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Moshkelgosha S, Verhasselt HL, Masetti G, Covelli D, Biscarini F, Horstmann M, Daser A, Westendorf AM, Jesenek C, Philipp S, Diaz-Cano S, Banga JP, Michael D, Plummer S, Marchesi JR, Eckstein A, Ludgate M, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U. Modulating gut microbiota in a mouse model of Graves' orbitopathy and its impact on induced disease. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:45. [PMID: 33593429 PMCID: PMC7888139 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00952-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune condition in which autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) cause hyperthyroidism. About 50% of GD patients also have Graves' orbitopathy (GO), an intractable disease in which expansion of the orbital contents causes diplopia, proptosis and even blindness. Murine models of GD/GO, developed in different centres, demonstrated significant variation in gut microbiota composition which correlated with TSHR-induced disease heterogeneity. To investigate whether correlation indicates causation, we modified the gut microbiota to determine whether it has a role in thyroid autoimmunity. Female BALB/c mice were treated with either vancomycin, probiotic bacteria, human fecal material transfer (hFMT) from patients with severe GO or ddH2O from birth to immunization with TSHR-A subunit or beta-galactosidase (βgal; age ~ 6 weeks). Incidence and severity of GD (TSHR autoantibodies, thyroid histology, thyroxine level) and GO (orbital fat and muscle histology), lymphocyte phenotype, cytokine profile and gut microbiota were analysed at sacrifice (~ 22 weeks). RESULTS In ddH2O-TSHR mice, 84% had pathological autoantibodies, 67% elevated thyroxine, 77% hyperplastic thyroids and 70% orbital pathology. Firmicutes were increased, and Bacteroidetes reduced relative to ddH2O-βgal; CCL5 was increased. The random forest algorithm at the genus level predicted vancomycin treatment with 100% accuracy but 74% and 70% for hFMT and probiotic, respectively. Vancomycin significantly reduced gut microbiota richness and diversity compared with all other groups; the incidence and severity of both GD and GO also decreased; reduced orbital pathology correlated positively with Akkermansia spp. whilst IL-4 levels increased. Mice receiving hFMT initially inherited their GO donors' microbiota, and the severity of induced GD increased, as did the orbital brown adipose tissue volume in TSHR mice. Furthermore, genus Bacteroides, which is reduced in GD patients, was significantly increased by vancomycin but reduced in hFMT-treated mice. Probiotic treatment significantly increased CD25+ Treg cells in orbital draining lymph nodes but exacerbated induced autoimmune hyperthyroidism and GO. CONCLUSIONS These results strongly support a role for the gut microbiota in TSHR-induced disease. Whilst changes to the gut microbiota have a profound effect on quantifiable GD endocrine and immune factors, the impact on GO cellular changes is more nuanced. The findings have translational potential for novel, improved treatments. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Moshkelgosha
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Current address: Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hedda Luise Verhasselt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Cultech Ltd., Baglan, Port Talbot, UK
| | - Giulia Masetti
- Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UHW main building, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
- Department of Bioinformatics, PTP Science Park Srl, Lodi, Italy
- Current address: Computational metagenomics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Danila Covelli
- Cultech Ltd., Baglan, Port Talbot, UK
- Graves' Orbitopathy Center, Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione Ca'Granda IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Biscarini
- Department of Bioinformatics, PTP Science Park Srl, Lodi, Italy
- Italian National Research Council (CNR), Milano, Italy
| | - Mareike Horstmann
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Anke Daser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid M Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Jesenek
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Svenja Philipp
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Salvador Diaz-Cano
- Department of Histopathology, King's College Hospital, King's College, London, UK
| | - J Paul Banga
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Julian R Marchesi
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anja Eckstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Marian Ludgate
- Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UHW main building, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.
