CaM kinase IIalpha mediates norepinephrine-induced translocation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 to the nuclear envelope

Angiotensin Receptors Heterodimerization and Trafficking: How Much Do They Influence Their Biological Function?

G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targets for around one third of currently approved and clinical prescribed drugs and represent the largest and most structurally diverse family of transmembrane signaling proteins, with almost 1000 members identified in the human genome. Upon agonist stimulation, GPCRs are internalized and trafficked inside the cell: they may be targeted to different organelles, recycled back to the plasma membrane or be degraded. Once inside the cell, the receptors may initiate other signaling pathways leading to different biological responses. GPCRs’ biological function may also be influenced by interaction with other receptors. Thus, the ultimate cellular response may depend not only on the activation of the receptor from the cell membrane, but also from receptor trafficking and/or the interaction with other receptors. This review is focused on angiotensin receptors and how their biological function is influenced by trafficking and interaction with others receptors.

Nucleoligands-repurposing G Protein-coupled Receptor Ligands to Modulate Nuclear-localized G Protein-coupled Receptors in the Cardiovascular System

There is significant evidence that internal pools of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) exist and may be affected by both endogenous signaling molecules and hydrophobic pharmaceutical ligands, once assumed to only affect cell surface versions of these receptors. Here, we discuss evidence that the biology of nuclear GPCRs in particular is complex, rich, and highly interactive with GPCR signaling from the cell surface. Caging existing GPCR ligands may be an excellent means of further stratifying the phenotypic effects of known pharmacophores such as β-adrenergic, angiotensin II, and type B endothelin receptor ligands in the cardiovascular system. We describe some synthetic strategies we have used to design ligands to go from in cellulo to in vivo experiments. We also consider how surface and intracellular GPCR signaling might be integrated and ways to dissect this. If they could be selectively targeted, nuclear GPCRs and their associated nucleoligands would represent a completely novel area for exploration by Pharma.

The role of the LTB4-BLT1 axis in chemotactic gradient sensing and directed leukocyte migration

Directed leukocyte migration is a hallmark of inflammatory immune responses. Leukotrienes are derived from arachidonic acid and represent a class of potent lipid mediators of leukocyte migration. In this review, we summarize the essential steps leading to the production of LTB₄ in leukocytes. We discuss the recent findings on the exosomal packaging and transport of LTB₄ in the context of chemotactic gradients formation and regulation of leukocyte recruitment. We also discuss the dynamic roles of the LTB₄ receptors, BLT1 and BLT2, in mediating chemotactic signaling in leukocytes and contrast them to other structurally related leukotrienes that bind to distinct GPCRs. Finally, we highlight the specific roles of the LTB₄-BLT1 axis in mediating signal-relay between chemotaxing neutrophils and its potential contribution to a wide variety of inflammatory conditions including tumor progression and metastasis, where LTB₄ is emerging as a key signaling component.

G protein-coupled receptor signaling in cardiac nuclear membranes

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play key physiological roles and represent a significant target for drug development. However, historically, drugs were developed with the understanding that GPCRs as a therapeutic target exist solely on cell surface membranes. More recently, GPCRs have been detected on intracellular membranes, including the nuclear membrane, and the concept that intracellular GPCRs are functional is become more widely accepted. Nuclear GPCRs couple to effectors and regulate signaling pathways, analogous to their counterparts at the cell surface, but may serve distinct biological roles. Hence, the physiological responses mediated by GPCR ligands, or pharmacological agents, result from the integration of their actions at extracellular and intracellular receptors. The net effect depends on the ability of a given ligand or drug to access intracellular receptors, as dictated by its structure, lipophilic properties, and affinity for nuclear receptors. This review will discuss angiotensin II, endothelin, and β-adrenergic receptors located on the nuclear envelope in cardiac cells in terms of their origin, activation, and role in cardiovascular function and pathology.

