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Biomedical subjects

L Hunyady

Publications and source records attributed to L Hunyady.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Agonist activated adrenocorticotropin receptor internalizes via a clathrin-mediated G protein receptor kinase dependent mechanism.

The physiological effects of the pituitary hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) on the adrenal are mediated by the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that signals via adenylate cyclase to elevate intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. The function and expression of the receptor is likely to be a major determinant of the response to ACTH. Following repeated stimulation, the cAMP signal is diminished or desensitized. Prolonged desensitization may involve internalization of the receptor. Internalization may occur by at least two mechanisms--receptor mediated endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits and by caveolae mediated internalization. The mode of internalization for the endogenous MC2R in Y1 cells was determined using radiolabelled ACTH. Treatment of Y1 cells with hypertonic sucrose or with concanavalin A, which inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, blocked internalization. Filipin and nystatin, which inhibit caveolae formation, did not influence internalization. A dominant negative GRK2 inhibited internalization whilst the protein kinase A (PKA) consensus site mutant MC2R (S208A) internalized normally. However, dominant negative V53D beta-arrestin-1 did not inhibit ACTH internalization in Y1 cells. In conclusion, it appears that the MC2R in Y1 cells internalizes by a G protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) dependent clathrin-coated pit mechanism.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Failed export of the adrenocorticotrophin receptor from the endoplasmic reticulum in non-adrenal cells: evidence in support of a requirement for a specific adrenal accessory factor.

Difficulty in expressing the adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) receptor (melanocortin 2 receptor; MC2R) after transfection of various MC2R expression vectors has been experienced by many researchers. Reproducible evidence for expression has been obtained only in the Y6/OS3 corticoadrenal cell lines or in cells expressing endogenous melanocortin receptors. In order to determine the cause of this failure of expression we have undertaken the following studies. An MC2R expression plasmid was constructed in which the green fluorescent protein (GFP) coding region had been added to the C-terminus of the mature protein. Transfection of this plasmid into Y6 cells with a cAMP-responsive reporter plasmid demonstrated normal function of this receptor. Imaging of CHO cells expressing MC2R-GFP revealed perinuclear expression, although a cholecystokinin receptor (CCKR)-GFP construct was efficiently expressed at the cell surface. Y6 cells, in contrast, showed cell surface fluorescence after transfection with MC2R-GFP. Several other cell types showed a similar pattern of GFP distribution characteristic of retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. Counterstaining with an anti-KDEL antibody confirmed this location. Co-expression of the MC2R and the CCKR-GFP did not impair CCKR trafficking to the cell surface, implying a receptor-specific impairment to trafficking in the CHO cell which was absent in the Y6 cell.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2001

Desensitization of the Y1 cell adrenocorticotropin receptor: evidence for a restricted heterologous mechanism implying a role for receptor-effector complexes.

Receptor desensitization provides a potential mechanism for the regulation of adrenocortical adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) responsiveness. Using the mouse adrenocortical Y1 cell line we demonstrate that ACTH effectively desensitizes the cAMP response of its own receptor, the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), in these cells with a maximal effect between 30 and 60 min. Neither forskolin nor isoproterenol (in Y1 cells stably transfected with the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor) desensitize this ACTH response. ACTH desensitizes its receptor at concentrations at which only a fraction of receptors are occupied, implying that this mechanism acts on agonist-unoccupied receptors. Y1 cells express G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 2 and 5, but stable expression of a dominant negative GRK2 (K220W) only marginally reduces the desensitization by ACTH. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89, extinguishes almost the entire desensitization response over the initial 30-min period at all concentrations of ACTH. A mutant MC2R in which the single consensus PKA phosphorylation site has been mutated (S208A) when expressed in MC2R-negative Y6 cells is also unable to desensitize. These data imply a heterologous, PKA-dependent, mode of desensitization, which is restricted to agonist-occupied and -unoccupied MC2R, possibly as a consequence of receptor/effector complexes that functionally compartmentalize this receptor.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2001

Agonist-induced signaling, desensitization, and internalization of a phosphorylation-deficient AT1A angiotensin receptor.

