Regulation of dopamine D(1) receptor trafficking by protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation

Delineation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase Phosphorylation Sites within the D1 Dopamine Receptor and Their Roles in Modulating β-Arrestin Binding and Activation

The D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor that signals through activating adenylyl cyclase and raising intracellular cAMP levels. When activated, the D1R also recruits the scaffolding protein β-arrestin, which promotes receptor desensitization and internalization, as well as additional downstream signaling pathways. These processes are triggered through receptor phosphorylation by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), although the precise phosphorylation sites and their role in recruiting β-arrestin to the D1R remains incompletely described. In this study, we have used detailed mutational and in situ phosphorylation analyses to completely identify the GRK-mediated phosphorylation sites on the D1R. Our results indicate that GRKs can phosphorylate 14 serine and threonine residues within the C-terminus and the third intracellular loop (ICL3) of the receptor, and that this occurs in a hierarchical fashion, where phosphorylation of the C-terminus precedes that of the ICL3. Using β-arrestin recruitment assays, we identified a cluster of phosphorylation sites in the proximal region of the C-terminus that drive β-arrestin binding to the D1R. We further provide evidence that phosphorylation sites in the ICL3 are responsible for β-arrestin activation, leading to receptor internalization. Our results suggest that distinct D1R GRK phosphorylation sites are involved in β-arrestin binding and activation.

GPR18 undergoes a high degree of constitutive trafficking but is unresponsive to N-Arachidonoyl Glycine

The orphan receptor GPR18 has become a research target following the discovery of a putative endogenous agonist, N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly). Chemical similarity between NAGly and the endocannabinoid anandamide suggested the hypothesis that GPR18 is a third cannabinoid receptor. GPR18-mediated cellular signalling through inhibition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), in addition to physiological consequences such as regulation of cellular migration and proliferation/apoptosis have been described in response to both NAGly and anandamide. However, discordant findings have also been reported. Here we sought to describe the functional consequences of GPR18 activation in heterologously-expressing HEK cells. GPR18 expression was predominantly intracellular in stably transfected cell lines, but moderate cell surface expression could be achieved in transiently transfected cells which also had higher overall expression. Assays were employed to characterise the ability of NAGly or anandamide to inhibit cAMP or induce ERK phosphorylation through GPR18, or induce receptor trafficking. Positive control experiments, which utilised cells expressing hCB1 receptors (hCB1R), were performed to validate assay design and performance. While these functional pathways in GPR18-expressing cells were not modified on treatment with a panel of putative GPR18 ligands, a constitutive phenotype was discovered for this receptor. Our data reveal that GPR18 undergoes rapid constitutive receptor membrane trafficking-several-fold faster than hCB1R, a highly constitutively active receptor. To enhance the likelihood of detecting agonist-mediated receptor signalling responses, we increased GPR18 protein expression (by tagging with a preprolactin signal sequence) and generated a putative constitutively inactive receptor by mutating the hGPR18 gene at amino acid site 108 (alanine to asparagine). This A108N mutant did cause an increase in surface receptor expression (which may argue for reduced constitutive activity), but no ligand-mediated effects were detected. Two glioblastoma multiforme cell lines (which endogenously express GPR18) were assayed for NAGly-induced pERK phosphorylation, with negative results. Despite a lack of ligand-mediated responses in all assays, the constitutive trafficking of GPR18 remains an interesting facet of receptor function and will have consequences for understanding the role of GPR18 in physiology.

Disruption of dopamine D1 receptor phosphorylation at serine 421 attenuates cocaine-induced behaviors in mice

Dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) play a key role in cocaine addiction, and multiple protein kinases such as GRKs, PKA, and PKC are involved in their phosphorylation. Recently, we reported that protein kinase D1 phosphorylates the D1R at S421 and promotes its membrane localization. Moreover, this phosphorylation of S421 is required for cocaineinduced behaviors in rats. In the present study, we generated transgenic mice over-expressing S421A-D1R in the forebrain. These transgenic mice showed reduced phospho-D1R (S421) and its membrane localization, and reduced downstream ERK1/2 activation in the striatum. Importantly, acute and chronic cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity and conditioned place preference were significantly attenuated in these mice. These findings provide in vivo evidence for the critical role of S421 phosphorylation of the D1R in its membrane localization and in cocaine-induced behaviors. Thus, S421 on the D1R represents a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for cocaine addiction and other drug-abuse disorders.

Protein kinase D1-dependent phosphorylation of dopamine D1 receptor regulates cocaine-induced behavioral responses

The dopamine (DA) D1 receptor (D1R) is critically involved in reward and drug addiction. Phosphorylation-mediated desensitization or internalization of D1R has been extensively investigated. However, the potential for upregulation of D1R function through phosphorylation remains to be determined. Here we report that acute cocaine exposure induces protein kinase D1 (PKD1) activation in the rat striatum, and knockdown of PKD1 in the rat dorsal striatum attenuates cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity. Moreover, PKD1-mediated phosphorylation of serine 421 (S421) of D1R promotes surface localization of D1R and enhances downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in D1R-transfected HEK 293 cells. Importantly, injection of the peptide Tat-S421, an engineered Tat fusion-peptide targeting S421 (Tat-S421), into the rat dorsal striatum inhibits cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity and injection of Tat-S421 into the rat hippocampus or the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) also inhibits cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). However, injection of Tat-S421 into the rat NAc shell does not establish CPP by itself and injection of Tat-S421 into the hippocampus does not influence spatial learning and memory. Thus, targeting S421 of D1R represents a promising strategy for the development of pharmacotherapeutic treatments for drug addiction and other disorders that result from DA imbalances.

