Interaction of calmodulin-binding domain peptides of nitric oxide synthase with membrane phospholipids: regulation by protein phosphorylation and Ca(2+)-calmodulin

Noise, Air, and Heavy Metal Pollution as Risk Factors for Endothelial Dysfunction

During the last two decades, large epidemiological studies have shown that the physical environment, including noise, air pollution or heavy metals, have a considerable impact on human health. It is known that the most common cardiovascular risk factors are all associated with endothelial dysfunction. Vascular tone, circulation of blood cells, inflammation, and platelet activity are some of the most essential functions regulated by the endothelium that suffer negative effects as a consequence of environmental pollution, causing endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we delineate the impact of environmental risk factors in connection to endothelial function. On a mechanistic level, a significant number of studies suggest the involvement of endothelial dysfunction to fundamentally drive the adverse endothelium health effects of the different pollutants. We focus on well-established studies that demonstrate the negative effects on the endothelium, with a focus on air, noise, and heavy metal pollution. This in-depth review on endothelial dysfunction as a consequence of the physical environment aims to contribute to the associated research needs by evaluating current findings from human and animal studies. From a public health perspective, these findings may also help to reinforce efforts promoting the research for adequate promising biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases since endothelial function is considered a hallmark of environmental stressor health effects.

Redox and spectroscopic properties of mammalian nitrite reductase-like hemoproteins

Besides the canonical pathway of L-arginine oxidation to produce nitric oxide (NO) in vivo, the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway has been widely accepted as another source for circulating NO in mammals, especially under hypoxia. To date, there have been at least ten heme-containing nitrite reductase-like proteins discovered in mammals with activities mainly identified in vitro, including four globins (hemoglobin, myoglobin, neuroglobin (Ngb), cytoglobin (Cygb)), three mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes (cytochrome c oxidase, cytochrome bc₁, cytochrome c), and three other heme proteins (endothelial nitric oxide synthase, cytochrome P450 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)). The pathophysiological functions of these proteins are closely related to their redox and spectroscopic properties, as well as their protein structure, although the physiological roles of Ngb, Cygb and IDO1 remain unclear. So far, comprehensive summaries of the redox and spectroscopic properties of these nitrite reductase-like hemoproteins are still lacking. In this review, we have mainly summarized the published data on the application of ultraviolet-visible, electron paramagnetic resonance, circular dichroism and resonance Raman spectroscopies, and X-ray crystallography in studying nitrite reductase-like activity of these 10 proteins, in order to sort out the relationships among enzymatic function, structure and spectroscopic characterization, which might help in understanding their roles in redox biology and medicine.

Interaction of Alcohol & Phosphatidic Acid in Maternal Rat Uterine Artery Function

Alcohol has been demonstrated to impair maternal uterine arterial adaptations in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) animal models. However, the exact mechanism remains inconclusive. We hypothesized that phosphatidic acid (PA), a direct target of alcohol metabolism, would alleviate alcohol-induced vascular dysfunction of the maternal uterine artery. Mean fetal weight, and crown-rump length of the alcohol administered rats were ~9% and 7.6% lower than the pair-fed control pups, respectively. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced uterine artery relaxation was significantly impaired in uterine arteries of alcohol-administered rats (P<0.05). Supplementation of 10^-5M PA reversed alcohol-induced vasodilatory deficit; no difference was detected after PA treatment between pair-fed control and alcohol groups (P=0.37). There was a significant interaction between PA concentrations and alcohol exposure (PA X Alcohol effect, P<0.0001). Pair-wise comparisons showed a concentration-dependent vasodilatory effect on uterine arteries of the alcohol-administered rats, with % relaxation significantly improved at PA concentrations > 10^-7 M (P<0.05). Alcohol significantly reduced vasodilatory P-Ser1177 endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels in the uterine artery (↓90.7%; P=0.0029). PA treatment significantly reversed P-Ser1177 eNOS level in alcohol uterine arteries (153.7%↑; P=0.005); following ex vivo PA, there was no difference in P-Ser1177 eNOS levels between Control and Alcohol. Neither alcohol treatment nor PA affected total eNOS levels. Our data provide the first evidence of the interaction of alcohol and PA in rat maternal uterine artery vascular function and demonstrates PA's relationship with the eNOS system. Overall, the current study demonstrates that PA may be a promising therapeutic molecule of interest in alcohol-related gestational vascular dysfunction.

Activation of eNOS by D-pinitol Induces an Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilatation in Mouse Mesenteric Artery

D-pinitol is a cyclitol present in several edible plant species and extensively investigated for the treatment of metabolic diseases in humans, as food supplement, and demonstrated protective effects in the cardiovascular system. For these reasons, the present work aimed at investigating the mechanisms involved in the vascular effects of D-pinitol in mouse mesenteric artery. Mesenteric arteries from male C57BL/6 mice were mounted in a wire myograph. Nitrite was measured by the 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) method. Protein expression and phosphorylation were measured by Western blot. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. D-pinitol induced a concentration-dependent vasodilatation in endothelium-intact, but not in endothelium-denuded arteries. Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (300 μM) abolished the effect of D-pinitol, while 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 μM) shifted the concentration-response curve to the right. KN-93 (1 μM) blunted the vasodilator effect of D-pinitol, but H-89 (0.1 μM) did not change it. 1-[2-(Trifluoromethyl) phenyl]imidazole (300 μM), indomethacin (10 μM), celecoxib (5 μM), wortmannin (1 μM), ruthenium red (10 μM), tiron (10 μM), MnTMPyP (30 μM), MPP (0.1 μM), PHTPP (0.1 μM), and atropine (1 μM) did not change the effect of D-pinitol. D-pinitol increased the concentration of nitrite, which was inhibited by L-NAME and calmidazolium (10 μM). D-pinitol increased the phosphorylation level of eNOS activation site at Ser¹¹⁷⁷ and reduced the phosphorylation level of its inactivation site at Thr⁴⁹⁵. In normotensive mice, the intraperitoneal administration of D-pinitol (10 mg/kg) induced a significant reduction of the SBP after 30 min. The present results led us to conclude that D-pinitol has an endothelium- and NO-dependent vasodilator effect in mouse mesenteric artery through a mechanism dependent on the activation of eNOS by the calcium-calmodulin complex, which can explain its hypotensive effect in mice.

A strategy to identify linker-based modules for the allosteric regulation of antibody-antigen binding affinities of different scFvs

Antibody single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) are used in a variety of applications, such as for research, diagnosis and therapy. Essential for these applications is the extraordinary specificity, selectivity and affinity of antibody paratopes, which can also be used for efficient protein purification. However, this use is hampered by the high affinity for the protein to be purified because harsh elution conditions, which may impair folding, integrity or viability of the eluted biomaterials, are typically required. In this study, we developed a strategy to obtain structural elements that provide allosteric modulation of the affinities of different antibody scFvs for their antigen. To identify suitable allosteric modules, a complete set of cyclic permutations of calmodulin variants was generated and tested for modulation of the affinity when substituting the linker between VH and VL. Modulation of affinity induced by addition of different calmodulin-binding peptides at physiologic conditions was demonstrated for 5 of 6 tested scFvs of different specificities and antigens ranging from cell surface proteins to haptens. In addition, a variety of different modulator peptides were tested. Different structural solutions were found in respect of the optimal calmodulin permutation, the optimal peptide and the allosteric effect for scFvs binding to different antigen structures. Significantly, effective linker modules were identified for scFvs with both VH-VL and VL-VH architecture. The results suggest that this approach may offer a rapid, paratope-independent strategy to provide allosteric regulation of affinity for many other antibody scFvs.

