Mice lacking the integrin beta5 subunit have accelerated osteoclast maturation and increased activity in the estrogen-deficient state

Integrin alphavbeta5 is expressed on osteoclast precursors and is capable of recognizing the same amino acid motif as alphavbeta3. Three-month-old beta5(-/-) female OVX mice had increased osteoclastogenesis ex vivo, and microCT assessment of trabecular bone volume was 53% lower than WT-OVX animals. These preliminary data suggest alphavbeta5 integrin's presence on osteoclast precursors may inhibit of osteoclast formation.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoclasts are unique resorptive skeletal cells, capable of degrading bone on contact to the juxtaposed matrix. Integrin alphavbeta5 is expressed on osteoclast precursors, structurally similar to alphavbeta3, and capable of recognizing the same amino acid motif. Given the structural relationship and reciprocal regulation of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how alphavbeta5 might contribute to osteoclast maturation and activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three-month-old wildtype (WT) and beta5(-/-) female mice had ovariectomy (OVX) or sham operations. The osteoclastogenic capacity of marrow-derived precursors, the kinetic, the circulating, and structural parameters of bone remodeling, was determined after 6 weeks of paired feeding.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

OVX increased osteoclastogenesis ex vivo and in vivo. Osteoclast formation and prolonged pre-osteoclast survival were substantially enhanced in cultures containing beta5(-/-) cells whether obtained from sham-operated or OVX mice. Expression of cathepsin K, beta3 integrin subunit, and calcitonin receptor were accelerated in cultured beta5(-/-)osteoclasts. beta5(-/-) osteoclasts from OVX animals showed a 3-fold enhancement of net resorptive activity, with quantitative muCT showing trabecular bone volume loss after OVX 53% greater in beta5(-/-) OVX compared with similarly treated WT OVX mice (p < 0.05). alpha5beta3 seems to be an inhibitor of osteoclast formation, in contrast to alphavbeta3. In addition, loss of alphavbeta5 seems to accelerate osteoclast formation in the OVX model. Further examination of alphavbeta5 signaling pathways may enhance our understanding of the activation of bone resorption.

Immunohistochemical mapping of calcitonin receptors in the adult rat brain

Calcitonin receptors (CTR) have previously been identified in specific regions of the rat central nervous system using in situ hybridization or autoradiography with iodinated ligands. In this study, the results of immunohistochemical mapping of CTR in the adult rat brain are reported, using a potent and recently developed antibody that recognizes an intracellular epitope of the rat CTR, and high-resolution immunofluorescence techniques. Abundant expression was found in the brain, with highest densities in the nucleus accumbens, lateral arcuate nucleus, lateral substantia nigra, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, locus coeruleus, area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract, and some of the nuclei of the reticular formation. These results are in close correspondence with previous mapping studies. However, we detected CTR immunoreactivity in several additional brain areas, as the ventromedial, lateral and posterior hypothalamus, where CT binding has not yet been described. Our detailed mapping of the CTR in the rat brain has identified CTR-positive cells that will be important for subsequent characterization of behavioral functions associated with the actions of CT-related peptides.

The pharmacology of CGRP-responsive receptors in cultured and transfected cells

Historically, CGRP receptors have been classified as CGRP(1) or CGRP(2) subtypes, chiefly depending on their affinity for the antagonist CGRP(8-37). It has been shown that the complex between calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR or CL) and receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 1 provides a molecular correlate for the CGRP(1) receptor; however, this does not explain the range of affinities seen for CGRP(8-37) in isolated tissues. It is suggested that these may largely be explained by a combination of methodological factors and CGRP-responsive receptors generated by CL and RAMP2 or RAMP3 and complexes of RAMPs with the calcitonin receptor.

Adrenomedullin receptors: pharmacological features and possible pathophysiological roles

Three receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) chaperone calcitonin-like receptor (CLR) to the cell surface. RAMP2 enables CLR to form an adrenomedullin (AM)-specific receptor that is sensitive to AM-(22-52) (AM(1) receptor). RAMP3 enables CLR to form an AM receptor sensitive to both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-(8-37) and AM-(22-52) (AM(2) receptor), though rat and mouse AM(2) receptors show a clear preference for CGRP alpha-(8-37) over AM-(22-52). RAMP1 enables CRL to form the CGRP-(8-37)-sensitive CGRP(1) receptor, which can also be activated by higher concentrations of AM. Here we review the available information on the pharmacological features and possible pathophysiological roles of the aforementioned AM receptors.

