Inhibitory action of certain cyclophosphate derivatives of cAMP on cAMP-dependent protein kinases

Evolving significance of kinase inhibitors in the management of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative problem with progressive loss of memory and other cognitive function disorders resulting in the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity and signaling progression, which poses the need of the potential therapeutic target to improve the intracellular signaling cascade brought by kinases. Protein kinase plays a significant and multifaceted role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, by targeting pathological mechanisms like tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta production and synaptic dysfunction. In this review, we thoroughly explore the essential protein kinases involved in Alzheimer's disease, detailing their physiological roles, regulatory impacts, and the newest inhibitors and compounds that are progressing into clinical trials. All the findings of studies exhibited the promising role of kinase inhibitors in the management of Alzheimer's disease. However, it still poses the need of addressing current challenges and opportunities involved with this disorder for the future perspective of kinase inhibitors in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Further study includes the development of biomarkers, combination therapy, and next-generation kinase inhibitors with increased potency and selectivity for its future prospects.

Protein Kinase A Is Responsible for the Presynaptic Inhibition of Glycinergic and Glutamatergic Transmissions by Xenon in Rat Spinal Cord and Hippocampal CA3 Neurons

The effects of a general anesthetic xenon (Xe) on spontaneous, miniature, electrically evoked synaptic transmissions were examined using the "synapse bouton preparation," with which we can clearly evaluate pure synaptic responses and accurately quantify pre- and postsynaptic transmissions. Glycinergic and glutamatergic transmissions were investigated in rat spinal sacral dorsal commissural nucleus and hippocampal CA3 neurons, respectively. Xe presynaptically inhibited spontaneous glycinergic transmission, the effect of which was resistant to tetrodotoxin, Cd2+, extracellular Ca2+, thapsigargin (a selective sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor), SQ22536 (an adenylate cyclase inhibitor), 8-Br-cAMP (membrane-permeable cAMP analog), ZD7288 (an hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker), chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor), and KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) while being sensitive to PKA inhibitors (H-89, KT5720, and Rp-cAMPS). Moreover, Xe inhibited evoked glycinergic transmission, which was canceled by KT5720. Like glycinergic transmission, spontaneous and evoked glutamatergic transmissions were also inhibited by Xe in a KT5720-sensitive manner. Our results suggest that Xe decreases glycinergic and glutamatergic spontaneous and evoked transmissions at the presynaptic level in a PKA-dependent manner. These presynaptic responses are independent of Ca2+ dynamics. We conclude that PKA can be the main molecular target of Xe in the inhibitory effects on both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter release. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Spontaneous and evoked glycinergic and glutamatergic transmissions were investigated using the whole-cell patch clamp technique in rat spinal sacral dorsal commissural nucleus and hippocampal CA3 neurons, respectively. Xenon (Xe) significantly inhibited glycinergic and glutamatergic transmission presynaptically. As a signaling mechanism, protein kinase A was responsible for the inhibitory effects of Xe on both glycine and glutamate release. These results may help understand how Xe modulates neurotransmitter release and exerts its excellent anesthetic properties.

cAMP and voltage modulate rat auditory mechanotransduction by decreasing the stiffness of gating springs

Regulation of auditory sensitivity contributes to the precision, dynamic range, and protection of the auditory system. Regulation of the hair cell mechanotransduction channel is a major contributor to controlling the sensitivity of the auditory transduction process. The gating spring is a critical piece of the mechanotransduction machinery because it opens and closes the mechanotransduction channel, and its stiffness regulates the sensitivity of the mechanotransduction process. In the present work, we characterize the effect of the second-messenger signaling molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and identify that it reduces gating spring stiffness likely through an exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC)-mediated pathway. This is a unique physiologic mechanism to regulate gating spring stiffness.

Hair cells of the auditory and vestibular systems transform mechanical input into electrical potentials through the mechanoelectrical transduction process (MET). Deflection of the mechanosensory hair bundle increases tension in the gating springs that open MET channels. Regulation of MET channel sensitivity contributes to the auditory system’s precision, wide dynamic range and, potentially, protection from overexcitation. Modulating the stiffness of the gating spring modulates the sensitivity of the MET process. Here, we investigated the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in rat outer hair cell MET and found that cAMP up-regulation lowers the sensitivity of the channel in a manner consistent with decreasing gating spring stiffness. Direct measurements of the mechanical properties of the hair bundle confirmed a decrease in gating spring stiffness with cAMP up-regulation. In parallel, we found that prolonged depolarization mirrored the effects of cAMP. Finally, a limited number of experiments implicate that cAMP activates the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP to mediate the changes in MET sensitivity. These results reveal that cAMP signaling modulates gating spring stiffness to affect auditory sensitivity.

Mechanism of Na-K-ATPase Inhibition by PGE2 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The primary means of intestinal absorption of nutrients by villus cells is via Na-dependent nutrient co-transporters located in the brush border membrane (BBM). These secondary active co-transport processes require a favorable transcellular Na gradient that is provided by Na-K-ATPase. In chronic enteritis, malabsorption of essential nutrients is partially due to inhibition of villus Na-K-ATPase activity mediated by specific immune inflammatory mediators that are known to be elevated in the inflamed mucosa. However, how Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a specific mediator of nutrient malabsorption in the villus BBM, may mediate the inhibition of Na-K-ATPase is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of PGE2 on Na-K-ATPase in villus cells and define its mechanism of action. In vitro, in IEC-18 cells, PGE2 treatment significantly reduced Na-K-ATPase activity, accompanied by a significant increase in the intracellular levels of cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP). The treatment with cAMP analog 8-Bromo-cAMP mimicked the PGE2-mediated effect on Na-K-ATPase activity, while Rp-cAMP (PKA inhibitor) pretreatment reversed the same. The mechanism of inhibition of PGE2 was secondary to a transcriptional reduction in the Na-K-ATPase α1 and β1 subunit genes, which was reversed by the Rp-cAMP pretreatment. Thus, the PGE2-mediated activation of the PKA pathway mediates the transcriptional inhibition of Na-K-ATPase activity in vitro.

Protein Kinase Inhibitor Peptide as a Tool to Specifically Inhibit Protein Kinase A

The protein kinase enzyme family plays a pivotal role in almost every aspect of cellular function, including cellular metabolism, division, proliferation, transcription, movement, and survival. Protein kinase A (PKA), whose activation is triggered by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), is widely distributed in various systems and tissues throughout the body and highly related to pathogenesis and progression of various kinds of diseases. The inhibition of PKA activation is essential for the study of PKA functions. Protein kinase inhibitor peptide (PKI) is a potent, heat-stable, and specific PKA inhibitor. It has been demonstrated that PKI can block PKA-mediated phosphorylase activation. Since then, researchers have a lot of knowledge about PKI. PKI is considered to be the most effective and specific method to inhibit PKA and is widely used in related research. In this review, we will first introduce the knowledge on the activation of PKA and mechanisms related on the inhibitory effects of PKI on PKA. Then, we will compare PKI-mediated PKA inhibition vs. several popular methods of PKA inhibition.

