Janus kinase inhibitors for atopic dermatitis: a promising treatment modality

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is chronic, pruritic, inflammatory skin disease that affects a significant portion of the population in industrialized nations. For nonresponders to conventional therapies, AD can significantly reduce sleep quality and quality of life. AD pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves multiple immune pathways, with recent evidence of T helper (Th)2, Th17 and Th22 axis attenuation in various AD endotypes and racial subtypes. Inhibition of the conserved Janus kinase (JAK) signalling pathway represents a promising therapeutic avenue to reduce the activation of multiple proinflammatory mediators involved in AD pathogenesis. JAK inhibitors exist in both oral and topical forms with variable specificity for the receptor tyrosine kinases JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and tyrosine kinase 2. Oral formulations include abrocitinib, upadacitinib, baricitinib and gusacitinib, and are most appropriate for patients with moderate to severe AD. Emerging topical formulation in development include ruxolitinib and deglocitinib, which may be used in patients with localized AD and also adjunctively with systemic therapy in patients with more severe disease. With observed rapidity in itch relief and accompanying dramatic reduction in inflammatory lesion count, JAK inhibitors represent a promising new treatment to revolutionize the management of AD.

Beta(2)-adrenergic and several other G protein-coupled receptors in human atrial membranes activate both G(s) and G(i)

Cardiac G protein-coupled receptors that couple to Galpha(s) and stimulate cAMP formation (eg, beta-adrenergic, histamine, serotonin, and glucagon receptors) play a key role in cardiac inotropy. Recent studies in rodent cardiac myocytes and transfected cells have revealed that one of these receptors, the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (AR), also couples to the inhibitory G protein Galpha(i) (activation of which inhibits cAMP formation). If beta(2)ARs could be shown to couple to Galpha(i) in the human heart, it would have important ramifications, because levels of Galpha(i) increase with age and in failing human heart. Therefore, we investigated whether beta(2)ARs in the human heart activate Galpha(i). By photoaffinity labeling human atrial membranes with [(32)P]azidoanilido-GTP, followed by immunoprecipitation with antibodies specific for Galpha(i), we found that Galpha(i) is activated by stimulation of beta(2)ARs but not of beta(1)ARs. In addition, we found that other Galpha(s)-coupled receptors also couple to Galpha(i), including histamine, serotonin, and glucagon. When coupling of these receptors to Galpha(i) is disrupted by pertussis toxin, their ability to stimulate adenylyl cyclase is enhanced. These data provide the first evidence that beta(2)AR and many other Galpha(s)-coupled receptors in human atrium also couple to Galpha(i) and that abolishing the coupling of these receptors to Galpha(i) increases the receptor-mediated adenylyl cyclase activity.

Characterization of differences between rapid agonist-dependent phosphorylation and phorbol ester-mediated phosphorylation of human substance P receptor in intact cells

Substance P receptor (SPR), which plays a key role in pain transmission, is known to undergo rapid agonist-dependent desensitization and internalization. The present study shows that human SPR undergoes agonist-dependent phosphorylation in intact cells. Immunoprecipitation of SPR from 32Pi-labeled Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human SPR (CHO-hSPR) indicates that substance P (SP) causes a rapid (T1/2 < 1 min), dose-dependent (EC50 = 2 nM), and pronounced (5-fold over basal) phosphorylation of SPR. Because SPR in CHO-hSPR couples to Galphaq, Galphas, and Galphao (), we examined the involvement of various second messenger-activated protein kinases in SPR phosphorylation. Although increases in intracellular cyclic AMP or treatment with the calcium ionophore A23187 do not cause SPR phosphorylation, treatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) causes a 2.5-fold increase in SPR phosphorylation with a T1/2 of <1 min. However, PKC inhibitor GF109203X has no effect on SP-dependent SPR phosphorylation. Furthermore, although SP treatment phosphorylates SPR on both serine and threonine residues equally, PMA treatment phosphorylates the receptor predominantly on serine residues. Two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping data indicate that SP-dependent and PMA-dependent phosphorylations of SPR have some unique differences. Taken together, these data suggest that although activation of PKC by PMA can lead to SPR phosphorylation, PKC does not mediate SP-dependent phosphorylation of SPR. In conclusion, the present study represents the first demonstration and characterization of agonist-dependent and PMA-mediated phosphorylation of SPR in intact cells.

