Increased Acute Inflammation, Leukotriene B4-Induced Chemotaxis, and Signaling in Mice Deficient for G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 6

G protein-coupled receptor kinases in hypertension: physiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic targets

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate cellular responses to a myriad of hormones and neurotransmitters that play vital roles in the regulation of physiological processes such as blood pressure. In organs such as the artery and kidney, hormones or neurotransmitters, such as angiotensin II (Ang II), dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine exert their functions via their receptors, with the ultimate effect of keeping normal vascular reactivity, normal body sodium, and normal blood pressure. GPCR kinases (GRKs) exert their biological functions, by mediating the regulation of agonist-occupied GPCRs, non-GPCRs, or non-receptor substrates. In particular, increasing number of studies show that aberrant expression and activity of GRKs in the cardiovascular system and kidney inhibit or stimulate GPCRs (e.g., dopamine receptors, Ang II receptors, and α- and β-adrenergic receptors), resulting in hypertension. Current studies focus on the effect of selective GRK inhibitors in cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Moreover, genetic studies show that GRK gene variants are associated with essential hypertension, blood pressure response to antihypertensive medicines, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes of antihypertensive treatment. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of GRK-mediated regulation of blood pressure, role of GRKs in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and highlight potential strategies for the treatment of hypertension. Schematic representation of GPCR desensitization process. Activation of GPCRs begins with the binding of an agonist to its corresponding receptor. Then G proteins activate downstream effectors that are mediated by various signaling pathways. GPCR signaling is halted by GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation, which causes receptor internalization through β-arrestin.

Kinase Activity Is Not Required for G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 4 Restraining mTOR Signaling during Cilia and Kidney Development

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) regulates renal sodium and water reabsorption. Although GRK4 variants with elevated kinase activity have been associated with salt-sensitive or essential hypertension, this association has been inconsistent among different study populations. In addition, studies elucidating how GRK4 may modulate cellular signaling are sparse. In an analysis of how GRK4 affects the developing kidney, the authors found that GRK4 modulates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Loss of GRK4 in embryonic zebrafish causes kidney dysfunction and glomerular cysts. Moreover, GRK4 depletion in zebrafish and cellular mammalian models results in elongated cilia. Rescue experiments suggest that hypertension in carriers of GRK4 variants may not be explained solely by kinase hyperactivity; instead, elevated mTOR signaling may be the underlying cause.

BACKGROUND

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) is considered a central regulator of blood pressure through phosphorylation of renal dopaminergic receptors and subsequent modulation of sodium excretion. Several nonsynonymous genetic variants of GRK4 have been only partially linked to hypertension, although these variants demonstrate elevated kinase activity. However, some evidence suggests that function of GRK4 variants may involve more than regulation of dopaminergic receptors alone. Little is known about the effects of GRK4 on cellular signaling, and it is also unclear whether or how altered GRK4 function might affect kidney development.

METHODS

To better understand the effect of GRK4 variants on the functionality of GRK4 and GRK4's actions in cellular signaling during kidney development, we studied zebrafish, human cells, and a murine kidney spheroid model.

RESULTS

Zebrafish depleted of Grk4 develop impaired glomerular filtration, generalized edema, glomerular cysts, pronephric dilatation, and expansion of kidney cilia. In human fibroblasts and in a kidney spheroid model, GRK4 knockdown produced elongated primary cilia. Reconstitution with human wild-type GRK4 partially rescues these phenotypes. We found that kinase activity is dispensable because kinase-dead GRK4 (altered GRK4 that cannot result in phosphorylation of the targeted protein) prevented cyst formation and restored normal ciliogenesis in all tested models. Hypertension-associated genetic variants of GRK4 fail to rescue any of the observed phenotypes, suggesting a receptor-independent mechanism. Instead, we discovered unrestrained mammalian target of rapamycin signaling as an underlying cause.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings identify GRK4 as novel regulator of cilia and of kidney development independent of GRK4's kinase function and provide evidence that the GRK4 variants believed to act as hyperactive kinases are dysfunctional for normal ciliogenesis.

The role of G protein-coupled receptor in neutrophil dysfunction during sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. It is a common and complex syndrome and is the leading cause of death in intensive care units. The lungs are most vulnerable to the challenge of sepsis, and the incidence of respiratory dysfunction has been reported to be up to 70%, in which neutrophils play a major role. Neutrophils are the first line of defense against infection, and they are regarded as the most responsive cells in sepsis. Normally, neutrophils recognize chemokines including the bacterial product N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), complement 5a (C5a), and lipid molecules Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), and enter the site of infection through mobilization, rolling, adhesion, migration, and chemotaxis. However, numerous studies have confirmed that despite the high levels of chemokines in septic patients and mice at the site of infection, the neutrophils cannot migrate to the proper target location, but instead they accumulate in the lungs, releasing histones, DNA, and proteases that mediate tissue damage and induce acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is closely related to impaired neutrophil migration in sepsis, but the mechanism involved is still unclear. Many studies have shown that chemokine receptor dysregulation is an important cause of impaired neutrophil migration, and the vast majority of these chemokine receptors belong to the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways by which neutrophil GPCR regulates chemotaxis and the mechanisms by which abnormal GPCR function in sepsis leads to impaired neutrophil chemotaxis, which can further cause ARDS. Several potential targets for intervention are proposed to improve neutrophil chemotaxis, and we hope that this review may provide insights for clinical practitioners.

The Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 6 Regulation in Inflammation and Pain

The G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 is associated with inflammation and pathological pain. Impairment of GRK6 expression was described in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and this was shown to be accompanied by an imbalance of downstream signaling pathways. Here, we discuss novel aspects of GRK6 interaction and its impact upon hyperalgesia and inflammatory processes. In this review, we compile important findings concerning GRK6 regulation for a better pathophysiological understanding of the intracellular interaction in the context of inflammation and show clinical implications-for example, the identification of possible therapy goals in the treatment of chronic inflammatory hyperalgesia.

Combinatorial depletions of G-protein coupled receptor kinases in immune cells identify pleiotropic and cell type-specific functions

G-protein coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) participate in the regulation of chemokine receptors by mediating receptor desensitization. They can be recruited to agonist-activated G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and phosphorylate their intracellular parts, which eventually blocks signal propagation and often induces receptor internalization. However, there is growing evidence that GRKs can also control cellular functions beyond GPCR regulation. Immune cells commonly express two to four members of the GRK family (GRK2, GRK3, GRK5, GRK6) simultaneously, but we have very limited knowledge about their interplay in primary immune cells. In particular, we are missing comprehensive studies comparing the role of this GRK interplay for (a) multiple GPCRs within one leukocyte type, and (b) one specific GPCR between several immune cell subsets. To address this issue, we generated mouse models of single, combinatorial and complete GRK knockouts in four primary immune cell types (neutrophils, T cells, B cells and dendritic cells) and systematically addressed the functional consequences on GPCR-controlled cell migration and tissue localization. Our study shows that combinatorial depletions of GRKs have pleiotropic and cell-type specific effects in leukocytes, many of which could not be predicted. Neutrophils lacking all four GRK family members show increased chemotactic migration responses to a wide range of GPCR ligands, whereas combinatorial GRK depletions in other immune cell types lead to pro- and anti-migratory responses. Combined depletion of GRK2 and GRK6 in T cells and B cells shows distinct functional outcomes for (a) one GPCR type in different cell types, and (b) different GPCRs in one cell type. These GPCR-type and cell-type specific effects reflect in altered lymphocyte chemotaxis in vitro and localization in vivo. Lastly, we provide evidence that complete GRK deficiency impairs dendritic cell homeostasis, which unexpectedly results from defective dendritic cell differentiation and maturation in vitro and in vivo. Together, our findings demonstrate the complexity of GRK functions in immune cells, which go beyond GPCR desensitization in specific leukocyte types. Furthermore, they highlight the need for studying GRK functions in primary immune cells to address their specific roles in each leukocyte subset.

