The Intracellular Trafficking of the G Protein-coupled Receptor TPβ Depends on a Direct Interaction with Rab11

Preparing to strike: Acute events in signaling by the serpentine receptor for thromboxane A2

Over the last two decades, awareness of the (patho)physiological roles of thromboxane A₂ signaling has been greatly extended. From humble beginnings as a short-lived stimulus that activates platelets and causes vasoconstriction to a dichotomous receptor system involving multiple endogenous ligands capable of modifying tissue homeostasis and disease generation in almost every tissue of the body. Thromboxane A₂ receptor (TP) signal transduction is associated with the pathogenesis of cancer, atherosclerosis, heart disease, asthma, and host response to parasitic infection amongst others. The two receptors mediating these cellular responses (TPα and TPβ) are derived from a single gene (TBXA2R) through alternative splicing. Recently, knowledge about the mechanism(s) of signal propagation by the two receptors has undergone a revolution in understanding. Not only have the structural relationships associated with G-protein coupling been established but the modulation of that signaling by post-translational modification to the receptor has come sharply into focus. Moreover, the signaling of the receptor unrelated to G-protein coupling has become a burgeoning field of endeavor with over 70 interacting proteins currently identified. These data are reshaping the concept of TP signaling from a mere guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Gα activation to a nexus for the convergence of diverse and poorly characterized signaling pathways. This review summarizes the advances in understanding in TP signaling, and the potential for new growth in a field that after almost 50 years is finally coming of age.

Renal protein reabsorption impairment related to a myxosporean infection in the grass frog (Rana temporaria L.)

A morphophysiological study of tubular reabsorption and mechanisms of protein endocytosis in the kidney of frogs (Rana temporaria L.) during parasitic infection was carried out. Pseudoplasmodia and spores of myxosporidia, beforehand assigned to the genus Sphaerospora, were detected in Bowman's capsules and in the lumen of individual renal tubules by light and electron microscopy. Remarkable morphological alteration and any signs of pathology in kidney tissue related to this myxosporean infection have not been noted. At the same time, significant changes in protein reabsorption and distribution of molecular markers of endocytosis in the proximal tubule (PT) cells in infected animals were detected by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. In lysozyme injection experiments, the endocytosed protein and megalin expression in the infected PTs were not revealed. Tubular expression of cubilin and clathrin decreased, but endosomal recycling marker Rab11 increased or remained unchanged. Thus, myxosporean infection resulted in the alterations in lysozyme uptake and expression of the main molecular determinants of endocytosis. The inhibition of receptor-mediated clathrin-dependent protein endocytosis in amphibian kidneys due to myxosporidiosis was shown for the first time. Established impairment of the endocytic process is a clear marker of tubular cell dysfunction that can be used to assess the functioning of amphibian kidneys during adaptation to adverse environmental factors.

The Role and Regulation of Thromboxane A2 Signaling in Cancer-Trojan Horses and Misdirection

Over the last two decades, there has been an increasing awareness of the role of eicosanoids in the development and progression of several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. Several processes involved in cancer development, such as cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis, are regulated by the arachidonic acid derivative thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂). Higher levels of circulating TXA₂ are observed in patients with multiple cancers, and this is accompanied by overexpression of TXA₂ synthase (TBXAS1, TXA₂S) and/or TXA₂ receptors (TBXA2R, TP). Overexpression of TXA₂S or TP in tumor cells is generally associated with poor prognosis, reduced survival, and metastatic disease. However, the role of TXA₂ signaling in the stroma during oncogenesis has been underappreciated. TXA₂ signaling regulates the tumor microenvironment by modulating angiogenic potential, tumor ECM stiffness, and host immune response. Moreover, the by-products of TXA₂S are highly mutagenic and oncogenic, adding to the overall phenotype where TXA₂ synthesis promotes tumor formation at various levels. The stability of synthetic enzymes and receptors in this pathway in most cancers (with few mutations reported) suggests that TXA₂ signaling is a viable target for adjunct therapy in various tumors to reduce immune evasion, primary tumor growth, and metastasis.

Regulation of apical constriction via microtubule- and Rab11-dependent apical transport during tissue invagination

The formation of an epithelial tube is a fundamental process for organogenesis. During Drosophila embryonic salivary gland (SG) invagination, Folded gastrulation (Fog)-dependent Rho-associated kinase (Rok) promotes contractile apical myosin formation to drive apical constriction. Microtubules (MTs) are also crucial for this process and are required for forming and maintaining apicomedial myosin. However, the underlying mechanism that coordinates actomyosin and MT networks still remains elusive. Here, we show that MT-dependent intracellular trafficking regulates apical constriction during SG invagination. Key components involved in protein trafficking, such as Rab11 and Nuclear fallout (Nuf), are apically enriched near the SG invagination pit in a MT-dependent manner. Disruption of the MT networks or knockdown of Rab11 impairs apicomedial myosin formation and apical constriction. We show that MTs and Rab11 are required for apical enrichment of the Fog ligand and the continuous distribution of the apical determinant protein Crumbs (Crb) and the key adherens junction protein E-Cadherin (E-Cad) along junctions. Targeted knockdown of crb or E-Cad in the SG disrupts apical myosin networks and results in apical constriction defects. Our data suggest a role of MT- and Rab11-dependent intracellular trafficking in regulating actomyosin networks and cell junctions to coordinate cell behaviors during tubular organ formation.

Repurposing of a Thromboxane Receptor Inhibitor Based on a Novel Role in Metastasis Identified by Phenome-Wide Association Study

Although new drug discoveries are revolutionizing cancer treatments, repurposing existing drugs would accelerate the timeline and lower the cost for bringing treatments to cancer patients. Our goal was to repurpose CPI211, a potent and selective antagonist of the thromboxane A₂-prostanoid receptor (TPr), a G-protein-coupled receptor that regulates coagulation, blood pressure, and cardiovascular homeostasis. To identify potential new clinical indications for CPI211, we performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) of the gene encoding TPr, TBXA2R, using robust deidentified health records and matched genomic data from more than 29,000 patients. Specifically, PheWAS was used to identify clinical manifestations correlating with a TBXA2R single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs200445019), which generates a T399A substitution within TPr that enhances TPr signaling. Previous studies have correlated 200445019 with chronic venous hypertension, which was recapitulated by this PheWAS analysis. Unexpectedly, PheWAS uncovered an rs200445019 correlation with cancer metastasis across several cancer types. When tested in several mouse models of metastasis, TPr inhibition using CPI211 potently blocked spontaneous metastasis from primary tumors, without affecting tumor cell proliferation, motility, or tumor growth. Further, metastasis following intravenous tumor cell delivery was blocked in mice treated with CPI211. Interestingly, TPr signaling in vascular endothelial cells induced VE-cadherin internalization, diminished endothelial barrier function, and enhanced transendothelial migration by tumor cells, phenotypes that were decreased by CPI211. These studies provide evidence that TPr signaling promotes cancer metastasis, supporting the study of TPr inhibitors as antimetastatic agents and highlighting the use of PheWAS as an approach to accelerate drug repurposing.

In vivo mapping of a GPCR interactome using knockin mice

With over 30% of current medications targeting this family of proteins, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain invaluable therapeutic targets. However, due to their unique physicochemical properties, their low abundance, and the lack of highly specific antibodies, GPCRs are still challenging to study in vivo. To overcome these limitations, we combined here transgenic mouse models and proteomic analyses in order to resolve the interactome of the δ-opioid receptor (DOPr) in its native in vivo environment. Given its analgesic properties and milder undesired effects than most clinically prescribed opioids, DOPr is a promising alternative therapeutic target for chronic pain management. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating its signaling and trafficking remain poorly characterized. We thus performed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses on brain homogenates of our newly generated knockin mouse expressing a FLAG-tagged version of DOPr and revealed several endogenous DOPr interactors involved in protein folding, trafficking, and signal transduction. The interactions with a few identified partners such as VPS41, ARF6, Rabaptin-5, and Rab10 were validated. We report an approach to characterize in vivo interacting proteins of GPCRs, the largest family of membrane receptors with crucial implications in virtually all physiological systems.

