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PubMed2003

Complement factor C5a mediates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury independent from neutrophils.

The complement system has been shown to mediate renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the contribution of complement factor C5a to I/R injury, in particular in the kidney, remains to be established. In this study, we investigated the impact of blocking the C5aR pathway on the inflammatory response and on the renal function in a murine model of I/R injury. First, we analyzed C5aR expression in kidneys of healthy mice. Intriguingly, we found expression on mesangial, as well as on tubular epithelial, cells. After I/R injury, C5aR expression was up-regulated in tubular epithelial cells. In addition, mRNA levels of CXC chemokines and TNF-alpha increased significantly and kidneys were heavily infiltrated by neutrophils. Blocking the C5aR pathway by a specific C5a receptor antagonist (C5aRA) abrogated up-regulation of CXC chemokines but not of TNF-alpha and reduced neutrophil infiltration by >50%. Moreover, application of the C5aRA significantly reduced loss of renal function. This improvement of function was independent of the presence of neutrophils because neutrophil depletion by mAb NIMP-R14 did not affect the protective effect of C5aRA treatment. Furthermore, blocking of the C5aR pathway had no influence on renal apoptosis. These data provide evidence that C5a is crucially involved in the pathogenesis of renal I/R injury by modulation of neutrophil-dependent as well as neutrophil-independent pathways, which include the regulation of CXC chemokines but not TNF-alpha or apoptotic pathways.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Attenuation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity and adenosine release in activated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

To examine whether activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes attenuates release of adenosine through attenuation of their own ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity, human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were incubated with and without exposure to either N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) or complement C5a. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was attenuated by both FMLP and complement C5a (22.7 +/- 3.6 vs 9.7 +/- 2.6 nmol/min per 10(7) cells at 10(-6) M FMLP, P < .05; 21.5 +/- 2.2 vs 10.2 +/- 1.2 nmol/min per 10(7) cells at 5 x 10(-7) g/mL complement C5a, P < .001), whereas cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity was not affected by either FMLP or complement C5a. These reductions of ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity that were caused by both FMLP and complement C5a were dose and time dependent and were inhibited by superoxide dismutase. Desferrioxamine did not inhibit the decreases in ecto-5'-nucleotidase. In accordance with the decreases in ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity, release of adenosine was attenuated in the FMLP-pretreated and complement C5a-pretreated polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which were restored by concomitant administration of superoxide dismutase. The viability of FMLP-pretreated and complement C5a-pretreated polymorphonuclear leukocytes was markedly decreased compared with the untreated group after 60 minutes of hypoxia followed by 60 minutes of reoxygenation. Thus, we conclude that: (1) activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes attenuates their own ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity and thereby reduces adenosine release, (2) reduction of ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity is attributable to generated superoxide anion in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and (3) viability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes after hypoxia and reoxygenation largely depends on the extents of decreases in ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

PubMed2001

The orphan receptor C5L2 has high affinity binding sites for complement fragments C5a and C5a des-Arg(74).

The substantial variations in the responses of cells to the anaphylatoxin C5a and its desarginated form, C5adR(74), suggest that more than one type of cell surface receptor for these ligands might exist. However, only a single receptor for C5a and C5adR(74), CD88, has been characterized to date. Here we report that the orphan receptor C5L2/gpr77, which shares 35% amino acid identity with CD88, binds C5a with high affinity but has a 10-fold higher affinity for C5adR(74) than CD88. C5L2 also has a moderate affinity for anaphylatoxin C3a, but cross-competition studies suggest that C3a binds to a distinct site from C5a. C4a was able to displace C3a, suggesting that C5L2, like the C3a receptor, may have a low binding affinity for this anaphylatoxin. Unlike CD88 and C3a receptor, C5L2 transfected into RBL-2H3 cells does not support degranulation or increases in intracellular [Ca(2+)] and is not rapidly internalized in response to ligand binding. However, ligation of C5L2 by anaphylatoxin did potentiate the degranulation response to cross-linkage of the high affinity IgE receptor by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism. These results suggest that C5L2 is an anaphylatoxin-binding protein with unique ligand binding and signaling properties.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1979

Enhancement of hexose uptake in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by activated complement component C5a.

The polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) depends on glucose as a source of energy for motility, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity. Activated complement (C5a) at low concentrations stimulates carrier-mediated carbohydrate transport in PMNLs as measured by the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-[(3)H]glucose. Human PMNLs were preincubated at 37 degrees C for 15 min with zymosan-activated human serum or various purified preparations of human C5a. A concentration-dependent increase in deoxyglucose transport (>700% of control) into PMNLs occurred with all test substances. Reaction was linear for 30 min, and uptake of deoxyglucose followed saturation kinetics. C5a caused a decrease in the K(m) for deoxyglucose, from 0.53 to 0.11 mM, without altering the V(max) (44 nmol/30 min per 5 x 10(6) PMNLs in control and 46.6 with C5a). The optimal concentration of C5a for enhanced carrier-mediated transport of deoxyglucose was similar to that which promoted optimal chemotaxis. Activated serum from C5-deficient mice had little or no effect on deoxyglucose transport whereas that from normal syngeneic mice enhanced deoxyglucose transport. C5a did not enhance deoxyglucose transport into isolated erythrocytes, platelets, or lymphocytes. The deoxyglucose within the cell was primarily in the phosphorylated form, and hexokinase activity was not increased in PMNLs stimulated with C5a, indicating that hexokinase was not rate limiting and that enhanced transport was the mechanism of the C5a activity. Insulin at physiologic concentration (10 ng/ml) had no effect on deoxyglucose transport in PMNL and did not act as a competitive inhibitor of C5a. This insulin-like bioactivity could be detected with the amount of C5a that would be present after activation of 0.1-0.5% of the C5 in 1 ml of serum. This suggests that uptake of [(3)H]deoxyglucose by PMNLs might serve as a highly sensitive test for activation of the fifth component of complement.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed1988

Differential effects of the complement peptides, C5a and C5a des Arg on human basophil and lung mast cell histamine release.

The ability of purified anaphylatoxins to induce human lung mast cell mediator release was investigated. In eight anti-IgE responsive (histamine release = 22 +/- 5%, mean +/- SEM) mast cell preparations of 1-96% purity, C5a and C5a des Arg (0.55 pg/ml to 55 micrograms/ml), failed to elicit or potentiate histamine release; lung fragments were similarly unresponsive. The related peptide C3a was also inactive. All anaphylatoxins failed to induce mast cell leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) release. LTC4 release was also negligible from basophils where C5a was a potent histamine release stimulus. Supernatants from C5a-challenged mast cells remained fully active on basophils, excluding carboxypeptidase inactivation of C5a as an explanation for the lung mast cell results. In contrast to lung, skin mast cells were C5a-responsive (histamine release = 8 +/- 1%, at 55 micrograms/ml, n = 2). We conclude that C5a, though devoid of activity on the human lung mast cell, is a human basophil and skin mast cell secretagogue. These findings demonstrate significant organ-specific heterogeneity in mast cell responsiveness.

Basophils↗

PubMed2001

Complement factor C5a exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury.

Complement factor C5a acting via C5a receptors (C5aR) is recognized as an anaphylotoxin and chemoattractant that exerts proinflammatory effects in many pathological states. The effects of C5a and C5aR in acute pancreatitis and in pancreatitis-associated lung injury were evaluated using genetically altered mice that either lack C5aR or do not express C5. Pancreatitis was induced by administration of 12 hourly injections of cerulein (50 microg/kg ip). The severity of pancreatitis was determined by measuring serum amylase, neutrophil sequestration in the pancreas, and acinar cell necrosis. The severity of lung injury was evaluated by measuring neutrophil sequestration in the lung and pulmonary microvascular permeability. In both strains of genetically altered mice, the severity of pancreatitis and pancreatitis-associated lung injury was greater than that noted in the comparison wild-type strains of C5aR- and C5-sufficient animals. This exacerbation of injury in the absence of C5a function indicates that, in pancreatitis, C5a exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. Potentially, C5a and its receptor are capable of both promoting and reducing the extent of acute inflammation.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1993

Characterization of a complement-fragment-C5a-stimulated calcium-influx mechanism in U937 monocytic cells.

