Amino acid side chains that define muscarinic receptor/G-protein coupling. Studies of the third intracellular loop

Functional characterization of three G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptors in parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis

The physiological significance of metabotropic acetylcholine receptors in parasitic nematodes remains largely unexplored. Here, three different Trichinella spiralis G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptors (TsGAR-1, -2, and -3) were identified in the genome of T. spiralis. The phylogenetic analyses showed that TsGAR-1 and -2 receptors belong to a distinct clade specific to invertebrates, while TsGAR-3 is closest to the cluster of mammalian-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR). The mRNA of TsGAR-1, -2, and -3 was detected in muscle larvae, newborn larvae, and adults. The functional aequorin-based assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells revealed that all three types of T. spiralis GARs trigger the Gq/11 pathway upon activation of the receptor with the acetylcholine ligand. TsGAR-1 and TsGAR-2 showed atypical affinity with classical muscarinic agonists, while TsGAR-3 was sensitive to all muscarinic agonists tested. High concentrations of propiverine antagonist blocked the activities of all three TsGARs, while atropine and scopolamine antagonists effectively inhibited only TsGAR-3. Our data indicate that the distinct pharmacological profile of TsGAR-1 and -2 receptors, as well as the phylogenetic distance between them and their mammalian orthologs, place them as attractive targets for the development of selective anthelmintic drugs interfering with nematodes' cholinergic system.

Structural features of the G-protein/GPCR interactions

BACKGROUND

The details of the functional interaction between G proteins and the G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have long been subjected to extensive investigations with structural and functional assays and a large number of computational studies.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

The nature and sites of interaction in the G-protein/GPCR complexes, and the specificities of these interactions selecting coupling partners among the large number of families of GPCRs and G protein forms, are still poorly defined.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Many of the contact sites between the two proteins in specific complexes have been identified, but the three dimensional molecular architecture of a receptor-Gα interface is only known for one pair. Consequently, many fundamental questions regarding this macromolecular assembly and its mechanism remain unanswered.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

In the context of current structural data we review the structural details of the interfaces and recognition sites in complexes of sub-family A GPCRs with cognate G-proteins, with special emphasis on the consequences of activation on GPCR structure, the prevalence of preassembled GPCR/G-protein complexes, the key structural determinants for selective coupling and the possible involvement of GPCR oligomerization in this process.

Similarity between class A and class B G-protein-coupled receptors exemplified through calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor modelling and mutagenesis studies

Modelling class B G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using class A GPCR structural templates is difficult due to lack of homology. The plant GPCR, GCR1, has homology to both class A and class B GPCRs. We have used this to generate a class A–class B alignment, and by incorporating maximum lagged correlation of entropy and hydrophobicity into a consensus score, we have been able to align receptor transmembrane regions. We have applied this analysis to generate active and inactive homology models of the class B calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, and have supported it with site-directed mutagenesis data using 122 CGRP receptor residues and 144 published mutagenesis results on other class B GPCRs. The variation of sequence variability with structure, the analysis of polarity violations, the alignment of group-conserved residues and the mutagenesis results at 27 key positions were particularly informative in distinguishing between the proposed and plausible alternative alignments. Furthermore, we have been able to associate the key molecular features of the class B GPCR signalling machinery with their class A counterparts for the first time. These include the [K/R]KLH motif in intracellular loop 1, [I/L]xxxL and KxxK at the intracellular end of TM5 and TM6, the NPXXY/VAVLY motif on TM7 and small group-conserved residues in TM1, TM2, TM3 and TM7. The equivalent of the class A DRY motif is proposed to involve Arg^2.39, His^2.43 and Glu^3.46, which makes a polar lock with T^6.37. These alignments and models provide useful tools for understanding class B GPCR function.

Structural aspects of M₃ muscarinic acetylcholine receptor dimer formation and activation

To explore the structural mechanisms underlying the assembly and activation of family A GPCR dimers, we used the rat M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R) as a model system. Studies with Cys-substituted mutant M3Rs expressed in COS-7 cells led to the identification of several mutant M3Rs that exclusively existed as cross-linked dimers under oxidizing conditions. The cross-linked residues were located at the bottom of transmembrane domain 5 (TM5) and within the N-terminal portion of the third intracellular loop (i3 loop). Studies with urea-stripped membranes demonstrated that M3R disulfide cross-linking did not require the presence of heterotrimeric G proteins. Molecular modeling studies indicated that the cross-linking data were in excellent agreement with the existence of a low-energy M3R dimer characterized by a TM5-TM5 interface. [(35)S]GTPγS binding/Gα(q/11) immunoprecipitation assays revealed that an M3R dimer that was cross-linked within the N-terminal portion of the i3 loop (264C) was functionally severely impaired (∼50% reduction in receptor-G-protein coupling, as compared to control M3R). These data support the novel concept that agonist-induced activation of M3R dimers requires a conformational change of the N-terminal segment of the i3 loop. Given the high degree of structural homology among family A GPCRs, these findings should be of broad significance.

Isoform-specific uncoupling of the D2 dopamine receptors subtypes

Dopaminergic transmission is fundamental to many neural pathways of clinical interest. We have analyzed the alternatively-spliced isoforms of the D(2) dopamine receptor, D(2) long (D(2l)) and D(2) short (D(2s)), which differ only by a 29-amino acid insertion in the third cytoplasmic loop. Well-known determinants for GPCR signal transduction--the third intracellular loop regions--were co-expressed with the wild-type receptors to test for their ability to antagonize parent receptor function. We found that the D(2l)-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase was blocked by the co-expression of the third cytoplasmic loop of D(2l). However, expression of the third cytoplasmic loop of D(2s) did not inhibit D(2l)-mediated signal transduction. Conversely, expression of the D(2s) third cytoplasmic loop antagonized the D(2s) receptor's function and the D(2l) third cytoplasmic loop did not. In contrast, expression of the alternatively-spliced insert region had no effect when co-expressed with either wild-type receptor isoform. These results suggest that the third cytoplasmic loops of each receptor adopt unique conformations and that the primary sequence of the insert region is not the basis for differences in signaling between D(2s) and D(2l). These findings further support previous studies suggesting that the D2 receptor isoforms use distinct signal transduction mechanisms.

