Soluble and membrane-associated human low-affinity adenosine binding protein (adenotin): properties and homology with mammalian and avian stress proteins

Following the design path of isoform-selective Hsp90 inhibitors: Small differences, great opportunities

The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) family consists of four highly conserved isoforms: the mitochondrial TRAP-1, the endoplasmic reticulum-localised Grp94, and the cytoplasmic Hsp90α and Hsp90β. Since the late 1990s, this family has been extensively studied as a potential target for the treatment of cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. The initial approach was to develop non-selective, so-called pan-Hsp90 ATP-competitive inhibitors of the N-terminal domain. Many of these agents were tested in clinical trials, mainly for the treatment of cancer, but none of them succeeded in the clinic. This was mainly due to the lack of efficacy and various toxicities associated with the induction of heat shock response (HSR). This lack of success has prompted a turn to new approaches of Hsp90 inhibition. Thus, inhibitors selective for a particular isoform of Hsp90 have been developed. These isoform-selective inhibitors do not induce HSR and have a more targeted effect because not all client proteins are equally dependent on all four paralogues of Hsp90. However, it is extremely difficult to develop such selective compounds because the family is highly conserved. Hsp90α and Hsp90β have an amazing 95% identity of the N-terminal ATP binding site, differing only in two amino acid residues. Therefore, the focus of this review is to fully elucidate the key structural features of the selective inhibitor classes in terms of binding site dissimilarities. In addition to a methodological characterisation of the structure-activity relationships, the main advantages of selective inhibition of the TRAP-1, Grp94, Hsp90α and Hsp90β isoforms are discussed.

NECA derivatives exploit the paralog-specific properties of the site 3 side pocket of Grp94, the endoplasmic reticulum Hsp90

The hsp90 chaperones govern the function of essential client proteins critical for normal cell function as well as cancer initiation and progression. Hsp90 activity is driven by ATP, which binds to the N-terminal domain and induces large conformational changes that are required for client maturation. Inhibitors targeting the ATP-binding pocket of the N-terminal domain have anticancer effects, but most bind with similar affinity to cytosolic Hsp90α and Hsp90β, endoplasmic reticulum Grp94, and mitochondrial Trap1, the four cellular hsp90 paralogs. Paralog-specific inhibitors may lead to drugs with fewer side effects. The ATP-binding pockets of the four paralogs are flanked by three side pockets, termed sites 1, 2, and 3, which differ between the paralogs in their accessibility to inhibitors. Previous insights into the principles governing access to sites 1 and 2 have resulted in development of paralog-selective inhibitors targeting these sites, but the rules for selective targeting of site 3 are less clear. Earlier studies identified 5'N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine (NECA) as a Grp94-selective ligand. Here we use NECA and its derivatives to probe the properties of site 3. We found that derivatives that lengthen the 5' moiety of NECA improve selectivity for Grp94 over Hsp90α. Crystal structures reveal that the derivatives extend further into site 3 of Grp94 compared with their parent compound and that selectivity is due to paralog-specific differences in ligand pose and ligand-induced conformational strain in the protein. These studies provide a structural basis for Grp94-selective inhibition using site 3.

Tritium-labeled agonists as tools for studying adenosine A2B receptors

A selective agonist radioligand for A_2B adenosine receptors (A_2BARs) is currently not available. Such a tool would be useful for labeling the active conformation of the receptors. Therefore, we prepared BAY 60-6583, a potent and functionally selective A_2BAR (partial) agonist, in a tritium-labeled form. Despite extensive efforts, however, we have not been able to establish a radioligand binding assay using [³H]BAY 60-6583. This is probably due to its high non-specific binding and its moderate affinity, which had previously been overestimated based on functional data. As an alternative, we evaluated the non-selective A_2BAR agonist [³H]NECA for its potential to label A_2BARs. [³H]NECA showed specific, saturable, and reversible binding to membrane preparations of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) or human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing human, rat, or mouse A_2BARs. In competition binding experiments, the AR agonists 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) and NECA displayed significantly higher affinity when tested versus [³H]NECA than versus the A_2B-antagonist radioligand [³H]PSB-603 while structurally diverse AR antagonists showed the opposite effects. Although BAY 60-6583 is an A_2BAR agonist, it displayed higher affinity versus [³H]PSB-603 than versus [³H]NECA. These results indicate that nucleoside and non-nucleoside agonists are binding to very different conformations of the A_2BAR. In conclusion, [³H]NECA is currently the only useful radioligand for determining the affinity of ligands for an active A_2BAR conformation.

Structure Based Design of a Grp94-Selective Inhibitor: Exploiting a Key Residue in Grp94 To Optimize Paralog-Selective Binding

Grp94 and Hsp90, the ER and cytoplasmic hsp90 paralogs, share a conserved ATP-binding pocket that has been targeted for therapeutics. Paralog-selective inhibitors may lead to drugs with fewer side effects. Here, we analyzed 1 (BnIm), a benzyl imidazole resorcinylic inhibitor, for its mode of binding. The structures of 1 bound to Hsp90 and Grp94 reveal large conformational changes in Grp94 but not Hsp90 that expose site 2, a binding pocket adjacent to the central ATP cavity that is ordinarily blocked. The Grp94:1 structure reveals a flipped pose of the resorcinylic scaffold that inserts into the exposed site 2. We exploited this flipped binding pose to develop a Grp94-selective derivative of 1. Our structural analysis shows that the ability of the ligand to insert its benzyl imidazole substituent into site 1, a different side pocket off the ATP binding cavity, is the key to exposing site 2 in Grp94.