Real-time visualization of the cellular redistribution of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 and beta-arrestin 2 during homologous desensitization of the substance P receptor

The substance P receptor (SPR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a key role in pain regulation. The SPR desensitizes in the continued presence of agonist, presumably via mechanisms that implicate G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and beta-arrestins. The temporal relationship of these proposed biochemical events has never been established for any GPCR other than rhodopsin beyond the resolution provided by biochemical assays. We investigate the real-time activation and desensitization of the human SPR in live HEK293 cells using green fluorescent protein conjugates of protein kinase C, GRK2, and beta-arrestin 2. The translocation of protein kinase C betaII-green fluorescent protein to and from the plasma membrane in response to substance P indicates that the human SPR becomes activated within seconds of agonist exposure, and the response desensitizes within 30 s. This desensitization process coincides with a redistribution of GRK2 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, followed by a robust redistribution of beta-arrestin 2 and a profound change in cell morphology that occurs after 1 min of SPR stimulation. These data establish a role for GRKs and beta-arrestins in homologous desensitization of the SPR and provide the first visual and temporal resolution of the sequence of events underlying homologous desensitization of a GPCR in living cells.

Acute myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with cardiac valve disease. Duke Heart Center Perioperative Desensitization Group

BACKGROUND

Patients with cardiac valve disease (CVD) frequently have congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) desensitization. Cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with increased plasma catecholamine concentrations, which might worsen myocardial beta AR function. We therefore tested the hypothesis that acute beta AR dysfunction occurs during CPB in patients with CVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After informed consent, 50 patients were enrolled. Right atrial biopsy samples were obtained at initiation and conclusion of CPB to assess beta AR density and adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity. Plasma catecholamine concentrations increased 3-fold during CPB (P < 0.01). Although beta AR density remained constant, isoproterenol-stimulated AC activity decreased significantly (approximately 30%; P < 0.005). AC activity decreased 22% and 24% with direct G protein (NaF) or AC (manganese) activation, respectively. Patients with or without preoperative CHF exhibited similar degrees of acute myocardial beta AR dysfunction during CPB.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute myocardial beta AR dysfunction occurs during CPB in patients with severe CVD requiring surgical correction, with or without preexisting CHF. The primary underlying mechanism involves functional uncoupling of the beta AR signal transduction pathway at the level of the AC moiety. This information should facilitate development of agents designed to prevent acute myocardial beta AR dysfunction during CPB, potentially leading to improved outcome in this high-risk population.

Acute depression of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor signaling during cardiopulmonary bypass: impairment of the adenylyl cyclase moiety. Duke Heart Center Perioperative Desensitization Group

BACKGROUND

Previously the authors showed that myocardial beta-adrenergic (betaAR) function is reduced after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in a canine model Whether CPB results in similar effects on betaAR function in adult humans is not known. Therefore the current study tested two hypotheses: (1) That myocardial betaAR signaling is reduced in adult humans after CPB, and (2) that administration of long-term preoperative betaAR antagonists prevents this process.

METHODS

After they gave informed consent, 52 patients undergoing aortocoronary surgery were enrolled. Atrial biopsies were obtained before CPB and immediately before discontinuation of CPB. Plasma catecholamine concentrations, myocardial betaAR density, and functional responsiveness (basal, isoproterenol, zinterol, sodium fluoride, and manganese-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity) were assessed.

RESULTS

Catecholamine levels increased significantly during CPB (P < 0.005). Myocardial betaAR adenylyl cyclase coupling decreased during CPB, as evidenced by a 21% decrease in isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity (750 [430] pmol cyclic adenosine monophosphate per milligram total protein 15 min before CPB compared with 540 [390] at the end of CPB, P = 0.0062, medians [interquartile range]) despite constant betaAR density. Differential activation along the betaAR signal transduction cascade localized the defect to the adenylyl cyclase moiety. Administration of long-term preoperative betaAR antagonists did not prevent acute CPB-induced myocardial betaAR dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the myocardial adenylyl cyclase response to betaAR agonists decreases acutely in adults during aortocoronary surgery requiring CPB, regardless of whether long-term preoperative betaAR antagonists are administered. The mechanism underlying acute betaAR dysfunction appears to be direct impairment of the adenylyl cyclase moiety. Similar increases in manganese-stimulated activity before and at the end of CPB show preserved adenylyl cyclase catalytic activity, suggesting that other mechanisms (such as decreased protein levels or altered isoform expression or function) may be responsible for decreased adenylyl cyclase function.

