1
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Houghton FM, Adams SE, Ríos AS, Masino L, Purkiss AG, Briggs DC, Ledda F, McDonald NQ. Architecture and regulation of a GDNF-GFRα1 synaptic adhesion assembly. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7551. [PMID: 37985758 PMCID: PMC10661694 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43148-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial-cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) bound to its co-receptor GFRα1 stimulates the RET receptor tyrosine kinase, promoting neuronal survival and neuroprotection. The GDNF-GFRα1 complex also supports synaptic cell adhesion independently of RET. Here, we describe the structure of a decameric GDNF-GFRα1 assembly determined by crystallography and electron microscopy, revealing two GFRα1 pentamers bridged by five GDNF dimers. We reconsitituted the assembly between adhering liposomes and used cryo-electron tomography to visualize how the complex fulfils its membrane adhesion function. The GFRα1:GFRα1 pentameric interface was further validated both in vitro by native PAGE and in cellulo by cell-clustering and dendritic spine assays. Finally, we provide biochemical and cell-based evidence that RET and heparan sulfate cooperate to prevent assembly of the adhesion complex by competing for the adhesion interface. Our results provide a mechanistic framework to understand GDNF-driven cell adhesion, its relationship to trophic signalling, and the central role played by GFRα1.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Houghton
- Signalling and Structural Biology laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - S E Adams
- Signalling and Structural Biology laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 86-88 Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RW, UK
| | - A S Ríos
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Masino
- Structural Biology Science and Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - A G Purkiss
- Structural Biology Science and Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - D C Briggs
- Signalling and Structural Biology laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - F Ledda
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Q McDonald
- Signalling and Structural Biology laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
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2
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Bigalke JM, Aibara S, Roth R, Dahl G, Gordon E, Dorbéus S, Amunts A, Sandmark J. Cryo-EM structure of the activated RET signaling complex reveals the importance of its cysteine-rich domain. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaau4202. [PMID: 31392261 PMCID: PMC6669014 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau4202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Signaling through the receptor tyrosine kinase RET is essential during normal development. Both gain- and loss-of-function mutations are involved in a variety of diseases, yet the molecular details of receptor activation have remained elusive. We have reconstituted the complete extracellular region of the RET signaling complex together with Neurturin (NRTN) and GFRα2 and determined its structure at 5.7-Å resolution by cryo-EM. The proteins form an assembly through RET-GFRα2 and RET-NRTN interfaces. Two key interaction points required for RET extracellular domain binding were observed: (i) the calcium-binding site in RET that contacts GFRα2 domain 3 and (ii) the RET cysteine-rich domain interaction with NRTN. The structure highlights the importance of the RET cysteine-rich domain and allows proposition of a model to explain how complex formation leads to RET receptor dimerization and its activation. This provides a framework for targeting RET activity and for further exploration of mechanisms underlying neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna M. Bigalke
- Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shintaro Aibara
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Robert Roth
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Dahl
- Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Euan Gordon
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sarah Dorbéus
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A. Amunts
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Sandmark
- Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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3
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Ilieva M, Nielsen J, Korshunova I, Gotfryd K, Bock E, Pankratova S, Michel TM. Artemin and an Artemin-Derived Peptide, Artefin, Induce Neuronal Survival, and Differentiation Through Ret and NCAM. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:47. [PMID: 30853893 PMCID: PMC6396024 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemin (ARTN) is a neurotrophic factor from the GDNF family ligands (GFLs) that is involved in development of the nervous system and neuronal differentiation and survival. ARTN signals through a complex receptor system consisting of the RET receptor tyrosine kinase and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored co-receptor GFL receptor α, GFRα3. We found that ARTN binds directly to neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and that ARTN-induced neuritogenesis requires NCAM expression and activation of NCAM-associated signaling partners, thus corroborating that NCAM is an alternative receptor for ARTN. We designed a small peptide, artefin, that could interact with GFRα3 and demonstrated that this peptide agonist induces RET phosphorylation and mimics the biological functions of ARTN – neuroprotection and neurite outgrowth. Moreover, artefin mimicked the binding of ARTN to NCAM and required NCAM expression and activation for its neurite elongation effect, thereby suggesting that artefin represents a binding site for NCAM within ARTN. We showed that biological effects of ARTN and artefin can be inhibited by abrogation of both NCAM and RET, suggesting a more complex signaling mechanism that previously thought. As NCAM plays a significant role in neurodevelopment, regeneration, and synaptic plasticity we suggest that ARTN and its mimetics are promising candidates for treatment of neurological disorders and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Psychiatry in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Brain Research - Inter-Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Janne Nielsen
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irina Korshunova
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamil Gotfryd
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Bock
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tanja Maria Michel
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Psychiatry in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Brain Research - Inter-Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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4
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Zhao Y, Yang Z, Wang Y, Luo Y, Da F, Tao W, Zhou L, Wang D, Wei J. Both Gfrα1a and Gfrα1b Are Involved in the Self-renewal and Maintenance of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Medaka. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1658-1670. [PMID: 30319069 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) plays a crucial role in the self-renewal and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from mammals. However, to date, our knowledge about its role in fish SSCs is limited. In the present study, the medaka (Oryzias latipes) gfrα1 duplicate genes, Olgfrα1a and Olgfrα1b, were cloned and characterized. Furthermore, their expression profile and biological activity were investigated. OlGfrα1a and OlGfrα1b predict 524 and 466 amino acid residues, respectively. Both are orthologous to mammalian Gfrα1 by sequence analyses and appear high in spermatogonia by in situ hybridization assay. The knockdown of OlGfrα1a and/or OlGfrα1b via Vivo-Morpholino oligos significantly inhibited the self-renewal and maintenance of SSCs, as evidenced by the decreased proliferation activity of SG3 cells (a spermatogonial stem cell line derived from adult medaka testis) as well as spermatogonia in the testicular organ culture and by the decreased survival rate and expression levels of pluripotency-related genes (klf4, lin28b, bcl6b, and etv5) in SG3 cells. Additionally, our study indicates that OlGfrα1a might function by binding either Gdnfa or Gdnfb (the two medaka Gdnf homologs), whereas OlGfrα1b function by binding Gdnfa not Gdnfb. Taken together, our study indicates that both OlGfrα1a and OlGfrα1b are involved in the self-renewal and maintenance of SSCs by binding Gdnfa and/or Gdnfb, respectively. These findings suggest that the GDNF/GFRα1 signaling pathway might be conserved from mammals to fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Yubing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Fan Da
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
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5
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Fan TC, Yeo HL, Hsu HM, Yu JC, Ho MY, Lin WD, Chang NC, Yu J, Yu AL. Reciprocal feedback regulation of ST3GAL1 and GFRA1 signaling in breast cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 434:184-195. [PMID: 30040982 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
GFRA1 and RET are overexpressed in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers. Binding of GDNF to GFRA1 triggers RET signaling leading to ER phosphorylation and estrogen-independent transcriptional activation of ER-dependent genes. Both GFRA1 and RET are membrane proteins which are N-glycosylated but no O-linked sialylation site on GFRA1 or RET has been reported. We found GFRA1 to be a substrate of ST3GAL1-mediated O-linked sialylation, which is crucial to GDNF-induced signaling in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Silencing ST3GAL1 in breast cancer cells reduced GDNF-induced phosphorylation of RET, AKT and ERα, as well as GDNF-mediated cell proliferation. Moreover, GDNF induced transcription of ST3GAL1, revealing a positive feedback loop regulating ST3GAL1 and GDNF/GFRA1/RET signaling in breast cancers. Finally, we demonstrated ST3GAL1 knockdown augments anti-cancer efficacy of inhibitors of RET and/or ER. Moreover, high expression of ST3GAL1 was associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with late stage breast cancer and high expression of both ST3GAL1 and GFRA1 adversely impacted outcome in those with high grade tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan-Chi Fan
