Regulation of eNOS in caveolae

Caveolae are a specialized subset of lipid domains that are prevalent on the plasma membrane of endothelial cells. They compartmentalize signal transduction molecules which regulate multiple endothelial functions including the production of nitric oxide (NO) by the caveolae resident enzyme endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). eNOS is one of the three isoforms of the NOS enzyme which generates NO upon the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline and it is regulated by multiple mechanisms. Caveolin negatively impact eNOS activity through direct interaction with the enzyme. Circulating factors known to modify cardiovascular disease risk also influence the activity of the enzyme. In particular, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) maintains the lipid environment in caveolae, thereby promoting the retention and function of eNOS in the domain and it also causes direct activation of eNOS via scavenger receptor class B, Type I (SR-BI)-induced kinase signaling. Estrogen binding to estrogen receptors (ER) in caveolae also activates eNOS and this occurs through G protein coupling and kinase activation. Discrete domains within SR-BI and ER mediating signal initiation in caveolae have been identified. Counteracting the promodulatory actions of HDL and estrogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) antagonizes eNOS through FcγRIIB, which is the sole inhibitory receptor for IgG. Through their actions on eNOS, estrogen and CRP also regulate endothelial cell growth and migration. Thus, signaling events in caveolae invoked by known circulating cardiovascular disease risk factors have major impact on eNOS and endothelial cell phenotypes of importance to cardiovascular health and disease.

Lung vascular targeting using antibody to aminopeptidase P: CT-SPECT imaging, biodistribution and pharmacokinetic analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Aminopeptidase P (APP) is specifically enriched in caveolae on the luminal surface of pulmonary vascular endothelium. APP antibodies bind lung endothelium in vivo and are rapidly and actively pumped across the endothelium into lung tissue. Here we characterize the immunotargeting properties and pharmacokinetics of the APP-specific recombinant antibody 833c.

METHODS

We used in situ binding, biodistribution analysis and in vivo imaging to assess the lung targeting of 833c.

RESULTS

More than 80% of 833c bound during the first pass through isolated perfused lungs. Dynamic SPECT acquisition showed that 833c rapidly and specifically targeted the lungs in vivo, reaching maximum levels within 2 min after intravenous injection. CT-SPECT imaging revealed specific targeting of 833c to the thoracic cavity and co-localization with a lung perfusion marker, Tc99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin. Biodistribution analysis confirmed lung-specific uptake of 833c which declined by first-order kinetics (t(½) = 110 h) with significant levels of 833c still present 30 days after injection.

CONCLUSION

These data show that APP expressed in endothelial caveolae appears to be readily accessible to circulating antibody rather specifically in lung. Targeting lung-specific caveolar APP provides an extraordinarily rapid and specific means to target pulmonary vasculature and potentially deliver therapeutic agents into the lung tissue.

The ERK signaling cascade--views from different subcellular compartments

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascade is a central signaling pathway that is stimulated by various extracellular stimuli. The signals of these stimuli are then transferred by the cascade's components to a large number of targets at distinct subcellular compartments, which in turn induce and regulate a large number of cellular processes. To achieve these functions, the cascade exhibits versatile and dynamic subcellular distribution that allows proper temporal and spatial modulation of the appropriate processes. In this review, we discuss the intracellular localizations of different components of the ERK cascade, and the impact of these localizations on their activation and specificity.

Phosphodiesterase 3B is localized in caveolae and smooth ER in mouse hepatocytes and is important in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important regulators of signal transduction processes mediated by cAMP and cGMP. One PDE family member, PDE3B, plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of metabolic processes such as lipolysis and insulin secretion. In this study, the cellular localization and the role of PDE3B in the regulation of triglyceride, cholesterol and glucose metabolism in hepatocytes were investigated. PDE3B was identified in caveolae, specific regions in the plasma membrane, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In caveolin-1 knock out mice, which lack caveolae, the amount of PDE3B protein and activity were reduced indicating a role of caveolin-1/caveolae in the stabilization of enzyme protein. Hepatocytes from PDE3B knock out mice displayed increased glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which was associated with increased expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes/enzymes including, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. In conclusion, hepatocyte PDE3B is localized in caveolae and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and plays important roles in the regulation of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism. Dysregulation of PDE3B could have a role in the development of fatty liver, a condition highly relevant in the context of type 2 diabetes.

Guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I expression and enzymatic activity are present in caveolae of endothelial cells

Tetrahydrobiopterin is an essential cofactor required for the synthesis of NO. GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH I) is the rate-limiting enzyme for tetrahydrobiopterin production in endothelial cells, yet little is known about the subcellular localization of this enzyme. In this study, we demonstrated that GTPCH I is localized to caveolar membrane microdomains along with caveolin-1 and endothelial NO synthase. GTPCH I activity was detected in isolated caveolar membranes from cultured endothelial cells. Confocal and electron microscopy analyses confirmed GTPCH I colocalization with caveolin-1. Consistent with in vitro studies, GTPCH I activity was evident in isolated caveolar microdomains from lung homogenates of wild-type mice. Importantly, a 2-fold increase in GTPCH I activity was detected in the aortas of caveolin-1-deficient mice, suggesting that caveolin-1 may be involved in the control of GTPCH I enzymatic activity. Indeed, overexpression of caveolin-1 inhibits GTPCH I activity, and tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis is activated by the disruption of caveolae structure. These studies demonstrate that GTPCH I is targeted to caveolae microdomains in vascular endothelial cells, and tetrahydrobiopterin production occurs in close proximity to endothelial NO synthase. In addition, our findings provide new insights into the regulation of GTPCH I activity by the caveolar coat protein, caveolin-1.

Docosahexaenoic acid affects endothelial nitric oxide synthase in caveolae

n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids are assumed to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is responsible for cardiovascular homeostasis involving in regulation of vascular function, and the subcellular localization is critical for its activation. Here we determined the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) on distribution of eNOS and its activity. DHA treatment markedly altered lipid environment of caveolae microdomains, which was coincided with selective displacement of caveolin-1 and eNOS from caveolae. Akt was not detected in caveolae fractions and CaM was distributed in both of caveolin-1-enriched membranes and non-caveolar fractions, whose distribution was unaffected by DHA. These data demonstrated for the first time that DHA altered caveolae microenvironment not only by modifying membrane lipid composition, but also by changing distribution of major structural proteins. DHA-induced alterations in caveolae lipid/protein environment may be an important mechanism in the development of pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

COX-2 localization within plasma membrane caveolae-like structures in human lobular intraepithelial neoplasia of the breast

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is highly expressed in human intraepithelial neoplasia of the breast and takes part in the molecular pathway implicated in progression of breast cancer. Recently, we demonstrated that COX-2 protein is mainly located in plasma membrane of lobular intraepithelial neoplasia (LIN) cells suggesting a localization in caveolae-like structures. The aim of the present study is to establish subcellular locations of COX-2 and its colocalization with caveolin-1 (CAV-1) to caveolae structures in LIN. To establish a relationship between COX-2 and CAV-1, 39 LINs were studied by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy analysis. COX-2 and CAV-1 expression was observed respectively in 79.5 and in 94.9% of LIN studied. A positive correlation was found between membrane COX-2 staining pattern and CAV-1 expression, while no correlation was found between cytoplasm COX-2 staining pattern and CAV-1. Confocal analysis showed that COX-2 localized to plasma membrane was strictly associated to CAV-1 suggesting that an amount of COX-2 protein is placed in caveolae-like structures. Our results show that COX-2 is localized within caveolae compartment and colocalized with CAV-1 protein in LIN lesions. Because caveolae are rich in signaling molecules, this COX-2 compartment may play an important role in diverse breast cancer carcinogenesis processes.