Human substance P receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells directly activates G(alpha q/11), G(alpha s), G(alpha o)

Substance P receptor (SPR) stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stimulates at least three second messenger systems including phosphoinositide hydrolysis, cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation, and arachidonic acid release. Whether these second messenger systems are activated via single or multiple G proteins is not known. Therefore, in the present study we examined whether human SPR (hSPR) stably expressed in CHO cells activates multiple G proteins. This was achieved by photoaffinity labeling of G(alpha)-subunits with [32P]azidoanilido-GTP ([32P]AA-GTP) upon hSPR stimulation in CHO-hSPR membranes followed by immunoprecipitation of the labeled G(alpha)-subunits with antibodies specific for various G(alpha)-subunits. These experiments reveal that hSPR directly activates G(alpha q/11), G(alpha s) and G(alpha o). While hSPR is known to couple G(alpha q/11), the present study provides the first evidence that hSPR can also activate G(alpha s) and G(alpha o) in a mammalian system.

Multiple potential regulatory elements in the 5' flanking region of the human alpha 1a-adrenergic receptor

In spite of their critical importance in myocardial hypertrophy and benign prostatic hyperplasia, nothing is known about mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of alpha 1a-adrenergic receptors (alpha 1aARs). Therefore we cloned 6.2 kb of novel sequence upstream of the initiator ATG in the human alpha 1aAR gene. Sequence analysis reveals a TATA-less promoter, the presence of several initiator (Inr) consensus sequences, multiple GC rich regions consistent with Sp-1 binding, and consensus sequences for AP-1 and AP-2 as well as putative cis transcriptional regulatory elements for binding of CREB (cyclic-AMP response element binding protein), glucocorticoids, estrogen, and insulin. Compared to the alpha 1bAR, the alpha 1aAR has several more cis regulatory elements, suggesting more complex regulation. The importance of alpha 1aARs in human disease makes it imperative to determine mechanisms underlying transcription and ultimately expression of this receptor. These studies can now be undertaken with the availability of human alpha 1aAR 5'-flanking and 5'-untranslated sequence.

Characterization of GRK2-catalyzed phosphorylation of the human substance P receptor in Sf9 membranes

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) phosphorylate agonist-occupied G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), resulting in GPCR desensitization. GRK2 is one of the better studied of the six known GRKs and phosphorylates several GPCRs. In a previous study, we documented that GRK2 and GRK3 phosphorylate purified and reconstituted rat substance P receptor (rSPR) [Kwatra et al. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 9161-9164]. Here, we characterize in detail GRK2-catalyzed phosphorylation of human SPR (hSPR) in intact membranes. GRK2 phosphorylates hSPR in urea-washed Sf9 membranes in an agonist-dependent manner with a stoichiometry of 19 +/- 1 mol of phosphate/mol of receptor, which increases slightly (1.3-fold increase) in the presence of G beta gamma. Kinetic analyses indicate that receptor phosphorylation occurs with a Km of 6.3 +/- 0.4 nM and a Vmax of 1.8 +/- 0.1 nmol/min/mg; these kinetic parameters are only slightly affected by G beta gamma [Km = 3.6 +/- 1.0 nM and Vmax = 2.2 +/- 0.2 nmol/min/mg]. The lack of a strong stimulatory effect of G beta gamma on GRK2-catalyzed phosphorylation of hSPR is surprising since G beta gamma potently stimulates GRK2-catalyzed phosphorylation of beta 2-adrenergic receptor and rhodopsin. Involvement of G beta gamma endogenously present in membranes is ruled out as a source of high levels of hSPR phosphorylation, since receptor phosphorylation was not affected by guanine nucleotides that suppress or enhance the release of endogenous G beta gamma. The present study determines, for the first time, the kinetics of phosphorylation of a receptor substrate of GRK2 in intact membranes. Further, our results identify hSPR as a unique substrate of GRK2 whose phosphorylation is strong even in the absence of G beta gamma.

Human substance P receptor expressed in Sf9 cells couples with multiple endogenous G proteins

To identify the G proteins involved in the function of human substance P receptor (hSPR), the receptor was expressed in Sf9 cells using the baculovirus expression system. Maximal hSPR expression was up to 65 pmol/mg membrane protein. The following data indicated that hSPR in Sf9 membranes is coupled to endogenous G proteins: 1) binding of agonist radioligand [125I]BHSP to the receptor was sensitive to guanine nucleotides; and 2) stimulation of the receptor increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding. The hSPR-associated G proteins were identified by photoaffinity labeling with [alpha-32P]-azidoanilido GTP ([alpha-32P]AAGTP), followed by immunoprecipitation of the labeled G proteins with antibodies specific for various Galpha-subunits. These experiments showed that stimulation of hSPR in Sf9 membranes activated multiple endogenous G proteins including Galpha(o), Galpha(q/11), and Galpha(s). While hSPR's ability to associate with Gq/11 is well-documented, the present study provides the first evidence of hSPR's potential to activate Galpha(o) and Galpha(s).

