Structural and functional characterization of a second subfamily member of the calcium-modulated bovine rod outer segment membrane guanylate cyclase, ROS-GC2

Multilimbed membrane guanylate cyclase signaling system, evolutionary ladder

One monumental discovery in the field of cell biology is the establishment of the membrane guanylate cyclase signal transduction system. Decoding its fundamental, molecular, biochemical, and genetic features revolutionized the processes of developing therapies for diseases of endocrinology, cardio-vasculature, and sensory neurons; lastly, it has started to leave its imprints with the atmospheric carbon dioxide. The membrane guanylate cyclase does so via its multi-limbed structure. The inter-netted limbs throughout the central, sympathetic, and parasympathetic systems perform these functions. They generate their common second messenger, cyclic GMP to affect the physiology. This review describes an historical account of their sequential evolutionary development, their structural components and their mechanisms of interaction. The foundational principles were laid down by the discovery of its first limb, the ACTH modulated signaling pathway (the companion monograph). It challenged two general existing dogmas at the time. First, there was the question of the existence of a membrane guanylate cyclase independent from a soluble form that was heme-regulated. Second, the sole known cyclic AMP three-component-transduction system was modulated by GTP-binding proteins, so there was the question of whether a one-component transduction system could exclusively modulate cyclic GMP in response to the polypeptide hormone, ACTH. The present review moves past the first question and narrates the evolution and complexity of the cyclic GMP signaling pathway. Besides ACTH, there are at least five additional limbs. Each embodies a unique modular design to perform a specific physiological function; exemplified by ATP binding and phosphorylation, Ca²⁺-sensor proteins that either increase or decrease cyclic GMP synthesis, co-expression of antithetical Ca²⁺ sensors, GCAP1 and S100B, and modulation by atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature. The complexity provided by these various manners of operation enables membrane guanylate cyclase to conduct diverse functions, exemplified by the control over cardiovasculature, sensory neurons and, endocrine systems.

Impaired Ca2+ Sensitivity of a Novel GCAP1 Variant Causes Cone Dystrophy and Leads to Abnormal Synaptic Transmission Between Photoreceptors and Bipolar Cells

Guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1) is involved in the shutdown of the phototransduction cascade by regulating the enzymatic activity of retinal guanylate cyclase via a Ca²⁺/cGMP negative feedback. While the phototransduction-associated role of GCAP1 in the photoreceptor outer segment is widely established, its implication in synaptic transmission to downstream neurons remains to be clarified. Here, we present clinical and biochemical data on a novel isolate GCAP1 variant leading to a double amino acid substitution (p.N104K and p.G105R) and associated with cone dystrophy (COD) with an unusual phenotype. Severe alterations of the electroretinogram were observed under both scotopic and photopic conditions, with a negative pattern and abnormally attenuated b-wave component. The biochemical and biophysical analysis of the heterologously expressed N104K-G105R variant corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations highlighted a severely compromised Ca²⁺-sensitivity, accompanied by minor structural and stability alterations. Such differences reflected on the dysregulation of both guanylate cyclase isoforms (RetGC1 and RetGC2), resulting in the constitutive activation of both enzymes at physiological levels of Ca²⁺. As observed with other GCAP1-associated COD, perturbation of the homeostasis of Ca²⁺ and cGMP may lead to the toxic accumulation of second messengers, ultimately triggering cell death. However, the abnormal electroretinogram recorded in this patient also suggested that the dysregulation of the GCAP1–cyclase complex further propagates to the synaptic terminal, thereby altering the ON-pathway related to the b-wave generation. In conclusion, the pathological phenotype may rise from a combination of second messengers’ accumulation and dysfunctional synaptic communication with bipolar cells, whose molecular mechanisms remain to be clarified.

Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of 15 Affected Patients From 12 Japanese Families with GUCY2D-Associated Retinal Disorder

Purpose

To determine the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with GUCY2D-associated retinal disorder (GUCY2D-RD).

Methods

Fifteen patients from 12 families with inherited retinal disorder (IRD) and harboring GUCY2D variants were ascertained from 730 Japanese families with IRD. Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations, including visual acuity (VA) measurement, retinal imaging, and electrophysiological assessment were performed to classify patients into three phenotype subgroups; macular dystrophy (MD), cone-rod dystrophy (CORD), and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). In silico analysis was performed for the detected variants, and the molecularly confirmed inheritance pattern was determined (autosomal dominant/recessive [AD/AR]).

Results

The median age of onset/examination was 22.0/38.0 years (ranges, 0-55 and 1-73) with a median VA of 0.80/0.70 LogMAR units (ranges, 0.00-1.52 and 0.10-1.52) in the right/left eye, respectively. Macular atrophy was identified in seven patients (46.7%), and two had diffuse fundus disturbance (13.3%), and six had an essentially normal fundus (40.0%). There were 11 patients with generalized cone-rod dysfunction (78.6%), two with entire functional loss (14.3%), and one with confined macular dysfunction (7.1%). There were nine families with ADCORD, one with ARCORD, one with ADMD, and one with ARLCA. Ten GUCY2D variants were identified, including four novel variants (p.Val56GlyfsTer262, p.Met246Ile, p.Arg761Trp, p.Glu874Lys).

Conclusions

This large cohort study delineates the disease spectrum of GUCY2D-RD. Diverse clinical presentations with various severities of ADCORD and the early-onset severe phenotype of ARLCA are illustrated. A relatively lower prevalence of GUCY2D-RD for ADCORD and ARLCA in the Japanese population was revealed.

