Activation of B-Raf and regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by the G(o) alpha chain

CAPA periviscerokinin-mediated activation of MAPK/ERK signaling through Gq-PLC-PKC-dependent cascade and reciprocal ERK activation-dependent internalized kinetics of Bom-CAPA-PVK receptor 2

Bombyx mori neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptor (BNGR)-A27 is a specific receptor for B. mori capability (CAPA) periviscerokinin (PVK), that is, Bom-CAPA-PVK receptor 2. Upon stimulation of Bom-CAPA-PVK-1 or -PVK-2, Bom-CAPA-PVK receptor 2 significantly increases cAMP-response element-controlled luciferase activity and Ca²⁺ mobilization in a Gq inhibitor-sensitive manner. However, the underlying mechanism(s) for CAPA/CAPA receptor system mediation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) activation remains to be explained further. Here, we discovered that Bom-CAPA-PVK receptor 2 stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in response to Bom-CAPA-PVK-1 or -PVK-2 with similar potencies. Furthermore, ERK1/2 phosphorylation can be inhibited by Gq inhibitor UBO-QIC, PLC inhibitor U73122, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Go 6983, phospholipase D (PLD) inhibitor FIPI and Ca²⁺ chelators EGTA and BAPTA-AM. Moreover, Bom-CAPA-PVK-R2-induced activation of ERK1/2 was significantly attenuated by treatment with the Gβγ-specific inhibitors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-specific inhibitor Wortmannin and Src-specific inhibitor PP2. Our data also demonstrate that receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) transactivation pathways are involved in the mechanisms of Bom-CAPA-PVK receptor to ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, β-arrestin1/2 is not involved in Bom-CAPA-PVK-R2-mediated ERK1/2 activation but required for the agonist-independent, ERK1/2 activation-dependent internalization of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR).

Go is required for the release of IL-8 and TNF-α, but not degranulation in human mast cells

Mast cells activated by IgE-dependent and -independent mechanisms play important roles in innate and acquired immune responses. Activation of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive Gi/o proteins is the key step in mast cell degranulation and release of de novo synthesized inflammatory mediators through IgE-independent mechanism. However, the roles of Gi and Go proteins in mast cells activation have not yet been differentiated. In the current study, the functional roles of Go proteins in the activities of LAD2 cells, a human mast cell line, are identified. Knockdown of Gαo expression significantly inhibited the synthesis of IL-8 and TNF-α from substance P activated LAD2 cells but demonstrated no effect on degranulation. This effect was associated with the activation of Erk and JNK/MAPKs signaling, whereas PI3K-Akt, calcium mobilization and NFAT translocation remained unchanged. These results suggest that Gi and Go proteins differentially regulate human mast cells activities through activating distinct signaling cascades.

Niacin activates the PI3K/Akt cascade via PKC- and EGFR-transactivation-dependent pathways through hydroxyl-carboxylic acid receptor 2

Niacin has been demonstrated to activate a PI3K/Akt signaling cascade to prevent brain damage after stroke and UV-induced skin damage; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms for HCA₂-induced Akt activation remain to be elucidated. Using CHO-K1 cells stably expressing HCA₂ and A431 cells, a human epidermoid cell line with high levels of endogenous expression of functional HCA₂ receptors, we first demonstrated that niacin induced a robust Akt phosphorylation at both Thr³⁰⁸ and Ser⁴⁷³ in a time-dependent fashion, with a maximal activation at 5 min and a subsequent reduction to baseline by 30 min through HCA₂, and that the activation was significantly blocked by pertussis toxin. The HCA₂-mediated activation of Akt was also significantly inhibited by the PKC inhibitors GF109203x and Go6983 in both cell lines, by the PDGFR-selective inhibitor tyrphostin A9 in CHO-HCA₂ cells and by the MMP inhibitor GM6001 and EGFR-specific inhibitor AG1478 in A431 cells. These results suggest that the PKC pathway and PDGFR/EGFR transactivation pathway play important roles in HCA₂-mediated Akt activation. Further investigation indicated that PI3K and the G_βγ subunit were likely to play an essential role in HCA₂-induced Akt activation. Moreover, Immunobloting analyses using an antibody that recognizes p70S6K1 phosphorylated at Thr³⁸⁹ showed that niacin evoked p70S6K1 activation via the PI3K/Akt pathway. The results of our study provide new insight into the signaling pathways involved in HCA₂ activation.

