Activation of guanosine 5'-[gamma-(35)S]thio-triphosphate binding through M(1) muscarinic receptors in transfected Chinese Hamster ovary cell membranes: 2. Testing the "two-states" model of receptor activation

Activation of G-protein-coupled receptors in cell-derived plasma membranes supported on porous beads

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous mediators of signal transduction across cell membranes and constitute a very important class of therapeutic targets. In order to study the complex biochemical signaling network coupling to the intracellular side of GPCRs, it is necessary to engineer and control the downstream signaling components, which is difficult to realize in living cells. We have developed a bioanalytical platform enabling the study of GPCRs in their native membrane transferred inside-out from live cells to lectin-coated beads, with both membrane sides of the receptor being accessible for molecular interactions. Using heterologously expressed adenosine A(2A) receptor carrying a yellow fluorescent protein, we showed that the tethered membranes comprised fully functional receptors in terms of ligand and G protein binding. The interactions between the different signaling partners during the formation and subsequent dissociation of the ternary signaling complex on single beads could be observed in real time using multicolor fluorescence microscopy. This approach of tethering inside-out native membranes accessible from both sides is straightforward and readily applied to other transmembrane proteins. It represents a generic platform suitable for ensemble as well as single-molecule measurements to investigate signaling processes at plasma membranes.

A fluorescence anisotropy assay for the muscarinic M1 G-protein-coupled receptor

In the search for new chemical entities that interact with G-proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), assays that quantify efficacy and affinity are employed. Traditional methods for measuring affinity involve radiolabeled ligands. To address the need for homogeneous biochemical fluorescent assays to characterize orthosteric ligand affinity and dissociation rates, we have developed a fluorescence anisotropy (FA) assay for the muscarinic M1 receptor that can be conducted in a 384-well plate. We used membranes from a muscarinic M1 cell line optimized for high-throughput functional assays and the previously characterized fluorescent antagonist BODIPY FL pirenzepine. The affinities of reference compounds were determined in the competitive FA assay and compared with those obtained with a competitive filter-based radioligand-binding assay using [(3)H] N-methylscopolamine. The IC(50) values produced from the FA assay were well-correlated with the radioligand-binding K(i) values (R(2) = 0.98). The dissociation of the BODIPY FL pirenzepine was readily monitored in real time using the FA assay and was sensitive to the presence of the allosteric modulator gallamine. This M1 FA assay offers advantages over traditional radioligandbinding assays as it eliminates radioactivity while allowing investigation of orthosteric or allosteric muscarinic M1 ligands in a homogeneous format.

Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy: A Label-Free Comprehensive Platform for Functional Evaluation of Endogenous Receptors

The CellKey (MDS Sciex, South San Francisco, CA) system enables comprehensive pharmacological evaluation of cell surface receptors, including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and tyrosine kinase receptors, using adherent and suspension cell lines and primary cells. A unique application enabled by the ability of the CellKey system to reliably quantify activation of endogenous receptors is receptor panning. This application allows investigators to easily screen disease-relevant cell types for functionally active target receptors by treating cells with a panel of receptor-specific ligands. Receptor panning of multiple cell types including Chinese hamster ovary, human embryonic kidney 293, HeLa, U-937, U-2 OS, and TE671 cells resulted in the identification of many functionally active, differently coupled endogenous GPCRs, some of which have not been previously documented in the literature. Upon detecting GPCR activation in live cells, unique cellular dielectric spectroscopy (CDS) response profiles are generated within minutes that reflect the signaling pathways utilized and have been shown to be characteristic of Gs, Gq, and Gi GPCRs. The fact that the CDS response profiles are predictive of the G-protein coupling mechanism of the receptor was demonstrated by using examples of subtype-selective agonists/antagonists to identify the subtypes of the endogenous histamine and beta-adrenergic receptors expressed in U-2 OS cells. A direct correlation is shown between receptor subtype G-protein coupling and CDS response profile. In addition, complex pharmacology, including detection of partial agonism and Schild analysis for endogenous receptors, is presented. The CellKey system allows investigators to conduct studies using endogenously expressed receptors to generate data that are physiologically relevant and in disease context.

