Human airway smooth muscle expresses 7 isoforms of adenylyl cyclase: a dominant role for isoform V

Spatiotemporal Changes in the Gene Expression Spectrum of the β2 Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Pathway in the Lungs of Rhesus Monkeys

Objective

β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) agonists mainly participate in regulation of airway function through the ADRB2-G protein-adenylyl cyclase (AC) signaling pathway; however, the key genes associated with this pathway and the spatiotemporal changes in the expression spectrum of some of their subtypes remain unclear, resulting in an insufficient theoretical basis for formulating the dose and method of drug administration for neonates.

Methods

We performed sampling at different developmental time points in rhesus monkeys, including the embryo stage, neonatal stage, and adolescence. The MiSeq platform was used for sequencing of key genes and some of their subtypes in the ADRB2 signaling pathway in lung tissues, and target gene expression was normalized and calculated according to reads per kilobase million.

Results

At different lung-developmental stages, we observed expression of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), ADRB2, AC, AKAP and EPAC subtypes (except AC8, AKAP4/5), and various phosphodiesterase (PDE) subtypes (PDE3, PDE4, PDE7, and PDE8), with persistently high expression of AC6, PDE4B, and AKAP(1/2/8/9/12/13, and EZR) maintained throughout the lung-developmental process, PNMT, ADRB2, AC(4/6), PDE4B, and AKAP(1/2/8/9/12/13, EZR, and MAP2)were highly expressed at the neonatal stage.

Conclusion

During normal lung development in rhesus monkeys, key genes associated with ADRB2–G protein–AC signaling and some of their subtypes are almost all expressed at the neonatal stage, suggesting that this signaling pathway plays a role in this developmental stage. Additionally, AC6, PDE4B, and AKAP(1/2/8/9/12/13, and EZR) showed persistently high expression during the entire lung-developmental process, which provides a reference for the development and utilization of key gene subtypes in this pathway.

Compartmentalized cAMP responses to prostaglandin EP2 receptor activation in human airway smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Previous studies indicate that prostaglandin EP₂ receptors selectively couple to AC2 in non-lipid raft domains of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, where they regulate specific cAMP-dependent responses. The goal of the present study was to identify the cellular microdomains where EP₂ receptors stimulate cAMP production.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

FRET-based cAMP biosensors were targeted to different subcellular locations of primary human ASM cells. The Epac2-camps biosensor, which expresses throughout the cell, was used to measure bulk cytoplasmic responses. Epac2-MyrPalm and Epac2-CAAX were used to measure responses associated with lipid raft and non-raft regions of the plasma membrane respectively. Epac2-NLS was used to monitor responses at the nucleus.

KEY RESULTS

Activation of AC with forskolin or β₂ -adrenoceptors with isoprenaline increased cAMP in all subcellular locations. Activation of EP₂ receptors with butaprost produced cAMP responses that were most readily detected by the non-raft and nuclear sensors, but only weakly detected by the cytosolic sensor and not detected at all by the lipid raft sensor. Exposure to rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, unmasked the ability of EP₂ receptors to increase cAMP levels associated with lipid raft domains. Overexpression of AC2 selectively increased EP₂ receptor-stimulated production of cAMP in non-raft membrane domains.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

EP₂ receptor activation of AC2 leads to cAMP production in non-raft and nuclear compartments of human ASMs, while β₂ adrenoceptor signalling is broadly detected across microdomains. The activity of PDE4 appears to play a role in maintaining the integrity of compartmentalized EP₂ receptor responses in these cells.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CI. Structures and Small Molecule Modulators of Mammalian Adenylyl Cyclases