In vitro autoradiographic localization of calcitonin and amylin binding sites in monkey brain

Calcitonin (CT) and amylin are related peptides with potent central actions, including suppression of appetite and gastric acid secretion. Little is known about the distribution and binding characteristics of amylin receptors in species other than rat; therefore, in this study, by using in vitro autoradiography, we have mapped the distribution of 125I-rat amylin binding sites in the monkey brain and compared this distribution to that of binding sites for 125I-salmon CT (125I-sCT). Highest densities of 125I-amylin binding were in the hypothalamus, including the arcuate nucleus and parts of the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei, and the solitary nucleus. Rostrally, moderate to high density binding was present in parts of the preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala and accumbens nucleus (Acb). Caudally, binding of amylin was more restricted, with moderate to high density binding present only in dorsal raphe, and area postrema. The primary visual cortex displayed strong and periodic CT binding in layer 4. The subcortical pattern of distribution of amylin and CT receptors in the monkey was similar to that seen previously in the rat, although the relative densities of binding to different brain structures were not always conserved. As with rat, monkey amylin receptors were a subset of the sites labeled with 125I-sCT. Analysis of receptor specificity indicated a greater relative potency of CT peptides in competing for 125I-amylin binding in monkey, when compared to rat, while, there was a decrease in the relative potency of CT gene-related peptides, potentially due to differences the level of receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) in monkey versus rat brain. Amylin receptors in primates are likely to perform a similar role to those in rats; however, the interaction of the receptors with related peptides may differ.

Amylin inhibits bone resorption while the calcitonin receptor controls bone formation in vivo

Amylin is a member of the calcitonin family of hormones cosecreted with insulin by pancreatic β cells. Cell culture assays suggest that amylin could affect bone formation and bone resorption, this latter function after its binding to the calcitonin receptor (CALCR). Here we show that Amylin inactivation leads to a low bone mass due to an increase in bone resorption, whereas bone formation is unaffected. In vitro, amylin inhibits fusion of mononucleated osteoclast precursors into multinucleated osteoclasts in an ERK1/2-dependent manner. Although Amylin +/− mice like Amylin-deficient mice display a low bone mass phenotype and increased bone resorption, Calcr +/− mice display a high bone mass due to an increase in bone formation. Moreover, compound heterozygote mice for Calcr and Amylin inactivation displayed bone abnormalities observed in both Calcr +/− and Amylin +/− mice, thereby ruling out that amylin uses CALCR to inhibit osteoclastogenesis in vivo. Thus, amylin is a physiological regulator of bone resorption that acts through an unidentified receptor.

RAMPs and CRLR expressions in osteoblastic cells after dexamethasone treatment

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a potent stimulator of osteoblastic activity and promotes bone growth in vivo. ADM receptors are formed by heterodimerization of the CRLR and a RAMP2 or RAMP3 molecule. Since glucocorticoid responsive elements were recently identified in the human CRLR promoter and that glucocorticoids exert a major action in bones, we investigated the acute effect of dexamethasone (Dex) treatment on ADM receptor components in osteoblastic cell types: the MC3T3-E1 cells and calvaria-derived osteoblastic cells. Changes in expression of CRLR and RAMPs molecules were evaluated at mRNA levels using RT-PCR and at protein levels by Western blot analysis. We found that Dex increased expression of RAMP1 and RAMP2 mRNA in a time-dependent but dose-independent manner, while RAMP3 was unchanged. In contrast, Dex decreased the CRLR mRNA expression and these changes were reflected at protein levels. We suggest that Dex, in osteoblastic cells, altered ADM receptor by inhibition of CRLR expression and consequently could impair the ADM anabolic effect on bone. Our findings could explain in part, the detrimental side effects observed at bone level during glucocorticoid therapy.

