Rapid dephosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors by protein phosphatase 1β is required for termination of β-arrestin-dependent signaling

Expression of free fatty acid receptor 2 in normal and neoplastic tissues

OBJECTIVE

Little information is available concerning protein expression of the free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), especially in tumours. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to comprehensively characterise the expression profile of FFAR2 in a large series of human normal and neoplastic tissues using immunohistochemistry thus providing a basis for further in-depth investigations into its potential diagnostic or therapeutic importance.

METHODS

We developed a novel rabbit polyclonal anti-FFAR2 antibody, 0524, directed against the C-terminal region of human FFAR2. Antibody specificity was confirmed via Western blot analyses and immunocytochemistry using the FFAR2-expressing cell line BON-1 and FFAR2-specific small interfering RNA as well as native and FFAR2-transfected HEK-293 cells. The antibody was then used for immunohistochemical analyses of various formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of normal and neoplastic human tissues.

RESULTS

In normal tissues, FFAR2 was mainly present in distinct cell populations of the cerebral cortex, follicular cells and C cells of the thyroid, cardiomyocytes of the heart, bronchial epithelia and glands, hepatocytes and bile duct epithelia of the liver, gall bladder epithelium, exocrine and β-cells of the endocrine pancreas, glomerular mesangial cells and podocytes as well as collecting ducts of the kidney, intestinal mucosa (particularly enteroendocrine cells), prostate epithelium, seminiferous tubules of the testicles, and placental syncytiotrophoblasts. In neoplastic tissues, FFAR2 was particularly prevalent in papillary thyroid carcinomas, parathyroid adenomas, and gastric, colon, pancreatic, hepatocellular, cholangiocellular, urinary bladder, breast, cervical, and ovarian carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

We generated and characterised a novel rabbit polyclonal anti-human FFAR2 antibody that is well-suited for visualising FFAR2 expression in human routine pathology tissues. This antibody is also suitable for Western blot and immunocytochemistry experiments. To our knowledge, this antibody enabled the first broad FFAR2 protein expression profile in various normal and neoplastic human tissues.

In situ visualization of opioid and cannabinoid drug effects using phosphosite-specific GPCR antibodies

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important signal transducers that are phosphorylated upon activation at intracellular serine and threonine residues. Although antibodies that specifically recognize the phosphorylation state of GPCRs have been available for many years, efficient immunolocalization of phosphorylated receptors in their tissues of origin has not been possible. Here, we show that phosphorylation of receptors is highly unstable during routine immunohistochemical procedures, requiring the use of appropriate phosphatase inhibitors particular during tissue perfusion, post-fixation, and cryoprotection but not during immunostaining of tissue sections. We provide proof of concept using phosphorylation state-specific μ-opioid receptor (MOP) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antibodies. Indeed, three of four well-characterized phosphosite-specific MOP antibodies, including pS375-MOP, pT376-MOP, and pT379-MOP, showed robust neuronal immunostaining in brain and spinal cord sections of opioid-treated mice only after inclusion of phosphatase inhibitors. We then extended this approach to the CB1 receptor and demonstrated that one of three newly-generated phosphosite-specific CB1 antibodies, namely pS425-CB1, showed striking staining of fibers and varicosities in brain slices from cannabinoid-treated mice. Although subsequent experiments showed that phospho-CB1 immunostaining was less sensitive to phosphatases, we conclude that the use of phosphatase inhibitors should always be considered in the development of immunohistochemical procedures for new phosphosite-specific GPCR antibodies. In summary, we anticipate that this improved protocol will facilitate the widespread use of phosphorylation state-specific antibodies to monitor the activation of endogenous GPCRs under physiological and pharmacological conditions. Our approach may also prove useful to confirm target engagement of GPCR drug candidates in native tissues.

The impact of SST2 trafficking and signaling in the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (Pan-NETs), are heterogeneous neoplasms, whose incidence and prevalence are increasing worldwide. Pan-NETs are characterized by the expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTs). In particular, SST2 is the most widely distributed SST in NETs, thus representing the main molecular target for somatostatin analogs (SSAs). SSAs are currently approved for the treatment of well-differentiated NETs, and radionuclide-labeled SSAs are used for diagnostic and treatment purposes. SSAs, by binding to SSTs, have been shown to inhibit hormone secretion and thus provide control of hypersecretion symptoms, when present, and inhibit tumor proliferation. After SSA binding to SST2, the fate of the receptor is determined by trafficking mechanisms, crucial for the response to endogenous or pharmacological ligands. Although SST2 acts mostly through G protein-dependent mechanism, receptor-ligand complex endocytosis and receptor trafficking further regulate its function. SST2 mediates the decrease of hormone secretion via a G protein-dependent mechanism, culminating with the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and calcium channels; it also inhibits cell proliferation and increases apoptosis through the modulation of protein tyrosine phosphatases. Moreover, SST2 inhibits angiogenesis and cell migration. In this respect, the cross-talk between SST2 and its interacting proteins, including Filamin A (FLNA) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP), plays a crucial role for SST2 signaling and responsiveness to SSAs. This review will focus on recent studies from our and other groups that have investigated the trafficking and signaling of SST2 in Pan-NETs, in order to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying tumor responsiveness to pharmacological treatments.