Medicinal Chemistry of the Noncanonical Cyclic Nucleotides cCMP and cUMP

After decades of intensive research on adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)- and guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-related second messenger systems, also the noncanonical congeners cyclic cytidine-3',5'-monophosphate (cCMP) and cyclic uridine-3',5'-monophosphate (cUMP) gained more and more interest. Until the late 1980s, only a small number of cCMP and cUMP analogs with sometimes undefined purities had been described. Moreover, most of these compounds had been rather synthesized as precursors of antitumor and antiviral nucleoside-5'-monophosphates and hence had not been tested for any second messenger activity. Along with the recurring interest in cCMP- and cUMP-related signaling in the early 2000s, it became evident that well-characterized small molecule analogs with reliable purities would serve as highly valuable tools for the evaluation of a putative second messenger role of cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides. Meanwhile, for this purpose new cCMP and cUMP derivatives have been developed, and already known analogs have been resynthesized and highly purified. This chapter summarizes early medicinal chemistry work on cCMP and cUMP and analogs thereof, followed by a description of recent synthetic developments and an outlook on potential future directions.

Prostacyclin reverses platelet stress fibre formation causing platelet aggregate instability

Prostacyclin (PGI₂) modulates platelet activation to regulate haemostasis. Evidence has emerged to suggest that thrombi are dynamic structures with distinct areas of differing platelet activation. It was hypothesised that PGI₂ could reverse platelet spreading by actin cytoskeletal modulation, leading to reduced capability of platelet aggregates to withstand a high shear environment. Our data demonstrates that post-flow of PGI₂ over activated and spread platelets on fibrinogen, identified a significant reduction in platelet surface area under high shear. Exploration of the molecular mechanisms underpinning this effect revealed that PGI₂ reversed stress fibre formation in adherent platelets, reduced platelet spreading, whilst simultaneously promoting actin nodule formation. The effects of PGI₂ on stress fibres were mimicked by the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and prevented by inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA). Stress fibre formation is a RhoA dependent process and we found that treatment of adherent platelets with PGI₂ caused inhibitory phosphorylation of RhoA, reduced RhoA GTP-loading and reversal of myosin light chain phosphorylation. Phospho-RhoA was localised in actin nodules with PKA type II and a number of other phosphorylated PKA substrates. This study demonstrates that PGI₂ can reverse key platelet functions after their initial activation and identifies a novel mechanism for controlling thrombosis.

Ankyrin-rich membrane spanning protein as a novel modulator of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1-function in nociceptive neurons

BACKGROUND

The ion channel TRPV1 is mainly expressed in small diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which are involved in the sensation of acute noxious thermal and chemical stimuli. Direct modifications of the channel by diverse signalling events have been intensively investigated, but little is known about the composition of modulating macromolecular TRPV1 signalling complexes. Here, we hypothesize that the novel adaptor protein ankyrin-rich membrane spanning protein/kinase D interacting substrate (ARMS) interacts with TRPV1 and modulates its function in rodent DRG neurons.

METHODS

We used immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, microfluorimetry and immunoprecipitation experiments to investigate TRPV1 and ARMS interactions in DRG neurons and transfected cells.

RESULTS

We found that TRPV1 and ARMS are co-expressed in a subpopulation of DRG neurons. ARMS sensitizes TRPV1 towards capsaicin in transfected HEK 293 cells and in mouse DRG neurons in a PKA-dependent manner. Using a combination of functional imaging and immunocytochemistry, we show that the magnitude of the capsaicin response in DRG neurons depends not only on TRPV1 expression, but on the co-expression of ARMS alongside TRPV1.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that ARMS is an important component of the signalling complex regulating the sensitivity of TRPV1.

SIGNIFICANCE

The study identifies ARMS as an important component of the signalling complex regulating the sensitivity of excitatory ion channels (TRPV1) in peripheral sensory neurons (DRG neurons) and transfected cells.

Role of transglutaminase 2 in PAC1 receptor mediated protection against hypoxia-induced cell death and neurite outgrowth in differentiating N2a neuroblastoma cells

The PAC₁ receptor and tissue transglutaminase (TG2) play important roles in neurite outgrowth and modulation of neuronal cell survival. In this study, we investigated the regulation of TG2 activity by the PAC₁ receptor in retinoic acid-induced differentiating N2a neuroblastoma cells. TG2 transamidase activity was determined using an amine incorporation and a peptide cross linking assay. In situ TG2 activity was assessed by visualising the incorporation of biotin-X-cadaverine using confocal microscopy. TG2 phosphorylation was monitored via immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. The role of TG2 in PAC₁ receptor-induced cytoprotection and neurite outgrowth was investigated by monitoring hypoxia-induced cell death and appearance of axonal-like processes, respectively. The amine incorporation and protein crosslinking activity of TG2 increased in a time and concentration-dependent manner following stimulation with pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-27 (PACAP-27). PACAP-27 mediated increases in TG2 activity were abolished by the TG2 inhibitors Z-DON and R283 and by pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase A (KT 5720 and Rp-cAMPs), protein kinase C (Ro 31-8220), MEK1/2 (PD 98059), and removal of extracellular Ca²⁺. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated PACAP-27 induced in situ TG2 activity. TG2 inhibition blocked PACAP-27 induced attenuation of hypoxia-induced cell death and outgrowth of axon-like processes. TG2 activation and cytoprotection were also observed in human SH-SY5Y cells. Together, these results demonstrate that TG2 activity was stimulated downstream of the PAC₁ receptor via a multi protein kinase dependent pathway. Furthermore, PAC₁ receptor-induced cytoprotection and neurite outgrowth are dependent upon TG2. These results highlight the importance of TG2 in the cellular functions of the PAC₁ receptor.

Activation of PKA and Epac proteins by cyclic AMP depletes intracellular calcium stores and reduces calcium availability for vasoconstriction

AIMS

We investigated the implication of PKA and Epac proteins in the endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effects of cyclic AMP (cAMP).

MAIN METHODS

Cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]c) was measured by fura-2 imaging in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). Contraction-relaxation experiments were performed in rat aortic rings deprived of endothelium.

KEY FINDINGS

In extracellular Ca(2+)-free solution, cAMP-elevating agents induced an increase in [Ca(2+)]c in RASMC that was reproduced by PKA and Epac activation and reduced after depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) reservoirs. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-evoked increase of [Ca(2+)]c and store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) were inhibited by cAMP-elevating agents, PKA or Epac activation in these cells. In aortic rings, the contractions induced by phenylephrine in absence of extracellular Ca(2+) were inhibited by cAMP-elevating agents, PKA or Epac activation. In these conditions, reintroduction of Ca(2+) induced a contraction that was inhibited by cAMP-elevating agents, an effect reduced by PKA inhibition and reproduced by PKA or Epac activators.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that increased cAMP depletes intracellular, thapsigargin-sensitive Ca(2+) stores through activation of PKA and Epac in RASMC, thus reducing the amount of Ca(2+) released by IP3-generating agonists during the contraction of rat aorta. cAMP rise also inhibits the contraction induced by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+), an effect mediated by reduction of SOCE after PKA or Epac activation. Both effects participate in the cAMP-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation.