Endocytosis promotes rapid dopaminergic signaling

D(1) dopamine receptors are primary mediators of dopaminergic signaling in the CNS. These receptors internalize rapidly following agonist-induced activation, but the functional significance of this process is unknown. We investigated D(1) receptor endocytosis and signaling in HEK293 cells and cultured striatal neurons using real-time fluorescence imaging and cAMP biosensor technology. Agonist-induced activation of D(1) receptors promoted endocytosis of receptors with a time course overlapping that of acute cAMP accumulation. Inhibiting receptor endocytosis blunted acute D(1) receptor-mediated signaling in both dissociated cells and striatal slice preparations. Although endocytic inhibition markedly attenuated acute cAMP accumulation, inhibiting the subsequent recycling of receptors had no effect. Further, D(1) receptors localized in close proximity to endomembrane-associated trimeric G protein and adenylyl cyclase immediately after endocytosis. Together, these results suggest a previously unanticipated role of endocytosis, and the early endocytic pathway, in supporting rapid dopaminergic neurotransmission.

Constitutive phosphorylation by protein kinase C regulates D1 dopamine receptor signaling

The D(1) dopamine receptor (D(1) DAR) is robustly phosphorylated by multiple protein kinases, yet the phosphorylation sites and functional consequences of these modifications are not fully understood. Here, we report that the D(1) DAR is phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) in the absence of agonist stimulation. Phosphorylation of the D(1) DAR by PKC is constitutive in nature, can be induced by phorbol ester treatment or through activation of Gq-mediated signal transduction pathways, and is abolished by PKC inhibitors. We demonstrate that most, but not all, isoforms of PKC are capable of phosphorylating the receptor. To directly assess the functional role of PKC phosphorylation of the D(1) DAR, a site-directed mutagenesis approach was used to identify the PKC sites within the receptor. Five serine residues were found to mediate the PKC phosphorylation. Replacement of these residues had no effect on D(1) DAR expression or agonist-induced desensitization; however, G protein coupling and cAMP accumulation were significantly enhanced in PKC-null D(1) DAR. Thus, constitutive or heterologous PKC phosphorylation of the D(1) DAR dampens dopamine activation of the receptor, most likely occurring in a context-specific manner, mediated by the repertoire of PKC isozymes within the cell.

Identification of RanBP 9/10 as interacting partners for protein kinase C (PKC) gamma/delta and the D1 dopamine receptor: regulation of PKC-mediated receptor phosphorylation

We reported previously that ethanol treatment regulates D(1) receptor phosphorylation and signaling in a protein kinase C (PKC) delta- and PKCgamma-dependent fashion by a mechanism that may involve PKC isozyme-specific interacting proteins. Using a PKC isozyme-specific coimmunoprecipitation approach coupled to mass spectrometry, we report the identification of RanBP9 and RanBP10 as novel interacting proteins for both PKCgamma and PKCdelta. Both RanBP9 and RanBP10 were found to specifically coimmunoprecipitate with both PKCgamma and PKCdelta; however, this association did not seem to mediate the ethanol regulation of the PKCs. It is noteworthy that the D(1) receptor was also found to specifically coimmunoprecipitate with RanBP9/10 from human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells and with endogenous RanBP9 from rat kidney. RanBP9 and RanBP10 were also found to colocalize at the cellular level with the D(1) receptor in both kidney and brain tissue. Although overexpression of RanBP9 or RanBP10 in HEK293T cells did not seem to alter the kinase activities of either PKCdelta or PKCgamma, both RanBP proteins regulated D(1) receptor phosphorylation, signaling, and, in the case of RanBP9, expression. Specifically, overexpression of either RanBP9 or RanBP10 enhanced basal D(1) receptor phosphorylation, which was associated with attenuation of D(1) receptor-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Moreover, treatment of cells with select PKC inhibitors blocked the RanBP9/10-dependent increase in basal receptor phosphorylation, suggesting that phosphorylation of the receptor by PKC is regulated by RanBP9/10. These data support the idea that RanBP9 and RanBP10 may function as signaling integrators and dictate the efficient regulation of D(1) receptor signaling by PKCdelta and PKCgamma.

Ethanol regulation of D(1) dopamine receptor signaling is mediated by protein kinase C in an isozyme-specific manner

Ethanol consumption potentiates dopaminergic signaling that is partially mediated by the D(1) dopamine receptor; however, the mechanism(s) underlying ethanol-dependent modulation of D(1) signaling is unclear. We now show that ethanol treatment of D(1) receptor-expressing cells decreases D(1) receptor phosphorylation and concurrently potentiates dopamine-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors mimic the effects of ethanol on D(1) receptor phosphorylation and dopamine-stimulated cAMP levels in a manner that is non-additive with ethanol treatment. Ethanol was also found to modulate specific PKC activities as demonstrated using in vitro kinase assays where ethanol treatment attenuated the activities of lipid-stimulated PKCgamma and PKCdelta in membrane fractions, but did not affect the activities of PKCalpha, PKCbeta(1), or PKCvarepsilon. Importantly, ethanol treatment potentiated D(1) receptor-mediated DARPP-32 phosphorylation in rat striatal slices, supporting the notion that ethanol enhances D(1) receptor signaling in vivo. These findings suggest that ethanol inhibits the activities of specific PKC isozymes, resulting in decreased D(1) receptor phosphorylation and enhanced dopaminergic signaling.

