Epidermal growth factor regulates adenylate cyclase activity via Gs and Gi1-2 proteins in pancreatic acinar membranes

G(i)α proteins exhibit functional differences in the activation of ERK1/2, Akt and mTORC1 by growth factors in normal and breast cancer cells

Background

In a classic model, G_iα proteins including G_i1α, G_i2α and G_i3α are important for transducing signals from G_iα protein-coupled receptors (G_iαPCRs) to their downstream cascades in response to hormones and neurotransmitters. Our previous study has suggested that G_i1α, G_i2α and G_i3α are also important for the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathway by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its family members. However, a genetic role of these G_iα proteins in the activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) by EGF is largely unknown. Further, it is not clear whether these G_iα proteins are also engaged in the activation of both the Akt/mTORC1 and ERK1/2 pathways by other growth factor family members. Additionally, a role of these G_iα proteins in breast cancer remains to be elucidated.

Results

We found that Gi1/3 deficient MEFs with the low expression level of G_i2α showed defective ERK1/2 activation by EGFs, IGF-1 and insulin, and Akt and mTORC1 activation by EGFs and FGFs. Gi1/2/3 knockdown breast cancer cells exhibited a similar defect in the activations and a defect in in vitro growth and invasion. The G_iα proteins associated with RTKs, Gab1, FRS2 and Shp2 in breast cancer cells and their ablation impaired Gab1’s interactions with Shp2 in response to EGF and IGF-1, or with FRS2 and Grb2 in response to bFGF.

Conclusions

G_iα proteins differentially regulate the activation of Akt, mTORC1 and ERK1/2 by different families of growth factors. G_iα proteins are important for breast cancer cell growth and invasion.

Heterotrimeric G protein signaling outside the realm of seven transmembrane domain receptors

Heterotrimeric G proteins, consisting of the guanine nucleotide-binding Galpha subunits with GTPase activity and the closely associated Gbeta and Ggamma subunits, are important signaling components for receptors with seven transmembrane domains (7TMRs). These receptors, also termed G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), act as guanine nucleotide exchange factors upon agonist stimulation. There is now accumulating evidence for noncanonical functions of heterotrimeric G proteins independent of 7TMR coupling. Galpha proteins belonging to all 4 subfamilies, including G(s), G(i), G(q), and G(12) are found to play important roles in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, regulation of oxidant production, development, and cell migration, through physical and functional interaction with proteins other than 7TMRs. Association of Galpha with non-7TMR proteins also facilitates presentation of these G proteins to specific cellular microdomains. This Minireview aims to summarize our current understanding of the noncanonical roles of Galpha proteins in cell signaling and to discuss unresolved issues including regulation of Galpha activation by proteins other than the 7TMRs.

Effect of neurofibromatosis type I mutations on a novel pathway for adenylyl cyclase activation requiring neurofibromin and Ras

Neurofibromatosis type I (NFI) is a common genetic disorder that causes nervous system tumors, and learning and memory defects in humans, and animal models. We identify a novel growth factor stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) pathway in the Drosophila brain, which is disrupted by mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), neurofibromin (NF1) and Ras, but not Galpha(s). This is the first demonstration in a metazoan that a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathway, acting independently of the heterotrimeric G-protein subunit Galpha(s), can activate AC. We also show that Galpha(s) is the major Galpha isoform in fly brains, and define a second AC pathway stimulated by serotonin and histamine requiring NF1 and Galpha(s), as well as a third, classical Galpha(s)-dependent AC pathway, which is stimulated by Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRFamide) and dopamine. Using mutations and deletions of the human NF1 protein (hNF1) expressed in Nf1 mutant flies, we show that Ras activation by hNF1 is essential for growth factor stimulation of AC activity. Further, we demonstrate that sequences in the C-terminal region of hNF1 are sufficient for NF1/Galpha(s)-dependent neurotransmitter stimulated AC activity, and for rescue of body size defects in Nf1 mutant flies.

Agonists calcitonin, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, but not prostaglandins or beta-adrenergic agonists, elevate cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in oligodendroglial cells

Although 3',5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP) is known to regulate oligodendrocyte development in vitro, little is known about the identity of agonists that induce cAMP synthesis in oligodendroglia. To identify such agonists, we used a novel immunohistochemical method of visualizing cAMP within single cells to screen compounds that are known to activate cAMP synthesis in other cellular systems. Calcitonin, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and vasoactive intestinal peptide elevated cAMP in oligodendroglial cells but not in other cell types present in the cultures (i.e., astrocytes and microglia). In contrast, prostaglandins and the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, which have previously been reported to induce modest increases in oligodendroglial cell cAMP from biochemical assay of cell homogenates, did not induce a detectable cAMP response in individually identified oligodendroglial cells but instead induced a robust cAMP response in nonoligodendroglial cells.