Endothelial caveolar subcellular domain regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Complex regulatory processes alter the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) leading to nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial cells under various physiological states. These complex processes require specific subcellular eNOS partitioning between plasma membrane caveolar domains and non-caveolar compartments. Translocation of eNOS from the plasma membrane to intracellular compartments is important for eNOS activation and subsequent NO biosynthesis. We present data reviewing and interpreting information regarding: (i) the coupling of endothelial plasma membrane receptor systems in the caveolar structure relative to eNOS trafficking; (ii) how eNOS trafficking relates to specific protein-protein interactions for inactivation and activation of eNOS; and (iii) how these complex mechanisms confer specific subcellular location relative to eNOS multisite phosphorylation and signalling. Dysfunction in the regulation of eNOS activation may contribute to several disease states, in particular gestational endothelial abnormalities (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes etc.), that have life-long deleterious health consequences that predispose the offspring to develop hypertensive disease, Type 2 diabetes and adiposity.

Solution structure of calmodulin bound to the binding domain of the HIV-1 matrix protein

Subcellular distribution of calmodulin (CaM) in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-infected cells is distinct from that observed in uninfected cells. CaM co-localizes and interacts with the HIV-1 Gag protein in the cytosol of infected cells. Although it has been shown that binding of Gag to CaM is mediated by the matrix (MA) domain, the structural details of this interaction are not known. We have recently shown that binding of CaM to MA induces a conformational change that triggers myristate exposure, and that the CaM-binding domain of MA is confined to a region spanning residues 8-43 (MA-(8-43)). Here, we present the NMR structure of CaM bound to MA-(8-43). Our data revealed that MA-(8-43), which contains a novel CaM-binding motif, binds to CaM in an antiparallel mode with the N-terminal helix (α1) anchored to the CaM C-terminal lobe, and the C-terminal helix (α2) of MA-(8-43) bound to the N-terminal lobe of CaM. The CaM protein preserves a semiextended conformation. Binding of MA-(8-43) to CaM is mediated by numerous hydrophobic interactions and stabilized by favorable electrostatic contacts. Our structural data are consistent with the findings that CaM induces unfolding of the MA protein to have access to helices α1 and α2. It is noteworthy that several MA residues involved in CaM binding have been previously implicated in membrane binding, envelope incorporation, and particle production. The present findings may ultimately help in identification of the functional role of CaM in HIV-1 replication.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of eNOS

Endothelial cells situated at the interface between blood and the vessel wall play a crucial role in controlling vascular tone and homeostasis, particularly in determining the expression of pro- and anti-atherosclerotic genes. Many of these effects are mediated by changes in the generation and release of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) in response to hemodynamic stimuli exerted on the luminal surface of endothelial cells by the streaming blood (shear stress) and the cyclic strain of the vascular wall. The endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is activated in response to fluid shear stress and numerous agonists via cellular events such as; increased intracellular Ca(2+), interaction with substrate and co-factors, as well as adaptor and regulatory proteins, protein phosphorylation, and through shuttling between distinct sub-cellular domains. Dysregulation of these processes leads to attenuated eNOS activity and reduced NO output which is a characteristic feature of numerous patho-physiological disorders such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. This review summarizes some of the recent findings relating to the molecular events regulating eNOS activity.

Shear stress stimulates nitric oxide signaling in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells via a reduction in catalase activity: role of protein kinase C delta

Previous studies have indicated that acute increases in shear stress can stimulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity through increased PI3 kinase/Akt signaling and phosphorylation of Ser1177. However, the mechanism by which shear stress activates this pathway has not been adequately resolved nor has the potential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) been evaluated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if shear-mediated increases in ROS play a role in stimulating Ser1177 phosphorylation and NO signaling in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC) exposed to acute increases in shear stress. Our initial studies demonstrated that although shear stress did not increase superoxide levels in PAEC, there was an increase in H2O2 levels. The increases in H2O2 were associated with a decrease in catalase activity but not protein levels. In addition, we found that acute shear stress caused an increase in eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 phosphorylation and a decrease in phosphorylation at Thr495. We also found that the overexpression of catalase significantly attenuated the shear-mediated increases in H2O2, phospho-Ser1177 eNOS, and NO generation. Further investigation identified a decrease in PKCdelta activity in response to shear stress, and the overexpression of PKCdelta attenuated the shear-mediated decrease in Thr495 phosphorylation and the increase in NO generation, and this led to increased eNOS uncoupling. PKCdelta overexpression also attenuated Ser1177 phosphorylation through a posttranslational increase in catalase activity, mediated via a serine phosphorylation event, reducing shear-mediated increases in H2O2. Together, our data indicate that shear stress decreases PKCdelta activity, altering the phosphorylation pattern catalase, leading to decreased catalase activity and increased H2O2 signaling, and this in turn leads to increases in phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177 and NO generation.

FK506 binding protein 12/12.6 depletion increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase threonine 495 phosphorylation and blood pressure

Chronic treatment with the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin leads to hypertension; however, the mechanisms are unknown. Rapamycin binds FK506 binding protein 12 and its related isoform 12.6 (FKBP12/12.6) and displaces them from intracellular Ca2+ release channels (ryanodine receptors) eliciting a Ca2+ leak from the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum. We tested whether this Ca2+ leak promotes conventional protein kinase C-mediated endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation at Thr495, which reduces production of the vasodilator NO. Rapamycin treatment of control mice for 7 days, as well as genetic deletion of FKBP12.6, increased systolic arterial pressure significantly compared with controls. Untreated aortas from FKBP12.6-/- mice and in vitro rapamycin-treated control aortas had similarly decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation responses and NO production and increased endothelial NO synthase Thr495 phosphorylation and protein kinase C activity. Inhibition of either conventional protein kinase C or ryanodine receptor restored endothelial NO synthase Thr495 phosphorylation and endothelial function to control levels. Rapamycin induced a small increase in basal intracellular Ca2+ levels in isolated endothelial cells, and rapamycin or FKBP12.6 gene deletion decreased acetylcholine-induced intracellular Ca2+ release, all of which were reversed by ryanodine. These data demonstrate that displacement of FKBP12/12.6 from ryanodine receptors induces an endothelial intracellular Ca2+ leak and increases conventional protein kinase C-mediated endothelial NO synthase Thr495 phosphorylation leading to decreased NO production and endothelial dysfunction. This molecular mechanism may, in part, explain rapamycin-induced hypertension.

