Identification of amino acid residues of rat angiotensin II receptor for ligand binding by site directed mutagenesis

Quantum binding energy features of the drug olmesartan bound to angiotensin type-1 receptors in the therapeutics of stroke

We investigated the binding energies of 105 residues within a 10 Å pocket radius, predicted the energetic relevance of olmesartan regions, and the influence of individual protein segments on OLM -AT1 binding.

Transcriptome sequencing of the gill and barbel of Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) revealed immune responses and novel rhamnose-binding lectins (RBLs)

Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) is an economically important species widely cultured in China. It is well known for its fast growth, strong resistance to diseases and euryphage. However, little is known about the mechanisms for its powerful immune systems. Our Fish-T1K project has finished its first phase of 200 fish transcriptomes, with sequencing of gills in most examined fishes. In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing of the gill and the maxillary barbel of Southern catfish, with the latter as a control. High expression of immune-related transcripts were observed in these two tissues. We observed that genes in the T cell receptor signaling pathway had higher transcription values in the gill than in the barbel. In addition, eight new rhamnose-binding lectins (RBLs) were identified and their carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) were classified according to the eight conserved cysteine residues and two conserved motifs (-YGR- and -DPC-). This is the first transcriptome report by high-throughput sequencing of the Southern catfish. Our genomic data and discovery of novel RBLs in this project should be able to promote better understandings of the roles of gills in immune responses and disease prevention for further aquaculture.

Divergent Spatiotemporal Interaction of Angiotensin Receptor Blocking Drugs with Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor

Crystal structures of the human angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁R) complex with the antihypertensive agent ZD7155 (PDB id: 4YAY ) and the blood pressure medication Benicar (PDB id: 4ZUD ) showed that binding poses of both antagonists are similar. This finding implies that clinically used angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) drugs may interact in a similar fashion. However, clinically observed differences in pharmacological and therapeutic efficacies of ARBs lead to the question of whether the dynamic interactions of AT₁R with ARBs vary. To address this, we performed induced-fit docking (IFD) of eight clinically used ARBs to AT₁R followed by 200 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The experimental K_i values for ARBs correlated remarkably well with calculated free energy with R² = 0.95 and 0.70 for AT₁R-ARB models generated respectively by IFD and MD simulation. The eight ARB-AT₁R complexes share a common set of binding residues. In addition, MD simulation results validated by mutagenesis data discovered distinctive spatiotemporal interactions that display unique bonding between an individual ARB and AT₁R. These findings provide a reasonably broader picture reconciling the structure-based observations with clinical studies reporting efficacy variations for ARBs. The unique differences unraveled for ARBs in this study will be useful for structure-based design of the next generation of more potent and selective ARBs.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCIX. Angiotensin Receptors: Interpreters of Pathophysiological Angiotensinergic Stimuli [corrected]

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) produced hormone peptides regulate many vital body functions. Dysfunctional signaling by receptors for RAS peptides leads to pathologic states. Nearly half of humanity today would likely benefit from modern drugs targeting these receptors. The receptors for RAS peptides consist of three G-protein-coupled receptors—the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor), the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2 receptor), the MAS receptor—and a type II trans-membrane zinc protein—the candidate angiotensin IV receptor (AngIV binding site). The prorenin receptor is a relatively new contender for consideration, but is not included here because the role of prorenin receptor as an independent endocrine mediator is presently unclear. The full spectrum of biologic characteristics of these receptors is still evolving, but there is evidence establishing unique roles of each receptor in cardiovascular, hemodynamic, neurologic, renal, and endothelial functions, as well as in cell proliferation, survival, matrix-cell interaction, and inflammation. Therapeutic agents targeted to these receptors are either in active use in clinical intervention of major common diseases or under evaluation for repurposing in many other disorders. Broad-spectrum influence these receptors produce in complex pathophysiological context in our body highlights their role as precise interpreters of distinctive angiotensinergic peptide cues. This review article summarizes findings published in the last 15 years on the structure, pharmacology, signaling, physiology, and disease states related to angiotensin receptors. We also discuss the challenges the pharmacologist presently faces in formally accepting newer members as established angiotensin receptors and emphasize necessary future developments.

