Nucleotidyl cyclase activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase α1β1

Histamine H1- and H4-receptor expression in human colon-derived cell lines

In previous studies, we demonstrated the involvement of H4R in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD-associated colon cancer in mice and could ascribe H4R-mediated histamine function to colon epithelial cells. The transferability of obtained data to humans is however lacking. Functional expression of H4R on colon epithelial cells is a prerequisite to pursue the hypothesis of involvement of H4R in carcinogenesis. Thus, we here compared the expression of histamine receptor subtypes in a series of cell lines. Out of these, three colon-derived cell lines displaying different combinations of H1R and H4R expression were submitted to functional analyses. Human hematopoietic HMC-1, HL-60, and U937, lung-derived A549 and Calu-3, and colorectal LoVo, SW 480, Caco-2, HT-29, and HCT116 cells were included in the study. mRNA expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. For functional analyses, Caco-2, HT-29, and HCT116 cells were treated by incubation with 1 - 10 µM histamine in the presence or absence of selective histamine receptor antagonists. Calcium mobilization, cAMP accumulation, and cell proliferation were measured by fluorimetry, mass spectrometry, and real-time bioimpedance measurements, respectively. Histamine receptor expression was heterogeneous in the cell lines tested. In most cell lines, we detected H1R mRNA while H4R mRNAs were found only occasionally. The colon-derived epithelial cell lines LoVo, SW480, and HT-29 expressed H1R mRNA exclusively, while in HCT116 cells H1R and H4R mRNAs and in CaCo-2 H2R mRNA were detectable. Subsequent functional analyses in HT29, Caco-2, and HCT116 cells, however, indicated that only HT-29 responded to histamine stimulation, by means of H1R. For a detailed analysis of histamine receptor function, esp. that of H1R and H4R, in human colon-derived cell lines, the cell lines tested here are not fully convenient unless genetically modified.

Plant adenylate cyclases have come full circle

In bacteria, fungi and animals, 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and adenylate cyclases (ACs), enzymes that catalyse the formation of 3',5'-cAMP from ATP, are recognized as key signalling components. In contrast, the presence of cAMP and its biological roles in higher plants have long been a matter of controversy due to the generally lower amounts in plant tissues compared with that in animal and bacterial cells, and a lack of clarity on the molecular nature of the generating and degrading enzymes, as well as downstream effectors. While treatment with 3',5'-cAMP elicited many plant responses, ACs were, however, somewhat elusive. This changed when systematic searches with amino acid motifs deduced from the conserved catalytic centres of annotated ACs from animals and bacteria identified candidate proteins in higher plants that were subsequently shown to have AC activities in vitro and in vivo. The identification of active ACs moonlighting within complex multifunctional proteins is consistent with their roles as molecular tuners and regulators of cellular and physiological functions. Furthermore, the increasing number of ACs identified as part of proteins with different domain architectures suggests that there are many more hidden ACs in plant proteomes and they may affect a multitude of mechanisms and processes at the molecular and systems levels.

Atypical cyclic di-AMP signaling is essential for Porphyromonas gingivalis growth and regulation of cell envelope homeostasis and virulence

Microbial pathogens employ signaling systems through cyclic (di-) nucleotide monophosphates serving as second messengers to increase fitness during pathogenesis. However, signaling schemes via second messengers in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key Gram-negative anaerobic oral pathogen, remain unknown. Here, we report that among various ubiquitous second messengers, P. gingivalis strains predominantly synthesize bis-(3',5')-cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP), which is essential for their growth and survival. Our findings demonstrate an unusual regulation of c-di-AMP synthesis in P. gingivalis. P. gingivalis c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) gene (pdepg) positively regulates c-di-AMP synthesis and impedes a decrease in c-di-AMP concentration despite encoding conserved amino acid motifs for phosphodiesterase activity. Instead, the predicted regulator gene cdaR, unrelated to the c-di-AMP PDE genes, serves as a potent negative regulator of c-di-AMP synthesis in this anaerobe. Further, our findings reveal that pdepg and cdaR are required to regulate the incorporation of ATP into c-di-AMP upon pyruvate utilization, leading to enhanced biofilm formation. We show that shifts in c-di-AMP signaling change the integrity and homeostasis of cell envelope, importantly, the structure and immunoreactivity of the lipopolysaccharide layer. Additionally, microbe-microbe interactions and the virulence potential of P. gingivalis were modulated by c-di-AMP. These studies provide the first glimpse into the scheme of second messenger signaling in P. gingivalis and perhaps other Bacteroidetes. Further, our findings indicate that c-di-AMP signaling promotes the fitness of the residents of the oral cavity and the development of a pathogenic community.

Octopamine drives honeybee thermogenesis

In times of environmental change species have two options to survive: they either relocate to a new habitat or they adapt to the altered environment. Adaptation requires physiological plasticity and provides a selection benefit. In this regard, the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) protrudes with its thermoregulatory capabilities, which enables a nearly worldwide distribution. Especially in the cold, shivering thermogenesis enables foraging as well as proper brood development and thus survival. In this study, we present octopamine signaling as a neurochemical prerequisite for honeybee thermogenesis: we were able to induce hypothermia by depleting octopamine in the flight muscles. Additionally, we could restore the ability to increase body temperature by administering octopamine. Thus, we conclude that octopamine signaling in the flight muscles is necessary for thermogenesis. Moreover, we show that these effects are mediated by β octopamine receptors. The significance of our results is highlighted by the fact the respective receptor genes underlie enormous selective pressure due to adaptation to cold climates. Finally, octopamine signaling in the service of thermogenesis might be a key strategy to survive in a changing environment.

cCMP and cUMP come into the spotlight, finally

cCMP and cUMP have been identified in numerous biological systems and proposed to serve as second messengers. However, this proposal remained controversial because of the base-promiscuity of generators, effectors, phosphodiesterases, and bacterial toxins. With the identification of specific cytidylyl and uridylyl cyclases, cCMP and cUMP research enters a new era.

Methods to Assess Phosphodiesterase and/or Adenylyl Cyclase Activity Via Heterologous Expression in Fission Yeast

Heterologous expression of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and adenylyl cyclases (ACs) in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe can be used in combination with PKA-repressed reporters to either carry out high throughput screens for small molecule inhibitors of these target enzymes or to assess hit compounds and their analogs from such screens. Here, we describe two methods for testing panels of such compounds. The first uses a growth assay for which growth in medium containing the pyrimidine analog 5-fluoro orotic acid (5FOA) occurs in response to inhibiting PDE activity to activate PKA. The second uses mass spectrometry to directly measure the impact of compound treatment to study compounds that modulate either PDE or AC activity.

