Nuclear export mediated regulation of microRNAs: potential target for drug intervention

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that have been recognized to regulate the expression of uncountable number of genes. Their aberrant expression has been found to be linked to the pathology of many diseases including cancer. There is a drive to develop miRNA targeted therapeutics for different diseases especially cancer. Nevertheless, reining in these short non-coding RNAs is not as straightforward as originally thought. This is in view of the recent discoveries that miRNAs are under epigenetic regulations at multiple levels. Exportin 5 protein (XPO5) nuclear export mediated regulation of miRNAs is one such important epigenetic mechanism. XPO5 is responsible for exporting precursor miRNAs through the nuclear membrane to the cytoplasm, and is thus a critical step in miRNA biogenesis. A number of studies have shown that variations in components of the miRNA biogenesis pathways, particularly the aberrant expression of XPO5, increase the risk of developing cancer. In addition to XPO5, the Exportin 1 protein (XPO1) or chromosome region maintenance 1 (CRM1) can also carry miRNA export function. These findings are supported by pathway analyses that reveal certain miRNAs as direct interaction partners of CRM1. An in depth understanding of miRNA export mediated regulatory mechanisms is important for the successful design of clinically viable therapeutics. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the mechanisms of miRNA nuclear transport mediated regulation and propose strategies to selectively block this important mechanism in cancer.

N-glycosylation of CRF receptor type 1 is important for its ligand-specific interaction

The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor type 1 (CRFR1) contains five potential N-glycosylation sites: N38, N45, N78, N90, and N98. Cells expressing CRFR1 were treated with tunicamycin to block receptor glycosylation. The nonglycosylated receptor did not bind the radioligand and had a decreased cAMP stimulation potency in response to CRF. To determine which of the polysaccharide chain(s) is/are involved in ligand interaction, the polysaccharide chains were deleted using site-directed mutagenesis of the glycosylation consensus, N-X-S/T. Two sets of mutations were performed for each glycosylation site: N to Q and S/T to A, respectively. The single mutants Q38, Q45, Q78, Q90, Q98, A40, A47, A80, A92, and A100 and the double mutants A40/A47 and A80/A100 were well expressed, bound CRF, sauvagine (SVG), and urotensin-I (UTS-I) with a normal affinity, and increased cAMP accumulation with a high efficiency. In contrast, the combined mutations A80/A92/A100, A40/A80/A92/A100, and A40/A47/A80/A92/A100 had low levels of expression, did not bind the radioligand, and had a decreased cAMP stimulation. These data indicate the requirement for three or more polysaccharide chains for normal CRFR1 function.

Parathyroid hormone receptor internalization is independent of protein kinase A and phospholipase C activation

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) binding to their common receptor stimulates second messenger accumulation, receptor phosphorylation, and internalization. LLC-PK(1) cells expressing a green fluorescent protein-tagged PTH/PTHrP receptor show time- and dose-dependent receptor internalization. The internalized receptors colocalize with clathrin-coated pits. Internalization is stimulated by PTH analogs that bind to and activate the PTH/PTHrP receptor. Cell lines expressing a mutant protein kinase A regulatory subunit that is resistant to cAMP and/or a mutant receptor (DSEL mutant) that does not activate phospholipase C internalize their receptors normally. In addition, internalization of the wild-type receptor and the DSEL mutant is stimulated by the PTH analog [Gly(1),Arg(19)]hPTH-(1-28), which does not stimulate phospholipase C. Forskolin, IBMX, and the active phorbol ester, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, did not promote receptor internalization or increase PTH-induced internalization. These data indicate that ligand-induced internalization of the PTH/PTHrP receptor requires both ligand binding and receptor activation but does not involve stimulation of adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A or phospholipase C/protein kinase C.

An oxidation resistant radioligand for corticotropin-releasing factor receptors

The methionine residues in Tyr-corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and Tyr-sauvagine radioligands are subject to oxidation, which renders them biologically inactive. Therefore [Tyr(0,) Gln(1,) Leu(17)]sauvagine (YQLS), in which the methionine was replaced with leucine was synthesized and labeled with (125)Iodine using chloramine-T. Mass spectroscopy revealed that chloramine-T-treatment did not oxidize YQLS. (125)I-YQLS bound with high affinity to cells expressing the murine CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1), CRF receptor 2 (CRFR2), and the mouse brain regions known to express both CRF receptors. (125)I-YQLS chemically cross-linked to CRFR1. In conclusion, (125)I-YQLS is oxidation-resistant, high affinity radioligand that can be chemically cross-linked to the CRF receptors.