Paralog Specific Hsp90 Inhibitors - A Brief History and a Bright Future

BACKGROUND

The high sequence and structural homology among the hsp90 paralogs - Hsp90α, Hsp90β, Grp94, and Trap-1 - has made the development of paralog-specific inhibitors a challenging proposition.

OBJECTIVE

This review surveys the state of developments in structural analysis, compound screening, and structure-based design that have been brought to bear on this problem.

RESULTS

First generation compounds that selectively bind to Hsp90, Grp94, or Trap-1 have been identified.

CONCLUSION

With the proof of principle firmly established, the prospects for further progress are bright.

Characterization of P1 (adenosine) purinoceptors

The purine nucleoside adenosine (ADO) is an important modulator of cellular function in mammalian tissues, modulating cellular function and neuronal excitability via interactions with different cell surface receptor subtypes that are heterogeneously distributed in both the mammalian CNS and peripheral tissues. Four ADO receptor subtypes have been cloned and characterized. Described in this unit are three radioligand binding assays for pharmacological characterization of the high-affinity ADO receptor subtypes A1, A2A, and A3 receptors. Pharmacological characterization of the low-affinity A2B receptor has been enabled by the use of tritiated xanthine PSB-603. Because receptor localization is an important criterion for differentiation of receptor subtypes, a support protocol that describes the methodology for the localization of ADO receptors in rat brain tissue using autoradiography is also included.

A2A adenosine receptor overexpression and functionality, as well as TNF-alpha levels, correlate with motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease

The antagonistic interaction between adenosine and dopamine receptors could have important pathophysiological and therapeutic implications in Parkinson's disease (PD). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the expression, affinity, and density of A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3) adenosine receptors (ARs) and D(2) dopamine receptors (D(2)Rs) in PD. An increase in A(2A)AR density in putamen was found. The presence and functionality of ARs in human lymphocyte and neutrophil membranes from patients with PD revealed a specific A(2A)AR alteration compared with healthy subjects. A statistically significant linear correlation among the A(2A)AR density, functionality, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score was reported. Adenosine concentration and TNF-alpha levels were increased in plasma of patients with PD. In rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, a widely useful model, adenosine antagonists decreased dopamine uptake, and an opposite effect was mediated by A(2A) agonists. This is the first report showing the presence of an A(2A)AR alteration in putamen in PD that mirrors a similar up-regulation in human peripheral blood cells. Moreover, the correlation found between A(2A)AR density or A(2A) agonist potency and UPDRS motor score highlights the central role of A(2A)ARs in the pharmacological treatment of PD.

The ATPase cycle of the endoplasmic chaperone Grp94

Grp94, the Hsp90 paralog of the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a crucial role in protein secretion. Like cytoplasmic Hsp90, Grp94 is regulated by nucleotide binding to its N-terminal domain. However, the question of whether Grp94 hydrolyzes ATP was controversial. This sets Grp94 apart from other members of the Hsp90 family where a slow but specific turnover of ATP has been unambiguously established. In this study we aimed at analyzing the nucleotide binding properties and the potential ATPase activity of Grp94. We show here that Grp94 has an ATPase activity comparable with that of yeast Hsp90 with a k(cat) of 0.36 min(-1) at 25 degrees C. Kinetic and equilibrium constants of the partial reactions of the ATPase cycle were determined using transient kinetic methods. Nucleotide binding appears to be tighter compared with other Hsp90s investigated, with dissociation constants (K(D)) of approximately 4 microm for ADP, ATP, and AMP-PCP. Interestingly, all nucleotides and inhibitors (radicicol, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) studied here bind with similar rate constants for association (0.2-0.3 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)). Furthermore, there is a marked difference from cytosolic Hsp90s in that after binding, the ATP molecule does not seem to become trapped by conformational changes in Grp94. Grp94 stays predominantly in the open state concerning the nucleotide-binding pocket as evidenced by kinetic analyses. Thus, Grp94 shows mechanistically important differences in the interaction with adenosine nucleotides, but the basic hydrolysis reaction seems to be conserved between cytosolic and endoplasmic members of the Hsp90 family.

Identification of novel quaternary domain interactions in the Hsp90 chaperone, GRP94

The structural basis for the coupling of ATP binding and hydrolysis to chaperone activity remains a central question in Hsp90 biology. By analogy to MutL, ATP binding to Hsp90 is thought to promote intramolecular N-terminal dimerization, yielding a molecular clamp functioning in substrate protein activation. Though observed in studies with recombinant domains, whether such quaternary states are present in native Hsp90s is unknown. In this study, native subunit interactions in GRP94, the endoplasmic reticulum Hsp90, were analyzed using chemical cross-linking in conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry. We report the identification of two distinct intermolecular interaction sites. Consistent with previous studies, one site comprises the C-terminal dimerization domain. The remaining site represents a novel intermolecular contact between the N-terminal and middle (M) domains of opposing subunits. This N+M domain interaction was present in the nucleotide-empty, ADP-, ATP-, or geldanamycin-bound states and could be selectively disrupted upon addition of synthetic geldanamycin dimers. These results identify a compact, intertwined quaternary conformation of native GRP94 and suggest that intersubunit N+M interactions are integral to the structural biology of Hsp90.

