Are the school prevention programmes - aimed at de-normalizing smoking among youths - beneficial in the long term? An example from the Smoke Free Class Competition in Italy

Tobacco smoking by young people is of great concern because it usually leads to regular smoking, nicotine addiction and quitting difficulties. Young people "hooked" by tobacco maintain the profits of the tobacco industry by replacing smokers who quit or die. If new generations could be tobacco-free, as supported by tobacco endgame strategies, the tobacco epidemic could end within decades. Smoking prevention programmes for teens are offered by schools with the aim to prevent or delay smoking onset. Among these, the Smoke Free Class Competition (SFC) was widely implemented in Europe. Its effectiveness yielded conflicting results, but it was only evaluated at short/medium term (6 - 18 months). The aim of this study is to evaluate its effectiveness after a longer follow-up (3 to 5 years) in order to allow enough time for the maturing of the students and the internalization of the experience and its contents. Fifteen classes were randomly sampled from two Italian high schools of Bologna province that regularly offered the SFC to first year students; 382 students (174 participating in the SFC and 208 controls) were retrospectively followed-up and provided their "smoking histories". At the end of their last year of school (after 5 years from the SFC), the percentage of students who stated that they were regular smokers was lower among the SFC students than in controls: 13.5% vs 32.9% (p=0.03). From the students' "smoking histories", statistically significant protective ORs were observed for SFC students at the end of 1st and 5th year: 0.42 (95% CI 0.19-0.93) and 0.32 (95% CI 0.11-0.91) respectively. Absence of smokers in the family was also a strongly statistically significant factor associated with being a non-smoker student. These results suggest that SFC may have a positive impact on lowering the prevalence of smoking in the long term (5 years).

Selective regulation of recombinantly expressed mGlu7 metabotropic glutamate receptors by G protein-coupled receptor kinases and arrestins

mGlu7 receptors are coupled to Gi/Go-proteins and activate multiple transduction pathways, including inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity and stimulation of ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. mGlu7 receptors play an important role in cognition and emotion and are involved in stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression and in susceptibility to convulsive seizures. In spite of these potential clinical implications, little is known on the mechanisms that regulate mGlu7-receptor signaling. Here we show that mGlu7 receptor-dependent signaling pathways were regulated in a complementary manner by different GRK subtypes, with GRK4 affecting the adenylyl cyclase and the JNK pathways, and GRK2 selectively affecting the ERK1/2 pathway. Additionally we found that the two isoforms of non-visual arrestins, i.e. β-arrestin1 and β-arrestin2, exerted opposite effects on mGlu7-receptor signaling, with β-arrestin1 positively modulating ERK1/2 and inhibiting JNK, and β-arrestin2 doing the opposite. This represents a remarkable example of "reciprocal regulation" of receptor signaling by the two isoforms of β-arrestin. Finally we found that β-arrestin1 amplified mGlu7 receptor-dependent ERK1/2 activation in response to L-AP4 (an orthosteric agonist), but not in response to AMN082 (an atypical mGlu7-receptor allosteric agonist). The different effect of β-arrestin1 on L-AP4- and AMN082-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation is in line with the emerging concept of β-arrestin-biased agonists. The present study may open new perspectives in elucidating the physio-pathological roles of the mGlu7 receptor and may provide new insights for the possibility to develop specific (biased) agonists that can selectively activate different signaling pathways.

Expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 is associated with breast cancer tumourigenesis

G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) comprise a family of seven mammalian serine/threonine protein kinases that phosphorylate and regulate agonist-bound, activated, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GRKs and beta-arrestins are key participants in the canonical pathways leading to phosphorylation-dependent GPCR desensitization, endocytosis, intracellular trafficking and resensitization. Here we show that GRK4 isoforms are expressed in human breast cancer but not in normal epithelia. In addition, GRK4-over-expressing cells activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mediated by ERK 1/2 and JNK phosphorylation in breast cancer-derived cell lines. Furthermore, suppression of beta-arrestins decreased GRK4-stimulated ERK 1/2 or JNK phosphorylations. These data indicate that high-level expression of GRK4 may activate MAPK signalling pathways mediated by beta-arrestins in breast cancer cells, suggesting that GRK4 may be implicated in breast cancer carcinogenesis.

Regulation of mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling by type-2 G-protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK2)

We examined the role of G-protein coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) in the homologous desensitization of mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptors transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Receptor activation with the agonist l-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (l-AP4) stimulated at least two distinct signaling pathways: inhibition of cAMP formation and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway [assessed by Western blot analysis of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2]. Activation of both pathways was attenuated by pertussis toxin. Overexpression of GRK2 (but not GRK4) largely attenuated the stimulation of the MAPK pathway by l-AP4, whereas it slightly potentiated the inhibition of FSK-stimulated cAMP formation. Transfection with a kinase-dead mutant of GRK2 (GRK2-K220R) or with the C-terminal fragment of GRK2 also reduced the mGlu4-mediated stimulation of MAPK, suggesting that GRK2 binds to the Gbetagamma subunits to inhibit signal propagation toward the MAPK pathway. This was confirmed by the evidence that GRK2 coimmunoprecipitated with Gbetagamma subunits in an agonist-dependent manner. Finally, neither GRK2 nor its kinase-dead mutant had any effect on agonist-induced mGlu4 receptor internalization in HEK293 cells transiently transfected with GFP-tagged receptors. Agonist-dependent internalization was instead abolished by a negative-dominant mutant of dynamin, which also reduced the stimulation of MAPK pathway by l-AP4. We speculate that GRK2 acts as a "switch molecule" by inhibiting the mGlu4 receptor-mediated stimulation of MAPK and therefore directing the signal propagation toward the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase.

Amphetamines induce ubiquitin-positive inclusions within striatal cells

The present study explores whether effects induced by amphetamine derivatives on striatal GABA cells might be connected with effects on dopamine (DA) metabolism. Methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") were administered to C57Black mice following a dosage regimen in which various doses of both drugs were injected i.p. at 2-h intervals. Neuronal inclusions produced under these experimental conditions were examined under electron microscopy. Drugs reducing DA availability prevented inclusion formation; conversely we observed that increasing DA synthesis or impairing physiological DA degradation enhanced the number of inclusions. The present study indicates that the presence of extracellular striatal DA is essential for the production of subcellular alterations induced by amphetamine derivatives. This is in line with a recent hypothesis connecting striatal DA release with degeneration of striatal GABA neurons.

Presence of β-arrestin in cellular inclusions in metamphetamine-treated PC12 cells

Cellular inclusions containing ubiquitin and alpha-synuclein were observed in PC12 cells treated with metamphetamine (MA). To study the possible involvement of beta-arrestin in inclusion formation, we treated PC12 cells with MA for different times and analyzed the ubiquitin proteosome pathway (UPP). We found that beta-arrestin is ubiquitinated in the MA-treated PC12 cell line. The involvement of beta-arrestin in UPP was further supported by electron microscopy and by confocal microscopy, which documented the presence of beta-arrestin in these Lewy body-like inclusions. Our experiments reveal an interesting and previously unappreciated connection between beta-arrestin and ubiquitination and suggest that beta-arrestin could be involved in the development of the inclusion bodies.