Minireview: Targeting GPCR Activated ERK Pathways for Drug Discovery

It has become clear in recent years that multiple signal transduction pathways are employed upon GPCR activation. One of the major cellular effectors activated by GPCRs is extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Both G-protein and β-arrestin mediated signaling pathways can lead to ERK activation. However, depending on activation pathway, the subcellular destination of activated ERK1/2 may be different. G-protein -dependent ERK activation results in the translocation of active ERK to the nucleus, whereas ERK activated via an arrestin-dependent mechanism remains largely in the cytoplasm. The subcellular location of activated ERK1/2 determines the downstream signaling cascade. Many substrates of ERK1/2 are found in the nucleus: nuclear transcription factors that participate in gene transcription, cell proliferation and differentiation. ERK1/2 substrates are also found in cytosol and other cellular organelles: they may play roles in translation, mitosis, apoptosis and cross-talk with other signaling pathways. Therefore, determining specific subcellular locations of activated ERK1/2 mediated by GPCR ligands would be important in correlating signaling pathways with cellular physiological functions. While GPCR-stimulated selective ERK pathway activation has been studied in several receptor systems, exploitation of these different signaling cascades for therapeutics has not yet been seriously pursued. Many old drug candidates were identified from screens based on G-protein signaling assays, and their activity on β-arrestin signaling pathways being mostly unknown, especially regarding their subcellular ERK pathways. With today’s knowledge of complicated GPCR signaling pathways, drug discovery can no longer rely on single-pathway approaches. Since ERK activation is an important signaling pathway and associated with many physiological functions, targeting the ERK pathway, especially specific subcellular activation pathways should provide new avenues for GPCR drug discovery.

Activated human hydroxy-carboxylic acid receptor-3 signals to MAP kinase cascades via the PLC-dependent PKC and MMP-mediated EGFR pathways

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 3-Hydroxy-octanoate, recently identified as a ligand for, the orphan GPCR, HCA(3), is of particular interest given its ability to treat lipid disorders and atherosclerosis. Here we demonstrate the pathway of HCA(3)-mediated activation of ERK1/2. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using CHO-K1 cells stably expressing HCA(3) receptors and A431 cells, a human epidermoid cell line with high levels of endogenous expression of functional HCA(3) receptors, HCA(3)-mediated activation of ERK1/2 was measured by Western blot. KEY RESULTS HCA(3)-mediated activation of ERK1/2 was rapid, peaking at 5 min, and was Pertussis toxin sensitive. Our data, obtained by time course analyses in combination with different kinase inhibitors, demonstrated that on agonist stimulation, HCA(3) receptors evoked ERK1/2 activation via two distinct pathways, the PLC/PKC pathway at early time points (≤ 2 min) and the MMP/ epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation pathway with a maximum response at 5 min. Furthermore, our present results also indicated that the βγ-subunits of the G(i) protein play a critical role in HCA(3)-activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas β-arrestins and Src were not required for ERK1/2 activation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We have described the molecular mechanisms underlying the coupling of human HCA(3) receptors to the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway in CHO-K1 and A431 cells, which implicate the G(i) protein-initiated, PLC/PKC -and platelet-derived growth factor receptor/EGFR transactivation-dependent pathways. These observations may provide new insights into the pharmacological effects and the physiological functions modulated by the HCA(3)-mediated activation of ERK1/2.