Cell Death Inducing Microbial Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors--Mechanisms of Action

Okadaic acid (OA) and microcystin (MC) as well as several other microbial toxins like nodularin and calyculinA are known as tumor promoters as well as inducers of apoptotic cell death. Their intracellular targets are the major serine/threonine protein phosphatases. This review summarizes mechanisms believed to be responsible for the death induction and tumor promotion with focus on the interdependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin kinase II (CaM-KII). New data are presented using inhibitors of specific ROS producing enzymes to curb nodularin/MC-induced liver cell (hepatocyte) death. They indicate that enzymes of the arachidonic acid pathway, notably phospholipase A2, 5-lipoxygenase, and cyclooxygenases, may be required for nodularin/MC-induced (and presumably OA-induced) cell death, suggesting new ways to overcome at least some aspects of OA and MC toxicity.

Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in oxidative and inflammatory signaling pathways in different cell types in the central nervous system

Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) are important enzymes for the metabolism of fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. Among the three major classes of PLA(2)s in the mammalian system, the group IV calcium-dependent cytosolic PLA(2) alpha (cPLA(2)α) has received the most attention because it is widely expressed in nearly all mammalian cells and its active participation in cell metabolism. Besides Ca(2+) binding to its C2 domain, this enzyme can undergo a number of cell-specific post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation by protein kinases, S-nitrosylation through interaction with nitric oxide (NO), as well as interaction with other proteins and lipid molecules. Hydrolysis of phospholipids by cPLA(2) yields two important lipid mediators, arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophospholipids. While AA is known to serve as a substrate for cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases, which are enzymes for the synthesis of eicosanoids and leukotrienes, lysophospholipids are known to possess detergent-like properties capable of altering microdomains of cell membranes. An important feature of cPLA(2) is its link to cell surface receptors that stimulate signaling pathways associated with activation of protein kinases and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the central nervous system (CNS), cPLA(2) activation has been implicated in neuronal excitation, synaptic secretion, apoptosis, cell-cell interaction, cognitive and behavioral function, oxidative-nitrosative stress, and inflammatory responses that underline the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the types of extracellular agonists that target intracellular signaling pathways leading to cPLA(2) activation among different cell types and under different physiological and pathological conditions have not been investigated in detail. In this review, special emphasis is given to metabolic events linking cPLA(2) to activation in neurons, astrocytes, microglial cells, and cerebrovascular cells. Understanding the molecular mechanism(s) for regulation of this enzyme is deemed important in the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Evidence for proteolytic processing and stimulated organelle redistribution of iPLA(2)beta

Over the past decade, important roles for the 84-88kDa Group VIA Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)beta) in various organs have been described. We demonstrated that iPLA(2)beta participates in insulin secretion, insulinoma cells and native pancreatic islets express full-length and truncated isoforms of iPLA(2)beta, and certain stimuli promote perinuclear localization of iPLA(2)beta. To gain a better understanding of its mobilization, iPLA(2)beta was expressed in INS-1 cells as a fusion protein with EGFP, enabling detection of subcellular localization of iPLA(2)beta by monitoring EGFP fluorescence. Cells stably-transfected with fusion protein expressed nearly 5-fold higher catalytic iPLA(2)beta activity than control cells transfected with EGFP cDNA alone, indicating that co-expression of EGFP does not interfere with manifestation of iPLA(2)beta activity. Dual fluorescence monitoring of EGFP and organelle Trackers combined with immunoblotting analyses revealed expression of truncated iPLA(2)beta isoforms in separate subcellular organelles. Exposure to secretagogues and induction of ER stress are known to activate iPLA(2)beta in beta-cells and we find here that these stimuli promote differential localization of iPLA(2)beta in subcellular organelles. Further, mass spectrometric analyses identified iPLA(2)beta variants from which N-terminal residues were removed. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for endogenous proteolytic processing of iPLA(2)beta and redistribution of iPLA(2)beta variants in subcellular compartments. It might be proposed that in vivo processing of iPLA(2)beta facilitates its participation in multiple biological processes.