Neutrophils: Amoeboid Migration and Swarming Dynamics in Tissues

Neutrophils are key cells of our innate immune response with essential roles for eliminating bacteria and fungi from tissues. They are also the prototype of an amoeboid migrating leukocyte. As one of the first blood-recruited immune cell types during inflammation and infection, these cells can invade almost any tissue compartment. Once in the tissue, neutrophils undergo rapid shape changes and migrate at speeds higher than most other immune cells. They move in a substrate-independent manner in interstitial spaces and do not follow predetermined tissue paths. Instead, neutrophil navigation is largely shaped by the chemokine and chemoattractant milieu around them. This highlights the decisive role of attractant-sensing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and downstream molecular pathways for controlling amoeboid neutrophil movement in tissues. A diverse repertoire of cell-surface expressed GPCRs makes neutrophils the perfect sentinel cell type to sense and detect danger-associated signals released from wounds, inflamed interstitium, dying cells, complement factors or directly from tissue-invading microbes. Moreover, neutrophils release attractants themselves, which allows communication and coordination between individual cells of a neutrophil population. GPCR-mediated positive feedback mechanisms were shown to underlie neutrophil swarming, a population response that amplifies the recruitment of amoeboid migrating neutrophils to sites of tissue injury and infection. Here we discuss recent findings and current concepts that counteract excessive neutrophil accumulation and swarm formation. In particular, we will focus on negative feedback control mechanisms that terminate neutrophil swarming to maintain the delicate balance between tissue surveillance, host protection and tissue destruction.

A Genome-Wide Association Study of Prediabetes Status Change

We conducted the first genome-wide association study of prediabetes status change (to diabetes or normal glycaemia) among 900 White participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based analysis was performed by logistic regression models, controlling for age, gender, body mass index, and the first 3 genetic principal components. Gene-based analysis was conducted by combining SNP-based p values using effective Chi-square test method. Promising SNPs (p < 1×10-5) and genes (p < 1×10-4) were further evaluated for replication among 514 White participants of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). To accommodate familial correlations, generalized estimation equation models were applied for SNP-based analyses in the FHS. Analysis results across ARIC and FHS were combined using inverse-variance-weighted meta-analysis method for SNPs and Fisher's method for genes. We robustly identified 5 novel genes that are associated with prediabetes status change using gene-based analyses, including SGCZ (ARIC p = 9.93×10-6, FHS p = 2.00×10-3, Meta p = 3.72×10-7) at 8p22, HPSE2 (ARIC p = 8.26×10-19, FHS p = 5.85×10-3, Meta p < 8.26×10-19) at 10q24.2, ADGRA1 (ARIC p = 1.34×10-5, FHS p = 1.13×10-3, Meta p = 2.88×10-7) at 10q26.3, GLB1L3 (ARIC p = 3.71×10-6, FHS p = 4.51×10-3, Meta p = 3.16×10-7) at 11q25, and PCSK6 (ARIC p = 6.51×10-6, FHS p = 1.10×10-2, Meta p = 1.25×10-6) at 15q26.3. eQTL analysis indicated that these genes were highly expressed in tissues related to diabetes development. However, we were not able to identify any novel locus in single SNP-based analysis. Future large scale genomic studies of prediabetes status change are warranted.

Neutrophils self-limit swarming to contain bacterial growth in vivo

Neutrophils communicate with each other to form swarms in infected organs. Coordination of this population response is critical for the elimination of bacteria and fungi. Using transgenic mice, we found that neutrophils have evolved an intrinsic mechanism to self-limit swarming and avoid uncontrolled aggregation during inflammation. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization acts as a negative feedback control to stop migration of neutrophils when they sense high concentrations of self-secreted attractants that initially amplify swarming. Interference with this process allows neutrophils to scan larger tissue areas for microbes. Unexpectedly, this does not benefit bacterial clearance as containment of proliferating bacteria by neutrophil clusters becomes impeded. Our data reveal how autosignaling stops self-organized swarming behavior and how the finely tuned balance of neutrophil chemotaxis and arrest counteracts bacterial escape.

The GRKs Reactome: Role in Cell Biology and Pathology

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are protein kinases that function in concert with arrestins in the regulation of a diverse class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) signaling. Although GRKs and arrestins are key participants in the regulation of GPCR cascades, the complex regulatory mechanisms of GRK expression, its alternation, and their function are not thoroughly understood. Several studies together with the work from our lab in recent years have revealed the critical role of these kinases in various physiological and pathophysiological processes, including cardiovascular biology, inflammation and immunity, neurodegeneration, thrombosis, and hemostasis. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying functional interactions with multiple receptor proteins and how these interactions take part in the development of various pathobiological processes may give rise to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the current research linking the role of GRKs to various aspects of cell biology, pathology, and therapeutics, with a particular focus on thrombosis and hemostasis.

Acidic Calcium-Independent Phospholipase A2 Regulates Eosinophil-Mediated Pathology during Filarial Manifestation of Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia

Eosinophils mediate pathological manifestations during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), a potentially fatal complication of lymphatic filariasis, by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and pharmacological and functional studies, we identified acidic calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (aiPLA2) as the master regulator of TPE pathogenesis. FACS-sorted lung eosinophils from TPE mice exhibited aiPLA2-dependent activation characterized by heavy calcium influx, F-actin polymerization, increased degranulation, and heightened reactive oxygen species generation. Interestingly, aiPLA2 also promoted alternative activation in lung macrophages and regulated the release of inflammatory intermediates from them. Treatment of TPE mice with MJ33, a nontoxic pharmacological inhibitor of aiPLA2, lowered eosinophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, reduced eosinophil peroxidase and β-hexosaminidase activity, increased airway width, improved lung endothelial barrier, and lowered the production of inflammatory lipid intermediates, which significantly improved the pathological condition of the lungs. Importantly, ex vivo reconstitution of arachidonic acid to eosinophils from MJ33-treated TPE mice increased eosinophil degranulation and inflammatory lipid intermediates underlining the pivotal role of aiPLA2 in arachidonic acid metabolism. Mechanistically, phosphorylation of JNK-1 regulated phospholipase activity of aiPLA2, whereas IgG cross-linking mediated pathological activation of eosinophils. Taken together, ours is the first study, to our knowledge, to report hitherto undocumented role of aiPLA2 in regulating TPE pathogenesis.

Concepts of GPCR-controlled navigation in the immune system

G‐protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling is essential for the spatiotemporal control of leukocyte dynamics during immune responses. For efficient navigation through mammalian tissues, most leukocyte types express more than one GPCR on their surface and sense a wide range of chemokines and chemoattractants, leading to basic forms of leukocyte movement (chemokinesis, haptokinesis, chemotaxis, haptotaxis, and chemorepulsion). How leukocytes integrate multiple GPCR signals and make directional decisions in lymphoid and inflamed tissues is still subject of intense research. Many of our concepts on GPCR‐controlled leukocyte navigation in the presence of multiple GPCR signals derive from in vitro chemotaxis studies and lower vertebrates. In this review, we refer to these concepts and critically contemplate their relevance for the directional movement of several leukocyte subsets (neutrophils, T cells, and dendritic cells) in the complexity of mouse tissues. We discuss how leukocyte navigation can be regulated at the level of only a single GPCR (surface expression, competitive antagonism, oligomerization, homologous desensitization, and receptor internalization) or multiple GPCRs (synergy, hierarchical and non‐hierarchical competition, sequential signaling, heterologous desensitization, and agonist scavenging). In particular, we will highlight recent advances in understanding GPCR‐controlled leukocyte navigation by intravital microscopy of immune cells in mice.