Basic fibroblast growth factor utilizes both types of component subunits of Gs for dual signaling in human adipocytes. Stimulation of adenylyl cyclase via Galph(s) and inhibition of NADPH oxidase by Gbeta gamma(s)

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a ligand of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases, promoted the dissociation of G(s) and had antagonistic stimulatory and inhibitory effects on adenylyl cyclase and NADPH oxidase in human fat cell plasma membranes. The bFGF-induced activation of adenylyl cyclase was blocked by COOH-terminal anti-Galpha(s), indicating that it was mediated by Galpha(s). The inhibitory action of bFGF was mimicked by exogenously supplied Gbetagamma-subunits and was reversed by anti-Gbeta(1/2), or betaARK-CT, a COOH-terminal beta-adrenergic receptor kinase fragment that specifically binds free Gbetagamma, indicating that it was transduced by Gbetagamma complexes. The bFGF-induced inhibition of NADPH-dependent H(2)O(2) generation was also reversed by peptide 100-119, an inhibitor of G(s) activation by ligand-occupied beta-adrenergic receptors, indicating that the Gbetagamma complexes mediating the inhibitory action of the growth factor are derived from G(s). The findings suggest a direct, non-kinase-dependent, coupling of bFGF receptor(s) to G(s) and provide the first example of a ligand of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases that is capable of utilizing both types of component subunits of a single heterotrimeric G protein for dual signaling in a single cell type.

Immunohistochemical localization of Galphaq, PLCbeta, Galphai1-2, PKA, and the endothelin B and extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptors during early amelogenesis

Antibodies specific to Galphaq, PLCbeta, Galphai 1-2, and PKA were immunohistochemically (IHC) localized in the pre-ameloblasts up to initial dentin matrix deposition and continued in the distal ends of the pre-secretory ameloblasts to the beginning of enamel matrix secretion. It was hypothesized that the endothelin B receptor (ETBR) and/or the extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaR) would localize in the same locations as their known downstream signal transduction pathway (STP) effectors during events related to early amelogenesis. Localization was similar for the 4 signal transduction pathway elements and the CaR. The ETBR was not localized in any of the cells of the enamel organ. These findings indicate that the CaR and its related STPs are expressed in the pre-ameloblasts and pre-secretory ameloblasts in positions where they may be able to detect increases in extracellular Ca2+ concentrations observed in the pre-dentin matrix in a previous study. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that increased levels of free Ca2+ in the pre-dentin matrix serve as a primary signal for modification of gene expression important to amelogenesis.

Tyrosine kinase effects on adrenoceptor-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in preoptic area and hypothalamus of female rats: modulation by estradiol

These studies examined the functional interactions between adrenergic G-protein coupled receptors and protein tyrosine kinases in the preoptic area and hypothalamus, brain regions that regulate reproductive function in female rats, and evaluated whether in vivo treatment with estradiol for 2 days modulates the cross-talk between these two signaling pathways. In hypothalamic slices genistein, a general tyrosine kinase inhibitor, enhances norepinephrine-stimulated cAMP synthesis independent of estradiol treatment. Genistein appears to act by increasing beta-adrenoceptor signaling. At high norepinephrine concentrations, estradiol potentiates genistein enhancement of the cAMP response in hypothalamic slices. This interaction between estradiol and genistein appears to involve modification of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor signaling mechanisms. In preoptic area slices, genistein enhancement of norepinephrine-stimulated cAMP synthesis is only observed in estradiol-treated rats. In this brain region, genistein enhances cAMP accumulation by modifying alpha(1)- and/or alpha(2)-adrenoceptor rather than beta-adrenoceptor signaling. Genistein amplification of norepinephrine-stimulated cAMP synthesis is not mediated by interactions with estrogen receptors, or by regulation of adenylyl cyclase or phosphodiesterase activities. At the concentration used, genistein inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation in slices from both brain regions. Daidzein, an inactive analogue of genistein, fails to enhance the norepinephrine-stimulated cAMP response in either brain region independent of hormone treatment. These results suggest that protein tyrosine kinases regulate adrenergic responses in the hypothalamus and preoptic area. Moreover, the functional interaction between adrenergic G-protein coupled receptor signaling and protein tyrosine kinases is modified in a brain region and receptor subtype specific manner by estradiol.

EGF stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) and paxillin in rat pancreatic acini by a phospholipase C-independent process that depends on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, the small GTP-binding protein, p21rho, and the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent mitogen in many cell types including pancreatic cells. Recent studies show that the effects of some growth factors on growth and cell migration are mediated by tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytosolic tyrosine kinase p125 focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) and the cytoskeletal protein, paxillin. The aim of the present study was to determine whether EGF activates this pathway in rat pancreatic acini and causes tyrosine phosphorylation of each of these proteins, and to examine the intracellular pathways involved. Treatment of pancreatic acini with EGF induced a rapid, concentration-dependent increase in p125FAK and paxillin tyrosine phosphorylation. Depletion of the intracellular calcium pool or inhibition of PKC activation had no effect on the response to EGF. However, inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) or inactivation of p21rho inhibited EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of p125FAK and paxillin by more than 70%. Finally, cytochalasin D, a selective disrupter of the actin filament network, completely inhibited EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of both proteins. All these treatments did not modify EGF receptor autophosphorylation in response to EGF. These results identify p125FAK and paxillin as components of the intracellular pathways stimulated after EGF receptor occupation in rat pancreatic acini. Activation of this cascade requires activation of PI3-kinase and participation of p21rho, but not PKC activation and calcium mobilization.