An 80-amino acid deletion in the third intracellular loop of a naturally occurring human histamine H3 isoform confers pharmacological differences and constitutive activity

In this article, we pharmacologically characterized two naturally occurring human histamine H3 receptor (hH3R) isoforms, hH3R(445) and hH3R(365). These abundantly expressed splice variants differ by a deletion of 80 amino acids in the intracellular loop 3. In this report, we show that the hH3R(365) is differentially expressed compared with the hH3R(445) and has a higher affinity and potency for H3R agonists and conversely a lower potency and affinity for H3R inverse agonists. Furthermore, we show a higher constitutive signaling of the hH3R(365) compared with the hH3R(445) in both guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio) triphosphate binding and cAMP assays, likely explaining the observed differences in hH3R pharmacology of the two isoforms. Because H3R ligands are beneficial in animal models of obesity, epilepsy, and cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and currently entered clinical trails, these differences in H3R pharmacology of these two isoforms are of great importance for a detailed understanding of the action of H3R ligands.

Regulation of G proteins by human 5-HT1a receptor TM3/i2 and TM5/i3 loop peptides

A bioactive synthetic 11 amino acid peptide probe (P11) was constructed according to the published sequence of the human 5HT1a receptor. The probe was used to enhance understanding of cytoplasmic loop 2/G protein coupling and activation. Additionally, two peptides (P8, P9) from the cytoplasmic loop 3 region were synthesized and studied. These probes were tested in a model system of human 5HT1a receptor stably expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. In agonist inhibition studies, P11 was active in all three receptor preparations tested: whole cells, membrane bound, and solubilized. In analyses of the membrane bound receptor system, P11 demonstrated uncompetitive inhibition characteristics. When forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels were measured, P11 was inactive in this negatively coupled system. Utilizing a [35S]gamma-S-GTP incorporation assay, P11 was unable to stimulate G protein incorporation of GTP. While P8 and P9 were also broadly active as non-competitive agonist inhibitors, their characteristics differed in the signal transduction system. P8 and P9 did not significantly change forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels. However, P8 increased [35S]gamma-S-GTP incorporation, while P9 decreased incorporation. Thus, P11, a synthetic peptide from the TM3/i2 region of the receptor, provides suggestive evidence that this receptor region is involved in G protein coupling but not activation. On the other hand, P8 and P9 activities suggest that the TM5/i3 region is involved in both coupling to and regulation of G protein activity. The current evidence from these cytoplasmic loop regions is discussed in the overall context of an emerging model for human 5HT1a receptor-G protein interactions.

Structural determinants for G-protein activation and specificity in the third intracellular loop of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor

The selectivity of G-protein recognition is determined by the intracellular loops (ICLs) of seven-transmembrane-spanning receptors. In a previous study, we have shown that the N-terminal and central portions of ICL2 from F525 to D530 participate in dual Galphas-/Galphaq-protein activation by the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR). ICL3 is another major determinant for G-protein activation. Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify important amino acids within ICL3 of the TSHR to gain insight in more detail about its specific function for Galphas- and Galphaq-protein activation and selectivity. Single-alanine substitutions of residues in the N-terminal, middle, and C-terminal region of ICL3 were generated. N-terminal residues Y605 and V608 and C-terminal positions K618, K621, and I622 were identified as selectively important for Galphaq activation, whereas mutations in the center of ICL3 had no effect on TSHR signaling. Our findings provide evidence for an amino acid pattern in the N- and C-terminal part of ICL3, which is involved in Galphaq-mediated signaling. Furthermore, molecular modeling of interaction of TSHR ICL2 and 3 with Galphaq suggests three potential contact sites: TSHR C-terminal ICL3 with beta5-6 loop of Galphaq, TSHR ICL2 residues I523-R531 with beta2-3 loop and N-terminal helix of Galphaq, and TSHR ICL2/transmembrane helix (TMH) 3+ICL3/TMH6 with C-terminal tail of Galphaq.

Constitutive activity of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

We review the literature describing constitutive activity of the five muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in native and recombinant systems and discuss the effect of constitutive activity on muscarinic pharmacology in the context of modern models of receptor activation. We include a summary of mutations found to cause constitutive activity and discuss the implications of these data for the structure, function, and activation mechanism of muscarinic receptors. Finally, we discuss the possible physiological significance of constitutive activity of muscarinic receptors, incorporating information provided by targeted deletion of each of the muscarinic subtypes.

Repulsive Separation of the Cytoplasmic Ends of Transmembrane Helices 3 and 6 Is Linked to Receptor Activation in a Novel Thyrotropin Receptor Mutant (M626I)

Ligand-dependent activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involves repositioning of the juxtacytoplasmic ends of transmembrane helices TM3 and TM6. This concept, inferred from site-directed spin labeling studies, is supported by chemical cross-linking of the cytoplasmic ends of TM3 and TM6 blocking GPCR activation. Here we report a novel constitutive active mutation (M626I) in TM6 of the TSH receptor (TSHR), identified in affected members of a family with nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism. The specific constitutive activity of M626I, measured by its basal cAMP generation corrected for cell surface expression, was 13-fold higher than that of wild-type TSHR. Homology modeling of the TSHR serpentine domain based on the rhodopsin crystal structure suggests that M626 faces the side chain of I515 of TM3 near the membrane-cytoplasmic junction. Steric hindrance of the introduced isoleucine by I515 is consistent with the fact that shorter or more flexible side chains at position 626 did not increase constitutivity. Furthermore, a reciprocal mutation at position 515 (I515M), when introduced into the M626I background, acts as revertant mutation by allowing accommodation of the isoleucine sidechain at position 626 and fully restoring the constitutive activity to the level of wild-type TSHR. Thus, repulsive separation of the juxtacytoplasmic TM6 and TM3 in the M626I model conclusively demonstrates a direct link between the opening of this cytoplasmic face of the receptor structure and G protein coupling.