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui Ling Yeo
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Ming Hsu
- Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Cherng Yu
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yi Ho
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Der Lin
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Chuan Chang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Alice L Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics/Hematology Oncology, University of California in San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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6
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Agopiantz M, Xandre-Rodriguez L, Jin B, Urbistondoy G, Ialy-Radio C, Chalbi M, Wolf JP, Ziyyat A, Lefèvre B. Growth arrest specific 1 (Gas1) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α1 (Gfrα1), two mouse oocyte glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins, are involved in fertilisation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:824-837. [PMID: 28442042 DOI: 10.1071/rd15367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, Juno, the oocyte receptor for Izumo1, a male immunoglobulin, was discovered. Juno is an essential glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GIP)-anchored protein. This result did not exclude the participation of other GIP-anchored proteins in this process. After bibliographic and database searches we selected five GIP-anchored proteins (Cpm, Ephrin-A4, Gas1, Gfra1 and Rgmb) as potential oocyte candidates participating in fertilisation. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that only three were present on the mouse ovulated oocyte membrane and, of these, only two were clearly involved in the fertilisation process, namely growth arrest specific 1 (Gas1) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α1 (Gfrα1). This was demonstrated by evaluating oocyte fertilisability after treatment of oocytes with antibodies against the selected proteins, with their respective short interference RNA or both. Gfrα1 and Gas1 seem to be neither redundant nor synergistic. In conclusion, oocyte Gas1 and Gfrα1 are both clearly involved in fertilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agopiantz
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - L Xandre-Rodriguez
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - B Jin
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - G Urbistondoy
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - C Ialy-Radio
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - M Chalbi
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - J-P Wolf
- Service d'Histologie Embryologie Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, F75014 Paris, France
| | - A Ziyyat
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - B Lefèvre
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
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7
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Sandmark J, Dahl G, Öster L, Xu B, Johansson P, Akerud T, Aagaard A, Davidsson P, Bigalke JM, Winzell MS, Rainey GJ, Roth RG. Structure and biophysical characterization of the human full-length neurturin-GFRa2 complex: A role for heparan sulfate in signaling. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:5492-5508. [PMID: 29414779 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurturin (NRTN) provides trophic support to neurons and is considered a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. It binds to its co-receptor GFRa2, and the resulting NRTN-GFRa2 complex activates the transmembrane receptors rearranged during transfection (RET) or the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). We report the crystal structure of NRTN, alone and in complex with GFRa2. This is the first crystal structure of a GFRa with all three domains and shows that domain 1 does not interact directly with NRTN, but it may support an interaction with RET and/or NCAM, via a highly conserved surface. In addition, biophysical results show that the relative concentration of GFRa2 on cell surfaces can affect the functional affinity of NRTN through avidity effects. We have identified a heparan sulfate-binding site on NRTN and a putative binding site in GFRa2, suggesting that heparan sulfate has a role in the assembly of the signaling complex. We further show that mutant NRTN with reduced affinity for heparan sulfate may provide a route forward for delivery of NRTN with increased exposure in preclinical in vivo models and ultimately to Parkinson's patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Sandmark
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Göran Dahl
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Linda Öster
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Bingze Xu
- the Division of Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.,Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43183, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Tomas Akerud
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Anna Aagaard
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | - Pia Davidsson
- Bioscience, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, and
| | - Janna M Bigalke
- From the Departments of Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences
| | | | - G Jonah Rainey
- the Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, and
| | - Robert G Roth
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43183, Sweden,
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8
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Sergaki MC, Ibáñez CF. GFRα1 Regulates Purkinje Cell Migration by Counteracting NCAM Function. Cell Rep 2017; 18:367-379. [PMID: 28076782 PMCID: PMC5263233 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development of the cerebellum, Purkinje cells (PCs) migrate away from the ventricular zone to form the PC plate. The mechanisms that regulate PC migration are incompletely understood. Here, we report that the neurotrophic receptor GFRα1 is transiently expressed in developing PCs and loss of GFRα1 delays PC migration. Neither GDNF nor RET, the canonical GFRα1 ligand and co-receptor, respectively, contribute to this process. Instead, we found that the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM is co-expressed and directly interacts with GFRα1 in embryonic PCs. Genetic reduction of NCAM expression enhances wild-type PC migration and restores migration in Gfra1 mutants, indicating that NCAM restricts PC migration in the embryonic cerebellum. In vitro experiments indicated that GFRα1 can function both in cis and trans to counteract NCAM and promote PC migration. Collectively, our studies show that GFRα1 contributes to PC migration by limiting NCAM function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos F Ibáñez
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17177, Sweden; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore; Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore.
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9
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Yang L, Chang CC, Sun Z, Madsen D, Zhu H, Padkjær SB, Wu X, Huang T, Hultman K, Paulsen SJ, Wang J, Bugge A, Frantzen JB, Nørgaard P, Jeppesen JF, Yang Z, Secher A, Chen H, Li X, John LM, Shan B, He Z, Gao X, Su J, Hansen KT, Yang W, Jørgensen SB. GFRAL is the receptor for GDF15 and is required for the anti-obesity effects of the ligand. Nat Med 2017; 23:1158-1166. [PMID: 28846099 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 405] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15; also known as MIC-1) is a divergent member of the TGF-β superfamily and is associated with body-weight regulation in humans and rodents. However, the cognate receptor of GDF15 is unknown. Here we show that GDF15 binds specifically to GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL) with high affinity, and that GFRAL requires association with the coreceptor RET to elicit intracellular signaling in response to GDF15 stimulation. We also found that GDF15-mediated reductions in food intake and body weight of mice with obesity were abolished in GFRAL-knockout mice. We further found that GFRAL expression was limited to hindbrain neurons and not present in peripheral tissues, which suggests that GDF15-GFRAL-mediated regulation of food intake is by a central mechanism. Lastly, given that GDF15 did not increase energy expenditure in treated mice with obesity, the anti-obesity actions of the cytokine are likely driven primarily by a reduction in food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Yang
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Chih-Chuan Chang
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | | | - Haisun Zhu
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xiaoai Wu
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Jishu Wang
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Anne Bugge
- Global Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Per Nørgaard
- Global Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Zhiru Yang
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Anna Secher
- Global Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Haibin Chen
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Li
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | | | - Bing Shan
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhua He
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Su
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
| | | | - Wei Yang
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Novo Nordisk A/S, Beijing, China
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10