Structure-Function Basis of Attenuated Inverse Agonism of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers for Active-State Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor

Ligand-independent signaling by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) can be activated in clinical settings by mechanical stretch and autoantibodies as well as receptor mutations. Transition of the AT1R to the activated state is known to lower inverse agonistic efficacy of clinically used AT1R blockers (ARBs). The structure-function basis for reduced efficacy of inverse agonists is a fundamental aspect that has been understudied not only in relation to the AT1R but also regarding other homologous receptors. Here, we demonstrate that the active-state transition in the AT1R indeed attenuates an inverse agonistic effect of four biphenyl-tetrazole ARBs through changes in specific ligand-receptor interactions. In the ground state, tight interactions of four ARBs with a set of residues (Ser109(TM3), Phe182(ECL2), Gln257(TM6), Tyr292(TM7), and Asn295(TM7)) results in potent inverse agonism. In the activated state, the ARB-AT1R interactions shift to a different set of residues (Val108(TM3), Ser109(TM3), Ala163(TM4), Phe182(ECL2), Lys199(TM5), Tyr292(TM7), and Asn295(TM7)), resulting in attenuated inverse agonism. Interestingly, V108I, A163T, N295A, and F182A mutations in the activated state of the AT1R shift the functional response to the ARB binding toward agonism, but in the ground state the same mutations cause inverse agonism. Our data show that the second extracellular loop is an important regulator of the functional states of the AT1R. Our findings suggest that the quest for discovering novel ARBs, and improving current ARBs, fundamentally depends on the knowledge of the unique sets of residues that mediate inverse agonistic potency in the two states of the AT1R.

Structural determinants for binding, activation, and functional selectivity of the angiotensin AT1 receptor

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders. Pharmacologic interventions targeting the RAS cascade have led to the discovery of renin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and AT(1) receptor blockers (ARBs) to treat hypertension and some cardiovascular and renal disorders. Mutagenesis and modeling studies have revealed that differential functional outcomes are the results of multiple active states conformed by the AT(1) receptor upon interaction with angiotensin II (Ang II). The binding of agonist is dependent on both extracellular and intramembrane regions of the receptor molecule, and as a consequence occupies more extensive area of the receptor than a non-peptide antagonist. Both agonist and antagonist bind to the same intramembrane regions to interfere with each other's binding to exhibit competitive, surmountable interaction. The nature of interactions with the amino acids in the receptor is different for each of the ARBs given the small differences in the molecular structure between drugs. AT(1) receptors attain different conformation states after binding various Ang II analogues, resulting in variable responses through activation of multiple signaling pathways. These include both classical and non-classical pathways mediated through growth factor receptor transactivations, and provide cross-communication between downstream signaling molecules. The structural requirements for AT(1) receptors to activate extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 through G proteins, or G protein-independently through β-arrestin, are different. We review the structural and functional characteristics of Ang II and its analogs and antagonists, and their interaction with amino acid residues in the AT(1) receptor.

Differential mechanisms of activation of the Ang peptide receptors AT1, AT2, and MAS: using in silico techniques to differentiate the three receptors

The renin-angiotensin system is involved in multiple conditions ranging from cardiovascular disorders to cancer. Components of the pathway, including ACE, renin and angiotensin receptors are targets for disease treatment. This study addresses three receptors of the pathway: AT1, AT2, and MAS and how the receptors are similar and differ in activation by angiotensin peptides. Combining biochemical and amino acid variation data with multiple species sequence alignments, structural models, and docking site predictions allows for visualization of how angiotensin peptides may bind and activate the receptors; allowing identification of conserved and variant mechanisms in the receptors. MAS differs from AT1 favoring Ang-(1–7) and not Ang II binding, while AT2 recently has been suggested to preferentially bind Ang III. A new model of Ang peptide binding to AT1 and AT2 is proposed that correlates data from site directed mutagenesis and photolabled experiments that were previously considered conflicting. Ang II binds AT1 and AT2 through a conserved initial binding mode involving amino acids 111 (consensus 325) of AT1 (Asn) interacting with Tyr (4) of Ang II and 199 and 256 (consensus 512 and 621, a Lys and His respectively) interacting with Phe (8) of Ang II. In MAS these sites are not conserved, leading to differential binding and activation by Ang-(1–7). In both AT1 and AT2, the Ang II peptide may internalize through Phe (8) of Ang II propagating through the receptors’ conserved aromatic amino acids to the final photolabled positioning relative to either AT1 (amino acid 294, Asn, consensus 725) or AT2 (138, Leu, consensus 336). Understanding receptor activation provides valuable information for drug design and identification of other receptors that can potentially bind Ang peptides.