Ambient pressure upregulates nitric oxide synthase in a phosphorylated-extracellular regulated kinase– and protein kinase C–dependent manner

PURPOSE

Using endothelial cell/smooth muscle cell (SMC) cocultures, we have demonstrated that pressurized endothelial cell coculture inhibits SMC proliferation and promotes apoptosis, and that this effect is transferable through pressurized endothelial medium. We now hypothesized that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a significant role in mediating these pressure-induced effects.

METHODS

Conditioned media from endothelial cells and SMCs exposed to ambient and increased pressure were transferred to recipient SMCs. We counted cells after 5 days of incubation with these media and evaluated eNOS and inducible NOS (iNOS) levels by Western blot.

RESULTS

Conditioned media from pressurized endothelial cells significantly decreased recipient SMC counts. This effect was sustained when N-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) was added to recipient cells but abolished when L-NAME was added to donor cells. SMCs were then exposed to control and pressurized conditions in monoculture or in coculture with endothelial cells. Pressure and coculture caused similar increase in iNOS levels but had no additive effect in combination. Finally, endothelial cells were exposed to control and pressurized environments. Pressure caused a 24% +/- 1.6% increase in eNOS protein (P = .04, n = 12). This effect was sustained when cells were treated with L-NAME (32% +/- 1.6% increase, P = .02) but abolished when endothelial cells were treated with calphostin C or PD98059 to block protein kinase C (PKC) or extracellular regulated kinase (ERK). Pressure also increased endothelial phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) by 1.8-fold to 2.6-fold compared with control conditions after exposure of 2, 4, and 6 hours (P = .02, n = 4). This increase was sustained after pretreatment with calphostin C.

CONCLUSION

Pressure modulates endothelial cell effects on SMC growth by increasing eNOS in an ERK-dependent and PKC-dependent manner.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Intimal hyperplasia is the main cause for restenosis that complicates 10% to 30% of all such vascular procedures and 30% to 40% of endovascular procedures. This article provides some novel information about smooth muscle cell/endothelial cell interaction, one of the main regulators of vascular remodeling and intimal hyperplasia. The role of endothelial cell/smooth muscle cell interaction cannot be studied well in vivo because these interactions cannot be distinguished from other factors that coexist in vivo, such as flow dynamics, matrix proteins, inflammatory factors, and interactions with other cells in the vascular wall and in the bloodstream. In this work, we use pressure as a triggering stimulus to alter in vitro endothelial behavior and identify important changes in endothelial regulation of smooth muscle cell biology. The pathways involved in this process and discussed in this article could ultimately be used to manipulate endothelial cell/smooth muscle cell interaction in clinical disease.

A high-salt diet dissociates NO synthase-3 expression and NO production by the thick ascending limb

NO produced by endothelial NO synthase (NOS3) decreases sodium transport by the thick ascending limb (THAL). We found previously that 7 days of high salt (HS) increased THAL-NOS3 expression but not NO production. NOS3 phosphorylation regulates enzyme activity. We hypothesized that HS acutely increases NOS3 expression and NO production, and, over time, changes in NOS3 phosphorylation dissociate NO production from expression. NOS3 expression increased by 71+/-13%, 127+/-24%, and 69+/-16% at days 1, 3, and 7 of HS, respectively. At days 14 and 28, expression was back to normal salt. After 1 day of HS, NO production in response to 250 micromol/L L-arginine was elevated by 146% and, by day 3, returned to normal salt. Similar increases were found in response to endothelin-1. Inhibitors of NOS1/2 did not blunt the salt-induced increase in NO. Phosphorylation at Thr495, an inhibitory site, decreased by 39+/-8% at day 1 of HS and then increased by 116+/-18% at day 3. Phosphorylation at Ser633 and Ser1177 (stimulatory sites) decreased by &25% at day 1 and remained depressed at day 3. Superoxide production increased by 71% at day 1, decreased by 57% at day 3, and decreased by 55% at day 7. The NOS inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester did not alter superoxide levels at any time point. The addition of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate and tetrahydrobiopterin had no effect on NO release after 3 days of HS. We conclude the following: (1) HS transiently increases NO production and NOS3 expression; (2) NOS3 expression and NO production are dissociated by HS; and (3) changes in phosphorylation explain how THAL NOS3 activity and expression are dissociated by HS.

Dissociation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and activity in uterine artery endothelial cells

Pregnancy enhanced nitric oxide production by uterine artery endothelial cells (UAEC) is the result of reprogramming of both Ca(2+) and kinase signaling pathways. Using UAEC derived from pregnant ewes (P-UAEC), as well as COS-7 cells transiently expressing ovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), we investigated the role of phosphorylation of five known amino acids following treatment with physiological calcium-mobilizing agent ATP and compared with the effects of PMA (also known as TPA) alone or in combination with ATP. In P-UAEC, ATP stimulated eNOS activity and phosphorylation of eNOS S617, S635, and S1179. PMA promoted eNOS phosphorylation but without activation. PMA and ATP cotreatment attenuated ATP-stimulated activity despite no increase in phospho (p)-T497 and potentiation of p-S1179. In COS-7 cells, PMA inhibition of ATP-stimulated eNOS activity was associated with p-T497 phosphorylation. Although T497D eNOS activity was reduced to 19% of wild-type eNOS with ATP and 44% with A23187, we nonetheless observed more p-S1179 with ATP than with A23187 (3.4-fold and 1.8-fold of control, respectively). Furthermore, the S1179A eNOS mutation partly attenuated ATP- but not A23187-stimulated activity, but when combined with T497D, no further reduction of eNOS activity was observed. In conclusion, although phosphorylation of eNOS is associated with activation in P-UAEC, no single or combination of phosphorylation events predict activity changes. In COS-7 cells, phosphorylation of T497 can attenuate activity but also influences S1179 phosphorylation. We conclude that in both cell types, observed changes in phosphorylation of key residues may influence eNOS activation but are not sufficient alone to describe eNOS activation.

PKCα Activates eNOS and Increases Arterial Blood Flow In Vivo

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in control of vascular tone and angiogenesis among other functions. Its regulation is complex and has not been fully established. Several studies have emphasized the importance of phosphorylation in the regulation of eNOS activity. Although it is commonly accepted that protein kinase C (PKC) signaling inhibits eNOS activity by phosphorylating Thr 497 and dephosphorylating Ser 1179 , the distinct role of different PKC isoforms has not been studied so far. The PKC family comprises roughly 12 different isozymes that activate distinct downstream pathways. The present study was designed to investigate the role of PKCα isoform in regulation of eNOS activity. Overexpression of PKCα in primary endothelial cells was associated with increased eNOS-Ser 1179 phosphorylation and increased NO production. Inhibition of PKCα activity either by siRNA transfection or by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant resulted in a marked decrease in FGF2-induced Ser 1179 phosphorylation and NO production. In vivo, PKCα transduction in rat femoral arteries resulted in a significant increase in the resting blood flow that was suppressed by treatment with l -NAME, an eNOS inhibitor. In conclusion, these data demonstrate for the first time that PKCα stimulates NO production in endothelial cells and plays a role in regulation of blood flow in vivo.