Agonist-induced phosphorylation bar code and differential post-activation signaling of the delta opioid receptor revealed by phosphosite-specific antibodies

The δ-opioid receptor (DOP) is an attractive pharmacological target due to its potent analgesic, anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity in chronic pain models. However, some but not all selective DOP agonists also produce severe adverse effects such as seizures. Thus, the development of novel agonists requires a profound understanding of their effects on DOP phosphorylation, post-activation signaling and dephosphorylation. Here we show that agonist-induced DOP phosphorylation at threonine 361 (T361) and serine 363 (S363) proceeds with a temporal hierarchy, with S363 as primary site of phosphorylation. This phosphorylation is mediated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases 2 and 3 (GRK2/3) followed by DOP endocytosis and desensitization. DOP dephosphorylation occurs within minutes and is predominantly mediated by protein phosphatases (PP) 1α and 1β. A comparison of structurally diverse DOP agonists and clinically used opioids demonstrated high correlation between G protein-dependent signaling efficacies and receptor internalization. In vivo, DOP agonists induce receptor phosphorylation in a dose-dependent and agonist-selective manner that could be blocked by naltrexone in DOP-eGFP mice. Together, our studies provide novel tools and insights for ligand-activated DOP signaling in vitro and in vivo and suggest that DOP agonist efficacies may determine receptor post-activation signaling.

Encoding the β-Arrestin Trafficking Fate of Ghrelin Receptor GHSR1a: C-Tail-Independent Molecular Determinants in GPCRs

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can bias signaling through distinct biochemical pathways that originate from G-protein/receptor and β-arrestin/receptor complexes. Receptor conformations supporting β-arrestin engagement depend on multiple receptor determinants. Using ghrelin receptor GHR1a, we demonstrate by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence microscopy a critical role for its second intracellular loop 2 (ICL2) domain in stabilizing β-arrestin/GHSR1a core interactions and determining receptor trafficking fate. We validate our findings in ICL2 gain- and loss-of-function experiments assessing β-arrestin and ubiquitin-dependent internalization of the CC chemokine receptor, CCR1. Like all CC and CXC subfamily chemokine receptors, CCR1 lacks a critical proline residue found in the ICL2 consensus domain of rhodopsin-family GPCRs. Our study indicates that ICL2, C-tail determinants, and the orthosteric binding pocket that regulates β-arrestin/receptor complex stability are sufficient to encode a broad repertoire of the trafficking fates observed for rhodopsin-family GPCRs, suggesting they provide the essential elements for regulating a large fraction of β-arrestin signaling bias.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CV. Somatostatin Receptors: Structure, Function, Ligands, and New Nomenclature

Somatostatin, also known as somatotropin-release inhibitory factor, is a cyclopeptide that exerts potent inhibitory actions on hormone secretion and neuronal excitability. Its physiologic functions are mediated by five G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) called somatostatin receptor (SST)1-5. These five receptors share common structural features and signaling mechanisms but differ in their cellular and subcellular localization and mode of regulation. SST₂ and SST₅ receptors have evolved as primary targets for pharmacological treatment of pituitary adenomas and neuroendocrine tumors. In addition, SST₂ is a prototypical GPCR for the development of peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This review article summarizes findings published in the last 25 years on the physiology, pharmacology, and clinical applications related to SSTs. We also discuss potential future developments and propose a new nomenclature.

Regulation of heterologously expressed 5-HT1B receptors coupling to potassium channels in AtT-20 cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

5-HT_1B receptors are widely expressed GPCRs and a target of triptans, the most commonly prescribed anti-migraine drugs. There is very limited information about the acute, agonist-induced regulation of 5-HT_1B receptor signalling and so we sought to characterize this in a neuron-like system.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Epitope-tagged human 5-HT_1B receptors were expressed in mouse AtT20 cells. 5-HT_1B receptor signalling was assessed using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of endogenous G protein-gated inwardly rectified potassium (GIRK) channels, and receptor localization measured using immunofluorescence.