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Kaczmarczyk M, Loniewska B, Kuprjanowicz A, Binczak-Kuleta A, Goracy I, Ryder M, Taryma-Lesniak O, Ciechanowicz A. Association Between RET (rs1800860) and GFRA1 (rs45568534, rs8192663, rs181595401, rs7090693, and rs2694770) Variants and Kidney Size in Healthy Newborns. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2016; 20:624-628. [PMID: 27533506 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2016.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal congenital nephron number has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and renal disease. The RET receptor complex propagates signals essential for nephrogenesis and the RET c.1296G>A polymorphism, leading to aberrant splicing of exon 7, is associated with reduced kidney volume, a surrogate for nephron endowment. The glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1) is a component of the RET receptor complex, and three alternatively spliced GFRA1 transcripts (with or without exon 5) have been identified. In rats, exclusion of exon 5 results in stronger GDNF binding affinity and RET activation. The aims of this study were to investigate further the relationship between RET c.1296G>A and kidney volume, and also to investigate the association between the GFRA1 polymorphisms near and within the alternatively spliced exon 5, as well as the functional 5'-UTR c.-193C>G with kidney volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 188 healthy full-term newborns. Genotyping of the RET (NM_020975.4:c.1296G>A, rs1800860) and GFRA1 (NM_005264.5:c.-193C>G, rs45568534; c.419-87A>G, rs8192663; c.429G>A, rs181595401; c.433+127A>G, rs7090693; c.433+245A>G, rs2694770) polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, minisequencing, or sequencing. Total kidney volume (TKV) was determined by ultrasound and normalized to body surface area (TKV/BSA). Both marker-by-marker and haplotype-based methods were used to test for associations between polymorphisms and TKV/BSA. RESULTS TKV/BSA in RET c.1296A allele carriers was significantly lower compared with GG homozygotes (103 ± 23 vs. 110 ± 19 mL/m2, p = 0.034). c.429G>A was invariant in our sample. There was no association between any of the GFRA1 polymorphisms and renal volume. CONCLUSIONS RET c.1296A may be a common susceptibility allele for nephron underdosing-related diseases. The 5'-UTR and intronic variants near exon 5 of GFRA1 are not associated with nephron endowment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Kaczmarczyk
- 1 Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
| | - Beata Loniewska
- 2 Department of Neonatal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Kuprjanowicz
- 3 Department of Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Binczak-Kuleta
- 1 Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Goracy
- 1 Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Ryder
- 1 Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
| | - Olga Taryma-Lesniak
- 1 Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciechanowicz
- 1 Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University , Szczecin, Poland
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11
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Ishida H, Saba R, Kokkinopoulos I, Hashimoto M, Yamaguchi O, Nowotschin S, Shiraishi M, Ruchaya P, Miller D, Harmer S, Poliandri A, Kogaki S, Sakata Y, Dunkel L, Tinker A, Hadjantonakis AK, Sawa Y, Sasaki H, Ozono K, Suzuki K, Yashiro K. GFRA2 Identifies Cardiac Progenitors and Mediates Cardiomyocyte Differentiation in a RET-Independent Signaling Pathway. Cell Rep 2016; 16:1026-1038. [PMID: 27396331 PMCID: PMC4967477 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A surface marker that distinctly identifies cardiac progenitors (CPs) is essential for the robust isolation of these cells, circumventing the necessity of genetic modification. Here, we demonstrate that a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor containing neurotrophic factor receptor, Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha 2 (Gfra2), specifically marks CPs. GFRA2 expression facilitates the isolation of CPs by fluorescence activated cell sorting from differentiating mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. Gfra2 mutants reveal an important role for GFRA2 in cardiomyocyte differentiation and development both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the cardiac GFRA2 signaling pathway is distinct from the canonical pathway dependent on the RET tyrosine kinase and its established ligands. Collectively, our findings establish a platform for investigating the biology of CPs as a foundation for future development of CP transplantation for treating heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Ishida
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Department of Paediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Rie Saba
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ioannis Kokkinopoulos
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Masakazu Hashimoto
- Laboratory for Embryogenesis, Osaka University Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Osamu Yamaguchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sonja Nowotschin
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Manabu Shiraishi
- Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Prashant Ruchaya
- Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Duncan Miller
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Stephen Harmer
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ariel Poliandri
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Shigetoyo Kogaki
- Department of Paediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasushi Sakata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Leo Dunkel
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Andrew Tinker
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | | | - Yoshiki Sawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sasaki
- Laboratory for Embryogenesis, Osaka University Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiichi Ozono
- Department of Paediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ken Suzuki
- Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kenta Yashiro
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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12
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Goodman KM, Kjær S, Beuron F, Knowles PP, Nawrotek A, Burns EM, Purkiss AG, George R, Santoro M, Morris EP, McDonald NQ. RET recognition of GDNF-GFRα1 ligand by a composite binding site promotes membrane-proximal self-association. Cell Rep 2014; 8:1894-1904. [PMID: 25242331 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is essential to vertebrate development and implicated in multiple human diseases. RET binds a cell surface bipartite ligand comprising a GDNF family ligand and a GFRα coreceptor, resulting in RET transmembrane signaling. We present a hybrid structural model, derived from electron microscopy (EM) and low-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data, of the RET extracellular domain (RET(ECD)), GDNF, and GFRα1 ternary complex, defining the basis for ligand recognition. RET(ECD) envelopes the dimeric ligand complex through a composite binding site comprising four discrete contact sites. The GFRα1-mediated contacts are crucial, particularly close to the invariant RET calcium-binding site, whereas few direct contacts are made by GDNF, explaining how distinct ligand/coreceptor pairs are accommodated. The RET(ECD) cysteine-rich domain (CRD) contacts both ligand components and makes homotypic membrane-proximal interactions occluding three different antibody epitopes. Coupling of these CRD-mediated interactions suggests models for ligand-induced RET activation and ligand-independent oncogenic deregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry M Goodman
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Svend Kjær
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK; Protein Purification Facility, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Fabienne Beuron
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Phillip P Knowles
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Agata Nawrotek
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Emily M Burns
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Andrew G Purkiss
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Roger George
- Protein Purification Facility, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Massimo Santoro
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Università di Napoli Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Edward P Morris
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Neil Q McDonald
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK.
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13
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Mucksová J, Kalina J, Bakst M, Yan H, J.P.Brillard, Benešová B, Fafílek B, Hejnar J, Trefil P. Expression of the chicken GDNF family receptor α-1 as a marker of spermatogonial stem cells. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 142:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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14
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Zhou L, Too HP. GDNF family ligand dependent STAT3 activation is mediated by specific alternatively spliced isoforms of GFRα2 and RET. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1833:2789-2802. [PMID: 23872421 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurturin (NRTN), a member of the GDNF family of ligands (GFL), is currently investigated in a series of clinical trials for Parkinson's disease. NRTN signals through its cognate receptor GFRα2 and co-receptor RET to induce neurite outgrowth, but the underlying mechanism remains to be better understood. STAT3 was previously shown to be activated by oncogenic RET, independent of ligand and GFRα. In this study, we demonstrated that NRTN induced serine(727) but not tyrosine(705) phosphorylation of STAT3 in primary cortical neuron and neuronal cell lines. Remarkably, STAT3 phosphorylation was found to be mediated specifically by GFRα2c and RET9 isoforms. Furthermore, serine but not tyrosine dominant negative mutant of STAT3 impaired NRTN induced neurite outgrowth, indicative of the role of STAT3 as a downstream mediator of NRTN function. Similar to NGF, the NRTN induced P-Ser-STAT3 was localized to the mitochondria but not to the nucleus. Mitochondrial STAT3 was further found to be intimately involved in NRTN induced neurite outgrowth. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the hitherto unrecognized and novel role of specific GFRα2 and RET isoforms in mediating NRTN activation of STAT3 and the transcription independent mechanism whereby the mitochondria localized P-Ser-STAT3 mediated NRTN induced neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Heng-Phon Too
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Chemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Singapore-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alliance, Singapore; Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore.