Molecular determinants in the second intracellular loop of the 5-hydroxytryptamine-1A receptor for G-protein coupling

This study provides the first comprehensive evidence that the second intracellular loop C-terminal domain (Ci2) is critical for receptor-G protein coupling to multiple responses. Although Ci2 is weakly conserved, its role in 5-hydroxytryptamine-1A (5-HT1A) receptor function was suggested by the selective loss of Gbetagamma-mediated signaling in the T149A-5-HT1A receptor mutant. More than 60 point mutant 5-HT1A receptors in the alpha-helical Ci2 sequence (143DYVNKRTPRR152) were generated. Most mutants retained agonist binding and were tested for Gbetagamma signaling to adenylyl cyclase II or phospholipase C and Galphai coupling to detect constitutive and agonist-induced Gi/Go coupling. Remarkably, most point mutations markedly attenuated 5-HT1A signaling, indicating that the entire Ci2 domain is critical for receptor G-protein coupling. Six signaling phenotypes were observed: wild-type-like, Galphai-coupled/weak Gbetagamma-coupled, Gbetagamma-uncoupled, Gbetagamma-selective coupled, uncoupled, and inverse coupling. Our data elucidate specific roles of Ci2 residues consistent with predictions based on rhodopsin crystal structure. The absolute coupling requirement for lysine, arginine, and proline residues is consistent with a predicted amphipathic alpha-helical Ci2 domain that is kinked at Pro150. Polar residues (Thr149, Asn146) located in the externally oriented positively charged face were required for Gbetagamma but not Galphai coupling, suggesting a direct interface with Gbetagamma subunits. The hydrophobic face includes the critical Tyr144 that directs the specificity of coupling to both Gbetagamma and Galphai pathways. The key coupling residues Tyr144/Lys147 (Ci2) are predicted to orient internally, forming hydrogen and ionic bonds with Asp133/Arg134 (Ni2 DRY motif) and Glu340 (Ci3) to stabilize the Gprotein coupling domain. Thus, the 5-HT1A receptor Ci2 domain determines Gbetagamma specificity and stabilizes Galphai-mediated signaling.

Agonist-induced conformational changes in thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor type I: disulfide cross-linking and molecular modeling approaches

The conformational changes at the cytoplasmic ends of transmembrane helices 5 and 6 (TMH5 and TMH6) of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor type I (TRH-R1) during activation were analyzed by cysteine-scanning mutagenesis followed by disulfide cross-linking and molecular modeling. Sixteen double cysteine mutants were constructed by substitution of one residue at the cytoplasmic end of TMH5 and the other at that of TMH6. The cross-linking experiments indicate that four mutants, Q263C/G212C, Q263C/Y211C, T265C/G212C, and T265C/Y211C, exhibited disulfide bond formation that was sensitive to TRH occupancy. We refined our previous TRH-R1 models by embedding them into a hydrated explicit lipid bilayer. Molecular dynamics simulations of the models, as well as in silico double cysteine models, generated trajectories that were in agreement with experimental results. Our findings suggest that TRH binding induces a separation of the cytoplasmic ends of TMH5 and TMH6 and a rotation of TMH6. These changes likely increase the surface accessible area at the juxtamembrane region of intracellular loop 3 that could promote interactions between G proteins and key residues within the receptor.

Functional Screening of Drug Target Genes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A number of recent studies surveying single nucleotide polymorphisms within the exonic regions of human genes have revealed a significant number of such variants, including many non-synonymous variants. This highlights the need to directly identify, within individual clinically well-defined patients, those variants that alter protein function as well as structure. We report on the development of a novel phenotypic screening process that combines high-throughput molecular cloning techniques with functional expression utilizing the cell-based assay R-SAT.

METHODS

We applied the phenotypic screening process to an analysis of the m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRM1) gene in a cohort of 74 individuals, including 48 diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease, primarily Alzheimer disease, who have been stratified according to their clinical response to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil. Phenotypic screening of the CHRM1 gene involved PCR-based amplification from genomic DNA and heterologous expression in mammalian cells.

RESULTS

Phenotypic screening yielded functional responses to the agonist carbachol displaying a mean potency (-pEC(50)+/- standard deviation) of 5.8 +/- 0.2, which did not differ from that observed with expression of the wild-type receptor gene (6.0 +/- 0.3). No altered levels of constitutive receptor activity were observed. Dideoxy sequencing did not reveal any non-synonymous variants in the coding exon of this gene within this clinical cohort, while detecting three synonymous variants.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm that the m1 receptor gene (CHRM1) is not highly polymorphic in the human population, suggesting that genetic variation within the coding exon of this gene is not a contributing factor to the clinical variability observed during treatment of dementia with cholinergic enhancement therapies.

A region of the third intracellular loop of the short form of the D2 dopamine receptor dictates Gi coupling specificity

The D2 dopamine receptor has two isoforms, the short form (D2s receptor) and the long form (D2l receptor), which differ by the presence of a 29-amino acid insert in the third cytoplasmic loop. Both the D2s and D2l receptors have been shown to couple to members of the G alpha(i) family of G proteins, but whether each isoform couples to specific G alpha(i) protein(s) remains controversial. In previous studies using G alpha(i) mutants resistant to modification by pertussis toxin (G alpha(i)PT), we demonstrated that the D2s receptor couples selectively to G alpha(i2)PT and that the D2l receptor couples selectively to G alpha(i3)PT (Senogles, S. E. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 23120-23127). In this study, two point mutations of the D2s receptor were created by random mutagenesis (R233G and A234T). The two mutant D2s receptors demonstrated pharmacological characteristics comparable with those of the wild-type D2s receptor, with similar agonist and antagonist binding affinities. We used human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably transfected with G alpha(i1)PT, G alpha(i2)PT, or G alpha(i3)PT to measure agonist-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation before and after pertussis toxin treatment. The two mutant D2s receptors demonstrated a change in G(i) coupling specificity compared with the wild-type D2s receptor. Whereas the wild-type D2s receptor coupled predominantly to G alpha(i2)PT, mutant R233G coupled preferentially to G alpha(i3)PT, and mutant A234T coupled preferentially to G alpha(i1)PT. These results suggest that this region of the third cytoplasmic loop is crucial for determining G(i) protein coupling specificity.