Structure of the human angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor bound to angiotensin II from multiple chemoselective photoprobe contacts reveals a unique peptide binding mode

Breakthroughs in G protein-coupled receptor structure determination based on crystallography have been mainly obtained from receptors occupied in their transmembrane domain core by low molecular weight ligands, and we have only recently begun to elucidate how the extracellular surface of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) allows for the binding of larger peptide molecules. In the present study, we used a unique chemoselective photoaffinity labeling strategy, the methionine proximity assay, to directly identify at physiological conditions a total of 38 discrete ligand/receptor contact residues that form the extracellular peptide-binding site of an activated GPCR, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. This experimental data set was used in homology modeling to guide the positioning of the angiotensin II (AngII) peptide within several GPCR crystal structure templates. We found that the CXC chemokine receptor type 4 accommodated the results better than the other templates evaluated; ligand/receptor contact residues were spatially grouped into defined interaction clusters with AngII. In the resulting receptor structure, a β-hairpin fold in extracellular loop 2 in conjunction with two extracellular disulfide bridges appeared to open and shape the entrance of the ligand-binding site. The bound AngII adopted a somewhat vertical binding mode, allowing concomitant contacts across the extracellular surface and deep within the transmembrane domain core of the receptor. We propose that such a dualistic nature of GPCR interaction could be well suited for diffusible linear peptide ligands and a common feature of other peptidergic class A GPCRs.

A minimal ligand binding pocket within a network of correlated mutations identified by multiple sequence and structural analysis of G protein coupled receptors

Background

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven helical transmembrane proteins that function as signal transducers. They bind ligands in their extracellular and transmembrane regions and activate cognate G proteins at their intracellular surface at the other side of the membrane. The relay of allosteric communication between the ligand binding site and the distant G protein binding site is poorly understood. In this study, GREMLIN [1], a recently developed method that identifies networks of co-evolving residues from multiple sequence alignments, was used to identify those that may be involved in communicating the activation signal across the membrane. The GREMLIN-predicted long-range interactions between amino acids were analyzed with respect to the seven GPCR structures that have been crystallized at the time this study was undertaken.

Results

GREMLIN significantly enriches the edges containing residues that are part of the ligand binding pocket, when compared to a control distribution of edges drawn from a random graph. An analysis of these edges reveals a minimal GPCR binding pocket containing four residues (T118^3.33, M207^5.42, Y268^6.51 and A292^7.39). Additionally, of the ten residues predicted to have the most long-range interactions (A117^3.32, A272^6.55, E113^3.28, H211^5.46, S186^EC2, A292^7.39, E122^3.37, G90^2.57, G114^3.29 and M207^5.42), nine are part of the ligand binding pocket.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the use of GREMLIN to reveal a network of statistically correlated and functionally important residues in class A GPCRs. GREMLIN identified that ligand binding pocket residues are extensively correlated with distal residues. An analysis of the GREMLIN edges across multiple structures suggests that there may be a minimal binding pocket common to the seven known GPCRs. Further, the activation of rhodopsin involves these long-range interactions between extracellular and intracellular domain residues mediated by the retinal domain.