| | - Utta Berchner-Pfannschmidt
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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Plöhn S, Hose M, Schlüter A, Michel L, Diaz-Cano S, Hendgen-Cotta UB, Banga JP, Bechrakis NE, Hansen W, Eckstein A, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U. Fingolimod Improves the Outcome of Experimental Graves' Disease and Associated Orbitopathy by Modulating the Autoimmune Response to the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor. Thyroid 2019; 29:1286-1301. [PMID: 31237525 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' orbitopathy are associated with stimulating thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. Recent in vitro studies suggested that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of orbitopathy. In this study, we explored the immune modulatory potential of S1P receptor antagonist fingolimod in a murine model for GD. Fingolimod was orally administered preventively during disease onset or therapeutically after disease onset. Administration of fingolimod during disease onset completely prevented the formation of TSHR-stimulating autoantibodies. Intervention after disease onset rarely reduced TSHR-stimulating autoantibodies and blocking autoantibodies were induced in some animals. Consequently, autoimmune hyperthyroidism characterized by elevated serum thyroxin levels, hyperplastic thyroid morphology accompanied by T cell infiltration, weight gain, enhanced body temperature, and tachycardia did not manifest preventively and showed milder manifestation in therapeutically treated animals. Importantly, examination of orbital tissue showed significant amelioration of orbitopathy manifestations through reduction of T cell infiltration, adipogenesis, and hyaluronan deposition. Autoimmune hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy were accompanied by changes in peripheral and splenic T cell proportions with high CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells. Activated T cells CD4+CD25+ were elevated whereas regulatory T cells CD4+Foxp3+ cells remained unchanged in spleens. Fingolimod decreased elevated T cell levels and increased CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cell populations. Analysis of total disease outcome revealed that treatment during disease onset protected animals against autoimmune hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy. Of note, therapeutic intervention after disease onset suppressed disease in half of the animals and in the other half disease remained at mild stages. The results of this study support a clinical trial to investigate the immunologic and clinical benefits of early treatment with S1P-based drugs in GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Plöhn
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Hose
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anke Schlüter
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lars Michel
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Salvador Diaz-Cano
- Department of Histopathology, King's College Hospital, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrike B Hendgen-Cotta
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jasvinder Paul Banga
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nikolaos E Bechrakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Eckstein
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Utta Berchner-Pfannschmidt
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Schlüter A, Flögel U, Diaz-Cano S, Görtz GE, Stähr K, Oeverhaus M, Plöhn S, Mattheis S, Moeller LC, Lang S, Bechrakis NE, Banga JP, Eckstein A, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U. Graves' orbitopathy occurs sex-independently in an autoimmune hyperthyroid mouse model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13096. [PMID: 30166557 PMCID: PMC6117361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31253-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is the most common extra thyroidal complication of Graves’ disease (GD) and occurs predominantly in women but more severe in men. The reason for this effect of gender on GO is unknown. Herein we studied the manifestation of GO in both sexes of an induced mouse model in absence of additional risk factors present in patients like advanced age, genetic variabilities or smoking. Male and female mice were immunized with human TSHR A-subunit encoding plasmid. Both sexes comparably developed autoimmune hyperthyroidism characterized by TSHR stimulating autoantibodies, elevated T4 values, hyperplastic thyroids and hearts. Autoimmune mice developed inflammatory eye symptoms and proptosis, although males earlier than females. Serial in vivo1H/19F-magnetic resonance imaging revealed elevated inflammatory infiltration, increased fat volume and glycosaminoglycan deposition in orbits of both sexes but most significantly in female mice. Histologically, infiltration of T-cells, extension of brown fat and overall collagen deposition were characteristics of GO in male mice. In contrast, female mice developed predominately macrophage infiltration in muscle and connective tissue, and muscle hypertrophy. Apart from sex-dependent variabilities in pathogenesis, disease classification revealed minor sex-differences in incidence and total outcome. In conclusion, sex does not predispose for autoimmune hyperthyroidism and associated GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schlüter
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Salvador Diaz-Cano
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London; King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gina-Eva Görtz
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Stähr
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Oeverhaus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Svenja Plöhn