Estrogen and phytoestrogen regulate the mRNA expression of adrenomedullin and adrenomedullin receptor components in the rat uterus

The serum estrogen surge in the uterus triggers precisely-timed physiological and biochemical responses required establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Previous reports have shown that consumption of phytoestrogen-containing plants may disrupt the precise control of pregnancy. To evaluate the effects of phytoestrogens in the uterus, we screened for estradiol (E2)-inducible genes in immature rat uteri. We identified the gene for receptor-activity-modifying protein 2 (Ramp2), known to be a component of the adrenomedullin (ADM) receptor, as responsive to both E2 and the phytoestrogen coumestrol (Cou). We further examined the expression of ADM and ADM signaling components Ramp2, Ramp3, and CRLR in the immature rat uterus and found that both E2 and Cou regulated these genes expression. In addition, treatment with ADM increased uterine weight and edema similar to that observed after Cou treatment. Our findings indicated that the phytoestrogen caused the abnormal induction of vasoactive factors in the uterus.

Regulation of adrenomedullin signaling in kidney interstitial fibroblasts

Adrenomedullin (AM), a potent vasodilatory peptide has beneficial effects in the kidney IN VIVO. The major aim of the present study was to determine the presence of AM receptor and the biological outcomes of AM on kidney interstitial fibroblasts in culture. Utilizing RT-PCR we found that NRK-49F cells express calcitonin receptor like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity modifying protein 2 (RAMP2) but not RAMP3. Treatment of these cells with AM resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in cAMP activation. The activation of adenylate cyclase system was enhanced by over-expression of CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3. Furthermore, AM-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was inhibited by AM-[22-52] the AM receptor antagonist. AM also caused a PKA-dependent increase in CRE-luciferase activity. To test the biological consequences of AM treatment and the signaling pathways mediating them, we examined the effect of AM on proliferation of NRK-49F cells and the desensitization of AM receptor. AM caused a significant decrease in proliferation that was AM-receptor mediated but was PKA independent. In addition, AM also caused desensitization of cAMP response within a few minutes of treatment. This effect of AM was also not mediated via cAMP pathway as forskolin failed to desensitize AM receptor, and a PKA-inhibitor did not inhibit the desensitization. Taken together these results demonstrate that NRK-49F cells express functional AM receptor that when activated by AM results in a significant reduction of cell proliferation. Although cAMP activation by AM, as in other systems, is also observed in NRK-49F cells, PKA-independent pathways lead to some of the biological responses observed in these cells.

Aspartate(69) of the calcitonin-like receptor is required for its functional expression together with receptor-activity-modifying proteins 1 and -2

The calcitonin-like receptor (CLR) associated with receptor-activity-modifying proteins (RAMP) 1 or -2 recognizes calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin (AM), respectively. The amino acid sequence CNRTWDGWLCW corresponding to residues 64-74 in the extracellular N-terminus of the CLR is conserved. The Asp(69) (D(69)) is present in all family B1 G-protein-coupled receptors. Here the D(69) of a V5-tagged mouse CLR has been mutated to Ala (A), Glu (E), and Asn (N). The function of the intact and the mutant CLR was investigated in COS-7 cells coexpressing myc-tagged mouse RAMP1 or -2. In CLR/RAMP1 and -2 expressing cells CGRP and AM stimulated cAMP formation with an EC(50) of 0.17 and 0.50 nM, respectively. The expression of the D69A, D69E, and D69N mutants at the cell surface was comparable to that of the intact CLR. cAMP stimulation by CGRP and AM was abolished in the D69A mutant. With the D69E mutant the EC(50) of CGRP and AM were 1000-fold higher than those with the intact CLR. With the D69N mutant the EC(50) of CGRP was 0.48 nM and that of AM 0.44 nM, but the maximal cAMP formation was reduced to 24% and to 12% of cells with the intact CLR. Co-immunoprecipitation of RAMP1 with the CLR, indicating complex formation, was reduced with the D69A, D69N, and D69E mutants. RAMP2 co-precipitated with the mutant receptors indistinguishable from the intact CLR. In conclusion, mutation of D69 to N, E or A in the CLR did not affect its expression at the cell surface, but impaired or abolished the CGRP and AM receptor function in the presence of RAMP1 and -2, respectively.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha downregulates adrenomedullin receptors in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

We examined the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on the expression and functionality of adrenomedullin (AM) receptors in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Analysis of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions showed that these cells abundantly express two AM receptors comprised of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) or RAMP2. TNF-alpha induced time- and dose-dependent decreases in the expression of CRLR and RAMP1/2 mRNAs, thereby diminishing AM-evoked cAMP production. The suppression of these three mRNAs was unaffected by inhibiting NOS, protein kinase G, protein kinase A, superoxide formation or NF-kappaB activation.