Structural analysis of three peptides related to the transmambranic helix VI of AT1 receptor

INTRODUCTION

Angiotensin II (AII) is the main active product of the renin angiotensin system. Better known effects of AII are via AT1 receptor (AT1R). Expression of AT1R mutants (L265D and L262D) in CHO cells increased cAMP formation when compared to CHO cells expressing the wild type (WT) AT1R. Morphological transformation of CHO cells transfected with mutants correlated with their increased cAMP formation. DNA synthesis was inhibited in these cells too, indicating that cAMP promotes inhibitory effects on transfected CHO cells growth and causes their morphological change from a tumorigenic phenotype to a non-tumorigenic one.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the importance of leucine 262 and 265 in determining AT1R structure by means of a comparative structural analysis of two mutant peptides and of a wild-type fragment.

METHODOLOGY

Three peptides had their conformation compared by circular dichroism (CD): L262D(259-272), L265D(259-272) (mutants) and WT(260-277).

RESULTS

Secondary structures were: beta-turn for WT and L262D and random coil for L265D.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong correlation was found in the results of biochemical, cellular and structural approaches used to compare WT AT1R to mutant types. Random coil structure of the L265D mutant may be a key point to explain those changes observed in biochemical (binding and signal transduction) and proliferation assays (Correa et al., 2005). beta-Turn formation is an important step during early protein folding and this secondary simple structure is present in L262D and WT, but not in L265D. Therefore, leucine 265 seems to play a crucial role in determining an entirely functional AT1R.

Ligand-specific conformation of extracellular loop-2 in the angiotensin II type 1 receptor

The orientation of the second extracellular loop (ECL2) is divergent in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) structures determined. This discovery provoked the question, is the ECL2 conformation differentially regulated in the GPCRs that respond to diffusible ligands? We have determined the conformation of the ECL2 of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor by reporter-cysteine accessibility mapping in different receptor states (i.e. empty, agonist-bound and antagonist-bound). We introduced cysteines at each position of ECL2 of an N-terminal epitope-tagged receptor surrogate lacking all non-essential cysteines and then measured reaction of these with a cysteine-reactive biotin probe. The ability of biotinylated mutant receptors to react with a steptavidin-HRP-conjugated antibody was used as the basis for examining differences in accessibility. Two segments of ECL2 were accessible in the empty receptor, indicating an open conformation of ECL2. These segments were inaccessible in the ligand-bound states of the receptor. Using the accessibility constraint, we performed molecular dynamics simulation to predict ECL2 conformation in different states of the receptor. Analysis suggested that a lid conformation similar to that of ECL2 in rhodopsin was induced upon binding both agonist and antagonist, but exposing different accessible segments delimited by the highly conserved disulfide bond. Our study reveals the ability of ECL2 to interact with diffusing ligands and to adopt a ligand-specific lid conformation, thus, slowing down dissociation of ligands when bound. Distinct conformations induced by the bound agonist and the antagonist around the conserved disulfide bond suggest an important role for this disulfide bond in producing different functional states of the receptor.

Analysis of transmembrane domains 1 and 4 of the human angiotensin II AT1 receptor by cysteine-scanning mutagenesis

The octapeptide hormone angiotensin II (AngII) exerts a wide variety of cardiovascular effects through the activation of the AT(1) receptor, which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Like other G protein-coupled receptors, the AT(1) receptor possesses seven transmembrane domains that provide structural support for the formation of the ligand-binding pocket. Here, we investigated the role of the first and fourth transmembrane domains (TMDs) in the formation of the binding pocket of the human AT(1) receptor using the substituted-cysteine accessibility method. Each residue within the Phe-28((1.32))-Ile-53((1.57)) fragment of TMD1 and Leu-143((4.40))-Phe-170((4.67)) fragment of TMD4 was mutated, one at a time, to a cysteine. The resulting mutant receptors were expressed in COS-7 cells, which were subsequently treated with the charged sulfhydryl-specific alkylating agent methanethiosulfonate ethylammonium (MTSEA). This treatment led to a significant reduction in the binding affinity of TMD1 mutants M30C((1.34))-AT(1) and T33C((1.37))-AT(1) and TMD4 mutant V169C((4.66))-AT(1). Although this reduction in binding of the TMD1 mutants was maintained when examined in a constitutively active receptor (N111G-AT(1)) background, we found that V169C((4.66))-AT(1) remained unaffected when treated with MTSEA compared with untreated in this context. Moreover, the complete loss of binding observed for R167C((4.64))-AT(1) was restored upon treatment with MTSEA. Our results suggest that the extracellular portion of TMD1, particularly residues Met-30((1.34)) and Thr-33((1.37)), as well as residues Arg-167((4.64)) and Val-169((4.66)) at the junction of TMD4 and the second extracellular loop, are important binding determinants within the AT(1) receptor binding pocket but that these TMDs undergo very little movement, if at all, during the activation process.