The mechanism by which complement fragment C5a elevates intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels in two cell types, a monocytic cell line, U937, and neutrophils, has been investigated by the use of fluorometric and radiometric techniques. In U937 cells the influx of extracellular Ca2+ can be distinguished from the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores in terms of dose-responsiveness to C5a and sensitivity to pertussis-toxin poisoning. This suggests that the mechanism of Ca2+ influx in these cells is at least partially independent of both the production of inositol phosphates and elevation of internal Ca2+ concentration. The C5a-stimulated influx of 45Ca2+ into U937 cells is inhibited by a series of metal ions (Zn2+ > Co2+ > Mn2+ > Sr2+ approximately equal to Ni2+ > La3+). The stimulated influx of Ca2+ into neutrophils is inhibited differently (Ni2 >> Co2+ > Zn2+ approximately equal to La3+ > Mn2+ approximately equal to Sr2+), is less sensitive to C5a and both the influx of extracellular Ca2+ and the release of intracellular stores are equally sensitive to pertussis toxin treatment. Taken together these results indicate that [Ca2+]i is controlled in U937 monocytes by mechanisms distinct from those which appear to operate in other myeloid cells, such as neutrophils, stimulated with C5a and formylpeptide.

Calcium↗

PubMed1997

Mechanisms of C5a and C3a complement fragment-induced [Ca2+]i signaling in mouse microglia.

Microglial cells are activated in response to brain insults; the mechanisms of this process are not yet understood. One of the important signaling mechanisms that might be involved in microglia activation is related to changes in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Using fluo-3 microfluorimetry, we have found that external application of the complement fragment C5a (4-10 nM) induced [Ca2+]i elevation in microglial cells in situ in corpus callosum slices. Similarly, application of complement fragments C5a (0.1-10.0 nM) or C3a (100 nM) generates biphasic [Ca2+]i transients composed of an initial peak followed by a plateau in cultured microglia. Incubation of microglial cells for 30 min with pertussis toxin (PTX; 1 microgram/ml) inhibited both C5a- and C3a-triggered [Ca2+]i responses, suggesting the involvement of PTX-sensitive G-proteins in the signal transduction chain. Removal of Ca2+ ions from the extracellular solution eliminated the plateau phase and limited the response to the initial peak. The restoration of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration within 30-60 sec after the beginning of the complement fragment-induced [Ca2+]i elevation led to the recovery of the plateau phase. Inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pumps with 500 nM thapsigargin transiently increased the [Ca2+]i and blocked the [Ca2+]i signals in response to subsequent complement fragment application. Our data suggest that complement factors induce [Ca2+]i responses by Ca2+ release from internal pools and subsequent activation of Ca2+ entry controlled by the filling state of the intracellular Ca2+ depots.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Phosphorylation of key serine residues is required for internalization of the complement 5a (C5a) anaphylatoxin receptor via a beta-arrestin, dynamin, and clathrin-dependent pathway.

The human complement 5a (C5a) anaphylatoxin receptor (CD88) is a G protein-coupled receptor involved in innate host defense and inflammation. Upon agonist binding, C5a receptor (C5aR) undergoes rapid phosphorylation on the six serine residues present in the C-terminal region followed by desensitization and internalization. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and green fluorescent protein-tagged beta-arrestins (beta-arr 1- and beta-arr 2-EGFP) we show a persistent complex between C5aR and beta-arrestins to endosomal compartments. Serine residues in the C5aR C terminus were identified that control the intracellular trafficking of the C5aR-arrestin complex in response to C5a. Two phosphorylation mutants C5aR-A(314,317,327,332) and C5aR-A(314,317,332,334), which are phosphorylated only on Ser(334)/Ser(338) and Ser(327)/Ser(338), respectively, recruited beta-arr 1 and were internalized. In contrast, the phosphorylation-deficient receptors C5aR-A(334,338) and C5aR-A(332,334,338) were not internalized even though observations by confocal microscopy indicated that beta-arr 1-EGFP and/or beta-arr 2-EGFP could be recruited to the plasma membrane. Altogether the results indicate that C5aR activation is able to promote a loose association with beta-arrestins, but phosphorylation of either Ser(334)/Ser(338) or Ser(327)/Ser(338) is necessary and sufficient for the formation of a persistent complex. In addition, it was observed that C5aR endocytosis was inhibited by the expression of the dominant negative mutants of dynamin (K44E) and beta-arrestin 1 (beta-arr 1-(319-418)-EGFP). Thus, the results suggest that the C5aR is internalized via a pathway dependent on beta-arrestin, clathrin, and dynamin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1991

