The sequence of the human genome

A 2.91-billion base pair (bp) consensus sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome was generated by the whole-genome shotgun sequencing method. The 14.8-billion bp DNA sequence was generated over 9 months from 27,271,853 high-quality sequence reads (5.11-fold coverage of the genome) from both ends of plasmid clones made from the DNA of five individuals. Two assembly strategies-a whole-genome assembly and a regional chromosome assembly-were used, each combining sequence data from Celera and the publicly funded genome effort. The public data were shredded into 550-bp segments to create a 2.9-fold coverage of those genome regions that had been sequenced, without including biases inherent in the cloning and assembly procedure used by the publicly funded group. This brought the effective coverage in the assemblies to eightfold, reducing the number and size of gaps in the final assembly over what would be obtained with 5.11-fold coverage. The two assembly strategies yielded very similar results that largely agree with independent mapping data. The assemblies effectively cover the euchromatic regions of the human chromosomes. More than 90% of the genome is in scaffold assemblies of 100,000 bp or more, and 25% of the genome is in scaffolds of 10 million bp or larger. Analysis of the genome sequence revealed 26,588 protein-encoding transcripts for which there was strong corroborating evidence and an additional approximately 12,000 computationally derived genes with mouse matches or other weak supporting evidence. Although gene-dense clusters are obvious, almost half the genes are dispersed in low G+C sequence separated by large tracts of apparently noncoding sequence. Only 1.1% of the genome is spanned by exons, whereas 24% is in introns, with 75% of the genome being intergenic DNA. Duplications of segmental blocks, ranging in size up to chromosomal lengths, are abundant throughout the genome and reveal a complex evolutionary history. Comparative genomic analysis indicates vertebrate expansions of genes associated with neuronal function, with tissue-specific developmental regulation, and with the hemostasis and immune systems. DNA sequence comparisons between the consensus sequence and publicly funded genome data provided locations of 2.1 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A random pair of human haploid genomes differed at a rate of 1 bp per 1250 on average, but there was marked heterogeneity in the level of polymorphism across the genome. Less than 1% of all SNPs resulted in variation in proteins, but the task of determining which SNPs have functional consequences remains an open challenge.

The genome sequence of Drosophila melanogaster

The fly Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most intensively studied organisms in biology and serves as a model system for the investigation of many developmental and cellular processes common to higher eukaryotes, including humans. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of nearly all of the approximately 120-megabase euchromatic portion of the Drosophila genome using a whole-genome shotgun sequencing strategy supported by extensive clone-based sequence and a high-quality bacterial artificial chromosome physical map. Efforts are under way to close the remaining gaps; however, the sequence is of sufficient accuracy and contiguity to be declared substantially complete and to support an initial analysis of genome structure and preliminary gene annotation and interpretation. The genome encodes approximately 13,600 genes, somewhat fewer than the smaller Caenorhabditis elegans genome, but with comparable functional diversity.

Localization of neuronal and glial glutamate transporters

The cellular and subcellular distributions of the glutamate transporter subtypes EAAC1, GLT-1, and GLAST in the rat CNS were demonstrated using anti-peptide antibodies that recognize the C-terminal domains of each transporter. On immunoblots, the antibodies specifically recognize proteins of 65-73 kDa in total brain homogenates. Immunocytochemistry shows that glutamate transporter subtypes are distributed differentially within neurons and astroglia. EAAC1 is specific for certain neurons, such as large pyramidal cortical neurons and Purkinje cells, but does not appear to be selective for glutamatergic neurons. GLT-1 is localized only to astroglia. GLAST is found in both neurons and astroglia. The regional localizations are unique to each transporter subtype. EAAC1 is highly enriched in the cortex, hippocampus, and caudate-putamen and is confined to pre- and postsynaptic elements. GLT-1 is distributed in astrocytes throughout the brain and spinal cord. GLAST is most abundant in Bergmann glia in the cerebellar molecular layer brain, but is also present in the cortex, hippocampus, and deep cerebellar nuclei.