KEY RESULTS

5-HT (EC₅₀ 65 nM) and sumatriptan (EC₅₀ 165 nM) activated GIRK channels in AtT20 cells expressing 5-HT_1B receptors. Continuous application of both 5-HT (EC₅₀ 120 nM) and sumatriptan (EC₅₀ 280 nM) produced profound desensitization of 5-HT_1B receptor signalling within a few minutes. Complete recovery from desensitization was observed after 10 min. Both 5-HT and sumatriptan induced significant heterologous desensitization of SRIF (somatostatin)-activated GIRK currents, with the 5-HT-induced heterologous desensitization being blocked by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Both agonists induced modest 5-HT_1B receptor internalization, with a time course much slower than receptor desensitization.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In AtT-20 cells, 5-HT_1B receptors undergo rapid and reversible desensitization at concentrations of agonist similar to those required to activate the receptor. Desensitization is incomplete, and the continued signalling of the receptor in the presence of the agonist may lead to cellular adaptations. Finally, 5-HT_1B receptor activation causes significant heterologous desensitization, which may lead to a reduced effectiveness of unrelated drugs in vivo.

Multisite phosphorylation is required for sustained interaction with GRKs and arrestins during rapid μ-opioid receptor desensitization

G protein receptor kinases (GRKs) and β-arrestins are key regulators of μ-opioid receptor (MOR) signaling and trafficking. We have previously shown that high-efficacy opioids such as DAMGO stimulate a GRK2/3-mediated multisite phosphorylation of conserved C-terminal tail serine and threonine residues, which facilitates internalization of the receptor. In contrast, morphine-induced phosphorylation of MOR is limited to Ser³⁷⁵ and is not sufficient to drive substantial receptor internalization. We report how specific multisite phosphorylation controlled the dynamics of GRK and β-arrestin interactions with MOR and show how such phosphorylation mediated receptor desensitization. We showed that GRK2/3 was recruited more quickly than was β-arrestin to a DAMGO-activated MOR. β-Arrestin recruitment required GRK2 activity and MOR phosphorylation, but GRK recruitment also depended on the phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal tail, specifically four serine and threonine residues within the ³⁷⁰TREHPSTANT³⁷⁹ motif. Our results also suggested that other residues outside this motif participated in the initial and transient recruitment of GRK and β-arrestins. We identified two components of high-efficacy agonist desensitization of MOR: a sustained component, which required GRK2-mediated phosphorylation and a potential soluble factor, and a rapid component, which was likely mediated by GRK2 but independent of receptor phosphorylation. Elucidating these complex receptor-effector interactions represents an important step toward a mechanistic understanding of MOR desensitization that leads to the development of tolerance and dependence.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Resensitization Paradigms

Cellular responses to extracellular milieu/environment are driven by cell surface receptors that transmit the signal into the cells resulting in a synchronized and measured response. The ability to provide such exquisite responses to changes in external environment is mediated by the tight and yet, deliberate regulation of cell surface receptor function. In this regard, the seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface receptors that regulate responses like cardiac contractility, vision, and olfaction including platelet activation. GPCRs regulate these plethora of events through GPCR-activation, -desensitization, and -resensitization. External stimuli (ligands or agonists) activate GPCR initiating downstream signals. The activated GPCR undergoes inactivation or desensitization by phosphorylation and binding of β-arrestin resulting in diminution of downstream signals. The desensitized GPCRs are internalized into endosomes, wherein they undergo dephosphorylation or resensitization by protein phosphatase to be recycled back to the cell membrane as naïve GPCR ready for the next wave of stimuli. Despite the knowledge that activation, desensitization, and resensitization shoulder an equal role in maintaining GPCR function, major advances have been made in understanding activation and desensitization compared to resensitization. However, increasing evidence shows that resensitization is exquisitely regulated process, thereby contributing to the dynamic regulation of GPCR function. In recognition of these observations, in this chapter we discuss the key advances on the mechanistic underpinning that drive and regulate GPCR function with a focus on resensitization.

Functional Amyloids and their Possible Influence on Alzheimer Disease

Amyloids play critical roles in human diseases but have increasingly been recognized to also exist naturally. Shared physicochemical characteristics of amyloids and of their smaller oligomeric building blocks offer the prospect of molecular interactions and crosstalk amongst these assemblies, including the propensity to mutually influence aggregation. A case in point might be the recent discovery of an interaction between the amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and somatostatin (SST). Whereas Aβ is best known for its role in Alzheimer disease (AD) as the main constituent of amyloid plaques, SST is intermittently stored in amyloid-form in dense core granules before its regulated release into the synaptic cleft. This review was written to introduce to readers a large body of literature that surrounds these two peptides. After introducing general concepts and recent progress related to our understanding of amyloids and their aggregation, the review focuses separately on the biogenesis and interactions of Aβ and SST, before attempting to assess the likelihood of encounters of the two peptides in the brain, and summarizing key observations linking SST to the pathobiology of AD. While the review focuses on Aβ and SST, it is to be anticipated that crosstalk amongst functional and disease-associated amyloids will emerge as a general theme with much broader significance in the etiology of dementias and other amyloidosis.