Regulation of lysophosphatidic acid receptor-stimulated response by G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 and beta-arrestin1 in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a naturally occurring phospholipid that activates a variety of biological activities including cell proliferation. Three mammalian LPA receptor (LPAr) subtypes have been identified by molecular cloning, named lp(A1), lp(A2) and lp(A3), that are coupled to heterotrimeric G-proteins for signal transduction. The LPAr are endogenously expressed in the rat thyroid cell line FRTL-5 and we used the FRTL-5 cells permanently transfected to obtain moderate overexpression of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) or beta-arrestin1 to study whether GRK2 and beta-arrestin1 desensitise LPAr-mediated signalling and regulate LPA-stimulated functional effects. Using RT-PCR we documented that lp(A1), lp(A2) and lp(A3) receptors are all expressed in FRTL-5 cells. We then analysed the signal transduction of the LPAr in FRTL-5 cells. Exposure to LPA did not stimulate inositol phosphate formation nor cAMP accumulation but reduced forskolin-stimulated cAMP. LPA was also able to stimulate MAP kinase activation and this effect was abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment. These results suggest that LPAr are mainly coupled to a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein in FRTL-5 cells. In order to investigate whether GRKs and arrestins are involved in the regulation of LPAr-mediated signalling, we used the FRTL-5 cell line permanently transfected to overexpress GRK2 (named L5GRK2 cells) or beta-arrestin1 (L5betaarr1 cells). The ability of LPA to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was blunted in L5GRK2 and more markedly in L5betaarr1. The MAP kinase activation was also blunted in L5GRK2 and in L5betaarr1B cells. Exposure to 20 microM LPA increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1/2 by approximately 3-fold in L5pBJI cells (FRTL-5 cells transfected with the empty vector pBJI) while it induced a modest increase in L5betaarr1 and was ineffective in L5GRK2. We measured [3H]thymidine uptake in L5betaarr1B and in L5 GRK2 cells to test whether GRK2 and beta-arrestin1 could have a role in the regulation of LPAr-mediated cell proliferation. The mitogenic response induced by 35 microM LPA was substantially blunted in L5betaarr1 (-69+/-6%) and in L5GRK2 (-69.8+/-4.5%) cells as compared with L5pBJI. Our findings document that the receptor-mediated responses elicited by LPA are regulated by GRK2 and beta-arrestin1 in FRTL-5 cells and indicate that this mechanism is potentially important for the control of the LPA-stimulated proliferative response.

Native group-III metabotropic glutamate receptors are coupled to the mitogen-activated protein kinase/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathways

We used cultured cerebellar granule cells to examine whether native group-III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are coupled to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3-K) pathways. Cultured granule cells responded to the group-III mGlu receptor agonist, L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (l-AP4), with an increased phosphorylation and activity of MAPKs (ERK-1 and -2) and an increased phosphorylation of the PI-3-K target, protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). These effects were attenuated by the group-III antagonists, alpha-methyl-serine-O -phosphate (MSOP) and (R,S )-alpha-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (CPPG), or by pretreatment of the cultures with pertussis toxin. l-AP4 also induced the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, a downstream effector of the PI-3-K pathway. To assess the functional relevance of these mechanisms we examined the ability of l-AP4 to protect granule cells against apoptosis by trophic deprivation, induced by lowering extracellular K(+) from 25 to 10 mm. Neuroprotection by l-AP4 was attenuated by MSOP and abrogated by the compounds PD98059 and UO126, which inhibit the MAPK pathway, or by the compound LY294002, which inhibits the PI-3-K pathway. Taken together, these results show for the first time that native group-III mGlu receptors are coupled to MAPK and PI-3-K, and that activation of both pathways is necessary for neuroprotection mediated by this particular class of receptors.

Continuous subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine rescues nigro-striatal dopaminergic terminals following MPTP injection in mice

Apomorphine has been introduced in the treatment of late-stage Parkinson's Disease (PD). The disadvantage of a short half-life of apomorphine is now overcome by the use of a continuous subcutaneous (s.c.) self-delivering system. We examined whether continuous s.c. infusion of apomorphine rescues nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons from toxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in mice. Apomorphine was continuously infused in mice by means of a s.c. minipump that delivered the drug at a rate of 0.5 or 3.15 mg/kg/day. MPTP induced a >80% reduction in striatal dopamine (DA) after one day. DA levels were still substantially reduced one month following MPTP injection, in spite of a partial recovery. Similarly, striatal immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter was markedly reduced at this time interval. Continuous s.c. infusion of apomorphine starting 40 h following MPTP injection rescued striatal dopaminergic terminals, as assessed by measurements of DA and its metabolites, as well as TH and DAT immunostaining after one month. The neurorescuing effect was more remarkable at a delivery rate of 3.15 mg/kg/day of apomorphine. In contrast, no rescue was observed when apomorphine was administered as a single daily s.c. bolus of 1 or 5mg/kg starting 40 h following MPTP. We conclude that apomorphine is able to rescue nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons when continuously delivered at doses that are comparable to those delivered by minipumps in PD patients. These results suggest that continuous s.c. infusion of apomorphine not only relieves the symptoms, but also reduce the ongoing degeneration of nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons in PD patients.

Thyrotropin activates mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in FRTL-5 by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A-independent mechanism

The involvement of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in the mitogenic effect of thyrotropin (TSH) is not fully elucidated. In FRTL-5 cells, we found that the MAP kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors UO126 and PD98059 substantially decreased TSH-induced DNA synthesis, indicating that MAP kinases are involved in the TSH-stimulated proliferative response. Accordingly, TSH, forskolin (FSK) and 8-bromo-cAMP induced a rapid (3 min) and transient activation of ERK1/2, as assessed by phosphorylation of myelin basic protein and ERK1/2. This effect was cAMP-dependent and protein kinase A (PKA)-independent. The activation of Rap1 and B-Raf was involved in the mechanism of MAP kinase stimulation by TSH. TSH induced rapid (3 min) GDP/GTP exchange and activation of Rap1. After a 3-min exposure to FSK, B-Raf was recruited to a vesicular compartment, where it colocalized with Rap1. Both activation of Rap1 and translocation of B-Raf were PKA-independent. The Rap1 dominant negative Rap1N17 significantly reduced TSH-stimulated but not insulin-like growth factor 1-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas the Ras dominant negative RasN17 inhibited the effect of both agonists. In conclusion, our results document that TSH increases intracellular cAMP, which rapidly stimulates MAP kinase cascade independent of PKA. This novel mechanism could integrate other pathways involved in TSH-stimulated proliferative response.

