Agonist-dependent dissociation of oligomeric complexes of G protein-coupled cholecystokinin receptors demonstrated in living cells using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

Photodynamic Activation of Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor Is Conserved in Mammalian and Avian Pancreatic Acini

Cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) is the only G protein coupled receptor that is activated in type II photodynamic action, but whether this is a property common to both mammalian and avian species is not known. In this work, pancreatic acini were isolated from the rat, mouse, and Peking duck, and photodynamic CCK1R activation was examined. Isolated pancreatic acini were exposed to photosensitizer sulphonated aluminum phthalocyanine (SALPC) and photodynamic action elicited by a brief light-emitting diode (LED 675 nm) pulse (1.5 min); photodynamic CCK1R activation was assessed by Fura-2 fluorescent calcium imaging. Photodynamic action was found to induce persistent calcium oscillations in rat, mouse, and Peking duck pancreatic acini, with the sensitivity order of mouse > rat > Peking duck. Photodynamically-activated CCK1R could be inhibited reversibly by CCK1R antagonist devazepide (1 μM); photodynamic CCK1R activation was blocked by pre-incubation with 1O2 quencher Trolox C (300 µM). The sensitivity of photodynamic CCK1R activation was correlated with the increasing size of the disordered region in intracellular loop 3. These data suggest that photodynamic CCK1R activation is conserved in both mammalian and avian species, as evidenced by the presence of the photodynamic activation motif “YFM” in transmembrane domain 3.

Photodynamic Activation of Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor Is Conserved in Mammalian and Avian Pancreatic Acini

Cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) is the only G protein coupled receptor that is activated in type II photodynamic action, but whether this is a property common to both mammalian and avian species is not known. In this work, pancreatic acini were isolated from the rat, mouse, and Peking duck, and photodynamic CCK1R activation was examined. Isolated pancreatic acini were exposed to photosensitizer sulphonated aluminum phthalocyanine (SALPC) and photodynamic action elicited by a brief light-emitting diode (LED 675 nm) pulse (1.5 min); photodynamic CCK1R activation was assessed by Fura-2 fluorescent calcium imaging. Photodynamic action was found to induce persistent calcium oscillations in rat, mouse, and Peking duck pancreatic acini, with the sensitivity order of mouse > rat > Peking duck. Photodynamically-activated CCK1R could be inhibited reversibly by CCK1R antagonist devazepide (1 μM); photodynamic CCK1R activation was blocked by pre-incubation with 1O2 quencher Trolox C (300 µM). The sensitivity of photodynamic CCK1R activation was correlated with the increasing size of the disordered region in intracellular loop 3. These data suggest that photodynamic CCK1R activation is conserved in both mammalian and avian species, as evidenced by the presence of the photodynamic activation motif “YFM” in transmembrane domain 3.

Transmembrane Domain 3 Is a Transplantable Pharmacophore in the Photodynamic Activation of Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor

Cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) is activated in photodynamic action by singlet oxygen, but detailed molecular mechanisms are not elucidated. To identify the pharmacophore(s) in photodynamic CCK1R activation, we examined photodynamic activation of point mutants CCK1R^M121/3.32A, CCK1R^M121/3.32Q, and a chimeric receptor with CCK1R transmembrane domain 3 (TM3) transplanted to muscarinic ACh receptor 3 (M3R) which is unaffected by photodynamic action. These engineered receptors were tagged at the N-terminus with genetically encoded protein photosensitizer miniSOG, and their light-driven photodynamic activation was compared to wild type CCK1R and M3R, as monitored by Fura-2 fluorescent calcium imaging. Photodynamic activations of miniSOG-CCK1R^M121/3.32A and miniSOG-CCK1R^M121/3.32Q were found to be 55% and 73%, respectively, when compared to miniSOG-CCK1R (100%), whereas miniSOG-M3R was not affected (0% activation). Notably, the chimeric receptor miniSOG-M3R-TM3_CCK1R was effectively activated photodynamically (65%). These data suggest that TM3 is an important pharmacophore in photodynamic CCK1R activation, readily transplantable to nonsusceptible M3R for photodynamic activation.

Bivalent ligands promote endosomal trafficking of the dopamine D3 receptor-neurotensin receptor 1 heterodimer

Bivalent ligands are composed of two pharmacophores connected by a spacer of variable size. These ligands are able to simultaneously recognize two binding sites, for example in a G protein-coupled receptor heterodimer, resulting in enhanced binding affinity. Taking advantage of previously described heterobivalent dopamine-neurotensin receptor ligands, we demonstrate specific interactions between dopamine D3 (D₃R) and neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1), two receptors with expression in overlapping brain areas that are associated with neuropsychiatric diseases and addiction. Bivalent ligand binding to D₃R-NTSR1 dimers results in picomolar binding affinity and high selectivity compared to the binding to monomeric receptors. Specificity of the ligands for the D₃R-NTSR1 receptor pair over D₂R-NTSR1 dimers can be achieved by a careful choice of the linker length. Bivalent ligands enhance and stabilize the receptor-receptor interaction leading to NTSR1-controlled internalization of D₃R into endosomes via recruitment of β-arrestin, highlighting a potential mechanism for dimer-specific receptor trafficking and signalling.

The homotetramerization of a GPCR transmits the 20-hydroxyecdysone signal and increases its entry into cells for insect metamorphosis

Animal steroid hormones initiate signaling by passive diffusion into cells and binding to their nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression. Animal steroid hormones can initiate signaling via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that a newly discovered ecdysone-responsive GPCR, ErGPCR-3, transmits the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signal by binding 20E and promoting its entry into cells in the lepidopteran insect Helicoverpa armigera Knockdown of ErGPCR-3 in larvae caused delayed and abnormal pupation, inhibited remodeling of the larval midgut and fat body, and repressed 20E-induced gene expression. Also, 20E induced both the interaction of ErGPCR-3 with G proteins and rapid intracellular increase in calcium, cAMP and protein phosphorylation. ErGPCR-3 was endocytosed by GPCR kinase 2-mediated phosphorylation, and interacted with β-arrestin-1 and clathrin, to terminate 20E signaling under 20E induction. We found that 20E bound to ErGPCR-3 and induced the ErGPCR-3 homodimer to form a homotetramer, which increased 20E entry into cells. Our study revealed that homotetrameric ErGPCR-3 functions as a cell membrane receptor and increases 20E diffusion into cells to transmit the 20E signal and promote metamorphosis.