Structure of the N-terminal domain of GRP94. Basis for ligand specificity and regulation

GRP94, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) paralog of the chaperone Hsp90, plays an essential role in the structural maturation or secretion of a subset of proteins destined for transport to the cell surface, such as the Toll-like receptors 2 and 4, and IgG, respectively. GRP94 differs from cytoplasmic Hsp90 by exhibiting very weak ATP binding and hydrolysis activity. GRP94 also binds selectively to a series of substituted adenosine analogs. The high resolution crystal structures at 1.75-2.1 A of the N-terminal and adjacent charged domains of GRP94 in complex with N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, radicicol, and 2-chlorodideoxyadenosine reveals a structural mechanism for ligand discrimination among hsp90 family members. The structures also identify a putative subdomain that may act as a ligand-responsive switch. The residues of the charged region fold into a disordered loop whose termini are ordered and continue the twisted beta sheet that forms the structural core of the N-domain. This continuation of the beta sheet past the charged domain suggests a structural basis for the association of the N-terminal and middle domains of the full-length chaperone.

Ligand interactions in the adenosine nucleotide-binding domain of the Hsp90 chaperone, GRP94. I. Evidence for allosteric regulation of ligand binding

X-ray crystallographic studies of the N-terminal domain of Hsp90 have identified an unconventional ATP binding fold, thereby inferring a role for ATP in the regulation of the Hsp90 activity. In this report, N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) was used to investigate the nucleotide binding properties of GRP94, the endoplasmic reticulum paralog of Hsp90. Whereas Hsp90 did not bind NECA, GRP94 bound NECA in a saturable manner with a K(d) of 200 nm. NECA binding to GRP94 was efficiently blocked by geldanamycin and radicicol. Analysis of ligand binding stoichiometries by radioligand and calorimetric techniques indicated that GRP94 bound 1 mol of NECA/mol of GRP94 dimer. In contrast, GRP94 bound radicicol at a stoichiometry of 2 mol of radicicol/mol of GRP94 dimer. In [(3)H]NECA displacement assays, GRP94 displayed binding interactions with ATP, dATP, ADP, AMP, cAMP, and adenosine, but not GTP, CTP, or UTP. To accommodate the 0.5 mol of NECA:mol of GRP94 binding stoichiometry observed for the native GRP94 dimer, a model for allosteric regulation (negative cooperativity) of ligand binding is proposed. A hypothesis on the regulation of GRP94 conformation and activity by adenosine-based ligand(s) other than ATP and ADP is presented.

Enhanced expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 selectively increases the sensitivity of A2A adenosine receptors to agonist-induced desensitization

1. G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are thought to be important in mediating the agonist-induced phosphorylation and consequent desensitization of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) responses. We have previously shown that stable expression of a dominant negative mutant G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) construct in NG108-15 mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma cells suppresses the agonist-induced desensitization of A2A and A2B adenosine receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity (Mundell et al., 1997). To further determine the role of GRK2 in agonist-induced desensitization of these adenosine receptors, we stably overexpressed wild type GRK2 in NG108-15 cells. 2. In homogenates prepared from cells overexpressing GRK2, the acute stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by activation of A2A and A2B adenosine receptors was markedly reduced, but could be reversed by pretreating the cells with AD (adenosine deaminase), to remove extracellular adenosine from the medium. On the other hand, acute stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by secretin, iloprost, NaF and forskolin was the same in GRK2 overexpressing cells and plasmid-transfected control cells. 3. Cells overexpressing GRK2 were more sensitive to adenosine receptor agonist-induced desensitization than plasmid-transfected control cells. This effect was selective since the agonist sensitivity of desensitization for secretin and IP-prostanoid receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was not affected by GRK2 overexpression. 4. These results further implicate GRK2 as the likely mechanism by which A2 adenosine receptors undergo short-term desensitization in NG108-15 cells, and indicate that even when overexpressed, GRK2 retains its substrate specificity for native receptors in intact cells. Furthermore, the susceptibility of GPCRs to desensitization appears to depend on the level of GRK expression, such that in cells that express high levels of GRK2, low agonist concentrations may be sufficient to trigger GRK-mediated desensitization.

[3H]-SCH 58261 labelling of functional A2A adenosine receptors in human neutrophil membranes

1. The present study describes the direct labelling of A2A adenosine receptors in human neutrophil membranes with the potent and selective antagonist radioligand, [3H]-5-amino-7-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo[4,3-e]-1,2,4 triazolo[l,5-c]pyrimidine, ([3H]-SCH 58261). In addition, both receptor affinity and potency of a number of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists were determined in binding, adenylyl cyclase and superoxide anion production assays. 2. Saturation experiments revealed a single class of binding sites with Kd and Bmax values of 1.34 nM and 75 fmol mg(-1) protein, respectively. Adenosine receptor ligands competed for the binding of 1 nM [3H]-SCH 58261 to human neutrophil membranes, with a rank order of potency consistent with that typically found for interactions with the A2A adenosine receptors. In the adenylyl cyclase and in the superoxide anion production assays the same compounds exhibited a rank order of potency identical to that observed in binding experiments. 3. Thermodynamic data indicated that [3H]-SCH 58261 binding to human neutrophils is entropy and enthalpy-driven. This finding is in agreement with the thermodynamic behaviour of antagonists binding to rat striatal A2A adenosine receptors. 4. It was concluded that in human neutrophil membranes, [3H]-SCH 58261 directly labels binding sites with pharmacological properties similar to those of A2A adenosine receptors of other tissues. The receptors labelled by [3H]-SCH 58261 mediated the effects of adenosine and adenosine receptor agonists to stimulate cyclic AMP accumulation and inhibition of superoxide anion production in human neutrophils.