Roles of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 and Rab5 in α1B-adrenergic receptor function and internalization

Cells expressing eGFP-tagged Rab5 (wild-type or the GDP-Rab5 mutant) and the DsRed-tagged α_1B-adrenergic receptors were employed and the roles of GRK2 were studied utilizing paroxetine and the dominant-negative mutant of GRK2 (DN-GRK2). The following parameters were studied: a) FRET (as an index of α_1B-adrenergic receptor-Rab5 interaction): b) intracellular accumulation of DsRed fluorescence (receptor internalization); c) α_1B-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation, and d) noradrenaline-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration. Noradrenaline increased α_1B-adrenergic receptor-Rab5 interaction, which was blocked by paroxetine and by expression of the dominant-negative GRK2 mutant. Similarly, paroxetine and expression of the DN-GRK2 or the GDP-Rab5 mutants markedly decreased receptor internalization, α_1B-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation, and attenuated the ability of the adrenergic agonist to induce homologous desensitization (calcium signaling). The S406, 410,412A α_1B-adrenergic receptor mutant did not reproduce the actions of GRK2 inhibition. The data indicate that GRK2 and Rab5 play key roles in α_1B-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation, internalization, and desensitization. The possibility that Rab5 might form part of a signaling complex is suggested, as well as that GDP-Rab5 might interfere with the ability of GRK2 to catalyze α_1B-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation.

L-type prostaglandin D synthase regulates the trafficking of the PGD2 DP1 receptor by interacting with the GTPase Rab4

Accumulating evidence indicates that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) interact with Rab GTPases during their intracellular trafficking. How GPCRs recruit and activate the Rabs is unclear. Here, we report that depletion of endogenous L-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) in HeLa cells inhibited recycling of the prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) DP1 receptor (DP1) to the cell surface after agonist-induced internalization and that L-PGDS overexpression had the opposite effect. Depletion of endogenous Rab4 prevented l-PGDS-mediated recycling of DP1, and l-PGDS depletion inhibited Rab4-dependent recycling of DP1, indicating that both proteins are mutually involved in this pathway. DP1 stimulation promoted its interaction through its intracellular C terminus with Rab4, which was increased by l-PGDS. Confocal microscopy revealed that DP1 activation induces l-PGDS/Rab4 co-localization. l-PGDS/Rab4 and DP1/Rab4 co-immunoprecipitation levels were increased by DP1 agonist treatment. Pulldown assays with purified GST-l-PGDS and His₆-Rab4 indicated that both proteins interact directly. l-PGDS interacted preferentially with the inactive, GDP-locked Rab4S22N variant rather than with WT Rab4 or with constitutively active Rab4Q67L proteins. Overexpression and depletion experiments disclosed that l-PGDS partakes in Rab4 activation following DP1 stimulation. Experiments with deletion mutants and synthetic peptides revealed that amino acids 85-92 in l-PGDS are involved in its interaction with Rab4 and in its effect on DP1 recycling. Of note, GTPγS loading and time-resolved FRET assays with purified proteins suggested that l-PGDS enhances GDP-GTP exchange on Rab4. Our results reveal how l-PGDS, which produces the agonist for DP1, regulates DP1 recycling by participating in Rab4 recruitment and activation.

Allosteric binding sites in Rab11 for potential drug candidates

Rab11 is an important protein subfamily in the RabGTPase family. These proteins physiologically function as key regulators of intracellular membrane trafficking processes. Pathologically, Rab11 proteins are implicated in many diseases including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and type 2 diabetes. Although they are medically important, no previous study has found Rab11 allosteric binding sites where potential drug candidates can bind to. In this study, by employing multiple clustering approaches integrating principal component analysis, independent component analysis and locally linear embedding, we performed structural analyses of Rab11 and identified eight representative structures. Using these representatives to perform binding site mapping and virtual screening, we identified two novel binding sites in Rab11 and small molecules that can preferentially bind to different conformations of these sites with high affinities. After identifying the binding sites and the residue interaction networks in the representatives, we computationally showed that these binding sites may allosterically regulate Rab11, as these sites communicate with switch 2 region that binds to GTP/GDP. These two allosteric binding sites in Rab11 are also similar to two allosteric pockets in Ras that we discovered previously.

Role of Rab GTPases in the export trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a superfamily of cell surface receptors that regulate a variety of cell functions. As the cell surface is the functional destination for most GPCRs, the cell surface targeting process represents a crucial checkpoint in controlling the functionality of the receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell surface delivery of newly synthesized GPCRs remain poorly understood. In this review, we will highlight the role of Rab GTPases in GPCR cell surface transport, particularly post-Golgi traffic, and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Identification of α-helix 4 (α4) of Rab11a as a novel Rab11-binding domain (RBD): Interaction of Rab11a with the Prostacyclin Receptor

The cellular trafficking of numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is known to be regulated by Rab proteins that involves a direct protein:protein interaction between the receptor and the GTPase. In the case of the human prostacyclin receptor (hIP), it undergoes agonist-induced internalization and subsequent Rab11a-dependent recyclization involving an interaction between a Rab11-binding domain (RBD) localized within its carboxyl-tail domain with Rab11a. However, the GPCR-interacting domain on Rab11a itself is unknown. Hence, we sought to identify the region within Rab11a that mediates its interaction with the RBD of the hIP. The α4 helix region of Rab11 was identified as a novel binding domain for the hIP, a site entirely distinct from the Switch I/Switch II -regions that act as specific binding domain for most other Rab and Ras-like GTPase interactants. Specifically, Glu¹³⁸ within α4 helix of Rab11a appears to contact with key residues (e.g. Lys³⁰⁴) within the RBD of the hIP, where such contacts differ depending on the agonist-activated versus -inactive status of the hIP. Through mutational studies, supported by in silico homology modelling of the inactive and active hIP:Rab11a complexes, a mechanism is proposed to explain both the constitutive and agonist-induced binding of Rab11a to regulate intracellular trafficking of the hIP. Collectively, these studies are not only the first to identify α4 helix of Rab11a as a protein binding domain on the GTPase but also reveal novel mechanistic insights into the intracellular trafficking of the hIP, and potentially of other members of the GPCR superfamily, involving Rab11-dependent mechanisms.

Protein Kinase C Activation Promotes α1B-Adrenoceptor Internalization and Late Endosome Trafficking through Rab9 Interaction. Role in Heterologous Desensitization

Upon agonist stimulation, α_1B-adrenergic receptors couple to G_q proteins, calcium signaling and protein kinase C activation; subsequently, the receptors are phosphorylated, desensitized, and internalized. Internalization seems to involve scaffolding proteins, such as β-arrestin and clathrin. However, the fine mechanisms that participate remain unsolved. The roles of protein kinase C and the small GTPase, Rab9, in α_1B-AR vesicular traffic were investigated by studying α_1B-adrenergic receptor-Rab protein interactions, using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), confocal microscopy, and intracellular calcium quantitation. In human embryonic kidney 293 cells overexpressing Discosoma spp. red fluorescent protein (DsRed)-tagged α_1B-ARs and enhanced green fluorescent protein--tagged Rab proteins, pharmacological protein kinase C activation mimicked α_1B-AR traffic elicited by nonrelated agents, such as sphingosine 1-phosphate (i.e., transient α_1B-AR-Rab5 FRET signal followed by a sustained α_1B-AR-Rab9 interaction), suggesting brief receptor localization in early endosomes and transfer to late endosomes. This latter interaction was abrogated by blocking protein kinase C activity, resulting in receptor retention at the plasma membrane. Similar effects were observed when a dominant-negative Rab9 mutant (Rab9-GDP) was employed. When α_1B-adrenergic receptors that had been mutated at protein kinase C phosphorylation sites (S396A, S402A) were used, phorbol ester-induced desensitization of the calcium response was markedly decreased; however, interaction with Rab9 was only partially decreased and internalization was observed in response to phorbol esters and sphingosine 1-phosphate. Finally, Rab9-GDP expression did not affect adrenergic-mediated calcium response but abolished receptor traffic and altered desensitization. Data suggest that protein kinase C modulates α_1B-adrenergic receptor transfer to late endosomes and that Rab9 regulates this process and participates in G protein-mediated signaling turn-off.

