Possible Direct Linkage of Insulin-like Growth Factor-II Receptor with Guanine Nucleotide-binding Proteins

A role for CIM6P/IGF2 receptor in memory consolidation and enhancement

Cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor, also called insulin-like growth factor two receptor (CIM6P/IGF2R), plays important roles in growth and development, but is also extensively expressed in the mature nervous system, particularly in the hippocampus, where its functions are largely unknown. One of its major ligands, IGF2, is critical for long-term memory formation and strengthening. Using CIM6P/IGF2R inhibition in rats and neuron-specific knockdown in mice, here we show that hippocampal CIM6P/IGF2R is necessary for hippocampus-dependent memory consolidation, but dispensable for learning, memory retrieval, and reconsolidation. CIM6P/IGF2R controls the training-induced upregulation of de novo protein synthesis, including increase of Arc, Egr1, and c-Fos proteins, without affecting their mRNA induction. Hippocampal or systemic administration of mannose-6-phosphate, like IGF2, significantly enhances memory retention and persistence in a CIM6P/IGF2R-dependent manner. Thus, hippocampal CIM6P/IGF2R plays a critical role in memory consolidation by controlling the rate of training-regulated protein metabolism and is also a target mechanism for memory enhancement.

Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor 2 across Muscle Homeostasis: Implications for Treating Muscular Dystrophy

The insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) plays a major role in binding and regulating the circulating and tissue levels of the mitogenic peptide insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). IGF2/IGF2R interaction influences cell growth, survival, and migration in normal tissue development, and the deregulation of IGF2R expression has been associated with growth-related disease and cancer. IGF2R overexpression has been implicated in heart and muscle disease progression. Recent research findings suggest novel approaches to target IGF2R action. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of the IGF2R structure and pathways related to muscle homeostasis.

Growth factors, nutrient signaling, and cardiovascular aging

Growth factors regulated by specific macronutrients have been shown to promote aging and accelerate mortality in the majority of the organisms studied. In particular, the enzymes activated by growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 in mammals and their orthologs in simple model organisms represent perhaps the best-understood proteins involved in the aging process. Dietary restriction, which reduces the level of insulin-like growth factor-1 and of other growth factors, has been associated with protection from diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, and deficiencies in growth hormone signaling and insulin-like growth factor-1 are strongly associated with protection from cancer and diabetes in both mice and humans; however, their role in cardiac function and cardiovascular diseases is controversial. Here, we review the link between growth factors, cardiac function, and heart disease with focus on the cardioprotective and sensitizing effect of growth factors in both model organisms and humans.

Heterotrimeric G proteins and the single-transmembrane domain IGF-II/M6P receptor: functional interaction and relevance to cell signaling

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family represents the largest and most versatile group of cell surface receptors. Classical GPCR signaling constitutes ligand binding to a seven-transmembrane domain receptor, receptor interaction with a heterotrimeric G protein, and the subsequent activation or inhibition of downstream intracellular effectors to mediate a cellular response. However, recent reports on direct, receptor-independent G protein activation, G protein-independent signaling by GPCRs, and signaling of nonheptahelical receptors via trimeric G proteins have highlighted the intrinsic complexities of G protein signaling mechanisms. The insulin-like growth factor-II/mannose-6 phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptor is a single-transmembrane glycoprotein whose principal function is the intracellular transport of lysosomal enzymes. In addition, the receptor also mediates some biological effects in response to IGF-II binding in both neuronal and nonneuronal systems. Multidisciplinary efforts to elucidate the intracellular signaling pathways that underlie these effects have generated data to suggest that the IGF-II/M6P receptor might mediate transmembrane signaling via a G protein-coupled mechanism. The purpose of this review is to outline the characteristics of traditional and nontraditional GPCRs, to relate the IGF-II/M6P receptor's structure with its role in G protein-coupled signaling and to summarize evidence gathered over the years regarding the putative signaling of the IGF-II/M6P receptor mediated by a G protein.

The Insulin-like Growth Factor Type 1 and Insulin-like Growth Factor Type 2/Mannose-6-phosphate Receptors Independently Regulate ERK1/2 Activity in HEK293 Cells

Insulin-like growth factor types 1 and 2 (IGF-1; IGF-2) and insulin-like peptides are all members of the insulin superfamily of peptide hormones but bind to several distinct classes of membrane receptor. Like the insulin receptor, the IGF-1 receptor is a heterotetrameric receptor tyrosine kinase, whereas the IGF-2/ mannose 6-phosphate receptor is a single transmembrane domain protein that is thought to function primarily as clearance receptors. We recently reported that IGF-1 and IGF-2 stimulate the ERK1/2 cascade by triggering sphingosine kinase-dependent "transactivation" of G protein-coupled sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. To determine which IGF receptors mediate this effect, we tested seven insulin family peptides, IGF-1, IGF-2, insulin, and insulin-like peptides 3, 4, 6, and 7, for the ability to activate ERK1/2 in HEK293 cells. Only IGF-1 and IGF-2 potently activated ERK1/2. Although IGF-2 was predictably less potent than IGF-1 in activating the IGF-1 receptor, they were equipotent stimulators of ERK1/2. Knockdown of IGF-1 receptor expression by RNA interference reduced the IGF-1 response to a greater extent than the IGF-2 response, suggesting that IGF-2 did not signal exclusively via the IGF-1 receptor. In contrast, IGF-2 receptor knockdown markedly reduced IGF-2-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, with no effect on the IGF-1 response. As observed previously, both the IGF-1 and the IGF-2 responses were sensitive to pertussis toxin and the sphingosine kinase inhibitor, dimethylsphingosine. These data indicate that endogenous IGF-1 and IGF-2 receptors can independently initiate ERK1/2 signaling and point to a potential physiologic role for IGF-2 receptors in the cellular response to IGF-2.

Cardiomyoblast apoptosis induced by insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I resistance is IGF-II dependent and synergistically enhanced by angiotensin II

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the synergistic effect of cardiomyoblast apoptosis induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I resistance, and elucidates the role of IGF-II via IGF-II receptor (R) and calcineurin pathways in apoptosis induced by Ang II and IGF-I resistance.

METHODS

Apoptosis of cultured cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells was assessed by DNA fragmentation on agarose gel electrophoresis, nuclear condensation stained with DAPI, and Western blot analysis of pro-apoptotic Bad and cytochrome c in various combinations of control, Ang II, antisense IGF (I or II), IGF (I or II) antibody, IGF (I or II) receptor (R) antibody, or calcineurin inhibitor (Cyclosporine A, (CsA)).

