Ubiquitination of beta-arrestin links seven-transmembrane receptor endocytosis and ERK activation

Insight into the regulatory mechanism of β-arrestin2 and its emerging role in diseases

β-arrestin2, a member of the arrestin family, mediates the desensitization and internalization of most G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and functions as a scaffold protein in signalling pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that β-arrestin2 expression is dysregulated in malignant tumours, fibrotic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases, suggesting its pathological roles. Transcription and post-transcriptional modifications can affect the expression of β-arrestin2. Furthermore, post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and S-nitrosylation affect the cellular localization of β-arrestin2 and its interaction with downstream signalling molecules, which further regulate the activity of β-arrestin2. This review summarizes the structure and function of β-arrestin2 and reveals the mechanisms involved in the regulation of β-arrestin2 at multiple levels. Additionally, recent studies on the role of β-arrestin2 in some major diseases and its therapeutic prospects have been discussed to provide a reference for the development of drugs targeting β-arrestin2.

Glucocorticoids desensitize hypothalamic CRH neurons to norepinephrine and somatic stress activation via rapid nitrosylation-dependent regulation of α1 adrenoreceptor trafficking

Noradrenergic afferents to hypothalamic corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons provide a major excitatory drive for somatic stress activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We showed that glucocorticoids rapidly desensitize CRH neurons to norepinephrine and suppress inflammation-induced HPA activation via a glucocorticoid receptor- and endocytosis-dependent mechanism. Here, we show that α1 adrenoreceptor (ARα1) trafficking is regulated by convergent glucocorticoid and nitric oxide synthase signaling mechanisms. Live-cell imaging of ARα1b-eGFP-expressing hypothalamic cells revealed rapid corticosterone-stimulated redistribution of internalized ARα1 from rapid recycling endosomes to late endosomes and lysosomes via a nitrosylation-regulated mechanism. Proximity assay demonstrated interaction of glucocorticoid receptors with ARα1b and β-arrestin, and showed corticosterone blockade of norepinephrine-stimulated ARα1b/β-arrestin interaction, which may prevent ARα1b from entering the rapid recycling endosomal pathway. These findings demonstrate a rapid glucocorticoid regulation of G protein-coupled receptor trafficking and provide a molecular mechanism for rapid glucocorticoid desensitization of noradrenergic signaling in CRH neurons.

Stable Production of a Recombinant Single-Chain Eel Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Analog in CHO DG44 Cells

This study aimed to produce single-chain recombinant Anguillid eel follicle-stimulating hormone (rec-eel FSH) analogs with high activity in Cricetulus griseus ovary DG44 (CHO DG44) cells. We recently reported that an O-linked glycosylated carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP) of the equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) β-subunit contributes to high activity and time-dependent secretion in mammalian cells. We constructed a mutant (FSH-M), in which a linker including the eCG β-subunit CTP region (amino acids 115-149) was inserted between the β-subunit and α-subunit of wild-type single-chain eel FSH (FSH-wt). Plasmids containing eel FSH-wt and eel FSH-M were transfected into CHO DG44 cells, and single cells expressing each protein were isolated from 10 and 7 clones. Secretion increased gradually during the cultivation period and peaked at 4000-5000 ng/mL on day 9. The molecular weight of eel FSH-wt was 34-40 kDa, whereas that of eel FSH-M increased substantially, with two bands at 39-46 kDa. Treatment with PNGase F to remove the N glycosylation sites decreased the molecular weight remarkably to approximately 8 kDa. The EC50 value and maximal responsiveness of eel FSH-M were approximately 1.23- and 1.06-fold higher than those of eel FSH-wt, indicating that the mutant showed slightly higher biological activity. Phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase (pERK1/2) activation exhibited a sharp peak at 5 min, followed by a rapid decline. These findings indicate that the new rec-eel FSH molecule with the eCG β-subunit CTP linker shows potent activity and could be produced in massive quantities using the stable CHO DG44 cell system.

Stable Production of a Tethered Recombinant Eel Luteinizing Hormone Analog with High Potency in CHO DG44 Cells

We produced a recombinant eel luteinizing hormone (rec-eel LH) analog with high potency in Chinese hamster ovary DG44 (CHO DG44) cells. The tethered eel LH mutant (LH-M), which had a linker comprising the equine chorionic gonadotropin (eLH/CG) β-subunit carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP) region (amino acids 115 to 149), was inserted between the β-subunit and α-subunit of wild-type tethered eel LH (LH-wt). Monoclonal cells transfected with the tethered eel LH-wt and eel LH-M plasmids were isolated from five to nine clones of CHO DG44 cells, respectively. The secreted quantities abruptly increased on day 3, with peak levels of 5000-7500 ng/mL on day 9. The molecular weight of tethered rec-eel LH-wt was 32-36 kDa, while that of tethered rec-eel LH-M increased to approximately 38-44 kDa, indicating the detection of two bands. Treatment with the peptide N-glycanase F decreased the molecular weight by approximately 8 kDa. The oligosaccharides at the eCG β-subunit O-linked glycosylation sites were appropriately modified post-translation. The EC50 value and maximal responsiveness of eel LH-M increased by approximately 2.90- and 1.29-fold, respectively, indicating that the mutant exhibited more potent biological activity than eel LH-wt. Phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (pERK1/2) activation resulted in a sharp peak 5 min after agonist treatment, with a rapid decrease thereafter. These results indicate that the new tethered rec-eel LH analog had more potent activity in cAMP response than the tethered eel LH-wt in vitro. Taken together, this new eel LH analog can be produced in large quantities using a stable CHO DG44 cell system.

Production of Recombinant Single-Chain Eel Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Analogs in Chinese Hamster Ovary Suspension Cell Culture

We produced rec-single chain eel luteinizing (rec-eel LH) and follicle-stimulating (rec- eel FSH) hormones displaying high biological activity in Chinese hamster ovary suspension (CHO-S) cells. We constructed several mutants, in which a linker, including an O-linked glycosylated carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP) of an equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) β-subunit, was attached between the β- and α-subunit (LH-M and FSH-M) or in the N-terminal (C-LH and C-FSH) or C-terminal (LH-C and FSH-C) regions. The plasmids were transfected into CHO-S cells, and culture supernatants were collected. The secretion of mutants from the CHO-S cells was faster than that of eel LHβ/α-wt and FSHβ/α-wt proteins. The molecular weight of eel LHβ/α-wt and eel FSHβ/α-wt was 32-34 and 34-36 kDa, respectively, and that of LH-M and FSH-M was 40-43 and 42-45 kDa, respectively. Peptide-N-glycanase F-treatment markedly decreased the molecular weight by approximately 8-10 kDa. The EC50 value and the maximal responsiveness of the eel LH-M and eel FSH-M increased compared with the wild-type proteins. These results show that the CTP region plays a pivotal role in early secretion and signal transduction. We suggest that novel rec-eel LH and FSH proteins, exhibiting potent activity, could be produced in large quantities using a stable CHO cell system.

Biased Dopamine D2 Receptors Exhibit Distinct Intracellular Trafficking Properties and ERK Activation in Different Subcellular Domains

Biased signaling or functional selectivity refers to the ability of an agonist or receptor to selectively activate a subset of transducers such as G protein and arrestin in the case of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Although signaling through arrestin has been reported from various GPCRs, only a few studies have examined side-by-side how it differs from signaling via G protein. In this study, two signaling pathways were compared using dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) mutants engineered via the evolutionary tracer method to selectively transduce signals through G protein or arrestin (D2G and D2Arr, respectively). D2G mediated the inhibition of cAMP production and ERK activation in the cytoplasm. D2Arr, in contrast, mediated receptor endocytosis accompanied by arrestin ubiquitination and ERK activation in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm. D2Arr-mediated ERK activation occurred in a manner dependent on arrestin3 but not arrestin2, accompanied by the nuclear translocation of arrestin3 via importin1. D2R-mediated ERK activation, which occurred in both the cytosol and nucleus, was limited to the cytosol when cellular arrestin3 was depleted. This finding supports the results obtained with D2Arr and D2G. Taken together, these observations indicate that biased signal transduction pathways activate distinct downstream mechanisms and that the subcellular regions in which they occur could be different when the same effectors are involved. These findings broaden our understanding on the relation between biased receptors and the corresponding downstream signaling, which is critical for elucidating the functional roles of biased pathways.