Gene expression profiles of mouse striatum in control and maneb + paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease phenotype: validation of differentially expressed energy metabolizing transcripts

The present study was undertaken to investigate the gene expression patterns of the striatum of control and maneb + paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) phenotype in mouse to identify the differentially expressed transcripts. The animals were treated with and without maneb (30 mg/kg, i.p.) + paraquat (10 mg/kg, i.p.), twice a week, for 3, 6, and 9 weeks. The RNA was isolated from control and treated mouse striatum and reverse transcribed, and equal quantities of labeled cDNA were mixed and hybridized with mouse 15 k arrays. Comparative transcription patterns showed the time of exposure dependent alteration in the expression of several transcripts associated with various pathways. RT-PCR reconfirmed the differential expression of some energy metabolizing transcripts. The study provides maneb + paraquat-induced differential expression of many transcripts using high-density microarray approach. Few transcripts, which were previously not reported to be associated with neuronal degeneration, were also identified. The results obtained thus suggest that maneb + paraquat induce neurotoxicity in the striatum in a time of exposure dependent manner via multiple pathways and defective energy metabolism could play a critical role.

Insulin causes renal dopamine D1 receptor desensitization via GRK2-mediated receptor phosphorylation involving phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase C

The renal dopamine system plays an important role in sodium homeostasis and a defect in dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) function is present in hypertension, diabetes, and aging. Our previous studies in hyperinsulinemic animals and in renal cell cultures treated with insulin showed decrease in D1R number and defective coupling to G proteins; however, the exact mechanisms remained unknown. Therefore, we investigated insulin-mediated D1R desensitization and underlying molecular mechanism in opossum kidney (OK) cells. Chronic exposure (24 h) of OK cells to 10 nM insulin caused significant decrease in D1R number and agonist affinity. The D1R was hyperserine phosphorylated, uncoupled from G proteins and SKF38393 , a D1R agonist, failed to stimulate G proteins and inhibit Na-K-ATPase activity. Insulin increased protein kinase C (PKC) activity and caused G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) translocation to the membranes. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin blocked insulin-mediated PKC activation and GRK2 membranous translocation. In addition to genistein and wortmannin, GRK2 membranous tranlocation was also blocked by PKC inhibitor chelerythrine chloride and GRK2-specific siRNA. Genistein, wortmannin, chelerythrine chloride, and GRK2 siRNA abrogated D1R serine phosphorylation and normalized D1R expression and affinity in insulin-treated cells. Furthermore, these inhibitors and siRNA restored D1R G protein coupling and ability of SKF38393 to inhibit Na-K-ATPase activity. In conclusion, insulin-induced D1R desensitization involves PI3K, PKC, and GRK2. Insulin activates PI3K-PKC-GRK2 cascade, causing D1R serine phosphorylation, which leads to D1R downregulation and uncoupling from G proteins, and results in the failure of SKF38393 to stimulate G proteins and inhibit Na-K-ATPase activity.

Regulation of D1 dopamine receptor trafficking and signaling by caveolin-1

There is accumulating evidence that G protein-coupled receptor signaling is regulated by localization in lipid raft microdomains. In this report, we determined that the D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) is localized in caveolae, a subset of lipid rafts, by sucrose gradient fractionation and confocal microscopy. Through coimmunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays, we demonstrated that this localization was mediated by an interaction between caveolin-1 and D1R in COS-7 cells and an isoform-selective interaction between D1R and caveolin-1alpha in rat brain. We determined that the D1R interaction with caveolin-1 required a putative caveolin binding motif identified in transmembrane domain 7. Agonist stimulation of D1R caused translocation of D1R into caveolin-1-enriched sucrose fractions, which was determined to be a result of D1R endocytosis through caveolae. This was found to be protein kinase A-independent and a kinetically slower process than clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Site-directed mutagenesis of the caveolin binding motif at amino acids Phe313 and Trp318 significantly attenuated caveolar endocytosis of D1R. We also found that these caveolin binding mutants had a diminished capacity to stimulate cAMP production, which was determined to be due to constitutive desensitization of these receptors. In contrast, we found that D1Rs had an enhanced ability to maximally generate cAMP in chemically induced caveolae-disrupted cells. Taken together, these data suggest that caveolae has an important role in regulating D1R turnover and signaling in brain.

Functional selectivity of dopamine D1 receptor agonists in regulating the fate of internalized receptors

Recently, we demonstrated that D(1) agonists can cause functionally selective effects when the endpoints of receptor internalization and adenylate cyclase activation are compared. The present study was designed to probe the phenomenon of functional selectivity at the D(1) receptor further by testing the hypothesis that structurally dissimilar agonists with efficacies at these endpoints that equal or exceed those of dopamine would differ in ability to influence receptor fate after internalization, a functional endpoint largely unexplored for the D(1) receptor. We selected two novel agonists of therapeutic interest that meet these criteria (the isochroman A-77636, and the isoquinoline dinapsoline), and compared the fates of the D(1) receptor after internalization in response to these two compounds with that of dopamine. We found that dopamine caused the receptor to be rapidly recycled to the cell surface within 1h of removal. Conversely, A-77636 caused the receptor to be retained intracellularly up to 48 h after agonist removal. Most surprisingly, the D(1) receptor recovered to the cell surface 48 h after removal of dinapsoline. Taken together, these data indicate that these agonists target the D(1) receptor to different intracellular trafficking pathways, demonstrating that the phenomenon of functional selectivity at the D(1) receptor is operative for cellular events that are temporally downstream of immediate receptor activation. We hypothesize that these differential effects result from interactions of the synthetic ligands with aspects of the D(1) receptor that are distal from the ligand binding domain.