RESULTS

We found the following: (1) The combination of Ang II and IGF-I deficiencies had a synergistic effect on apoptosis, confirmed by DNA fragmentation, nuclei condensation, and increases in such pro-apoptotic proteins as Bad, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 in H9c2 cells. (2) IGF-II and IGF-IIR protein products were increased by antisense IGF-I and IGF-I resistance, but these IGF-II protein products were not affected by sense IGF-I and non-specific antibody IgG in H9c2 cells. (3) The alteration of Bad protein level and the release of cytochrome c, both induced by treatments containing combinations of Ang II and antisense IGF-I, IGF-I antibody or IGF-IR antibody, were inhibited by IGF-II antibody. (4) DNA fragmentation, Bad, and cytochrome c which was induced by treatments combining IGF-IR antibody with Ang II or combining IGF-IR antibody with IGF-II were remarkably attenuated by CsA.

CONCLUSION

IGF-I deficiency and/or IGF-IR resistance induced apoptosis in cardiomyoblast cells. The apoptosis, which might have been caused by the upregulation of IGF-II and IGF-IIR genes possibly activated the downstream calcineurin pathway, was synergistically augmented by Ang II.

Insulin-like growth factors mediate heterotrimeric G protein-dependent ERK1/2 activation by transactivating sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors

Although several studies have shown that a subset of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signals require the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins, the molecular mechanisms underlying IGF-stimulated G protein signaling remain poorly understood. Here, we have studied the mechanism by which endogenous IGF receptors activate the ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in HEK293 cells. In these cells, treatment with pertussis toxin and expression of a Galpha(q/11)-(305-359) peptide that inhibits G(q/11) signaling additively inhibited IGF-stimulated ERK1/2 activation, indicating that the signal was almost completely G protein-dependent. Treatment with IGF-1 or IGF-2 promoted translocation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged sphingosine kinase (SK) 1 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, increased endogenous SK activity within 30 s of stimulation, and caused a statistically significant increase in intracellular and extracellular sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) concentration. Using a GFP-tagged S1P1 receptor as a biological sensor for the generation of physiologically relevant S1P levels, we found that IGF-1 and IGF-2 induced GFP-S1P receptor internalization and that the effect was blocked by pretreatment with the SK inhibitor, dimethylsphingosine. Treating cells with dimethylsphingosine, silencing SK1 expression by RNA interference, and blocking endogenous S1P receptors with the competitive antagonist VPC23019 all significantly inhibited IGF-stimulated ERK1/2 activation, suggesting that IGFs elicit G protein-dependent ERK1/2 activation by stimulating SK1-dependent transactivation of S1P receptors. Given the ubiquity of SK and S1P receptor expression, S1P receptor transactivation may represent a general mechanism for G protein-dependent signaling by non-G protein-coupled receptors.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II utilize different calcium signaling pathways in a primary human parathyroid cell culture model

BACKGROUND

In most cell types, influx of calcium (Ca2+) induces a growth or secretory response. The opposite occurs in parathyroid (PTH), cells where there is an inverse relationship between intracellular Ca2+ concentration and PTH secretion. We have examined the effects of calcium channel and metabolism modulators on insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in a parathyroid cell culture model.

METHODS

Cell cultures were prepared from 9 patients undergoing operation for hyperparathyroidism. Following adhesion, the cells were transferred to serum-free medium and dosed with IGF I, II +/- ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), nifedipine, nickel, 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB), or dantrolene. Proliferation (96 hours) was assessed by measuring tritiated thymidine incorporation and PTH release (1 and 3 hours) assayed by IRMA.

RESULTS

Both IGF I and II increased DNA synthesis to 162.8% +/- 10.6% (SEM) and 131.1% +/- 7.7%, respectively (P < 0.05). EGTA at 0.2 mmol (ionized Ca2+ 0.2 mmol) did not affect the response to both IGFs. EGTA at 2 mmol (ionized Ca2+ 0 mmol) reduced the DNA synthesis of IGF I and II to 29% and 26%, respectively (P < 0.05). Nifedipine and nickel (nonspecific Ca2+ channel blocker) were equally potent in negating the mitogenic effects of both IGFs. 2-APB (IP3R blocker) reduced the basal DNA synthesis to 51.3% +/- 8.4% but had no effect on either IGF. Dantrolene (ryanodine receptor blocker) negated IGF II induced mitogenisis (74.2% +/- 6.7%) and partially inhibited IGF I mitogenesis (123% +/- 6%) (P < 0.05). The rate of PTH secretion was greater after IGF II stimulation than after IGF I stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

IGFs I and II induce mitogenesis by different calcium signaling pathways. These data suggest that parathyroid cells may utilize different calcium signaling pathways to distinguish growth factors and serum calcium changes.

Single Transmembrane Spanning Heterotrimeric G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Their Signaling Cascades

Heptahelical of serpentine receptors such as the adrenergic receptors are well known to mediate their actions via heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. Likewise, receptors that traverse the cell membrane once have been shown to mediate their biological actions by activating several different mechanisms including stimulation of their intrinsic tyrosine kinase activities or the kinase activities of other proteins. Some of these single transmembrane receptors have an intrinsic guanylyl cyclase activity and can stimulate the cyclic GMP second messenger system; however, over the last few years, several studies have shown the involvement of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins in mediating signals that eventually culminate in the biological actions of single transmembrane spanning receptors and proteins. These receptors include the receptor tyrosine kinases that mediate the actions of growth factors such as epidermal growth factor, insulin, insulin-like growth factor as well as receptors for atrial natiuretic hormone or the zona pellucida protein (ZP3) and integrins. In this review, the significance of the coupling of the single transmembrane spanning receptors to G proteins has been highlighted by providing several examples of the concept that signaling via these receptors may involve the activation of multiple signaling cascades.