cPLA2 phosphorylation at serine-515 and serine-505 is required for arachidonic acid release in vascular smooth muscle cells

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) is activated by phosphorylation at serine-505 (S505) by extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). However, rat brain calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylates recombinant cPLA(2) at serine-515 (S515) and increases its activity in vitro. We have studied the sites of cPLA(2) phosphorylation and their significance in arachidonic acid (AA) release in response to norepinephrine (NE) in vivo in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) using specific anti-phospho-S515- and -S505 cPLA(2) antibodies and by mutagenesis of S515 and S505 to alanine. NE increased the phosphorylation of cPLA(2) at S515, followed by phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and consequently phosphorylation of cPLA(2) at S505. The CaMKII inhibitor 2-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)]-N-(4-methoxybenzene-sulfonyl)]amino-N-(4-chlorocinnamyl)-methylbenzylamine attenuated cPLA(2) at S515 and S505, whereas the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 reduced phosphorylation at S505 but not at S515. NE in cells transduced with adenovirus carrying enhanced cyan fluorescent protein cPLA(2) wild type caused phosphorylation at S515 and S505 and increased AA release. Expression of the S515A mutant in VSMCs reduced the phosphorylation of S505, ERK1/2, and AA release in response to NE. Transduction with a double mutant (S515A/S505A) blocked the phosphorylation of cPLA(2) and AA release. These data suggest that the NE-stimulated phosphorylation of cPLA(2) at S515 is required for the phosphorylation of S505 by ERK1/2 and that both sites of phosphorylation are important for AA release in VSMCs.

Ser515 phosphorylation-independent regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha) by calmodulin-dependent protein kinase: possible interaction with catalytic domain A of cPLA2alpha

Calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) is proposed to regulate the type alpha of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)alpha), which has a dominant role in the release of arachidonic acid (AA), via phosphorylation of Ser515 of the enzyme. However, the exact role of CaM kinase in the activation of cPLA(2)alpha has not been well established. We investigated the effects induced by transfection with mutant cPLA(2)alpha and inhibitors for CaM and CaM kinase on the Ca(2+)-stimulated release of AA and translocation of cPLA(2)alpha. The mutation of Ser515 to Ala (S515A) did not change cPLA(2)alpha activity, although S228A and S505A completely and partially decreased the activity, respectively. Stimulation with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2), 1 mM) and A23187 (10 microM) markedly released AA in C12 cells expressing S515A and wild-type cPLA(2)alpha, but the responses in C12-S505A, C12-S727A, and C12-S505A/S515A/S727A (AAA) cells were reduced. In HEK293T cells expressing cPLA(2)alpha, A23187 caused the translocation of the wild-type, the every mutants, cPLA(2)alpha-C2 domain, and cPLA(2)alpha-Delta397-749 lacking proposed phosphorylation sites such as Ser505 and Ser515. Treatment with inhibitors of CaM (W-7) and CaM kinase (KN-93) at 10 microM significantly decreased the release of AA in C12-cPLA(2)alpha cells and C12-S515A cells. KN-93 inhibited the A23187-induced translocation of the wild-type, S515A, AAA and cPLA(2)alpha-Delta397-749, but not cPLA(2)alpha-C2 domain. Our findings show a possible effect of CaM kinase on cPLA(2)alpha in a catalytic domain A-dependent and Ser515-independent manner.

Adenovirus type 5 exerts multiple effects on the expression and activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin synthesis