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15
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Reichling DB, Green PG, Levine JD. The fundamental unit of pain is the cell. Pain 2013; 154 Suppl 1:S2-9. [PMID: 23711480 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The molecular/genetic era has seen the discovery of a staggering number of molecules implicated in pain mechanisms [18,35,61,69,96,133,150,202,224]. This has stimulated pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to invest billions of dollars to develop drugs that enhance or inhibit the function of many these molecules. Unfortunately this effort has provided a remarkably small return on this investment. Inevitably, transformative progress in this field will require a better understanding of the functional links among the ever-growing ranks of "pain molecules," as well as their links with an even larger number of molecules with which they interact. Importantly, all of these molecules exist side-by-side, within a functional unit, the cell, and its adjacent matrix of extracellular molecules. To paraphrase a recent editorial in Science magazine [223], although we live in the Golden age of Genetics, the fundamental unit of biology is still arguably the cell, and the cell is the critical structural and functional setting in which the function of pain-related molecules must be understood. This review summarizes our current understanding of the nociceptor as a cell-biological unit that responds to a variety of extracellular inputs with a complex and highly organized interaction of signaling molecules. We also discuss the insights that this approach is providing into peripheral mechanisms of chronic pain and sex dependence in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Reichling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Neuroscience, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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16
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Wang X. Structural studies of GDNF family ligands with their receptors-Insights into ligand recognition and activation of receptor tyrosine kinase RET. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2012; 1834:2205-12. [PMID: 23085183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RET is the receptor for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family of ligands (GFLs). It is different from most other members in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family with the requirement of a co-receptor, GFRα, for ligand recognition and activation. Through the common signal transducer RET, GFLs are crucial for the development and maintenance of distinct sets of central and peripheral neurons, which has led to a series of studies towards understanding the structure, function and signaling mechanisms of GFLs with GFRα and RET receptors. Here I summarize our current understanding of the molecular basis underlying ligand recognition and activation of RET, focusing on the interactions of GFLs with their respective GFRα receptors, the recently determined crystal structure of RET extracellular region and a proposed GFL-GFRα-RET ternary complex model based on extensive structural, biochemical and functional data. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Emerging recognition and activation mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinquan Wang
- Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Medical Science Building C226, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
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17
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Persephin signaling through GFRα1: The potential for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2010; 44:223-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2010.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Revised: 02/28/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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18
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Goldschneider D, Mehlen P. Dependence receptors: a new paradigm in cell signaling and cancer therapy. Oncogene 2010; 29:1865-82. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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Parkash V, Goldman A. Comparison of GFL-GFRalpha complexes: further evidence relating GFL bend angle to RET signalling. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2009; 65:551-8. [PMID: 19478429 PMCID: PMC2688408 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309109017722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) activates the receptor tyrosine kinase RET by binding to the GDNF-family receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1) and forming the GDNF(2)-GFRalpha1(2)-RET(2) heterohexamer complex. A previous crystal structure of the GDNF(2)-GFRalpha1(2) complex (PDB code 2v5e) suggested that differences in signalling in GDNF-family ligand (GFL) complexes might arise from differences in the bend angle between the two monomers in the GFL homodimer. Here, a 2.35 A resolution structure of the GDNF(2)-GFRalpha1(2) complex crystallized with new cell dimensions is reported. The structure was refined to a final R factor of 22.5% (R(free) = 28%). The structures of both biological tetrameric complexes in the asymmetric unit are very similar to 2v5e and different from the artemin-GFRalpha3 structure, even though there is a small change in the structure of the GDNF. By comparison of all known GDNF and artemin structures, it is concluded that GDNF is more bent and more flexible than artemin and that this may be related to RET signalling. Comparisons also suggest that the differences between artemin and GDNF arise from the increased curvature of the artemin ;fingers', which both increases the buried surface area in the monomer-monomer interface and changes the intermonomer bend angle. From sequence comparison, it is suggested that neuturin (the second GFL) adopts an artemin-like conformation, while persephin has a different conformation to the other three.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Parkash
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Goldman
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Parkash V, Leppänen VM, Virtanen H, Jurvansuu JM, Bespalov MM, Sidorova YA, Runeberg-Roos P, Saarma M, Goldman A. The structure of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-coreceptor complex: insights into RET signaling and heparin binding. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:35164-72. [PMID: 18845535 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m802543200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a neuronal survival factor, binds its co-receptor GDNF family receptor alpha1 (GFR alpha 1) in a 2:2 ratio and signals through the receptor tyrosine kinase RET. We have solved the GDNF(2).GFR alpha 1(2) complex structure at 2.35 A resolution in the presence of a heparin mimic, sucrose octasulfate. The structure of our GDNF(2).GFR alpha 1(2) complex and the previously published artemin(2).GFR alpha 3(2) complex are unlike in three ways. First, we have experimentally identified residues that differ in the ligand-GFR alpha interface between the two structures, in particular ones that buttress the key conserved Arg(GFR alpha)-Glu(ligand)-Arg(GFR alpha) interaction. Second, the flexible GDNF ligand "finger" loops fit differently into the GFR alphas, which are rigid. Third, and we believe most importantly, the quaternary structure of the two tetramers is dissimilar, because the angle between the two GDNF monomers is different. This suggests that the RET-RET interaction differs in different ligand(2)-co-receptor(2)-RET(2) heterohexamer complexes. Consistent with this, we showed that GDNF(2).GFR alpha1(2) and artemin(2).GFR alpha 3(2) signal differently in a mitogen-activated protein kinase assay. Furthermore, we have shown by mutagenesis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of RET phosphorylation that RET probably interacts with GFR alpha 1 residues Arg-190, Lys-194, Arg-197, Gln-198, Lys-202, Arg-257, Arg-259, Glu-323, and Asp-324 upon both domains 2 and 3. Interestingly, in our structure, sucrose octasulfate also binds to the Arg(190)-Lys(202) region in GFR alpha 1 domain 2. This may explain how GDNF.GFR alpha 1 can mediate cell adhesion and how heparin might inhibit GDNF signaling through RET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Parkash
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Lindgren N, Leak RK, Carlson KM, Smith AD, Zigmond MJ. Activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 by glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and its relation to neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:2039-49. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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22
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Sjöstrand D, Ibáñez CF. Insights into GFRα1 Regulation of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) Function from Structure-Function Analysis of the NCAM/GFRα1 Receptor Complex. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:13792-8. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m800283200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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23
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Peterziel H, Paech T, Strelau J, Unsicker K, Krieglstein K. Specificity in the crosstalk of TGFbeta/GDNF family members is determined by distinct GFR alpha receptors. J Neurochem 2007; 103:2491-504. [PMID: 17953664 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04962.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NRTN) are neurotrophic factors for parasympathetic neurons including ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons. Recently, we have shown that survival and signaling mediated by GDNF in CG neurons essentially requires transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). We have provided evidence that TGFbeta regulates the availability of the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored GDNF receptor alpha 1 (GFRalpha1) by promoting the recruitment of the receptor to the plasma membrane. We report now that in addition to GDNF, NRTN, but not persephin (PSPN) or artemin (ARTN), is able to promote survival of CG neurons. Interestingly, in contrast to GDNF, NRTN is not dependent on cooperation with TGFbeta, but efficiently promotes neuronal survival and intracellular signaling in the absence of TGFbeta. Additional treatment with TGFbeta does not further increase the NRTN response. Both NRTN and GDNF exclusively bind to and activate their cognate receptors, GFRalpha2 and GFRalpha1, respectively, as shown by the use of receptor-specific neutralizing antibodies. Immunocytochemical staining for the two receptors on the surface of CG neurons reveals that, in contrast to the effect on GFRalpha1, TGFbeta is not required for recruitment of GFRalpha2 to the plasma membrane. Moreover, binding of radioactively labeled GDNF but not NRTN is increased upon treatment of CG neurons with TGFbeta. Disruption of TGFbeta signaling does interfere with GDNF-, but not NRTN-mediated signaling and survival. We propose a model taking into account data from GFRalpha1 crystallization and ontogenetic development of the CG that may explain the differences in TGFbeta-dependence of GDNF and NRTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Peterziel
