyr(3)-octreotide. 4. SRIF analogues inhibited the forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels depending on concentration. sst(2/5) receptor-selective ligands were highly potent, whereas sst(1/3/4) receptor-selective ligands had no significant effects. The sst(2) receptor antagonist D-Tyr(8)-CYN 154806 competitively antagonised the effects of SRIF-14 and sst(2) receptor-preferring agonists, but not those of L-817,818. 5. The complex binding properties of SRIF receptor analogues indicate that sst(2) and sst(5) receptors are the predominant SRIF receptors expressed on AtT-20 cell membranes with no or only negligible presence of sst(1), sst(3) and sst(4) receptors. In the functional studies using cAMP accumulation, only sst(2) and sst(5) receptors appear to play a role. However, the "predominant" receptor appears to be the sst(2) receptor, although sst(5) receptors can also mediate the effect, when the ligand is not able to activate sst(2) receptors. This clearly adds flexibility to SRIF-mediated functional effects and suggests that the physiological role of SRIF and its analogues may be mediated preferentially via one subtype over another.

Effects of Schistosoma mansoni infection on somatostatin and somatostatin receptor 2A expression in mouse ileum

Intestinal schistosomiasis is accompanied by motility-related dysfunctions but the underlying mechanisms are not well-known. Therefore, the presence and effects on intestinal contractility of somatostatin (SOM) and its receptor, SSTR2A, were investigated in the ileum of normal and infected mice. The distribution of SOM and SSTR2A was visualized using immunocytochemistry. Radioimmunoassay combined with oogram studies was performed to determine SOM levels and contractility measurements were determined in organ bath experiments. Schistosomiasis resulted in a significant decrease in somatostatin-positive endocrine cells, whereas the number of somatostatin-immunoreactive (IR) neuronal cell bodies did not change. From 8 weeks postinfection onwards, an increase was noted in somatostatin-IR nerve fibres in both villi and granulomas. The staining intensity for SSTR2A, expressed in somatostatin-negative myenteric cholinergic neurones, increased during infection suggesting an upregulation of this receptor. SOM levels were negatively correlated with the number of eggs during the acute phase, and were elevated during the chronic phase. Pharmacological experiments revealed that schistosomiasis diminished the inhibitory effect of SOM on neurogenic contractions. We can conclude that schistosomiasis influences the distribution and expression levels of SOM and SSTR2A in the murine ileum, which might explain the changed motility pattern.

Homologous and heterologous regulation of somatostatin receptor 2

We previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of somatostatin receptor 2A (sst2A) is rapidly increased in transfected cells both by agonist and by the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Here, we investigate whether PKC-mediated receptor phosphorylation is involved in the homologous or heterologous regulation of endogenous sst2 receptors in AR42J pancreatic acinar cells upon stimulation by agonist or by cholecystokinin (CCK) or bombesin (BBS). Somatostatin, PMA, CCK, and BBS all increased sst2A receptor phosphorylation 5- to 10-fold within minutes. Somatostatin binding also caused rapid internalization of the ligand-receptor complex, and PMA, CCK, and BBS all stimulated this internalization further. Additionally, sst2 receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase was desensitized by all treatments. Somatostatin, as well as peptidic (SMS201-995) and nonpeptidic (L-779,976) sst2 receptor agonists increased the EC(50) for somatostatin inhibition 20-fold. In contrast, pretreatment with BBS, CCK, or PMA caused a modest 2-fold increase in the EC(50) for cyclase inhibition. Whereas the PKC inhibitor GF109203X abolished sst2A receptor phosphorylation by CCK, BBS, and PMA, it did not alter the effect of somatostatin, demonstrating that these reactions were catalyzed by different kinases. Consistent with a functional role for PKC-mediated receptor phosphorylation, GF109203X prevented PMA stimulation of sst2 receptor internalization. Surprisingly, however, GF109203X did not inhibit BBS and CCK stimulation of sst2A receptor endocytosis. These results demonstrate that homologous and heterologous hormones induce sst2A receptor phosphorylation by PKC-independent and -dependent mechanisms, respectively, and produce distinct effects on receptor signaling and internalization. In addition, the heterologous hormones also modulate sst2 receptor internalization by a novel mechanism that is independent of receptor phosphorylation.