Endogenous activation of group-I metabotropic glutamate receptors is required for differentiation and survival of cerebellar Purkinje cells

We have applied subtype-selective antagonists of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors mGlu1 or mGlu5 [7-(hydroxy-imino) cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester (CPCCOEt) or 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP)] to mixed rat cerebellar cultures containing both Purkinje and granule cells. The action of these two drugs on neuronal survival was cell specific. Although CPCCOEt (1, 10, 30 microm) reduced the survival of Purkinje cells, MPEP (3 or 30 microm) selectively reduced the survival of granule cells. Both effects required an early exposure of cultures to antagonists [from 3 to 6 d in vitro (DIV) for CPCCOEt, and from 3 to 6 or 6 to 9 DIV for MPEP]. Addition of MPEP from 6 to 9, 9 to 13, or 13 to 17 DIV also induced profound morphological changes in the dendritic tree and dendritic spines of Purkinje cells, suggesting that endogenous activation of mGlu5 receptors is required for the age-dependent refinement of Purkinje cell phenotype. In in vivo studies, an early blockade of mGlu1 receptors induced in rats by local injections of LY367385 (20 nmol/2 microl), local injections of mGlu1 antisense oligonucleotides (12 nmol/2 microl), or systemic administration of CPCCOEt (5 mg/kg, s.c.) from postnatal day (P) 3 to P9 reduced the number and dramatically altered the morphology of cerebellar Purkinje cells. In contrast, mGlu5 receptor blockade induced by local injections of antisense oligonucleotides reduced the number of granule cells but also produced substantial morphological changes in the dendritic tree of Purkinje cells. These results provide the first evidence that the development of cerebellar neurons is under the control of mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors, i.e., the two mGlu receptor subtypes coupled to polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes as targets for neuroprotective drugs

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have been considered as potential targets for neuroprotective drugs, but the lack of specific drugs has limited the development of neuroprotective strategies in experimental models of acute or chronic central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The advent of potent and centrally available subtype-selective ligands has overcome this limitation, leading to an extensive investigation of the role of mGlu receptor subtypes in neurodegeneration during the last 2 years. Examples of these drugs are the noncompetitive mGlu1 receptor antagonists, CPCCOEt and BAY-36-7620; the noncompetitive mGlu5 receptor antagonists, 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine, SIB-1893, and SIB-1757; and the potent mGlu2/3 receptor agonists, LY354740 and LY379268. Pharmacologic blockade of mGlu1 or mGlu5 receptors or pharmacologic activation of mGlu2/3 or mGlu4/7/8 receptors produces neuroprotection in a variety of in vitro or in vivo models. MGlu1 receptor antagonists are promising drugs for the treatment of brain ischemia or for the prophylaxis of neuronal damage induced by synaptic hyperactivity. MGlu5 receptor antagonists may limit neuronal damage induced by a hyperactivity of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, because mGlu5 and NMDA receptors are physically and functionally connected in neuronal membranes. A series of observations suggest a potential application of mGlu5 receptor antagonists in chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. MGlu2/3 receptor agonists inhibit glutamate release, but also promote the synthesis and release of neurotrophic factors in astrocytes. These drugs may therefore have a broad application as neuroprotective agents in a variety of CNS disorders. Finally, mGlu4/7/8 receptor agonists potently inhibit glutamate release and have a potential application in seizure disorders. The advantage of all these drugs with respect to NMDA or AMPA receptor agonists derives from the evidence that mGlu receptors do not "mediate," but rather "modulate" excitatory synaptic transmission. Therefore, it can be expected that mGlu receptor ligands are devoid of the undesirable effects resulting from the inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission, such as sedation or an impairment of learning and memory.

Neuroprotection mediated by glial group-II metabotropic glutamate receptors requires the activation of the MAP kinase and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathways

The mGlu2/3 receptor agonists 4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine (4C3HPG) and LY379268 attenuated NMDA toxicity in primary cultures containing both neurons and astrocytes. Neuroprotection was abrogated by PD98059 and LY294002, which inhibit the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3-K) pathways, respectively. Cultured astrocytes lost the ability to produce transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in response to mGlu2/3 receptor agonists when co-incubated with PD98059 or LY294002. As a result, the glial medium was no longer protective against NMDA toxicity. Activation of the MAPK and PI-3-K pathways in cultured astrocytes treated with 4C3HPG or LY379268 was directly demonstrated by an increase in the phosphorylated forms of ERK-1/2 and Akt. Similarly to that observed in the culture, intracerebral or systemic injections of mGlu2/3 receptor agonists enhanced TGF-beta1 formation in the rat or mouse caudate nucleus, and this effect was reduced by PD98059. PD98059 also reduced the ability of LY379268 to protect striatal neurons against NMDA toxicity. These results suggest that activation of glial mGlu2/3 receptors induces neuroprotection through the activation of the MAPK and PI-3-K pathways leading to the induction of TGF-beta.

The mammalian homologue of the novel peptide Bv8 is expressed in the central nervous system and supports neuronal survival by activating the MAP kinase/PI-3-kinase pathways

Previous studies have identified the mammalian homologue of Bv8 (mBv8), a small protein originally isolated from skin secretions of the frog, Bombina variegata. In situ hybridization showed that mBv8 RNA was widely expressed in the rodent CNS, with high levels being detected in layer II of the cerebral cortex, limbic regions, cerebellar Purkinje cells, and dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord. A similar pattern of distribution was found by examining the presence of mBv8 protein by immunocytochemistry. Addition of frog Bv8 to cultured cerebellar granule cells reduced the extent of apoptotic death induced by switching the growing medium from 25 to 5 mM K+. Bv8 could also protect cultured cortical neurons against excitotoxic death. Both effects were prevented by PD98059 and LY294002, which inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3-K) pathways, respectively. In cultured cerebellar granule cells, Bv8 stimulated both the MAPK and the PI-3-K pathways, as revealed by Western blot analysis of phosphorylated p44/p42 MAPKs and phosphorylated Akt, respectively. We conclude that mBv8 acts as an endogenous neurotrophic factor and supports neuronal survival through the activation of the MAPK/PI-3-K pathways.

Expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors in the rat and human testis

The G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 mediates the homologous desensitisation of type-1 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu1) receptors and is predominantly expressed in the testis. Hence, we searched for the expression of mGlu1 or other mGlu receptor subtypes in rat and human testes. RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of mGlu1, -4 and -5 (but not -2 or -3) receptor mRNA in the rat testis. The presence of mGlu1 and -5 (but not mGlu2/3) receptor proteins was also demonstrated by Western blot analysis. In the rat testis, both mGlu1a and -5 receptors were highly expressed in cells of the germinal line. It is likely that these receptors are functional, because the agonist, (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, was able to stimulate inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in slices prepared from rat testes. Immunocytochemical analysis of bioptic samples from human testes showed a high expression of mGlu5 receptors inside the seminiferous tubuli, whereas mGlu1a immunoreactivity was restricted to intertubular spaces. mGlu5 receptors were also present in mature spermatozoa, where they were localised in the mid-piece and tail. This localisation coincided with that of beta-arrestin, a protein that is critically involved in the homologous desensitisation and internalisation of G protein-coupled receptors. Taken collectively, these results offer the first evidence for the expression of any glutamate receptor in testes, and suggest that at least mGlu5 receptors are present and functionally active in mature human sperm.