The insulin-like growth factor-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor: structure, distribution and function in the central nervous system

The insulin-like growth factor-II/mannose-6-phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptor is a multifunctional single transmembrane glycoprotein which, along with the cation-dependent M6P (CD-M6P) receptor, mediates the trafficking of M6P-containing lysosomal enzymes from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to lysosomes. Cell surface IGF-II/M6P receptors also function in the degradation of the non-glycosylated IGF-II polypeptide hormone, as well as in the capture and activation/degradation of extracellular M6P-bearing ligands. In recent years, the multifaceted role of the receptor has become apparent, as several lines of evidence have indicated that in addition to its role in lysosomal enzyme trafficking, clearance and/or activation of a variety of growth factors and endocytosis-mediated degradation of IGF-II, the IGF-II/M6P receptor may also mediate transmembrane signal transduction in response to IGF-II binding under certain conditions. However, very little is known about the physiological significance of the receptor in the function of the central nervous system (CNS). This review aims to delineate what is currently known about IGF-II/M6P receptor structure, its ligand binding properties and role in lysosomal enzyme transport. It also summarizes the recent data regarding the role of the receptor in the CNS, including its distribution, possible importance for normal and activity-dependent functioning as well as its implications in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Regulation of human trophoblast migration and invasiveness

The human placenta is an invasive structure in which highly proliferative, migratory, and invasive extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells migrate and invade the uterus and its vasculature. Using in vitro propagated normal first-trimester EVT cells and immortalized EVT cells, which share all of the phenotypic and functional characteristics of the normal EVT cells, it has been shown that migration/invasion of human EVT cells is stringently regulated by many growth factors, their binding proteins, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and some adhesion molecules in an autocrine/paracrine manner at the fetal-maternal interface in human pregnancy. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), decorin (a proteoglycan in the ECM), and melanoma cell adhesion molecule (Mel-CAM) inhibit, and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), IGF-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), and endothelin 1 (ET-1) stimulate EVT cell migration/invasion. Inhibition of EVT cell migration by TGF-beta has been suggested to be due to upregulation of integrins, which make the cells more adhesive to the ECM. Its antiinvasive action is due to an upregulation of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease 1 (TIMP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and a downregulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Molecular mechanisms of inhibition of migration/invasion of EVT cells by decorin and Mel-CAM remain to be identified. IGF-II action has been shown to be mediated by IGF type I receptors (IGF-RII) independently of IGF type I receptors (IGF-RI) and IGFBPs. This action of IGF-II appears to involve inhibitory G proteins and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK-1 and ERK-2)). IGFBP-1 stimulation of EVT cell migration appears to occur by binding its Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) domain to alpha5beta1 integrin, leading to phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and MAPK (ERK-1 and ERK-2). These studies may improve our understanding of diseases related to abnormal placentation, viz. hypoinvasiveness in preeclampsia and hyperinvasiveness in trophoblastic neoplasms.

Mannose-6-phosphate receptors as a molecular indicator of maturation of epididymal sperm

This review discusses some of the changes in sperm during maturation within the context of current concepts of membrane structure and fertilization. Mammalian sperm are surrounded by a limiting plasma membrane that undergoes remodeling during passage through the epididymis. This process confers on the gamete vigorous motility and the ability to fertilize the egg. The repositioning of some surface proteins may follow redistribution of lipids in the plasmalemma, and thus represent a critical step in the maturation of the gametes. Among the various affected proteins of the sperm plasmalemma, mannose-6-phosphate receptors undergo redistribution as the gametes transit through the epididymal duct. The authors summarize their studies of the redistribution of phosphomannosyl receptors during maturation of sperm and discuss possible roles of these glycoproteins in the fertilizing capability of sperm.

Coupling of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor tyrosine kinase to Gi2 in human intestinal smooth muscle: Gbetagamma -dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and growth

Endogenous insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) stimulates growth of cultured human intestinal smooth muscle by activating distinct mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-dependent and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent signaling pathways. In Rat1 and Balb/c3T3 fibroblasts and in neurons the IGF-I receptor is coupled to an inhibitory G protein, G(i), which mediates G(beta)gamma-dependent MAP kinase activation. The present study determined whether in normal human intestinal smooth muscle cells the IGF-I receptor activates a heterotrimeric G protein and the role of G protein activation in mediating IGF-I-induced growth. IGF-I elicited IGF-I receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, resulting in the specific activation of G(i2). G(beta)gamma subunits selectively mediated IGF-I-dependent MAP kinase activation; G(alpha)i2 subunits selectively mediated IGF-I-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. IGF-I-stimulated MAP kinase activation and growth were inhibited by pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of G(i)/G(o) activation. Cyclic AMP inhibits growth of human intestinal muscle cells. IGF-I inhibited both basal and forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels. This inhibition was attenuated in the presence of pertussis toxin. IGF-I stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation, in contrast to MAP kinase activation, occurred independently of G(i2) activation. These data suggest that IGF-I specifically activates G(i2), resulting in concurrent G(beta)gamma-dependent stimulation of MAP kinase activity and growth, and G(alpha)i2-dependent inhibition of cAMP levels resulting in disinhibition of cAMP-mediated growth suppression.

Coupling of heterotrimeric Gi proteins to the erythropoietin receptor

To identify new proteins involved in erythropoietin (Epo) signal transduction, we purified the entire set of proteins reactive with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies from Epo-stimulated UT7 cells. Antisera generated against these proteins were used to screen a lambdaEXlox expression library. One of the isolated cDNAs encodes Gbeta2, the beta2 subunit of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. Gbeta and Galpha(i) coprecipitated with the Epo receptor (EpoR) in extracts from human and murine cell lines and from normal human erythroid progenitor cells. In addition, in vitro Gbeta associated with a fusion protein containing the intracellular domain of the EpoR. Using EpoR mutants, we found that the distal part of the EpoR (between amino acids 459-479) was required for Gi binding. Epo activation of these cells induced the release of the Gi protein from the EpoR. Moreover in isolated cell membranes, Epo treatment inhibited ADP-ribosylation of Gi and increased the binding of GTP. Our results show that heterotrimeric Gi proteins associate with the C-terminal end of the EpoR. Receptor activation leads to the activation and dissociation of Gi from the receptor, suggesting a functional role of Gi protein in Epo signal transduction.

Insulin-like growth factor-II/cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor mediates paracrine interactions during spermatogonial development

The insulin-like growth factor-II/cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptor transduces signals after binding IGF-II or M6P-bearing growth factors. We hypothesized that this receptor relays paracrine signals between Sertoli cells and spermatogonia in the basal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. For these studies spermatogonia were isolated from 8-day-old mice with purity >95% and viability >85% after overnight culture. The IGF-II/M6P receptors were present on the surface of spermatogonia, as detected by indirect immunofluorescence. We determined that both IGF-II and M6P-glycoproteins in Sertoli cell conditioned medium (SCM) modulate gene expression in isolated spermatogonia. The IGF-II produced dose-dependent increases in both rRNA and c-fos mRNA. These effects were mediated specifically by IGF-II/M6P receptors, as shown by studies using IGF-II analogues that are specific agonists for either IGF-I or IGF-II receptors. The SCM treatment also induced dose-dependent increases in rRNA levels, and M6P competition showed that this response required interaction with IGF-II/M6P receptors. The M6P-glycoproteins isolated from SCM by IGF-II/M6P receptor affinity chromatography increased spermatogonial rRNA levels at much lower concentrations than required by SCM treatment, providing further evidence for the paracrine activity of Sertoli M6P-glycoproteins. These results demonstrate that Sertoli cells secrete paracrine factors that modulate spermatogonial gene expression after interacting with cell-surface IGF-II/M6P receptors.