A novel tribasic Golgi export signal directs cargo protein interaction with activated Rab11 and AP-1-dependent Golgi-plasma membrane trafficking

A novel sorting motif present in the reovirus p14 fusion–associated small transmembrane protein directs interaction with GTP-Rab11 at the TGN and sorting into AP-1–coated vesicles for trafficking to the plasma membrane. This is the first example of cargo protein interaction with activated Rab11 mediating anterograde trafficking from the TGN.

The reovirus fusion–associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins comprise a unique family of viral membrane fusion proteins dedicated to inducing cell–cell fusion. We recently reported that a polybasic motif (PBM) in the cytosolic tail of reptilian reovirus p14 FAST protein functions as a novel tribasic Golgi export signal. Using coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays, we now show the PBM directs interaction of p14 with GTP-Rab11. Overexpression of dominant-negative Rab11 and RNA interference knockdown of endogenous Rab11 inhibited p14 plasma membrane trafficking and resulted in p14 accumulation in the Golgi complex. This is the first example of Golgi export to the plasma membrane that is dependent on the interaction of membrane protein cargo with activated Rab11. RNA interference and immunofluorescence microscopy further revealed that p14 Golgi export is dependent on AP-1 (but not AP-3 or AP-4) and that Rab11 and AP-1 both colocalize with p14 at the TGN. Together these results imply the PBM mediates interactions of p14 with activated Rab11 at the TGN, resulting in p14 sorting into AP1-coated vesicles for anterograde TGN–plasma membrane transport.

Recycling and Endosomal Sorting of Protease-activated Receptor-1 Is Distinctly Regulated by Rab11A and Rab11B Proteins

Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that undergoes proteolytic irreversible activation by coagulant and anti-coagulant proteases. Given the irreversible activation of PAR1, signaling by the receptor is tightly regulated through desensitization and intracellular trafficking. PAR1 displays both constitutive and agonist-induced internalization. Constitutive internalization of PAR1 is important for generating an internal pool of naïve receptors that replenish the cell surface and facilitate resensitization, whereas agonist-induced internalization of PAR1 is critical for terminating G protein signaling. We showed that PAR1 constitutive internalization is mediated by the adaptor protein complex-2 (AP-2), whereas AP-2 and epsin control agonist-induced PAR1 internalization. However, the mechanisms that regulate PAR1 recycling are not known. In the present study we screened a siRNA library of 140 different membrane trafficking proteins to identify key regulators of PAR1 intracellular trafficking. In addition to known mediators of PAR1 endocytosis, we identified Rab11B as a critical regulator of PAR1 trafficking. We found that siRNA-mediated depletion of Rab11B and not Rab11A blocks PAR1 recycling, which enhanced receptor lysosomal degradation. Although Rab11A is not required for PAR1 recycling, depletion of Rab11A resulted in intracellular accumulation of PAR1 through disruption of basal lysosomal degradation of the receptor. Moreover, enhanced degradation of PAR1 observed in Rab11B-deficient cells is blocked by depletion of Rab11A and the autophagy related-5 protein, suggesting that PAR1 is shuttled to an autophagic degradation pathway in the absence of Rab11B recycling. Together these findings suggest that Rab11A and Rab11B differentially regulate intracellular trafficking of PAR1 through distinct endosomal sorting mechanisms.

Chaperoning G protein-coupled receptors: from cell biology to therapeutics

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that traverse the plasma membrane seven times (hence, are also called 7TM receptors). The polytopic structure of GPCRs makes the folding of GPCRs difficult and complex. Indeed, many wild-type GPCRs are not folded optimally, and defects in folding are the most common cause of genetic diseases due to GPCR mutations. Both general and receptor-specific molecular chaperones aid the folding of GPCRs. Chemical chaperones have been shown to be able to correct the misfolding in mutant GPCRs, proving to be important tools for studying the structure-function relationship of GPCRs. However, their potential therapeutic value is very limited. Pharmacological chaperones (pharmacoperones) are potentially important novel therapeutics for treating genetic diseases caused by mutations in GPCR genes that resulted in misfolded mutant proteins. Pharmacoperones also increase cell surface expression of wild-type GPCRs; therefore, they could be used to treat diseases that do not harbor mutations in GPCRs. Recent studies have shown that indeed pharmacoperones work in both experimental animals and patients. High-throughput assays have been developed to identify new pharmacoperones that could be used as therapeutics for a number of endocrine and other genetic diseases.

Crystal structure of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase II leucine zipper and Rab11b protein complex reveals molecular details of G-kinase-specific interactions

cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)-interacting proteins (GKIPs) mediate cellular targeting of PKG isoforms by interacting with their leucine zipper (LZ) domains. These interactions prevent aberrant signaling cross-talk between different PKG isotypes. To gain detailed insight into isotype-specific GKIP recognition by PKG, we analyzed the type II PKG leucine zipper domain and found that residues 40-83 dimerized and specifically interacted with Rab11b. Next, we determined a crystal structure of the PKG II LZ-Rab11b complex. The PKG II LZ domain presents a mostly nonpolar surface onto which Rab11b docks, through van der Waals interactions. Contact surfaces in Rab11b are found in switch I and II, interswitch, and the β1/N-terminal regions. This binding surface dramatically differs from that seen in the Rab11 family of interacting protein complex structures. Structural comparison with PKG Iα and Iβ LZs combined with mutagenic analysis reveals that GKIP recognition is mediated through surface charge interactions.

New insights in the regulation of Rab GTPases by G protein-coupled receptors

Cargo-mediated regulation of vesicular transport has received great attention lately. Rab GTPases, forming the largest branch of the Ras GTPase superfamily, regulate almost every step of vesicle-mediated trafficking. Growing evidence suggests that mutations, aberrant expression, and altered post-translational modifications of Rab GTPases are associated with human diseases. However, their regulatory mechanisms and how they are connected to cargo proteins are still poorly understood. Accumulating data indicate that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) directly associate with Rab GTPases and that these interactions dictate receptor trafficking. Yet, it remained unclear whether the receptors could regulate the targeting and activity of Rab GTPases in various cell compartments. It is only in recent years that experimental studies showed that GPCR signaling and interaction with Rab-associated regulatory proteins modulate the localization and activity of Rab GTPases. This research is revealing novel regulatory mechanisms of these small GTPases and should contribute to the progress in effective drug development. Recently published in the Journal of Cell Science, Lachance et al. present a novel role for ubiquitylation of Rab11a by a β2AR/HACE1 complex in regulating Rab11a activity and β2AR trafficking.

BDNF-dependent recycling facilitates TrkB translocation to postsynaptic density during LTP via a Rab11-dependent pathway

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the activity-dependent regulation of synaptic structure and function via tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB) receptor activation. However, whether BDNF could regulate TrkB levels at synapse during long-term potentiation (LTP) is still unknown. We show in cultured rat hippocampal neurons that chemical LTP (cLTP) stimuli selectively promote endocytic recycling of BDNF-dependent full-length TrkB (TrkB-FL) receptors, but not isoform T1 (TrkB.T1) receptors, via a Rab11-dependent pathway. Moreover, neuronal-activity-enhanced TrkB-FL recycling could facilitate receptor translocation to postsynaptic density and enhance BDNF-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation and rat hippocampal neuron survival. Finally, we found that cLTP could stimulate the switch of Rab11 from an inactive to an active form and that GTP-bound Rab11 could enhance the interaction between TrkB-FL and PSD-95. Therefore, the recycling endosome could serve as a reserve pool to supply TrkB-FL receptors for LTP maintenance. These findings provide a mechanistic link between Rab11-dependent endocytic recycling and TrkB modulation of synaptic plasticity.