- Department of Neuroanatomy, IZN, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Yoong LF, Too HP. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and neurturin inhibit neurite outgrowth and activate RhoA through GFR alpha 2b, an alternatively spliced isoform of GFR alpha 2. J Neurosci 2007; 27:5603-14. [PMID: 17522305 PMCID: PMC6672776 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4552-06.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) belong to a structurally related family of neurotrophic factors. NTN exerts its effect through a multicomponent receptor system consisting of the GDNF family receptor alpha2 (GFR alpha2), RET, and/or NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule). GFR alpha2 is alternatively spliced into at least three isoforms (GFR alpha2a, GFR alpha2b, and GFR alpha2c). It is currently unknown whether these isoforms share similar functional and biochemical properties. Using highly specific and sensitive quantitative real-time PCR, these isoforms were found to be expressed at comparable levels in various regions of the human brain. When stimulated with GDNF and NTN, both GFR alpha2a and GFR alpha2c, but not GFR alpha2b, promoted neurite outgrowth in transfected Neuro2A cells. These isoforms showed ligand selectivity in MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) [ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2)] and Akt signaling. In addition, the GFR alpha2 isoforms regulated different early-response genes when stimulated with GDNF or NTN. In coexpression studies, GFR alpha2b was found to inhibit ligand-induced neurite outgrowth by GFR alpha2a and GFR alpha2c. Stimulation of GFR alpha2b also inhibited the neurite outgrowth induced by GFR alpha1a, another member of the GFR alpha. Furthermore, activation of GFR alpha2b inhibited neurite outgrowth induced by retinoic acid and activated RhoA. Together, these data suggest a novel paradigm for the regulation of growth factor signaling and neurite outgrowth via an inhibitory splice variant of the receptor. Thus, depending on the expressions of specific GFR alpha2 receptor spliced isoforms, GDNF and NTN may promote or inhibit neurite outgrowth through the multicomponent receptor complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Foong Yoong
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, and
| | - Heng-Phon Too
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, and
- Molecular Engineering of Biological and Chemical System/Chemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Singapore–Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alliance, Singapore 117576
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25
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Sjöstrand D, Carlsson J, Paratcha G, Persson B, Ibáñez CF. Disruption of the GDNF binding site in NCAM dissociates ligand binding and homophilic cell adhesion. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:12734-40. [PMID: 17322291 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m701588200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Most plasma membrane proteins are capable of sensing multiple cell-cell and cell-ligand interactions, but the extent to which this functional versatility is founded on their modular design is less clear. We have identified the third immunoglobulin domain of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) as the necessary and sufficient determinant for its interaction with Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF). Four charged contacts were identified by molecular modeling as the main contributors to binding energy. Their mutation abolished GDNF binding to NCAM but left intact the ability of NCAM to mediate cell adhesion, indicating that the two functions are genetically separable. The GDNF-NCAM interface allows complex formation with the GDNF family receptor alpha1, shedding light on the molecular architecture of a multicomponent GDNF receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sjöstrand
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Ledda F, Paratcha G, Sandoval-Guzmán T, Ibáñez CF. GDNF and GFRalpha1 promote formation of neuronal synapses by ligand-induced cell adhesion. Nat Neurosci 2007; 10:293-300. [PMID: 17310246 DOI: 10.1038/nn1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 01/22/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of synaptic connections requires precise alignment of pre- and postsynaptic terminals. The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor GFRalpha1 is enriched at pre- and postsynaptic compartments in hippocampal neurons, suggesting that it has a function in synapse formation. GDNF triggered trans-homophilic binding between GFRalpha1 molecules and cell adhesion between GFRalpha1-expressing cells. This represents the first example of a cell-cell interaction being mediated by a ligand-induced cell adhesion molecule (LICAM). In the presence of GDNF, ectopic GFRalpha1 induced localized presynaptic differentiation in hippocampal neurons, as visualized by clustering of vesicular proteins and neurotransmitter transporters, and by activity-dependent vesicle recycling. Presynaptic differentiation induced by GDNF was markedly reduced in neurons lacking GFRalpha1. Gdnf mutant mice showed reduced synaptic localization of presynaptic proteins and a marked decrease in the density of presynaptic puncta, indicating a role for GDNF signaling in hippocampal synaptogenesis in vivo. We propose that GFRalpha1 functions as a LICAM to establish precise synaptic contacts and induce presynaptic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Ledda
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
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27
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Yang J, Runeberg-Roos P, Leppänen VM, Saarma M. The mouse soluble GFRalpha4 receptor activates RET independently of its ligand persephin. Oncogene 2007; 26:3892-8. [PMID: 17213820 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) all signal through the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase RET. The signalling complex consists of GFLs, GPI-anchored ligand binding GDNF family receptor alphas (GFRalphas) and RET. Signalling via RET is required for the development of the nervous system and the kidney, as well as for spermatogenesis. However, constitutive activation of RET is implicated as a cause in several diseases. Mutations of the RET proto-oncogene cause the inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). Recently, it has been suggested that mutations in the persephin binding GFRalpha4 receptor may have a potentially modifying role in MEN 2. Several naturally occurring, different splice variants of the mammalian GFRalpha4 have been reported. A 7 bp insertion-mutation in the human GFRalpha4 gene causes a shift of reading frame and thereby changes the balance between the transcripts encoding GPI-anchored and soluble GFRalpha4 receptors. We report here that the mammalian soluble GFRalpha4 can activate RET independently of its preferential ligand, persephin. Our data show that soluble GFRalpha4 can associate with, and induce, phosphorylation of RET. In addition, our data show that this isoform of GFRalpha4 can induce downstream signalling, as well as neuronal survival and differentiation, in the absence of persephin. These results suggest that, in line with the previous report, GFRalpha4 may be a candidate gene for, or modifier of, the MEN 2 diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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28
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Hätinen T, Holm L, Airaksinen MS. Loss of neurturin in frog--comparative genomics study of GDNF family ligand-receptor pairs. Mol Cell Neurosci 2006; 34:155-67. [PMID: 17157029 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2006.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2006] [Revised: 09/24/2006] [Accepted: 10/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Four different GDNF family ligand (GFL)-receptor (GFRalpha) binding pairs exist in mammals, and they all signal via the RET receptor tyrosine kinase. However, the evolution of these molecules is poorly understood. We identified orthologs of all four GFRalpha receptors and GRAL (GDNF Receptor Alpha-Like) in all vertebrate classes, and a predicted GFR-like protein in several invertebrates. In addition, Gas1 (growth arrest-specific 1), a distant member of the GFR-superfamily, is present in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Analysis of exon structures suggests a common origin of GFR-superfamily proteins and early divergence of Gas1 from the common ancestor. Bony fishes have orthologs of all four mammalian GFLs, consistent with genome duplications in early vertebrates. Surprisingly, the clawed frog and chicken have only three GFLs: synteny analysis indicates loss of neurturin in frog and of persephin in chicken. Evolutionary trace analysis and protein structure homology modeling points at GDNF as the endogenous ligand of frog GFRalpha2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomas Hätinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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29
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Yoong LF, Wan G, Too HP. Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor and neurturin regulate the expressions of distinct miRNA precursors through the activation of GFRalpha2. J Neurochem 2006; 98:1149-58. [PMID: 16895582 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03959.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) are structurally related neurotrophic factors that have both been shown to prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. NTN and GDNF are thought to bind with different affinities to the GDNF family receptor alpha-2 (GFRalpha2), and can activate the same multi-component receptor system consisting of GFRalpha2, receptor tyrosine kinase Ret (RET) and NCAM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through translational repression or RNA degradation. miRNAs have diverse functions, including regulating differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis in several organisms. It is currently unknown whether GDNF and NTN regulate the expression of miRNAs through activation of the same multi-component receptor system. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we measured the expression of some miRNA precursors in human BE(2)-C cells that express GFRalpha2 but not GFRalpha1. GDNF and NTN differentially regulate the expression of distinct miRNA precursors through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2). This study showed that the expression of distinct miRNA precursors is differentially regulated by specific ligands through the activation of GFRalpha2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Foong Yoong
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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30
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Wang X, Baloh RH, Milbrandt J, Garcia KC. Structure of artemin complexed with its receptor GFRalpha3: convergent recognition of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors. Structure 2006; 14:1083-92. [PMID: 16765900 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2006.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2006] [Revised: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 05/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Artemin (ARTN) is a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) which regulate the development and maintenance of many neuronal populations in the mammalian nervous system. Here we report the 1.92 A crystal structure of the complex formed between ARTN and its receptor GFRalpha3, which is the initiating step in the formation of a ternary signaling complex containing the shared RET receptor. It represents a new receptor-ligand interaction mode for the TGF-beta superfamily that reveals both conserved and specificity-determining anchor points for all GFL-GFRalpha pairs. In tandem with the complex structure, cellular studies using receptor chimeras implicate dyad-symmetric composite interfaces for recruitment and dimerization of RET, leading to intracellular signaling. These studies should facilitate the functional dissection of the specific versus pleiotropic roles of this system in neurobiology, as well as its exploitation for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinquan Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford, California 94305-5124, USA