The Tom1L1-clathrin heavy chain complex regulates membrane partitioning of the tyrosine kinase Src required for mitogenic and transforming activities

Compartmentalization of Src tyrosine kinases (SFK) plays an important role in signal transduction induced by a number of extracellular stimuli. For example, Src mitogenic signaling induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is initiated in cholesterol-enriched microdomain caveolae. How this Src subcellular localization is regulated is largely unknown. Here we show that the Tom1L1-clathrin heavy chain (CHC) complex negatively regulates the level of SFK in caveolae needed for the induction of DNA synthesis. Tom1L1 is both an interactor and a substrate of SFK. Intriguingly, it stimulates Src activity without promoting mitogenic signaling. We found that, upon association with CHC, Tom1L1 reduced the level of SFK in caveolae, thereby preventing its association with the PDGF receptor, which is required for the induction of mitogenesis. Similarly, the Tom1L1-CHC complex reduced also the level of oncogenic Src in cholesterol-enriched microdomains, thus affecting both its capacity to induce DNA synthesis and cell transformation. Conversely, Tom1L1, when not associated with CHC, accumulated in caveolae and promoted Src-driven DNA synthesis. We concluded that the Tom1L1-CHC complex defines a novel mechanism involved in negative regulation of mitogenic and transforming signals, by modulating SFK partitioning at the plasma membrane.

Caveolae nitration of Janus kinase-2 at the 1007Y-1008Y site: coordinating inflammatory response and metabolic hormone readjustment within the somatotropic axis

Life-threatening proinflammatory response (PR) induces severe GH resistance. Although low-level PR is much more commonly encountered clinically, relatively few studies have investigated the accompanying change in GH signal transduction progression and, in particular, the impact of low-level PR on Janus kinase (JAK)-2. Using a low-level, in vivo endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] challenge protocol, we demonstrated that the liver tissue content of JAK2 declined 24 h (62%, P < 0.02) after LPS and that tyrosine-nitrated JAK2 could be immunoprecipitated from post-LPS liver biopsy homogenates. With antibodies developed to probe specifically for nitration at the (1007)Y-(1008)Y phosphorylation epitope of JAK2, we demonstrated that the nitrated (1007)Y-(1008)Y-JAK-2 (nitro-JAK2) coimmunoprecipitated with caveolin-1 and (1177)phospho-SER-endothelial nitric oxide synthase when post-LPS liver homogenates were treated with anticaveolin-1 and protein A/G. The magnitude of increase in nitro-JAK2 was attenuated in animals treated with vitamin E prior to LPS. The increase in nitro-JAK2 after LPS was greater in a line of experimental animals with a genetic propensity for higher PR at the given LPS dose than responses measured in their normal counterparts. The development and remission of nitro-JAK2 was temporally concordant with changes in plasma concentrations of IGF-I; hepatocellular IGF-I mRNA content was inversely proportional to nitro-JAK2 content. Localized changes in the state of nitration of regulatory phosphorylation domains of JAK2 in caveolar microenvironments and tissue content of JAK2 during PR suggest a unique mechanism through which discrete signal transduction switching might occur in the liver to fine tune cellular responses to the endocrine-immune signals that develop during low-level, transient proinflammatory stress.

Association of estrogen receptor beta with plasma-membrane caveola components: implication in control of vitamin D receptor

This study was designed to provide a direct demonstration of the importance of caveolin-1 in the compartmentalization of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) to the membrane, thus allowing 7beta-estradiol (E2) to control vitamin D receptor (VDR) transcription and expression. Our strategy was to obtain cell lines expressing different levels of caveolin-1. To this end, we transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells with a caveolin-1-expressing vector and obtained three cell-line variants: one expressing high amounts of caveolin-1 (clone A), one expressing low amounts of caveolin-1 (clone B), and one expressing high amounts of the nonfunctional P132L caveolin-1 mutant (clone C), and compared these with parental (wild-type, WT) cells expressing negligible levels of caveolin-1. In clone A, ERbeta colocalized to membrane preparations and E2 treatment induced significant ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and enhanced VDR expression. In clones B and C and the WT, ERbeta did not localize to membrane preparations and E2 treatment was ineffective at inducing VDR upregulation associated with ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Luciferase reporter gene expression assays showed that the human VDR promoter is only highly responsive to E2 treatment in clone A, except in the presence of the ER-specific inhibitor ICI182 780. Cotransfection of clone A with the VDR promoter and several mutants of MAPK kinase (MEK) demonstrated that the constitutively active form of MEK significantly increases VDR promoter activation, while the catalytically inactive construct is ineffective in this regard. In clone A cells transfected with an activation protein-1 (AP-1)-luciferase construct, E2 significantly upregulated the promoter activity, while ICI182 780 completely eliminated this E2-mediated effect. Clone A cells transfected with a VDR promoter bearing a targeted mutation towards the AP-1 site showed reduced E2-mediated activation of luciferase activity. Taken together, our data confirm the importance of caveolin-1 in the association of ERbeta to the membrane caveolae, allowing ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and upregulation of VDR.

Iron Causes Interactions of TAK1, p21ras, and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase in Caveolae to Activate IκB Kinase in Hepatic Macrophages

We recently discovered a novel signaling phenomenon involving a rapid and transient rise in intracellular low molecular weight iron complex(es) in activation of IkappaB kinase (IKK) in hepatic macrophages. We also showed direct treatment with ferrous iron substitutes for this event to activate IKK. The present study used this model to identify upstream kinases responsible for IKK activation. IKK activation induced by iron is abrogated by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant (DN) for transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1), NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and by treatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase-1 (MEK1) inhibitor. Iron increases AKT phosphorylation that is prevented by DNTAK1 or DNp21ras. Iron causes ERK1/2 phosphorylation that is attenuated by DN-PI3K, prevented by DNp21ras, but unaffected by DNTAK1. Iron-induced TAK1 activity is not affected by the PI3K or MEK1 inhibitor, suggesting TAK1 is upstream of PI3K and MEK1. Iron increases interactions of TAK1 and PI3K with p21ras as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization of these proteins with caveolin-1 as shown by immunofluorescent microscopy. Finally, filipin III, a caveolae inhibitor, abrogates iron-induced TAK1 and IKK activation. In conclusion, MEK1, TAK1, NF-kappa-inducing kinase, and PI3K are required for iron-induced IKK activation in hepatic macrophages and TAK1, PI3K, and p21ras physically interact in caveolae to initiate signal transduction.