Modulation of transglutaminase 2 activity in H9c2 cells by PKC and PKA signalling: a role for transglutaminase 2 in cytoprotection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) has been shown to mediate cell survival in many cell types. In this study, we investigated whether the role of TG2 in cytoprotection was mediated by the activation of PKA and PKC in cardiomyocyte-like H9c2 cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

H9c2 cells were extracted following stimulation with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and forskolin. Transglutaminase activity was determined using an amine incorporating and a protein crosslinking assay. The presence of TG isoforms (TG1, 2, 3) was determined using Western blot analysis. The role of TG2 in PMA- and forskolin-induced cytoprotection was investigated by monitoring H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells.

KEY RESULTS

Western blotting showed TG2 >> TG1 protein expression but no detectable TG3. The amine incorporating activity of TG2 in H9c2 cells increased in a time and concentration-dependent manner following stimulation with PMA and forskolin. PMA and forskolin-induced TG2 activity was blocked by PKC (Ro 31-8220) and PKA (KT 5720 and Rp-8-Cl-cAMPS) inhibitors respectively. The PMA- and forskolin-induced increases in TG2 activity were attenuated by the TG2 inhibitors Z-DON and R283. Immunocytochemistry revealed TG2-mediated biotin-X-cadaverine incorporation into proteins and proteomic analysis identified known (β-tubulin) and novel (α-actinin) protein substrates for TG2. Pretreatment with PMA and forskolin reversed H2 O2 -induced decrease in MTT reduction and release of LDH. TG2 inhibitors R283 and Z-DON blocked PMA- and forskolin-induced cytoprotection.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

TG2 activity was stimulated via PKA- and PKC-dependent signalling pathways in H9c2 cells These results suggest a role for TG2 in cytoprotection induced by these kinases.

PKA and Epac activation mediates cAMP-induced vasorelaxation by increasing endothelial NO production

Vascular relaxation induced by 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent, although the underlying signaling pathways are not fully understood. Aiming to uncover potential mechanisms, we performed contraction-relaxation experiments on endothelium-denuded and intact rat aorta rings and measured NO levels in isolated human endothelial cells using single cell fluorescence imaging. The vasorelaxant effect of forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, was decreased after selective inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), a cAMP-activated kinase, or L-NAME, an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, only in intact aortic rings. Both selective activation of PKA with 6-Bnz-cAMP and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) with 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP significantly relaxed phenylephrine-induced contractions. The vasorelaxant effect of the Epac activator, but not that of the PKA activator, was reduced by endothelium removal. Forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP (a cAMP analogue), 6-Bnz-cAMP and 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP increased NO levels in endothelial cells and the forskolin effect was significantly inhibited by inactivation of both Epac and PKA, and eNOS inhibition. Our results indicate that the endothelium-dependent component of forskolin/cAMP-induced vasorelaxation is partially mediated by an increase in endothelial NO release due to an enhanced eNOS activity through PKA and Epac activation in endothelial cells.

Recent advances in the discovery of small molecules targeting exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC)

3',5'-Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a pivotal second messenger that regulates numerous biological processes under physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart failure, inflammation, and neurological disorders. In the past, all effects of cAMP were initially believed to be mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) and cyclic nucleotide-regulated ion channels. Since the discovery of exchange proteins directly activated by cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (EPACs) in 1998, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the net cellular effects of cAMP are also regulated by EPAC. The pursuit of the biological functions of EPAC has benefited from the development and applications of a growing number of pharmacological probes targeting EPACs. In this review, we seek to provide a concise update on recent advances in the development of chemical entities including various membrane-permeable analogues of cAMP and newly discovered EPAC-specific ligands from high throughput assays and hit-to-lead optimizations.

Initiation of the 3':5'-AMP-induced protein kinase A Iα regulatory subunit conformational transition. Part II. Inhibition by Rp-3':5'-AMPS

Protein-ligand docking and ab initio calculations have shown that the 3':5'-AMP phosphorothioate analog (Rp-3':5'-AMPS) blocks the A326 amide group displacement typical of transition from the H- to B-conformation within the B-domain of protein kinase A Iα R-subunit. This behavior of Rp-3':5'-AMPS leads to the inhibition of initial stages of hydrophobic relay operation. In accordance with the proposed hypothesis, Rp-3':5'-AMPS similarly to 3':5'-AMP forms a hydrogen bond with the amide group of A326; however, the properties of this bond together with the position of the sulfur atom prevent the movement of A326. Finally, the Rp-3':5'-AMPS-bound domain appears to be locked in the H-conformation, which is in agreement with the X-ray data.

Coordination between proteasome impairment and caspase activation leading to TAU pathology: neuroprotection by cAMP

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The main component of NFTs is TAU, a highly soluble microtubule-associated protein. However, when TAU is cleaved at Asp421 by caspases it becomes prone to aggregation leading to NFTs. What triggers caspase activation resulting in TAU cleavage remains unclear. We investigated in rat cortical neurons a potential coordination between proteasome impairment and caspase activation. We demonstrate that upon proteasome inhibition, the early accumulation of detergent-soluble ubiquitinated (SUb) proteins paves the way to caspase activation and TAU pathology. This occurs with two drugs that inhibit the proteasome by different means: the product of inflammation prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) and epoxomicin. Our results pinpoint a critical early event, that is, the buildup of SUb proteins that contributes to caspase activation, TAU cleavage, TAU/Ub-protein aggregation and neuronal death. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate that elevating cAMP in neurons with dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) or the lipophilic peptide PACAP27 prevents/diminishes caspase activation, TAU cleavage and neuronal death induced by PGJ2, as long as these PGJ2-induced changes are moderate. db-cAMP also stimulated proteasomes, and mitigated proteasome inhibition induced by PGJ2. We propose that targeting cAMP/PKA to boost proteasome activity in a sustainable manner could offer an effective approach to avoid early accumulation of SUb proteins and later caspase activation, and TAU cleavage, possibly preventing/delaying AD neurodegeneration.

Chemical tools selectively target components of the PKA system

Background

In the eukaryotic cell the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a key enzyme in signal transduction and represents the main target of the second messenger cAMP. Here we describe the design, synthesis and characterisation of specifically tailored cAMP analogs which can be utilised as a tool for affinity enrichment and purification as well as for proteomics based analyses of cAMP binding proteins.