In this study, we examine how infection of murine and human fibroblasts by adenovirus (Ad) serotype 5 (Ad5) affects the expression and activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and production of PGs. Our experiments showed that infection with Ad5 is accompanied by the rapid activation of cPLA2 and the cPLA2-dependent release of [3H]arachidonic acid ([3H]AA). Increased expression of COX-2 was also observed after Ad infection, as was production of PGE2 and PGI2. Later, however, as the infection progressed, release of [3H]AA and production of PGs stopped. Late-stage Ad5-infected cells also did not release [3H]AA or PGs following treatment with a panel of biologically diverse agents. Experiments with UV-inactivated virus confirmed that Ad infection is accompanied by the activation of a host-dependent response that is later inhibited by the virus. Investigations of the mechanism of suppression of the PG pathway by Ad5 did not reveal major effects on the expression or activity of cPLA2 or COX-2. We did note a change in the intracellular position of cPLA2 and found that cPLA2 did not translocate normally in infected cells, raising the possibility that Ad5 interferes with the PG pathway by interfering with the intracellular movement of cPLA2. Taken together, these data reveal dynamic interactions between Ad5 and the lipid mediator pathways of the host and highlight a novel mechanism by which Ad5 evades the host immune response. In addition, our results offer insight into the inflammatory response induced by many Ad vectors lacking early region gene products.

Nuclear localization of SP, CGRP, and NK1R in a subpopulation of dorsal root ganglia subpopulation cells in rats

Signals generated by renal pelvic afferent nerves in response to stimulation are transmitted from peripheral processes of dorsal root ganglia neurons to their central terminals in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to cause the release of neuropeptides, including SP and CGRP. All of the cellular activities of SP are considered to be mediated through interaction with NK(1)R located on the cell surface. We have investigated the colocalization and subcellular distribution of NK(1)R, SP, and CGRP in different subpopulations of neurons that innervate renal tissue. Our findings therefore provide the first evidence for the presence of NK(1)R, SP, and CGRP in the nuclei of DGR neural cells. The physiological significance of this localization remains unknown. One possibility is that pelvic sensory neurons may regulate their responses to different stimuli by modulating the ratio of CGRP and SP release and/or nuclear NK(1)R expression.

Estrogen induces phospholipase A2 activation through ERK1/2 to mobilize intracellular calcium in MCF-7 cells

The principal secreted estrogen, 17beta-estradiol rapidly activates signaling cascades that regulate important physiological processes including ion transport across membranes, cytosolic pH and cell proliferation. These effects have been extensively studied in the MCF-7 estrogen-responsive human breast carcinoma cell line. Here, we demonstrate that a physiological concentration of 17beta-estradiol caused a rapid, synchronous and transient increase in intracellular calcium concentration in a confluent monolayer of MCF-7 cells 2-3 min after treatment. This response was abolished when cells were pre-incubated with the phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) inhibitor quinacrine or with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. The translocation of GFP-cPLA(2)alpha to perinuclear membranes occurred 1-2 min after 17beta-estradiol treatment; this translocation was concurrent with the transient phosphorylation of cPLA(2)alpha at serine residue 505. The phosphorylation and translocation of cPLA(2) were sensitive to inhibition of the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade and occurred simultaneously with a transient activation of ERK. The phosphorylation of cPLA(2) could be stimulated by membrane impermeable 17beta-estradiol conjugated to bovine serum albumen and was blocked by an antagonist of the classical estrogen receptor. Here we show, for the first time, that PLA(2) and the eicosanoid biosynthetic pathway are involved in the 17beta-estradiol induced rapid calcium responses of breast cancer cells.

Contribution of arachidonic acid metabolites derived via cytochrome P4504A to angiotensin II-induced neointimal growth

