Inactivation of Pde8b enhances memory, motor performance, and protects against age-induced motor coordination decay

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are critical regulatory enzymes in cyclic nucleotide signaling. PDEs have diverse expression patterns within the central nervous system (CNS), show differing affinities for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and regulate a vast array of behaviors. Here, we investigated the expression profile of the PDE8 gene family members Pde8a and Pde8b in the mouse brain. We find that Pde8a expression is largely absent in the CNS; by contrast, Pde8b is expressed in select regions of the hippocampus, ventral striatum, and cerebellum. Behavioral analysis of mice with Pde8b gene inactivation (PDE8B KO) demonstrate an enhancement in contextual fear, spatial memory, performance in an appetitive instrumental conditioning task, motor-coordination, and have an attenuation of age-induced motor coordination decline. In addition to improvements observed in select behaviors, we find basal anxiety levels to be increased in PDE8B KO mice. These findings indicate that selective antagonism of PDE8B may be an attractive target for enhancement of cognitive and motor functions; however, possible alterations in affective state will need to be weighed against potential therapeutic value.

Regulation of adrenal steroidogenesis by the high-affinity phosphodiesterase 8 family

The main function of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs) is to degrade cAMP, a ubiquitous second messenger. Therefore, PDEs can function as prime regulators of cAMP/PKA-dependent processes such as steroidogenesis. Until recently, the roles of the PDE8 family have been largely unexplored, presumably due to the lack of a selective inhibitor. This review focuses on recent reports about the regulatory roles of the PDE8 family in adrenal steroidogenesis, as well as the inhibitory properties and specificity of a new PDE8-selective inhibitor, PF-04957325. We also describe a method of measuring urinary corticosterone levels in vivo as a minimally invasive way of monitoring the stress level in a mouse.

Cloning and localization of the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 9 in the rat brain

In this study, we report the cloning of the rat cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 9 (PDE9A) and its localization in rat and mouse brain by non-radioactive in situ hybridization. Rat PDE9A was 97.6% identical to mouse PDE9A1 and showed 92.1% similarity on the amino acid level to the human homologue. PDE9A mRNA was widely distributed throughout the rat and mouse brain, with the highest expression observed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Furthermore, strong staining was detected in areas such as cortical layer V, olfactory tubercle, caudate putamen and hippocampal pyramidal and granule cells. Comparison of PDE9A mRNA expression by double staining with the cellular markers NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein demonstrated that PDE9A expression was mainly detected in neurons and in a subpopulation of astrocytes. Using cGMP-immunocytochemistry, the localization of cGMP was investigated in the cerebellum in which the highest PDE9 expression was demonstrated. Strong cGMP immunoreactivity was detected in the molecular layer in the presence of the non-selective PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). After treatment with soluble guanylyl cyclase activators the granular layer also showed cGMP staining, whereas no clear immunostaining was detected in Purkinje cells under all conditions investigated, which might be due to the presence of the IBMX-insensitive PDE9A in these cells. The present findings indicate that PDE9A is highly conserved between species and is widely distributed throughout the rodent brain. PDE9A is probably involved in maintenance of low cGMP levels in cells and might play an important role in a variety of brain functions involving cGMP-mediated signal transduction.

Upregulation of phosphodiesterase 1A1 expression is associated with the development of nitrate tolerance

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of nitroglycerin (NTG) as a vasodilator is limited by tolerance, which develops shortly after treatment begins. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), NTG is denitrated to form nitric oxide (NO), which activates guanylyl cyclase and generates cGMP. cGMP plays a key role in nitrate-induced vasodilation by reducing intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Therefore, one possible mechanism for development of nitrate tolerance would be increased activity of the cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE), which decreases cGMP levels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To test this hypothesis, rats were made tolerant by continuous infusion of NTG for 3 days (10 microgram kg(-1). min(-1) SC) with an osmotic pump. Analysis of PDE activities showed an increased function of Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-stimulated PDE (PDE1A1), which preferentially hydrolyzes cGMP after NTG treatment. Western blot analysis for the Ca(2+)/CaM-stimulated PDE revealed that PDE1A1 was increased 2.3-fold in NTG-tolerant rat aortas. Increased PDE1A1 was due to mRNA upregulation as measured by relative quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The PDE1-specific inhibitor vinpocetine partially restored the sensitivity of the tolerant vasculature to subsequent NTG exposure. In cultured rat aortic VSMCs, angiotensin II (Ang II) increased PDE1A1 activity, and vinpocetine blocked the effect of Ang II on decrease in cGMP accumulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction of PDE1A1 in nitrate-tolerant vessels may be one mechanism by which NO/cGMP-mediated vasodilation is desensitized and Ca(2+)-mediated vasoconstriction is supersensitized. Inhibiting PDE1A1 expression and/or activity could be a novel therapeutic approach to limit nitrate tolerance.

T cell activation up-regulates cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases 8A1 and 7A3

Agents that increase intracellular cAMP inhibit the activation and function of T cells and can lead to cell death. Recently, it has been postulated that cAMP inhibits T cell function in large part by acting as a brake on the T cell receptor and costimulatory receptor pathways. Therefore, for full activation of the T cell to occur, this inhibitory influence must be removed. One likely mechanism for accomplishing this is by up-regulation and/or activation of specific cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs), and such a mechanism for one phosphodiesterase, PDE7A1, has been reported. In this paper, we extend this mechanism to another isozyme variant of the same PDE family, PDE7A3. We also report the full-length sequence of human PDE8A1 and show that it also is induced in response to a combination of T cell receptor and costimulatory receptor pathway activation. However, the time course for induction of PDE8A1 is slower than that of PDE7A1. The basal level measured and, therefore, the apparent fold induction of PDE7A1 mRNA and protein depend in large part on the method of isolation of the T cells. On the other hand, regardless of the isolation method, the basal levels of PDE7A3 and PDE8A1 are very low and fold activation is much higher. Constitutively expressed PDE8A1 and PDE7A3 also have been isolated from a human T cell line, Hut78.

Stage and cell-specific expression of calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterases in mouse testis

Calcium and cyclic nucleotides are second messengers that regulate the development and functional activity of spermatozoa. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) are abundant in testicular cells and in mature spermatozoa and provide one means by which calcium regulates cellular cyclic nucleotide content. We examined the spatial and temporal expression profiles of three knownCaM-PDE genes, PDE1A, PDE1B, and PDE1C, in the testis. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescent staining showed that both PDE1A and PDE1C are highly expressed but at different stages in developing germ cells. However, a very low hybridization signal of PDE1B exists uniformly throughout the seminiferous epithelium and the interstitium. More specifically, PDE1A mRNA is found in round to elongated spermatids, with protein expression in the tails of elongated and maturing spermatids. In contrast, PDE1C mRNA accumulates during early meiotic prophase and throughout meiotic and postmeiotic stages. Immunocytochemistry showed a diffuse, presumably cytosolic distribution of the expressed protein. The distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns of CaM-PDEs suggest important but different physiological roles for these CaM-PDEs in developing and mature spermatozoa.