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31
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Virtanen H, Yang J, Bespalov M, Hiltunen J, Leppänen VM, Kalkkinen N, Goldman A, Saarma M, Runeberg-Roos P. The first cysteine-rich domain of the receptor GFRalpha1 stabilizes the binding of GDNF. Biochem J 2006; 387:817-24. [PMID: 15610063 PMCID: PMC1135013 DOI: 10.1042/bj20041257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor)-binding receptor GFRalpha1 (GDNF family receptor alpha1) is attached to the membrane by a GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchor and consists of three cysteine-rich domains. The region corresponding to the second and third domains has been shown previously to participate in ligand binding, and to interact with the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor RET. No function has so far been found for the N-terminal, first domain (D1). Here we show that the GPI-anchored full-length receptor binds 125I-GDNF two times more tightly than does a GPI-anchored truncated receptor lacking D1. Scintillation proximity assays with purified receptor proteins also show that the GDNF-binding capacity of the soluble full-length GFRalpha1 is two times higher than the GDNF-binding capacity of the soluble D1-truncated GFRalpha1. As RET stabilizes the binding of GDNF equally well to the full-length and truncated receptors, D1 seems not to be involved in the interaction between GFRalpha1 and RET. Moreover, soluble full-length GFRalpha1 mediates GDNF-promoted neurite outgrowth in PC6-3 cells more efficiently than the soluble truncated GFRalpha1 protein. At low concentrations, the soluble fulllength receptor mediates the phosphorylation of RET more efficiently than the soluble truncated receptor. However, when the receptors are overexpressed on the cell surface as GPI-anchored proteins, or added to the growth medium at high concentrations as soluble proteins, full-length and truncated GFRalpha1 are indistinguishable in GDNF-dependent RET-phosphorylation assays. High levels of the receptors can thus mask a slightly impaired function in the phosphorylation assay. Based on assays with both GPI-anchored and soluble receptors, we therefore conclude that D1 contributes to the optimal function of GFRalpha1 by stabilizing the interaction between GFRalpha1 and GDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Virtanen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jianmin Yang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maxim M. Bespalov
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka O. Hiltunen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nisse Kalkkinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Goldman
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Runeberg-Roos
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 9, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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32
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Schueler-Furman O, Glick E, Segovia J, Linial M. Is GAS1 a co-receptor for the GDNF family of ligands? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2006; 27:72-7. [PMID: 16406089 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2005.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2005] [Revised: 10/27/2005] [Accepted: 12/16/2005] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a survival and maintenance factor for dopamine-containing neurons and motoneurons. GDNF belongs to a family of structurally related factors that includes neurturin (NRTN), artemin (ARTN) and persephin (PSPN). An initial step in the activation of signaling via the GDNF family of ligands (GFLs) is their binding to their cognate co-receptor GFR alpha. GAS1, an apparently unrelated protein, exhibits homology to GFR alpha and thus we hypothesize that GAS1 can serve as an alternative receptor for GFLs. The functional similarity between GFR alpha and GAS1 extends to their role in embryogenesis, differentiation and glia maintenance, and is substantiated by overlap in their expression profile, subcellular localization and structural details. We propose that the relative expression and localization of the two remote receptors, GFR alpha and GAS1, on the membranes of neuronal and glial cells determines whether these cells survive or undergo apoptotic death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ora Schueler-Furman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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33
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Ducray A, Krebs SH, Schaller B, Seiler RW, Meyer M, Widmer HR. GDNF family ligands display distinct action profiles on cultured GABAergic and serotonergic neurons of rat ventral mesencephalon. Brain Res 2006; 1069:104-12. [PMID: 16380100 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2005] [Revised: 11/08/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN), artemin (ARTN) and persephin (PSPN), known as the GDNF family ligands (GFLs), influence the development, survival and differentiation of cultured dopaminergic neurons from ventral mesencephalon (VM). Detailed knowledge about the effects of GFLs on other neuronal populations in the VM is essential for their potential application as therapeutic molecules for Parkinson's disease. Hence, in a comparative study, we investigated the effects of GFLs on cell densities and morphological differentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive (GABA-ir) and serotonin-ir (5-HT-ir) neurons in primary cultures of E14 rat VM. We observed that all GFLs [10 ng/ml] significantly increased GABA-ir cell densities (1.6-fold) as well as neurite length/neuron. However, only GDNF significantly increased the number of primary neurites/neuron, and none of the GFLs affected soma size of GABA-ir neurons. In contrast, only NRTN treatment significantly increased 5-HT-ir cells densities at 10 ng/ml (1.3-fold), while an augmentation was seen for GDNF and PSPN at 100 ng/ml (2.4-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively). ARTN had no effect on 5-HT-ir cell densities. Morphological analysis of 5-HT-ir neurons revealed a significant increase of soma size, number of primary neurites/neuron and neurite length/neuron after GDNF exposure, while PSPN only affected soma size, and NRTN and ARTN failed to exert any effect. In conclusion, we identified GFLs as effective neurotrophic factors for VM GABAergic and serotonergic neurons, demonstrating characteristic individual action profiles emphasizing their important and distinct roles during brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélique Ducray
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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34
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Vargas-Leal V, Bruno R, Derfuss T, Krumbholz M, Hohlfeld R, Meinl E. Expression and function of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands and their receptors on human immune cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:2301-8. [PMID: 16081799 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.4.2301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that factors originally identified due to their neurotrophic activity also function within the immune system. This study focused on the related molecules glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) as well as their receptors. GDNF and NTN signaling is mediated by a two-component receptor: a signal-transducing component, RET, which is shared by both ligands, and a ligand-specific binding component, GFR alpha-1 (higher GDNF affinity) or GFR alpha-2 (higher NTN affinity). We report that human T cells, B cells, and monocytes produce NTN but not GDNF, as seen by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. RET was expressed by B cells, T cells, and monocytes. Exons 2-5 of RET encoding the cadherin-like domains 1-3 in the extracellular part and exons 16-19 encoding a section of the second tyrosine kinase domain were transcribed in CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, and monocytes. Different splice variants encoding the C-terminal intracellular part (exons 19-21) of RET were detected. The ligand-binding receptors GFR alpha-1 and GFR alpha-2 were transcribed in all immune cell subsets. Quantitative PCR showed that GFR alpha-2 is by far the dominant ligand binding chain in T cells, B cells, and monocytes. Addition of GDNF or NTN to activated PBMCs reduced the amount of detectable TNF protein without altering its transcription. Together, this suggests that immune cells communicate with each other via NTN. Production of NTN by immune cells might also contribute to the neuroprotective immunity in the CNS observed in different model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Vargas-Leal
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Max-Planck-Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
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35
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Charlet-Berguerand N, Le Hir H, Incoronato M, di Porzio U, Yu Y, Jing S, de Franciscis V, Thermes C. Expression of GFRalpha1 receptor splicing variants with different biochemical properties is modulated during kidney development. Cell Signal 2005; 16:1425-34. [PMID: 15381258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2004.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2004] [Revised: 05/13/2004] [Accepted: 05/14/2004] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family coreceptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1) is a critical component of the RET receptor kinase signal-transducing complex. The activity of this multicomponent receptor is stimulated by the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and is involved in neuronal cells survival and kidney development. GFRalpha1 pre-mRNA is alternatively spliced and produces two isoforms: GFRalpha1a, which includes the exon 5; and GFRalpha1b, which excludes it. Here we show that the Gfralpha1a isoform is predominantly expressed in neuronal tissues and in PC12 cells differentiated toward a neuronal phenotype. GFRalpha1 splicing is also regulated during kidney development, GFRalpha1a is the minor isoform before birth and then rapidly becomes the major form after birth. We established cell lines expressing either GFRalpha1 isoforms and demonstrated that the GFRalpha1b isoform binds GDNF more efficiently than GFRalpha1a. Consistently, GFRalpha1b promotes a stronger RET phosphorylation than GFRalpha1a. These results indicate that specific inclusion of the GFRalpha1 exon 5 in neuronal tissues or during kidney development may alter the binding properties of GDNF to GFRalpha1, and thus could constitute an additional regulatory mechanism of the RET signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France.
