Novel interaction between the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and elongation factor 1A2

Understanding functions of eEF1 translation elongation factors beyond translation. A proteomic approach

Mammalian translation elongation factors eEF1A1 and eEF1A2 are 92% homologous isoforms whose mutually exclusive tissue-specific expression is regulated during development. The isoforms have similar translation functionality, but show differences in spatial organization and participation in various processes, such as oncogenesis and virus reproduction. The differences may be due to their ability to interact with isoform-specific partner proteins. We used the identified sets of eEF1A1 or eEF1A2 partner proteins to identify cell complexes and/or processes specific to one particular isoform. As a result, we found isoform-specific interactions reflecting the involvement of different eEF1A isoforms in different cellular processes, including actin-related, chromatin-remodeling, ribonuclease H2, adenylyl cyclase, and Cul3-RING ubiquitin ligase complexes as well as initiation of mitochondrial transcription. An essential by-product of our analysis is the elucidation of a number of cellular processes beyond protein biosynthesis, where both isoforms appear to participate such as large ribosomal subunit biogenesis, mRNA splicing, DNA mismatch repair, 26S proteasome activity, P-body and exosomes formation, protein targeting to the membrane. This information suggests that a relatively high content of eEF1A in the cell may be necessary not only to maintain efficient translation, but also to ensure its participation in various cellular processes, where some roles of eEF1A have not yet been described. We believe that the data presented here will be useful for deciphering new auxiliary functions of eEF1A and its isoforms, and provide a new look at the known non-canonical functions of this main component of the human translation-elongation machinery.

Inhibition of the antioxidant enzyme PRDX1 activity promotes MPP+-induced death in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and may impair its colocalization with eEF1A2

AIM

eEF1A2 is highly expressed in postmitotic cells and has been reported to interact with the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1). PRDX1 is involved in motor neuron differentiation. Here, we studied the relationship between eEF1A2 and PRDX1 during dopaminergic neuron differentiation, and examined their possible association in an oxidative stress model of Parkinson's disease (PD).

MAIN METHODS

Expression of eEF1A2 and PRDX1 in SH-SY5Y cells at various durations of retinoic acid (RA) induction was detected using qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Neurons of 10-day differentiation were treated with the PRDX1 inhibitor H7, MPP⁺ and H7 plus MPP⁺. The cell viability, the amounts of apoptotic nuclei, DHE signals, and the expression of p53, p-Akt and p-mTOR were determined. The colocalization of eEF1A2 and PRDX1 was visualized using confocal microscopy.

KEY FINDINGS

eEF1A2 gradually increased after RA-induced differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells, while PRDX1 protein gradually decreased. MPP⁺ treatment increased eEF1A2 in both undifferentiated and differentiated neurons; however, PRDX1 appeared to elevate only in mature neurons. The inhibition of the PRDX1 activity with H7 promoted MPP⁺-induced cell death, as evidenced by decreased cell viability, increased apoptotic nuclei, increased the DHE signal, and increased p53. However, H7 induced the activation of the prosurvival Akt and mTOR in MPP⁺-treated cells. Besides, a colocalization of eEF1A2 and PRDX1 was evidenced in MPP⁺-treated neurons. This colocalization was possibly prevented by inhibiting the PRDX1 activity, resulting in aggravated neuronal death.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that the possible association between eEF1A2 and PRDX1 may be a promising target for modifying neuronal death in PD.

Translation Elongation Factor eEF1A2 is a Novel Anticancer Target for the Marine Natural Product Plitidepsin

eEF1A2 is one of the isoforms of the alpha subunit of the eukaryotic Elongation Factor 1. It is overexpressed in human tumors and is endowed with oncogenic properties, favoring tumor cell proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis. We demonstrate that plitidepsin, an antitumor agent of marine origin that has successfully completed a phase-III clinical trial for multiple myeloma, exerts its antitumor activity by targeting eEF1A2. The drug interacts with eEF1A2 with a K_D of 80 nM and a target residence time of circa 9 min. This protein was also identified as capable of binding [¹⁴C]-plitidepsin in a cell lysate from K-562 tumor cells. A molecular modelling approach was used to identify a favorable binding site for plitidepsin at the interface between domains 1 and 2 of eEF1A2 in the GTP conformation. Three tumor cell lines selected for at least 100-fold more resistance to plitidepsin than their respective parental cells showed reduced levels of eEF1A2 protein. Ectopic expression of eEF1A2 in resistant cells restored the sensitivity to plitidepsin. FLIM-phasor FRET experiments demonstrated that plitidepsin localizes in tumor cells sufficiently close to eEF1A2 as to suggest the formation of drug-protein complexes in living cells. Altogether, our results strongly suggest that eEF1A2 is the primary target of plitidepsin.

