Inverse agonism at heptahelical receptors: concept, experimental approach and therapeutic potential

Functional Characterization of the Internal Symmetry of MRAP2 Antiparallel Homodimer

The melanocortin receptors are defined as a series of vital pharmaceutical targets to regulate neuronal appetite and maintain controllable body weight for mammals and teleosts. Melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) functions as an essential accessory player that modulates the surface translocation and binding to a variety of endogenous or synthetic hormones of central melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) signaling. MRAP2 is a single-transmembrane protein and could form a functional symmetric antiparallel homodimer topology. Here, we inverted the N-terminal, transmembrane, and C-terminal domains and generated six distinct conformational variants of the mouse MRAP2 to explore the functional orientations and the internal symmetry of MRAP2 dimers. These remolded MRAP2 mutants showed proper assembly of the antiparallel homodimer and binding to the MC4R, but slightly altered the regulatory profile on the surface expression and the ligand-stimulated cAMP cascades of MC4R. This study elucidated the importance of the orientation of each domain of the single-transmembrane protein and revealed the pharmacological properties of the internal symmetry of the antiparallel homodimer for MRAP2.

The physical association of the P2Y12 receptor with PAR4 regulates arrestin-mediated Akt activation

It is now well accepted that protease activated receptor (PAR) 1 and PAR4 have differential roles in platelet activation. PAR4, a low-affinity thrombin receptor in human platelets, participates in sustained platelet activation in a P2Y12-dependent manner; however, the mechanisms are not defined. Our previous studies demonstrated that thrombin induces the association of PAR4 with P2Y12, together with arrestin recruitment to the complex. Here we show that PAR4 and P2Y12 directly interact to coregulate Akt signaling after PAR4 activation. We observed direct and specific interaction of P2Y12 with PAR4 but not PAR1 by bioluminescent resonance energy transfer when the receptors were coexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. PAR4-P2Y12 dimerization was promoted by PAR4-AP and inhibited by P2Y12 antagonist. By using sequence comparison of the transmembrane domains of PAR1 and PAR4, we designed a mutant form of PAR4, "PAR4SFT," by replacing LGL194-196 at the base of transmembrane domain 4 with the corresponding aligned PAR1 residues SFT 220-222. PAR4SFT supported only 8.74% of PAR4-P2Y12 interaction, abolishing P2Y12-dependent arrestin recruitment to PAR4 and Akt activation. Nonetheless, PAR4SFT still supported homodimerization with PAR4. PAR4SFT failed to induce a calcium flux when expressed independently; however, coexpression of increasing concentrations of PAR4SFT, together with PAR4 potentiated PAR4-mediated calcium flux, suggested that PAR4 act as homodimers to signal to Gq-coupled calcium responses. In conclusion, PAR4 LGL (194-196) governs agonist-dependent association of PAR4 with P2Y12 and contributes to Gq-coupled calcium responses. PAR4-P2Y12 association supports arrestin-mediated sustained signaling to Akt. Hence, PAR4-P2Y12 dimerization is likely to be important for the PAR4-P2Y12 dependent stabilization of platelet thrombi.

Drugs and their molecular targets: an updated overview

About 330 targets bind approved drugs, 270 encoded by the human genome and 60 belonging to pathogenic organisms. A large number of druggable targets have been recently proposed from preclinical and first clinical data, but a huge reservoir of putative drug targets, possibly several thousands, remains to be explored. This overview considers the different types of ligands and their selectivity in the main superfamilies of drug targets, enzymes, membrane transporters and ion channels, and the various classes of membrane and nuclear receptors with their signalling pathway. Recently approved drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase and proteasome inhibitors, and major drugs under clinical studies are reviewed with their molecular target and therapeutic interest. The druggability of emerging targets is discussed, such as multidrug resistance transporters and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotides-gated (HCN), cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) and transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and receptor activator of NFkappaB (RANK) receptors, integrins, and orphan or recently deorphanized G-protein-coupled and nuclear receptors. Large advances have been made in the therapeutical use of recombinant cytokines and growth factors (i.e. tasonermin, TNFalpha-1a; becaplermin, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF); dibotermin-alpha, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)2; anakinra, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP), and in enzyme replacement therapy, i.e. algasidase (alpha-galactosidase) and laronidase (alpha-l-iduronidase). New receptor classes are emerging, e.g. membrane aminopeptidases, and novel concepts are stimulating drug research, e.g. epigenetic therapy, but the molecular target of some approved drugs, such as paracetamol and imidazolines, still need to be identified.