The delta subunit of type 6 phosphodiesterase reduces light-induced cGMP hydrolysis in rod outer segments

The delta subunit of the rod photoreceptor PDE has previously been shown to copurify with the soluble form of the enzyme and to solubilize the membrane-bound form (). To determine the physiological effect of the delta subunit on the light response of bovine rod outer segments, we measured the real time accumulation of the products of cGMP hydrolysis in a preparation of permeablized rod outer segments. The addition of delta subunit GST fusion protein (delta-GST) to this preparation caused a reduction in the maximal rate of cGMP hydrolysis in response to light. The maximal reduction of the light response was about 80%, and the half-maximal effect occurred at 385 nm delta subunit. Several experiments suggest that this effect was not due to the effects of delta-GST on transducin or rhodopsin kinase. Immunoblots demonstrated that exogenous delta-GST solubilized the majority of the PDE in ROS but did not affect the solubility of transducin. Therefore, changes in the solubility of transducin cannot account for the effects of delta-GST in the pH assay. The reduction in cGMP hydrolysis was independent of ATP, which indicates that it was not due to effects of delta-GST on rhodopsin kinase. In addition to the effect on cGMP hydrolysis, the delta-GST fusion protein slowed the turn-off of the system. This is probably due, at least in part, to an observed reduction in the GTPase rate of transducin in the presence of delta-GST. These results demonstrate that delta-GST can modify the activity of the phototransduction cascade in preparations of broken rod outer segments, probably due to a functional uncoupling of the transducin to PDE step of the signal transduction cascade and suggest that the delta subunit may play a similar role in the intact outer segment.

Downregulation of fasting-induced cAMP response element-mediated gene induction by leptin in neuropeptide Y neurons of the arcuate nucleus

States of increased metabolic demand such as fasting modulate hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression and decrease circulating leptin levels. This study tested the hypotheses that fasting stimulates gene induction mediated by cAMP response element (CRE)-dependent increases in gene transcription and that fasting-induced decreases in leptin can regulate this CRE-mediated gene induction. Using C57BL/6J mice transgenic for a CRE-lacZ construct, an immunocytochemical study showed that fasting activated reporter gene expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc) in a small subset of neurons and increased phosphorylation of CRE binding protein. The increase of beta-galactosidase expression caused by fasting was inhibited by a protein kinase A inhibitor, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS, when the compound was microinjected into the medial basal hypothalamus, and enhanced by intraperitoneal injection of selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors. In situ hybridization studies showed that neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA levels increased in the Arc during fasting, whereas proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA levels decreased. Double labeling of mRNA and beta-galactosidase immunoreactivity in the fasted brain indicated that the subpopulation of the neurons expressing beta-galactosidase all produced NPY but not POMC. To study the possible involvement of decreased circulating leptin during starvation on CRE-mediated gene induction, leptin was administered intraperitoneally to fasted mice. Leptin significantly attenuated both beta-galactosidase expression and NPY gene expression stimulated by fasting, suggesting that leptin inhibits fasting-stimulated NPY gene expression at least in part through downregulation of CRE-mediated gene induction in the Arc. Leptin-induced modification of CRE-mediated gene induction in the Arc may play an essential role in the central regulation of feeding behavior and energy expenditure.

Cloning and characterization of two splice variants of human phosphodiesterase 11A

Phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A) is a recently identified family of cAMP and cGMP hydrolyzing enzymes. Thus far, a single splice variant designated as PDE11A1 has been reported. In this study, we identify and characterize two additional splice variants of PDE11A, PDE11A2 and PDE11A3. The full-length cDNAs are 2,141 bp for PDE11A2 and 2205 bp for PDE11A3. The ORF of PDE11A2 predicts a protein of 576 aa with a molecular mass of 65.8 kDa. The ORF of PDE11A3 predicts a protein of 684 aa with a molecular mass of 78.1 kDa. Comparison of the PDE11A2 sequence with that of PDE11A1 indicates an additional 86 aa at the N terminus of PDE11A2. Part of this sequence extends the potential cGMP binding region (GAF domain) present in PDE11A1. Compared with PDE11A2, PDE11A3 has an additional 108 N-terminal amino acids. Sequence analysis of PDE11A3 indicates the presence of another GAF domain in this region. This diversification of regulatory sequences in the N-terminal region of PDE11A splice variants suggests the interesting possibility of differential regulation of these enzymes. Recombinant PDE11A2 and -A3 proteins expressed in the Baculovirus expression system have the ability to hydrolyze both cAMP and cGMP. The K(m) values for cAMP hydrolysis are 3.3 microM and 5.7 microM for PDE11A2 and PDE11A3, respectively. The K(m) values for cGMP hydrolysis are 3.7 microM and 4.2 microM for PDE11A2 and PDE11A3, respectively. Both PDEs showed a V(max) ratio for cAMP/cGMP of approximately 1.0. PDE11A2 is sensitive to dipyridamole, with an IC(50) of 1.8 microM, and to zaprinast, with an IC(50) of 28 microM. PDE11A3 demonstrated similar pattern of inhibitor sensitivity with IC(50) values of 0.82 and 5 microM for dipyridamole and zaprinast, respectively.

Binding of the delta subunit to rod phosphodiesterase catalytic subunits requires methylated, prenylated C-termini of the catalytic subunits

PDE6 (type 6 phosphodiesterase) from rod outer segments consists of two types of catalytic subunits, alpha and beta; two inhibitory gamma subunits; and one or more delta subunits found only on the soluble form of the enzyme. About 70% of the phosphodiesterase activity found in rod outer segments is membrane-bound, and is thought to be anchored to the membrane through C-terminal prenyl groups. The recombinant delta subunit has been shown to solubilize the membrane-bound form of the enzyme. This paper describes the site and mechanism of this interaction in more detail. In isolated rod outer segments, the delta subunit was found exclusively in the soluble fraction, and about 30% of it did not coimmunoprecipitate with the catalytic subunits. The delta subunit that was bound to the catalytic subunits dissociated slowly, with a half-life of about 3.5 h. To determine whether the site of this strong binding was the C-termini of the phosphodiesterase catalytic subunits, peptides corresponding to the C-terminal ends of the alpha and beta subunits were synthesized. Micromolar concentrations of these peptides blocked the phosphodiesterase/delta subunit interaction. Interestingly, this blockade only occurred if the peptides were both prenylated and methylated. These results suggested that a major site of interaction of the delta subunit is the methylated, prenylated C-terminus of the phosphodiesterase catalytic subunits. To determine whether the catalytic subunits of the full-length enzyme are methylated in situ when bound to the delta subunit, we labeled rod outer segments with a tritiated methyl donor. Soluble phosphodiesterase from these rod outer segments was more highly methylated (4.5 +/- 0.3-fold) than the membrane-bound phosphodiesterase, suggesting that the delta subunit bound preferentially to the methylated enzyme in the outer segment. Together these results suggest that the delta subunit/phosphodiesterase catalytic subunit interaction may be regulated by the C-terminal methylation of the catalytic subunits.