The heterotrimeric G protein Gβ1 interacts with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 and modulates G protein-coupled receptor signaling in platelets

Thrombosis is caused by the activation of platelets at the site of ruptured atherosclerotic plaques. This activation involves engagement of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) on platelets that promote their aggregation. Although it is known that protein kinases and phosphatases modulate GPCR signaling, how serine/threonine phosphatases integrate with G protein signaling pathways is less understood. Because the subcellular localization and substrate specificity of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1c) is dictated by PP1c-interacting proteins, here we sought to identify new PP1c interactors. GPCRs signal via the canonical heterotrimeric Gα and Gβγ subunits. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we discovered an interaction between PP1cα and the heterotrimeric G protein Gβ₁ subunit. Co-immunoprecipitation studies with epitope-tagged PP1c and Gβ₁ revealed that Gβ₁ interacts with the PP1c α, β, and γ1 isoforms. Purified PP1c bound to recombinant Gβ₁-GST protein, and PP1c co-immunoprecipitated with Gβ₁ in unstimulated platelets. Thrombin stimulation of platelets induced the dissociation of the PP1c-Gβ₁ complex, which correlated with an association of PP1c with phospholipase C β3 (PLCβ3), along with a concomitant dephosphorylation of the inhibitory Ser¹¹⁰⁵ residue in PLCβ3. siRNA-mediated depletion of GNB1 (encoding Gβ₁) in murine megakaryocytes reduced protease-activated receptor 4, activating peptide-induced soluble fibrinogen binding. Thrombin-induced aggregation was decreased in PP1cα^-/- murine platelets and in human platelets treated with a small-molecule inhibitor of Gβγ. Finally, disruption of PP1c-Gβ₁ complexes with myristoylated Gβ₁ peptides containing the PP1c binding site moderately decreased thrombin-induced human platelet aggregation. These findings suggest that Gβ₁ protein enlists PP1c to modulate GPCR signaling in platelets.

Identification of Phosphorylation Sites Regulating sst3 Somatostatin Receptor Trafficking

The human somatostatin receptor 3 (sst3) is expressed in about 50% of all neuroendocrine tumors and hence a promising target for multireceptor somatostatin analogs. The sst3 receptor is unique among ssts in that it exhibits a very long intracellular C-terminal tail containing a huge number of potential phosphate acceptor sites. Consequently, our knowledge about the functional role of the C-terminal tail in sst3 receptor regulation is very limited. Here, we have generated a series of phosphorylation-deficient mutants that enabled us to determine crucial sites for its agonist-induced β-arrestin mobilization, internalization, and down-regulation. Based on this information, we generated phosphosite-specific antibodies for C-terminal Ser(337)/Thr(341), Thr(348), and Ser(361) that enabled us to investigate the temporal patterns of sst3 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. We found that the endogenous ligand somatostatin induced a rapid and robust phosphorylation that was completely blocked by the sst3 antagonist NVP-ACQ090. The stable somatostatin analogs pasireotide and octreotide promoted clearly less phosphorylation compared with somatostatin. We also show that sst3 phosphorylation occurred within seconds to minutes, whereas dephosphorylation of the sst3 receptor occurred at a considerable slower rate. In addition, we also identified G protein-coupled receptor kinases 2 and 3 and protein phosphatase 1α and 1β as key regulators of sst3 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, respectively. Thus, we here define the C-terminal phosphorylation motif of the human sst3 receptor that regulates its agonist-promoted phosphorylation, β-arrestin recruitment, and internalization of this clinically relevant receptor.

Reassessment of endothelin receptor A expression in normal and neoplastic human tissues using the novel rabbit monoclonal antibody UMB-8

The endothelins ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3 are a family of peptides, which exert their actions via two G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, ETA and ETB. ET-1 is a potent vasoconstrictor and is involved in the development of different cardiovascular and renal disorders. Additionally, ET-1 and the ETA receptor have been shown to be important mediators of cancer growth and metastasis. We have extensively characterized the novel monoclonal rabbit anti-ETA antibody UMB-8 using transfected cells as well as mouse, rat and human tissues. UMB-8 was then tested in a large series of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded human normal and neoplastic tissue specimens. Specificity of UMB-8 was demonstrated by detection of a broad band migrating at 70-80kDa in Western blot analyses of ETA-transfected HEK-293 cells and of different mouse tissues and by agonist-dependent translocation of the immunosignal from the surface of ETA-transfected cells into the cytosol. In tissue samples, UMB-8 yielded an efficient immunostaining of distinct cell populations with a predominance of plasma membrane staining, which was abolished after preadsorption of the antibody with its immunizing peptide. In normal tissue, ETA was present in the heart, blood vessels, gut and kidneys. ETA was also detected with a hitherto unappreciated high prevalence in all types of sarcomas and in glioblastomas, but also in various epithelial tumor entities and in tumor stroma. All in all, UMB-8 may prove of great value in the identification of ETA-expressing tumors during routine histopathological examinations.