Pharmacological analysis of human D1 AND D2 dopamine receptor missense variants

Drugs targeting dopamine receptors have been the focus of much research over the past 30 years, in large part because of their role in treating multiple pathological conditions including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, and hyperprolactinemia. Missense mutations in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can alter basal and/or ligand-induced signaling, which in turn can affect individuals' susceptibility to disease and/or response to therapeutics. To date, five coding variants in the human D1 receptor (hD1R; T37P, T37R, R50S, S199A, and A229T) and three in the human D2 receptor (hD2R; P310S, S311C, and T351A) have been reported in the NCBI single nucleotide polymorphism database. We utilized site-directed mutagenesis to generate cDNAs encoding these receptor isoforms. After expression in either HEK293 or neuronal GT1 cells, basal and ligand-induced signaling of each of these receptors was determined and compared to wild type. In addition, we investigated expression levels of each recombinant receptor and the effect of inverse agonist administration. Our data demonstrate that naturally occurring amino acid substitutions in the hD1R can lead to alterations in expression levels as well as in basal and ligand-induced signaling. The potency and efficacy of dopamine, synthetic agonists (i.e., fenoldopam, SKF-38393, SKF-82958, and SCH23390), and inverse agonists [i.e., flupenthixol and (+)butaclamol] were reduced at selected hD1R variants. Furthermore, inverse agonist induced effects on expression levels were sensitive to selected amino acid substitutions. In contrast to the hD1R variants, hD2R polymorphisms did not affect ligand function or receptor expression. The observation that the hD1R mutations induce significant alterations in pharmacologic properties may have implications both for disease susceptibility and/or therapeutic response to dopaminergic ligands.

Conformational state of human cardiac 5-HT(4(g)) receptors influences the functional effects of polyclonal anti-5-HT(4) receptor antibodies

The functional effects of the anti-G21V antibody directed against the second extracellular loop of human heart 5-HT(4) receptors can differ when the receptors are expressed in different cell lines. Here, we extend these studies to show variation in the responses of 5-HT(4(g)) receptors to the antibody within the same expression system. In a previous report no effect of the anti-G21V antibodies had been shown upon 5-HT(4(g)) receptors expressed in CHO cells. Here the same antibodies alone or when added before 5-HT had a functional "inverse-agonist like" effect upon 5-HT(4(g)) receptors expressed in a separate line of CHO cells. Although these CHO cells showed a lower efficacy of cAMP production evoked by 5-HT than the previous report they express a similar h5-HT(4(g)) receptor density. Inhibition of either phosphodiesterases or Gi proteins had no effect upon the action of the antibody. Conformational states of the 5-HT(4) receptor and/or equilibrium between different states of receptors may then determine the functional effect of antibodies against this receptor.

Changes in the in vitro pharmacodynamic properties of metoprolol in atria isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. The present study addressed possible changes in the dissociation constant of metoprolol and its inverse agonist activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In addition, a possible correlation between cardiac hypertrophy and the inverse agonist activity of metoprolol was explored. 2. In order to determine the dissociation constant (expressed as the pKb) of metoprolol, a cumulative concentration-response curve to noradrenaline was constructed in the absence or presence of metoprolol (0.1, 1 or 10 micromol/L). In a second experiment, a cumulative concentration-response curve to metoprolol was constructed to determine its inverse agonist activity. 3. The ventricular weight of SHR was significantly greater compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. A rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to noradrenaline was observed in SHR compared with WKY rats. The pKb of metoprolol was smaller in SHR compared with WKY rats (6.35 +/- 0.14 vs 6.99 +/- 0.12, respectively; P < 0.05). No difference was observed in the maximal response (Emax) of the concentration-time effect of metoprolol in WKY rats and SHR (-29.1 +/- 7.1 vs-28.2 +/- 8.5%, respectively; n = 6 for both). However, the concentration of metoprolol eliciting a half-maximal effect (expressed as the pEC50) was significantly smaller in SHR compared with WKY rats (4.82 +/- 0.07 vs 5.29 +/- 0.13, respectively; n = 6; P < 0.05). Although a significant correlation (r = -0.876) between the ventricular weight/bodyweight (VW/BW) ratio and the pEC50 of the chronotropic effect of metoprolol was found, no relationship (r = -0.257) was found between the VW/BW ratio and Emax. 4. In summary, the present study provides the first evidence of a change in the in vitro pharmacodynamic properties of metoprolol in SHR. The sympathetic overactivity present in SHR not only reduces the positive chronotropic effect of noradrenaline, but also diminishes the constant dissociation of metoprolol from atrial beta1-adrenoceptors and its inverse agonist activity. A significant correlation between the VW/BW ratio and the inverse agonist potency of metoprolol was found, suggesting a possible link between cardiac hypertrophy and the reduction of the inverse agonist activity of metoprolol.