Putative Nucleotide-Based Second Messengers in the Archaeal Model Organisms Haloferax volcanii and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Research on nucleotide-based second messengers began in 1956 with the discovery of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cAMP) by Earl Wilbur Sutherland and his co-workers. Since then, a broad variety of different signaling molecules composed of nucleotides has been discovered. These molecules fulfill crucial tasks in the context of intracellular signal transduction. The vast majority of the currently available knowledge about nucleotide-based second messengers originates from model organisms belonging either to the domain of eukaryotes or to the domain of bacteria, while the archaeal domain is significantly underrepresented in the field of nucleotide-based second messenger research. For several well-stablished eukaryotic and/or bacterial nucleotide-based second messengers, it is currently not clear whether these signaling molecules are present in archaea. In order to shed some light on this issue, this study analyzed cell extracts of two major archaeal model organisms, the euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii and the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, using a modern mass spectrometry method to detect a broad variety of currently known nucleotide-based second messengers. The nucleotides 3′,5′-cAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cGMP), 5′-phosphoadenylyl-3′,5′-adenosine (5′-pApA), diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap₄A) as well as the 2′,3′-cyclic isomers of all four RNA building blocks (2′,3′-cNMPs) were present in both species. In addition, H. volcanii cell extracts also contain cyclic cytosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cCMP), cyclic uridine monophosphate (3′,5′-cUMP) and cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (3′,5′-c-di-AMP). The widely distributed bacterial second messengers cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (3′,5′-c-di-GMP) and guanosine (penta-)/tetraphosphate [(p)ppGpp] could not be detected. In summary, this study gives a comprehensive overview on the presence of a large set of currently established or putative nucleotide-based second messengers in an eury- and a crenarchaeal model organism.

Involvement of 3',5'-cyclic inosine monophosphate in cystathionine γ-lyase-dependent regulation of the vascular tone

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

l-cysteine or hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) donors induce a biphasic effect on precontracted isolated vessels. The contractile effect occurs within a concentration range of 10 nM to 3 μM followed by vasodilatation at 30-100 μM. Here, we have investigated the signalling involved in the H₂ S-induced contraction.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Vascular response to NaHS or l-cysteine is evaluated on isolated precontracted with phenylephrine vessel rings harvested from wild type, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE^-/- ), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC_α1 ^-/- ) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS^-/- ) knock-out mice. The cAMP, cGMP and inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cIMP) levels are simultaneously quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. The involvement of sGC, phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4A and PDE5 are also evaluated.

KEY RESULTS

CSE-derived H₂ S-induced contraction requires an intact eNOS/NO/sGC pathway and involves cIMP as a second messenger. H₂ S contractile effect involves a transient increase of cGMP and cAMP metabolism caused by PDE5 and PDE4A, thus unmasking cIMP contracting action. The stable cell-permeable analogue of cIMP elicits concentration-dependent contraction on a stable background tone induced by phenylephrine. The lack of cIMP, coupled to the hypocontractility displayed by vessels harvested from CSE^-/- mice, confirms that H₂ S-induced contraction involves cIMP.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The endothelium dynamically regulates vessel homeostasis by modulating contractile tone. This also involves CSE-derived H₂ S that is mediated by cIMP.

cAMP export by the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe produces a cAMP signal in response to glucose detection. Previous characterization of this signaling focused on intracellular levels of cAMP. Here, we find that the cAMP is secreted into the medium almost immediately. This is not due to PKA activation as might have been expected. In addition, a strain that is highly deficient in drug efflux shows only a modest reduction in the secretion of cAMP to the growth medium. These observations reveal a previously unappreciated aspect of cAMP metabolism in an important model organism, leading to new questions regarding the mechanism and benefit of cAMP export in S. pombe.

PDE1 or PDE5 inhibition augments NO-dependent hypoxic constriction of porcine coronary artery via elevating inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate level

Hypoxic coronary vasospasm may lead to myocardial ischaemia and cardiac dysfunction. Inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cIMP) is a putative second messenger to mediate this pathological process. Nevertheless, it remains unclear as to whether levels of cIMP can be regulated in living tissue such as coronary artery and if so, what is the consequence of this regulation on hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction. In the present study, we found that cIMP was a key determinant of hypoxia-induced constriction but not that of the subsequent relaxation response in porcine coronary arteries. Subsequently, coronary arteries were treated with various phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors to identify PDE types that are capable of regulating cIMP levels. We found that inhibition of PDE1 and PDE5 substantially elevated cIMP content in endothelium-denuded coronary artery supplemented with exogenous purified cIMP. However, cGMP levels were far lower than their levels in intact coronary arteries and lower than cIMP levels measured in endothelium-denuded coronary arteries supplemented with exogenous cIMP. The increased cIMP levels induced by PDE1 or PDE5 inhibition further led to augmented hypoxic constriction without apparently affecting the relaxation response. In intact coronary artery, PDE1 or PDE5 inhibition up-regulated cIMP levels under hypoxic condition. Concomitantly, cGMP level increased to a comparable level. Nevertheless, the hypoxia-mediated constriction was enhanced in this situation that was largely compromised by an even stronger inhibition of PDEs. Taken together, these data suggest that cIMP levels in coronary arteries are regulated by PDE1 and PDE5, whose inhibition at a certain level leads to increased cIMP content and enhanced hypoxic constriction.

Probing the Structural Dynamics of the Catalytic Domain of Human Soluble Guanylate Cyclase

In the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway, human soluble guanylate cyclase (hsGC) synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP); responsible for the regulation of cGMP-specific protein kinases (PKGs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The crystal structure of the inactive hsGC cyclase dimer is known, but there is still a lack of information regarding the substrate-specific internal motions that are essential for the catalytic mechanism of the hsGC. In the current study, the hsGC cyclase heterodimer complexed with guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and cGMP was subjected to molecular dynamics simulations, to investigate the conformational dynamics that have functional implications on the catalytic activity of hsGC. Results revealed that in the GTP-bound complex of the hsGC heterodimer, helix 1 of subunit α (α:h1) moves slightly inwards and comes close to helix 4 of subunit β (β:h4). This conformational change brings loop 2 of subunit β (β:L2) closer to helix 2 of subunit α (α:h2). Likewise, loop 2 of subunit α (α:L2) comes closer to helix 2 of subunit β (β:h2). These structural events stabilize and lock GTP within the closed pocket for cyclization. In the cGMP-bound complex, α:L2 detaches from β:h2 and establishes interactions with β:L2, which results in the loss of global structure compactness. Furthermore, with the release of pyrophosphate, the interaction between α:h1 and β:L2 weakens, abolishing the tight packing of the binding pocket. This study discusses the conformational changes induced by the binding of GTP and cGMP to the hsGC catalytic domain, valuable in designing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

An Optogenetic Tool for Induced Protein Stabilization Based on the Phaeodactylum tricornutum Aureochrome 1a Light-Oxygen-Voltage Domain

Control of cellular events by optogenetic tools is a powerful approach to manipulate cellular functions in a minimally invasive manner. A common problem posed by the application of optogenetic tools is to tune the activity range to be physiologically relevant. Here, we characterized a photoreceptor of the light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domain family of Phaeodactylum tricornutum aureochrome 1a (AuLOV) as a tool for increasing protein stability under blue light conditions in budding yeast. Structural studies of AuLOV^wt, the variants AuLOV^M254, and AuLOV^W349 revealed alternative dimer association modes for the dark state, which differ from previously reported AuLOV dark-state structures. Rational design of AuLOV-dimer interface mutations resulted in an optimized optogenetic tool that we fused to the photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase from Beggiatoa sp. This synergistic light-regulation approach using two photoreceptors resulted in an optimized, photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase with a cyclic adenosine monophosphate production activity that matches the physiological range of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overall, we enlarged the optogenetic toolbox for yeast and demonstrated the importance of fine-tuning the optogenetic tool activity for successful application in cells.