Translational Relevance

The obtained data help to monitor and counsel patients, especially in East Asia, as well as to design future therapeutic approaches.

Ca2+-Sensor Neurocalcin δ and Hormone ANF Modulate ANF-RGC Activity by Diverse Pathways: Role of the Signaling Helix Domain

Prototype member of the membrane guanylate cyclase family, ANF-RGC (Atrial Natriuretic Factor Receptor Guanylate Cyclase), is the physiological signal transducer of two most hypotensive hormones ANF and BNP, and of the intracellular free Ca²⁺. Both the hormonal and the Ca²⁺-modulated signals operate through a common second messenger, cyclic GMP; yet, their operational modes are divergent. The hormonal pathways originate at the extracellular domain of the guanylate cyclase; and through a cascade of structural changes in its successive domains activate the C-terminal catalytic domain (CCD). In contrast, the Ca²⁺ signal operating via its sensor, myristoylated neurocalcin δ both originates and is translated directly at the CCD. Through a detailed sequential deletion and expression analyses, the present study examines the role of the signaling helix domain (SHD) in these two transduction pathways. SHD is a conserved 35-amino acid helical region of the guanylate cyclase, composed of five heptads, each meant to tune and transmit the hormonal signals to the CCD for their translation and generation of cyclic GMP. Its structure is homo-dimeric and the molecular docking analyses point out to the possibility of antiparallel arrangement of the helices. Contrary to the hormonal signaling, SHD has no role in regulation of the Ca²⁺- modulated pathway. The findings establish and define in molecular terms the presence of two distinct non-overlapping transduction modes of ANF-RGC, and for the first time demonstrate how differently they operate, and, yet generate cyclic GMP utilizing common CCD machinery.

CO2/bicarbonate modulates cone photoreceptor ROS-GC1 and restores its CORD6-linked catalytic activity

This study with recombinant reconstituted system mimicking the cellular conditions of the native cones documents that photoreceptor ROS-GC1 is modulated by gaseous CO₂. Mechanistically, CO₂ is sensed by carbonic anhydrase (CAII), generates bicarbonate that, in turn, directly targets the core catalytic domain of ROS-GC1, and activates it to increased synthesis of cyclic GMP. This, then, functions as a second messenger for the cone phototransduction. The study demonstrates that, in contrast to the Ca²⁺-modulated phototransduction, the CO₂ pathway is Ca²⁺-independent, yet is linked with it and synergizes it. It, through R⁷⁸⁷C mutation in the third heptad of the signal helix domain of ROS-GC1, affects cone-rod dystrophy, CORD6. CORD6 is caused firstly by lowered basal and GCAP1-dependent ROS-GC1 activity and secondly, by a shift in Ca²⁺ sensitivity of the ROS-GC1/GCAP1 complex that remains active in darkness. Remarkably, the first but not the second defect disappears with bicarbonate thus explaining the basis for CORD6 pathological severity. Because cones, but not rods, express CAII, the excessive synthesis of cyclic GMP would be most acute in cones.

Integrative Signaling Networks of Membrane Guanylate Cyclases: Biochemistry and Physiology

This monograph presents a historical perspective of cornerstone developments on the biochemistry and physiology of mammalian membrane guanylate cyclases (MGCs), highlighting contributions made by the authors and their collaborators. Upon resolution of early contentious studies, cyclic GMP emerged alongside cyclic AMP, as an important intracellular second messenger for hormonal signaling. However, the two signaling pathways differ in significant ways. In the cyclic AMP pathway, hormone binding to a G protein coupled receptor leads to stimulation or inhibition of an adenylate cyclase, whereas the cyclic GMP pathway dispenses with intermediaries; hormone binds to an MGC to affect its activity. Although the cyclic GMP pathway is direct, it is by no means simple. The modular design of the molecule incorporates regulation by ATP binding and phosphorylation. MGCs can form complexes with Ca²⁺-sensing subunits that either increase or decrease cyclic GMP synthesis, depending on subunit identity. In some systems, co-expression of two Ca²⁺ sensors, GCAP1 and S100B with ROS-GC1 confers bimodal signaling marked by increases in cyclic GMP synthesis when intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration rises or falls. Some MGCs monitor or are modulated by carbon dioxide via its conversion to bicarbonate. One MGC even functions as a thermosensor as well as a chemosensor; activity reaches a maximum with a mild drop in temperature. The complexity afforded by these multiple limbs of operation enables MGC networks to perform transductions traditionally reserved for G protein coupled receptors and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels and to serve a diverse array of functions, including control over cardiac vasculature, smooth muscle relaxation, blood pressure regulation, cellular growth, sensory transductions, neural plasticity and memory.

Gene Therapy Fully Restores Vision to the All-Cone Nrl(-/-) Gucy2e(-/-) Mouse Model of Leber Congenital Amaurosis-1