Mechanisms and functions of agonist-independent activation in the angiotensin II type 1 receptor

The angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 (AT(1)) receptor is a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, and is involved in regulating the physiological and pathological process of the cardiovascular system. Systemically and locally generated AngII has agonistic action on AT(1) receptor, but recent studies have demonstrated that AT(1) receptor inherently shows spontaneous activity even in the absence of AngII. Furthermore, mechanical stress can activate AT(1) receptor by inducing conformational switch without the involvement of AngII, and induce cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. These agonist-independent activities of AT(1) receptor can be inhibited by inverse agonists, but not by neutral antagonists. Considerable attention has been directed to molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of agonist-independent AT(1) receptor activation, and inverse agonist activity emerges as an important pharmacological parameter for AT(1) receptor blockers that will improve efficacy and expand therapeutic potentials in cardiovascular medicine.

Thiol antioxidants regulate angiotensin II AT1 and arginine vasopressin V1 receptor functions differently in vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

We compared the effects of the sulfhydryl-containing (thiol) antioxidant dithiothreitol (DTT), which disrupts disulfide bonds, on cell signaling through angiotensin II (AngII) Type 1 receptors (AT1Rs) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) V1 receptors (V1Rs). The AT1R contains two extracellular disulfides bonds but its ligand contains none, whereas the V1R contains no extracellular disufides bonds but its ligand contains 1.

METHODS

We measured radioligand binding, intracellular calcium responses, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells and alterations in urine osmolality in intact rats.

RESULTS

Preincubation of cells with DTT, a maneuver designed to target receptor disulfides, resulted in concentration-dependent decreases in specific (125)I-AngII binding to AT1Rs and acute angiotensin-stimulated intracellular calcium mobilization but no decreases in specific (125)I-AVP binding to V1Rs or AVP-stimulated intracellular calcium mobilization. In contrast, preincubation of the ligands with DTT followed by acute exposure to the cells, a maneuver designed to target ligand disulfides, blunted calcium mobilization to AVP robustly but to AngII only minimally. In intact rats, the increase in urine osmolality caused by subcutaneous injection with the AVP analogue desmopressin was significantly diminished when the analogue was preincubated with an excess of DTT.

CONCLUSION

DTT inhibits cell signaling to AngII AT1Rs and AVP V1Rs, at least in part through disruption of disulfide linkages, but the pattern of response depends upon whether disulfides of ligand or receptor are targeted.

The significance of brain aminopeptidases in the regulation of the actions of angiotensin peptides in the brain

From the outset, the concept of a brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been controversial and this controversy continues to this day. In addition to the unresolved questions as to the means by which, and location(s) where brain Ang II is synthesized, and the uncertainties regarding the functionality of the different subtypes of Ang II receptors in the brain, a new controversy has arisen with respect to the identity of the angiotensin peptide(s) that activate brain AT(1) receptors. While it has been known for some time that Ang III can activate Ang II receptors with equivalent or near-equivalent efficacy to Ang II, it has been proposed that in the brain, only Ang III is active. This proposal, which we have named "The Angiotensin III Hypothesis" states that Ang II must be converted to Ang III in order to activate brain AT(1) receptors. This review examines several aspects of the controversies regarding the brain RAS with a special focus on brain aminopeptidases, studies that either support or refute The Angiotensin III Hypothesis, and the implications of The Angiotensin III Hypothesis for the activity of the brain RAS. It also addresses the need for further research that can test The Angiotensin III Hypothesis and definitively identify the angiotensin peptide(s) that activate brain AT(1) receptor-mediated effects.