The Ubiquitination Status of the Glucagon Receptor determines Signal Bias

The pancreatic hormone glucagon activates the glucagon receptor (GCGR), a class B seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that couples to the stimulatory heterotrimeric Gs protein and provokes protein kinase A-dependent signaling cascades vital to hepatic glucose metabolism and islet insulin secretion. Glucagon-stimulation also initiates recruitment of the endocytic adaptors, β-arrestin1 and β-arrestin2, which regulate desensitization and internalization of the GCGR. Unlike many other GPCRs, the GCGR expressed at the plasma membrane is constitutively ubiquitinated and upon agonist-activation, internalized GCGRs are deubiquitinated at early endosomes and recycled via Rab4-containing vesicles. Herein we report a novel link between the ubiquitination status and signal transduction mechanism of the GCGR. In the deubiquitinated state, coupling of the GCGR to Gs is diminished, while binding to β-arrestin is enhanced with signaling biased to a β-arrestin1-dependent p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This ubiquitin-dependent signaling bias arises through the modification of lysine333 (K333) on the cytoplasmic face of transmembrane helix V. Compared with the GCGR-WT, the mutant GCGR-K333R has impaired ubiquitination, diminished G protein coupling and protein kinase A signaling, but unimpaired potentiation of glucose-stimulated-insulin secretion in response to agonist-stimulation, which involves p38 MAPK signaling. Both WT and GCGR-K333R promote the formation of glucagon-induced β-arrestin1-dependent p38 signaling scaffold that requires canonical upstream MAPK-Kinase3, but is independent of Gs, Gi and β-arrestin2. Thus ubiquitination/deubiquitination at K333 in the GCGR defines the activation of distinct transducers with the potential to influence various facets of glucagon signaling in health and disease.

Allosteric modulation of GPCR-induced β-arrestin trafficking and signaling by a synthetic intrabody

Agonist-induced phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a primary determinant of β-arrestin (βarr) recruitment and trafficking. For several GPCRs such as the vasopressin receptor subtype 2 (V₂R), agonist-stimulation first drives the translocation of βarrs to the plasma membrane, followed by endosomal trafficking, which is generally considered to be orchestrated by multiple phosphorylation sites. We have previously shown that mutation of a single phosphorylation site in the V₂R (i.e., V₂R^T360A) results in near-complete loss of βarr translocation to endosomes despite robust recruitment to the plasma membrane, and compromised ERK1/2 activation. Here, we discover that a synthetic intrabody (Ib30), which selectively recognizes activated βarr1, efficiently rescues the endosomal trafficking of βarr1 and ERK1/2 activation for V₂R^T360A. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that Ib30 enriches active-like βarr1 conformation with respect to the inter-domain rotation, and cellular assays demonstrate that it also enhances βarr1-β₂-adaptin interaction. Our data provide an experimental framework to positively modulate the receptor-transducer-effector axis for GPCRs using intrabodies, which can be potentially integrated in the paradigm of GPCR-targeted drug discovery.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins and the largest class of drug targets in the human genome. Here, Baidya et al. show that a synthetic antibody can be used to modulate GPCR trafficking and signaling in live cells.

A single phenylalanine residue in β-arrestin2 critically regulates its binding to G protein-coupled receptors

Arrestins and their yeast homologs, arrestin-related trafficking adaptors (ARTs), share a stretch of 29 amino acids called the ART motif. However, the functionality of that motif is unknown. We now report that deleting this motif prevents agonist-induced ubiquitination of β-arrestin2 (β-arr2) and blocks its association with activated G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs). Within the ART motif, we have identified a conserved phenylalanine residue, Phe116, that is critical for the formation of β-arr2–GPCR complexes. β-arr2 Phe116Ala mutant has negligible effect on blunting β₂-adrenergic receptor–induced cAMP generation unlike β-arr2, which promotes rapid desensitization. Furthermore, available structures for inactive and inositol hexakisphosphate 6–activated forms of bovine β-arr2 revealed that Phe116 is ensconced in a hydrophobic pocket, whereas the adjacent Phe117 and Phe118 residues are not. Mutagenesis of Phe117 and Phe118, but not Phe116, preserves GPCR interaction of β-arr2. Surprisingly, Phe116 is dispensable for the association of β-arr2 with its non-GPCR partners. β-arr2 Phe116Ala mutant presents a significantly reduced protein half-life compared with β-arr2 and undergoes constitutive Lys-48-linked polyubiquitination, which tags proteins for proteasomal degradation. We also found that Phe116 is critical for agonist-dependent β-arr2 ubiquitination with Lys-63-polyubiquitin linkages that are known mediators of protein scaffolding and signal transduction. Finally, we have shown that β-arr2 Phe116Ala interaction with activated β₂-adrenergic receptor can be rescued with an in-frame fusion of ubiquitin. Taken together, we conclude that Phe116 preserves structural stability of β-arr2, regulates the formation of β-arr2–GPCR complexes that inhibit G protein signaling, and promotes subsequent ubiquitin-dependent β-arr2 localization and trafficking.

The α-Arrestin ARRDC3 Is an Emerging Multifunctional Adaptor Protein in Cancer

Significance: Adaptor proteins control the spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular signaling. Dysregulation of adaptor protein function can cause aberrant cell signaling and promote cancer. The arrestin family of adaptor proteins are known to regulate signaling by the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The GPCRs are highly druggable and implicated in cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for arrestin dysregulation and the impact on GPCR function in cancer have yet to be fully elucidated. Recent Advances: A new family of mammalian arrestins, termed the α-arrestins, was recently discovered. The α-arrestin, arrestin domain-containing protein 3 (ARRDC3), in particular, has been identified as a tumor suppressor and is reported to control cellular signaling of GPCRs in cancer. Critical Issues: Compared with the extensively studied mammalian β-arrestins, there is limited information regarding the regulatory mechanisms that control α-arrestin activation and function. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that regulate ARRDC3, which include post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. We also provide evidence that ARRDC3 can interact with a wide array of proteins that control diverse biological functions. Future Directions: ARRDC3 interacts with numerous proteins and is likely to display diverse functions in cancer, metabolic disease, and other syndromes. Thus, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of ARRDC3 activity in various cellular contexts is critically important. Recent studies suggest that α-arrestins may be regulated through post-translational modification, which is known to impact adaptor protein function. However, additional studies are needed to determine how these regulatory mechanisms affect ARRDC3 tumor suppressor function. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1066-1079.

[β-arrestins, their mechanisms of action and multiple roles in the biology of G protein-coupled receptors]

The stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) induces biological responses to a wide range of extracellular cues. The heterotrimeric G proteins, which are recruited to the active conformation of GPCRs, lead to the generation of various diffusible second messengers. Only two other families of proteins exhibit the remarkable characteristic of recognizing and binding to the active conformation of most GPCRs: GPCR kinases (GRKs) and β-arrestins. These two families of proteins were initially identified as key players in the desensitization of G protein activation by GPCRs. Over the years, β-arrestins have been implicated in an increasing number of interactions with non-receptor proteins, expanding the range of cellular functions in which they are involved. It is now well established that β-arrestins, by scaffolding and recruiting protein complexes in an agonist-dependent manner, directly regulate the trafficking and signaling of GPCRs. Remarkable advances have been made in recent years which have made it possible i) to identify biased ligands capable, by stabilizing particular conformations of a growing number of GPCRs, of activating or blocking the action of β-arrestins independently of that of G proteins, some of these ligands holding great therapeutic interest; ii) to demonstrate β-arrestins' role in the compartmentalization of GPCR signaling within the cell, and iii) to understand the molecular details of their interaction with GPCRs and of their activation through structural and biophysical approaches.