Metabolic events in HIV-infected patients using abacavir are associated with erythrocyte inosine triphosphatase activity

Objectives

Abacavir use has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic events in HIV-infected patients, although this finding was not consistently found. It is unclear whether abacavir only increases this risk in subpopulations of HIV-infected patients. It may be hypothesized that inosine 5'-triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPase), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of purine analogues used in HIV treatment, plays a role in the risk of CVD and metabolic events in HIV-infected patients.

Methods

ITPase activity and ITPA genotype were determined in 393 HIV-infected patients. ITPase activity <4 mmol IMP/mmol Hb/h was considered decreased. ITPA polymorphisms tested were: c.94C>A (rs1127354) and c.124 + 21A>C (rs7270101). ORs were determined using generalized estimating equation models for developing CVD in patients who had ever been exposed to abacavir, tenofovir or didanosine and for developing metabolic events in patients currently using these drugs.

Results

In patients using abacavir, metabolic events were associated with ITPase activity. No association was demonstrated for tenofovir or didanosine. The OR for metabolic events was 3.11 in patients using abacavir with normal ITPase activity (95% CI 1.34-7.21; P = 0.008) compared with patients with decreased ITPase activity [adjusted for age, BMI, cumulative duration of combination ART (cART) use and the use of PI and NNRTI]. CVD was not associated with ITPase activity or ITPA genotype.

Conclusions

This study shows, for the first time, that ITPase activity is associated with the occurrence of metabolic events in patients using abacavir. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and to elucidate the possible mechanism.

Synergistic mutations in soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) reveal a key role for interfacial regions in the sGC activation mechanism

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the main receptor for nitric oxide (NO) and a central component of the NO-cGMP pathway, critical to cardiovascular function. NO binding to the N-terminal sensor domain in sGC enhances the cyclase activity of the C-terminal catalytic domain. Our understanding of the structural elements regulating this signaling cascade is limited, hindering structure-based drug design efforts that target sGC to improve the management of cardiovascular diseases. Conformational changes are thought to propagate the NO-binding signal throughout the entire sGC heterodimer, via its coiled-coil domain, to reorient the catalytic domain into an active conformation. To identify the structural elements involved in this signal transduction cascade, here we optimized a cGMP-based luciferase assay that reports on heterologous sGC activity in Escherichia coli and identified several mutations that activate sGC. These mutations resided in the dorsal flaps, dimer interface, and GTP-binding regions of the catalytic domain. Combinations of mutations from these different elements synergized, resulting in even greater activity and indicating a complex cross-talk among these regions. Molecular dynamics simulations further revealed conformational changes underlying the functional impact of these mutations. We propose that the interfacial residues play a central role in the sGC activation mechanism by coupling the coiled-coil domain to the active site via a series of hot spots. Our results provide new mechanistic insights not only into the molecular pathway for sGC activation but also for other members of the larger nucleotidyl cyclase family.

A fission yeast platform for heterologous expression of mammalian adenylyl cyclases and high throughput screening

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe uses a cAMP signaling pathway to link glucose-sensing to Protein Kinase A activity in order to regulate cell growth, sexual development, gluconeogenesis, and exit from stationary phase. We previously used a PKA-repressed fbp1-ura4 reporter to conduct high throughput screens (HTSs) for inhibitors of heterologously-expressed mammalian cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Here, we describe the successful expression of all ten mammalian adenylyl cyclase (AC) genes, along with the human GNAS Gα_s gene. By measuring expression of an fbp1-GFP reporter together with direct measurements of intracellular cAMP levels, we can detect both basal AC activity from all ten AC genes as well as GNAS-stimulated activity from eight of the nine transmembrane ACs (tmACs; AC2-AC9). The ability to use this platform to conduct HTS for novel chemical probes that reduce PKA activity was demonstrated by a pilot screen of the LOPAC®¹²⁸⁰ library, leading to the identification of diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) as an inhibitor of basal AC activity. This screening technology could open the door to the development of therapeutic compounds that target GNAS or the ACs, an area in which there is significant unmet need.

Extracellular vesicles: another compartment for the second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate

The second messenger, cAMP, is highly compartmentalized to facilitate signaling specificity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are submicron, intact vesicles released from many cell types that can act as biomarkers or be involved in cell-to-cell communication. Although it is well recognized that EVs encapsulate functional proteins and RNAs/miRNAs, currently it is unclear whether cyclic nucleotides are encapsulated within EVs to provide an additional second messenger compartment. Using ultracentrifugation, EVs were isolated from the culture medium of unstimulated systemic and pulmonary endothelial cells. EVs were also isolated from pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) following stimulation of transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (AC) in the presence or absence of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor rolipram over time. Whereas cAMP was detected in EVs isolated from endothelial cells derived from different vascular beds, it was highest in EVs isolated from PMVECs. Treatment of PMVECs with agents that increase near-membrane cAMP led to an increase in cAMP within corresponding EVs, yet there was no increase in EV number. Elevated cell cAMP, measured by whole cell measurements, peaked 15 min after treatment, yet in EVs the peak increase in cAMP was delayed until 60 min after cell stimulation. Cyclic AMP was also increased in EVs collected from the perfusate of isolated rat lungs stimulated with isoproterenol and rolipram, thus corroborating cell culture findings. When added to unperturbed confluent PMVECs, EVs containing elevated cAMP were not barrier disruptive like cytosolic cAMP but maintained monolayer resistance. In conclusion, PMVECs release EVs containing cAMP, providing an additional compartment to cAMP signaling.

Differential regulation of actin-activated nucleotidyl cyclase virulence factors by filamentous and globular actin

Several bacterial pathogens produce nucleotidyl cyclase toxins to manipulate eukaryotic host cells. Inside host cells they are activated by endogenous cofactors to produce high levels of cyclic nucleotides (cNMPs). The ExoY toxin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaExoY) and the ExoY-like module (VnExoY) found in the MARTX (Multifunctional-Autoprocessing Repeats-in-ToXin) toxin of Vibrio nigripulchritudo share modest sequence similarity (~38%) but were both recently shown to be activated by actin after their delivery to the eukaryotic host cell. Here, we further characterized the ExoY-like cyclase of V. nigripulchritudo. We show that, in contrast to PaExoY that requires polymerized actin (F-actin) for maximum activation, VnExoY is selectively activated by monomeric actin (G-actin). These two enzymes also display different nucleotide substrate and divalent cation specificities. In vitro in presence of the cation Mg2+, the F-actin activated PaExoY exhibits a promiscuous nucleotidyl cyclase activity with the substrate preference GTP>ATP≥UTP>CTP, while the G-actin activated VnExoY shows a strong preference for ATP as substrate, as it is the case for the well-known calmodulin-activated adenylate cyclase toxins from Bordetella pertussis or Bacillus anthracis. These results suggest that the actin-activated nucleotidyl cyclase virulence factors despite sharing a common activator may actually display a greater variability of biological effects in infected cells than initially anticipated.

