Characterization of cholecystokinin receptor subunits on pancreatic plasma membranes

Ontogeny and species differences in the pancreatic expression and localization of the CCK(A) receptors

We have evaluated the presence and localization of the CCK(A) receptor in rat, mouse, pig and human fetal pancreas by Northern, Western blots and immunofluorescence techniques. In the rat, parallelism exists between development of the CCK(A) receptor mRNA and protein with maximal peaks of expression during the suckling period. In the course of pancreatitis induction, CCK(A) receptor mRNA were maximally expressed and sustained during the gland's regeneration. In the rat and mouse pancreas, the CCK(A) receptor protein is localized around the acinar cells and beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. In the adult pig and fetal human pancreas, the CCK(A) receptor proteins were detected by Western blot. By immunofluorescence, its detection was possible only in the islet of Langerhans of the pig pancreas. These new findings support the views that CCK plays important and various roles in specific physiological systems of the pancreas of different species.

High-affinity binding of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) to hepatopancreatic plasma membranes of the crab Carcinus maenas and the crayfish Orconectes limosus

The binding properties of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) of two species, the shore crab, Carcinus maenas (Brachyura) and the crayfish, Orconectes limosus (Astacura), were investigated using purified plasma membranes of one of the main target organs, the hepatopancreas. Assays were performed under equilibrium binding conditions with 125I-CHH as labeled ligand and unlabeled CHH in increasing concentrations as displacing ligand. In both cases, comparable binding characteristics were observed for the homologous CHH to the respective hepatopancreatic membrane source, indicating saturable and displaceable binding with nonlinear dependence on monovalent cations and a dissociation constant (Kd) of 4 to 6 x 10(-10) M. Binding capacity was in the range of 200-400 fmol/mg membrane protein. In heterologous displacement studies a certain degree of species specificity was found, particularly with regard to selective binding by the Orconectes receptor, suggesting that the group specificity of biological activity of CHH reflects coevolution of both hormone and receptor.

The molecular basis of enzyme secretion

Acinar cells are one of the best studied models of exocytotic secretion. A number of different hormones and neurotransmitters interact with specific membrane receptors, and it is commonly held that pancreatic secretagogues stimulate enzyme release via the elevation of either cytosolic free Ca2+ or cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The discovery of the pivotal role played by phospholipid metabolism in the chain of events leading to secretion, together with the introduction of sensitive techniques to monitor cytosolic free Ca2+, has generated a series of studies that have challenged this classical model. Thus, several observations in pancreatic acini as well as other cell types have argued against the notion that a generalized increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ represents a sufficient and necessary stimulus for exocytosis in nonexcitable cells. Furthermore, the demonstration that a single agonist activates multiple transduction pathways has served to refute the schematic view that receptor agonists activate only one second messenger system. The aim of this article is to review the recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of signal transduction, with particular emphasis on the inositol lipid pathway, and to integrate this information into a new working model of enzyme secretion from acinar cells.

Immune recognition of affinity-labelled cholecystokinin receptor

The present study was undertaken to characterize the immune recognition of pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor by an anti-cholecystokinin antibody. Cholecystokinin receptor from pancreatic plasma membranes was photoaffinity labelled using the specific, cleavable probe 125I-labelled 2-(p-azidosalicylamido)-1,3-dithiopropionate-[Thr28,Ahx31 ]CCK(25-33) [CCK(25-33) is the C-terminal nonapeptide of the 33-amino-acid form of cholecystokinin]. Labelled receptor was then solubilized and subsequently prepurified on immobilized wheat-germ agglutinin. The C-terminal-directed anti-cholecystokinin serum (8E) specifically immunoprecipitated a fraction of affinity-labelled cholecystokinin receptor which was identified at Mr 85,000 - 100,000 on SDS/PAGE. The binding affinity of antiserum 8E for covalently labelled cholecystokinin receptor was lower (Kd 0.11 +/- 0.02 nM) than for cholecystokinin (Kd 3.65 +/- 0.55 pM). The compound L364-718, an A-subtype cholecystokinin-receptor antagonist did not interfere with the immune recognition of cholecystokinin. However, the recognition of affinity-labelled cholecystokinin receptor was enhanced as a result of an increasing availability of cholecystokinin molecules. Indeed, the amount of immunoprecipitated receptor was doubled in the presence of 10 microM L364-718. This study offers the possibility of using an anti-cholecystokinin antibody for cholecystokinin-receptor purification and demonstrates that prepurified affinity-labelled cholecystokinin receptor retains A-subtype specificity.