Role of 5-HT(2C) receptors in the control of central dopamine function

Substantial evidence suggests that the functional status of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system originating in the ventral tegmental area is under a phasic and tonic inhibitory control by the 5-HT system that acts by stimulating 5-HT(2C) receptor subtypes. Indeed, electrophysiological and biochemical data demonstrate that 5-HT(2C) receptor agonists decrease, whereas 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonists enhance, mesocorticolimbic DA function. However, 5-HT(2C) receptors do not appear to play a relevant role in the control of the nigrostriatal DA system originating in the substantia nigra pars compacta. In this article, the role of 5-HT(2C) receptors in the control of brain DA function will be reviewed, and the search for new therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia and drug addiction, based on these findings will be discussed.

Neutrophil proteases can inactivate human PAR3 and abolish the co-receptor function of PAR3 on murine platelets

Three members of the protease-activated receptor family, PAR1, PAR3 and PAR4, are activated when thrombin cleaves the receptor N-terminus, exposing a tethered ligand. Proteases other than thrombin can also cleave PAR family members and, depending upon whether this exposes or removes the tethered ligand, either activate or disable the receptor. For example, on human platelets PAR1 is disabled by cathepsin G, although aggregation still occurs because cathepsin G can activate PAR4. The present studies examine the interaction of cathepsin G and a second neutrophil protease, elastase, with PAR3 using two model systems: COS-7 cells transfected with human PAR3 and mouse platelets, which express PAR3 and PAR4, but not PAR1. In contrast to human platelets, cathepsin G did not aggregate murine platelets, and prevented their activation only at low thrombin concentrations. Elastase had no effect on thrombin responses in mouse platelets, but when added to COS cells expressing human PAR3, both cathepsin G and elastase prevented activation of phospholipase C by thrombin. Notably, this inhibition occurred without loss of the binding sites for two monoclonal antibodies that flank the tethered ligand on human PAR3. We therefore conclude that 1) exposure to cathepsin G disables signaling through human PAR3, and prevents murine PAR3 from serving its normal role, which is to facilitate PAR4 cleavage at low thrombin concentrations, 2) elastase disables human, but not murine, PAR3, 3) in contrast to human PAR4, mouse PAR4 will not support platelet aggregation in response to cathepsin G, and 4) the inactivation of human PAR3 by cathepsin G and elastase involves a mechanism other than amputation of the tethered ligand domain. These results extend the range of possible interactions between PAR family members and proteases, and provide further support for species-specific differences in the interaction of these receptors with proteases other than thrombin.

Molecular determinants of metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling

Metabotropic glutamate (mglu) receptors are implicated in the regulation of many physiological and pathological processes in the CNS, including synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, motor coordination, pain transmission and neurodegeneration. Several recent studies have elucidated the molecular determinants of mglu receptor signaling and show that several mechanisms acting at different steps in signal propagation are involved. We attempt to offer an integrated view on how homologous and heterologous mechanisms regulate the initial steps of signal propagation, mainly at the level of mglu-receptor-G-protein coupling. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of phosphorylation mechanisms mediated by protein kinase C and G-protein-coupled receptor kinases, and on the emerging importance of some members of the regulators of G-protein signaling family, such as RGS2 and RGS4, which facilitate the GTPase activity that is intrinsic to the alpha-subunits of G(q) and G(i).

The E27 beta2-adrenergic receptor polymorphism reduces the risk of myocardial infarction in dyslipidemic young males

In the present study we evaluated whether two polymorphisms of beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2-AR) gene (R16G and Q27E) could modify the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Using a case-control design, we analyzed the data from 125 male patients who had experienced a first episode of MI before the age of 45 years and 108 male controls matched for age. The allele frequencies for R16G and Q27E were: G16=0.56 and E27=0.36 in patients with MI and G16=0.61 and E27=0.42 in the control group. There was a trend (not statistically significant) of decreasing MI risk according to E27 or G16 alleles. Combined effect between E27 allele and history of dyslipidemia has been observed. Whereas dyslipidemia conferred a relative risk of MI of 4.8 (P<0.001) compared with normolipidemia in the entire study population, the relative risk increased to 9.0 (P<0.001) in Q27 homozygotes with dyslipidemia, and decreased to 1.8 (P=0.36) in E27 homozygotes. Our results show that the E27 allele of the beta2-adrenergic receptor has a significant protective effect on MI in dyslipidemic young male.

Regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase subtypes by calcium sensor proteins

G protein-coupled receptor homologous desensitization is intrinsically related to the function of a class of S/T kinases named G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK). The GRK family is composed of six cloned members, named GRK1 to 6. Studies from different laboratories have demonstrated that different calcium sensor proteins (CSP) can selectively regulate the activity of GRK subtypes. In the presence of calcium, rhodopsin kinase (GRK1) is inhibited by the photoreceptor-specific CSP recoverin through direct binding. Several other recoverin homologues (including NCS 1, VILIP 1 and hippocalcin) are also able to inhibit GRK1. The ubiquitous calcium-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) can inhibit GRK5 with a high affinity (IC(50)=40-50 nM). A direct interaction between GRK5 and Ca(2+)/CaM was documented and this binding does not influence the catalytic activity of the kinase, but rather reduced GRK5 binding to the membrane. These studies suggest that CSP act as functional analogues in mediating the regulation of different GRK subtypes by Ca(2+). This mechanism is, however, highly selective with respect to the GRK subtypes: while GRK1, but not GRK2 and GRK5, is regulated by recoverin and other NCS, GRK4, 5 and 6, that belong to the GRK4 subfamily, are potently inhibited by CaM, which had little or no effect on members of other GRK subfamilies.

The G-protein-coupled receptor kinase GRK4 mediates homologous desensitization of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1

G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are involved in the regulation of many G-protein-coupled receptors. As opposed to the other GRKs, such as rhodopsin kinase (GRK1) or beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK, GRK2), no receptor substrate for GRK4 has been so far identified. Here we show that GRK4 is expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells, where it regulates mGlu(1) metabotropic glutamate receptors, as indicated by the following: 1) When coexpressed in heterologous cells (HEK293), mGlu(1) receptor signaling was desensitized by GRK4 in an agonist-dependent manner (homologous desensitization). 2) In transfected HEK293 and in cultured Purkinje cells, the exposure to glutamate agonists induced internalization of the receptor and redistribution of GRK4. There was a substantial colocalization of the receptor and kinase both under basal condition and after internalization. 3) Kinase activity was necessary for desensitizing mGlu(1a) receptor and agonist-dependent phosphorylation of this receptor was also documented. 4) Antisense treatment of cultured Purkinje cells, which significantly reduced the levels of GRK4 expression, induced a marked modification of the mGlu(1)-mediated functional response, consistent with an impaired receptor desensitization. The critical role for GRK4 in regulating mGlu(1) receptors implicates a major involvement of this kinase in the physiology of Purkinje cell and in motor learning.