Dopamine D1 receptors co-distribute with N-methyl-D-aspartic acid type-1 subunits and modulate synaptically-evoked N-methyl-D-aspartic acid currents in rat basolateral amygdala

Activation of dopamine D1 or glutamate, N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) can potently influence affective behaviors and associative learning. Physical protein-protein interactions also can occur between C-terminal peptides of D1 receptors and the NMDA-receptor subunit-1 (NR1), suggesting intracellular associations of direct relevance to dopaminergic modulation of NMDA currents. We examined this possibility by combining electron microscopic immunolabeling of the D1 and NR1 C-terminal peptides with in vitro patch-clamp recording in the rat BLA. In the in vivo preparations, D1 and NR1 were localized to the surface or endomembranes of many of the same somata and dendrites as well as a few axon terminals, including those forming asymmetric, excitatory-type synapses. In vitro analysis of physiologically characterized projection neurons revealed an excitatory response to bath application of either dopamine or the preferential D1 receptor agonist, dihydrexidine. In these neurons, dopamine also selectively reduced stimulation-evoked isolated NMDA receptor-mediated currents, but not isolated non-NMDA receptor-mediated currents or the response to exogenous NMDA application. The selective reduction of the NMDA receptor-mediated currents suggests that this effect occurs at a postsynaptic locus. Moreover, both D1 and NR1 were localized to postsynaptic surfaces of biocytin-filled and physiologically characterized projection neurons. Our results provide ultrastructural evidence for D1/NR1 endomembrane associations that may dynamically contribute to the attenuation of NMDA receptor-mediated currents following prior activation of D1 receptors in BLA projection neurons. The potential for postsynaptic cross-talk between D1 and NMDA receptors in BLA projection neurons as well as a similar interaction in presynaptic terminals could have important implications for the formation and extinction of affective memories.

What has been learnt from study of dopamine receptors in Parkinson's disease?

Since the introduction of dopamine replacement therapy using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyalanine (L-DOPA) to treat Parkinson's disease and the recognition of the problems associated with L-DOPA use, numerous studies have investigated dopamine receptor regulation and function in Parkinson's disease. These studies have provided insight into the pathological process of the disorder and the molecular consequences of chronic dopaminergic treatment, but they have been less successful in identifying new pharmacological targets or treatment regimes that are as effective as L-DOPA at alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This review will present a summary of the reported changes in dopamine receptor regulation and function that occur in Parkinson's disease and will discuss their contribution to the current pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease.

Novel features of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4

The defining characteristic of G protein-coupled receptor homologous desensitization is that the receptor must be occupied by an agonist or in an activated conformation that mimics an agonist-induced state. In most instances, the mechanistic basis for this characteristic is the high selectivity of G protein-coupled receptor kinases for the activated receptor. In this issue, Rankin et al. (p. 759) demonstrate that under some conditions, at least, the G protein-coupled receptor kinase GRK4 does not display a preference for the agonist-occupied D1 dopamine receptor. Coexpression of GRK4 and the D1 receptor in a heterologous system induces phosphorylation of the receptor in the absence of agonist, causing constitutive desensitization and internalization of the receptor. Lacking the normal rapid feedback mechanisms associated with homologous desensitization, a system incorporating constitutively active GRK4 will be prone to dysregulation, perhaps explaining the generally low expression of GRK4. Indeed, considerable evidence suggests that just such dysregulation resulting from mutationally activated GRK4 contributes to the heritable component of human essential hypertension (Physiol Genomics 19:223-246, 2004).

The D1 dopamine receptor is constitutively phosphorylated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) phosphorylate agonist-activated GPCRs, initiating their homologous desensitization. In this article, we present data showing that GRK4 constitutively phosphorylates the D1 receptor in the absence of agonist activation. This constitutive phosphorylation is mediated exclusively by the alpha isoform of GRK4; the beta, gamma, and delta isoforms are ineffective in this regard. Mutational analysis reveals that the constitutive phosphorylation mediated by GRK4alpha is restricted to the distal region of the carboxyl terminus of the receptor, specifically to residues Thr428 and Ser431. Phosphorylation of the D1 receptor by GRK4alpha results in a decrease in cAMP accumulation, an increase in receptor internalization, and a decrease in total receptor number--all of which are abolished in a D1 receptor mutant containing T428V and S431A. The increase in internalized D1 receptors induced by GRK4alpha phosphorylation is due to enhanced receptor internalization rather than retarded trafficking of newly synthesized receptors to the cell surface. The constitutive phosphorylation of the D1 receptor by GRK4alpha does not alter agonist-induced desensitization of the receptor because dopamine pretreatment produced a similar decrease in cAMP accumulation in control cells versus cells expressing GRK4alpha. These observations shift the attenuation of D1 receptor signaling from a purely agonist-driven process to one that is additionally modulated by the complement of kinases that are coexpressed in the same cell. Furthermore, our data provide direct evidence that, in contrast to current dogma, GRKs can (at least in some instances) constitutively phosphorylate GPCRs in the absence of agonist activation resulting in constitutive desensitization.