Infection of CD4+ memory T cells by HIV-1 requires expression of phosphodiesterase 4

Using PCR to monitor HIV-1 RNA genome reverse transcription and nuclear import of preintegration complexes, we found that memory, but not naive, CD4+ T cells could support transport of HIV-1 DNA to nuclei upon TCR/CD3 and IL-2 stimulation. Moreover, memory CD4+ T cells, unlike naive CD4+ T cells, express high levels of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) constitutively. Selective blocking of PDE4 activity inhibited IL-2R expression and thereby led to abolishing HIV-1 DNA nuclear import in memory T cells; however, full-length viral DNA synthesis was not affected. Thus, blocking PDE4 prevents initiation of HIV-1 DNA circle formation in T cells. The fact that PDE4 is expressed constitutively at higher levels in memory vs naive CD4+ T cells may help HIV-1 readily infect memory T cells.

Leptin induces insulin-like signaling that antagonizes cAMP elevation by glucagon in hepatocytes

Although many effects of leptin are mediated through the central nervous system, leptin can regulate metabolism through a direct action on peripheral tissues, such as fat and liver. We show here that leptin, at physiological concentrations, acts through an intracellular signaling pathway similar to that activated by insulin in isolated primary rat hepatocytes. This pathway involves stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) binding to insulin receptor substrate-1 and insulin receptor substrate-2, activation of PI3K and protein kinase B (AKT), and PI3K-dependent activation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 3B, a cAMP-degrading enzyme. One important function of this signaling pathway is to reduce levels of cAMP, because leptin-mediated activation of both protein kinase B and phosphodiesterase 3B is most marked following elevation of cAMP by glucagon, and because leptin suppresses glucagon-induced cAMP elevation in a PI3K-dependent manner. There is little or no expression of the long form leptin receptor in primary rat hepatocytes, and these signaling events are probably mediated through the short forms of the leptin receptor. Thus, leptin, like insulin, induces an intracellular signaling pathway in hepatocytes that culminates in cAMP degradation and an antagonism of the actions of glucagon.

Regulation of cAMP and cGMP signaling: new phosphodiesterases and new functions

The past eighteen months have provided much progress in the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) field. Six new phosphodiesterase genes have been discovered and characterized. In addition, several new highly specific PDE inhibitors have been developed and approved for clinical use. Finally, new strategies have been employed to determine PDE function in model systems including the use of antisense oligonucleotide and disruption techniques.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a distinct human phosphodiesterase gene family: PDE11A

We report here the cloning, expression, and characterization of human PDE11A1, a member of a distinct cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) family. PDE11A exhibits </=50% amino acid identity with the catalytic domains of all other PDEs, being most similar to PDE5, and has distinct biochemical properties. The human PDE11A1 cDNA isolated contains a complete open reading frame encoding a 490-amino acid enzyme with a predicted molecular mass of 55,786 Da. At the N terminus PDE11A1 has a single GAF domain homologous to that found in other signaling molecules, including PDE2, PDE5, PDE6, and PDE10, which constitutes a potential allosteric binding site for cGMP or another small ligand. Tissue distribution studies indicate that PDE11A mRNA occurs at highest levels in skeletal muscle, prostate, kidney, liver, pituitary, and salivary glands and testis. PDE11A is expressed as at least three major transcripts of approximately 10.5, approximately 8.5, and approximately 6.0 kb, thus suggesting the existence of multiple subtypes. This possibility is further supported by the detection of three distinct proteins of approximately 78, approximately 65, and approximately 56 kDa by Western blotting of human tissues for PDE11A isoforms. Recombinant human PDE11A1 hydrolyzes both cGMP and cAMP with K(m) values of 0.52 microM and 1.04 microM, respectively, and similar V(max) values. Therefore, PDE11A represents a dual-substrate PDE that may regulate both cGMP and cAMP under physiological conditions. PDE11A is sensitive to the nonselective PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) as well as zaprinast and dipyridamole, inhibitors that are generally considered relatively specific for the cGMP-selective PDEs, with IC(50) values of 49.8 microM, 12.0 microM, and 0.37 microM, respectively.

Cloning and characterization of PDE7B, a cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase

A member of the phosphodiesterase (PDE)7 family with high affinity and specificity for cAMP has been identified. Based on sequence homologies, we designate this PDE as PDE7B. The full-length cDNA of PDE7B is 2399 bp, and its ORF sequence predicts a protein of 446 amino acids with a molecular mass of 50.1 kDa. Comparison of the predicted protein sequences of PDE7A and PDE7B reveals an identity of 70% in the catalytic domain. Northern blotting indicates that the mRNA of PDE7B is 5.6 kb. It is most highly expressed in pancreas followed by brain, heart, thyroid, skeletal muscle, eye, ovary, submaxillary gland, epididymus, and liver. Recombinant PDE7B protein expressed in a Baculovirus expression system is specific for cAMP with a K(m) of 0.03 microM. Within a series of common PDE inhibitors, it is most potently inhibited by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine with an IC(50) of 2.1 microM. It is also inhibited by papaverine, dipyridamole, and SCH51866 at higher doses. PDE7A and PDE7B exhibit the same general pattern of inhibitor specificity among the several drugs tested. However, differences in IC(50) for some of the drugs suggest that isozyme selective inhibitors can be developed.

cGMP binding to noncatalytic sites on mammalian rod photoreceptor phosphodiesterase is regulated by binding of its gamma and delta subunits

The binding of cGMP to the noncatalytic sites on two isoforms of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) from mammalian rod outer segments has been characterized to evaluate their role in regulating PDE during phototransduction. Nonactivated, membrane-associated PDE (PDE-M, alpha beta gamma2) has one exchangeable site for cGMP binding; endogenous cGMP remains nonexchangeable at the second site. Non-activated, soluble PDE (PDE-S, alpha beta gamma2 delta) can release and bind cGMP at both noncatalytic sites; the delta subunit is likely responsible for this difference in cGMP exchange rates. Removal of the delta and/or gamma subunits yields a catalytic alphabeta dimer with identical catalytic and binding properties for both PDE-M and PDE-S as follows: high affinity cGMP binding is abolished at one site (KD >1 microM); cGMP binding affinity at the second site (KD approximately 60 nM) is reduced 3-4-fold compared with the nonactivated enzyme; the kinetics of cGMP exchange to activated PDE-M and PDE-S are accelerated to similar extents. The properties of nonactivated PDE can be restored upon addition of gamma subunit. Occupancy of the noncatalytic sites by cGMP may modulate the interaction of the gamma subunit with the alphabeta dimer and thereby regulate cytoplasmic cGMP concentration and the lifetime of activated PDE during visual transduction in photoreceptor cells.