Results

Two sets of chemical binders were developed based on the phosphorothioate derivatives of cAMP, Sp-cAMPS and Rp-cAMPS acting as cAMP-agonists and -antagonists, respectively. These compounds were tested via direct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses for their binding properties to PKA R-subunits and holoenzyme. Furthermore, these analogs were used in an affinity purification approach to analyse their binding and elution properties for the enrichment and improvement of cAMP binding proteins exemplified by the PKA R-subunits. As determined by SPR, all tested Sp-analogs provide valuable tools for affinity chromatography. However, Sp-8-AEA-cAMPS displayed (i) superior enrichment properties while maintaining low unspecific binding to other proteins in crude cell lysates, (ii) allowing mild elution conditions and (iii) providing the capability to efficiently purify all four isoforms of active PKA R-subunit in milligram quantities within 8 h. In a chemical proteomics approach both sets of binders, Rp- and Sp-cAMPS derivatives, can be employed. Whereas Sp-8-AEA-cAMPS preferentially binds free R-subunit, Rp-AHDAA-cAMPS, displaying antagonist properties, not only binds to the free PKA R-subunits but also to the intact PKA holoenzyme both from recombinant and endogenous sources.

Conclusion

In summary, all tested cAMP analogs were useful for their respective application as an affinity reagent which can enhance purification of cAMP binding proteins. Sp-8-AEA-cAMPS was considered the most efficient analog since Sp-8-AHA-cAMPS and Sp-2-AHA-cAMPS, demonstrated incomplete elution from the matrix, as well as retaining notable amounts of bound protein contaminants. Furthermore it could be demonstrated that an affinity resin based on Rp-8-AHDAA-cAMPS provides a valuable tool for chemical proteomics approaches.

Pharmacological PKA inhibition: all may not be what it seems

Signaling through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase [protein kinase A (PKA)] is an important and widely studied area of signal transduction research. This signaling pathway is commonly investigated through the use of the pharmacological PKA inhibitors H89 and KT 5720. Both of these compounds are thought to block PKA actions through competitive inhibition of the adenosine triphosphate site on the PKA catalytic subunit. Recently, a number of studies have identified actions of H89 and KT 5720 that are independent of their effects on PKA. These nonspecific effects are widespread; they include actions on other protein kinases and signaling molecules and also on basic cellular functions, such as transcription. Here, I summarize the nonspecific effects of these two compounds and compare their actions with those of other PKA inhibitors.

5-Hydroxytryptamine-mediated increase in glutamate uptake by the leech giant glial cell

The clearance of synaptically released glutamate is one of the pivotal functions of glial cells. We have studied the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 30 microM), a neurotransmitter and neurohormone in the leech central nervous system with a versatile action spectrum, on the efficacy of glial glutamate uptake. The activity of the glutamate uptake carrier in the giant glial cell in isolated ganglia of Hirudo medicinalis was monitored by measuring the membrane current and the change in the intracellular Na(+) concentration (Na(+) (i)) as induced by the glutamate carrier substrate D-aspartate (D-asp, 1 mM). 5-HT increased the D-asp-induced current (EC(50) at 5 microM) and rise in Na(+) (i), an effect which was mimicked by the membrane-permeable cyclic nucleotide analogue dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP). The adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536 and the protein kinase A antagonist Rp-cAMP inhibited the effect of 5-HT. Blocking the G protein in the giant glial cell by injecting GDP-beta-S suppressed the effect of 5-HT, but not the effect of db-cAMP, on the D-asp-induced current. Our results suggest that 5-HT enhances the glial uptake of glutamate via cAMP- and PKA-mediated pathway.

Second messenger cascade of glial responses evoked by interneuron activity and by a myomodulin peptide in the leech central nervous system

The giant glial cell in the neuropil of segmental ganglia of the leech Hirudo medicinalis responds to the activity of the Leydig interneuron and to a peptide of the myomodulin family, the presumed transmitter mediating the Leydig neuron-to-giant glial cell transmission, with a membrane hyperpolarization due to an increased membrane K+ conductance [Britz et al. (2002) Glia, 38, 215-227]. We have now studied the second messenger cascade initiated by Leydig neuron stimulation and by the endogenous myomodulin (MMHir) in the voltage-clamped giant glial cell. Glial responses to both stimuli are mediated by a G-protein-coupled receptor linked to adenylyl cyclase by the following criteria: (i) injection of GDP-beta-S, but not GDP, resulted in an irreversible decrease of the glial responses to both stimuli; (ii) the responses to both stimuli were reversibly inhibited by the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ22,536; and (3) bath-applied di-butyryl-cyclic AMP, but not di-butyryl-cyclic GMP, elicited an outward current, which reduced the responses elicited by neuronal stimulation or myomodulin. A cocktail of protein kinase (PK) inhibitors (H-8, KT5720), the PKA antagonist Rp-cAMPS, or presumed inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide channels, LY83583 and l-cis-diltiazem, had no effect on the glial responses. Our results suggest that Leydig neuron stimulation and MMHir activate a cAMP-mediated K+ conductance in the glial cell, which appeared neither to be due to the activation of PKA nor of known cyclic nucleotide-gated channels directly.

Caspase-independent exposure of aminophospholipids and tyrosine phosphorylation in bicarbonate responsive human sperm cells

Only capacitated sperm cells are able to fertilize egg cells, and this process is triggered by high levels of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate renders the plasma membrane more fluid, which is caused by protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated alterations in the phospholipid (PL) bilayer. We studied exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in human sperm cells. Surface exposure of PS and PE on sperm cell activation in vitro was found to be bicarbonate dependent and restricted to the apical area of the head plasma membrane. The PL scrambling in bicarbonate-triggered human sperm was not related to apoptosis, because the incubated cells did not show any signs of caspases or degeneration of mitochondria or DNA. The PL scramblase (PLSCR) gene family has been implicated in this nonspecific, bidirectional PL movement. A 25-kDa isoform of PLSCR was identified that was homogeneously distributed in human sperm cells. We propose that compartment-dependent activation of PKA is required for the surface exposure of aminophospholipids at the apical plasma membrane of sperm cells. Bicarbonate-induced PL scrambling appears to be an important event in the capacitation process, because the entire intact scrambling sperm subpopulation showed extensive tyrosine phosphorylation, which was absent in the nonscrambling subpopulation. The proportion of live cells with PL scrambling corresponded with that showing capacitation-specific chlortetracyclin staining.