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) generate the second messenger cAMP from ATP. Mammalian cells express nine transmembrane AC (mAC) isoforms (AC1-9) and a soluble AC (sAC, also referred to as AC10). This review will largely focus on mACs. mACs are activated by the G-protein Gαs and regulated by multiple mechanisms. mACs are differentially expressed in tissues and regulate numerous and diverse cell functions. mACs localize in distinct membrane compartments and form signaling complexes. sAC is activated by bicarbonate with physiologic roles first described in testis. Crystal structures of the catalytic core of a hybrid mAC and sAC are available. These structures provide detailed insights into the catalytic mechanism and constitute the basis for the development of isoform-selective activators and inhibitors. Although potent competitive and noncompetitive mAC inhibitors are available, it is challenging to obtain compounds with high isoform selectivity due to the conservation of the catalytic core. Accordingly, caution must be exerted with the interpretation of intact-cell studies. The development of isoform-selective activators, the plant diterpene forskolin being the starting compound, has been equally challenging. There is no known endogenous ligand for the forskolin binding site. Recently, development of selective sAC inhibitors was reported. An emerging field is the association of AC gene polymorphisms with human diseases. For example, mutations in the AC5 gene (ADCY5) cause hyperkinetic extrapyramidal motor disorders. Overall, in contrast to the guanylyl cyclase field, our understanding of the (patho)physiology of AC isoforms and the development of clinically useful drugs targeting ACs is still in its infancy.

Salmeterol Efficacy and Bias in the Activation and Kinase-Mediated Desensitization of β2-Adrenergic Receptors

Salmeterol is a long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonist that is widely used as a bronchodilator for the treatment of persistent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in conjunction with steroids. Previous studies demonstrated that salmeterol showed weak efficacy for activation of adenylyl cyclase; however, its efficacy in the complex desensitization of the β2AR remains poorly understood. In this work, we provide insights into the roles played by the G protein-coupled receptor kinase/arrestin and protein kinase A in salmeterol-mediated desensitization through bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) studies of liganded-β2AR binding to arrestin and through kinetic studies of cAMP turnover. First, BRET demonstrated a much reduced efficacy for salmeterol recruitment of arrestin to β2AR relative to isoproterenol. The ratio of BRETISO/BRETSALM after 5-minute stimulation was 20 and decreased to 5 after 35 minutes, reflecting a progressive decline in BRETISO and a stable BRETSALM. Second, to assess salmeterol efficacy for functional desensitization, we examined the kinetics of salmeterol-induced cAMP accumulation (0-30 minutes) in human airway smooth muscle cells in the presence and absence of phosphodiesterase inhibition. Analysis of shaping of cAMP turnover for both agonists demonstrated significant salmeterol desensitization, although it was reduced relative to isoproterenol. Using an isoproterenol rescue protocol after either short-term (10 minutes) or long-term (2 and 14 hours) salmeterol pretreatments, we found that salmeterol progressively depressed isoproterenol stimulation but did not prevent subsequent rescue by isoproterenol and additional isoproterenol-mediated desensitization. Our findings reveal a complex efficacy for functional desensitization, demonstrating that although salmeterol shows weak efficacy for adenylyl cyclase activation and G protein-coupled receptor kinase/arrestin-mediated desensitization, it acts as a strong agonist in highly amplified protein kinase A-mediated events.

The role of adenylyl cyclase isoform 6 in β-adrenoceptor signalling in murine airways

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is a key signalling enzyme for many GPCRs and catalyses the conversion of ATP to cAMP which, in turn, is a crucial determinant of many biological responses. β-Adrenoceptor agonists are prescribed as bronchodilators for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and it is commonly assumed that they elicit their actions via AC-dependent production of cAMP. However, empirical evidence in support of this is lacking and the exact mechanism by which these drugs acts remains elusive. This is partly due to the existence of at least 10 different isoforms of AC and the absence of any truly selective pharmacological inhibitors. Here, we have used genetically modified mice and model systems to establish the role of AC isoforms in the airway responses to β-adrenoceptor agonists.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Receptors mediating responses to β-adrenoceptor agonists in airway smooth muscle (ASM) and sensory nerve were identified in isolated tissue systems. Expression of mRNA for the AC isoforms in ASM and neurones was determined by qPCR. Functional responses were assessed in AC isoform KO mice and wild-type controls.

KEY RESULTS

Airway and vagal tissue expressed mRNA for various isoforms of AC. AC6 was the most prominent isoform. Responses to β-adrenoceptor agonists in tissues from AC6 KO mice were virtually abolished.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

AC6 played a critical role in relaxation of ASM to β1 -adrenoceptor agonists and in modulation of sensory nerves by β1-3 -adrenoceptor agonists. These results further unravel the signalling pathway of this extensively prescribed class of medicine.

