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Biomedical subjects

K H Jakobs

Publications and source records attributed to K H Jakobs.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Molecular diversity of sphingolipid signalling.

Sphingolipid breakdown products are now being recognized to play a dual role in cellular signalling, acting as intracellular as well as extracellular signalling molecules. Both types of action may even be found with one sphingolipid species. The recent demonstration of G protein-coupled receptors with high affinity for sphingosine 1-phosphate and sphingosylphosphorylcholine has been followed by the discovery of several novel sphingolipid actions, such as regulation of heart rate, oxidative burst, neurite retraction or platelet activation. Ligand profiles and concentration-response relationships suggest the existence of putative sphingolipid receptor subtypes. Against this background, several observations on supposed sphingolipid second messenger actions deserve a new evaluation.

Animals↗

Muscarinic receptor-stimulated cytosol-membrane translocation of RhoA.

Receptor-mediated phospholipase D activation in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing the m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) apparently involves the small G protein RhoA. Here, activation of RhoA was examined by measuring cytosol-membrane translocation, which is a sign of RhoA activation. RhoA translocation was induced by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate in digitonin-permeabilized HEK cells, and in intact cells by the agonist-activated mAChR and by direct activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. RhoA translocation was also induced by the phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate, while the tyrosine kinase inhibitors tyrphostin 23 and genistein inhibited the mAChR-induced RhoA translocation. These data suggest that translocation and thus activation of RhoA by the G protein-coupled m3 mAChR in HEK cells apparently involves a tyrosine kinase-dependent reaction.

Atropine↗

Receptor-independent activation of cardiac adenylyl cyclase by GDP and membrane-associated nucleoside diphosphate kinase. A new cardiotonic mechanism?

Regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity by guanine nucleoside tri- and diphosphates as well as by stimulatory and inhibitory receptors was studied in canine cardiac sarcolemmal membranes. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) increased adenylyl cyclase activity by a maximum of 80%, with an EC50 value of 0.7 mumol/l. The addition of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline (100 mumol/l), caused a further, about 100%, increase in GTP-stimulated activity. The nucleoside diphosphate (GDP) also activated cardiac adenylyl cyclase, but in a biphasic manner. At low concentrations (EC50 0.12 mumol/ l). GDP increased enzyme activity by about 80%, followed by a plateau at 0.5-2 mumol/l and a second increase to a maximum of 60% with an EC50 value of 14 mumol/l. The stable GDP analog, guanosine 5'-O-(2-thio)diphosphate (GDP beta S), also increased cardiac adenylyl cyclase activity, but in a monophasic manner, by a maximum of 150%, with an EC50 of 0.4 mumol/l. Addition of uracil diphosphate (UDP) (3 mmol/l), which completely inhibited transphosphorylation of GDP to GTP, did not reduce adenylyl cyclase stimulation by low concentrations of GDP, whereas enzyme stimulation by high GDP concentrations was almost completely attenuated. Furthermore, pretreatment of the membranes with cholera toxin led to an increased stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity by high concentrations of GDP. These findings suggest that the second phase of adenylyl cyclase stimulation by GDP is due to transphosphorylation of GDP to GTP, associated with activation of Gs proteins, and that stimulation by GDP itself (first phase) and endogenously formed GTP (second phase) is additive. However, in contrast to exogenously added GTP, beta-adrenoceptor activation did not enhance GDP-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. Furthermore, in the presence of 1 mumol/l GDP, the addition of GTP did not cause any further increase in enzyme activity. On the other hand, the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist carbachol inhibited both GTP- and GDP-activated adenylyl cyclase. The inhibition of GDP-stimulated activity was lost when formation of GTP from GDP was blocked. The contrasting effects of endogenously formed GTP and exogenous GTP suggest that the formation of GTP from GDP is closely linked to the activation site of adenylyl cyclase, i.e. the stimulatory Gs protein. This receptor-independent activation can apparently bypass beta-adrenoceptor-dependent activation of cardiac adenylyl cyclase.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Identification of G protein-coupled receptors potently stimulating migration of human transitional-cell carcinoma cells.