Distinct kinetic and spatial patterns of protein kinase C (PKC)- and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 by human nicotinic acid receptor GPR109A

Nicotinic acid (niacin) has been widely used as a lipid-lowering drug for several decades, and recently, orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR109A has been identified as a receptor for niacin. Mechanistic investigations have shown that, upon niacin activation, GPR109A couples to a G(i) protein and inhibits adenylate cyclase activity, leading to inhibition of liberation of free fatty acid. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for GPR109A signaling remain largely unknown. Using CHO-K1 cells stably expressing GPR109A and A431 cells, which are a human epidermoid cell line with high levels of endogenous expression of functional GPR109A receptors, we found that activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) by niacin was rapid, peaking at 5 min, and was significantly blocked by pertussis toxin. Furthermore, time course experiments with different kinase inhibitors demonstrated that GPR109A induced ERK1/2 activation via the matrix metalloproteinase/epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation pathway at both early and later time points (2-5 min); this pathway was distinct from the PKC pathway-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation that occurs at early time points (≤2 min) in response to niacin. Overexpression of Gβγ subunit scavengers βARK1-CT and the Gα subunit of transducin led to a significant reduction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, suggesting a critical role for βγ subunits in GPR109A-activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Using arrestin-2/3-specific siRNA and an internalization-deficient GPR109A mutant, we found that arrestin-2 and arrestin-3 were not involved in GPR109A-mediated ERK1/2 activation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that upon binding to niacin GPR109A receptors initially activate G(i), leading to dissociation of the Gβγ subunit from activated G(i), and subsequently induce ERK1/2 activation via two distinct pathways, one PKC-dependent pathway occurring at a peak time of ≤2 min and the other matrix metalloproteinase-dependent growth factor receptor transactivation occurring at both early and later time points (2-5 min).

Histidine 6.55 is a major determinant of ligand-biased signaling in dopamine D2L receptor

In our previous studies, we demonstrated that the mutation of His393(6.55) to alanine results in an increased affinity of 1,4-disubstituted phenylpiperazines to the dopamine D(2L) receptor. This change most likely accounts for the reduced steric hindrance in this part of the binding pocket. In this work, we investigated the role of the steric hindrance imposed by the residue His393(6.55) for the receptor activation modulated by 1,4-disubstituted aromatic piperidines/piperazines. Site-directed mutagenesis and ligand modifications were used to probe the structural basis of ligand efficacy. The operational model of agonism was used to quantify the ligand bias between the ability of compounds to inhibit cAMP accumulation and stimulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Whereas substantial ligand-biased signaling was observed for the D(2L) wild-type receptor, an overall increase in agonism was observed for the D(2L) H393(6.55)A mutant without noteworthy functional selectivity. Targeted chemical modification of the phenylpiperazine moiety at the site of its interaction with the residue His393(6.55) led to the functionally selective ligand {3-[4-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-propyl}-pyrazol[1,5-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide (FAUC350) that has distinct signaling profiles toward adenylyl cyclase and ERK1/2. FAUC350 behaves as an antagonist in the inhibition of cAMP accumulation and as a partial agonist in the stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation (efficacy = 55%). Overall, the residue His393(6.55) and proximate molecular substructures of receptor ligands were identified to be crucial for multidimensional ligand efficacy.

Molecular mechanisms of go signaling

Go is the most abundant G protein in the central nervous system, where it comprises about 1% of membrane protein in mammalian brains. It functions to couple cell surface receptors to intercellular effectors, which is a critical process for cells to receive, interpret and respond to extracellular signals. Go protein belongs to the pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/Go subfamily of G proteins. A number of G-protein-coupled receptors transmit stimuli to intercellular effectors through Go. Go regulates several cellular effectors, including ion channels, enzymes, and even small GTPases to modulate cellular function. This review summarizes some of the advances in Go research and proposes areas to be further addressed in exploring the functional role of Go.

Divergent transforming growth factor-beta signaling in hepatic stellate cells after liver injury: functional effects on ECE-1 regulation