Angiotensin II and the arachidonic acid metabolite derived via cytochrome P450 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid promote vasoconstriction and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. This study was conducted to determine if 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid contributes to angiotensin II-induced neointimal formation in balloon-injured rat carotid artery. In anesthetized rats, the drugs were infused into the clamped segment of the injured right common carotid artery for 60 minutes. The drug solution and catheter were withdrawn, the common carotid artery was ligated, and blood flow was restored. Exposure of the injured artery to angiotensin II (200 nmol/L) or arachidonic acid (10 micromol/L) increased neointimal thickening at day 14 (intima/media ratio 0.71+/-0.14 with vehicle versus 1.65+/-0.10 with angiotensin II or 1.31+/-0.13 with arachidonic acid; P<0.05). Cytochrome P450 4A1 antisense, but not scrambled, oligodeoxynucleotide (100 nmol/L) reduced angiotensin II-induced or arachidonic acid-induced neointimal thickening (intima/media ratio 0.90+/-0.07 for angiotensin II and 0.95+/-0.06 for arachidonic acid). 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid (0.5 micromol/L) also increased neointimal thickening of injured artery (intima/media ratio 1.15+/-0.03); this was not altered by cytochrome P450 4A1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. Angiotensin II, arachidonic acid, and 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid also induced the expression of cytochrome P450 4A and increased the number of CD45-positive cells; the latter effect of angiotensin II and arachidonic acid, but not 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid, was diminished by cytochrome P450 4A1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. These data suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites derived via cytochrome P450 4A, most likely 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid, mediate angiotensin II-induced neointimal thickening in injured rat carotid artery.

Regulatory mechanism and physiological role of cytosolic phospholipase A2

Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha) preferentially hydrolyzes phospholipids containing arachidonic acid and plays a key role in the biosynthesis of eicosanoids. This review discusses the essential features of cPLA2alpha regulation and addresses new insights into the functional properties of this enzyme. Full activation of the enzyme requires Ca2+ binding to an N-terminal C2 domain and phosphorylation on serine residues. Ca2+ binding induces translocation of cPLA2alpha from the cytosol to the perinuclear membranes. Serine phosphorylation is mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and MAPK-interacting kinase Mnk1. Interaction with proteins and lipids, which include vimentin, annexins, NADPH oxidase, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), and ceramide-1-phosphate, can also modulate the activity of cPLA2alpha. Recent evidence has established the physiological and pathological roles of cPLA2alpha using cPLA2alpha knockout mice. This enzyme has been implicated in fertility, striated muscle growth, renal concentration, postischemic brain injury, arthritis, inflammatory bone resorption, intestinal polyposis, pulmonary fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Now novel three paralogs, cPLA2beta, cPLA2gamma, and cPLA2delta, have been identified in humans. cPLA2gamma is distinct from others in that it is farnesylated and lacks the C2 domain. Biological roles for these new enzymes have not yet been defined.

Intact actin filaments are required for cytosolic phospholipase A2 translocation but not for its activation by norepinephrine in vascular smooth muscle cells

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) is activated and translocated to the nuclear envelope by various vasoactive agents, including norepinephrine (NE), and releases arachidonic acid (AA) from tissue phospholipids. We previously demonstrated that NE-induced cPLA(2) translocation to the nuclear envelope is mediated via its phosphorylation by calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase-II in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cytoskeletal structures actin and microtubule filaments have been implicated in the trafficking of proteins to various cellular sites. This study was conducted to investigate the contribution of actin and microtubule filaments to cPLA(2) translocation to the nuclear envelope and its activation by NE in rabbit VSMCs. NE (10 microM) caused cPLA(2) translocation to the nuclear envelope as determined by immunofluorescence. Cytochalasin D (CD; 0.5 microM) and latrunculin A (LA; 0.5 microM) that disrupted actin filaments, blocked cPLA(2) translocation elicited by NE. On the other hand, disruption of microtubule filaments by 10 microM colchicine did not block NE-induced cPLA(2) translocation to the nuclear envelope. CD and LA did not inhibit NE-induced increase in cytosolic calcium and cPLA(2) activity, determined from the hydrolysis of l-1-[(14)C]arachidonyl phosphatidylcholine and release of AA. Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed an association of actin with cPLA(2), which was not altered by CD or LA. Far-Western analysis showed that cPLA(2) interacts directly with actin. Our data suggest that NE-induced cPLA(2) translocation to the nuclear envelope requires an intact actin but not microtubule filaments and that cPLA(2) phosphorylation and activation and AA release are independent of its translocation to the nuclear envelope in rabbit VSMCs.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 is responsible for prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 formation in phagocyte-like PLB-985 cells: studies of differentiated cPLA2-deficient PLB-985 cells