Immunohistochemical detection of somatostatin receptor types 1-5 in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid

BACKGROUND

We have analysed the distribution of the five somatostatin receptors (sst1-5) by immunohistochemistry in a large retrospective series of 51 medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT) specimens and correlated the pattern of sst expression with expression of somatostatin (SRIF) peptide, tumour pathology and clinical outcome.

MEASUREMENTS

Immunohistochemistry was performed with rabbit polyclonal antipeptide antibodies directed against the extracellular domains or cytoplasmic tail of human (h) sst1-5. SRIF immunoreactivity was investigated in parallel paraffin sections.

RESULTS

Eighty-five percent of the tumours were positive for one or more sst, localized to both tumour cells as well as surrounding peritumoural structures, especially blood vessels. Forty-nine percent of the tumours were positive for sst1, 43% for sst2, 47% for sst3, 4% for sst4, and 57% for sst5. Fifty-one percent of tumours expressed one or two sst subtypes; 33% were positive for three or more sst isoforms. All five sst receptors were detected in only two cases. Tumours expressing octreotide sensitive subtypes (sst2,3,5) accounted for 75% of the series. 50% of the tumours co-expressed SRIF suggesting tumour cell regulation by endogenous SRIF via paracrine/autocrine circuits. There was no correlation between sst1-5 expression and age, sex, tumour size or stage, histological type or clinical outcome. Simultaneous analysis of primary tumour and lymph node metastases revealed a similar pattern of sst immunoreactivity indicating that sst expression is not modified in the course of disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

With the exception of sst4, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid display a rich but heterogeneous expression of sst subtypes. Immunohistochemical typing of sst receptor expression using specific antireceptor antibodies represents an ideal approach for characterizing sst subtype expression in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid for optimizing receptor targeted diagnosis and therapy with somatostatin analogs.

Somatostatin restrains the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 and -2 from isolated perfused porcine ileum

Suspecting that paracrine inhibition might influence neuronal regulation of the endocrine L cells, we studied the role of somatostatin (SS) in the regulation of the secretion of the proglucagon-derived hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and -2 (GLP-1 and GLP-2). This was examined using the isolated perfused porcine ileum stimulated with acetylcholine (ACh, 10(-6) M), neuromedin C (NC, 10(-8) M), and electrical nerve stimulation (NS) with or without alpha-adrenergic blockade (phentolamine 10(-5) M), and perfusion with a high-affinity monoclonal antibody against SS. ACh and NC significantly increased GLP secretion, whereas NS had little effect. SS immunoneutralization increased GLP secretion eight- to ninefold but had little influence on the GLP responses to ACh, NC, and NS. Basal SS secretion (mainly SS28) was unaffected by NS alone. Phentolamine + NS and NC abstract strongly stimulated release mainly of SS14, whereas ACh had little effect. Infused intravascularly, SS14 weakly and SS28 strongly inhibited GLP secretion. We conclude that GLP secretion is tonically inhibited by a local release of SS28 from epithelial paracrine cells, whereas SS14, supposedly derived from enteric neurons, only weakly influences GLP secretion.

Subtypes of the somatostatin receptor assemble as functional homo- and heterodimers

The existence of receptor dimers has been proposed for several G protein-coupled receptors. However, the question of whether G protein-coupled receptor dimers are necessary for activating or modulating normal receptor function is unclear. We address this question with somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) of which there are five distinct subtypes. By using transfected mutant and wild type receptors, as well as endogenous receptors, we provide pharmacological, biochemical, and physical evidence, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis, that activation by ligand induces SSTR dimerization, both homo- and heterodimerization with other members of the SSTR family, and that dimerization alters the functional properties of the receptor such as ligand binding affinity and agonist-induced receptor internalization and up-regulation. Double label confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that when SSTR1 and SSTR5 subtypes were coexpressed in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells and treated with agonist they underwent internalization and were colocalized in cytoplasmic vesicles. SSTR5 formed heterodimers with SSTR1 but not with SSTR4 suggesting that heterodimerization is a specific process that is restricted to some but not all receptor subtype combinations. Direct protein interaction between different members of the SSTR subfamily defines a new level of molecular cross-talk between subtypes of the SSTR and possibly related receptor families.