Opposing functions of β-arrestin 1 and 2 in Parkinson's disease via microglia inflammation and Nprl3

Although β-arrestins (ARRBs) regulate diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, their functions and regulation in Parkinson's disease (PD) remain poorly defined. In this study, we show that the expression of β-arrestin 1 (ARRB1) and β-arrestin 2 (ARRB2) is reciprocally regulated in PD mouse models, particularly in microglia. ARRB1 ablation ameliorates, whereas ARRB2 knockout aggravates, the pathological features of PD, including dopaminergic neuron loss, neuroinflammation and microglia activation in vivo, and microglia-mediated neuron damage in vitro. We also demonstrate that ARRB1 and ARRB2 produce adverse effects on inflammation and activation of the inflammatory STAT1 and NF-κB pathways in primary cultures of microglia and macrophages and that two ARRBs competitively interact with the activated form of p65, a component of the NF-κB pathway. We further find that ARRB1 and ARRB2 differentially regulate the expression of nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (Nprl3), a functionally poorly characterized protein, as revealed by RNA sequencing, and that in the gain- and loss-of-function studies, Nprl3 mediates the functions of both ARRBs in microglia inflammatory responses. Collectively, these data demonstrate that two closely related ARRBs exert opposite functions in microglia-mediated inflammation and the pathogenesis of PD which are mediated at least in part through Nprl3 and provide novel insights into the understanding of the functional divergence of ARRBs in PD.

Role of Thrombin in Central Nervous System Injury and Disease

Thrombin is a Na+-activated allosteric serine protease of the chymotrypsin family involved in coagulation, inflammation, cell protection, and apoptosis. Increasingly, the role of thrombin in the brain has been explored. Low concentrations of thrombin are neuroprotective, while high concentrations exert pathological effects. However, greater attention regarding the involvement of thrombin in normal and pathological processes in the central nervous system is warranted. In this review, we explore the mechanisms of thrombin action, localization, and functions in the central nervous system and describe the involvement of thrombin in stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and primary central nervous system tumors. We aim to comprehensively characterize the role of thrombin in neurological disease and injury.

GLP-1 modulates insulin-induced relaxation response through β-arrestin2 regulation in diabetic mice aortas

AIMS

Diabetes impairs insulin-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation by reducing nitric oxide (NO) production. GLP-1, an incretin hormone, has been shown to prevent the development of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we hypothesized that GLP-1 would improve the impaired insulin-induced relaxation response in diabetic mice. We also examined the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Using aortic rings from ob/ob mice, an animal model of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and from lean mice, vascular relaxation responses and protein expressions were evaluated using insulin, GLP-1, and pathway-specific inhibitors to elucidate the mechanisms of response. In parallel experiments, β-arrestin2 siRNA-transfected aortas were treated with GLP-1 to evaluate its effects on aortic response pathways.

RESULTS

When compared to that of untreated ob/ob aortas, GLP-1 increased insulin-induced vasorelaxation and NO production. AMPK inhibition did not alter this vasorelaxation in both GLP-1-treated lean and ob/ob aortas, while Akt inhibition reduced vasorelaxation in both groups, and co-treatment with GLP-1 and insulin caused Akt/eNOS activation. Additionally, GLP-1 decreased GRK2 activity and enhanced β-arrestin2 translocation from the cytosol to membrane in ob/ob aortas. β-Arrestin2 siRNA decreased insulin-induced relaxation both in lean aortas and GLP-1-treated ob/ob aortas.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that insulin-induced relaxation is dependent on β-arrestin2 translocation and Akt activation via GLP-1-stimulated GRK2 inactivation in ob/ob aortas. We showed a novel cross-talk between GLP-1-responsive β-arrestin2 and insulin signalling in diabetic aortas.

Interferon Receptor Trafficking and Signaling: Journey to the Cross Roads

Like most plasma membrane proteins, type I interferon (IFN) receptor (IFNAR) traffics from the outer surface to the inner compartments of the cell. Long considered as a passive means to simply control subunits availability at the plasma membrane, an array of new evidence establishes IFNAR endocytosis as an active contributor to the regulation of signal transduction triggered by IFN binding to IFNAR. During its complex journey initiated at the plasma membrane, the internalized IFNAR complex, i.e. IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits, will experience post-translational modifications and recruit specific effectors. These finely tuned interactions will determine not only IFNAR subunits destiny (lysosomal degradation vs. plasma membrane recycling) but also the control of IFN-induced signal transduction. Finally, the IFNAR system perfectly illustrates the paradigm of the crosstalk between membrane trafficking and intracellular signaling. Investigating the complexity of IFN receptor intracellular routes is therefore necessary to reveal new insight into the role of IFNAR membrane dynamics in type I IFNs signaling selectivity and biological activity.

Ubiquitin chains earmark GPCRs for BBSome-mediated removal from cilia

Regulated trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) controls cilium-based signaling pathways. β-Arrestin, a molecular sensor of activated GPCRs, and the BBSome, a complex of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins, are required for the signal-dependent exit of ciliary GPCRs, but the functional interplay between β-arrestin and the BBSome remains elusive. Here we find that, upon activation, ciliary GPCRs become tagged with ubiquitin chains comprising K63 linkages (UbK63) in a β-arrestin-dependent manner before BBSome-mediated exit. Removal of ubiquitin acceptor residues from the somatostatin receptor 3 (SSTR3) and from the orphan GPCR GPR161 demonstrates that ubiquitination of ciliary GPCRs is required for their regulated exit from cilia. Furthermore, targeting a UbK63-specific deubiquitinase to cilia blocks the exit of GPR161, SSTR3, and Smoothened (SMO) from cilia. Finally, ubiquitinated proteins accumulate in cilia of mammalian photoreceptors and Chlamydomonas cells when BBSome function is compromised. We conclude that Ub chains mark GPCRs and other unwanted ciliary proteins for recognition by the ciliary exit machinery.

In-frame fusion of SUMO1 enhances βarrestin2's association with activated GPCRs as well as with nuclear pore complexes

Small ubiquitin like modifier (SUMO) conjugation or SUMOylation of βarrestin2 promotes its association with the clathrin adaptor protein AP2 and facilitates rapid β₂ adrenergic receptor (β₂AR) internalization. However, disruption of the consensus SUMOylation site in βarrestin2, did not prevent βarrestin2's association with activated β₂ARs, dopamine D₂ receptors (D₂Rs), angiotensin type 1a receptors (AT_1aRs) and V₂ vasopressin receptors (V₂Rs). To address the role of SUMOylation in the trafficking of βarrestin and GPCR complexes, we generated and characterized a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) tagged βarrestin2-SUMO1 chimeric protein, which is resistant to de-SUMOylation. In HEK-293 cells, YFP-SUMO1 predominantly localized in the nucleus, whereas YFP-βarrestin2 is cytoplasmic. YFP-βarrestin2-SUMO1 in addition to being cytoplasmic, is localized at the nuclear membrane. Nonetheless, βarrestin2-SUMO1 associated robustly with agonist-activated β₂ARs as evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). βarrestin2-SUMO1 associated strongly with the D₂R, which forms transient complexes with βarrestin2. But, βarrestin2-SUMO1 and βarrestin2 showed equivalent binding with the V₂R, which forms stable complexes with βarrestin2. βarrestin2 expression level directly correlated with the steady state levels of the unmodified form of RanGAP1, which upon SUMOylation associates with nuclear membrane. On the other hand, βarrestin2-SUMO1 not only localized at the nuclear membrane, but also formed a macromolecular complex with RanGAP1. Taken together, our data suggest that SUMOylation of βarrestin2 promotes its protein interactions at both cell and nuclear membranes. Furthermore, βarrestin2-SUMO1 presents as a useful tool to characterize βarrestin2 recruitment to GPCRs, which form transient and unstable complex with βarrestin2.

Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination of β-arrestin2 in the nucleus occurs in a Gβγ- and clathrin-dependent manner

The fate and activity of β-arrestin2, a key player in the regulation of desensitization and endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are regulated by mouse double minute 2 homolog (Mdm2)-mediated ubiquitination. However, details of the molecular mechanisms of β-arrestin2 ubiquitination remain unclear. Studies on β-arrestin2 and Mdm2 mutants with modified nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties have revealed that β-arrestin2 ubiquitination occurs in the nucleus in a Gβγ- and clathrin-dependent manner. The nuclear entry of both β-arrestin2 and Mdm2 commonly relies on the presence of importin complex but can occur independently of each other. Gβγ and clathrin regulated the nuclear entry of β-arrestin2 by mediating the interaction between β-arrestin2 and importin β1. In contrast, Akt-mediated phosphorylation of two serine residues of Mdm2 partly regulated the nuclear entry of Mdm2. Ubiquitinated β-arrestin2 along with Mdm2 translocated to the cytoplasm where they play various functional roles including receptor endocytosis and ubiquitination of other cytoplasmic proteins. The nuclear export of Mdm2 required nuclear entry and interaction of β-arrestin2 with Mdm2. Ubiquitination was required for the translocation of β-arrestin2 toward activated receptors on the plasma membrane and for its endocytic activity. The current study revealed the cellular components and processes involved in the ubiquitination of β-arrestin2, and these findings could be quintessential for providing directions and detailed strategies for the manipulation of GPCR functions and development of GPCR-related therapeutics.

Considering the Role of Murine Double Minute 2 in the Cardiovascular System?

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is the main negative regulator of the tumor protein p53 (TP53). Extensive studies over more than two decades have confirmed MDM2 oncogenic role through mechanisms both TP53-dependent and TP53-independent oncogenic function. These studies have contributed to designate MDM2 as a therapeutic target of choice for cancer treatment and the number of patents for MDM2 antagonists has increased immensely over the last years. However, the question of the physiological functions of MDM2 has not been fully resolved yet, particularly when expressed and regulated physiologically in healthy tissue. Cardiovascular complications are almost an inescapable side-effect of anti-cancer therapies. While several MDM2 antagonists are entering phase I, II and even III of clinical trials, this review proposes to bring awareness on the physiological role of MDM2 in the cardiovascular system.

Below the Surface: IGF-1R Therapeutic Targeting and Its Endocytic Journey

Ligand-activated plasma membrane receptors follow pathways of endocytosis through the endosomal sorting apparatus. Receptors cluster in clathrin-coated pits that bud inwards and enter the cell as clathrin-coated vesicles. These vesicles travel through the acidic endosome whereby receptors and ligands are sorted to be either recycled or degraded. The traditional paradigm postulated that the endocytosis role lay in signal termination through the removal of the receptor from the cell surface. It is now becoming clear that the internalization process governs more than receptor signal cessation and instead reigns over the entire spatial and temporal wiring of receptor signaling. Governing the localization, the post-translational modifications, and the scaffolding of receptors and downstream signal components established the endosomal platform as the master regulator of receptor function. Confinement of components within or between distinct organelles means that the endosome instructs the cell on how to interpret and translate the signal emanating from any given receptor complex into biological effects. This review explores this emerging paradigm with respect to the cancer-relevant insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and discusses how this perspective could inform future targeting strategies.

Acute ethanol exposure reduces serotonin receptor 1A internalization by increasing ubiquitination and degradation of β-arrestin2

Acute alcohol exposure alters the trafficking and function of many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are associated with aberrant behavioral responses to alcohol. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced changes in GPCR function remain unclear. β-Arrestin is a key player involved in the regulation of GPCR internalization and thus controls the magnitude and duration of GPCR signaling. Although β-arrestin levels are influenced by various drugs of abuse, the effect of alcohol exposure on β-arrestin expression and β-arrestin-mediated GPCR trafficking is poorly understood. Here, we found that acute ethanol exposure increases β-arrestin2 degradation via its increased ubiquitination in neuroblastoma-2a (N2A) cells and rat prefrontal cortex (PFC). β-Arrestin2 ubiquitination was likely mediated by the E3 ligase MDM2 homolog (MDM2), indicated by an increased coupling between β-arrestin2 and MDM2 in response to acute ethanol exposure in both N2A cells and rat PFC homogenates. Importantly, ethanol-induced β-arrestin2 reduction was reversed by siRNA-mediated MDM2 knockdown or proteasome inhibition in N2A cells, suggesting β-arrestin2 degradation is mediated by MDM2 through the proteasomal pathway. Using serotonin 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1ARs) as a model receptor system, we found that ethanol dose-dependently inhibits 5-HT1AR internalization and that MDM2 knockdown reverses this effect. Moreover, ethanol both reduced β-arrestin2 levels and delayed agonist-induced β-arrestin2 recruitment to the membrane. We conclude that β-arrestin2 dysregulation by ethanol impairs 5-HT1AR trafficking. Our findings reveal a critical molecular mechanism underlying ethanol-induced alterations in GPCR internalization and implicate β-arrestin as a potential player mediating behavioral responses to acute alcohol exposure.

β-Arrestins: Multitask Scaffolds Orchestrating the Where and When in Cell Signalling

The β-arrestins (β-arrs) were initially appreciated for the roles they play in the desensitization and endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). They are now also known to act as multifunctional adaptor proteins binding many non-receptor protein partners to control multiple signalling pathways. β-arrs therefore act as key regulatory hubs at the crossroads of external cell inputs and functional outputs in cellular processes ranging from gene transcription to cell growth, survival, cytoskeletal regulation, polarity, and migration. An increasing number of studies have also highlighted the scaffolding roles β-arrs play in vivo in both physiological and pathological conditions, which opens up therapeutic avenues to explore. In this introductory review chapter, we discuss the functional roles that β-arrs exert to control GPCR function, their dynamic scaffolding roles and how this impacts signal transduction events, compartmentalization of β-arrs, how β-arrs are regulated themselves, and how the combination of these events culminates in cellular regulation.

Endo-lysosomal sorting of G-protein-coupled receptors by ubiquitin: Diverse pathways for G-protein-coupled receptor destruction and beyond

Ubiquitin is covalently attached to substrate proteins in the form of a single ubiquitin moiety or polyubiquitin chains and has been generally linked to protein degradation, however, distinct types of ubiquitin linkages are also used to control other critical cellular processes like cell signaling. Over forty mammalian G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been reported to be ubiquitinated, but despite the diverse and rich complexity of GPCR signaling, ubiquitin has been largely ascribed to receptor degradation. Indeed, GPCR ubiquitination targets the receptors for degradation by lysosome, which is mediated by the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery, and the proteasome. This has led to the view that ubiquitin and ESCRTs primarily function as the signal to target GPCRs for destruction. Contrary to this conventional view, studies indicate that ubiquitination of certain GPCRs and canonical ubiquitin-binding ESCRTs are not required for receptor degradation and revealed that diverse and complex pathways exist to regulate endo-lysosomal sorting of GPCRs. In other studies, GPCR ubiquitination has been shown to drive signaling and not receptor degradation and further revealed novel insight into the mechanisms by which GPCRs trigger the activity of the ubiquitination machinery. Here, we discuss the diverse pathways by which ubiquitin controls GPCR endo-lysosomal sorting and beyond.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Through β-Arrestin-Dependent Mechanisms

β-arrestin1 (or arrestin2) and β-arrestin2 (or arrestin3) are ubiquitously expressed cytosolic adaptor proteins that were originally discovered for their inhibitory role in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling through heterotrimeric G proteins. However, further biochemical characterization revealed that β-arrestins do not just "block" the activated GPCRs, but trigger endocytosis and kinase activation leading to specific signaling pathways that can be localized on endosomes. The signaling pathways initiated by β-arrestins were also found to be independent of G protein activation by GPCRs. The discovery of ligands that blocked G protein activation but promoted β-arrestin binding, or vice-versa, suggested the exciting possibility of selectively activating intracellular signaling pathways. In addition, it is becoming increasingly evident that β-arrestin-dependent signaling is extremely diverse and provokes distinct cellular responses through different GPCRs even when the same effector kinase is involved. In this review, we summarize various signaling pathways mediated by β-arrestins and highlight the physiologic effects of β-arrestin-dependent signaling.