Potentiation of slow component of delayed rectifier K(+) current by cGMP via two distinct mechanisms: inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3 and activation of protein kinase G

1. Regulation of the slowly activating component of delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Ks)) by intracellular guanosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) was investigated in guinea-pig sino-atrial (SA) node cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. 2. When a cell was dialyzed with pipette solution containing 100 micro M cGMP, I(Ks) started to gradually increase and reached a maximum increase of a factor of 2.37 +/- 0.39 (n = 4) about 10-15 min after rupture of patch membrane. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP, 100 nM) also potentiated I(Ks), consistent with intracellular cGMP-induced enhancement of I(Ks). 3. Bath application of a selective blocker of the cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase (PDE3) milrinone (100 microM) enhanced I(Ks) by a factor of 1.50 +/- 0.09 (n = 4) but failed to further enhance I(Ks) after a maximum stimulation by intracellular cGMP (100 microM), suggesting that blockade of PDE3 activity is involved in the enhancement of I(Ks). A potent but nonspecific PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 100 microM) further increased I(Ks) stimulated by 100 microM milrinone, indicating that PDE subtypes other than PDE3 are also involved in the regulation of basal I(Ks) in guinea-pig SA node cells. 4. Bath application of 100 microM 8-bromoguanosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) increased I(Ks) by a factor of 1.48 +/- 0.11 (n = 5) and this stimulatory effect was totally abolished by cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor KT-5823 (500 nM), suggesting that the activation of PKG also mediates cGMP-induced potentiation of I(Ks). 5. These results strongly suggest that intracellular cGMP potentiates I(Ks) not only by blocking PDE3 but also by activating PKG in guinea-pig SA node cells.

Sebaceous epithelial cell differentiation requires cyclic adenosine monophosphate generation

The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generator choleratoxin is known to promote the growth of sebaceous epithelial cells (sebocytes) in monolayer culture in classical serum-containing media. Now that sebocytes can be grown in serum-free medium, we have examined whether choleratoxin or other cAMP generators are required for differentiation of rat preputial sebocytes in response to specific ligand activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Unexpectedly, choleratoxin reduced sebocyte proliferation. However, sebocyte differentiation in response to specific PPARalpha and PPARgamma agonists required a cAMP generator such as choleratoxin, and this response was suppressed by a protein kinase A inhibitor. In contrast, the stable prostacyclin analog, carbaprostacyclin (cPGI2), a PPARalpha,delta agonist that also generates cAMP, stimulated differentiation independently of choleratoxin. Furthermore, unlike the selective PPARalpha and PPARgamma agonists, cPGI2 stimulated both sebocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation. These data are compatible with the evidence that prostacyclin has the additional effect of generating cAMP. In addition, we addressed the possibility that choleratoxin may act as a surrogate for beta-adrenergic catecholamines in generating cAMP. In contrast with choleratoxin, both alpha- and beta-adrenergic catecholamines stimulated sebocyte growth and interfered with the choleratoxin effect on differentiation. These data suggest ligand-dependent, complex interactions between cAMP and the other signal transduction pathways involved in sebocyte growth and development.

Dual role of Fyn in the regulation of FAK+6,7 by cannabinoids in hippocampus

In hippocampus endocannabinoids modulate synaptic function and plasticity and increase tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Autophosphorylation of FAK on Tyr-397 is generally a critical step for its activation, allowing the recruitment of Src family kinases, and phosphorylation of FAK and associated proteins. We have examined the mechanisms of the regulation of FAK by cannabinoids in rat and mouse hippocampal slices. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, two endocannabinoids, and Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK+6,7, a neuronal splice isoform of FAK, on several residues including Tyr-397. Cannabinoids increased phosphorylation of p130-Cas, a protein associated with FAK, but had no effect on PYK2, a tyrosine kinase related to FAK and enriched in hippocampus. Pharmacological experiments and the use of knockout mice demonstrated that the effects of cannabinoids were mediated through CB1 receptors. These effects were sensitive to manipulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, suggesting that they were mediated by inhibition of a cAMP pathway. PP2, an Src family kinase inhibitor, prevented the effects of cannabinoids on p130-Cas and on FAK+6,7 tyrosines 577 and 925, but not 397, indicating that FAK autophosphorylation was upstream of Src family kinases in response to CB1-R stimulation. Endocannabinoids increased the association of Fyn, but not Src, with FAK+6,7. In hippocampal slices from Fyn -/- mice, the levels of p130-Cas were increased, and the effects of endocannabinoids on tyrosine phosphorylation, including of Tyr-397, were completely abolished. These results demonstrate the specific functional association of Fyn with FAK+6,7 in a pathway regulated by endocannabinoids, in which Fyn may play roles dependent and independent of its catalytic activity.

Cyclic nucleotide analogs as biochemical tools and prospective drugs

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) are key second messengers involved in a multitude of cellular events. From the wealth of synthetic analogs of cAMP and cGMP, only a few have been explored with regard to their therapeutic potential. Some of the first-generation cyclic nucleotide analogs were promising enough to be tested as drugs, for instance N(6),O(2)'-dibutyryl-cAMP and 8-chloro-cAMP (currently in clinical Phase II trials as an anticancer agent). Moreover, 8-bromo and dibutyryl analogs of cAMP and cGMP have become standard tools for investigations of biochemical and physiological signal transduction pathways. The discovery of the Rp-diastereomers of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate as competitive inhibitors of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases, as well as subsequent development of related analogs, has proven very useful for studying the molecular basis of signal transduction. These analogs exhibit a higher membrane permeability, increased resistance against degradation, and improved target specificity. Furthermore, better understanding of signaling pathways and ligand/protein interactions has led to new therapeutic strategies. For instance, Rp-8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate is employed against diseases of the immune system. This review will focus mainly on recent developments in cyclic nucleotide-related biochemical and pharmacological research, but also highlights some historical findings in the field.

The capacitating agent bicarbonate induces protein kinase A-dependent changes in phospholipid transbilayer behavior in the sperm plasma membrane

A flow cytometric procedure was used to follow the effect of bicarbonate, a key inducer of sperm capacitation in vitro, on the transbilayer behavior of C6NBD-phospholipids in the plasma membrane of living acrosome-intact boar spermatozoa under physiological conditions. In the absence of bicarbonate, 97% of C6NBD-phosphatidylserine and 78% of C6NBD-phosphatidylethanolamine was rapidly translocated from the outer leaflet to the inner, whereas relatively little C6NBD-phosphatidylcholine and C6NBD-sphingomyelin was translocated (15% and 5%, respectively). Inclusion of 15 mM bicarbonate/5%CO(2) markedly slowed down the rates of translocation of the aminophospholipids without altering their final distribution, whereas it increased the proportions of C6NBD-phosphatidylcholine and C6NBD-sphingomyelin translocated (30% and 20%, respectively). Bicarbonate activated very markedly the outward translocation of all four phospholipid classes. The changes in C6NBD-phospholipid behavior were accompanied by increased membrane lipid disorder as detected by merocyanine 540, and also by increased potential for phospholipase catabolism of the C6NBD-phospholipid probes. All three changes were mediated via a cAMP-dependent protein phosphorylation pathway. We suspect that the changes result from an activation of the non- specific bidirectional translocase ('scramblase'). They have important implications with respect to sperm fertilizing function.