Differential activation of "social" and "solitary" variants of the Caenorhabditis elegans G protein-coupled receptor NPR-1 by its cognate ligand AF9

Natural variations of wild Caenorhabditis elegans isolates having either Phe-215 or Val-215 in NPR-1, a putative orphan neuropeptide Y-like G protein-coupled receptor, result in either "social" or "solitary" feeding behaviors (de Bono, M., and Bargmann, C. I. (1998) Cell 94, 679-689). We identified a nematode peptide, GLGPRPLRF-NH2 (AF9), as a ligand activating the cloned NPR-1 receptor heterologously expressed in mammalian cells. Shifting cell culture temperatures from 37 to 28 degrees C, implemented 24 h after transfections, was essential for detectable functional expression of NPR-1. AF9 treatments linked both cloned receptor variants to activation of Gi/Go proteins and cAMP inhibition, thus allowing for classification of NPR-1 as an inhibitory G protein-coupled receptor. The Val-215 receptor isoform displayed higher binding and functional activity than its Phe-215 counterpart. This finding parallels the in vivo observation of a more potent repression of social feeding by the npr-1 gene encoding the Val-215 form of the receptor, resulting in dispersing (solitary) animals. Since neuropeptide Y shows no sequence homology to AF9 and was functionally inactive at the cloned NPR-1, we propose to rename NPR-1 and refer to it as an AF9 receptor, AF9-R1.

Random mutagenesis of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor expressed in yeast. Identification of point mutations that "silence" a constitutively active mutant M3 receptor and greatly impair receptor/G protein coupling

The M3 muscarinic receptor is a prototypical member of the class I family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). To facilitate studies on the structural mechanisms governing M3 receptor activation, we generated an M3 receptor-expressing yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that requires agonist-dependent M3 receptor activation for cell growth. By using receptor random mutagenesis followed by a genetic screen in yeast, we initially identified a point mutation at the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane domain (TM) VI (Q490L) that led to robust agonist-independent M3 receptor signaling in both yeast and mammalian cells. To explore further the molecular mechanisms by which point mutations can render GPCRs constitutively active, we subjected a region of the Q490L mutant M3 receptor that included TM V-VII to random mutagenesis. We then applied a yeast genetic screen to identify second-site mutations that could suppress the activating effects of the Q490L mutation and restore wild-type receptor-like function to the Q490L mutant receptor. This analysis led to the identification of 12 point mutations that allowed the Q490L mutant receptor to function in a fashion similar to the wild-type receptor. These amino acid substitutions mapped to two distinct regions of the M3 receptor, the exofacial segments of TM V and VI and the cytoplasmic ends of TM V-VII. Strikingly, in the absence of the activating Q490L mutation, all recovered point mutations severely reduced the efficiency of receptor/G protein coupling, indicating that the targeted residues play important roles in receptor activation and/or receptor/G protein coupling. This strategy should be generally applicable to identify sites in GPCRs that are critically involved in receptor function.

A small sequence in the third intracellular loop of the VPAC(1) receptor is responsible for its efficient coupling to the calcium effector

The stimulatory effect of VIP on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) has been investigated in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the reporter gene aequorin, and expressing human VPAC(1), VPAC(2), chimeric VPAC(1)/VPAC(2), or mutated receptors. The VIP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was linearly correlated with receptor density and was higher in cells expressing VPAC(1) receptors than in cells expressing a similar VPAC(2) receptor density. The study was performed to establish the receptor sequence responsible for that difference. VPAC(1)/VPAC(2) chimeric receptors were first used for a broad positioning: those having the third intracellular loop (IC(3)) of the VPAC(1) or of the VPAC(2) receptor behaved, in that respect, phenotypically like VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptor, respectively. Replacement in the VPAC(2) receptor of the sequence 315-318 (VGGN) within the IC(3) by its VPAC(1) receptor counterpart 328-331 (IRKS) and the introduction of VGGN in state of IRKS in VPAC(1) was sufficient to mimic the VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptor characteristics, respectively. Thus, a small sequence in the IC(3) of the VPAC(1) receptor, probably through interaction with G(alphai) and G(alphaq) proteins, is responsible for the efficient agonist-stimulated [Ca(2+)](i) increase.

The lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor, a 2002 perspective

Reproduction cannot take place without the proper functioning of the lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHR). When the LHR does not work properly, ovulation does not occur in females and Leydig cells do not develop normally in the male. Also, because the LHR is essential for sustaining the elevated levels of progesterone needed to maintain pregnancy during the first trimester, disruptions in the functions of the LHR during pregnancy have catastrophic consequences. As such, a full understanding of the biology of the LHR is essential to the survival of our species. In this review we summarize our current knowledge of the structure, functions, and regulation of this important receptor.