Quantitative Control of GPCR Organization and Signaling by Endocytosis in Epithelial Morphogenesis

Tissue morphogenesis arises from controlled cell deformations in response to cellular contractility. During Drosophila gastrulation, apical activation of the actomyosin networks drives apical constriction in the invaginating mesoderm and cell-cell intercalation in the extending ectoderm. Myosin II (MyoII) is activated by cell-surface G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as Smog and Mist, that activate G proteins, the small GTPase Rho1, and the kinase Rok. Quantitative control over GPCR and Rho1 activation underlies differences in deformation of mesoderm and ectoderm cells. We show that GPCR Smog activity is concentrated on two different apical plasma membrane compartments, i.e., the surface and plasma membrane invaginations. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we probe the surface of the plasma membrane, and we show that Smog homo-clusters in response to its activating ligand Fog. Endocytosis of Smog is regulated by the kinase Gprk2 and β-arrestin-2 that clears active Smog from the plasma membrane. When Fog concentration is high or endocytosis is low, Smog rearranges in homo-clusters and accumulates in plasma membrane invaginations that are hubs for Rho1 activation. Lastly, we find higher Smog homo-cluster concentration and numerous apical plasma membrane invaginations in the mesoderm compared to the ectoderm, indicative of reduced endocytosis. We identify that dynamic partitioning of active Smog at the surface of the plasma membrane or plasma membrane invaginations has a direct impact on Rho1 signaling. Plasma membrane invaginations accumulate high Rho1-guanosine triphosphate (GTP) suggesting they form signaling centers. Thus, Fog concentration and Smog endocytosis form coupled regulatory processes that regulate differential Rho1 and MyoII activation in the Drosophila embryo.

Sympathetic Nerve Hyperactivity in the Spleen: Causal for Nonpathogenic-Driven Chronic Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs)?

Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs) is a descriptive term coined for an eclectic group of diseases or conditions that share common inflammatory pathways, and for which there is no definitive etiology. IMIDs affect the elderly most severely, with many older individuals having two or more IMIDs. These diseases include, but are not limited to, type-1 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmunity, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjőgren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. These diseases are ostensibly unrelated mechanistically, but increase in frequency with age and share chronic systemic inflammation, implicating major roles for the spleen. Chronic systemic and regional inflammation underlies the disease manifestations of IMIDs. Regional inflammation and immune dysfunction promotes targeted end organ tissue damage, whereas systemic inflammation increases morbidity and mortality by affecting multiple organ systems. Chronic inflammation and skewed dysregulated cell-mediated immune responses drive many of these age-related medical disorders. IMIDs are commonly autoimmune-mediated or suspected to be autoimmune diseases. Another shared feature is dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Here, we focus on dysautonomia. In many IMIDs, dysautonomia manifests as an imbalance in activity/reactivity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). These major autonomic pathways are essential for allostasis of the immune system, and regulating inflammatory processes and innate and adaptive immunity. Pathology in ANS is a hallmark and causal feature of all IMIDs. Chronic systemic inflammation comorbid with stress pathway dysregulation implicate neural-immune cross-talk in the etiology and pathophysiology of IMIDs. Using a rodent model of inflammatory arthritis as an IMID model, we report disease-specific maladaptive changes in β₂-adrenergic receptor (AR) signaling from protein kinase A (PKA) to mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the spleen. Beta₂-AR signal "shutdown" in the spleen and switching from PKA to G-coupled protein receptor kinase (GRK) pathways in lymph node cells drives inflammation and disease advancement. Based on these findings and the existing literature in other IMIDs, we present and discuss relevant literature that support the hypothesis that unresolvable immune stimulation from chronic inflammation leads to a maladaptive disease-inducing and perpetuating sympathetic response in an attempt to maintain allostasis. Since the role of sympathetic dysfunction in IMIDs is best studied in RA and rodent models of RA, this IMID is the primary one used to evaluate data relevant to our hypothesis. Here, we review the relevant literature and discuss sympathetic dysfunction as a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of IMIDs, and then discuss a novel target for treatment. Based on our findings in inflammatory arthritis and our understanding of common inflammatory process that are used by the immune system across all IMIDs, novel strategies to restore SNS homeostasis are expected to provide safe, cost-effective approaches to treat IMIDs, lower comorbidities, and increase longevity.

Prognostic significance of USP33 in advanced colorectal cancer patients: new insights into β-arrestin-dependent ERK signaling

Patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRCLM) have a poorer prognosis compared to colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in local stage. Evaluating the recurrence and overall survival of advanced patients is critical in improving disease treatment and clinical outcome. Here we investigated the expression pattern of USP33, a deubiquitinating enzyme, in both primary CRC tissues and liver metastases tissues. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified that low expression of USP33 in CRCLM tissues indicated high recurrence risk and poor overall prognosis. Overexpression of USP33 can significantly inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. On the other hand, USP33 knock-down promoted cell proliferation and invasion under SDF-1 stimulation; whereas dynasore (an internalization inhibitor) pretreatment in USP33 silencing cells showed a distinct antipromoting effect, revealing the participation of CXCR4 internalization in regulating tumor progress. Further results verified that USP33 can deubiquitinate β-arrestin2, subsequently block the internalization of SDF-1-stimulated CXCR4, and disrupt β-arrestin-dependent ERK activation. The existence and functions of β-arrestin-dependent signaling have been previously determined in several Gs-coupled receptors, such as β2-adrenergic receptor and angiotensin receptor subtype 1a; however, little is known about this in Gi-coupled receptors. Our study not only established USP33 as a novel prognosis biomarker in advanced CRCLM patients, but also highlighted the significance of β-arrestin-dependent ERK signaling in cancer development.

Site-specific polyubiquitination differentially regulates parathyroid hormone receptor-initiated MAPK signaling and cell proliferation

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and trafficking are essential for cellular function and regulated by phosphorylation, β-arrestin, and ubiquitination. The GPCR parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) exhibits time-dependent reversible ubiquitination. The exact ubiquitination sites in PTHR are unknown, but they extend upstream of its intracellular tail. Here, using tandem MS, we identified Lys³⁸⁸ in the third loop and Lys⁴⁸⁴ in the C-terminal tail as primary ubiquitination sites in PTHR. We found that PTHR ubiquitination requires β-arrestin and does not display a preference for β-arrestin1 or -2. PTH stimulated PTHR phosphorylation at Thr³⁸⁷/Thr³⁹² and within the Ser⁴⁸⁹-Ser⁴⁹³ region. Such phosphorylation events may recruit β-arrestin, and we observed that chemically or genetically blocking PTHR phosphorylation inhibits its ubiquitination. Specifically, Ala replacement at Thr³⁸⁷/Thr³⁹² suppressed β-arrestin binding and inhibited PTHR ubiquitination, suggesting that PTHR phosphorylation and ubiquitination are interdependent. Of note, Lys-deficient PTHR mutants promoted normal cAMP formation, but exhibited differential mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Lys-deficient PTHR triggered early onset and delayed ERK1/2 signaling compared with wildtype PTHR. Moreover, ubiquitination of Lys³⁸⁸ and Lys⁴⁸⁴ in wildtype PTHR strongly decreased p38 signaling, whereas Lys-deficient PTHR retained signaling comparable to unstimulated wildtype PTHR. Lys-deficient, ubiquitination-refractory PTHR reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. However, elimination of all 11 Lys residues in PTHR did not affect its internalization and recycling. These results pinpoint the ubiquitinated Lys residues in PTHR controlling MAPK signaling and cell proliferation and survival. Our findings suggest new opportunities for targeting PTHR ubiquitination to regulate MAPK signaling or manage PTHR-related disorders.