The expression of G protein-coupled receptors inducing calcium mobilization and stimulating cell migration was examined in human transitional-cell carcinoma (J82) cells. Measurements of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and phospholipase C activity indicated that these cells express several calcium-mobilizing receptors, including those for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), thrombin, bradykinin, bombesin and histamine, of which only the LPA response was sensitive (approximately 50%) to pertussis toxin (PTX). Migration of J82 cells was strongly stimulated by LPA and thrombin, by 5- to 20-fold, whereas bradykinin, bombesin and histamine were ineffective. Migration induced by either LPA or thrombin was inhibited by the actin cytoskeleton-disrupting agent, cytochalasin B, by the Rho protein-inactivating Clostridium difficile toxin B, by preventing [Ca2+]i transients with an intracellular calcium-chelating agent, and by the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which also blocked the LPA- and thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. On the other hand, ADP-ribosylation of Gi type G proteins by PTX abrogated the migratory response to LPA, without affecting the thrombin effect. Similarly, raising cAMP levels inhibited, by about 50%, the LPA- but not the thrombin-induced J82 cell migration. In conclusion, human transitional-cell carcinoma (J82) cells express various G protein-coupled, calcium-mobilizing receptors, out of which only those for LPA and thrombin stimulate cell migration, indicating that phospholipase C-derived second messengers per se are not sufficient for initiating this response. The complex signal transduction processes leading to LPA- and thrombin-stimulated motility of these human carcinoma cells apparently involve several common, essential factors, such as [Ca2+]i changes and Rho protein-regulated reorganization of the cytoskeleton, as well as some distinct components, most notably distinct subtypes of heterotrimeric G proteins and apparently also distinct cAMP-sensitive targets.

Calcium↗

Regulation of phospholipase C and D activities by small molecular weight G proteins and muscarinic receptors.

The role of small molecular weight guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) of the Rho family in muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) signaling to phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD) was studied in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, stably expressing the human m3 receptor subtype. Evidence for the involvement of Rho proteins in m3 mAChR signaling to both phospholipases is based on findings obtained with Clostridium (C.) difficile toxin B and C. botulinum C3 exoenzyme, both of which specifically, although by different mechanisms, inactivate Rho family G proteins. Toxin B potently inhibited both the mAChR-stimulated PLC and PLD activities in intact cells as well as the stimulation of both phospholipases by the stable GTP analog GTPgammaS in permeabilized cells, the latter effect being mimicked by C3 exoenzyme. In contrast, PLC and PLD activities, measured in the presence of exogenous phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2], a substrate and cofactor for PLC and PLD, respectively, were not altered. These data suggested that the Rho-inactivating toxins inhibit stimulation of PLC and PLD by reducing the cellular level of PtdIns(4,5)P2, which was indeed found with both toxin B and C3 exoenzyme. In agreement with a crucial role of cellular PtdIns(4,5)P2 supply for PLC signaling, we observed that short-term agonist (carbachol) treatment of HEK cells caused a long-lasting increase in PtdIns(4,5)P2 level, accompanied by a potentiation of receptor- and G protein-stimulated inositol phosphate formation. Finally, studies with tyrosine kinase and tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors strongly suggest that PtdIns(4,5)P2 synthesis and mAChR-stimulated PLD activity in HEK cells apparently also involve a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent mechanism(s). Thus, m3 mAChR signaling to PLC and PLD in HEK cells requires the concerted action of various intracellular components, most notably the complex regulation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 synthesis.

Cell Line↗

Restoration of Clostridium difficile toxin-B-inhibited phospholipase D by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.

Receptor signalling to phospholipase D (PLD) in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing the m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor apparently involves Rho proteins. Since phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] has been recognized as an essential cofactor for PLD activity and since activated Rho proteins have been reported to stimulate the synthesis of PtdIns(4,5)P2, we studied whether in HEK cells PLD activity is regulated by PtdIns(4,5)P2 and, in particular, whether PtdIns(4,5)P2 can restore PLD activity inhibited by Clostridium difficile toxin B, which inactivates Rho proteins. Addition of MgATP to permeabilized HEK cells increased basal PLD activity and potentiated PLD stimulation by the stable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]), concomitant with a large increase in PtdIns(4,5)P2. On the other hand, neomycin, which binds to PtdIns(4,5)P2, inhibited basal and GTP[S]-stimulated PLD activities. Addition of PtdIns(4,5)P2 increased PLD activity in HEK cell membranes by 2-3-fold, whereas various other phospholipids were ineffective. Prior treatment of HEK cells with toxin B reduced the level of PtdIns(4,5)P2, measured either in intact cells or in membrane preparations, by about 40%. In membranes of toxin-B-treated cells, basal and GTP[S]-stimulated PLD activities were reduced, when measured with exogenous phosphatidylcholine as enzyme substrate. Inclusion of PtdIns(4,5)P2 with phosphatidylcholine in the substrate vesicles or addition of PtdIns(4,5)P2 fully restored basal and GTP[S]-stimulated PLD activities in membranes of toxin-B-treated cells. In conclusion, the data indicate that PtdIns(4,5)P2 is an essential cofactor for PLD activity in HEK cells and that inhibition of PLD activity by the Rho-inactivating toxin B is apparently caused by depletion of the PLD cofactor, PtdIns(4,5)P2.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Receptor-induced translocation of activated guanine-nucleotide-binding protein alpha i subunits to the cytoskeleton in myeloid differentiated human leukemia (HL-60) cells.