Myristoyl moiety of HIV Nef is involved in regulation of the interaction with calmodulin in vivo

Human immunodeficiency virus Nef is a myristoylated protein expressed early in infection by HIV. In addition to the well known down-regulation of the cell surface receptors CD4 and MHCI, Nef is able to alter T-cell signaling pathways. The ability to alter the cellular signaling pathways suggests that Nef can associate with signaling proteins. In the present report, we show that Nef can interact with calmodulin, the major intracellular receptor for calcium. Coimmunoprecipitation analyses with lysates from the NIH3T3 cell line constitutively expressing the native HIV-1 Nef protein revealed the presence of a stable Nef-calmodulin complex. When lysates from NIH3T3 cells were incubated with calmodulin-agarose beads in the presence of CaCl(2) or EGTA, calcium ion drastically enhanced the interaction between Nef and calmodulin, suggesting that the binding is under the influence of Ca(2+) signaling. Glutathione S-transferase-Nef fusion protein bound directly to calmodulin with high affinity. Using synthetic peptides based on the N-terminal sequence of Nef, we determined that within a 20-amino-acid N-terminal basic domain was sufficient for calmodulin binding. Furthermore, the myristoylated peptide bound to calmodulin with higher affinity than nonmyris-toylated form. Thus, the N-terminal myristoylation domain of Nef plays an important role in interacting with calmodulin. This domain is highly conserved in several HIV-1 Nef variants and resembles the N-terminal domain of NAP-22/CAP23, a myristoylated calmodulin-binder. These results for the interaction between HIV Nef and calmodulin in the cells suggested that the Nef might interfere with intracellular Ca(2+) signaling through calmodulin-mediated interactions in infected cells.

Ca2+, calmodulin and phospholipids regulate nitricoxide synthase activity in the rabbit submandibular gland

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role as an intra- and intercellular signaling molecule in mammalian tissues. In the submandibular gland, NO has been suggested to be involved in the regulation of secretion and in blood flow. NO is produced by activation of NO synthase (NOS). Here, we have investigated the regulation of NOS activity in the rabbit submandibular gland. NOS activity was detected in both the cytosolic and membrane fractions. Characteristics of NOS in the cytosolic and partially purified membrane fractions, such as Km values for l-arginine and EC(50) values for calmodulin and Ca(2+), were similar. A protein band that cross-reacted with anti-nNOS antibody was detected in both the cytosolic and membrane fractions. The membrane-fraction NOS activity increased 1.82-fold with treatment of Triton X-100, but the cytosolic-fraction NOS activity did not. The NOS activity was inhibited by phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). The inhibitory effects of phospholipids on the NOS activity were relieved by an increase in Ca(2+) concentrations. These results suggest that the Ca(2+)- and calmodulin-regulating enzyme nNOS occurs in cytosolic and membrane fractions, and PA and PIP(2) regulate the NOS activity in the membrane site by regulating the effect of Ca(2+) in the rabbit submandibular gland.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I inhibits neuronal nitric-oxide synthase activity through serine 741 phosphorylation

We demonstrate here that neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS) is phosphorylated and inhibited by a constitutively active form of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase I (CaM-K I1-293). Substitution of Ser741 to Ala in nNOS blocked the phosphorylation and the inhibitory effect. Mimicking phosphorylation at Ser741 by Ser to Asp mutation resulted in decreased binding of and activation by CaM, since the mutation was within the CaM-binding domain. CaM-K I1-293 gave phosphorylation of nNOS at Ser741 in transfected cells, resulting in 60-70% inhibition of nNOS activity. Wild-type CaM-K I also did phosphorylate nNOS at Ser741 in transfected cells, but either CaM-K II or CaM-K IV did not. These results raise the possibility of a novel cross-talk between nNOS and CaM-K I through the phosphorylation of Ser741 on nNOS.

Up-regulation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor involves mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase C signaling pathways

Cytochrome P450 (P450)-dependent metabolites of arachidonic acid, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), are proposed to be endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF) that affect vascular tone; however, the effects of EDHF on endothelial-derived nitric oxide biosynthesis remain unknown. We examined the regulation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) by EDHF and investigated the relevant signaling pathways involved. The P450 epoxygenases CYP102 F87V mutant, CYP2C11-CYPOR, and CYP2J2 were transfected into cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells, and the effects of endogenously formed or exogenously applied EETs on eNOS expression and activity were assessed. Transfection with the P450 epoxygenases led to increased eNOS protein expression, an effect that was attenuated by cotreatment with the P450 inhibitor 17-ODYA. Northern analysis demonstrated that P450 transfection led to increased eNOS mRNA levels consistent with an effect at the pretranslational level. P450 epoxygenase transfection resulted in increased eNOS activity as measured by the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline. Addition of synthetic EETs (50-200 nM) to the culture media also increased eNOS expression and activity. Treatment with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), MAPK kinase, and protein kinase C inhibitors apigenin, 2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone (PD98059), and 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), respectively, significantly inhibited the effects of P450 transfection on eNOS expression. Overexpression of P450 epoxygenases or addition of synthetic EETs increased Thr495 phosphorylation of eNOS, an effect that was inhibited by both apigenin and PD98059. Overexpression of P450 epoxygenases in rats resulted in increased aortic eNOS expression, providing direct evidence that EDHF can influence vascular eNOS levels in vivo. Based on this data, we conclude that EDHF up-regulates eNOS via activation of MAPK and protein kinase C signaling pathways.

Pregnancy-specific changes in uterine artery endothelial cell signaling in vivo are both programmed and retained in primary culture

Ovine uterine artery (UA) endothelial cells (UAEC) maintained in culture to passage 4 retain pregnancy-specific changes in vasodilator production, which in turn is associated with differences in Ca(2+) and ERK 1/2 signaling. The question remains whether this is an accurate portrayal of the situation in vivo, or more simply whether these same signaling responses seen at passage 4 accurately reflect those functioning in the cells in vivo. Small groups of endothelial nitric oxide synthase-positive cells from both pregnant and nonpregnant ewes were freshly isolated and used to image changes in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) using fura 2 and to detect ERK 1/2 phosphorylation by immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, detailed comparisons of mRNA species were made between freshly isolated and cultured (passage 4) cells using cDNA microarray analysis and verified, where possible, using PowerBlot analysis. Freshly isolated cells showed no detectable [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in response to angiotensin II, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, or vascular endothelial growth factor but did respond to ATP in a dose-dependent (1-300 microM) manner. At higher doses of ATP, [Ca(2+)](i) elevation was sustained longer and showed a high incidence of regular oscillations in cells from pregnant compared with nonpregnant ewes. Also, ATP and basic fibroblast growth factor treatment caused activation of ERK 1/2 in significantly greater numbers of freshly isolated cells from pregnant than from nonpregnant ewes. cDNA microarray analysis showed results consistent with endothelium but revealed few differences in mRNA species and levels between freshly isolated and passage 4 cells or between the pregnant and nonpregnant ewes. In conclusion, our data show for the first time that pregnancy-specific changes in Ca(2+) and ERK 1/2 signaling are indeed observed in freshly isolated UA endothelium. This suggests in turn that such pregnancy-specific changes in UA endothelial function in vivo in response to a variety of agonists during pregnancy are both programmed at the level of cell signaling and retained in culture.