The receptor activity modifying protein family of G protein coupled receptor accessory proteins

Receptor diversity for the calcitonin peptide family is created by the interaction of two 7-transmembrane proteins--the calcitonin receptor (CTR) or the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CL-R)--with the receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) family. The discovery of heterodimeric complexes of these proteins heralded a new era in the study of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), whereby receptor phenotype is no longer governed by just the GPCR. In this article, recent advances in the study of RAMPs are discussed--from our current understanding of the molecular basis of RAMP-receptor interaction to a broader role for RAMPs outside the calcitonin receptor family.

Molecular approximation between a residue in the amino-terminal region of calcitonin and the third extracellular loop of the class B G protein-coupled calcitonin receptor

The calcitonin receptor is a member of the class B family of G protein-coupled receptors, which contains numerous potentially important drug targets. Delineation of themes for agonist binding and activation of these receptors will facilitate the rational design of receptor-active drugs. We reported previously that a photolabile residue within the carboxyl-terminal half (residue 26) and mid-region (residue 16) of calcitonin covalently label the extracellular amino-terminal domain of this receptor (Dong, M., Pinon, D. I., Cox, R. F., and Miller, L. J. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 1167-1175). Chimeric receptor studies support the importance of this region and suggest important contributions of extracellular loop domains. To examine whether other parts of the ligand may contact those loops, we developed another probe that has its photolabile site of labeling within the amino-terminal half in position 8 of the ligand. This probe was a full agonist (EC(50) = 563 +/- 67 pm), stimulating cAMP accumulation in receptor-bearing human embryonic kidney 293 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. It bound specifically and saturably (K(i) = 14.3 +/- 1.9 nm) and was able to efficiently label the calcitonin receptor. By purification, specific cleavage, and sequencing of labeled wild-type and mutant calcitonin receptors, the site of attachment was identified as residue Leu(368) within the third extracellular loop of the receptor, a domain distinct from that labeled by previous probes. These data are consistent with a common ligand binding mechanism for receptors in this important family.

Discovery of novel peptide/receptor interactions: identification of PHM-27 as a potent agonist of the human calcitonin receptor

Many naturally occurring peptides exhibit a high degree of promiscuity across G-protein coupled receptor subtypes. The degree to which this phenomenon occurs, and its physiological significance is not well characterized. In addition, many 'orphan' peptides exist for which there are no known receptors. Therefore, to identify novel interactions between biologically active peptides and G-protein coupled receptors, a library of nearly 200 peptides was screened against the human calcitonin (hCTr), human Parathyroid Hormone (PTH1R), human Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF1), and the human Glucagon-like peptide (GLP1) receptors using a cell-based functional assay (Receptor Selection and Amplification Technology). Functional profiling revealed that the 'orphan peptide' PHM-27 selectively activated the hCTr; no activity was observed at the PTH1, CRF1, or GLP1 receptors. PHM-27 was a potent agonist at the hCTr, with similar efficacy as human calcitonin, and a potency of 11 nM. These results were confirmed in cyclic AMP assays. Responses to calcitonin and PHM-27 could be suppressed by the antagonist salmon calcitonin (8-32). In competition binding studies, salmon calcitonin (8-32), calcitonin, and PHM-27 were each able to inhibit (125)I-calcitonin from cell membranes containing transiently expressed hCTr. These results indicate that the orphan peptide PHM-27 is a potent agonist at the hCTr.