Mutations in GUCY2D are the cause of Leber congenital amaurosis type 1 (LCA1). GUCY2D encodes retinal guanylate cyclase-1 (retGC1), a protein expressed exclusively in outer segments of photoreceptors and essential for timely recovery from photoexcitation. Recent clinical data show that, despite a high degree of visual disturbance stemming from a loss of cone function, LCA1 patients retain normal photoreceptor architecture, except for foveal cone outer segment abnormalities and, in some patients, foveal cone loss. These results point to the cone-rich central retina as a target for GUCY2D replacement. LCA1 gene replacement studies thus far have been conducted in rod-dominant models (mouse) or with vectors and organisms lacking clinical translatability. Here we investigate gene replacement in the Nrl(-/-) Gucy2e(-/-) mouse, an all-cone model deficient in retGC1. We show that AAV-retGC1 treatment fully restores cone function, cone-mediated visual behavior, and guanylate cyclase activity, and preserves cones in treated Nrl(-/-) Gucy2e(-/-) mice over the long-term. A novel finding was that retinal function could be restored to levels above that in Nrl(-/-) controls, contrasting results in other models of retGC1 deficiency. We attribute this to increased cyclase activity in treated Nrl(-/-) Gucy2e(-/-) mice relative to Nrl(-/-) controls. Thus, Nrl(-/-) Gucy2e(-/-) mice possess an expanded dynamic range in ERG response to gene replacement relative to other models. Lastly, we show that a candidate clinical vector, AAV5-GRK1-GUCY2D, when delivered to adult Nrl(-/-) Gucy2e(-/-) mice, restores retinal function that persists for at least 6 months. Our results provide strong support for clinical application of a gene therapy targeted to the cone-rich, central retina of LCA1 patients.

Insights gained from gene therapy in animal models of retGC1 deficiency

Vertebrate species possess two retinal guanylate cyclases (retGC1 and retGC2) and at least two guanylate cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs), GCAP1 and GCAP2. GCAPs function as Ca²⁺ sensors that regulate the activity of guanylate cyclases. Together, these proteins regulate cGMP and Ca²⁺ levels within the outer segments of rod and cone photoreceptors. Mutations in GUCY2D, the gene that encodes retGC1, are a leading cause of the most severe form of early onset retinal dystrophy, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA1). These mutations, which reduce or abolish the ability of retGC1 to replenish cGMP in photoreceptors, are thought to lead to the biochemical equivalent of chronic light exposure in these cells. In spite of this, the majority of LCA1 patients retain normal photoreceptor laminar architecture aside from foveal cone outer segment abnormalities, suggesting they may be good candidates for gene replacement therapy. Work began in the 1980s to characterize multiple animal models of retGC1 deficiency. 34 years later, all models have been used in proof of concept gene replacement studies toward the goal of developing a therapy to treat GUCY2D-LCA1. Here we use the results of these studies as well as those of recent clinical studies to address specific questions relating to clinical application of a gene therapy for treatment of LCA1.

RNA interference gene therapy in dominant retinitis pigmentosa and cone-rod dystrophy mouse models caused by GCAP1 mutations

RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown is an efficacious therapeutic strategy for silencing genes causative for dominant retinal dystrophies. To test this, we used self-complementary (sc) AAV2/8 vector to develop an RNAi-based therapy in two dominant retinal degeneration mouse models. The allele-specific model expresses transgenic bovine GCAP1(Y99C) establishing a rapid RP-like phenotype, whereas the nonallele-specific model expresses mouse GCAP1(L151F) producing a slowly progressing cone-rod dystrophy (CORD). The late onset GCAP1(L151F)-CORD mimics the dystrophy observed in human GCAP1-CORD patients. Subretinal injection of scAAV2/8 carrying shRNA expression cassettes specific for bovine or mouse guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1) showed strong expression at 1 week post-injection. In both allele-specific [GCAP1(Y99C)-RP] and nonallele-specific [GCAP1(L151F)-CORD] models of dominant retinal dystrophy, RNAi-mediated gene silencing enhanced photoreceptor survival, delayed onset of degeneration and improved visual function. Such results provide a "proof of concept" toward effective RNAi-based gene therapy mediated by scAAV2/8 for dominant retinal disease based on GCAP1 mutation. Further, nonallele-specific RNAi knockdown of GCAP1 may prove generally applicable toward the rescue of any human GCAP1-based dominant cone-rod dystrophy.

ROS-GC interlocked Ca(2+)-sensor S100B protein signaling in cone photoreceptors: review

Photoreceptor rod outer segment membrane guanylate cyclase (ROS-GC) is central to visual transduction; it generates cyclic GMP, the second messenger of the photon signal. Photoexcited rhodopsin initiates a biochemical cascade that leads to a drop in the intracellular level of cyclic GMP and closure of cyclic nucleotide gated ion channels. Recovery of the photoresponse requires resynthesis of cyclic GMP, typically by a pair of ROS-GCs, 1 and 2. In rods, ROS-GCs exist as complexes with guanylate cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs), which are Ca(2+)-sensing elements. There is a light-induced fall in intracellular Ca(2+). As Ca(2+) dissociates from GCAPs in the 20-200 nM range, ROS-GC activity rises to quicken the photoresponse recovery. GCAPs then progressively turn down ROS-GC activity as Ca(2+) and cyclic GMP levels return to baseline. To date, GCAPs mediate the only known mechanism of ROS-GC regulation in the photoreceptors. However, in mammalian cone outer segments, cone synapses and ON bipolar cells, another Ca(2+) sensor protein, S100B, complexes with ROS-GC1 and senses the Ca(2+) signal with a K1/2 of 400 nM. Unlike GCAPs, S100B stimulates ROS-GC activity when Ca(2+) is bound. Thus, the ROS-GC system in cones functions as a Ca(2+) bimodal switch; with rising intracellular Ca(2+), its activity is first turned down by GCAPs and then turned up by S100B. This presentation provides a historical perspective on the role of S100B in the photoreceptors, offers a pictorial model for the "bimodal" operation of the ROS-GC switch and projects future tasks that are needed to understand its operation. Some accounts of this review have been adopted from the original publications of these authors.