Juxtamembrane region of the amino terminus of the corticotropin releasing factor receptor type 1 is important for ligand interaction

The functional properties of the amino terminus (NT) of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor type 1 (R1) were studied by use of murine (m) CRFR1 and rat (r) parathyroid hormone (PTH)/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor (PTH1R) chimeras. The chimeric receptor CXP, in which the NT of mCRFR1 was annealed to the TMs of PTH1R, and the reciprocal hybrid, PXC, bound radiolabeled analogues of sauvagine and PTH(3--34), respectively. Neither hybrid bound radiolabeled CRF or PTH(1--34). CRF and PTH(1--34) weakly stimulated intracellular cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells transfected with PXC and CXP, respectively. Thus the NT is required for ligand binding and the TMs are required for agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Replacing individual intercysteine segments of PXC with their mCRFR1 counterparts did not rescue CRF or sauvagine radioligand binding or stimulation of cAMP accumulation. Replacement of residues 1--31 of mCRFR1 with their PTH1R counterparts resulted in a chimeric receptor, PEC, which had normal CRFR1 functional properties. In addition, a series of chimeras (F1PEC--F6PEC) were generated by replacement of the NT intercysteine residues of PEC with their PTH1R counterparts. Only F1PEC, F2PEC, and F3PEC showed detectable CRF and sauvagine radioligand binding. All of the PEC chimeras except F5PEC increased cAMP accumulation. These data indicate that the Cys(68)(-)Glu(109) domain is important for binding and that the Cys(87)(-)Cys(102) region plays an important role in CRFR1 activation.

Characterization of three corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in catfish: a novel third receptor is predominantly expressed in pituitary and urophysis

The present study reports the isolation of three complementary DNA (cDNA) clones encoding distinct subtypes of CRF receptors from the diploid catfish (cf) species, Ameiurus nebulosus. The first clone encodes a 446-amino acid protein (cfCRF-R1) that is highly homologous to mouse (m) CRF-R1 (93% identical). The cfCRF-R1 messenger RNA is highly expressed in the brain, and its distribution pattern correlates well with that of mammalian CRF-R1, except for weak expression in the pituitary. When transiently expressed in COS-7 cells, cfCRF-R1 bound CRF, urotensin I, and sauvagine with similar affinities. The second full-length cDNA, which was cloned from catfish heart, encodes a 406-amino acid protein that showed homology to murine CRF-R2 (88%) and when expressed in COS-7 cells preferentially bound sauvagine. The highest level of cfCRF-R2 expression was observed in the heart. The third full-length cDNA clone, which encodes a 428-amino acid protein, is structurally closer to cfCRF-R1 (85%) than to cfCRF-R2 (80%). This novel CRF receptor (cfCRF-R3) bound CRF with a 5-fold higher affinity than urotensin I and sauvagine and was expressed in the pituitary gland, urophysis, and brain. The presence of three different CRF receptors, each with distinct tissue distribution and ligand binding properties, suggests a complex CRF/urotensin I system.

The transcription factors SP1 and MAZ regulate expression of the parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor gene

The parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor regulates extracellular calcium concentrations and is therefore important for mineral homeostasis. ROS 17/2.8 cells, a rat osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cell line, express the PTH/PTHrP receptor and provide a good model for examining the transcriptional regulation of its gene. The rat PTH/PTHrP receptor gene has two promoters, U1 and U3, which were shown to be important for its expression. Using extracts from ROS 17/2.8 cells, we have demonstrated two regions (termed FP1 and FP2) of nuclear protein/DNA interaction within promoter sequences previously shown to be important for the activity of the U3 promoter. Nuclear extracts from rat 2 fibroblasts, which do not express the PTH/PTHrP receptor, produced one site of protein/DNA interaction which was found at a position on the promoter identical to the position of FP1 produced by a ROS 17/2.8 nuclear extract. Mutation of these two sites of protein/DNA interaction resulted in reduced U3 promoter activity. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the transcription factors SP1 and MAZ regulate U3 promoter expression and have shown their functional significance using mutational analysis. These data demonstrate that SP1 and MAZ bind to the PTH/PTHrP receptor promoter and that they are involved in cell-specific expression of its gene product.

Role of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in the function of the rat PTH/PTHrP receptor

The receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) is a G-protein-coupled receptor with four potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. The contribution of the oligosaccharide moieties to cell surface expression, ligand binding, and signal transduction was investigated. Site-directed mutagenesis of the rat PTH/PTHrP receptor cDNA was performed at single or combination of the four potential glycosylation sites to determine the effect of the putative carbohydrate chains on the activities of the receptor. The results revealed that all four potential N-glycosylation sites in the PTH/PTHrP receptor are glycosylated. Receptors missing a single or multiple glycosylation consensus but with at least one intact glycosylation site expressed sufficiently and functioned normally. In contrast, the nonglycosylated receptor, in which all four glycosylation sites were mutated, is deficient in these functions. These data indicate important roles for N-linked glycosylation in PTH/PTHrP receptor functions.