Inverse agonist and pharmacochaperone properties of MK-0524 on the prostanoid DP1 receptor

Prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) acts through two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the prostanoid DP receptor and CRTH2 also known as DP1 and DP2, respectively. Several previously characterized GPCR antagonists are now classified as inverse agonists and a number of GPCR ligands are known to display pharmacochaperone activity towards a given receptor. Here, we demonstrate that a DP1 specific antagonist, MK-0524 (also known as laropiprant), decreased basal levels of intracellular cAMP produced by DP1, a Gα(s)-coupled receptor, in HEK293 cells. This reduction in cAMP levels was not altered by pertussis toxin treatment, indicating that MK-0524 did not induce coupling of DP1 to Gα(i/o) proteins and that this ligand is a DP1 inverse agonist. Basal ERK1/2 activation by DP1 was not modulated by MK-0524. Interestingly, treatment of HEK293 cells expressing Flag-tagged DP1 with MK-0524 promoted DP1 cell surface expression time-dependently to reach a maximum increase of 50% compared to control after 24 h. In contrast, PGD₂ induced the internalization of 75% of cell surface DP1 after the same time of stimulation. The increase in DP1 cell surface targeting by MK-0524 was inhibited by Brefeldin A, an inhibitor of transport from the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi to the plasma membrane. Confocal microscopy confirmed that a large population of DP1 remained trapped intracellularly and co-localized with calnexin, an endoplasmic reticulum marker. Redistribution of DP1 from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane was observed following treatment with MK-0524 for 24 h. Furthermore, MK-0524 promoted the interaction between DP1 and the ANKRD13C protein, which we showed previously to display chaperone-like effects towards the receptor. We thus report that MK-0524 is an inverse agonist and a pharmacochaperone of DP1. Our findings may have important implications during therapeutic treatments with MK-0524 and for the development of new molecules targeting DP1.

Rab11 proteins in health and disease

Comprising over 60 members, Rab proteins constitute the largest branch of the Ras superfamily of low-molecular-mass G-proteins. This protein family have been primarily implicated in various aspects of intracellular membrane trafficking processes. On the basis of distinct subfamily-specific sequence motifs, many Rabs have been grouped into subfamilies. The Rab11 GTPase subfamily comprises three members: Rab11a, Rab11b and Rab25/Rab11c, which, between them, have been demonstrated to bind more than 30 proteins. In the present paper, we review the function of the Rab11 subfamily. We describe their localization and primary functional roles within the cell and their implication, to date, in disease processes. We also summarize the protein machinery currently known to regulate or mediate their functions and the cargo molecules which they have been shown to transport.

Regulation of G protein-coupled receptor trafficking and signaling by Rab GTPases

Rab GTPases play an essential role in the regulation of intracellular transport including the budding, tethering, and fusion of vesicles as well as organelle motility. The regulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) trafficking by Rab GTPases has traditionally been regarded as a non-specific process that facilitates the movement of the receptors between intracellular membrane compartments. Thus, alterations in GPCR signal transduction and trafficking following the overexpression of constitutively active and dominant negative Rabs were originally considered to be solely the passive by-product of perturbations in intracellular compartmental dynamics. Recently, an explosion of experimental studies has provided increasingly convincing evidence that receptor trafficking actively affects the signal transduction of cargo proteins and that the signaling of GPCR vesicular cargo can in turn modulate Rab GTPase regulated intracellular transport processes. This research is revealing how different Rabs coordinate with themselves and other regulatory molecules to mediate protein trafficking, as well as uncovers novel functions for traditional Rabs, while illustrating the active role these trafficking molecules play in pathology of disease. Recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Esseltine et al., present a novel role for the typified exocytic small G protein Rab8 in the intracellular trafficking and signal transduction of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1.

Rab8 modulates metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 intracellular trafficking and signaling in a protein kinase C-dependent manner

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Alterations in glutamate receptor signaling are implicated in neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, and Huntington's disease among others. Group 1 mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) are primarily coupled to Gα(q/11) leading to the activation of phospholipase C and the formation of diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which results in the release of intracellular calcium stores and protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Desensitization, endocytosis, and recycling are major mechanisms of GPCR regulation, and the intracellular trafficking of GPCRs is linked to the Rab family of small G proteins. Rab8 is a small GTPase that is specifically involved in the regulation of secretory/recycling vesicles, modulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and cell polarity. Rab8 has been shown to regulate the synaptic delivery of AMPA receptors during long-term potentiation and during constitutive receptor recycling. We show here that Rab8 interacts with the C-terminal tail of mGluR1a in an agonist-dependent manner and plays a role in regulating of mGluR1a signaling and intracellular trafficking in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Specifically, Rab8 expression attenuates mGluR1a-mediated inositol phosphate formation and calcium release from mouse neurons in a PKC-dependent manner, while increasing cell surface mGluR1a expression via decreased receptor endocytosis. These experiments provide us with an understanding of the role Rabs play in coordinated regulation of mGluR1a and how this impacts mGluR1a signaling.

G-protein-coupled receptor interaction with small GTPases

In addition to heterotrimeric G-proteins, Ras-like small GTPases are also involved in regulating physiological functions of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. In particular, Rab and ARF GTPases function either as "traffic cops" to coordinate receptor targeting to specific locations or as "signal transducers" to directly mediate receptor signal propagation. As revealed in protein-protein interaction assays, GPCRs may use specific motifs to physically interact with small GTPases, providing important insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this chapter, we describe coimmunoprecipitation and GST fusion protein pull-down approaches to study the GPCR-small GTPase interaction, by focusing on the interaction of α(2B)- and β(2)-adrenegic receptors with the small GTPases Rab8 and ARF1.

Ubiquitination and activation of a Rab GTPase promoted by a β2-Adrenergic Receptor/HACE1 complex

We and others have shown that trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors is regulated by Rab GTPases. Cargo-mediated regulation of vesicular transport has received great attention lately. Rab GTPases, forming the largest branch of the Ras GTPase superfamily, regulate almost every step of vesicle-mediated trafficking. Rab GTPases are well-recognized targets of human diseases but their regulation and the mechanisms connecting them to cargo proteins are still poorly understood. Herein, we show by overexpression/depletion studies that HACE1, a HECT domain-containing ubiquitin ligase, promotes the recycling of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor, through a Rab11a-dependent mechanism. Interestingly, the β2AR in conjunction with HACE1 triggered ubiquitination of Rab11a, as observed by Western blot analysis. LC-MS/MS experiments determined that Rab11a is ubiquitnatied on Lys145. A Rab11a-K145R mutant failed to undergo β2AR/HACE1-induced ubiquitination and inhibited the HACE1-mediated recycling of the β2AR. Rab11a, but not Rab11a-K145R, was activated by β2AR/HACE1 indicating that ubiquitination of Lys145 is involved in Rab11a activation. β2AR/HACE1 co-expression also potentiated ubiquitination of Rab6a and Rab8a, but not of other Rab GTPases that were tested. We report a novel regulatory mechanism of Rab GTPases by their ubiquitination with associated functional effects demonstrated on Rab11a. This partakes into a new pathway whereby a cargo protein, like a G protein-coupled receptor, can regulate its own trafficking by inducing the ubiquitination and activation of a Rab GTPase.