Physiological application of nanoparticles in calcium-related proteins and channels

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied as therapeutic drug-delivery agents for promising clinical trial outcomes. Nanomaterial-based drugs can transfer conventional drugs to target lesions, such as tumors, with increasing efficiency by enhancing drug-cell interaction or drug absorption. Although they are favorable as efficient drug transfer systems, NPs also exhibit cytotoxicity that affects nonpathological regions. Here, we review the basic information behind NP-induced Ca²⁺ signaling and its participation in channel physiology and pathology. NPs are observed to demonstrate inhibitory or active effects on Ca²⁺ signaling. Thus, understanding Ca²⁺ signaling by NPs as a key mechanism in signal transduction will progress the application of nano-drugs in various diseases without deleterious effect.

Stepwise phosphorylation of leukotriene B4 receptor 1 defines cellular responses to leukotriene B4

Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) receptor type 1 (BLT1) is abundant in phagocytic and immune cells and plays crucial roles in various inflammatory diseases. BLT1 is phosphorylated at several serine and threonine residues upon stimulation with the inflammatory lipid LTB₄ Using Phos-tag gel electrophoresis to separate differentially phosphorylated forms of BLT1, we identified two distinct types of phosphorylation, basal and ligand-induced, in the carboxyl terminus of human BLT1. In the absence of LTB₄, the basal phosphorylation sites were modified to various degrees, giving rise to many different phosphorylated forms of BLT1. Different concentrations of LTB₄ induced distinct phosphorylation events, and these ligand-induced modifications facilitated additional phosphorylation events at the basal phosphorylation sites. Because neutrophils migrate toward inflammatory sites along a gradient of LTB₄, the degree of BLT1 phosphorylation likely increases in parallel with the increase in LTB₄ concentration as the cells migrate. At high concentrations of LTB₄, deficiencies in these two types of phosphorylation events impaired chemotaxis and β-hexosaminidase release, a proxy for degranulation, in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells, respectively. These results suggest that an LTB₄ gradient around inflammatory sites enhances BLT1 phosphorylation in a stepwise manner to facilitate the precise migration of phagocytic and immune cells and the initiation of local responses, including degranulation.

Migrating Myeloid Cells Sense Temporal Dynamics of Chemoattractant Concentrations

Chemoattractant-mediated recruitment of hematopoietic cells to sites of pathogen growth or tissue damage is critical to host defense and organ homeostasis. Chemotaxis is typically considered to rely on spatial sensing, with cells following concentration gradients as long as these are present. Utilizing a microfluidic approach, we found that stable gradients of intermediate chemokines (CCL19 and CXCL12) failed to promote persistent directional migration of dendritic cells or neutrophils. Instead, rising chemokine concentrations were needed, implying that temporal sensing mechanisms controlled prolonged responses to these ligands. This behavior was found to depend on G-coupled receptor kinase-mediated negative regulation of receptor signaling and contrasted with responses to an end agonist chemoattractant (C5a), for which a stable gradient led to persistent migration. These findings identify temporal sensing as a key requirement for long-range myeloid cell migration to intermediate chemokines and provide insights into the mechanisms controlling immune cell motility in complex tissue environments.

Role of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-6 in Escherichia coli lung infection model in mice

G protein-coupled receptor kinase-6 (GRK6) is a serine/threonine kinase that is important in inflammatory processes. In this study, we examined the role of GRK6 in Escherichia coli-induced lung infection and inflammation using GRK6 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Intratracheal instillation of E. coli significantly enhanced bacterial load in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of KO compared with WT mice. Reduced bacterial clearance in the KO mice was not due to an intrinsic defect in neutrophil phagocytosis or killing but as a result of reduced neutrophil numbers in the KO BAL. Interestingly, neutrophil numbers in the lung were increased in the KO compared with WT mice, suggesting a potential dysfunction in transepithelial migration of neutrophils from the lungs to the bronchoalveolar space. This effect was selective for lung tissue because peritoneal neutrophil numbers were similar between the two genotypes following peritoneal infection. Although neutrophil expression of CXCR2/CXCR3 was similar between WT and KO, IL-17A expression was higher in the KO compared with WT mice. These results suggest that enhanced neutrophil count in the KO lungs but reduced numbers in BAL are likely due to transepithelial migration defect and/or altered chemokines/cytokines. Together, our studies suggest a previously unrecognized and novel role for GRK6 in neutrophil migration specific to pulmonary tissue during bacterial infection.

In vivo neutralization of α4 and β7 integrins inhibits eosinophil trafficking and prevents lung injury during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia in mice

Integrins regulate leukocyte trafficking during homeostasis and inflammatory conditions. However, the role of α4 and β7 integrins in guiding eosinophil transmigration into the lungs during filarial manifestation of Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia (TPE) has not been explored. In this study, mice exhibiting TPE manifestations were administered with in vivo neutralizing antibodies against integrins α4 and β7 or their combination and immuno-pathological parameters were evaluated. Results show an intact lung barrier, significantly lower lung inflammation and reduced eosinophil counts in the Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of mice receiving anti-α4⁺ β7 treatment. Reduced eosinophil peroxidase and β-hexosaminidase activity, downregulation of inflammatory genes, lower production of inflammatory lipid intermediates like prostaglandins E2 and D2, leukotriene B4 and cysteinyl leukotrienes were also noted in anti-α4⁺ β7 treated mice. Reduced accumulation of central memory, effector memory, regulatory T cells and lower production of IL-4, IL-5, and TGF-β were other cardinal features of anti-α4⁺ β7 treated mice lungs. Flow cytometry-sorted lung eosinophils from anti-α4⁺ β7 treated mice showed higher apoptotic potential, downregulated anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, and exhibited reduced F-actin polymerization and calcium influx as compared to IgG controls. In summary, neutralization of α4⁺ β7 integrins impairs the transmigration, activation and survival of eosinophils and reduces TPE induced pathology in mice lungs.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases in the Inflammatory Response and Signaling

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are serine/threonine kinases that regulate a large and diverse class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Through GRK phosphorylation and β-arrestin recruitment, GPCRs are desensitized and their signal terminated. Recent work on these kinases has expanded their role from canonical GPCR regulation to include noncanonical regulation of non-GPCR and nonreceptor substrates through phosphorylation as well as via scaffolding functions. Owing to these and other regulatory roles, GRKs have been shown to play a critical role in the outcome of a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes including chemotaxis, signaling, migration, inflammatory gene expression, etc. This diverse set of functions for these proteins makes them popular targets for therapeutics. Role for these kinases in inflammation and inflammatory disease is an evolving area of research currently pursued in many laboratories. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on various GRKs pertaining to their role in inflammation and inflammatory diseases.

Cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation in COPD mediated via LTB4/BLT1/SOCS1 pathway

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is crucial for the negative regulation of inflammation. We investigated the relationship between smoking, SOCS1, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in vitro and in clinical samples of COPD; besides which we detected the impact of LTB4 receptor 1 (BLT1) antagonist on inflammation.

METHODS

SOCS1 expression in bronchial mucosa was determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. We also detect SOCS1 and BLT1 expression in alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by real time-PCR, in addition to measuring the level of cytokines in BALF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, we investigated the expression of SOCS1 in cigarette smoke extract-induced mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, and detected the level of cytokines in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, we investigated the effects of BLT1 antagonist U-75302 on SOCS1 expression in these cells.