A new probe for affinity labelling pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor with minor modification of its structure

Biochemical studies on receptors for peptides are most often carried out on affinity-labelled (peptide-receptor) complexes. Necessarily, the assumption is made that a covalent (peptide-receptor) complex behaves as the native receptor. The validity of this assumption is dependent on both the affinity-labelling technique and the resolution of the analytical method used for biochemical characterization. We designed a new affinity-labelling probe in order to minimize structural modifications occurring within the affinity-labelled cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor protein. The probe was 125I-labelled 2-(p-azidosalicylamido)-1,3-dithiopropionate-[Thr28,Ahx31 ]CCK-25-33, (125I-ASD-[Thr28,Ahx31]CCK-25-33), the peptide moiety of which was released from its binding site by reduction. It was obtained by coupling a photoactivable chemical to [Thr28,Ahx31]CCK-25-33 via its N-terminus. The resulting peptide was HPLC purified and radioiodinated in the presence of chloramine T. Binding of 125I-ASD-[Thr28,Ahx31]CCK-25-33 was time- and temperature-dependent and reversible. At 25 degrees C, a steady-state level was reached after 60 min and half-maximal dissociation after 38 min. Binding was inhibited by [Thr28,Ahx31]CCK-25-33 and L-364-718 antagonist with IC50 0.4 nM and 0.9 nM, respectively. Photoaffinity labelling of pancreatic plasma membranes by 125I-ASD-[Thr28,Ahx31]CCK-25-33 identified a glycoprotein of Mr 85,000-100,000 which was retained on immobilized wheat germ agglutinin. Enzyme cleavage by endoproteinase Glu-C generated a main fragment of Mr 30,000-34,000. The same glycoprotein was photoaffinity labelled with 125I-DTyr-Gly-[Ahx28,31,pNO2Phe33]CCK-26-33 (Ahx, 2-aminohexanoic acid; pNO2Phe,p-nitrophenylalanine) an intrinsic probe having its photolabile group sited in the binding domain of cholecystokinin. 125I-ASD-[Thr28,Ahx31]CCK-25-33 is a potentially powerful tool for biologically and biochemically studying cholecystokinin receptors.

Protease peptide mapping of affinity-labeled rat pancreatic cholecystokinin-binding proteins

Affinity-labeling probes with sites of cross-linking distributed along the ligand have been used to biochemically characterize the pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor. Probes with photolabile sites spanning the receptor-binding domain have labeled a Mr = 85,000-95,000 plasma membrane protein, while a probe cross-linked via the amino terminus of CCK-33, far removed from the carboxyl-terminal receptor-binding domain, has labeled a distinct Mr = 80,000 protein. In this work, protease peptide mapping of the pancreatic proteins labeled by each of these probes has been performed to gain insight into the identities of the bands and to define domains of the labeled proteins. Photolabile decapeptide probes with sites of cross-linking at the amino terminus, mid region, and carboxyl terminus of the receptor-binding domain each labeled a Mr = 85,000-95,000 glycoprotein with a Mr = 42,000 core protein and similar Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease peptide maps. This confirms that each probe labels the same binding protein and the same domain of that protein. Serial slices through the broad labeled band were separately deglycosylated and protease-treated, demonstrating a single protein core with differential glycosylation. The CCK-33-based probe, however, labeled predominantly two proteins, one having similar sizes in its native and deglycosylated forms to that labeled by the decapeptide probes and a distinct Mr = 80,000 protein. Of note, the peptide map of the protein believed to be the same as that labeled by the shorter probes was different, suggesting that this probe labeled the binding subunit at a site distinct from that which was labeled by the short probes.

Purification of the pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor

We have previously shown that the pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor can be solubilized in 1% digitonin. In this study, digitonin-solubilized CCK receptors from rat pancreas were purified using sequential affinity chromatography on ricin-II agarose and on AffiGel-CCK. Electrophoresis of the radioiodinated purified receptors on SDS-polyacrylamide gels followed by autoradiography revealed two proteins: a major band of Mr = 80,000-90,000, and a minor band of Mr = 55,000. Through the purification procedure, the receptors preserved their agonist specificity (CCK-8 less than CCK-33 less than desulfated CCK-8 less than CCK-4) and binding affinity. Scatchard transformations of binding data for the purified receptor preparation were best fit by linear plots compatible with a single class of binding sites with Kd = 9.4 nM. The estimated purification was about 80,000 fold and consistent with the expected Bmax for a pure Mr = 80,000 protein binding one CCK molecule. This two-step purification procedure opens the possibility for molecular studies of the CCK receptor.