Brain angiotensin receptors and binding proteins

This review addresses classical and novel aspects of the brain angiotensin system. The brain contains both the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor subtypes which are well-characterized guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Like other GPCRs, novel signal transduction pathways and protein interactions are being described for Ang II receptors. For brain AT1 receptors, there is a controversy regarding the identity of the active angiotensin peptide in the brain which is addressed in this review. This review also summarizes a recent discovery of a novel, membrane-bound, non-AT1, non-AT2 binding site for angiotensin peptides that appears to be brain-specific. This binding site is unmasked by a limited concentration range of the organometallic sulfhydryl-reactive agent p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) suggesting that functional expression of this binding site may depend on the redox state of the milieu of the brain. While this binding site has similarities to a previously described soluble angiotensin-binding protein found in liver that is unmasked by PCMB, it has many different characteristics. The possible functional significance of this novel non-AT1, non-AT2 binding site for angiotensin peptides as a mediator of non-traditional actions of Ang II in the brain, e.g., stimulation of dopamine release from the striatum, as a peptidase, or as a clearance receptor, and the importance of the state of the internal environment of the brain to its function is reviewed.

The Angiotensin II AT1 Receptor Structure-Activity Correlations in the Light of Rhodopsin Structure

The most prevalent physiological effects of ANG II, the main product of the renin-angiotensin system, are mediated by the AT1 receptor, a rhodopsin-like AGPCR. Numerous studies of the cardiovascular effects of synthetic peptide analogs allowed a detailed mapping of ANG II's structural requirements for receptor binding and activation, which were complemented by site-directed mutagenesis studies on the AT1 receptor to investigate the role of its structure in ligand binding, signal transduction, phosphorylation, binding to arrestins, internalization, desensitization, tachyphylaxis, and other properties. The knowledge of the high-resolution structure of rhodopsin allowed homology modeling of the AT1 receptor. The models thus built and mutagenesis data indicate that physiological (agonist binding) or constitutive (mutated receptor) activation may involve different degrees of expansion of the receptor's central cavity. Residues in ANG II structure seem to control these conformational changes and to dictate the type of cytosolic event elicited during the activation. 1) Agonist aromatic residues (Phe8 and Tyr4) favor the coupling to G protein, and 2) absence of these residues can favor a mechanism leading directly to receptor internalization via phosphorylation by specific kinases of the receptor's COOH-terminal Ser and Thr residues, arrestin binding, and clathrin-dependent coated-pit vesicles. On the other hand, the NH2-terminal residues of the agonists ANG II and [Sar1]-ANG II were found to bind by two distinct modes to the AT1 receptor extracellular site flanked by the COOH-terminal segments of the EC-3 loop and the NH2-terminal domain. Since the [Sar1]-ligand is the most potent molecule to trigger tachyphylaxis in AT1 receptors, it was suggested that its corresponding binding mode might be associated with this special condition of receptors.

S-nitrosylation of cysteine 289 of the AT1 receptor decreases its binding affinity for angiotensin II

1. Nitric oxide (NO) is known to affect the properties of various proteins via the S-nitrosylation of cysteine residues. This study evaluated the direct effects of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the pharmacological properties of the AT1 receptor for angiotensin II expressed in HEK-293 cells. 2. SNP dose-dependently decreased the binding affinity of the AT1 receptor without affecting its total binding capacity. This modulatory effect was reversed within 5 min of removing SNP. 3. The effect of SNP was not modified in the presence of the G protein uncoupling agent GTPgammaS or the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. 4. The binding properties of a mutant AT1 receptor in which all five cysteine residues within the transmembrane domains had been replaced by serine was not affected by SNP. Systematic analysis of mutant AT1 receptors revealed that cysteine 289 conferred the sensitivity to SNP. 5. These results suggest that NO decreased the binding affinity of the AT1 receptor by S-nitrosylation of cysteine 289. This modulatory mechanism may be particularly relevant in pathophysiological situations where the beneficial effects of NO oppose the deleterious effects of angiotensin II.