The role of endocytosis in renal dopamine D1 receptor signaling

Desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) includes receptor endocytosis. This phenomenon is suggested, at least for some receptors, to be associated with receptor resensitization. Here, we examined the role of receptor endocytosis for two different GPCR, the dopamine-1 (D1) receptor and the beta1-adrenoceptor (beta(1)-AR) in renal tissue. The functional role of receptor endocytosis was examined on Na+, K+ -ATPase activity in microdissected proximal tubules from rat kidney. The spatial regulation of endogenous D1 receptors and beta(1)-AR was examined by confocal microscopy techniques in LLCPK cells. Phenylarsine oxide (PAO) an endocytosis inhibitor, attenuated isoproterenol-induced decrease in Na+, K+ -ATPase activity but had no such effect on dopamine-induced decrease in Na+, K+ -ATPase activity. We have previously shown that isoproterenol sensitizes the renal dopamine system, by recruiting silent D1 receptors from the interior of the cell towards the plasma membrane. This effect was attenuated by PAO as well as by cytochalasin D while these substances had no effect on dopamine-induced D1 receptor recruitment. The beta(1)-AR was localized to the plasma membrane in control cells. Isoproterenol induced a rapid internalization of the beta(1)-AR; which was prevented by PAO. The results suggest that endocytosis of beta(1)-AR in renal proximal tubular cells is an important step in signal generation, while endocytosis of proximal tubular D1 receptor is not.

Molecular biology of the invertebrate dopamine receptors

Dopamine is found in the nervous systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the specific actions of dopamine depend on the dopamine receptor type that is expressed in the target cell. As in mammals, different subtypes of dopamine receptors have been cloned and characterized from invertebrates, and these receptor subtypes have different structural and functional properties. Understanding how these receptors respond to dopamine and in which cells each receptor type is expressed is key to our understanding of the role of dopamine signaling. Comparison of the amino acid sequences and experimentally determined functional properties suggest that there are at least three distinct types of dopamine receptors in invertebrates. This review focuses on invertebrate dopamine receptors for which the genes have been isolated and identified, and examines our current knowledge of the functional and structural properties of these receptors, and their pharmacology and expression.

Dopamine D1 receptor interaction with arrestin3 in neostriatal neurons

Dopamine D1 receptor interactions with arrestins have been characterized using heterologously expressed D1 receptor and arrestins. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction of the endogenous D1 receptor with endogenous arrestin2 and 3 in neostriatal neurons. Endogenous arrestin2 and 3 in striatal homogenates bound to the C-terminus of the D1 receptor in a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pulldown assay, with arrestin3 binding more strongly. The D1 C-terminus and, to a lesser extent, the third cytoplasmic loop also bound purified arrestin2 and 3. In neostriatal neurons, 2, 5, and 20 min agonist treatment increased the colocalization of the D1 receptor and arrestin3 immunoreactivity without altering the colocalization of the D1 receptor and arrestin2. Further, agonist treatment for 5 and 20 min caused translocation of arrestin3, but not arrestin2, to the membrane. The binding of arrestin3, but not arrestin2, to the D1 receptor was increased as assessed by coimmunoprecipitation after agonist treatment for 5 and 20 min. Agonist treatment of neurons induced D1 receptor internalization (35-45%) that was maximal within 2-5 min, a time-course similar to that of the increase in colocalization of the D1 receptor with arrestin3. These data indicate that the D1 receptor preferentially interacts with arrestin3 in neostriatal neurons.

D1 dopamine receptor signaling involves caveolin-2 in HEK-293 cells

BACKGROUND

Dopamine receptors in the kidney, especially those belonging to the D1-like receptor family, are important in the regulation of renal function and blood pressure. Because of increasing evidence that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are associated with caveolae and lipid rafts, we tested the hypothesis that the D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) and signaling molecules are regulated by caveolin in caveolae or lipid rafts.

METHODS

Six experimental approaches were used: (1) construction of tagged human D1Rs (hD1Rs) and transfectants; (2) cell culture [human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 and immortalized rat renal proximal tubule cells] and biotinylation; (3) cell fractionation by sucrose gradient centrifugation; (4) immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting; (5) immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy; and (6) adenylyl cyclase assays.

RESULTS

hD1Rs, heterologously expressed in HEK-293 cells, formed protein species with molecular mass ranging from 50 to 250 kD, and were localized in lipid rafts and nonraft plasma membranes. The hD1Rs cofractionated with caveolin-2, G protein subunits, and several signaling molecules. Both exogenously expressed hD1Rs and endogenously expressed rat D1Rs colocalized and coimmunoprecipitated with caveolin-2. A D1R agonist (fenoldopam) increased the amount of caveolin-2beta associated with hD1Rs and activated adenylyl cyclase to a greater extent in lipid rafts than in nonraft plasma membranes. Reduction in the expression of caveolin-2 with antisense oligonucleotides attenuated the stimulatory effect of fenoldopam on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation.

CONCLUSION

The majority of hD1Rs are distributed in lipid rafts. Heterologously and endogenously expressed D1Rs in renal cells are associated with and regulated by caveolin-2.

Green fluorescent proteins in receptor research: An emerging tool for drug discovery

In the last five years, green fluorescent protein (GFP) has emerged from being a mere curiosity to become a reliable tool for molecular pharmacological research. GFP produces an intense and stable green fluorescence noncatalytically by absorbing blue light maximally at 395 nm and emitting green light with a peak at 509 nm. It consists of 238 amino acids and its molecular mass is 27-30 kDa. GFP fluorescence occurs without cofactors and this property allows GFP fluorescence to be utilised in nonnative organisms, wherein it can be used as a reporter. This use of GFP permits real-time analysis of receptor dynamics. The emitted fluorescence can be used as a nontoxic marker and detected using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), thus avoiding any staining procedure, expensive mRNA analysis or hazardous radiolabeled binding assays. The potential value of GFP has also been recognized in orphan receptor research, where various GFP-tagged therapeutic proteins have been constructed in an attempt to identify the endogenous ligand(s). These chimeric proteins have been used to determine the site and time course of receptor expression and to relate receptor dynamics with therapeutic outcome. The preparation of new GFP constructs for identifying germ layer cells (endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal), as well as neuronal, haematopoietic, endothelial, and cartilage cells, has provided a useful battery of tissue/receptor-specific screening assays for new chemical entities. Genetically engineered cells with GFP expression have provided a valuable tool for automated analysis, and can be adapted for high-throughput systems. GFP is being increasingly utilised for the study of receptor dynamics, where, having already proved beneficial, it will likely continue to contribute towards the search for new classes of drugs, as well as to "de-orphaning" orphan receptors.