An analysis of the functional role of a diacidic motif (Asp236-Asp237) in the third intracellular loop of the AT1A angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor (AT1-R) revealed that substitution of both amino acids with alanine (DD-AA) or asparagine (DD-NN) residues diminished Ang II-induced receptor phosphorylation in COS-7 cells. However, Ang II-stimulated inositol phosphate production, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and AT1 receptor desensitization and internalization were not significantly impaired. Overexpression of dominant negative G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2)K220M decreased agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation by approximately 40%, but did not further reduce the impaired phosphorylation of DD-AA and DD-NN receptors. Inhibition of protein kinase C by bisindolylmaleimide reduced the phosphorylation of both the wild-type and the DD mutant receptors by approximately 30%. The inhibitory effects of GRK2K220M expression and protein kinase C inhibition by bisindolylmaleimide on agonist-induced phosphorylation were additive for the wild-type AT1-R, but not for the DD mutant receptor. Agonist-induced internalization of the wild-type and DD mutant receptors was similar and was unaltered by coexpression of GRK2K220M. These findings demonstrate that an acidic motif at position 236/237 in the third intracellular loop of the AT1-R is required for optimal Ang II-induced phosphorylation of its carboxyl-terminal tail by GRKs. Furthermore, the properties of the DD mutant receptor suggest that not only Ang II-induced signaling, but also receptor desensitization and internalization, are independent of agonist-induced GRK-mediated phosphorylation of the AT1 receptor.

Amino Acid Motifs↗
PubMed2001

Beta-arrestin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis of the AT1 angiotensin receptor.

The major mechanism of agonist-induced internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is beta-arrestin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis via clathrin-coated vesicles. However, recent reports have suggested that some GPCRs, exemplified by the AT1 angiotensin receptor expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, are internalized by a beta-arrestin- and dynamin-independent mechanism, and possibly via a clathrin-independent pathway. In this study, agonist-induced endocytosis of the rat AT1A receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was abolished by clathrin depletion during treatment with hyperosmotic sucrose and was unaffected by inhibition of endocytosis via caveolae with filipin. In addition, internalized fluorescein-conjugated angiotensin II appeared in endosomes, as demonstrated by colocalization with transferrin. Overexpression of beta-arrestin1(V53D) and beta-arrestin1(1-349) exerted dominant negative inhibitory effects on the endocytosis of radioiodinated angiotensin II in CHO cells. GTPase-deficient (K44A) mutant forms of dynamin-1 and dynamin-2, and a pleckstrin homology domain-mutant (K535A) dynamin-2 with impaired phosphoinositide binding, also inhibited the endocytosis of AT(1) receptors in CHO cells. Similar results were obtained in COS-7 and HEK 293 cells. Confocal microscopy using fluorescein-conjugated angiotensin II showed that overexpression of dynamin-1(K44A) and dynamin-2(K44A) isoforms likewise inhibited agonist-induced AT1 receptor endocytosis in CHO cells. Studies on the angiotensin II concentration-dependence of AT1 receptor endocytosis showed that at higher agonist concentrations its rate constant was reduced and the inhibitory effects of dominant negative dynamin constructs were abolished. These data demonstrate the importance of beta-arrestin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis of the AT1 receptor via clathrin-coated vesicles at physiological angiotensin II concentrations.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2000

Mechanisms and functions of AT(1) angiotensin receptor internalization.

The type 1 (AT(1)) angiotensin receptor, which mediates the known physiological and pharmacological actions of angiotensin II, activates numerous intracellular signaling pathways and undergoes rapid internalization upon agonist binding. Morphological and biochemical studies have shown that agonist-induced endocytosis of the AT(1) receptor occurs via clathrin-coated pits, and is dependent on two regions in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor. However, it is independent of G protein activation and signaling, and does not require the conserved NPXXY motif in the seventh transmembrane helix. The dependence of internalization of the AT(1) receptor on a cytoplasmic serine-threonine-rich region that is phosphorylated during agonist stimulation suggests that endocytosis is regulated by phosphorylation of the AT(1) receptor tail. beta-Arrestins have been implicated in the desensitization and endocytosis of several G protein-coupled receptors, but the exact nature of the adaptor protein required for association of the AT(1) receptor with clathrin-coated pits, and the role of dynamin in the internalization process, are still controversial. There is increasing evidence for a role of internalization in sustained signal generation from the AT(1) receptor. Several aspects of the mechanisms and specific function of AT(1) receptor internalization, including its precise mode and route of endocytosis, and the potential roles of cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors, remain to be elucidated.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Activation of the AT1 angiotensin receptor is dependent on adjacent apolar residues in the carboxyl terminus of the third cytoplasmic loop.