Molecular Pharmacology of Synthetic Cannabinoids: Delineating CB1 Receptor-Mediated Cell Signaling

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a class of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that exhibit high affinity binding to the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and display a pharmacological profile similar to the phytocannabinoid (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). SCs are marketed under brand names such as K2 and Spice and are popular drugs of abuse among male teenagers and young adults. Since their introduction in the early 2000s, SCs have grown in number and evolved in structural diversity to evade forensic detection and drug scheduling. In addition to their desirable euphoric and antinociceptive effects, SCs can cause severe toxicity including seizures, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke and psychosis. Binding of SCs to the CB1 receptor, expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, stimulates pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins (Gi/Go) resulting in the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, a decreased opening of N-type Ca2+ channels and the activation of G protein-gated inward rectifier (GIRK) channels. This combination of signaling effects dampens neuronal activity in both CNS excitatory and inhibitory pathways by decreasing action potential formation and neurotransmitter release. Despite this knowledge, the relationship between the chemical structure of the SCs and their CB1 receptor-mediated molecular actions is not well understood. In addition, the potency and efficacy of newer SC structural groups has not been determined. To address these limitations, various cell-based assay technologies are being utilized to develop structure versus activity relationships (SAR) for the SCs and to explore the effects of these compounds on noncannabinoid receptor targets. This review focuses on describing and evaluating these assays and summarizes our current knowledge of SC molecular pharmacology.

Permanent Photodynamic Activation of the Cholecystokinin 2 Receptor

The cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK2R) is expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, playing an important role in higher nervous and gastrointestinal functions, pain sensation, and cancer growth. CCK2R is reversibly activated by cholecystokinin or gastrin, but whether it can be activated permanently is not known. In this work, we found that CCK2R expressed ectopically in CHO-K1 cells was permanently activated in the dark by sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (SALPC / AlPcS4, 10-1,000 nM), as monitored by Fura-2 fluorescent calcium imaging. Permanent CCK2R activation was also observed with AlPcS₂, but not PcS₄. CCK2R previously exposed to SALPC (3 and 10 nM) was sensitized by subsequent light irradiation (> 580 nm, 31.5 mW·cm^-2). After the genetically encoded protein photosensitizer mini singlet oxygen generator (miniSOG) was fused to the N-terminus of CCK2R and expressed in CHO-K1 cells, light irradiation (450 nm, 85 mW·cm^-2) activated in-frame CCK2R (miniSOG-CCK2R), permanently triggering persistent calcium oscillations blocked by the CCK2R antagonist YM 022 (30 nM). From these data, it is concluded that SALPC is a long-lasting CCK2R agonist in the dark, and CCK2R is photogenetically activated permanently with miniSOG as photosensitizer. These properties of SALPC and CCK2R could be used to study CCK2R physiology and possibly for pain and cancer therapies.

Gastrin, Cholecystokinin, Signaling, and Biological Activities in Cellular Processes

The structurally-related peptides, gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), were originally discovered as humoral stimulants of gastric acid secretion and pancreatic enzyme release, respectively. With the aid of methodological advances in biochemistry, immunochemistry, and molecular biology in the past several decades, our concept of gastrin and CCK as simple gastrointestinal hormones has changed considerably. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that gastrin and CCK play important roles in several cellular processes including maintenance of gastric mucosa and pancreatic islet integrity, neurogenesis, and neoplastic transformation. Indeed, gastrin and CCK, as well as their receptors, are expressed in a variety of tumor cell lines, animal models, and human samples, and might contribute to certain carcinogenesis. In this review, we will briefly introduce the gastrin and CCK system and highlight the effects of gastrin and CCK in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in both normal and abnormal conditions. The potential imaging and therapeutic use of these peptides and their derivatives are also summarized.

Permanent Photodynamic Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor Activation: Dimer-to-Monomer Conversion

The G protein-coupled cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) is activated permanently by type II photodynamic action (i.e., by singlet oxygen) in the freshly isolated rat pancreatic acini, in contrast to reversible activation by CCK. But how CCK1R is photodynamically activated is not known. Therefore, in the present work, we subjected membrane proteins extracted from isolated rat pancreatic acini to photodynamic action with photosensitiser sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine (SALPC), and used reducing gel electrophoresis and Western blot to detect possible changes in CCK1R oligomerization status. Photodynamic action (SALPC 1 µM, light 36.7 mW cm^- 2 × 10 min) was found to convert dimeric CCK1R nearly quantitatively to monomers. Such conversion was dependent on both irradiance (8.51-36.7 mW cm^- 2) and irradiation time (1-20 min). Minimum effective irradiance was found to be 11.1 mW cm^- 2 (× 10 min, with SALPC 1 µM), and brief photodynamic action (SALPC 1 µM, 36.7 mW cm^- 2 × 1 min) was effective. Whilst CCK stimulation of purified membrane proteins alone had no effect on CCK1R dimer/monomer balance, sub-threshold photodynamic action (SALPC 100 nM, 36.7 mW cm^- 2 × 10 min) plus CCK revealed a bell-shaped CCK dose response curve for CCK1R monomerization, which was remarkably similar to the dose response curve for CCK-stimulated amylase secretion in isolated rat pancreatic acini. These two lines of evidence together suggest that during photodynamic CCK1R activation, CCK1R is permanently monomerized, thus providing a unique approach for permanent G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation which has not been achieved before.

Coexpressed Class B G Protein-Coupled Secretin and GLP-1 Receptors Self- and Cross-Associate: Impact on Pancreatic Islets

Class B guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors form symmetrical homodimeric complexes along the lipid face of transmembrane segment 4 (TM4) and can form heterodimeric complexes, although their structure is unknown. The current study demonstrates that the lipid face of TM4 is also the predominant determinant for formation of heteroreceptor complexes between two class B receptors, secretin receptor (SecR) and glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), which are expressed on pancreatic islet cells. Because these receptors use the same interface for formation of homo- and heteroreceptor complexes, competitive forces may affect expression of different complexes. Assessment of SecR and GLP-1R dimeric complexes via recombinant expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells revealed that homodimeric receptor complexes were more stable than the heterodimeric complexes, and the homodimeric SecR/SecR is more stable than the GLP-1R/GLP-1R complex. Given the greater tendency for homodimeric compared with heterodimeric complex formation, the heteroreceptor complexes lacked the expression that might have been predicted by geometry alone. Nevertheless, cells coexpressing these receptors formed heterodimeric complexes that correlated with reduced intracellular calcium responses to secretin, but no change in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate responses to each natural agonist. This functional effect was confirmed in pancreatic islets isolated from wild-type and GLP-1R knockout mice. In these cells, the increased calcium response mediated by secretin in the absence of GLP-1R was paralleled by an increased glucose-dependent insulin response, indicating that the heterodimeric receptor complexes modulate secretin responses. Furthermore, the heterodimeric receptor complexes also mediated agonist-induced cross-receptor internalization, a process that could have broad functional significance in sites of natural receptor coexpression.