Modulation of Hyperpolarization-Activated Inward Current and Thalamic Activity Modes by Different Cyclic Nucleotides

The hyperpolarization-activated inward current, I_h, plays a key role in the generation of rhythmic activities in thalamocortical (TC) relay neurons. Cyclic nucleotides, like 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), facilitate voltage-dependent activation of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels by shifting the activation curve of I_h to more positive values and thereby terminating the rhythmic burst activity. The role of 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in modulation of I_h is not well understood. To determine the possible role of the nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive cGMP-forming guanylyl cyclase 2 (NO-GC2) in controlling the thalamic I_h, the voltage-dependency and cGMP/cAMP-sensitivity of I_h was analyzed in TC neurons of the dorsal part of the lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) in wild type (WT) and NO-GC2-deficit (NO-GC2^−/−) mice. Whole cell voltage clamp recordings in brain slices revealed a more hyperpolarized half maximal activation (V_1/2) of I_h in NO-GC2^−/− TC neurons compared to WT. Different concentrations of 8-Br-cAMP/8-Br-cGMP induced dose-dependent positive shifts of V_1/2 in both strains. Treatment of WT slices with lyase enzyme (adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases) inhibitors (SQ22536 and ODQ) resulted in further hyperpolarized V_1/2. Under current clamp conditions NO-GC2^−/− neurons exhibited a reduction in the I_h-dependent voltage sag and reduced action potential firing with hyperpolarizing and depolarizing current steps, respectively. Intrathalamic rhythmic bursting activity in brain slices and in a simplified mathematical model of the thalamic network was reduced in the absence of NO-GC2. In freely behaving NO-GC2^−/− mice, delta and theta band activity was enhanced during active wakefulness (AW) as well as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in cortical local field potential (LFP) in comparison to WT. These findings indicate that cGMP facilitates I_h activation and contributes to a tonic activity in TC neurons. On the network level basal cGMP production supports fast rhythmic activity in the cortex.

Structure/function of the soluble guanylyl cyclase catalytic domain

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC-1) is the primary receptor of nitric oxide (NO) in smooth muscle cells and maintains vascular function by inducing vasorelaxation in nearby blood vessels. GC-1 converts guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP) into cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP), which acts as a second messenger to improve blood flow. While much work has been done to characterize this pathway, we lack a mechanistic understanding of how NO binding to the heme domain leads to a large increase in activity at the C-terminal catalytic domain. Recent structural evidence and activity measurements from multiple groups have revealed a low-activity cyclase domain that requires additional GC-1 domains to promote a catalytically-competent conformation. How the catalytic domain structurally transitions into the active conformation requires further characterization. This review focuses on structure/function studies of the GC-1 catalytic domain and recent advances various groups have made in understanding how catalytic activity is regulated including small molecules interactions, Cys-S-NO modifications and potential interactions with the NO-sensor domain and other proteins.

Mammalian Nucleotidyl Cyclases and Their Nucleotide Binding Sites

Mammalian membranous and soluble adenylyl cyclases (mAC, sAC) and soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGC) generate cAMP and cGMP from ATP and GTP, respectively, as substrates. mACs (nine human isoenzymes), sAC, and sGC differ in their overall structures owing to specific membrane-spanning and regulatory domains but consist of two similarly folded catalytic domains C1 and C2 with high structure-based homology between the cyclase species. Comparison of available crystal structures - VC1:IIC2 (a construct of domains C1a from dog mAC5 and C2a from rat mAC2), human sAC and sGC, mostly in complex with substrates, substrate analogs, inhibitors, metal ions, and/or modulators - reveals that especially the nucleotide binding sites are closely related. An evolutionarily well-conserved catalytic mechanism is based on common binding modes, interactions, and structural transformations, including the participation of two metal ions in catalysis. Nucleobase selectivity relies on only few mutations. Since in all cases the nucleoside moiety is embedded in a relatively spacious cavity, mACs, sAC, and sGC are rather promiscuous and bind nearly all purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, including CTP and UTP, and many of their derivatives as inhibitors with often high affinity. By contrast, substrate specificity of mammalian adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases is high due to selective dynamic rearrangements during turnover.

3',5'-cIMP as Potential Second Messenger in the Vascular Wall

Traditionally, only the 3',5'-cyclic monophosphates of adenosine and guanosine (produced by adenylyl cyclase and guanylyl cyclase, respectively) are regarded as true "second messengers" in the vascular wall, despite the presence of other cyclic nucleotides in different tissues. Among these noncanonical cyclic nucleotides, inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cIMP) is synthesized by soluble guanylyl cyclase in porcine coronary arteries in response to hypoxia, when the enzyme is activated by endothelium-derived nitric oxide. Its production is associated with augmentation of vascular contraction mediated by stimulation of Rho kinase. Based on these findings, cIMP appears to meet most, if not all, of the criteria required for it to be accepted as a "second messenger," at least in the vascular wall.

Identification of cCMP and cUMP Substrate Proteins and Cross Talk Between cNMPs

cCMP and cUMP are pyrimidine cyclic nucleotides which are present in several types of cells. These molecules could exert diverse cellular functions and might act as second messengers. In the last years, diverse approaches were performed to analyze possible cellular substrates and signaling pathways of cCMP and cUMP. In this review these approaches are summarized, and probable cross talk of these signaling molecules is described. These analyses might lead to the (patho)physiological and pharmacological relevance of these noncanonical cyclic nucleotides.

cCMP and cUMP Across the Tree of Life: From cCMP and cUMP Generators to cCMP- and cUMP-Regulated Cell Functions

The cyclic purine nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are well-established second messenger molecules that are generated by distinct nucleotidyl cyclases (NCs) and regulate numerous cell functions via specific effector molecules. In contrast, the existence of the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cCMP and cUMP has been controversial for many years. The development of highly specific and sensitive mass spectrometry methods has enabled the unequivocal detection and quantitation of cCMP and cUMP in biological systems. These cNMPs occur broadly in numerous mammalian cell lines and primary cells. cCMP has also been detected in mouse organs, and both cCMP and cUMP occur in various developmental stages of the zebrafish Danio rerio. So far, the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) have been identified as cCMP and cUMP generators. Dissociations in the expression patterns of sAC and sGC relative to cCMP and cUMP abundance may point to the existence of hitherto unidentified cCMP- and cUMP-generating NCs. The broad occurrence of cCMP and cUMP in vertebrates and the distinct cNMP patterns suggest specific roles of these cNMPs in the regulation of numerous cell functions.