Modulation of the chemotactic properties of complement fragments C5a and C3 by the anti-inflammatory agent, SC-41930.

Cleavage of the fifth component of complement yields C5a, a potent neutrophil (PMN) and eosinophil chemoattractant, and modulator of microvascular permeability. Similarly, but to a lesser degree, C3 increases vascular permeability and histamine release. SC-41930 (7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8- propyl- 2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid), an orally-active antiinflammatory agent was tested in an in vivo model of dermal PMN chemotaxis induced by r-hu-C5a and hu-C3. Intradermal injection of C5a in the guinea pig resulted in a significant dose-dependent influx of PMNs at 4 hours as assessed by the dermal levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO). SC-41930 (20 mg/kg) given orally to guinea pigs with intradermal injections of 1 microgram C5a significantly (p less than 0.001) reduced dermal MPO content. SC-41930 was less potent against C3, requiring 40 mg/kg to significantly reduce dermal MPO levels. Agents such as SC-41930, which nullify complement's proinflammatory properties, may well have therapeutic potential.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Recruitment of actin to the cytoskeletons of human monocyte-like cells activated by complement fragment C5a. Is protein kinase C involved?

U-937 cells differentiated by exposure to dibutyryl cyclic AMP respond to complement fragment C5a with a marked increase in cytoskeletal F-actin, which can be detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (f.a.c.s.) analysis of their rhodamine phalloidin-stained cytoskeletons. The C5a-induced increase in F-actin content can be prevented by prior exposure of the cells to cytochalasin B and pertussis toxin. It is insensitive to removal of extra cellular Ca2+, to cholera toxin or to neomycin. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C, does not induce actin polymerization in the differentiated cells. Both C5a and PMA stimulate superoxide production. The action of C5a on superoxide formation is also inhibited by neomycin, a phospholipase inhibitor. These results suggest that the cytoskeletal response to C5a requires activation of a G protein, but probably does not involve phospholipase C and protein kinase C, and is not highly dependent on the availability of Ca2+. Phospholipase C and kinase C may, however, be components of the pathway leading from C5a binding to superoxide production.

Actins↗

PubMed1997

Detection of renal allograft rejection by complement components C5A and TCC in plasma and urine.

Allograft rejection is associated with complement activation. Yet inconsistent results were obtained in evaluating plasma levels of complement factors or activation products as rejection markers. Therefore the human anaphylatoxin C5a and the soluble terminal complement complex (TCC) were measured by daily enzyme immunoassays on plasma (P) and urine (U) samples from 28 patients undergoing renal transplantation over a mean postoperative period of 25.8 days. The complement levels were evaluated longitudinally (cutoff of 100% increase on the previous day's level) during periods of rejection, stable graft function, acute tubular necrosis, and cytomegalovirus disease. Regarding the detection of 13 acute rejection episodes, U-C5a showed a diagnostic accuracy of 81% (sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 77%), P-C5a one of 62%, and P-TCC one of only 30%. The U-C5a increment (mean rise of 379%) preceded the clinical diagnosis of rejection by an average of 1.6 days. Cytomegalovirus diseases (n = 4) were associated with high P-C5a levels (mean increase of 251% by the time of the first detection of viral DNA). In contrast, resumption of kidney function after acute tubular necrosis (n = 10 periods) was heralded by marked peaks of U-C5a (x = 43.7 microg/l). U-TCC was not detected in any clinical setting. In conclusion, as opposed to P-TCC, U-TCC, and P-C5a, the anaphylatoxin C5a, measured daily in urine, might have potential as an early and reliable marker for acute renal allograft rejection.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Detection of activated complement complex C5b-9 and complement receptor C5a in skin biopsies of patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