Conformational changes that occur during M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation probed by the use of an in situ disulfide cross-linking strategy

The structural changes involved in ligand-dependent activation of G protein-coupled receptors are not well understood at present. To address this issue, we developed an in situ disulfide cross-linking strategy using the rat M(3) muscarinic receptor, a prototypical G(q)-coupled receptor, as a model system. It is known that a tyrosine residue (Tyr(254)) located at the C terminus of transmembrane domain (TM) V and several primarily hydrophobic amino acids present within the cytoplasmic portion of TM VI play key roles in determining the G protein coupling selectivity of the M(3) receptor subtype. To examine whether M3 receptor activation involves changes in the relative orientations of these functionally critical residues, pairs of cysteine residues were substituted into a modified version of the M(3) receptor that contained a factor Xa cleavage site within the third intracellular loop and lacked most endogenous cysteine residues. All analyzed mutant receptors contained a Y254C point mutation and a second cysteine substitution within the segment Lys(484)-Ser(493) at the intracellular end of TM VI. Following their transient expression in COS-7 cells, mutant receptors present in their native membrane environment (in situ) were subjected to mild oxidizing conditions, either in the absence or in the presence of the muscarinic agonist, carbachol. The successful formation of disulfide cross-links was monitored by studying changes in the electrophoretic mobility of oxidized, factor Xa-treated receptors on SDS gels. The observed cross-linking patterns indicated that M(3) receptor activation leads to structural changes that allow the cytoplasmic ends of TM V and TM VI to move closer to each other and that also appear to involve a major change in secondary structure at the cytoplasmic end of TM VI. This is the first study employing an in situ disulfide cross-linking strategy to examine agonist-dependent dynamic structural changes in a G protein-coupled receptor.

Receptors coupling to G proteins: is there a signal behind the sequence?

Upon the binding of their ligands, G protein-coupled receptors couple to the heterotrimeric G proteins to transduce a signal. One receptor family may couple to a single G protein subtype and another family to several ones. Is there a signal in the receptor sequence that can give an indication of the G protein subtype selectivity? We used a sequence analysis method on biogenic amine and adenosine receptors and concluded that a weak signal can be detected in receptor families where specialization for coupling to a given G protein occurred during a recent divergent evolutionary process. Proteins 2000;41:448-459.

Uncovering molecular mechanisms involved in activation of G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane segment receptors (GPCRs or 7TM receptors), with more than 1000 different members, comprise the largest superfamily of proteins in the body. Since the cloning of the first receptors more than a decade ago, extensive experimental work has uncovered multiple aspects of their function and challenged many traditional paradigms. However, it is only recently that we are beginning to gain insight into some of the most fundamental questions in the molecular function of this class of receptors. How can, for example, so many chemically diverse hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules activate receptors believed to share a similar overall tertiary structure? What is the nature of the physical changes linking agonist binding to receptor activation and subsequent transduction of the signal to the associated G protein on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane and to other putative signaling pathways? The goal of the present review is to specifically address these questions as well as to depict the current awareness about GPCR structure-function relationships in general.

The conformational switch in 7-transmembrane receptors: the muscarinic receptor paradigm

The rhodopsin-like superfamily of 7-transmembrane receptors is the largest class of signalling molecules in the mammalian genome. Recently, a combination of mutagenesis, biophysical and modelling studies have suggested a credible model for the alpha-carbon backbone in the transmembrane region of the 7-transmembrane receptors, and have started to reveal the structural basis of the conformational switch from the inactive to the active state. A key feature may be the replacement of a network of radial constraints, centred on transmembrane helix three, which stabilise the inactive ground state of the receptor by a new set of axial interactions which help to stabilise the activated state. Transmembrane helix three may act as a rotary switch in the activation mechanism.

Structural features of heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptors and their modulatory proteins

Over the past 20 years, the general mechanism for signaling through 7-transmembrane helix receptors coupled to GTP hydrolysis has been worked out. Although similar in overall organization, subtype variability and subcellular localization of components have built in considerable signaling specificity. Atomic resolution structures for many of the components have delineated the domain organization of these complex proteins and have given physical form to the idea of subtype specificity. This review describes what is known about the physical structures of the 7-transmembrane helix receptors, the heterotrimeric GTP binding coupling proteins, the adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C effector proteins, and signaling modulatory proteins, such as arrestin, phosducin, recoverin-type myristoyl switch proteins, and the pleckstrin homology domain of G-protein receptor kinase-2. These images allow experimenters to contemplate the details of the supramolecular organization of the multiprotein complexes involved in the transmission of signals across the cellular lipid bilayer.

The second intracellular loop of the m5 muscarinic receptor is the switch which enables G-protein coupling

We have completed a systematic search of the intracellular loops of a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor for domains that govern G-protein coupling. A unique feature of the second intracellular (i2) loop was an ordered cluster of residues where diverse substitutions cause constitutive activation. A second group of residues in i2 was identified where mutations compromised receptor/G-protein coupling. The residues of each group alternate and are spaced three to four positions apart, suggesting an alpha-helical structure where these groups form opposing faces of the helix. We propose that the constitutively activating face normally constrains the receptor in the "off-state," while the other face couples G-proteins in the "on-state." Therefore, the i2 loop functions as the switch enabling G-protein activation.

Natural variation in a neuropeptide Y receptor homolog modifies social behavior and food response in C. elegans

Natural isolates of C. elegans exhibit either solitary or social feeding behavior. Solitary foragers move slowly on a bacterial lawn and disperse across it, while social foragers move rapidly on bacteria and aggregate together. A loss-of-function mutation in the npr-1 gene, which encodes a predicted G protein-coupled receptor similar to neuropeptide Y receptors, causes a solitary strain to take on social behavior. Two isoforms of NPR-1 that differ at a single residue occur in the wild. One isoform, NPR-1 215F, is found exclusively in social strains, while the other isoform, NPR-1 215V, is found exclusively in solitary strains. An NPR-1 215V transgene can induce solitary feeding behavior in a wild social strain. Thus, isoforms of a putative neuropeptide receptor generate natural variation in C. elegans feeding behavior.