Acute stimulation with long chain acyl-CoA enhances exocytosis in insulin-secreting cells (HIT T-15 and NMRI beta-cells)

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is associated with, in addition to impaired insulin release, elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFA) in the blood. Insulin release is stimulated when beta-cells are acutely exposed to FFA, whereas chronic exposure may inhibit glucose-induced insulin secretion. In the present study we investigated the direct effects of long chain acyl-CoA (LC-CoA), the active intracellular form of FFA, on insulin exocytosis. Palmitoyl-CoA stimulated both insulin release from streptolysin-O-permeabilized HIT cells and fusion of secretory granules to the plasma membrane of mouse pancreatic beta-cells, as measured by cell capacitance. The LC-CoA effect was chain length-dependent, requiring chain lengths of at least 14 carbons. LC-CoA needed to be present to stimulate insulin release, and consequently there was no effect following its removal. The stimulatory effect was observed after inhibition of protein kinase activity and in the absence of ATP, even though both kinases and ATP, themselves, modulate exocytosis. The effect of LC-CoA was inhibited by cerulenin, which has been shown to block protein acylation. The data suggest that altered LC-CoA levels, resulting from FFA or glucose metabolism, may act directly on the exocytotic machinery to stimulate insulin release by a mechanism involving LC-CoA protein binding.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide rapidly downregulates nicotinic receptor function and slowly raises intracellular Ca2+ in rat chromaffin cells in vitro

Although calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) modulates muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) via intracellular second messenger-mediated phosphorylation, the action of this peptide on neuronal-type nAChRs remains unknown. Using neuronal nAChRs of rat chromaffin cells in vitro we studied the effect of CGRP, which is physiologically present in adrenal medulla, on membrane currents and [Ca2+]i transients elicited by nicotine. Our main novel observation was that CGRP (either bath-applied or focally applied for a few seconds or even co-applied with nicotine for a few milliseconds) selectively and rapidly blocked nAChRs (a phenomenon unlikely caused by intracellular messengers in view of its speed) without affecting GABA receptors. The inhibitory effect of CGRP was independent of [Ca2+]i or membrane potential and not accompanied by baseline current changes. Like the competitive antagonist N,N,N-trimethyl-1-(4-trans-stilbenoxy)-2-propilammonium, CGRP induced a rightward, parallel shift of the nicotine dose-response curve; during co-application of these blockers the nicotine dose-ratio value was the sum of the values obtained with each antagonist alone. The block by CGRP was insensitive to the receptor antagonist hCGRP8-37 but mimicked by CGRP1-7. Persistent application of CGRP slowly increased [Ca2+]i, a phenomenon independent from external Ca2+, thus implying Ca2+ release from internal stores, and suppressed by hCGRP8-37. CGRP1-7 had no significant effect on [Ca2+]i. We propose that the 1-7 amino acid sequence of CGRP was responsible for the direct, rapid block of nAChRs, whereas the full-length peptide molecule was necessary for the delayed rise in internal Ca2+ potentially able to trigger phosphorylation-dependent modulation of nicotinic receptor function.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression in Xenopus oocytes stimulates inositol trisphosphate-dependent intracellular Ca2+ mobilization

The signal transduction pathway of the cloned human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor was studied in voltage-clamped Xenopus oocytes. Binding of GLP-1(7-36)amide was associated with cAMP production, increased [Ca2+]i and activation of Ca2+-dependent Cl- current. The effect of GLP-1(7-36)amide reflects intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and was suppressed by injection of the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA and the inositol trisphosphate receptor antagonist heparin. The responses were not mimicked by the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and unaffected by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor Rp-cAMPS. We conclude that GLP-1 receptor expression in Xenopus oocytes evokes inositol trisphosphate-dependent intracellular Ca2+ mobilization independent of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

A state-independent interaction between ligand and a conserved arginine residue in cyclic nucleotide-gated channels reveals a functional polarity of the cyclic nucleotide binding site

Activation of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels is thought to involve two distinct steps: a recognition event in which a ligand binds to the channel and a conformational change that both opens the channel and increases the affinity of the channel for an agonist. Sequence similarity with the cyclic nucleotide-binding sites of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases and the bacterial catabolite activating protein (CAP) suggests that the channel ligand binding site consists of a beta-roll and three alpha-helices. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the third (or C) alpha-helix moves relative to the agonist upon channel activation, forming additional favorable contacts with the purine ring. Here we ask if channel activation also involves structural changes in the beta-roll by investigating the contribution of a conserved arginine residue that, in CAP and the kinases, forms an important ionic interaction with the cyclized phosphate of the bound ligand. Mutations that conserve, neutralize, or reverse the charge on this arginine decreased the apparent affinity for ligand over four orders of magnitude but had little effect on the ability of bound ligand to open the channel. These data indicate that the cyclized phosphate of the nucleotide approaches to within 2-4 A of the arginine, forming a favorable ionic bond that is largely unaltered upon activation. Thus, the binding site appears to be polarized into two distinct structural and functional domains: the beta-roll stabilizes the ligand in a state-independent manner, whereas the C-helix selectively stabilizes the ligand in the open state of the channel. It is likely that these distinct contributions of the nucleotide/C-helix and nucleotide/beta-roll interactions may also be a general feature of the mechanism of activation of other cyclic nucleotide-binding proteins.

Adrenaline stimulates glucagon secretion in pancreatic A-cells by increasing the Ca2+ current and the number of granules close to the L-type Ca2+ channels

We have monitored electrical activity, voltage-gated Ca2+ currents, and exocytosis in single rat glucagon-secreting pancreatic A-cells. The A-cells were electrically excitable and generated spontaneous Na+- and Ca2+-dependent action potentials. Under basal conditions, exocytosis was tightly linked to Ca2+ influx through omega-conotoxin-GVIA-sensitive (N-type) Ca2+ channels. Stimulation of the A-cells with adrenaline (via beta-adrenergic receptors) or forskolin produced a greater than fourfold PKA-dependent potentiation of depolarization-evoked exocytosis. This enhancement of exocytosis was due to a 50% enhancement of Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels, an effect that accounted for <30% of the total stimulatory action. The remaining 70% of the stimulation was attributable to an acceleration of granule mobilization resulting in a fivefold increase in the number of readily releasable granules near the L-type Ca2+ channels.