Correlative immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis of somatostatin receptor type 2 in neuroendocrine tumors of the lung

Somatostatin receptors type 2 (sst2) have been frequently detected in neuroendocrine tumors and bind somatostatin analogues, such as octreotide, with high affinity. Receptor autoradiography, specific mRNA detection and, more recently, antisst2 polyclonal antibodies are currently employed to reveal sst2. The aim of the present study was to investigate by three different techniques the presence of sst2 in a series of 26 neuroendocrine tumors of the lung in which fresh frozen tissue and paraffin sections were available. It was possible, therefore, to compare, in individual cases, RNA analysis studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization (ISH), and immunohistochemistry. A series of 20 nonneuroendocrine lung carcinoma samples served as controls. RT-PCR was positive for sst2 in 22 of 26 samples, including 15 of 15 typical carcinoids, 5 of 6 atypical carcinoids, and 2 of 5 small-cell carcinomas. The sst2 mRNA signal obtained by RT-PCR was strong in the majority (87%) of typical carcinoids and of variable intensity in atypical carcinoids and small-cell carcinomas. A weakly positive signal was observed in 5 of 20 control samples. In immunohistochemistry, two different antibodies (anti-sst2) were employed, including a monoclonal antibody, generated in the Department of Pathology, University of Turin. In the majority of samples a good correlation between sst2 mRNA (as detected by RT-PCR) and sst2 protein expression (as detected by immunohistochemistry) was observed. However, one atypical carcinoid and one small-cell carcinoma had focal immunostaining but no RT-PCR signal. ISH performed in selected samples paralleled the results obtained with the other techniques. A low sst2 expression was associated with high grade neuroendocrine tumors and with aggressive behavior. It is concluded that 1) neuroendocrine tumors of the lung express sst2, and there is a correlation between the mRNA amount and the degree of differentiation; 2) immunohistochemistry and ISH are reliable tools to demonstrate sst2 in these tumors; and 3) sst2 identification in tissue sections may provide information on the diagnostic or therapeutic usefulness of somatostatin analogues in individual patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

Receptor-mediated internalization is critical for the inhibition of the expression of growth hormone by somatostatin in the pituitary cell line AtT-20

The inhibitory effect of the neuropeptide somatostatin on the expression of growth hormone was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the pituitary cell line AtT-20. We demonstrate that this effect is dependent on the internalization of somatostatin-receptor complexes and that it is totally independent from the peptide-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Indeed, the inhibitory effect of the peptide on growth hormone mRNA levels was totally insensitive to pertussis toxin treatment but was totally abolished under conditions which block somatostatin receptor internalization. Comparative confocal microscopic imaging of fluorescent somatostatin sequestration and fluorescence immunolabeling of sst1, sst2A, and sst5 receptors suggests that sst2A is most probably responsible of the inhibitory effect of somatostatin on growth hormone expression.