G protein in stimulation of PI hydrolysis by CCK in isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells

To clarify the possible role of a guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) in the signal transducing system activated by cholecystokinin (CCK), actions of CCK on rat pancreatic acini were compared with those of fluoride, a well-known activator of stimulatory (Gs) or inhibitory (Gi) G protein. When acini were incubated with increasing concentrations of either CCK-octapeptide (CCK8) or NaF, a maximal stimulation of amylase release from acini occurred at 100 pM CCK8 or 10 mM NaF, respectively; this secretory rate decreased as CCK8 or NaF concentration was increased. NaF caused an increased in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration from the internal Ca2+ store and stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates in acini, as observed with CCK. However, NaF-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization had a lag period before detectable stimulation and was potentiated by AlCl3. These stimulatory effects of NaF appeared to be independent of cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Pretreatment with cholera toxin or pertussis toxin did not affect CCK8- or NaF-induced inositol phosphate accumulation or Ca2+ mobilization. 5'-Guanylimidodiphosphate activated the generation of inositol phosphates in the [3H]inositol-labeled pancreatic acinar cell membrane preparation, with half-maximal and maximal stimulation at 1 and 10 microM, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of submaximal CCK concentrations on inositol phosphate accumulation in membranes were markedly potentiated in the presence of 100 microM GTP, which alone was ineffective. Combined findings of the present study strongly suggest that pancreatic CCK receptors are probably coupled to the activation of polyphosphoinositide (PI) breakdown by a G protein, which appears to be fluoride sensitive but is other than Gs- or Gi-like protein.

Membrane receptors in the gastrointestinal tract

This review focusses on the roles that membrane receptors and their transducers play in the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. The multifactorial regulation of [correction] mucosal growth and function is discussed in relation to the heterogeneity of exocrine and endocrine populations that originate from progenitor cells in stomach and intestine.

Use of N,O-bis-Fmoc-D-Tyr-ONSu for introduction of an oxidative iodination site into cholecystokinin family peptides

We report the synthesis of a new reagent for the introduction of an oxidative iodination site into the amino terminus of acid-labile peptides, and the use of this reagent to synthesize a novel affinity-labeling probe for the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor. The acylation reagent, N,O-bis-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl-D-tyrosine hydroxysuccinimide ester, utilizes base-labile protection of both the alpha amino group and the aromatic ring hydroxyl. This can be safely removed to expose a cross-linkable free amino group on the aminopeptidase-resistant D-enantiomer of tyrosine. The synthetic probe, D-Tyr-Gly-Asp-Tyr(OSO3H)-Nle-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2, was fully biologically active, could be radioiodinated to high-specific radioactivity (2000 Ci/mmol), bound with high affinity to the pancreatic CCK receptor, and covalently labeled the hormone-binding site. This reagent should be useful for the synthesis of a wide variety of analogues of CCK and other acid-labile peptides.

Biochemical characterization of the pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor: a possible marker of cell differentiation and development

The biochemical expression of the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor on the surface of the pancreatic acinar cell is a potential marker of the state of differentiation of that cell. In this report we review the basis for and the results of the use of affinity labeling techniques for the biochemical characterization of this macromolecular receptor assembly on the adult rat pancreatic acinar cell. A series of specially designed molecular probes are used to define the subunit structure of this receptor, based on the relationships between the sites of covalent attachment of these probes and their receptor-binding domains. We suggest that the receptor-binding domain resides on a Mr = 85,000-95,000 subunit, whereas a distinct Mr = 80,000 also exists as part of this complex.

Establishment of a new short, protease-resistant, affinity labeling reagent for the cholecystokinin receptor

Proteolytic degradation of radioligands is an important source of artifact in affinity labeling of receptor proteins. To complement our previous characterization of the pancreatic acinar cell cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor, we synthesized D-Tyr-Gly[(Nle28,31)CCK-26-33]. The amino terminal D-enantiomer of tyrosine provided a site for oxidative iodination, a free amino group for cross-linking, and rendered the peptide resistant to aminopeptidases. The decapeptide was oxidatively iodinated and purified by reverse-phase HPLC to 2,000 Ci/mmol, to yield a probe which was equal in potency and efficacy to CCK-8, and which bound to rat pancreatic membranes in a rapid, reversible, temperature-dependent, specific, saturable and high affinity manner. This probe was resistant to aminopeptidase degradation, and maintained its ability to bind to receptor after incubation with pancreatic membranes or dispersed cells. Affinity labeling of pancreatic membranes with this analogue identified an Mr = 85,000-95,000 molecule. This analogue offers several advantages over existing probes and should be useful for future studies of this and other CCK receptors.