RESULTS

We obtained endobronchial biopsies (15 COPD patients and 12 non-COPD control subjects) and BALF (20 COPD patients and 20 non-COPD control subjects), and our results showed that SOCS1 expression significantly decreased in lung tissues from COPD patients. Inflammatory cytokines in BALF were higher in COPD and these inflammatory cytokines negatively correlate with SOCS1 levels. Further, the BLT1 antagonist restored SOCS1 expression and in turn inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Long-term cigarette smoke exposure induced SOCS1 degradation and LTB4 accumulation, which was associated with emphysema and inflammation. A BLT1 antagonist might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of COPD.

G-protein-coupled receptor kinases in inflammation and disease

G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases originally discovered for their role in G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) phosphorylation. Recent studies have demonstrated a much broader function for this kinase family including phosphorylation of cytosolic substrates involved in cell signaling pathways stimulated by GPCRs, as well as by non-GPCRs. In addition, GRKs modulate signaling via phosphorylation-independent functions. Because of these various biochemical functions, GRKs have been shown to affect critical physiological and pathophysiological processes, and thus are considered as drug targets in diseases such as heart failure. Role of GRKs in inflammation and inflammatory diseases is an evolving area of research and several studies including work from our lab in the recent years have demonstrated critical role of GRKs in the immune system. In this review, we discuss the classical and the newly emerging functions of GRKs in the immune system and their role in inflammation and disease processes.

The evolving impact of g protein-coupled receptor kinases in cardiac health and disease

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important regulators of various cellular functions via activation of intracellular signaling events. Active GPCR signaling is shut down by GPCR kinases (GRKs) and subsequent β-arrestin-mediated mechanisms including phosphorylation, internalization, and either receptor degradation or resensitization. The seven-member GRK family varies in their structural composition, cellular localization, function, and mechanism of action (see sect. II). Here, we focus our attention on GRKs in particular canonical and novel roles of the GRKs found in the cardiovascular system (see sects. III and IV). Paramount to overall cardiac function is GPCR-mediated signaling provided by the adrenergic system. Overstimulation of the adrenergic system has been highly implicated in various etiologies of cardiovascular disease including hypertension and heart failure. GRKs acting downstream of heightened adrenergic signaling appear to be key players in cardiac homeostasis and disease progression, and herein we review the current data on GRKs related to cardiac disease and discuss their potential in the development of novel therapeutic strategies in cardiac diseases including heart failure.

Biochemical characterization of three BLT receptors in zebrafish

The leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) receptor 1 (BLT1) is a high affinity receptor for LTB₄, a chemotactic and inflammatory eicosanoid. The LTB₄ receptor 2 (BLT2) was originally identified as a low affinity receptor for LTB₄, and, more recently, as a high affinity receptor for 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT). The zebrafish BLT receptors have not been previously identified and the in vivo functions of these receptors have been unknown. In this paper, we describe one zebrafish BLT1-like receptor, Blt1, and two zebrafish BLT2-like receptors, Blt2a and Blt2b. Cells expressing Blt1 exhibited LTB₄-induced intracellular [Ca²⁺] increases, inhibition of cAMP production, ligand-dependent [³⁵S]GTPγS binding, and transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) shedding activity in a dose-dependent manner, similar to human BLT1. Cells expressing Blt2a and Blt2b exhibited 12-HHT- and LTB₄-induced intracellular [Ca²⁺] increases, inhibition of cAMP production, [³⁵S]GTPγS binding, and TGFα shedding activity, with a dose-dependency similar to human BLT2. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis and whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that blt1, blt2a, blt2b, zebrafish LTA₄ hydrolase (lta4h), and zebrafish 5-lipoxiganase (5lo) are expressed in zebrafish embryos. Knockdown of blt1 by morpholino antisense oligonucleotides resulted in delayed epiboly at gastrulation. Consistently, knockdown of lta4h, an enzyme mediating LTB₄ production, induced a phenotype similar to knockdown of blt1. These results suggest that the LTB₄-BLT1 axis is involved in epiboly in zebrafish development.

Functional consequences of perturbed CXCL12 signal processing: analyses of immature hematopoiesis in GRK6-deficient mice

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) reside in bone marrow (BM) in an environment rich in CXCL12, the ligand for CXCR4, which is constitutively expressed on all immature hematopoietic cells in BM. This ligand-receptor pair critically controls HSPC retention and (relative) quiescence in BM. Interestingly, in a chemokine-abundant environment, CXCR4 surface expression and CXCL12 sensitivity of BM-residing HSPCs are continuously maintained. The mechanisms underlying this peculiar pattern of G-protein signal integration by BM-HSPCs are unknown. G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs) control receptor function by phosphorylating the intracellular domains upon ligand-induced activation, which results in receptor internalization and transient refractoriness. Using, therefore, a GRK6-deficient (GRK6(-/-)) mouse, we sought to address how perturbed ligand-induced CXCR4 (in)activation affects HSPC behavior in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, GRK6(-/-) HSPCs were characterized by hyper-responsiveness to CXCL12, as expected. In vivo, GRK6(-/-) immature hematopoiesis was characterized by a marked expansion of immature hematopoiesis in spleens and a modest repopulation defect in serial competitive transplantation. Enforced mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and AMD3100 was normal, as was hematopoietic regeneration after noncompetitive transplantation or pharmacological myelosuppression. These observations illustrate that GRK-mediated restriction of CXCR4 signal input after ligand engagement is largely dispensable for BM-resident HSPCs, which may explain how continuous CXCL12 responsiveness of BM-HSPCs can be maintained.

Phosphorylation of chemoattractant receptors regulates chemotaxis, actin reorganization and signal relay

Migratory cells, including mammalian leukocytes and Dictyostelium, use G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling to regulate MAPK/ERK, PI3K, TORC2/AKT, adenylyl cyclase and actin polymerization, which collectively direct chemotaxis. Upon ligand binding, mammalian GPCRs are phosphorylated at cytoplasmic residues, uncoupling G-protein pathways, but activating other pathways. However, connections between GPCR phosphorylation and chemotaxis are unclear. In developing Dictyostelium, secreted cAMP serves as a chemoattractant, with extracellular cAMP propagated as oscillating waves to ensure directional migratory signals. cAMP oscillations derive from transient excitatory responses of adenylyl cyclase, which then rapidly adapts. We have studied chemotactic signaling in Dictyostelium that express non-phosphorylatable cAMP receptors and show through chemotaxis modeling, single-cell FRET imaging, pure and chimeric population wavelet quantification, biochemical analyses and TIRF microscopy, that receptor phosphorylation is required to regulate adenylyl cyclase adaptation, long-range oscillatory cAMP wave production and cytoskeletal actin response. Phosphorylation defects thus promote hyperactive actin polymerization at the cell periphery, misdirected pseudopodia and the loss of directional chemotaxis. Our data indicate that chemoattractant receptor phosphorylation is required to co-regulate essential pathways for migratory cell polarization and chemotaxis. Our results significantly extend the understanding of the function of GPCR phosphorylation, providing strong evidence that this evolutionarily conserved mechanism is required in a signal attenuation pathway that is necessary to maintain persistent directional movement of Dictyostelium, neutrophils and other migratory cells.