Comparative mRNA Expression of eEF1A Isoforms and a PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in a Cellular Model of Parkinson's Disease

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is one of dysregulated pathways in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies in nonneuronal cells showed that Akt regulation can be increased by eukaryotic protein elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2). eEF1A2 is proposed to contribute protection against apoptotic death, likely through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Whether eEF1A2 plays a role in the prevention of cell death in PD has not been investigated. Recently, gene profiling on dopaminergic neurons from postmortem PD patients showed both upregulation and downregulation of some PI3K and mTOR genes. In this paper, the expression of all gene members of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in relation to those of the eEF1A isoforms in a cellular model of PD was investigated at the mRNA level. The results showed a similar trend of upregulation of genes of the eEF1A isoforms (eEF1A1 and eEF1A2) and of the PI3K (classes I–III)/Akt (Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3)/mTOR (mTORC1 and mTORC2) pathway in both nondifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺). Upregulation of eEF1A2, Akt1, and mTORC1 was consistent with the relative increase of eEF1A2, Akt, phospho-Akt, and mTORC1 proteins. The possible role of eEF1A isoforms in the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in PD is discussed.

Characterisation of the Melatonin Receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene in the Rasa Aragonesa sheep breed: association with reproductive seasonality

The ovine Melatonin Receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene was structurally characterised and association between its variants and the reproductive seasonality was examined in a daughter design comprising three families of Rasa Aragonesa sheep breed. Sequencing of six Rasa Aragonesa ewes with extreme values for seasonality trait revealed 28 polymorphisms: 11 SNPs in the coding region (all in Exon 2), and 17 SNPs in the promoter region MTNR1A. All the substitutions in the coding region were found most likely lacking any phenotypic effect, because they are conservative mutations or were not part of the transmembrane domain. The silent mutations, which had shown association with reproductive seasonality in other breeds, were also found and genotyped in Rasa Aragonesa. The T allele of SNP606/RsaI of MNTR1A gene was associated with a greater percentage of oestrous cyclic ewes in the Rasa Aragonesa breed, indicating that this SNP may be in linkage disequilibrium with a mutation responsible for this trait close to MTNR1A, or in regulatory sequences of the gene. In this sense, several SNPs affecting a binding element for some transcription factors have been identified in the promoter region. The SNPs at 422 and 527 positions could constitute a binding element for some transcription factors (TFs), located in an EF2 and SRY consensus sites in the promoter region, respectively. Haplotype h(5) showed significant differences with the h(2) haplotype (66% compared to 49.2%) on oestrous cyclicity, thus these results are consistent with genotypic associations for each SNP. Haplotype with T, A and T alleles for SNPs 422, 677 (promoter region) and 612 (Exon 2) showed an increase of the percentage of oestrous cyclic ewes. Although some of these mutations have been associated with seasonal reproduction, further studies with a more appropriate animal design as well as functional studies of TF binding activity are needed.

Muscarinic receptor trafficking

Knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors away from the cell surface is of obvious importance in understanding what regulates their expression and function. This chapter will focus on the mechanisms responsible for the internalization and degradation of muscarinic receptors. There are both receptor subtype-specific and cell-type specific differences in muscarinic receptor trafficking. Studies on muscarinic receptor trafficking both in cells in culture and in vivo will be described, and the potential physiological consequences of this trafficking will be discussed.

Modulation of M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by interacting proteins

Protein-protein interactions represent an important mechanism for posttranslational modifications of protein expression and function. In brain cells, surface-expressed and membrane-bound neurotransmitter receptors are common proteins that undergo dynamic protein-protein interactions between their intracellular domains and submembranous regulatory proteins. Recently, the Gα(i/o)-coupled muscarinic M4 receptor (M4R) has been revealed to be one of these receptors. Through direct interaction with the intracellular loops or C-terminal tails of M4Rs, M4R interacting proteins (M4RIPs) vigorously regulate the efficacy of M4R signaling. A synapse-enriched protein kinase, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), exemplifies a prototype model of M4RIPs, and is capable of binding to the second intracellular loop of M4Rs. Through an activity- and phosphorylation-dependent mechanism, CaMKII potentiates the M4R/Gα(i/o)-mediated inhibition of M4R efficacy in inhibiting adenylyl cyclase and cAMP production. In striatal neurons where M4Rs are most abundantly expressed, M4RIPs dynamically control M4R activity to maintain a proper cholinergic tone in these neurons. This is critical for maintaining the acetylcholine-dopamine balance in the basal ganglia, which determines the behavioral responsiveness to dopamine stimulation by psychostimulants.