β-Arrestins: modulators of small GTPase activation and function

Most cellular events responsible for accurate G protein-coupled receptor trafficking involve small GTP-binding proteins. For example, trafficking of receptors via the endocytic and exocytic pathways requires activation of ADP-ribosylation factors and Rab proteins, while receptor-mediated complex responses such as migration are well characterized to be dependent upon Rho family members. Because β-arrestin proteins are recruited to activated receptors and now considered as key signaling molecules, whether they act to control small GTPase activity remains a subject of great interest. Over the years, considerable evidence has suggested that β-arrestins and GTPases might be effectors of the same signaling pathways. One example is the roles of both β-arrestin and Ras, the prototypical GTPase, in coordinating activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Recently developed tools effective in suppressing the expression of β-arrestins will help define whether they are essential for small G protein activation. Furthermore, novel approaches to identify protein complexes will greatly advance our understanding of the possible cross talk between β-arrestin and small GTPases.

Rab26 modulates the cell surface transport of α2-adrenergic receptors from the Golgi

The molecular mechanisms underlying the transport from the Golgi to the cell surface of G protein-coupled receptors remain poorly elucidated. Here we determined the role of Rab26, a Ras-like small GTPase involved in vesicle-mediated secretion, in the cell surface export of α(2)-adrenergic receptors. We found that transient expression of Rab26 mutants and siRNA-mediated depletion of Rab26 significantly attenuated the cell surface numbers of α(2A)-AR and α(2B)-AR, as well as ERK1/2 activation by α(2B)-AR. Furthermore, the receptors were extensively arrested in the Golgi by Rab26 mutants and siRNA. Moreover, Rab26 directly and activation-dependently interacted with α(2B)-AR, specifically the third intracellular loop. These data demonstrate that the small GTPase Rab26 regulates the Golgi to cell surface traffic of α(2)-adrenergic receptors, likely through a physical interaction. These data also provide the first evidence implicating an important function of Rab26 in coordinating plasma membrane protein transport.

Regulation of GPCR activity, trafficking and localization by GPCR-interacting proteins

GPCRs represent the largest family of integral membrane proteins and were first identified as receptor proteins that couple via heterotrimeric G-proteins to regulate a vast variety of effector proteins to modulate cellular function. It is now recognized that GPCRs interact with a myriad of proteins that not only function to attenuate their signalling but also function to couple these receptors to heterotrimeric G-protein-independent signalling pathways. In addition, intracellular and transmembrane proteins associate with GPCRs and regulate their processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, trafficking to the cell surface, compartmentalization to plasma membrane microdomains, endocytosis and trafficking between intracellular membrane compartments. The present review will overview the functional consequence of β-arrestin, receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPS), regulators of G-protein signalling (RGS), GPCR-associated sorting proteins (GASPs), Homer, small GTPases, PSD95/Disc Large/Zona Occludens (PDZ), spinophilin, protein phosphatases, calmodulin, optineurin and Src homology 3 (SH3) containing protein interactions with GPCRs.

The recycling endosome and its role in neurological disorders

The recycling endosome (RE) is an organelle in the endocytic pathway where plasma membranes (proteins and lipids) internalized by endocytosis are processed back to the cell surface for reuse. Endocytic recycling is the primary way for the cell to maintain constituents of the plasma membrane (Griffiths et al., 1989), i.e., to maintain the abundance of receptors and transporters on cell surfaces. Membrane traffic through the RE is crucial for several key cellular processes including cytokinesis and cell migration. In polarized cells, including neurons, the RE is vital for the generation and maintenance of the polarity of the plasma membrane. Many RE dependent cargo molecules are known to be important for neuronal function and there is evidence that improper function of key proteins in RE-associated pathways may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, including Huntington's disease. The function of the RE in neurons is poorly understood. Therefore, there is need to understand how membrane dynamics in RE-associated pathways are affected or participate in the development or progression of neurological diseases. This review summarizes advances in understanding endocytic recycling associated with the RE, challenges in elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying RE function, and evidence for RE dysfunction in neurological disorders.

Regulation of β2-adrenergic receptor maturation and anterograde trafficking by an interaction with Rab geranylgeranyltransferase: modulation of Rab geranylgeranylation by the receptor

Previous reports by us and others demonstrated that G protein-coupled receptors interact functionally with Rab GTPases. Here, we show that the β(2)-adrenergic receptor (β(2)AR) interacts with the Rab geranylgeranyltransferase α-subunit (RGGTA). Confocal microscopy showed that β(2)AR co-localizes with RGGTA in intracellular compartments and at the plasma membrane. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that RGGTA binds to the L(339)L(340) motif in the β(2)AR C terminus known to be involved in the transport of the receptor from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. Modulation of the cellular levels of RGGTA protein by overexpression or siRNA-mediated knockdown of the endogenous protein demonstrated that RGGTA has a positive role in the maturation and anterograde trafficking of the β(2)AR, which requires the interaction of RGGTA with the β(2)AR L(339)L(340) motif. Furthermore, the β(2)AR modulates the geranylgeranylation of Rab6a, Rab8a, and Rab11a, but not of other Rab proteins tested in this study. Regulation of Rab geranylgeranylation by the β(2)AR was dependent on the RGGTA-interacting L(339)L(340) motif. Interestingly, a RGGTA-Y107F mutant was unable to regulate Rab geranylgeranylation but still promoted β(2)AR maturation, suggesting that RGGTA may have functions independent of Rab geranylgeranylation. We demonstrate for the first time an interaction between a transmembrane receptor and RGGTA which regulates the maturation and anterograde transport of the receptor, as well as geranylgeranylation of Rab GTPases.

WDR36 acts as a scaffold protein tethering a G-protein-coupled receptor, Gαq and phospholipase Cβ in a signalling complex

We identified the WD-repeat-containing protein, WDR36, as an interacting partner of the β isoform of thromboxane A2 receptor (TPβ) by yeast two-hybrid screening. We demonstrated that WDR36 directly interacts with the C-terminus and the first intracellular loop of TPβ by in vitro GST-pulldown assays. The interaction in a cellular context was observed by co-immunoprecipitation, which was positively affected by TPβ stimulation. TPβ–WDR36 colocalization was detected by confocal microscopy at the plasma membrane in non-stimulated HEK293 cells but the complex translocated to intracellular vesicles following receptor stimulation. Coexpression of WDR36 and its siRNA-mediated knockdown, respectively, increased and inhibited TPβ-induced Gαq signalling. Interestingly, WDR36 co-immunoprecipitated with Gαq, and promoted TPβ–Gαq interaction. WDR36 also associated with phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) and increased the interaction between Gαq and PLCβ, but prevented sequestration of activated Gαq by GRK2. In addition, the presence of TPβ in PLCβ immunoprecipitates was augmented by expression of WDR36. Finally, disease-associated variants of WDR36 affected its ability to modulate Gαq-mediated signalling by TPβ. We report that WDR36 acts as a new scaffold protein tethering a G-protein-coupled receptor, Gαq and PLCβ in a signalling complex.

Yellow submarine of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling: submerging from the G protein harbor to the targets

The Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway plays multiple functions in animal development and, when deregulated, in human disease. The G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) Frizzled and its cognate heterotrimeric Gi/o proteins initiate the intracellular signaling cascades resulting in cell fate determination and polarization. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on the ligand recognition, biochemistry, modifications and interacting partners of the Frizzled proteins viewed as GPCRs. We also discuss the effectors of the heterotrimeric Go protein in Frizzled signaling. One group of these effectors is represented by small GTPases of the Rab family, which amplify the initial Wnt/Frizzled signal. Another effector is the negative regulator of Wnt signaling Axin, which becomes deactivated in response to Go action. The discovery of the GPCR properties of Frizzled receptors not only provides mechanistic understanding to their signaling pathways, but also paves new avenues for the drug discovery efforts.