The downstream regulation of chemokine receptor signalling: implications for atherosclerosis

Heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key mediators of intracellular signalling, control numerous physiological processes, and are one of the largest class of proteins to be pharmacologically targeted. Chemokine-induced macrophage recruitment into the vascular wall is an early pathological event in the progression of atherosclerosis. Leukocyte activation and chemotaxis during cell recruitment are mediated by chemokine ligation of multiple GPCRs. Regulation of GPCR signalling is critical in limiting vascular inflammation and involves interaction with downstream proteins such as GPCR kinases (GRKs), arrestin proteins and regulator of G-protein signalling (RGS) proteins. These have emerged as new mediators of atherogenesis by functioning in internalisation, desensitisation, and signal termination of chemokine receptors. Targeting chemokine signalling through these proteins may provide new strategies to alter atherosclerotic plaque formation and plaque biology.

Expression of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) after acute spinal cord injury in adult rat

Spinal cord injury frequently results in permanent loss of neurological function. It includes many complex molecular and biochemical mechanisms. G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) is an intracellular kinase that regulates the sensitivity of certain G-protein-coupled receptors. Some studies reported GRK2 and GRK5 modulate the NFκB pathway in macrophages. Additionally, GRK2 is referred to as regulating activation of spinal cord microglia and GRK6 expression is significantly elevated in most brain regions in the MPTP-lesioned parkinsonian monkeys. However, the expression and function of GRK6 in nervous system lesion and repair are not well understood. In this study, we performed an acute spinal cord injury (SCI) model in adult rats. Western blot analysis showed the expression of GRK6 was upregulated significantly at protein level in spinal cord after SCI. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed wide expression of GRK6 in the normal spinal cord. After injury, GRK6 expression was increased predominantly in microglia, which expressed F4/80 (marker of macrophages and activated microglia) strongly. To understand whether GRK6 played a role in microglia activation, we applied lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce microglia activation in vitro. Western blot analysis demonstrated up-regulation in GRK6 protein expression after LPS stimulation was time- and dose-dependent and that up-regulation in F4/80 expression was concomitant with GRK6. These data suggested that GRK6 might be involved in the pathophysiology of SCI.

The complexities of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase function in Hedgehog signaling

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is essential for proper tissue patterning and maintenance and has a substantial impact on human disease. While many of the main components and mechanisms involved in transduction of the Hh signal have been identified, the details of how the pathway functions are continually being refined. One aspect that has attracted much attention recently is the involvement of G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in the pathway. These regulators of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling have an evolutionarily-conserved function in promoting high-threshold Hh target gene expression through regulation of Smoothened (Smo), a GPCR family member that activates intracellular Hh signaling. Several models of how GRKs impact on Smo to increase downstream signaling have been proposed. Recently, we demonstrated that these kinases have surprisingly complex and conflicting roles, acting to limit signaling through the pathway while also promoting Smo activity. In addition to the previously described direct effects of Gprk2 on Smo activation, Gprk2 also indirectly affects Hh signaling by controlling production of the second messenger cyclic AMP to influence Protein kinase A activity.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 acts as a critical regulator of cytokine-induced hyperalgesia by promoting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and inhibiting p38 signaling

The molecular mechanisms determining magnitude and duration of inflammatory pain are still unclear. We assessed the contribution of G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-6 to inflammatory hyperalgesia in mice. We showed that GRK6 is a critical regulator of severity and duration of cytokine-induced hyperalgesia. In GRK6⁻/⁻ mice, a significantly lower dose (100 times lower) of intraplantar interleukin (IL)-1β was sufficient to induce hyperalgesia compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, IL-1β hyperalgesia lasted much longer in GRK6⁻/⁻ mice than in WT mice (8 d in GRK6⁻/⁻ versus 6 h in WT mice). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced hyperalgesia was also enhanced and prolonged in GRK6⁻/⁻ mice. In vitro, IL-1β-induced p38 phosphorylation in GRK6⁻/⁻ dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was increased compared with WT neurons. In contrast, IL-1β only induced activation of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt pathway in WT neurons, but not in GRK6⁻/⁻ neurons. In vivo, p38 inhibition attenuated IL-1β- and TNF-α-induced hyperalgesia in both genotypes. Notably, however, whereas PI 3-kinase inhibition enhanced and prolonged hyperalgesia in WT mice, it did not have any effect in GRK6-deficient mice. The capacity of GRK6 to regulate pain responses was also apparent in carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia, since thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity was significantly prolonged in GRK6⁻/⁻ mice. Finally, GRK6 expression was reduced in DRGs of mice with chronic neuropathic or inflammatory pain. Collectively, these findings underline the potential role of GRK6 in pathological pain. We propose the novel concept that GRK6 acts as a kinase that constrains neuronal responsiveness to IL-1β and TNF-α and cytokine-induced hyperalgesia via biased cytokine-induced p38 and PI 3-kinase/Akt activation.

Drosophila G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 regulates cAMP-dependent Hedgehog signaling

G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) play a conserved role in Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In several systems, GRKs are required for efficient Hh target gene expression. Their principal target appears to be Smoothened (Smo), the intracellular signal-generating component of the pathway and a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein family. In Drosophila, a GRK called Gprk2 is needed for internalization and downregulation of activated Smo, consistent with the typical role of these kinases in negatively regulating GPCRs. However, Hh target gene activation is strongly impaired in gprk2 mutant flies, indicating that Gprk2 must also positively regulate Hh signaling at some level. To investigate its function in signaling, we analyzed several different readouts of Hh pathway activity in animals or cells lacking Gprk2. Surprisingly, although target gene expression was impaired, Smo-dependent activation of downstream components of the signaling pathway was increased in the absence of Gprk2. This suggests that Gprk2 does indeed play a role in terminating Smo signaling. However, loss of Gprk2 resulted in a decrease in cellular cAMP concentrations to a level that was limiting for Hh target gene activation. Normal expression of target genes was restored in gprk2 mutants by stimulating cAMP production or activating the cAMP-dependent Protein kinase A (Pka). Our results suggest that direct regulation of Smo by Gprk2 is not absolutely required for Hh target gene expression. Gprk2 is important for normal cAMP regulation, and thus has an indirect effect on the activity of Pka-regulated components of the Hh pathway, including Smo itself.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases: more than just kinases and not only for GPCRs

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) are best known for their role in homologous desensitization of GPCRs. GRKs phosphorylate activated receptors and promote high affinity binding of arrestins, which precludes G protein coupling. GRKs have a multidomain structure, with the kinase domain inserted into a loop of a regulator of G protein signaling homology domain. Unlike many other kinases, GRKs do not need to be phosphorylated in their activation loop to achieve an activated state. Instead, they are directly activated by docking with active GPCRs. In this manner they are able to selectively phosphorylate Ser/Thr residues on only the activated form of the receptor, unlike related kinases such as protein kinase A. GRKs also phosphorylate a variety of non-GPCR substrates and regulate several signaling pathways via direct interactions with other proteins in a phosphorylation-independent manner. Multiple GRK subtypes are present in virtually every animal cell, with the highest expression levels found in neurons, with their extensive and complex signal regulation. Insufficient or excessive GRK activity was implicated in a variety of human disorders, ranging from heart failure to depression to Parkinson's disease. As key regulators of GPCR-dependent and -independent signaling pathways, GRKs are emerging drug targets and promising molecular tools for therapy. Targeted modulation of expression and/or of activity of several GRK isoforms for therapeutic purposes was recently validated in cardiac disorders and Parkinson's disease.