Cyclic Nucleotide Monophosphates in Plants and Plant Signaling

Cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (cNMPs) and the enzymes that can generate them are of increasing interest in the plant sciences. Arguably, the major recent advance came with the release of the complete Arabidopsis thaliana genome that has enabled the systematic search for adenylate (ACs) or guanylate cyclases (GCs) and did eventually lead to the discovery of a number of GCs in higher plants. Many of these proteins have complex domain architectures with AC or GC centers moonlighting within cytosolic kinase domains. Recent reports indicated the presence of not just the canonical cNMPs (i.e., cAMP and cGMP), but also the noncanonical cCMP, cUMP, cIMP, and cdTMP in plant tissues, and this raises several questions. Firstly, what are the functions of these cNMPs, and, secondly, which enzymes can convert the substrate triphosphates into the respective noncanonical cNMPs? The first question is addressed here by comparing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) response of cAMP and cGMP to that elicited by the noncanonical cCMP or cIMP. The results show that particularly cIMP can induce significant ROS production. To answer, at least in part, the second question, we have evaluated homology models of experimentally confirmed plant GCs probing the substrate specificity by molecular docking simulations to determine if they can conceivably catalytically convert substrates other than ATP or GTP. In summary, molecular modeling and substrate docking simulations can contribute to the evaluation of cyclases for noncanonical cyclic mononucleotides and thereby further our understanding of the molecular mechanism that underlie cNMP-dependent signaling in planta.

Conventional and Unconventional Mechanisms for Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Signaling

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the principal enzyme in mediating the biological actions of nitric oxide. On activation, sGC converts guanosine triphosphate to guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), which mediates diverse physiological processes including vasodilation, platelet aggregation, and myocardial functions predominantly by acting on cGMP-dependent protein kinases. Cyclic GMP has long been considered as the sole second messenger for sGC action. However, emerging evidence suggests that, in addition to cGMP, other nucleoside 3',5'-cyclic monophosphates (cNMPs) are synthesized by sGC in response to nitric oxide stimulation, and some of these nucleoside 3',5'-cyclic monophosphates are involved in various physiological activities. For example, inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate synthesized by sGC may play a critical role in hypoxic augmentation of vasoconstriction. The involvement of cytidine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and uridine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate in certain cardiovascular activities is also implicated.

Biased activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase: the Janus face of thymoquinone

The natural compound thymoquinone, extracted from Nigella sativa (black cumin), is widely used in humans for its anti-oxidative properties. Thymoquinone is known for its acute endothelium-independent vasodilator effects in isolated rat aortae and pulmonary arteries, depending in part on activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels. The compound also improves endothelial dysfunction in mesenteric arteries of ageing rodents and in aortae of rabbits treated with pyrogallol, by inhibiting oxidative stress. Serendipitously, thymoquinone was found to augment contractions in isolated arteries with endothelium of both rats and pigs. The endothelium-dependent augmentation it causes counterintuitively depends on biased activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) producing inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic IMP) rather than guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. This phenomenon shows a striking mechanistic similarity to the hypoxic augmentation previously observed in porcine coronary arteries. The cyclic IMP preferentially produced under thymoquinone exposure causes an increased contractility of arterial smooth muscle by interfering with calcium homeostasis. This brief review summarizes the vascular pharmacology of thymoquinone, focussing in particular on how the compound causes endothelium-dependent contractions by biasing the activity of sGC.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CI. Structures and Small Molecule Modulators of Mammalian Adenylyl Cyclases

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) generate the second messenger cAMP from ATP. Mammalian cells express nine transmembrane AC (mAC) isoforms (AC1-9) and a soluble AC (sAC, also referred to as AC10). This review will largely focus on mACs. mACs are activated by the G-protein Gαs and regulated by multiple mechanisms. mACs are differentially expressed in tissues and regulate numerous and diverse cell functions. mACs localize in distinct membrane compartments and form signaling complexes. sAC is activated by bicarbonate with physiologic roles first described in testis. Crystal structures of the catalytic core of a hybrid mAC and sAC are available. These structures provide detailed insights into the catalytic mechanism and constitute the basis for the development of isoform-selective activators and inhibitors. Although potent competitive and noncompetitive mAC inhibitors are available, it is challenging to obtain compounds with high isoform selectivity due to the conservation of the catalytic core. Accordingly, caution must be exerted with the interpretation of intact-cell studies. The development of isoform-selective activators, the plant diterpene forskolin being the starting compound, has been equally challenging. There is no known endogenous ligand for the forskolin binding site. Recently, development of selective sAC inhibitors was reported. An emerging field is the association of AC gene polymorphisms with human diseases. For example, mutations in the AC5 gene (ADCY5) cause hyperkinetic extrapyramidal motor disorders. Overall, in contrast to the guanylyl cyclase field, our understanding of the (patho)physiology of AC isoforms and the development of clinically useful drugs targeting ACs is still in its infancy.

Endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease - a 30th anniversary update

The endothelium can evoke relaxations of the underlying vascular smooth muscle, by releasing vasodilator substances. The best-characterized endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is nitric oxide (NO) which activates soluble guanylyl cyclase in the vascular smooth muscle cells, with the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) initiating relaxation. The endothelial cells also evoke hyperpolarization of the cell membrane of vascular smooth muscle (endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations, EDH-mediated responses). As regards the latter, hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) now appears to play a dominant role. Endothelium-dependent relaxations involve both pertussis toxin-sensitive G_i (e.g. responses to α₂ -adrenergic agonists, serotonin, and thrombin) and pertussis toxin-insensitive G_q (e.g. adenosine diphosphate and bradykinin) coupling proteins. New stimulators (e.g. insulin, adiponectin) of the release of EDRFs have emerged. In recent years, evidence has also accumulated, confirming that the release of NO by the endothelial cell can chronically be upregulated (e.g. by oestrogens, exercise and dietary factors) and downregulated (e.g. oxidative stress, smoking, pollution and oxidized low-density lipoproteins) and that it is reduced with ageing and in the course of vascular disease (e.g. diabetes and hypertension). Arteries covered with regenerated endothelium (e.g. following angioplasty) selectively lose the pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway for NO release which favours vasospasm, thrombosis, penetration of macrophages, cellular growth and the inflammatory reaction leading to atherosclerosis. In addition to the release of NO (and EDH, in particular those due to H₂ O₂ ), endothelial cells also can evoke contraction of the underlying vascular smooth muscle cells by releasing endothelium-derived contracting factors. Recent evidence confirms that most endothelium-dependent acute increases in contractile force are due to the formation of vasoconstrictor prostanoids (endoperoxides and prostacyclin) which activate TP receptors of the vascular smooth muscle cells and that prostacyclin plays a key role in such responses. Endothelium-dependent contractions are exacerbated when the production of nitric oxide is impaired (e.g. by oxidative stress, ageing, spontaneous hypertension and diabetes). They contribute to the blunting of endothelium-dependent vasodilatations in aged subjects and essential hypertensive and diabetic patients. In addition, recent data confirm that the release of endothelin-1 can contribute to endothelial dysfunction and that the peptide appears to be an important contributor to vascular dysfunction. Finally, it has become clear that nitric oxide itself, under certain conditions (e.g. hypoxia), can cause biased activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase leading to the production of cyclic inosine monophosphate (cIMP) rather than cGMP and hence causes contraction rather than relaxation of the underlying vascular smooth muscle.