Identification of a retinoic acid-inducible element in the murine PTH/PTHrP (parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide) receptor gene

We have shown previously that the PTH/PTHrP (PTH-related peptide) receptor mRNA becomes expressed very early in murine embryogenesis, i.e. during the formation of extraembryonic endoderm. Retinoic Acid (RA) is a potent inducer of extraembryonic endoderm formation and PTH/PTHrP-receptor expression in embryonal carcinoma (EC) and embryonal stem (ES) cells. Using the P19 EC cell line, we have characterized promoter elements of the murine PTH/PTHrP-receptor gene that are involved in this RA-induced expression. The data show that RA-induced expression of the PTH/ PTHrP-receptor gene is mediated by the downstream P2 promoter. Analysis of promoter reporter constructs in transiently transfected P19 cells treated with RA identified an enhancer region between nucleotides -2714 and -2702 upstream of the P2 transcription start site that is involved in the RA effect. This region matches a consensus hormone response element consisting of a direct repeat with an interspacing of 1 bp (R-DR1). The R-DR1 efficiently binds retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARalpha)-retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRalpha) and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter (COUP)-transcription factor I (TFI)-RXRalpha heterodimers and RXRalpha and COUP-TFI homodimers in a bandshift assay using extracts of transiently transfected COS-7 cells. RA differentiation of P19 EC cells strongly increases protein binding to the R-DR1 in a band-shift assay. This is caused by increased expression of RXR (alpha, beta, or gamma) and by the induction of expression of RARbeta and COUP TFI/TFII, which bind to the R-DR1 as shown by supershifting antibodies. The presence of RXR (alpha, beta, or gamma) in the complexes binding to the R-DR1 suggests that RXR homodimers are involved in RA-induced expression of the PTH/PTHrP-receptor gene. The importance of the R-DR1 for RA-induced expression of PTH/ PTHrP-receptor was shown by an inactivating mutation of the R-DR1, which severely impairs RA-induced expression of PTH/PTHrP-receptor promoter reporter constructs. Since this mutation does not completely abolish RA-induced expression of PTH/PTHrP-receptor promoter reporter constructs, sequences other than the R-DR1 might also be involved in the RA effect. Finally, we show that the RA-responsive promoter region is also able to induce expression of a reporter gene in extraembryonic endoderm of 7.5 day-old transgenic mouse embryos.

Characterization of an element within the rat parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor gene promoter that enhances expression in osteoblastic osteosarcoma 17/2.8 cells

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) mediate their actions via a common G-protein-coupled receptor. High levels of PTH/PTHrP receptor expression have been detected in many tissues including bone and kidney. This study has demonstrated specific PTH/PTHrP receptor expression from the U3 promoter in the osteoblastic osteosarcoma ROS 17/2.8 cell line, which expresses the endogenous PTH/PTHrP receptor, compared to rat 2 fibroblasts which do not express the endogenous PTH/PTHrP receptor gene. Transient transfection studies revealed cell-specific expression of a construct containing 4391 bp of DNA upstream of exon U3 of the PTH/PTHrP receptor gene fused to a luciferase reporter gene. Deletion mapping of the 5' region of U3 revealed that a construct containing 206 bp upstream of U3 confers cell-specific expression. These data suggest that cell-specific expression in ROS 17/2.8 involves cell-specific elements within the PTH/PTHrP receptor promoter.

Epitope tag mapping of the extracellular and cytoplasmic domains of the rat parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide receptor

The PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor is predicted to span the plasma membrane seven times with an amino-terminal extracellular extension and a cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal tail. To assess this prediction, we inserted 10- or 9-amino acid epitope tags from c-myc or hemophilus influenza hemaglutinin (HA), which are recognized by the monoclonal antibodies 9E10 and 12Ca5, respectively, in different extracellular and cytoplasmic regions of the receptor and examined the immunoreactivity of the epitopes in intact and permeabilized cells. The data show that the epitopes were well tolerated when introduced into the E2 region of the extracellular amino-terminus (E2-myc and E2-HA), in the first extracellular loop (EL1), in the second and third cytoplasmic loops (CL2c and CL3), or in the carboxyl-terminal tail (T-myc). Receptors tagged at these locations were well expressed, bound PTH with high affinity, and increased cAMP accumulation with a good efficiency. Receptors tagged in the second and third extracellular loops (EL2c and EL3c) or the first cytoplasmic loop (CL1c) bound the PTH radioligand with a low affinity, stimulated cAMP accumulation with a low efficiency, and had low expression levels. The receptors tagged on presumed extracellular regions, E2-myc, E2-HA, EL1, EL2c, and EL3c, were readily detected on the surface of intact cells with the monoclonal antibody against the epitope tag. In contrast, receptors tagged with the c-myc epitope in the cytoplasmic loops (CL1c, CL2c, and CL3) or in the carboxyl-terminal tail (T-myc) did not show any 9E10 binding in intact cells. These receptors, however, were well expressed on the cell surface, as detected by the binding of the monoclonal antibody, 12Ca5, to the HA tag that was introduced into the E2 region of these constructs. The c-myc epitopes, however, became accessible after permeabilization of the cell membrane. In conclusion, these data provide experimental evidence for the sidedness of the extracellular and cytoplasmic domains of the PTH/PTHrP receptor.