Multiple facets of cAMP signalling and physiological impact: cAMP compartmentalization in the lung

Therapies involving elevation of the endogenous suppressor cyclic AMP (cAMP) are currently used in the treatment of several chronic inflammatory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Characteristics of COPD are airway obstruction, airway inflammation and airway remodelling, processes encompassed by increased airway smooth muscle mass, epithelial changes, goblet cell and submucosal gland hyperplasia. In addition to inflammatory cells, airway smooth muscle cells and (myo)fibroblasts, epithelial cells underpin a variety of key responses in the airways such as inflammatory cytokine release, airway remodelling, mucus hypersecretion and airway barrier function. Cigarette smoke, being next to environmental pollution the main cause of COPD, is believed to cause epithelial hyperpermeability by disrupting the barrier function. Here we will focus on the most recent progress on compartmentalized signalling by cAMP. In addition to G protein-coupled receptors, adenylyl cyclases, cAMP-specific phospho-diesterases (PDEs) maintain compartmentalized cAMP signalling. Intriguingly, spatially discrete cAMP-sensing signalling complexes seem also to involve distinct members of the A-kinase anchoring (AKAP) superfamily and IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein (IQGAPs). In this review, we will highlight the interaction between cAMP and the epithelial barrier to retain proper lung function and to alleviate COPD symptoms and focus on the possible molecular mechanisms involved in this process. Future studies should include the development of cAMP-sensing multiprotein complex specific disruptors and/or stabilizers to orchestrate cellular functions. Compartmentalized cAMP signalling regulates important cellular processes in the lung and may serve as a therapeutic target.

Distinct PKA and Epac compartmentalization in airway function and plasticity

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are obstructive lung diseases characterized by airway obstruction, airway inflammation and airway remodelling. Next to inflammatory cells and airway epithelial cells, airway mesenchymal cells, including airway smooth muscle cells and (myo)fibroblasts, substantially contribute to disease features by the release of inflammatory mediators, smooth muscle contraction, extracellular matrix deposition and structural changes in the airways. Current pharmacological treatment of both diseases intends to target the dynamic features of the endogenous intracellular suppressor cyclic AMP (cAMP). This review will summarize our current knowledge on cAMP and will emphasize on key discoveries and paradigm shifts reflecting the complex spatio-temporal nature of compartmentalized cAMP signalling networks in health and disease. As airway fibroblasts and airway smooth muscle cells are recognized as central players in the development and progression of asthma and COPD, we will focus on the role of cAMP signalling in their function in relation to airway function and plasticity. We will recapture on the recent identification of cAMP-sensing multi-protein complexes maintained by cAMP effectors, including A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), proteins kinase A (PKA), exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), cAMP-elevating seven-transmembrane (7TM) receptors and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and we will report on findings indicating that the pertubation of compartmentalized cAMP signalling correlates with the pathopysiology of obstructive lung diseases. Future challenges include studies on cAMP dynamics and compartmentalization in the lung and the development of novel drugs targeting these systems for therapeutic interventions in chronic obstructive inflammatory diseases.

Integrin and GPCR Crosstalk in the Regulation of ASM Contraction Signaling in Asthma

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is one of the cardinal features of asthma. Contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells that line the airway wall is thought to influence aspects of AHR, resulting in excessive narrowing or occlusion of the airway. ASM contraction is primarily controlled by agonists that bind G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which are expressed on ASM. Integrins also play a role in regulating ASM contraction signaling. As therapies for asthma are based on symptom relief, better understanding of the crosstalk between GPCRs and integrins holds good promise for the design of more effective therapies that target the underlying cellular and molecular mechanism that governs AHR. In this paper, we will review current knowledge about integrins and GPCRs in their regulation of ASM contraction signaling and discuss the emerging concept of crosstalk between the two and the implication of this crosstalk on the development of agents that target AHR.

Novel cAMP signalling paradigms: therapeutic implications for airway disease

Since its discovery over 50 years ago, cAMP has been the archetypal second messenger introducing students to the concept of cell signalling at the simplest level. As explored in this review, however, there are many more facets to cAMP signalling than the path from Gs-coupled receptor to adenylyl cyclase (AC) to cAMP to PKA to biological effect. After a brief description of this canonical cAMP signalling pathway, a snapshot is provided of the novel paradigms of cAMP signalling. As in the airway the cAMP pathway relays the major bronchorelaxant signal and as such is the target for frontline therapy for asthma and COPD, particular emphasis is given to airway disease and therapy. Areas discussed include biased agonism, continued signalling following internalization, modulation of cAMP by AC, control of cAMP degradation, cAMP and calcium crosstalk, Epac-mediated signalling and finally the implications of altered genotypes will be considered. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Novel cAMP Signalling Paradigms. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue-2.