In liver wound healing, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays a critical role in stellate cell activation as well as signaling cascades in the fibrogenic response to injury. We postulate that the TGF-beta-dependent downstream signaling pathway may vary according to the mechanism of stellate cell activation; this study was undertaken to ascertain whether the downstream signaling pathways mediated by TGF-beta vary in different liver injury models. We measured Smad3 and MAP kinase activation after isolating stellate cells from rat livers injured by either bile duct ligation (BDL) or repeated carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) administration. Phospho-Smad3 was dramatically up-regulated in stellate cells after CCl(4) injury, but not after BDL-induced injury. TGF-beta signaling in stellate cells activated after BDL was mediated prominently through ERK activation, whereas activation induced by CCl(4) injury or culture led to a cross-signaling mechanism involving both Smad3 and p38. The divergent Smad signaling pathways observed appeared to be attributable to the differential regulation of the early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1), an apparent negative transcriptional factor for Smad3 in our system. In addition, inhibition of ERK activation in stellate cells from BDL-injured liver led to a decrease in expression of endothelin-converting enzyme-1, a critical regulator of endothelin-1. We speculate that TGF-beta signaling proceeds through differential signaling pathways depending on the mechanism of liver injury that leads to stellate cell activation.

Apelin-13 induces ERK1/2 but not p38 MAPK activation through coupling of the human apelin receptor to the Gi2 pathway

Apelin signaling to the family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK, through the coupling of apelin receptor (APJ) to G-protein, mediates important pathophysiological responses. Although apelin fragments have been reported to induce ERK1/2 activation through Gi-protein, the intracellular pathways by which APJ activates these MAPKs are only partially understood. Here, using stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells overexpressing human APJ (HEK293-apelinR), we showed that apelin-13 signaling leads to ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways through APJ activation. It was found in HEK293-apelinR cells that ERK1/2 activation was initiated by apelin-13 at 5 min, with the peak of activation occurring at 15 min, and a return to the basal level within 60 min. The activation of ERK1/2 appeared to be dose-dependent with a significant activation being observed at 10 nM apelin-13 and maximal activation at 100 nM. However, phosphorylated-p38 MAPK was not detected in HEK293-apelinR cells treated with apelin-13. We also shown that the apelin-13-induced ERK1/2 activation requires a coupling with pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein, and that overexpression of dominant-negative Gi2 completely inhibits the apelin-13-induced ERK1/2 activation. In addition, treatment with apelin-13 resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. It is therefore suggested that apelin-13 activates ERK1/2 but not p38 MAPK, which involves the coupling of APJ to the Gi2 cascade. In conclusion, the ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK pathway is activated by apelin-13 through coupling of human APJ to Gi2-protein, which contributes to cellular responses.

Molecular mechanisms mediating the G protein-coupled receptor regulation of cell cycle progression

G protein-coupled receptors are key regulators of cellular communication, mediating the efficient coordination of a cell's responses to extracellular stimuli. When stimulated these receptors modulate the activity of a wide range of intracellular signalling pathways that facilitate the ordered development, growth and reproduction of the organism. There is now a growing body of evidence examining the mechanisms by which G protein-coupled receptors are able to regulate the expression, activity, localization and stability of cell cycle regulatory proteins that either promote or inhibit the initiation of DNA synthesis. In this review, we will detail the intracellular pathways that mediate the G protein-coupled receptor regulation of cellular proliferation, specifically the progression from the G1 phase to the S phase of the cell cycle.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by parathyroid hormone in distal tubule cells

The PTH receptor (PTH1R) activates multiple signaling pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation in ERK1/2 activation by PTH in distal kidney cells, a primary site of PTH action, was characterized. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was stimulated by PTH and blocked by the EGFR inhibitor, AG1478. Upon PTH stimulation, metalloprotease cleavage of membrane-bound heparin-binding fragment (HB-EGF) induced EGFR transactivation of ERK. Conditioned media from PTH-treated distal kidney cells activated ERK in HEK-293 cells. AG1478 added to HEK-293 cells ablated transactivation by conditioned media. HB-EGF directly activated ERK1/2 in HEK-293 cells. Pretreatment of distal kidney cells with the metalloprotease inhibitor GM-6001 abolished transactivation of ERK1/2 by PTH. The role of the PTH1R COOH terminus in PTX-sensitive ERK1/2 activation was characterized in HEK-293 cells transfected with wild-type PTH1R, with a PTH1R mutated at its COOH terminus, or with PTH1R truncated at position 480. PTH stimulated ERK by wild-type, mutated and truncated PTH1Rs 21-, 27- and 57-fold, respectively. Thus, the PTH1R COOH terminus exerts an inhibitory effect on ERK activation. EBP50, a scaffolding protein that binds to the PDZ recognition domain of the PTH1R, impaired PTH but not isoproterenol or calcitonin-induced ERK activation. Pertussis toxin inhibited PTH-stimulated ERK1/2 by mutated and truncated PTH1Rs and abolished ERK1/2 activation by wild-type PTH1R. We conclude that ERK phosphorylation in distal kidney cells by PTH requires PTH1R activation of G(i), which leads to stimulation of metalloprotease-mediated cleavage of HB-EGF and transactivation of the EGFR and is regulated by EBP50.