Protein kinase A-dependent and -independent stimulation of exocytosis by cAMP in mouse pancreatic B-cells

1. The mechanisms by which cAMP stimulates Ca(2+)-dependent insulin secretion were investigated by combining measurements of whole-cell Ca2+ currents, the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane capacitance in single mouse B-cells maintained in tissue culture. 2. Cyclic AMP stimulated exocytosis > 4-fold in whole-cell experiments in which secretion was evoked by intracellular dialysis with a Ca(2+)-EGTA buffer with a [Ca2+]i of 1.5 microM. This effect was antagonized by inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA). 3. Photorelease of cAMP from a caged precursor potentiated exocytosis at Ca2+ concentrations which were themselves stimulatory (> or = 60 nM), but was without effect in the complete absence of Ca2+. 4. Elevation of intracellular cAMP (by exposure to forskolin) evoked a 6-fold PKA-dependent enhancement of the maximal exocytotic response (determined as the maximum increase in cell capacitance that could be elicited by a train of depolarizations) in perforated-patch whole-cell recordings. 5. Exocytosis triggered by single depolarizations in standard whole-cell recordings was strongly potentiated by cAMP, but in this case the effect was unaffected by PKA inhibition. 6. When exocytosis was triggered by Ca2+ released from Ca(2+)-NP-EGTA ('caged Ca2+'), cAMP exerted a dual stimulatory effect on secretion: a rapid (initiated within 80 ms) PKA-independent phase and a late PKA-dependent component. 7. We conclude that cAMP stimulates insulin secretion both by increasing the release probability of secretory granules already in the readily releasable pool and by accelerating the refilling of this pool.

Binding of two fluorescent cAMP analogues to type I and II regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinases

Binding of two long wavelength fluorescent cAMP analogues, 8-thioacetamido-fluorescein-cAMP (SAF-cAMP) and 8-thioacetamido-rhodamine-cAMP (SAR-cAMP), to the RI (from bovine muscle) and RII (from bovine heart) regulatory subunits of cAMP dependent kinases has been studied. Displacement of [3H]cAMP from RI and RII and equilibrium dialysis measurements show that the fluorescent nucleotides are high affinity ligands for the cAMP binding sites. The binding is characterized by complex fluorescence spectral and fluorescence anisotropy changes, more evident for the fluorescein than for the rhodamine derivative. The fluorescence excitation spectrum of the bound SAF-cAMP is characterized by the appearance of a red shifted shoulder at 500-510 nm excitation wavelength region. Any change of the bound/free ratio in a solution equilibrium is accompanied by changes in fluorescence and anisotropy signals which are best detected at suitable wavelengths. It is proposed that fluorescence and anisotropy changes can distinguish between binding to type B (slow dissociating) and A (fast dissociating) cAMP binding sites of regulatory subunits. Applications of the fluorescent nucleotides to kinase localization and cAMP determination in living cells are discussed.

cGMP-kinase mediates cGMP- and cAMP-induced Ca2+ desensitization of skinned rat artery

(Rp)-8-Bromo-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS) inhibited competitively both isozymes of type I alpha and I beta cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-kinase) purified from porcine aorta with apparent Ki values (microM) of 3.7 for I alpha and 1.8 for I beta. The compound also inhibited bovine heart type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-kinase), but with a Ki of 25 microM. Thus, it is a selective inhibitor of cGMP-kinase. In alpha-toxin-skinned smooth muscle preparations from rat mesenteric artery, 8-Br-cGMP (10(-7) M) and 8-Br-cAMP (10(-6) M) produced a rightward shift of the concentration-contraction curves for Ca2+, denoting a decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile elements. The shift by 8-Br-cAMP as well as by 8-Br-cGMP was completely reversed by Rp-8-Br-cGMPS, while a selective inhibitor of activation of cAMP-kinase, (Rp)-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPS), was without effects on the shift produced by these two compounds. These findings indicate the pivotal role that the activation of cGMP-kinase plays in the production of a decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements.

Arginine 210 is not a critical residue for the allosteric interactions mediated by binding of cyclic AMP to site A of regulatory (RIalpha) subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

The guanidinium groups of conserved arginines in the two intrachain cAMP-binding sites of regulatory (R) subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase have been implicated in the allosteric interactions by which cAMP binding leads to kinase activation. We have investigated the functional role of Arg-210, the conserved arginine in site A of murine type Ialpha R subunit, by analyzing the effects of nine different substitutions at this residue on cAMP binding and allosteric properties of bacterially expressed RIalpha subunits. All substitutions reduced the cAMP binding affinity of site A, but the magnitude of reduction varied from several hundredfold to 10(6)-fold. The differential effects of the different substitutions could not easily be rationalized by interactions with cAMP and might, in part, reflect interactions with other residues in the unoccupied cAMP-binding pocket. None of the Arg-210 substitutions appeared to disrupt the allosteric interaction by which occupation of site A slows dissociation of cAMP from site B, although the effect was difficult to elicit in full with mutations that had strong effects on cAMP binding. The two weakest substitutions, Arg-210 --> Ile and Arg-210 --> Thr, could be shown to have essentially no effect on the allosteric interaction by which occupation of site A reduces the affinity of R subunit for the catalytic subunit. The weaker mutations had a smaller effect on kinase activation by the suboptimal activator Rp-adenosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphorothioate than by cAMP, suggesting that the analog largely bypasses interactions with the guanidinium group of Arg-210.

ATP increases Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel activity in isolated rat arterial smooth muscle cells

Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ (Kca) channels are known to be activated by phosphorylation through cAMP- and cGMP-dependent kinase activation. In pulmonary arterial smooth muscle KCa channels are directly activated by ATP (but not by non-hydrolysable analogues) independently of the presence of cyclic nucleotides or the catalytic subunits of protein kinases. This study was designed to determine whether direct activation of KCa channels by ATP is apparent in other types of arterial smooth muscle. KCa channels of similar conductance to those of rat pulmonary artery (approximately 250 pS) were found in membrane patches excised from isolated smooth muscle cells from rat aorta, mesenteric and basilar arteries. In myocytes isolated from each of these arteries, intracellular application of ATP (in the absence of exogenous cyclic nucleotides or catalytic subunits) reversibly increased the open state probability of KCa channels: a response markedly reduced by a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A. Nucleotide sequence analysis of KCa channels revealed no homology with the majority of protein kinases. It is concluded that phosphorylation of KCa channels through the activity of a membrane tethered kinase related to protein kinase A (but lacking its regulatory subunits) may play an important role in controlling K+ flux in a range of arterial smooth muscle cell types.

cAMP promotes gap junctional coupling in T84 cells

The effect of intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on dye and electrical coupling was studied in T84 cells, a cell line often used as a model for epithelial cell fluid secretion. Injections of lucifer yellow (LY) into single cells within a cluster of control cells resulted in LY localization to 1.3 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SE) cells within a cluster. Twenty-six percent of control T84 cell pairs were electrically coupled as assayed by the dual patch-clamp technique. Treatment of cells with agents that either increase intracellular cAMP and/or activate protein kinase A (PKA) increased dye localization to 3.8 +/- 0.6 cells and the proportion of electrically coupled cell pairs to 65%. No electrical coupling was observed in the presence of the Rp diastereomer of adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-cAMPS), a PKA antagonist. Excess of Rp-cAMPS prevented cell coupling elicited by 20 microM of the Sp diastereomer of adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate. Expression of connexin 32 mRNA, but not of connexins 26, 43, or 45, was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. These results suggest that communication between T84 cells is modulated by PKA, providing a mechanism for regulating multicellular activity, such as fluid secretion.