The Diverse Roles of Arrestin Scaffolds in G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling

The visual/β-arrestins, a small family of proteins originally described for their role in the desensitization and intracellular trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), have emerged as key regulators of multiple signaling pathways. Evolutionarily related to a larger group of regulatory scaffolds that share a common arrestin fold, the visual/β-arrestins acquired the capacity to detect and bind activated GPCRs on the plasma membrane, which enables them to control GPCR desensitization, internalization, and intracellular trafficking. By acting as scaffolds that bind key pathway intermediates, visual/β-arrestins both influence the tonic level of pathway activity in cells and, in some cases, serve as ligand-regulated scaffolds for GPCR-mediated signaling. Growing evidence supports the physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of arrestins and underscores their potential as therapeutic targets. Circumventing arrestin-dependent GPCR desensitization may alleviate the problem of tachyphylaxis to drugs that target GPCRs, and find application in the management of chronic pain, asthma, and psychiatric illness. As signaling scaffolds, arrestins are also central regulators of pathways controlling cell growth, migration, and survival, suggesting that manipulating their scaffolding functions may be beneficial in inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. In this review we examine the structure-function relationships that enable arrestins to perform their diverse roles, addressing arrestin structure at the molecular level, the relationship between arrestin conformation and function, and sites of interaction between arrestins, GPCRs, and nonreceptor-binding partners. We conclude with a discussion of arrestins as therapeutic targets and the settings in which manipulating arrestin function might be of clinical benefit.

A synthetic intrabody-based selective and generic inhibitor of GPCR endocytosis

Beta-arrestins (βarrs) critically mediate desensitization, endocytosis and signalling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and they scaffold a large number of interaction partners. However, allosteric modulation of their scaffolding abilities and direct targeting of their interaction interfaces to modulate GPCR functions selectively have not been fully explored yet. Here we identified a series of synthetic antibody fragments (Fabs) against different conformations of βarrs from phage display libraries. Several of these Fabs allosterically and selectively modulated the interaction of βarrs with clathrin and ERK MAP kinase. Interestingly, one of these Fabs selectively disrupted βarr-clathrin interaction, and when expressed as an intrabody, it robustly inhibited agonist-induced endocytosis of a broad set of GPCRs without affecting ERK MAP kinase activation. Our data therefore demonstrate the feasibility of selectively targeting βarr interactions using intrabodies and provide a novel framework for fine-tuning GPCR functions with potential therapeutic implications.

The Role of Ubiquitination and Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Regulated Tyrosine Kinase Substrate in the Degradation of the Adrenomedullin Type I Receptor

Calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and the receptor activity-modifying protein 2 (RAMP2) comprise a receptor for adrenomedullin (AM). Although it is known that AM induces internalization of CLR•RAMP2, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate the trafficking of CLR•RAMP2. Using HEK and HMEC-1 cells, we observed that AM-induced activation of CLR•RAMP2 promoted ubiquitination of CLR. A mutant (CLRΔ9KR), lacking all intracellular lysine residues was functional and trafficked similar to the wild-type receptor, but was not ubiquitinated. Degradation of CLR•RAMP2 and CLRΔ9KR•RAMP2 was not dependent on the duration of AM stimulation or ubiquitination and occurred via a mechanism that was partially prevented by peptidase inhibitors. Degradation of CLR•RAMP2 was sensitive to overexpression of hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (HRS), but not to HRS knockdown, whereas CLRΔ9KR•RAMP2 degradation was unaffected. Overexpression, but not knockdown of HRS, promoted hyperubiquitination of CLR under basal conditions. Thus, we propose a role for ubiquitin and HRS in the regulation of AM-induced degradation of CLR•RAMP2.

Mdm2 regulates cardiac contractility by inhibiting GRK2-mediated desensitization of β-adrenergic receptor signaling

The oncoprotein Mdm2 is a RING domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that ubiquitinates G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and β-arrestin2, thereby regulating β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling and endocytosis. Previous studies showed that cardiac Mdm2 expression is critical for controlling p53-dependent apoptosis during early embryonic development, but the role of Mdm2 in the developed adult heart is unknown. We aimed to identify if Mdm2 affects βAR signaling and cardiac function in adult mice. Using Mdm2/p53-KO mice, which survive for 9-12 months, we identified a critical and potentially novel role for Mdm2 in the adult mouse heart through its regulation of cardiac β1AR signaling. While baseline cardiac function was mostly similar in both Mdm2/p53-KO and wild-type (WT) mice, isoproterenol-induced cardiac contractility in Mdm2/p53-KO was significantly blunted compared with WT mice. Isoproterenol increased cAMP in left ventricles of WT but not of Mdm2/p53-KO mice. Additionally, while basal and forskolin-induced calcium handling in isolated Mdm2/p53-KO and WT cardiomyocytes were equivalent, isoproterenol-induced calcium handling in Mdm2/p53-KO was impaired. Mdm2/p53-KO hearts expressed 2-fold more GRK2 than WT. GRK2 polyubiquitination via lysine-48 linkages was significantly reduced in Mdm2/p53-KO hearts. Tamoxifen-inducible cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of Mdm2 in adult mice also led to a significant increase in GRK2, and resulted in severely impaired cardiac function, high mortality, and no detectable βAR responsiveness. Gene delivery of either Mdm2 or GRK2-CT in vivo using adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) effectively rescued β1AR-induced cardiac contractility in Mdm2/p53-KO. These findings reveal a critical p53-independent physiological role of Mdm2 in adult hearts, namely, regulation of GRK2-mediated desensitization of βAR signaling.

Novel Structural Insights into GPCR-β-Arrestin Interaction and Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major signal recognition and transmission units in the plasma membrane. The interaction of activated and phosphorylated GPCRs with the multifunctional adaptor proteins β-arrestins (βarrs) is crucial for regulation of their signaling and functional outcomes. Over the past few years, a range of structural, biochemical, and cellular studies have revealed novel insights into GPCR-βarr interaction and signaling. Some of these findings have come as a surprise and therefore have the potential to significantly refine the conceptual framework of the GPCR-βarr system. Here we discuss these recent advances with particular emphasis on biphasic GPCR-βarr interaction, the formation of GPCR-G-protein-βarr supercomplexes, and receptor-specific conformational signatures in βarrs. We also underline the emerging research areas that are likely to be at the center stage of investigations in the coming years.

GPCR desensitization: Acute and prolonged phases

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce a wide array of extracellular signals and regulate virtually every aspect of physiology. While GPCR signaling is essential, overstimulation can be deleterious, resulting in cellular toxicity or uncontrolled cellular growth. Accordingly, nature has developed a number of mechanisms for limiting GPCR signaling, which are broadly referred to as desensitization, and refer to a decrease in response to repeated or continuous stimulation. Short-term desensitization occurs over minutes, and is primarily associated with β-arrestins preventing G protein interaction with a GPCR. Longer-term desensitization, referred to as downregulation, occurs over hours to days, and involves receptor internalization into vesicles, degradation in lysosomes and decreased receptor mRNA levels through unclear mechanisms. Phosphorylation of the receptor by GPCR kinases (GRKs) and the recruitment of β-arrestins is critical to both these short- and long-term desensitization mechanisms. In addition to phosphorylation, both the GPCR and β-arrestins are modified post-translationally in several ways, including by ubiquitination. For many GPCRs, receptor ubiquitination promotes degradation of agonist-activated receptors in the lysosomes. Other proteins also play important roles in desensitization, including phosphodiesterases, RGS family proteins and A-kinase-anchoring proteins. Together, this intricate network of kinases, ubiquitin ligases, and adaptor proteins orchestrate the acute and prolonged desensitization of GPCRs.