Nitric oxide, caveolae, and vascular pathology

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an enzyme that plays a critical role in normal cardiovascular function. Caveolae are structures within the surface membrane of cells in which many signaling and second messenger pathways, including nitric oxide, are regulated. Many interventions in cardiovascular disease act, in part, either by changing factors that directly influence eNOS, or by changing a complex set of proteins that act indirectly on caveolae, to alter eNOS activity. In this review, we will focus on the regulation of eNOS activity by circulating factors which are altered in cardiovascular disease and the effects of pharmacological interventions that act partially through effects on eNOS.

Cathepsin B localizes to plasma membrane caveolae of differentiating myoblasts and is secreted in an active form at physiological pH

Our in vitro studies support a functional link between the induction of cathepsin B gene expression and the catabolic restructuring associated with myotube formation during myogenesis in vivo. We have tested two predictions that are basic to this hypothesis: (1) that active cathepsin B is localized to plasma membrane caveolae of fusing myoblasts; and (2) that active cathepsin B is secreted from fusing myoblasts at physiological pH. During differentiation, L6 rat myoblasts demonstrated a fusion-related increase in activity associated with the 25/26-kDa, fully processed, active form of cathepsin B. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated a redistribution of lysosomal cathepsin B protein toward the membrane of fusing myoblasts, and a colocalization of cathepsin B with caveolin-3, the muscle-specific structural protein of membrane caveolae. Sucrose density fractionation and Western blot analysis demonstrated that an active form of cathepsin B localizes to caveolar fractions along with caveolin-3, annexin-VII, beta-dystroglycan and dystrophin. Finally, 'real-time' activity assays and Western blot analysis demonstrated that active cathepsin B is secreted from fusing myoblasts at physiological pH. Collectively, these studies support an association of active cathepsin B with plasma membrane caveolae and the secretion of active cathepsin B from differentiating myoblasts during myoblast fusion.

Beta-subunit of cardiac Na+-K+-ATPase dictates the concentration of the functional enzyme in caveolae

Previous studies showed the presence of a significant fraction of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunits in cardiac myocyte caveolae, suggesting the caveolar interactions of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase with its signaling partners. Because both alpha- and beta-subunits are required for ATPase activity, to clarify the status of the pumping function of caveolar Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, we have examined the relative distribution of two major subunit isoforms (alpha(1) and beta(1)) in caveolar and noncaveolar membranes of adult rat cardiac myocytes. When cell lysates treated with high salt (Na(2)CO(3) or KCl) concentrations were fractionated by a standard density gradient procedure, the resulting light caveolar membranes contained 30-40% of alpha(1)-subunits and 80-90% of beta(1)-subunits. Use of Na(2)CO(3) was shown to inactivate Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase; however, caveolar membranes obtained by the KCl procedure were not denatured and contained approximately 75% of total myocyte Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. Sealed isolated caveolae exhibited active Na(+) transport. Confocal microscopy supported the presence of alpha,beta-subunits in caveolae, and immunoprecipitation showed the association of the subunits with caveolin oligomers. The findings indicate that cardiac caveolar inpocketings are the primary portals for active Na(+)-K(+) fluxes, and the sites where the pumping and signaling functions of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase are integrated. Preferential concentration of beta(1)-subunit in caveolae was cell specific; it was also noted in neonatal cardiac myocytes but not in fibroblasts and A7r5 cells. Uneven distributions of alpha(1) and beta(1) in early and late endosomes of myocytes suggested different internalization routes of two subunits as a source of selective localization of active Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in cardiac caveolae.

Oestrogen-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 and its effect on the oestrogen receptor localisation: an in vivo study

Recently, it has been shown that 17beta estradiol (E2) induces a rapid and transient activation of the Src ERK phosphorylation cascade: a clear indication that the alpha oestrogen receptor (ERalpha) is able to associate with the plasma membrane. Increasing evidence suggests that caveolae, which are caveolin-1 containing, highly hydrophobic membrane domains, play an important role in E2 induced signal transduction. Caveolae can accumulate signalling molecules preferentially; thus, they may have a regulatory role in signalling processes. Results from previous experiments have shown that E2 treatment decreased the number of surface connected caveolae significantly in uterine smooth muscle cells and also downregulated the expression of caveolin-1. In addition to providing further evidence that ERalpha interacts with caveolin/caveolae in uterine smooth muscle cells, this study also shows that the interaction between caveolin-1 and ERalpha is actually facilitated by E2. One of the signal transduction components found to accumulate in caveolae is Src kinase in an amount that increases simultaneously with increases in the amount of ERalpha. Upon E2 treatment, Src kinase is tyrosine phosphorylated, which, in turn, stimulates Src kinase to phosphorylate caveolin-1. Phosphorylation of caveolin-1 can drive caveolae to pinch off from the plasma membrane, thereby decreasing the amount of plasma membrane-associated caveolin-1. This loss of caveolin/caveolae activates the signal cascade that triggers cell proliferation.

Kinase-regulated quantal assemblies and kiss-and-run recycling of caveolae

A functional genomics approach has revealed that caveolae/raft-mediated endocytosis is subject to regulation by a large number of kinases. Here we explore the role of some of these kinases in caveolae dynamics. We discover that caveolae operate using principles different from classical membrane trafficking. First, each caveolar coat contains a set number (one 'quantum') of caveolin-1 molecules. Second, caveolae are either stored as in stationary multi-caveolar structures at the plasma membrane, or undergo continuous cycles of fission and fusion with the plasma membrane in a small volume beneath the surface, without disassembling the caveolar coat. Third, a switch mechanism shifts caveolae from this localized cycle to long-range cytoplasmic transport. We have identified six kinases that regulate different steps of the caveolar cycle. Our observations reveal new principles in caveolae trafficking and suggest that the dynamic properties of caveolae and their transport competence are regulated by different kinases operating at several levels.