Breast cancer cell response to calcitonin: modulation by growth-regulating agents

Calcitonin may induce cyclic AMP production by breast cancer cells and inhibit their growth. The molecular complex leading to cyclic AMP production in response to calcitonin is made of the calcitonin receptor coupled to the adenylate cyclase by at least one guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein, of the Gs type). Our aim was to determine whether and how the responses of cells to calcitonin were modulated by growth-regulating agents not directly acting through the cyclic AMP pathway. We found that the cyclic AMP response to calcitonin was reduced after preincubation of cells with the mitogens 17beta-estradiol and epidermal growth factor (EGF), while it was enhanced after preincubation with the growth inhibitors tamoxifen and 1,25(OH)2D3, as well as with an antisense oligonucleotide to the proto-oncogene c-myc. Scatchard-plots revealed no significant change in the calcitonin receptor number or affinity. On the other hand, the cyclic AMP production of cells in response to activators unrelated to calcitonin, such as forskolin, a direct adenylate cyclase effector, and isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, was modulated only weakly or not at all by the growth-regulating agents. This suggested that the effects observed were essentially calcitonin-specific and associated with events located between the calcitonin receptor and the adenylate cyclase. Since a Go- or Gi-protein has been previously implicated in the calcitonin signal transduction, we tested the action of pertussis toxin, a specific inhibitor of these G-proteins. Pertussis toxin produced a general increase in the cyclic AMP response of cells to calcitonin; moreover, the toxin almost abolished the effect of mitogens and antimitogens on that parameter. We conclude that in breast cancer cells, the calcitonin receptor and the adenylate cyclase are coupled by at least one Go/Gi-protein sensitive to growth-regulating agents; this results in a modulation of the cyclic AMP response to calcitonin by these agents. On the other hand, the growth-inhibitory effect of calcitonin on breast cancer cells was reduced by 17beta-estradiol and enhanced by tamoxifen. We suggest that this could be a consequence of changes in cyclic AMP levels and deserves further investigation.

Epidermal growth factor in NMU-induced mammary tumors in rats

In this work we analyze the hypothesis that tumors induced by i.p. N-nitroso-N-methylurea injection express EGF-like peptides and EGF receptors which could be involved in the response to hormone manipulation. EGF receptors (EGFR) were determined in the purified membrane fraction of tumors from control and ovariectomized (OVX) animals and no significant differences were found in either maximal binding capacities (Q) or dissociation constants (Kd) between them. Neither did we observe differences between tumors that regressed (HR) or continued growing (HU) after ovariectomy. In order to test the ability of EGFR to trigger a biological response we measured the production of second messengers inositol triphosphates (IP3) and cAMP levels; we found that EGF increases IP3 production in a dose-dependent way, while cAMP levels were not affected. In addition, EGF was able to induce in vitro cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner when tested in primary cultures of tumor cells by the clonogenic soft agar technique. EGF/TGF-alpha activity was determined by a radioreceptor assay in tumor cytosols from control and OVX rats. Results showed a trend to lower values in tumors from OVX rats, but no differences between HR and HU tumors. A positive correlation was found between EGF/TGF-alpha activity and progesterone receptor maximal binding capacity. When we tested the action of estradiol and EGF added together to primary cultures of tumor cells we found an additive effect on cell proliferation. The study of steady state mRNA levels showed that E2 increases PgR and c-myc mRNA levels in HR but not in HU tumors. In conclusion, the autocrine loop EGFR-EGF/TGF-alpha present in all tumors is hormonally regulated, possibly by Pg, but is not related to the tumor response to ovariectomy.

Growth factor-dependent phosphoinositide signalling

A wide variety of messages, in the form of diffusible growth factors, hormones and cytokines, are carried throughout multicellular organisms to coordinate important physiological properties of target cells, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis and metabolism. Most messengers bind to cognate receptors on target cells, which initiate a characteristic cascade of reactions within the cell, ultimately leading to the desired response. The cellular response is defined by the combination of signalling components whose individual activity depends upon the number and type of surface receptors. Consequently the responses of different cell types to one or more stimuli can be quite disparate. A molecular understanding of the signalling pathways employed by each type of receptor therefore underlies the ability to rationalize many cellular functions and to correct disfunctions. As a well studied example of the primary signalling events that take place on the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane following receptor activation, we will discuss how the widely expressed receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) causes the phosphorylation and hydrolysis of a signalling precursor, the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol. This paradigm will be used to illustrate certain general principles of signalling, including formation of multienzyme complexes, compartmentation of second messengers and intermediates, and cross-talk between different signalling pathways.