Stimulation of p70S6 kinase via a growth hormone-controlled phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway leads to the activation of a PDE4A cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase in 3T3-F442A preadipocytes

Classical and novel GH receptor signaling pathways

In this review, I summarize historical and recent features of the classical pathways activated by growth hormone (GH) through the cell surface GH receptor (GHR). GHR is a cytokine receptor superfamily member that signals by activating the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, JAK2, and members of the Src family kinases. Activation of the GHR engages STATs, PI3K, and ERK pathways, among others, and details of these now-classical pathways are presented. Modulating elements, including the SOCS proteins, phosphatases, and regulated GHR metalloproteolysis, are discussed. In addition, a novel physical and functional interaction of GHR with IGF-1R is summarized and discussed in terms of its mechanisms, consequences, and physiological and therapeutic implications.

Growth Hormone Receptor Regulation in Cancer and Chronic Diseases

The GHR signaling pathway plays important roles in growth, metabolism, cell cycle control, immunity, homeostatic processes, and chemoresistance via both the JAK/STAT and the SRC pathways. Dysregulation of GHR signaling is associated with various diseases and chronic conditions such as acromegaly, cancer, aging, metabolic disease, fibroses, inflammation and autoimmunity. Numerous studies entailing the GHR signaling pathway have been conducted for various cancers. Diverse factors mediate the up- or down-regulation of GHR signaling through post-translational modifications. Of the numerous modifications, ubiquitination and deubiquitination are prominent events. Ubiquitination by E3 ligase attaches ubiquitins to target proteins and induces proteasomal degradation or starts the sequence of events that leads to endocytosis and lysosomal degradation. In this review, we discuss the role of first line effectors that act directly on the GHR at the cell surface including ADAM17, JAK2, SRC family member Lyn, Ubc13/CHIP, proteasome, βTrCP, CK2, STAT5b, and SOCS2. Activity of all, except JAK2, Lyn and STAT5b, counteract GHR signaling. Loss of their function increases the GH-induced signaling in favor of aging and certain chronic diseases, exemplified by increased lung cancer risk in case of a mutation in the SOCS2-GHR interaction site. Insight in their roles in GHR signaling can be applied for cancer and other therapeutic strategies.

The Past, Present, and Future of Phosphodiesterase-4 Modulation for Age-Induced Memory Loss

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the state of progress for phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) modulation as a potential therapeutic for psychiatric illness, and to draw attention to particular hurdles and obstacles that must be overcome in future studies to develop PDE4-mediated therapeutics. Pathological and non-pathological related memory loss will be the focus of the chapter; however, we will at times also touch upon other psychiatric illnesses like anxiety and depression. First, we will provide a brief background of PDE4, and the rationale for its extensive study in cognition. Second, we will explore fundamental differences in individual PDE4 subtypes, and then begin to address differences between pathological and non-pathological aging. Alterations of cAMP/PDE4 signaling that occur within normal vs. pathological aging, and the potential for PDE4 modulation to combat these alterations within each context will be described. Finally, we will finish the chapter with obstacles that have hindered the field, and future studies and alternative viewpoints that need to be addressed. Overall, we hope this chapter will demonstrate the incredible complexity of PDE4 signaling in the brain, and will be useful in forming a strategy to develop future PDE4-mediated therapeutics for psychiatric illnesses.

Familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA) and the pituitary adenoma predisposition due to mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene

Pituitary adenomas are one of the most frequent intracranial tumors and occur with a prevalence of approximately 1:1000 in the developed world. Pituitary adenomas have a serious disease burden, and their management involves neurosurgery, biological therapies, and radiotherapy. Early diagnosis of pituitary tumors while they are smaller may help increase cure rates. Few genetic predictors of pituitary adenoma development exist. Recent years have seen two separate, complimentary advances in inherited pituitary tumor research. The clinical condition of familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA) has been described, which encompasses the familial occurrence of isolated pituitary adenomas outside of the setting of syndromic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and Carney complex. FIPA families comprise approximately 2% of pituitary adenomas and represent a clinical entity with homogeneous or heterogeneous pituitary adenoma types occurring within the same kindred. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene has been identified as causing a pituitary adenoma predisposition of variable penetrance that accounts for 20% of FIPA families. Germline AIP mutations have been shown to associate with the occurrence of large pituitary adenomas that occur at a young age, predominantly in children/adolescents and young adults. AIP mutations are usually associated with somatotropinomas, but prolactinomas, nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, Cushing disease, and other infrequent clinical adenoma types can also occur. Gigantism is a particular feature of AIP mutations and occurs in more than one third of affected somatotropinoma patients. Study of pituitary adenoma patients with AIP mutations has demonstrated that these cases raise clinical challenges to successful treatment. Extensive research on the biology of AIP and new advances in mouse Aip knockout models demonstrate multiple pathways by which AIP may contribute to tumorigenesis. This review assesses the current clinical and therapeutic characteristics of more than 200 FIPA families and addresses research findings among AIP mutation-bearing patients in different populations with pituitary adenomas.

The therapeutic profile of rolipram, PDE target and mechanism of action as a neuroprotectant following spinal cord injury

The extent of damage following spinal cord injury (SCI) can be reduced by various neuroprotective regimens that include maintaining levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP), via administration of the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor Rolipram. The current study sought to determine the optimal neuroprotective dose, route and therapeutic window for Rolipram following contusive SCI in rat as well as its prominent PDE target and putative mechanism of protection. Rolipram or vehicle control (10% ethanol) was given subcutaneously (s.c.) daily for 2 wk post-injury (PI) after which the preservation of oligodendrocytes, neurons and central myelinated axons was stereologically assessed. Doses of 0.1 mg/kg to 1.0 mg/kg (given at 1 h PI) increased neuronal survival; 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg/kg protected oligodendrocytes and 1.0 mg/kg produced optimal preservation of central myelinated axons. Ethanol also demonstrated significant neuronal and oligo-protection; though the preservation provided was significantly less than Rolipram. Subsequent use of this optimal Rolipram dose, 1.0 mg/kg, via different routes (i.v., s.c. or oral, 1 h PI), demonstrated that i.v. administration produced the most significant and consistent cyto- and axo- protection, although all routes were effective. Examination of the therapeutic window for i.v. Rolipram (1.0 mg/kg), when initiated between 1 and 48 h after SCI, revealed maximal neuroprotection at 2 h post-SCI, although the protective efficacy of Rolipram could still be observed when administration was delayed for up to 48 h PI. Importantly, use of the optimal Rolipram regimen significantly improved locomotor function after SCI as measured by the BBB score. Lastly we show SCI-induced changes in PDE4A, B and D expression and phosphorylation as well as cytokine expression and immune cell infiltration. We demonstrate that Rolipram abrogates SCI-induced PDE4B1 and PDE4A5 production, PDE4A5 phosphorylation, MCP-1 expression and immune cell infiltration, while preventing post-injury reductions in IL-10. This work supports the use of Rolipram as an acute neuroprotectant following SCI and defines an optimal administration protocol and target for its therapeutic application.

Position stand on androgen and human growth hormone use

Hoffman, JR, Kraemer, WJ, Bhasin, S, Storer, T, Ratamess, NA, Haff, GG, Willoughby, DS, and Rogol, AD. Position stand on Androgen and human growth hormone use. J Strength Cond Res 23(5): S1-S59, 2009-Perceived yet often misunderstood demands of a sport, overt benefits of anabolic drugs, and the inability to be offered any effective alternatives has fueled anabolic drug abuse despite any consequences. Motivational interactions with many situational demands including the desire for improved body image, sport performance, physical function, and body size influence and fuel such negative decisions. Positive countermeasures to deter the abuse of anabolic drugs are complex and yet unclear. Furthermore, anabolic drugs work and the optimized training and nutritional programs needed to cut into the magnitude of improvement mediated by drug abuse require more work, dedication, and preparation on the part of both athletes and coaches alike. Few shortcuts are available to the athlete who desires to train naturally. Historically, the NSCA has placed an emphasis on education to help athletes, coaches, and strength and conditioning professionals become more knowledgeable, highly skilled, and technically trained in their approach to exercise program design and implementation. Optimizing nutritional strategies are a vital interface to help cope with exercise and sport demands (). In addition, research-based supplements will also have to be acknowledged as a strategic set of tools (e.g., protein supplements before and after resistance exercise workout) that can be used in conjunction with optimized nutrition to allow more effective adaptation and recovery from exercise. Resistance exercise is the most effective anabolic form of exercise, and over the past 20 years, the research base for resistance exercise has just started to develop to a significant volume of work to help in the decision-making process in program design (). The interface with nutritional strategies has been less studied, yet may yield even greater benefits to the individual athlete in their attempt to train naturally. Nevertheless, these are the 2 domains that require the most attention when trying to optimize the physical adaptations to exercise training without drug use.Recent surveys indicate that the prevalence of androgen use among adolescents has decreased over the past 10-15 years (). The decrease in androgen use among these students may be attributed to several factors related to education and viable alternatives (i.e., sport supplements) to substitute for illegal drug use. Although success has been achieved in using peer pressure to educate high school athletes on behaviors designed to reduce the intent to use androgens (), it has not had the far-reaching effect desired. It would appear that using the people who have the greatest influence on adolescents (coaches and teachers) be the primary focus of the educational program. It becomes imperative that coaches provide realistic training goals for their athletes and understand the difference between normal physiological adaptation to training or that is pharmaceutically enhanced. Only through a stringent coaching certification program will academic institutions be ensured that coaches that they hire will have the minimal knowledge to provide support to their athletes in helping them make the correct choices regarding sport supplements and performance-enhancing drugs.The NSCA rejects the use of androgens and hGH or any performance-enhancing drugs on the basis of ethics, the ideals of fair play in competition, and concerns for the athlete's health. The NSCA has based this position stand on a critical analysis of the scientific literature evaluating the effects of androgens and human growth hormone on human physiology and performance. The use of anabolic drugs to enhance athletic performance has become a major concern for professional sport organizations, sport governing bodies, and the federal government. It is the belief of the NSCA that through education and research we can mitigate the abuse of androgens and hGH by athletes. Due to the diversity of testosterone-related drugs and molecules, the term androgens is believed to be a more appropriate term for anabolic steroids.