Female Sex Steroid Hormones and Pregnancy Regulate Receptors for Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Rat Mesenteric Arteries, but Not in Aorta1

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator neuropeptide known to be involved in the regulation of vascular tone. Results of previous studies from our laboratory and others suggest that vascular sensitivity to CGRP is enhanced during pregnancy and that the female sex steroid hormones estradiol-17beta (E2) and progesterone (P4) may be involved in this process. We hypothesized that CGRP receptors in the mesenteric artery are increased during pregnancy and with sex steroid hormone treatments. In the present study, we investigated whether pregnancy and female sex steroid hormones modulate the CGRP-receptors CGRP-A and CGRP-B in the mesenteric artery in the rat. The CGRP-A receptor consists of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1); however, the CGRP-B receptor needs to be further characterized. Messenger RNA levels for CRLR and RAMP1 were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and CGRP-B receptor proteins levels were determined by Western blot analysis. In addition, [125I]CGRP binding was measured by Scatchard analysis. Both mRNA for CGRP-A (CRLR and RAMP1) and the protein for CGRP-B receptors in mesenteric arteries were increased with pregnancy compared to nonpregnant, diestrous animals. A P4 antagonist, RU-486, downregulated and P4 upregulated these receptors in mesenteric arteries (P < 0.05) in pregnant rats. In adult ovariectomized rats, P4 upregulated CRLR and RAMP1 mRNA levels as well as [125I]CGRP-binding sites. The CGRP-B-receptor protein levels were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated by P4 and by combined E2 and P4 treatment. Together with earlier findings, these data suggest that increases in the expression of CGRP-A (CRLR and RAMP1) and CGRP-B receptors in mesenteric arteries may be important in reducing vascular resistance and in vascular adaptations that occur during pregnancy; in addition, P4 may be involved in this process.

Selective inactivation of adrenomedullin over calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor function by the deletion of amino acids 14-20 of the mouse calcitonin-like receptor

The receptors for the neuropeptide calcitonin (CT) gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the multifunctional peptide hormone adrenomedullin (AM) are calcitonin-like receptor (CLR)/receptor-activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1 and CLR/RAMP2 heterodimers, respectively. Here, the amino acid sequence TRNKIMT, corresponding to the residues 14-20 of the N terminus of the mouse (m) CLR, was found to be required for a functional mCLR/RAMP2 AM receptor. The deletion of amino acids 14-20 (Delta14-20) or their substitution by alanine (14-20A) did not affect the heterodimerization of the mCLR with mRAMP1 or mRAMP2, and the levels of expression at the surface of transiently transfected COS-7 cells were not altered. In mRAMP1/mCLR- or mRAMP1/mCLR-(Delta14-20)-expressing cells CGRP stimulated cAMP formation with EC(50) values of 0.12 +/- 0.01 and 1.5 +/- 0.4 nm, respectively. In mRAMP2/mCLR-expressing cells the EC(50) of AM was 0.8 +/- 0.2 nm. However, in cells expressing mRAMP2/mCLR-(Delta14-20) up to 10(-6) m AM failed to stimulate cAMP production. In mRAMP2/mCLR-(14-20A) expressing cells the cAMP response to AM was minimally restored, and the EC(50) was >100 nm. In conclusion, the deletion of the amino acid sequence TRNKIMT of the extreme N terminus of the mCLR maintained CGRP receptor function of mRAMP1/receptor heterodimers, but AM no longer activated the mutant mCLR-(Delta14-20) in the presence of mRAMP2. The TRNKIMT sequence is required for normal mCLR/mRAMP2 association, and as a consequence, high affinity AM binding signaling the activation of adenylyl cyclase.

The immunohistochemical expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) in human gliomas

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are the most common primary tumours of the central nervous system and exhibit rapid growth that is associated with neovascularisation. Adrenomedullin is an important tumour survival factor in human carcinogenesis. It has growth promoting effects on gliomas, and blockade of its actions has been experimentally shown to reduce the growth of glioma tissues and cell lines. There is some evidence that the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) mediates the tumorigenic actions of adrenomedullin.

AIM

To determine whether CRLR is expressed in human gliomas and the probable cellular targets of adrenomedullin.

METHODS

Biopsies from 95 human gliomas of varying grade were processed for immunohistochemical analysis using a previously developed and characterised antibody to CRLR.