Isolation and characterization of a dual-substrate phosphodiesterase gene family: PDE10A

We report here the cloning, expression, and characterization of a dual-substrate, cAMP and cGMP, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) from mouse. This PDE contains the consensus sequence for a PDE catalytic domain, but shares <50% sequence identity with the catalytic domains of all other known PDEs and, therefore, represents a new PDE gene family, designated PDE10A. The cDNA for PDE10A is 3, 370 nt in length. It includes a full ORF, contains three in-frame stop codons upstream of the first methionine, and is predicted to encode a 779-aa enzyme. At the N terminus PDE10A has two GAF domains homologous to many signaling molecules, including PDE2, PDE5, and PDE6, which likely constitute a low-affinity binding site for cGMP. PDE10A hydrolyzes cAMP with a Km of 0.05 microM and cGMP with a Km of 3 microM. Although PDE10A has a lower Km for cAMP, the Vmax ratio (cGMP/cAMP) is 4.7. RNA distribution studies indicate that PDE10A is expressed at highest levels in testis and brain.

CD3- and CD28-dependent induction of PDE7 required for T cell activation

Costimulation of both the CD3 and CD28 receptors is essential for T cell activation. Induction of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterase-7 (PDE7) was found to be a consequence of such costimulation. Increased PDE7 in T cells correlated with decreased cAMP, increased interleukin-2 expression, and increased proliferation. Selectively reducing PDE7 expression with a PDE7 antisense oligonucleotide inhibited T cell proliferation; inhibition was reversed by blocking the cAMP signaling pathways that operate through cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Thus, PDE7 induction and consequent suppression of PKA activity is required for T cell activation, and inhibition of PDE7 could be an approach to treating T cell-dependent disorders.

Phosphorylation and inhibition of olfactory adenylyl cyclase by CaM kinase II in Neurons: a mechanism for attenuation of olfactory signals

Acute desensitization of olfactory signaling is a critical property of the olfactory system that allows animals to detect and respond to odorants. Correspondingly, an important feature of odorant-stimulated cAMP increases is their transient nature, a phenomenon that may be attributable to the unique regulatory properties of the olfactory adenylyl cyclase (AC3). AC3 is stimulated by receptor activation and inhibited by Ca2+ through Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylation at Ser-1076. Since odorant-stimulated cAMP increases are accompanied by elevated intracellular Ca2+, CaMKII inhibition of AC3 may contribute to termination of olfactory signaling. To test this hypothesis, we generated a polyclonal antibody specific for AC3 phosphorylated at Ser-1076. A brief exposure of mouse olfactory cilia or primary olfactory neurons to odorants stimulated phosphorylation of AC3 at Ser-1076. This phosphorylation was blocked by inhibitors of CaMKII, which also ablated cAMP decreases associated with odorant-stimulated cAMP transients. These data define a novel mechanism for termination of olfactory signaling that may be important in olfactory responses.

Leptin inhibits insulin secretion by activation of phosphodiesterase 3B

The molecular signaling events by which leptin exerts its functions in vivo are not well delineated. Here, we show a novel leptin signaling mechanism that requires phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)-dependent activation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) and subsequent suppression of cAMP levels. In pancreatic beta cells, leptin causes the activation of PDE3B, which leads to marked inhibition of glucagon-like peptide-1-stimulated insulin secretion. The effect of leptin is abolished when insulin secretion is induced with cAMP analogues that cannot be hydrolyzed by PDE3B. Selective inhibitors of PDE3B and PI 3-kinase completely prevent the leptin effect on insulin secretion and cAMP accumulation. The results demonstrate that one of the physiological effects of leptin, suppression of insulin secretion, is mediated through activation of PDE3B and suggest PDE3B as a mediator of leptin action in other tissues.

Isolation and characterization of cDNAs encoding PDE5A, a human cGMP-binding, cGMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase

Human cGMP-binding, cGMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE5A) cDNAs were isolated. A 3.1-kb composite DNA sequence assembled from overlapping cDNAs encodes an 875-amino-acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 100012 Da (PDE5A1). Extracts prepared from yeast expressing human PDE5A1 hydrolyzed cGMP. This activity was inhibited by the selective PDE5 inhibitors zaprinast and DMPPO. PDE5A mRNA is expressed in aortic smooth muscle cells, heart, placenta, skeletal muscle and pancreas and, to a much lesser extent, in brain, liver and lung. A 5'-splice variant, PDE5A2, encodes an 833-amino-acid protein with eight unique amino acids at the amino terminus. PDE5A maps to chromosome 4q 25-27.

Cloning and characterization of a cAMP-specific cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP by hydrolyzing them to their corresponding 5' monophosphates. We report here the cloning and characterization of a novel cAMP-specific PDE from mouse testis. This unique phosphodiesterase contains a catalytic domain that overall shares <40% sequence identity to the catalytic domain of all other known PDEs. Based on this limited homology, this new PDE clearly represents a previously unknown PDE gene family designated as PDE8. The cDNA for PDE8 is 3,678 nucleotides in length and is predicted to encode an 823 amino acid enzyme. The cDNA includes a full ORF as it contains an in-frame stop codon before the start methionine. PDE8 is specific for the hydrolysis of cAMP and has a Km of 0.15 microM. Most common PDE inhibitors are ineffective antagonists of PDE8, including the nonspecific PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Dipyridamole, however, an inhibitor that is generally considered to be relatively specific for the cGMP selective PDEs, does inhibit PDE8 with an IC50 of 4.5 microM. Tissue distribution studies of 22 different mouse tissues indicates that PDE8 has highest expression in testis, followed by eye, liver, skeletal muscle, heart, 7-day embryo, kidney, ovary, and brain in decreasing order. In situ hybridizations in testis, the tissue of highest expression, shows that PDE8 is expressed in the seminiferous epithelium in a stage-specific manner. Highest levels of expression are seen in stages 7-12, with little or no expression in stages 1-6.