Receptors for cholecystokinin and gastrin peptides display specific binding properties and are structurally different in guinea-pig and dog pancreas

In the light of the strong potency of gastrin-related peptides on pancreatic exocrine secretion in dog, we analyzed the binding properties of peptides related to cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin on dog pancreatic acini compared to guinea-pig acini. Moreover, we determined apparent molecular masses of photoaffinity labelled CCK/gastrin receptors in the two models. Using the CCK radioligand, receptor selectivity towards CCK/gastrin agonists and antagonists was found to be lower in dog acini than in guinea-pig acini. Performing the binding with CCK and gastrin radioligands in combination with N2,O2'-dibutyryl-guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate, revealed that in dog acini there exist two different sub-classes of CCK/gastrin receptors having high and low selectivity, the latter ones being able to bind gastrin with high affinity (Kd = 2.1 nM). SDS-PAGE analysis of covalently cross-linked receptors using several photosensitive CCK and gastrin probes of different peptide chain lengths demonstrated that in guinea-pig, CCK peptides bound to a 84-kDa component whereas in dog pancreas, CCK and gastrin peptides bound to three distinct molecular species (Mr approximately equal to 78,000, 45,000, 28,000). Performing cross-linking in the presence of 1 microM CCK indicated that a 45-kDa protein is the putative CCK/gastrin receptor in dog pancreas. Our results support the concept of heterogeneity of CCK/gastrin receptors.

Heterogeneity of cholecystokinin receptors in pancreas

Specific labeling of a major Mr 85-95 K protein was obtained using the SH, NH2 heterobifunctional cross-linker m-maleimidobenzoyl N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS) to affinity label cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors on rat pancreatic plasma membranes, pancreatic acinar cells and acinar cell tumor membranes with 125I-CCK-33. Endoglycosidase F (endo F) digestion of this species in gel slices indicated that at least two components were present which contain N-linked glycans. The smaller protein of Mr approximately 85 K was digested by endo F to a final product of approximately Mr 62 K while the larger Mr approximately 95 K protein generated two endo F products of Mr 55 K and Mr 43 K. These findings suggest that the receptor for CCK on pancreatic acinar cells exhibits an oligomeric structure, possessing two distinct CCK-binding proteins.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor in hamster pancreatic beta cells. Direct cross-linking, solubilization and characterization as a glycoprotein

125I-labelled gastric inhibitory polypeptide (125I-GIP) is directly cross-linked to its specific receptor in hamster pancreatic beta cell membranes by using an ultraviolet irradiation procedure. This approach results in the identification of a GIP-protein complex of apparent Mr 64,000. The labelling of this protein species is specific since it is inhibited when incubating the membranes with increasing doses of native GIP (0.1 nM-1 microM) together with 125I-GIP, half-maximal inhibition being elicited by 5 nM peptide. Reduction of the GIP-protein complex by 100 mM dithiothreitol induces a decrease of the electrophoretic mobility of the complex. Alternatively pretreatment of membranes with dithiothreitol (up to 1 M) does not prevent the binding of 125I-GIP to its receptor. When prelabelled membranes are extracted by 0.5% Triton X-100 (v/v) and the extract is layered on a Sephadex G-50 column, a high peak of radioactivity is eluted with the void volume of the column. Treatment of this peak by 10 min ultraviolet irradiation followed by SDS-PAGE leads to identification of a major band of Mr 64,000. When the peak is further layered on Sephacryl S-200 it yields a single peak of radioactivity corresponding to a protein species with a Stokes radius of 3.2 nm and an apparent Mr of 65,000. The solubilized GIP-receptor complex is specifically adsorbed by Sepharose coupled to wheat germ agglutinin and concanavalin A and eluted from these lectins by their respective sugars. In conclusion the GIP receptor in pancreatic beta cells is a protein monomer of apparent Mr 59 000; its structure is maintained by intrachain disulfide bridges, these bonds being, however, not involved in the interaction of GIP with its receptor; the GIP receptor is a glycoprotein containing N-acetylglucosamine, mannose and probably sialic acid in its carbohydrate moiety.