Roles of PLC-beta2 and -beta3 and PI3Kgamma in chemoattractant-mediated signal transduction

The roles of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and phospholipase C (PLC) in chemoattractant-elicited responses were studied in mice lacking these key enzymes. PI3Kgamma was required for chemoattractant-induced production of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns (3,4,5)P3] and has an important role in chemoattractant-induced superoxide production and chemotaxis in mouse neutrophils and in production of T cell-independent antigen-specific antibodies composed of the immunoglobulin lambda light chain (TI-IglambdaL). The study of the mice lacking PLC-beta2 and -beta3 revealed that the PLC pathways have an important role in chemoattractant-mediated production of superoxide and regulation of protein kinases, but not chemotaxis. The PLC pathways also appear to inhibit the chemotactic activity induced by certain chemoattractants and to suppress TI-IglambdaL production.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-5 binds to Axin and regulates the canonical Wnt signaling pathway

To understand how the Wnt coreceptor LRP-5 is involved in transducing the canonical Wnt signals, we identified Axin as a protein that interacts with the intracellular domain of LRP-5. LRP-5, when expressed in fibroblast cells, showed no effect on the canonical Wnt signaling pathway by itself, but acted synergistically with Wnt. In contrast, LRP-5 mutants lacking the extracellular domain functioned as constitutively active forms that bind Axin and that induce LEF-1 activation by destabilizing Axin and stabilizing beta-catenin. Addition of Wnt caused the translocation of Axin to the membrane and enhanced the interaction between Axin and LRP-5. In addition, the LRP-5 sequences involved in interactions with Axin are required for LEF-1 activation. Thus, we conclude that the binding of Axin to LRP-5 is an important part of the Wnt signal transduction pathway.

Genome of Geobacter sulfurreducens: metal reduction in subsurface environments

The complete genome sequence of Geobacter sulfurreducens, a delta-proteobacterium, reveals unsuspected capabilities, including evidence of aerobic metabolism, one-carbon and complex carbon metabolism, motility, and chemotactic behavior. These characteristics, coupled with the possession of many two-component sensors and many c-type cytochromes, reveal an ability to create alternative, redundant, electron transport networks and offer insights into the process of metal ion reduction in subsurface environments. As well as playing roles in the global cycling of metals and carbon, this organism clearly has the potential for use in bioremediation of radioactive metals and in the generation of electricity.

Sonic hedgehog induces the proliferation of primitive human hematopoietic cells via BMP regulation

A pool of stem cells that arise from the mesoderm during embryogenesis initiates hematopoiesis. However, factors that regulate the expansion of blood stem cells are poorly understood. We show here that cytokine-induced proliferation of primitive human hematopoietic cells could be inhibited with antibodies to hedgehog (Hh). Conversely, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) treatment induced the expansion of pluripotent human hematopoietic repopulating cells detected in immunodeficient mice. Noggin, a specific inhibitor of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4), was capable of inhibiting Shh-induced proliferation in a similar manner to anti-Hh; however, anti-Hh had no effect on BMP-4-induced proliferation. Our study shows that Shh functions as a regulator of primitive hematopoietic cells via mechanisms that are dependent on downstream BMP signals.

Brain drug delivery of small molecules using immunoliposomes

Immunoliposomes (antibody-directed liposomes) were used in the present study for delivery of the antineoplastic agent daunomycin to the rat brain. A coupling procedure was introduced, which allows conjugation of a thiolated antibody to maleimide-grafted 85-nm liposomes sterically stabilized with PEG. Antibody was thereby coupled to the terminal end of a PEG-conjugated linker lipid. No brain uptake of PEG-conjugated liposomes carrying [3H]daunomycin was observed. However, brain targeting of immunoliposomes carrying [3H]daunomycin was mediated by the OX26 monoclonal antibody to the rat transferrin receptor, which is selectively enriched at the brain microvascular endothelium that comprises the blood-brain barrier in vivo. Coupling of 30 OX26 antibodies per liposome resulted in optimal brain delivery. Saturation of delivery was observed at higher antibody densities. Determination of brain levels of immunoliposomes over 24 h revealed that immunoliposomes accumulate in brain tissue. Brain targeting of immunoliposomes was not observed in immunoliposomes conjugated with a mouse IgG2a isotype control. In addition, coinjection of free OX26 saturated plasma clearance of immunoliposomes. Since a single liposome may carry > or = 10,000 drug molecules, the use of PEG-conjugated immunoliposomes increases the drug carrying capacity of the monoclonal antibody by up to 4 logarithmic orders in magnitude. In summary, specific OX26-mediated targeting of daunomycin to the rat brain was achieved by the use of an immunoliposome-based drug delivery system.