Protein phosphatase 1 catalytic isoforms: specificity toward interacting proteins

The coordinated and reciprocal action of serine-threonine protein kinases and protein phosphatases produces transitory phosphorylation, a fundamental regulatory mechanism for many biological processes. Phosphoprotein phosphatase 1 (PPP1), a major serine-threonine phosphatase, in particular, is ubiquitously distributed and regulates a broad range of cellular functions, including glycogen metabolism, cell cycle progression, and muscle relaxation. PPP1 has evolved effective catalytic machinery but in vitro lacks substrate specificity. In vivo, its specificity is achieved not only by the existence of different PPP1 catalytic isoforms, but also by binding of the catalytic moiety to a large number of regulatory or targeting subunits. Here, we will address exhaustively the existence of diverse PPP1 catalytic isoforms and the relevance of their specific partners and consequent functions.

Heterologous regulation of agonist-independent μ-opioid receptor phosphorylation by protein kinase C

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Homologous agonist-induced phosphorylation of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) is initiated at the carboxyl-terminal S375, followed by phosphorylation of T370, T376 and T379. In HEK293 cells, this sequential and hierarchical multi-site phosphorylation is specifically mediated by G-protein coupled receptor kinases 2 and 3. In the present study, we provide evidence for a selective and dose-dependent phosphorylation of T370 after activation of PKC by phorbol esters.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We used a combination of phospho site-specific antibodies, kinase inhibitors and siRNA knockdown screening to identify kinases that mediate agonist-independent phosphorylation of the MOR in HEK293 cells. In addition, we show with phospho site-specific antibodies were also used to study constitutive phosphorylation at S363 of MORs in mouse brain in vivo.

KEY RESULTS

Activation of PKC by phorbol esters or heterologous activation of substance P receptors co-expressed with MORs in the same cell induced a selective and dose-dependent phosphorylation of T370 that specifically requires the PKCα isoform. Inhibition of PKC activity did not compromise homologous agonist-driven T370 phosphorylation. In addition, S363 was constitutively phosphorylated in both HEK293 cells and mouse brain in vivo. Constitutive S363 phosphorylation required ongoing PKC activity. When basal PKC activity was decreased, S363 was also a substrate for homologous agonist-stimulated phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results have disclosed novel mechanisms of heterologous regulation of MOR phosphorylation by PKC. These findings represent a useful starting point for definitive experiments elucidating the exact contribution of PKC-driven MOR phosphorylation to diminished MOR responsiveness in morphine tolerance and pathological pain.

Mechanisms of regulation of olfactory transduction and adaptation in the olfactory cilium

Olfactory adaptation is a fundamental process for the functioning of the olfactory system, but the underlying mechanisms regulating its occurrence in intact olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are not fully understood. In this work, we have combined stochastic computational modeling and a systematic pharmacological study of different signaling pathways to investigate their impact during short-term adaptation (STA). We used odorant stimulation and electroolfactogram (EOG) recordings of the olfactory epithelium treated with pharmacological blockers to study the molecular mechanisms regulating the occurrence of adaptation in OSNs. EOG responses to paired-pulses of odorants showed that inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and phosphatases enhanced the levels of STA in the olfactory epithelium, and this effect was mimicked by blocking vesicle exocytosis and reduced by blocking cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and vesicle endocytosis. These results suggest that G-coupled receptors (GPCRs) cycling is involved with the occurrence of STA. To gain insights on the dynamical aspects of this process, we developed a stochastic computational model. The model consists of the olfactory transduction currents mediated by the cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels and calcium ion (Ca²⁺)-activated chloride (CAC) channels, and the dynamics of their respective ligands, cAMP and Ca²⁺, and it simulates the EOG results obtained under different experimental conditions through changes in the amplitude and duration of cAMP and Ca²⁺ response, two second messengers implicated with STA occurrence. The model reproduced the experimental data for each pharmacological treatment and provided a mechanistic explanation for the action of GPCR cycling in the levels of second messengers modulating the levels of STA. All together, these experimental and theoretical results indicate the existence of a mechanism of regulation of STA by signaling pathways that control GPCR cycling and tune the levels of second messengers in OSNs, and not only by CNG channel desensitization as previously thought.