RESULTS

All tumour specimens were positive for CRLR. As previously found in normal peripheral tissues, CRLR immunostaining was particularly intense in the endothelial cells. This was evident in all the various vascular conformations that were observed, and which are typical of gliomas. In addition, clear immunostaining of tumour cells with astrocyte morphology was observed. These were preferentially localised around vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown for the first time that the CRLR protein is present in human glioma tissue. The expression of the receptor in endothelial cells and in astrocytic tumour cells is consistent with the evidence that its endogenous ligand, adrenomedullin, may influence glioma growth by means of both direct mitogenic and indirect angiogenic effects. CRLR may be a valuable target for effective therapeutic intervention in these malignant tumours.

Studies on the effects of the N-terminal domain antibodies of calcitonin receptor-like receptor and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 on calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced vasorelaxation in rat uterine artery

The vascular relaxation sensitivity to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is enhanced during pregnancy, compared with nonpregnant human and rat uterine arteries. In the rat uterine artery, two types of CGRP receptors have been shown to coexist, CGRP-A receptor, which is a complex of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP(1)) and CGRP-B receptor, which is different from CRLR. In the present study, we hypothesized that: 1) CGRP-induced vasorelaxation in rat uterine artery is mediated through CGRP-A receptor and 2) N-terminal (Nt) domain of CRLR (Nt-CRLR) has a major contribution in ligand binding and mediating CGRP- induced relaxation effects in rat uterine artery. Polyclonal antibodies against Nt-domain of CRLR and RAMP(1) (Nt-RAMP(1)) were raised in rabbits and characterized for their specificity and were used to inhibit CGRP-induced vasorelaxation in rat uterine artery. For vascular relaxation studies, uterine arteries from Day 18 pregnant rats were isolated, and responsiveness of the vessels to CGRP was examined with a small vessel myograph. CGRP (10(-10) to 10(-7) M) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of norepinephrine-induced contractions in Day 18 pregnant rat uterine arteries. These effects were significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited when uterine arteries were incubated with the antibody raised against Nt-CRLR (PD(2) = 6.75 +/- 0.20) and were totally abolished in presence of antibodies for both Nt-CRLR and Nt-RAMP(1) (PD(2) = 6.14 +/- 0.35). In contrast, a monoclonal antibody for CGRP-B receptor had no effect on CGRP-induced rat uterine artery relaxation. These studies suggest that CGRP effects in rat uterine artery are mediated through CGRP-A receptor and that Nt-domain of CRLR may play a predominant role in CGRP binding and thus in causing CGRP-induced uterine artery relaxation.

Identification, structural determination, and biological activity of bovine and canine calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptides

We have recently identified in porcine brain a series of new peptides, designated calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide-1 (CRSP-1), CRSP-2, and CRSP-3, but failed to find their counterparts in humans and rodents by either database searching or experimental cross-hybridization. In this study, we isolated cDNAs encoding precursors of bovine CRSP-1, canine CRSP-1, and canine CRSP-2 from their thyroid cDNA libraries. Although the deduced mature amino acid sequences of bovine and canine CRSP-1s and canine CRSP-2 showed identity with their respective porcine CRSP counterparts, none of them had a C-terminal amide structure. In LLC-PK(1) cells endogenously expressing the calcitonin (CT) receptor, bovine and canine CRSP-1s enhanced the cAMP production, while canine CRSP-2 did not stimulate it at all. Equine CGRP-I had a high identity in its amino acid sequence with porcine CRSP-1 and stimulated LLC-PK(1) cells at a potency comparable to that of porcine CT. None of these CRSPs or equine CGRP-I stimulated the CT-like receptor, even in the presence of receptor activity-modifying proteins. These results demonstrate that CRSP-1, a new class of biologically active peptide, is present in animals evolutionarily close to pigs and induces its activity through the calcitonin receptor, suggesting a wide existence and common properties of this peptide in mammals.

Progesterone induction of calcitonin expression in the murine mammary gland

Progesterone, via its nuclear receptor, is mandatory not only for the induction and specification of mammary gland ductal side-branching and lobuloalveologenesis but also for carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis. Notwithstanding these recent advances, a more comprehensive molecular explanation of progesterone-induced mammary morphogenesis is contingent upon the identification and characterization of mammary molecular targets that are responsive to the progesterone signal. Toward this goal, we report that calcitonin, a 32 amino acid peptide hormone involved in calcium homeostasis, is exclusively expressed in, and secreted from, luminal epithelial cells within the mammary gland of the pregnant mouse, and, importantly, its expression is progesterone-dependent. Conversely, the calcitonin receptor is present during all stages of post-natal mammary development examined, is localized to the myoepithelial cell lineage, and is not regulated by progesterone. Because calcitonin induction spatiotemporally correlates with increases in progesterone-induced mammary gland proliferation and structural remodeling, we posit that calcitonin - through its receptor - may be involved in one or both of these progesterone-dependent processes.