Substrate specificity determinants of class III nucleotidyl cyclases

The two second messengers in signalling, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, are produced by adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases respectively. Recognition and discrimination of the substrates ATP and GTP by the nucleotidyl cyclases are vital in these reactions. Various apo-, substrate- or inhibitor-bound forms of adenylyl cyclase (AC) structures from transmembrane and soluble ACs have revealed the catalytic mechanism of ATP cyclization reaction. Previously reported structures of guanylyl cyclases represent ligand-free forms and inactive open states of the enzymes and thus do not provide information regarding the exact mode of substrate binding. The structures we present here of the cyclase homology domain of a class III AC from Mycobacterium avium (Ma1120) and its mutant in complex with ATP and GTP in the presence of calcium ion, provide the structural basis for substrate selection by the nucleotidyl cyclases at the atomic level. Precise nature of the enzyme-substrate interactions, novel modes of substrate binding and the ability of the binding pocket to accommodate diverse conformations of the substrates have been revealed by the present crystallographic analysis. This is the first report to provide structures of both the nucleotide substrates bound to a nucleotidyl cyclase.

DATABASE

Coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession numbers: 5D15 (Ma1120_CHD +ATP.Ca²⁺ ), 5D0E (Ma1120_CHD +GTP.Ca²⁺ ), 5D0H (Ma1120_CHD (KDA→EGY)+ATP.Ca²⁺ ), 5D0G (Ma1120_CHD (KDA→EGY)+GTP.Ca²⁺ ).

ENZYMES

Adenylyl cyclase (EC number: 4.6.1.1).

Endothelium-Dependent Contractions of Isolated Arteries to Thymoquinone Require Biased Activity of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase with Subsequent Cyclic IMP Production

Preliminary experiments on isolated rat arteries demonstrated that thymoquinone, a compound widely used for its antioxidant properties and believed to facilitate endothelium-dependent relaxations, as a matter of fact caused endothelium-dependent contractions. The present experiments were designed to determine the mechanisms underlying this unexpected response. Isometric tension was measured in rings (with and without endothelium) of rat mesenteric arteries and aortae and of porcine coronary arteries. Precontracted preparations were exposed to increasing concentrations of thymoquinone, which caused concentration-dependent, sustained further increases in tension (augmentations) that were prevented by endothelium removal, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME; nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor], and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; soluble guanylyl cyclase [sGC] inhibitor). In L-NAME-treated rings, the NO-donor diethylenetriamine NONOate restored the thymoquinone-induced augmentations; 5-[1-(phenylmethyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]-2-furanmethanol (sGC activator) and cyclic IMP (cIMP) caused similar restorations. By contrast, in ODQ-treated preparations, the cell-permeable cGMP analog did not restore the augmentation by thymoquinone. The compound augmented the content (measured with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) of cIMP, but not that of cGMP; these increases in cIMP content were prevented by endothelium removal, L-NAME, and ODQ. The augmentation of contractions caused by thymoquinone was prevented in porcine arteries, but not in rat arteries, by 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)homopiperazine dihydrochloride and trans-4-[(1R)-1-aminoethyl]-N-4-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride (Rho-kinase inhibitors); in the latter, but not in the former, it was reduced by 3,5-dichloro-N-[[(1α,5α,6-exo,6α)-3-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-6-yl]methyl]-benzamide hydrochloride (T-type calcium channel inhibitor), demonstrating species/vascular bed differences in the impact of cIMP on calcium handling. Thymoquinone is the first pharmacological agent that causes endothelium-dependent augmentation of contractions of isolated arteries, which requires endothelium-derived NO and biased sGC activation, resulting in the augmented production of cIMP favoring the contractile process.

cGMP becomes a drug target

Cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) serves as a second messenger molecule, which regulates pleiotropic cellular functions in health and disease. cGMP is generated by particulate or soluble guanylyl cyclases upon stimulation with natriuretic peptides or nitric oxide, respectively. Furthermore, the cGMP concentration is modulated by cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterases. Several targets of cGMP are utilized to effect its various cellular functions. These effector molecules comprise cGMP-dependent protein kinases, ion channels, and phosphodiesterases. During the last decade, it emerged that cGMP is a novel drug target for the treatment of pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders. In this respect, several drugs were developed, which are now in clinical phase studies for, e.g., pulmonary hypertension or cardiovascular diseases. These new drugs act NO-independently with/without heme on soluble guanylyl cyclases or induce subtypes of particular guanylyl cyclases and thereby lead to new therapeutic concepts and horizons. In this regard, the fifth cGMP meeting held in June 2011 in Halle, Germany, comprised the new therapeutic challenges with the novel functional and structural concepts of cGMP generating and effector molecules. This report summarizes the new data on molecular mechanisms, (patho)physiological relevance, and therapeutic potentials of the cGMP signaling system that were presented at this meeting.

Regulation of apoptosis by cyclic nucleotides in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells and human myelogenous leukemia (K-562) cells

The cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cCMP and cUMP have been recently identified in numerous mammalian cell lines, in primary cells and in intact organs, but very little is still known about their biological function. A recent study of our group revealed that the membrane-permeable cCMP analog cCMP-acetoxymethylester (cCMP-AM) induces apoptosis in mouse lymphoma cells independent of protein kinase A via an intrinsic and mitochondria-dependent pathway. In our present study, we examined the effects of various cNMP-AMs in human tumor cell lines. In HEL cells, a human erythroleukemia cell line, cCMP-AM effectively reduced the number of viable cells, effectively induced apoptosis by altering the mitochondrial membrane potential and thereby caused changes in the cell cycle. cCMP itself was biologically inactive, indicating that membrane penetration is required to trigger intracellular effects. cCMP-AM did not induce apoptosis in K-562 cells, a human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line, due to rapid export via multidrug resistance-associated proteins. The biological effects of cCMP-AM differed from those of other cNMP-AMs. In conclusion, cCMP effectively induces apoptosis in HEL cells, cCMP export prevents apoptosis of K-562 cells and cNMPs differentially regulate various aspects of apoptosis, cell growth and mitochondrial function. In a broader perspective, our data support the concept of distinct second messenger roles of cAMP, cGMP, cCMP and cUMP.