Interruption of growth hormone signaling via SHC and ERK in 3T3-F442A preadipocytes upon knockdown of insulin receptor substrate-1

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is a docking protein tyrosine phosphorylated in response to insulin, IGF-1, GH, and other cytokines. IRS-1 has an N-terminal plekstrin homology domain (which facilitates membrane localization), a phosphotyrosine-binding domain [which associates with tyrosine-phosphorylated insulin receptor or IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R)], and tyrosine residues that, when phosphorylated, bind signaling molecules. The role of IRS-1 in GH signaling is uncertain. We previously reported that IRS-1 and Janus kinase 2 associate independently of tyrosine phosphorylation via IRS-1's N terminus and that IRS-1 reconstitution greatly enhances GH-induced ERK, but not STAT5, activation. We now use GH-responsive 3T3-F442A preadipocytes to study the influence of IRS-1 on GH action. We stably transfected cells with vector only (Control) or a vector encoding IRS-1 short hairpin RNA [knockdown (KD)] and compared representative clones. Immunoblotting confirmed more than 80% knockdown of IRS-1 in KD cells. GH caused characteristic Janus kinase 2 and STAT5 activation in both Control and KD cells, but ERK activation was dramatically reduced in KD cells in GH time course and dose-response experiments. Notably, GH-induced Src homology collagen (SHC) activation and SHC-Grb2 association in KD cells were also markedly diminished compared with Control cells. Subcellular fractionation revealed that IRS-1 in Control cells was largely cytosolic, but the component isolated with plasma membranes was highly enriched in lipid raft membranes (LR). In KD cells, GH-induced ERK activation in the LR fraction was particularly diminished compared with Control cells. These data suggest that LR-enriched IRS-1 contributes substantially to GH-induced ERK activation in LR in 3T3-F442A fibroblasts. Furthermore, our results are consistent with IRS-1 residing upstream of SHC in the GH-induced ERK-signaling pathway.

Modulation of growth hormone receptor abundance and function: roles for the ubiquitin-proteasome system

Growth hormone plays an important role in regulating numerous functions in vertebrates. Several pathways that negatively regulate the magnitude and duration of its signaling (including expression of tyrosine phosphatases, SOCS and PIAS proteins) are shared between signaling induced by growth hormone itself and by other cytokines. Here we overview downregulation of the growth hormone receptor as the most specific and potent mechanism of restricting cellular responses to growth hormone and analyze the role of several proteolytic systems and, specifically, ubiquitin-dependent pathways in this regulation.

Acromegaly: re-thinking the cancer risk

Acromegaly is characterized by sustained elevation of circulating growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and is clearly associated with increased morbidity and overall mortality mainly due to cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory diseases. Although cancer-related mortality varies widely amongst retroperspective studies, it appears to be consistently elevated mainly in patients with uncontrolled disease. We review individual tumor types including neoplasms of the colon, breast, prostate, and thyroid where in vitro, animal studies, and studies in non-acromegalic cancer patients have established a role for the GH/IGF-I axis in tumor progression and possibly initiation. We highlight deficiencies in data in acromegalic patients where the evidence is less convincing. Instead, we explore the hypothesis that acromegaly, independent of hormone secretion, is a disease that heralds genetic and/or epigenetic alterations predisposing to cancer risk elsewhere.

Blood flow restriction during low-intensity resistance exercise increases S6K1 phosphorylation and muscle protein synthesis

Low-intensity resistance exercise training combined with blood flow restriction (REFR) increases muscle size and strength as much as conventional resistance exercise with high loads. However, the cellular mechanism(s) underlying the hypertrophy and strength gains induced by REFR are unknown. We have recently shown that both the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and muscle protein synthesis (MPS) were stimulated after an acute bout of high-intensity resistance exercise in humans. Therefore, we hypothesized that an acute bout of REFR would enhance mTOR signaling and stimulate MPS. We measured MPS and phosphorylation status of mTOR-associated signaling proteins in six young male subjects. Subjects were studied once during blood flow restriction (REFR, bilateral leg extension exercise at 20% of 1 repetition maximum while a pressure cuff was placed on the proximal end of both thighs and inflated at 200 mmHg) and a second time using the same exercise protocol but without the pressure cuff [control (Ctrl)]. MPS in the vastus lateralis muscle was measured by using stable isotope techniques, and the phosphorylation status of signaling proteins was determined by immunoblotting. Blood lactate, cortisol, and growth hormone were higher following REFR compared with Ctrl (P < 0.05). Ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) phosphorylation, a downstream target of mTOR, increased concurrently with a decreased eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (eEF2) phosphorylation and a 46% increase in MPS following REFR (P < 0.05). MPS and S6K1 phosphorylation were unchanged in the Ctrl group postexercise. We conclude that the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway appears to be an important cellular mechanism that may help explain the enhanced muscle protein synthesis during REFR.

mRNA expression and antilipolytic role of phosphodiesterase 4 in rat adipocytes in vitro

Adipocyte lipolysis is dependent on an increase in the intracellular concentration of cAMP. Intracellular phosphodiesterases (PDEs) hydrolyze cAMP and limit stimulation of lipolysis. In the present study, the mRNA expression of PDE4 subtypes and the antilipolytic role of PDE4 in rat adipocytes were investigated. Fragments encoding PDE4A (233 bp), PDE4B (786 bp), PDE4C (539 bp), and PDE4D (262 bp) sequences were amplified by RT-PCR. The mRNA expression of PDE4 subtypes (A, B, C, D) determined by real-time quantitative PCR was 7, 18.7, 18.9, and 7.2% relative to PDE3B. Inhibition of PDE4 by rolipram increased basal lipolysis and reversed in part prostaglandin E2 antilipolysis. The combination of PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitors synergistically reversed both prostaglandin E2 and phenylisopropyl adenosine antilipolysis. Stimulation of adipocytes with prostaglandin E2 increased total PDE activity and PDE3 activity measured by hydrolysis of 3[H]cAMP by the particulate fraction of adipocytes. The present study confirmed that mRNAs for all four PDE4 subtypes were expressed in rat adipocytes, with PDE4B and PDE4C predominant. Moreover, PDE4 not only limits the rate of basal lipolysis but also contributes to prostaglandin E2 antilipolysis in rat adipocytes.

Recent advances in growth hormone signaling

Growth hormone (GH) is a major regulatory factor for overall body growth as evidenced by the height extremes in people with abnormal circulating GH levels or GH receptor (GHR) disruptions. GH also affects metabolism, cardiac and immune function, mental agility and aging. Currently, GH is being used therapeutically for a variety of clinical conditions including promotion of growth in short statured children, treatment of adults with GH deficiency and HIV-associated wasting. To help reveal previous unrecognized functions of GH, better understand the known functions of GH, and avoid adverse consequences that are often associated with exogenous GH administration, careful delineation of the molecular mechanisms whereby GH induces its diverse effects is needed. GH is a peptide hormone that is secreted into the circulation by the anterior pituitary and acts upon various target tissues expressing GHR. GH binding of GHR activates the tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), thus initiating a multitude of signaling cascades that result in a variety of biological responses including cellular proliferation, differentiation and migration, prevention of apoptosis, cytoskeletal reorganization and regulation of metabolic pathways. A number of signaling proteins and pathways activated by GH have been identified, including JAKs, signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats), the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Although these signal transduction pathways have been well characterized, the manner by which GH activates these pathways, the downstream signals induced by these pathways, and the cross-talk with other pathways are not completely understood. Recent findings have added vital information to our understanding of these downstream signals induced by GH and mechanisms that terminate GH signaling, and identified new GH signaling proteins and pathways. This review will highlight some of these findings, many of which are unexpected and some of which challenge previously held beliefs about the mechanisms of GH signaling.