Translational control by RGS2

The regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are a family of guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-accelerating proteins. We have discovered a novel function for RGS2 in the control of protein synthesis. RGS2 was found to bind to eIF2Bepsilon (eukaryotic initiation factor 2B epsilon subunit) and inhibit the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into new protein. This effect was not observed for other RGS proteins tested. This novel function of RGS2 is distinct from its ability to regulate G protein-mediated signals and maps to a stretch of 37 amino acid residues within its conserved RGS domain. Moreover, RGS2 was capable of interfering with the eIF2-eIF2B GTPase cycle, which is a requisite step for the initiation of mRNA translation. Collectively, this study has identified a novel role for RGS2 in the control of protein synthesis that is independent of its established RGS domain function.

Melatonin receptors, heterodimerization, signal transduction and binding sites: what's new?

Melatonin is a neurohormone that has been claimed to be involved in a wide range of physiological functions. Nevertheless, for most of its effects, the mechanism of action is not really known. In mammals, two melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2, have been cloned. They belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. They share some specific short amino-acid sequences, which suggest that they represent a specific subfamily. Another receptor from the same subfamily, the melatonin-related receptor has been cloned in different species including humans. This orphan receptor also named GPR50 does not bind melatonin and its endogenous ligand is still unknown. Nevertheless, this receptor has been shown to behave as an antagonist of the MT1 receptor, which opens new pharmacological perspectives for GPR50 despite the lack of endogenous or synthetic ligands. Moreover, MT1 and MT2 interact together through the formation of heterodimers at least in cells transfected with the cDNA of these two receptors. Lastly, signalling complexes associated with MT1 and MT2 receptors are starting to be deciphered. A third melatonin-binding site has been purified and characterized as the enzyme quinone reductase 2 (QR2). Inhibition of QR2 by melatonin may explain melatonin's protective effect that has been reported in different animal models and that is generally associated with its well-documented antioxidant properties.

Muscarinic M4 receptor recycling requires a motif in the third intracellular loop

The present study was performed to identify sequence(s) in the third intracellular loop (i3) of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M4 subtype (M4 receptor) involved in its internalization and recycling. In transiently transfected human embryonic kidney 293-tsA201 cells, 40 to 50% of cell-surface M4 receptors are internalized in an agonist-dependent manner, and approximately 65% of internalized receptors are recycled back to the cell surface after removal of the agonist. We examined the internalization and recycling of M4 receptor mutants with partial deletion in i3 and found that various mutants (M4del-K(235)-K(240), M4del-T(241)-K(271), and M4del-W(339)-N(372)) showed internalization and cell-surface recycling in a similar manner to the M4 receptor. We also found that the mutant M4del-L(272)-R(338) was internalized to only half the extent of the M4 receptor and was recycled after agonist removal, and the mutant M4del-V(373)-A(393) was also internalized to half the extent of the wild type but was not recycled back to the cell surface after agonist removal. When the sequence corresponding to Val(373)-Ala(393) was grafted onto the i3 portion of a recycling-negative mutant of muscarinic M2 receptor with deletion of almost the whole of the i3 sequence, approximately 40% of the chimeric receptor on the cell surface was internalized, and more than 65% of the internalized receptors were recycled back to the cell surface. These results indicate that the regions including Leu(272)-Arg(338) and Val(373)-Ala(393) are involved in internalization of the M4 receptor, and the region including Val(373)-Ala(393) is indispensable for its recycling, whereas the other regions of i3 are dispensable for internalization and recycling.

Intracellular complexes of the beta2 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in brain identified by proteomics

Nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) comprise a family of ligand-gated channels widely expressed in the mammalian brain. The beta2 subunit is an abundant protein subunit critically involved in the cognitive and behavioral properties of nicotine as well as in the mechanisms of nicotine addiction. In this work, we used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-TOF MS/MS) to uncover protein interactions of the intracellular loop of the beta2 subunit and components of immunoprecipitated beta2-nAChR complexes from mouse brain. Using the beta2-knockout mouse to exclude nonspecific binding to the beta2 antibody, we identify 21 nAChR-interacting proteins (NIPs) expressed in brain. Western blot analysis confirmed the association between the beta2 subunit and candidate NIPs. Based on their functional profiles, the hypothesis is suggested that the identified NIPs can regulate the trafficking and signaling of the beta2-nAChR. Interactions of the beta2 subunit with NIPs such as G protein alpha, G protein-regulated inducer of neurite outgrowth 1, and G protein-activated K(+) channel 1 suggest a link between nAChRs and cellular G protein pathways. These findings reveal intracellular interactions of the beta2 subunit and may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of nAChR signaling and trafficking in neurons.