Identification of a ligand-dependent switch within a muscarinic receptor

G-protein-coupled receptors spontaneously switch between active and inactive conformations. Agonists stabilize the active conformation, whereas antagonists stabilize the inactive conformation. In a systematic search for residues that participate in receptor function, several regions of the m5 muscarinic receptor were randomly mutated and tested for their functional properties. Mutations spanning one face of transmembrane 6 (TM6) were found to induce high levels of receptor activity in the absence of agonists (constitutive activity). The same face of TM6 contained several residues crucial for receptor activation by agonists and one residue identified as a contact site for both agonists and antagonists. In addition, one mutation induced agonist-like responses from the receptor when exposed to classical antagonists. These results suggest that TM6 is a switch that defines the activation state of the receptor, and that ligand interactions with TM6 stabilize the receptor in either an active or an inactive conformation.

Structure/function relationships of a G-protein coupling pocket formed by the third intracellular loop of the m5 muscarinic receptor

Using random saturation mutagenesis, we have previously identified the amino acids K439, A440, and A441 in the C-terminus of the third intracellular loop (Ci3) of the m5 muscarinic receptor as being critical for G-protein coupling [Burstein, E. S., Spalding, T. A., Hill-Eubanks, D., and Brann, M. R. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 3141-3146]. In the present study, we have constructed a series of point mutants at each of these residues and characterized their functional phenotypes in order to define the structure/function relationships of each of these residues for G-protein coupling. Although a wide variety of substitutions were tolerated at K439, most caused significant increases in the EC50 of carbachol and decreases in the maximum response (Rmax). Only other basic residues were well tolerated (<10-fold increase in EC50, >70% of wild type). Acidic substitutions had the largest effects, reducing Rmax to under 20% of wild type. At A440, only the conservative substitution threonine was well tolerated. Substitutions by hydrophobic, polar, and basic residues caused 10-80-fold increases in EC50 values and in many cases also significantly reduced Rmax (<70% of wild type). In contrast, at A441 mutations selectively affected EC50 but not Rmax values. Previously we identified I216, Y217, T220, and R223 as the residues in the N-terminus of the i3 loop of m5 (Ni3) that are critical for G-protein coupling [Burstein, E. S., Spalding, T. S., and Brann, M. R. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 2882-2885]. To investigate whether there were additive contributions of Ni3 and Ci3 to G-protein coupling, the functional responses of two double mutants, R223E/K439E and Y217S/A441T, were evaluated. Though these mutations were tolerated individually, both double mutant receptors produced almost indetectable responses. Little or no changes in expression levels or ligand binding properties were detected, suggesting the observed effects were caused primarily by changes receptor/G-protein coupling. We conclude that K439 participates in G-protein activation through an ionic mechanism, that A440 fulfills a structural role forming part of the G-protein coupling pocket, and that A441 contributes to receptor affinity for G-proteins. We propose that the third intracellular loop forms a G-protein coupling pocket comprised of a positively charged "lip" and a hydrophobic core.

Modified base compositions at degenerate positions of a mutagenic oligonucleotide enhance randomness in site-saturation mutagenesis

Site-saturation mutagenesis, using degenerate oligonucleotide primers, is a frequently used method in introducing various mutations in a selected target codon. Oligonucleotides that are synthesized using equimolar concentrations of nucleoside phosphoramidites (dA, dC, dG, dT) in the positions to be saturated, result in a mutant population that is biased towards the original nucleotides. We found that this bias could be eliminated by modifying the concentrations of nucleoside phosphoramidites during the oligonucleotide synthesis. We synthesized eight degenerate oligonucleotides to saturate eight different codons, and sequenced a total of 344 mutagenized codons. In six of these eight oligonucleotides, we reduced to varying extents the concentrations of those nucleotides in the target positions that would form base pairs with the template. From the data, we analyzed the effects of different base compositions in the oligonucleotides when mutagenizing different codons, the influence of the positions of mismatches, and the significance of different non-Watson-Crick base pairs. Based on these results, we suggest levels to which different phosphoramidites should be reduced when synthesizing oligonucleotides for site-saturation mutagenesis.

Constitutive activity of a chimeric D2/D1 dopamine receptor

Chimeric D1/D2 receptors were constructed to identify structural determinants of drug affinity and efficacy. We previously reported that chimeras that had D1 receptor transmembrane domain VII together with amino-terminal sequence from the D2 receptor were nonfunctional. D2/D1 chimeras were constructed that contained D2 receptor sequence at the amino- and carboxyl-terminal ends and D1 receptor sequence in the intervening region. Chimeric receptors with D2 sequence from transmembrane domain 7 to the carboxyl terminus together with D2 receptor sequence from the amino terminus through transmembrane helix 4 (D2[1-4,7]) and 5 (D2[1-5,7]) bound [3H]spiperone with high affinity, consistent with the hypothesis that D2 receptor transmembrane domain I or II is incompatible with D1 receptor transmembrane domain VII. D2[1-4,7] and D2[1-5,7] had affinities similar to D1 and D2 receptors for most nonselective dopamine antagonists and had affinities for most of the selective antagonists that were intermediate between those of the parent receptors. D2[1-4,7] and D2[1-5,7] mediated dopamine receptor agonist-induced stimulation and inhibition, respectively, of cAMP accumulation. The more efficient coupling of D2[1-5,7] to inhibition of cAMP accumulation, compared with the coupling of D2[5-7] and D2[3-7], supports the view that multiple D2 receptor cytoplasmic domains acting in concert are necessary for receptor activation of Gi. In contrast, D2[1-4,7], which contains only one cytoplasmic loop (the third) from the D1 receptor, is capable of activating Gs. D2[1-4,7] exhibited several characteristics of a constitutively active receptor, including enhanced basal (unliganded) stimulation of cAMP accumulation, high affinity for agonists even in the presence of GTP, and blunted agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation. A number of dopamine receptor antagonists were inverse agonists at D2[1-4,7], inhibiting basal cAMP accumulation. Some of these drugs were also inverse agonists at the D1 receptor. Interestingly, several antagonists also potentiated forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation via D2[1-5,7] and via the D2 receptor, which could reflect inverse agonist inhibition of native constitutive activity of this receptor.