Glycogen autophagy in glucose homeostasis

Glycogen autophagy, the sequestration and degradation of cell glycogen in the autophagic vacuoles, is a selective, hormonally controlled and highly regulated process, representing a mechanism of glucose homeostasis under conditions of demand for the production of this sugar. In the newborn animals, this process is induced by glucagon secreted during the postnatal hypoglycemia and inhibited by insulin and parenteral glucose, which abolishes glucagon secretion. Hormonal action is mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A (induction) and phosphoinositides/mTOR (inhibition) pathways that converge on common targets, such as the protein phosphatase 2A to regulate autophgosomal glycogen-hydrolyzing acid glucosidase and glycogen autophagy. Intralysosomal phosphate exchange reactions, which are affected by changes in the calcium levels and acid mannose 6- and acid glucose 6-phosphatase activities, can modify the intralysosomal composition in phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated glucose and promote the exit of free glucose through the lysosomal membrane. Glycogen autophagy-derived nonphosphorylated glucose assists the hyaloplasmic glycogen degradation-derived glucose 6-phosphate to combat postnatal hypoglycemia and participates in other metabolic pathways to secure the fine tuning of glucose homeostasis during the neonatal period.

Hypoxia-induced remodelling of PDE4 isoform expression and cAMP handling in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASM cells) express PDE4A10, PDE4A11, PDE4B2, PDE4C and PDE4D5 isoforms. Hypoxia causes a transient up-regulation of PDE4B2 that reaches a maximum after 7 days and sustained up-regulation of PDE4A10/11 and PDE4D5 over 14 days in hypoxia. Seven days in hypoxia increases both intracellular cAMP levels, protein kinase A (PKA) activity and activated, phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (pERK) but does not alter either PKA isoform expression or total cAMP phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) activity or cAMP phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) activity. Both the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin and the ERK inhibitors, UO126 and PD980589 reverse the hypoxia-induced increase in intracellular cAMP levels back to those seen in normoxic hPASM cells. Challenge of normoxic hPASM cells with prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) elevates cAMP to levels comparable to those seen in hypoxic cells but fails to increase intracellular cAMP levels in hypoxic hPASM cells. The adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin increases cAMP levels in both normoxic and hypoxic hPASM cells to comparable elevated levels. Challenge of hypoxic hPASM cells with indomethacin attenuates total PDE4 activity whilst challenge with UO126 increases total PDE4 activity. We propose that the hypoxia-induced activation of ERK initiates a phospholipase A(2)/COX-driven autocrine effect whereupon PGE(2) is generated, causing the activation of adenylyl cyclase and increase in intracellular cAMP. Despite the hypoxia-induced increases in the expression of PDE4A10/11, PDE4B2 and PDE4D5 and activation of certain of these long PDE4 isoforms through PKA phosphorylation, we suggest that the failure to see any overall increase in PDE4 activity is due to ERK-mediated phosphorylation and inhibition of particular PDE4 long isoforms. Such hypoxia-induced increase in expression of PDE4 isoforms known to interact with certain signalling scaffold proteins may result in alterations in compartmentalised cAMP signalling. The hypoxia-induced increase in cAMP may represent a compensatory protective mechanism against hypoxia-induced mitogens such as endothelin-1 and serotonin.

Ginseng extract inhibits lipolysis in rat adipocytes in vitro by activating phosphodiesterase 4

Elevated concentrations of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) may cause insulin resistance. Inhibition of lipolysis reduces FFA availability and improves insulin sensitivity. Ginseng extract (Panax spp., GE) was shown to improve glycemia in Type 2 diabetes. In the present study, the antilipolytic effect of GE in rat adipocytes and the signaling pathway for GE antilipolysis were investigated. Adipocytes were isolated from rat fat tissue by collagenase digestion. The ability of GE to inhibit lipolysis was assessed by measuring glycerol and FFA release into the incubation medium. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor and various phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors were applied to investigate the signaling pathway for GE antilipolysis. The present study showed that insulin and GE inhibited lipolysis by 42.4 and 49% compared with basal, respectively (P < 0.05). Unlike insulin, the PI3-K inhibitor wortmannin did not reverse GE antilipolysis, and GE did not affect phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB). The nonselective PDE inhibitor enprofylline reversed both insulin and GE antilipolysis. The specific phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) inhibitor cilostamide reversed insulin antilipolysis completely, but did not significantly affect GE antilipolysis. The specific phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor rolipram did not significantly affect insulin antilipolysis, but almost completely reversed GE antilipolysis. Moreover, the combination of PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitors completely reversed GE antilipolysis. None of the ginsenosides (Rb1, Re, Rg1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd) were responsible for GE antilipolysis. The results suggest that ginseng exerts its antilipolytic effect through a signaling pathway different from that of insulin. GE antilipolysis is mediated in part by activating PDE4 in rat adipocytes.

Evidence for down-regulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR)-dependent translation regulatory signaling pathways in Ames dwarf mice

How growth hormone (GH) stimulates protein synthesis is unknown. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathways balance anabolic and catabolic activities in response to nutrients and growth factor signaling. As a test of GH signaling, immunoassays of two downstream translation regulatory proteins were compared in ad libitum-fed 2-month-old normal and Ames (Prop1df) dwarf mice. Phosphorylation of the p70 and p85 isoforms of S6 kinase 1 in liver and the p70 isoform in gastrocnemius muscle were significantly decreased in dwarfs. Messenger RNA (mRNA) Cap-binding demonstrated significantly higher levels of translation repressor 4E-BP1/eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) (coprecipitates) from dwarf livers, but not muscle. Consistent with these binding data, significantly less phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 was documented in dwarf liver. These data suggest a link between GH signaling and translation control in a model of extended longevity.

Suppression of cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase 5 promotes apoptosis and inhibits growth in HT29 cells

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) is a major isoform of cGMP phosphodiesterase in a variety of human tumor cell lines and plays a key role in regulating intracellular cGMP concentrations ([cGMP]i). Here, we demonstrate that suppression of PDE5 gene expression by antisense pZeoSV2/ASP5 plasmid transfection results in a sustained increase in [cGMP]i, growth inhibition, and apoptosis in human colon tumor HT29 cells. With stable transfection, antisense transcripts exhibited a specific suppression in PDE5 activity, mRNA levels, and a 93 kDa hPDE5A1 protein. In cloned antisense cells, prolongation of the cell growth doubling times correlate positively with suppressed PDE5 activity and increased [cGMP]i. The growth inhibition in PDE5 antisense clones is due to an increased apoptotic rate and delayed cell-cycle progression. These results corroborate previous findings with the PDE5 inhibitor exisulind and its derivatives showing that sustained [cGMP]i induces apoptosis and growth inhibition in tumor cells. Furthermore, an inducible mitotic inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 has been found to account for the delay of cell-cycle progression in PDE5 antisense clones at G2/M phase. A proteolytic cleavage of p21WAF1/CIP1 in the antisense clones is also increased at the later stage of serum stimulation. The protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor, KT5823, can prevent the cleavage of p21(WAF1/CIP). These data substantiate a pivotal role for PDE5 as a modulator of apoptosis and cell-cycle progression for human carcinoma via a mechanism involving the activation of [cGMP]i/PKG signaling pathways.

The role of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in the regulation of adipocyte lipolysis

This study assessed the effects of selective inhibitors of 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) on adipocyte lipolysis. IC224, a selective inhibitor of type 1 phosphodiesterase (PDE1), suppressed lipolysis in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes (69.6 +/- 5.4% of vehicle control) but had no effect in human adipocytes. IC933, a selective inhibitor of PDE2, had no effect on lipolysis in either cultured murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes or human adipocytes. Inhibition of PDE3 with cilostamide moderately stimulated lipolysis in murine 3T3-L1 and rat adipocytes (397 +/- 25% and 235 +/- 26% of control, respectively) and markedly stimulated lipolysis in human adipocytes (932 +/- 7.6% of control). Inhibition of PDE4 with rolipram moderately stimulated lipolysis in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes (291 +/- 13% of control) and weakly stimulated lipolysis in rat adipocytes (149 +/- 7.0% of control) but had no effect on lipolysis in human adipocytes. Cultured adipocytes also responded differently to a combination of PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitors. Simultaneous exposure to cilostamide and rolipram had a synergistic effect on lipolysis in murine 3T3-L1 and rat adipocytes but not in human adipocytes. Hence, the relative importance of PDE3 and PDE4 in regulating lipolysis differed in cultured murine, rat, and human adipocytes.