Involvement of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in endothelial NO production and endothelium-dependent relaxation

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from l-arginine by the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-sensitive endothelial NO synthase (NOS) isoform (eNOS). The present study assesses the role of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) in endothelium-dependent relaxation and NO synthesis. The effects of three CaMK II inhibitors were investigated in endothelium-intact aortic rings of normotensive rats. NO synthesis was assessed by a NO sensor and chemiluminescence in culture medium of cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells stimulated with the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 and thapsigargin. Rat aortic endothelial NOS activity was measured by the conversion of l-[(3)H]arginine to l-[(3)H]citrulline. Three CaMK II inhibitors, polypeptide 281-302, KN-93, and lavendustin C, attenuated the endothelium-dependent relaxation of endothelium-intact rat aortic rings in response to acetylcholine, A23187, and thapsigargin. None of the CaMK II inhibitors affected the relaxation induced by NO donors. In a porcine aortic endothelial cell line, KN-93 decreased NO synthesis and caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curves to A23187 and thapsigargin. In rat aortic endothelial cells, KN-93 significantly decreased bradykinin-induced eNOS activity. These results suggest that CaMK II was involved in NO synthesis as a result of Ca(2+)-dependent activation of eNOS.

Structural basis for endothelial nitric oxide synthase binding to calmodulin

The enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is exquisitely regulated in vivo by the Ca(2+) sensor protein calmodulin (CaM) to control production of NO, a key signaling molecule and cytotoxin. The differential activation of NOS isozymes by CaM has remained enigmatic, despite extensive research. Here, the crystallographic structure of Ca(2+)-loaded CaM bound to a 20 residue peptide comprising the endothelial NOS (eNOS) CaM-binding region establishes their individual conformations and intermolecular interactions, and suggests the basis for isozyme-specific differences. The alpha-helical eNOS peptide binds in an antiparallel orientation to CaM through extensive hydrophobic interactions. Unique NOS interactions occur with: (i). the CaM flexible central linker, explaining its importance in NOS activation; and (ii). the CaM C-terminus, explaining the NOS-specific requirement for a bulky, hydrophobic residue at position 144. This binding mode expands mechanisms for CaM-mediated activation, explains eNOS deactivation by Thr495 phosphorylation, and implicates specific hydrophobic residues in the Ca(2+) independence of inducible NOS.

Possible mechanisms underlying pregnancy-induced changes in uterine artery endothelial function

The last 10 years has seen a dramatic increase in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pregnancy-specific adaptation in cardiovascular function in general and the dramatic changes that occur in uterine artery endothelium in particular to support the growing fetus. The importance of these changes is clear from a number of studies linking restriction of uterine blood flow (UBF) and/or endothelial dysfunction and clinical conditions such as intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and/or preeclampsia in both humans and animal models; these topics are covered only briefly here. The recent developments that prompts this review are twofold. The first is advances in an understanding of the cell signaling processes that regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in particular (Govers R and Rabelink TJ. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 280: F193-F206, 2001). The second is the emerging picture that uterine artery (UA) endothelial cell production of nitric oxide (NO) as well as prostacyclin (PGI2) may be as much a consequence of cellular reprogramming at the level of cell signaling as due to tonic stimuli inducing changes in the level of expression of eNOS or the enzymes of the PGI2 biosynthetic pathway (cPLA2, COX-1, PGIS). In reviewing just how we came to this conclusion and outlining the implications of such a finding, we draw mostly on data from ovine or human studies, with reference to other species only where directly relevant.

Molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the expression of which is regulated by a range of transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms, generates nitric oxide (NO) in response to a number of stimuli. The physiologically most important determinants for the continuous generation of NO and thus the regulation of local blood flow are fluid shear stress and pulsatile stretch. Although eNOS activity is coupled to changes in endothelial cell Ca(2+) levels, an increase in Ca(2+) alone is not sufficient to affect enzyme activity because the binding of calmodulin (CaM) and the flow of electrons from the reductase to the oxygenase domain of the enzyme is dependent on protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Two amino acids seem to be particularly important in regulating eNOS activity and these are a serine residue in the reductase domain (Ser(1177)) and a threonine residue (Thr(495)) located within the CaM-binding domain. Simultaneous alterations in the phosphorylation of Ser(1177) and Thr(495) in response to a variety of stimuli are regulated by a number of kinases and phosphatases that continuously associate with and dissociate from the eNOS signaling complex. eNOS associated proteins, such as caveolin, heat shock protein 90, eNOS interacting protein, and possibly also motor proteins provide the scaffold for the formation of the protein complex as well as its intracellular localization.

Nitric oxide signalling in salivary glands

Nitric oxide (NO) plays multiple roles in both intracellular and extracellular signalling mechanisms with implications for health and disease. This review focuses on the role of NO signalling in salivary secretion. Attention will be paid primarily to endogenous NO production in acinar cells resulting from specific receptor stimulation and to NO-regulated Ca2+ homeostasis. Due to the fact that NO readily crosses membranes by simple diffusion, endogenous NO may play a physiological role in processes as diverse as modifying the secretory output, controlling blood supply to the gland, modulating transmitter output from nerve endings, participating in the host defence barrier, and affecting growth and differentiation of surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the role of NO in the pathogenesis of human oral diseases will be considered.

Pregnancy-specific enhancement of agonist-stimulated ERK-1/2 signaling in uterine artery endothelial cells increases Ca(2+) sensitivity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase as well as cytosolic phospholipase A(2)

Uterine artery endothelial cells (UAEC) from pregnant ewes (P-UAEC) demonstrate generally enhanced ability to couple growth factor and G protein-coupled receptors to the ERK-1/2 signaling pathway and stimulate NO production independently of elevated [Ca(2+)]. Herein we investigate the signaling and vasodilator responses to ATP, an agonist that also elevates [Ca(2+)](i) in both NP and P-UAEC, to determine the relative importance of Ca(2+) vs. ERK-1/2 in the activation of eNOS. We observed in both NP-UAEC and P-UAEC that ATP acts through G protein-coupled P(2Y) receptors to activate phospholipase C and dose-dependently elevate [Ca(2+)](i) independently of extracellular Ca(2+). The small reduction in the [Ca(2+)](i) response in NP vs. P-UAEC did not, however, account for the difference in NO production by P-UAEC>>NP-UAEC. ATP had no stimulatory effect on Akt phosphorylation but rapidly stimulated ERK-1/2 phosphorylation in P-UAEC>>NP-UAEC in a manner that correlated with NO production. In both NP- and P-UAEC, both ERK-1/2 and Ca(2+) were absolutely required for eNOS as well as cPLA(2) activation and the Ca(2+) sensitivity of eNOS was enhanced through the cytosolic [Ca(2+)](i) range in P-UAEC>>NP-UAEC. Thus ERK-1/2 may regulate the Ca(2+) sensitivity of eNOS to an even greater extent than is known to occur for cPLA(2).