Ca(2+)-sensors and ROS-GC: interlocked sensory transduction elements: a review

From its initial discovery that ROS-GC membrane guanylate cyclase is a mono-modal Ca(2+)-transduction system linked exclusively with the photo-transduction machinery to the successive finding that it embodies a remarkable bimodal Ca(2+) signaling device, its widened transduction role in the general signaling mechanisms of the sensory neuron cells was envisioned. A theoretical concept was proposed where Ca(2+)-modulates ROS-GC through its generated cyclic GMP via a nearby cyclic nucleotide gated channel and creates a hyper- or depolarized sate in the neuron membrane (Ca(2+) Binding Proteins 1:1, 7-11, 2006). The generated electric potential then becomes a mode of transmission of the parent [Ca(2+)](i) signal. Ca(2+) and ROS-GC are interlocked messengers in multiple sensory transduction mechanisms. This comprehensive review discusses the developmental stages to the present status of this concept and demonstrates how neuronal Ca(2+)-sensor (NCS) proteins are the interconnected elements of this elegant ROS-GC transduction system. The focus is on the dynamism of the structural composition of this system, and how it accommodates selectivity and elasticity for the Ca(2+) signals to perform multiple tasks linked with the SENSES of vision, smell, and possibly of taste and the pineal gland. An intriguing illustration is provided for the Ca(2+) sensor GCAP1 which displays its remarkable ability for its flexibility in function from being a photoreceptor sensor to an odorant receptor sensor. In doing so it reverses its function from an inhibitor of ROS-GC to the stimulator of ONE-GC membrane guanylate cyclase.

Neurocalcin delta modulation of ROS-GC1, a new model of Ca(2+) signaling

ROS-GC1 membrane guanylate cyclase is a Ca(2+) bimodal signal transduction switch. It is turned "off" by a rise in free Ca(2+) from nanomolar to the semicromolar range in the photoreceptor outer segments and the olfactory bulb neurons; by a similar rise in the bipolar and ganglion retinal neurons it is turned "on". These opposite operational modes of the switch are specified by its Ca(2+) sensing devices, respectively termed GCAPs and CD-GCAPs. Neurocalcin delta is a CD-GCAP. In the present study, the neurocalcin delta-modulated site, V(837)-L(858), in ROS-GC1 has been mapped. The location and properties of this site are unique. It resides within the core domain of the catalytic module and does not require the alpha-helical dimerization domain structural element (amino acids 767-811) for activating the catalytic module. Contrary to the current beliefs, the catalytic module is intrinsically active; it is directly regulated by the neurocalcin delta-modulated Ca(2+) signal and is dimeric in nature. A fold recognition based model of the catalytic domain of ROS-GC1 was built, and neurocalcin delta docking simulations were carried out to define the three-dimensional features of the interacting domains of the two molecules. These findings define a new transduction model for the Ca(2+) signaling of ROS-GC1.

Membrane guanylate cyclase is a beautiful signal transduction machine: overview

This article is a sequel to the four earlier comprehensive reviews which covered the field of membrane guanylate cyclase from its origin to the year 2002 (Sharma in Mol Cell Biochem 230:3-30, 2002) and then to the year 2004 (Duda et al. in Peptides 26:969-984, 2005); and of the Ca(2+)-modulated membrane guanylate cyclase to the year 1997 (Pugh et al. in Biosci Rep 17:429-473, 1997) and then to 2004 (Sharma et al. in Curr Top Biochem Res 6:111-144, 2004). This article contains three parts. The first part is "Historical"; it is brief, general, and freely borrowed from the earlier reviews, covering the field from its origin to the year 2004 (Sharma in Mol Cell Biochem, 230:3-30, 2002; Duda et al. in Peptides 26:969-984, 2005). The second part focuses on the "Ca(2+)-modulated ROS-GC membrane guanylate cyclase subfamily". It is divided into two sections. Section "Historical" and covers the area from its inception to the year 2004. It is also freely borrowed from an earlier review (Sharma et al. in Curr Top Biochem Res 6:111-144, 2004). Section "Ca(2+)-modulated ROS-GC membrane guanylate cyclase subfamily" covers the area from the year 2004 to May 2009. The objective is to focus on the chronological development, recognize major contributions of the original investigators, correct misplaced facts, and project on the future trend of the field of mammalian membrane guanylate cyclase. The third portion covers the present status and concludes with future directions in the field.

Guanylate cyclases and associated activator proteins in retinal disease

Two isoforms of guanylate cyclase, GC1 and GC2 encoded by GUCY2D and GUCY2F, are responsible for the replenishment of cGMP in photoreceptors after exposure to light. Both are required for the normal kinetics of photoreceptor sensitivity and recovery, although disease mutations are restricted to GUCY2D. Recessive mutations in this gene cause the severe early-onset blinding disorder Leber congenital amaurosis whereas dominant mutations result in a later onset less severe cone-rod dystrophy. Cyclase activity is regulated by Ca(2+) which binds to the GC-associated proteins, GCAP1 and GCAP2 encoded by GUCA1A and GUCA1B, respectively. No recessive mutations in either of these genes have been reported. Dominant missense mutations are largely confined to the Ca(2+)-binding EF hands of the proteins. In a similar fashion to the disease mechanism for the dominant GUCY2D mutations, these mutations generally alter the sensitivity of the cyclase to inhibition as Ca(2+) levels rise following a light flash.