Protein kinase C mediates phosphorylation, desensitization, and trafficking of the D2 dopamine receptor

Previously, D2 dopamine receptors (D2 DARs) have been shown to undergo G-protein-coupled receptor kinase phosphorylation in an agonist-specific fashion. We have now investigated the ability of the second messenger-activated protein kinases, protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), to mediate phosphorylation and desensitization of the D2 DAR. HEK293T cells were transiently transfected with the D2 DAR and then treated with intracellular activators and inhibitors of PKA or PKC. Treatment with agents that increase cAMP, and activate PKA, had no effect on the phosphorylation state of the D2 DAR, suggesting that PKA does not phosphorylate the D2 DAR in HEK293T cells. In contrast, cellular treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, resulted in an approximately 3-fold increase in D2 DAR phosphorylation. The phosphorylation was specific for PKC as the PMA effect was mimicked by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, but not by 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, active and inactive, phorbol diesters, respectively. The PMA-mediated D2 DAR phosphorylation was completely blocked by co-treatment with the PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide II, and augmented by co-transfection with PKCbetaI. In contrast, PKC inhibition had no effect on agonist-promoted phosphorylation, suggesting that PKC is not involved in this response. PKC phosphorylation of the D2 DAR was found to promote receptor desensitization as reflected by a decrease in agonist potency for inhibiting cAMP accumulation. Most interestingly, PKC phosphorylation also promoted internalization of the D2 DAR through a beta-arrestin- and dynamin-dependent pathway, a response not usually associated with PKC phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments resulted in the identification of two domains of PKC phosphorylation sites within the third intracellular loop of the receptor. Both of these domains are involved in regulating sequestration of the D2 DAR, whereas only one domain is involved in receptor desensitization. These results indicate that PKC can mediate phosphorylation of the D2 DAR, resulting in both functional desensitization and receptor internalization.

Involvement of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 and 6 in rapid desensitization of dopamine D1 receptor in rat IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells

Dopamine-induced inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase has been suggested to play a role in the regulation of Na(+) absorption at the intestinal level, and these effects were mediated by dopamine D(1)-like receptors. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the activation of the D(1)-like receptors on the activity of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) in the rat intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6. The presence of D(1) receptors was confirmed by immunoblotting. The dopamine D(1)-like receptor agonist SKF-38393 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of NHE activity and stimulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC), this being antagonized by the D(1) selective antagonist SKF-83566. Effects of SKF-38393 on NHE and AC activities were maximal at 5 min of exposure to the agonist and rapidly diminished with no effect at 25 min. Exposure of cells for 25 min to dibutyryl-cAMP (0.5 mM) or to the AC activator forskolin (3 microM) effectively inhibited NHE activity. Pretreatment of cells with heparin (1 microM), a nonselective G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) inhibitor, prevented the loss of effects on NHE activity after 25 min exposure to SKF-38393. The presence of GRK4, GRK6A, and GRK6B was confirmed by immunoblotting. Overnight treatment with the anti-GRK4-6 antibody complexed with Lipofectin was also effective in preventing loss of the effects of SKF-38393 on NHE and AC activities. It is concluded that dopamine D(1) receptors in IEC-6 rapidly desensitize to D(1)-like agonist stimulation and GRK4 and 6 appear to be involved in agonist-mediated responsiveness and desensitization.

Activation of Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibits the Desensitization and Internalization of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors 1a and 1b

In this study, we characterized the effects of activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) on the internalization and functional coupling of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) splice variants mGluR1a and mGluR1b. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique to assess receptor internalization, we found that the glutamate-induced internalization of mGluR1a or mGluR1b transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells was inhibited by coactivation of endogenous beta2-adrenoceptors with isoprenaline or by direct activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin. The PKA inhibitor N-(2-[p-bromocinnamylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride (H89) blocked the effects of both isoprenaline and forskolin. The heterologous internalization of the mGluR1 splice variants triggered by carbachol was also inhibited by isoprenaline and forskolin in a PKA-sensitive fashion, whereas the constitutive (agonist-independent) internalization of mGluR1a was inhibited only modestly by PKA activation. Using inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation in cells prelabeled with [3H]inositol to assess receptor coupling, PKA activation increased basal IP accumulation in mGluR1a receptor-expressing cells and also increased glutamate-stimulated IP accumulation in both mGluR1a- and mGluR1b-expressing cells, but only at short times of glutamate addition. Furthermore, PKA activation completely blocked the carbachol-induced heterologous desensitization of glutamate-stimulated IP accumulation in both mGluR1a- and mGluR1b-expressing cells. In coimmunoprecipitation experiments, the ability of glutamate to increase association of GRK2 and arrestin-2 with mGluR1a and mGluR1b was inhibited by PKA activation with forskolin. Together, these results indicate that PKA activation inhibits the agonist-induced internalization and desensitization of mGluR1a and mGluR1b, probably by reducing their interaction with GRK2 and nonvisual arrestins.