Independent regulation of Rap1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase by the alpha chain of Go

Receptors coupled to G(i/o) proteins stimulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. The intracellular pathways linking the alpha chains of these G proteins to MAPK activation are not completely understood. One of the signaling molecules which has been suggested to act downstream of Galpha(i/o) is the small G protein Rap1. We investigated the role of Rap1 in MAPK stimulation by Galpha(o) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Our previous results have shown that in this cell system activated Galpha(o) strongly potentiates the MAPK response to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Rap1 regulation was examined in cells transfected with Rap1 and wild-type Galpha(o) or the activated mutant Galpha(o)-Q205L. Immunocytochemical analysis detected both Rap1 and the Galpha(o) subunit at the plasma membrane as well as on perinuclear cytoplasmic vesicles. Expression of wild-type Galpha(o) had no significant effect on the levels of activated Rap1. In contrast, Galpha(o)-Q205L virtually abolished the activation of Rap1 induced by EGF. Further experiments showed that MAPK stimulation by EGF was greatly inhibited by expression of activated Rap1, suggesting that Rap1 inhibition could mediate the effect of Galpha(o) on the MAPK cascade. However, Galpha(o)-Q205L efficiently inhibited the activation of Rap1 induced by fibroblast growth factor (FGF). We have previously found that the ability of FGF to activate MAPK is not modified by Galpha(o). In addition, expression of the GAP protein RAP1GAPII blocked Rap1 activation without affecting EGF- or FGF-dependent MAPK stimulation. These findings provide evidence for independent regulation of Rap1 and MAPK by the G(o )alpha chain.

Signaling in time and space: G protein-coupled receptors and mitogen-activated protein kinases

Because of their central role in the cellular response to growth factors, assays of MAP kinase activity are commonly used in pharmaceutical screening efforts aimed at detecting chemical modifiers of growth regulatory pathways. As our understanding of the complexity of signal transduction networks expands, however, it is becoming apparent that previously unappreciated temporal and contextual factors have profound effects on MAP kinase function. This is exemplified by recent studies of the regulation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase cascade by GPCRs. Depending on receptor and cell type, GPCR stimulation of ERK1/2 can reflect a heterogenous array of signaling events. Activation of second messenger-dependent protein kinases and cross talk between GPCRs and receptor or nonreceptor tyrosine kinases can all induce ERK1/2 activation. Furthermore, a growing body of data indicates that the mechanism of ERK1/2 activation is a major determinant of ERK1/2 function. Activation of a nuclear pool of ERK1/2 as a consequence of cross talk between GPCRs and growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases may provide a mitogenic stimulus. In contrast, activation of ERK1/2 in localized pools on the membrane or confined to endosomal vesicles through the utilization of focal adhesions or beta-arrestins as "scaffolds" may spatially constrain ERK1/2 activity and favor the phosphorylation of nonnuclear ERK substrates. Findings such as these suggest that screening strategies that use single readouts of MAP kinase activity or function are likely to miss important signaling events, and point to the need for a multidimensional approach to MAP kinase-based screening efforts.