Extracellular cysteines of the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor are critical for ligand interaction

The corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRF-R) contains six conserved cysteines in its amino-terminal domain (C30, C44, C54, C68, C87, and C102) and one cysteine in its first and second extracellular loops (C188 and C258, respectively). Additionally, several other cysteines are located in the transmembrane domains (C128, C211, C233, and C364) and first intracellular loop (C150). Reduction of disulfide bonds with DTT decreased CRF binding to detergent-solubilized membranes, suggesting an important role for disulfide bonds in ligand recognition. Therefore, site-directed mutagenesis was used to introduce single and paired Cys (C) to Ser (S) or Ala (A) mutations. A silent nine amino acid tag from c myc was introduced in the amino terminus of the mouse CRF-R. With the exception of C258S and C188S/C258S mutations, all C to S or to A receptor mutants had good surface expression that was at least 52.5% of control. C30S, C54S, and C30S/C54S mutations had good CRF binding and CRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation. No CRF binding was detected for the C44S, C68S, C87S, C102S, C188S, C258S, C30S/C44S, C30S/C68S, C54S/C68S, C87S/C102S, and C188S/C258S mutants, while CRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation occurred with high EC50 values. In particular, receptors carrying double mutations, C44S/C102S and C68S/C87S, had an improved signaling property as compared to receptors carrying the respective single cysteine mutations. These data, together with the effects of DTT on CRF binding, indicate that disulfide bridges are important for receptor functions. Functional data from single and paired cysteine mutations suggest potential pairings between C44 and C102, C68 and C87, and C188 and C258 that are critical for ligand-receptor interactions.

Down-regulation of the receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide by PTH in primary fetal rat osteoblasts

We studied the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on PTH parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) receptor mRNA level, PTHrP binding and PTH-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in osteoblasts, derived from fetal rat calvariae (ROB). Cells isolated during 10-70 minutes of collagenase treatment were seeded at a density of 25,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 4 days. These cells show a fast increase in cAMP production after stimulation for 5 minutes with 20 nM bovine parathyroid hormone(1-34) (bPTH(1-34)). When ROB are incubated with bPTH(1-34) (0.04-40nM) for 24 h, a dose-dependent decrease of the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level, PTHrP binding, and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation can be observed. Pretreatment of ROB with a high concentration of bPTH(1-34) (40 nM) leads within 15 minutes to a decrease in PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. However, it takes > or = 3 h before a significant decrease in PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level can be observed. Also a significant decrease in PTHrP binding is observed after only 4 h of incubation with bPTH(1-34). Compared with bPTH(1-34), pretreatment of ROB with bPTH(3-34) (40 and 100 nM) for 24 h causes smaller decreases in PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation, PTHrP binding, and in the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level. We investigated the possible involvement of the protein kinase A signaling pathway in the regulation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA expression. Both forskolin and (Bu)2cAMP decreased PTHrP binding and PTH/PTHrP mRNA levels. These observations suggest that chronic activation of the PKA signaling pathway may down-regulate PTH/PTHrP receptor expression and thus hormone responsiveness in "normal" osteoblasts. In short, we found that the decrease of the PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation after long-term pretreatment with bPTH(1-34) is correlated with both PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level and PTHrP binding. These data also suggest that the initial desensitization (< 30 minutes) of PTH-stimulated cAMP responsiveness by pretreatment with a high concentration of bPTH(1-34) (40 nM) is not dependent on the number of available PTH/PTHrP receptors. The protein kinase A signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor, but, regarding the effect of bPTH(3-34), other signaling systems are also involved.

PTH/PTHrP receptor in early development and Indian hedgehog-regulated bone growth

The PTH/PTHrP receptor binds to two ligands with distinct functions: the calcium-regulating hormone, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the paracrine factor, PTH-related protein (PTHrP). Each ligand, in turn, is likely to activate more than one receptor. The functions of the PTH/PTHrP receptor were investigated by deletion of the murine gene by homologous recombination. Most PTH/PTHrP receptor (-/-) mutant mice died in mid-gestation, a phenotype not observed in PTHrP (-/-) mice, perhaps because of the effects of maternal PTHrP. Mice that survived exhibited accelerated differentiation of chondrocytes in bone, and their bones, grown in explant culture, were resistant to the effects of PTHrP and Sonic hedgehog. These results suggest that the PTH/PTHrP receptor mediates the effects of Indian Hedgehog and PTHrP on chondrocyte differentiation.