Transcriptional regulation of the human alpha1a-adrenergic receptor gene. Characterization Of the 5'-regulatory and promoter region

We recently cloned cDNAs encoding three subtypes of human alpha1-adrenergic receptors (alpha1ARs), alpha1a, alpha1b, and alpha1d (Schwinn, D. A., Johnston, G. L., Page, S. O., Mosley, M. J., Wilson, K. H., Worman, N. P., Campbell, S., Fidock, M. D., Furness, L. M., Parry-Smith, D. J., Peter, B., and Bailey, D. S. (1995) J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 272, 134-142) and demonstrated predominance of alpha1aARs in many human tissues (Price, D. T., Lefkowitz, R. J., Caron, M. G., Berkowitz, D., and Schwinn, D. A. (1994) Mol. Pharmacol. 45, 171-175). Several lines of evidence indicate that alpha1aARs are important in clinical diseases such as myocardial hypertrophy and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, we initiated studies to understand mechanisms underlying regulation of alpha1aAR gene transcription. A genomic clone containing 6.2 kb of 5'-untranslated region of the human alpha1aAR gene was recently isolated. Ribonuclease protection and primer extension assays indicate that alpha1aAR gene transcription occurs at multiple initiation sites with the major site located 696 base pairs upstream of the ATG, where a classic initiator sequence is located. Transfection of luciferase reporter constructs containing varying amounts of 5'-untranslated region into human SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells indicate that a region extending 125 base pairs upstream from the main transcription initiation site contains full alpha1aAR promoter activity. Furthermore, distinct activator and suppressor elements lie 2-3 and 3-5 kilobase pairs upstream, respectively. Although the alpha1aAR promoter contains neither TATA or CAAT elements, gel shift mobility assays targeting three GC boxes immediately upstream of the main transcription initiation site confirm binding of Sp1. Activity of the alpha1aAR promoter is cell-specific, demonstrating highest activity in cells endogenously expressing alpha1aARs. The human alpha1aAR gene also contains several cis regulatory elements, including several insulin and cAMP response elements. Consistent with these observations, we provide the first evidence that treatment of SK-N-MC cells with insulin and cAMP elevating agents leads to an increase in alpha1aAR expression. In conclusion, these data represent the first characterization of the alpha1aAR gene; our findings should facilitate further studies designed to understand mechanisms regulating alpha1AR subtype-specific expression in healthy and diseased human tissue.

Human G(alpha q): cDNA and tissue distribution

G(alpha q), a member of the Gq family of heterotrimeric G proteins, transduces signals from several G protein-coupled receptors that stimulate membrane phosphoinositide hydrolysis. In order to further define the role of G(alpha q) in the function of G protein-coupled receptors, we have cloned the cDNA encoding human G(alpha q) from a prostate cDNA library. Human G(alpha q) exhibits high homology with its mouse homolog - 94% similarity at the nucleotide level, and 99% similarity at the amino acid level. Northern hybridization data indicate high expression of G(alpha q) mRNA in organs of the human reproductive system including ovary, prostate, and testis.

Immunoaffinity purification of epitope-tagged human beta 2-adrenergic receptor to homogeneity

To obtain large quantities of pure human beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2-AR) needed for structural studies, an efficient method for beta 2-AR purification was developed using a recombinant receptor with an eight amino acid epitope at its C-terminus. This epitope is recognized by KT3-monoclonal antibody. The epitope tagged beta 2-AR was expressed in Sf9 cells with a specific activity of 5-20 pmol/mg of membrane protein. The epitope-tagged and wild-type receptors had identical ligand binding properties. The tagged receptor was solubilized using dodecyl-beta-maltoside with a quantitative yield. Solubilized epitope-tagged receptors were partially purified by KT3-mAb immunoaffinity in 60-70% yield. Further purification of the receptors on an alprenolol-affinity column resulted in a homogenous preparation with an overall yield of > 30%. The purified receptor was concentrated to > 1 mg/ml without loss of ligand binding activity.