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36
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Zihlmann KB, Ducray AD, Schaller B, Huber AW, Krebs SH, Andres RH, Seiler RW, Meyer M, Widmer HR. The GDNF family members neurturin, artemin and persephin promote the morphological differentiation of cultured ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Brain Res Bull 2004; 68:42-53. [PMID: 16325003 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2004.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2004] [Revised: 10/24/2004] [Accepted: 10/24/2004] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurturin (NRTN), artemin (ARTN), persephin (PSPN) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) form a group of neurotrophic factors, also known as the GDNF family ligands (GFLs). They signal through a receptor complex composed of a high-affinity ligand binding subunit, postulated ligand specific, and a common membrane-bound tyrosine kinase RET. Recently, also NCAM has been identified as an alternative signaling receptor. GFLs have been reported to promote survival of cultured dopaminergic neurons. In addition, GDNF treatments have been shown to increase morphological differentiation of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons. The present comparative study investigated the dose-dependent effects of GFLs on survival and morphological differentiation of TH-ir neurons in primary cultures of E14 rat ventral mesencephalon. Both NRTN and ARTN chronically administered for 5 days significantly increased survival and morphological differentiation of TH-ir cells at all doses investigated [0.1-100 ng/ml], whereas PSPN was found to be slightly less potent with effects on TH-ir cell numbers and morphology at 1.6-100 ng/ml and 6.3-100 ng/ml, respectively. In conclusion, our findings identify NRTN, ARTN and PSPN as potent neurotrophic factors that may play an important role in the structural development and plasticity of ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin B Zihlmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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37
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Vanhorne JB, Andrew SD, Harrison KJ, Taylor SAM, Thomas B, McDonald TJ, Ainsworth PJ, Mulligan LM. A model for GFRα4 function and a potential modifying role in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2. Oncogene 2004; 24:1091-7. [PMID: 15592530 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1207826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mutations of the RET proto-oncogene are found in the majority of patients with the inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). A minority of cases, however, have no detectable RET mutation and there is considerable phenotypic variation within and among MEN 2 families with the same RET mutation, suggesting a role for other loci in this disease. A candidate for such a gene is glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha 4 (GFRA4), which encodes a cell surface-bound co-receptor (GFR alpha 4) required for interaction of RET with its ligand persephin. The GFRA4 gene has multiple alternative splices leading to three distinct protein isoforms that are prominently expressed in thyroid. We postulated that mutations of GFRA4 contribute to MEN 2 in the absence of RET mutations or modify the RET mutation phenotype. We screened patients with MEN 2 or MEN 2-like phenotypes, with and without RET mutations, for variants of GFRA4. We identified 10 variants, one of which was over represented in, and two of which were found exclusively in, our patient populations. One of these was a single-base substitution upstream of the GFR alpha 4 coding region, where it may alter gene expression. The second was a 7 bp insertion, which results in a change in reading frame for all three GFR alpha 4 isoforms. This would cause a relative shift in membrane bound and soluble forms of GFR alpha 4, which would significantly alter the formation of RET signalling complexes. Our data suggest a model of wild-type GFR alpha 4 isoform expression that includes both activating and inhibiting co-receptors for RET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith B Vanhorne
- Department of Pathology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 3N6
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38
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Amoresano A, Incoronato M, Monti G, Pucci P, de Franciscis V, Cerchia L. Direct interactions among Ret, GDNF and GFRalpha1 molecules reveal new insights into the assembly of a functional three-protein complex. Cell Signal 2004; 17:717-27. [PMID: 15722196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2004.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2004] [Revised: 10/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) ligand activates the Ret receptor through the assembly of a multiprotein complex, including the GDNF family receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1) molecule. Given the neuroprotective role of GDNF, there is an obvious need to precisely identify the structural regions engaged in direct interactions between the three molecules. Here, we combined a functional approach for Ret activity (in PC12 cells) to cross-linking experiments followed by MS-MALDI to study the interactions among the purified extracellular region of the human Ret, GDNF and GFRalpha1 molecules. This procedure allowed us to identify distinct regions of Ret that are physically engaged in the interaction with GDNF and GFRalpha1. The lack of these regions in a recombinant Ret form results in the failure of both structural and functional binding of Ret to GFRalpha1/GDNF complex. Furthermore, a model for the assembly of a transducing-competent Ret complex is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Amoresano
- Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biochimica, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Montesantangelo, via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
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39
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Leppänen VM, Bespalov MM, Runeberg-Roos P, Puurand Ü, Merits A, Saarma M, Goldman A. The structure of GFRalpha1 domain 3 reveals new insights into GDNF binding and RET activation. EMBO J 2004; 23:1452-62. [PMID: 15044950 PMCID: PMC391078 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2003] [Accepted: 02/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) binds to the GDNF family co-receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1) and activates RET receptor tyrosine kinase. GFRalpha1 has a putative domain structure of three homologous cysteine-rich domains, where domains 2 and 3 make up a central domain responsible for GDNF binding. We report here the 1.8 A crystal structure of GFRalpha1 domain 3 showing a new protein fold. It is an all-alpha five-helix bundle with five disulfide bridges. The structure was used to model the homologous domain 2, the other half of the GDNF-binding fragment, and to construct the first structural model of the GDNF-GFRalpha1 interaction. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we identified closely spaced residues, Phe213, Arg224, Arg225 and Ile229, comprising a putative GDNF-binding surface. Mutating each one of them had slightly different effects on GDNF binding and RET phosphorylation. In addition, the R217E mutant bound GDNF equally well in the presence and absence of RET. Arg217 may thus be involved in the allosteric properties of GFRalpha1 or in binding RET.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maxim M Bespalov
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Runeberg-Roos
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ülo Puurand
- Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Tartu, Riia, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Goldman
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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40
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Wang LM, Zhang Q, Zhang Q, Zhu W, He C, Lu CL, Ding DF, Chen ZY. Identification of the Key Amino Acids of Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor α1 Involved in Its Biological Function. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:109-16. [PMID: 14563851 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m306287200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a critical role in neurodevelopment and survival of midbrain dopaminergic and spinal motor neurons in vitro and in vivo. The biological actions of GDNF are mediated by a two-receptor complex consisting of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface molecule, the GDNF family receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1), and receptor protein tyrosine kinase Ret. Although structural analysis of GDNF has been extensively examined, less is known about the structural basis of GFRalpha1 function. In this study, based on evolutionary trace method and relative solvent accessibility prediction of residues, a set of trace residues that are solvent-accessible was selected for site-directed mutagenesis. A series of GFRalpha1 mutations was made, and PC12 cell lines stably expressing different GFRalpha1 mutants were generated. According to the survival and differentiation responses of these stable PC12 cells upon GDNF stimulation and the GDNF-GFRalpha1-Ret interaction assay, residues 152NN153, Arg259, and 316SNS318 in the GFRalpha1 central region were found to be critical for GFRalpha1 binding to GDNF and eliciting downstream signal transduction. The single mutation R259A in the GFRalpha1 molecule simultaneously lost its binding ability to GDNF and Ret. However N152A/N153A or S316A/N317A/S318A mutation in the GFRalpha1 molecule still retained the ability to bind with Ret. These findings suggest that distinct structural elements in GFRalpha1 may be involved in binding to GDNF and Ret.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Mei Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, the Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
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41