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Mattheis
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lars C Moeller
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephan Lang
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - J Paul Banga
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Eckstein
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Schlüter A, Horstmann M, Diaz-Cano S, Plöhn S, Stähr K, Mattheis S, Oeverhaus M, Lang S, Flögel U, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U, Eckstein A, Banga JP. Genetic immunization with mouse thyrotrophin hormone receptor plasmid breaks self-tolerance for a murine model of autoimmune thyroid disease and Graves' orbitopathy. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 191:255-267. [PMID: 29058307 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental models of Graves' hyperthyroid disease accompanied by Graves' orbitopathy (GO) can be induced efficiently in susceptible inbred strains of mice by immunization by electroporation of heterologous human TSH receptor (TSHR) A-subunit plasmid. In this study, we report on the development of a bona fide murine model of autoimmune Graves' disease induced with homologous mouse TSHR A-subunit plasmid. Autoimmune thyroid disease in the self-antigen model was accompanied by GO and characterized by histopathology of hyperplastic glands with large thyroid follicular cells. Examination of orbital tissues showed significant inflammation in extra-ocular muscle with accumulation of T cells and macrophages together with substantial deposition of adipose tissue. Notably, increased levels of brown adipose tissue were present in the orbital tissue of animals undergoing experimental GO. Further analysis of inflammatory loci by 19 F-magnetic resonance imaging showed inflammation to be confined to orbital muscle and optic nerve, but orbital fat showed no difference in inflammatory signs in comparison to control β-Gal-immunized animals. Pathogenic antibodies induced to mouse TSHR were specific for the self-antigen, with minimal cross-reactivity to human TSHR. Moreover, compared to other self-antigen models of murine Graves' disease induced in TSHR knock-out mice, the repertoire of autoantibodies to mouse TSHR generated following the breakdown of thymic self-tolerance is different to those that arise when tolerance is not breached immunologically, as in the knock-out models. Overall, we show that mouse TSHR A-subunit plasmid immunization by electroporation overcomes tolerance to self-antigen to provide a faithful model of Graves' disease and GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schlüter
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Departments of Ophthalmology University Hospital Essen, Germany.,Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - M Horstmann
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Departments of Ophthalmology University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | - S Diaz-Cano
- Department of Histopathology, King's College Hospital NHS, London, UK
| | - S Plöhn
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Departments of Ophthalmology University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | - K Stähr
- Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - S Mattheis
- Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - M Oeverhaus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - S Lang
- Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - U Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - A Eckstein
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Departments of Ophthalmology University Hospital Essen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - J P Banga
- Molecular Ophthalmology, Departments of Ophthalmology University Hospital Essen, Germany
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Banerjee AA, Achrekar SK, Joseph S, Pathak BR, Mahale SD. Functional characterization of two naturally occurring mutations V 221G and T 449N in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 440:69-79. [PMID: 27889471 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring mutations in follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) affect the receptor function. Here, we characterized two such previously reported mutations, V221G and T449N, in the extracellular domain and transmembrane helix 3, of FSHR, respectively. Functional studies with the V221G mutant demonstrated an impairment in FSH binding and signaling. Validation of X-ray crystallography data indicating the contribution of FSHR specific residues in the vicinity of V221 to contribute to FSH-FSHR interaction was carried out. In vitro mutational studies showed that these residues are determinants of both FSH binding and FSH induced signaling. Analysis of the T449N mutation revealed that it results in an increase in FSH binding and high cAMP response at lower doses of FSH. A marginal hCG induced and no TSH induced cAMP production was also observed. These findings corroborated with the clinical manifestations of primary amenorrhea (V221G) and spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (T449N) in women harbouring these mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara A Banerjee
- Division of Structural Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Swati K Achrekar
- ICMR Biomedical Informatics Centre, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Shaini Joseph
- ICMR Biomedical Informatics Centre, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Bhakti R Pathak
- Division of Structural Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Smita D Mahale
- Division of Structural Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India; ICMR Biomedical Informatics Centre, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.