Evidence for co-expression and desensitization of A2a and A2b adenosine receptors in NG108-15 cells

Using receptor-selective agonists and antagonists, the possible presence of both A2a and A2b adenosine receptor subtypes coupled to activation of adenylyl cyclase was investigated in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. The relatively non-selective adenosine receptor agonist 5'-(N-ethyl carboxamido)-adenosine (NECA; 1 nM-300 microM) produced a biphasic increase in adenylyl cyclase activity in cell homogenates, best fitted to two components with high (EC50 0.7 microM) and low (EC50 16.0 microM) potency, respectively. The selective adenosine A2a receptor agonist CGS-21680 (1 nM-300 microM) also produced a biphasic increase in adenylyl cyclase. The NECA-dependent increase in adenylyl cyclase activity was almost completely inhibited by the non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist xanthine amine congener (XAC; 30 microM), but only partially inhibited by the selective A2a adenosine antagonist 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC; 1 microM). Experiments were also performed to investigate the time course of NECA-induced desensitization of putative A2a and A2b receptor responses. The A2a-response was quantified using 10 microM CGS-21680, whilst the A2b response was quantified using 100 microM NECA in the presence of 1 microM CSC. The t0.5 for desensitization for each subtype was found to be around 20 min. Neither activation (with dibutyryl cAMP; 1 mM) nor inhibition (with H-89; 10 microM) of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase altered the ability of NECA pretreatment to desensitize A2a or A2b receptor-activated adenylyl cyclase. However zinc (200 microM), an inhibitor of G-protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), significantly reversed the agonist-induced desensitization of A2a and A2b receptor-activated adenylyl cyclase. These experiments suggest the co-existence of A2a and A2b receptors coupled in a stimulatory fashion to adenylyl cyclase in NG108-15 cells. Furthermore desensitization of A2a and A2b responses occurs at the same rate and may involve a G-protein-coupled receptor kinase.

Heterogeneous forms of adenotin-1 of different subcellular localization

The localization of the low-affinity adenosine binding protein adenotin-1 with respect to distribution in rat organs and subcellular compartments was investigated. Adenotin-1 was characterized by 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido[2,8-3H]adenosine ([3H]NECA) binding and Western blotting. Cytosolic as well as membrane fractions of all tissues contained adenotin-1. Highest levels of membrane-bound adenotin-1 were found in the liver (liver > kidney approximately spleen approximately lung > forebrain approximately cerebellum > fat heart - striated muscle), whereas highest levels of cytosolic adenotin-1 were detected in spleen, liver, lung and fat. Subcellular fractions from rat liver were prepared by differential and density gradient centrifugation. Like the homologous proteins endoplasmin or gp96, adenotin-1 is enriched in the endoplasmic reticulum. Cytosolic and membrane-bound adenotin-1 species are pharmacologically distinct, because in the liver particulate fraction adenotin-1 showed a more rapid binding kinetics, a twofold lower affinity for [3H]NECA (KD 227 nM vs. 105 nM) and a sevenfold higher affinity for 2-chloroadenosine than the cytosolic protein (Ki 1.48 microM vs. 9.25 microM). In rat liver cytosol, two different binding sites were found, which differed in [3H]NECA binding kinetics and displayed a hundredfold difference in their affinity for 2-chloro-5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (Ki 45.8 nM vs. 4.76 microM). The presence of adenotin-1 in subcellular fractions, as determined by radioligand binding, was confirmed by Western blotting. Adenotin-1 was detected as a 98-kDa band in all rat liver subcellular fractions, which agrees with the molecular mass determined for the purified protein. In the cytosol, a 65-kDa hand was labeled more intensely than the 98-kDa band. This additional band probably represents the pharmacologically distinct species of adenotin-1 found in the cytosol.

Characterization of A2A adenosine receptors in human lymphocyte membranes by [3H]-SCH 58261 binding

1. The present study describes for the first time the characterization of the adenosine A2A receptor in human lymphocyte membranes with the new potent and selective antagonist radioligand, [3H]-5-amino-7-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo [4,3-e]-1,2,4 triazolo [1,5-c] pyrimidine, ([3H]-SCH 58261). In addition, both receptor affinity and potency of reference adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists were determined in binding and adenylyl cyclase studies. 2. Saturation experiments revealed a single class of binding sites with Kd and Bmax values of 0.85 nM and 35 fmol mg-1 protein, respectively. A series of adenosine receptor ligands were found to compete for the binding of 0.8 nM [3H]-SCH 58261 to human lymphocyte membranes with a rank order of potency consistent with that typically found for interactions with the A2A-adenosine receptor. In the adenylyl cyclase assay the same compounds exhibited a rank order of potency similar to that observed in binding experiments. 3. Thermodynamic data indicate that [3H]-SCH 58261 binding to human lymphocytes is entropy and enthalpy-driven, a finding in agreement with the thermodynamic behaviour of antagonists for rat striatal A2A-adenosine receptors. 4. It is concluded that in human lymphocyte membranes [3H]-SCH 58261 directly labels binding sites showing the characteristic properties of the adenosine A2A-receptor. The presence of A2A-receptors in peripheral tissue such as human lymphocytes strongly suggests an important role for adenosine in modulating immune and inflammatory responses.