Constitutive Receptor Activity series Endogenous inverse agonists and constitutive receptor activity in the melanocortin system

The recent discovery of melanocortin receptor mutations that selectively decrease constitutive receptor activity in obese individuals supports the physiological relevance of constitutive melanocortin receptor activity and its control by an endogenous inverse agonist. Furthermore, studies using mice that lack endogenous melanocortin receptor agonists show that differences in coat color are caused by different degrees of constitutive melanocortin receptor signaling regulated by an endogenous inverse agonist. Thus, the regulation of constitutive activity of melanocortin receptors is important for the normal control of pigmentation and body-weight homeostasis.

Pharmacological characterization and autoradiographic distribution of α2-adrenoceptor antagonist [3H]RX 821002 binding sites in the chicken brain

Knowledge about the noradrenergic system in birds is very scarce even though their biological diversity and complex social behavior make them an excellent model for studying neuronal functions and developmental biology. While the role of norepinephrine has been described in depth in a large number of central and peripheral functions in mammals, reports for avian species are limited. The radioligand [(3)H]RX 821002 ([(3)H]1,4-[6,7(n)3H]-benzodioxan-2-methoxy-2-yl)-2-imidazol) has been used to map and characterize alpha(2)-adrenoceptors through the chicken brain using in vitro autoradiography and membrane homogenates binding assays. [(3)H]RX 821002 showed a saturable and high affinity binding to a site compatible with alpha(2)-adrenoceptor, and to a serotonergic component. The autoradiographic assays displayed a similar alpha(2)-adrenoceptor distribution than those previously reported in birds using other radioligands such as [(3)H]UK 14304 ([(3)H]5-bromo-N-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-6-quinoxalinamine) or [(3)H]clonidine. [(3)H]RX 821002 binding pharmacological characterization was carried out in different chicken brain regions using membrane homogenates for competition assays with different alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists drugs (oxymetazoline, BRL 44408 [2-(2H-(1-methyl-1,3-dihydroisoindole)methyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazole] ARC 239 [2-(2-4-(O-methoxyphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl-4,4-dimethyl-1,3-(2H,4H)-isoquinolindione], prazosin, UK 14304 and RX 821002). The results showed alpha(2A) as the predominant alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtype in the chicken brain while alpha(2B)- and/or alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor subtypes were detected only in the telencephalon. RX 821002, serotonin (5-HT) and 8-OH-DPAT [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin] competition assays, and competition binding assays performed in the presence of serotonin demonstrated that [(3)H]RX 821002 binds with higher affinity to a serotonergic component, probably 5-HT(1A) receptors, than to the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. Similar pharmacological properties for the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor component were observed both in rat and chicken brain. The results demonstrate that the different alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes are present in chicken brain and suggest that these receptors are highly conserved through evolution.

Cellular and molecular biology of orphan G protein-coupled receptors

The superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is the largest and most diverse group of membrane-spanning proteins. It plays a variety of roles in pathophysiological processes by transmitting extracellular signals to cells via heterotrimeric G proteins. Completion of the human genome project revealed the presence of approximately 168 genes encoding established nonsensory GPCRs, as well as 207 genes predicted to encode novel GPCRs for which the natural ligands remained to be identified, the so-called orphan GPCRs. Eighty-six of these orphans have now been paired to novel or previously known molecules, and 121 remain to be deorphaned. A better understanding of the GPCR structures and classification; knowledge of the receptor activation mechanism, either dependent on or independent of an agonist; increased understanding of the control of GPCR-mediated signal transduction; and development of appropriate ligand screening systems may improve the probability of discovering novel ligands for the remaining orphan GPCRs.

Intrinsic efficacy of antipsychotics at human D2, D3, and D4 dopamine receptors: identification of the clozapine metabolite N-desmethylclozapine as a D2/D3 partial agonist