Cardiac muscarinic potassium channel activity is attenuated by inhibitors of G beta gamma

The cardiac muscarinic potassium channel (IK.ACh) is activated by a G protein upon receptor stimulation with acetylcholine. The G protein subunit responsible for activation (G alpha versus G beta gamma) has been disputed. We used G beta gamma inhibitors derived from the beta-adrenergic kinase 1 (beta ARK1) to assess the relative importance of G beta gamma in IK.ACh activation. In rabbit atrial myocytes, IK.ACh had a conductance of 49 +/- 6.2 pS. In inside-out patches, the mean open time was 1.60 +/- 0.57 ms, mean time constant (tau o) was 1.59 +/- 0.53 ms, and mean closed time was 3.02 +/- 1.35 ms (n = 38). beta ARK1 is a G beta gamma-sensitive enzyme that interacts with G beta gamma through a defined sequence near its carboxyl terminus. A 28-amino-acid peptide derived from the carboxyl terminus of beta ARK1 (peptide G) increased the closed time to 10.04 ms (P < .001) and decreased opening probability (NPo) by 71% (P < .001). Fusion proteins containing the entire carboxyl terminus of beta ARK1, glutathione S-transferase beta ARK1ct and hexahistidine beta ARK1ct, decreased NPo by 67% (P = .03) and 48% (P = .009), respectively. They also both significantly increased the closed time. None of the inhibitors affected mean open time or channel amplitude. A control peptide derived from a neighboring region of beta ARK1 had no significant effect on IK.ACh activity. These results provide further evidence for the role of G beta gamma in the activation of IK.ACh.

A highly conserved tyrosine residue in G protein-coupled receptors is required for agonist-mediated beta 2-adrenergic receptor sequestration

An aromatic residue, tyrosine 326 in the prototypical human beta 2-adrenergic receptor, exists in a highly conserved sequence motif in virtually all members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. The potential role of this conserved aromatic amino acid residue in the cellular processes of sequestration (a rapid internalization of the surface receptor) and down-regulation (a slower loss of total cellular receptors) associated with agonist-mediated desensitization of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor was assessed by replacing tyrosine residue 326 with an alanine residue (beta 2AR-Y326A). This mutation completely abolishes agonist-mediated receptor sequestration without affecting the ability of the receptor to activate maximally adenylyl cyclase, to undergo rapid desensitization, and to down-regulate in response to agonist. The only other major change associated with the mutated receptor is a complete loss of the ability to resensitize following rapid desensitization. These results imply that this tyrosine residue, which is part of a highly conserved sequence motif in G protein-coupled receptors, may be responsible for their agonist-mediated sequestration and that sequestration and down-regulation of the receptor are dissociable phenomena. The lack of resensitization in the sequestration-defective beta 2-adrenergic receptor mutant strongly suggests that the sequestration pathway is an important mechanism by which cells re-establish the normal responsiveness of G protein-coupled receptors following the removal of agonist.

The substance P receptor, which couples to Gq/11, is a substrate of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1 and 2

The agonist-occupied forms of several G-protein-coupled receptors that modulate the activity of adenylycyclase via Gs (e.g. beta 2-adrenergic) or Gi (e.g. alpha 2-adrenergic and cardiac muscarinic) are phosphorylated by beta-adrenergic receptor kinases (beta ARK 1 and beta ARK 2). beta ARK-catalyzed phosphorylation of these receptors appears to correlate with their agonist-induced desensitization. The possibility that beta ARK isozymes may also be involved in the desensitization of other G-protein-coupled receptors such as those mediating phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was tested by determining the phosphorylation of the substance P receptor (SPR), which is coupled to PI hydrolysis in numerous tissues. Rat SPR was expressed in Sf9 cells, partially purified, and reconstituted in phospholipid vesicles. The reconstituted SPR bound the SPR agonist substance P, 125I-labeled with Bolton-Hunter reagent, with low affinity. However, addition of purified Gq/11 to the reconstituted SPR resulted in the conversion of all the receptors to a high affinity state, suggesting that SPR couples to Gq/11. Phosphorylation of the reconstituted SPR with purified beta ARK 1 or 2 in the absence and presence of substance P (SP) was then studied. In the presence of 100 microM SP, both kinases promoted phosphorylation of the receptor to a stoichiometry of 9 +/- 2 mol of phosphate/mol of receptor. However, no phosphorylation of the receptor could be detected in the absence of agonist. Agonist-induced phosphorylation of the receptor was blocked by coincubation with the SPR antagonist spantide. These results show that beta ARK isozymes may regulate the function of both adenylylcyclase as well as PI-coupled receptors, and suggest a role for beta ARK isozymes in SPR signal transduction.