Our previously established model of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2))-deficient, differentiated PLB-985 cells (PLB-D cells) was used to determine the physiological role of cPLA(2) in eicosanoid production. Parent PLB-985 (PLB) cells and PLB-D cells were differentiated toward the monocyte or granulocyte lineages using 5 x 10(-)(8) M 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D(3) or 1.25% dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively. Parent monocyte- or granulocyte-like PLB cells released prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) when stimulated by ionomycin, A23187, opsonized zymosan, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), and monocyte- or granulocyte-like PLB-D cells did not release PGE(2) with any of the agonists. The kinetics of cPLA(2) translocation to nuclear fractions in monocyte-like PLB cells stimulated with fMLP or ionomycin was in correlation with the kinetics of PGE(2) production. Granulocyte-like PLB cells, but not granulocyte-like PLB-D cells, secreted leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) after stimulation with ionomycin or A23187. Preincubation of monocyte-like parent PLB cells with 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 16 h enhanced stimulated PGE(2) production, which is in correlation with the increased levels of cPLA(2) detected in these cells. LPS preincubation was less potent in increasing PGE(2) and LTB(4) secretion and did not affect cPLA(2) expression in granulocyte-like PLB cells, which may be a result of their lower levels of surface LPS receptor expression. LPS had no effect on monocyte- or granulocyte-like PLB-D cells. The lack of eicosanoid formation in stimulated, differentiated cPLA(2)-deficient PLB cells indicates that cPLA(2) contributes to stimulated eicosanoid formation in monocyte- and granulocyte-like PLB cells.

Phospholipase A2 in the central nervous system

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) belongs to a family of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of fatty acids from the sn-2 position of phospholipids. There are more than 19 different isoforms of PLA2 in the mammalian system, but recent studies have focused on three major groups, namely, the group IV cytosolic PLA2, the group II secretory PLA2 (sPLA2), and the group VI Ca(2+)-independent PLA2. These PLA2s are involved in a complex network of signaling pathways that link receptor agonists, oxidative agents, and proinflammatory cytokines to the release of arachidonic acid (AA) and the synthesis of eicosanoids. PLA2s acting on membrane phospholipids have been implicated in intracellular membrane trafficking, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic processes. All major groups of PLA2 are present in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, this review is focused on PLA2 and AA release in neural cells, especially in astrocytes and neurons. In addition, because many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory responses, an attempt was made to include studies on PLA2 in cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and neuronal injury due to excitotoxic agents. Information from these studies has provided clear evidence for the important role of PLA2 in regulating physiological and pathological functions in the CNS.

Nuclear lipids: key signaling effectors in the nervous system and other tissues

Lipids have long been recognized as quantitatively minor components of the nucleus, where they were initially thought to have little functional importance; but they now command growing interest, with recognition of their diverse signaling and modulating properties in that organelle. This applies to the lipid-poor compartments of the nucleoplasm as well as the relatively lipid-rich nuclear envelope. Phosphoglycerides and sphingomyelin, as the predominant lipids, have attracted the most interest among researchers, but some of the less-abundant lipids such as gangliosides, sphingosine, and sphingosine phosphate are now becoming recognized as functionally important nuclear constituents. Among recent advances in this emerging field are detailed findings on the metabolic enzymes that synthesize and catabolize nuclear lipids; the fact that these are localized primarily within the nucleus itself indicates considerable autonomy with respect to lipid metabolism. Current studies suggest several key processes involving RNA and DNA reactivity that are dependent on these lipid-initiated events. Neural cell nuclei have been the subject of such investigations, with results that closely parallel the more numerous studies on nuclei of extraneural cells. This review attempts to outline some of the major findings on nuclear lipids of diverse cell types; results with nonneural nuclei will hopefully provide useful guideposts to further studies of neural systems.

Psychoses and creativity: is the missing link a biological mechanism related to phospholipids turnover?