A dominant negative mutant of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 selectively attenuates adenosine A2 receptor desensitization

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are thought to be important in mediating the agonist-induced phosphorylation and consequent desensitization of G protein-coupled receptor responses. NG108-15 mouse neuroblastoma X rat glioma cells express a wide range of G protein-coupled receptors and significant levels of GRK2. Therefore, to determine the role of GRK2 in agonist-induced desensitization of various G(s)-coupled receptors in NG108-15 cells, we stably transfected cells with a dominant negative mutant GRK2 construct (Lys220Arg). In homogenates prepared from cells overexpressing the dominant negative mutant GRK2, the acute stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by various receptor and nonreceptor agonists was the same as in control cells stably transfected with plasmid only. NG108-15 cells express both A2a and A2b adenosine receptors, which mediate activation of adenylyl cyclase, with both of these responses being subject to agonist-induced desensitization with a t1/2 of 15-20 min. In dominant negative mutant GRK2 cells, the rates of desensitization of A2a and A2b receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase were markedly slower than in plasmid transfected controls, with the latter being similar to wild-type cells. After a 20-min treatment with an adenosine agonist, the desensitization of A2a and A2b receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase in dominant negative mutant GRK2 cells was less than half that seen in plasmid transfected control cells. On the other hand, the agonist-induced desensitization of secretin and IP-prostanoid receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase was the same in dominant negative mutant GRK2 cells as in plasmid transfected control cells. These results indicate that in intact cells, GRK2 may mediate the desensitization of adenosine A2 receptors. Furthermore, there seems to be selectivity of GRK2 action between G(s)-coupled receptors because the agonist-induced desensitization of secretin and IP-prostanoid receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase was not affected by dominant negative mutant GRK2 overexpression.

Characterization of a novel adenosine binding protein sensitive to cyclic AMP in rat brain cytosolic and particulate fractions

A novel binding site for the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), which was enriched in rat forebrain, was characterized in cytosolic and particulate preparations. The site showed a pharmacological profile different from other [3H]NECA binding proteins and was named adenotin 2. [3H]NECA was bound in the presence of 100 microM 2-chloroadenosine with a Kd of 45.4 nM and a Bmax of 4711 fmol/mg in the cytosol and a Kd of 72.4 nM and a Bmax of 4844 fmol/mg in the crude membrane fraction. The presence of two different binding sites on adenotin 2 for [3H]NECA was shown in kinetic experiments. This protein showed identical pharmacological profiles in both subcellular preparations. [3H]NECA was displaced by purine analogues with a rank order of potency of NECA > 3'5' cyclic AMP (cAMP) > 5'-deoxy-5'-chloroadenosine > S-adenosylhomocysteine approximately 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine (MeSA) > adenosine approximately adenine. cAMP inhibited [3H]NECA binding allosterically, whereas adenine and MeSA acted competitively. Inhibitors and activators of protein kinases such as N-(2-aminoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide, Sp-adenosine cyclic monophophothioate and (8R*, 9S*, 11S*)-(-)-9-hydroxy-9-methoxy -carbonyl-8-methyl-2,3,9, 10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H, 8H, 11H-2, 7b, 11a-triazadibenzo-(a,g)cycloocta(cde)-trinden-1-one (K 252a) interacted with [3H]NECA binding to adenotin 2 in nanomolar concentrations. Adenosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (100 microM) increased the affinity of [3H]NECA to a Kd of 9 nM and diminished the affinity of cAMP. The pharmacological characteristics of this novel binding site for [3H]NECA resemble those of the inhibition of phosphorylation processes by adenosine and its derivatives in heart and smooth muscle but are distinct from known adenosine receptors, adenosine binding proteins and protein kinases.

Pharmacological and biochemical characterization of purified A2a adenosine receptors in human platelet membranes by [3H]-CGS 21680 binding

1. The binding properties of human platelet A2a adenosine receptors, assayed with the A2a-selective agonist, [3H]-2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoad enosine ([3H]-CGS 21680), are masked by a non-receptorial component, the adenotin site. In order to separate A2a receptors from adenotin sites, human platelet membranes were solubilized with 1% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl-ammonio]-1-propanesulphonate (CHAPS). The soluble platelet extract was precipitated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fraction enriched in adenosine receptors was isolated from the precipitate by differential centrifugation. 2. The present paper describes the binding characteristics of the selective A2a agonist, [3H]-CGS 21680, to this purified platelet membrane preparation. In addition, receptor affinity and potency of several adenosine agonists and antagonists were determined in binding and adenylyl cyclase studies. 3. Saturation experiments revealed a single class of binding site with Kd and Bmax values of 285 nM and 2.07 pmol mg-1 of protein respectively. Adenosine receptor ligands competed for the binding of 50 nM [3H]-CGS 21680 to purified protein, showing a rank order of potency consistent with that typically found for interactions with the A2a adenosine receptors. In the adenylyl cyclase assay the compounds examined exhibited a rank order of potency very close to that observed in binding experiments. 4. Thermodynamic data indicated that [3H]-CGS 21680 binding to the purified receptor is totally entropy-driven in agreement with results obtained in rat striatal A2a adenosine receptors. 5. It is concluded that in the purified platelet membranes there is a CGS 21680 binding site showing the characteristic properties of the A2a receptor. This makes it possible to use this compound for reliable radioligand binding studies on the A2a adenosine receptor of human platelets.