The regulation of the cytoskeletal localization of guanine-nucleotide-binding protein alpha i subunits by formyl peptide receptors was studied in myeloid differentiated human leukemia (HL-60) cells. Stimulation of formyl peptide receptors with N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMet-Leu-Phe) transiently increased the amount of alpha i subunits in the Triton X-100-insoluble cytoskeleton. Similar to the biphasic regulation of the actin content, fMet-Leu-Phe ( > or = 10 nM) rapidly increased the cytoskeletal alpha i content (about threefold at 30 s), which was followed by a rapid reversal to control levels. The formyl peptide receptor increased the cytoskeletal content of both alpha i subtypes, alpha i2 and alpha i3- present in HL-60 cells. In cells permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin, fMet-Leu-Phe increased binding of the stable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]), to cytoskeletal proteins in a pertussis-toxin-sensitive manner, which was completely abolished by the F-actin-disrupting agent, cytochalasin B. Using the photoreactive GTP analogue, m-acetylanilido-GTP, the formyl peptide receptor-regulated GTP binding sites at the cytoskeleton were identified as 40-kDa proteins, the molecular size of alpha i subunits. Cytoskeleton prepared from stimulated cells did not exhibit increased GTP[S] binding, which suggests that activated alpha i subunits are translocated to the cytoskeleton. Finally, in alpha-toxin-permeabilized HL-60 cells, fMet-Leu-Phe and GTP[S] cooperatively stimulated actin polymerization. In conclusion, evidence is provided that chemoattractant receptors cause translocation of activated alpha i subunits to the cytoskeleton coincidentally with F-actin formation. The data therefore argue for a potential role of translocated alpha i subunits in the process of receptor-induced actin polymerization.

Bacterial Toxins↗

Stable GDP analog-induced inactivation of G(i) proteins promotes cardiac adenylyl cyclase inhibition by guanosine 5'-(beta gamma-imino)triphosphate and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor.

Low concentrations of GDP and its stable analog guanosine 5'-O-(2-thio)diphosphate (GDP beta S) have been shown to stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity in canine cardiac sarcolemmal membranes independent from a phosphate transfer reaction. The mechanism of this stimulation was further examined. The stable GTP analog guanosine 5'-(beta gamma-imino)triphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) increased basal adenylyl cyclase activity and inhibited forskolin-stimulated activity with EC50 (half-maximal effective concentration) values of 0.7 mumol/l and 10 nmol/l, respectively. In the presence of GDP beta S (5 mumol/l), which increased basal activity by about 150%, addition of Gpp(NH)p inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity by up to 50% with an EC50 value of 40 nmol/l. Activation of cardiac muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by carbachol amplified this Gpp(NH)p-induced inhibition of GDP beta S-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. The stimulatory effect of GDP beta S and the inhibitory effect of Gpp(NH)p on GDP beta S-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity were both attenuated by increasing the Mg2+ concentration or substituting Mn2+ for Mg2+ in the assay. Furthermore, both effects were strongly reduced or abolished upon pretreatment of the sarcolemmal membranes with a low concentration of the SH reagent N-ethylmaleimide (10 mumol/l). These results suggest that the stimulatory effect of GDP beta S on basal adenylyl cyclase activity in canine cardiac sarcolemmal membranes is caused by inactivation of G(i) proteins, which are then rendered susceptible to activation by Gpp(NH)p and inhibitory receptors.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Inhibition of receptor signaling to phospholipase D by Clostridium difficile toxin B. Role of Rho proteins.