Cardiac T2* magnetic resonance for prediction of cardiac complications in thalassemia major

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to determine the predictive value of cardiac T2* magnetic resonance for heart failure and arrhythmia in thalassemia major.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed cardiac and liver T2* magnetic resonance and serum ferritin in 652 thalassemia major patients from 21 UK centers with 1442 magnetic resonance scans. The relative risk for heart failure with cardiac T2* values <10 ms (compared with >10 ms) was 160 (95% confidence interval, 39 to 653). Heart failure occurred in 47% of patients within 1 year of a cardiac T2* <6 ms with a relative risk of 270 (95% confidence interval, 64 to 1129). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for predicting heart failure was significantly greater for cardiac T2* (0.948) than for liver T2* (0.589; P<0.001) or serum ferritin (0.629; P<0.001). Cardiac T2* was <10 ms in 98% of scans in patients who developed heart failure. The relative risk for arrhythmia with cardiac T2* values <20 ms (compared with >20 ms) was 4.6 (95% confidence interval, 2.66 to 7.95). Arrhythmia occurred in 14% of patients within 1 year of a cardiac T2* of <6 ms. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for predicting arrhythmia was significantly greater for cardiac T2* (0.747) than for liver T2* (0.514; P<0.001) or serum ferritin (0.518; P<0.001). The cardiac T2* was <20 ms in 83% of scans in patients who developed arrhythmia.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac T2* magnetic resonance identifies patients at high risk of heart failure and arrhythmia from myocardial siderosis in thalassemia major and is superior to serum ferritin and liver iron. Using cardiac T2* for the early identification and treatment of patients at risk is a logical means of reducing the high burden of cardiac mortality in myocardial siderosis. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00520559.

Subunits beta gamma of heterotrimeric G protein activate beta 2 isoform of phospholipase C

The activation of heterotrimeric G proteins results in the exchange of GDP bound to the alpha-subunit for GTP and the subsequent dissociation of a complex of the beta- and gamma-subunits (G beta gamma). The alpha-subunits of different G proteins interact with a variety of effectors, but less is known about the function of the free G beta gamma complex. G beta gamma has been implicated in the activation of a cardiac potassium channel, a retinal phospholipase A2 (ref. 9) and a specific receptor kinase, and in vitro reconstitution experiments indicate that the G beta gamma complex can act with G alpha subunit to modulate the activity of different isoforms of adenylyl cyclase. Of two phospholipase activities that can be separated in extracts of HL-60 cells, purified G beta gamma is found to activate one of them. Here we report that in co-transfection assays G beta gamma subunits specifically activate the beta 2 and not the beta 1 isoform of phospholipase, which acts on phosphatidylinositol. We use transfection assays to show also that receptor-mediated release of G beta gamma from G proteins that are sensitive to pertussis toxin can result in activation of the phospholipase. This effect may be the basis of the pertussis-toxin-sensitive phospholipase C activation seen in some cell systems (reviewed in refs 13 and 14).

SHOP2: An HTN Planning System

The SHOP2 planning system received one of the awards for distinguished performance in the 2002 International Planning Competition. This paper describes the features of SHOP2 which enabled it to excel in the competition, especially those aspects of SHOP2 that deal with temporal and metric planning domains.

Demonstration of dual A-V nodal pathways in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Electrophysiological evidence suggestive of dual atrioventricular (A-V) nodal pathways is presented in two patients with normal P-R interval and reentrant paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). His bundle recordings and atrial stimulation were used to obtain this electrophysiological evidence.

Refractory periods were measured with the atrial extra-stimulus technique. Plotting of H 1 -H 2 responses against A 1 -A 2 coupling intervals revealed that as A 1 -A 2 decreased, H 1 -H 2 decreased appropriately. At a critical A 1 -A 2 , a sudden marked increase in H 1 -H 2 occurred, suggesting failure of fast pathway, (defining the fast pathway effective refractory period ERP). Further shortening of A 1 -A 2 defined a second H 1 -H 2 curve. The longest A 1 -A 2 with no H 2 response was defined as the slow pathway ERP. Echo zones coincided with A 1 -A 2 intervals equal to or less than the fast pathway ERP.