Functional characterization of adenosine A2 receptors in Jurkat cells and PC12 cells using adenosine receptor agonists

The effect of several adenosine analogues on cyclic AMP accumulation was examined in the rat phaeochromocytoma cell PC12 and in the human T-cell leukaemia cell Jurkat, selected as prototypes of cells predominantly expressing adenosine A2A or A2B receptors. Using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction it was, however, demonstrated that the Jurkat cell and the PC12 cell express both A2A and A2B receptor mRNA, albeit in different relative proportions. In PC12 cells the concentration required for half-maximal response (EC50) for the full agonist 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA) was 30 times lower than in Jurkat cells. There was no significant difference in the pA2 for the antagonist 5-amino-9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)- 1,2,4-triazolo(1,5-C)quinazolinemonomethanesulphonate (CGS 15943) between the two cell types. In the presence of forskolin (1 microM in PC12 cells; 10 microM in Jurkat cells) the EC50 value for NECA was reduced two-to sixfold. Forskolin also increased the maximal cAMP accumulation twofold in PC12 cells and sevenfold in Jurkat cells. A series of 2-substituted adenosine analogues CV 1808 (2-phenylamino adenosine), CV 1674 [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)adenosine], CGS 21680 ¿2-[p-(2-carbonylethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethyl- carboxamido adenosine¿, and four 2-substituted isoguanosines, SHA 40 [2-(2-phenylethoxy)adenosine; PEA], SHA 91 [2-(2-cyclohexylethoxy)adenosine; CEA], SHA 118 ¿2-[2-(p-methylphenyl)ethoxy]adenosine; MPEA¿, and SHA 125 (2-hexyloxyadenosine; HOA), all raised cAMP accumulation in PC12 cells, but had minimal or no effect in Jurkat cells. In the PC12 cells the addition of forskolin (1 microM) reduced the EC50 by a factor of 2(CV 1808) to 12 (SHA 125). In Jurkat cells all the analogues gave a significant, but submaximal, cAMP response in the presence of forskolin (10 microM), but they were essentially inactive in its absence. The results show that a series of 2-substituted adenosine analogues can be used to discriminate between A2A and A2B receptors. The two receptor subtypes appear to coexist, even in clonal cells selected for typical pharmacology. A2 receptor pharmacology can therefore be complex.

Regulation of the stress-like protein adenotin in PC 12 cells by ethanol exposure

The effects of chronic ethanol exposure on the stress-like protein adenotin were investigated using the radioligand [3H]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine ([3H]NECA). A 4-day exposure to 150 mM ethanol increased both the KD and the density of [3H]NECA binding sites. These changes were not due to residual ethanol as the acute addition of ethanol did not alter [3H]NECA binding. Chronic ethanol exposure of A126-1B2-1 cells, which are a mutant PC 12 cell line deficient in protein kinase A (PKA), increased the cellular density of adenotin, but did not affect the KD for the radioligand. Conversely, when PC 12 cells were exposed to 10 microM forskolin for either 2 or 4 days, the cellular density of adenotin was not altered, but the affinity of adenotin for [3H]NECA was reduced significantly. An increase in KD was not observed after a 1-hr exposure of PC 12 cells to forskolin, indicating that the reduction in affinity for the radioligand was not due simply to a PKA-mediated phosphorylation of adenotin. The present study demonstrated that chronic ethanol regulates adenotin through two different mechanisms. The ethanol-induced increase in the density of adenotin does not involve PKA, while the reduction in affinity ap pears to involve a cAMP-dependent mechanism.

Effects of divalent cations on adenosine agonist binding to A1 receptors and non-A1/non-A2 sites in rat cerebral cortex

In the present study results are reported concerning the effects of several divalent cations on the binding characteristics of [3H]-cyclohexyladenosine on A1 adenosine receptors and of [3H]-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine on non-A1/non-A2 sites in membranes from cerebral cortex of the rat. The [3H]-cyclohexyladenosine binding to A1 receptors was dose-dependently increased by Mn2+, Co2+, Ca2+. The binding characteristics of the agonist were differently affected by Ca2+/Mn2+ and Mg2+. Ca2+ and Mn2+ increased the Bmax value without any change in Kd, whereas Mg2+ decreased the Kd value without changing the Bmax. In the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ the Kd value was similar to that obtained in the presence of Mg2+, whereas the Bmax value was similar to the apparent number of binding sites calculated in the presence of Ca2+. The cations, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, decreased the A1 binding with IC50 values of 19.6 microM, 39.2 microM and 103.9 microM, respectively. The binding characteristics of [3H]-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine to non-A1/non-A2 sites were affected by Ca2+, Mn2+, Co2+ and Mg2+ in the opposite manner to A1 receptors. They decreased the binding with IC50 values of 20.1 mM, 22.8 mM, 93.0 mM and 18.1 mM, respectively. This occurs through an enhancement in Kd values without changes in the number of binding sites. The findings on A1 receptor and non-A1/non-A2 binding site, taken together, suggest that cations could also exert a modulatory action via specific interactions with divalent cation binding sites on the receptor molecule.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by adenosine receptor agonists