Leukotriene b4 and its metabolites prime the neutrophil oxidase and induce proinflammatory activation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells

Leukotrienes are proinflammatory lipid mediators, derived from arachidonic acid via 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is an effective polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) chemoattractant, as well as being a major product of PMN priming. Leukotriene B4 is rapidly metabolized into products that are thought to be inactive, and little is known about the effects of LTB4 on the pulmonary endothelium. We hypothesize that LTB4 and its metabolites are effective PMN priming agents and cause proinflammatory activation of pulmonary endothelial cells. Isolated PMNs were primed (5 min, 37°C) with serial concentrations 10 to 10 M of LTB4 and its metabolites: 6-trans-LTB4, 20-OH-LTB4, and 20-COOH-LTB4, and then activated with fMLP. Primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were incubated with these lipids (6 h, 37°C, 5% CO2), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was measured by flow cytometry. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil adhesion was measured by myeloperoxidase assays, and to ensure that these reactions were specific to the LTB4 receptors, BLT1 and BLT2 were antagonized with CP105,696 (BLT1) or silenced with siRNA (BLT1 and BLT2). Leukotriene B4 and its metabolites primed PMNs over a wide range of concentrations, depending on the specific metabolite. In addition, at high concentrations these lipids also caused increases in the surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on HMVECs and induced HMVEC-mediated adhesion of PMNs. Silencing of BLT2 abrogated HMVEC activation, and blockade of BLT1 inhibited the observed PMN priming activity. We conclude that LTB4 and its ω-oxidation and nonenzymatic metabolites prime PMNs over a range of concentrations and activate HMVECs. These data have expanded the repertoire of causative agents in acute lung injury and postinjury multiple organ failure.

Lysophosphatidylcholines activate G2A inducing G(αi)₋₁-/G(αq/)₁₁- Ca²(+) flux, G(βγ)-Hck activation and clathrin/β-arrestin-1/GRK6 recruitment in PMNs

Lyso-PCs (lysophosphatidylcholines) are a mixture of lipids that accumulate during storage of cellular blood components, have been implicated in TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury) and directly affect the physiology of neutrophils [PMNs (polymorphonuclear leucocytes)]. Because the G2A receptor, expressed on PMNs, has been reported to recognize lyso-PCs, we hypothesize that lyso-PC activation of G2A causes the increases in cytosolic Ca²(+) via release of G(α) and G(βγ) subunits, kinase activation, and the recruitment of clathrin, β-arrestin-1 and GRK6 (G-protein receptor kinase 6) to G2A for signal transduction. PMNs were isolated by standard techniques, primed with lyso-PCs for 5-180 s, and lysed for Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation or subcellular fractionation, or fixed and smeared on to slides for digital microscopy. The results demonstrated that lyso-PCs cause rapid activation of the G2A receptor through S-phosphorylation and internalization resulting in G(αi)₋₁ and G(αq/)₁₁ release leading to increases in cytosolic Ca²(+), which was inhibited by an antibody to G2A or intracellular neutralization of these subunits. Lyso-PCs also caused the release of the G(βγ) subunit which demonstrated a physical interaction (FRET+) with activated Hck (haemopoietic cell kinase; Tyr⁴¹¹). Moreover, G2A recruited clathrin, β-arrestin-1 and GRK6: clathrin is important for signal transduction, GRK6 for receptor de-sensitization, and β-arrestin-1 both propagates and terminates signals. We conclude that lyso-PC activation of G2A caused release of G(αi)₋₁, G(αq/)₁₁ and G(βγ), resulting in cytosolic Ca²(+) flux, Hck activation, and recruitment of clathrin, β-arrestin-1 and GRK6.

Fullerene nanomaterials inhibit phorbol myristate acetate-induced inflammation

Inflammation is a natural biological response that occurs when vascular tissues are subjected to harmful stimuli. This process may be beneficial to the host during wound healing and infections but can be detrimental if left unchecked. Oxidative stress, the generation of reactive oxygen species, is thought to be one component of this response. Fullerenes can counteract reactive oxygen species due to their potent antioxidant capabilities. Thus, we hypothesized that these molecules may inhibit inflammation. To test this hypothesis we used an in vivo model of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced inflammation and examined the effects fullerenes have on mitigating this response. We show that PMA-induced inflammation and oedema is dramatically inhibited when fullerenes are given prior to challenge. Thus, fullerene derivatives may be a novel way to blunt certain inflammatory conditions and facilitate faster recovery of damaged tissue.

Leukotriene B4 mediates gammadelta T lymphocyte migration in response to diverse stimuli

Herein, we investigated the involvement of the 5-LO-derived lipid mediator LTB(4) in gammadelta T cell migration. When injected into the i.pl. space of C57BL/6 mice, LTB(4) triggered gammadelta T lymphocyte mobilization in vivo, a phenomenon also observed in in vitro chemotaxis assays. The i.pl. injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) triggered increased levels of LTB(4) in pleural cavities. The in vivo inhibition of LTB(4) biosynthesis by the 5-LO inhibitor zileuton or the FLAP inhibitor MK886 attenuated LPS-induced gammadelta T cell accumulation into pleural cavities. Accordingly, 5-LO KO mice failed to recruit gammadelta T cells into the inflammatory site after i.pl. LPS. Antagonists of the high-affinity LTB(4) receptor BLT1, CP105,696, and LY292476 also attenuated LPS-induced gammadelta T cell accumulation in pleural cavities as well as in vitro chemotaxis toward pleural washes obtained from LPS-simulated mice. LTB(4)/BLT1 also accounted for gammadelta T cell migration induced by i.pl. administration of Mycobacterium bovis BCG or antigen in sensitized mice. BLT1 was expressed on naïve, resident as well as LPS-recruited gammadelta T cells. Isolated gammadelta T cells were found to undergo F-actin cytoskeleton reorganization when incubated with LTB(4) in vitro, confirming that gammadelta T lymphocytes can respond directly to LTB(4). In addition to its direct effect on gammadelta T cells, LTB(4) triggered their accumulation indirectly, via modulation of CCL2 production in mouse pleural cavities. These data show that gammadelta T cell migration into the pleural cavity of mice during diverse inflammatory responses is dependent on LTB(4)/BLT1.

Kinase activity-independent regulation of cyclin pathway by GRK2 is essential for zebrafish early development

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) are known as a family of serine/threonine kinases that function as key regulators of GPCRs, as well as other types of receptors. Extensive studies of GRKs at the cellular and organismal levels have led to a consensus that GRK-catalyzed phosphorylation of receptors is the primary mechanism underlying their physiological functions. Here, we report that down-regulation of GRK2 in zebrafish embryos with GRK2 morpholino results in developmental early arrest and, interestingly, that this arrest can be rescued by exogenous expression of a GRK2 kinase-dead mutant, K220R. A physical interaction between GRK2 and cyclin B1 regulator patched homolog 1 (PTCH1), stimulated by Hedgehog (Hh), rather than GRK2-mediated phosphorylation of downstream targets, appears as the underlying mechanism. We identify residues 262-379 as the PTCH1-binding region (BP). Interaction of GRK2, K220R, and BP with PTCH1 reduces the association of PTCH1 with cyclin B1 and disrupts PTCH1-mediated inhibition of cyclin B1 nuclear translocation, whereas the PTCH1-binding deficient GRK2 mutant (Delta312-379) does not. Cell cycle and cell proliferation assays show that overexpressing PTCH1 remarkably inhibited cell growth and this effect could be attenuated by GRK2, K220R, or BP, but not Delta312-379. In vivo studies show that BP, as well as the nuclear-localizing cyclin B1 mutant, is effective in rescuing the early arrest phenotype in GRK2 knockdown embryos, but Delta312-379 is not. Our data thus reveal a novel kinase activity-independent function for GRK and establish a role for GRK2 as a cell-cycle regulator during early embryonic development.