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Kleinau G, Worth CL, Kreuchwig A, Biebermann H, Marcinkowski P, Scheerer P, Krause G. Structural-Functional Features of the Thyrotropin Receptor: A Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptor at Work. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:86. [PMID: 28484426 PMCID: PMC5401882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a member of the glycoprotein hormone receptors, a sub-group of class A G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). TSHR and its endogenous ligand thyrotropin (TSH) are of essential importance for growth and function of the thyroid gland and proper function of the TSH/TSHR system is pivotal for production and release of thyroid hormones. This receptor is also important with respect to pathophysiology, such as autoimmune (including ophthalmopathy) or non-autoimmune thyroid dysfunctions and cancer development. Pharmacological interventions directly targeting the TSHR should provide benefits to disease treatment compared to currently available therapies of dysfunctions associated with the TSHR or the thyroid gland. Upon TSHR activation, the molecular events conveying conformational changes from the extra- to the intracellular side of the cell across the membrane comprise reception, conversion, and amplification of the signal. These steps are highly dependent on structural features of this receptor and its intermolecular interaction partners, e.g., TSH, antibodies, small molecules, G-proteins, or arrestin. For better understanding of signal transduction, pathogenic mechanisms such as autoantibody action and mutational modifications or for developing new pharmacological strategies, it is essential to combine available structural data with functional information to generate homology models of the entire receptor. Although so far these insights are fragmental, in the past few decades essential contributions have been made to investigate in-depth the involved determinants, such as by structure determination via X-ray crystallography. This review summarizes available knowledge (as of December 2016) concerning the TSHR protein structure, associated functional aspects, and based on these insights we suggest several receptor complex models. Moreover, distinct TSHR properties will be highlighted in comparison to other class A GPCRs to understand the molecular activation mechanisms of this receptor comprehensively. Finally, limitations of current knowledge and lack of information are discussed highlighting the need for intensified efforts toward TSHR structure elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Kleinau
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Group Protein X-Ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Annika Kreuchwig
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Patrick Scheerer
- Group Protein X-Ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Krause
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gerd Krause,
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Schaarschmidt J, Huth S, Meier R, Paschke R, Jaeschke H. Influence of the hinge region and its adjacent domains on binding and signaling patterns of the thyrotropin and follitropin receptor. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111570. [PMID: 25340405 PMCID: PMC4207802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein hormone receptors (GPHR) have a large extracellular domain (ECD) divided into the leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain for binding of the glycoprotein hormones and the hinge region (HinR), which connects the LRR domain with the transmembrane domain (TMD). Understanding of the activation mechanism of GPHRs is hindered by the unknown interaction of the ECD with the TMD and the structural changes upon ligand binding responsible for receptor activation. Recently, our group showed that the HinR of the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) can be replaced by those of the follitropin (FSHR) and lutropin receptor (LHCGR) without effects on surface expression and hTSH signaling. However, differences in binding characteristics for bovine TSH at the various HinRs were obvious. To gain further insights into the interplay between LRR domain, HinR and TMD we generated chimeras between the TSHR and FSHR. Our results obtained by the determination of cell surface expression, ligand binding and G protein activation confirm the similar characteristics of GPHR HinRs but they also demonstrate an involvement of the HinR in ligand selectivity indicated by the observed promiscuity of some chimeras. While the TSHR HinR contributes to specific binding of TSH and its variants, no such contribution is observed for FSH and its analog TR4401 at the HinR of the FSHR. Furthermore, the charge distribution at the poorly characterized LRR domain/HinR transition affected ligand binding and signaling even though this area is not in direct contact with the ligand. In addition our results also demonstrate the importance of the TMD/HinR interface. Especially the combination of the TSHR HinR with the FSHR-TMD resulted in a loss of cell surface expression of the respective chimeras. In conclusion, the HinRs of GPHRs do not only share similar characteristics but also behave as ligand specific structural and functional entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Schaarschmidt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Division of Endocrinology and Nephrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sandra Huth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Division of Endocrinology and Nephrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - René Meier
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Paschke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Division of Endocrinology and Nephrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Jaeschke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Division of Endocrinology and Nephrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Jiang X, Dias JA, He X. Structural biology of glycoprotein hormones and their receptors: insights to signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:424-451. [PMID: 24001578 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the progress made in the field of glycoprotein hormones (GPH) and their receptors (GPHR) by several groups of structural biologists including ourselves aiming to gain insight into GPH signaling mechanisms. The GPH family consists of four members, with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) being the prototypic member. GPH members belong to the cystine-knot growth factor superfamily, and their receptors (GPHR), possessing unusually large N-terminal ectodomains, belong to the G-protein coupled receptor Family A. GPHR ectodomains can be divided into two subdomains: a high-affinity hormone binding subdomain primarily centered on the N-terminus, and a second subdomain that is located on the C-terminal region of the ectodomain that is involved in signal specificity. The two subdomains unexpectedly form an integral structure comprised of leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). Following the structure determination of hCG in 1994, the field of FSH structural biology has progressively advanced. Initially, the FSH structure was determined in partially glycosylated free form in 2001, followed by a structure of FSH bound to a truncated FSHR ectodomain in 2005, and the structure of FSH bound to the entire ectodomain in 2012. Comparisons of the structures in three forms led a proposal of a two-step monomeric receptor activation mechanism. First, binding of FSH to the FSHR high-affinity hormone-binding subdomain induces a conformational change in the hormone to form a binding pocket that is specific for a sulfated-tyrosine found as sTyr 335 in FSHR. Subsequently, the sTyr is drawn into the newly formed binding pocket, producing a lever effect on a helical pivot whereby the docking sTyr provides as the 'pull & lift' force. The pivot helix is flanked by rigid LRRs and locked by two disulfide bonds on both sides: the hormone-binding subdomain on one side and the last short loop before the first transmembrane helix on the other side. The lift of the sTyr loop frees the tethered extracellular loops of the 7TM domain, thereby releasing a putative inhibitory influence of the ectodomain, ultimately leading to the activating conformation of the 7TM domain. Moreover, the data lead us to propose that FSHR exists as a trimer and to present an FSHR activation mechanism consistent with the observed trimeric crystal form. A trimeric receptor provides resolution of the enigmatic, but important, biological roles played by GPH residues that are removed from the primary FSH-binding site, as well as several important GPCR phenomena, including negative cooperativity and asymmetric activation. Further reflection pursuant to this review process revealed additional novel structural characteristics such as the identification of a 'seat' sequence in GPH. Together with the 'seatbelt', the 'seat' enables a common heteodimeric mode of association of the common α subunit non-covalently and non-specifically with each of the three different β subunits. Moreover, it was possible to establish a dimensional order that can be used to estimate LRR curvatures. A potential binding pocket for small molecular allosteric modulators in the FSHR 7TM domain has also been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuliang Jiang
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, MA 01821, United States.