Somatostatin and its receptor family

Somatostatin (SST), a regulatory peptide, is produced by neuroendocrine, inflammatory, and immune cells in response to ions, nutrients, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, thyroid and steroid hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. The peptide is released in large amounts from storage pools of secretory cells, or in small amounts from activated immune and inflammatory cells, and acts as an endogenous inhibitory regulator of the secretory and proliferative responses of target cells that are widely distributed in the brain and periphery. These actions are mediated by a family of seven transmembrane (TM) domain G-protein-coupled receptors that comprise five distinct subtypes (termed SSTR1-5) that are endoded by separate genes segregated on different chromosomes. The five receptor subtypes bind the natural SST peptides, SST-14 and SST-28, with low nanomolar affinity. Short synthetic octapeptide and hexapeptide analogs bind well to only three of the subtypes, 2, 3, and 5. Selective nonpeptide agonists with nanomolar affinity have been developed for four of the subtypes (SSTR1, 2, 3, and 4) and putative peptide antagonists for SSTR2 and SSTR5 have been identified. The ligand binding domain for SST ligands is made up of residues in TMs III-VII with a potential contribution by the second extracellular loop. SSTRs are widely expressed in many tissues, frequently as multiple subtypes that coexist in the same cell. The five receptors share common signaling pathways such as the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, activation of phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP), and modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) through G-protein-dependent mechanisms. Some of the subtypes are also coupled to inward rectifying K(+) channels (SSTR2, 3, 4, 5), to voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (SSTR1, 2), a Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (SSTR1), AMPA/kainate glutamate channels (SSTR1, 2), phospholipase C (SSTR2, 5), and phospholipase A(2) (SSTR4). SSTRs block cell secretion by inhibiting intracellular cAMP and Ca(2+) and by a receptor-linked distal effect on exocytosis. Four of the receptors (SSTR1, 2, 4, and 5) induce cell cycle arrest via PTP-dependent modulation of MAPK, associated with induction of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein and p21. In contrast, SSTR3 uniquely triggers PTP-dependent apoptosis accompanied by activation of p53 and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. SSTR1, 2, 3, and 5 display acute desensitization of adenylyl cyclase coupling. Four of the subtypes (SSTR2, 3, 4, and 5) undergo rapid agonist-dependent endocytosis. SSTR1 fails to be internalized but is instead upregulated at the membrane in response to continued agonist exposure. Among the wide spectrum of SST effects, several biological responses have been identified that display absolute or relative subtype selectivity. These include GH secretion (SSTR2 and 5), insulin secretion (SSTR5), glucagon secretion (SSTR2), and immune responses (SSTR2).

Confocal microscopy reveals thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15) and neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16) in the classical secretory pathway

Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15; EP24.15) and neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16; EP24.16) are closely related enzymes involved in the metabolic inactivation of bioactive peptides. Both of these enzymes were previously shown to be secreted from a variety of cell types, although their primary sequence lacks a signal peptide. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for this secretion, we examined by confocal microscopy the subcellular localization of these two enzymes in the neuroendocrine cell line AtT20. Both EP24.15 and EP24.16 were found by immunohistochemistry to be abundantly expressed in AtT20 cells. Western blotting experiments confirmed that the immunoreactivity detected in the soma of these cells corresponded to previously cloned isoforms of the enzymes. At the subcellular level, both enzymes colocalized extensively with the integral trans-Golgi network protein, syntaxin-6, in the juxtanuclear region. In addition, both EP24.15 and EP24.16 were found within small vesicular organelles distributed throughout the cell body. Some, but not all, of these organelles also stained positively for ACTH. These results demonstrate that both EP24.15 and EP24.16 are present within the classical secretory pathway. Their colocalization with ACTH further suggests that they may be targeted to the regulated secretory pathway, even in the absence of a signal peptide.

Differential regulation of somatostatin receptor types 1-5 in rat aorta after angioplasty