New concept of spare receptors and effectors

The present study provides a new concept of the spare receptor. Model [A]: 1) Several receptors connect with an effector; 2) if an agonist occupies one of the receptors connecting with one effector, the effector fully functions. When the number of receptors connecting with one effector is "m", the relationship between the functional effectors (E) and the concentration of agonists ([a]) is as follows: [formula: see text] where Rt is the total number of receptors and Kd is the agonist dissociation constant from the receptor. Model [B]: 1) Several receptors connect with an effector; 2) only when agonists occupy all of the receptors connecting with one effector, the effector functions. The relationship between E and [a] is as follows: [formula: see text] If m=1, equations (I) and (II) are exactly the same as the Michaelis-Menten equation. If m is larger than 1, the apparent saturation in the effector efficiency becomes larger in Model [A], and smaller in Model [B], respectively. The dissociation of the fractional efficiency of effectors from the fractional binding of agonists to receptors becomes larger as m becomes larger in both models. Further, we propose a variable model, including the concept of agonist-occupancy-dependent stability in the functional conformation change of the effector; only when more than j pieces of receptors connecting with one effector are occupied by agonists, the effector functions (Model [M]). The relationship between E and [a] is as follows: [formula: see text]

G protein activation by G protein coupled receptors: ternary complex formation or catalyzed reaction?

G protein coupled receptors catalyze the GDP/GTP exchange on G proteins, thereby activating them. The ternary complex model, designed to describe agonist binding in the absence of GTP, is often extended to G protein activation. This is logically unsatisfactory as the ternary complex does not accumulate when G proteins are activated by GTP. Extended models taking into account nucleotide binding exist, but fail to explain catalytic G protein activation. This review puts forward an enzymatic model of G protein activation and compares its predictions with the ternary complex model and with observed receptor phenomenon. This alternative model does not merely provide a new set of formulae but leads to a new philosophical outlook and more readily accommodates experimental observations. The ternary complex model implies that, HRG being responsible for efficient G protein activation, it should be as stable as possible. In contrast, the enzyme model suggests that although a limited stabilization of HRG facilitates GDP release, HRG should not be "too stable" as this might trap the G protein in an inactive state and actually hinder G protein activation. The two models also differ completely in the definition of the receptor "active state": the ternary complex model implies that the active state corresponds to a single active receptor conformation (HRG); in contrast, the catalytic model predicts that the active receptor state is mobile, switching smoothly through various conformations with high and low affinities for agonists (HR, HRG, HRGGDP, HRGGTP, etc.).

Mechanisms of agonist action at D2 dopamine receptors

In this study, we investigated the biochemical mechanisms of agonist action at the G protein-coupled D2 dopamine receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Stimulation of guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding by full and partial agonists was determined at different concentrations of [35S]GTPgammaS (0.1 and 10 nM) and in the presence of different concentrations of GDP. At both concentrations of [35S]GTPgammaS, increasing GDP decreased the [35S]GTPgammaS binding observed with maximally stimulating concentrations of agonist, with partial agonists exhibiting greater sensitivity to the effects of GDP than full agonists. The relative efficacy of partial agonists was greater at the lower GDP concentrations. Concentration-response experiments were performed for a range of agonists at the two [35S]GTPgammaS concentrations and with different concentrations of GDP. At 0.1 nM [35S]GTPgammaS, the potency of both full and partial agonists was dependent on the GDP concentration in the assays. At 10 nM [35S]GTPgammaS, the potency of full agonists exhibited a greater dependence on the GDP concentration, whereas the potency of partial agonists was virtually independent of GDP. We concluded that at the lower [35S]GTPgammaS concentration, the rate-determining step in G protein activation is the binding of [35S]GTPgammaS to the G protein. At the higher [35S]GTPgammaS concentration, for full agonists, [35S]GTPgammaS binding remains the slowest step, whereas for partial agonists, another (GDP-independent) step, probably ternary complex breakdown, becomes rate-determining.

Molecular dynamics simulations of transducin: interdomain and front to back communication in activation and nucleotide exchange

The dynamic events that underlie the nucleotide exchange process for the Galpha subunit of transducin (Galpha(t)) were studied with nanosecond time-scale molecular dynamics simulations. The modeled systems include the active and inactive forms of the wild-type Galpha(t) and three of its mutants (GDP-bound form only): F332A, A322S, and Q326A that are known to exhibit various degrees of enhancement of their basal and receptor-catalyzed rates of nucleotide exchange (150-fold, 70-fold and WT-like, respectively). The results of these computational experiments reveal a number of nucleotide-dependent structural and dynamic changes (involving the alpha(B)-alpha(C) loop, the inter-domain orientation of the helical and GTPase domains and the alpha(5) helix) that were not observed in the various crystal structures of Galpha(t). Notably, the results show the existence of a front to back communication device (involving the beta(2)-beta(3) hairpin, the alpha(1) helix and the alpha(5) helix), strategically located near all elements susceptible to be involved in receptor-mediated activation/nucleotide exchange. The wild-type simulations suggest that the dynamic interplay between the elements of this device would be critical for the activation of the Galpha(t) subunit. This inference is confirmed by the results of the computational experiments on the mutants that show that even in their GDP-bound forms, the A322S and F332A mutants acquire an "active-like" structure and dynamics phenotype. The same is not true for the Q326A mutant whose structural and dynamic properties remain similar to those of the GDP-bound WT. Taken together the results suggest a nucleotide exchange mechanism, analogous to that found in the Arf family GTPases, in which a partially activated state, achievable from a receptor-mediated action of the front to back communication device either by displacement of the C-terminal alpha(5) helix, of the N-terminal alpha(N) helix, or of the Gbetagamma subunit, could precede the dissociation of GDP from the native Galpha subunit.