| | - James A Dias
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Xiaolin He
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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Endo T, Kobayashi T. Immunization of mice with a newly identified thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor splice variant induces Graves'-like disease. J Autoimmun 2013; 43:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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10
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Núñez Miguel R, Sanders J, Sanders P, Young S, Clark J, Kabelis K, Wilmot J, Evans M, Roberts E, Hu X, Furmaniak J, Rees Smith B. Similarities and differences in interactions of thyroid stimulating and blocking autoantibodies with the TSH receptor. J Mol Endocrinol 2012; 49:137-51. [PMID: 22829655 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Binding of a new thyroid-stimulating human monoclonal autoantibody (MAb) K1-18 to the TSH receptor (TSHR) leucine-rich domain (LRD) was predicted using charge-charge interaction mapping based on unique complementarities between the TSHR in interactions with the thyroid-stimulating human MAb M22 or the thyroid-blocking human MAb K1-70. The interactions of K1-18 with the TSHR LRD were compared with the interactions in the crystal structures of the M22-TSHR LRD and K1-70-TSHR LRD complexes. Furthermore, the predicted position of K1-18 on the TSHR was validated by the effects of TSHR mutations on the stimulating activity of K1-18. A similar approach was adopted for predicting binding of a mouse thyroid-blocking MAb RSR-B2 to the TSHR. K1-18 is predicted to bind to the TSHR LRD in a similar way as TSH and M22. The binding analysis suggests that K1-18 light chain (LC) mimics binding of the TSH-α chain and the heavy chain (HC) mimics binding of the TSH-β chain. By contrast, M22 HC mimics the interactions of TSH-α while M22 LC mimics TSH-β in interactions with the TSHR. The observed interactions in the M22-TSHR LRD and K1-70-TSHR LRD complexes (crystal structures) with TSH-TSHR LRD (comparative model) and K1-18-TSHR LRD (predictive binding) suggest that K1-18 and M22 interactions with the receptor may reflect interaction of thyroid-stimulating autoantibodies in general. Furthermore, K1-70 and RSR-B2 interactions with the TSHR LRD may reflect binding of TSHR-blocking autoantibodies in general. Interactions involving the C-terminal part of the TSHR LRD may be important for receptor activation by autoantibodies.