Downregulation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor by vitamin D3 in the osteoblast-like ROS 17/2.8 cells

Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] on the expression of the parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide (rP) receptor protein and mRNA in ROS 17/2.8 cells were studied. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with 1,25(OH)2D3 caused time- and dose-dependent suppression of PTH/PTHrP receptor number and immunoreactivity. The effects required more than 24 h incubation with 1,25(OH)2D3 and were maximal by 72 h. The cells did not recover their PTH/PTHrP receptors even after 4 days of treatment with control medium. Treatment with low concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.1 M) dramatically decreased the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA levels, which were maximal after 24 h of incubation. The half-life of the PTH/PTHrP receptor transcript, 6-8 h, was similar in control and 1,25(OH)2D3-treated cells, suggesting that 1,25(OH)2D3 acts in controlling transcription of the PTH/PTHrP receptor gene but does not change the degradation rate of the PTH/PTHrP receptor transcripts. These data indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 has a potent inhibitory effect on the expression of the PTH/PTHrP receptor protein and mRNA in ROS 17/2.8 cells.

Molecular cloning of a type A chicken corticotropin-releasing factor receptor with high affinity for urotensin I

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is an essential physiological system in many species. CRF, the major neuropeptide regulating ACTH secretion, is highly conserved in its primary sequence. Evolutionary conservation of the CRF sequence suggests that the CRF receptor (CRF-R) complementary DNA and examined its properties. The avian CRF-R complementary DNA encodes a 420-amino acid protein that is 87-88% identical to those of human, rat, and mouse. Most sequence divergence occurs in the putative signal peptide and the extracellular amino-terminus of the receptor. Five additional amino acids are inserted in the amino-terminus of the cCRF-R. When expressed in COS-7 cells, the cCRF-R binds the CRF and urotensin I radioligands with high affinities. Urotensin I competes for binding to the chicken CRF-R, expressed in COS-7 cells, with an apparent affinity 20 times higher than that of CRF. Both urotensin I and sauvagine were more effective in stimulating cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells transfected with the cCRF-R than CRF. The effects of CRF and urotensin I on inositol phosphate accumulation were also tested. Urotensin I was an effective as CRF in stimulating inositol phosphate accumulation in COS-7 cells transfected with the cCRF-R. These data suggest that the sequence of the CRF-R is highly conserved from avian to mammalian species and that, despite its high sequence homology to the type A mammalian CRF-R, the ligand binding properties of cCRF-R are similar to those of the type B CRF-R i.e. a higher affinity for urotensin I than for CRF.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide receptor density modulates activation of phospholipase C and phosphate transport by PTH in LLC-PK1 cells

We showed previously that a single species of cloned PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptors, when stably expressed in LLC-PK1 kidney cells, couples to multiple second messenger signals and biological responses. To address the linkages of individual messenger signals to specific biological responses in these cells, we examined the relations among PTH/PTHrP receptor expression, PTH-activated phospholipase C (PLC) and adenylyl cyclase, and PTH-regulated phosphate transport in LLC-PK1 cells that stably express cloned rat PTH/PTHrP receptors. Among 18 such subclones, PTH stimulation of intracellular cAMP accumulation was nearly equivalent, despite differences in receptor density ranging from 20,000-400,000 sites/cell. In contrast, activation of PLC by PTH was directly and continuously dependent upon receptor density. PTH-stimulated phosphate uptake also was strongly dependent upon receptor expression, correlated well with PLC activity, was mimicked by active phorbol esters but not by cAMP analogs or forskolin, and was strikingly inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine. The peptide analog [Arg2]human PTH-(1-34), which significantly stimulated cAMP accumulation but failed to activate PLC, also did not increase phosphate uptake. We conclude that in LLC-PK1 cells, PTH-modulated PLC activation, unlike adenylyl cyclase activation, is strongly dependent upon PTH/PTHrP receptor density. This feature is reflected in the analogous relation between receptor density and PTH regulation of phosphate uptake, which appears to be mediated via a PKC-dependent pathway in these transfected cells. The results suggest that regulation of PTH/PTHrP receptor expression on target cells may provide a mechanism for altering the character as well as the magnitude of the signaling response to the hormone.

Down-regulation of the receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide by transforming growth factor-beta in primary fetal rat osteoblasts

We studied the effects of transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF beta 2) on the level of PTH/PTH-related peptide-(PTHrP) receptor messenger RNA (mRNA), PTHrP binding, and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation in cultured osteoblasts derived from fetal rat calvariae (ROB). When ROB were pretreated with TGF beta 2 at concentrations ranging from 1-100 pM for 24 h, dose-dependent decreases in the level of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA, PTHrP binding, and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation were observed. For the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation, the half-maximal effective concentration was approximately 4 pM. For the inhibition of PTHrP binding, the half-maximal effective concentration was much higher. A 50% decrease in both PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation was obtained when ROB were treated with 100 pM TGF beta 2 for 4 h. A comparable decrease in PTHrP binding was only observed after 24 h of incubation with 100 pM TGF beta 2. Actinomycin D induced a rapid decrease in the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level (70% after 4 h), indicating a half-life for the receptor mRNA of 2-3 h. Under the same conditions, PTHrP binding and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation did not change. When ROB were treated with cycloheximide for the same period, only a small decrease in PTHrP binding (20%) was observed, suggesting that PTH/PTHrP receptors do not have a rapid turnover. Cycloheximide also reduced PTH-stimulated cAMP production; after coincubation of cycloheximide with TGF beta 2, this inhibition was smaller than that in ROB cultures treated with TGF beta 2 exclusively. From these observations we conclude that TGF beta 2 induces a decrease in steady state levels of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA that results in decreased PTHrP receptor binding. The PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation is at least to some extent independent of the PTH/PTHrP receptor availability. Furthermore, there is a high turnover of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA, whereas turnover of the receptor protein is much slower. Finally, protein synthesis is required for TGF beta 2-induced desensitization of cAMP responsiveness to PTH.