Combined integrin phosphoproteomic analyses and small interfering RNA--based functional screening identify key regulators for cancer cell adhesion and migration

Integrins interact with extracellular matrix (ECM) and deliver intracellular signaling for cell proliferation, survival, and motility. During tumor metastasis, integrin-mediated cell adhesion to and migration on the ECM proteins are required for cancer cell survival and adaptation to the new microenvironment. Using stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture-mass spectrometry, we profiled the phosphoproteomic changes induced by the interactions of cell integrins with type I collagen, the most common ECM substratum. Integrin-ECM interactions modulate phosphorylation of 517 serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues in 513 peptides, corresponding to 357 proteins. Among these proteins, 33 key signaling mediators with kinase or phosphatase activity were subjected to small interfering RNA-based functional screening. Three integrin-regulated kinases, DBF4, PAK2, and GRK6, were identified for their critical role in cell adhesion and migration possibly through their regulation of actin cytoskeleton arrangement. Altogether, we not only depict an integrin-modulated phosphorylation network during cell-ECM protein interactions but also reveal novel regulators for cell adhesion and migration.

New roles of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in cell migration

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was initially identified as a key player, together with beta-arrestins, in the regulation of multiple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Further research has revealed a complex GRK2 interactome, that includes a variety of proteins related to cell motility, and a role for GRK2 kinase activity in inhibiting chemokine-induced immune cell migration. In addition, we have recently reported that GRK2 positively regulates integrin and sphingosine-1-phosphate-dependent motility in epithelial cell types and fibroblasts, acting as a scaffold molecule. We suggest that the positive or negative correlation of GRK2 levels with cell migration would depend on the cell type, specific stimuli acting through plasma membrane receptors, or on the signalling context, leading to differential networks of interaction of GRK2 with cell migration-related signalosomes.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 controls post-inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia

Post-inflammatory pain is a poorly understood phenomenon. G protein-coupled receptors are involved in regulating pain signaling in the context of inflammation. G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK) modulate signaling through these receptors. We investigated whether GRK6 contributes to post-inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia. Colitis was induced in female mice by 1% dextran sodium sulphate in drinking water for 7 days. Disease score, colon length, and colonic cytokines were determined. On day 49, when animals had recovered from colitis, we induced visceral pain by intracolonic capsaicin instillation. Behavioral responses to capsaicin were monitored for 20 min. Referred hyperalgesia was measured using von Frey hairs. Spinal cord c-Fos was visualized by immunohistochemistry. In contrast to our earlier observations in male GRK6-/- and wild type (WT) mice, we did not detect differences in the course of colitis or in expression of colonic cytokines between female GRK6-/- and WT mice. After recovery from colitis, capsaicin-induced behavioral pain responses and spinal cord c-Fos expression were more pronounced in female GRK6-/- than WT mice. Naive GRK6-/- and WT animals did not differ in pain and c-Fos responses to capsaicin. Capsaicin-induced referred hyperalgesia post-colitis was increased in GRK6-/- compared to WT mice. However, referred hyperalgesia post-colitis was not affected by ablation of GRK6. Furthermore, in vitro IL-1beta sensitized the capsaicin receptor TRPV1 and this process was inhibited by over-expression of GRK6. We describe the novel concept that GRK6 inhibits post-inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia but does not contribute to visceral pain in naive animals. We propose that GRK6 regulates inflammation-induced sensitization of TRPV1.

Granulocyte chemotaxis and disease expression are differentially regulated by GRK subtype in an acute inflammatory arthritis model (K/BxN)

OBJECTIVE

Chemokine receptors are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) phosphorylated by G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs) after ligand-mediated activation. We hypothesized that GRK subtypes differentially regulate granulocyte chemotaxis and clinical disease expression in the K/BxN model.

METHODS

Clinical, histologic, and cytokine responses in GRK6-/-, GRK5-/-, GRK2+/-, and wildtype mice were evaluated using K/BxN serum transfer. Granulocyte chemotaxis was analyzed by transendothelial migration assays.

RESULTS

Both GRK6-/- and GRK2+/- mice had increased arthritis disease severity (p<0.001); whereas GRK5-/- was not different from controls. Acute weight loss was enhanced in GRK6-/- and GRK2+/- mice (p<0.001, days 3-10). However, GRK6-/- mice uniquely had more weight loss (>10%), elevated serum IL-6, and enhanced migration toward LTB4 and C5a in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

GRK6 and -2, but not GRK5, are involved in the pathogenesis of acute arthritis in the K/BxN model. In particular, GRK6 may dampen inflammatory responses by regulating granulocyte trafficking toward chemoattractants.

Physiological Roles of G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinases and Arrestins

Heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are found on the surface of all cells of multicellular organisms and are major mediators of intercellular communication. More than 800 distinct GPCRs are present in the human genome, and individual receptor subtypes respond to hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, odorants, or tastants. GPCRs represent the most widely targeted pharmacological protein class. Because drugs that target GPCRs often engage receptor regulatory mechanisms that limit drug effectiveness, particularly in chronic treatment, there is great interest in understanding how GPCRs are regulated, as a basis for designing therapeutic drugs that evade this regulation. The major GPCR regulatory pathway involves phosphorylation of activated receptors by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), followed by binding of arrestin proteins, which prevent receptors from activating downstream heterotrimeric G protein pathways while allowing activation of arrestin-dependent signaling pathways. Although the general mechanisms of GRK-arrestin regulation have been well explored in model cell systems and with purified proteins, much less is known about the role of GRK-arrestin regulation of receptors in physiological and pathophysiological settings. This review focuses on the physiological functions and potential pathophysiological roles of GRKs and arrestins in human disorders as well as on recent studies using knockout and transgenic mice to explore the role of GRK-arrestin regulation of GPCRs in vivo.

Receptor regulation in neuroendocrine-immune communication: current knowledge and future perspectives

Immune cells express receptors for every hormone or neurotransmitter we know so far. The neuroendocrine system signals to the immune system via the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate cellular activity via these receptors. Much attention has been focused on the effect of glucocorticoids and catecholamines on the immune system. Glucocorticoids communicate with immune cells via glucocorticoid receptors of which the activity itself changes during immune activation. Many neuroendocrine mediators are ligands for G-protein coupled receptors on immune cells. Cytokines, oxygen-radicals, and catecholamines can influence the responsiveness of G-protein coupled receptors via decreasing the intracellular level of so-called G-protein coupled receptor kinases, of which the subtype GRK2 is highly expressed in immune cells. Therefore, changes in only one kinase can modulate the sensitivity of many receptors. We describe here that sensitivity of neuroendocrine receptors on immune cells is constantly regulated by inflammatory processes or chronic stress, which implies that not only the activity of the neuroendocrine system determines communication but that the sensitivity of receptors is a major factor in determining the final immune response. Finally, consequences of alterations in GRK2 during (neuro)-inflammatory diseases are discussed.

GRKs and arrestins: regulators of migration and inflammation

In the immune system, signaling by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is crucial for the activity of multiple mediators, including chemokines, leukotrienes, and neurotransmitters. GPCR kinases (GRKs) and arrestins control GPCR signaling by mediating desensitization and thus, regulating further signal propagation through G proteins. Recent evidence suggests that the GRK-arrestin desensitization machinery fulfills a vital role in regulating inflammatory processes. First, GRK/arrestin levels in immune cells are dynamically regulated in response to inflammation. Second, in animals with targeted deletion of GRKs or arrestins, the progression of various acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, including autoimmunity and allergy, is profoundly affected. Third, chemokine receptor signaling in vitro is known to be tightly regulated by the GRK/arrestin machinery, and even small changes in GRK/arrestin expression can have a marked effect on cellular responses to chemokines. This review integrates data about the role of GRKs and arrestins in inflammation, with results on the molecular mechanism of action of GRKs/arrestins, and describes the pivotal role of GRKs/arrestins in inflammatory processes, with a special emphasis on regulation of chemokine responsiveness.