Recent evidence suggests that genetic and biochemical factors associated with psychoses may also provide an increased propensity to think creatively. The evolutionary theories linking brain growth and diet to the appearance of creative endeavors have been made recently, but they lack a direct link to research on the biological correlates of divergent and creative thought. Expanding upon Horrobin's theory that changes in brain size and in neural microconnectivity came about as a result of changes in dietary fat and phospholipid incorporation of highly unsaturated fatty acids, we propose a theory relating phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity to the neuromodulatory effects of the noradrenergic system. This theory offers probable links between attention, divergent thinking, and arousal through a mechanism that emphasizes optimal individual functioning of the PLA2 and NE systems as they interact with structural and biochemical states of the brain. We hope that this theory will stimulate new research in the neural basis of creativity and its connection to psychoses.

Agonist-independent nuclear localization of the Apelin, angiotensin AT1, and bradykinin B2 receptors

Signaling of the apelin, angiotensin, and bradykinin peptides is mediated by G protein-coupled receptors related through structure and similarities of physiological function. We report nuclear expression as a characteristic of these receptors, including a nuclear localization for the apelin receptor in brain and cerebellum-derived D283 Med cells and the AT(1) and bradykinin B(2) receptors in HEK-293T cells. Immunocytochemical analyses revealed the apelin receptor with localization in neuronal nuclei in cerebellum and hypothalamus, exhibiting expression in neuronal cytoplasm or in both nuclei and cytoplasm. Confocal microscopy of HEK-293T cells revealed the majority of transfected cells displayed constitutive nuclear localization of AT(1) and B(2) receptors, whereas apelin receptors did not show nuclear localization in these cells. The majority of apelin receptor-transfected cerebellum D283 Med cells showed receptor nuclear expression. Immunoblot analyses of subcellular-fractionated D283 Med cells demonstrated endogenous apelin receptor species in nuclear fractions. In addition, an identified nuclear localization signal motif in the third intracellular loop of the apelin receptor was disrupted by a substituted glutamine in place of lysine. This apelin receptor (K242Q) did not exhibit nuclear localization in D283 Med cells. These results demonstrate the following: (i) the apelin receptor exhibits nuclear localization in human brain; (ii) distinct cell-dependent mechanisms for the nuclear transport of apelin, AT(1), and B(2) receptors; and (iii) the disruption of a nuclear localization signal sequence disrupts the nuclear translocation of the apelin receptor. This discovery of apelin, AT(1), and B(2) receptors with agonist-independent nuclear translocation suggests major unanticipated roles for these receptors in cell signaling and function.

Functional endothelin receptors are present on nuclei in cardiac ventricular myocytes

Endothelins are thought to act through two specific, plasmalemmal G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, ETAR and ETBR. However, in subfractionated cardiac membranes, ETAR immunoreactivity was detected only in the plasma membrane whereas ETBR immunoreactivity was detected predominantly in membranes of intracellular origin. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of intracellular ETAR and ETBR in ventricular myocytes. ETAR were primarily on plasma membrane (surface membranes and transverse-tubules) and to a lesser extent on the nucleus while ETBR localized primarily to the nuclei. Western blot analysis of nuclei isolated from the heart indicated the presence of endothelin receptors: both ETAR and ETBR copurified with nucleoporin 62, whereas markers of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi membranes were depleted. Radioligand binding studies revealed that isolated nuclei contain specific [125I]ET-1 binding sites. Specific [125I]ET-1 binding was reduced by 70-80% using the ETAR-selective antagonist BQ610 and 20-30% using the ETBR-specific antagonist BQ788. IRL-1620, an ETBR-specific agonist, also reduced [125I]ET-1 binding. Furthermore, ET-1 and IRL-1620 altered the incorporation of 32P into nuclear proteins and caused a transient increase in nuclear Ca2+ concentration. Hence, cardiac nuclei possess both ETAR and ETBR subtypes, which are functional with respect to ligand binding and are coupled to signaling mechanisms within the nuclear membrane.