Structure and Function of Cross-class Complexes of G Protein-coupled Secretin and Angiotensin 1a Receptors

Complexes of secretin (SecR) and angiotensin 1a (Atr1a) receptors have been proposed to be functionally important in osmoregulation, providing an explanation for overlapping and interdependent functions of hormones that bind and activate different classes of GPCRs. However, the nature of these cross-class complexes has not been well characterized and their signaling properties have not been systematically explored. We now use competitive inhibition of receptor bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and bimolecular fluorescence complementation to establish the dominant functionally important state as a symmetrical homodimeric form of SecR decorated by monomeric Atr1a, interacting through lipid-exposed faces of Atr1a TM1 and TM4. Conditions increasing prevalence of this complex exhibited negative allosteric modulatory impact on secretin-stimulated cAMP responses at SecR. In contrast, activating Atr1a with full agonist in such a complex exhibited a positive allosteric modulatory impact on the same signaling event. This modulation was functionally biased, with secretin-stimulated calcium responses unaffected, whereas angiotensin-stimulated calcium responses through the complex were reduced or absent. Further supporting this interpretation, Atr1a with mutations of lipid-exposed faces of TM1 and TM4 that did not affect its ability to bind or signal, could be expressed in the same cell as SecR, yet not exhibit either the negative or positive allosteric impact on cAMP observed with the inactive or activated states of wild type Atr1a on function, and not interfere with angiotensin-stimulated calcium responses like complexes with Atr1a. This may provide a more selective means of exploring the physiologic functional impact of this cross-class receptor complex without interfering with the function of either component receptor.

Computational approaches for modeling GPCR dimerization

Growing experimental evidences suggest that dimerization and oligomerization are important for G Protein- Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) function. The detailed structural information of dimeric/oligomeric GPCRs would be very important to understand their function. Although it is encouraging that recently several experimental GPCR structures in oligomeric forms have appeared, experimental determination of GPCR structures in oligomeric forms is still a big challenge, especially in mimicking the membrane environment. Therefore, development of computational approaches to predict dimerization of GPCRs will be highly valuable. In this review, we summarize computational approaches that have been developed and used for modeling of GPCR dimerization. In addition, we introduce a novel two-dimensional Brownian Dynamics based protein docking approach, which we have recently adapted, for GPCR dimer prediction.

Up-regulation of cholesterol absorption is a mechanism for cholecystokinin-induced hypercholesterolemia

Excessive absorption of intestinal cholesterol is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. This report examines the effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) on plasma cholesterol level and intestinal cholesterol absorption using the in vivo models of C57BL/6 wild-type and low density lipoprotein receptor knock-out (LDLR(-/-)) mice. These data were supported by in vitro studies involving mouse primary intestinal epithelial cells and human Caco-2 cells; both express CCK receptor 1 and 2 (CCK1R and CCK2R). We found that intravenous injection of [Thr(28),Nle(31)]CCK increased plasma cholesterol levels and intestinal cholesterol absorption in both wild-type and LDLR(-/-) mice. Treatment of mouse primary intestinal epithelial cells with [Thr(28),Nle(31)]CCK increased cholesterol absorption, whereas selective inhibition of CCK1R and CCK2R with antagonists attenuated CCK-induced cholesterol absorption. In Caco-2 cells, CCK enhanced CCK1R/CCK2R heterodimerization. Knockdown of both CCK1R and CCK2 or either one of them diminished CCK-induced cholesterol absorption to the same extent. CCK also increased cell surface-associated NPC1L1 (Niemann-Pick C1-like 1) transporters but did not alter their total protein expression. Inhibition or knockdown of NPC1L1 attenuated CCK-induced cholesterol absorption. CCK enhanced phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt phosphorylation and augmented the interaction between NPC1L1 and Rab11a (Rab-GTPase-11a), whereas knockdown of CCK receptors or inhibition of G protein βγ dimer (Gβγ) diminished CCK-induced PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. Inhibition of PI3K and Akt or knockdown of PI3K diminished CCK-induced NPC1L1-Rab11a interaction and cholesterol absorption. Knockdown of Rab11a suppressed CCK-induced NPC1L1 translocation and cholesterol absorption. These data imply that CCK enhances cholesterol absorption by activation of a pathway involving CCK1R/CCK2R, Gβγ, PI3K, Akt, Rab11a, and NPC1L.

Adiponectin receptors form homomers and heteromers exhibiting distinct ligand binding and intracellular signaling properties

Adiponectin binds to two widely expressed receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) that contain seven transmembrane domains but, unlike G-protein coupled receptors, present an extracellular C terminus and a cytosolic N terminus. Recently, AdipoR1 was found to associate in high order complexes. However, it is still unknown whether AdipoR2 may also form homomers or heteromers with AdipoR1 or if such interactions may be functionally relevant. Herein, we have analyzed the oligomerization pattern of AdipoRs by FRET and immunoprecipitation and evaluated both the internalization of AdipoRs in response to various adiponectin isoforms and the effect of adiponectin binding to different AdipoR combinations on AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α activation. Transfection of HEK293AD cells with AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 showed that both receptors colocalize at both the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum. Co-transfection with the different AdipoR pairs yielded high FRET efficiencies in non-stimulated cells, which indicates that AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 form homo- and heteromeric complexes under resting conditions. Live FRET imaging suggested that both homo- and heteromeric AdipoR complexes dissociate in response to adiponectin, but heteromers separate faster than homomers. Finally, phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase in response to adiponectin was delayed in cells wherein heteromer formation was favored. In sum, our findings indicate that AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 form homo- and heteromers that present unique interaction behaviors and signaling properties. This raises the possibility that the pleiotropic, tissue-dependent functions of adiponectin depend on the expression levels of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 and, therefore, on the steady-state proportion of homo- and heteromeric complexes.

Modulation of β-catenin signaling by glucagon receptor activation

The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a member of the class B G protein–coupled receptor family. Activation of GCGR by glucagon leads to increased glucose production by the liver. Thus, glucagon is a key component of glucose homeostasis by counteracting the effect of insulin. In this report, we found that in addition to activation of the classic cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, activation of GCGR also induced β-catenin stabilization and activated β-catenin–mediated transcription. Activation of β-catenin signaling was PKA-dependent, consistent with previous reports on the parathyroid hormone receptor type 1 (PTH1R) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1R) receptors. Since low-density-lipoprotein receptor–related protein 5 (Lrp5) is an essential co-receptor required for Wnt protein mediated β-catenin signaling, we examined the role of Lrp5 in glucagon-induced β-catenin signaling. Cotransfection with Lrp5 enhanced the glucagon-induced β-catenin stabilization and TCF promoter–mediated transcription. Inhibiting Lrp5/6 function using Dickkopf-1(DKK1) or by expression of the Lrp5 extracellular domain blocked glucagon-induced β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, we showed that Lrp5 physically interacted with GCGR by immunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays. Together, these results reveal an unexpected crosstalk between glucagon and β-catenin signaling, and may help to explain the metabolic phenotypes of Lrp5/6 mutations.