Drugs that antagonize D2-like receptors are effective antipsychotics, but the debilitating movement disorder side effects associated with these drugs cannot be dissociated from dopamine receptor blockade. The "atypical" antipsychotics have a lower propensity to cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), but the molecular basis for this is not fully understood nor is the impact of inverse agonism upon their clinical properties. Using a cell-based functional assay, we demonstrate that overexpression of Galphao induces constitutive activity in the human D2-like receptors (D2, D3, and D4). A large collection of typical and atypical antipsychotics was profiled for activity at these receptors. Virtually all were D2 and D3 inverse agonists, whereas none was D4 inverse agonist, although many were potent D4 antagonists. The inverse agonist activity of haloperidol at D2 and D3 receptors could be reversed by mesoridazine demonstrating that there were significant differences in the degrees of inverse agonism among the compounds tested. Aripiprazole and the principle active metabolite of clozapine NDMC [8-chloro-11-(1-piperazinyl)-5H-dibenzo [b,e] [1,4] diazepine] were identified as partial agonists at D2 and D3 receptors, although clozapine itself was an inverse agonist at these receptors. NDMC-induced functional responses could be reversed by clozapine. It is proposed that the low incidence of EPS associated with clozapine and aripiprazole used may be due, in part, to these partial agonist properties of NDMC and aripiprazole and that bypassing clozapine blockade through direct administration of NDMC to patients may provide superior antipsychotic efficacy.

Modulation of the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activity with monoclonal anti-M2 receptor antibody fragments

Antibodies directed against the second extracellular loop of G protein-coupled receptors are known to have functional activities. From a partial agonist monoclonal antibody directed against the M2 muscarinic receptor, we constructed and produced a single chain variable fragment with high affinity for its target epitope. The fragment is able to recognize its receptor on Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor to block the effect of carbachol on this receptor and to exert an inverse agonist activity on the basal activity of the receptor. The antibody fragment is also able to increase the basal rhythm of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and to inhibit in a non-competitive manner the negative chronotropic effect of carbachol. This antibody fragment is able to exert its inverse agonist activity in vivo on mouse heart activity. The immunological strategy presented here could be useful to develop specific allosteric inverse agonist reagents for G protein-coupled receptors.

An algebra of dimerization and its implications for G-protein coupled receptor signaling

Many species of receptors form dimers, but how can we use this information to make predictions about signal transduction? This problem is particularly difficult when receptors dimerize with many different species, leading to a combinatoric increase in the possible number of dimer pairs. As an example system, we focus on receptors in the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. GPCRs have been shown to reversibly form dimers, but this dimerization does not directly affect signal transduction. Here we present a new theoretical framework called a dimerization algebra. This algebra provides a systematic and rational way to represent, manipulate, and in some cases simplify large and often complicated networks of dimerization interactions. To compliment this algebra, Monte Carlo simulations are used to predict dimerization's effect on receptor organization on the membrane, signal transduction, and internalization. These simulation results are directly comparable to various experimental measures such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and as such provide a link between the dimerization algebra and experimental data. As an example, we show how the algebra and computational results can be used to predict the effects of dimerization on the dopamine D2 and somatastatin SSTR1 receptors. When these predictions were compared to experimental findings from the literature, good agreement was found, demonstrating the utility of our approach. Applications of this work to the development of a novel class of dimerization-modulating drugs are also discussed.

Constitutive activity and inverse agonists of G protein-coupled receptors: a current perspective

Over the last decade, the ability to detect agonist-independent signal transduction by G protein-coupled receptors has in turn resulted in the detection and study of ligands able to block this activity. Such ligands are generically described as inverse agonists. Considerable attention has recently been devoted to the presence and roles of endogenous antagonist/inverse agonists and the concept that inverse agonists may have specific therapeutic benefits compared with neutral antagonists.

The human formyl peptide receptor as model system for constitutively active G-protein-coupled receptors

According to the two-state model of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation, GPCRs isomerize from an inactive (R) state to an active (R*) state. In the R* state, GPCRs activate G-proteins. Agonist-independent R/R* isomerization is referred to as constitutive activity and results in an increase in basal G-protein activity, i.e. GDP/GTP exchange. Agonists stabilize the R* state and further increase, whereas inverse agonists stabilize the R state and decrease, basal G-protein activity. Constitutive activity is observed in numerous wild-type GPCRs and disease-causing GPCR mutants with increased constitutive activity. The human formyl peptide receptor (FPR) exists in several isoforms (FPR-26, FPR-98 and FPR-G6) and activates chemotaxis and cytotoxic cell functions of phagocytes through G(i)-proteins. Studies in HL-60 leukemia cell membranes demonstrated inhibitory effects of Na(+) and pertussis toxin on basal G(i)-protein activity, suggesting that the FPR is constitutively active. However, since HL-60 cells express several constitutively active chemoattractant receptors, analysis of constitutive FPR activity was difficult. Sf9 insect cells do not express chemoattractant receptors and G(i)-proteins and provide a sensitive reconstitution system for FPR/G(i)-protein coupling. Such expression studies showed that FPR-26 is much more constitutively active than FPR-98 and FPR-G6 as assessed by the relative inhibitory effects of Na(+) and of the inverse agonist cyclosporin H on basal G(i)-protein activity. Site-directed mutagenesis studies suggest that the E346A exchange in the C-terminus critically determines dimerization and constitutive activity of FPR. Moreover, N-glycosylation of the N-terminus seems to be important for constitutive FPR activity. Finally, we discuss some future directions of research.