OBJECTIVE: Upregulated matrix synthesis is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc). There are indications that growth factors such as platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) are involved in proliferative pathways in SSc lesions. As activated complement releases PDGF from endothelial cells, we searched for activated complement and the complement receptor for C5a (C5aR) in skin biopsies of patients with SSc. METHODS: Snap frozen sections of 8 patients with early SSc and 5 patients with longterm SSc were examined. Using monoclonal antibodies against activated complement complex C5b-9 and the C5aR, skin biopsies derived from both clinically involved and non-involved skin were examined by APAAP immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A pattern of activated complement C5b-9 and the CSaR could be detected in SSc microvasculature. Eleven of the 13 patients (7/8 patients with early SSc) showed positive staining for C5b-9. The CSaR was detected in 6 of the 8 patients with early SSc. In 3 patients with longterm disease, C5aR expression could also be detected in non-involved skin. CONCLUSION: Activated complement and complement receptors could be detected in early and late stages of SSc skin lesions. The presence of complement receptors in non-involved skin may indicate preclinical activation of pathways resulting in growth factor dependent matrix synthesis.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMed1983

Direct effect of complement factor C5a on the contractile state of isolated smooth muscle cells.

The complement-(C) derived factor C5a has long been recognized as a potent contractile agonist in smooth muscle (1,2); however, controversy remains as to whether the effects of this anaphylatoxin are direct or secondary to the release of histamine (3) and/or other mediators (4-8) from nonmuscle cells within the tissue. To resolve this controversy, we have assessed the contractile effects of purified human C5a and C5a des Arg in a homogeneous preparation of enzymatically dispersed smooth muscle cells derived from the stomach of the toad, Bufo marinus. This preparation, which is insensitive to histamine at concentrations as high as 10(-4) M, responds normally to a variety of electrical (9), mechanical (10), and pharmacologic (11, 12) stimuli. These smooth muscle cells also respond to purified human anaphylatoxin; exposure to the cells to purified human C5a or C5a des Arg produce contractions of the smooth muscle cells that are accompanied by increased Ca2+ influx. The contractile response was unaffected by antagonists to histamine or acetylcholine but was reduced by 30% by pretreatment with the leukotriene antagonist FPL55712. A direct contractile effect of C5a on amphibian smooth muscle cells is suggested.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Magnitude of the inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass and its relation to adverse clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces an inflammatory response believed to contribute to postoperative morbidity. We hypothesized that the magnitude of the inflammatory response following CPB would be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients had plasma TNF, IL-6, IL-8, elastase, histamine, complement C5a, and complement C3a measured by ELISA before, during, and after cardiac operations employing CPB. Inflammatory mediator levels were analyzed with respect to outcomes. RESULTS: Mediator levels peaked at 4 h post-CPB and either returned to baseline or substantially decreased by 24 h. Patients with peak mediator levels above the median for the group as a whole were classified as 'hyper-responders'; those with levels below the median were classified as 'normal responders'. While IL-8, C3a, and IL-6 levels were independently associated with adverse outcomes, TNF, histamine, and C5a levels were not. Elastase levels trended towards adverse outcomes. IL-8 'hyper-responders' experienced significantly greater postoperative weight gain and had higher IL-8 levels at 24 h (p<0.05), with trends towards renal impairment and protracted supplemental oxygen requirements. C3a 'hyper-responders' strongly trended towards increased bleeding, delayed extubation, greater postoperative weight gain, and decreased levels of independent functioning at discharge (p < or = 0.10). IL-6 'hyper-responders' experienced significantly more postoperative bleeding, delayed extubation, and higher IL-6 levels at 24 h compared to 'normal responders' (p < 0.05). They strongly trended towards greater postoperative weight gain and decreased levels of independent functioning at discharge (p < or = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have an exaggerated inflammatory response to CPB tend to bleed more, require more respiratory support, demonstrate greater capillary leak via weight gain, and display a decline in independent functioning relative to normal responders. Thus, it appears that the magnitude of the inflammatory response to CPB adversely influences clinical outcomes.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

Tertiary structure of human complement component C5a in solution from nuclear magnetic resonance data.