Dynamic association of nitric oxide downstream signaling molecules with endothelial caveolin-1 in rat aorta

Classically, nitric oxide (NO) formed by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) freely diffuses from its generation site to smooth muscle cells where it activates soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), producing cGMP. Subsequently, cGMP activates both cGMP- and cAMP-dependent protein kinases [cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), respectively], leading to smooth muscle relaxation. In endothelial cells, eNOS has been localized to caveolae, small invaginations of the plasma membrane rich in cholesterol. Membrane cholesterol depletion impairs acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation due to alteration in caveolar structure. Given the nature of NO to be more soluble in a hydrophobic environment than in water, and assuming that colocalization of components in a signal transduction cascade seems to be a critical determinant of signaling efficiency by eNOS activation, we hypothesize that sGC, PKA, and PKG activation may occur at the plasma membrane caveolae. In endothelium-intact rat aortic rings, the relaxation induced by ACh, by the sGC activator 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1), and by 8-bromo-cGMP was impaired in the presence of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, a drug that disassembles caveolae by sequestering cholesterol from the membrane. sGC, PKG, and PKA were colocalized with caveolin-1 in aortic endothelium, and this colocalization was abolished by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin efficiently disassembled caveolae in endothelium. In summary, our results provide evidence of compartmentalization of sGC, PKG, and PKA in endothelial caveolae contributing to NO signaling cascade, giving new insights by which the endothelium mediates vascular smooth muscle relaxation.

Caveolae compartmentalization of heme oxygenase-1 in endothelial cells

The heme oxygenase (HO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes generate the gaseous signaling molecules carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide, respectively. Constitutive NOSs localize to caveolae, and their activities are modulated by caveolin-1. Nothing is known of the localization of the inducible heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in plasma membrane caveolae. Thus, we examined the distribution and subcellular localization of HO-1, biliverdin reductase (BVR), and NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase (NPR) in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Each of these proteins localized in part to plasma membrane caveolae in endothelial cells. Inducers of HO-1 or overexpression of HO-1 increased the content of this protein in a detergent-resistant fraction containing caveolin-1. Inducible HO activity appeared in plasma membrane, cytosol, and isolated caveolae. In addition, caveolae contained endogenous BVR activity, supporting the same compartmentalization of both enzymes. Caveolin-1 physically interacted with HO-1, as shown by coimmunoprecipitation studies. HO activity dramatically increased in cells expressing caveolin-1 antisense transcripts, suggesting a negative regulatory role for caveolin-1. Conversely, caveolin-1 expression attenuated LPS-inducible HO activity. Since their initial characterization in 1969, HO enzymes have been described as endoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins. We demonstrate for the first time the localization of heme degradation enzymes to plasma membrane caveolae, and present novel evidence that caveolin-1 interacts with and modulates HO activity.

Caveolae localize protein kinase A signaling to arterial ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Arterial ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels are critical regulators of vascular tone, forming a focal point for signaling by many vasoactive transmitters that alter smooth muscle contractility and so blood flow. Clinically, these channels form the target of antianginal and antihypertensive drugs, and their genetic disruption leads to hypertension and sudden cardiac death through coronary vasospasm. However, whereas the biochemical basis of K(ATP) channel modulation is well-studied, little is known about the structural or spatial organization of the signaling pathways that converge on these channels. In this study, we use discontinuous sucrose density gradients and Western blot analysis to show that K(ATP) channels localize with an upstream signaling partner, adenylyl cyclase, to smooth muscle membrane fractions containing caveolin, a protein found exclusively in cholesterol and sphingolipid-enriched membrane invaginations known as caveolae. Furthermore, we show that an antibody against the K(ATP) pore-forming subunit, Kir6.1 co-immunoprecipitates caveolin from arterial homogenates, suggesting that Kir6.1 and caveolin exist together in a complex. To assess whether the colocalization of K(ATP) channels and adenylyl cyclase to smooth muscle caveolae has functional significance, we disrupt caveolae with the cholesterol-depleting agent, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. This reduces the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A-sensitive component of whole-cell K(ATP) current, indicating that the integrity of caveolae is important for adenylyl cyclase-mediated channel modulation. These results suggest that to be susceptible to protein kinase A-dependent activation, arterial K(ATP) channels need to be localized in the same lipid compartment as adenylyl cyclase; the results also provide the first indication of the spatial organization of signaling pathways that regulate K(ATP) channel activity.

Colocalization of eNOS and the catalytic subunit of PKA in endothelial cell junctions: a clue for regulated NO production

Localization and coordinate phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are critical determinants for the basal and stimulated production of nitric oxide. Several phosphorylation sites in eNOS have been identified as targets of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Basal eNOS activity is also regulated by interaction with caveolin-1, the major coat protein of caveolae. In the present study we have examined in rat aorta endothelium the subcellular steady-state distribution of eNOS, the catalytic subunit of PKA (PKA-c), and caveolin-1. Basal eNOS expression was found in two distinct locations, the endothelial cell surface and the Golgi complex. Cell surface eNOS was equally distributed over caveolar and non-caveolar membranes but was 2.5-fold enriched on luminal lamellipodia located at endothelial cell contacts. PKA-c colocalized with eNOS in the lamellipodia, whereas caveolin-1 was absent from these membrane domains. PKA-c was also found associated with cell surface caveolae and with tubulovesicular membranes of Golgi complex and endosomes. The topological proximity of eNOS with the catalytic subunit of PKA in restricted intracellular locations may provide mechanisms for differential PKA-mediated eNOS regulation.

The plasma membrane Ca2+pump from proximal kidney tubules is exclusively localized and active in caveolae

Plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase is involved in the fine-tuned regulation of intracellular Ca2+. In this study, the presence of Ca2+-ATPase in caveolae from kidney basolateral membranes was investigated. With the use of a discontinuous sucrose gradient, we show that Ca2+-ATPase is exclusively located and fully active in caveolin-containing microdomains. Treatment with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin--a cholesterol chelator--leads to a spreading of both caveolin and completely inactive Ca2+-ATPase toward high-density fractions. These data support the view that Ca2+ fluxes mediated by Ca2+-ATPase in kidney epithelial cells occur only in caveolae, being strictly dependent on the integrity of these microdomains.

Co-localization of P2Y1 receptor and NTPDase1/CD39 within caveolae in human placenta

Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1/CD39) is the dominant ecto-nucleotidase of vascular and placental trophoblastic tissues and appears to modulate the functional expression of type-2 purinergic (P2) G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Hence, this ectoenzyme could regulate nucleotide-mediated signalling events in placental tissue. This immunohistochemical and immuno-electron microscopic study demonstrates the expression of NTPDase1/CD39, P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors in different cell types of human placenta. Specifically P2Y1 has an exclusive vascular distribution whereas P2Y2 is localized on trophoblastic villi. Co-localization of P2Y1 and NTPDase1/CD39 are observed in caveolae, membrane microdomains of endothelial cells. The differential localization of these P2 receptors might indicate their unique roles in the regulation of extracellular nucleotide concentrations in human placental tissues and consequent effects on vascular tone and blood fluidity.

Trafficking of Lyn through the Golgi caveolin involves the charged residues on alphaE and alphaI helices in the kinase domain

Src-family kinases, known to participate in signaling pathways of a variety of surface receptors, are localized to the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane through lipid modification. We show here that Lyn, a member of the Src-family kinases, is biosynthetically transported to the plasma membrane via the Golgi pool of caveolin along the secretory pathway. The trafficking of Lyn from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane is inhibited by deletion of the kinase domain or Csk-induced “closed conformation” but not by kinase inactivation. Four residues (Asp346 and Glu353 on αE helix, and Asp498 and Asp499 on αI helix) present in the C-lobe of the kinase domain, which can be exposed to the molecular surface through an “open conformation,” are identified as being involved in export of Lyn from the Golgi apparatus toward the plasma membrane but not targeting to the Golgi apparatus. Thus, the kinase domain of Lyn plays a role in Lyn trafficking besides catalysis of substrate phosphorylation.