Selective regulation of Gq signaling by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2: direct interaction of kinase N terminus with activated galphaq

In this study, we investigated the regulation of different G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-stimulated signaling pathways by GPCR kinase 2 (GRK2). We used thyrotropin receptor, which is coupled to different G proteins, to investigate the regulation of Galphas- and Galphaq-mediated signaling (assessed by cAMP and inositol phosphate production, respectively). In transfected cells, both pathways were desensitized by GRK2. However a kinase-dead GRK2 mutant (GRK2-K220R) only decreased inositol phosphate production, indicating that GRK2 could regulate Galphaq signaling through a phosphorylation-independent mechanism. Similar results were obtained with serotonin receptor 5-hydroxytryptamine(2C), which is coupled to Galphaq. This effect was mimicked by the N-terminal domain of GRK2 (GRK2-Nter), but not by the C-terminal domain. In cells transfected with Galphaq, direct activation of Galphaq signaling (by AlF(4)(-)) was desensitized by GRK2-Nter, indicating an effect at the Galpha-level. For comparison, in parallel samples we studied a protein regulator of G protein signaling RGS4 and we found a similar regulatory profile. We therefore hypothesized that the GRK2-Nter could directly interact with the Galphaq subunit to regulate its signaling, as demonstrated for several RGS proteins. This hypothesis is further supported by the presence, within the GRK2-Nter, of an RGS homology domain. In direct binding experiments, we found that GRK2-Nter interacts with Galphaq (only when activated) but not with Galphas and Galphao. We conclude that GRK2, besides desensitizing the GPCR by phosphorylation, is able to selectively bind to Galphaq and to regulate its signaling.

Involvement of G protein-coupled receptor kinases and arrestins in desensitization to follicle-stimulating hormone action

FSH rapidly desensitizes the FSH-receptor (FSH-R) upon binding. Very little information is available concerning the regulatory proteins involved in this process. In the present study, we investigated whether G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and arrestins have a role in FSH-R desensitization, using a mouse Ltk 7/12 cell line stably overexpressing the rat FSH-R as a model. We found that these cells, which express GRK2, GRK3, GRK5, and GRK6 as well as beta-arrestins 1 and 2 as detected by RT-PCR and by Western blotting, were rapidly desensitized in the presence of FSH. Overexpression of GRKs and/or beta-arrestins in Ltk 7/12 cells allowed us to demonstrate 1) that GRK2, -3, -5, -6a, and -6b inhibit the FSH-R-mediated signaling (from 71% to 96% of maximal inhibition depending on the kinase, P < 0.001); 2) that beta-arrestins 1 or 2 also decrease the FSH action when overexpressed (80% of maximal inhibition, P < 0.01) whereas dominant negative beta-arrestin 2 [319-418] potentiates it 8-fold (P < 0.001); 3) that beta-arrestins and GRKs (except GRK6a) exert additive inhibition on FSH-induced response; and 4) that FSH-R desensitization depends upon the endogenous expression of GRKs, since there is potentiation of the FSH response (2- to 3-fold, P < 0.05) with antisenses cDNAs for GRK2, -5, and -6, but not GRK3. Our results show that the desensitization of the FSH-induced response involves the GRK/arrestin system.

Selective regulation of G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 in FRTL-5 cells: analysis of thyrotropin, alpha(1B)-adrenergic, and A(1) adenosine receptor-mediated responses

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) play a key role in the process of receptor homologous desensitization. In the present study, we address the question of whether a variety of receptors coupled to different G protein subtypes and naturally expressed on the same cell are selectively regulated by GRK2. The signaling stimulated by thyrotropin (TSH), alpha(1B)-adrenergic, and A(1) adenosine receptors was studied in FRTL-5 cells permanently transfected to overexpress GRK2 and GRK2-K220R, a kinase dead GRK dominant negative mutant. In FRTL-5 overexpressing GRK2, TSH-induced cyclic AMP response was attenuated, indicating that TSH receptor is desensitized by this kinase. Consistently, FRTL-5 cells overexpressing GRK2-K220R show increased TSH-induced cyclic AMP response, demonstrating that this receptor is under tonic control by GRK. Unlike TSH receptor, alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor response was unaffected in FRTL-5 overexpressing GRK2 and GRK2-K220R. When A(1) adenosine receptors were stimulated, G(ialpha)-mediated cyclic AMP inhibition was totally unaffected by overexpression of either GRK2 or GRK2-K220R. By contrast, G(betagamma)-mediated response (activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases) was efficiently desensitized by GRK2 but was unaffected by GRK2-K220R overexpression. The present study documents that overexpression of GRK2 results in a selective regulation of different G protein-coupled receptors expressed on the same cell and that this kinase can regulate preferentially only one of the different pathways activated by the same receptor. The preferential regulation of the A(1) adenosine receptor-stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinases by GRK2 indicates that this kinase can have additional regulatory effects on G(betagamma)-stimulated pathways, possibly through direct binding and regulation of the receptor-G(betagamma) complex.

Identification of a short sequence highly divergent between beta-adrenergic-receptor kinases 1 and 2 that determines the affinity of binding to betagamma subunits of heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins

A 28-residue peptide (peptide G), derived from the C-terminal (W643-S670) of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (betaARK), was previously identified as the critical domain for binding to the betagamma subunits of the heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G betagamma). We observed that the 18-amino-acid core of this domain is poorly conserved between betaARK1 and betaARK2 and so may provide the basis for differences in G betagamma-binding properties. Specific antibodies raised against 18-residue peptides derived from the divergent sequences (peptides P1 and P2 for betaARK1 and betaARK2, respectively) competitively inhibited G betagamma-activation of the related betaARK subtype, confirming the involvement of this region in binding to G betagamma. Peptides P1 and P2 inhibited G betagamma-stimulated activity of both betaARK1 and betaARK2, with P2 being significantly more potent than P1 (IC50 of 179+/-5 microM for P2 and >500 microM for P1). The 28-residue peptides G showed the same relative inhibitory activities (IC50 = 48+/-5 microM for G2 and 146+/-8 microM for G1). This relative order of potency G2 > G1 approximately P2 > P1 was confirmed in a direct G betagamma-binding assay. No binding selectivity for the beta1, beta2, beta3 and beta4 G beta subtypes was observed. The EC50 value for G betagamma-activation of betaARK1 was about double of that for betaARK2, indicating a higher affinity between G betagamma and betaARK2, which is the expected result based on the findings with the peptides. These findings show that the 18-residue peptides P represent the shortest sequence of betaARK that can bind to G betagamma and provide a demonstration of a functional difference between the G betagamma binding domains of betaARK1 and betaARK2.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase GRK4. Molecular analysis of the four isoforms and ultrastructural localization in spermatozoa and germinal cells

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) presents some peculiar characteristics that make it a unique member within the GRK multigene family. For example, this is the only GRK for which four splice variants (GRK4alpha, -beta, -gamma, -delta) have been identified. We developed a simple assay to study kinase activity, and we found that GRK4alpha, but not GRK4beta, -gamma, and -delta, was able to phosphorylate rhodopsin in an agonist-dependent manner. GRK4alpha kinase activity was inhibited by Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) (IC50 = 80 nM), and a direct interaction between GRK4alpha and Ca2+/CaM was revealed using CaM-conjugated Sepharose 4B. The other three GRK4 isoforms did not interact with CaM in parallel experiments. The present investigation also aimed to define cellular and ultrastructural localization of GRK4. A substantial expression of GRK4 mRNA was only found in testis and in the spermatogonia cell line GC-1 spg. Specific GRK4 immunoreactivity was only found on sperm membranes, and immunochemical and ultrastructural analyses showed that it is associated to the acrosomal membranes and to the outer mitochondrial membranes. GRK4gamma was the only detectable isoform in human sperm. We concluded that: i) only GRK4alpha can phosphorylate rhodopsin and that this activity is inhibited by CaM; ii) the other three isoforms do not phosphorylate rhodopsin and do not interact with CaM; and iii) the association of GRK4 with highly specialized sperm organelles, which are essential for fertilization, strongly indicates that this kinase is involved in this process.