These results provide the first electrophysiological demonstration of dual A-V nodal pathways in patients with normal P-R interval and PSVT, as manifest by dual A-V nodal conduction times and refractory periods. Antegrade failure of the fast pathway with subsequent availability for retrograde conduction could allow A-V nodal reentry. These findings provide a basis for reentrance in some patients with reentrant PSVT.

Bcl-XL interacts with Apaf-1 and inhibits Apaf-1-dependent caspase-9 activation

Recent studies indicate that Caenorhabditis elegans CED-4 interacts with and promotes the activation of the death protease CED-3, and that this activation is inhibited by CED-9. Here we show that a mammalian homolog of CED-4, Apaf-1, can associate with several death proteases, including caspase-4, caspase-8, caspase-9, and nematode CED-3 in mammalian cells. The interaction with caspase-9 was mediated by the N-terminal CED-4-like domain of Apaf-1. Expression of Apaf-1 enhanced the killing activity of caspase-9 that required the CED-4-like domain of Apaf-1. Furthermore, Apaf-1 promoted the processing and activation of caspase-9 in vivo. Bcl-XL, an antiapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, was shown to physically interact with Apaf-1 and caspase-9 in mammalian cells. The association of Apaf-1 with Bcl-XL was mediated through both its CED-4-like domain and the C-terminal domain containing WD-40 repeats. Expression of Bcl-XL inhibited the association of Apaf-1 with caspase-9 in mammalian cells. Significantly, recombinant Bcl-XL purified from Escherichia coli or insect cells inhibited Apaf-1-dependent processing of caspase-9. Furthermore, Bcl-XL failed to inhibit caspase-9 processing mediated by a constitutively active Apaf-1 mutant, suggesting that Bcl-XL regulates caspase-9 through Apaf-1. These experiments demonstrate that Bcl-XL associates with caspase-9 and Apaf-1, and show that Bcl-XL inhibits the maturation of caspase-9 mediated by Apaf-1, a process that is evolutionarily conserved from nematodes to humans.

Arrhythmias documented by 24 hour continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in 50 male medical students without apparent heart disease

Results are reported of portable 24 hour dynamic electrocardiographic monitoring in 50 male medical students without cardiovascular disease, as defined by normal clinical and noninvasive cardiovascular examination. During waking periods, maximal sinus rates ranged from 107 to 180 beats/min (mean +/- 5). Twenty-five subjects (50 percent) had episodes of marked sinus arrhythmia as defined by spontaneous changes in adjacent cycle lengths of 100 percent or more. Fourteen subjects (28 percent) had sinus pauses of more than 1.75 seconds, usually during sinus arrhythmia. Transient nocturnal type I second degree atrioventricular (A-V) block was noted in three subjects (6 percent). Of 28 patients (56 percent) having atrial premature beats, only 1 (2 percent) had more than 100 such beats (141) in 24 hours. Of 25 patients (50 percent) having premature ventricular contractions, only 1 (2 percent) had more than 50 such contractions (86) in 24 hours. In conclusion, frequent atrial and ventricular premature beats are unusual in a young adult male population. In contrast, bradyarrhythmias (including marked sinus arrhythmia with sinus pauses, sinus bradycardia and nocturnal A-V block) are common. These findings are useful in evaluating the clinical significance of arrhythmias detected with portable monitoring.

Pharmacological profile of BIBN4096BS, the first selective small molecule CGRP antagonist

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is one of the most potent endogenous vasodilators known. This peptide is increased during migraine attacks and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine headache. Here we report on the first small molecule selective CGRP antagonist: BIBN4096BS. In vitro, this compound is extremely potent at primate CGRP receptors exhibiting an affinity (Ki) for human CGRP receptors of 14.4 +/- 6.3 (n = 4) pM. In an in vivo model, BIBN4096BS in doses between 1 and 30 micrograms kg-1 (i.v.) inhibited the effects of CGRP, released by stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion, on facial blood flow in marmoset monkeys. It is concluded that BIBN4096BS is a potent and selective CGRP antagonist.

Superhydrophobic films from raspberry-like particles

We report a robust procedure for preparing superhydrophobic hybrid films on which the advancing contact angle for water is about 165 degrees and the roll-off angle of a 10-muL water droplet is 3 +/- 1 degrees . Dual-size surface roughness, which mimics the surface topology of self-cleaning plant leaves, originates from well-defined silica-based raspberry-like particles that are covalently bonded to an epoxy-based polymer matrix. The roughened surface is chemically modified with a layer of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The robustness and simplicity of this procedure may make widespread applications of so-prepared superhydrophobic films possible.