Treatment of restenosis after angioplasty with octapeptide somatostatin (SST) analogs has met with variable success. These analogs bind with high affinity to only two SST receptor (SSTR) subtypes (2 and 5), display moderate affinity for SSTR3, and low affinity for SSTR1 and 4. To optimize the vasculoprotective effect of SST, we have investigated the pattern of expression of all five SSTRs in rat thoracic aorta in the resting state and at 15 min, 3, 7, and 14 days after balloon endothelial denudation. SSTR1-5 were analyzed as mRNA by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and as protein by immunocytochemistry. All five SSTRs were expressed in rat aorta both as mRNA and protein and displayed a time-dependent, subtype-selective response to endothelial denudation. mRNA for SSTR1 and 2 increased acutely (SSTR1 > SSTR2) on days 3 and 7, coincident with smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, and declined to basal levels by day 14. SSTR3 and 4 displayed a different pattern with a delayed, more gradual increase in mRNA beginning at days 3-7 and continued to increase thereafter. SSTR5 mRNA was constitutively expressed at a low level and showed no change during the 2 wk postinjury period. By immunohistochemistry, SSTR1-5 antigens were localized predominantly in SMC that were present in the media or had migrated into the intima; antigen expression correlated with receptor mRNA expression. Notably, only SSTR1,3,4 were expressed in the intima: SSTR1 and 4 during the proliferative burst and SSTR3 and 4 after proliferation, when SMC migration into the intima continues. These results demonstrate dynamic changes in SSTR1-5 expression after vascular trauma localized to areas of vascular SMC migration and replication. In view of their early and prominent induction, SSTR1 may be the optimal subtype to target for inhibition of myointimal proliferation, and SSTR3 and 4 for migration and remodeling.

Human dopamine D3 and D2L receptors couple to inward rectifier potassium channels in mammalian cell lines

The molecular mechanisms coupling the D3 dopamine receptor to downstream effectors have neither been well defined nor well characterized. Here we examine the coupling of the human D3 receptor to G-protein coupled inward rectifier potassium channels (GIRKs) in mammalian cells. Human D3 receptors couple strongly to homomeric human GIRK2 channels coexpressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, with a coupling efficiency comparable to that of D2L receptors. The coupling between D3 receptors and native GIRK channels was examined in an AtT-20 mouse pituitary cell line stably expressing the human D3 receptor. AtT-20 cells endogenously express somatostatin and muscarinic receptors coupled to GIRK channels. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that AtT-20 cells natively express Kir3.1 and Kir3.2 channel isoforms, but not D2 or D3 dopamine receptors. In D3 receptor expressing AtT-20 cells, application of the D2/D3 receptor agonist, quinpirole, induces pertussis toxin-sensitive inward rectifying K+ currents that are blocked by barium. Activation of D3 receptors leads to both homologous desensitization of this receptor and an unusual unidirectional heterologous desensitization of somatostatin receptors. AtT-20 cells may be a good model to examine the functional role of D3 dopamine receptors in regulating neurotransmitter secretion.

The cytoplasmic tail of the human somatostatin receptor type 5 is crucial for interaction with adenylyl cyclase and in mediating desensitization and internalization

We have investigated the role of the cytoplasmic tail (C-tail) of the human somatostatin receptor type 5 (hSSTR5) in regulating receptor coupling to adenylyl cyclase (AC) and in mediating agonist-dependent desensitization and internalization responses. Mutant receptors with progressive C-tail truncation (Delta347, Delta338, Delta328, Delta318), Cys320 --> Ala substitution (to block palmitoylation), or Tyr304 --> Ala substitution of a putative NPXXY internalization motif were stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells. Except for the Tyr304 --> Ala mutant, which showed no binding, all other mutant receptors exhibited binding characteristics (Kd and Bmax) and G protein coupling comparable with wild type (wt) hSSTR5. The C-tail truncation mutants displayed progressive reduction in coupling to AC, with the Delta318 mutant showing complete loss of effector coupling. Agonist pretreatment of wt hSSTR5 led to uncoupling of AC inhibition, whereas the desensitization response of the C-tail deletion mutants was variably impaired. Compared with internalization (66% at 60 min) of wt hSSTR5, truncation of the C-tail to 318, 328, and 338 residues reduced receptor internalization to 46, 46, and 23%, respectively, whereas truncation to 347 residues slightly improved internalization (72%). Mutation of Cys320 --> Ala induced a reduction in AC coupling, desensitization, and internalization. These studies show that the C-tail of hSSTR5 serves a multifunctional role in mediating effector coupling, desensitization, and internalization. Whereas coupling to AC is dependent on the length of the C-tail, desensitization and internalization require specific structural domains. Furthermore, internalization is regulated through both positive and negative molecular signals in the C-tail and can be dissociated from the signaling and acute desensitization responses of the receptor.

Expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes in human brain tumors

Expression of mRNA for the 5 somatostatin receptors (sst1-5) was characterized by Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis in 20 meningioma and 9 glioma samples. sst1 mRNA was detectable by Northern blots of poly-A+ RNA in meningiomas but not gliomas. In contrast, sst2 mRNA was readily detected by Northern blots of total RNA as a major 2.3 kb transcript and 2 minor 4.3 kb and 8 kb transcripts in all meningiomas and 6 out of 9 gliomas. Quantitation of the 2.3 kb sst2 mRNA showed that 15 out of 20 tumors expressed 1.3- to 33-fold higher levels than control normal human brain. Mean sst2 mRNA for the 20 meningioma samples was 978% that of normal brain. Three gliomas showed 7- to 14-fold higher sst2 mRNA than normal brain whereas the remaining samples displayed very low or undetectable levels. Immunocytochemistry of meningioma and glioma samples, with a sst2-specific antibody revealed immunoreactivity in tumor cells and peritumoral tissue, with prominent expression in blood vessels. mRNA for sst3,4,5 could not be detected by Northern blots in any of the tumors. RT-PCR analysis of meningiomas and gliomas revealed the following percent of tumors positive for a given sst mRNA: sst1 (86%), sst2 (100%), sst3 (60%), sst4 (58%), and sst5 (67%); 85% of tumors expressed 3 of the 5 subtypes. No correlation was found between the pattern of expression of sst mRNA and tumor type, location, and histology for either the meningiomas or gliomas. Our results show that meningiomas and gliomas are all positive for at least one sst subtype, the majority expressing multiple subtypes. sst2 is the most abundant isoform with a rich expression in both tumor and peritumoral tissue especially blood vessels.

The substance P and somatostatin interferon-gamma immunoregulatory circuit

Murine schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease in which flukes living in the portal vein of the host produce ova that deposit in the liver and intestines. In these organs, ova release antigens that induce chronic, focal granulomatous inflammation. IFN-gamma is an inflammatory cytokine important in macrophage activation and B-cell differentiation. A substance P (SP)/somatostatin (SOM) neurokine immunoregulatory circuit controls IFN-gamma production in schistosome granulomas. SP stimulates, while SOM inhibits IFN-gamma release, modulating IFN-gamma-dependent circuitry. SP and SOM function through interaction with authentic SP and SOM receptors located on granuloma T cells. Also, the granulomas produce authentic SP and SOM14, as evidenced by the presence of mRNA and product. The granulomas have no nerves. This, and other data suggest that the inflammatory cells make these neurokines. Granuloma macrophages produce SOM. Macrophages from various sources express SOM mRNA in response to LPS, IFN-gamma, IL-10 or several other inflammatory mediators. Thus, the inflammation of murine schistosomiasis has a complete SP/SOM immunoregulatory circuit, which in turn is subject to immunoregulation.

Cloning, expression, pharmacology and tissue distribution of the mouse somatostatin receptor subtype 5

The gene encoding the mouse somatostatin receptor subtype 5 has been isolated from a genomic library and the mRNA start point mapped to position -95 relative to the translational start codon. The promoter region is devoid of TATA and CAAT boxes but contains putative binding sites for AP-1, AP-2 and SP1 and response elements for glucocorticoids (GRE) and phorbol esters (TRE). The encoded receptor protein with a predicted molecular weight of 42.5 kDa is comprised of 385 amino acids and thus contains 22 and 21 amino acids more than rat and human counterparts. The extra amino acids are caused by another translational initiation codon located further upstream. In the region of overlap the mouse somatostatin receptor subtype 5 displays 96.7% sequence identity to the rat and 81.7% to the human homologue. Application of somatostatin-14 and -28 to human embryonic kidney cells expressing the recombinant receptor resulted in the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase with comparable EC50 values. Consistent with the observed sequence relationship, the mouse somatostatin receptor subtype 5 displays a pharmacological profile that resembles the rat homologue more closely than the human counterpart. mRNA for the mouse somatostatin type 5 receptor has been detected in pituitary, kidney, spleen and ovary and, to a lesser extent, in brain, stomach, intestine and thymus but was not observed in heart, pancreas and liver.