Purification and Identification of G Protein-coupled Receptor Protein Complexes under Native Conditions

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane receptors and are of major therapeutic importance. The identification of GPCR-associated proteins is an important step toward a better understanding of these receptors. However, current methods are not satisfying as only isolated receptor domains (intracellular loops or carboxyl-terminal tails) can be used as "bait." We report here a method based on tandem affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry that overcomes these limitations as the entire receptor is used to identify protein complexes formed in living mammalian cells. The human MT(1) and MT(2) melatonin receptors were chosen as model GPCRs. Both receptors were tagged with the tandem affinity purification tag at their carboxyl-terminal tails and expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Receptor solubilization and purification conditions were optimized. The method was validated by the co-purification of G(i) proteins, which are well known GPCR interaction partners but which are difficult to identify with current protein-protein interaction assays. Several new and functionally relevant MT(1)- and MT(2)-associated proteins were identified; some of them were common to both receptors, and others were specific for each subtype. Taken together, our protocol allowed for the first time the purification of GPCR-associated proteins under native conditions in quantities suitable for mass spectrometry analysis.

Mouse translation elongation factor eEF1A-2 interacts with Prdx-I to protect cells against apoptotic death induced by oxidative stress

eEF1A-1 and eEF1A-2 are two isoforms of translation elongation factor eEF1A. In adult mammalian tissues, isoform eEF1A-1 is present in all tissues except neurons, cardiomyocytes, and myotubes, where its isoform, eEF1A-2, is the only form expressed. Both forms of eEF1A have been characterized to function in the protein elongation step of translation, and eEF1A-1 is shown to possess additional non-canonical roles in actin binding/bundling, microtubule bundling/severing, and cellular transformation processes. To study whether eEF1A-2 has similar non-canonical functions, we carried out a yeast two-hybrid screening using a full sequence of mouse eEF1A-2 as bait. A total of 78 hits, representing 23 proteins, were identified and validated to be true positives. We have focused on the protein with the highest frequency of hits, peroxiredoxin I (Prdx-I), for in-depth study of its functional implication for eEF1A-2. Here we show that Prdx-I coimmunoprecipitates with eEF1A-2 from extracts of both cultured cells and mouse tissues expressing this protein, but it does not do so with its isoform, eEF1A-1, even though the latter is abundantly present. We also report that an eEF1A-2 and Prdx-I double transfectant increases resistance to peroxide-induced cell death as high as 1 mM peroxide treatment, significantly higher than do single transfectants with either gene alone; this protection is correlated with reduced activation of caspases 3 and 8, and with increased expression of pro-survival factor Akt. Thus, our results suggest that eEF1A-2 interacts with Prdx-I to functionally provide cells with extraordinary resistance to oxidative stress-induced cell death.

Novel interaction between the human 5-HT7 receptor isoforms and PLAC-24/eIF3k

Three 5-HT(7) receptor isoforms are expressed in rat and man, which differ in the amino acid sequence of their C-terminus. Thus far, no changes have been observed in the pharmacological profile of all three isoforms. To further elucidate the signal transduction pathway specific for these receptor variants, we screened for possible interacting proteins of the C-terminus of the h5-HT(7(a)) variant in a human foetal brain cDNA library. Using a yeast two-hybrid assay, we isolated PLAC-24/eIF3k as a possible interacting candidate. The association of PLAC-24 with all three receptor variants was observed and further reconfirmed in vivo by co-immunoprecipitation of PLAC-24 with the full-length receptor isoforms in transfected COS-7 cells. Studies with different deletion mutants of the receptor showed that the interaction between PLAC-24 and the receptor is not restricted to the C-terminus of the receptor. PLAC-24/eIF3k consists of 3 domains: an N-terminal HAM domain, a central WH domain and a C-terminal tail. We generated different domain constructs of PLAC-24, which indicated that the HAM and WH domain both interact with the 5-HT(7(a)) receptor. Overexpression of PLAC-24 in HEK293 cells, stably expressing the h5-HT(7(a)) receptor, caused a threefold augmentation in the expression levels of the receptor. Co-localisation studies in COS-7 cells showed that PLAC-24 relocates from the nucleus and perinuclear sites towards the plasma membrane upon co-expression with the receptor. On the other hand, the expression of domain variants of PLAC-24 seems to block the translocation of the receptor towards the membrane. These observations suggest that PLAC-24 may play a role in the transport and the stabilisation of newly synthesised 5-HT(7) receptor towards the plasma membrane.