Axin and Frat1 interact with dvl and GSK, bridging Dvl to GSK in Wnt-mediated regulation of LEF-1

Wnt proteins transduce their signals through dishevelled (Dvl) proteins to inhibit glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK), leading to the accumulation of cytosolic beta-catenin and activation of TCF/LEF-1 transcription factors. To understand the mechanism by which Dvl acts through GSK to regulate LEF-1, we investigated the roles of Axin and Frat1 in Wnt-mediated activation of LEF-1 in mammalian cells. We found that Dvl interacts with Axin and with Frat1, both of which interact with GSK. Similarly, the Frat1 homolog GBP binds Xenopus Dishevelled in an interaction that requires GSK. We also found that Dvl, Axin and GSK can form a ternary complex bridged by Axin, and that Frat1 can be recruited into this complex probably by Dvl. The observation that the Dvl-binding domain of either Frat1 or Axin was able to inhibit Wnt-1-induced LEF-1 activation suggests that the interactions between Dvl and Axin and between Dvl and Frat may be important for this signaling pathway. Furthermore, Wnt-1 appeared to promote the disintegration of the Frat1-Dvl-GSK-Axin complex, resulting in the dissociation of GSK from Axin. Thus, formation of the quaternary complex may be an important step in Wnt signaling, by which Dvl recruits Frat1, leading to Frat1-mediated dissociation of GSK from Axin.

G protein-coupled signal transduction pathways for interleukin-8

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is one of the major mediators of the inflammatory response. The pathways by which IL-8 activates inositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) were investigated by co-expression of different components of the guanosine triphosphate binding protein (G protein) pathway in COS-7 cells. Two distinct IL-8 receptors reconstituted ligand-dependent activation of endogenous PLC when transfected together with the G protein alpha subunits G alpha 14, G alpha 15, or G alpha 16. However, reconstitution was not observed with cells that overexpressed G alpha q or G alpha 11. Furthermore, IL-8 receptors interacted with endogenous pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins or with the recombinant G protein Gi to release free beta gamma subunits that could then specifically activate the beta 2 isoform of PLC. These findings suggest that IL-8 acts through signal-transducing pathways that are limited to specific heterotrimeric G proteins and effectors. These may provide suitable targets for the development of anti-inflammatory agents.

The effects of cycle length on cardiac refractory periods in man

The effects of pacing-induced changes in cycle length on the refractory periods of the atrium, A-V node and His-Purkinje system were studied in 24 patients using the extra stimulus technique. Refractory period determinations were made at two or more cycle lengths in all patients. Slopes relating cycle length and refractory periods were calculated using the least squares method.

Both the effective and functional refractory periods (ERP and FRP) of the atrium shortened with decreasing cycle lengths, with a mean slope of +0.155 and +0.129 respectively. A-V nodal ERP lengthened (mean slope, –0.177) while A-V nodal FRP shortened slightly (mean slope, +0.126). Bundle branch refractory periods as well as relative refractory periods of the His-Purkinje system also decreased, with mean slopes of +0.270 and +0.360, respectively. The ERP of the A-V node at any cycle length was related to the A-H at that cycle length ( r = +0.646, P < 0.001).

The responses of the human heart to changes in cycle length are generally similar to those previously described in the animal laboratory. Such information contributes to our understanding of electrocardiographic phenomena such as aberrant conduction.

Bone morphogenetic proteins regulate the developmental program of human hematopoietic stem cells

The identification of molecules that regulate human hematopoietic stem cells has focused mainly on cytokines, of which very few are known to act directly on stem cells. Recent studies in lower organisms and the mouse have suggested that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) may play a critical role in the specification of hematopoietic tissue from the mesodermal germ layer. Here we report that BMPs regulate the proliferation and differentiation of highly purified primitive human hematopoietic cells from adult and neonatal sources. Populations of rare CD34(+)CD38(-)Lin- stem cells were isolated from human hematopoietic tissue and were found to express the BMP type I receptors activin-like kinase (ALK)-3 and ALK-6, and their downstream transducers SMAD-1, -4, and -5. Treatment of isolated stem cell populations with soluble BMP-2, -4, and -7 induced dose-dependent changes in proliferation, clonogenicity, cell surface phenotype, and multilineage repopulation capacity after transplantation in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice. Similar to transforming growth factor beta, treatment of purified cells with BMP-2 or -7 at high concentrations inhibited proliferation yet maintained the primitive CD34(+)CD38(-) phenotype and repopulation capacity. In contrast, low concentrations of BMP-4 induced proliferation and differentiation of CD34(+) CD38(-)Lin- cells, whereas at higher concentrations BMP-4 extended the length of time that repopulation capacity could be maintained in ex vivo culture, indicating a direct effect on stem cell survival. The discovery that BMPs are capable of regulating repopulating cells provides a new pathway for controlling human stem cell development and a powerful model system for studying the biological mechanism of BMP action using primary human cells.