2-(Ar)alkoxyadenosines, which are agonists selective for the A2AAR in PC 12 cell and rat striatum membranes, are also agonists at the A2AR coupled to adenylate cyclase (AC) that mediates the inhibition of platelet aggregation. A panel of twelve well-characterized adenosine analogues stimulated human platelet AC and inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation at sub- to low-micromolar concentrations with a potency ranking CGS 21680 > adenosine > R-PIA. There were significant correlations between the EC50 of anti-aggregatory activity and either the EC50 of stimulation of platelet and PC 12 cell AC (r2 = 0.66 and 0.67, respectively) or the Ki of inhibition of [3H]NECA binding to the rat striatum membranes (r2 = 0.75). Likewise, platelet AC stimulation correlated well with stimulation of PC 12 cell AC and with [3H]NECA binding (r2 = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively). Ten 2-(ar)alkoxyadenosines stimulated platelet AC at EC50s ranging between 0.16 and 2.3 microM and inhibited platelet aggregation at EC50s ranging between 2 and 30 microM. There were no correlations between the EC50s of anti-aggregatory activity and either the EC50s of the stimulation of platelet or PC 12 AC (r2 = 0.08 and 0.06, respectively) or with the Ki of the inhibition of [3H]NECA binding to the A2aAR in rat striatum (r2 = 0.02). The EC50s of the stimulation of platelet AC correlated with those of the stimulation of PC 12 AC (r2 = 0.48), and also with the Ki of [3H]NECA binding (r2 = 0.71). Each of the 23 adenosines completely inhibited platelet aggregation and thus, functionally, all behaved as full agonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification and characterization of an adenotin-like adenosine binding protein from human platelets

A low-affinity adenosine binding protein (adenotin) was purified from human platelet membranes by a four-step procedure. Purification was achieved after extraction from human platelet membranes with 0.3% 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). Further purification included Sepharose CL6B gel filtration, DEAE-Sepharose CL6B, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. The protein was purified 884-fold to homogeneity with a 25% yield of binding activity from the membranes. 5'-[8(n)-3H]-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine ([3H]NECA) binds to the purified protein with a KD of 155 (144-167) nmol/l and a Bmax of 1.85 +/- 0.10 nmol/mg of protein. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified protein revealed a single band at 98 kDa. The 2-chloro-substituted adenosine analogs 2-chloro-5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (CIMECA) and 2-chloro-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CINECA) were identified as new high affinity ligands of the purified protein showing Ki values of 18 nmol/l and 28 nmol/l, respectively. The low-affinity adenosine binding protein showed a pharmacological profile as follows: CIMECA > 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) > 2-chloroadenosine (CIA) > 2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosin e (CGS 21,680) > R-N6-phenylisopropyl-adenosine (R-PIA). Amino-terminal sequence analysis revealed homologies to endoplasmin, glucose regulated protein (GRP94), tumor rejection antigen precursor (GP96), and some stress related proteins.

The binding of the adenosine A2 receptor selective agonist [3H]CGS 21680 to rat cortex differs from its binding to rat striatum

The binding of the reportedly A2A selective agonist CGS 21680 (2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'N-ethylcarboxamidoadenos ine) to cortex and striatum was examined in parallel using quantitative receptor autoradiography. [3H]CGS 21680 bound to a single site in rat striatum with KD 2.3 nM and Bmax 320 fmol/mg grey matter. In addition [3H]CGS 21680 bound to a single site in the cerebral cortex with KD 47 nM and Bmax 100 fmol/mg grey matter. In cat cortex [3H]CGS 21680 (2 nM) binding was strong and particularly evident in the most superficial layers. The potency order for inhibition of 2 nM [3H]CGS 21680 binding to rat striatum was NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine; IC50 9.0 nM) > 2-CADO (2-chloroadenosine; 87 nM) > R-PIA (N6-(R)-phenylisopropyladenosine; 110 nM). The potency order for inhibition of 2 nM [3H]CGS 21680 binding to rat cortex was NECA (3.0 nM) > 2-CADO (14 nM) > or = R-PIA (16 nM). Gpp(NH)p (5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate) inhibited [3H]CGS 21680 binding to both cortex and striatum, but more potently in cortex (IC50 100 nM vs. 470 nM). The present results show that there is a cortical binding site for [3H]CGS 21680 which appears to be different from the the striatal A2A receptor, the A2B receptor and the A1 receptor.

Adenosine receptors and their modulators

The identification and characterization of adenosine receptors and the development of potent, receptor subtype-selective agonists and antagonists has been an active area of research for the past 20 years. Major recent advances in the field have been the cloning of several adenosine receptor subtypes of different species, including the discovery of a new subtype, designated A3, the discovery and development of new agonists and antagonists, particularly those with selectivity for the A2a adenosine receptor, the characterization of signal transduction pathways, and the development of agents which act indirectly on the adenosine receptor system. The present article focusses on aspects of pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry related to adenosine receptors.

Identification of adenosine receptors in human spermatozoa

1. The effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on human sperm motility have been studied. Specific binding sites for adenosine and its analogues on human sperm were also investigated. 2. Agonists stimulated human sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner with a potency order of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, EC50 = 0.3 mumol/L) > 2-[p-(carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680, EC50 = 10 mumol/L) > adenosine (EC50 = 100 mumol/L). 3. NECA-stimulated motility was competitively inhibited by various adenosine receptor antagonists. The potency order was 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine > 8-(p-sulfophenyl) theophylline > xanthine amino congener. 4. The radioligand [3H]-NECA bound to sperm membrane in a saturable manner with a Bmax of 21.3 pmol/mg protein and equilibrium Kd of 4 mumol/L. Adenosine agonists and antagonists competed for [3H]-NECA binding with the same rank order of potency as for the stimulation of human sperm motility. 5. GTP gamma s inhibited 63% of specific [3H]-NECA binding with IC50 value of 11 nmol/L. This suggests that the [3H]-NECA binding sites may be coupled to one or more G proteins. 6. These results indicate the presence of adenosine A2 receptors on human sperm which are responsible for adenosine-mediated enhancement of sperm motility.