Constitutive activation of the m5 muscarinic receptor by a series of mutations at the extracellular end of transmembrane 6

The m5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor was constitutively activated by a wide range of amino acid substitutions at a residue (serine 465) that is positioned at the junction of the sixth transmembrane domain and the extracellular loop. Of 13 substitutions tested, 11 produced significant increases in constitutive activity. Replacement of serine 465 with large (phenylalanine and valine) or basic residues (arginine and lysine) increased the constitutive activity of the receptor to between 55 and 110% of the maximum response of the wild-type receptor to the agonist carbachol. Other substitutions (e.g., cysteine and leucine) increased the constitutive activity to an intermediate level (30%), while small and acidic residues (glycine, aspartate, and glutamate) caused small or insignificant increases. The increase in the constitutive activity of each mutant receptor correlated with an increase in the potency of carbachol in both binding and functional assays, with the most constitutively activated receptors showing a 40-fold decrease in the EC50 of carbachol. The negative antagonist atropine bound to and reversed the constitutive activity of all mutant receptors with equal potency. These data were fitted to a two-state model of receptor function. The data are consistent with the primary effect of substitutions to serine 465 being to selectively destabilize the inactive state of the receptor, thus favoring formation of the active state in the absence of agonists. Our data strongly support this two-state model of receptor function and identify a critical role of this domain in the activation of muscarinic receptors.

Scanning of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor localizes G protein-activating determinants primarily to the N terminus of the third intracellular loop

It is well known that glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide) (tGLP-1) is a potent insulinotropic hormone with powerful antidiabetogenic effects. In the present study we sought to determine the precise regions of the intracellular domains of the tGLP-1 receptor that are required for its efficient coupling to adenylyl cyclase because cAMP is the primary candidate second messenger coupling tGLP-1 to insulin secretion. Recently, we identified an amino acid within the third intracellular loop, K334, that was required for efficient coupling of tGLP-1 receptor to adenylyl cyclase. A similar mutagenesis-based strategy was employed here to examine the first and second intracellular loops and to further define sequences in the third loop required for the efficient coupling of the receptor to its second messengers. Receptor mutants were expressed in COS-7 cells and examined for tGLP-1 binding and cAMP stimulation. Three alanine substitution mutations, V327A, 1328A, and V331A, resulted in significantly lower tGLP-1-stimulated cAMP production without reductions in receptor expression. Analysis of the first and second intracellular loops revealed only one mutation contained within the first loop, R176A, where a significant reduction in cAMP activation was observed with normal receptor expression. These studies suggest that specific determinants of coupling for tGLP-1 receptor are primarily localized to the predicted junction of the fifth transmembrane helix and the third intracellular loop. We predict that V327, 1328, and V331 form part of a hydrophobic face that directly contacts the G protein.

Pharmacology of muscarinic receptor subtypes constitutively activated by G proteins

We have examined the effects of raising G protein concentration on the pharmacology of a series of agonist and antagonist ligands at the m1, m3, and m5 muscarinic subtypes using a functional assay. Overexpression of G(alpha q) induced constitutive activity of these receptors. The constitutive activity was reversed completely by every muscarinic antagonist tested, which indicates that they are all negative antagonists (inverse agonists). The potencies of antagonists for reversing G protein-induced activity and agonist-induced activity were identical, suggesting the same mechanism of action. Overexpression of G(alpha q) increased the potencies of every tested agonist and the efficacies of all partial agonists. The fold-gains in potency were positively correlated with ligand efficacy with the most efficacious agonists displaying the greatest potency gains. In addition, the efficacies of partial agonists approached those of full agonists. Constitutive activity of receptors has been explained by allosteric models in which receptors exist in spontaneous equilibrium between active and inactive conformations that are stabilized by agonists and antagonists, respectively. In this context, drug efficacy and potency are interrelated because they both depend on the same parameters, namely the absolute and relative affinities of a compound for receptors in active and inactive states and the ratio and concentrations of receptors in active and inactive states. All of our data are consistent with this model, in which raising G protein levels favors formation of the active conformation of receptors. Based on our findings, regulation of G protein concentration may be an important means of controlling receptor activity in vivo. These results define the functional relationship between G protein levels and muscarinic receptor pharmacology.

Structural instability of a constitutively active G protein-coupled receptor. Agonist-independent activation due to conformational flexibility

Mutations in several domains can lead to agonist-independent, constitutive activation of G protein-coupled receptors. However, the nature of the structural and molecular changes that constitutively turn on a G protein-coupled receptor remains unknown. Here we show evidence that a constitutively activated mutant of the beta2 adrenergic receptor (CAM) is characterized by structural instability and an exaggerated conformational response to ligand binding. The structural instability of CAM could be demonstrated by a 4-fold increase in the rate of denaturation of purified receptor at 37 degrees C as compared with the wild type receptor. Spectroscopic analysis of purified CAM labeled with the conformationally sensitive and cysteine-reactive fluorophore, N,N'dimethyl-N-(iodoacetyl)-N'-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1, 3-diazol-4-yl)ethylenediamine, further indicated that both agonist and antagonist elicit more profound structural changes in CAM than in the wild type protein. We propose that the mutation that confers constitutive activity to the beta2 adrenergic receptor removes some stabilizing conformational constraints, allowing CAM to more readily undergo transitions between the inactive and the active states and making the receptor more susceptible to denaturation.