Isoleucine 368 is involved in low-affinity binding of N6-modified cAMP analogues to site B of the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase I

The regulatory (R) subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase has a well-defined domain structure including the two in-tandem cAMP-binding sites that constitute the C-terminus of the protein. The N-terminal binding site (A) has a considerably higher affinity for analogues of cAMP that are substituted with bulky and hydrophobic substituents at the 6-amino group of the adenine ring compared to the affinity observed at the second site (B). On the basis of the crystal structure of the catabolite gene activator protein from Escherichia coli, molecular modelling of the binding domains suggested that a tyrosine (Y244) in site A could be involved in a high-affinity hydrophobic interaction, whereas a corresponding isoleucine (I368) in domain B could lead to steric hindrance in the binding of bulky N6-substituted analogues. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to construct mutations in Y244 and I368. Binding displacement experiments showed that replacing the tyrosine in site A with isoleucine (Y244I) did not affect the interaction of either N6-substituted or otherwise modified analogues with this site. However, replacing I368 with tyrosine (I368Y) led to a 3-4-fold increase in affinity for those N6-modified analogues that had a hydrophobic group attached directly or close to the 6-amino molecule. We conclude that I368 is involved in the molecular interaction between binding domain B and the 6-amino group of the adenine moiety of cAMP and that this residue is partly responsible for the reduced affinity of N6-substituted cAMP analogues for this site.

PKC-dependent stimulation of exocytosis by sulfonylureas in pancreatic beta cells

Hypoglycemic sulfonylureas represent a group of clinically useful antidiabetic compounds that stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. The molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood but are believed to involve inhibition of potassium channels sensitive to adenosine triphosphate (KATP channels) in the beta cell membrane, causing membrane depolarization, calcium influx, and activation of the secretory machinery. In addition to these effects, sulfonylureas also promoted exocytosis by direct interaction with the secretory machinery not involving closure of the plasma membrane KATP channels. This effect was dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) and was observed at therapeutic concentrations of sulfonylureas, which suggests that it contributes to their hypoglycemic action in diabetics.

Mechanism of lactate-induced relaxation of isolated rat mesenteric resistance arteries

1. The effects of the sodium salt of the weak acid lactate on tension and intracellular pH (pH1) were studied in rat mesenteric small arteries mounted on a wire myograph. Sodium lactate was substituted iso-osmotically for sodium chloride. 2. At a concentration of 50 mM, both L- and D-stereoisomers of lactate markedly relaxed arteries preconstricted with noradrenaline (NA) within 10 min. The concentration-response relationship for L-lactate showed that the NA contracture was relaxed by 50% at approximately 26 mM. L-Lactate did not, however, relax arteries preconstricted with high-K+(45 mM) solution. 3. L-Lactate did not alter extracellular pH (pHo) but caused a small but significant decrease in pH1, measured using the pH-sensitive fluorochrome, 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5-(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Relaxation to L-lactate was unaffected when this change in pHi was offset by the simultaneous addition of NH4Cl to the solution. 4. Sodium pyruvate (50 mM) caused a significant intracellular acidosis but did not relax arteries preconstricted with NA. 5. L-Lactate-induced relaxations were unaffected by removal of the endothelium or when the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) was inhibited by 10(-4) M N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). 6. The potassium channel blockers glibenclamide (10 microM), 4-aminopyridine (3 mM) and tetraethylammonium chloride (10 mM) did not affect L-lactate-induced relaxation in arteries preconstricted with NA. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase with Methylene Blue, or cyclooxgenase with indomethacin, also did not affect relaxation to L-lactate. 7. The Rp stereoisomer of adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-cAMPS), an analogue of cAMP which inhibits competitively stimulation of protein kinase A, reduced significantly L-lactate-induced relaxation at a concentration of 25 microM. Rp-cAMPS also significantly reduced forskolin-induced relaxation of the NA contracture. 8. It is concluded that L-lactate-induced relaxation in this vascular bed is pHi-1 endothelium-, and nitric oxide-independent. It is not mediated by inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, opening of K+ channels, prostacylin or cyclic GMP. cAMP may however play a role in L-lactate-induced relaxation.

Mechanism of butyrate-induced vasorelaxation of rat mesenteric resistance artery

1. The vasorelaxant effect of the sodium salt of the short chain fatty acid, butyrate, on preconstricted rat small mesenteric arteries (mean inner diameter approximately 300 microns) was characterized. Isometric force development was measured with a myograph, and intracellular pH (pHi) was simultaneously monitored, in arteries loaded with the fluorescent dye BCECF in its acetomethoxy form. Sodium butyrate (substituted isosmotically for NaCl) was applied to arteries after noradrenaline (NA) or high K+ contractures were established. 2. Arteries preconstricted with a concentration of NA inducing an approximately half maximal contraction were relaxed by 91.5 +/- 6.3% by 50 mmol l-1 butyrate. This concentration of butyrate did not, however, cause a significant relaxation of contractures to a maximal (5 mumol l-1) NA concentration, and also failed to relax significantly contractures stimulated by high (45 and 90 mmol l-1) K+ solutions. Contractures elicited with a combination of NA (at a submaximal concentration) and 45 mmol l-1 K+ were, however, markedly relaxed by butyrate. 3. Investigation of the concentration-dependency of the butyrate-induced relaxation of the half maximal NA response revealed an EC50 for butyrate of approximately 22 mmol l-1. 4. Sodium butyrate (50 mmol l-1) caused pHi to decrease from 7.25 +/- 0.02 to 6.89 +/- 0.08 (n = 4, P < 0.001). However, the vasorelaxant effect of butyrate on the submaximal NA contracture was not significantly modified when this fall in intracellular pH was prevented by the simultaneous application of NH4Cl. 5. Butyrate-induced relaxation was also unaffected by endothelial denudation and inhibition of NO synthase with N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 mumol l-1). 6. The relaxation of the NA contracture by 50 mmol l-1 sodium butyrate was abolished in arteries pretreated with the cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cAMPS (25 mumol l-1). 7. We conclude that the butyrate-induced relaxation of the NA contracture is independent of intracellular acidification. The ability of Rp-cAMPS to abolish the butyrate relaxation indicates that stimulation of the cyclic AMP second messenger system may play an important role in mediating this effect.

Stimulation of cloned human glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor expressed in HEK 293 cells induces cAMP-dependent activation of calcium-induced calcium release

The actions of glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide (GLP-1(7-36)amide) on cellular signalling were studied in human embryonal kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells stably transfected with the cloned human GLP-1 receptor. The cloned GLP-1 receptor showed a single high-affinity binding site (Kd = 0.76 nM). Binding of GLP-1(7-36)amide stimulated cAMP production in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 0.015 nM) and caused an increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The latter effect reflected Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release and was suppressed by ryanodine. We propose that the ability of GLP-1(7-36)amide to increase [Ca2+]i results from sensitization of the ryanodine receptors by a protein kinase A dependent mechanism.