The alternatively spliced type II corticotropin-releasing factor receptor, stably expressed in LLCPK-1 cells, is not well coupled to the G protein(s)

Two alternatively spliced corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRF-R) cDNAs, type I and type II, were recently isolated from a human cDNA library. The two cDNAs are identical except that the type II cDNA encodes an additional 29 amino acid inserted in the first putative cytoplasmic loop. Since the first cytoplasmic loop is highly conserved in all the members of the hCRF receptor family we have examined whether the presence of the 29 amino acid cassette in CRF-RII influences G protein coupling in LLCPK-1 cells stably expressing the type I and type II hCRF receptors. Whether measured in intact cells or in membrane preparations, LLCPK-1 cells stably expressing CRF-RII have a 4-5 fold lower binding affinity. Maximal CRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation in LLCPK-1 cells stably expressing CRF-RI was 10-15-fold higher than that in LLCPK-1 cells expressing CRF-RII. The EC50 for CRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation in hCRF-RI-expressing cells was in the range of 0.5 +/- 0.2 nM. In contrast, the EC50 for CRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation in hCRF-RII expressing cells was 7.7 +/- 0.2 nM. hCRF increased phosphoinositide turnover in LLCPK-1 cells stably expressing CRF-RI but not in those expressing CRF-RII; this effect required hCRF concentrations of 100 nM and higher. In membrane preparations, GTP-gamma-S inhibited hCRF binding to CRF-RI and shifted the binding Kd from 4.5 nM to 16.7 nM. Conversely, GTP-gamma-S did not influence hCRF binding to CRF-RII in broken cell membranes. Additionally, CRF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in cell membranes expressing CRF-RI was potentiated by GTP, whereas CRF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in cell membranes expressing CRF-RII was insensitive to GTP. These data indicate that CRF-RII is not well coupled to the G protein. Since the only difference between the CRF-RII and CRF-RI is the insert in the first putative cytoplasmic loop, these data indicate that the first cytoplasmic loop plays a crucial role in hCRF receptor coupling to the G protein.

Further evidence for a novel receptor for amino-terminal parathyroid hormone-related protein on keratinocytes and squamous carcinoma cell lines

PTH and PTH-related peptides (PTHrPs) interact with a common PTH/PTHrP receptor (type I), which is expressed in many tissues, including bone and kidney. Amino-terminal PTH and PTHrPs also recognize receptors in several nonclassical PTH target tissues, and in some of these, the signaling mechanisms differ qualitatively from those of the classical type I receptor. In normal keratinocytes and squamous carcinoma cell lines, PTH and PTHrP stimulate a rise in intracellular calcium, but not cAMP, suggesting the existence of an alternate, type II PTH/PTHrP receptor. SqCC/Y1 squamous carcinoma cells stably expressing the type I receptor displayed sensitive intracellular cAMP responses to PTHrP and PTH, indicating that these cells express functional GS proteins and that the type I receptor is capable of signaling through adenylyl cyclase in this cell line. Therefore, the endogenous type II receptor in SqCC/Y1 cells differs from the cloned type I receptor. We next examined whether messenger RNA (mRNA) from keratinocytes and squamous cell lines could hybridize to a human type I PTH/PTHrP receptor complementary DNA [1.9 kilobases (kb)]. No type I receptor mRNA (2.3 kb) was detected in polyadenylated RNA from any of the squamous cell lines. However, squamous cell lines did express several mRNA transcripts that hybridized with the type I receptor probe, yet were smaller (1 and 1.5 kb) or larger (3.5-5 kb) than the cloned receptor mRNA. The predominant mRNA in two squamous carcinoma cell lines and normal keratinocytes was a 1-kb transcript. Northern analysis with five different region-specific probes that span the entire coding region of the human type I receptor was used to map homologous regions within each of the transcripts. Several of the transcripts identified in squamous lines are also present in polyadenylated RNA from SaOS-2 human bone cells, but a unique 1-kb transcript hybridizing to probe 2 (nucleotides 490-870) was observed only in squamous cells. The smaller 1- and 1.5-kb transcripts did not hybridize to probes corresponding to the extreme 5'- and 3'-coding regions of the type I receptor complementary DNA. Ribonuclease protection analysis employing riboprobes that correspond to the five region-specific DNA probes revealed strong RNA signals of the expected size in SaOS-2 cells, but no hybridization with squamous cell RNA. Several smaller, but minor, bands that were unique to squamous cells were observed with riboprobe 2 only, suggesting partial homology of this region with the type I receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Parathyroidectomy does not prevent the renal PTH/PTHrP receptor down-regulation in uremic rats