The C-terminal region of the third intracellular loop of the AT(1) angiotensin receptor (AT(1)-R) is an important determinant of G protein coupling. The roles of individual residues in agonist-induced activation of G(q/11)-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis were determined by mutational analysis of the amino acids in this region. Functional studies on mutant receptors transiently expressed in COS-7 cells showed that alanine substitutions of the amino acids in positions 232-240 of the third loop had no major effect on signal generation. However, deletion mutations that removed Ile(238) or affected its position relative to transmembrane helix VI significantly impaired angiotensin II-induced inositol phosphate responses. Substitution of Ile(238) with an acidic residue abolished the ability of the receptor to mediate inositol phosphate production, whereas its replacement with basic or polar residues reduced the amplitude of inositol phosphate responses. Substitutions of Phe(239) with polar residues had relatively minor effects on inositol phosphate signal generation, but its replacement by aspartic acid reduced, and by positively charged residues (Lys, Arg) significantly increased, angiotensin II-induced inositol phosphate responses. The internalization kinetics of the Ile(238) and Phe(239) mutant receptors were impaired in parallel with the reduction in their signaling responses. These findings have identified Ile(238) and Phe(239) as the critical residues in the C-terminal region of the third intracellular loop of the AT(1)-R for receptor activation. They also suggest that an apolar amino acid corresponding to Ile(238) of the AT(1)-R is a general requirement for activation of other G protein-coupled receptors by their agonist ligands.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2000

The third cytoplasmic loop of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor exerts differential effects on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/ERK2) and apoptosis via Ras- and Rap1-dependent pathways.

The third cytoplasmic loop of the angiotensin (Ang) II type 1 receptor (AT(1)) is important for receptor coupling to G proteins and activation of downstream events. Therefore, we determined whether specific AT(1) sequences were required for kinase activation and inhibition of apoptosis by transfecting wild-type (AT1Rwt) and mutated AT(1) into 293 cells. Ang II stimulated a 19.4-fold increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/ERK2) activity in 293 cells transfected with AT1Rwt. However, in 293 cells that expressed a receptor in which amino acids 221 and 222 were deleted (AT1R[Del221/222]), Ang II-mediated ERK1/ERK2 activation was inhibited by >85%. In contrast, c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinase (JNK) activation was similar in AT1Rwt- and AT1R(Del221/222)-transfected cells. Activation of ERK1/ERK2 by AT1Rwt was independent of Ca(2+), whereas the low level of ERK1/ERK2 activation by AT1R(Del221/222) was completely Ca(2+) dependent. Activation of ERK1/ERK2 in AT1Rwt required Ras, whereas AT1R(Del221/222) required Rap1. These results demonstrate the presence of 2 different pathways for ERK1/ERK2 activation by Ang II, which differ in their requirements for Ca(2+) and small G proteins (Ras versus Rap1). Furthermore, Ang II prevented serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in cells transfected with AT1Rwt but not AT1R(Del221/222). AKT was only phosphorylated by Ang II in AT1Rwt-transfected cells. Overexpression of constitutively active AKT significantly reduced serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in cells transfected with AT1R(Del221/222). This study shows for the first time a direct link between kinase activation and inhibition of apoptosis dependent on amino acids 221 and 222 in the third cytoplasmic loop of the AT(1).

Calcium↗
PubMed2000

Homologous and heterologous phosphorylation of the AT(2) angiotensin receptor by protein kinase C.

The angiotensin AT(2) receptor is an atypical seven transmembrane domain receptor that is coupled to activation of tyrosine phosphatase and inhibition of MAP kinase, and does not undergo agonist-induced internalization. An investigation of the occurrence and nature of AT(2) receptor phosphorylation revealed that phorbol ester-induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in HA-AT(2) receptor-expressing COS-7 cells caused rapid and specific phosphorylation of a single residue (Ser(354)) located in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor. Agonist activation of AT(2) receptors by angiotensin II (Ang II) also caused rapid PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Ser(354) that was prevented by the AT(2) antagonist, PD123177, and by inhibitors of PKC. In cells coexpressing AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, Ang II-induced phosphorylation of the AT(2) receptor was reduced by either PD123177 or the AT(1) receptor antagonist, DuP753, and was abolished by treatment with both antagonists or with PKC inhibitors. These findings indicate that the AT(2) receptor is rapidly phosphorylated via PKC during homologous activation by Ang II, and also undergoes heterologous PKC-dependent phosphorylation during activation of the AT(1) receptor. The latter process may regulate the counteracting effects of AT(2) receptors on growth responses to AT(1) receptor activation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Lys(199) mutation of the human angiotensin type 1 receptor differentially affects the binding of surmountable and insurmountable non-peptide antagonists.