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Alberch J, Pérez-Navarro E, Canals JM. Neurotrophic factors in Huntington's disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 146:195-229. [PMID: 14699966 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(03)46014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of striatal neurons and, to a lesser extent, cortical neurons. The neurodegenerative process is caused by the mutation of huntingtin gene. Recent studies have established a link between mutant huntingtin, excitotoxicity and neurotrophic factors. Neurotrophic factors prevent cell death in degenerative processes but they can also enhance growth and function of neurons that are affected in Huntington's disease. The endogenous regulation of the expression of neurotrophic factors and their receptors in the striatum and its connections can be important to protect striatal cells and maintains basal ganglia connectivity. The administration of exogenous neurotrophic factors, in animal models of Huntington's disease, has been used to characterize the trophic requirements of striatal and cortical neurons. Neurotrophins, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family members and ciliary neurotrophic factor have shown a potent neuroprotective effects on different neuronal populations of the striatum. Furthermore, they are also useful to maintain the integrity of the corticostriatal pathway. Thus, these neurotrophic factors may be suitable for the development of a neuroprotective therapy for neurodegenerative disorders of the basal ganglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Alberch
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Medical School, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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Kjaer S, Ibáñez CF. Identification of a surface for binding to the GDNF-GFR alpha 1 complex in the first cadherin-like domain of RET. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:47898-904. [PMID: 14514671 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m309772200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is activated by binding to a ligand complex formed by a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of neurotrophic factors bound to its cognate GDNF-family receptor-alpha (GFR alpha) glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked co-receptor. Molecular modeling studies of the extracellular domain of RET (RETECD) have revealed the existence of four cadherin-like domains (CLD1-4) followed by a cysteine-rich domain. Cross-linking experiments have indicated that the RETECD makes direct contacts with both the GDNF ligand and GFR alpha 1 molecule in the complex, although it has low or no detectable affinity for either component alone. We have exploited sequence and functional divergences between the ectodomains of mammalian and amphibian RET molecules to map binding determinants in the human RETECD responsible for its interaction with the GDNF-GFR alpha 1 complex by homologue-scanning mutagenesis. We found that Xenopus RETECD was unable to bind to GDNF-GFR alpha-1 or neurturin (NTN)-GFR alpha-2 complexes of mammalian origin. However, a chimeric molecule containing CLD1, -2, and -3 from human RETECD, but neither domain alone, had similar binding activity as compared with wild type human RETECD, suggesting the existence of an extended ligand binding surface within the three N-terminal cadherin-like domains of human RETECD. Subsequent loss-of-function experiments at higher resolution identified three small subsets of residues, mapping on the same face of the molecular model of RET CLD1, that were required for the interaction of human RETECD with the GDNF-GFR alpha 1 complex. Additional experiments demonstrated that N-linked glycosylation of human RETECD was not required for ligand binding. Based on these observations, we propose a model for the assembly and architecture of the GDNF-GFR alpha 1-RET complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svend Kjaer
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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43
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Too HP. Real time PCR quantification of GFRalpha-2 alternatively spliced isoforms in murine brain and peripheral tissues. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2003; 114:146-53. [PMID: 12829325 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(03)00169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The neurotrophic factor neurturin (NTN) is structurally related to the glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and has been shown to prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons both in vitro and in vivo. The preferred receptor for NTN is the GDNF family receptor alpha 2 (GFRalpha-2). To date, three protein-coding alternatively spliced GFRalpha-2 isoforms (GFRalpha-2a, GFRalpha-2b, GFRalpha-2c) have been identified in mammalian tissues. An accurate quantification of the expression levels is necessary when determining the contributions of these isoforms to NTN signaling in tissues. In this report, sequence independent real time RT-PCR is used to determine the expression levels of GFRalpha-2 isoforms at different developmental stages of the murine embryos, and in various adult tissues. In the adult murine brain, GFRalpha-2a was found to be the most abundant, GFRalpha-2c was slightly less and GFRalpha-2b was 10-fold lower. The testis did not appear to express significant levels of GFRalpha-2a, 2b or 2c, compared to the brain. A novel finding in this study is that in some tissues, including the adult brain, the expression levels of GFRalpha-2, as quantified by the amplification of the 3' sequences encoding the putative glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor signal sequence, were significantly higher than the combined levels of GFRalpha-2a, GFRalpha-2b and GFRalpha-2c. This indicates the existence of yet to be identified forms of GFRalpha-2 in some tissues that may be of physiological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Phon Too
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119260, Singapore.
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Barnett MW, Fisher CE, Perona-Wright G, Davies JA. Signalling by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) requires heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycan. J Cell Sci 2002; 115:4495-503. [PMID: 12414995 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, GDNF, is vital to the development and maintenance of neural tissues; it promotes survival of sympathetic, parasympathetic and spinal motor neurons during development, protects midbrain dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis well enough to be a promising treatment for Parkinson's disease, and controls renal and testicular development. Understanding how GDNF interacts with its target cells is therefore a priority in several fields. Here we show that GDNF requires glycosaminoglycans as well as the already-known components of its receptor complex, c-Ret and GFRalpha-1. Without glycosaminoglcyans, specifically heparan sulphate, c-Ret phosphorylation fails and GDNF cannot induce axonogenesis in neurons, in PC-12 cells, or scatter of epithelial cells. Furthermore, exogenous heparan sulphate inhibits rather than assists GDNF signalling. The involvement of heparan sulphates in GDNF signalling raises the possibility that modulation of heparan expression may modulate signalling by GDNF in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Barnett
- Edinburgh University Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
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Airaksinen MS, Saarma M. The GDNF family: signalling, biological functions and therapeutic value. Nat Rev Neurosci 2002; 3:383-94. [PMID: 11988777 DOI: 10.1038/nrn812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1327] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Members of the nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) families comprising neurotrophins and GDNF-family ligands (GFLs), respectively are crucial for the development and maintenance of distinct sets of central and peripheral neurons. Knockout studies in the mouse have revealed that members of these two families might collaborate or act sequentially in a given neuron. Although neurotrophins and GFLs activate common intracellular signalling pathways through their receptor tyrosine kinases, several clear differences exist between these families of trophic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti S Airaksinen
- Programme of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biotechnology, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, FIN-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Josephson A, Widenfalk J, Trifunovski A, Widmer HR, Olson L, Spenger C. GDNF and NGF family members and receptors in human fetal and adult spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. J Comp Neurol 2001; 440:204-17. [PMID: 11745618 DOI: 10.1002/cne.1380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We describe the expression of mRNA encoding ligands and receptors of members of the GDNF family and members of the neurotrophin family in the adult human spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Fetal human spinal cord and ganglia were investigated for the presence of ligands and receptors of the neurotrophin family. Tissues were collected from human organ donors and after routine elective abortions. Messenger RNA was found encoding RET, GFR alpha-1, BDNF, trkB, and trkC in the adult human spinal cord and BDNF, NT-3, p75, trkB, and trkC in the fetal human spinal cord. The percentage of adult human DRG cells expressing p75, trkA, trkB, or trkC was 57, 46, 29, and 24%, respectively, and that of DRG cells expressing RET, GFR alpha-1, GFR alpha-2, or GFR alpha-3 was 79, 20, 51, and 32%, respectively. GFR alpha-2 was expressed selectively in small, GFR alpha-3 principally in small and GFR alpha-1 and RET in both large and small adult human DRG neurons. p75 and trkB were expressed by a wide range of DRG neurons while trkA was expressed in most small diameter and trkC primarily in large DRG neurons. Fetal DRG cells were positive for the same probes as adult DRG cells except for NT-3, which was only found in fetal DRG cells. Messenger RNA species only expressed at detectable levels in fetal but not adult spinal cord tissues included GDNF, GFR alpha-2, NT-3, and p75. Notably, GFR alpha-2, which is expressed in the adult rat spinal cord, was not found in the adult human spinal cord.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aging/metabolism
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics
- Cell Size/physiology
- Drosophila Proteins
- Female
- Fetus
- Ganglia, Spinal/cytology
- Ganglia, Spinal/embryology
- Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors
- Humans
- In Situ Hybridization
- Membrane Glycoproteins
- Middle Aged
- Motor Neurons/cytology
- Motor Neurons/metabolism
- Nerve Growth Factors/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Neurons, Afferent/cytology
- Neurons, Afferent/metabolism
- Neurotrophin 3/genetics
- Posterior Horn Cells/cytology
- Posterior Horn Cells/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptor, trkB/genetics
- Receptor, trkC/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
- Spinal Cord/cytology
- Spinal Cord/embryology
- Spinal Cord/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- A Josephson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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