In a recent study we demonstrated that the PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTH-R) mRNA was markedly down-regulated in the remnant kidney of uremic rats with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Among the factors potentially implicated in this down-regulation, to date only PTH has been demonstrated to modulate PTH-R expression. Here, we examined the effect of thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX) on the renal expression of PTH-R in rats with normal renal function or with chronic renal failure (CRF) induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. Four groups of rats were studied: control, TPTX, CRF, and CRF + TPTX. Moderate-degree renal failure was documented by mean (+/- SD) creatinine clearances (microliter/min/100 g body wt) of 259 +/- 40 and 212 +/- 45 in CRF and CRF + TPTX rats, compared with 646 +/- 123 and 511 +/- 156 in control and TPTX rats, respectively. Plasma phosphorus, calcitriol, and ionized calcium were significantly lower in CRF and CRF + TPTX than in control animals. Plasma ionized calcium and calcitriol were also lower in TPTX than in control rats. Plasma PTH levels (pg/ml) were increased in CRF rats (41.8 +/- 29.4), and markedly decreased in TPTX (10.1 +/- 7.8) and CRF + TPTX (8.0 +/- 3.8) rats compared with control rats (21.7 +/- 7.5). Northern blot analysis showed that the level of the steady-state PTH-R mRNA in the kidney of CRF and CRF + TPTX rats was markedly decreased compared with that of control rats, the ratios of PTH-R mRNA/beta-actin mRNA being 0.28 +/- 0.04 and 0.27 +/- 0.03 versus 0.54 +/- 0.05, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Signaling properties of mouse and human corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors: decreased coupling efficiency of human type II CRF receptor

CRF is the primary neuroregulator of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We have recently cloned a mouse CRF receptor (mCRF-R) complementary DNA (cDNA) from an AtT-20 cell cDNA library by polymerase chain reaction. To compare the functions of mCRF-R to those of the human type I and type II CRF receptors (hCRF-RI and hCRF-RII), cDNAs were cloned into the expression vector pcDNA1 and transfected into COS-7 cells. CRF binding and CRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation as well as phosphoinositide hydrolysis were measured. Scatchard analysis of the binding of 125I-labeled [Tyr0]r/hCRF ([125I]CRF) to COS-7 cells expressing mCRF-R and hCRF-RI cDNAs revealed the same apparent Kd (9 nM). In contrast, the apparent binding Kd for hCRF-RII was 20 nM CRF. Maximal stimulatory concentrations (1 microM) of rat/human CRF-(1-41) (r/hCRF) increased cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells transfected with mCRF-R, hCRF-RI, and hCRF-RII cDNA plasmid (10 micrograms each) from basal values of 8-19 pmol/10(5) cells.15 min to 84 +/- 10, 87 +/- 16, and 45 +/- 16 pmol/10(5) cells.15 min, respectively. The EC50 values of r/hCRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells expressing mCRF-R and hCRF-RI cDNAs were similar at 0.4 +/- 0.2 and 0.7 +/- 0.2 nM, respectively. Conversely, the EC50 of r/hCRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation in hCRF-RII-transfected COS-7 cells was 47.5 +/- 18.9 nM. As the level of expression of hCRF-RII was lower than that of hCRF-RI, we compared r/hCRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells expressing low and high levels of hCRF-RI. The EC50 for r/hCRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells transfected with hCRF-RI did not change when receptor expression was varied by a factor of 1- to 8.4-fold. In contrast, the EC50 for r/hCRF-stimulated cAMP accumulation mediated by hCRF-RII was at least 100-fold higher than that mediated by the hCRF-RI in COS-7 cells, which suggests poor coupling between hCRF-RII and adenylate cyclase. Inositol phosphate (IP) levels were also determined in mCRF-R, hCRF-RI, and hCRF-RII cDNA-transfected COS-7 cells stimulated with increasing concentrations of r/hCRF. r/hCRF-stimulated IPs accumulation was dose dependent in COS-7 cells expressing mCRF-R and hCRF-RI using 100 and 1000 nM r/hCRF. Concentrations of 10 (or less) nM r/hCRF had no effect on IP generation. hCRF-RII did not mediate stimulation of IP even at 1000 nM r/hCRF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Truncation of the carboxyl-terminal region of the rat parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide receptor enhances PTH stimulation of adenylyl cyclase but not phospholipase C