Identification of A2a adenosine receptor domains involved in selective coupling to Gs. Analysis of chimeric A1/A2a adenosine receptors

Responses to adenosine are governed by selective activation of distinct G proteins by adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes. The A2aAR couples via Gs to adenylyl cyclase stimulation while the A1AR couples to Gi to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. To determine regions of the A2aAR that selectively couple to Gs, chimeric A1/A2aARs were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and ligand binding and adenylyl cyclase activity analyzed. Replacement of the third intracellular loop of the A2aAR with that of the A1AR reduced maximal adenylyl cyclase stimulation and decreased agonist potency. Restricted chimeras indicated that the NH2-terminal portion of intracellular loop 3 was predominantly responsible for this impairment. Reciprocal chimeras composed primarily of A1AR sequence with limited A2aAR sequence substitution stimulated adenylyl cyclase and thus supported these findings. A lysine and glutamic acid residue were identified as necessary for efficient A2aAR-Gs coupling. Analysis of chimeric receptors in which sequence of intracellular loop 2 was substituted indicated that the nature of amino acids in this domain may indirectly modulate A2aAR-Gs coupling. Replacement of the cytoplasmic tail of the A2aAR with the A1AR tail did not affect adenylyl cyclase stimulation. Thus, selective activation of Gs is predominantly dictated by the NH2-terminal segment of the third intracellular loop of the A2aAR.

In vitro translation analysis of integral membrane proteins

A method of in vitro translation scanning was applied to a variety of polytopic integral membrane proteins, a transition metal P type ATPase from Helicobacter pylori, the SERCA 2 ATPase, the gastric H+,K+ ATPase, the CCK-A receptor and the human ileal bile acid transporter. This method used vectors containing the N terminal region of the gastric H+,K+ ATPase or the N terminal region of the CCK-A receptor, coupled via a linker region to the last 177 amino acids of the beta-subunit of the gastric H+,K+ ATPase. The latter contains 5 potential N-linked glycosylation sites. Translation of vectors containing the cDNA encoding one, two or more putative transmembrane domains in the absence or presence of microsomes allowed determination of signal anchor or stop transfer properties of the putative transmembrane domains by the molecular weight shift on SDS PAGE. The P type ATPase from Helicobacter pylori showed the presence of 8 transmembrane segments with this method. The SERCA 2 Ca2+ ATPase with this method had 9 transmembrane co-translational insertion domains and coupled with other evidence these data resulted in a 11 transmembrane segment model. Translation of segments of the gastric H+,K+ ATPase provided evidence for only 7 transmembrane segments but coupled with other data established a 10 membrane segment model. The G7 protein, the CCK-A receptor showed the presence of 6 of the 7 transmembrane segments postulated for this protein. Translation of segments of the human ileal bile acid transporter showed the presence of 8 membrane insertion domains. However, translation of the intact protein provided evidence for an odd number of transmembrane segments, resulting in a tentative model containing 7 or 9 transmembrane segments. Neither G7 type protein appeared to have an arrangement of sequential topogenic signals consistent with the final assembled protein. This method provides a useful addition to methods of determining membrane domains of integral membrane proteins but must in general be utilized with other methods to establish the number of transmembrane alpha-helices.

Silencing of the constitutive activity of the dopamine D1B receptor. Reciprocal mutations between D1 receptor subtypes delineate residues underlying activation properties

Recently, we have shown that the dopamine D1B/D5 receptor displays binding and coupling properties that are reminiscent of those of the constitutively activated G protein-coupled receptors when compared with the related D1A/D1 receptor subtype (Tiberi, M., and Caron, M. G. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 27925-27931). The carboxyl-terminal region of the third cytoplasmic loop of several G protein-coupled receptors has been demonstrated to be important for the regulation of the equilibrium between inactive and active receptor conformations. In this cytoplasmic region, the primary structure of dopamine D1A and D1B receptors differs by only two residues: Phe264/Arg266 are present in D1A receptor compared with Ile288/Lys290 in the D1B receptor. To investigate whether these structural differences could account for the distinct binding and coupling properties of these dopamine receptor subtypes, we swapped the variant residues located in the carboxyl-terminal region by site-directed mutagenesis. The exchange of the D1A receptor residue Phe264 by the D1B receptor counterpart isoleucine led to a D1A receptor mutant exhibiting D1B-like constitutive properties. In contrast, substitution of D1B receptor Ile288 by the D1A receptor counterpart phenylalanine resulted in a loss of constitutive activation of the D1B receptor with binding and coupling properties similar to the D1A receptor. The Arg/Lys substitution had no effect on the function of either receptor. These results demonstrate that the carboxyl-terminal region, and in particular residue Ile288, is a major determinant of the constitutive activity of the dopamine D1B receptor. Moreover, these results establish that not only can agonist-independent activity of a receptor be induced, but when given the appropriate mutation, it can be reversed or silenced.

Structure of a G-protein-coupling domain of a muscarinic receptor predicted by random saturation mutagenesis

The third intracellular loop (i3) plays a critical role in the coupling of many receptors to G-proteins. In muscarinic receptor subtypes, the N- and C-terminal regions (Ni3 and Ci3) of this loop are sufficient to direct appropriate G-protein coupling. The relative functional contributions of all amino acids within Ni3 was evaluated by constructing libraries of m5 muscarinic receptors containing random mutations in Ni3 and screening them using high throughput assays based on ligand-dependent transformation of NIH 3T3 cells. In receptors that retained a wild type phenotype, the pattern of functionally tolerated substitutions is consistent with the presence of three turns of an alpha helix extending from the transmembrane domain. All of the amino acid positions that tolerate radical substitutions face away from a conserved hydrophobic face that ends with an arginine, and helix-disrupting proline substitutions were not observed. All of the mutant receptors with significantly compromised phenotypes had amino acid substitutions in residues predicted to form the hydrophobic face. Similar data from the Ci3 region (Burstein, E. S., Spalding, T. A., Hill-Eubanks, D., and Brann, M. R. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 3141-3146) are consistent with the presence of a single helical turn extending from the transmembrane domain, with an alanine that defines G-protein affinity. Functionally critical residues of Ni3 and Ci3 are predicted to be in close proximity where they form the G-protein-coupling domain.