Identification and characterization of a novel family of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases

We report the cloning, expression, and characterization of a new family of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) that has unique kinetic and inhibitor specificities. A clone corresponding to the C terminus of this PDE was initially identified by a bioinformatic approach and used to isolate a cDNA that is likely full-length. This novel PDE, designated as MMPDE9A1, shows highest mRNA expression in kidney with lower levels in liver, lung, and brain. The mRNA size by Northern blot analysis is approximately 2.0 kilobases, and the cDNA encoding PDE9A1 is 1929 base pairs in length. The largest open reading frame predicts a protein of 534 amino acids with a molecular mass of 62,000 Da. When expressed in COS-7 cells, PDE9A1 activity was not inhibited well by either the nonselective inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine or the new selective PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil, but it is inhibited by the PDE1/5 inhibitor (+)-cis-5,6a, 7,8,9 hyl] phenylmethyl]-5-methyl-cylopent[4,5]imidao[2, 1-b]purin-49(3H)one (SCH51866) with an IC50 of 1.55 microM. This new phosphodiesterase is highly specific for cGMP. Its Km of approximately 0.07 microM for cGMP is the lowest yet reported for a PDE, being at least 40-170 times lower than that of PDE5 and PDE6, respectively.

Characterization of human and mouse rod cGMP phosphodiesterase delta subunit (PDE6D) and chromosomal localization of the human gene

The mammalian multisubunit photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase PDE alpha beta gamma 2 (PDE6 family) is a peripherally membrane-associated enzyme. A novel subunit, termed PDE delta (HGMW-approved symbol, PDE6D; MW 17 kDa), is able to detach PDE partially from bovine rod outer segment membranes under physiological conditions. Cloning of human and mouse PDE delta cDNAs revealed that PDE delta is a nearly perfectly conserved polypeptide of 150 amino acids that shows partial sequence homology to photoreceptor RG4 of unknown function. Multiple-species Southern blot analysis demonstrates that the PDE delta gene has been well conserved during evolution and is detectable at high stringency in invertebrates. The human and mouse genes are contained in less than 8 kb of genomic DNA and consist of four exons and three introns (0.7-4 kb in human, 0.7-2.2 kb in mouse). The PDE delta gene structure is identical to that of the C27H5.1 gene identified in the eyeless nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The human PDE delta gene (locus designation PDE6D) was localized to the long arm of chromosome 2 (2q35-q36) by fluorescence in situ hybridization. By synteny, the mouse PDE delta gene is predicted to reside on chromosome 1.

Identification, quantitation, and cellular localization of PDE1 calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases

The calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE1s) constitute a large gene family and are found in a wide variety of tissues and cells. Because of the functional diversity of PDE1 genes and the observation that these isozymes often make up a major component of the total cyclic nucleotide hydrolytic activity in certain cell types, PDE1s are of growing interest as targets for therapeutic intervention. Here we describe a series of methodologies to identify, quantitate, and determine the cellular expression of PDE1 isozymes. We describe first the resolution of different PDEs using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography and then a Western blotting methodology for identifying or authenticating PDE1 activities. Next we present an immunoprecipitation method that can be used for quantitating specific PDE1 isoforms and describe the use of RNase protection analysis for further identification of PDE1 subtypes. Finally, we provide a simple, immunocytochemical method for determining the cellular expression of PDE1 isozymes. Combined, the above methodologies should allow an investigator to identify, quantitate, and determine the cellular localization of PDE1 isozymes in any tissue with little ambiguity.

Calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE1C) is induced in human arterial smooth muscle cells of the synthetic, proliferative phenotype

The diversity among cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases provides multiple mechanisms for regulation of cAMP and cGMP in the cardiovascular system. Here we report that a calmodulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase (PDE1C) is highly expressed in proliferating human arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in primary culture, but not in the quiescent SMCs of intact human aorta. High levels of PDE1C were found in primary cultures of SMCs derived from explants of human newborn and adult aortas, and in SMCs cultured from severe atherosclerotic lesions. PDE1C was the major cAMP hydrolytic activity in these SMCs. PDE expression patterns in primary SMC cultures from monkey and rat aortas were different from those from human cells. In monkey, high expression of PDE1B was found, whereas PDE1C was not detected. In rat SMCs, PDE1A was the only detectable calmodulin-stimulated PDE. These findings suggest that many of the commonly used animal species may not provide good models for studying the roles of PDEs in proliferation of human SMCs. More importantly, the observation that PDE1C is induced only in proliferating SMCs suggests that it may be both an indicator of proliferation and a possible target for treatment of atherosclerosis or restenosis after angioplasty, conditions in which proliferation of arterial SMCs is negatively modulated by cyclic nucleotides.

Identification and characterisation of a human calmodulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase PDE1B1

A cDNA encoding a calmodulin-stimulated 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) was isolated from a human brain cDNA library. The cDNA, designated HSPDE1B1, encoded a protein of 536 amino acids that shared 96% sequence identity with the bovine "63 kDa" calmodulin-stimulated PDE. The recombinant protein had cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity that was stimulated approximately 2-fold by Ca2+/calmodulin and preferred cGMP as substrate. In addition, the enzymatic activity of HSPDE1B1 was inhibited by phosphodiesterase inhibitors with potencies similar to that displayed toward the bovine PDE1 enzymes: IBMX approximately equal to 8-methoxymethyl-IBMX > vinpocetine approximately equal to zaprinast > cilostamide > rolipram. HSPDE1B1 mRNA was found predominantly in the brain. Lower mRNA levels were found in heart and skeletal muscle. In situ hybridisation of brain revealed expression of HSPDE1B1 predominately in neuronal cells of the cerebellum, hippocampus and caudate. The HSPDE1B1 gene was mapped to human chromosome 12. A partial genomic sequence of HSPDE1B1 was isolated and shown to contain two splice junctions that are conserved in the rat PDE4 and the Drosophila dunce genes.

Isolation and characterization of human cDNAs encoding a cGMP-stimulated 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase

Human cyclic GMP-stimulated 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE2A3) cDNAs were cloned from hippocampus and fetal brain cDNA libraries. A 4.2-kb composite DNA sequence constructed from overlapping cDNA clones encodes a 941 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 105,715 Da. Extracts prepared from yeast expressing the human PDE2A3 hydrolyzed both cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP). This activity was inhibited by EHNA, a selective PDE2 inhibitor, and was stimulated three-fold by cGMP. Human PDE2A is expressed in brain and to a lesser extent in heart, placenta, lung, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. The human PDE2A3 differs from the bovine PDE2A1 and rat PDE2A2 proteins at the amino terminus but its amino-terminal sequence is identical to the bovine PDE2A3 sequence. The different amino termini probably arise from alternative exon splicing of the PDE2A mRNA.