Involvement of rhodopsin and ATP in the activation of membranous guanylate cyclase in retinal photoreceptor outer segments (ROS-GC) by GC-activating proteins (GCAPs): a new model for ROS-GC activation and its link to retinal diseases

Membranous guanylate cyclase in retinal photoreceptor outer segments (ROS-GC), a key enzyme for the recovery of photoreceptors to the dark state, has a topology identical to and cytoplasmic domains homologous to those of peptide-regulated GCs. However, under the prevailing concept, its activation mechanism is significantly different from those of peptide-regulated GCs: GC-activating proteins (GCAPs) function as the sole activator of ROS-GC in a Ca(2+)-sensitive manner, and neither reception of an outside signal by the extracellular domain (ECD) nor ATP binding to the kinase homology domain (KHD) is required for its activation. We have recently shown that ATP pre-binding to the KHD in ROS-GC drastically enhances its GCAP-stimulated activity, and that rhodopsin illumination, as the outside signal, is required for the ATP pre-binding. These results indicate that illuminated rhodopsin is involved in ROS-GC activation in two ways: to initiate ATP binding to ROS-GC for preparation of its activation and to reduce [Ca(2+)] through activation of cGMP phosphodiesterase. These two signal pathways are activated in a parallel and proportional manner and finally converge for strong activation of ROS-GC by Ca(2+)-free GCAPs. These results also suggest that the ECD receives the signal for ATP binding from illuminated rhodopsin. The ECD is projected into the intradiscal space, i.e., an intradiscal domain(s) of rhodopsin is also involved in the signal transfer. Many retinal disease-linked mutations are found in these intradiscal domains; however, their consequences are often unclear. This model will also provide novel insights into causal relationship between these mutations and certain retinal diseases.

Expression level and activity profile of membrane bound guanylate cyclase type 2 in rod outer segments

Rod and cone cells of the mammalian retina harbor two types of a membrane bound guanylate cyclase (GC), rod outer segment guanylate cyclase type 1 (ROS-GC1) and ROS-GC2. Both enzymes are regulated by small Ca(2+)-binding proteins named GC-activating proteins that operate as Ca2+ sensors and enable cyclases to respond to changes of intracellular Ca2+after illumination. We determined the expression level of ROS-GC2 in bovine ROS preparations and compared it with the level of ROS-GC1 in ROSs. The molar ratio of a ROS-GC2 dimer to rhodopsin was 1 : 13 200. The amount of ROS-GC1 was 25-fold higher than the amount of ROS-GC2. Heterologously expressed ROS-GC2 was differentially activated by GC-activating protein 1 and 2 at low free Ca2+ concentrations. Mutants of GC-activating protein 2 modulated ROS-GC2 in a manner different from their action on ROS-GC1 indicating that the Ca2+ sensitivity of the Ca2+ sensor is controlled by the mode of target-sensor interaction.

ATP signaling site in the ARM domain of atrial natriuretic factor receptor guanylate cyclase

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) receptor guanylate cyclase (ANF-RGC) is a single transmembrane spanning modular protein. It binds ANF to its extracellular module and activates its intracellular catalytic module located at its carboxyl end. This results in the accelerated production of cyclic GMP, which acts as a critical second messenger in decreasing blood pressure. Two mechanistic models have been proposed for the ANF signaling of ANF-RGC. One is ATP-dependent and the other ATP-independent. In the former, ATP works through the ARM (ATP-regulated transduction module) of ANF-RGC. This model has recently been challenged [Antos et al. (2005) J Biol Chem 280:26928-26932] in support of the ATP-independent model. The present in-depth study analyzes the major principles of this challenge and concludes that the challenge lacks merit. The study then moves on to dissect the ATP mechanism of ANF signaling of ANF-RGC. It shows that the ATP photoaffinity probe, [gamma(32)P]-8-azido-ATP, reacts with Cys(634) residue in the ATP-binding pocket of ARM, and also signals the ANF-dependent activation of ANF-RGC. The target site of the 8-azido (nitrene) group is between the Cys(634) and Val(635) bond of the ATP-binding pocket. Thus, the study experimentally validates the ARM model-predicted role of Val(635) in the folding pattern of the ATP-binding pocket. And, it also identifies another residue Cys(634) that along with eight already identified residues is a part of the fold around the adenine ring of the ATP pocket. This information establishes the direct role of ATP in ANF signal transduction model of ANF-RGC, and provides a significant advancement on the mechanism by which the ATP-dependent transduction model operates.

Structure and Ca2+ regulation of frog photoreceptor guanylate cyclase, ROS-GC1

Rod outer segment membrane guanylate cyclase (ROS-GC) is a critical component of the vertebrate phototransduction machinery. In response to photoillumination, it senses a decline in free Ca(2+) levels from 500 to below 100 nM, becomes activated, and replenishes the depleted cyclic GMP pool to restore the dark state of the photoreceptor cell. It exists in two forms, ROS-GC1 and ROS-GC2. In outer segments, ROS-GCs sense fluctuations in Ca(2+) via two Ca(2+)-binding proteins, which have been termed GCAP1 and GCAP2. In the present study we report on the cloning of two ROS-GCs from the frog retinal cDNA library. These cyclases are the structural and functional counterparts of the mammalian ROS-GC1 and ROS-GC2. There is, however, an important difference between the regulation of mammalian and frog ROS-GC1: In contrast to the mammalian, the frog form does not require the myristoylated form of GCAP1 for its Ca(2+)-dependent modulation. This feature is not dependent upon the ability of frog GCAP1 to bind Ca(2+) because unmyristoylated GCAP1 mutants which do not bind Ca(2+), activate frog ROS-GC1. The findings establish frog as a suitable phototransduction model and show a facet of frog ROS-GC signaling, which is not shared by the mammalian form.