Identification of a novel high affinity adenosine binding protein from bovine striatum

In solubilized extracts from bovine striatal membranes three different binding sites for 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine ([3H]NECA) were observed after separation of the extract by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-6B. The first peak was eluted in the void volume and contained the A2 adenosine receptor. In the second peak, [3H]NECA binding sites were eluted with a pharmacological profile characteristic of adenotin, a low affinity non-receptor adenosine binding protein. The third peak represented approximately 50% of the [3H]NECA binding activity. This site bound [3H]NECA in a reversible and saturable manner with KD of 17 nmol/l and a binding capacity of 11.3 pmol/mg protein. In competition experiments, adenosine, NECA, NAD, inosine, 5'-AMP and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine were the most potent ligands. In contrast to adenosine receptors, this site did neither bind adenosine receptor antagonists nor the A2 selective agonist CGS 21,680 (2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadeno sin e). These results suggest the existence of a novel high affinity binding site for adenosine of unknown function in bovine striatum.

Neutrophils from asthmatics exhibit diminished responsiveness to 2-chloroadenosine which is reversed by theophylline. Evidence for a cyclic-AMP-independent pathway on human neutrophils

We have shown previously that neutrophils (PMNs) from patients with asthma have a more potent stimulated respiratory burst than normals and that their respiratory burst is significantly less suppressed with exposure to 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO). The present studies investigated the basis of this defect in responsiveness to 2-CADO. PMNs obtained from asthmatics either not on theophylline (minus theophylline) or taking theophylline (plus theophylline) generated significantly more superoxide in response to 2 x 10(-8) M FMLP (2.08 +/- 0.36 nmol/5 x 10(5) PMNs (minus theophylline) (P less than 0.01 compared to controls) vs. 2.16 +/- 0.44 (plus theophylline) (P less than 0.01) as compared to controls (1.05 +/- 0.17 nmol). In the presence of FMLP (2 x 10(-8) M), PMNs from the minus theophylline cohort had less 2-CADO (10(-6) M)-mediated suppression of superoxide generation as compared to controls (38.3 +/- 3.8% vs. 67.1 +/- 3.8%; (P less than 0.001). The plus theophylline group exhibited suppression values similar to controls (64.5 +/- 7.2%). Theophylline, in the presence of a physiological concentration of 2-CADO (0.1 microM) accentuated the suppression of the respiratory burst in normals (74.1 +/- 5.9%, 80.1 +/- 4.9% (P less than 0.02) and 84.7 +/- 3.8% (P less than 0.02) at 0, 10, and 100 microM, respectively). PMNs from asthmatics not taking theophylline demonstrated suppression values of 46.2 +/- 6%, 53.8 +/- 6.6% (P = NS), and 63.2 +/- 7.1% (P less than 0.01), respectively. Resting PMNs from normal controls generated 0.97 +/- 0.20 pmol cAMP/10(7) cells compared to 2.83 +/- 0.75 pmol in the presence of 0.1 microM 2-CADO. The combination of 2-CADO and theophylline (10-100 microM) produced cAMP concentrations not significantly different from that observed with 2-CADO alone. These findings support the existence of a novel cAMP-independent adenosine receptor in PMNs. The specific binding of 10(-8)M 3H-labeled 2-CADO (in delta cpm) was 10,358 +/- 1502 (P less than 0.001 compared to controls), 5468 +/- 843 (NS compared to controls), and 3751 +/- 477 in the plus theophylline group, minus theophylline group, and controls, respectively. Such up-regulation of specific binding may represent the effects of theophylline as shown by the specific binding of [3H]2-CADO in PMNs from normal controls exposed to 10 microM theophylline for 30 min (6013 +/- 969) compared to unexposed PMNs (3768 +/- 656; P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Properties of adenotin reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles

Adenotin is a low affinity adenosine binding protein that has amino terminal homology with mammalian and avian stress proteins. Human placental adenotin was solubilized and reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles with an overall yield of 30%. The properties of adenotin in vesicles were similar to the native membranes as follows: association has a Kobs of 0.61 +/- 0.03 minute-1; equilibrium is reached in approximately 15 minutes; and the first order dissociation constant is 5.0 +/- 0.3 minute-1. Displacement analysis reveals an agonist potency order and Ki values as follows: N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, 0.35 microM; 2-chloroadenosine, 1.5 microM; R-phenylisopropyladenosine, greater than 1000 microM. The addition of 100 microM 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate did not decrease binding of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) at 37 degrees C or 4 degrees C but did decrease the IC50 for PC12 and JAR cell membrane agonist binding from 9.9 to 3.3 microM and increase the binding to 150-211% of the control value at 37 degrees C. The latter studies at 37 degrees C showed high variability. Using binding sites reconstituted into vesicles and gel filtration chromatography and agonist related guanine nucleotide release, the authors investigated whether these changes were related to an interaction between adenotin and a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein. No evidence for such an interaction was found. These data suggest that adenotin retains its binding properties when reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles. The function of this low affinity adenosine binding site remains to be discovered. However, the reconstitution of adenotin into phospholipid vesicles provides a method to study its function.