Differential expression of PDE4 cAMP phosphodiesterase isoforms in inflammatory cells of smokers with COPD, smokers without COPD, and nonsmokers

The expression profile of a panel of 15 cAMP phosphodiesterase isoforms was determined for inflammatory cell types of relevance to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, the expression profiles for bronchoalveolar macrophages, peripheral blood monocytes, T lymphocytes, and neutrophils from smokers with and without COPD were compared. The phosphodiesterase expression profile was also analyzed for peripheral blood monocytes, T lymphocytes, and neutrophils from nonsmokers and compared with smokers. Qualitative RT-PCR identified transcripts for PDE4A10, PDE4A7, PDE4B1, PDE4B2, PDE4D1, and PDE4D2 isoforms as well as transcripts for both PDE3B and PDE7A in T cells, monocytes, and macrophages in all subjects. Transcripts for PDE4B3 and PDE4D4 were not observed in any of the cell types investigated. PDE4C was detected in all cells analyzed except for T cells. The long PDE4A4, PDE4D3, and PDE4D5 isoforms exhibited cell type-specific expression patterns. Semiquantitative and real-time quantitative RT-PCR were used to analyze differential expression between disease states and between cell types. PDE4A4 was found significantly upregulated in lung macrophages from smokers with COPD when compared with control smokers. Furthermore, PDE4A4 as well as PDE4B2 transcripts were detected in higher amounts in peripheral blood monocytes of smokers when compared with nonsmokers. Finally, PDE4D5 and PDE4C were differentially regulated in lung macrophages when compared with monocytes of the same subjects, irrespective of the disease state. The data obtained suggest that PDE4A4 may be relevant as a macrophage-specific anti-inflammatory target for COPD.

Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer–Based Analysis of cAMP Dynamics in Live Neonatal Rat Cardiac Myocytes Reveals Distinct Functions of Compartmentalized Phosphodiesterases

Cardiac myocytes have provided a key paradigm for the concept of the compartmentalized cAMP generation sensed by AKAP-anchored PKA. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) provide the sole route for degrading cAMP in cells and are thus poised to regulate intracellular cAMP gradients. PDE3 and PDE4 represent the major cAMP degrading activities in rat ventriculocytes. By performing real-time imaging of cAMP in situ, we establish the hierarchy of these PDEs in controlling cAMP levels in basal conditions and on stimulation with a β-adrenergic receptor agonist. PDE4, rather than PDE3, appears to be responsible for modulating the amplitude and duration of the cAMP response to beta-agonists. PDE3 and PDE4 localize to distinct compartments and this may underpin their different functional roles. Our findings indicate the importance of distinctly localized PDE isoenzymes in determining compartmentalized cAMP signaling.

Remodelling of the PDE4 cAMP phosphodiesterase isoform profile upon monocyte-macrophage differentiation of human U937 cells

Monocytes and macrophages provide key targets for the action of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics targeted at inhibition of PDE4 cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases. PDE4 enzymes provide the dominant cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in U937 human monocytic cells. Differentiation of U937 monocytic cells to a macrophage-like phenotype causes a marked reduction in total cellular PDE4 activity. Monocytic U937 cells express the long PDE4A4, PDE4D5 and PDE4D3 isoforms plus the short PDE4B2 isoform. Differentiation of U937 cells to a macrophage-like phenotype causes a marked downregulation of PDE4D3 and PDE4D5, elicits a marked upregulation of PDE4B2 and induces the novel PDE4A10 long isoform. Comparable patterns are found in human peripheral blood monocytes and macrophages differentiated from them. Immunopurification of PDE4 subfamilies identifies long PDE4D isoforms as providing the major PDE4 activity in U937 monocytic cells. In U937 macrophage-like cells, the activity of the short PDE4B2 isoform predominates. No indication of either the expression or induction of PDE4C was evident. Activation of ERK exerts an inhibitory effect on total PDE4 activity in monocytic U937 cells, where the activity of long PDE4 isoforms predominates. The effect of ERK activation is switched to one of overall stimulation of total PDE4 activity in macrophage U937 cells, where the activity of the short PDE4B2 isoform predominates.10 The profound differentiation-induced changes in PDE4 isoform profile identified here suggests that the development of inhibitors specific for particular PDE4 isoforms may allow for selective effects on monocytes and macrophages to be achieved.

The unique amino-terminal region of the PDE4D5 cAMP phosphodiesterase isoform confers preferential interaction with beta-arrestins

Isoproterenol challenge of Hek-B2 cells causes a transient recruitment of the endogenous PDE4D isoforms found in these cells, namely PDE4D3 and PDE4D5, to the membrane fraction. PDE4D5 provides around 80% of the total PDE4D protein so recruited, although it only comprises about 40% of the total PDE4D protein in Hek-B2 cells. PDE4D5 provides about 80% of the total PDE4D protein found associated with beta-arrestins immunopurified from Hek-B2, COS1, and A549 cells as well as cardiac myocytes, whereas its overall level in these cells is between 15 and 50% of the total PDE4D protein. Truncation analyses indicate that two sites in PDE4D5 are involved in mediating its interaction with beta-arrestins, one associated with the common PDE4 catalytic region and the other located within its unique amino-terminal region. Truncation analyses indicate that two sites in beta-arrestin 2 are involved in mediating its interaction with PDE4D5, one associated with its extreme amino-terminal region and the other located within the carboxyl-terminal domain of the protein. We suggest that the unique amino-terminal region of PDE4D5 allows it to preferentially interact with beta-arrestins. This specificity appears likely to account for the preferential recruitment of PDE4D5, compared with PDE4D3, to membranes of Hek-B2 cells and cardiac myocytes upon challenge with isoproterenol.

PDE4 cAMP phosphodiesterases: modular enzymes that orchestrate signalling cross-talk, desensitization and compartmentalization

cAMP is a second messenger that controls many key cellular functions. The only way to inactivate cAMP is to degrade it through the action of cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs). PDEs are thus poised to play a key regulatory role. PDE4 cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases appear to have specific functions with selective inhibitors serving as potent anti-inflammatory agents. The recent elucidation of the structure of the PDE4 catalytic unit allows for molecular insight into the mode of catalysis as well as substrate and inhibitor selectivity. The four PDE4 genes encode over 16 isoforms, each of which is characterized by a unique N-terminal region. PDE4 isoforms play a pivotal role in controlling functionally and spatially distinct pools of cAMP by virtue of their unique intracellular targeting. Targeting occurs by association with proteins, such as arrestins, SRC family tyrosyl kinases, A-kinase anchoring proteins ('AKAPs') and receptor for activated C kinase 1 ('RACK1'), and, in the case of isoform PDE4A1, by a specific interaction (TAPAS-1) with phosphatidic acid. PDE4 isoforms are 'designed' to be regulated by extracellular-signal-related protein kinase (ERK), which binds to anchor sites on the PDE4 catalytic domain that it phosphorylates. The upstream conserved region 1 (UCR1) and 2 (UCR2) modules that abut the PDE4 catalytic unit confer regulatory functions by orchestrating the functional outcome of phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase ('PKA') and ERK. PDE4 enzymes stand at a crossroads that allows them to integrate various signalling pathways with that of cAMP in spatially distinct compartments.

Sensitivity of hybrid ovine/rat GH receptors to oGH and rat GH in transfected FDC-P1 mouse myeloid cells in vitro

We have described previously the properties of two mutant ovine growth hormone receptor extracellular domain (oGHR-ECD) proteins which were created by substituting sequences from the rat GHR at two different locations within the framework of the oGHR-ECD. The first mutation occurred at a region close to the N-terminus of oGHR-ECD between residues Thr 28 and Leu34 and created the protein T28E/N29S/N33K/L34P-oGHR-ECD, where the ovine specific residues T, N, N and L are replaced by their equivalent residues E, S, K and P from the rat protein. This site lies N-terminal to the first element of beta-strand structure in the GHR-ECD and we designated this protein as Site-A mutant. The second mutation was made between residues Serl21 andAsp 124 of oGHR-ECD to produce the protein S121T/E123D/D124E-oGHR-ECD where ovine specific residues are again replaced with the equivalent residues from the rat GHR-ECD. This region lies in a loop structure which joins the two beta-barrel domains of the GHR-ECD. This protein is designated as Site-B mutant. A subsequent analysis confirmed the N-terminal region between residues 28-34 of oGHR-ECD as an important epitope defined by antiserum raised to oGHR-ECD. Also of interest was the finding that mutation at both Sites A and B in oGHR-ECD compromised the affinity of the protein for bovine GH (50-fold for Site-A and 4-fold for Site-B). A comparison of the affinity of wild type oGHR for the highly homologous bovine GH with its affinity for rat GH indicated a 10-fold higher affinity for the ruminant GH than for rat GH. Mutation at Site-A of oGHR-ECD reduced the affinity for rat GH a further 3-fold. However, mutation at Site-B of oGHR-ECD increased the affinity for rat GH 2-3 fold. This indicated that the substitution of rat GHR residues for ovine GHR residues in this part of the protein had a beneficial effect in relation to affinity for rat GH and that this region of the GHR-ECD may contain important specificity determinants. In order to test whether these observed differences in affinity for bovine and rat GH affinities have any biological relevance, we have produced the same ovine --> rat mutations in the context of the full length ovine GHR. Transfection of the cDNAs encoding the wt or mutant GHRs into the mouse myeloid pre-B cell line FDC-P1 to create stably transfected clonal lines, has allowed an examination of the relative activities of ovine and rat GH, using a robust and high throughput bio-assay based on the reduction of a cell permeable tetrazolium salt. In the current manuscript, we report that the decrease in binding affinity previously reported for Site-A and Site-B mutant oGHR extracellular domain proteins is not reflected in compromised biological activities when the same mutations are expressed in the context of the full length oGHR protein. We discuss these findings in the context of the relationships between affinity and activity at the GHR.