Relationship between homo-oligomerization of a mammalian olfactory receptor and its activation state demonstrated by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

G-protein-coupled receptor homo-oligomerization has been increasingly reported. However, little is known regarding the relationship between activation of the receptor and its association/conformational states. The mammalian olfactory receptors (ORs) belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. In this study, the homo-oligomerization status of the human OR1740 receptor and its involvement in receptor activation upon odorant ligand binding were addressed by co-immunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer approaches using crude membranes or membranes from different cellular compartments. For the first time, our data clearly show that mammalian ORs constitutively self-associate into homodimers at the plasma membrane level. This study also demonstrates that ligand binding mediates a conformational change and promotes an inactive state of the OR dimers at high ligand concentrations. These findings support and validate our previously proposed model of OR activation/inactivation based on the tripartite odorant-binding protein-odorant-OR partnership.

Modulation of M(2) muscarinic receptor-receptor interaction by immunoglobulin G antibodies from Chagas' disease patients

Circulating immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against M(2) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M(2) mAChR) have been implicated in Chagas' disease (ChD) pathophysiology. These antibodies bind to and activate their target receptor, displaying agonist-like activity through an unclear mechanism. This study tested the ability of serum anti-M(2) mAChR antibodies from chronic ChD patients to modulate M(2) muscarinic receptor-receptor interaction by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells co-expressing fusion proteins M(2) mAChR-Renilla luciferase (RLuc) and M(2) mAChR-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) were exposed to the serum IgG fraction from ChD patients, and BRET between RLuc and YFP was assessed by luminometry. Unlike serum IgG from healthy subjects and conventional muscarinic ligands, ChD IgG promoted a time- and concentration-dependent increase in the BRET signal. This effect neither required cellular integrity nor occurred as a consequence of receptor activation. Enhancement of M(2) receptor-receptor interaction by ChD IgG was receptor subtype-specific and mediated by the recognition of the second extracellular loop of the M(2) mAChR. The monovalent Fab fragment derived from ChD IgG was unable to reproduce the effect of the native immunoglobulin. However, addition of ChD Fab in the presence of anti-human Fab IgG restored BRET-enhancing activity. These data suggest that the modulatory effect of ChD IgG on M(2) receptor-receptor interaction results from receptor cross-linking by bivalent antibodies.

Unexpected enhancement in biological activity of a GPCR ligand induced by an oligoethylene glycol substituent

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used, and many biologically active molecules are modified with oligoethylene glycol substituents to enhance their half-lives in circulation. The pervasive use of PEG substituents is partly due to their presumed inertness. Our investigation of formyl peptide receptor (FPR)-mediated chemotaxis reveals that oligoethylene glycol substitution can enhance the ability of the peptide chemoattractant N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLF) to activate signal transduction through FPR, a transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor.

Dopamine D1-D2 receptor Heteromer-mediated calcium release is desensitized by D1 receptor occupancy with or without signal activation: dual functional regulation by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2

We identified that activation of the G(q)-linked dopamine D1-D2 receptor hetero-oligomer generates a PLC-dependent intracellular calcium signal. Confocal FRET between endogenous dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in striatal neurons confirmed a physical interaction between them. Pretreatment with SKF 83959, which selectively activates the D1-D2 receptor heteromer, or SKF 83822, which only activates the D1 receptor homo-oligomer, led to rapid desensitization of the D1-D2 receptor heteromer-mediated calcium signal in both heterologous cells and striatal neurons. This desensitization response was mediated through selective occupancy of the D1 receptor binding pocket. Although SKF 83822 was unable to activate the D1-D2 receptor heteromer, it still permitted desensitization of the calcium signal. This suggested that occupancy of the D1 receptor binding pocket by SKF 83822 resulted in conformational changes sufficient for desensitization without heteromer activation. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated an agonist-induced physical association between the D1-D2 receptor heteromeric complex and GRK2. Increased expression of GRK2 led to a decrease in the calcium signal with or without prior exposure to either SKF 83959 or SKF 83822. GRK2 knockdown by siRNA led to an increase in the signal after pretreatment with either agonist. Expression of the catalytically inactive and RGS (regulator of G protein signaling)-mutated GRK2 constructs each led to a partial recovery of the GRK2-attenuated calcium signal. These results indicated that desensitization of the dopamine D1-D2 receptor heteromer-mediated signal can occur by agonist occupancy even without activation and is dually regulated by both the catalytic and RGS domains of GRK2.

Identification of novel inhibitors of dietary lipid absorption using zebrafish

Pharmacological inhibition of dietary lipid absorption induces favorable changes in serum lipoprotein levels in patients that are at risk for cardiovascular disease and is considered an adjuvant or alternative treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Here we demonstrate the feasibility of identifying novel inhibitors of intestinal lipid absorption using the zebrafish system. A pilot screen of an unbiased chemical library identified novel compounds that inhibited processing of fluorescent lipid analogues in live zebrafish larvae. Secondary assays identified those compounds suitable for testing in mammals and provided insight into mechanism of action, which for several compounds could be distinguished from ezetimibe, a drug used to inhibit cholesterol absorption in humans that broadly inhibited lipid absorption in zebrafish larvae. These findings support the utility of zebrafish screening assays to identify novel compounds that target complex physiological processes.

Importance of lipid-exposed residues in transmembrane segment four for family B calcitonin receptor homo-dimerization

Dimerization of the prototypic family B G protein-coupled secretin receptor is determined by the lipid-exposed face of transmembrane segment four (TM4), and has substantial functional importance, facilitating G protein coupling. Recently, we demonstrated that the human secretin receptor elicits an inter-receptor bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) signal with most other human family B peptide receptors, except for the calcitonin receptor. In this study we have explored the occurrence and importance of calcitonin receptor oligomerization. Static and saturation receptor BRET were utilized to demonstrate that, unlike the human calcitonin receptor that does not yield a significant homomeric BRET signal, the rabbit calcitonin receptor exhibits strong resonance energy transfer. Within the lipid-exposed face of TM4, rabbit and human calcitonin receptors differ by a single amino acid (Arg236 in human; His in rabbit), while Thr253 that occurs in human and rabbit calcitonin receptors is unique across family B receptors. Mutating Arg236 or Thr253 of the human calcitonin receptor to residues found in the rabbit calcitonin receptor or the human secretin receptor (R236H, R236Y and T253A) resulted in generation of significant BRET signals. Similarly, mutation of Val250 of the human calcitonin receptor to another key lipid-facing residue found in the secretin receptor (V250I) also increased the receptor BRET signal. These data support the consistent theme of lipid-exposed residues of TM4 being important for the dimerization of the calcitonin receptor. However, rabbit and human calcitonin receptor constructs bound calcitonin and stimulated cAMP similarly, suggesting that differences in BRET could reflect differences in orientation or in the stability of homo-dimeric receptor complexes, which were nevertheless similarly effective in eliciting the functions attributed to that complex. The likelihood of human calcitonin receptor dimerization, even in the absence of a significant BRET signal, was further supported by data demonstrating that the peptide representing TM4 of this receptor that disrupts the rabbit receptor BRET signal, produced a right shift in the cAMP concentration-response curves for both rabbit and human receptors.