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11
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Chen CR, Salazar LM, McLachlan SM, Rapoport B. The thyrotropin receptor hinge region as a surrogate ligand: identification of loci contributing to the coupling of thyrotropin binding and receptor activation. Endocrinology 2012; 153:5058-67. [PMID: 23002040 PMCID: PMC3512008 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The TSH receptor (TSHR) hinge region, the least well understood component, bridges the leucine-rich repeat and transmembrane domains. We report data on clusters of hinge charged residues the mutation of which to Ala is compatible with cell surface expression and normal, or near normal, TSH binding affinity yet with a relative reduction in receptor activation. Mutation to Ala of E409 at the junction with the transmembrane domain was the most potent in uncoupling TSH binding and signal transduction (~22-fold less sensitive than the wild-type TSHR) and was unique among the residues studied in reducing both the amplitude and the sensitivity of the ligand-induced signal. Unexpectedly, a dual E409A/D410A mutation partially corrected the major suppressive effect of TSHR-E409A. The combined Ala substitution of a cluster of positively charged hinge residues (K287, K290, K291, R293; termed "K3R1") synergistically reduced sensitivity to TSH stimulation approximately 21-fold without altering the TSH binding affinity. Simultaneous Ala substitutions of a cluster of acidic hinge residues D392, E394, and D395 (termed "DE392-5A") partially uncoupled TSH binding from signal transduction (4.4-fold reduction in sensitivity), less than for E409A and K3R1A. Remarkably, the combination of the K3R1A and DE392-5A mutations was not additive but ameliorated the major uncoupling effect of K3R1A. This lack of additivity suggests that these two clusters contribute to a common signaling pathway. In summary, we identify several TSHR hinge residues involved in signal transmission. Our data support the concept that the hinge regions of the TSHR (and other glycoprotein hormone receptors) act as surrogate ligands for receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Rong Chen
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Research Institute and University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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12
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Majumdar R, Dighe RR. The hinge region of human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor operates as a tunable switch between hormone binding and receptor activation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40291. [PMID: 22792265 PMCID: PMC3391290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which the hinge regions of glycoprotein hormone receptors couple hormone binding to activation of downstream effecters is not clearly understood. In the present study, agonistic (311.62) and antagonistic (311.87) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against the TSH receptor extracellular domain were used to elucidate role of the hinge region in receptor activation. MAb 311.62 which identifies the LRR/Cb-2 junction (aa 265–275), increased the affinity of TSHR for the hormone while concomitantly decreasing its efficacy, whereas MAb 311.87 recognizing LRR 7–9 (aa 201–259) acted as a non-competitive inhibitor of Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) binding. Binding of MAbs was sensitive to the conformational changes caused by the activating and inactivating mutations and exhibited differential effects on hormone binding and response of these mutants. By studying the effects of these MAbs on truncation and chimeric mutants of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), this study confirms the tethered inverse agonistic role played by the hinge region and maps the interactions between TSHR hinge region and exoloops responsible for maintenance of the receptor in its basal state. Mechanistic studies on the antibody-receptor interactions suggest that MAb 311.87 is an allosteric insurmountable antagonist and inhibits initiation of the hormone induced conformational changes in the hinge region, whereas MAb 311.62 acts as a partial agonist that recognizes a conformational epitope critical for coupling of hormone binding to receptor activation. The hinge region, probably in close proximity with the α-subunit in the hormone-receptor complex, acts as a tunable switch between hormone binding and receptor activation.
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MESH Headings
- Algorithms
- Allosteric Regulation
- Amino Acid Motifs
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Amino Acid Substitution
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/pharmacology
- Binding, Competitive
- Cattle
- Cell Surface Display Techniques
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Epitope Mapping
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Peptide Fragments/chemistry
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Protein Binding
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, Thyrotropin/chemistry
- Receptors, Thyrotropin/genetics
- Receptors, Thyrotropin/immunology
- Receptors, Thyrotropin/metabolism
- Second Messenger Systems
- Thyrotropin/metabolism
- Thyrotropin/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritankar Majumdar
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajan R. Dighe
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- * E-mail:
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13