scFv single chain antibody variable fragment as inverse agonist of the beta2-adrenergic receptor

Antibodies directed against the second extracellular loop of G protein-coupled receptors were shown to possess functional activities. Using a functional monoclonal antibody against the human beta2-adrenergic receptor, a scFv fragment with high affinity for the target epitope was constructed and produced. The fragment recognized the beta2-adrenergic receptors on A431 cells, blocked cAMP accumulation induced by the beta2-agonist salbutamol, and decreased basal cAMP accumulation in the same cells. Their in vitro activity was tested on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The antibody fragments blocked the chronotropic activity induced by the beta2-agonist clenbuterol. They also decreased the in vivo heart beating frequency of mice pretreated with bisoprolol (a beta1-adrenergic receptor antagonist) for 4 min after injection. The immunological approach presented here may serve as a strategy for the synthesis of a new class of allosteric modulators for G protein-coupled receptors.

Biochemical and pharmacological control of the multiplicity of coupling at G-protein-coupled receptors

For decades, it has been generally proposed that a given receptor always interacts with a particular GTP-binding protein (G-protein) or with multiple G-proteins within one family. However, for several G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), it now becomes generally accepted that simultaneous functional coupling with distinct unrelated G-proteins can be observed, leading to the activation of multiple intracellular effectors with distinct efficacies and/or potencies. Multiplicity in G-protein coupling is frequently observed in artificial expression systems where high densities of receptors are obtained, raising the question of whether such complex signalling reveals artefactual promiscuous coupling or is a genuine property of GPCRs. Multiple biochemical and pharmacological evidence in favour of an intrinsic property of GPCRs were obtained in recent studies. Thus, there are now many examples showing that the coupling to multiple signalling pathways is dependent on the agonist used (agonist trafficking of receptor signals). In addition, the different couplings were demonstrated to involve distinct molecular determinants of the receptor and to show distinct desensitisation kinetics. Such multiplicity of signalling at the level of G-protein coupling leads to a further complexity in the functional response to agonist stimulation of one of the most elaborate cellular transmission systems. Indeed, the physiological relevance of such versatility in signalling associated with a single receptor requires the existence of critical mechanisms of dynamic regulation of the expression, the compartmentalisation, and the activity of the signalling partners. This review aims at summarising the different studies that support the concept of multiplicity of G-protein coupling. The physiological and pharmacological relevance of this coupling promiscuity will be discussed.

Inverse agonism gains weight

Inverse agonism is emerging as a new endogenous principle for receptor regulation. Agouti-related protein (AgRP), following its release in the brain, stimulates food intake. AgRP binds to brain melanocortin receptors, which are involved in the regulation of body weight. In addition to antagonizing the effects of the melanocortin receptor agonist alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), AgRP suppresses the constitutive activity of melanocortin MC(3) and MC(4) receptors, which characterizes AgRP as an inverse agonist rather than a neutral antagonist. The balance between the activity of AgRP-containing neurons and alpha-MSH-containing neurons determines the extent of activation of melanocortin receptors in neurons onto which they project. The identification of AgRP as an endogenous inverse agonist provides physiological relevance to inverse agonism in the control of body weight.

Ligand modulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding at human alpha(2A), alpha(2B) and alpha(2C) adrenoceptors

Affinities and efficacies of chemically diverse ligands--some of them used as clinical agents--were examined, employing [3H]RX821,002 and [35S]GTPgammaS binding assays, respectively, at human (h) cloned, halpha(2A), halpha(2B) and halpha(2C) adrenoceptors (AR) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. As compared to noradrenaline (NA, efficacy defined as 100%), the majority of the 13 agonists tested generally behaved as partial agonists. Amongst 18 antagonists, pK(B) and pK(i) values, which were highly correlated for each alpha(2)-AR subtype, failed to reveal any strikingly selective agents. Inverse agonist properties were not detected for any antagonist, consistent with a lack of constitutive activity suggested by the monophasic inhibition of [35S]GTPgammaS binding by GTPgammaS. These data should facilitate interpretation of experimental and clinical actions of adrenergic agonists. Moreover, they emphasize the continuing need for alpha(2)-AR subtype-selective antagonists in order to define further the roles and therapeutic relevance of halpha(2A)-, halpha(2B)-, and halpha(2C)-AR.