Type IV phosphodiesterase activity specifically regulates cAMP-stimulated casein secretion in the rat mammary gland

This study investigates the regulation of cAMP-stimulated casein secretion in rat mammary explants by cAMP phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) activity. cAMP-PDE activity of the lactating rat mammary gland is shown to be provided by three families, types II, III and IV. In mammary explants, general inhibition of the cAMP-PDE activity significantly increased the rate of cAMP-stimulated casein secretion. This effect could be mimicked using the type-IV specific inhibitor rolipram but not by the specific, or combined, inhibition of the type II and type III activity. Only type IV activity significantly affected intracellular accumulation of cAMP whereas all three cAMP-PDE activities were shown to influence the PKA activation ratio in cells. RtPCR analysis showed that the mammary gland apparently expresses just three type IV isozymes, RNPDE4A5, RNPDE4A8 and RNPDE4D3. A specific role for type IV cAMP-PDE activity in the regulation of casein secretion is suggested and possible mechanisms for the effects of PDEIV activity discussed.

In addition to the SH3 binding region, multiple regions within the N-terminal noncatalytic portion of the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase, PDE4A5, contribute to its intracellular targeting

The long cyclic AMP (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterase isoform, PDE4A5 (PDE4A subfamily isoform variant 5), when transiently expressed in COS-7 cells, was shown in subcellular fractionation studies to be associated with both membrane and cytosol fractions, with immunofluorescence analyses identifying PDE4A5 as associated both with ruffles at the cell margin and also at a distinct perinuclear localisation. Deletion of the first nine amino acids of PDE4A5 (1) ablated its ability to interact with the SH3 domain of the tyrosyl kinase, LYN; (2) reduced, but did not ablate, membrane association; and (3) disrupted the focus of PDE4A5 localisation within ruffles at the cell margin. This deleted region contained a Class I SH3 binding motif of similar sequence to those identified by screening a phage display library with the LYN-SH3 domain. Truncation to remove the PDE4A5 isoform-specific N-terminal region caused a further reduction in membrane association and ablated localisation at the cell margin. Progressive truncation to delete the PDE4A long isoform common region and then the long isoform-specific UCR1 did not cause any further change in membrane association or intracellular distribution. However, deletion up to the super-short form splice junction generated an entirely soluble 'core' PDE4A species. We propose that multiple sites in the N-terminal noncatalytic portion of PDE4A5 have the potential to associate with intracellular structures and thus define its intracellular localisation. At least two such sites lie within the PDE4A5 isoform-specific N-terminal region and these appear to be primarily responsible for targeting PDE4A5 to, and organising it within, the cell margin; one is an SH3 binding motif able to interact with LYN kinase and the other lies within the C-terminal portion of the PDE4A5 unique region. A third membrane association region is located within the N-terminal portion of UCR2 and appears to be primarily responsible for targeting to the perinuclear region. Progressive N-terminal truncation, to delete defined regions of PDE4A5, identified activity changes occurring upon deletion of the SH3 binding site region and then upon deletion of the membrane association site region located within UCR2. This suggests that certain of these anchor sites may not only determine intracellular targeting but may also transduce regulatory effects on PDE4A5 activity.

Genes induced by growth hormone in a model of adipogenic differentiation

A substantial number of GH regulated genes have been reported in mature hepatocytes, but genes involved in GH-initiated cell differentiation have not yet been identified. Here we have studied a well-characterised model of GH-dependent differentiation, adipogenesis of 3T3-F442A preadipocytes, to identify genes rapidly induced by GH. Using the suppression subtractive hybridisation technique, we have identified eight genes induced within 60 min of GH treatment, and verified these by northern analysis. Six were identifiable as Stat 2, Stat 3, thrombospondin-1, oncostatin M receptor beta chain, a DEAD box RNA helicase, and muscleblind, a developmental transcription factor. Bioinformatic approaches assigned one of the two remaining unknown genes as a novel 436 residue serine/threonine kinase. As each of the identified genes have important developmental roles, they may be important in initiating GH-induced adipogenesis.

Novel alternative splice variants of rat phosphodiesterase 7B showing unique tissue-specific expression and phosphorylation

cDNA species coding for novel variants of cyclic-AMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs), namely the PDE7B family, were isolated from rats and characterized. Rat PDE7B1 (RNPDE7B1) was composed of 446 amino acid residues. Rat PDE7B2 (RNPDE7B2) and PDE7B3 (RNPDE7B3), which possessed unique N-terminal sequences, consisted of 359 and 459 residues respectively. Northern hybridization analysis showed that rat PDE7B transcripts were particularly abundant in the striatum and testis. PCR analyses revealed that rat PDE7B2 transcripts were restricted to the testis and that low levels of PDE7B3 transcripts were expressed in the heart, lung and skeletal muscle. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that rat PDE7B transcripts were expressed in striatal neurons and spermatocytes. In spermatocytes, rat PDE7B transcripts were expressed in a stage-specific manner during spermatogenesis. The K(m) values of recombinant rat PDE7B1, PDE7B2 and PDE7B3 for cAMP were 0.05, 0.07 and 0.05 microM respectively. Each rat PDE7B variant was the most sensitive to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IC(50) 1.5-2.1 microM). Two phosphorylation sites for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) were found in rat PDE7B1 and PDE7B3, whereas rat PDE7B2 possessed one site. PKA-dependent phosphorylation was observed in C-terminal phosphorylation sites of three rat PDE7B variants, in addition to unique N-terminal regions of rat PDE7B1 and PDE7B3. Unique tissue distribution and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of PDE7B variants suggested that each variant has a specific role for cellular functions via cAMP signalling in various tissues.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate triggers the protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the PDE4D5 cAMP phosphodiesterase in human aortic smooth muscle cells through a route involving extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)

Phosphodiesterase 4D5 is the sole PDE4D cAMP phosphodiesterase isoform expressed in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) challenge of HASMC rapidly activated PDE4D5 through a process ablated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059. PMA elicited an inhibitory effect on PDE4D5 activity in HASMC treated with the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, the COX-2 selective inhibitor NS-398, the phospholipase A(2) inhibitor quinacrine, and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89. PMA challenge of COS-1 cells elicited the rapid inhibition and phosphorylation of both recombinant and endogenous PDE4D5 in a manner ablated by PD98059 and not seen in S651A mutant PDE4D5. PMA promoted the generation of PGE(2) in the medium of HASMC and caused activation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and PKA through a process ablated by indomethacin, NS-398, quinacrine, and PD98059. Exogenous prostaglandin (PG) E(2) increased cAMP levels and activated PKA in HASMC. COX-2 was expressed in HASMC but not in COS-1 cells. Forskolin challenge of COS-1 cells activated PDE4D5 by causing the PKA-mediated phosphorylation of Ser126 as detected using a novel phosphospecific antiserum. PMA challenge of HASMC elicited phosphorylation of the stimulatory PKA-specific phosphorylation site, Ser126 in PDE4D5 in a manner ablated by PD98059, indomethacin, and H89. We propose that, in HASMC, PMA activates PDE4D5 through an ERK-controlled autocrine mechanism. This involves PGE(2) generation, which causes activation of adenylyl cyclase, allowing PKA to elicit net activation of PDE4D5 by phosphorylation at Ser126.

Signal transduction via the growth hormone receptor

Rapid progress has been made recently in the definition of growth hormone (GH) receptor signal transduction pathways. It is now apparent that many cytokines, including GH, share identical or similar signalling components to exert their cellular effects. This review provides a brief discourse on the signal transduction pathways, which have been demonstrated to be utilized by GH. The identification of such pathways provides a basis for understanding the pleiotropic actions of GH. The mechanisms by which the specific cellular effects of GH are achieved remain to be elucidated.