Carbonic anhydrases are producers of S-nitrosothiols from inorganic nitrite and modulators of soluble guanylyl cyclase in human platelets

Nitric oxide (NO), S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitrosocysteine are highly potent signaling molecules, acting both by cGMP-dependent and cGMP-independent mechanisms. The NO metabolite nitrite (NO2 (-)) is a major NO reservoir. Hemoglobin, xanthine oxidoreductase and carbonic anhydrase (CA) have been reported to reduce/convert nitrite to NO. We evaluated the role and the physiological importance of CA for an extra-platelet CA/nitrite/NO/cGMP pathway in human platelets. Authentic NO was analyzed by an NO-sensitive electrode. GSNO and GS(15)NO were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). cGMP was determined by LC-MS/MS or RIA. In reduced glutathione (GSH) containing aqueous buffer (pH 7.4), human and bovine erythrocytic CAII-mediated formation of GSNO from nitrite and GS(15)NO from (15)N-nitrite. In the presence of L-cysteine and GSH, this reaction was accompanied by NO release. Incubation of nitrite with bovine erythrocytic CAII and recombinant soluble guanylyl cyclase resulted in cGMP formation. Upon incubation of nitrite with bovine erythrocytic CAII and washed human platelets, cGMP and P-VASP(S239) were formed in the platelets. This study provides the first evidence that extra-platelet nitrite and erythrocytic CAII may modulate platelet function in a cGMP-dependent manner. The new nitrite-dependent CA activity may be a general principle and explain the cardioprotective effects of inorganic nitrite in the vasculature. We propose that nitrous acid (ONOH) is the primary CA-catalyzed reaction product of nitrite.

Hypoxic Vasospasm Mediated by cIMP: When Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Turns Bad

In a number of isolated blood vessel types, hypoxia causes an acute contraction that is dependent on the presence of nitric oxide and activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. It is more pronounced when the preparations are constricted and is therefore termed hypoxic augmentation of vasoconstriction. This hypoxic response is accompanied by increases in the intracellular level of inosine 5′-triphosphate and in the synthesis of inosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cIMP) by soluble guanylyl cyclase. The administration of exogenous cIMP or inosine 5′-triphosphate causes augmented vasoconstriction to hypoxia. Furthermore, the vasoconstriction evoked by hypoxia and cIMP is associated with increased activity of Rho kinase (ROCK), indicating that cIMP may mediate the hypoxic effect by sensitizing the myofilaments to Ca²⁺ through ROCK. Hypoxia is implicated in exaggerated vasoconstriction in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and stroke. The newly found role of cIMP may help to identify unique therapeutic targets for certain cardiovascular disorders.

Heterogeneity of pulmonary endothelial cyclic nucleotide response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoY infection

Here, we tested the hypothesis that a promiscuous bacterial cyclase synthesizes purine and pyrimidine cyclic nucleotides in the pulmonary endothelium. To test this hypothesis, pulmonary endothelial cells were infected with a strain of the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa that introduces only exoenzyme Y (PA103 ΔexoUexoT::Tc pUCPexoY; ExoY(+)) via a type III secretion system. Purine and pyrimidine cyclic nucleotides were simultaneously detected using mass spectrometry. Pulmonary artery (PAECs) and pulmonary microvascular (PMVECs) endothelial cells both possess basal levels of four different cyclic nucleotides in the following rank order: cAMP > cUMP ≈ cGMP ≈ cCMP. Endothelial gap formation was induced in a time-dependent manner following ExoY(+) intoxication. In PAECs, intercellular gaps formed within 2 h and progressively increased in size up to 6 h, when the experiment was terminated. cGMP concentrations increased within 1 h postinfection, whereas cAMP and cUMP concentrations increased within 3 h, and cCMP concentrations increased within 4 h postinfection. In PMVECs, intercellular gaps did not form until 4 h postinfection. Only cGMP and cUMP concentrations increased at 3 and 6 h postinfection, respectively. PAECs generated higher cyclic nucleotide levels than PMVECs, and the cyclic nucleotide levels increased earlier in response to ExoY(+) intoxication. Heterogeneity of the cyclic nucleotide signature in response to P. aeruginosa infection exists between PAECs and PMVECs, suggesting the intracellular milieu in PAECs is more conducive to cNMP generation.

The Influence of Nitric Oxide on Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Regulation by Nucleotides: ROLE OF THE PSEUDOSYMMETRIC SITE

Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) by the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) leads to formation of the second messenger cGMP, which mediates numerous physiological processes. NO activates sGC by binding to the ferrous heme cofactor; the relative amount of NO with respect to sGC heme affects the enzyme activity. ATP can also influence the activity by binding to an allosteric site, most likely the pseudosymmetric site located in the catalytic domain. Here, the role of the pseudosymmetric site on nucleotide regulation was investigated by point mutations at this site. ATP inhibition kinetics of wild type and a pseudosymmetric site (α1-C594A/β1-D477A) variant of sGC was determined at various levels of NO. Results obtained show that in the presence of less than 1 eq of NO, there appears to be less than complete activation and little change in the nucleotide binding parameters. The most dramatic effects are observed for the addition of excess NO, which results in an increase in the affinity of GTP at the catalytic site and full activation of sGC. The pseudosymmetric site mutation only affected nucleotide affinities in the presence of excess NO; there was a decrease in the affinity for ATP in both the allosteric and catalytic sites. These observations led to a new kinetic model for sGC activity in the presence of excess NO. This model revealed that the active and allosteric sites show cooperativity. This new comprehensive model gives a more accurate description of sGC regulation by NO and nucleotides in vivo.

cCMP and cUMP occur in vivo

Mammalian cells contain the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cCMP and cUMP. It is unknown whether these tentative new second messenger molecules occur in vivo. We used high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry to quantitate nucleoside 3',5'-cyclic monophosphates. cCMP was detected in all organs studied, most notably pancreas, spleen and the female reproductive system. cUMP was not detected in organs, probably due to the intrinsically low sensitivity of mass spectrometry to detect this molecule and organ matrix effects. Intratracheal infection of mice with recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring the nucleotidyl cyclase toxin ExoY massively increased cUMP in lung. The identity of cCMP and cUMP in organs was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. cUMP also appeared in serum, urine and faeces following infection. Taken together, this report unequivocally shows for the first time that cCMP and cUMP occur in vivo.

From canonical to non-canonical cyclic nucleotides as second messengers: pharmacological implications

This review summarizes our knowledge on the non-canonical cyclic nucleotides cCMP, cUMP, cIMP, cXMP and cTMP. We place the field into a historic context and discuss unresolved questions and future directions of research. We discuss the implications of non-canonical cyclic nucleotides for experimental and clinical pharmacology, focusing on bacterial infections, cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric disorders and reproduction medicine. The canonical cyclic purine nucleotides cAMP and cGMP fulfill the criteria of second messengers. (i) cAMP and cGMP are synthesized by specific generators, i.e. adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases, respectively. (ii) cAMP and cGMP activate specific effector proteins, e.g. protein kinases. (iii) cAMP and cGMP exert specific biological effects. (iv) The biological effects of cAMP and cGMP are terminated by phosphodiesterases and export. The effects of cAMP and cGMP are mimicked by (v) membrane-permeable cyclic nucleotide analogs and (vi) bacterial toxins. For decades, the existence and relevance of cCMP and cUMP have been controversial. Modern mass-spectrometric methods have unequivocally demonstrated the existence of cCMP and cUMP in mammalian cells. For both, cCMP and cUMP, the criteria for second messenger molecules are now fulfilled as well. There are specific patterns by which nucleotidyl cyclases generate cNMPs and how they are degraded and exported, resulting in unique cNMP signatures in biological systems. cNMP signaling systems, specifically at the level of soluble guanylyl cyclase, soluble adenylyl cyclase and ExoY from Pseudomonas aeruginosa are more promiscuous than previously appreciated. cUMP and cCMP are evolutionary new molecules, probably reflecting an adaption to signaling requirements in higher organisms.