Inhibition of G protein-coupled receptor kinase subtypes by Ca2+/calmodulin

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are implicated in the homologous desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors. Six GRK subtypes have so far been identified, named GRK1 to GRK6. The functional state of the GRKs can be actively regulated in different ways. In particular, it was found that retinal rhodopsin kinase (GRK1), but not the ubiquitous betaARK1 (GRK2), can be inhibited by the photoreceptor-specific Ca2+-binding protein recoverin through direct binding. The present study was aimed to investigate regulation of other GRKs by alternative Ca2+-binding proteins such as calmodulin (CaM). We found that Gbetagamma-activated GRK2 and GRK3 were inhibited by CaM to similar extents (IC50 approximately 2 microM), while a 50-fold more potent inhibitory effect was observed on GRK5 (IC50 = 40 nM). Inhibition by CaM was strictly dependent on Ca2+ and was prevented by the CaM inhibitor CaMBd. Since Gbetagamma, which is a binding target of Ca2+/CaM, is critical for the activation of GRK2 and GRK3, it provides a possible site of interaction between these proteins. However, since GRK5 is Gbetagamma-independent, an alternative mechanism is conceivable. A direct interaction between GRK5 and Ca2+/CaM was revealed using CaM-conjugated Sepharose 4B. This binding does not influence the catalytic activity as demonstrated using the soluble GRK substrate casein. Instead, Ca2+/CaM significantly reduced GRK5 binding to the membrane. The mechanism of GRK5 inhibition appeared to be through direct binding to Ca2+/CaM, resulting in inhibition of membrane association and hence receptor phosphorylation. The present study provides the first evidence for a regulatory effect of Ca2+/CaM on some GRK subtypes, thus expanding the range of different mechanisms regulating the functional states of these kinases.

G protein-coupled receptors: heterologous regulation of homologous desensitization and its implications

Two patterns of rapid desensitization have been characterized for G protein-coupled receptors: homologous desensitization, which mainly involves G protein-coupled receptor kinases and arrestins, and heterologous desensitization, which mainly involves protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC). In this review, Tsu Tshen Chuang and colleagues discuss evidence to show that PKA and PKC can modify the functional state of the G protein-coupled receptor kinases/arrestin homologous desensitization machinery, providing a novel level of cross-talk in signal transduction. Studies on regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases and arrestins confirm that the functional state of this machinery may have important consequences for cellular responsiveness and may represent new targets for therapeutic strategies.

GRK2 and beta-arrestin 1 as negative regulators of thyrotropin receptor-stimulated response

Arrestins are regulatory proteins for a number of G-coupled receptors. The binding of arrestin to receptor phosphorylated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) quenches the activation of the G protein, thus resulting in receptor homologous desensitization. We have previously shown that the levels of beta-arrestin1 are regulated by intracellular cAMP and proposed that this may represent one homeostatic mechanism with which to regulate some cellular responses. To test this hypothesis, we focused on the TSH receptor using a rat thyroid cell line, FRTL5. We found that beta-arrestin1 is the only detectable isoform of arrestin expressed in FRTL5 and that its expression is regulated by TSH. To investigate the possible role of GRK2/beta-arrestin1 machinery in the mechanism of TSH receptor homologous desensitization, we used a cotransfection approach. The TSH-induced cAMP accumulation in COS7 cells transfected with TSH receptor was reduced by 35-45% when cotransfected with GRK2 and/or beta-arrestin1, indicating that the TSH receptor can be regulated by a GRK/arrestin mechanism. This raised the hypothesis that TSH increases the levels of beta-arrestin1, which in turn could regulate the TSH stimulation. To test this point a FRTL5-derived cell line overexpressing beta-arrestin1 was generated. In these cells the TSH-stimulated cAMP accumulation and, more importantly, the mitogenic activity were substantially blunted. Our results show that TSH receptor-stimulated cAMP accumulation and cell proliferation can be controlled by a GRK2/beta-arrestin1 mechanism.

The PH domain of Ras-GAP is sufficient for in vitro binding to beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins

1. The noncatalytic domain of Ras-GAP can affect signaling through G protein-coupled receptors by a poorly understood mechanism. 2. In this study, fusion proteins containing elements of the noncatalytic domain of ras-GAP were examined for their ability to bind beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins and phosphotyrosine-containing polypeptides. 3. Our results demonstrate that purified beta gamma dimers associated with bacterially expressed GAP proteins and that this association does not require SH2 or SH3 domains but is dependent on the presence of the GAP pleckstrin-homology (PH) domain. In contrast, only the SH2 domains are necessary for binding to tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. 4. These findings raise the possibility that heterotrimeric G proteins might affect functioning of ras-like proteins through beta gamma subunits acting on their regulatory molecules.

Phosphorylation and activation of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase by protein kinase C

The aim of this study was to test the possible modification of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) activity by second messengers and/or their downstream components. Using human mononuclear leukocytes (MNL), we found that calcium ionophores could elevate beta ARK activity by about 80% in a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner. This was confirmed by the ability of the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to produce a similar effect, suggesting a PKC-dependent modulation of beta ARK activity. In vitro experiments with purified proteins showed that PKC could directly phosphorylate beta ARK1 with an apparent Km for beta ARK1 of 6 nM. The ability of beta ARK1 to phosphorylate rhodopsin was 61% greater when it was phosphorylated by PKC. The level of phosphorylation of beta ARK1 immunoprecipitated from MNL and Sf9 cells overexpressing this kinase was enhanced by about 2-3-fold after PMA treatment. Functional significance of PKC-dependent increase in beta ARK activity ws demonstrated by beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) homologous desensitization experiments in MNL. beta AR desensitization, as induced by exposure to 10 microM isoproterenol (5 min at 37 degrees C), was increased from 42 +/- 10% in control to 68 +/- 8% in PMA-pretreated MNL. beta ARK inhibitor heparin (160 micrograms/ml) prevented the augmenting effect of PMA on beta AR desensitization. These results show that beta ARK activity can be increased through phosphorylation by PKC, thus indicating that beta ARK can be preconditioned to modulate the subsequent cellular responsiveness to receptor activation, providing the cell with a mechanism by which specific homologous desensitization can be regulated heterologously.