Attenuation of insulin secretion by insulin-like growth factor 1 is mediated through activation of phosphodiesterase 3B

Both insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are known to reduce glucose-dependent insulin secretion from the beta cells of pancreatic islets. In this paper we show that the mechanism by which IGF-1 mediates this effect is in large part through activation of a specific cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B). More specifically, in both isolated pancreatic islets and insulin-secreting HIT-T15 cells, IGF-1 inhibits insulin secretion that has been increased by glucose and glucagonlike peptide 1 (GLP-1). Moreover, IGF-1 decreases cAMP levels in parallel to the reduction of insulin secretion. Insulin secretion stimulated by cAMP analogs that activate protein kinase A and also are substrates for PDE3B is also inhibited by IGF-1. However, IGF-1 does not inhibit insulin secretion stimulated by nonhydrolyzable cAMP analogs. In addition, selective inhibitors of PDE3B completely block the ability of IGF-1 to inhibit insulin secretion. Finally, PDE3B activity measured in vitro after immunoprecipitation from cells treated with IGF-1 is higher than the activity from control cells. Taken together with the fact that pancreatic beta cells express little or no insulin receptor but large amounts of IGF-1 receptor, these data strongly suggest a new regulatory feedback loop model for the control of insulin secretion. In this model, increased insulin secretion in vivo will stimulate IGF-1 synthesis by the liver, and the secreted IGF-1 in turn feedback inhibits insulin secretion from the beta cells through an IGF-1 receptor-mediated pathway. This pathway is likely to be particularly important when levels of both glucose and secretagogues such as GLP-1 are elevated.

A subset of olfactory neurons that selectively express cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase (PDE2) and guanylyl cyclase-D define a unique olfactory signal transduction pathway

Odorant information is encoded by a series of intracellular signal transduction events thought to be mediated primarily by the second messenger cAMP. We have found a subset of olfactory neurons that express the cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase (PDE2) and guanylyl cyclase-D (GC-D), suggesting that cGMP in these neurons also can have an important regulatory function in olfactory signaling. PDE2 and GC-D are both expressed in olfactory cilia where odorant signaling is initiated; however, only PDE2 is expressed in axons. In contrast to most other olfactory neurons, these neurons appear to project to a distinct group of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb that are similar to the subset that have been termed "necklace glomeruli." Furthermore, this subset of neurons are unique in that they do not contain several of the previously identified components of olfactory signal transduction cascades involving cAMP and calcium, including a calcium/calmodulin-dependent PDE (PDE1C2), adenylyl cyclase III, and cAMP-specific PDE (PDE4A). Interestingly, these latter three proteins are expressed in the same neurons; however, their subcellular distribution is distinct. PDE1C2 and adenylyl cyclase III are expressed almost exclusively in the olfactory cilia whereas PDE4A is present only in the cell bodies and axons. These data strongly suggest that selective compartmentalization of different PDEs and cyclases is an important feature for the regulation of signal transduction in olfactory neurons and likely in other neurons as well. In addition, the data implies that an olfactory signal transduction pathway specifically modulated by cGMP is present in some neurons of the olfactory neuroepithelium.

Identification and tissue-specific expression of PDE7 phosphodiesterase splice variants

Type 7 cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE7s) are a newly described family of enzymes having high affinity and specificity for cAMP. However, little is known about their structure, function, or regulation. We have isolated a mouse skeletal muscle cDNA representing a new alternative splice variant (PDE7A2) of the PDE7 gene. The ORF encodes a 456-amino acid protein having a predicted molecular weight of 52.4 kDa. The 5' end of the mouse PDE7A2 is divergent from the 5' end of the human PDE7A1 sequence and is more hydrophobic. A comparison of the 5' ends of the two cDNA clones with human genomic sequence indicates that they represent alternate splice products rather than species variation. RNase protection analysis of several mouse tissues indicates that PDE7 is expressed widely with highest levels in skeletal muscle. HPLC fractionation and Western blot analysis of two human lymphocyte T-cell lines shows that an unknown PDE activity described by Ichimura and Kase [Ichimura, M. & Kase, H. (1993) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 193, 985-990] is most likely to be PDE7A1. A single immunoreactive band of approximately 55 kDa, which comigrates with PDE7A1, is seen in fractions of the HPLC profile containing this activity suggesting that the original human PDE7A1 clone contains a full-length ORF, and is not truncated at the 5' end as was originally postulated. In a human lymphocyte B-cell line and also in mouse skeletal muscle, a large amount of PDE7 mRNA but little PDE7 protein or activity is expressed suggesting that the translation or stability of PDE7 protein may be highly regulated in these tissues.

The calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase gene PDE1C encodes several functionally different splice variants in a tissue-specific manner

We report here the identification of cDNAs for three new mouse PDE1C splice variants and the characterization of their kinetics, regulation by Ca2+, sensitivities to inhibitors, and tissue/cellular expression patterns. Sequence analysis indicated that these three cDNAs (PDE1C1, PDE1C4, and PDE1C5), together with our previously reported PDE1C2 and PDE1C3, are alternative splice products of the PDE1C gene. The results from RNase protection analysis and in situ hybridization indicated that the expression of the different PDE1C splice variants is differentially regulated in a tissue/cell-specific manner. Particularly, high levels of PDE1C mRNAs were found in the olfactory epithelium, testis, and several regions of mouse brain such as cerebellar granule cells. All of these splice variants have similar kinetic properties, showing high affinities and approximately the same relative Vmax values for both cAMP and cGMP. However, they responded to Ca2+ stimulation differently. In addition, they show different sensitivities to the calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase inhibitors, KS505a and SCH51866. Substrate competition experiments suggested the presence of only one catalytic site on these PDE1C isozymes for both cAMP and cGMP. In summary, these findings suggest that the PDE1C gene undergoes tissue-specific alternative splicing that generates structurally and functionally diverse gene products.

Solubilization of membrane-bound rod phosphodiesterase by the rod phosphodiesterase recombinant delta subunit

Retinal rod and cone phosphodiesterases are oligomeric enzymes that consist of a dimeric catalytic core (alpha'2 in cones and alphabeta in rods) with inhibitory subunits (gamma) that regulate their activity. In addition, a 17-kDa protein referred to as the delta subunit co-purifies with the rod soluble phosphodiesterase and the cone phosphodiesterase. We report here partial protein sequencing of the rod delta subunit and isolation of a cDNA clone encoding it. The predicted amino acid sequence is unrelated to any other known protein. Of eight bovine tissue mRNA preparations examined by Northern analysis, the strongest delta subunit-specific signal was present in the retina. A less intense signal was seen in the brain and adrenal mRNA. In bovine retinal sections, rod delta subunit anti-peptide antibodies label rod but not cone outer segments. delta subunit, added back to washed outer segment membranes, solubilizes a large fraction of the membrane-bound phosphodiesterase, indicating that this subunit binds to the classical membrane associated phosphodiesterase. The subunit forms a tight complex with native, but not trypsin-released phosphodiesterase, suggesting that the isoprenylated carboxyl termini of the catalytic subunits may be involved in binding of the delta subunit to the phosphodiesterase holoenzyme.