Somatostatin 2A receptor is expressed by enteric neurons, and by interstitial cells of Cajal and enterochromaffin-like cells of the gastrointestinal tract

Somatostatin exerts multiple effects by activating distinct G protein-coupled receptors. Here we report the cellular sites of expression of the somatostatin subtype 2A (sst2A) receptor in the rat enteric nervous system by using a C-terminus-specific, affinity-purified antiserum and immunohistochemistry. Antibody specificity was confirmed by the cell surface staining of human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing the sst2A receptor, the lack of staining of cells expressing the somatostatin subtype 2B receptor, and the abolition of staining by preincubating the antiserum with the C-terminus peptide used for immunization, SSt2A(361-369). The SSt2A receptor antibody recognized a broad 80 kDa band on Western blots of membranes prepared from cells transfected with sst2A receptor cDNA; following receptor membrane deglycosylation, the antibody detected an additional 40 kDa band. In the enteric nervous system, the sst2A antibody primarily stained neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, and abundant fibers distributed to the muscle, mucosa, and vasculature. Immunoreactive staining was also observed in non-neuronal cells, including presumed interstitial cells of Cajal of the intestine and enterochromaffin-like cells of the stomach. Fibers expressing sst2A receptor immunoreactivity were often in close proximity to D cells of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Colocalization of somatostatin and sst2A receptor immunoreactivities was not observed in endocrine cells nor in enteric neurons. Double-label immunohistochemistry revealed colocalization of sst2A and vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivities in enteric neurons. The multiple types of cells expressing the sst2A receptor, including enteric neurons and non-neuronal structures, in addition to the relationship between somatostatin and sst2A receptor elements, provide evidence that the sst2A receptor mediates somatostatin effects in the gastrointestinal tract via neuronal and paracrine pathways.

Development of selective antibodies against the human somatostatin receptor subtypes sst1-sst5

Antisera selective for five somatostatin receptor subtypes, human sst1-sst5, were raised in rabbits. C-terminal parts of human sst1-sst5 receptors were expressed as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase. Fusion proteins were affinity-purified and used for raising polyclonal antibodies. In Western blot analysis, all five antisera were tested on preparations of mammalian cell lines transfected with human sst1-sst5, respectively. sst1 antiserum reacted with a broad band of 53-72 kDa. A band of 71-95 kDa was detected with the antiserum raised against sst2, 65-85 kDa with sst3 antiserum, 45 kDa with sst4 antiserum and 52-66 kDa with sst5 antiserum. No cross-reactivity could be detected to any of the other four somatostatin receptor subtypes. Enzymatical deglycosylation of the receptors revealed that sst1, sst2, sst5 and possibly sst3 in this system are subjected to N-linked glycosylation, whereas sst4 is not. Two of the antisera (sst2 and sst5) were used for immunohistochemical localization of the receptors. sst2 and sst5 antisera labeled neurons in e.g. the amygdaloid complex, hippocampus, fascia dentata and the neocortex in rat and monkey tissue. This is the first report on antisera against all five somatostatin receptor subtypes and the first immunohistochemical visualization of sst5 receptors in the mammalian brain.