Calmodulin and HIV type 1: interactions with Gag and Gag products

The level of calmodulin increases in cells expressing HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. Although a calmodulin increase is bound to alter many cellular metabolic and signaling pathways, the benefits to the virus of these alterations must be indirect. However, the possibility exists that increased cellular calmodulin benefits the virus by directly associating with nonenvelope viral proteins. We have, therefore, investigated whether calmodulin can interact with HIV structural proteins Gag, p17, and p24. Calmodulin binds Gag and p17 but not p24 in (125)I-labeled calmodulin overlays of SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Removal of calcium by addition of EGTA eliminates this binding. A computer algorithm for predicting helical regions that should bind calmodulin predicts that there are two calmodulin-binding regions near the N terminus of p17. Intrinsic tryptophan fluorimetry shows that two peptides, each of which includes one of the predicted regions, bind calmodulin: p17(11-25) binds calmodulin with a 2-to-1 stoichiometry and dissociation constant of approximately 10(-9) M(2), and p17(31-46) also binds calmodulin with a dissociation constant of about 10(-9) M. These binding sites are nearly contiguous, forming an extended calmodulin-binding domain p17(11-46). In H-9 cells, Gag and calmodulin colocalize within the resolution of confocal light microscopy.

Inhibition of neuronal nitric-oxide synthase by calcium/ calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIalpha through Ser847 phosphorylation in NG108-15 neuronal cells

We have previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS) at Ser(847) by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaM kinases) attenuates the catalytic activity of the enzyme in vitro (Hayashi Y., Nishio M., Naito Y., Yokokura H., Nimura Y., Hidaka H., and Watanabe Y. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 20597-20602). In the present study we determined that CaM kinase IIalpha (CaM-K IIalpha) can directly phosphorylate nNOS on Ser(847), leading to a reduction of nNOS activity in cells. The phosphorylation abilities of purified CaM kinase Ialpha (CaM-K Ialpha), CaM-K IIalpha, and CaM-kinase IV (CaM-K IV) on Ser(847) were analyzed using the synthetic peptide nNOS-(836-859) (Glu-Glu-Arg-Lys-Ser-Tyr-Lys-Val-Arg-Phe-Asn-Ser-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Ser- Asp-Ser-Arg-Lys-Ser-Ser-Gly) from nNOS as substrate. The relative V(max)/K(m) ratios of CaM kinases for nNOS-(836-859) were found to be as follows: CaM-K IIalpha, 100; CaM-K Ialpha, 54.5; CaM-K IV, 9.1. Co-transfection of constitutively active CaM-K IIalpha1-274 but not inactive CaM-K IIalpha1-274, generated by mutation of Lys(42) to Ala, with nNOS into NG108-15 cells, resulted in increased Ser(847) phosphorylation in the presence of okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase (PP)1 and PP2A, with a concomitant inhibition of NOS enzyme activity. In addition, this latter decrease could be reversed by treatment with exogenous PP2A. Cells expressing mutant nNOS (S847A) proved resistant to phosphorylation and a decrease of NOS activity. Thus, our results indicate that Ca(2+) triggers cross-talk signal transduction between CaM kinase and NO and CaM-K IIalpha phosphorylating nNOS on Ser(847), which in turn decreases the gaseous second messenger NO in neuronal cells.

Ca2+-dependent regulation of synaptic SNARE complex assembly via a calmodulin- and phospholipid-binding domain of synaptobrevin

Synaptic core complex formation is an essential step in exocytosis, and assembly into a superhelical structure may drive synaptic vesicle fusion. To ascertain how Ca(2+) could regulate this process, we examined calmodulin binding to recombinant core complex components. Surface plasmon resonance and pull-down assays revealed Ca(2+)-dependent calmodulin binding (K(d) = 500 nM) to glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing synaptobrevin (VAMP 2) domains but not to syntaxin 1 or synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25). Deletion mutations, tetanus toxin cleavage, and peptide synthesis localized the calmodulin-binding domain to VAMP(77-94), immediately C-terminal to the tetanus toxin cleavage site (Q(76)-F(77)). In isolated synaptic vesicles, Ca(2+)/calmodulin protected native membrane-inserted VAMP from proteolysis by tetanus toxin. Assembly of a (35)S-SNAP-25, syntaxin 1 GST-VAMP(1-96) complex was inhibited by Ca(2+)/calmodulin, but assembly did not mask subsequent accessibility of the calmodulin-binding domain. The same domain contains a predicted phospholipid interaction site. SPR revealed calcium-independent interactions between VAMP(77-94) and liposomes containing phosphatidylserine, which blocked calmodulin binding. Circular dichroism spectroscopy demonstrated that the calmodulin/phospholipid-binding peptide displayed a significant increase in alphahelical content in a hydrophobic environment. These data provide insight into the mechanisms by which Ca(2+) may regulate synaptic core complex assembly and protein interactions with membrane bilayers during exocytosis.

Ca2+/Calmodulin reverses phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate-dependent inhibition of regulators of G protein-signaling GTPase-activating protein activity

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS proteins) are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for G(i) and/or G(q) class G protein alpha subunits. RGS GAP activity is inhibited by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) but not by other lipid phosphoinositides or diacylglycerol. Both the negatively charged head group and long chain fatty acids (C16) are required for binding and inhibition of GAP activity. Amino acid substitutions in helix 5 within the RGS domain of RGS4 reduce binding affinity and inhibition by PIP(3) but do not affect inhibition of GAP activity by palmitoylation. Conversely, the GAP activity of a palmitoylation-resistant mutant RGS4 is inhibited by PIP(3). Calmodulin binds all RGS proteins we tested in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner but does not directly affect GAP activity. Indeed, Ca(2+)/calmodulin binds a complex of RGS4 and a transition state analog of Galpha(i1)-GDP-AlF(4)(-). Ca(2+)/calmodulin reverses PIP(3)-mediated but not palmitoylation-mediated inhibition of GAP activity. Ca(2+)/calmodulin competition with PIP(3) may provide an intracellular mechanism for feedback regulation of Ca(2+) signaling evoked by G protein-coupled agonists.

Protein myristoylation in protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions

Various proteins in signal transduction pathways are myristoylated. Although this modification is often essential for the proper functioning of the modified protein, the mechanism by which the modification exerts its effects is still largely unknown. Here we discuss the roles played by protein myristoylation, in both protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions. Myristoylation is involved in the membrane interactions of various proteins, such as MARCKS and endothelial NO synthase. The intermediate hydrophobic nature of the modification plays an important role in the reversible membrane anchoring of these proteins. The anchoring is strengthened by a basic amphiphilic domain that works as a switch for the reversible binding. Protein myristoylation is also involved in protein-protein interactions, which are regulated by the interplay between protein phosphorylation, calmodulin binding, and membrane phospholipids.