The functional role of the rat parathyroid hormone(PTH)/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor's carboxyl-terminal region was characterized by comparing the binding and signaling properties of receptors that have 78 and 111 amino acid deletions (R513 and R480, respectively), with those of the 591-amino acid wild-type (WT) receptor. R480 and R513 have 4- and 1.5-fold lower apparent Kd values for rat PTH-(1-34) (rPTH), compared with the WT receptor (WT, 1.81 +/- 0.19 nM; R513, 1.24 +/- 0.12 nM; R480, 0.48 +/- 0.05 nM, mean +/- S.E.). PTH (100 nM)-stimulated cAMP accumulation and polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis both correlated positively with receptor expression. However, whereas PTH-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis was indistinguishable among WT and either truncated mutant at comparable levels of expressed receptors, maximal PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation was 4-6- and 2-3-fold higher in cells expressing R480 and R513, respectively. Furthermore, pretreatment of COS-7 cells with 100 ng/ml of pertussis toxin (PTX) enhanced PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation in cells expressing the WT receptor, but failed to do so in cells expressing either R480 or R513. Thus, sequences in the PTH/PTHrP receptor's carboxyl-terminal tail lower the affinity of the WT receptor for agonist; directly interact with, or indirectly facilitate the interaction of the receptor with a PTX-sensitive G protein that inhibits adenylyl cyclase; and decrease the efficacy with which the receptor interacts with Gs.

Down-regulation of parathyroid (PTH)/PTH-related peptide receptor immunoreactivity and PTH binding in opossum kidney cells by PTH and dexamethasone

Recent data have shown that PTH down-regulation of its receptor on opossum kidney (OK) cells is not associated with any change in the steady state level of the PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor messenger RNA. For analysis of down-regulation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in OK cells, the present work uses a specific receptor anti-serum, SR-2, that is useful for detection and quantification of PTH/PTHrP receptor immunoreactivity on intact cells bearing the opossum PTH/PTHrP receptor. SR-2 specifically binds to COS-7 cells transiently expressing the opossum PTH/PTHrP receptor complementary DNA (OK-O), to LLCPK1 cells stably expressing the recombinant opossum PTH/PTHrP receptor (AOK cells), and to OK cells expressing endogenous PTH/PTHrP receptors, but not to mock-transfected COS-7 cells or untransfected LLCPK1 cells. SR-2 binding was also linearly correlated with PTH binding in COS-7 cells transfected with different amounts of OK-O plasmid DNA. Treatment with PTH (100 nM) for 4 and 6 h did not significantly down-regulate the PTH/PTHrP receptor immunoreactivity, although PTH binding was decreased to 51% and 49% of control, respectively, and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation was decreased to 27% and 28% of control, respectively. Treatment with PTH (100 nM) for 24 and 48 h significantly decreased PTH binding to 51% and 60% of control and decreased PTH/PTHrP receptor immunoreactivity to 68% and 58% of control, respectively. Incubation of OK cells with 0.1 nM to 1 microM PTH for 4 h did not down-regulate the PTH/PTHrP receptor immunoreactivity, although PTH binding was decreased dramatically. Scatchard blot analysis revealed that the binding affinity was decreased by 7-fold in OK cells treated with PTH for 4 h without change in receptor number. Conversely, treatment of OK cells with PTH for 24 h resulted in a parallel decrease in both receptor number and receptor immunoreactivity without any change in receptor binding affinity. Treatment of OK cells with dexamethasone (0.1 nM to 1 microM) had no effect on PTH binding or PTH/PTHrP receptor immunoreactivity. Incubation of OK cells with both dexamethasone (1 microM) and PTH (0.1 nM to 1 microM), however, caused a significantly greater down-regulation of both PTH binding and PTH/PTHrP receptor immunoreactivity than in cells treated with PTH alone. These data indicate that during the first 4 h of exposure of OK cells to PTH, PTH/PTHrP receptors remain on the cell surface but have lowered affinity to bind the ligand and that dexamethasone potentiates the effect of PTH on PTH/PTHrP receptor down-regulation in OK cells.

Chromosomal localization of the parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein receptor gene to human chromosome 3p21.1-p24.2

The human PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTH/PTHrP) receptor could be involved in hereditary disorders of PTH or PTHrP action. Knowledge of the gene's chromosomal location would allow studies linking it to specific disease traits. Therefore, we mapped the human PTH/PTHrP receptor gene by polymerase chain reaction of human/rodent somatic cell hybrid panels using oligonucleotide primers designed to amplify a portion of the gene from genomic DNA. The PTH/PTHrP gene was unambiguously assigned to the short arm of human chromosome 3, in the region designated 3p21.1-p24.2. Analysis of a second chromosome 3-specific mapping panel suggests that the gene is located near the 3p21.2-p21.3 boundary. The availability of highly polymorphic markers located in this region will permit exploration of the PTH/PTHrP receptor locus in genetic linkage searches for the causes of bone, calcium, and other potential disorders.