Regulation of neuromodulator receptor efficacy—implications for whole-neuron and synaptic plasticity

Membrane receptors for neuromodulators (NM) are highly regulated in their distribution and efficacy-a phenomenon which influences the individual cell's response to central signals of NM release. Even though NM receptor regulation is implicated in the pharmacological action of many drugs, and is also known to be influenced by various environmental factors, its functional consequences and modes of action are not well understood. In this paper we summarize relevant experimental evidence on NM receptor regulation (specifically dopamine D1 and D2 receptors) in order to explore its significance for neural and synaptic plasticity. We identify the relevant components of NM receptor regulation (receptor phosphorylation, receptor trafficking and sensitization of second-messenger pathways) gained from studies on cultured cells. Key principles in the regulation and control of short-term plasticity (sensitization) are identified, and a model is presented which employs direct and indirect feedback regulation of receptor efficacy. We also discuss long-term plasticity which involves shifts in receptor sensitivity and loss of responsivity to NM signals. Finally, we discuss the implications of NM receptor regulation for models of brain plasticity and memorization. We emphasize that a realistic model of brain plasticity will have to go beyond Hebbian models of long-term potentiation and depression. Plasticity in the distribution and efficacy of NM receptors may provide another important source of functional plasticity with implications for learning and memory.

Functional changes in dopamine D3 receptors by prenatal and neonatal exposure to an endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A in mice

Bisphenol-A (BPA), one of the most common environmental endocrine disrupters, has been evaluated extensively for toxicity and carcinogenicity. However, little is still known about its action on the central nervous system (CNS). In the previous study, we found that prenatal and neonatal exposure to BPA markedly enhanced the rewarding effect induced by morphine. Here we found that prenatal and neonatal exposure to BPA resulted in the attenuation of dopamine D3 receptor-mediated G-protein activation by 7-OH-DPAT in the mouse limbic forebrain. This treatment also caused a significant decrease in the B(max) value of [(3)H]PD128907, a dopamine D3 receptor ligand, in this area. Under these conditions, no change in dopamine D3 receptor mRNA expression in the limbic forebrain and lower midbrain was observed by prenatal and neonatal exposure to BPA. The present data provide further evidence that prenatal and neonatal exposure to BPA leads to the reduction of functional dopamine D3 receptors without affecting the new synthesis of dopamine D3 receptors in the mouse limbic forebrain.

Interactions of GIPC with dopamine D2, D3 but not D4 receptors define a novel mode of regulation of G protein-coupled receptors

The C-terminus domain of G protein-coupled receptors confers a functional cytoplasmic interface involved in protein association. By screening a rat brain cDNA library using the yeast two-hybrid system with the C-terminus domain of the dopamine D(3) receptor (D(3)R) as bait, we characterized a new interaction with the PDZ domain-containing protein, GIPC (GAIP interacting protein, C terminus). This interaction was specific for the dopamine D(2) receptor (D(2)R) and D(3)R, but not for the dopamine D(4) receptor (D(4)R) subtype. Pull-down and affinity chromatography assays confirmed this interaction with recombinant and endogenous proteins. Both GIPC mRNA and protein are widely expressed in rat brain and together with the D(3)R in neurons of the islands of Calleja at plasma membranes and in vesicles. GIPC reduced D(3)R signaling, cointernalized with D(2)R and D(3)R, and sequestered receptors in sorting vesicles to prevent their lysosomal degradation. Through its dimerization, GIPC acts as a selective scaffold protein to assist receptor functions. Our results suggest a novel function for GIPC in the maintenance, trafficking, and signaling of GPCRs.

Distinct in vitro interaction pattern of dopamine receptor subtypes with adaptor proteins involved in post-endocytotic receptor targeting

The mechanisms underlying targeted sorting of endocytosed receptors for recycling to the plasma membrane or degradation in lysosomes are poorly understood. In this report, the C-terminal tails of the five dopamine receptors (D1-D5) were expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins and studied for their interaction with ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF), which are known to be involved in post-endocytic recycling of receptors back to the plasma membrane, and with sorting nexin 1 (SNX1), known to be involved in targeting receptors to lysosomal degradation. EBP50 did not bind any of the dopamine receptor tails. NSF bound strongly to D1 and D5 and only weakly to D2, D3 and D4. However, SNX1 clearly distinguished between D1 and D5, as only D5 bound strongly to this protein. This report shows that there are distinct interaction patterns for NSF and SNX1 to the various dopamine receptor subtypes.

The role of phosphorylation in D1 dopamine receptor desensitization: evidence for a novel mechanism of arrestin association

Homologous desensitization of D(1) dopamine receptors is thought to occur through their phosphorylation leading to arrestin association which interdicts G protein coupling. In order to identify the relevant domains of receptor phosphorylation, and to determine how this leads to arrestin association, we created a series of mutated D(1) receptor constructs. In one mutant, all of the serine/threonine residues within the 3rd cytoplasmic domain were altered (3rdTOT). A second construct was created in which only three of these serines (serines 256, 258, and 259) were mutated (3rd234). We also created four truncation mutants of the carboxyl terminus (T347, T369, T394, and T404). All of these constructs were comparable with the wild-type receptor with respect to expression and adenylyl cyclase activation. In contrast, both of the 3rd loop mutants exhibited attenuated agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation that was correlated with an impaired desensitization response. Sequential truncation of the carboxyl terminus of the receptor resulted in a sequential loss of agonist-induced phosphorylation. No phosphorylation was observed with the most severely truncated T347 mutant. Surprisingly, all of the truncated receptors exhibited normal desensitization. The ability of the receptor constructs to promote arrestin association was evaluated using arrestin-green fluorescent protein translocation assays and confocal fluorescence microscopy. The 3rd234 mutant receptor was impaired in its ability to induce arrrestin translocation, whereas the T347 mutant was comparable with wild type. Our data suggest a model in which arrestin directly associates with the activated 3rd cytoplasmic domain in an agonist-dependent fashion; however, under basal conditions, this is sterically prevented by the carboxyl terminus of the receptor. Receptor activation promotes the sequential phosphorylation of residues, first within the carboxyl terminus and then the 3rd cytoplasmic loop, thereby dissociating these domains and allowing arrestin to bind to the activated 3rd loop. Thus, the role of receptor phosphorylation is to allow access of arrestin to its receptor binding domain rather than to create an arrestin binding site per se.