Beta-arrestin2, a novel member of the arrestin/beta-arrestin gene family

Homologous or agonist-specific desensitization of beta 2-adrenergic receptors (beta 2AR) is mediated by the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) which specifically phosphorylates the agonist-occupied form of the receptor. However, the capacity of beta ARK-phosphorylated beta 2AR to stimulate Gs in a reconstituted system is only minimally impaired. Recently, a protein termed beta-arrestin, was cloned from a bovine brain cDNA library and found to quench phosphorylated beta 2AR-coupling to Gs. Utilizing a low stringency hybridization technique to screen a rat brain cDNA library, we have now isolated cDNA clones representing two distinct beta-arrestin-like genes. One of the cDNAs is the rat homolog of bovine beta-arrestin (beta-arrestin1). In addition, we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding a novel, beta-arrestin-related protein which we have termed beta-arrestin2. Overall, beta-arrestin2 exhibits 78% amino acid identity with beta-arrestin1. The primary structure of these proteins delineates a family of proteins that regulates receptor coupling to G proteins. The capacity of purified beta-arrestin1, beta-arrestin2, and arrestin to inhibit the coupling of phosphorylated receptors to their respective G proteins were assessed in a reconstituted beta 2AR-Gs system and in a reconstituted rhodopsin-GT system. beta-Arrestin2 was equipotent to beta-arrestin1 and specifically inhibited beta 2AR function. Conversely, arrestin inhibited rhodopsin coupling to GT, whereas beta-arrestin1 and beta-arrestin2 were at least 20-fold less potent in this system. beta-Arrestin1 and beta-arrestin2 are predominantly localized in neuronal tissues and in the spleen. However, low mRNA levels can be detected in most peripheral tissues. In the central nervous system, beta-arrestin2 appears to be even more abundant than beta-arrestin1. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tissue distribution of beta-arrestin1 and beta-arrestin2 in rat brain shows extensive, but heterogenous, neuronal labeling of the two proteins. They are found in several neuronal pathways suggesting that they have relatively broad receptor specificity regulating many G protein-coupled receptors. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy shows that the beta-arrestins are appropriately situated at postsynaptic sites to act in concert with beta ARK to regulate G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors.

Role of beta gamma subunits of G proteins in targeting the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase to membrane-bound receptors

The rate and extent of the agonist-dependent phosphorylation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors and rhodopsin by beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) are markedly enhanced on addition of G protein beta gamma subunits. With a model peptide substrate it was demonstrated that direct activation of the kinase could not account for this effect. G protein beta gamma subunits were shown to interact directly with the COOH-terminal region of beta ARK, and formation of this beta ARK-beta gamma complex resulted in receptor-facilitated membrane localization of the enzyme. The beta gamma subunits of transducin were less effective at both enhancing the rate of receptor phosphorylation and binding to the COOH-terminus of beta ARK, suggesting that the enzyme preferentially binds specific beta gamma complexes. The beta gamma-mediated membrane localization of beta ARK serves to intimately link receptor activation to beta ARK-mediated desensitization.

The ligand binding domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor is not required for receptor dimerization

To examine the role of the ligand binding domain of epidermal growth factor receptor in its dimerization, we studied the dimerization of a truncated form of the receptor that resembles v-erbB in that it lacks a ligand binding domain. Receptor dimerization was determined by sedimentation analysis on sucrose density gradients at different concentrations of Triton X-100. At high concentrations of Triton X-100 (0.2%), the truncated receptor occurred as a monomer and displayed low basal autophosphorylation. By contrast, at low concentrations of Triton X-100 (0.01%), it existed as a dimer and exhibited high basal autophosphorylation. The ability of the truncated receptor to dimerize indicates that the ligand binding domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor is not required for receptor dimerization.

Anti-synthetic peptide antibody reacting at the fusion junction of deletion-mutant epidermal growth factor receptors in human glioblastoma

We have investigated human gliomas that amplify and rearrange the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, with generation of an in-frame deletion mutation of 802 nucleotides in the external domain. This in-frame deletion mutation generates a local amino acid sequence at the fusion junction of what normally were distant polypeptide sequences in the intact epidermal growth factor receptor. This 14-amino acid peptide was chemically synthesized, coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and used as an immunogen in rabbits. The elicited antibody reacted specifically with the fusion peptide in ELISA. The anti-fusion junction peptide antibody was purified by passage of the antiserum over a peptide affinity column with acidic elution. The purified antibody selectively bound the glioma deletion mutant as compared to the intact epidermal growth factor receptor as assessed by immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation with gel electrophoresis, and binding experiments using radioiodinated antibody. These data indicate that it is feasible to generate site-specific anti-peptide antibodies that are highly selective for mutant proteins in human tumors. The anti-peptide antibody described here, and other mutation site-specific antibodies, should be ideal candidates for tumor immunoimaging and immunotherapy.