A critical role for ATP in the stimulation of retinal guanylyl cyclase by guanylyl cyclase-activating proteins

It has been believed that retinal guanylyl cyclase (retGC), a key enzyme in the cGMP recovery to the dark state, is solely activated by guanylyl cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs) in a Ca2+-sensitive manner. However, a question has arisen as to whether the observed GCAP stimulation of retGC is sufficient to account for the cGMP recovery because the stimulated activity measured in vitro is less than the light/GTP-activated cGMP phosphodiesterase activity. Here we report that the retGC activation by GCAPs is larger than previously reported and that a preincubation with adenine nucleotide is essential for the large activation. Under certain conditions, ATP is two times more effective than adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), a hydrolysis-resistant ATP analog; however, this study mainly used AMP-PNP to focus on the role of adenine nucleotide binding to retGC. When photoreceptor outer segment homogenates are preincubated with AMP-PNP (EC50 = 0.65 +/- 0.20 mM), GCAP2 enhanced the retGC activity 10-13 times over the control rate. Without AMP-PNP, GCAP2 stimulated the control activity only 3-4-fold as in previous reports. The large activation is due to a GCAP2-dependent increase in Vmax without an alteration of retGC affinity for GCAP2 (EC50 = 47.9 +/- 2.7 nM). GCAP1 stimulated retGC activity in a similar fashion but with lower affinity (EC50 = 308 nM). In the AMP-PNP preincubation, low Ca2+ concentrations are not required, and retGC exists as a monomeric form. This large activation is accomplished through enhanced action of GCAPs as shown by Ca2+ inhibition of the activity (IC50 = 178 nM). We propose that retGC is activated by a two-step mechanism: a conformational change by ATP binding to its kinase homology domain under high Ca2+ concentrations that allows large enhancement of GCAP activation under low Ca2+ concentrations.

GCAPs: Ca2+-sensitive regulators of retGC

Lowered concentration of Ca2+ ions, resulting from illumination of the photoreceptor cell, is the signal for resynthesis of cGMP by retina-specific guanylyl cyclase (retGC). This Ca2+-dependent activation of retGC is mediated by Ca2+-binding proteins named GCAPs (guanylyl cyclase-activating proteins) and contributes to the recovery of photoreceptor cell to the dark state. Three different GCAPs (GCAP1, GCAP2 and GCAP3) are identified in vertebrate retina to date. In this chapter we describe their discovery, methods of purification, properties, and possible modes of action.

Expression of membrane-bound and soluble guanylyl cyclase mRNAs in embryonic and adult retina of the medaka fish Oryzias latipes

Localization of mRNAs for four membrane-bound guanylyl cyclases (membrane GCs; OlGC3, OlGC4, OlGC5, and OlGC-R2), three soluble guanylyl cyclase subunits (soluble GC; OlGCS-alpha(1), OlGCS-alpha(2), and OlGCS-beta(1)), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGK I) was examined in the embryonic and adult retinas of the medaka fish Oryzias latipes by in situ hybridization. All of the membrane GC mRNAs were detected in the photoreceptor cells of the adult and embryonic retinas, but in different parts; the OlGC3 and OlGC5 mRNAs were expressed in the proximal part and the OlGC4 and OlGC-R2 mRNAs were expressed in the outer nuclear layer. The mRNA for nNOS was expressed in a scattered fashion on the inner side of the inner nuclear layer in the adult and embryonic retinas. The mRNAs (OlGCS-alpha(2) and OlGCS- beta(1)) of two soluble GC subunits (alpha(2) and beta(1)) were expressed mainly in the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer of the embryonic retina while the mRNAs of the soluble GC alpha(1) subunit and cGK I were not detected in either the adult or embryonic retina. These results suggest that NO itself and/or the cGMP generated by soluble GC (alpha(2)/beta(1) heterodimer) play a novel role in the neuronal signaling and neuronal development in the medaka fish embryonic retina in addition to the role played by phototransduction through membrane GCs in the adult and embryonic retinas.

Guanylyl cyclases as a family of putative odorant receptors

Mammals can discriminate among a large number (> 10,000) of unique odorants. The most highly supported explanation for this ability is that olfactory neurons express a large number of seven transmembrane receptors that are not spatially organized at the level of the olfactory epithelium, but whose axonal projections form a distinct pattern within the olfactory bulb. The odor-induced signaling pathway in olfactory neurons includes a Gs-like protein (G(olf)) that activates a specific adenylyl cyclase (type III) isoform, resulting in elevations of cyclic AMP and subsequent activation of a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel. The channel also can be regulated by cyclic GMP. Recently, an olfactory neuron-specific guanylyl cyclase was discovered in rodents, and subsequently a large family of sensory neuronal guanylyl cyclases was identified in nematodes. These guanylyl cyclases are concentrated in the plasma membrane of the dendritic cilia and contain extracellular domains that retain many of the primary sequence characteristics of guanylyl cyclases known to be receptors for various peptides. Thus, the guanylyl cyclases appear to represent a second family of odorant/pheromone receptors.