Carboxyl-terminal multi-site phosphorylation regulates internalization and desensitization of the human sst2 somatostatin receptor

The somatostatin receptor 2 (sst2) is the pharmacological target of somatostatin analogs that are widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of human neuroendocrine tumors. We have recently shown that the stable somatostatin analogs octreotide and pasireotide (SOM230) stimulate distinct patterns of sst2 receptor phosphorylation and internalization. Like somatostatin, octreotide promotes the phosphorylation of at least six carboxyl-terminal serine and threonine residues namely S341, S343, T353, T354, T356 and T359, which in turn leads to a robust receptor endocytosis. Unlike somatostatin, pasireotide stimulates a selective phosphorylation of S341 and S343 of the human sst2 receptor followed by a partial receptor internalization. Here, we show that exchange of S341 and S343 by alanine is sufficient to block pasireotide-driven internalization, whereas mutation of T353, T354, T356 and T359 to alanine is required to strongly inhibited both octreotide- and somatostatin-induced internalization. Yet, combined mutation of T353, T354, T356 and T359 is not sufficient to prevent somatostatin-driven β-arrestin mobilization and receptor desensitization. Replacement of all fourteen carboxyl-terminal serine and threonine residues by alanine completely abrogates sst2 receptor internalization and β-arrestin mobilization in HEK293 cells. Together, our findings demonstrate for the first time that agonist-selective sst2 receptor internalization is regulated by multi-site phosphorylation of its carboxyl-terminal tail.

Fine-tuning somatostatin receptor signalling by agonist-selective phosphorylation and dephosphorylation: IUPHAR Review 5

The biological actions of somatostatin are mediated by a family of five GPCRs, named sst1 to sst5 . Somatostatin receptors exhibit equally high-binding affinities to their natural ligand somatostatin-14 and largely overlapping distributions. The overexpression of somatostatin receptors in human tumours is the molecular basis for diagnostic and therapeutic application of the stable somatostatin analogues octreotide, lanreotide and pasireotide. The efficiency of somatostatin receptor signalling is tightly regulated and ultimately limited by the coordinated phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of intracellular carboxyl-terminal serine and threonine residues. Here, we review and discuss recent progress in the generation and application of phosphosite-specific antibodies for human sst2 and sst5 receptors. These phosphosite-specific antibodies are unique tools to monitor the spatial and temporal dynamics of receptors phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Using a combined approach of phosphosite-specific antibodies and siRNA knock-down screening, relevant kinases and phosphatases were identified. Emerging evidence suggests distinct mechanisms of agonist-selective fine-tuning for individual somatostatin receptors. The recently uncovered differences in phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of these receptors may hence be of physiological significance in mediating responses to acute, persistent or repeated stimuli in a variety of target tissues.

Carboxyl-terminal receptor domains control the differential dephosphorylation of somatostatin receptors by protein phosphatase 1 isoforms

We have recently identified protein phosphatase 1β (PP1β) as G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) phosphatase for the sst₂ somatostatin receptor using siRNA knockdown screening. By contrast, for the sst₅ somatostatin receptor we identified protein phosphatase 1γ (PP1γ) as GPCR phosphatase using the same approach. We have also shown that sst₂ and sst₅ receptors differ substantially in the temporal dynamics of their dephosphorylation and trafficking patterns. Whereas dephosphorylation and recycling of the sst₂ receptor requires extended time periods of ∼30 min, dephosphorylation and recycling of the sst₅ receptor is completed in less than 10 min. Here, we examined which receptor domains determine the selection of phosphatases for receptor dephosphorylation. We found that generation of tail-swap mutants between sst₂ and sst₅ was required and sufficient to reverse the patterns of dephosphorylation and trafficking of these two receptors. In fact, siRNA knockdown confirmed that the sst₅ receptor carrying the sst₂ tail is predominantly dephosphorylated by PP1β, whereas the sst₂ receptor carrying the sst₅ tail is predominantly dephosphorylated by PP1γ. Thus, the GPCR phosphatase responsible for dephosphorylation of individual somatostatin receptor subtypes is primarily determined by their different carboxyl-terminal receptor domains. This phosphatase specificity has in turn profound consequences for the dephosphorylation dynamics and trafficking patterns of GPCRs.

Somatostatin analogs: does pharmacology impact antitumor efficacy?

Somatostatin is an endogenous inhibitor of secretion and cell proliferation. These features render somatostatin a logical candidate for the management of neuroendocrine tumors that express somatostatin receptors. Synthetic somatostatin analogs (SSAs) have longer half-lives than somatostatin, but have similar activities, and are used for the treatment of these types of disorders. Interest has focused on novel multireceptor analogs with broader affinity to several of the five somatostatin receptors, thereby presenting putatively higher antitumor activities. Recent evidence indicates that SSAs cannot be considered mimics of native somatostatin in regulating signaling pathways downstream of receptors. Here we review this knowledge, discuss the concept of biased agonism, and highlight what considerations need to be taken into account for the optimal clinical use of SSAs.