Bucindolol displays intrinsic sympathomimetic activity in human myocardium

BACKGROUND

Most clinical studies have shown that beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists improve long-term survival in heart failure patients. Bucindolol, a nonselective beta-receptor blocker, however, failed to reduce heart failure mortality in a recent large clinical trial. The reasons for this failure are not known. Bucindolol has partial agonist properties in rat myocardium, but whether it has agonist activity in human heart is controversial. To address this, we measured the ability of bucindolol to increase cAMP accumulation in human myocardium.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Myocardial strips ( approximately 1 mm(3)) obtained from rat and nonfailing human hearts were confirmed to be viable for > or = 48 hours in normoxic tissue culture by MTT assay and histology. Freshly isolated strips were exposed to beta-adrenergic antagonists and agonists and assayed for cAMP. In both rat and human strips, the full beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol raised cAMP levels by >2.5-fold at 15 minutes. Carvedilol and propranolol had no effect on basal cAMP levels, whereas metoprolol reduced basal cAMP by approximately 25%. In contrast, bucindolol and xamoterol increased cAMP levels in a concentration-dependent manner in both rat and human myocardium (maximum 1.64+/-0.25-fold and 2.00+/-0.27-fold over control, respectively, P<0.01 for human tissue).

CONCLUSIONS

Bucindolol exhibits approximately 60% of the beta-adrenergic agonist activity of xamoterol in normal human myocardial tissue.

Dexras1/AGS-1 inhibits signal transduction from the Gi-coupled formyl peptide receptor to Erk-1/2 MAP kinases

Dexras1 is a novel GTP-binding protein (G protein) that was recently discovered on the basis of rapid mRNA up-regulation by glucocorticoids in murine AtT-20 corticotroph cells and in several primary tissues. The human homologue of Dexras1, termed activator of G protein signaling-1 (AGS-1), has been reported to stimulate signaling by G(i) heterotrimeric G proteins independently of receptor activation. The effects of Dexras1/AGS-1 on receptor-initiated signaling by G(i) have not been examined. Here we report that Dexras1 inhibits ligand-dependent signaling by the G(i)-coupled N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR). Dexras1 and FPR were transiently co-expressed in both COS-7 and HEK-293 cells. Activation of FPR by ligand (N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (f-MLF)) caused phosphorylation of endogenous Erk-1/2 that was reduced by co-expression of Dexras1. Direct effects of Dexras1 on the activity of co-expressed, epitope-tagged Erk-2 (hemagglutinin (HA)-Erk-2) were measured by immune complex in vitro kinase assay. Expression of Dexras1 alone resulted in a 1.9- to 4.9-fold increase in HA-Erk-2 activity; expression of the unliganded FPR alone resulted in a 6.2- to 8.1-fold increase in HA-Erk-2 activity. Stimulation of FPR by f-MLF produced a further 8- to 10-fold increase in HA-Erk-2 activity over the basal (non-ligand-stimulated) state, and this ligand-dependent activity was attenuated at the time points of maximal activity by co-expression of Dexras1 (reduced 31 +/- 6.8% in COS-7 at 10 min and 86 +/- 9.2% in HEK-293 at 5 min, p < 0.01 for each). Expression of Dexras1 did not influence protein expression of FPR or Erk, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of Dexras1 reflect a functional alteration in the signaling cascade from FPR to Erk. Expression of Dexras1 had no effect on expression of G(i)alpha species, but significantly impaired pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of membrane-associated G(i)alpha. Expression of Dexras1 also significantly decreased in vitro binding of GTPgammaS in f-MLF-stimulated membranes of cells co-transfected with FPR. These data suggest that Dexras1 inhibits signal transduction from FPR to Erk-1/2 through an effect that is very proximal to receptor-G(i) coupling. While Dexras1 weakly activates Erk in the resting state, more potent effects are evident in the modulation of ligand-stimulated receptor signal transduction, where Dexras1 functions as an inhibitor rather than activator of the Erk mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade.

Mechanisms of inverse agonism at G-protein-coupled receptors

Many drugs with important therapeutic actions that had been assumed to be antagonists at G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been shown to be inverse agonists. For both basic pharmacology and drug design it is important to understand the mechanisms whereby these drugs achieve their effects. It had been assumed that these drugs achieved their effects by stabilizing an inactive state of the receptor (R) at the expense of a partially activated state (R*). In this article, I consider this and other mechanisms that could explain inverse agonist actions, and conclude that more than one mechanism can apply to inverse agonism at GPCRs.