Regulation of photoreceptor membrane guanylyl cyclases by guanylyl cyclase activator proteins

Guanylyl cyclase (GC) plays a central role in the responses of vertebrate rod and cone photoreceptors to light. cGMP is an internal messenger molecule of vertebrate phototransduction. Light stimulates hydrolysis of cGMP, causing the closure of cGMP-dependent cation channels in the plasma membranes of photoreceptor outer segments. Light also lowers the concentration of intracellular free Ca(2+) and by doing so it stimulates resynthesis of cGMP by guanylyl cyclase. The guanylyl cyclases that couple Ca(2+) to cGMP synthesis in photoreceptors are members of a family of transmembrane guanylyl cyclases that includes atrial natriuretic peptide receptors and the heat-stable enterotoxin receptor. The photoreceptor membrane guanylyl cyclases, RetGC-1 and RetGC-2 (also referred to as GC-E and GC-F), are regulated intracellularly by two Ca(2+)-binding proteins, GCAP-1 and GCAP-2. GCAPs bind Ca(2+) at three functional EF-hand structures. Several lines of biochemical evidence suggest that guanylyl cyclase activator proteins (GCAPs) bind constitutively to an intracellular domain of RetGCs. In the absence of Ca(2+) GCAP stimulates and in the presence of Ca(2+) it inhibits cyclase activity. Proper functioning of RetGC and GCAP is necessary not only for normal photoresponses but also for photoreceptor viability since mutations in RetGC and in GCAP cause photoreceptor degeneration.

Regions in vertebrate photoreceptor guanylyl cyclase ROS-GC1 involved in Ca(2+)-dependent regulation by guanylyl cyclase-activating protein GCAP-1

The membrane bound guanylyl cyclase (GC) photoreceptor membrane GC1 (ROS-GCI) of photoreceptor cells synthesizes cGMP, the intracellular transmitter of vertebrate phototransduction. The activity of ROS-GCI is controlled by small Ca(2+)-binding proteins, named GC-activating proteins (GCAPs). We identified and characterized two short regulatory regions (M445-L456 and L503-1522) in the juxtamembrane domain (JMD) of ROS-GC1 by peptide competition and mutagenesis studies. Both regions are critical for the activation of ROS-GCI by GCAP-1.

Activation of retinal guanylyl cyclase-1 by Ca2+-binding proteins involves its dimerization

Retinal guanylyl cyclase-1 (retGC-1), a key enzyme in phototransduction, is activated by guanylyl cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs) if [Ca2+] is less than 300 nM. The activation is believed to be essential for the recovery of photoreceptors to the dark state; however, the molecular mechanism of the activation is unknown. Here, we report that dimerization of retGC-1 is involved in its activation by GCAPs. The GC activity and the formation of a 210-kDa cross-linked product of retGC-1 were monitored in bovine rod outer segment homogenates, GCAPs-free bovine rod outer segment membranes and recombinant bovine retGC-1 expressed in COS-7 cells. In addition to recombinant bovine GCAPs, constitutively active mutants of GCAPs that activate retGC-1 in a [Ca2+]-independent manner and bovine brain S100b that activates retGC-1 in the presence of approximately 10 microM [Ca2+] were used to investigate whether these activations take place through a similar mechanism, and whether [Ca2+] is directly involved in the dimerization. We found that a monomeric form of retGC-1 ( approximately 110 kDa) was mainly observed whenever GC activity was at basal or low levels. However, the 210-kDa product was increased whenever the GC activity was stimulated by any Ca2+-binding proteins used. We also found that [Ca2+] did not directly regulate the formation of the 210-kDa product. The 210-kDa product was detected in a purified GC preparation and did not contain GCAPs even when the formation of the 210-kDa product was stimulated by GCAPs. These data strongly suggest that the 210-kDa cross-linked product is a homodimer of retGC-1. We conclude that inactive retGC-1 is predominantly a monomeric form, and that dimerization of retGC-1 may be an essential step for its activation by active forms of GCAPs.

Identification of a domain in guanylyl cyclase-activating protein 1 that interacts with a complex of guanylyl cyclase and tubulin in photoreceptors

The membrane-bound guanylyl cyclase in rod photoreceptors is activated by guanylyl cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP-1) at low free [Ca2+]. GCAP-1 is a Ca2+-binding protein and belongs to the superfamily of EF-hand proteins. We created an oligopeptide library of overlapping peptides that encompass the entire amino acid sequence of GCAP-1. Peptides were used in competitive screening assays to identify interaction regions in GCAP-1 that directly bind the guanylyl cyclase in bovine photoreceptor cells. We found four regions in GCAP-1 that participate in regulating guanylyl cyclase. A 15-amino acid peptide located adjacent to the second EF-hand motif (Phe73-Lys87) was identified as the main interaction domain. Inhibition of GCAP-1-stimulated guanylyl cyclase activity by the peptide Phe73-Lys87 was completely relieved when an excess amount of GCAP-1 was added. An affinity column made from this peptide was able to bind a complex of photoreceptor guanylyl cyclase and tubulin. Using an anti-GCAP-1 antibody, we coimmunoprecipitated GCAP-1 with guanylyl cyclase and tubulin. Complex formation between GCAP-1 and guanylyl cyclase was observed independent of [Ca2+]. Our experiments suggest that there exists a tight association of guanylyl cyclase and tubulin in rod outer segments.