The kangaroo cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor binds insulin-like growth factor II with low affinity

The mammalian cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) binds mannose 6-phosphate-bearing glycoproteins and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II. However, the CI-MPR from the opossum has been reported to bind bovine IGF-II with low affinity (Dahms, N. M., Brzycki-Wessell, M. A., Ramanujam, K. S., and Seetharam, B. (1993) Endocrinology 133, 440-446). This may reflect the use of a heterologous ligand, or it may represent the intrinsic binding affinity of this receptor. To examine the binding of IGF-II to a marsupial CI-MPR in a homologous system, we have previously purified kangaroo IGF-II (Yandell, C. A., Francis, G. L., Wheldrake, J. F., and Upton, Z. (1998) J. Endocrinol. 156, 195-204), and we now report the purification and characterization of the CI-MPR from kangaroo liver. The interaction of the kangaroo CI-MPR with IGF-II has been examined by ligand blotting, radioreceptor assay, and real-time biomolecular interaction analysis. Using both a heterologous and homologous approach, we have demonstrated that the kangaroo CI-MPR has a lower binding affinity for IGF-II than its eutherian (placental mammal) counterparts. Furthermore, real-time biomolecular interaction analysis revealed that the kangaroo CI-MPR has a higher affinity for kangaroo IGF-II than for human IGF-II. The cDNA sequence of the kangaroo CI-MPR indicates that there is considerable divergence in the area corresponding to the IGF-II binding site of the eutherian receptor. Thus, the acquisition of a high-affinity binding site for regulating IGF-II appears to be a recent event specific to the eutherian lineage.

The inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein Gi2alpha induces and potentiates adipocyte differentiation

The present study further elucidates the involvement of the alpha-subunit of the GTP-binding protein Gi2 in the differentiation of murine 3T3-L1 cells. Control and vector-transfected cells attained a fully differentiated adipocyte phenotype showing ample lipid droplets. Cells expressing wild type (WT)-Gi2alpha or the constitutively active R179E-Gi2alpha, however, became enlarged, less confluent, and produced large amounts of lipids. Differentiation consistently increased the triglyceride (TAG) content in control cells. In both WT-Gi2alpha and R179E-Gi2alpha clones, a marked increase in TAG could be detected even prior to insulin/dexamethasone/isobutyl methylxanthine exposure. The activity of palmitoyl-CoA synthetase (PCS) and glycerophosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) also increased upon differentiation. WT-Gi2alpha and R179E-Gi2alpha overexpression also enhanced PCS and GPAT activities even before differentiation medium was added. The total amount of phospholipids (PL) generally increased upon differentiation; however, pre- and postdifferentiation values were insignificantly different in cells expressing WT-Gi2alpha and R179E-Gi2alpha. Differentiation altered the PL profile with a relative shift from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylinositol (PI) in differentiated cells. Finally, differentiation yielded a general increase in the activity of basal PI-phospholipase-C activity. Again, cells expressing WT-Gi2alpha and R179E-Gi2alpha demonstrated elevated enzyme activity and enhanced second messenger accumulation subsequent to differentiation. In summary, cells with the R179E-mutants of Gi2alpha exhibited stimulated lipid turnover and accumulation in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells.

Insulin-like growth factors and ovarian physiology

OBJECTIVE

To review the available information regarding the roles of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-IGF binding protein (IGFBP) system in ovarian physiology.

DESIGN

Studies that specifically relate to the roles of ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and ovulation were identified through the literature and Medline searches.

RESULTS

Numerous actions of the IGFs have been demonstrated in the ovary, including an enhancement of cell proliferation, aromatase activity, and progesterone biosynthesis. The ovarian IGF system, comprised of IGF-I and IGF-II peptides, IGFBPs and IGF receptors, plays a significant role in the process of follicular development. In addition, IGF-I stimulates the meiotic maturation of follicle-enclosed oocytes in vitro via the IGF-I receptors. IGFBP-3 significantly inhibit gonadotropin-induced ovulation and oocyte maturation by neutralizing endogenously produced IGF-I. Thus, the intraovarian IGF-IGFBP system play a significant role in the processes of follicular development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation.

CONCLUSION

IGF-IGFBP systems have autocrine/paracrine regulatory actions in ovarian physiology. The disturbance of the IGF-IGFBP system in human ovaries may lead to an ovulation, disorders of androgen excess, and infertility.

Insulin-like growth factor II inhibits glucose-induced insulin exocytosis

We have investigated the effect of IGF-II on glucose-induced insulin release in the pancreatic beta-cell. Introduction of IGF-II during perifusion of the cells with 20 mM glucose abolished glucose-induced insulin release. Concomitant addition of IGF-II with 20 mM glucose caused a complete inhibition of insulin release. In addition, IGF-II inhibited Ca(2+)-induced insulin release from electropermeabilized pancreatic beta-cells. IGF-II had no effect on K(+)-or tolbutamide-induced insulin release. However, IGF-II could suppress K(+)-stimulated insulin release when cells were pretreated with the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. The inhibitory effect of IGF-II on insulin release was not associated with significant changes in membrane potential, activity of the voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+)-channel or cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin or the phorbol ester TPA abolished the inhibitory action of IGF-II on insulin release. Hence, the molecular mechanism whereby activation of the IGF-II/M6P receptor by IGF-II inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin exocytosis in the pancreatic beta-cell involves pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins and is dependent on PKC activity.

The mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (M6P/IGF2R), a putative breast tumor suppressor gene

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor gene locus (M6P/IGF2R) on 6q26-27 has recently been demonstrated in approximately 30% of both invasive and in situ breast cancers. LOH was coupled with somatic point mutations in the remaining allele in several instances, leading to the proposition that M6P/IGF2R is a tumor suppressor gene. Somatic mutations in M6P/IGF2R have also been described in hepatoma and gastrointestinal cancers with the replication error positive (RER+) phenotype. These data indicate that M6P/IGF2R loss of function mutations may be involved in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of malignancies. Extensive data on the normal function of the M6P/IGF2R suggest that loss of M6P/IGF2R activity may contribute to multiple aspects of tumor pathophysiology, including deregulated growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis and invasion.