Heterodimerisation of G protein-coupled receptors: implications for drug design and ligand screening

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

In recent times many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been shown to dimerise/oligomerise and, in some cases, such structural organization has been found to be essential for receptor function or to play a modulatory role in living cells. The fact that these complexes may display differential pharmacology through, for example, the formation of a new binding pocket or signalling properties, as well as different functions or regulation in physiological tissues, offers novel opportunities for drug discovery. As a consequence, it seems necessary to develop new approaches suitable for GPCR heterodimer identification and selective ligand screening.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

This review gives an overview of new strategies that have been developed in an effort to incorporate the possibilities added by GPCR hetero-oligomerisation on the screening of compounds as drug candidates.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

The reader will gain a wider knowledge about how the current understanding of GPCR oligomeric structure and function has mandated that hetero-oligomeric receptors must be considered as novel targets in the identification of future lead compounds.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

For the improvement of novel drug discovery, more structural and functional information on the process of receptor oligomerisation is needed, and the realisation that the function of GPCRs can be greatly influenced by other interacting receptors or proteins also demands consideration in the lead-compound developing process in order to achieve better therapeutic agents.

Evidence for constitutive dimerization of niacin receptor subtypes

The recently deorphanized niacin receptor subtypes NIACR1 (GPR109A) and NIACR2 (GPR109B) play an essential role in the regulation of metabolic processes and immune reactions. Both receptors belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, whose members have traditionally been treated as monomeric entities, but now appear to exist and function as both homodimers and heterodimers. In this study, a close physical interaction is shown between the highly homologous niacin receptor subtypes, NIACR1 and NIACR2, using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET(2)) in living cells. The extent of homo- and hetero-dimerization of the niacin receptors did not vary after activation of the receptors with selective agonists, indicating that the dimerization state of NIACR1 and NIACR2 is not regulated by ligand binding. Moreover, detection of niacin receptor dimers in both plasma membrane- and endoplasmic reticulum-enriched fractions suggests that they are formed early in the biosynthetic pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrate that niacin receptor dimerization is a constitutive process occurring early during biosynthesis.

Dimeric arrangement of the parathyroid hormone receptor and a structural mechanism for ligand-induced dissociation

The parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor that is activated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein (PTHrP). Little is known about the oligomeric state of the receptor and its regulation by hormone. The crystal structure of the ligand-free PTH1R extracellular domain (ECD) reveals an unexpected dimer in which the C-terminal segment of both ECD protomers forms an alpha-helix that mimics PTH/PTHrP by occupying the peptide binding groove of the opposing protomer. ECD-mediated oligomerization of intact PTH1R was confirmed in living cells by bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments. As predicted by the structure, PTH binding disrupted receptor oligomerization. A receptor rendered monomeric by mutations in the ECD retained wild-type PTH binding and cAMP signaling ability. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that PTH1R forms constitutive dimers that are dissociated by ligand binding and that monomeric PTH1R is capable of activating G protein.

Dynamic regulation of CXCR1 and CXCR2 homo- and heterodimers

Although homo- and heterodimerization are reported for some chemokine receptors, it remains unclear whether these functional states are in dynamic equilibrium and how receptor/ligand levels influence oligomerization. In human neutrophils and in cell lines that coexpress the chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques to show that these two receptors form homo- and heterodimers. Receptor expression and ligand activation were found to regulate the balance between these complexes, adapting the response to changes in the milieu. CXCL8, a ligand for both receptors, alters heterodimeric complexes, whereas it stabilizes homodimers and promotes receptor internalization. Oligomerization of receptors, together with the regulation of their expression and desensitization, could thus contribute to the fine control of chemokine functions.

Ligand-regulated oligomerization of beta(2)-adrenoceptors in a model lipid bilayer

The β₂-adrenoceptor (β₂AR) was one of the first Family A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) shown to form oligomers in cellular membranes, yet we still know little about the number and arrangement of protomers in oligomers, the influence of ligands on the organization or stability of oligomers, or the requirement for other proteins to promote oligomerization. We used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to characterize the oligomerization of purified β₂AR site-specifically labelled at three different positions with fluorophores and reconstituted into a model lipid bilayer. Our results suggest that the β₂AR is predominantly tetrameric following reconstitution into phospholipid vesicles. Agonists and antagonists have little effect on the relative orientation of protomers in oligomeric complexes. In contrast, binding of inverse agonists leads to significant increases in FRET efficiencies for most labelling pairs, suggesting that this class of ligand promotes tighter packing of protomers and/or the formation of more complex oligomers by reducing conformational fluctuations in individual protomers. The results provide new structural insights into β₂AR oligomerization and suggest a possible mechanism for the functional effects of inverse agonists.

Subtype-specific differences in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor complexes detected by fluorescence spectroscopy

G protein-coupled receptors have been proposed to exist in signalosomes subject to agonist-driven shifts in the assembly disassembly equilibrium, affected by stabilizing membrane lipids and/or cortical actin restricting mobility. We investigated the highly homologous corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRFRs), CRFR1 and -2, which are different within their hydrophobic core. Agonist stimulation of CRFR1 and CRFR2 gave rise to similar concentration-response curves for cAMP accumulation, but CRFR2 underwent restricted collision coupling. Both CRFR1 and CRFR2 formed constitutive oligomers at the cell surface and recruited beta-arrestin upon agonist activation (as assessed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy in living cells). However, CRFR2, but not CRFR1, failed to undergo agonist-induced internalization. Likewise, agonist binding accelerated the diffusion rate of CRFR2 only (detected by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy) but reduced the mobile fraction, which is indicative of local confinement. Fluorescence intensity distribution analysis demonstrated that the size of CRFR complexes was not changed. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton abolished the agonist-dependent increase in CRFR2 mobility, shifted the agonist concentration curve for CRFR2 to the left, and promoted agonist-induced internalization of CRFR2. Our observations are incompatible with an agonist-induced change in monomer-oligomer equilibrium, but they suggest an agonist-induced redistribution of CRFR2 into a membrane microdomain that affords rapid diffusion but restricted mobility and that is stabilized by the actin cytoskeleton. Our data show that membrane anisotropy can determine the shape and duration of receptor-generated signals in a subtype-specific manner.