Efficacy of antipsychotic agents at human 5-HT(1A) receptors determined by [3H]WAY100,635 binding affinity ratios: relationship to efficacy for G-protein activation

5-HT(1A) receptors are implicated in the aetiology of schizophrenia. Herein, the influence of 15 antipsychotics on the binding of the selective 'neutral' antagonist, [3H]WAY100,635 ([3H]N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)-cyclo-hexanecarboxamide), was examined at human 5-HT(1A) receptors expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. In competition binding experiments, 5-HT displayed biphasic isotherms which were shifted to the right in the presence of the G-protein uncoupling agent, GTPgammaS (100 microM). In analogy, the isotherms of ziprasidone, quetiapine and S16924 (((R-2-[1-[2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-5-yloxy)-ethyl]-pyrrolidin-3yl]-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone), were displaced to the right by GTPgammaS, consistent with agonist actions. Binding of several other antipsychotics, such as ocaperidone, olanzapine and risperidone, was little influenced by GTPgammaS. Isotherms of the neuroleptics, haloperidol, chlorpromazine and thioridazine were shifted to the left in the presence of GTPgammaS, suggesting inverse agonist properties. For most ligands, the magnitude of affinity changes induced by GTPgammaS (alteration in pK(i) values) correlated well with their previously determined efficacies in [35S]GTPgammaS binding studies [Eur. J. Pharmacol. 355 (1998) 245]. In contrast, the affinity of the 'atypical' antipsychotic agent, clozapine, which is a known partial agonist at 5-HT(1A) receptors, was less influenced by GTPgammaS. When the ratio of high-/low-affinity values was plotted against efficacy, hyperbolic isotherms were obtained, consistent with a modified ternary complex model which assumes that receptors can adopt active conformations in the absence of agonist. In conclusion, modulation of [3H]-WAY100,635 binding by GTPgammaS differentiated agonist vs. inverse agonist properties of antipsychotics at 5-HT(1A) receptors. These may contribute to differing profiles of antipsychotic activity.

Differential signalling of both wild-type and Thr(343)Arg dopamine D(2short) receptor by partial agonists in a G-protein-dependent manner

G-protein activation and Ca(2+) responses by the wild-type D(2short) receptor and a mutation Thr(343)Arg, in the distal BBXXB motif of its third intracellular loop, were investigated in CHO-K1 cells in terms of ligand:receptor:G-protein interactions. No evidence was obtained for constitutive, agonist-independent receptor activation, but differences in the ligand-mediated activation profiles of both the wild-type and mutant Thr(343)Arg D(2short) receptor were observed. Most of the partial agonists, but not bromocriptine, displayed an enhanced response at the mutant D(2short) receptor, suggesting that the mutation brings the receptor in a more active state. This enhancement was apparent both at the level of G-protein activation ([35S]GTPgammaS binding) and at the effector (Ca(2+) response) and occurred with different G(alpha)-proteins. Partial agonists were also found to act differently via the wild-type D(2short) receptor depending on the involved G(alpha)-protein. Compared with higher efficacy agonists, partial agonists displayed Ca(2+) responses with slower and dissimilar kinetic properties. Lisuride and in particular bromocriptine produced a more potent response in the co-presence of a G(alphao) protein instead of a chimeric G(alphaq/o)- or a promiscuous G(alpha15)-protein. S(+)-propylnorapomorphine showed a similar partial response irrespective of the combined G(alpha)-protein. Bromerguride and (+)-UH 232 induced weak (16 to 21% versus dopamine) intrinsic activity in the co-presence of a G(alphaq/o)-protein in contrast to their silent properties with a G(alpha15)- or a G(alphao)Cys(351)Ile-protein. In conclusion, the present data strongly suggest that multiple activation binding sites are involved with these ligands at the D(2short) receptor, and that their activation may be unravelled by either the mutation or co-expressed G(alpha)-proteins being investigated.

Real-time analysis of dopamine: antagonist interactions at recombinant human D2long receptor upon modulation of its activation state