Many slow dissociating (insurmountable) non-peptide angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonists contain,besides the acidic biphenyltetrazole substructure of losartan, a second acidic group to stabilise antagonist-receptor complexes. To investigate the involved basic amino-acids of the human AT1-receptor, wild-type and mutant receptors were transiently transfected in CHO-K1 cells and characterised by [3H]candesartan binding. Lys199-->Gln substitution decreased the affinity 45-fold for candesartan (95% insurmountable),18-fold for EXP3174 (70% insurmountable), 10-fold for irbesartan (40% insurmountable) and 5-fold for losartan (surmountable). His256 -->Ala substitution had only minor effects. This suggests that Lys199 is important for the tight binding of non-peptide antagonists.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

N-linked glycosylation is required for optimal AT1a angiotensin receptor expression in COS-7 cells.

The nature and role of glycosylation in AT1 angiotensin receptor (AT1-R) function were investigated by expressing glycosylation-deficient influenza hemagglutinin (HA) epitope-tagged rat AT1a-Rs (HA-AT1a-Rs) in COS-7 cells. All three asparagine residues (Asn4, Asn176, Asn188) contained within consensus sites for N-linked glycosylation could be glycosylated in Cos-7 cells and appeared to be glycosylated on the endogenous AT1-R in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. Heterogeneity of glycosylation at each site accounted for the broad migration pattern of the AT1-R in SDS-PAGE. Mutation at each glycosylation site, either alone or in combination, had little effect on ligand binding parameters (although the N4K mutant had higher affinity) or signaling activity. However, an increasing number of mutated glycosylation sites was associated with decreasing cell surface receptor expression, which was minimal for the unglycosylated N4K/N176Q/N188Q receptor. Decreased surface expression of mutant HA-AT1a-Rs was correlated with decreased total cell receptor content as revealed by immunoblotting with an anti-HA antibody. These findings suggest that glycosylation enhances receptor stability, possibly by protecting nascent receptors from proteolytic degradation.

Affinity Labels↗
PubMed1999

Identification of acute intermittent porphyria carriers by molecular biologic methods.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations of the gene coding for hydroxymethylbilane synthase. Acute attack of AIP is a potentially life-threatening condition precipitated by certain drugs, alcohol, fasting and stress. Biochemical diagnosis before the manifestation of the symptoms is problematic, and genetic screening is required to identify asymptotic carriers. The aim of this study was to establish a fast, reproducible and reliable genetic method to detect mutations causing AIP. Exon 10 of one healthy individual and 12 AIP patients was studied using a recently developed method, temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis (TTGE). Mutation of exon 10 was detected using TTGE in one patient, DNA sequence analysis confirmed the presence of a heterozygous point mutation causing substitution of the arginine in position 173 of the gene with glutamine. These results were also confirmed using restriction enzyme analysis, and this method and TTGE identified a child of this patient as an asymptotic carrier of AIP.

Antisense Elements (Genetics)↗
PubMed1999

Molecular mechanisms of angiotensin II receptor internalization.

Angiotensin II (AngII) initiates cellular responses by activation of type I (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) angiotensin receptors. Both AT1 and AT1 receptors have seven transmembrane structures characteristic of G protein-coupled receptors, but only the AT1 receptor undergoes rapid internalization upon agonist binding. In addition to the agonist hormone, the peptide antagonist [Sar1,Ile8]AngII can also induce internalization of the AT1a receptor expressed in mammalian cell lines, but the nonpeptide AT1 receptor blocker losartan does not internalize. AT1 receptor internalization occurs via clathrin-coated pits, but there is evidence that, in contrast to the internalization of other G protein-coupled receptors, the internalization of the AT1 receptor is independent of dynamin and beta-arrestin. Mutagenesis studies demonstrated that AT1 receptor internalization requires two regions in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor, but it is independent of G protein activation. The dependence of AT1 receptor internalization on the presence of a serine-threonine-rich region suggests that phosphorylation of the receptor tail may regulate the internalization process. The possible role of AT1 receptor internalization in sustained signal generation has been suggested, but its relationship to nuclear AngII receptors is not completely understood.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Requirement of membrane-proximal amino acids in the carboxyl-terminal tail for expression of the rat AT1a angiotensin receptor.

A series of deletion mutants was created to analyze the function of the membrane-proximal region of the cytoplasmic tail of the rat type 1a (AT1a) angiotensin receptor. In transiently transfected COS-7 cells, the truncated mutant receptors showed a progressive decrease in surface expression, with no major change in binding affinity for the peptide antagonist, [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II. In parallel with the decrease in receptor expression, a progressive decrease in angiotensin II-induced inositol phosphate responses was observed. Alanine substitutions in the region 307-311 identified the highly conserved phenylalanine309 and adjacent lysine residues as significant determinants of AT1a receptor expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Dependence of AT1 angiotensin receptor function on adjacent asparagine residues in the seventh transmembrane helix.