Illuminating somatostatin analog action at neuroendocrine tumor receptors

Somatostatin analogs for the diagnosis and therapy of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been used in clinical applications for more than two decades. Five somatostatin receptor subtypes have been identified and molecular mechanisms of somatostatin receptor signaling and regulation have been elucidated. These advances increased understanding of the biological role of each somatostatin receptor subtype, their distribution in NETs, as well as agonist-specific regulation of receptor signaling, internalization, and phosphorylation, particularly for the sst2 receptor subtype, which is the primary target of current somatostatin analog therapy for NETs. Various hypotheses exist to explain differences in patient responsiveness to somatostatin analog inhibition of tumor secretion and growth as well as differences in the development of tumor resistance to therapy. In addition, we now have a better understanding of the action of both first generation (octreotide, lanreotide, Octreoscan) and second generation (pasireotide) FDA-approved somatostatin analogs, including the biased agonistic character of some agonists. The increased understanding of somatostatin receptor pharmacology provides new opportunities to design more sophisticated assays to aid the future development of somatostatin analogs with increased efficacy.

Deciphering µ-opioid receptor phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in HEK293 cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The molecular basis of agonist-selective signalling at the µ-opioid receptor is poorly understood. We have recently shown that full agonists such as [D-Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) stimulate the phosphorylation of a number of carboxyl-terminal phosphate acceptor sites including threonine 370 (Thr(370)) and serine 375 (Ser(375)), and that is followed by a robust receptor internalization. In contrast, morphine promotes a selective phosphorylation of Ser(375) without causing rapid receptor internalization.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Here, we identify kinases and phosphatases that mediate agonist-dependent phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the µ-opioid receptor using a combination of phosphosite-specific antibodies and siRNA knock-down screening in HEK293 cells.

KEY RESULTS

We found that DAMGO-driven phosphorylation of Thr(370) and Ser(375) was preferentially catalysed by G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) 2 and 3, whereas morphine-driven Ser(375) phosphorylation was preferentially catalysed by GRK5. On the functional level, inhibition of GRK expression resulted in enhanced µ-opioid receptor signalling and reduced receptor internalization. Analysis of GRK5-deficient mice revealed that GRK5 selectively contributes to morphine-induced Ser(375) phosphorylation in brain tissue. We also identified protein phosphatase 1γ as a µ-opioid receptor phosphatase that catalysed Thr(370) and Ser(375) dephosphorylation at or near the plasma membrane within minutes after agonist removal, which in turn facilitates receptor recycling.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Together, the morphine-activated µ-opioid receptor is a good substrate for phosphorylation by GRK5 but a poor substrate for GRK2/3. GRK5 phosphorylates µ-opioid receptors selectively on Ser(375), which is not sufficient to drive significant receptor internalization.

siRNA screen identifies the phosphatase acting on the G protein-coupled thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an ubiquitously expressed class of transmembrane proteins involved in the signal transduction of neurotransmitters, hormones and various other ligands. Their signaling output is desensitized by mechanisms involving phosphorylation, internalization, and dissociation from G proteins and resensitized by mechanisms involving dephosphorylation, but details about the phosphatases responsible are generally lacking. We describe here the use of an siRNA-based library to knock down expression of specific phosphatase subunits to identify protein phosphatase 1-α (PP1α) as important for the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor. Inhibition of PP1α synthesis and overexpression of dominant negative PP1α preserved receptor phosphorylation under conditions favoring dephosphorylation, whereas overexpression of PP1α accelerated dephosphorylation. Knockdown of all three PP1 catalytic subunits inhibited TRH receptor phosphorylation much more powerfully than knockdown of PP1α alone, suggesting that different PP1 isoforms function redundantly. Knockdown of a structural subunit of PP2A, a second potential hit in the library screen, was ineffective. Calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of PP1 family phosphatases, strongly inhibited dephosphorylation of transfected TRH receptors and endogenous receptors in pituitary cells, but fostriecin, which is selective for PP2A family phosphatases, did not. We conclude that the PP1 class of phosphatases is essential for TRH receptor dephosphorylation.

Somatostatin receptor pathophysiology in the neuroendocrine system

The actions of somatostatin (SRIF) are mediated by specific G protein-coupled receptors, named SRIF receptor (SSTR) subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 5. SRIF binding to SSTR activates a series of second messenger systems, resulting in the inhibition of calcium channels and adenylate cyclase activity, ultimately leading to inhibition of hormone secretion, while stimulation of other second messengers, such as phosphotyrosine phosphatases play a role in the control of cell growth. The SSTR and dopamine receptor families share a 30% sequence homology and appear to be structurally related. The knowledge on the pathophysiology of these two families of G protein-coupled receptors in neuroendocrine tumors has progressively increased due to the new insights in receptor dimerization, internalization and trafficking. Depending on the expression of different SSTRs in tissues, their combinations and interactions affect the functionality of the subtypes expressed and the influence of the microenvironment, the response to ligands and, by consequence, the response to treatment can be very different.