Internalization of pancreatic polypeptide Y4 receptors: correlation of receptor intake and affinity

Unlike neuropeptide Y receptors, the pancreatic polypeptide Y4 receptors display considerable differences in sequence and ligand-binding affinity across mammalian species. This could produce different receptor turnover rates in the same cellular membrane environment. Comparing rat, human and guinea-pig Y4 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (K(d) with human pancreatic polypeptide 14, 45 and 116 pM, respectively), we indeed found human pancreatic polypeptide internalization in the rank order of receptor affinities. A large fraction of the internalized human pancreatic polypeptide, similar across the Y4 species, was associated with secondary endosomes (density approximately 1.05 in Percoll gradients) and lysosomes (density approximately 1.11). For all Y4 receptors examined, this intake was potently and selectively inhibited by cholesterol-complexing polyene antibiotic filipin III and also by clathrin lattice formation inhibitor, phenylarsine oxide. Internalization differences found across Y4 receptor species to a degree compare with those observed for the cloned guinea-pig neuropeptide Y Y1 and human neuropeptide Y Y5 receptors and, generally, support ligand-binding affinities as important determinants of internalization for neuropeptide receptors.

Quantitative stoichiometry of G-proteins activated by mu-opioid receptors in postmortem human brain

Paradoxically, the potencies (EC(50)) of agonists stimulating [35S]GTPgammaS binding are several orders of magnitude lower than their affinities in receptor binding assays. We have investigated the quantitative stoichiometry of mu-opioid receptor-G-protein coupling in postmortem human brain. [D-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) displaced [3H]naloxone binding in a biphasic pattern. The ratio between K(i-low) and EC(50) of DAMGO stimulating [35S]GTPgammaS binding was lower than one. The K(A) of DAMGO was calculated following mu-opioid receptor alkylation by beta-funaltrexamine from [35S]GTPgammaS binding data using the "nested hyperbolic method", yielding K(A)/EC(50)>1. Thus, only 1.2 +/- 0.2% of mu-opioid receptors was needed to be occupied to achieve the half-maximal effect of DAMGO. The estimated ratio between the G-proteins activated by 10 microM DAMGO (determined by isotopic dilution curves) and the occupied-mu-opioid receptors was 1304. In conclusion, we have determined the stoichiometric and the kinetic parameters in the mu-opioid receptor-G-protein system.

Seven-transmembrane receptors: crystals clarify

The X-ray structure of the photoreceptor rhodopsin has provided the first atomic-resolution structure of a seven-transmembrane (7-TM) G-protein-coupled receptor. This has provided an improved template for interpreting the huge body of structure--activity, mutagenesis and affinity labelling data available for related 7-TM receptors, such as muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Ligand contacts, and the intramolecular interactions that stabilize the ground state structure, can be identified with some degree of confidence. We now have a firm basis for attempts to predict the structure of the receptor--G-protein complex, and understand the mechanism by which the agonist--receptor complex activates the G protein.

Activation of guanosine 5'-[gamma-(35)S]thio-triphosphate binding through M(1) muscarinic receptors in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cell membranes; 1. Mathematical analysis of catalytic G protein activation

I analyzed in this work the effect of agonists and unlabeled guanyl nucleotides on [(35)S]GTP gamma S and [(3)H]NMS binding to transfected CHO cells expressing hM(1) muscarinic receptors. I was unable to explain my kinetic results by "traditional" (one-site, two-site, or two-step) bimolecular binding models. I therefore examined the equations that describe catalytic G protein activation. My results were fully consistent with the following interpretation: G protein-coupled receptors either interacted with GDP-bound G proteins and facilitated the GDP release or recognized empty G proteins, depending on the incubation conditions. The receptor-coupled empty G proteins (RG) then recognized GTP gamma S, and the occupied G protein (G) dissociated reversibly from the receptor. Agonists accelerated the GDP release from receptor-coupled G proteins and accelerated the G dissociation: both effects accelerated synergically the G protein-GTP gamma S association reaction in the presence of GDP. GTP gamma S-bound G proteins, G, competed efficiently with inactive (empty or GDP-bound) G proteins for receptor recognition, and were able, therefore, at low concentrations, to quench the [(35)S]GTP gamma S binding reaction.