IGF system components as prognostic markers in breast cancer

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family of ligands, receptors, and binding proteins can regulate breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro, and interruption of these pathways inhibits IGF-mediated cell proliferation. If the IGF family members are key regulators of breast cancer growth and progression in vivo, we would expect their expression to be an indicator of the prognosis of the disease. Thus, measurement of IGF expression may provide an indicator of the growth effect within a tumor, and provide new targets for treatment of the disease. In this review we will summarize the data generated thus far indicating that IGF family members are indicators of prognosis of breast cancer, and that measurement of the whole IGF family in concert may provide useful information for treatment strategies of breast cancer.

Paracrine/autocrine regulation of breast cancer by the insulin-like growth factors

Local environmental signals regulate the growth and development of both normal and malignant breast epithelium. Members of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family likely influence both of these processes. The localization of IGF2 to stroma specifically surrounding malignant breast epithelium indicates that this growth factor may play a critical role in the genesis or maintenance of this transformed phenotype. Recent studies have sought to understand the mechanism by which IGF2 expressing fibroblasts are localized to the periphery of malignant breast cancer cells. In addition, the consequences of the expression of IGF-signaling components likely expand beyond their direct effects on mitogenesis. Indirect effects predominantly associated with the IGF2 receptor could also influence the invasive potential of breast tumor cells.

Chemosignal transduction in the vomeronasal organ of garter snakes: Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of adenylate cyclase

Earthworm shock secretion contains a 20-kDa vomeronasally mediated chemoattractive protein for garter snakes. Both the ligand-receptor binding and the chemoattractivity of ES20 are Ca(2+)-dependent. When ES20 binds to its G-protein-coupled receptors in the vomeronasal epithelium, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) level is increased, but the level of cAMP is reduced. Furthermore, forskolin-stimulated levels of cAMP are completely blocked by ES20-receptor binding or by Ca2+ alone and the effect of calcium ions can be nullified by EGTA. Previously, we hypothesized that the decrease in cAMP was due to activation of a Ca(2+)-dependent phosphodiesterase. In the present study, we provide evidence that the decrease in cAMP is due mainly to the regulation of adenylate cyclase (AC) activity by Ca2+ or is indirectly mediated by ES20. Results obtained with intact vomeronasal sensory epithelium suggest that the binding of ES20 to its receptors facilitates generation of IP3 which mobilizes intracellularly sequestered Ca2+, resulting in an increase of cystosolic Ca2+. A further increase in cytosolic Ca2+ occurs through Ca2+ influx from extracellular sources. Garter snake vomeronasal AC does not require calmodulin for its activity and shows a biphasic response to increasing concentrations of Ca2+; its activity is modulated both positively and negatively by this bivalent cation.

Atrial natriuretic peptide-C receptor and membrane signalling in hypertension

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) regulates a variety of physiological parameters, including the blood pressure and intravascular volume, by interacting with its receptors present on the plasma membrane. ANP receptors are of three subtypes: ANP-A, -B and -C receptors. ANP-A and ANP-B receptors are guanylyl cyclase receptors, whereas ANP-C receptors are coupled to adenylyl cyclase inhibition or phospholipase C activation through inhibitory guanine nucleotide-regulating protein. Unlike other G protein-coupled receptors, ANP-C receptors have a single transmembrane domain and a short cytoplasmic domain of 37 amino acids, the cytoplasmic domain has a structural specificity like those of other single-transmembrane-domain receptors and 37 amino-acid cytoplasmic domain peptide is able to exert is inhibitory effect on adenylyl cyclase. The activation of ANP-C receptor by C-ANP(4-23) (a ring-deleted peptide of ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide inhibits the mitogen-activated protein kinase activity stimulated by endothelin-3, platelet-derived growth factor and phorbol-12 myristate 13-acetate. C-ANP also inhibits mitogen-induced stimulation of DNA synthesis, indicating that the ANP-C receptor plays a role in cell proliferation through an inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase and suggesting that the ANP-C receptor might also be coupled to other signal transduction mechanism(s) or that there might be an interaction of the ANP-C receptor with some other signalling pathways. ANP receptor binding is decreased in most organs in hypertensive subjects and hypertensive animals. This decrease is consistent with there being fewer guanylyl cyclase-coupled receptors in the kidney and vasculature and selective inhibition of the ANP-C receptor in the thymus and spleen. Platelet ANP-C receptors are decreased in number in hypertensive patients and spontaneously hypertensive rats. ANP-A, -B and -C receptors are decreased in number in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-treated kidneys and vasculature; however, the responsiveness of adenylyl cyclase to ANP is augmented in the vasculature and heart and is attenuated completely in platelets. These alterations in ANP receptor subtypes may be related to the pathophysiology of hypertension. Several hormones such as angiotensin II, ANP and catecholamines, the levels of which are increased in hypertension, downregulate or upregulate ANP-C receptors and ANP-C receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. It can be suggested that the antihypertensive action of several types of drugs such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonists and beta2-adrenergic antagonists may partly be attributed to their ability to modulate the expression and function of the ANP-C receptor.