Phosphorylation of threonine 333 regulates trafficking of the human sst5 somatostatin receptor

The frequent overexpression of the somatostatin receptors sst2 and sst5 in neuroendocrine tumors provides the molecular basis for therapeutic application of novel multireceptor somatostatin analogs. Although the phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal region of the sst2 receptor has been studied in detail, little is known about the agonist-induced regulation of the human sst5 receptor. Here, we have generated phosphosite-specific antibodies for the carboxyl-terminal threonines 333 (T333) and 347 (T347), which enabled us to selectively detect either the T333-phosphorylated or the T347-phosphorylated form of sst5. We show that agonist-mediated phosphorylation occurs at T333, whereas T347 is constitutively phosphorylated in the absence of agonist. We further demonstrate that the multireceptor somatostatin analog pasireotide and the sst5-selective ligand L-817,818 but not octreotide or KE108 were able to promote a detectable T333 phosphorylation. Interestingly, BIM-23268 was the only sst5 agonist that was able to stimulate T333 phosphorylation to the same extent as natural somatostatin. Agonist-induced T333 phosphorylation was dose-dependent and selectively mediated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2. Similar to that observed for the sst2 receptor, phosphorylation of sst5 occurred within seconds. However, unlike that seen for the sst2 receptor, dephosphorylation and recycling of sst5 were rapidly completed within minutes. We also identify protein phosphatase 1γ as G protein-coupled receptor phosphatase for the sst5 receptor. Together, we provide direct evidence for agonist-selective phosphorylation of carboxyl-terminal T333. In addition, we identify G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2-mediated phosphorylation and protein phosphatase 1γ-mediated dephosphorylation of T333 as key regulators of rapid internalization and recycling of the human sst5 receptor.

Differentiation of opioid drug effects by hierarchical multi-site phosphorylation

Differences in the ability of opioid drugs to promote regulated endocytosis of μ-opioid receptors are related to their tendency to produce drug tolerance and dependence. Here we show that drug-specific differences in receptor internalization are determined by a conserved, 10-residue sequence in the receptor's carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic tail. Diverse opioids induce receptor phosphorylation at serine (S)375, present in the middle of this sequence, but opioids differ markedly in their ability to drive higher-order phosphorylation on flanking residues [threonine (T)370, T376, and T379]. Multi-phosphorylation is required for the endocytosis-promoting activity of this sequence and occurs both sequentially and hierarchically, with S375 representing the initiating site. Higher-order phosphorylation involving T370, T376, and T379 specifically requires GRK2/3 isoforms, and the same sequence controls opioid receptor internalization in neurons. These results reveal a biochemical mechanism differentiating the endocytic activity of opioid drugs.

Competing G protein-coupled receptor kinases balance G protein and β-arrestin signaling

The molecular mechanisms and hidden dynamics governing ERK activation by the angiotensin II type 1A receptor are studied and deciphered, revealing a signal balancing mechanism that is found to be relevant to a range of other seven transmembrane receptors.

An ODE-based dynamical model of ERK activation by the prototypical angiotensin II type-1A seven transmembrane receptor has been built and validated.

In order to deal with a limited number of experimental read-outs, unknown parameters have been inferred by simultaneously fitting control and perturbed conditions.

In addition to its well-established function in G-protein uncoupling, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 has been shown to exert a strong negative effect on β-arrestin-dependent signaling and by doing so, to balance G-protein and β-arrestin signaling.

This novel function of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 has also been evidenced in primary vascular smooth muscle cells naturally expressing the AT_1AR and in HEK293 cells expressing other 7TMRs.

Seven-transmembrane receptors (7TMRs) are involved in nearly all aspects of chemical communications and represent major drug targets. 7TMRs transmit their signals not only via heterotrimeric G proteins but also through β-arrestins, whose recruitment to the activated receptor is regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). In this paper, we combined experimental approaches with computational modeling to decipher the molecular mechanisms as well as the hidden dynamics governing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by the angiotensin II type 1A receptor (AT_1AR) in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells. We built an abstracted ordinary differential equations (ODE)-based model that captured the available knowledge and experimental data. We inferred the unknown parameters by simultaneously fitting experimental data generated in both control and perturbed conditions. We demonstrate that, in addition to its well-established function in the desensitization of G-protein activation, GRK2 exerts a strong negative effect on β-arrestin-dependent signaling through its competition with GRK5 and 6 for receptor phosphorylation. Importantly, we experimentally confirmed the validity of this novel GRK2-dependent mechanism in both primary vascular smooth muscle cells naturally expressing the AT_1AR, and HEK293 cells expressing other 7TMRs.