Calmodulin-sensitive adenylyl cyclases mediate AVP-dependent cAMP production and Cl- secretion by human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney cells

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), binding of AVP to the V2 receptor (V2R) increases cAMP and accelerates cyst growth by stimulating cell proliferation and Cl(-)-dependent fluid secretion. Basal cAMP is elevated in human ADPKD cells compared with normal human kidney (NHK) cells. V2R mRNA levels are elevated in ADPKD cells; however, AVP caused a greater increase in global cAMP in NHK cells, suggesting an intrinsic difference in cAMP regulation. Expression, regulatory properties, and receptor coupling of specific adenylyl cyclases (ACs) provide temporal and spatial regulation of the cAMP signal. ADPKD and NHK cells express mRNAs for all nine ACs. Ca(2+)-inhibited ACs 5 and 6 are increased in ADPKD cells, while Ca(2+)/CaM-stimulated ACs 1 and 3 are downregulated. ACs 1, 3, 5, and 6 were detected in cyst cells in situ, and codistribution with aquaporin-2 suggests that these cysts were derived from collecting ducts. To determine the contribution of CaM-sensitive ACs to AVP signaling, cells were treated with W-7, a CaM inhibitor. W-7 decreased AVP-induced cAMP production and Cl(-) secretion by ADPKD cells. CaMKII inhibition increased AVP-induced cAMP, suggesting that cAMP synthesis is mediated by AC3. In contrast, CaM and CaMKII inhibition in NHK cells did not affect AVP-induced cAMP production. Restriction of intracellular Ca(2+) switched the response in NHK cells, such that CaM inhibition decreased AVP-induced cAMP production. We suggest that a compensatory response to decreased Ca(2+) in ADPKD cells switches V2R coupling from Ca(2+)-inhibited ACs 5/6 to Ca(2+)/CaM-stimulated AC3, to mitigate high cAMP levels in response to continuous AVP stimulation.

Human bronchial smooth muscle cells express adenylyl cyclase isoforms 2, 4, and 6 in distinct membrane microdomains

Adenylyl cyclases (AC) are important regulators of airway smooth muscle function, because β-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonists stimulate AC activity and increase airway diameter. We assessed expression of AC isoforms in human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMC). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses detected expression of AC2, AC4, and AC6. Forskolin-stimulated AC activity in membranes from hBSMC displayed Ca(2+)-inhibited and G(βγ)-stimulated AC activity, consistent with expression of AC6, AC2, and AC4. Isoproterenol-stimulated AC activity was inhibited by Ca(2+) but unaltered by G(βγ), whereas butaprost-stimulated AC activity was stimulated by G(βγ) but unaffected by Ca(2+) addition. Using sucrose density centrifugation to isolate lipid raft fractions, we found that only AC6 localized in lipid raft fractions, whereas AC2 and AC4 localized in nonraft fractions. Immunoisolation of caveolae using caveolin-1 antibodies yielded Ca(2+)-inhibited AC activity (consistent with AC6 expression), whereas the nonprecipitated material displayed G(βγ)-stimulated AC activity (consistent with expression of AC2 and/or AC4). Overexpression of AC6 enhanced cAMP production in response to isoproterenol and beraprost but did not increase responses to prostaglandin E(2) or butaprost. β(2)AR, but not prostanoid EP(2) or EP(4) receptors, colocalized with AC5/6 in lipid raft fractions. Thus, particular G protein-coupled receptors couple to discreet AC isoforms based, in part, on their colocalization in membrane microdomains. These different cAMP signaling compartments in airway smooth muscle cells are responsive to different hormones and neurotransmitters and can be regulated by different coincident signals such as Ca(2+) and G(βγ).