Calcitonin stimulates expression of the rat 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24) promoter in HEK-293 cells expressing calcitonin receptor: identification of signaling pathways

Regulation of the gene for renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (CYP24) is important for controlling the level of circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). We report here for the first time that the peptide hormone calcitonin significantly stimulates expression of a rat CYP24 promoter-luciferase construct in both transiently and stably transfected kidney HEK-293 cells. A GC box at -114/-101 and a CCAAT box at -62/-51 have been identified that underlie both basal expression of the CYP24 promoter and the calcitonin inductive response. Data from overexpression studies suggested that Sp1 and NF-Y are the proteins that function through the GC and CCAAT boxes respectively. ERK1/2 signaling pathways were not involved in the calcitonin-mediated response, since stimulation of the promoter was unaffected by the pharmacological ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 and by a dominant negative mutant of ERK1/2 (ERK1K71R). In contrast, calcitonin induction but not basal expression was dependent on protein kinase A and protein kinase C (PKC) activities with the inhibitors H89 and calphostin C lowering induction by 50-60%. The atypical PKC, PKCzeta contributes to calcitonin induction, but not to basal expression of the CYP24 promoter, since overexpression of a dominant negative clone PKCzetaK281 M lowered induction by 50%. Cotransfection of a dominant negative form of Ras resulted in calcitonin-mediated induction being reduced also by about 50%. A Ras-PKCzeta signaling pathway for calcitonin action is proposed, which acts through the GC box. The findings have been extrapolated to the in vivo situation where we suggest that induction of renal CYP24 by calcitonin could be important under hypercalcemic conditions thus contributing to the lowering of circulating 1,25(OH)2D3 levels.

The function of conserved cysteine residues in the extracellular domain of human receptor-activity-modifying protein

The receptor-activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1 is a single-transmembrane-domain protein associated with the calcitonin-like receptor (CLR) to reveal a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. The extracellular region of RAMP1 contains six conserved cysteines. Here, Cys(27) in myc-tagged human (h) RAMP1 was deleted (hRAMP1Delta1), and Cys(40), Cys(57), Cys(72), Cys(82) and Cys(104) were each replaced by Ala. In COS-7 cells expressing hCLR/myc-hRAMP1Delta1 or -C82A, cell surface expression, [(125)I]halphaCGRP binding and cAMP formation in response to halphaCGRP were similar to those of hCLR/myc-hRAMP1. Cell surface expression of myc-hRAMP1-C72A was reduced to 24+/-7% of myc-hRAMP1, and that of -C40A, -C57A and -C104A was below 10%. [(125)I]halphaCGRP binding of hCLR/myc-hRAMP1-C72A was 13+/-3% of hCLR/myc-hRAMP1 and it was undetectable in hCLR/myc-hRAMP1-C40A-, -C57A- and -C104A-expressing cells. Maximal cAMP stimulation by halphaCGRP in hCLR/myc-hRAMP1-C40A- and -C72A-expressing cells was 14+/-1% and 33+/-2% of that of the hCLR/myc-hRAMP1 with comparable EC(50). But cAMP stimulation was abolished in cells expressing hCLR/myc-hRAMP1-C57A and -C104A. In conclusion, CGRP receptor function was not affected by the deletion of Cys(27) or the substitution of Cys(82) by Ala in hRAMP1, but it was impaired by the substitution of Cys(40), Cys(57), Cys(72) and Cys(104) by Ala. These four cysteines are required for the transport of hRAMP1 together with the CLR to the cell surface.