Phosphorylation of chick heart muscarinic cholinergic receptors by the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase

Previous studies have demonstrated that muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChR) become markedly phosphorylated when intact cardiac cells are stimulated with a muscarinic agonist. This process appears to be related to the process of receptor desensitization. However, the mechanism of agonist-induced phosphorylation of mAChR is not known. In situ phosphorylation studies suggested that agonist-induced phosphorylation of mAChR may involve the participation of a receptor-specific kinase and/or require agonist occupancy. These observations regarding phosphorylation and desensitization of mAChR are similar to observations made for beta-adrenergic receptors. Recent studies have indicated that homologous desensitization of beta-adrenergic receptors may be due to the phosphorylation of these receptors by a novel protein kinase that only recognizes the agonist-occupied form of the receptors. As muscarinic receptors are structurally homologous to beta-adrenergic receptors, we have initiated studies to identify the protein kinase responsible for the phosphorylation of muscarinic receptors by determining whether the chick heart muscarinic receptor would serve as a substrate for the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta-AR kinase). We report that the purified and reconstituted chick heart muscarinic receptor serves as an excellent substrate in vitro for the beta-AR kinase. Phosphorylation of mAChR receptors by the beta-AR kinase was only observed in the presence of a muscarinic receptor agonist and was prevented in the presence of antagonist. Both the extent of phosphorylation (3-4 mol of P/mol of receptor) and the phosphoamino acid composition of the mAChR after incubation in vitro with beta-AR kinase were similar to the characteristics of agonist-induced phosphorylation of mAChR in situ.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The porcine heart M2 muscarinic receptor: agonist-induced phosphorylation and comparison of properties with the chick heart receptor

Recently we showed that the chick heart muscarinic acetylcholine receptor is a phosphoprotein in intact cells and that treatment with agonists results in a striking increase in receptor phosphorylation [J. Biol. Chem. 261:12429-12432 (1986)]. Furthermore, we showed that the agonist-induced increase in the phosphorylation of chick heart muscarinic receptors correlates with receptor desensitization [J. Biol. Chem. 262:16314-16321 (1987)]. We have now extended studies of receptor phosphorylation to mammalian cardiac muscarinic receptors, in order to test the concept that phosphorylation is of general importance in the regulation of muscarinic receptor function. We have determined that, in intact porcine atria, M2 muscarinic receptors are phosphoproteins and that treatment with the agonist carbachol markedly increases receptor phosphorylation, to 4-6 mol of phosphate/mol of protein. Phosphorylation occurs on serine and threonine residues. Activation of either protein kinase C or cAMP-dependent protein kinase did not mimic the effect of agonists on receptor phosphorylation. These results are very similar to those seen with the chick heart muscarinic receptors. To determine whether the porcine and the chick cardiac muscarinic receptors represent similar or different proteins, we undertook detailed pharmacological studies and, in addition, prepared peptide maps of purified muscarinic receptors from chick heart and porcine atria. Our data show that there are marked differences in the pharmacological properties of the chick and the porcine cardiac muscarinic receptors. The peptide maps of the porcine and chick heart muscarinic receptors are also different, suggesting that muscarinic receptors in chick and porcine cardiac cells differ in their primary structure. Taken together, the data show that porcine and chick cardiac muscarinic receptors possess pharmacological and structural differences, but both receptors undergo agonist-mediated phosphorylation in intact cardiac cells. These data support the possibility that receptor phosphorylation may be of general importance in the regulation of muscarinic receptors.

Characterization of cardiac A1 adenosine receptors by ligand binding and photoaffinity labeling

[125I]N6-(p-aminobenzyl)adenosine and [125I]N6-(p-azidobenzyl)adenosine, which are potent agonists at A1 (Ri) adenosine receptors, have been used to characterize the adenosine receptor in membranes prepared from newborn chick heart. Scatchard analyses of [125I]N6-(p-aminobenzyl)adenosine binding to cardiac membranes revealed that the ligand bound to two affinity states of the receptor with Kd values of 0.7 and 9.9 nM. The corresponding maximum binding (Bmax) values were 25 and 86 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. In the presence of 0.1 mM 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate, a single affinity state was detected with a Kd of 9.4 nM and a Bmax of 96 fmol/mg of protein. Direct and indirect ligand binding studies with several adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists were used to compare the characteristics of the cardiac receptor with those of the A1 receptor in the cerebellum. The binding properties of the receptors in the two tissues were very similar although marked differences were observed in the binding kinetics of [125I]N6-(p-azidobenzyl)adenosine. Photo-affinity labeling experiments followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis showed that the cardiac receptor had a apparent molecular weight of 37,600, which was slightly but significantly higher than that of the cerebellar receptor (35,500). The present results show that the cardiac receptor has ligand binding properties and a minimal subunit molecular weight similar to the more thoroughly studied A1 receptor in neural tissue.