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B and T cells differ in their response to cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase (PDE)4 inhibitors, which activate cAMP signaling by reducing cAMP catabolism, are known to induce apoptosis in B lineage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells but not normal human T cells. The explanation for such differential sensitivity remains unknown. In this study, we report studies contrasting the response to PDE4 inhibitor treatment in CLL cells and normal human T and B cells. Affymetrix gene chip analysis in the three cell populations following treatment with the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram identified a set of up-regulated transcripts with unusually high fold changes in the CLL samples, several of which are likely part of compensatory negative feedback loops. The high fold changes were due to low basal transcript levels in CLL cells, suggesting that cAMP-mediated signaling may be unusually tightly regulated in this cell type. Rolipram treatment augmented cAMP levels and induced ATF-1/CREB serine 63/133 phosphorylation in both B lineage cell types but not T cells. As treatment with the broad-spectrum PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine induced T cell CREB phosphorylation, we tested a series of family-specific PDE inhibitors for their ability to mimic 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine-induced ATF-1/CREB phosphorylation. Whereas PDE3 inhibitors alone had no effect, the combination of PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitors induced ATF-1/CREB serine 63/133 phosphorylation in T cells. Consistent with this observation, PDE3B transcript and protein levels were low in CLL cells but easily detectable in T cells. Combined PDE3/4 inhibition did not induce T cell apoptosis, suggesting that cAMP-mediated signal transduction that leads to robust ATF-1/CREB serine 63/133 phosphorylation is not sufficient to induce apoptosis in this lymphoid lineage.

IL-1beta, BK, and TGF-beta1 attenuate PGI2-mediated cAMP formation in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by multiple mechanisms involving p38 MAP kinase and PKA

We have previously shown that interleukin (IL)-1beta, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, or bradykinin (BK) impair cAMP generation in response to prostacyclin analogs in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASM), suggesting that inflammation can impair the effects of prostacyclin analogs on PASM in pulmonary hypertension. Here we explored the biochemical mechanisms involved. We found that IL-1beta, BK, and TGF-beta1 reduced adenylyl cyclase isoform 1, 2, and 4 mRNA, increased Galphai protein levels, and reduced prostacyclin receptor (IP receptor) mRNA expression. In contrast, Galphas protein levels were unchanged. Protein kinase A (PKA) (H-89, KT-2750, PKIm) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (SB-202190) inhibitors attenuated these effects, but protein kinase C (bisindolylmaleide) or phosphoinositol 3-kinase (LY-294002) inhibitors did not. Fluorescent kemptide assay and Western blotting confirmed that PKA and p38 MAP kinase were activated by IL-1beta, BK, and TGF-beta1. These studies suggest that IL-1beta, BK, and TGF-beta1 impair IP receptor-mediated cAMP accumulation by multiple effects on different components of the signaling pathway and that these effects are PKA and p38 MAP kinase dependent.

Raf-1 kinase mediates adenylyl cyclase sensitization by TNF-alpha in human airway smooth muscle cells

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a potent inflammatory cytokine implicated in the exacerbation of asthma. Chronic exposure to TNF-alpha has been reported to induce G protein-coupled receptor desensitization, but adenylyl cyclase sensitization, in airway smooth muscle cells by an unknown mechanism. Cyclic AMP, which is synthesized by adenylyl cyclases in response to G protein-coupled receptor signals, is an important second messenger involved in the regulation of the airway muscle proliferation, migration, and tone. In other cell types, TNF-alpha receptors transactivate the EGF receptor, which activates raf-1 kinase. Further studies in transfected cells show that raf-1 kinase can phosphorylate and activate some isoforms of adenylyl cyclase. Cultured human airway smooth muscle cells were treated with TNF-alpha in the presence or absence of inhibitors of prostaglandin signaling, protein kinases, or G(i) proteins. TNF-alpha caused a significant dose- (1-10 ng/ml) and time-dependent (24 and 48 h) increase in forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, which was abrogated by pretreatment with GW5074 (a raf-1 kinase inhibitor), was partially inhibited by an EGF receptor inhibitor, but was unaffected by pertussis toxin. TNF-alpha also increased phosphorylation of Ser(338) on raf-1 kinase, indicative of activation. IL-1beta and EGF sensitization of adenylyl cyclase activity was also sensitive to raf-1 kinase inhibition by GW5074. Taken together, these studies link two signaling pathways not previously characterized in human airway smooth muscle cells: TNF-alpha transactivation of the EGF receptor, with subsequent raf-1 kinase-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase.