Identification of an interaction between the TPalpha and TPbeta isoforms of the human thromboxane A2 receptor with protein kinase C-related kinase (PRK) 1: implications for prostate cancer

In humans, thromboxane (TX) A(2) signals through the TPα and TPβ isoforms of the TXA(2) receptor or TP. Here, the RhoA effector protein kinase C-related kinase (PRK) 1 was identified as an interactant of both TPα and ΤPβ involving common and unique sequences within their respective C-terminal (C)-tail domains and the kinase domain of PRK1 (PRK1(640-942)). Although the interaction with PRK1 is constitutive, agonist activation of TPα/TPβ did not regulate the complex per se but enhanced PRK1 activation leading to phosphorylation of its general substrate histone H1 in vitro. Altered PRK1 and TP expression and signaling are increasingly implicated in certain neoplasms, particularly in androgen-associated prostate carcinomas. Agonist activation of TPα/TPβ led to phosphorylation of histone H3 at Thr(11) (H3 Thr(11)), a previously recognized specific marker of androgen-induced chromatin remodeling, in the prostate LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines but not in primary vascular smooth muscle or endothelial cells. Moreover, this effect was augmented by dihydrotestosterone in androgen-responsive LNCaP but not in nonresponsive PC-3 cells. Furthermore, PRK1 was confirmed to constitutively interact with TPα/TPβ in both LNCaP and PC-3 cells, and targeted disruption of PRK1 impaired TPα/TPβ-mediated H3 Thr(11) phosphorylation in, and cell migration of, both prostate cell types. Collectively, considering the role of TXA(2) as a potent mediator of RhoA signaling, the identification of PRK1 as a bona fide interactant of TPα/TPβ, and leading to H3 Thr(11) phosphorylation to regulate cell migration, has broad functional significance such as within the vasculature and in neoplasms in which both PRK1 and the TPs are increasingly implicated.

Rab GTPases bind at a common site within the angiotensin II type I receptor carboxyl-terminal tail: evidence that Rab4 regulates receptor phosphorylation, desensitization, and resensitization

The human angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁R) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily and represents an important target for cardiovascular therapeutic intervention. Agonist-activation of the AT₁R induces β-arrestin-dependent endocytosis to early endosomes in which the receptor resides as a protein complex with the Rab GTPase Rab5. In the present study, we examined whether other Rab GTPases that regulate receptor trafficking through endosomal compartments also bind to the AT₁R. We find that Rab4, Rab7, and Rab11 all bind to the last 10 amino acid residues of the AT₁R carboxyl-terminal tail. Rab11 binds AT₁R more effectively than Rab5, whereas Rab4 binds less effectively than Rab5. Alanine scanning mutagenesis reveals that proline 354 and cysteine 355 contribute to Rab protein binding, and mutation of these residues does not affect G protein coupling. We find that the Rab GTPases each compete with one another for receptor binding and that although Rab4 interacts poorly with the AT₁R, it effectively displaces Rab11 from the receptor. In contrast, Rab11 overexpression does not prevent Rab4 binding to the AT₁R. Overexpression of wild-type Rab4, but not Rab11, facilitates AT₁R dephosphorylation, and a constitutively active Rab4-Q67L mutant reduces AT₁R desensitization and promotes AT₁R resensitization. Taken together, our data indicate that multiple Rab GTPases bind to a motif localized to the distal end of the AT₁R tail and that increased Rab4 activity may contribute to the regulation AT₁R desensitization and dephosphorylation.

Regulation of thromboxane receptor signaling at multiple levels by oxidative stress-induced stabilization, relocation and enhanced responsiveness

BACKGROUND

Thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) is a major, unstable arachidonic acid metabolite, and plays a key role in normal physiology and control of vascular tone. The human thromboxane receptor (TPβ), expressed in COS-7 cells, is located predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Brief hydrogen peroxide exposure increases the efficiency of translocation of TPβ from the ER into the Golgi complex, inducing maturation and stabilization of TPβ. However, the ultimate fate of this post-ER TPβ pool is not known, nor is its capacity to initiate signal transduction. Here we specifically assessed if functional TPβ was transported to the plasma membrane following H(2)O(2) exposure.

RESULTS

We demonstrate, by biotinylation and confocal microscopy, that exposure to H(2)O(2) results in rapid delivery of a cohort of TPβ to the cell surface, which is stable for at least eight hours. Surface delivery is brefeldin A-sensitive, indicating that translocation of this receptor cohort is from internal pools and via the Golgi complex. H(2)O(2) treatment results in potentiation of the increase to intracellular calcium concentrations in response to TPβ agonists U46619 and 8-iso PGF(2α) and also in the loss of ligand-dependent receptor internalization. Further there is increased responsiveness to a second application of the agonist. Finally we demonstrate that the effect of H(2)O(2) on stimulating surface delivery is shared with the FP prostanoid receptor but not the EP3 or EP4 receptors.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

In summary, brief exposure to H(2)O(2) results in an immediate and sustained increase in the surface pool of thromboxane receptor that is capable of mediating a persistent hyper-responsiveness of the cell and suggests a highly sophisticated mechanism for rapidly regulating thromboxane signaling.

Interaction of the human prostacyclin receptor with Rab11: characterization of a novel Rab11 binding domain within alpha-helix 8 that is regulated by palmitoylation

The human prostacyclin receptor (hIP) undergoes agonist-induced internalization and subsequent recyclization in slowly recycling endosomes involving its direct physical interaction with Rab11a. Moreover, interaction with Rab11a localizes to a 22-residue putative Rab11 binding domain (RBD) within the carboxyl-terminal tail of the hIP, proximal to the transmembrane 7 (TM7) domain. Because the proposed RBD contains Cys(308) and Cys(311), in addition to Cys(309), that are known to undergo palmitoylation, we sought to identify the structure/function determinants of the RBD, including the influence of palmitoylation, on agonist-induced trafficking of the hIP. Through complementary approaches in yeast and mammalian cells along with computational structural studies, the RBD was localized to a 14-residue domain, between Val(299) and Leu(312), and proposed to be organized into an eighth alpha-helical domain (alpha-helix 8), comprising Val(299)-Val(307), adjacent to the palmitoylated residues at Cys(308)-Cys(311). From mutational and [(3)H]palmitate metabolic labeling studies, it is proposed that palmitoylation at Cys(311) in addition to agonist-regulated deacylation at Cys(309) > Cys(308) may dynamically position alpha-helix 8 in proximity to Rab11a, to regulate agonist-induced intracellular trafficking of the hIP. Moreover, Ala-scanning mutagenesis identified several hydrophobic residues within alpha-helix 8 as necessary for the interaction with Rab11a. Given the diverse membership of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, of which many members are also predicted to contain an alpha-helical 8 domain proximal to TM7 and, often, adjacent to palmitoylable cysteine(s), the identification of a functional role for alpha-helix 8, as exemplified as an RBD for the hIP, is likely to have broader significance for certain members of the superfamily.

Rab8 interacts with distinct motifs in alpha2B- and beta2-adrenergic receptors and differentially modulates their transport

The molecular mechanism underlying the post-Golgi transport of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remains poorly understood. Here we determine the role of Rab8 GTPase, which modulates vesicular protein transport between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the plasma membrane, in the cell surface targeting of alpha(2B)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (AR). Transient expression of GDP- and GTP-bound Rab8 mutants and short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of Rab8 more potently inhibited the cell surface expression of alpha(2B)-AR than beta(2)-AR. The GDP-bound Rab8(T22N) mutant attenuated ERK1/2 activation by alpha(2B)-AR, but not beta(2)-AR, and arrested alpha(2B)-AR in the TGN compartment. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that both alpha(2B)-AR and beta(2)-AR physically interacted with Rab8 and glutathione S-transferase fusion protein pulldown assays demonstrated that Rab8 interacted with the C termini of both receptors. Interestingly, mutation of the highly conserved membrane-proximal C terminus dileucine motif selectively blocked beta(2)-AR interaction with Rab8, whereas mutation of residues Val(431)-Phe(432)-Asn(433)-Gln(434), Pro(447)-Trp(448), Gln(450)-Thr(451), and Trp(453) in the C terminus impaired alpha(2B)-AR interaction with Rab8. Furthermore, transport inhibition by Rab8(T22N) of a chimeric beta(2)-AR carrying the alpha(2B)-AR C terminus was similar to alpha(2B)-AR. These data provide strong evidence indicating that Rab8 GTPase interacts with distinct motifs in the C termini of alpha(2B)-AR and beta(2)-AR and differentially modulates their traffic from the TGN to the cell surface.