Rho proteins have been reported to activate phospholipase D (PLD) in in vitro preparations. To examine the role of Rho proteins in receptor signaling to PLD, we studied the effect of Clostridium difficile toxin B, which glucosylates Rho proteins, on the regulation of PLD activity in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing the m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR). Toxin B treatment of HEK cells potently and efficiently blocked mAChR-stimulated PLD. In contrast, basal and phorbol ester-stimulated PLD activities were not or only slightly reduced. Cytochalasin B and Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin, mimicking the effect of toxin B on the actin cytoskeleton but without involving Rho proteins, had no effect on mAChR-stimulated PLD. Toxin B did not alter cell surface mAChR number and mAChR-stimulated binding of (guanosine 5'-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) to G proteins. In addition to mAChR-stimulated PLD, toxin B treatment also inhibited PLD activation by the direct G protein activators, AlF4- and GTP gamma S, studied in intact and permeabilized cells, respectively. Finally, C. botulinum C3 exoenzyme, which ADP-ribosylates Rho proteins, mimicked the inhibitory effect of toxin B on GTP gamma S-stimulated PLD activity. In conclusion, the data presented indicate that toxin B potently and selectively interferes with receptor coupling mechanisms to PLD, and furthermore suggest an essential role for Rho proteins in receptor signaling to PLD.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

Translocation of microfilament-associated inhibitory guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins to the plasma membrane in myeloid differentiated human leukemia (HL-60) cells.

The cytoskeletal localization of inhibitory guanine-nucleotide-binding (Gi) proteins and the coupling of these proteins to formyl peptide receptors were studied in myeloid differentiated human leukemia (HL-60) cells. Treatment of HL-60 cells with cytochalasin B or botulinum C2 toxin, which leads to the disruption of microfilaments, increased the binding of the stable GTP analogue guanosine 5'[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTPS[S]) to permeabilized cells by about 30%. In contrast, the microtubule-disrupting agents colchicine and vinblastine, and cytochalasin B treatment of isolated HL-60 membranes did not affect GTP[S] binding. The stimulatory effect of cytochalasin B treatment was concentration and time dependent, with maximal increases observed at 5 micrograms/ml cytochalasin B and an incubation time of 10 min, and was counteracted by the F-actin-stabilizing toxin phalloidin. Cytochalasin B treatment increased the amount of G proteins activated by chemoattractant receptors by about 25%. Furthermore, the number of Gi-protein-coupled receptors for the chemoattractant, N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, was increased by about 25% upon cytochalasin B treatment. Based on these functional data, which suggest an association of G proteins with actin filaments, the Triton X-100 (1%)-insoluble cytoskeleton was analyzed for the presence of G proteins. Gia subunits were detected in the cytoskeleton preparations, both by specific antisera and by pertussis-toxin -catalyzed ADP-ribosylation. Cytochalasin B pretreatment depleted the cytoskeleton in Gialpha, with an approximately 20% concomitant increase in membrane Gialpha content. In conclusion, evidence is presented that part of the cellular Gia is localized at actin filaments in HL-60 cells. After filament disruption, these Gia subunits seem to be translocated to the plasma membrance, where they can productively interact with chemoattractant receptors.

Biological Transport↗

Activation of a high affinity Gi protein-coupled plasma membrane receptor by sphingosine-1-phosphate.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP) has attracted much attention as a possible second messenger controlling cell proliferation and motility and as an intracellular Ca(2+)-releasing agent. Here, we present evidence that SPP activates a G protein-coupled receptor in the plasma membrane of various cells, leading to increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, and opening of G protein-regulated potassium channels. In human enbryonic kidney (HEK) cells, SPP potently (EC50, 2 nM) and rapidly increased [Ca2+]i in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Pertussis toxin-sensitive increase in [Ca2+]i was also observed with sphingosylphosphorylcholine (EC50, 460 nM), whereas other sphingolipids, including ceramide-1-phosphate, N-palmitoyl-sphingosine, psychosine, and D-erythro-sphingosine at micromolar concentrations did not or only marginally increased [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, SPP inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in HEK cells and increased binding of guanosine 5'3-O-(thio) triphosphate to HEK cell membranes. Rapid [Ca2+]i responses were also observed in human transitional bladder carcinoma (J82) cells, monkey COS-1 cells, mouse NIH 3T3 cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, and rat C6 glioma cells, whereas human HL-60 leukemia cells and human erythroleukemia cells failed to respond to SPP. In guinea pig atrial myocytes, SPP activated Gi protein-regulated inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Activation of these channels occurred strictly when SPP was applied at the extracellular face of atrial myocyte plasma membrane as measured in cell-attached and inside-out patch clamp current recordings. We conclude that SPP, in addition to its proposed direct action on intracellular Ca2+ stores, interacts with a high affinity Gi protein-coupled receptor in the plasma membrane of apparently many different cell types.