Heterocyclic systems containing the pyrimido-2,4-dione ring as selective ligands for the alpha 1-adrenoceptors

In the present paper recent results obtained in the field of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor (alpha 1AR) ligands are reported. Syntheses, alpha 1AR binding properties and structure-affinity relationships of tricyclic compounds containing the pyrimido-2,4-dione ring are described. Moreover, preliminary results on the binding properties of some derivatives for the recently cloned alpha 1AR subtypes expressed in COS-7 cells (alpha 1B, alpha 1C, alpha 1D) are discussed. Obtained data clearly indicate that some of the synthesized compounds are able to discriminate between the alpha 1B and the alpha 1C/alpha 1D adrenoceptor subclasses.

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase in patients with non-familial Alzheimer's disease

Chromosome 21 contains genes whose altered expression has long been associated with Down's syndrome and whose altered structure with some cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The gene for the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD-1), a key enzyme in the metabolism of oxygen free radicals, is located on the distal portion of chromosome 21. Due to the triplication of the SOD-1 gene, patients with Down's syndrome have an almost 50% increase in their SOD activity. On the other hand, almost 25% of the patients with Down's syndrome over 40 years of age develop progressive dementia, with clinical symptoms of AD. Therefore, we decided to evaluate whether abnormalities in the production of free radicals could be detected in blood cells from AD patients, and whether they correlated with molecular variations in the Cu/Zn SOD-1 gene. Superoxide anion production was evaluated spectrophotometrically in suspensions of monocytes from 9 sporadic AD patients, and from 9 aged-matched apparently normal controls. After stimulation with increasing concentrations of n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) or Ca ionophore A23187, monocyte free radical generation was quantitatively and qualitatively normal. Furthermore, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of leukocyte DNA digested with a variety of enzymes, gave comparable results in patients and controls. Our data support the possibility that in addition to the generation of free radicals, other directions should be explored to elucidate the mechanisms of dementia in AD.

Molecular analysis of the functional role of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1 amino-terminal

Receptor phosphorylation is a key step in the process of rapid desensitization. beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (betaARK) is a specific receptor kinase that is known to phosphorylate and induce desensitization of several G-coupled receptors only when they are occupied by their agonists. In the present study we have done several modifications to the amino-terminal of betaARK1, in order to clarify its functional role. The recombinant mutants were tested for their ability to phosphorylate rhodopsin present in purified bovine ROS membranes which serves as a substrate for betaARK1. Their expression levels were detected by Western blot analysis. We found that when the amino-terminal of betaARK1 is modified its expression level is very low, hence it is not able to phosphorylate over the basal. These findings suggest that this region is crucial for the normal processing of the protein.

Regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase subtypes in activated T lymphocytes. Selective increase of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1 and 2

Beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) is a serine-threonine kinase involved in the process of homologous desensitization of G-coupled receptors. beta ARK is a member of a multigene family, consisting of six known subtypes, also named G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK 1-6). In this study we investigated the expression of GRKs during the process of T cell activation, which is of fundamental importance in regulating immune responses. T cell activation was induced by exposing mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) to PHA and confirmed by tritiated thymidine incorporation measurement. A substantial increase of GRK activity (as measured by in vitro phosphorylation of rhodopsin) was found after 48 h (331 +/- 80% of controls) and 72 h (347 +/- 86% of controls) of exposure to PHA. A threefold increase of beta ARK1 immunoreactivity was found in MNL exposed to PHA for 72 h. Persistent activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by 10 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was able to increase beta ARK activity to the same extent as PHA, suggesting a PKC-mediated mechanism. The kinetic of beta-adrenergic-stimulated cAMP production was substantially modified in TPA and PHA-activated cells, indicating that the increased GRK activity resulted in an increased beta-adrenergic homologous desensitization. A three- to fourfold increase in GRK activity was also observed in a population of T cell blasts (> 97% CD3+) exposed to PHA for 48-72 h. A significant increase in beta ARK1 and beta ARK2 mRNA expression was observed 48 h after mitogen stimulation, while mRNA expression of GRK5 and GRK6 was not changed. In conclusion our data show that the expression of GRK subtypes is actively and selectively modulated according to the functional state of T lymphocytes.

Assignment of the beta-arrestin 1 gene (ARRB1) to human chromosome 11q13

Two types of proteins play a major role in determining homologous desensitization of G-coupled receptors: beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), which phosphorylates the agonist-occupied receptor, and its functional cofactor, beta-arrestin. beta ARK is a member of a multigene family, consisting of six known subtypes, which have also been named G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK 1 to 6) due to the apparently unique functional association of such kinases with this receptor family. The gene for beta ARK1 has been localized to human chromosome 11q13. The four members of the arrestin/beta-arrestin gene family identified so far are arrestin, X-arrestin, beta-arrestin 1, and beta-arrestin 2. Here we report the chromosome mapping of the human gene for beta-arrestin 1 (ARRB1) to chromosome 11q13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Two-color FISH confirmed that the two genes coding for the functionally related proteins beta ARK1 and beta-arrestin 1 both map to 11q13.

P-selectin induces the expression of tissue factor on monocytes

P-selectin on activated platelets and stimulated endothelial cells mediates cell adhesion with monocytes and neutrophils. Since activated platelets induce tissue factor on mononuclear leukocytes, we examined the effect of P-selectin on the expression of tissue factor activity in monocytes. Purified P-selectin stimulated tissue factor expression on mononuclear leukocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing P-selectin stimulated tissue factor procoagulant activity in purified monocytes, whereas untransfected CHO cells and CHO cells expressing E-selectin did not. Anti-P-selectin antibodies inhibited the effects of purified P-selectin and CHO cells expressing P-selectin on monocytes. Incubation of CHO cells expressing P-selectin with monocytes leads to the development of tissue factor mRNA in monocytes and to the expression of tissue factor antigen on the monocyte surface. These results indicate that P-selectin upregulates the expression of tissue factor on monocytes as well as mediates the binding of platelets and endothelial cells with monocytes and neutrophils. The binding of P-selectin to monocytes in the area of vascular injury may be a component of a mechanism that initiates thrombosis.

Chromosome mapping of the human arrestin (SAG), beta-arrestin 2 (ARRB2), and beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 2 (ADRBK2) genes

Two types of proteins play a major role in determining homologous desensitization of G-coupled receptors: beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), which phosphorylates the agonist-occupied receptor and its functional cofactor, beta-arrestin. Both beta ARK and beta-arrestin are members of multigene families. The family of G-protein-coupled receptor kinases includes rhodopsin kinase, beta ARK1, beta ARK2, IT11-A (GRK4), GRK5, and GRK6. The arrestin/beta-arrestin gene family includes arrestin (also known as S-antigen), beta-arrestin 1, and beta-arrestin 2. Here we report the chromosome mapping of the human genes for arrestin (SAG), beta-arrestin 2 (ARRB2), and beta ARK2 (ADRBK2) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH results confirmed the assignment of the gene coding for arrestin (SAG) to chromosome 2 and allowed us to refine its localization to band q37. The gene coding for beta-arrestin 2 (ARRB2) was mapped to chromosome 17p13 and that coding for beta ARK2 (ADRBK2) to chromosome 22q11.