Correlation of agonist-induced phosphorylation of chick heart muscarinic receptors with receptor desensitization

We have determined whether the process of agonist-mediated phosphorylation of the muscarinic receptor correlates with the process of muscarinic receptor desensitization in chick cardiac tissue. Exposure of ventricular slices to the agonist carbachol under conditions previously shown to lead to large increases in muscarinic receptor phosphorylation (Kwatra, M. M., and Hosey, M. M. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 12429-12432) resulted in decreased affinity of the muscarinic receptor for agonists. The agonist oxotremorine mimicked and the antagonist atropine prevented the effects of carbachol on receptor phosphorylation and agonist affinity. The time courses and concentration dependences for agonists to induce phosphorylation of the muscarinic receptor and decreases in agonist affinity were similar. Treatment of chick atria with acetylcholine under conditions which led to receptor phosphorylation resulted in decreased sensitivity of these preparations to the negative inotropic effect of carbachol. Taken together, the results support the concept that phosphorylation of cardiac muscarinic receptors may be related to the process of receptor desensitization. The mechanism by which agonists induce receptor phosphorylation was also investigated. The phosphorylated amino acids formed in response to agonists were serine and threonine. The protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate acetate had no effect on receptor phosphorylation or agonist affinity, nor did it prevent the effects of carbachol on either of these parameters. Receptor phosphorylation also was unaffected by the calmodulin antagonists W-7 and W-13, by elevation of cyclic nucleotides, and by agonists which activate other cardiac receptor systems. The results suggest that the phosphorylation of cardiac muscarinic receptors requires agonist occupancy of the receptor and/or may involve the participation of a selective protein kinase.

N6-phenyladenosines: pronounced effect of phenyl substituents on affinity for A2 adenosine receptors

A number of N6-phenyladenosines with various substitutions on the phenyl ring have been synthesized and tested for their affinities toward brain A1 and A2 adenosine receptors. Compounds with meta substituents, such as (m-hydroxy- and m-iodophenyl)adenosine, were found to have high A1 selectivity. Meta substitution caused a selective decrease in the affinity of these compounds for A2 receptors. The results suggest that, in contrast to what is commonly held, certain N6-substituents have pronounced effects on affinity for brain A2 adenosine receptors. Thus, brain A2 receptors may have a well-defined region that recognizes N6-substitutions.

Phosphorylation of the cardiac muscarinic receptor in intact chick heart and its regulation by a muscarinic agonist

We have tested the possibility that regulation of cardiac muscarinic receptor function may involve receptor phosphorylation. Chick heart muscarinic receptors were purified from relatively small amounts of tissue to near homogeneity using a three-step chromatographic procedure that utilized the affinity chromatography procedure of Haga and Haga (Haga, K., and Haga, T. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 13575-13579). The purified preparations contained a single major peptide which migrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels with an apparent Mr of 79,000. When receptors were purified from 32P-bathed hearts, a single major phosphopeptide eluted from the affinity column and comigrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels with the band of stained receptor. Treatment of hearts with the agonist carbachol led to marked increases (10-12-fold) in the phosphorylation of the receptor. The results show that the muscarinic receptor is a phosphoprotein in cardiac tissue and that treatment with a receptor agonist regulates its phosphorylation in the intact cell.

Specific photoaffinity labelling of inhibitory adenosine receptors

N6(L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (L-PIA) and N6(3-iodo-4-azido benzyl)-adenosine (IAzBA) inhibit the adenylate cyclase activity in synaptic membranes of chick cerebellum via Ri adenosine receptors. [3H]L-PIA and [125I]AzBA bind to these membranes with Kd values of approximately 1 nM and Bmax values of approximately 1000 fmol/mg protein. Photolysis of [125I]AzBA bound to synaptic membranes results in the specific incorporation of radioactivity into a protein with Mr = 36,000. This photoincorporation is blocked by simultaneous exposure to L-PIA, theophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist, or Gpp(NH)p, but not by cytosine, suggesting that the 36,000 dalton protein is the Ri adenosine receptor or a subunit of the receptor that contains the adenosine binding site.

Acetylenics. 2. Synthesis and pharmacology of certain N,N-diakyl-3-phenylpropyn-2-amines. Some analogues with tryptamine-like behavioral effects in mice

A number of N,N-dialkyl-3-phenylpropyn-2-amines 7 have been prepared and tested for their biological action. Certain analogues show tryptamine-like behavior effects in mice. The tryptamine-like activity of these compounds appears to be controlled by their lipophilicity. These compounds show only weak inhibition of rat liver monoamine oxidase. Although these compounds exhibit tryptamine-like action, experiments seem to indicate that there is no interaction with the tryptamine receptors.