β-arrestin is critical for early shear stress-induced Akt/eNOS activation in human vascular endothelial cells

Recent evidence suggests that β-arrestins, which are involved in G protein-coupled receptors desensitization, may influence mechanotransduction. Here, we observed that nitric oxide (NO) production was abrogated in human saphenous vein endothelial cells (SVECs) transfected with siRNA against β-arrestin 1 and 2 subjected to shear stress (SS, 15 dynes/cm², 10 min). The downregulation of β-arrestins 1/2 in SVECs cells also prevented the SS-induced rise in levels of phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, Serine 1177). Interestingly, immunoprecipitation revealed that β-arrestin interacts with Akt, eNOS and caveolin-1 and these interactions are not influenced by SS. Our data indicate that β-arrestins and Akt/eNOS downstream signaling are required for early SS-induced NO production in SVECs, which is consistent with the idea that β-arrestins and caveolin-1 are part of a pre-assembled complex associated with the cellular mechanotransduction machinery.

Down-regulation of β-arrestin2 promotes tumour invasion and indicates poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

β-arrestins, including β-arrestin1 and β-arrestin2, are multifunctional adaptor proteins. β-arrestins have recently been found to play new roles in regulating intracellular signalling networks associated with malignant cell functions. Altered β-arrestin expression has been reported in many cancers, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. We therefore examined the roles of β-arrestins in HCC using an animal model of progressive HCC, HCC patient samples and HCC cell lines with stepwise metastatic potential. We demonstrated that β-arrestin2 level, but not β-arrestin1 level, decreased in conjunction with liver tumourigenesis in a mouse diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumour model. Furthermore, β-arrestin2 expression was reduced in HCC tissues compared with noncancerous tissues in HCC patients. β-arrestin2 down-regulation in HCC was significantly associated with poor patient prognoses and aggressive pathologic features. In addition, our in vitro study showed that β-arrestin2 overexpression significantly reduced cell migration and invasion in cultured HCC cells. Furthermore, β-arrestin2 overexpression up-regulated E-cadherin expression and inhibited vimentin expression and Akt activation. These results suggest that β-arrestin2 down-regulation increases HCC cell migration and invasion ability. Low β-arrestin2 expression may be indicative of a poor prognosis or early cancer recurrence in patients who have undergone surgery for HCC.

Coagulation and non-coagulation effects of thrombin

Thrombin is a multifunctional serine protease produced from prothrombin, and is a key regulator in hemostatic and non-hemostatic processes. It is the main effector protease in primary hemostasis by activating platelets, and plays a key role in secondary hemostasis. Besides its well-known functions in hemostasis, thrombin also plays a role in various non-hemostatic biological and pathophysiologic processes, predominantly mediated through activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs). Depending on several factors, such as the concentration of thrombin, the duration of activation, the location of PARs, the presence of coreceptors, and the formation of PAR heterodimers, activation of the receptor by thrombin can induce different cellular responses. Moreover, thrombin can have opposing effects in the same cell; it can induce both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals. Owing to the complexity of thrombin's signal transduction pathways, the exact mechanism behind the dichotomy of thrombin is yet still unknown. In this review, we highlight the hemostatic and non-hemostatic functions of thrombin, and specifically focus on the non-hemostatic dual role of thrombin under various conditions and in relation to cardiovascular disease.

Chapter Nine - Cellular Roles of Beta-Arrestins as Substrates and Adaptors of Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination

β-Arrestin1 and β-arrestin2 are homologous adaptor proteins that are ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells. They belong to a four-member family of arrestins that regulate the vast family of seven-transmembrane receptors that couple to heterotrimeric G proteins (7TMRs or GPCRs), and that modulate 7TMR signal transduction. β-Arrestins were originally identified in the context of signal inhibition via the 7TMRs because they competed with and thereby blocked G protein coupling to 7TMRs. Currently, in addition to their role as desensitizers of signaling, β-arrestins are appreciated as multifunctional adaptors that mediate trafficking and signal transduction of not only 7TMRs, but a growing list of additional receptors, ion channels, and nonreceptor proteins. β-Arrestins' interactions with their multifarious partners are based on their dynamic conformational states rather than particular domain-domain interactions. β-Arrestins adopt activated conformations upon 7TMR association. In addition, β-arrestins undergo various posttranslational modifications that are choreographed by activated 7TMRs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, nitrosylation, and SUMOylation. Ubiquitination of β-arrestins is critical for their high-affinity interaction with 7TMRs as well as with endocytic adaptor proteins and signaling kinases. β-Arrestins also function as critical adaptors for ubiquitination and deubiquitination of various cellular proteins, and thereby affect the longevity of signal transducers and the intensity of signal transmission.

Ubiquitin-Related Roles of β-Arrestins in Endocytic Trafficking and Signal Transduction

The non-visual arrestins, β-arrestin1, and β-arrestin2 were originally identified as proteins that bind to seven-transmembrane receptors (7TMRs, also called G protein-coupled receptors, GPCRs) and block heterotrimeric G protein activation, thus leading to desensitization of transmembrane signaling. However, as subsequent discoveries have continually demonstrated, their functionality is not constrained to desensitization. They are now recognized for their critical roles in mediating intracellular trafficking of 7TMRs, growth factor receptors, ion transporters, ion channels, nuclear receptors, and non-receptor proteins. Additionally, they function as crucial mediators of ubiquitination of 7TMRs as well as other receptors and non-receptor proteins. Recently, emerging studies suggest that a class of proteins with predicted structural features of β-arrestins regulate substrate ubiquitination in yeast and higher mammals, lending support to the idea that the adaptor role of β-arrestins in protein ubiquitination is evolutionarily conserved. β-arrestins also function as scaffolds for kinases and transduce signals from 7TMRs through pathways that do not require G protein activation. Remarkably, the endocytic and scaffolding functions of β-arrestin are intertwined with its ubiquitination status; the dynamic and site specific ubiquitination on β-arrestin plays a critical role in stabilizing β-arrestin-7TMR association and the formation of signalosomes. This review summarizes the current findings on ubiquitin-dependent regulation of 7TMRs as well as β-arrestins and the potential role of reversible ubiquitination as a "biological switch" in signal transduction. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2071-2080, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ubiquitin-specific Protease 20 Regulates the Reciprocal Functions of β-Arrestin2 in Toll-like Receptor 4-promoted Nuclear Factor κB (NFκB) Activation

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) promotes vascular inflammatory disorders such as neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. TLR4 triggers NFκB signaling through the ubiquitin ligase TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6). TRAF6 activity can be impeded by deubiquitinating enzymes like ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20), which can reverse TRAF6 autoubiquitination, and by association with the multifunctional adaptor protein β-arrestin2. Although β-arrestin2 effects on TRAF6 suggest an anti-inflammatory role, physiologic β-arrestin2 promotes inflammation in atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia. We hypothesized that anti- and proinflammatory dimensions of β-arrestin2 activity could be dictated by β-arrestin2's ubiquitination status, which has been linked with its ability to scaffold and localize activated ERK1/2 to signalosomes. With purified proteins and in intact cells, our protein interaction studies showed that TRAF6/USP20 association and subsequent USP20-mediated TRAF6 deubiquitination were β-arrestin2-dependent. Generation of transgenic mice with smooth muscle cell-specific expression of either USP20 or its catalytically inactive mutant revealed anti-inflammatory effects of USP20in vivoandin vitro Carotid endothelial denudation showed that antagonizing smooth muscle cell USP20 activity increased NFκB activation and neointimal hyperplasia. We found that β-arrestin2 ubiquitination was promoted by TLR4 and reversed by USP20. The association of USP20 with β-arrestin2 was augmented when β-arrestin2 ubiquitination was prevented and reduced when β-arrestin2 ubiquitination was rendered constitutive. Constitutive β-arrestin2 ubiquitination also augmented NFκB activation. We infer that pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of β-arrestin2 are determined by β-arrestin2 ubiquitination and that changes in USP20 expression and/or activity can therefore regulate inflammatory responses, at least in part, by defining the ubiquitination status of β-arrestin2.