Organ hypertrophic signaling within caveolae membrane subdomains triggered by ouabain and antagonized by PST 2238

In addition to inhibition of the Na-K ATPase, ouabain activates a signal transduction function, triggering growth and proliferation of cultured cells even at nanomolar concentrations. An isomer of ouabain (EO) circulates in mammalians at subnanomolar concentrations, and increased levels are associated with cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension. We present here a study of cardiac and renal hypertrophy induced by ouabain infused into rats for prolonged periods and relate this effect to the recently described ouabain-induced activation of the Src-EGFr-ERK signaling pathway. Ouabain infusion into rats (15 microg/kg/day for 18 weeks) doubled plasma ouabain levels from 0.3 to 0.7 nm and increased blood pressure by 20 mm Hg (p < 0.001), cardiac left ventricle (+11%, p < 0.05), and kidney weight (+9%, p < 0.01). These effects in vivo are associated with a significant enrichment of alpha1, beta1, gammaa Na-K ATPase subunits together with Src and EGFr in isolated renal caveolae membranes and activation of ERK1/2. In caveolae, direct Na-K ATPase/Src interactions can be demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation. The interaction is amplified by ouabain, at a high affinity binding site, detectable in caveolae but not in total rat renal membranes. The high affinity site for ouabain is associated with Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of rat alpha1 Na-K ATPase. The antihypertensive compound, PST 2238, antagonized all ouabain-induced effects at 10 microg/kg/day in vivo or 10(-10)-10(-8) m in vitro. These findings provide a molecular mechanism for the in vivo pro-hypertrophic and hypertensinogenic activity of ouabain, or by analogy those of EO in humans. They also explain the pharmacological basis for PST 2238 treatment.

Discrete intracellular signaling domains of soluble adenylyl cyclase: camps of cAMP?

Soluble adenylyl cyclase can function in the nucleus, defining a nuclear microdomain of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. Bundey and Insel discuss the evidence for discrete signaling microdomains of cAMP, including the nucleus and caveolae, and conclude that such microdomains may be defined by the localized, subcellular expression of adenylyl cyclase isoforms.

Oxidative stress activates both Src-kinases and their negative regulator Csk and induces phosphorylation of two targeting proteins for Csk: caveolin-1 and paxillin

Csk negatively regulates Src family kinases (SFKs). In lymphocytes, Csk is constitutively active, and is transiently inactivated in response to extracellular stimuli, allowing activation of SFKs. In contrast, both SFKs and Csk were inactive in unstimulated mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and both were activated in response to oxidative stress. Csk modulated the oxidative stress-induced, but not the basal SFK activity in these cells. These data indicate that Csk may be more important for the return of Src-kinases to the basal state than for the maintenance of basal activity in some cell types. Csk must be targeted to its SFK substrates through an SH2-domain-mediated interaction with a phosphoprotein. Our data indicate that caveolin-1 is one of these targeting proteins. SFKs bind to caveolin-1 and phosphorylate it in response to oxidative stress and insulin. Csk binds specifically to the phosphorylated caveolin-1 and attenuates its stress-induced phosphorylation. Importantly, phosphocaveolin was one of two major phosphoproteins associated with Csk after incubation with peroxide or insulin. Paxillin was the other. Activation/rapid attenuation of SFKs by Csk is required for actin remodeling. Caveolin-1 is phosphorylated at the ends of actin fibers at points of contact between the actin cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane, where it could in part mediate this attenuation.

Distinct subcellular localizations of Nox1 and Nox4 in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that act as signaling molecules in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and contribute to growth, hypertrophy, and migration in atherogenesis are produced by multi-subunit NAD(P)H oxidases. Nox1 and Nox4, two homologues to the phagocytic NAD(P)H subunit gp91phox, both generate ROS in VSMC but differ in their response to growth factors. We hypothesize that the opposing functions of Nox1 and Nox4 are reflected in their differential subcellular locations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used immunofluorescence to visualize the NAD(P)H subunits Nox1, Nox4, and p22phox in cultured rat and human VSMC. Optical sectioning using confocal microscopy showed that Nox1 is co-localized with caveolin in punctate patches on the surface and along the cellular margins, whereas Nox4 is co-localized with vinculin in focal adhesions. These immunocytochemical distributions are supported by membrane fractionation experiments. Interestingly, p22phox, a membrane subunit that interacts with the Nox proteins, is found in surface labeling and in focal adhesions in patterns similar to Nox1 and Nox4, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The differential roles of Nox1 and Nox4 in VSMC may be correlated with their differential compartmentalization in specific signaling domains in the membrane and focal adhesions.

Mechanosensing role of caveolae and caveolar constituents in human endothelial cells

A variety of evidence suggests that endothelial cell functions are impaired in altered gravity conditions. Nevertheless, the effects of hypergravity on endothelial cell physiology remain unclear. In this study we cultured primary human endothelial cells under mild hypergravity conditions for 24-48 h, then we evaluated the changes in cell cycle progression, caveolin1 gene expression and in the caveolae status by confocal microscopy. Moreover, we analyzed the activity of enzymes known to be resident in caveolae such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cycloxygenase 2 (COX-2), and prostacyclin synthase (PGIS). Finally, we performed a three-dimensional in vitro collagen gel test to evaluate the modification of the angiogenic responses. Results indicate that hypergravity shifts endothelial cells to G(0)/G(1) phase of cell cycle, reducing S phase, increasing caveolin1 gene expression and causing an increased distribution of caveolae in the cell interior. Hypergravity also increases COX-2 expression, nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) production, and inhibits angiogenesis as evaluated by 3-D collagen gel test, through a pathway not involving apoptosis. Thus, endothelial cell caveolae may be responsible for adaptation of endothelium to hypergravity and the mechanism of adaptation involves an increased caveolin1 gene expression coupled to upregulation of vasodilators as NO and PGI2.

Membrane type I-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is internalised by two different pathways and is recycled to the cell surface

Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is an integral type I transmembrane multidomain zinc-dependent endopeptidase involved in extracellular matrix remodelling in physiological as well as pathological processes. MT1-MMP participates in the regulated turnover of various extracellular matrix components as well as the activation of secreted metalloproteinases and the cleavage of various cell membrane components. MT1-MMP expression has been reported to correlate with the malignancy of various tumour types and is thought to be an important mediator of cell migration and invasion. Recently, it has been proposed that internalisation of the enzyme from the cell surface is a major short-term level of MT1-MMP regulation controlling the net amount of active enzyme present at the plasma membrane. In this paper we show that, in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, MT1-MMP is internalised from the cell surface and colocalises with various markers of the endocytic compartment. Interestingly, we observed that in these cells, internalisation occurs by a combination of both clathrin-mediated and -independent pathways, most probably involving caveolae. In addition, internalised MT1-MMP is recycled to the cell surface, which could, in addition to downregulation of the enzymatic activity, represent a rapid response mechanism used by the cell for relocalising active MT1-MMP at the leading edge during migration.