The activation of neuronal NO synthase is mediated by G-protein betagamma subunit and the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2

In CHO cells we had found that CCK positively regulated cell proliferation via the activation of a soluble guanylate cyclase. Here we demonstrate that CCK stimulated a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. The production of NO was involved in the proliferative response elicited by CCK regarding the inhibitory effect of NOS inhibitors L-NAME and alpha-guanidinoglutaric acid. We identified the NOS activated by the peptide as the neuronal isoform: the expression of the C415A neuronal NOS mutant inhibited both CCK-induced stimulation of NOS activity and cell proliferation. These two effects were also inhibited after expression of the C459S tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 mutant and the betaARK1 (495-689) sequestrant peptide, indicating the requirement of activated SHP-2 and G-betagamma subunit. Kinetic analysis (Western blot after coimmunoprecipitation and specific SHP-2 activity) revealed that in response to CCK-treatment, SHP-2 associated to G-beta1 subunit, became activated, and then dephosphorylated the neuronal NOS through a direct association. These data demonstrate that the neuronal NOS is implicated in proliferative effect evoked by CCK. A novel growth signaling pathway is described, involving the activation of neuronal NOS by dephosphorylation of tyrosyl residues.

The Akt kinase signals directly to endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important modulator of angiogenesis and vascular tone [1]. It is stimulated by treatment of endothelial cells in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)-dependent fashion by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [2] [3] and is activated by phosphorylation at Ser1177 in the sequence RIRTQS(1177)F (in the single-letter amino acid code) [4]. The protein kinase Akt is an important downstream target of PI 3-kinase [5] [6], regulating VEGF-stimulated endothelial cell survival [7]. Akt phosphorylates substrates within a defined motif [8], which is present in the sequence surrounding Ser1177 in eNOS. Both Akt [5] [6] and eNOS [9] are localized to, and activated at, the plasma membrane. We found that purified Akt phosphorylated cardiac eNOS at Ser1177, resulting in activation of eNOS. Phosphorylation at this site was stimulated by treatment of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) with VEGF or IGF-1, and Akt was activated in parallel. Preincubation with wortmannin, an inhibitor of Akt signalling, reduced VEGF- or IGF-1-induced Akt activity and eNOS phosphorylation. Akt was detected in immunoprecipitates of eNOS from BAECs, and eNOS in immunoprecipitates of Akt, indicating that the two enzymes associate in vivo. It is thus apparent that Akt directly activates eNOS in endothelial cells. These results strongly suggest that Akt has an important role in the regulation of normal angiogenesis and raise the possibility that the enhanced activity of this kinase that occurs in carcinomas may contribute to tumor vascularization and survival.

Exogenous calmodulin potentiates vasodilation elicited by phospholipid-associated VIP in vivo

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exogenous calmodulin potentiates vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-induced vasodilation in vivo and, if so, whether this response is amplified by association of VIP with sterically stabilized liposomes. Using intravital microscopy, we found that calmodulin suffused together with aqueous and liposomal VIP did not potentiate vasodilation elicited by VIP in the in situ hamster cheek pouch. However, preincubation of calmodulin with liposomal, but not aqueous, VIP for 1 and 2 h and overnight at 4 degrees C before suffusion significantly potentiated vasodilation (P < 0.05). Calmodulin-induced responses were significantly attenuated by calmidazolium, trifluoperazine, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) but not D-NAME. The effects of L-NAME were reversed by L- but not D-arginine. Indomethacin had no significant effects on calmodulin-induced responses. Calmodulin had no significant effects on adenosine-, isoproterenol-, acetylcholine-, and calcium ionophore A-23187-induced vasodilation. Collectively, these data indicate that exogenous calmodulin amplifies vasodilation elicited by phospholipid-associated, but not aqueous, VIP in the in situ peripheral microcirculation in a specific, calmodulin active sites-, and nitric oxide-dependent fashion. We suggest that extracellular calmodulin, phospholipids, and VIP form a novel functionally coordinated class of endogenous vasodilators.

AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in rat skeletal and cardiac muscle is activated by vigorous exercise and ischaemic stress. Under these conditions AMPK phosphorylates and inhibits acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase causing increased oxidation of fatty acids. Here we show that AMPK co-immunoprecipitates with cardiac endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylates Ser-1177 in the presence of Ca2+-calmodulin (CaM) to activate eNOS both in vitro and during ischaemia in rat hearts. In the absence of Ca2+-calmodulin, AMPK also phosphorylates eNOS at Thr-495 in the CaM-binding sequence, resulting in inhibition of eNOS activity but Thr-495 phosphorylation is unchanged during ischaemia. Phosphorylation of eNOS by the AMPK in endothelial cells and myocytes provides a further regulatory link between metabolic stress and cardiovascular function.

Structure-function analysis of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5. Role of the carboxyl terminus in kinase regulation

Many G protein-coupled receptors are phosphorylated and regulated by a distinct family of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) that specifically target the activated form of the receptor. Recent studies have revealed that the GRKs are also subject to post-translational regulation. For example, GRK5 activity is strongly inhibited by protein kinase C phosphorylation and by Ca2+-calmodulin binding. Ca2+-calmodulin binding also promotes GRK5 autophosphorylation, which further contributes to kinase inhibition. In this study we identify two important structural domains in GRK5, a phospholipid binding domain (residues 552-562) and an autoinhibitory domain (residues 563-590), that significantly contribute to GRK5 localization and function. We demonstrate that the C-terminal region of GRK5 (residues 563-590) contains residues autophosphorylated in the presence of calmodulin as well as the residues phosphorylated by protein kinase C. Deletion of this domain increases the apparent affinity of GRK5 for receptor substrates 3-4-fold but has no effect on nonreceptor substrates. These findings define residues 563-590 of GRK5 as an autoinhibitory domain with efficacy that is regulated by phosphorylation. Another C-terminal domain in GRK5 that appears to be functionally important is found between residues 552 and 562. Deletion of this region significantly inhibits kinase phosphorylation of membrane-bound receptor substrates but has no effect on soluble substrates. Additional studies reveal that this domain is critical for GRK5 interaction with phospholipids and for the intracellular localization of the kinase. Interestingly, similar regions in GRK4 and GRK6 appear to be palmitoylated (and involved in membrane interaction), suggesting evolutionary conservation of the function of this domain.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-membrane phospholipid interactions

Most of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is present in the particulate fraction of tissue extracts. Here, we show that the calmodulin (CaM)-binding domain of nNOS interacts with anionic phospholipid vesicles but not with neutral ones. Identification of residues in the CaM-binding domain of nNOS as the key domain for the interaction is also documented. Recombinant wild-type nNOS was found to associate with phosphatidylserine (PS) or phosphatidic acid (PA) but not with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) or phosphatidylcholine (PC), indicating that nNOS-phospholipid binding requires an electrostatic interaction. A synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 732-754 blocked the interaction of nNOS with PS. Furthermore, a purified fusion protein containing residues 724-755 interacted with PS in a competitive fashion with CaM. Inactive nNOS lacking CaM-binding ability, generated by mutation of (Lys732LysLeu) to (Asp732AspGlu) (Watanabe, Y., Hu, Y., and Hidaka, H., FEBS Lett. 403, 75-78, 1997) did not interact with PS. Preincubation of nNOS with PS protected subsequent limited proteolysis of the synthase by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, probably as a result of conformational changes in the protein. Wild-type nNOS was found almost entirely in the membrane fraction of Sf9 cells, whereas inactive nNOS was also found in cytosolic fraction in Sf9 cells expressing the mutant enzyme. These results demonstrate that the mutated hydrophobic/basic amino acid cluster in nNOS sequence, Lys732LysLeu, is essential for nNOS-PS and nNOS-CaM interactions.