Functional importance of a structurally distinct homodimeric complex of the family B G protein-coupled secretin receptor

Oligomerization of G protein-coupled receptors has been described, but its structural basis and functional importance have been inconsistent. Here, we demonstrate that the agonist occupied wild-type secretin receptor is predominantly in a guanine nucleotide-sensitive high-affinity state and exhibits negative cooperativity, whereas the monomeric receptor is primarily in a guanine nucleotide-insensitive lower affinity state. We previously demonstrated constitutive homodimerization of this receptor through the lipid-exposed face of transmembrane (TM) IV. We now use cysteine-scanning mutagenesis of 14 TM IV residues, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and functional analysis to map spatial approximations and functional importance of specific residues in this complex. All, except for three helix-facing mutants, trafficked to the cell surface, where secretin was shown to bind and elicit cAMP production. Cells expressing complementary-tagged receptors were treated with cuprous phenanthroline to establish disulfide bonds between spatially approximated cysteines. BRET was measured as an indication of receptor oligomerization and was repeated after competitive disruption of oligomers with TM IV peptide to distinguish covalent from noncovalent associations. Although all constructs generated a significant BRET signal, this was disrupted by peptide in all except for single-site mutants replacing five residues with cysteine. Of these, covalent stabilization of receptor homodimers through positions of Gly(243), Ile(247), and Ala(250) resulted in a GTP-sensitive high-affinity state of the receptor, whereas the same procedure with Ala(246) and Phe(240) mutants resulted in a GTP-insensitive lower affinity state. We propose the existence of a functionally important, structurally specific high-affinity dimeric state of the secretin receptor, which may be typical of family B G protein-coupled receptors.

Brain receptor mosaics and their intramembrane receptor-receptor interactions: molecular integration in transmission and novel targets for drug development

The concept of intramembrane receptor-receptor interactions and evidence for their existence was introduced by Agnati and Fuxe in 1980/81 suggesting the existence of heteromerization of receptors. In 1982, they proposed the existence of aggregates of multiple receptors in the plasma membrane and coined the term receptor mosaics (RM). In this way, cell signaling becomes a branched process beginning at the level of receptor recognition at the plasma membrane where receptors can directly modify the ligand recognition and signaling capacity of the receptors within a RM. Receptor-receptor interactions in RM are classified as operating either with classical cooperativity, when consisting of homomers or heteromers of similar receptor subtypes having the same transmitter, or non-classical cooperativity, when consisting of heteromers. It has been shown that information processing within a RM depends not only on its receptor composition, but also on the topology and the order of receptor activation determined by the concentrations of the ligands and the receptor properties. The general function of RM has also been demonstrated to depend on allosteric regulators (e.g., homocysteine) of the receptor subtypes present. RM as integrative nodes for receptor-receptor interactions in conjunction with membrane associated proteins may form horizontal molecular networks in the plasma membrane coordinating the activity of multiple effector systems modulating the excitability and gene expression of the cells. The key role of electrostatic epitope-epitope interactions will be discussed for the formation of the RM. These interactions probably represent a general molecular mechanism for receptor-receptor interactions and, without a doubt, indicate a role for phosphorylation-dephosphorylation events in these interactions. The novel therapeutic aspects given by the RMs will be discussed in the frame of molecular neurology and psychiatry and combined drug therapy appears as the future way to go.

Monitoring the state of cholecystokinin receptor oligomerization after ligand binding using decay of time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy

Oligomeric complexes of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are now commonly recognized and can provide a mechanism for regulation of signaling systems. Receptor oligomerization has been most extensively studied using coimmunoprecipitation and bioluminescence or fluorescence resonance energy-transfer techniques. Here, we have utilized decay of time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy of yellow fluorescent protein-labeled cholecystokinin receptor constructs to examine the state of oligomerization of this receptor in living cells. The rotational correlation times established that the cholecystokinin receptor is constitutively present in an oligomeric state that is dissociated in response to agonist occupation. In contrast, antagonist occupation failed to modify this signal, leaving the oligomeric structure intact. This dynamic technique complements the other biochemical and steady-state fluorescence techniques to establish the presence of oligomeric receptor complexes in living cells.

Effects of cholecystokinin-58 on type 1 cholecystokinin receptor function and regulation

Cholecystokinin, like many peptide hormones, is present as multiple molecular forms. CCK-58 has been identified as the dominant form in the circulation, whereas most of the studies of CCK-receptor interactions have been performed with CCK-8. Despite both sharing the pharmacophoric region of CCK, representing its carboxy terminal heptapeptide amide, studies in vivo have demonstrated biological diversity of action of the two peptides, with CCK-58, but not CCK-8, stimulating pancreatic fluid secretion and lengthening the interval between meals. Here, we have directly studied the ability of these two CCK peptides to bind to the type 1 CCK receptor and to stimulate it to elicit an intracellular calcium response. The calcium response relative to receptor occupation was identical for CCK-58 and CCK-8, with the longer peptide binding with approximately fivefold lower affinity. We also examined the ability of the two peptides to elicit receptor internalization using morphological techniques and to disrupt the constitutive oligomerization of the CCK receptor using receptor bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. Here, both full agonist peptides had similar effects on these regulatory processes. These data suggest that both molecular forms of CCK act at the CCK1 receptor quite similarly and elicit similar regulatory processes for that receptor, suggesting that the differences in biological activity observed in vivo most likely reflect differences in the clearance and/or metabolism of these long and short forms of CCK peptides.

Dimerization of G protein-coupled receptors: new avenues for somatostatin receptor signalling, control and functioning

Somatostatin acts through binding and activation of five G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) termed somatostatin receptors or ssts (sst1-sst5). These receptors, as many other GPCRs are not just monomers but display a differential tendency to homodimerize, which varies depending on the sst subtype. Moreover, there is evidence that pairs of distinct receptors such as ssst2-sst3 and sst1-sst5 crosstalk by establishing a physical interaction, which results in altered pharmacological or/and functional properties. In addition, ssts can also heterodimerize with other families of GPCRs, as opioid and dopamine receptors, originating heterodimers which properties are different to those of their separated receptors. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on ssts homodimerization, heterodimerization, and interaction with other GPCRs, as well as how interactions affect different aspects of the normal functioning of these receptors.