Cloning of a G-protein-coupled receptor that shows an activity to transform NIH3T3 cells and is expressed in gastric cancer cells

The present study was directed towards the identification of novel factors involved in the transformation process leading to the formation of gastric cancer. A cDNA library from human gastric cancer cells was constructed using a retroviral vector. Functional cloning was performed by screening for transformation activity in transduced NIH3T3 cells. Six cDNA clones were isolated, including one encoding the elongation factor 1alpha subunit, which was already known to play a role in tumorigenesis. One cDNA (clone 56.2), which was repeatedly isolated during the course of screening, encoded a protein identical to a G-protein-coupled receptor protein, GPR35. In addition, another cDNA clone (72.3) was found to be an alternatively spliced product of the GPR35 gene, whereby 31 amino acids were added to the N-terminus of GPR35. Hence, the proteins encoded by clones 56.2 and 72.3 were designated GPR35a and GPR35b, respectively. RT-PCR experiments revealed that GPR35 gene expression is low or absent in surrounding non-cancerous regions, while both mRNAs were present in all of the gastric cancers examined. The level of 72.3-encoded mRNA was consistently significantly higher than that of 56.2 encoded mRNA. An expression pattern similar to that observed in gastric cancers was detected in normal intestinal mucosa. Based on the apparent transformation activities of the two GPR35 clones in NIH3T3 cells, and the marked up-regulation of their expression levels in cancer tissues, it is speculated that these two novel isoforms of GPR35 are involved in the course of gastric cancer formation.

sst2 Somatostatin receptor inhibits cell proliferation through Ras-, Rap1-, and B-Raf-dependent ERK2 activation

The G protein-coupled sst2 somatostatin receptor is a critical negative regulator of cell proliferation. sstII prevents growth factor-induced cell proliferation through activation of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 leading to induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1. Here, we investigate the signaling molecules linking sst2 to p27Kip1. In Chinese hamster ovary-DG-44 cells stably expressing sst2 (CHO/sst2), the somatostatin analogue RC-160 transiently stimulates ERK2 activity and potentiates insulin-stimulated ERK2 activity. RC-160 also stimulates ERK2 activity in pancreatic acini isolated from normal mice, which endogenously express sst2, but has no effect in pancreatic acini derived from sst2 knock-out mice. RC-160-induced p27Kip1 up-regulation and inhibition of insulin-dependent cell proliferation are both prevented by pretreatment of CHO/sst2 cells with the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. In addition, using dominant negative mutants, we show that sst2-mediated ERK2 stimulation is dependent on the pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/o protein, the tyrosine kinase Src, both small G proteins Ras and Rap1, and the MEK kinase B-Raf but is independent of Raf-1. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and both tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2, are required upstream of Ras and Rap1. Taken together, our results identify a novel mechanism whereby a Gi/o protein-coupled receptor inhibits cell proliferation by stimulating ERK signaling via a SHP-1-SHP-2-PI3K/Ras-Rap1/B-Raf/MEK pathway.

A novel function of Goalpha: mediation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by opioid receptors in neural cells

Go is the most abundant G protein expressed in brain but its function is less known. Here we show a novel function of Goalpha as a mediator of opioid receptor-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in neural cells. The current study found that, in neuroblastoma x glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase through delta opioid receptors was mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and independent of Gbetagamma subunits, PI3 kinase and receptor internalization. Overexpression of a dominant negative form of Goalpha1, but not Gialpha2, completely blocked delta opioid receptor-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity. Decreasing Goalpha expression by RNA interference greatly reduced delta opioid receptor-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent gene expression, while knocking down Gialpha2 did not. By taking advantage of differences between human and mouse Goalpha gene sequences, we simultaneously knocked down endogenous Goalpha expression and expressed exogenous human Goalpha subunits. We found that both human Goalpha1 and Goalpha2 could mediate delta opioid receptor-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. This study suggests that one of the functions of Goalpha in the brain is to mediate extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by G protein-coupled receptors.

Molecular basis of opioid dependence: role of signal regulation by G-proteins

1. Morphine and opiate narcotics are potent analgesics that have a high propensity to induce tolerance and physical dependence following their repeated administration. 2. The molecular basis of opiate dependence has not been completely elucidated, although the participation of opioid receptors is a prerequisite. Cellular dependence on opioids is believed to result from the chronic stimulation of opioid-regulated signalling networks. 3. As G-protein-coupled receptors, the opioid receptors must rely on heterotrimeric G-proteins for signal transduction. Recent advances in our understanding of G-protein signalling have unveiled novel signalling molecules and mechanisms, some of which may be intricately involved in the manifestation of opiate dependence. 4. In the present review, we will attempt to trace chronic opioid signals along elaborate G-protein-regulated pathways.