Characterization of the Human Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Subtypes Associated with Receptor Activity-Modifying Proteins

Coexpression of receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) with calcitonin receptor 2 (CTR2) or calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) leads to the formation of four functional heterodimeric receptors for human calcitonin gene-related peptide (hCGRP). In this study, we transfected hCGRP receptors into human embryonic kidney 293 cells and examined their pharmacological profiles using three dominant-negative (DN) RAMP mutants and various hCGRPalpha analogs. Fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis revealed that their cotransfection with CTR2 induced cell surface expression of all three RAMPs, and the three CTR2/RAMP heterodimers mediated equivalent levels of cAMP production in response to hCGRPalpha that were approximately 50-fold greater than were seen with CTR2 alone. By contrast, [Tyr0]hCGRPalpha binding and signaling were markedly weaker with CTR2/RAMP2 or -3 than with CTR2/RAMP1 or CRLR/RAMP1; likewise, 125I-[His10]hCGRPalpha bound most potently to CTR2/RAMP1. When CTR2 was coexpressed with DN RAMP1 or -2, hCGRPalpha-evoked responses were similar to those seen with CTR2 alone, despite the expression of both CTR2 and DN RAMP at the cell surface. But coexpression of DN RAMP3 with CTR2 significantly diminished hCGRPalpha signaling compared with that seen with CTR2 alone, indicating that DN RAMP3 is able to function as a negative regulator of CTR2 function. Competition experiments showed the relative agonist sensitivity of the four receptors to be hCGRPalpha > [Tyr0]hCGRPalpha > [Cys(Et)2,7]hCGRPalpha > [Cys(ACM)2,7]hCGRPalpha. Of the linear analogs, [Cys(ACM)2,7]hCGRPalpha (ACM, acetylmethoxy) enhanced cAMP formation only via CTR2/RAMP1, whereas [Cys(Et2,7)]hCGRPalpha acted via CRLR/RAMP1 and somewhat less potently via CTR2/RAMP1. Thus, among the three CGRP8-37-insensitive receptors, CTR2/RAMP1 is most sensitive to the two linear analogs, suggesting that it could be classified as a CGRP2 receptor. Moreover, the combined use of iodinated CGRPalpha analogs may be useful for defining the CGRP1 receptor.

The Pharmacology of Adrenomedullin Receptors and Their Relationship to CGRP Receptors

Adrenomedullin (AM) has two specific receptors formed by the calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CL) and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 2 or 3. These are known as AM1 and AM2 receptors, respectively. In addition, AM has appreciable affinity for the CGRP1 receptor, composed of CL and RAMP1. The AM1 receptor has a high degree of selectivity for AM over CGRP and other peptides, and AM22-52 is an effective antagonist at this receptor. By contrast, the AM2 receptor shows less specificity for AM, having appreciable affinity for betaCGRP. Here, CGRP8-37 is either equipotent or more effective as an antagonist than AM22-52, depending on the species from which the receptor components are derived. Thus, under the appropriate circumstances it seems that betaCGRP might be able to activate both CGRP1 and AM2 receptors and AM could activate both AM1 and AM2 receptors as well as CGRP1 receptors. Current peptide antagonists are not sufficiently selective to discriminate between these three receptors. The CGRP-selectivity of RAMP1 and RAMP3 may be conferred by a putative disulfide bond from the N-terminus to the middle of the extracellular domain of these molecules. This is not present in RAMP2.

Peripheral amylin activates circumventricular organs expressing calcitonin receptor a/b subtypes and receptor-activity modifying proteins in the rat

The pancreatic hormone amylin (AMY) and the AMY-receptor-agonist salmon-calcitonin (sCT) reduce short-term food-intake after binding to the area postrema (AP), a circumventricular organ (CVO) lacking blood-brain-barrier characteristics. AMY has also been proposed to induce drinking via another CVO, the subfornical organ (SFO). In cellular systems, AMY-binding is generated by interaction of calcitonin-receptor a/b (CT((a))/CT((b))) with receptor-activity modifying proteins (RAMPs). By using in situ hybridization, the codistribution of CT((a))/CT((b)) with RAMP1-3 and c-fos was mapped in CVOs of rats. AMY and sCT induced c-fos within the SFO which contained CT((a)) and/or CT((b)) and RAMP1/2 mRNA. AMY and sCT also activated AP neurons, which express the CT((a)), but not the CT((b)), receptor and RAMP2/3 mRNA. These data emphasize the important role of these structures as primary targets for circulating AMY.