A facile and sensitive method for quantification of cyclic nucleotide monophosphates in mammalian organs: basal levels of eight cNMPs and identification of 2',3'-cIMP

A sensitive, versatile and economical method to extract and quantify cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (cNMPs) using LC-MS/MS, including both 3',5'-cNMPs and 2',3'-cNMPs, in mammalian tissues and cellular systems has been developed. Problems, such as matrix effects from complex biological samples, are addressed and have been optimized. This protocol allows for comparison of multiple cNMPs in the same system and was used to examine the relationship between tissue levels of cNMPs in a panel of rat organs. In addition, the study reports the first identification and quantification of 2',3'-cIMP. The developed method will allow for quantification of cNMPs levels in cells and tissues with varying disease states, which will provide insight into the role(s) and interplay of cNMP signalling pathways.

cCMP and cUMP: emerging second messengers

The cyclic purine nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are established second messengers. By contrast, the existence of the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cytidine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cCMP) and uridine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cUMP) has been controversial for decades. The recent development of highly sensitive mass spectrometry (MS) methods allowed precise quantitation and unequivocal identification of cCMP and cUMP in cells. Importantly, cCMP and cUMP generators, effectors, cleaving enzymes, and transporters have now been identified. Here, I discuss evidence in support of cCMP and cUMP as bona fide second messengers, the emerging therapeutic implications of cCMP and cUMP signaling, and important unresolved questions for this field.

N4-monobutyryl-cCMP activates PKA RIα and PKA RIIα more potently and with higher efficacy than PKG Iα in vitro but not in vivo

There is increasing evidence for a role of cytidine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cCMP) as second messenger. In a recent study, we showed that cCMP activates both purified guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase Iα (PKG Iα) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) isoenzymes with the regulatory subunits RIα and RIIα. Moreover, the membrane-permeant cCMP analog dibutyryl (DB)-cCMP induces effective vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation via PKG Iα, but not via PKA. These data prompted us to conduct a systematic analysis of the effects of cyclic nucleotide (cNMP) analogs on purified PKG Iα and PKA RIα and RIIα We also studied the effect of DB-cCMP on PKA-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP response-binding protein (CREB) in S49 wild-type lymphoma cells and S49 kin(-) cells, devoid of the catalytic subunit of PKA. The major cellular metabolite of the prodrug DB-cCMP, N(4)-monobutyryl (4-MB)-cCMP, was a partial and low-potency activator of purified PKG Iα and a full and moderate-potency activator of PKA RIα and RIIα. Sp-cCMPS and Sp-cAMPS activated PKA RIα and RIIα with much higher potency and efficacy than PKG Iα. Molecular modeling suggested that the cytidine ring interacts with PKG Iα mainly via hydrophobic interactions, while the butyryl group projects away from the kinase. In contrast to DB-cAMP, DB-cCMP did not induce PKA-dependent phosphorylation in intact cells. Taken together, our data show that N(4)-monobutyryl-cCMP (4-MB-cCMP) activates PKA RIα and PKA RIIα more potently and with higher efficacy than PKG Iα in vitro but not in vivo. cNMP phosphorothioates constitute a starting point for the development of PKA activators with high selectivity relative to PKG.

Structures of soluble guanylate cyclase: implications for regulatory mechanisms and drug development

Activation of cGMP synthesis leads to vasodilation, and is an important mechanism in clinical treatment of angina, heart failure, and severe peripheral and pulmonary hypertension. The nitric oxide-responsive sGC (soluble guanylate cyclase) has been the target of recent drug discovery efforts. The present review surveys recent data on the structure and regulation of sGC, and the prospects of new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

PDE7A1 hydrolyzes cCMP

The degradation and biological role of the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotide cCMP is largely elusive. We investigated nucleoside 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cNMP) specificity of six different recombinant phosphodiesterases (PDEs) by using a highly-sensitive HPLC-MS/MS detection method. PDE7A1 was the only enzyme that hydrolyzed significant amounts of cCMP. Enzyme kinetic studies using purified GST-tagged truncated PDE7A1 revealed a cCMP KM value of 135 ± 19 μM. The Vmax for cCMP hydrolysis reached 745 ± 27 nmol/(minmg), which is about 6-fold higher than the corresponding velocity for adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) degradation. In summary, PDE7A is a high-speed and low-affinity PDE for cCMP.

cNMP-AMs mimic and dissect bacterial nucleotidyl cyclase toxin effects

In addition to the well-known second messengers cAMP and cGMP, mammalian cells contain the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cCMP and cUMP. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin ExoY massively increases cGMP and cUMP in cells, whereas the Bordetella pertussis toxin CyaA increases cAMP and, to a lesser extent, cCMP. To mimic and dissect toxin effects, we synthesized cNMP-acetoxymethylesters as prodrugs. cNMP-AMs rapidly and effectively released the corresponding cNMP in cells. The combination of cGMP-AM plus cUMP-AM mimicked cytotoxicity of ExoY. cUMP-AM and cGMP-AM differentially activated gene expression. Certain cCMP and cUMP effects were independent of the known cNMP effectors protein kinases A and G and guanine nucleotide exchange factor Epac. In conclusion, cNMP-AMs are useful tools to mimic and dissect bacterial nucleotidyl cyclase toxin effects.

cAMP, cGMP, cCMP and cUMP concentrations across the tree of life: High cCMP and cUMP levels in astrocytes

Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) are well-established second messengers, whereas the physiological role of the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cytidine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cCMP) and uridine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cUMP) is poorly understood. Certain mammalian nucleotidyl cyclases (NCs) and bacterial NC toxins can generate cCMP and cUMP. Human HEK293 cells and rat B103 neuroblastoma cells are of neuronal origin and possess high basal concentrations of cCMP and cUMP that can be attributed to soluble adenylyl cyclase activity. These data prompted us to conduct a systematic analysis of basal nucleoside 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cNMP) concentrations across the tree of life. cCMP and cUMP were identified in many mammalian cell lines and primary cells. cNMP patterns varied broadly among cells, and in several systems, cCMP and cUMP concentrations were quite high. Prokaryotes, fungi, amoeba and invertebrates lacked cCMP and cUMP, whereas cAMP was found across the tree of life. High cCMP and cUMP concentrations were found in astrocytes. The distinct cNMP patterns support specific second messenger roles of cCMP and cUMP, specifically in astrocytes.