Effect of activating and inactivating mutations of Gs- and Gi2-alpha protein subunits on growth and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Previous investigations have demonstrated that both Gs- and the Gi-family of GTP-binding proteins are implicated in differentiation of the 3T3-L1 preadipocyte. In order to further analyze the role of Gs alpha vs. Gi2 alpha, which are both involved in adenylate cyclase modulation, we transfected undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells with two sets of G-protein cDNA: the pZEM vector with either wild type, the activating (i.e., GTP-ase inhibiting) R201C-Gs alpha or the inactivating G226A(H21a)-Gs alpha point mutations, or the pZIPNeoSV(X) retroviral vector constructs containing the Gi2 alpha wild type or the missense mutations R179E-Gi2 alpha, Q205L-Gi2 alpha, and G204A(H21a)-Gi2 alpha. The activating [R201C]Gs alpha-mutant did not significantly affect the differentiation process, i.e., increase in the steady-state levels of G-protein subunits, gross appearance, or insulin-elicited deoxy-glucose uptake into 3T3-L1 adipocytes, despite a marked initial increase in hormone-elicited adenylate cyclase activity. The [H21a]Gs alpha-mutant, on the other hand, enhanced the degree of differentiation slightly, as evidenced by an augmented production of lipid vesicles and insulin-stimulated deoxy-glucose uptake. However, an expected increase in mRNA for hormone-sensitive lipase was not seen. Secondly, it appeared that both activating [R179E]Gi2 alpha or [Q205L]Gi2 alpha mutants reduced cell doubling time in non-confluent 3T3-L1 cell cultures, while [H21a]Gi2 alpha slowed proliferation rate. Furthermore, it seemed that cell proliferation, as evidenced by thymidine incorporation, ceased at a much earlier stage prior to cell confluency when cultures were transfected with the [R179E]Gi2 alpha or [Q205L]Gi2 alpha mutants. Upon differentiation with insulin, dexamethasone, and iBuMeXan, the following cell characteristics emerged: the [R179E]Gi2 alpha and [Q205L]Gi2 alpha mutants consistently enhanced adenylate cyclase activation and cAMP accumulation stimulated by isoproterenol and corticotropin over controls. Deoxy-glucose uptake was also super-activated by the [R179E]Gi2 alpha and [Q205L]Gi2 alpha mutants. Finally, steady-state levels of hormone sensitive lipase mRNA were dramatically increased by [R179E]Gi2 alpha and [Q205L]Gi2 alpha over differentiated controls. The inactivating [H21a]Gi2 alpha-mutant obliterated all signs of preadipocyte differentiation. It is concluded that Gi2 plays a positive and much more important role than Gs in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Cyclic AMP appears to play no role in this process.

Articular cartilage destruction in experimental inflammatory arthritis: insulin-like growth factor-1 regulation of proteoglycan metabolism in chondrocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis, a disease of unknown aetiology, is characterized by joint inflammation and, in its later stages, cartilage destruction. Inflammatory mediators may exert not only suppression of matrix synthesis but also cartilage degradation, which eventually leads to severe cartilage depletion. Systemically and locally produced growth factors and hormones regulate cartilage metabolism. Alterations in levels of these factors or in their activity can influence the pathogenesis of articular cartilage destruction in arthritic joints. The main topic of the present review is the role of the anabolic factor insulin-like growth factor-1 in the regulation of chondrocyte metabolic functions in normal and in diseased cartilage. This is the most important growth factor that balances chondrocytes proteoglycan synthesis and catabolism to maintain a functional cartilage matrix. A brief overview of how chondrocytes keep the cartilage matrix intact, and how catabolic and anabolic factors are thought to be involved in pathological cartilage destruction precedes the review of the role of this growth factor in proteoglycan metabolism in cartilage.

Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-II induces accelerated myoblast differentiation

Previous studies have shown that exogenous insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) can stimulate the terminal differentiation of skeletal myoblasts in culture and have established a correlation between the rate and the extent of IGF-II secretion by muscle cell lines and the rate of biochemical and morphological differentiation. To investigate the hypothesis that autocrine secretion of IGF-II plays a critical role in stimulating spontaneous myogenic differentiation in vitro, we have established C2 muscle cell lines that stably express a mouse IGF-II cDNA under control of the strong, constitutively active Moloney sarcoma virus promoter, enabling us to study directly the effects of IGF-II overproduction. Similar to observations with other muscle cell lines, IGF-II overexpressing myoblasts proliferated normally in growth medium containing 20% fetal serum, but they underwent enhanced differentiation compared with controls when incubated in low-serum differentiation medium. Accelerated differentiation of IGF-II overexpressing C2 cells was preceded by the rapid induction of myogenin mRNA and protein expression (within 1 h, compared with 24-48 h in controls) and was accompanied by an enhanced proportion of the retinoblastoma protein in an underphosphrylated and potentially active form, by a marked increase in activity of the muscle-specific enzyme, creatine phosphokinase, by extensive myotube formation by 48 h, and by elevated secretion of IGF binding protein-5 when compared with controls. These results confirm a role for IGF-II as an autocrine/paracrine differentiation factor for skeletal myoblasts, and they define a model cell system that will be useful in determining the biochemical mechanisms of IGF action in cellular differentiation.

Insulin and the insulin-like growth factors I and II are mitogenic to cultured rat sciatic nerve segments and stimulate [3H]thymidine incorporation through their respective receptors

The factors that control proliferation of Schwann cells during peripheral nerve regeneration are not yet known. In this study we investigated the effects of insulin, insulin-like growth factor I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II), IGF-I analogues, and factors that interfere with their respective receptors, on [3H]thymidine incorporation into cultured nerve segments from the rat sciatic nerve. Segments cultured in nM (0.1-1.7 nM) concentrations of insulin, truncated IGF-I (tIGF-I), long R3IGF-I, or IGF-II exhibited an increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation compared with control segments. IGF-II was most potent. JB1, an IGF-I antagonist, counteracted the effects of tIGF-I and insulin. The results suggest that non-neuronal cells in the nerve segment, probably Schwann cells, possess distinct receptors for insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II and that these receptors may be involved in the control of Schwann cell proliferation during peripheral nerve regeneration.

Regulation of mouse placental lactogen secretion by G proteins before midpregnancy

To determine whether G proteins are involved in the regulation of mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I) and/or mPL-II secretion before midpregnancy, mouse placental tissue from day 7 of pregnancy was dispersed with collagenase, cells were fractionated on a percoll gradient, and the purified trophoblast cells were cultured in a serum-free medium with cholera toxin (CTX) or pertussis toxin (PTX) which modulate the activities of distinct G proteins for 5 days. CTX inhibited both mPL-I and mPL-II secretion, but PTX inhibited mPL-I secretion and stimulated mPL-II secretion in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Addition of both CTX and PTX additionally inhibited mPL-I secretion but did not affect mPL-II secretion. 8-Bromo cAMP, which increases intracellular cAMP accumulation, inhibited both mPL-I and mPL-II secretion similarly to CTX. In contrast, H8, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, stimulated both mPL-I and mPL-II secretion. Addition of PTX and H8 synergistically stimulated mPL-II secretion. These findings suggest that G proteins play important roles in regulation of mPL-I and mPL-II secretion before midpregnancy.