Two isoforms of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 identified by molecular cloning

Using PCR we found that G protein-coupled receptor kinase4 (GRK4) mRNA is expressed only in brain out of several tissues tested. In the brain two amplification products were generated. Sequence analysis revealed that the two fragments differed only by the presence or absence of an in-frame-sequence of 96 bp/32 amino acids, located near the N-terminal of the kinase. This demonstrates the existence of two isoforms of GRK4 which were named GRK4A and GRK4B in the presence or absence of the insert, respectively. This is the first evidence that, within the GRKs gene family, different isoforms do exist.

Molecular analysis of human beta-arrestin-1: cloning, tissue distribution, and regulation of expression. Identification of two isoforms generated by alternative splicing

The cDNA for human beta-arrestin-1 was cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and identified based on its remarkably high amino acid identity (98.6%) with the bovine sequence. Two alternatively spliced isoforms of human beta-arrestin-1, differing only in the presence or absence of 24 base pairs/8 amino acids within the sequence, were identified and called beta-arrestin-1A and beta-arrestin-1B, respectively. Both isoforms were found in all tissues tested. Southern blot analysis revealed the existence of a single gene for beta-arrestin-1, suggesting that the two isoforms are generated by alternative mRNA splicing. The possible presence of similar isoforms was investigated for the other members of the arrestin/beta-arrestin gene family by PCR. Two isoforms of arrestin were revealed in bovine peripheral blood leukocytes. The expression of beta-arrestin-1 was studied in several human tissues and cell types. High levels of beta-arrestin-1 mRNA and immunoreactivity were found in peripheral blood leukocytes. The possible regulation of the expression of beta-arrestin-1 was also investigated. Our work documents for the first time that the expression of beta-arrestin-1 is modulated by intracellular cAMP. Using two cell types, human endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, we found that 6-8-h treatments with the cAMP-inducing agents cholera toxin, forskolin, iloprost, and isoproterenol raised beta-arrestin-1 mRNA by 2-4-fold. Forskolin preferentially increased beta-arrestin-1A expression in smooth muscle cells, as assessed by PCR. beta-Arrestin-1 immunoreactivity was 2-3-fold higher in smooth muscle cells exposed to forskolin for 8 h, compared with untreated controls. We conclude that (i) the finding of alternatively spliced isoforms of beta-arrestin-1 and arrestin documents a novel mechanism to generate diversity within the arrestin/beta-arrestin gene family; (ii) the abundant expression of beta-arrestin-1 in peripheral blood leukocytes further supports our previous suggestion of a major role for the beta ARK/beta-arrestin system in regulating receptor-mediated immune functions; (iii) the increased expression of beta-arrestin-1 by cAMP suggests a new mechanism for the regulation of receptor-mediated responses.

Tertatolol, a new beta-blocker, is a serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine1A) receptor antagonist in rat brain

The interaction of tertatolol (d,l-hydroxy-2'-t-butylamino-3'propyloxy-8-thiochromane HCl) with 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin; 5-HT) receptors in several brain areas were investigated. Both ligand binding techniques and an electrophysiological approach were used. First, the affinity of tertatolol for different 5-HT receptor subtypes was measured, as assayed by a competition binding experiment using specific ligands in several brain areas. It was found that (-)-tertatolol binds to 5-HT1 receptor subtypes in rat brain, particularly the 5-HT1A subtype in the hippocampus (Ki = 5.9 nM). (-)-Tertatolol showed much lower affinity for 5-HT1B (Ki = 118.4 nM), 5-HT1C (Ki = 699.6 nM) and 5-HT2 (Ki = 678.6 nM) receptors. The binding of tertatolol to hippocampal 5-HT1A receptors was stereospecific in that the affinity of (+)-tertatolol to these receptors (Ki = 311.6 nM) was about 20 times lower as compared to that of (-)-tertatolol. There was no significant binding of tertatolol to 5-HT1D, 5-HT3, alpha-1 adrenergic receptors or to the serotonin uptake site. Electrophysiological techniques were used to study the effects of (-)-tertatolol on the activity of 5-HT-containing neurons in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus. Acute i.v. injection of (-)-tertatolol caused a slight increase in the basal firing rate of the majority of 5-HT neurons studied. Pretreatment with (-)-tertatolol (1 mg/kg i.v.) significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-proylamino) tetralin (0.25-64 micrograms/kg i.v.) on the firing rate of dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Molecular cloning, functional expression and mRNA analysis of human beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 2

In the present study the cDNA of human beta ARK2 was cloned using both PCR and cDNA library screening, subcloned into an expression vector and transiently expressed in COS7 cells. The expressed kinase activity was approximately 40% as efficient as human beta ARK1 in phosphorylating bovine rod outer segments in vitro. Northern blot analysis of human and bovine mRNA revealed a species-specific pattern of multiple hybridization bands, with two major transcripts in human rather than one in bovine. High levels of mRNA expression were found in peripheral blood leukocytes.

Rhodopsin phosphorylation by transiently expressed human beta ARK1: a new method for drug development

Receptor phosphorylation is a key step in the process of rapid desensitization of the beta-adrenergic and other related G-coupled receptors. A specific kinase (called beta-adrenergic receptor kinase, beta ARK) has been identified, which phosphorylates the agonist-occupied form of these receptors. We have cloned the cDNA for human beta ARK1. The full-length cDNA was inserted in an expression vector (pBJI neo) and used for the transfection of eukaryotic cells (COS7). The kinase activity of the cytosolic fraction of COS7 cells was assayed 72 hours after beta ARK1 transfection. A 40-70 fold increase in cytosolic beta ARK1 activity was observed. To validate this approach we demonstrated a different degree of kinase inhibition by various types of heparin. Our system, based on transient gene expression and in vitro phosphorylation of rhodopsin, represents a new method to screen for pharmacological agents acting on this kinase.

Comparative analysis of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase and beta-arrestin mRNA expression in human cells

Receptor phosphorylation is a key step in the process of rapid desensitization. beta-Adrenergic receptor kinase is a specific receptor kinase that is known to phosphorylate and induce desensitization of several G-coupled synaptic receptors only when they are occupied by their agonists. We recently cloned human beta ARK cDNA and reported high levels of beta ARK expression in human peripheral blood leukocytes, also providing the first evidence for its possible functional role in these cells. Complete homologous receptor desensitization by beta ARK requires an additional cytosolic factor, called beta-arrestin. In the present study, we have cloned a 212 bp fragment of the human beta-arrestin cDNA to perform a comparative analysis of beta ARK and beta-arrestin mRNA expression in various human cell types. We found that also beta-arrestin mRNA is abundant in non-innervated tissues and cells. The fact that the entire machinery for G-coupled receptor desensitization is highly expressed in these cells further supports the idea that beta ARK may regulate nonsynaptic as well as synaptic receptors.