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Chen CR, Salazar LM, McLachlan SM, Rapoport B. Novel information on the epitope of an inverse agonist monoclonal antibody provides insight into the structure of the TSH receptor. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31973. [PMID: 22359649 PMCID: PMC3281106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The TSH receptor (TSHR) comprises an extracellular leucine-rich domain (LRD) linked by a hinge region to the transmembrane domain (TMD). Insight into the orientation of these components to each other is required for understanding how ligands activate the receptor. We previously identified residue E251 at the LRD-hinge junction as contributing to coupling TSH binding with receptor activation. However, a single residue cannot stabilize the LRD-hinge unit. Therefore, based on the LRD crystal structure we selected for study four other potential LRD-hinge interface charged residues. Alanine substitutions of individual residues K244, E247, K250 and R255 (as well as previously known E251A) did not affect TSH binding or function. However, the cumulative mutation of these residues in varying permutations, primarily K250A and R255A when associated with E251A, partially uncoupled TSH binding and function. These data suggest that these three residues, spatially very close to each other at the LRD base, interact with the hinge region. Unexpectedly and most important, monoclonal antibody CS-17, a TSHR inverse agonist whose epitope straddles the LRD-hinge, was found to interact with residues K244 and E247 at the base of the convex LRD surface. These observations, together with the functional data, exclude residues K244 and E247 from the TSHR LRD-hinge interface. Further, for CS-17 accessibility to K244 and E247, the concave surface of the TSHR LRD must be tilted forwards towards the hinge region and plasma membrane. Overall, these data provide insight into the mechanism by which ligands either activate the TSHR or suppress its constitutive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Rong Chen
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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14
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Russo D, Costante G, Bruno R, Sponziello M, Tamburrano G, Dima M, Sacco R, Giacomelli L, Durante C, Filetti S. TSH receptor extracellular region mutations in thyroid functioning nodules: further evidence for the functional role of this region in the receptor activation. Endocrine 2011; 40:492-4. [PMID: 21863340 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-011-9525-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Kleinau G, Mueller S, Jaeschke H, Grzesik P, Neumann S, Diehl A, Paschke R, Krause G. Defining structural and functional dimensions of the extracellular thyrotropin receptor region. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:22622-31. [PMID: 21525003 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.211193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular region of the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) can be subdivided into the leucine-rich repeat domain (LRRD) and the hinge region. Both the LRRD and the hinge region interact with thyrotropin (TSH) or autoantibodies. Structural data for the TSHR LRRD were previously determined by crystallization (amino acids Glu(30)-Thr(257), 10 repeats), but the structure of the hinge region is still undefined. Of note, the amino acid sequence (Trp(258)-Tyr(279)) following the crystallized LRRD comprises a pattern typical for leucine-rich repeats with conserved hydrophobic side chains stabilizing the repeat fold. Moreover, functional data for amino acids between the LRRD and the transmembrane domain were fragmentary. We therefore investigated systematically these TSHR regions by mutagenesis to reveal insights into their functional contribution and potential structural features. We found that mutations of conserved hydrophobic residues between Thr(257) and Tyr(279) cause TSHR misfold, which supports a structural fold of this peptide, probably as an additional leucine-rich repeat. Furthermore, we identified several new mutations of hydrophilic amino acids in the entire hinge region leading to partial TSHR inactivation, indicating that these positions are important for intramolecular signal transduction. In summary, we provide new information regarding the structural features and functionalities of extracellular TSHR regions. Based on these insights and in context with previous results, we suggest an extracellular activation mechanism that supports an intramolecular agonistic unit as a central switch for activating effects at the extracellular region toward the serpentine domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Kleinau
- Department for Structural Biology, Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
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16
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Hamidi S, Chen CR, Mizutori-Sasai Y, McLachlan SM, Rapoport B. Relationship between thyrotropin receptor hinge region proteolytic posttranslational modification and receptor physiological function. Mol Endocrinol 2011; 25:184-94. [PMID: 21106880 PMCID: PMC3089032 DOI: 10.1210/me.2010-0401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycoprotein hormone receptor hinge region is the least conserved component and the most variable in size; the TSH receptor (TSHR) being the longest (152 amino acids; residues 261-412). The TSHR is also unique among the glycoprotein hormone receptor in undergoing in vivo intramolecular cleavage into disulfide-linked A- and B-subunits with removal of an intervening 'C-peptide' region. Experimentally, hinge region amino acids 317-366 (50 residues) can be deleted without alteration in receptor function. However, in vivo, more than 50 amino acids are deleted during TSHR intramolecular cleavage; furthermore, the boundaries of this deleted region are ragged and poorly defined. Studies to determine the extent to which hinge region deletions can be tolerated without affecting receptor function ('minimal hinge') are lacking. Using as a template the functionally normal TSHR with residues 317-366 deleted, progressive downstream extension of deletions revealed residue 371 to be the limit compatible with normal TSH binding and coupling with cAMP signal transduction. Based on the foregoing downstream limit, upstream deletion from residue 307 (307-371 deletion) was also tolerated without functional alteration, as was deletion of residues 303-366. Addressing a related issue regarding the functional role of the TSHR hinge region, we observed that downstream hinge residues 377-384 contribute to coupling ligand binding with cAMP signal transduction. In summary, we report the first evaluation of TSHR function in relation to proteolytic posttranslational hinge region modifications. Deletion of TSHR hinge amino acids 303-366 (64 residues) or 307-371 (65 residues) are the maximum hinge region deletions compatible with normal TSHR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Hamidi
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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