1. Antipsychotic drugs may mediate their therapeutic effects not only by preventing the binding of dopamine but also by decreasing the propensity of the dopamine receptor to assume an active R* state. Ligand-mediated activation and blockade of the recombinant human D(2long) receptor was investigated in CHO-K1 cells upon modulation of its R* state. 2. Both the Ala(371)Lys (A371K) and Thr(372)Arg (T372R) D2long receptor mutants could be activated in a ligand-dependent manner via a chimeric G(alphaq/o) protein, and more efficaciously so than with the promiscuous G(alpha15) protein. 3. Dopamine and partial agonists (E(max): lisuride >> (+)-UH 232 approximately bromerguride) displayed dissimilar Ca(2+) kinetic properties at wild-type and mutant receptors. A371K and T372R D2long receptor mutants demonstrated an attenuated and enhanced maximal response to these partial agonists, respectively. 4. Dopamine antagonists were unable to block the transient high-magnitude Ca(2+) phase at the wild-type D2long receptor upon simultaneous exposure to antagonist and dopamine, while full blockade of the low-magnitude Ca(2+) phase did occur at a later time (onset-time: haloperidol < bromerguride < (+)-butaclamol). A similar, though more efficacious, antagonist profile was also found at the A371K mutant receptor. Conversely, the blockade of the low-magnitude Ca(2+) phase was attenuated (haloperidol) or almost absent [(+)-butaclamol and bromerguride] at the T372R mutant receptor. 5. In conclusion, mutagenesis of the Ala(371) and Thr(372) positions affects in an opposite way the ligand-dependent activation and blockade of the D2long receptor. The observed attenuation of dopamine-mediated Ca(2+) signal generation with different decay-times may underlie distinct properties of the dopaminergic ligands.

Differential modulation by GTPgammaS of agonist and inverse agonist binding to h5-HT(1A) receptors revealed by [3H]-WAY100,635

1. The interaction of serotonergic ligands at human (h) 5-HT(1A) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells was examined with the selective 'neutral' 5-HT(1A) antagonist [(3)H]-WAY100,635. Its binding was saturable (K(D)=0.056 nM) with a B(max) (3.65 pmol mg(-1)) significantly higher than that of two other selective 5-HT(1A) radioligands: the partial agonist, [(3)H]-S15535 (2.77 pmol mg(-1)) and the agonist, [(3)H]-8-OH-DPAT (2.02 pmol mg(-1)). 2. The influence of GTPgammaS (100 microM) on the binding affinity of 15 serotonergic agonists, partial agonists, antagonists and inverse agonists was investigated in competition binding experiments with [(3)H]-WAY100,635. 3. Agonists, including 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone, displayed biphasic isotherms which shifted to the right in the presence of GTPgammaS. In contrast, isotherms of the inverse agonists, methiothepin, (+)butaclamol and spiperone, were shifted to the left in the presence of GTPgammaS. Unlabelled WAY100,635 was the only ligand that was unaffected by GTPgammaS, consistent with 'neutral' antagonist properties. 4. The magnitude of affinity changes induced by GTPgammaS for 13 ligands was highly correlated (r = 0.98) with their efficacy (positive and negative) previously determined by [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding. 5. In contrast, the napthylpiperazine derivative and high efficacy agonist, S14506, displayed only a modest GTPgammaS shift, in accordance with previous indications of 'atypical' binding properties of this ligand. A further full agonist, S14671, which is chemically closely-related to S14506, also displayed a minimal GTPgammaS shift, underpinning this observation. 6. In conclusion, [(3)H]-WAY100,635 constitutes a useful neutral antagonist radioligand for the characterization of drug actions at h5-HT(1A) receptors. GTPgammaS-induced affinity changes of agonist and inverse agonist competition isotherms generally correlate well with ligand efficacy, with the notable exception of two chemically-similar agents, S14506 and S14671, which are efficacious agonists, yet relatively insensitive to h5-HT(1A) receptor/G-protein coupling changes.

Partial to complete antagonism by putative antagonists at the wild-type alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor based on kinetic analyses of agonist:antagonist interactions

1. Activation of the recombinant human alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor (alpha(2C) AR) by (-)-adrenaline in CHO-K1 cells transiently co-expressing a chimeric G(alpha q/i1) protein induced a rapid, transient Ca(2+) response with a high-magnitude followed by a low-magnitude phase which continued throughout the recorded time period (15 min). 2. Activation of the alpha(2C) AR by various alpha(2) AR agonists revealed the following rank order of high-magnitude Ca(2+) response [E(max) (%) versus 10 microM (-)-adrenaline]: UK 14304 (102+/-4)=talipexole (101+/-3)=(-)-adrenaline (100)=d-medetomidine (98+/-1)>oxymetazoline (81+/-4) reverse similarclonidine (75+/-5). 3. The methoxy- (RX 821002) and ethoxy-derivatives (RX 811059) of idazoxan and the dexefaroxan analogue atipamezole were fully effective as antagonists of both the high- and the low-magnitude Ca(2+) response. However, though acting as full antagonists of the high-magnitude response, the further putative alpha(2) AR antagonists idazoxan (27%), SKF 86466 (29%) and dexefaroxan (59%) reversed the low-magnitude response only partially. 4. In conclusion, kinetic analyses of agonist : antagonist interactions at the alpha(2C) AR demonstrate a wide spectrum of partial to complete antagonism of the low-magnitude Ca(2+) response for structurally related alpha(2) AR ligands.