For several G protein-coupled receptors, amino acids in the seventh transmembrane helix have been implicated in ligand binding and receptor activation. The function of this region in the AT1 angiotensin receptor was further investigated by mutation of two conserved polar residues (Asn294 and Asn295) and the adjacent Phe293 residue. Analysis of the properties of the mutant receptors expressed in COS-7 cells revealed that alanine replacement of Phe293 had no major effect on AT1 receptor function. Substitution of the adjacent Asn294 residue with alanine (N294A) reduced receptor binding affinities for angiotensin II, two nonpeptide agonists (L-162,313 and L-163,491), and the AT1-selective nonpeptide antagonist losartan but not that for the peptide antagonist [Sar1, Ile8]angiotensin II. The N294A receptor also showed impaired G protein coupling and severely attenuated inositol phosphate generation. In contrast, alanine replacement of Asn295 decreased receptor binding affinities for all angiotensin II ligands but did not impair signal transduction. Additional substitutions of Asn295 with a variety of amino acids did not identify specific structural elements for ligand binding. These findings indicate that Asn295 is required for the integrity of the intramembrane binding pocket of the AT1a receptor but is not essential for signal generation. They also demonstrate the importance of transmembrane helices in the formation of the binding site for nonpeptide AT1 receptor agonists. We conclude that the Asn294 residue of the AT1 receptor is an essential determinant of receptor activation and that the adjacent Asn295 residue is required for normal ligand binding.

Alanine↗
PubMed1998

Agonist-induced phosphorylation of the angiotensin AT1a receptor is localized to a serine/threonine-rich region of its cytoplasmic tail.

The agonist-induced phosphorylation sites of the rat AT1a angiotensin receptor were analyzed using epitope-tagged mutant receptors expressed in Cos-7 cells. Angiotensin II-stimulated receptor phosphorylation was unaffected by truncation of the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor at Ser342 (Delta342) but was abolished by truncation at Ser325 (Delta325). Truncation at Ser335 (Delta335), or double-point mutations of Ser335 and Thr336 to alanine (ST-AA), reduced receptor phosphorylation by approximately 50%, indicating that in addition to Ser335 and/or Thr336, amino acids within the Ser326-Thr332 segment are also phosphorylated. Agonist-induced phosphorylation of the ST-AA and Delta335 receptors was partially inhibited by staurosporine, suggesting that the single protein kinase C consensus site in the Ser326-Thr332 segment (Ser331) is phosphorylated. The impairment of receptor phosphorylation was broadly correlated with the attenuation of agonist-induced internalization rates (Delta325 < Delta335 < ST-AA < Delta342 < wild-type) and with the increasing rank order of magnitude of inositol phosphate production normalized to an equal number of receptors (Delta325 > Delta335 > ST-AA = Delta342 > wild-type). These results demonstrate that agonist-induced phosphorylation of the AT1a receptor is confined to an 11-amino-acid serine/threonine-rich segment of its carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic tail and implicate this region in the mechanisms of receptor internalization and desensitization.

Affinity Labels↗
PubMed1998

Agonist-induced phosphorylation of the endogenous AT1 angiotensin receptor in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells.

A polyclonal antibody was raised in rabbits against a fusion protein immunogen consisting of bacterial maltose-binding protein coupled to a 92-amino acid C-terminal fragment of the rat AT1b angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor. The antibody immunoprecipitated the photoaffinity-labeled bovine AT1 receptor (AT1-R), but not the rat AT2 receptor, and specifically stained bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells and AT1a receptor-expressing Cos-7 cells, as well as the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa and renal glomeruli. The antibody was employed to analyze Ang II-induced phosphorylation of the endogenous AT1-R immunoprecipitated from cultured bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. Receptor phosphorylation was rapid, sustained for up to 60 min, and enhanced by pretreatment of the cells with okadaic acid. Its magnitude was correlated with the degree of ligand occupancy of the receptor. Activation of protein kinase A and protein kinase C (PKC) also caused phosphorylation of the receptor, but to a lesser extent than Ang II. Inhibition of PKC by staurosporine augmented Ang II-stimulated AT1-R phosphorylation, suggesting a negative regulatory role of PKC on the putative G protein-coupled receptor kinase(s) that mediates the majority of AT1-R phosphorylation. The antibody should permit further analysis of endogenous AT1-R phosphorylation in Ang II target cells.

Angiotensin II↗