3T3 Cells↗

Calcium signalling by G protein-coupled sphingolipid receptors in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Besides its role as a putative second messenger releasing Ca2+ from intracellular stores, sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP) has recently been identified as an extracellularly acting ligand activating a high affinity G protein-coupled membrane receptor in various cell types. Since SPP can be released from activated platelets, we examined in the present study whether endothelial cells express receptors for SPP and related sphingolipids. In bovine aortic endothelial cells loaded with fura-2, addition of SPP caused a rapid and transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), amounting to maximally about 230 nM. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ revealed that SPP-induced [Ca2+]i elevations were due to both release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and influx of extracellular Ca2+. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin inhibited the SPP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i by 83%, in line with the previously reported involvement of G proteins of the Gi/o family in SPP signalling in other cell types. In contrast to other [Ca2+]i-elevating agonists, e.g., ATP and bradykinin, SPP did not activate phospholipase C in bovine aortic endothelial cells, suggesting the involvement of a novel, unidentified signalling pathway in SPP-induced release of intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, SPP also did not cause activation of either phospholipase D or A2. Out of various related sphingolipids studied, only sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPPC) induced a similar maximal increase in [Ca2+]i as SPP, and its effect was also fully pertussis toxin-sensitive. However, the potencies of the two sphingolipids to increase [Ca2+]i differed by more than two orders of magnitude, with the EC50 values being 0.8 nM and 260 nM for SPP and SPPC, respectively. These results identify SPP and SPPC as novel and potent endothelial agonists, inducing calcium signalling by activation of a Gi/o protein-coupled receptor(s). Given the recently reported release of SPP from thrombin-activated platelets, SPP may represent a novel mediator of platelet-endothelial cell interactions.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Inhibition of T cell cAMP formation by cyclosporin A and FK506.

The influence of the immunosuppressants, cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506, on cAMP formation was studied in T cells from healthy controls and patients with psoriasis. While basal cAMP levels were not affected, CsA (1 microM) and FK506 (2 nM) prevented the isoprenaline (0.1 microM)-induced increase in cAMP formation. Half-maximal inhibition by FK506 and CsA was observed at about 0.2 nM and 20 nM, respectively. In addition, both agents significantly reduced (by about 50%) the forskolin (8 microM)-stimulated cAMP formation. No differences were noted in cAMP responses (basal, stimulation by isoprenaline, inhibition by CsA and FK506) of T cells from healthy controls and psoriatic patients. We conclude that CsA and FK506 potently and efficiently interfere with the stimulatory adenylyl cyclase pathway in T cells and that regulation of T cell cAMP formation is apparently not altered in psoriasis.

Adult↗

A role for Rho in receptor- and G protein-stimulated phospholipase C. Reduction in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by Clostridium difficile toxin B.

Receptors coupled to heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) activate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2)-hydrolyzing phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes by activated alpha of free beta gamma subunits of the relevant G proteins. To study whether low molecular weight G proteins of the Rho family are involved in receptor signaling to PLC, we examined the effect of Clostridium difficile toxin B, which glucosylates and thereby inactivates Rho proteins, on the regulation of PLC activity in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing the m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtype. Toxin B treatment of HEK cells did not affect basal PLC activity, but potently and efficiently inhibited mAChR-stimulated inositol phosphate formation. PLC activation by the endogenously expressed thrombin receptor and by the direct G protein activators, A1F-4 and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S), studied in intact and permeabilized cells, respectively, were also inhibited by toxin B treatment. C3 exoenzyme, which ADP-ribosylates Rho proteins, mimicked the inhibitory effect of toxin B on GTP gamma S-stimulated PLC activity. Finally both toxin B and C3 exoenzyme significantly reduced, by 40 to 50%, the total level of PtdIns(4,5)P2 in HEK cells, without affecting the levels of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate. Accordingly, When PLC activity was measured with exogenous PtdIns(4,5)P2 as enzyme substrate, Ca(2+)- as well as GTP gamma S- or A1F-4-stimulated PLC activities were not altered by prior toxin B treatment. In conclusion, evidence is provided that toxin B and C3 exoenzyme, apparently by inactivating Rho proteins, inhibit G protein-coupled receptor signalling to PLC, most likely by reducing the cellular substrate supply.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor trafficking in streptolysin O-permeabilized MDCK cells.