Pattern of intra-family hetero-oligomerization involving the G-protein-coupled secretin receptor

Oligomerization of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is emerging as a mechanism for regulation and functional modification, although it has been studied most extensively for Family A receptors. Family B receptors have clear structural differences from Family A. In this paper, we have systematically evaluated GPCRs that are capable of association with the prototypic Family B secretin receptor. All of the receptor constructs were shown to traffic normally to the plasma membrane. We utilized receptor bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) to determine the presence of constitutive and ligand-dependent receptor association. Extensive intra-family and no cross-family association was observed. Of the nine Family B receptors studied, all constitutively yielded a significant BRET signal with the secretin receptor, except for the calcitonin receptor. Each of the associating hetero-oligomeric receptor pairs generated a BRET signal of similar intensity, less than that of homo-oligomeric secretin receptors. BRET signals from some receptor pairs were reduced by ligand occupation, but none were increased by this treatment. Thus, Family B GPCR oligomerization occurs, with many structurally related members associating with each other. The specific functional implications of this need to be further evaluated.

G protein-coupled receptor dimers: functional consequences, disease states and drug targets

With an ever-expanding need for reliable therapeutic agents that are highly effective and exhibit minimal deleterious side effects, a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) regulation is fundamental. GPCRs comprise more than 30% of all therapeutic drug targets and it is likely that this will only increase as more orphan GPCRs are identified. The past decade has seen a dramatic shift in the prevailing concept of how GPCRs function, in particular the growing acceptance that GPCRs are capable of interacting with one another at a molecular level to form complexes, with significantly different pharmacological properties to their monomeric selves. While the ability of like-receptors to associate and form homodimers raises some interesting mechanistic issues, the possibility that unlike-receptors could heterodimerise in certain tissue types, producing a functionally unique signalling complex that binds specific ligands, provides an invaluable opportunity to refine and redefine pharmacological interventions with greater specificity and efficacy.

Modeling dimerizations of transmembrane proteins using Brownian dynamics simulations

The dimerizations of membrane proteins, Outer Membrane Phospholipase A (OMPLA) and glycophorin A (GPA), have been simulated by an adapted Brownian Dynamics program. To mimic the membrane protein environment, we introduced a hybrid electrostatic potential map of membrane and water for electrostatic interaction calculations. We added a van der Waals potential term to the force field of the current version of the BD program to simulate the short-range interactions of the two monomers. We reduced the BD sampling space from three dimensions to two dimensions to improve the efficiency of BD simulations for membrane proteins. The OMPLA and GPA dimers predicted by our 2D-BD simulation and structural refinement is in good agreement with the experimental structures. The adapted 2D-BD method could be used for prediction of dimerization of other membrane proteins, such as G protein-coupled receptors, to help better understanding of the structures and functions of membrane proteins.

Transmembrane segment IV contributes a functionally important interface for oligomerization of the Class II G protein-coupled secretin receptor

Oligomerization of the Class II G protein-coupled secretin receptor has been reported, but the molecular basis for this and its functional significance have not been determined. In the current work, we have examined the possible contribution of each of the transmembrane (TM) segments of this receptor to its homo-oligomerization, using the method of competitive disruption screening for inhibition of receptor bioluminescence resonance energy transfer signal. TM IV was the only segment that was found to disrupt receptor bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. Evaluation of predicted interhelical and lipid-exposed faces of this TM segment demonstrated that its lipid-exposed face represented the determinant for oligomerization. This was further confirmed by mutagenesis of the intact secretin receptor. Morphological FRET was utilized to demonstrate that secretin receptor oligomerization occurred at the cell surface and that this oligomerization was disrupted by mutating Gly(243) and Ile(247), key residues within the lipid-exposed face of TM IV. Although disruption of the receptor oligomerization interface had no effect on secretin binding parameters, it reduced the ability of secretin to stimulate intracellular cAMP. This supports a clear functional effect of oligomerization of this receptor. Such an effect might be particularly relevant to clinical situations in which this receptor is overexpressed, such as in certain neoplasms.

Requirements and ontology for a G protein-coupled receptor oligomerization knowledge base

BACKGROUND

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are a large and diverse family of membrane proteins whose members participate in the regulation of most cellular and physiological processes and therefore represent key pharmacological targets. Although several bioinformatics resources support research on GPCRs, most of these have been designed based on the traditional assumption that monomeric GPCRs constitute the functional receptor unit. The increase in the frequency and number of reports about GPCR dimerization/oligomerization and the implication of oligomerization in receptor function makes necessary the ability to store and access information about GPCR dimers/oligomers electronically.

RESULTS

We present here the requirements and ontology (the information scheme to describe oligomers and associated concepts and their relationships) for an information system that can manage the elements of information needed to describe comprehensively the phenomena of both homo- and hetero-oligomerization of GPCRs. The comprehensive information management scheme that we plan to use for the development of an intuitive and user-friendly GPCR-Oligomerization Knowledge Base (GPCR-OKB) is the result of a community dialog involving experimental and computational colleagues working on GPCRs.

CONCLUSION

Our long term goal is to disseminate to the scientific community organized, curated, and detailed information about GPCR dimerization/oligomerization and its related structural context. This information will be reported as close to the data as possible so the user can make his own judgment on the conclusions drawn for a particular study. The requirements and ontology described here will facilitate the development of future information systems for GPCR oligomers that contain both computational and experimental information about GPCR oligomerization. This information is freely accessible at http://www.gpcr-okb.org.

Mapping the architecture of secretin receptors with intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer using acousto-optic tunable filter-based spectral imaging

The molecular structure and agonist-induced conformational changes of class II G protein-coupled receptors are poorly understood. In this work, we developed and characterized a series of dual cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-tagged and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged secretin receptor constructs for use in various functional and fluorescence analyses of receptor structural variants. CFP insertions within the first or second intracellular loop domains of this receptor were tolerated poorly or partially, respectively, in receptors tagged with a carboxyl-terminal yellow fluorescent protein that itself had no effect on secretin binding or cAMP production. A similar CFP insertion into the third intracellular loop resulted in a plasma membrane-localized receptor that bound secretin and signaled normally. This fully active third-loop variant exhibited a significant decrease in fluorescence resonance energy transfer signals that were recorded with an acousto-optic tunable filter microscope after exposure to secretin agonist but not to a receptor antagonist. These data demonstrate changes in the relative positions of intracellular structures that support a model for secretin receptor activation.