Chronic shear induces caveolae formation and alters ERK and Akt responses in endothelial cells

Caveolae are plasmalemmal domains enriched with cholesterol, caveolins, and signaling molecules. Endothelial cells in vivo are continuously exposed to shear conditions, and their caveolae density and location may be different from that of static cultured cells. Here, we show that chronic shear exposure regulates formation and localization of caveolae and caveolin-1 in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Chronic exposure (1 or 3 days) of BAEC to laminar shear increased the total number of caveolae by 45-48% above static control. This increase was due to a rise in the luminal caveolae density without changing abluminal caveolae numbers or increasing caveolin-1 mRNA and protein levels. Whereas some caveolin-1 was found in the plasma membrane in static-cultured cells, it was predominantly localized in the Golgi. In contrast, chronic shear-exposed cells showed intense caveolin-1 staining in the luminal plasma membrane with minimum Golgi association. The preferential luminal localization of caveolae may play an important role in endothelial mechanosensing. Indeed, we found that chronic shear exposure (preconditioning) altered activation patterns of two well-known shear-sensitive signaling molecules (ERK and Akt) in response to a step increase in shear stress. ERK activation was blunted in shear preconditioned cells, whereas the Akt response was accelerated. These results suggest that chronic shear stimulates caveolae formation by translocating caveolin-1 from the Golgi to the luminal plasma membrane and alters cell signaling responses.

Localization of Tie2 and phospholipase D in endothelial caveolae is involved in angiopoietin-1-induced MEK/ERK phosphorylation and migration in endothelial cells

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and its receptor, Tie2, play critical roles in blood vessel formation. Ang1 triggers a variety of signaling events in endothelial cells leading to vasculogenic and angiogenic processes. However, the underlying mechanism for Ang1/Tie2 signaling is not fully understood. Here, we show that Tie2 and phospholipase D (PLD) are localized in the caveolae, specialized subdomains of the endothelial cell plasma membrane enriched with signaling molecules. Interestingly, Ang1 increased PLD activities in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Ang1-induced MEK/ERK activation was abrogated when PLD was inhibited, suggesting that PLD mediates Ang1-induced MEK/ERK activation. Moreover, PLD inhibitor, 1-butanol, inhibited Ang1-induced endothelial cell migration. Our results indicate that: (1) caveolae may be the platform for Tie2/PLD association in endothelial cells; (2) PLD is a new mediator of Ang1/Tie2-induced signaling pathway, and it participates in MAPK activation and endothelial cell migration.

Caveolar compartmentation of caspase-3 in cardiac endothelial cells

Endothelial cell apoptosis is intimately involved in the balance between blood vessel growth and regression and is promoted by numerous stimuli including angiostatin and endostatin, reactive oxygen species (ROS) released during inflammatory processes, and chronic use of drugs of abuse such as cocaine. Apoptosis is characterized by many biological signalling events, including the activation of caspases. Caveolar domains have been hypothesized to mediate apoptotic signalling. We have addressed this hypothesis in cardiac endothelial cells and here we show that caspase-3 proenzyme (32 kDa) and its activated counterpart (17 kDa) co-purify with low-density, caveolin-enriched microdomains and that caspase-3 can be localized with caveolae in intact cells using fluorescent microscopy. Disruption of caveolae results in temporal and spatial changes in enzyme activity. While caspase-3 has been associated with mitochondrial, cytosolic, and high-density regions, the co-purification of activated caspase-3 and caveolar domains reported here suggests the possibility that sarcolemmal caspase-3 may be targeted to plasma-membrane associated substrates.

c-Abl is required for oxidative stress-induced phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on tyrosine 14

Caveolin-1 is phosphorylated at tyrosine 14 in response to cellular stress. Tyrosine 14 is a consensus Abl phosphorylation site suggesting that caveolin-1 may be an Abl substrate. We report here that expression of c-Abl is required for oxidative stress-induced caveolin-1 phosphorylation. In contrast, c-Src expression is not required. Phosphocaveolin is one of only two phosphotyrosine signals missing in lysates from the Abl(-/-) cells, indicating that these cells still respond to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 occurs only at the Abl site, tyrosine 14. Caveolin-1 is also a major phosphotyrosine signal detected in cells over-expressing c-Abl. Our results show that Abl activation leads to phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on tyrosine 14. Both Abl and caveolin have been linked to the actin cytoskeleton, and oxidative stress-induced phosphocaveolin is enriched at focal contacts. This suggests that phosphocaveolin regulates these structures, perhaps through recruiting and activating SH2-domain proteins such as Csk.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase, caveolae and the development of atherosclerosis

Early hypercholesterolaemia-induced vascular disease is characterized by an attenuated capacity for endothelial production of the antiatherogenic molecule nitric oxide (NO), which is generated by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). In recent studies we have determined the impact of lipoproteins on eNOS subcellular localization and action, thereby providing a causal link between cholesterol status and initial abnormalities in endothelial function. We have demonstrated that eNOS is normally targeted to cholesterol-enriched caveolae where it resides in a signalling module. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL; oxLDL) causes displacement of eNOS from caveolae by binding to endothelial cell CD36 receptors and by depleting caveolae cholesterol content, resulting in the disruption of eNOS activation. The adverse effects of oxLDL are fully prevented by high density lipoprotein (HDL) via binding to scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI), which is colocalized with eNOS in endothelial caveolae. This occurs through the maintenance of caveolae cholesterol content by cholesterol ester uptake from HDL. As importantly, HDL binding to SR-BI causes robust stimulation of eNOS activity in endothelial cells, and this process is further demonstrable in isolated endothelial cell caveolae. HDL also enhances endothelium- and NO-dependent relaxation in aortae from wild-type mice, but not in aortae from homozygous null SR-BI knockout mice. Thus, lipoproteins have potent effects on eNOS function in caveolae via actions on both membrane cholesterol homeostasis and the level of activation of the enzyme. These processes may be critically involved in the earliest phases of atherogenesis, which recent studies suggest may occur during fetal life.