Interaction and regulation of subcellular localization of CED-4 by CED-9

The Caenorhabditis elegans survival gene ced-9 regulates ced-4 activity and inhibits cell death, but the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Through a genetic screen for CED-4-binding proteins, CED-9 was identified as an interacting partner of CED-4. CED-9, but not loss-of-function mutants, associated specifically with CED-4 in yeast or mammalian cells. The CED-9 protein localized primarily to intracellular membranes and the perinuclear region, whereas CED-4 was distributed in the cytosol. Expression of CED-9, but not a mutant lacking the carboxy-terminal hydrophobic domain, targeted CED-4 from the cytosol to intracellular membranes in mammalian cells. Thus, the actions of CED-4 and CED-9 are directly linked, which could provide the basis for the regulation of programmed cell death in C. elegans.

Clinical, electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic observations in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Seventy-nine patients without ventricular preexcitation but with documented paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were analyzed. Electrophysiologic studies suggested atrioventricular (A-V) nodal reentrance in 50 patients, reentrance utilizing a concealed extranodal pathway in 9, sinus or atrial reentrance in 7 and ectopic automatic tachycardia in 3. A definite mechanism of tachycardia could not be defined in 10 patients (including 7 whose tachycardia was not inducible). The three largest groups with inducible tachycardias were compared in regard to age, presence of organic heart disease, rate of tachycardia, functional bundle branch block during tachycardia and relation of the P wave and QRS complex during tachycardia. A-V nodal reentrance was characterized by a narrow QRS complex and a P wave occurring simultaneously with the QRS complex during tachycardia. Reentrance utilizing a concealed extranodal pathway was characterized by young age, absence of organic heart disease, fast heart rate, presence of bundle branch block during tachycardia and a P wave following the QRS complex during tachycardia. Sinoatrial reentrance was characterized by frequent organic heart disease, a narrow QRS complex and a P wave in front of the QRS complex during tachycardia. In conclusion, a mechanism of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia could be defined in most patients. Observations of clinical and electrocardiographic features in these patients should allow prediction of the mechanism of the tachycardia.

alpha-Latrotoxin stimulates exocytosis by the interaction with a neuronal G-protein-coupled receptor

alpha-Latrotoxin is a potent stimulator of neurosecretion. Its action requires extracellular binding to high affinity presynaptic receptors. Neurexin I alpha was previously described as a high affinity alpha-latrotoxin receptor that binds the toxin only in the presence of calcium ions. Therefore, the interaction of alpha-latrotoxin with neurexin I alpha cannot explain how alpha-latrotoxin stimulates neurotransmitter release in the absence of calcium. We describe molecular cloning and functional expression of the calcium-independent receptor of alpha-latrotoxin (CIRL), which is a second high affinity alpha-latrotoxin receptor that may be the major mediator of alpha-latrotoxin's effects. CIRL appears to be a novel orphan G-protein-coupled receptor, a member of the secretin receptor family. In contrast with other known serpentine receptors, CIRL has two subunits of the 120 and 85 kDa that are the result of endogenous proteolytic cleavage of a precursor polypeptide. CIRL is found in brain where it is enriched in the striatum and cortex. Expression of CIRL in chromaffin cells increases the sensitivity of the cells to the effects of alpha-latrotoxin, demonstrating that this protein is functional in coupling to secretion. Syntaxin, a component of the fusion complex, copurifies with CIRL on an alpha-latrotoxin affinity column and forms stable complexes with this receptor in vitro. Interaction of CIRL with a specific presynaptic neurotoxin and with a component of the docking-fusion machinery suggests its role in regulation of neurosecretion.