Elongation factor 1A family regulates the recycling of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the elongation 1A (eEF1A) family regulates the cell surface density of the M4 subtype of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) following agonist-induced internalization. Here, we show that mouse brains lacking eEF1A2 have no detectable changes in M4 expression or localization. We, however, did discover that eEF1A1, the other eEF1A isoform, is expressed in adult neurons contrary to previous reports. This novel finding suggested that the lack of change in M4 expression and distribution in brains lacking eEF1A2 might be due to compensatory effects of eEF1A1. Supporting this theory, we demonstrate that the overexpression of either eEF1A1 or eEF1A2 inhibits M4 recovery to the cell surface after agonist-induced internalization in PC12 cells. Furthermore, eEF1A1 or eEF1A2 had no effect on the recovery of the M1 subtype in PC12 cells. These results demonstrate the novel ability of the eEF1A family to specifically regulate the M4 mAChR.

Gi/Go protein-dependent presynaptic mechanisms are involved in clozapine-induced down-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in PC12 cells

Although the clinical effects of antipsychotics have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying their antipsychotic activity are unclear. Chronic clozapine has been reported to reduce significantly the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the mesolimbic system. To characterize the mechanisms of action of clozapine on TH expression, PC12 cells turned out to be a useful model, being by far less complex than the entire brain. Both the quantity of TH protein and the amount of TH mRNA in PC12 cells were found to be decreased during incubation of the cells in the presence of clozapine. This decline was followed by a decrease in the enzymatic activity of TH. The effect of clozapine was blocked by preincubation with N-ethylmaleimide, a sulphydryl-alkylating reagent that interferes in Gi/o protein-mediated second messenger pathways. Clozapine may thus decrease TH expression by interacting with Gi/o protein-coupled receptors, such as D2 and 5HT1A. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of established antipsychotics will promote the development of new and more efficient antipsychotic drugs.

Identification of synaptic plasma membrane proteins co-precipitated with fibrillar β-amyloid peptide

The beta-amyloid peptide that is overproduced in Alzheimer's disease rapidly forms fibrils, which are able to interact with various molecular partners. This study aimed to identify abundant synaptosomal proteins binding to the fibrillar beta-amyloid (fAbeta) 1-42. Triton X-100-soluble proteins were extracted from the rat synaptic plasma membrane fraction. Interacting proteins were isolated by co-precipitation with fAbeta, or with fibrillar crystallin as a negative control. Protein identification was accomplished (1) by separating the tryptically digested peptides of the protein pellet by one-dimensional reversed-phase HPLC and analysing them using an ion-trap mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization; and (2) by subjecting the precipitated proteins to gel electrophoretic fractionation, in-gel tryptic digestion and to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass measurements and post-source decay analysis. Six different synaptosomal proteins co-precipitated with fAbeta were identified by both methods: vacuolar proton-pump ATP synthase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, synapsins I and II, beta-tubulin and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase. Most of these proteins have already been associated with Alzheimer's disease, and the biological and pathophysiological significance of their interaction with fAbeta is discussed.

Acetylcholine-induced calcium signalling in adrenaline- and noradrenaline-containing adrenal chromaffin cells

Adrenal chromaffin cells secrete catecholamines in response to cholinergic receptor activation by acetylcholine (ACh). Characteristics of Ca(2+) transients induced by activation of nicotinic (nAChRs) and muscarinic (mAChRs) receptors were analyzed using Fura-2 fluorescent measurements on rat chromaffin cells. We first found two populations of chromaffin cells, which differently responded on AChR stimulation. In the first group (n-cells), consecutive ACh applications evoked persistent Ca(2+) transients, whereas desensitizing transients were observed in the other group (m-cells). The AChR agonists and antagonists precisely imitated or abolished the ACh action on n- and m-type cells, respectively. Cytochemical staining showed that n-cells contained adrenaline, whereas m-cells-noradrenaline. Thus, for the first time we found that nAChRs and mAChRs are differentially expressed in adrenergic and noradrenergic chromaffin cells, respectively. Our data suppose that chromaffin cells can be differentially regulated by incoming ACh signals and in such way release different substances-adrenaline and noradrenaline.