Transient mechanoactivation of neutral sphingomyelinase in caveolae to generate ceramide

The vascular endothelium acutely autoregulates blood flow in vivo in part through unknown mechanosensing mechanisms. Here, we report the discovery of a new acute mechanotransduction pathway. Hemodynamic stressors from increased vascular flow and pressure in situ rapidly and transiently induce the activity of neutral sphingomyelinase but not that acid sphingomyelinase in a time- and flow rate-dependent manner, followed by the generation of ceramides. This acute mechanoactivation occurs directly at the luminal endothelial cell surface primarily in caveolae enriched in sphingomyelin and neutral sphingomyelinase, but not acid sphingomyelinase. Scyphostatin, which specifically blocks neutral but not acid sphingomyelinase, inhibits mechano-induced neutral sphingomyelinase activity as well as downstream activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1 and ERK2) by increased flow in situ. We postulate a novel physiological function for neutral sphingomyelinase as a new mechanosensor initiating the ERK cascade and possibly other mechanotransduction pathways.

Lipopolysaccharide administration increases acid and alkaline phosphatase reactivity in the cardiac muscle

The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on the in situ distribution of the reaction product of acid phosphatase (AcPase) and alkaline phosphatase (AlPase) activity was examined in the rat cardiac muscle using catalytical cytochemistry. Tissues of the heart were fixed and then incubated in reaction media for detection of AcPase and AlPase reactivity. In normal hearts, reaction product of AcPase activity was observed in lysosomes. AlPase reactivity was detected at the extracellular surface of the capillary endothelilal cells and in their caveolae. Following LPS administration, the number and the size of lysosomes possessing AcPase reactivity as well as their electron density significantly increased. Furthermore, they tended to form groups consisting of three to five lysosomes. Cytochemical reaction 2 and 24 hours after injection was similar. One week later, the reaction returned to its normal pattern. As in the case with AcPase, the first changes of the distribution of the reaction product of AlPase activity were detected 2 hours after injection. The changes included a remarkable increase of the number of enzymatically positive capillaries, intensified cytochemical reaction in endothelial cells, and an increased number of caveolae. Again, no noticeable differences in reactivity were observed 2 and 24 hours after injection and the reaction returned to normal one week later. Collectively, our data indicate that both cardiac AcPase and AlPase are affected early after injection of LPS. Although the pattern of cytochemical reaction of both phosphatases was restored one week later, it is believed that the altered distribution of their reactivity in early periods after LPS administration may be a factor contributing to the development of pathological changes in this organ at a later stage.

Relationships between caveolae and eNOS: everything in proximity and the proximity of everything

Caveolae, flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane occupying up to 30% of cell surface in capillaries, represent a predominant location of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells. The caveolar coat protein caveolin forms high-molecular-weight, Triton-insoluble complexes through oligomerization mediated by interactions between NH2-terminal residues 61-101. eNOS is targeted to caveolae by cotranslational N-myristoylation and posttranslational palmitoylation. Caveolin-1 coimmunoprecipitates with eNOS; interaction with eNOS occurs via the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain and appears to result in the inhibition of NOS activity. The inhibitory conformation of eNOS is reversed by the addition of excess Ca2+/calmodulin and by Akt-induced phosphorylation of eNOS. Here, we shall dissect the system using the classic paradigm of a reflex loop: 1) the action of afferent elements, such as fluid shear stress and its putative caveolar sensor, on caveolae; 2) the ways in which afferent signals may affect the central element, the activation of the eNOS-nitric oxide system; and 3) several resultant well-established and novel physiologically important effector mechanisms, i.e., vasorelaxation, angiogenesis, membrane fluidity, endothelial permeability, deterrance of inflammatory cells, and prevention of platelet aggregation.

Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase: location, location, location

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is expressed in vascular endothelium, airway epithelium, and certain other cell types where it generates the key signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO). Diminished NO availability contributes to systemic and pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, and airway dysfunction. Complex mechanisms underly the cell specificity of eNOS expression, and co- and post-translational processing leads to trafficking of the enzyme to plasma membrane caveolae. Within caveolae, eNOS is the downstream target member of a signaling complex in which it is functionally linked to both typical G protein-coupled receptors and less typical receptors such as estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and the high-density lipoprotein receptor SR-BI displaying novel actions. This compartmentalization facilitates dynamic protein-protein interactions and calcium- and phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction events that modify eNOS activity. Further understanding of these mechanisms will enable us to take preventive and therapeutic advantage of the powerful actions of NO in multiple cell types.

Rapid activation of endothelial NO synthase by estrogen: evidence for a steroid receptor fast-action complex (SRFC) in caveolae

Estrogen has important atheroprotective and vasoactive properties related to its capacity to stimulate nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial NO synthase. Previous work has shown that these effects are mediated by estrogen receptor (ER) alpha functioning in a nongenomic manner via calcium-dependent, MAP kinase-dependent mechanisms. Recent studies have demonstrated that estradiol (E(2)) activates eNOS in isolated endothelial plasma membranes in the absence of added calcium, calmodulin or eNOS cofactors. Studies of blockade by ICI 182,780 and by ER alpha antibody, and also immunoidentification experiments indicate that the process is mediated by a subpopulation of plasma membrane-associated ER alpha. Fractionation of endothelial cell plasma membranes has further revealed that ER alpha protein is localized to caveolae, and that E(2) causes stimulation of eNOS in isolated caveolae which is ER-dependent and calcium-dependent, whereas noncaveolae membranes are insensitive. Furthermore, in intact endothelial cells the activation of eNOS by E(2) is prevented by pertussis toxin, and exogenous GDP beta S inhibits the response in isolated plasma membranes. Coimmunoprecipitation studies have shown that E(2) exposure causes interaction between ER alpha and G(alpha i) on the plasma membrane, and eNOS activation by E(2) is enhanced by overexpression of G(alpha i) and attenuated by expression of a protein regulator of G protein signaling (RGS), RGS4. Thus, a subpopulation of ER alpha is localized to caveolae in endothelial cells, where they are coupled via G(alpha i) to eNOS in a functional signaling module. Emphasizing the dependence on cell surface-associated receptors, these observations provide evidence for the existence of a steroid receptor fast-action complex, or SRFC, in caveolae.

Cholesterol is important in control of EGF receptor kinase activity but EGF receptors are not concentrated in caveolae

We have investigated the localization and function of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in normal cells, in cholesterol-depleted cells and in cholesterol enriched cells. Using immunoelectron microscopy we find that the EGFR is randomly distributed at the plasma membrane and not enriched in caveolae. Binding of EGF at 4°C does not change the localization of EGFR,and by immunoelectron microscopy we find that only small amounts of bound EGF localize to caveolae. However, upon patching of lipid rafts, we find that a significant amount of the EGFR is localized within rafts. Depletion of the plasma membrane cholesterol causes increased binding of EGF, increased dimerization of the EGFR, and hyperphosphorylation of the EGFR. Addition of cholesterol was found to reduce EGF binding and reduce EGF-induced EGFR activation. Our results suggest that the plasma membrane cholesterol content directly controls EGFR activation.