Isolation and characterization of cDNAs corresponding to two human calcium, calmodulin-regulated, 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases

cDNAs corresponding to two human calcium, calmodulin (CaM)-regulated 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) were isolated. One, Hcam1 (PDE1A3), corresponds to the bovine 61-kDa CaM PDE (PDE1A2). The second, Hcam3 (PDE1C), represents a novel phosphodiesterase gene. Hcam1 encodes a 535-amino acid protein that differs most notably from the bovine 61-kDa CaM PDE by the presence of a 14-amino acid insertion and a divergent carboxyl terminus. RNase protection studies indicated that Hcam1 is represented in human RNA from several tissues, including brain, kidney, testes, and heart. Two carboxyl-terminal splice variants for Hcam3 were isolated. One, Hcam3b (PDE1C1), encodes a protein 634 amino acids (72 kDa) in length. The other, Hcam3a (PDE1C3), diverges from Hcam3b 4 amino acids from the carboxyl terminus of Hcam3b, and extends an additional 79 amino acids. All the cDNAs isolated for Hcam3a are incomplete; they do not include the 5'-end of the open reading frame. Northern analysis revealed that both splice variants were expressed in several tissues, including brain and heart, and that there may be additional splice variants. Amino-truncated recombinant proteins were expressed in yeast and characterized biochemically. Hcam3a has a high affinity for both cAMP and cGMP and thus has distinctly different kinetic parameters from Hcam1, which has a higher affinity for cGMP than for cAMP. Both PDE1C enzymes were inhibited by isobutylmethylxanthine, 8-methoxymethyl isobutylmethylxanthine, zaprinast, and vinpocetine.

Identification of inhibitory and calmodulin-binding domains of the PDE1A1 and PDE1A2 calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases

Using a bovine 61-kDa (PDE1A2) calmodulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase (CaM-PDE) cDNA and a bovine lung 59-kDa (PDE1A1) CaM-PDE cDNA reported here, we have identified two new regions within the primary structure of these two related isozymes that are important for regulation by Ca2+/CaM. PDE1A1 is identical to the PDE1A2 isozyme except for the amino-terminal 18 residues. In agreement with earlier studies, the CaM concentration required for half-maximal activation (KCaM) of recombinant PDE1A1 (0.3 nM) was approximately 10-fold less than the KCaM for recombinant PDE1A2 (4 nM). A series of deletion mutations of the PDE1A2 cDNA removing nucleotide sequence encoding the first 46-106 aminoterminal residues were constructed and expressed using the baculovirus system. Deletion of the amino acids encompassing a previously identified, putative CaM-binding domain (residues 4-46) produced a polypeptide that was still activated 3-fold by CaM (KCaM approximately 3 nM). However, complete CaM-independent activation occurred when residues 4-98 were deleted. To determine the location of the additional CaM-binding domain(s), the inhibitory potency of seven overlapping, synthetic peptides spanning amino acids 76-149 of PDE1A2 was tested using the CaM-activated enzyme. One peptide spanning amino acids 114-137 of PDE1A2 appeared to be the most potent inhibitor of CaM-stimulated activity. These results reveal the existence of a CaM-binding domain located approximately 90 residues carboxyl-terminal to the putative CaM-binding domains previously identified within the PDE1A1 and PDE1A2 isozymes. Moreover, a discrete segment important for holding these CaM-PDEs in a less active state at low Ca2+ concentrations is located between the two CaM-binding domains.

An essential aspartic acid at each of two allosteric cGMP-binding sites of a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase

The amino acid sequences of all known cGMP-binding phosphodiesterases (PDEs) contain internally homologous repeats (a and b) that are 80-90 residues in length and are arranged in tandem within the putative cGMP-binding domains. In the bovine lung cGMP-binding, cGMP-specific PDE (cGB-PDE or PDE5A), these repeats span residues 228-311 (a) and 410-500 (b). An aspartic acid (residue 289 or 478) that is invariant in repeats a and b of all known cGMP-binding PDEs was changed to alanine by site-directed mutagenesis of cGB-PDE, and wild type (WT) and mutant cGB-PDEs were expressed in COS-7 cells. Purified bovine lung cGB-PDE (native) and WT cGB-PDE displayed identical cGMP-binding kinetics, with approximately 1.8 microM cGMP required for half-maximal saturation. The D289A mutant showed decreased affinity for cGMP (Kd > 10 microM) and the D478A mutant showed increased affinity for cGMP (Kd approximately 0.5 microM) as compared to WT and native cGB-PDE. WT and native cGB-PDE displayed an identical curvilinear profile of cGMP dissociation which was consistent with the presence of distinct slowly dissociating (koff = 0.26 h-1) and rapidly dissociating (koff = 1.00 h-1) sites of cGMP binding. In contrast, the D289A mutant displayed a single koff = 1.24 h-1, which was similar to the calculated koff for the fast site of WT and native cGB-PDE, and the D478A mutant displayed a single koff = 0.29 h-1, which was similar to that calculated for the slow site of WT and native cGB-PDE. These results were consistent with the loss of a slow cGMP-binding site in repeat a of the D289A mutant cGB-PDE, and the loss of a fast site in repeat b of the D478A mutant, suggesting that cGB-PDE possesses two distinct cGMP-binding sites located at repeats a and b, with the invariant aspartic acid being crucial for interaction with cGMP at each site.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase enriched in olfactory sensory neurons

The sensing of an odorant by an animal must be a rapid but transient process, requiring an instant response and also a speedy termination of the signal. Previous biochemical and electrophysiological studies suggest that one or more phosphodiesterases (PDEs) may play an essential role in the rapid termination of the odorant-induced cAMP signal. Here we report the molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a cDNA from rat olfactory epithelium that encodes a member of the calmodulin-dependent PDE family designated as PDE1C. This enzyme shows high affinity for cAMP and cGMP, having a Km for cAMP much lower than that of any other neuronal Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PDE. The mRNA encoding this enzyme is highly enriched in olfactory epithelium and is not detected in six other tissues tested. However, RNase protection analyses indicate that other alternative splice variants related to this enzyme are expressed in several other tissues. Within the olfactory epithelium, this enzyme appears to be expressed exclusively in the sensory neurons. The high affinity for cAMP of this Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PDE and the fact that its mRNA is highly concentrated in olfactory sensory neurons suggest an important role for it in a Ca(2+)-regulated olfactory signal termination.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases: functional implications of multiple isoforms

In the last few years there has been a veritable explosion of knowledge about cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases. In particular, the accumulating data showing that there are a large number of different phosphodiesterase isozymes have triggered an equally large increase in interest about these enzymes. At least seven different gene families of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase are currently known to exist in mammalian tissues. Most families contain several distinct genes, and many of these genes are expressed in different tissues as functionally unique alternative splice variants. This article reviews many of the more important aspects about the structure, cellular localization, and regulation of each family of phosphodiesterases. Particular emphasis is placed on new information obtained in the last few years about how differential expression and regulation of individual phosphodiesterase isozymes relate to their function(s) in the body. A substantial discussion of the currently accepted nomenclature is also included. Finally, a brief discussion is included about how the differences among distinct phosphodiesterase isozymes are beginning to be used as the basis for developing therapeutic agents.