Impaired neutrophil chemotaxis in sepsis associates with GRK expression and inhibition of actin assembly and tyrosine phosphorylation

The deregulation of inflammatory response during sepsis seems to reflect the overproduction of mediators, which suppress leukocyte functions. We investigated the intracellular mechanisms underlying the inability of neutrophils from severe septic patients to migrate toward chemoattractants. Patients with sepsis (52) and 15 volunteers were prospectively enrolled. Patients presented increased circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-10. Patients showed reduced neutrophil chemotaxis to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), leukotriene B4 (LTB4) or IL-8. No difference in the transcription or expression of the IL-8 receptor, CXCR1, was detected in neutrophils from controls and patients. However, septic neutrophils failed to increase tyrosine phosphorylation and actin polymerization in response to IL-8 or LTB4. In contrast, septic neutrophils, similar to controls, showed phagocytic activity that induced actin polymerization and augmented phosphotyrosine content. Treatment of control neutrophils with cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic endogenous septic environment inhibited actin polymerization and tyrosine phosphorylation in response to IL-8 or LTB4. High expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and GRK5 was detected in septic neutrophils and control cells treated with cytokines plus LPS. Data suggest that endogenous mediators produced during sepsis might continually activate circulating neutrophils, leading to GRK activation, which may induce neutrophil desensitization to chemoattractants.

The structure of G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-6 defines a second lineage of GRKs

We describe the 2.6-A crystal structure of human G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-6, a key regulator of dopaminergic signaling and lymphocyte chemotaxis. GRK6 is a member of the GRK4 subfamily of GRKs, which is represented in most, if not all, metazoans. Comparison of GRK6 with GRK2 confirms that the catalytic core of all GRKs consists of intimately associated kinase and regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) homology domains. Despite being in complex with an ATP analog, the kinase domain of GRK6 remains in an open, presumably inactive conformation, suggesting that G protein-coupled receptors activate GRKs by inducing kinase domain closure. The structure reveals a putative phospholipid-binding site near the N terminus of GRK6 and structural elements within the kinase substrate channel that likely influence G protein-coupled receptor access and specificity. The crystalline GRK6 RGS homology domain forms an extensive dimer interface using conserved hydrophobic residues distinct from those in GRK2 that bind Galpha(q), although dimerization does not appear to occur in solution and is not required for receptor phosphorylation.

The variable C-terminal extension of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 constitutes an accessorial autoregulatory domain

G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK) are known to phosphorylate agonist-occupied G-protein-coupled receptors. We expressed and functionally characterized mouse GRK6 proteins encoded by four distinct mRNAs generated by alternative RNA splicing from a single gene, mGRK6-A to mGRK6-D. Three isoforms, mGRK6-A to mGRK6-C differ in their C-terminal-most portion, which is known to mediate membrane and/or receptor interaction and regulate the activity of GRK4-like kinases. One isoform, mGRK6-D, is identical to the other mGRK6 variants in the N-terminal region, but carries an incomplete catalytical domain. Mouse GRK6-D was catalytically inactive and specifically present in the nucleus of transfected cells. Recombinant mouse GRK6-A to mGRK6-C were found to be membrane-associated in cell-free systems and in transfected COS-7 cells, suggesting that the very C-terminus of GRK6-A, lacking in GRK6-B and mGRK6-C and carrying consensus sites for palmitoylation, is not required for membrane interaction. Interestingly, the shortest catalytically active variant, mGRK6-C, was conspicuously more active in phosphorylating light-activated rhodopsin than mGRK6-A and mGRK6-B, implying that the C-terminus of the latter two variants may fulfil an autoinhibitory function. Mutation and removal of C-terminal-most region of mGRK6-A by site-directed mutagenesis revealed that this region contains three autoregulatory elements: two discontinuous inhibitory elements consisting of a single residue, D560, and the sequence between residues S566 and L576, and an intervening stimulatory element. The results suggest that mGRK6-C may be considered a basic, prototypic representative of the GRK4-like kinases, which is capable of interacting with both plasma membrane and its receptor substrate, but is resistant to further regulatory modification conferred to the prototype via C-terminal extension.

Group IB secretory phospholipase A2 stimulates leukotriene B4 production by a unique mechanism in human neutrophils

We found that group IB secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IB) stimulates leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production in the absence of cytochalasin B in human neutrophils. Although LTB4 production has been reported to be associated with arachidonic acid release, the exogenous addition of sPLA(2)-IB did not induce this release from human neutrophils, suggesting that sPLA(2)-IB stimulates LTB4 production without affecting arachidonic acid. Moreover, the intracellular signaling events induced by sPLA(2)-IB included an increase in intracellular Ca(2+), which is required for LTB4 production. sPLA(2)-IB also stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK, but its activity was not required for LTB4 production. In terms of functional aspects, the supernatant of sPLA(2)-IB-stimulated human neutrophils caused chemotactic migration, which was almost completely inhibited by preincubating these cells with three different 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors (MK-886, AA-861, or NDGA). Taken together, we suggest that sPLA(2)-IB plays a role in the modulation of inflammatory and immune responses by inducing LTB4 production in human neutrophils.

Chemokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and cell migration in secondary lymphoid organs

Secondary lymphoid organs serve as hubs for the adaptive immune system, bringing together antigen, antigen-presenting cells, and lymphocytes. Two families of G protein-coupled receptors play essential roles in lymphocyte migration through these organs: chemokine receptors and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. Chemokines expressed by lymphoid stromal cells guide lymphocyte and dendritic cell movements during antigen surveillance and the initiation of adaptive immune responses. S1P receptor-1 is required for lymphocyte egress from thymus and secondary lymphoid organs and is downregulated by the immunosuppressive drug FTY720. Here, we review the steps associated with the initiation of adaptive immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs, highlighting the roles of chemokines and S1P.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2-mediated phosphorylation of ezrin is required for G protein-coupled receptor-dependent reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) phosphorylates and desensitizes activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here, we identify ezrin as a novel non-GPCR substrate of GRK2. GRK2 phosphorylates glutathione S-transferase (GST)-ezrin, but not an ezrin fusion protein lacking threonine 567 (T567), in vitro. These results suggest that T567, the regulatory phosphorylation site responsible for maintaining ezrin in its active conformation, represents the principle site of GRK2-mediated phosphorylation. Two lines of evidence indicate that GRK2-mediated ezrin-radixinmoesin (ERM) phosphorylation serves to link GPCR activation to cytoskeletal reorganization. First, in Hep2 cells muscarinic M1 receptor (M1MR) activation causes membrane ruffling. This ruffling response is ERM dependent and is accompanied by ERM phosphorylation. Inhibition of GRK2, but not rho kinase or protein kinase C, prevents ERM phosphorylation and membrane ruffling. Second, agonist-induced internalization of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) and M1MR is accompanied by ERM phosphorylation and localization of phosphorylated ERM to receptor-containing endocytic vesicles. The colocalization of internalized beta2AR and phosphorylated ERM is not dependent on Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor binding to the beta2AR. Inhibition of ezrin function impedes beta2AR internalization, further linking GPCR activation, GRK activity, and ezrin function. Overall, our results suggest that GRK2 serves not only to attenuate but also to transduce GPCR-mediated signals.