An inhibitor of PI3-K differentially affects proliferation and IL-6 protein secretion in normal and leukemic myeloid cells depending on the stage of differentiation

In this study, we examined the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) and p70S6 kinase signal transduction pathway in the interleukin-1(IL-1)-mediated proliferation and cytokine production by normal and leukemic myeloid cells. Total AML blast populations, early progenitor (CD34(+)/CD36(-)) cells, and more differentiated (CD34(-)/CD36(+)) cells were treated with the PI3-K inhibitor Ly294002 and p70S6K inhibitor rapamycin. The effects on proliferation, IL-6 protein secretion, and intracellular signaling cascades were determined and compared with normal CD34(+) cells and monocytes. The function of the PI3-K pathway was dependent on the differentiation state of the AML cell population. In immature blasts, the IL-1-induced proliferation was strongly inhibited by Ly294002 and rapamycin, without a distinct effect on IL-6 protein production. In contrast, in mature monocytic blast cells inhibition of the PI3-K signaling route had a stimulatory effect on IL-6 protein secretion. Interestingly, these findings were not specifically linked to the malignant counterpart but were also observed with normal CD34(+) sorted cells vs mature monocytes. Evidence is provided that the Ly294002-induced increase in IL-6 protein secretion is linked to the cAMP dependent signaling pathway and not to changes in the phosphorylation of ERK or p38. However, although the enhanced IL-6 protein secretion is cAMP dependent, it was not found to be mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) or by the GTP-ase Rap1. This study indicates that inhibition of the PI3-K signaling pathway has an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation but a stimulatory effect on IL-6 expression mediated by a cAMP-dependent but PKA-independent route.

The mechanism of effect of growth hormone on preadipocyte and adipocyte function

Growth hormone (GH) is not only the major regulator of postnatal somatic growth but also exerts profound effects on body composition through a combination of anabolic, lipolytic and antinatriuretic actions. GH enhancement of the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in combination with a reduction of triglyceride accumulation via inhibition of lipoprotein lipase activity appears to be the major mechanism by which GH results in a reduction of the total fat mass. Recently, much progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism by which GH affects cellular function. This review provides a brief discourse and summary of the mechanism of effects of GH on preadipocyte/adipocyte function. It is intended to provide a functional understanding of the mechanism of action of GH as it relates to adipogenesis and adipocyte function.

Sub-family selective actions in the ability of Erk2 MAP kinase to phosphorylate and regulate the activity of PDE4 cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterases

Expressed in intact cells and in vitro, PDE4B and PDE4C isoenzymes of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE), in common with PDE4D isoenzymes, are shown to provide substrates for C-terminal catalytic unit phosphorylation by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase Erk2 (p42(MAPK)). In contrast, PDE4A isoenzymes do not provide substrates for C-terminal catalytic unit phosphorylation by Erk2. Mutant PDE4 enzymes were generated to show that Erk2 phosphorylation occurs at a single, cognate serine residue located within the C-terminal portion of the PDE4 catalytic unit. PDE4 long-form isoenzymes were markedly inhibited by Erk2 phosphorylation. The short-form PDE4B2 isoenzyme was activated by Erk2 phosphorylation. These functional changes in PDE activity were mimicked by mutation of the target serine for Erk2 phosphorylation to the negatively charged amino acid, aspartic acid. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) challenge caused diametrically opposed changes in cyclic AMP levels in COS1 cells transfected to express the long PDE4B1 isoenzyme compared to cells expressing the short PDE4B2 isoenzyme. We suggest that PDE4 enzymes may provide a pivotal point for integrating cyclic AMP and Erk signal transduction in cells with 4 genes encoding enzymes that are either insensitive to Erk2 action or may either be activated or inhibited. This indicates that PDE4 isoenzymes have distinct functional roles, giving credence to the notion that distinct therapeutic benefits may accrue using either PDE4 subfamily or isoenzyme-selective inhibitors.

The cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4A5 is cleaved downstream of its SH3 interaction domain by caspase-3. Consequences for altered intracellular distribution

The unique N-terminal region of the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4A5, which confers an ability to bind to certain protein SH3 domains, is cleaved during apoptosis in both Rat-1 fibroblasts and PC12 cells. Cleavage was abolished by the caspase-3-selective inhibitor, z-DEVD-CHO but not the caspase-1 selective inhibitor, z-YVAD-CHO. Caspase-3 treatment of PDE4A5, expressed either transiently in COS cells or generated in vitro by coupled transcription translation, generated a similar cleavage product of 100 kDa compared with the native 110-kDa PDE4A5. This product could be detected immunochemically with an antibody raised to a C-terminal PDE4A5 peptide but not an antibody raised to the N terminus of PDE4A5, indicating that caspase-3 caused N-terminal cleavage of PDE4A5. Deletion of the putative caspase-3 cleavage site, (69)DAVD(72), in PDE4A5, or generation of either the D72A or the D69A mutants, ablated the ability of caspase-3 to cause cleavage. The N-terminal truncate PDE4A5-DeltaP3 was engineered to mimic the caspase-cleaved product of PDE4A5. This showed altered catalytic activity and, unlike PDE4A5, was unable to interact with the SH3 domain of the tyrosyl kinase, LYN. Although both PDE4A5 and PDE4A5-DeltaP3 were localized at cell cortical regions (ruffles), the distinct perinuclear association noted for both PDE4A5 and LYN was not seen for PDE4A5-DeltaP3. Staurosporine-induced apoptosis caused a marked redistribution of PDE4A5 but not PDE4A8 in stably transfected Rat-1 cells. The PDE4-selective inhibitor, rolipram together with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, caused a synergistic increase in the apoptosis of Rat-1 cells. Overexpression of PDE4A5 in Rat-1 cells protected against staurosporine-induced apoptosis in contrast to overexpression of PDE4A8, which potentiated apoptosis. PDE4A5 may be the sole PDE4 family member to provide a substrate for caspase-3 cleavage and this action serves to remove the SH3 binding domain that is unique to this isoform within the PDE4A family and to alter its intracellular targeting.

ERK2 mitogen-activated protein kinase binding, phosphorylation, and regulation of the PDE4D cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases. The involvement of COOH-terminal docking sites and NH2-terminal UCR regions

The cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase family 4, subfamily D, isoform 3 (PDE4D3) is shown to have FQF and KIM docking sites for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) (p42(MAPK)). These straddle the target residue, Ser(579), for ERK2 phosphorylation of PDE4D3. Mutation of either or both of these docking sites prevented ERK2 from being co-immunoprecipitated with PDE4D3, ablated the ability of epidermal growth factor to inhibit PDE4D3 through ERK2 action in transfected COS cells, and attenuated the ability of ERK2 to phosphorylate PDE4D3 in vitro. The two conserved NH(2)-terminal blocks of sequence, called upstream conserved regions 1 and 2 (UCR1 and UCR2), that characterize PDE4 long isoforms, are proposed to amplify the small, inherent inhibitory effect that ERK2 phosphorylation exerts on the PDE4D catalytic unit. In contrast to this, the lone intact UCR2 region found in PDE4D1 directs COOH-terminal ERK2 phosphorylation to cause the activation of this short isoform. From the analysis of PDE4D3 truncates, it is suggested that UCR1 and UCR2 provide a regulatory signal integration module that serves to orchestrate the functional consequences of ERK2 phosphorylation. The PDE4D gene thus encodes a series of isoenzymes that are either inhibited or activated by ERK2 phosphorylation and thereby offers the potential for ERK2 activation either to increase or decrease cAMP levels in cellular compartments.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 3B is a downstream target of protein kinase B and may be involved in regulation of effects of protein kinase B on thymidine incorporation in FDCP2 cells

Wild-type (F/B), constitutively active (F/B*), and three kinase-inactive (F/Ba-, F/Bb-, F/Bc-) forms of Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) were permanently overexpressed in FDCP2 cells. In the absence of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), activities of PKB, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), and PDE4 were similar in nontransfected FDCP2 cells, mock-transfected (F/V) cells, and F/B and F/B- cells. In F/V cells, IGF-1 increased PKB, PDE3B, and PDE4 activities approximately 2-fold. In F/B cells, IGF-1, in a wortmannin-sensitive manner, increased PKB activity approximately 10-fold and PDE3B phosphorylation and activity ( approximately 4-fold), but increased PDE4 to the same extent as in F/V cells. In F/B* cells, in the absence of IGF-1, PKB activity was markedly increased ( approximately 10-fold) and PDE3B was phosphorylated and activated (3- to 4-fold); wortmannin inhibited these effects. In F/B* cells, IGF-1 had little further effect on PKB and activation/phosphorylation of PDE3B. In F/B- cells, IGF-1 activated PDE4, not PDE3B, suggesting that kinase-inactive PKB behaved as a dominant negative with respect to PDE3B activation. Thymidine incorporation was greater in F/B* cells than in F/V cells and was inhibited to a greater extent by PDE3 inhibitors than by rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor. In F/B cells, IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of the apoptotic protein BAD was inhibited by the PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide. Activated PKB phosphorylated and activated rPDE3B in vitro. These results suggest that PDE3B, not PDE4, is a target of PKB and that activated PDE3B may regulate cAMP pools that modulate effects of PKB on thymidine incorporation and BAD phosphorylation in FDCP2 cells.