Residence of adenylyl cyclase type 8 in caveolae is necessary but not sufficient for regulation by capacitative Ca(2+) entry

Ca(2+)-sensitive adenylyl cyclases (ACs) depend on capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE) for their regulation. Residence of the endogenous Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase of C6-2B glioma cells in cholesterol-enriched caveolae is essential for its regulation by CCE (Fagan, K. A., Smith, K. E., and Cooper, D. M. F. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 26530-26537). In the present study, we established that depletion of cellular cholesterol ablated the regulation by CCE of a Ca(2+)-stimulable adenylyl cyclase, AC8, heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells. We considered the possibility that a calmodulin-binding domain in the N terminus of AC8, which is not required for in vitro regulation by Ca(2+), might play a targeting role. Deletion and mutation of the N terminus did attenuate the enzyme's sensitivity to CCE without altering its in vitro responsiveness to Ca(2+)/calmodulin. Both N terminus-deleted AC8 and wild type AC8 were expressed at the plasma membrane, as shown by imaging analysis of green fluorescence protein-tagged constructs. However, not only wild type AC8 but also the CCE-insensitive mutants occurred in caveolar fractions of the plasma membranes, even though a Ca(2+)-insensitive adenylyl cyclase, AC7, was excluded from caveolae. Finally, the AC8 mutants were no more responsive to nonphysiological elevation of Ca(2+) than the wild type. We conclude that (i) not all adenylyl cyclases reside in caveolae, (ii) the calmodulin-binding domain in the N terminus of AC8 does not play a role in caveolar targeting, (iii) the N terminus does play a role in associating AC8 with factors that confer sensitivity to CCE, and (iv) residence of Ca(2+)-sensitive adenylyl cyclases in caveolae is essential but not sufficient for regulation by CCE.

Src family kinase-dependent phosphorylation of a 29-kDa caveolin-associated protein

PDGF receptors and Src family kinases are concentrated in caveolae, where signal transduction cascades involving these molecules are thought to be organized. The Src family tyrosine kinases are cotransducers of signals emanating from the activated PDGF receptor. However, the Src family kinase substrates that are involved in PDGF-induced signaling remain to be fully elucidated. We have identified a 29-kDa protein in caveolae that was phosphorylated in response to PDGF stimulation. This protein, pp29, was tightly bound to the caveolar coat protein caveolin-1. pp29 was among the most prominent phosphoproteins observed in cells overexpressing Fyn, suggesting that it may be a Fyn substrate. Consistent with this, pp29 was among a specific subset of proteins whose PDGF-stimulated phosphorylation was blocked by expression of kinase inactive Fyn. These data indicate that pp29 lies downstream of Fyn activation in a PDGF-stimulated signaling pathway, and that pp29 is an abundant site for nucleation of signal transduction cascades.

Coordinate regulation of L-arginine uptake and nitric oxide synthase activity in cultured endothelial cells

Despite intracellular L-arginine concentrations that should saturate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide production depends on extracellular L-arginine. We addressed this 'arginine paradox' in bovine aortic endothelial cells by simultaneously comparing the substrate dependence of L-arginine uptake and intracellular eNOS activity, the latter measured as L-[3H]arginine conversion to L-[3H]citrulline. Whereas the Km of eNOS for L-arginine was 2 microM in cell extracts, the L-arginine concentration of half-maximal eNOS stimulation was increased to 29 microM in intact cells. This increase likely reflects limitation by L-arginine uptake, which had a Km of 108 microM. The effects of inhibitors of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis also suggested that extracellular L-arginine availability limits intracellular eNOS activity. Treatment of intact cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 reduced the L-arginine concentration of half-maximal eNOS activity, which is consistent with a measured increase in L-arginine uptake. Increases in eNOS activity induced by several agents were closely correlated with enhanced L-arginine uptake into cells (r = 0.89). The 'arginine paradox' may be explained in part by regulated L-arginine uptake into a compartment, probably represented by caveolae, that contains eNOS and that is distinct from the bulk cytosolic L-arginine.

Pulmonary lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase in plasma membrane signalling platforms

Lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase (LPP) has recently been proposed to have roles in signal transduction, acting sequentially to phospholipase D (PLD) and in attenuating the effects of phospholipid growth factors on cellular proliferation. In this study, LPP activity is reported to be enriched in lipid-rich signalling platforms isolated from rat lung tissue, isolated rat type II cells and type II cell-mouse lung epithelial cell lines (MLE12 and MLE15). Lung and cell line caveolin-enriched domains (CEDs), prepared on the basis of their detergent-insolubility in Triton X-100, contain caveolin-1 and protein kinase C isoforms. The LPP3 isoform was predominantly localized to rat lung CEDs. These lipid-rich domains, including those from isolated rat type II cells, were enriched both in phosphatidylcholine plus sphingomyelin (PC+SM) and cholesterol. Saponin treatment of MLE15 cells shifted the LPP activity, cholesterol, PC+SM and caveolin-1 from lipid microdomains to detergent-soluble fractions. Elevated LPP activity and LPP1/1a protein are present in caveolae from MLE15 cells prepared using the cationic-colloidal-silica method. In contrast, total plasma membranes had a higher abundance of LPP1/1a protein with low LPP activity. Phorbol ester treatment caused a 3.8-fold increase in LPP specific activity in MLE12 CEDs. Thus the activated form of LPP1/1a may be recruited into caveolae/rafts. Transdifferentiation of type II cells into a type I-like cell demonstrated enrichment in caveolin-1 levels and LPP activity. These results indicate that LPP is localized in caveolae and/or rafts in lung tissue, isolated type II cells and type II cell lines and is consistent with a role for LPP in both caveolae/raft signalling and caveolar dynamics.

EGF-dependent translocation of green fluorescent protein-tagged PLC-gamma1 to the plasma membrane and endosomes

Growth factor-dependent translocation of phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) was investigated using a green fluorescent protein-tagged PLC-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1-GFP) expressed in human epidermoid carcinoma A-431 cells. In the absence of growth factors, PLC-gamma1-GFP was present throughout the cytoplasm of A-431 cells. Treatment of the cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced a very rapid redistribution of PLC-gamma1-GFP to the plasma membrane in a nonuniform manner. This translocation to the plasma membrane was insensitive to an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and was independent of cell adhesion. However, the translocation was disrupted by an agent which depolymerizes the actin cytoskeleton. At later times following the addition of EGF, PLC-gamma1-GFP appeared associated with intracellular vesicles. Stimulation of A-431 cells by Texas red-conjugated EGF for more than 10 min resulted in punctate intracellular PLC-gamma1-GFP distribution that colocalized with Texas red-conjugated EGF. This suggests that PLC-gamma1 is translocated to endosomes after EGF treatment, probably by associating with the internalized and autophosphorylated EGF receptor. Fractionation studies demonstrated that the EGF-induced plasma membrane-localized PLC-gamma1 is concentrated in caveolae microdomains. Disruption of caveolae with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin resulted in the ablation of EGF-induced, but not bradykinin-induced, mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+). This treatment, however, only partially decreased PLC-gamma1 membrane translocation.