We investigated the validity of streptolysin O (SLO)-permeabilized Madin-Darbin canine kidney (MDCK) cells which express muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) for the study of the molecular machinery that regulated mAChR internalization and recycling. Exposure of SLO-permeabilized cells to carbachol-reduced cell surface receptor number by up to 40% without changing total receptor number. The kinetics and maximal extent of receptor internalization as well as the potency of carbachol to induce receptor internalization were almost identical in SLO-permeabilized and non-permeabilized cells. Using this semi-intact cell system, we studied the effect of various agents affecting components potentially involved in receptor trafficking. Internalization was prevented by treatment of the SLO-permeabilized MDCK cells with (i) the stable ATP analogues, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) and adenylylimidodiphosphate, to block ATP-dependent processes, and (ii) heparin to block G protein-coupled receptor kinases. Inclusion of the stable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), increased the rate but not the extent of receptor internalization. None of the membrane-impermeant agents affected receptor internalization in intact MDCK cells. This model system also allowed recycling of internalized receptors back to the plasma membrane. After removal of the agonist, cell surface receptor number in SLO-permeabilized cells returned to control values within 90 min with the same kinetics as seen in intact cells. Inclusion of guanosine 5'O-(3-thiotriphosphate) shortened the recovery time. These data suggest that both ATP-dependent kinases including G protein-coupled receptor kinases and G proteins participate in receptor internalization and recycling. In summary, the SLO-permeabilized MDCK cell is a feasible model system for the study of mAChR internalization and recycling and allows manipulation of the intracellular milieu with membrane-impermeable macromolecules.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Selectively enhanced cellular signaling by Gi proteins in essential hypertension. G alpha i2, G alpha i3, G beta 1, and G beta 2 are not mutated.

Recent studies have shown an enhanced signaling capacity of receptors coupled to pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) in immortalized B lymphoblasts from patients with essential hypertension. In the present study, we analyzed (1) whether such alterations would also be expressed in nontransformed cells of these individuals and (2) whether other G protein-mediated signaling pathways were also altered. Therefore, we established primary cultures of skin fibroblasts from previously characterized normotensive and hypertensive individuals (NT and HT cells, respectively). [Ca2+]i rises induced by lyso-phosphatidic acid (LPA), thrombin, and sphingosine-1-phosphate as well as the formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and [3H]thymidine incorporation evoked by LPA were PTX sensitive and enhanced twofold in HT fibroblasts. In contrast, cellular responses induced by bradykinin, endothelin-1, and angiotensin II (all PTX insensitive) were similar in NT and HT cells. Formation of cAMP induced by stimulation of Gs with isoproterenol was identical in NT and HT cells. Western blot analysis yielded no evidence for an overexpression of G alpha i2, G alpha i3, G beta 2, and G beta 4. Furthermore, sequencing of cDNAs encoding for the ubiquitously expressed PTX-sensitive G protein subunits G alpha i2, G alpha i3, G beta 1, and G beta 2 from NT and HT cell lines yielded no evidence for mutations in these genes. Although the molecular mechanisms remain to be defined, these data support the concept of a selective enhancement of signal transduction via PTX-sensitive G proteins in essential hypertension.

Base Sequence↗

A distinct G(i) protein-coupled receptor for sphingosylphosphorylcholine in human leukemia HL-60 cells and human neutrophils.

The sphingolipids, sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPPC) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP), induce a rapid and transient rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a variety of cell lines via activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors. We investigated whether these sphingolipids act on different receptors by testing the effect of varying concentrations of SPPC on [Ca2+]i in human leukemia HL-60 cells, which have been found to be nonresponsive to SPP. SPPC potently (EC50 = 1.5 microM) and rapidly increased [Ca2+]i in HL-60 cells in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Differentiation of HL-60 cells through treatment with dibutyryl cAMP into granulocyte-like cells did not change the magnitude or the pertussis toxin sensitivity of the SPPC-induced [Ca2+]i rise, indicating that the receptor for SPPC is constitutively expressed in HL-60 cells. SPPC did not activate phospholipase C or D in HL-60 cells. However, SPPC, but not SPP, stimulated the generation of superoxide anions in dibutyryl cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells as well as in human neutrophils, suggesting that the SPPC receptor may play a role in the inflammatory defense against invading microorganisms. On the basis of these results, we conclude that there apparently is a heterogeneity of G protein-coupled receptors for sphingolipids in mammalian cells.

Calcium↗