Thromboxane and the thromboxane receptor in cardiovascular disease

Thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)), the primary product of COX-1-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid, mediates its biological actions through the TXA(2) receptor, termed the TP. Irreversible inhibition of platelet COX-1-derived TXA(2) with low-dose aspirin affords protection against primary and secondary vascular thrombotic events, underscoring the central role of TXA(2) as a platelet agonist in cardiovascular disease. The limitations associated with aspirin use include significant gastrointestinal toxicity, bleeding complications, potential interindividual response variability and poor efficacy in some disease states. This, together with the broad role of TXA(2) in cardiovascular disease beyond the platelet, has refocused interest towards additional TXA(2)-associated drug targets, in particular TXA(2) synthase and the TP. The superiority of these agents over low-dose aspirin, in terms of clinical efficacy, tolerability and commercial viability, remain open questions that are the focus of ongoing research.

Characterization of C-terminal tail determinants involved in CRTH2 receptor trafficking: identification of a recycling motif

The molecular mechanisms regulating the trafficking of the CRTH2 receptor are poorly understood. In the present study, we characterize C-terminal tail determinants involved in the agonist-induced trafficking of the CRTH2 receptor for prostaglandin D(2). Our results showed that progressive deletion of C-terminal tail residues from amino acid 395 up to 337 gradually impaired CRTH2 internalization by approximately 50% as measured by ELISA in HEK293 cells. Surprisingly, further deletion of the C-tail to amino acid 328 or 317 resulted in receptor mutants displaying internalization similar to the wild-type receptor. Individual mutations of Asp(330), Ser(331), Glu(332), and Leu(333) to Ala in the C-tail of the full length receptor resulted in a 45% increase in internalization of the receptor mutants relative to the wild-type receptor. Pretreatment with the recycling inhibitor monensin increased internalization of the wild-type receptor but did not affect that of the D330A, S331A, E332A and L333A mutants, indicating that these residues are part of a recycling motif. Further experiments revealed that Asp(330), Ser(331) and Glu(332) are not only involved in receptor recycling, but are also required for promotion of CRTH2 internalization by GRK2 and GRK5. Site-directed mutagenesis identified Thr(347) as a major site for PKC-induced internalization of the receptor. Confocal microscopy revealed that arrestin-3 dissociated from the receptor after agonist stimulation and internalization, suggesting that CRTH2 is a class A G protein-coupled receptor. Our study identified specific amino acids in the CRTH2 receptor C-tail implicated in the agonist-induced internalization and the recycling of the receptor.

Endocytosis of FcalphaR is clathrin and dynamin dependent, but its cytoplasmic domain is not required

FcalphaR, the Fc receptor for IgA, is essential for IgA-mediated immune responses. Previous studies have shown that IgA and IgA immune complexes can be rapidly endocytosed by FcalphaR. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the endocytic pathway of FcalphaR in monocytic cell line, U937, that naturally express FcalphaR and in transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), COS-7 and Hela cells. By using selective chemical inhibitors of different endocytic pathways, overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of Eps15 and knockdown of clathrin heavy chain (CHC) via RNA interference, we demonstrated that endocytosis of FcalphaR was through a clathrin-mediated pathway. The endocytosed FcalphaR went into Rab5- and Rab11-positive endosomes. However, endocytosis of FcalphaR could not be blocked by a dominant-negative mutant of Rab5. We also demonstrated that endocytosis of FcalphaR was dynamin-dependent by overexpressing a dominant-negative mutant of dynamin. The potential endocytic motif for FcalphaR was also examined. Unexpectedly, we found that the entire cytoplasmic domain of FcalphaR was not required for the endocytic process of FcalphaR. We conclude that endocytosis of FcalphaR is clathrin- and dynamin-dependent, but is not regulated by Rab5, and the endocytic motif is not located in the cytoplasmic domain of FcalphaR.

Subcellular trafficking of the TRH receptor: effect of phosphorylation

Activation of the G protein-coupled TRH receptor leads to its phosphorylation and internalization. These studies addressed the fundamental question of whether phosphorylation regulates receptor trafficking or endosomal localization regulates the phosphorylation state of the receptor. Trafficking of phosphorylated and dephosphorylated TRH receptors was characterized using phosphosite-specific antibody after labeling surface receptors with antibody to an extracellular epitope tag. Rab5 and phosphoreceptor did not colocalize at the plasma membrane immediately after TRH addition but overlapped extensively by 15 min. Dominant-negative Rab5-S34N inhibited receptor internalization. Later, phosphoreceptor was in endosomes containing Rab5 and Rab4. Dephosphorylated receptor colocalized with Rab4 but not with Rab5. Dominant-negative Rab4, -5, or -11 did not affect receptor phosphorylation or dephosphorylation, showing that phosphorylation determines localization in Rab4(+)/Rab5(-) vesicles and not vice versa. No receptor colocalized with Rab7; a small amount of phosphoreceptor colocalized with Rab11. To characterize recycling, surface receptors were tagged with antibody, or surface receptors containing an N-terminal biotin ligase acceptor sequence were labeled with biotin. Most recycling receptors did not return to the plasma membrane for more than 2 h after TRH was removed, whereas the total cell surface receptor density was largely restored in less than 1 h, indicating that recruited receptors contribute heavily to early repopulation of the plasma membrane.

Intracellular trafficking of the human oxytocin receptor: evidence of receptor recycling via a Rab4/Rab5 "short cycle"

As in the case of most G protein-coupled receptors, agonist stimulation of human oxytocin receptors (OTRs) leads to desensitization and internalization; however, little is known about the subsequent intracellular OTR trafficking, which is crucial for reestablishing agonist responsiveness. We examined receptor resensitization by first using HEK293T cells stably expressing human OTRs. Upon agonist activation, the receptors were almost completely sequestered inside intracellular compartments that were not labeled by lysosomal markers, thus indicating that the internalized receptors were not sorted to these degrading organelles. Binding and fluorescence assays showed that almost 85% of the receptors had returned to the cell surface after 4 h, by which time cell responsiveness to the agonist was also completely restored, as shown by measuring phospholipase C activation. Similar results were also obtained in the presence of cycloheximide, thus indicating that receptor recycling and not de novo receptor synthesis was responsible for the resensitization. Notably, very similar internalization and recycling kinetics were observed in endogenous OTRs expressed on myometrial cells. We also investigated the role of beta-arrestin2 in OTR recycling as these receptors have been previously classified as slowly or nonrecycling receptors on the basis of their stable association with this interacting protein. Our data suggest that the stable OTR/beta-arrestin2 interaction plays an important role in determining the rate of recycling of human OTRs, but does not determine the fate of endocytosed receptors. Subsequent investigations of receptor recycling pathways showed that OTRs localize in vesicles containing the Rab5 and Rab4 small GTPases (markers of the "short cycle"), whereas there was no colocalization with Rab11 (a marker of the "long cycle") or Rab7 (a marker of vesicles directed to endosomal/lysosomal compartments). Taken together, these data indicate that OTRs are capable of very efficient and complete resensitization due to receptor recycling via the short cycle.