Melatonin receptors and their regulation: biochemical and structural mechanisms

There is growing evidence demonstrating the complexity of melatonin's role in modulating a diverse number of physiological processes. This complexity could be attributed to the fact that melatonin receptors belong to two distinct classes of proteins, that is, the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily (MT(1), MT(2)) and the quinone reductase enzyme family (MT(3)) which makes them unique at the molecular level. Also, within the G-protein coupled receptor family of proteins, the MT(1) and MT(2) receptors can couple to multiple and distinct signal transduction cascades whose activation can lead to unique cellular responses. Also, throughout the 24-hour cycle, the receptors' sensitivity to specific cues fluctuates and this sensitivity can be modulated in a homologous fashion, that is, by melatonin itself, and in a heterologous manner, that is, by other cues including the photoperiod or estrogen. This sensitivity of response may reflect changes in melatonin receptor density that also occurs throughout the 24-hour light/dark cycle but out of phase with circulating melatonin levels. The mechanisms that underlie the changes in melatonin receptor density and function are still not well-understood, but data is beginning to show that transcriptional events and G-protein uncoupling may be involved. Even though this area of research is still in its infancy, great strides are being made everyday in elucidating the mechanisms that underlie melatonin receptor function and regulation. The focus of this review is to highlight some of these discoveries in an attempt to reveal the uniqueness of the melatonin receptor family while at the same time provide thought-provoking ideas to further advance this area of research. Thus, a brief overview of each of the mammalian melatonin receptor subtypes and the signal transduction cascades to which they couple will be discussed with a greater emphasis placed on the mechanisms underlying their regulation and the domains within the receptors essential for proper signaling.

Interaction with neuronal calcium sensor NCS-1 mediates desensitization of the D2 dopamine receptor

Dopaminergic transmission within limbic regions of the brain is highly dependent on the regulation of D2 receptor activity. Here we show that the neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) can mediate desensitization of D2 dopamine receptors. Analysis of D2 receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells indicates that NCS-1 attenuates agonist-induced receptor internalization via a mechanism that involves a reduction in D2 receptor phosphorylation. This effect of NCS-1 was accompanied by an increase in D2 receptor-mediated cAMP inhibition after dopamine stimulation. The ability of NCS-1 to modulate D2 receptor signaling was abolished after a single amino acid mutation in NCS-1 that has been shown to impair the calcium-binding properties of NCS-1. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments from striatal neurons reveal that NCS-1 is found in association with both the D2 receptor and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2, a regulator of D2 receptor desensitization. Colocalization of NCS-1 and D2 receptors was examined in both primate and rodent brain. In striatum, NCS-1 and D2 receptors were found to colocalize within sites of synaptic transmission and in close proximity to intracellular calcium stores. NCS-1-D2 receptor interaction may serve to couple dopamine and calcium signaling pathways, thereby providing a critical component in the regulation of dopaminergic signaling in normal and diseased brain.

Homologous regulation of the heptahelical D1A receptor responsiveness: specific cytoplasmic tail regions mediate dopamine-induced phosphorylation, desensitization and endocytosis

In the present study, we investigate the role of specific cytoplasmic tail (CT) regions of the D1A receptor in mediating dopamine (DA)-induced phosphorylation, desensitization and endocytosis. Results obtained in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells expressing the wild-type (WT) or truncation forms (Delta425, Delta379 and Delta351) of the D1A receptor show that sequences located downstream of Gly379 regulate DA-mediated phosphorylation-dependent desensitization of D1A receptors. However, the longer truncation mutant Delta351 failed to undergo detectable DA-induced phosphorylation while exhibiting DA-induced desensitization features similar to the shorter truncation mutant Delta379. These data potentially suggest a novel role for a receptor phosphorylation-independent process in the DA-promoted D1A subtype desensitization. Our immunofluorescence data also suggest that sequences located between Cys351 and Gly379 play an important role in DA-mediated receptor endocytosis. Additionally, time-course studies were done in intact cells expressing WT or truncation receptors to measure the observed rate constant for adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation or k(obs), a parameter linked to the receptor-G protein coupling status. In agreement with the desensitization data, Delta425- and Delta379-expressing cells exhibit an increase of kobs in comparison with WT-expressing cells. Nevertheless, Delta351-expressing cells, which harbor similar desensitization features of Delta379-expressing cells, display no change in k(obs) when compared with WT-expressing cells. Our results suggest that a defective DA-induced endocytosis may hamper Delta351 resensitization and concomitant increase in k(obs). Thus, our study showing that specific D1A receptor CT sequences regulate DA-induced phosphorylation, desensitization, and endocytosis highlights the underlying molecular complexity of signaling at dopaminergic synapses.