Different G proteins mediate somatostatin-induced inward rectifier K+ currents in murine brain and endocrine cells

1. Types of G proteins (G protein alpha-subunit subtypes) which mediate the activation of inward rectifier K+ currents by somatostatin (somatotrophin release-inhibiting factor, SRIF) were determined in cultured locus coeruleus neurones from newborn rats and in AtT-20 cells (a mouse pituitary cell line). 2. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used together with injection of antibodies against pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G protein alpha-subunits or with injection of antisense (or sense) oligonucleotides against these G proteins. 3. In locus coeruleus neurones, the SRIF-induced activation of inward rectifier K+ currents was inhibited by anti-G alpha i1/G alpha i2 antibody injection, but not by anti-G alpha i3 or by anti-G alpha o/G alpha i3 antibody injection, suggesting that the SRIF response is mediated through G alpha i1 and/or G alpha i2. 4. The SRIF-induced activation of the inward rectifier was suppressed in locus coeruleus neurones after injection of antisense oligonucleotides against G alpha i2, but not by injection of sense oligonucleotides against G alpha i2. Injection of antisense (or sense) oligonucleotides against G alpha i1, G alpha i3 and G alpha O (common) had no effect. These results suggest that G alpha i2 is involved in this SRIF response. 5. In AtT-20 cells, the SRIF-induced activation of inward rectifier K+ currents was suppressed by injection of anti-G alpha i3 antibody, but not by injection of anti-G alpha i1/G alpha i2 antibody. 6. The above results indicate that Gi mediates the SRIF effects on inward rectifier K+ currents. However, different subtypes of Gi are involved in the brain neurones and in the endocrine cells: Gi2 in locus coeruleus neurones and Gi3 in AtT-20 cells.

Identification and pharmacological characterization of somatostatin receptors in rat lung

1. [125I]-[LTT]SRIF-28 and [125I]-SMS 201-995 were used to identify and characterize somatostatin (SRIF) receptors localized in rat lung tissue. In vitro autoradiography of rat lung tissue sections showed the existence of specific, high affinity binding sites for [125I]-[LTT]SRIF-28 without any significant specific binding of the sst2/sst5-receptor selective ligand [125I]-SMS 201-995. 2. In radioligand binding studies, specific binding of [125I]-[LTT]SRIF-28 to membranes of rat lung was linearly related to the concentration of membrane protein used with only a small portion of nonspecific binding. With [125I]-SMS 201-995 no specific binding could be observed up to a membrane concentration of 0.1 mg of protein/assay tube. 3. [125I]-[LTT]SRIF-28 bound rapidly to rat lung membranes with an apparent association rate constant (kapp) of 1.8 +/- 0.1 h-1 (n = 3). The equilibrium of specific binding was reached after an incubation period of approximately 90 min at room temperature and remained constant for the next 3 h. The association rate constant (k1) was calculated to be 3.7 x 10(10) M-1 h-1. The dissociation reaction followed first order kinetics with a dissociation rate constant (k-1) = 0.44 +/- 0.07 h-1 corresponding to a half-time of 95 +/- 15 min (n = 3). From these kinetic experiments an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for the binding of [125I]-[LTT]SRIF-28 was calculated to be 11.9 pM. 4. Saturation binding of [125I]-[LTT]SRIF-28 revealed an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 50.1 pM (pKD = 10.3 +/- 0.1; n = 3) and a receptor density (Bmax) of 78 +/- 3 fmol mg-1 protein. A Hill coefficient not significantly different from 1 indicated saturable binding to a single class of high affinity binding sites. 5. Specific binding of [125I]-[LTT]SRIF-28 to rat lung membranes was inhibited by SRIF-14, SRIF-28 and different SRIF analogues. SRIF and different synthetic short chain SRIF analogues exhibited the following rank order of potency: SRIF-28 > SRIF-14 > CGP 23996 >> RC 160 > BIM 23014 > SMS 201- 995 > BIM 23056 > MK 678. 6. The binding affinities for SRIF and the various SRIF analogues determined using rat lung tissue were in close correlation to those obtained with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing sst, (r = 0.92) and sst4 (r = 0.95) receptors, respectively. 7. Reverse transcriptase--polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed the predominant expression of mRNA specific for sst4 receptors as well as some weak sst1 mRNA expression. 8. The findings suggest that sst4 receptor expression is the predominant form of the somatostatin receptors identified in rat lung tissue. In this study we demonstrated for the first time the existence of sst4 receptors in mammalian tissue.