Characterization of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases with cyclic AMP analogs: topology of the catalytic sites and comparison with other cyclic AMP-binding proteins

To define essential interactions of cAMP with the catalytic sites of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and to begin to map the topology of the sites, we have tested a series of cAMP analogs as competitive inhibitors of the PDEs that hydrolyze cAMP with high efficiency (PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, and PDE4). Comparisons of IC50 values, relative to cAMP, were used to predict which functional groups on cAMP interact with each isozyme. Common to all PDEs tested, except for the calcium/calmodulin-dependent PDE (CaM-PDE, PDE1), is an interaction at the N1-position of cAMP and a distinct lack of binding to the 2'-hydroxyl group of the ribose moiety. Only the cGMP-stimulated (PDE2) and cAMP-specific (PDE4) PDEs appear to interact strongly at the N7-position. The cGMP-inhibited PDE (cGI-PDE, PDE3) may interact less strongly with this nitrogen. The PDE4 and PDE3 both interact with cAMP through the 6-amino group, which most likely serves as a hydrogen bond donor. PDE4 and PDE3 appear to be able to bind to the anti-conformer of cAMP, whereas the PDE1 and PDE2 bind the syn-conformer. The CaM-PDE exhibits no appreciable specificity for any of the analogs tested, showing little or no interaction with the 6-amino group or with any of the ring nitrogens. Large differences exist in the nucleotide-binding requirements for the PDE catalytic sites, compared with the regulatory sites of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and the catabolite activator protein.

Characterization of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases with cyclic GMP analogs: topology of the catalytic domains

To help define essential interactions of cGMP with the catalytic site, we tested a series of cGMP analogs as competitive inhibitors of each cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) family known to hydrolyze cGMP (PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE5, and PDE6). IC50 values, relative to cGMP, were used to predict which functional groups of cGMP contribute to binding by the catalytic sites of each isozyme. The results indicate that the N1-nitrogen of cGMP contributes to binding at the catalytic site of all PDEs, probably as a hydrogen donor. All PDEs tested, with the exception of PDE2, also use the 6-oxo group, probably as a hydrogen acceptor. In contrast to other cGMP-binding enzymes, the 2-amino and 2'-hydroxyl groups of cGMP are not major requirements for binding to any PDE. The 8-bromo- and 8-p-chlorophenylthio-substituted analogs inhibit PDE1, PDE2, and PDE6 activity with high relative affinities, suggesting that these PDEs are not sterically hindered with bulky 8-position substitutions and that they do not preferentially bind the anti-conformation of cGMP. PDE3 and PDE5 have reduced apparent affinity for these analogs and therefore either are sterically hindered with these substitutions or bind cGMP in the anti-conformation. Overall, the data show substantial differences in structural requirements for cGMP binding to the catalytic sites of the different PDE families. Comparisons with published data show different structural requirements for binding to the catalytic, compared with noncatalytic, binding domains of PDEs. Even larger differences are seen between the requirements for binding to PDE catalytic sites and those for the cGMP-dependent protein kinase and the cGMP-gated cation channel.

Phosphorylation of the 61-kDa calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase at serine 120 reduces its affinity for calmodulin

Phosphorylation of the 61-kDa isoform of bovine calmodulin (CaM)-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CaM-PDE) by the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) results in a decrease in the affinity of the enzyme for calmodulin [Sharma, R. K., & Wang, J. H. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82, 2603-2607]. In the present study, purified 61-kDa CaM-PDE was phosphorylated in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP and cleaved with a Lys-C endoproteinase. The resultant phosphopeptides were resolved by reverse-phase HPLC and analyzed by electrospray mass spectrometry and Edman sequencing. Serine residues 120 and 138 were identified as the principal sites of phosphorylation. A cDNA encoding the 61-kDa CaM-PDE [Sonnenburg, W. K., Seger, D., & Beavo, J. A. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 645-652] was used to generate point mutants in which either or both of these serines were replaced with alanine. The mutants were expressed in COS-7 cells, purified, and phosphorylated. Phosphorylation of the mutant Ser 138-->Ala resulted in a decrease in affinity for CaM that was comparable to that seen with the wild-type enzyme. In contrast, phosphorylation of the mutant Ser 120-->Ala had virtually no effect on CaM affinity. We conclude that phosphorylation of serine 120 by PKA is responsible for the reduction in affinity of the 61-kDa CaM-PDE for CaM.

Differential expression of the 61 kDa and 63 kDa calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterases in the mouse brain

Based on their relative abundance and regulation by Ca2+ and by phosphorylation in vitro, it is thought that the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) are important modulators of cyclic nucleotide function in the brain. Two of the most abundant CaM-PDEs in the brain are the 61 kDa and 63 kDa isozymes. In this study, the regional and cellular expression of mRNA encoding these two different isoforms in mouse brain has been determined by in situ hybridization. The 63 kDa CaM-PDE mRNA has a wide-spread but uneven distribution. Very strong hybridization signals are present in the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Somewhat lesser amounts of 63 kDa CaM-PDE mRNA are present in the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex. Weaker but still easily discernible hybridization signals are seen in several layers of the cerebral cortex, CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, amygdaloid nuclear complex, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. A weak hybridization signal was detected in the globus pallidus of the basal ganglia. In general, the distribution of the 63 kDa CaM-PDE is very similar to that of dopamine receptors, suggesting that it may modulate dopamine function. In contrast, the 61 kDa CaM-PDE mRNA has a more limited and much different distribution, with the highest level of expression in the cerebral cortex and in the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus. A moderate hybridization signal was detected in the medial habenula and amygdaloid nuclear complex. In addition, small subsets of neurons in several other regions showed specific hybridization. Both PDE mRNAs appear to be localized exclusively in neuronal cell bodies. Their distinct distribution suggests important but different physiological roles for these two isozymes in the regional regulation of cyclic nucleotides in the CNS. Since these two isozymes are differentially phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent and Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinases, the differential expression also provides a potential mechanism by which these PDEs can differentially regulate cAMP and cGMP in different brain areas. The high expression levels in specific subsets of neurons also suggest that agents increasing Ca2+ in these neurons will increase the rate of cyclic nucleotide degradation.