GH induced lipolysis stimulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes stably expressing hGHR: analysis on signaling pathway and activity of 20K hGH

We have constructed a cell line of 3T3-L1 which can efficiently express human GHR (3T3-L1-hGHR) after differentiation to adipocytes. The expressed hGHR was detected as two bands with approximate molecular sizes of 120K by Western analysis using hGHR specific monoclonal antibody. Maximum lipolytic activity induced by hGH in the 3T3-L1-hGHR was enhanced 10-fold as compared to that in 3T3-L1, suggesting that expressed hGHR is functionally active. Comparative analysis using bGH and hGH revealed that 70% of lipolysis stimulation by 1-10 ng/ml hGH could be attributed to hGHR-mediated response. Analyses on inhibition and phosphorylation of signaling molecules suggested that GH-induced lipolysis stimulation is dependent on gene expression and not mediated through PKA-, PKC-, PLA-, PLC-, nor MAPK-pathway but possibly through JAK-STATs pathway. Duration of STAT5 activation by hGH continued up to 48 h. We also revealed that 22 K hGH isoform, 20K hGH which has been reported as a weaker agonist for GH-induced lipolysis stimulation, possesses equipotent activity and shows stronger action in the presence of hGHBP as compared to 22 K hGH. Taken together we conclude that the hGH-induced lipolysis was not mediated through MAP-, PKA-, PKC-, nor PLA-pathway but might be mediated through STAT pathway and that 20K hGH might show higher lipolytic activity than 22 K hGH in adipose tissue that produces a large amount of GHBP.

Action of rolipram on specific PDE4 cAMP phosphodiesterase isoforms and on the phosphorylation of cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in U937 monocytic cells

U937 monocytic cells are shown here to express a range of PDE4, cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes: the long isoenzymes, PDE4A4, PDE4D5 and PDE4D3, plus the short isoenzyme, PDE4B2. These isoenzymes provide around 76% of the total cAMP PDE activity of U937 cells. The specific activities of the total PDE4A, PDE4B and PDE4D activities were 0.63+/-0.09, 8.8+/-0.2 and 34.4+/-2.9 pmol/min per mg of protein respectively. The PDE4 selective inhibitor, rolipram, inhibited immunopurified PDE4B and PDE4D activities similarly, with IC(50) values of approx. 130 nM and 240 nM respectively. In contrast, rolipram inhibited immunopurified PDE4A activity with a dramatically lower IC(50) value of around 3 nM. Rolipram increased phosphorylation of cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) in U937 cells in a dose-dependent fashion, which implied the presence of both high affinity (IC(50) value approx. 1 nM) and low affinity (IC(50) value approx. 120 nM) components. Rolipram dose-dependently inhibited the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-stimulated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in a simple monotonic fashion with an IC(50) value of approx. 290 nM. On this basis, it is suggested that rolipram inhibition of PDE4A4 is involved in regulating CREB phosphorylation but not IFN-gamma-stimulated p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation. PDE4A4 was also selectively activated by challenge of U937 cells with either bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IFN-gamma through a process which was attenuated by both wortmannin and rapamycin. It is proposed that the PDE4A4 isoform is involved in compartmentalized cAMP signalling responses in U937 monocytes.

Differential regulation of nitric oxide production by increase of intracellular cAMP in murine primary fibroblasts and L929 fibrosarcoma cell line

The effect of intracellular cAMP rise on nitric oxide (NO) production was compared in murine primary fibroblasts isolated from the spleens of CBA mice, and L929 fibrosarcoma cell line. Treatment of confluent L929 cells with cAMP analogues -dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) or 8-Cl-cAMP caused dose-dependent augmentation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS)-mediated NO production, which has been abrogated by inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide or addition of selective iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine. In contrast, under the same cultivating conditions, cAMP analogues were not able to upregulate NO synthesis in primary fibroblasts. Treatment with cAMP analogues or non-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor pentoxifylline affected IFNgamma-induced NO synthesis in both cell types, but in the opposite manner-enhancing in L929 cells and suppressive in primary fibroblasts. The induction of iNOS, but not its catalytic activity, was impaired in cAMP-treated primary fibroblasts. Finally, PDE type IV inhibitor rolipram enhanced IFN-gamma-triggered NO synthesis in L929 cells, but was unable to mimic cAMP analogue or PTX-mediated suppression of NO synthesis in spleen fibroblasts. These results suggest that, in contrast to L929 fibrosarcoma cell line, intracellular cAMP rise might have a role in downregulation of NO production in murine primary fibroblasts.

Nitric oxide donors selectively potentiate thrombin-stimulated p70(S6k) activity and morphological changes in Swiss 3T3 cells

Thrombin stimulates both DNA synthesis and cell morphological changes in Swiss 3T3 cells, although the mechanism of signal coordination leading to these responses is unknown. We report here that nitric oxide (NO) donors selectively enhance thrombin-stimulated p70(S6k) activity by 40-60%, an effect that was sustained for 24 h. Potentiation of p70(S6k) also was observed with cGMP analogues indicating that this effect is mediated by cGMP-activated protein kinase. NO donors also induced morphological changes characterized by spindle-shaped cells in confluent, nondividing cells or by extended protrusions from the trailing edge in subconfluent, polarized cells. NO donors had no significant effects on intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, DNA synthesis, proliferation, or ERKs 1 and 2 and p90RSK activities, indicating that mitogenic responses and cell division are not altered by NO donors. We conclude that NO donors modulate the morphological changes associated with cellular motility in response to thrombin stimulation through selective enhancement of p70(S6k) activity.

Crosstalk between protein kinase A and growth factor receptor signaling pathways in arterial smooth muscle

Crosstalk between the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and growth factor receptor signaling is one of many emerging concepts of crosstalk in signal transduction. Understanding of PKA crosstalk may have important implications for studies of crosstalk between other, less well known, signaling pathways. This review focuses on PKA crosstalk in arterial smooth muscle. Proliferation and migration of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to the thickening of the blood vessel wall that occurs in many types of cardiovascular disease. PKA potently inhibits SMC proliferation by antagonizing the major mitogenic signaling pathways induced by growth factors in SMCs. PKA also inhibits growth factor-induced SMC migration. An intricate crosstalk between PKA and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway, the p70 S6 kinase pathway and cyclin-dependent kinases has been described. Further, PKA regulates expression of growth regulatory molecules. The result of PKA activation in SMCs is the potent inhibition of cell cycle traverse and SMC migration. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the crosstalk between PKA and signaling pathways induced by growth factor receptors in SMCs, and where relevant, in other cell types in which interesting examples of PKA crosstalk have been described.

Tyrosine kinase-independent inhibition of cyclic-AMP phosphodiesterase by genistein and tyrphostin 51

The phosphodiesterase activity in the HT4.7 neural cell line was pharmacologically characterized, and phosphodiesterase isozyme 4 (PDE4) was found to be the predominant isozyme. The Km for cAMP was 1-2 microM, indicative of a "low Km" phosphodiesterase, and the activity was inhibited by PDE4-selective inhibitors rolipram and Ro20-1724, but not PDE3- or PDE2-selective inhibitors. Calcium, calmodulin, and cGMP, regulators of PDE1, PDE2, and PDE3, had no effect on cAMP hydrolysis. The protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, inhibited HT4.7 cAMP phosphodiesterase activity by 85-95% with an IC50 of 4 microM; whereas daidzein, an inactive structural analog of genistein, had little effect on phosphodiesterase activity. This is a common pharmacological criterion used to implicate the regulation by a tyrosine kinase. However, genistein still inhibited phosphodiesterase activity with a mixed pattern of inhibition even when ion-exchange chromatography was used to partially purify phosphodiesterase away from the tyrosine kinase activity. Moreover, tyrphostin 51, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was found to also inhibit partially purified phosphodiesterase activity noncompetitively. These data suggest that HT4.7 phosphodiesterase activity is dominated by PDE4 and can be regulated by genistein and tyrphostin 51 by a tyrosine kinase-independent mechanism.