Cytoplasmic domain of natriuretic peptide receptor-C inhibits adenylyl cyclase. Involvement of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein

Natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR-C) is a disulfide-linked homodimer with an approximately 440-amino acid extracellular domain and a 37-amino acid cytoplasmic domain; it functions in the internalization and degradation of bound ligand. The use of NPR-C-specific natriuretic peptide analogs has implicated this receptor in mediating the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase or activation of phospholipase C. In the present studies we have investigated the role of the cytoplasmic domain of NPR-C in signaling the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Polyclonal rabbit antisera were raised against a 37-amino acid synthetic peptide (R37A) corresponding to the cytoplasmic domain of NPR-C. Incubation of anti-R37A with rat heart particulate fractions blocked atrial natriuretic peptide-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. The cytoplasmic domain peptides R37A and TMC (10 residues of transmembrane domain appended on R37A) were equipotent in inhibiting adenylyl cyclase (Ki approximately 1 nM) in a GTP-dependent manner, whereas K37E (a scrambled peptide control for R37A) did not inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity. Prior incubation of membranes with pertussis toxin blocked R37A or TMC inhibition of cAMP production. Detergent solubilization of the rat heart particulate fraction destroyed natriuretic peptide inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, but TMC was able to inhibit cAMP production in a dose-dependent manner. Our results provide evidence that the 37-amino acid cytoplasmic domain of NPR-C is sufficient for signaling inhibition of adenylyl cyclase through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.

The potential role of insulin-like growth factors in skeletal muscle regeneration

The role of the insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II), previously known as the somatomedins, in general growth and development of various tissues have been known for many years. Thought of exclusively as endocrine factors produced by the liver, and under the control of growth hormone, the somatomedins were known as the intermediaries by which growth hormone exerted its cellular effects during tissue growth and maturation. Eventually it was discovered that virtually every tissue type is capable of autocrine production of the IGFs, and their involvement in skeletal muscle tissue repair and regeneration became apparent. Recent advances in technology have allowed the characterisation of many of the different growth factors believed to play a role in muscle regeneration, and experimental manipulations of cells in culture have provided insight into the effects of the various growth factors on the myoblast. This paper explores the potential role of the IGFs in skeletal muscle regeneration. A critical role of IGF-II in terminal differentiation of proliferating muscle precurser cells following injury is proposed.

Inhibition of IGF II-induced redistribution of mannose 6-phosphate receptors by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin

The effects of wortmannin, a selective inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol (PI)3-kinase on insulin-like growth factor II (IGF II)-induced redistribution of the 300 kDa mannose 6-phosphate/IGF II receptor (MPR 300) has been studied in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. IGF II increased the expression of MPR 300 at the cell surface threefold that was completely abolished by wortmannin at 100-300 nM. Higher concentrations of wortmannin also reduced the basal MPR 300-dependent uptake of ligands to 68% of controls. Neither the transport of two lysosomal enzymes nor the secretion of the IGF binding protein-1 were affected by wortmannin. These results show that activation of PI3-kinase plays a critical role in the IGF II-stimulated redistribution of MPR 300 initiated rather by IGF II binding to tyrosine kinase receptors than to the MPR 300.

Pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins inhibit fibroblast growth factor-induced signaling in pancreatic acini

Signal transduction of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors is known to involve tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrates, including Grb2, phospholipase C-gamma, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, whereas the role of G-proteins in FGF receptor signaling is controversial. In the present study we investigated the role of G-proteins in FGF receptor signaling in rat pancreatic acini. Immunological analysis revealed the presence of FGF receptor and phospholipase C-gamma1 in rat pancreatic acini. Both basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and guanosine 5'-(gamma-O-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) caused an increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) production and amylase release. Combined stimulation of the acini with GTPgammaS and FGF-2 led to a decrease of these responses as compared to the effect of the single substances. When pancreatic acini were preincubated with FGF-2 (1 nM) or vehicle (water) ADP-ribosylation of the alpha-subunit of Gi-type G-proteins by pertussis toxin was reduced in membranes prepared from FGF-2 pretreated acini as compared to control acini, suggesting functional interaction of FGF receptors with Gi-proteins. Pretreatment of acini with pertussis toxin which inhibits Gi-type G-proteins abolished the inhibitory effect of GTPgammaS on FGF-induced 1,4,5-IP3 production and amylase release, whereas the stimulatory effects of FGF-2 and GTPgammaS on these parameters remained unchanged. In conclusion, these results show communication of FGF receptors and Gi-type G-proteins and that Gi-type G-proteins exert an inhibitory influence on FGF-induced activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in pancreatic acinar cells.

Diverse expression of G-proteins in human sarcoma cell lines with different osteogenic potential: evidence for the involvement of Gi2 in cell proliferation

Previously, it has been shown that the GTP-binding protein Gi2 is implicated in cellular growth [1,2] and differentiation [2,3]. In the present paper we demonstrate that this is also the case for human sarcoma cells. Six human osteosarcoma and three soft tissue sarcoma clonal cell lines were analyzed for levels of G-protein mRNA and polypeptide expression and effector enzyme (i.e., adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C) activation, which were all compared with individual growth rates. Unexpectedly, it appeared that the various strains exhibited large inter-individual variations in G-protein expression and signaling system activation. However, cell doubling time in the exponential phase of growth was inversely correlated (r = 0.71, P < 0.05) to immunodetected levels of intrinsic Gi2 alpha. Furthermore, cells stably transfected with a retroviral (pZipNeo(SV)X) construct containing the activating or inactivating Gi2 alpha-R179E or Gi2 alpha-G204A point mutations consistently reduced or enhanced individual cell strain doubling time, respectively. It appeared that other parameters investigated, including cellular alkaline phosphatase and monoclonal antibody epitope binding, both being markers of the proliferating osteoblast, did not correlate with cell doubling times.

In vivo coupling of insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor to heteromeric G proteins. Distinct roles of cytoplasmic domains and signal sequestration by the receptor

We examined the signaling function of the IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor (IGF-IIR) by transfecting IGF-IIR cDNAs into COS cells, where adenylyl cyclase (AC) was inhibited by transfection of constitutively activated G alpha i cDNA (G alpha i2Q205L). In cells transfected with IGF-IIR cDNA, IGF-II decreased cAMP accumulation promoted by cholera toxin or forskolin. This effect of IGF-II was not observed in untransfected cells or in cells transfected with IGF-IIRs lacking Arg2410-Lys2423. Thus, IGF-IIR, through its cytoplasmic domain, mediates the Gi-linked action of IGF-II in living cells. We also found that IGF-IIR truncated with C-terminal 28 residues after Ser2424 caused G beta gamma-dominant response of AC in response to IGF-II by activating Gi. Comparison with the G alpha i-dominant response of AC by intact IGF-IIR suggests that the C-terminal 28-residue region inactivates G beta gamma. This study not only provides further evidence that IGF-IIR has IGF-II-dependent signaling function to interact with heteromeric G proteins with distinct roles by different cytoplasmic domains, it also suggests that IGF-IIR can separate and sequestrate the G alpha and G beta gamma signals following Gi activation.