Nitric oxide production in human endothelial cells stimulated by histamine requires Ca2+ influx

The causal relationships between cytosolic free-Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increases and production of nitric oxide (NO) have been investigated mostly with indirect methods and remain unclear. Here we demonstrate, by direct real-time measurements of [NO] with a porphyrinic microsensor, that Ca2+ entry, but not an increase in [Ca2+]i, is required for triggering of NO production in human endothelial cells. Histamine, ranging from 0.1 to 100 microM, increased both NO production and [Ca2+]i when given in a single dose. However, histamine caused increased NO release but induced progressively smaller [Ca2+]i changes when cumulatively added. In the absence of a transmembrane Ca2+ gradient, no significant NO release was detectable, despite the marked Ca2+ peak induced by histamine. Inhibition of Ca2+ entry by SK&F 96365 abolished histamine-elicited NO production but only reduced the transient [Ca2+]i rise. The suppression of the sustained [Ca2+]i response under these two conditions suggests that NO release was closely associated with Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space. In addition, membrane depolarization, achieved by increasing the extracellular K+ concentration from 5 to 130 mM, reduced both the amplitude of histamine-induced sustained [Ca2+]i elevation and NO production. These results lead us to propose that the availability of numerous Ca2+ ions around the internal side of the plasma membrane would promote the association between nitric oxide synthase and calmodulin, thereby activating the enzyme.

MARCKS, a major protein kinase C substrate, assumes non-helical conformations both in solution and in complex with Ca2+-calmodulin

MARCKS, a major cellular substrate for protein kinase C, plays important roles in various cellular functions and its functions are regulated by calmodulin. We have studied the conformational properties of recombinant human MARCKS in solution and in complex with calmodulin. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed a high content of random coil in physiological solution. When MARCKS or MARCKS-derived calmodulin-binding peptide was complexed with Ca2+-calmodulin, little change was observed in the CD spectra, suggesting that MARCKS binds with calmodulin in a non-helical conformation, which is unique among the calmodulin-binding proteins.

Circular dichroism and 1H NMR studies on the structures of peptides derived from the calmodulin-binding domains of inducible and endothelial nitric-oxide synthase in solution and in complex with calmodulin. Nascent alpha-helical structures are stabilized by calmodulin both in the presence and absence of Ca2+

There exist two types of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS); constitutive isozymes that are activated by binding calmodulin in response to elevated Ca2+ and an inducible isozyme that binds calmodulin regardless of Ca2+. To study the structural basis of the difference in Ca2+ sensitivity, we have designed synthetic peptides of minimal lengths derived from the calmodulin-binding domain of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and that of macrophage NOS (iNOS). A peptide, KRREIPLKVLVKAVLFACMLMRK, derived from human iNOS sequence, retained the ability to bind to calmodulin both in the presence and absence of Ca2+, while a peptide derived from human eNOS sequence, RKKTFKEVANAVKISASLMG, bound to calmodulin only in the presence of Ca2+. Circular dichroism and two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance studies suggested that both peptides assume nascent alpha-helical structures in aqueous solution. When mixed with calmodulin, both peptides showed circular dichroism spectra characteristic for alpha-helix. In contrast to other target proteins, the addition of iNOS peptide to calmodulin did not affect the Ca2+ binding of calmodulin appreciably. The peptide derived from the calmodulin-binding domain of iNOS, therefore, binds in alpha-helical structures both to Ca2+-calmodulin and apo-calmodulin, which is unique among various target proteins of calmodulin.

Specific binding of acidic phospholipids to microtubule-associated protein MAP1B regulates its interaction with tubulin

Microtubule-associated protein MAP1B, a major neuronal cytoskeletal protein, is expressed highly during the early stage of brain development and is thought to play an important role in brain development. Although it has been shown that MAP1B localizes both in cytosol and particulate fractions, the underlying molecular mechanism in the membrane localization has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we show that MAP1B purified from young rat brain can bind to acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine, but not to a neutral phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine. Furthermore, the binding of MAP1B to taxol-stabilized microtubules was inhibited by the addition of phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylinositol. The addition of phosphatidylcholine showed no effect on the binding of MAP1B to the microtubules. A 120-kDa microtubule-binding fragment of MAP1B was also released from microtubules by the addition of acidic phospholipids. Synthetic peptides derived from the C-terminal half of the tubulin-binding domain, but not that corresponding to the N-terminal half, bound to acidic phospholipids specifically. These results suggest that MAP1B binds to biological membranes through its tubulin-binding site, and the binding may play a regulatory role in MAP1B-microtubule interaction.

Electrostatic interaction of myristoylated proteins with membranes: simple physics, complicated biology

Cell membrane association by several important peripheral proteins, such as Src, MARCKS, HIV-1 Gag, and K-Ras, requires nonspecific electrostatic interactions between a cluster of basic residues on the protein and acidic phospholipids in the plasma membrane. A simple theoretical model based on the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation describes well the experimentally measured electrostatic association between such proteins and the cell membrane.

Regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases by calmodulin and localization of the calmodulin binding domain

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) specifically phosphorylate and regulate the activated form of multiple G protein-coupled receptors. Recent studies have revealed that GRKs are also subject to regulation. In this regard, GRK2 and GRK5 can be phosphorylated and either activated or inhibited, respectively, by protein kinase C. Here we demonstrate that calmodulin, another mediator of calcium signaling, is a potent inhibitor of GRK activity with a selectivity for GRK5 (IC50 approximately 50 nM) > GRK6 >> GRK2 (IC50 approximately 2 microM) >> GRK1. Calmodulin inhibition of GRK5 is mediated via a reduced ability of the kinase to bind to both receptor and phospholipid. Interestingly, calmodulin also activates autophosphorylation of GRK5 at sites distinct from the two major autophosphorylation sites on GRK5. Moreover, calmodulin-stimulated autophosphorylation directly inhibits GRK5 interaction with receptor even in the absence of calmodulin. Using glutathione S-transferase-GRK5 fusion proteins either to inhibit calmodulin-stimulated autophosphorylation or to bind directly to calmodulin, we determined that an amino-terminal domain of GRK5 (amino acids 20-39) is sufficient for calmodulin binding. This domain is abundant in basic and hydrophobic residues, characteristics typical of calmodulin binding sites, and is highly conserved in GRK4, GRK5, and GRK6. These studies suggest that calmodulin may serve a general role in mediating calcium-dependent regulation of GRK activity.