The tertiary structure for the region 1-63 of the 74 amino acid human complement protein C5a in solution was calculated from a large number of distance constraints derived from nuclear Overhauser effects with an angular distance geometry algorithm. The protein consists of four helices juxtaposed in an approximately antiparallel topology connected by peptide loops located at the surface of the molecule. The structures obtained for the helices are compatible with alpha-helical hydrogen-bonding patterns, which provides an explanation for the observed slow solvent exchange kinetics of the amide protons in these peptide regions. In contrast to the peptide region 1-63, no defined structure could be assigned to the C-terminal region 64-74, which increasingly acquires dynamic random coil characteristics as the end of the peptide chain is approached. An average root-mean-square deviation of 1.6 A was obtained for the alpha-carbons of the first 63 residues in the calculated ensemble of C5a structures, while the alpha-helices were determined with an average root-mean-square deviation of 0.8 A for the alpha-carbons. A comparison between the solution structure of C5a and the crystal structure of the functionally related C3a protein, as well as inferences for the interaction of C5a with its receptor on polymorphonuclear leukocytes, is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

[The effect of erythropoietin therapy on biocompatibility in hemodialysis].

In order to evaluate the treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) on selected indicators of biocompatibility the authors examined 8 patients dialyzed for prolonged periods before treatment (HTK = 0.23, median), during EPO treatment (Recormon, administered by the s.c. route, HTK = 0.28) in the course of 4-hour haemodialysis on dialyzers with a Cuprophan membrane. The examination before and during treatment was made under equal conditions. Heparinization was also equal despite the fact that during EPO in four patients the residual blood volume in the dialyzer was increased. Comparison of the results before treatment and during EPO treatment did not reveal at any of the collection times (before dialysis, during the 15th, 10th, 60th and 235th minute of the procedure significant differences in the number of leucocytes, plasma concentrations of the C5a complement component, number of thrombocytes and activated coagulation times. Plasma concentrations of the thrombin-antithrombin III complex were in EPO during the 60th minute of haemodialysis significantly lower (p < 0.05) than before EPO. The authors conclude that EPO treatment does not have a significant effect on changes in the number of leucocytes in blood during haemodialysis nor on the activation of complement by an alternative way. EPO does not lead to a greater activation of the coagulation system during haemodialysis; the lower concentration of the thrombin-antithrombin III complex suggests the opposite. Explanation of this finding, similarly as detection of the cause of the increased residual blood volume in some patients, calls for further investigation.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

G alpha-16 complements the signal transduction cascade of chemotactic receptors for complement factor C5a (C5a-R) and N-formylated peptides (fMLF-R) in Xenopus laevis oocytes: G alpha-16 couples to chemotactic receptors in Xenopus oocytes.

The human leukocyte chemoattractant receptors for complement factor C5a (C5a-R) and N-formylated peptides (fMLF-R) are important members of the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Uniquely among the GPCR, these two receptors cannot be expressed in a functionally active form in the oocytes of the frog Xenopus laevis, but require substitution of total RNA of the myelomonocytic U-937 or HL-60 cell lines, respectively. Recently, it was reported that the C5a-R may couple to the alpha subunit of G-16. We have tested this G-protein for its ability to complement the signal transduction cascade of the C5a-R and fMLF-R in Xenopus oocytes. Injection of cRNA for the C5a-R in combination with G alpha-16 led to expression of a functional C5a-R as measured by ligand-induced whole cell current. In contrast to a previous report, the fMLF-R exhibited some residual functional activity when transiently expressed in Xenopus oocytes the extent of which could, however, substantially be increased by coexpression of G alpha-16. Thus, G alpha-16 complements the signal transduction cascade of both receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes and is most likely the complementing factor present in the U-937 and HL-60 cell lines.

Animals↗