Defective ANF-R2/ANP-C receptor-mediated signalling in hypertension

In the present studies we have shown that atrial natriuretic factor (peptide) receptor of ANF-R2/ANP-C type is coupled to adenylyl cyclase/cAMP signal transduction system through Gi-regulatory protein and is implicated in mediating some of the physiological responses of atrial natriuretic factor or peptide (ANP). ANF-R2/ANP-C receptor-mediated adenylyl cyclase inhibition was altered in hypertension. This alteration was tissue specific. In heart, aorta, brain and adrenal, the extent of inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by ANP was enhanced in SHR as compared to age-matched WKY, whereas in platelets, the ANP-mediated inhibition was completely attenuated. The enhanced inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by ANP was also observed in heart and aorta from DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. In addition, the augmented inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by ANP was observed in 2 weeks and older SHR but not in 3-5 days old SHR. Similarly, in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, the enhanced inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by ANP was observed after 2 weeks of DOCA-salt treatment when the blood pressure was also enhanced, however one week older SHR but not in 3-5 days old SHR. Similarly, in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, the enhanced inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by ANP was observed after 2 weeks of DOCA-salt treatment when the blood pressure and augmented ANP-mediated inhibition of adenylyl of DOCA-salt treatment did not result in an augmented blood pressure and augmented ANP-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, suggesting that blood pressure increase may be responsible for the enhanced responsiveness of ANP to adenylyl cyclase inhibition. However, in genetic model of hypertension, the increased inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by ANP at 2 weeks of age (when the blood pressure is normal) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The augmented inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in cardiovascular tissues from SHR and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats may be due to the upregulation of ANF-R2/ANP-C receptors or due to the amplification of post-receptor signalling mechanisms.

Evidence for a regulated interaction between heterotrimeric G proteins and caveolin

Caveolae are flask-shaped plasma membrane specializations. A 22-kDa protein, caveolin, is a principal component of caveolar membranes in vivo. As recent evidence suggests that caveolae may participate in G protein-coupled signaling events, we have investigated the potential interaction of caveolin with heterotrimeric G proteins. Using cell fractionation techniques, we found that mutational or pharmacologic activation of Gs alpha prevents its cofractionation with caveolin. In a second independent approach, we directly examined the interaction of G proteins with caveolin. For this purpose, we recombinantly expressed caveolin as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein. Using an in vitro binding assay, we found that caveolin interacts with G protein alpha subunits (Gs, Go, and Gi). Mutational or pharmacologic activation (with guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate)) of G alpha subunits prevents this interaction, indicating that the inactive GDP-bound form of G alpha subunits preferentially interacts with caveolin. This G protein binding activity is located within a 41-amino acid region of caveolin's cytoplasmic N-terminal domain (residues 61-101). Further functional analysis shows that a polypeptide derived from this region of caveolin (residues 82-101) effectively suppresses the basal activity of purified G proteins, apparently by inhibiting GDP/GTP exchange. This caveolin sequence is homologous to a region of the Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor, a known inhibitor of GDP/GTP exchange for Rab proteins. These data suggest that caveolin could function to negatively regulate the activation state of heterotrimeric G proteins.

Ligand-dependent G protein coupling function of amyloid transmembrane precursor

Amyloid precursor protein (APP), a transmembrane precursor of beta-amyloid, possesses a function whereby it associates with G(o) through its cytoplasmic His657-Lys676. Here we demonstrate that APP has a receptor function. In phospholipid vesicles consisting of baculovirally made APP695 and brain trimeric G(o), 22C11, a monoclonal antibody against the extracellular domain of APP, increased GTP gamma S binding and the turnover number of GTPase of G(o) without affecting its intrinsic GTPase activity. This effect of 22C11 was specific among various antibodies and was observed neither in G(o) vesicles nor in APP695/Gi2 vesicles. In APP695/G(o) vesicles, synthetic APP66-81, the epitope of 22C11, competitively antagonized the action of 22C11. Monoclonal antibody against APP657-676, the G(o) binding domain of APP695, specifically blocked 22C11-dependent activation of G(o). Therefore, APP has a potential receptor function whereby it specifically activates G(o) in a ligand-dependent and ligand-specific manner.

Lactogen enhances Nb2 cell GTPase activity after 4 hours incubation

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

Mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor fails to interact with G-proteins. Analysis of mutant cytoplasmic receptor domains

The binding of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF II) to the mannose 6-phosphate (M6P)/IGF II receptor has previously been reported to induce the activation of trimeric G(i)2 proteins by functional coupling to a 14-amino acid region within the cytoplasmic receptor domain (Nishimoto, I., Murayama, Y., Katada, T., Ui, M., and Ogata, E. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 14029-14038). In the present study, we examined further the potential functional coupling of G-proteins with the human M6P/IGF II receptor and mutant receptors lacking the proposed G-protein activator sequence. IGF II treatment of mouse L-cells expressing either wild type or mutant M6P/IGF II receptors failed to attenuate the pertussis toxin-catalyzed modification of a 40-kDa protein or enhance GTPase activity. In broken L-cell membranes expressing wild type or mutant M6P/IGF II receptors, 30 nM IGF II also failed to affect the pertussis toxin substrate activity. By using phospholipid vesicles reconstituted with human wild type or mutant M6P/IGF II receptors and pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins, no stimulation of GTP gamma S binding to or GTPase activity of G(i)2, G(o)1, or G(i)/G(o) mixtures were observed in response to 1 microM IGF II. Furthermore, in vesicles containing purified wild type M6P/IGF II receptors and monomeric G alpha o1 or G alpha i2 and beta gamma dimers no effects of IGF II on GTP gamma S binding could be detected. However, when vesicles reconstituted with M6P/IGF II receptors and G(i)2 proteins were incubated with 100 microM mastoparan GTP gamma S binding was stimulated and GTPase activity was increased significantly. These results indicate that the human M6P/IGF II receptor neither interacts with G-proteins in mouse L-cell membranes nor is coupled to G(i)2 proteins in phospholipid vesicles. This study suggests strongly that the M6P/IGF II receptor does not function in transmembrane signaling in response to IGF II.