RGS2 binds directly and selectively to the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor third intracellular loop to modulate Gq/11alpha signaling

RGS proteins serve as GTPase-activating proteins and/or effector antagonists to modulate Galpha signaling events. In live cells, members of the B/R4 subfamily of RGS proteins selectively modulate G protein signaling depending on the associated receptor (GPCR). Here we examine whether GPCRs selectively recruit RGS proteins to modulate linked G protein signaling. We report the novel finding that RGS2 binds directly to the third intracellular (i3) loop of the G(q/11)-coupled M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor (M1 mAChR; M1i3). This interaction is selective because closely related RGS16 does not bind M1i3, and neither RGS2 nor RGS16 binds to the G(i/o)-coupled M2i3 loop. When expressed in cells, RGS2 and M1 mAChR co-localize to the plasma membrane whereas RGS16 does not. The N-terminal region of RGS2 is both necessary and sufficient for binding to M1i3, and RGS2 forms a stable heterotrimeric complex with both activated G(q)alpha and M1i3. RGS2 potently inhibits M1 mAChR-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cell membranes by acting as an effector antagonist. Deletion of the N terminus abolishes this effector antagonist activity of RGS2 but not its GTPase-activating protein activity toward G(11)alpha in membranes. These findings predict a model where the i3 loops of GPCRs selectively recruit specific RGS protein(s) via their N termini to regulate the linked G protein. Consistent with this model, we find that the i3 loops of the mAChR subtypes (M1-M5) exhibit differential profiles for binding distinct B/R4 RGS family members, indicating that this novel mechanism for GPCR modulation of RGS signaling may generally extend to other receptors and RGS proteins.

Proteomics Analysis of Rat Brain Postsynaptic Density

The postsynaptic density contains multiple protein complexes that together relay the presynaptic neurotransmitter input to the activation of the postsynaptic neuron. In the present study we took two independent proteome approaches for the characterization of the protein complement of the postsynaptic density, namely 1) two-dimensional gel electrophoresis separation of proteins in conjunction with mass spectrometry to identify the tryptic peptides of the protein spots and 2) isolation of the trypsin-digested sample that was labeled with isotope-coded affinity tag, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the partial separation and identification of the peptides, respectively. Functional grouping of the identified proteins indicates that the postsynaptic density is a structurally and functionally complex organelle that may be involved in a broad range of synaptic activities. These proteins include the receptors and ion channels for glutamate neurotransmission, proteins for maintenance and modulation of synaptic architecture, sorting and trafficking of membrane proteins, generation of anaerobic energy, scaffolding and signaling, local protein synthesis, and correct protein folding and breakdown of synaptic proteins. Together, these results imply that the postsynaptic density may have the ability to function (semi-) autonomously and may direct various cellular functions in order to integrate synaptic physiology.

Direct and biochemical interaction between dopamine D3 receptor and elongation factor-1Bbetagamma

Novel signaling components of dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) were searched using yeast two-hybrid system, and the gamma subunit of elongation Factor-1B (eEF1Bgamma) was found to interact with D3R. This interaction was observed specifically between eEF1Bgamma and D3R but not with D2R or D4R. Immunocytochemical studies showed that D3R and eEF1Bgamma form clusters on the plasma membrane and their co-localization was evident in these clusters. The beta subunit of eEF1B (eEF1Bbeta), which forms a tight complex with eEF1Bgamma, was phosphorylated on serine residues in response to the stimulation of D3R. Phosphorylation of eEF1Bbeta was insensitive to pertussis toxin or wortmannin, however, stimulation of cellular protein kinase C (PKC) directly phosphorylated eEF1Bbeta and depletion of PKC abolished D3R-mediated phosphorylation of eEF1Bbeta. These results suggest the involvement of PKC, but not Gi/o proteins or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, in D3R-mediated phosphorylation of eEF1Bbeta. Stimulation of D3R did not activate PKC, but the activation of PKC resulted in the phosphorylation of D3R. These results show that PKC has a permissive role for the D3R-mediated phosphorylation of eEF1Bbeta, and suggest that PKC could modulate the mutual interaction between two protein by phosphorylating both D3R and eEF1Bbeta. Therefore, the cellular PKC level would be important for the D3R-mediated modulation of eEF1B, and for their cellular regulations such as protein synthesis or cellular proliferation.