Molecular properties of solubilized CCK receptor from guinea-pig pancreas

In order to characterize the CCK receptor in guinea-pig pancreas, iodinated CCK-39 was bound to pancreatic membranes and the reversible complex was solubilized using various non-denaturing detergents. In term of recovery of ligand stabilized receptors, the relative potencies were Zwittergent 3-14 greater than CHAPS = CHAPSO greater than digitonin greater than MEGA 10 greater than octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside. The stability of receptor complexes was increased by glycerol. Chromatographic analysis revealed that digitonin was the most efficient detergent for disaggregation of CCK receptor complex since it yielded a 76 kDa component in addition to the large components obtained after solubilization with CHAPS and Zwittergent. Furthermore, CCK receptors were covalently labelled using dissuccinimidyl suberate or UV irradiation of labelled membranes by photoactivable radioiodinated CCK-39 and subsequently solubilized by CHAPS + SDS or by SDS alone. A predominant molecule was characterized by chromatography (76 kDa) and SDS-PAGE (89 kDa). In addition to this component, other components having molecular masses of 130-150 kDa, 57 kDa and 40 kDa were detected by SDS-PAGE. They correspond to minor bands. These bands, except the 40 kDa band, were protected from covalent labelling by the presence of CCK-39 (10(-6) M) during initial incubation. Reduction under beta-mercaptoethanol mainly resulted in the decrease of high molecular weight aggregates (Mr greater than 200 kDa). We concluded that for a given detergent a specific molecular weight pattern of solubilized CCK receptor complex is achieved. The minimal component had a molecular mass of 71-84 kDa according to the method of biochemical analysis used.

Brain CCK receptors are structurally distinct from pancreas CCK receptors

Brain and pancreas cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors differ markedly in their selectivity for CCK analogs. To determine the size and subunit structure of the brain CCK receptor and compare it to that of the pancreas, 125I-CCK33 was covalently cross-linked with ultraviolet light to its receptor on mouse brain particles and purified pancreatic plasma membranes. When CCK was crosslinked to brain membranes, a single consistent major labeled protein band of Mr = 55,000 was observed in both the presence and the absence of DTT. These data with brain receptors contrast to results with pancreatic receptors where two bands of Mr = 120,000 and 80,000 are labeled in the absence and presence of DTT, respectively. These studies indicate, therefore, that the brain and pancreas CCK receptors are structurally and functionally distinct.

Pancreatic CCK receptors: characterization of covalently labeled subunits

125I-CCK was crosslinked with ultraviolet light to its receptor on pancreatic plasma membranes. The predominant labeled species following polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis had a molecular weight of 120,000 in the absence, and 80,000 in the presence of the reducing agent dithiothreitol. The M = 120,000 labeled band could be extracted, reduced and converted to Mr = 80,000. Moreover, peptide mapping with Staph aureus V8 protease showed a similar pattern for the 120,000 and 80,000 dalton bands. The crosslinked receptor could be solubilized with Triton X-100, absorbed to wheat germ agglutinin and eluted with N-acetylglucosamine. The results indicate, therefore, that the CCK receptor is a glycoprotein with subunits coupled by disulfide bonds.

Binding specificity of the mouse cerebral cortex receptor for small cholecystokinin peptides

Prior studies have shown that the cerebral cortex cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor can bind CCK and gastrin analogs with high affinity. In the present work the brain CCK receptor had approximately a three times greater affinity for CCK8 than its C-terminal tetrapeptide (CCK4) while the C-terminal tripeptide (CCK3) was 1000-fold less potent than CCK4. Thus the C-terminal tetrapeptide appears to be the minimal C-terminal CCK sequence required for high affinity binding. Since brain membranes degrade various peptides including CCK, we also evaluated the stability of CCK analogs under the conditions used to measure receptor binding by the following three methods: (1) Studies of degradation-resistant analogs in binding assays; (2) analysis of analog degradation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); and (3) determination of the change in potency of CCK analogs in competitive binding studies subsequent to preincubation with brain membranes. These studies indicated that degradation of analogs by the brain membranes although significant did not account for the differences in potency of analogs in competitive binding studies. Therefore, the observed differences in potencies of the analogs tested are due to the receptor affinity and not sensitivity of the analog to degradation.