Biased agonism: An emerging paradigm in GPCR drug discovery

G protein coupled receptors have historically been one of the most druggable classes of cellular proteins. The members of this large receptor gene family couple to primary effectors, G proteins, that have built in mechanisms for regeneration and amplification of signaling with each engagement of receptor and ligand, a kinetic event in itself. In recent years GPCRs, have been found to interact with arrestin proteins to initiate signal propagation in the absence of G protein interactions. This pinnacle observation has changed a previously held notion of the linear spectrum of GPCR efficacy and uncovered a new paradigm in GPCR research and drug discovery that relies on multidimensionality of GPCR signaling. Ligands were found that selectively confer activity in one pathway over another, and this phenomenon has been referred to as 'biased agonism' or 'functional selectivity'. While great strides in the understanding of this phenomenon have been made in recent years, two critical questions still dominate the field: How can we rationally design biased GPCR ligands, and ultimately, which physiological responses are due to G protein versus arrestin interactions? This review will discuss the current understanding of some of the key aspects of biased signaling that are related to these questions, including mechanistic insights in the nature of biased signaling and methods for measuring ligand bias, as well as relevant examples of drug discovery applications and medicinal chemistry strategies that highlight the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.

Chapter One - Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination of G Protein-Coupled Receptors

The seven-transmembrane containing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of cell-surface receptors. Transmembrane signaling by GPCRs is fundamental to many aspects of physiology including vision, olfaction, cardiovascular, and reproductive functions as well as pain, behavior and psychomotor responses. The duration and magnitude of signal transduction is tightly controlled by a series of coordinated trafficking events that regulate the cell-surface expression of GPCRs at the plasma membrane. Moreover, the intracellular trafficking profiles of GPCRs can correlate with the signaling efficacy and efficiency triggered by the extracellular stimuli that activate GPCRs. Of the various molecular mechanisms that impart selectivity, sensitivity and strength of transmembrane signaling, ubiquitination of the receptor protein plays an important role because it defines both trafficking and signaling properties of the activated GPCR. Ubiquitination of proteins was originally discovered in the context of lysosome-independent degradation of cytosolic proteins by the 26S proteasome; however a large body of work suggests that ubiquitination also orchestrates the downregulation of membrane proteins in the lysosomes. In the case of GPCRs, such ubiquitin-mediated lysosomal degradation engenders long-term desensitization of transmembrane signaling. To date about 40 GPCRs are known to be ubiquitinated. For many GPCRs, ubiquitination plays a major role in postendocytic trafficking and sorting to the lysosomes. This chapter will focus on the patterns and functional roles of GPCR ubiquitination, and will describe various molecular mechanisms involved in GPCR ubiquitination.

Trafficking of β-Adrenergic Receptors: Implications in Intracellular Receptor Signaling

β-Adrenergic receptors (βARs), prototypical G-protein-coupled receptors, play a pivotal role in regulating neuronal and cardiovascular responses to catecholamines during stress. Agonist-induced receptor endocytosis is traditionally considered as a primary mechanism to turn off the receptor signaling (or receptor desensitization). However, recent progress suggests that intracellular trafficking of βAR presents a mean to translocate receptor signaling machinery to intracellular organelles/compartments while terminating the signaling at the cell surface. Moreover, the apparent multidimensionality of ligand efficacy in space and time in a cell has forecasted exciting pathophysiological implications, which are just beginning to be explored. As we begin to understand how these pathways impact downstream cellular programs, this will have significant implications for a number of pathophysiological conditions in heart and other systems, that in turn open up new therapeutic opportunities.

Α-arrestins - new players in Notch and GPCR signaling pathways in mammals

For many years, β-arrestins have been known to be involved in G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization. However, β-arrestins belong to a family of proteins that act as multifunctional scaffolding proteins, in particular during trafficking of transmembrane receptors. The arrestin family comprises visual arrestins, β-arrestins and α-arrestins. In mammals, the functions of the α-arrestins are beginning to be elucidated, and they are described as versatile adaptors that link GPCRs or the Notch receptor to E3 ubiquitin ligases and endocytic factors. These α-arrestins can act in sequence, complementarily or cooperatively with β-arrestins in trafficking and ubiquitylation events. This Commentary will summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the functions and properties of these α-arrestin proteins in comparison to β-arrestins, and will highlight a new hypothesis linking their functional complementarity to their physical interactions. α- and β-arrestins could form transient and versatile heterodimers that form a bridge between cargo and E3 ubiquitin ligases, thus allowing trafficking to proceed.

Arrestins: Critical Players in Trafficking of Many GPCRs

Arrestins specifically bind active phosphorylated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Receptor binding induces the release of the arrestin C-tail, which in non-visual arrestins contains high-affinity binding sites for clathrin and its adaptor AP2. Thus, serving as a physical link between the receptor and key components of the internalization machinery of the coated pit is the best-characterized function of non-visual arrestins in GPCR trafficking. However, arrestins also regulate GPCR trafficking less directly by orchestrating their ubiquitination and deubiquitination. Several reports suggest that arrestins play additional roles in receptor trafficking. Non-visual arrestins appear to be required for the recycling of internalized GPCRs, and the mechanisms of their function in this case remain to be elucidated. Moreover, visual and non-visual arrestins were shown to directly bind N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor, an important ATPase involved in vesicle trafficking, but neither molecular details nor the biological role of these interactions is clear. Considering how many different proteins arrestins appear to bind, we can confidently expect the elucidation of additional trafficking-related functions of these versatile signaling adaptors.

Regulation of GPCR Trafficking by Ubiquitin

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-promoted signaling mediates cellular responses to a variety of stimuli involved in diverse physiological processes. In addition, GPCRs are also the largest class of target for many drugs used to treat a variety of diseases. Despite the role of GPCR signaling in health and disease, the molecular mechanisms governing GPCR signaling remain poorly understanding. Classically, GPCR signaling is tightly regulated by GPCR kinases and β-arrestins, which act in a concerted fashion to govern GPCR desensitization and also GPCR trafficking. Ubiquitination has now emerged as an important posttranslational modification that has multiple roles, either directly or indirectly, in governing GPCR trafficking. Recent studies have revealed a mechanistic link between GPCR phosphorylation, β-arrestins, and ubiquitination. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of how ubiquitin regulates GPCR trafficking within the endocytic pathway.

Deubiquitinases and their emerging roles in β-arrestin-mediated signaling

The two homologous mammalian proteins called β-arrestin1 (also known as arrestin2) and β-arrestin2 (also called arrestin3) are now widely accepted as endocytic and signaling adaptors for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), growth factor receptors, and ion channels. The sustained interactions of β-arrestins with activated GPCRs have been shown to correlate with the agonist-induced ubiquitination on distinct domains in the β-arrestin molecule. Additionally, ubiquitination of β-arrestin promotes its interaction with proteins that mediate endocytosis (e.g., clathrin) and signaling (e.g., c-RAF). Recent studies have demonstrated that deubiquitination of β-arrestin by specific deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) acts as an important regulatory mechanism, which determines the stability of β-arrestin-GPCR binding and fine-tunes β-arrestin-dependent signaling to downstream kinases. Accordingly, ubiquitination/deubiquitination of β-arrestin can serve as an on/off switch for its signaling and endocytic functions. Moreover, by regulating the stability and localization of signalosomes, deubiquitination of β-arrestins by DUBs imparts spatial and temporal resolution in GPCR signaling.