Serotonin 5-HT(2C) receptor homodimerization is not regulated by agonist or inverse agonist treatment

Serotonin 5-HT(2C) receptors represent targets for therapeutics aimed at treating anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and obesity. Previously, we demonstrated that 5-HT(2C) receptors function as homodimers. Herein, we investigated the effect of agonist and inverse agonist treatment on the homodimer status of two naturally occurring 5-HT(2C) receptor isoforms, one without basal activity (VGV) and one with constitutive activity (INI) with respect to Galpha(q) signaling. Cyan- and yellow-fluorescent proteins were used to monitor VGV and INI homodimer formation by western blot, and in living cells using bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (BRET and FRET). Western blots of solubilized membrane proteins revealed equal proportions of homodimeric receptor species from HEK293 cells transfected with either the VGV or INI isoform in the absence and presence of 5-HT. BRET ratios measured in HEK293 cells transfected with the VGV or INI isoform were the same and were not modulated by 5-HT. Similarly, FRET efficiencies were the same regardless of whether measured in cells expressing the VGV or INI isoform in the absence or presence of 5-HT or clozapine. The results indicate that serotonin 5-HT(2C) receptors form homodimers regardless of whether they are in an inactive or active conformation and are not regulated by drug treatment.

The use of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer for the study of therapeutic targets: application to tyrosine kinase receptors

During recent years, the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) methodology has emerged as a powerful technique for the study of protein-protein interactions. This review focuses on recent work demonstrating the power of BRET for the study of tyrosine kinase receptors, using insulin and IGF-1 receptors as models. The authors show that BRET can be used to monitor ligand-induced conformational changes within homodimeric insulin and IGF-1 receptors, as well as heterodimeric insulin/IGF-1 hybrid receptors. BRET can also be used to study, in real time and in living cells, the interaction of tyrosine kinase receptors with cellular partners negatively or positively involved in the regulation of intracellular signalling (protein tyrosine phosphatases, molecular adaptors). In addition, BRET can be used to develop high-throughput screening assays for the search of molecules with therapeutic interest and could, therefore, constitute a valuable tool for laboratories involved in drug discovery.

G protein-coupled receptor dimerisation: Molecular basis and relevance to function

The belief that G protein-coupled receptors exist and function as monomeric, non-interacting species has been largely supplanted in recent years by evidence, derived from a range of approaches, that indicate they can form dimers and/or higher-order oligomeric complexes. Key roles for receptor homo-dimerisation include effective quality control of protein folding prior to plasma membrane delivery and interactions with hetero-trimeric G proteins. Growing evidence has also indicated the potential for many co-expressed G protein-coupled receptors to form hetero-dimers/oligomers. The relevance of this to physiology and function is only beginning to be unravelled but may offer great potential for more selective therapeutic intervention.

Transmembrane segment peptides can disrupt cholecystokinin receptor oligomerization without affecting receptor function

Oligomerization of the G protein-coupled cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor has been demonstrated, but its molecular basis and functional importance are not clear. We now examine contributions of transmembrane (TM) segments to oligomerization of this receptor using a peptide competitive inhibition strategy. Oligomerization of CCK receptors tagged at the carboxyl terminus with Renilla luciferase or yellow fluorescent protein was quantified using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Synthetic peptides representing TM I, II, V, VI, and VII of the CCK receptor were utilized as competitors. Of these, only TM VI and VII peptides disrupted receptor BRET. Control studies established that the beta2-adrenergic receptor TM VI peptide that disrupts oligomerization of that receptor had no effect on CCK receptor BRET. Notably, disruption of CCK receptor oligomerization had no effect on agonist binding, biological activity, or receptor internalization. To gain insight into the face of TM VI contributing to oligomerization, we utilized analogous peptides with alanines in positions 315, 319, and 323 (interhelical face) or 317, 321, and 325 (external lipid-exposed face). The Ala317,321,325 peptide eliminated the disruptive effect on CCK receptor BRET, whereas the other mutant peptide behaved like wild-type TM VI. This suggests that the lipid-exposed face of the CCK receptor TM VI most contributes to oligomerization and supports external contact dimerization of helical bundles, rather than domain-swapped dimerization. Fluorescent CCK receptor mutants with residues 317, 321, and 325 replaced with alanines were also prepared and failed to yield significant resonance transfer signals using either BRET or a morphological FRET assay, further supporting this interpretation.

The human serotonin1A receptor exhibits G-protein-dependent cell surface dynamics

Seven transmembrane domain G-protein-coupled receptors constitute the largest family of proteins in mammals. Signal transduction events mediated by such receptors are the primary means by which cells communicate with and respond to their external environment. The major paradigm in this signal transduction process is that stimulation of the receptor leads to the recruitment and activation of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. These initial events, which are fundamental to all types of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, occur at the plasma membrane via protein-protein interactions. As a result, the dynamics of the activated receptor on cell surfaces represents an important determinant in its encounter with G-proteins, and has significant impact on the overall efficiency of the signal transduction process. We have monitored the cell surface dynamics of the serotonin(1A) receptor, an important member of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, in relation to its interaction with G-proteins. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments carried out with the receptor tagged to the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein indicate that G-protein activation alters the diffusion properties of the receptor in a manner suggesting the activation process leads to dissociation of G-proteins from the receptor. This result demonstrates that the cell surface dynamics of the serotonin(1A) receptor is modulated in a G-protein-dependent manner. Importantly, this result could provide the basis for a sensitive and powerful approach to assess receptor/G-protein interaction in an intact cellular environment.

Secretin receptor oligomers form intracellularly during maturation through receptor core domains

Oligomerization of numerous G protein-coupled receptors has been documented, including the prototypic family B secretin receptor. The clinical significance of oligomerization of this receptor became clear with the recent observation that a misspliced form present in pancreatic cancer could associate with the wild-type receptor and act as a dominant negative inhibitor of its normal growth inhibitory function. Our goal was to explore the molecular mechanism of this interaction using bioluminescence (BRET) and fluorescence (FRET) resonance energy transfer and fluorescence microscopy with a variety of receptor constructs tagged with luciferase or cyan or yellow fluorescent proteins. BRET signals comparable to those obtained from cells coexpressing differentially tagged wild-type receptors were observed for similarly tagged secretin receptors in which all or part of the amino-terminal domain was deleted. As expected, neither of these constructs bound secretin, and only the partially truncated construct sorted to the plasma membrane. Receptors lacking the majority of the carboxyl-terminal domain, including that important for phosphorylation-mediated desensitization, also produced BRET signals above background. These findings suggested that the receptor's membrane-spanning core is responsible for secretin receptor oligomerization. Interestingly, alanine substitutions for a -GxxxG- helix interaction motif in transmembrane segment 7 created nonfunctional receptors that were capable of forming oligomers. Furthermore, treatment of receptor-expressing cells with brefeldin A did not eliminate the BRET signals, and morphologic FRET experiments confirmed the expected subcellular localizations of receptor oligomers. We conclude that secretin receptor oligomerization occurs through -GxxxG- motif-independent interactions of transmembrane segments during the maturation of nascent molecules.