Extracellular matrix modulates beta2-adrenergic receptor signaling in human airway smooth muscle cells

The airways of patients with chronic asthma commonly develop an element of fixed airway obstruction, which fails to reverse with inhaled beta2-adrenoceptor agonists. Airway remodeling refers to the structural changes of the bronchi in longstanding asthma and is characterized by increased deposition and altered ratios of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We therefore assessed whether ECM proteins alter beta2-adrenoceptor signaling in human airway smooth muscle cells. We report that a fibronectin environment increases responses to beta2-adrenoceptor stimulation, whereas exposure to collagen V or laminin decreases accumulation of the second messenger cyclic AMP when compared with collagens I or IV. These differences are likely to be physiologically significant as they translate into altered phosphorylation of the downstream target VASP. The altered cAMP levels are due to differences in adenylyl cyclase activity, although expression of the relevant isoforms of enzyme appears unaltered. However, inhibition of Galphai abrogates the differences in beta2-adrenoceptor-mediated cAMP accumulation in cells exposed to different matrix factors. The difference in Galphai signaling is not due to altered Galphai expression. We conclude therefore that ECM modulates Galphai activity in human airway smooth muscle cells, and propose that these changes could contribute to the fixed airway obstruction seen in patients with chronic asthma.

cAMP-elevating agents and adenylyl cyclase overexpression promote an antifibrotic phenotype in pulmonary fibroblasts

Pulmonary fibroblasts are recruited to sites of lung injury, where they are activated to produce extracellular matrix proteins and to facilitate repair. However, these cells become dysregulated in pulmonary fibrosis, producing excess collagen at sites of injury and forming fibrotic loci that impair lung function. In this study, we used WI-38 human lung fibroblasts and evaluated the ability of G protein-coupled receptor agonists to increase cAMP production and regulate cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. WI-38 cells increase cAMP in response to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (Iso), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), certain prostanoid receptor-selective agonists (beraprost, butaprost), an adenosine receptor agonist, and the direct adenylyl cyclase (AC) activator forskolin (Fsk). Responses to Iso, PGE(2), and Fsk were studied in more detail. Each induced a dose-dependent inhibition of serum-stimulated cell proliferation (as measured by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation) and collagen synthesis (as measured by [(3)H]proline incorporation, collagenase-sensitive [(3)H]proline incorporation, or levels of procollagen type 1 C-peptide). Quantitative RT-PCR analyses indicated that elevation in cellular cAMP levels decreases expression of collagen types 1alpha(II) and 5alpha(I) and increases expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). Overexpression of AC type 6 or inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases also increased cellular cAMP levels and decreased cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. Thus multiple approaches that increase cAMP signaling reduce proliferation and differentiated function in human pulmonary fibroblasts. These results suggest that therapies that raise cAMP levels may prove useful in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

An Ile to Met polymorphism in the catalytic domain of adenylyl cyclase type 9 confers reduced beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation

Adenylyl cyclase (AC) mediates signalling following activation of G(alphas)-coupled receptors such as the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR). Genetic variation in the receptor component of this pathway can alter signal transduction and the response to beta-agonists in asthma, but little is known about downstream effectors. Here, we characterize the population genomics and signalling effects of a polymorphism within the coding region of the AC9 gene that results in an Ile to Met substitution at amino acid 772 within the C1b region of the enzyme. Allele frequencies were 0.300 and 0.375 in Caucasians and Asians but were lower in African-Americans (0.163). The functional effects were studied in stably transfected HEK293 cells recombinantly expressing equivalent levels of wild-type (Ile772) and polymorphic (Met772) AC9. The polymorphic substitution results in a loss of function compared to wild-type AC9. Met772 AC9 has lower basal and beta2AR-mediated adenylyl cyclase activities compared to Ile772 AC9, as well as reduced activity following stimulation of G(alphas) by NaF. Direct stimulation of AC9 activity by Mn2+/- was also depressed in Met772 membranes, indicating decreased catalytic function, consistent with the location of residue 772. AC9 mRNA and protein were expressed in multiple human lung cell-types, including airway smooth muscle and airway epithelium. In the treatment of asthma, there is marked heterogeneity in the response to inhaled beta-agonists which is associated with polymorphisms of the beta2AR. Identification of a common AC9 variant that confers reduced enzyme activity reveals an additional polymorphism that should be considered in pharmacogenetic studies of beta-agonist therapy of asthma.