Rod outer segment membrane guanylate cyclase type 1 (ROS-GC1) gene: structure, organization and regulation by phorbol ester, a protein kinase C activator

At present there are two recognized members of the ROS-GC subfamily of membrane guanylate cyclases. They are ROS-GC1 and ROS-GC2. A distinctive feature of this family is that its members are not switched on by the extracellular peptide hormones; instead, they are modulated by intracellular Ca2+ signals, consistent to their linkage with phototransduction. An intriguing feature of ROS-GC1, which distinguishes it from ROS-GC2, is that it has two Ca2+ switches. One switch inhibits the enzyme at micromolar concentrations of Ca2+, as in phototransduction; the other, stimulates. The stimulatory switch, most likely, is linked to retinal synaptic activity. Thus, ROS-GC1 is linked to both phototransduction and the synaptic activity. The present study describes (1) the almost complete structural identity of 18.5 kb ROS-GC1 gene; (2) its structural organization: the gene is composed of 20 exons and 19 introns with classical GT/AG boundaries; (3) the activity of the ROS-GC1 promoter assayed through luciferase reporter in COS cells; and (4) induction of the gene by phorbol ester, a protein kinase C (PKC) activator. The co-presence of PKC and ROS-GC1 in photoreceptors suggests that regulation of the ROS-GC1 gene by PKC might be a physiologically relevant phenomenon.

Organization of the canine gene encoding the E isoform of retinal guanylate cyclase (cGC-E) and exclusion of its involvement in the inherited retinal dystrophy of the Swedish Briard and Briard-beagle dogs

Intracellular cyclic GMP concentration is known to change in response to a wide variety of agents, including hormones, neurotransmitters or light. In vertebrate photoreceptors, different membrane-bound guanylate cyclase isoforms are responsible for cGMP synthesis and thus directly involved in termination of light signalling via the phototransduction cascade and recovery of the dark state. We have characterized a 4.7 kb long cDNA for the canine retinal guanylate cyclase isoform E (cGC-E) predicting a polypeptide of 1109 amino acids. The genomic structure and the complete sequence of the canine GC-E gene, which consists of 20 exons and spans about 14.5 kb, has also been determined. Northern blot analysis showed that GC-E was expressed in the canine retina as a 4.7 and 6.1 kb large transcript. RT-PCR analysis also detected low expression in cerebrum (occipital lobe). We performed a sequence analysis of the cGC-E gene in animals of a Swedish Briard and Briard-Beagle dog kinship in which an inherited retinal dystrophy is segregating. Several intragenic DNA polymorphisms were identified and used for segregation analysis which excluded cGC-E as a candidate gene for this type of canine retinal dystrophy.

The alpha(2D/A)-adrenergic receptor-linked membrane guanylate cyclase: a new signal transduction system in the pineal gland

In the pineal gland, the membrane guanylate cyclase activity was specifically stimulated by alpha(2D/A)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2D/A)-AR) agonists. The agonists, however, did not stimulate the cyclase activity in the cell-free membranes. It was possible to stimulate the cyclase in cell-free membranes by the addition of the pineal soluble fraction, but this stimulation was Ca2+-dependent and alpha(2D/A)-agonist-independent. It was also possible to achieve Ca2+-dependent stimulation of the cyclase by the direct addition of CD-GCAP to the isolated pineal membranes. CD-GCAP is a Ca2+-binding protein and is a specific activator of one of the two members of the ROS-GC subfamily of membrane guanylate cyclases, ROS-GC1. The soluble fraction of the pineal gland stimulated recombinant ROS-GC1 in a Ca2+-dependent fashion. The direct presence of both ROS-GC1 and CD-GCAP in the pineal was established by molecular cloning/PCR studies. The findings demonstrate the existence of a novel signal transduction mechanism--the linkage of the alpha(2D/A)-AR signaling system with ROS-GC1 transduction system, occurring through intracellular Ca2+ via CD-GCAP.

Calcium modulated signaling site in type 2 rod outer segment membrane guanylate cyclase (ROS-GC2)

The ROS-GC subfamily of membrane guanylate cyclases is at present represented by two members: ROS-GC1 and ROS-GC2. A unique functional feature of this subfamily is that it is intracellularly modulated in low Ca2+ concentration by calmodulin-like Ca(2+)-binding proteins termed GCAPs, 1 and 2, and the modulation is consistent with its linkage to phototransduction. The present study shows that: (1) GCAP2 is a specific modulator of ROS-GC2; (2) through systematic remodeling of ROS-GC modules, the study also shows that the modulated domain resides within the amino acid segment 736-1020. This domain is distinct form the corresponding GCAP1-modulated ROS-GC1 domain. Thus, GCAP1 and GCAP2 act through different ROS-GCs and through two different cyclase domains.

Differential activation of rod outer segment membrane guanylate cyclases, ROS-GC1 and ROS-GC2, by CD-GCAP and identification of the signaling domain

The ROS-GC is one of the two subfamilies of membrane guanylate cyclases. It distinguishes itself from the other surface receptor subfamily in that its members are not regulated by extracellular peptides; instead, they are modulated by intracellular Ca2+ signals. There are two members of the subfamily, ROS-GC1 and ROS-GC2. An intriguing feature of ROS-GC1 is that it has two Ca2+ switches. One switch inhibits the enzyme at micromolar concentrations of Ca2+, and the other stimulates. The inhibitory switch is linked to phototransduction, and it is likely that the stimulatory switch is linked to retinal synaptic activity. Ca2+ acts indirectly via Ca(2+)-binding proteins, GCAPs and CD-GCAP. GCAPs modulate the inhibitory switching component of the cyclase and CD-GCAP turns on the activation signaling switch. The activating switch of ROS-GC2 has not so far been scrutinized. The present study shows that CD-GCAP is linked to the activation signaling switch of ROS-GC2, but the linkage is about 10-fold weaker than that of the ROS-GC1. Thus, CD-GCAP is a specific ROS-GC1 activator. Furthermore, through a series of expression studies on the mutants involving deletion, building of hybrids, and reconstruction of a heterologous cyclase, the study confirms that the CD-GCAP regulated switch resides within the amino acid segment 736-1053 of the cyclase.