Rab11 regulates the recycling of the beta2-adrenergic receptor through a direct interaction

The beta2ARs (beta(2)-adrenergic receptors) undergo ligand-induced internalization into early endosomes, but then are rapidly and efficiently recycled back to the plasma membrane, restoring the numbers of functional cell-surface receptors. Gathering evidence suggests that, during prolonged exposure to agonist, some beta2ARs also utilize a slow recycling pathway through the perinuclear recycling endosomal compartment regulated by the small GTPase Rab11. In the present study, we demonstrate by co-immunoprecipitation studies that there is a beta2AR-Rab11 association in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells). We show using purified His(6)-tagged Rab11 protein and beta2AR intracellular domains fused to GST (glutathione transferase) that Rab11 interacts directly with the C-terminal tail of beta2AR, but not with the other intracellular domains of the receptor. Pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that the beta2AR interacts preferentially with the GDP-bound form of Rab11. Arg(333) and Lys(348) in the C-terminal tail of the beta2AR were identified as crucial determinants for Rab11 binding. A beta2AR construct with these two residues mutated to alanine, beta2AR RK/AA (R333A/K348A), was generated. Analysis of cell-surface receptors by ELISA revealed that the recycling of beta2AR RK/AA was drastically reduced when compared with wild-type beta2AR after agonist washout, following prolonged receptor stimulation. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that the beta2AR RK/AA mutant failed to co-localize with Rab11 and recycle to the plasma membrane, in contrast with the wild-type receptor. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of a direct interaction between the beta2AR and a Rab GTPase, which is required for the accurate intracellular trafficking of the receptor.

Activation-dependent stabilization of the human thromboxane receptor: role of reactive oxygen species

Thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)), the principle product of platelet COX-1-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism, directs multiple pro-atherogenic processes via its receptor, TP. Oxidative challenge offsets TP degradation, a key component in limiting TxA(2)'s actions. Following TP activation, we observed cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation coincident with increased TP expression. We examined the link between TP-evoked ROS and TP regulation. TP expression was augmented in TPalpha-transfected cells treated with a TxA(2) analog [1S-1alpha,2beta(5Z),3alpha(1E,3R*),4alpha]]-7-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-(4'-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (IBOP). This was reduced with a cellular antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, or two distinct NADPH oxidase inhibitors, diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin. Homologous upregulation of the native TP was also reduced in apocynin-treated aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and was absent in ASMCs lacking an NADPH oxidase subunit (p47(-/-)). TP transcription was not increased in IBOP-treated cells, indicating a posttranscriptional mechanism. IBOP induced translocation of TPalpha to the Golgi and reduced degradation of the immature form of the receptor. These data are consistent with a ROS-dependent mechanism whereby TP activation enhanced TP stability early in posttranscriptional biogenesis. Given the significant role played by TP and ROS in perturbed cardiovascular function, the convergence of TP on ROS-generating pathways for regulation of TxA(2)-dependent events may be critical for cardiovascular disease.

Recycling of the human prostacyclin receptor is regulated through a direct interaction with Rab11a GTPase

The human prostacyclin receptor (hIP) undergoes agonist-induced internalization but the mechanisms regulating its intracellular trafficking and/or recycling to the plasma membrane are poorly understood. Herein, we conducted a yeast-two-hybrid screen to identify proteins interacting with the carboxyl-terminal (C)-tail domain of the hIP and discovered a novel interaction with Rab11a. This interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitations in mammalian HEK293 and was augmented by cicaprost stimulation. The hIP co-localized to Rab11-containing recycling endosomes in both HEK293 and endothelial EA.hy 926 cells in a time-dependent manner following cicaprost stimulation. Moreover, over-expression of Rab11a significantly increased recycling of the hIP, while the dominant negative Rab11(S25N) impaired that recycling. Conversely, while the hIP co-localized to Rab4-positive endosomes in response to cicaprost, ectopic expression of Rab4a did not substantially affect overall recycling nor did Rab4a directly interact with the hIP. The specific interaction between the hIP and Rab11a was dependent on a 22 amino acid (Val(299)-Gln(320)) sequence within its C-tail domain and was independent of isoprenylation of the hIP. This study elucidates a critical role for Rab11a in regulating trafficking of the hIP and has identified a novel Rab11 binding domain (RBD) within its C-tail domain that is both necessary and sufficient to mediate interaction with Rab11a.

G protein-coupled receptor-promoted trafficking of Gbeta1gamma2 leads to AKT activation at endosomes via a mechanism mediated by Gbeta1gamma2-Rab11a interaction

G-protein coupled receptors activate heterotrimeric G proteins at the plasma membrane in which most of their effectors are intrinsically located or transiently associated as the external signal is being transduced. This paradigm has been extended to the intracellular compartments by studies in yeast showing that trafficking of Galpha activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) at endosomal compartments, suggesting that vesicle trafficking regulates potential actions of Galpha and possibly Gbetagamma at the level of endosomes. Here, we show that Gbetagamma interacts with Rab11a and that the two proteins colocalize at early and recycling endosomes in response to activation of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors. This agonist-dependent association of Gbetagamma to Rab11a-positive endosomes contributes to the recruitment of PI3K and phosphorylation of AKT at this intracellular compartment. These events are sensitive to the expression of a dominant-negative Rab11a mutant or treatment with wortmannin, suggesting that Rab11a-dependent Gbetagamma trafficking promotes the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway associated with endosomal compartments. In addition, RNA interference-mediated Rab11a depletion, or expression of a dominant-negative Rab11a mutant attenuated LPA-dependent cell survival and proliferation, suggesting that endosomal activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in response to Gbetagamma trafficking, via its interaction with Rab11, is a relevant step in the mechanism controlling these fundamental events.

Trafficking of cGMP-dependent protein kinase II via interaction with Rab11

cGMP-dependent protein kinase II (cGK-II) is implicated in several physiological functions including intestinal secretion, bone growth, and learning and memory, but the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. To identify proteins that are involved in cGMP/cGK-II signaling, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening and identified Rab11b as a cGK-II-interacting protein that regulates the slow-recycling pathway. Interestingly, cGK-II interacted with the GDP-bound form of Rab11b (Rab11b S25N), but not the GTP-bound form, in mammalian cells. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that Rab11b S25N promoted the translocation of cGK-II from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm and that the localization of cGK-II extensively overlapped with Rab11b. Furthermore, treatment with a membrane-permeable cGMP analog caused the rapid retranslocation of cGK-II and Rab11b S25N to the membrane. These data indicate that Rab11b is necessary for the trafficking of cGK-II and that the cGMP/cGK-II signaling pathway is closely related to Rab11b recycling pathway.

Rab4 and Rab11 coordinately regulate the recycling of angiotensin II type I receptor as demonstrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy

The recycling of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) to the cell surface after internalization plays an important role in the regulation of overall GPCR activity. The angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) belongs to class B GPCRs that recycle slowly back to the cell surface. Previous studies have proposed that Rab11 controls the recycling of AT1R; however, recent reports show that Rab4, a rapid recycling regulator, co-localizes also with internalized AT1R. Different from the subcellular co-localization provided by fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy provided the spatial relationship of AT1R with Rab4 and Rab11 in the nanometer-range proximity during the entire course of AT1R recycling. During the early recycling stage, internalized AT1Rs were mainly associated with Rab4 in the cytoplasm. During the mid-recycling stage, AT1Rs were associated with both Rab4 and Rab11 in the perinuclear compartments. However, during the late-recycling stage, AT1Rs were mainly associated with Rab11, both in the perinuclear compartments and the plasma membrane. Co-immunoprecipitation data confirmed these dynamic associations, which were disrupted by silencing of either the Rab4 or Rab11 gene. Based on these observations, we propose a Rab4 and Rab11 coordinated model for AT1R recycling.