High expression levels of collagenase-1 and stromelysin-1 correlate with shorter disease-free survival in human metastatic melanoma

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix. Their role has been emphasized in tumor invasion, metastasis and tumor-induced angiogenesis. We studied the expression of collagenase-1 (MMP-1), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) and collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in 70 melanoma metastases obtained from 56 patients treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy. The patients were divided into 2 groups using a cut-off point of 0% for MMP-1 expression and 20% for MMP-3 expression. We found that patients with MMP-1 positive metastases (n = 38) had significantly shorter disease-free survival compared to patients with MMP-1 negative metastases (n = 18) (median 11.2 vs. 17.0 months, p = 0.0383). The disease-free survival of patients with high levels of MMP-3 expression in their metastases (> or = 20% positive tumor cells, n = 14) was also significantly shorter compared to patients with lower levels of expression (n = 42) (median 5.1 vs. 14.0 months, p = 0.0294). The expression of MMP-13 did not correlate to survival parameters. We also found that the presence of melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes, correlated with high expression levels of MMP-1 (p = 0.0002), MMP-3 (p < 0.0001) and MMP-13 (p = 0.0009). The high expression levels of MMP-13 were also associated with the presence of visceral metastases (p = 0.0284). Our findings suggest that MMP-1 and -3 may have a special role in melanoma metastasis formation and thus they could be used to measure the biological activity of the disease.

Apelin (65-77) activates extracellular signal-regulated kinases via a PTX-sensitive G protein

We report here that apelin (65-77) induces activation of extracellular-regulated kinases (ERKs) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the msr/apj receptor. This concentration-dependent activation was transient, peaking at 5 min. Pretreatment of CHO cells with pertussis toxin fully abrogated ERK phosphorylation, whereas overexpression of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 C-terminal fragment did not alter ERK activation. Transfection with a dominant-negative mutant of Ras was without effect on ERK activation, whereas an inhibitor of many protein kinase C isoforms, GF109203X, strongly decreased it. These results demonstrate that stimulation of the murine msr/apj receptor promotes ERK activation via the alpha subunit of a pertussis toxin-sensitive protein in a Ras-independent pathway.

Diversity of G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways to ERK/MAP kinase

One of the most intriguing examples of cross talk between signaling systems is the interrelationship between G protein-coupled receptor and growth factor receptor pathways leading to activation of the ERK/MAP kinase phosphorylation cascade. This review focuses on the mechanism of this cross talk, denoting primarily signaling components known to occur in the G protein-coupled receptor branch of the MAP kinase pathways in neural cells. Recent evidence is presented on the existence of a plethora of pathways, due to the multiplicity of G protein-coupled receptors, their differential interaction with heterotrimeric G protein isoforms, various effectors and second messengers. In light of this rich diversity, the review will discuss different points of convergence of G protein-coupled receptor and growth factor receptor pathways that may feature a requirement for growth factor receptor transactivation, receptor internalization and scaffolds to assemble receptor, adaptor and anchoring proteins into multiprotein complexes.

Opioid-induced adenylyl cyclase supersensitization in human embryonic kidney 293 cells requires pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins other than G(i1) and G(i3)

Chronic activation of opioid receptors in cultured mammalian cells is known to induce adenylyl cyclase (AC) supersensitization via the pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i/o) proteins. To examine the role of G(i1) and G(i3) in opioid-induced AC supersensitization, pertussis toxin-resistant mutants of Galpha(i1) and Galpha(i3) (Galpha(i1)CG and Galpha(i3)CG) were stably co-expressed with different opioid receptors (mu, delta or kappa) in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells. Although the opioid receptors were capable of inhibiting AC via Galpha(i1)CG and Galpha(i3)CG in pertussis toxin-treated cells, AC supersensitization induced by chronic opioid treatment remained sensitive to pertussis toxin. Our results demonstrated that despite their ability to interact with opioid receptors, the pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i1) and G(i3) proteins on their own are incapable of supporting opioid-induced AC supersensitization.