Type 4 cyclic adenosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterases are expressed in discrete subcellular compartments during rat spermiogenesis

The type 4 cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDE4) are a family of closely related enzymes with similar catalytic domains and divergent amino- and carboxyl-terminus domains. Multiple PDE proteins with heterogeneous amino termini are derived from each gene. To understand the significance of this heterogeneity, the expression and localization of variants derived from PDE4A and PDE4D genes was investigated during spermatogenesis in the rat. RNase protection analysis with mRNA for testes at different ages of development showed that two transcripts (PDE4D1 and PDE4D2) are expressed at day 10 and 15 of age and become undetectable thereafter. An additional PDE4D transcript appears at day 30 and increased during testid maturation. This latter transcript codes for a long variant of the PDE4D gene and is expressed in germ cells as demonstrated by RNase protection with RNA from isolated pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. The presence of a corresponding PDE4D protein with a molecular mass of 98 kDa was established by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis with antibodies specific for PDE4D and by immunoaffinity chromatography purification of the 98 kDa variant from isolated germ cells. PDE4A transcripts were also expressed in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Two polypeptides encoded by these PDE4A transcripts were expressed in pachytene spermatocytes, reached a maximum in round spermatids, and declined thereafter. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated a localization of the PDE4D protein in the manchette and in a periacrosomal region of the developing spermatid, a localization confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy. Conversely, the PDE4A was mostly soluble in the cytoplasm of round spermatids. These data demonstrate that PDE4D and PDE4A variants are expressed at different stages and localized in distinct subcellular structures of developing spermatids. Different properties of the mRNAs derived from the two genes and localization signals are responsible for the temporal and spatial expression of the different PDE4 isoenzymes.

IL-3 and IL-4 Activate Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases 3 (PDE3) and 4 (PDE4) by Different Mechanisms in FDCP2 Myeloid Cells

In FDCP2 myeloid cells, IL-4 activated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases PDE3 and PDE4, whereas IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), and phorbol ester (PMA) selectively activated PDE4. IL-4 (not IL-3 or GM-CSF) induced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin-receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) and its association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K). TNF-α, AG-490 (Janus kinase inhibitor), and wortmannin (PI3-K inhibitor) inhibited activation of PDE3 and PDE4 by IL-4. TNF-α also blocked IL-4-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-2, but not of STAT6. AG-490 and wortmannin, not TNF-α, inhibited activation of PDE4 by IL-3. These results suggested that IL-4-induced activation of PDE3 and PDE4 was downstream of IRS-2/PI3-K, not STAT6, and that inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS molecules might be one mechnism whereby TNF-α could selectively regulate activities of cytokines that utilized IRS proteins as signal transducers. RO31-7549 (protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor) inhibited activation of PDE4 by PMA. IL-4, IL-3, and GM-CSF activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and protein kinase B via PI3-K signals; PMA activated only MAP kinase via PKC signals. The MAP kinase kinase (MEK-1) inhibitor PD98059 inhibited IL-4-, IL-3-, and PMA-induced activation of MAP kinase and PDE4, but not IL-4-induced activation of PDE3. In FDCP2 cells transfected with constitutively activated MEK, MAP kinase and PDE4, not PDE3, were activated. Thus, in FDCP2 cells, PDE4 can be activated by overlapping MAP kinase-dependent pathways involving PI3-K (IL-4, IL-3, GM-CSF) or PKC (PMA), but selective activation of PDE3 by IL-4 is MAP kinase independent (but perhaps IRS-2/PI3-K dependent).

The MAP kinase ERK2 inhibits the cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase HSPDE4D3 by phosphorylating it at Ser579

The extracellular receptor stimulated kinase ERK2 (p42(MAPK))-phosphorylated human cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4D3 at Ser579 and profoundly reduced ( approximately 75%) its activity. These effects could be reversed by the action of protein phosphatase PP1. The inhibitory state of PDE4D3, engendered by ERK2 phosphorylation, was mimicked by the Ser579-->Asp mutant form of PDE4D3. In COS1 cells transfected to express PDE4D3, challenge with epidermal growth factor (EGF) caused the phosphorylation and inhibition of PDE4D3. This effect was blocked by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 and was not apparent using the Ser579-->Ala mutant form of PDE4D3. Challenge of HEK293 and F442A cells with EGF led to the PD98059-ablatable inhibition of endogenous PDE4D3 and PDE4D5 activities. EGF challenge of COS1 cells transfected to express PDE4D3 increased cAMP levels through a process ablated by PD98059. The activity of the Ser579-->Asp mutant form of PDE4D3 was increased by PKA phosphorylation. The transient form of the EGF-induced inhibition of PDE4D3 is thus suggested to be due to feedback regulation by PKA causing the ablation of the ERK2-induced inhibition of PDE4D3. We identify a novel means of cross-talk between the cAMP and ERK signalling pathways whereby cell stimuli that lead to ERK2 activation may modulate cAMP signalling.

Cyclic-3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase isozymes in cell biology and pathophysiology of the kidney

Investigations of recent years revealed that isozymes of cyclic-3', 5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) are a critically important component of the cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. The superfamily of cyclic-3', 5'-phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes consists of at least nine gene families (types): PDE1 to PDE9. Some PDE families are very diverse and consist of several subtypes and numerous PDE isoform-splice variants. PDE isozymes differ in molecular structure, catalytic properties, intracellular regulation and location, and sensitivity to selective inhibitors, as well as differential expression in various cell types. A number of type-specific "second-generation" PDE inhibitors have been developed. Current evidence indicates that PDE isozymes play a role in several pathobiologic processes in kidney cells. In rat mesangial cells, PDE3 and PDE4 compartmentalize cAMP signaling to the PDE3-linked cAMP-PKA pathway that modulates mitogenesis and PDE4-linked cAMP-PKA pathway that modulates generation of reactive oxygen species. Administration of selective PDE isozyme inhibitors in vivo suppresses proteinuria and pathologic changes in experimental anti-Thy-1.1 mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in rats. Increased activity of PDE5 (and perhaps also PDE9) in glomeruli and in cells of collecting ducts in sodium-retaining states, such as nephrotic syndrome, accounts for renal resistance to atriopeptin; diminished ability to excrete sodium can be corrected by administration of the selective PDE5 inhibitor zaprinast. Anomalously high PDE4 activity in collecting ducts is a basis of unresponsiveness to vasopressin in mice with hereditary nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Apparently, PDE isozymes apparently also play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute renal failure of different origins. Administration of PDE isozyme-selective inhibitors suppresses some components of immune responses to allograft transplant and improves preservation and survival of transplanted organ. PDE isozymes are a target for action of numerous novel selective PDE inhibitors, which are key components in the design of novel "signal transduction" pharmacotherapies of kidney diseases.

Identification and characterization of the human homologue of the short PDE4A cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase RD1 (PDE4A1) by analysis of the human HSPDE4A gene locus located at chromosome 19p13.2

The HSPDE4A gene spans 50 kb, consists of at least 17 exons and is orientated 5'-3', telomere to centromere. It is located at chromosome 19p13.2, being 350 kb proximal to the gene encoding TYK2 and 850 kb distal to the gene encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Its structure is consistent with the production of active 'long' and 'short' isoenzymes as the result of alternative mRNA splicing at two splice junctions. Identified is the single alternatively spliced 5' exon encoding the unique N-terminal region of the long isoenzyme HSPDE4A4B (pde46). The upstream conserved regions, UCR1 and UCR2, which form characteristic domains of PDE4 long forms are each encoded by three exons. The PDE4A-subfamily-specific linker region LR1, which joins UCR1 and UCR2, is encoded by two exons, whereas LR2, which joins UCR2 to the catalytic unit, is encoded by a single exon. Identification of exons encoding an enzymically inactive product of this gene, HSPDE4A8A (2el), indicates that this is an authentic gene product. The 5' exon encoding the unique N-terminal region of the human homologue of the rodent isoform RNPDE4A1A (RD1) was located, and the splice junction used to produce this short PDE4A isoform shown to occur at a different position from that seen in both the rat PDE4B and PDE4D genes. Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis indicates that RD1 homologues are conserved across species, having a conserved membrane-targeting region and a hypervariable LR2 region. Human RD1 was expressed transiently in COS-7 cells and detected as an 83 kDa species primarily associated with the high-speed membrane fraction. Human RD1 exhibited a Km for cAMP of about 3 microM, an IC50 value for inhibition by the PDE4-selective inhibitor rolipram of about 0.3 microM and was considerably more thermostable than rat RD1. Human RD1 was generated as a mature 80 kDa species in an in vitro transcription-translation system and shown to be capable of binding to membranes. Knowledge of the gene structure and the associated sequence information should facilitate analysis of the involvement of PDE4A in hereditary disorders that may result from alterations in enzyme expression, activity, regulation and intracellular targeting and serve as a resource for determining authenticity of cloned PDE4A species.