A role for transmembrane domains V and VI in ligand binding and maturation of the angiotensin II AT1 receptor

Several studies have proposed that angiotensin II (Ang II) binds to its receptor AT1 through interactions with residues in helices V and VI, suggesting that the distance between these helices is crucial for ligand binding. Based on a 3D model of AT1 in which the C-terminus of Ang II is docked, we identified the hydrophobic residues of TM V and VI pointing towards the external face of the helices, which may play a role in the structure of the binding pocket and in the structural integrity of the receptor. We performed a systematic mutagenesis study of these residues and examined the binding, localization, maturation, and dimerization of the mutated receptors. We found that mutations of hydrophobic residues to alanine in helix V do not alter binding, whereas mutations to glutamate lead to loss of binding without a loss in cell surface expression, suggesting that the external face of helix V may not directly participate in binding, but may rather contribute to the structure of the binding pocket. In contrast, mutations of hydrophobic residues to glutamate in helix VI lead to a loss in cell surface expression, suggesting that the external surface of helix VI plays a structural role and ensures correct folding of the receptor.

Molecular mechanism of 7TM receptor activation--a global toggle switch model

The multitude of chemically highly different agonists for 7TM receptors apparently do not share a common binding mode or active site but nevertheless act through induction of a common molecular activation mechanism. A global toggle switch model is proposed for this activation mechanism to reconcile the accumulated biophysical data supporting an outward rigid-body movement of the intracellular segments, as well as the recent data derived from activating metal ion sites and tethered ligands, which suggests an opposite, inward movement of the extracellular segments of the transmembrane helices. According to this model, a vertical see-saw movement of TM-VI-and to some degree TM-VII-around a pivot corresponding to the highly conserved prolines will occur during receptor activation, which may involve the outer segment of TM-V in an as yet unclear fashion. Small-molecule agonists can stabilize such a proposed active conformation, where the extracellular segments of TM-VI and -VII are bent inward toward TM-III, by acting as molecular glue deep in the main ligand-binding pocket between the helices, whereas larger agonists, peptides, and proteins can stabilize a similar active conformation by acting as Velcro at the extracellular ends of the helices and the connecting loops.

Conformational induction is the key process for activation of the AT1 receptor

It is currently unclear whether activation of the AT1 receptor by agonists involves conformational selection or induction. We evaluated the pharmacological properties of wild type and N111G CAM human AT1 receptors stably expressed in HEK293 cells. Although [Sar1]-Ang II and Ang IV were full agonists at both receptors, the potency of Ang IV was 280-fold lower at the wild type receptor. [Sar1, Ile8]-Ang II was only a full agonist at the N111G CAM AT1 receptor. [Sar1]-Ang II and [Sar1, Ile8]-Ang II displayed similar high affinity binding to both receptors. In contrast, Ang IV displayed low affinity binding to the wild type and high affinity binding to the N111G CAM AT1 receptor. Based on these observations we provide strong evidence that conformational induction is the key process for activation of the AT1 receptor. Only by the creation of CAMs can conformational selection be envisaged to take place.

Model of the whole rat AT1 receptor and the ligand-binding site

We present a three-dimensional model of the rat type 1 receptor (AT1) for the hormone angiotensin II (Ang II). Ang II and the AT1 receptor play a critical role in the cell-signaling process responsible for the actions of renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of blood pressure, water-electrolyte homeostasis and cell growth. Development of improved therapeutics would be significantly enhanced with the availability of a 3D-structure model for the AT1 receptor and of the binding site for agonists and antagonists. This model was constructed using a combination of computation and homology-modeling techniques starting with the experimentally determined three-dimensional structure of bovine rhodopsin (PDB#1F88) as a template. All 359 residues and two disulfide bonds in the rat AT1 receptor have been accounted for in this model. Ramachandran-map analysis and a 1 nanosecond molecular dynamics simulation of the solvated receptor with and without the bound ligand, Ang II, lend credence to the validity of the model. Docking calculations were performed with the agonist, Ang II and the antihypertensive antagonist, losartan. [Figure: see text].

A physicogenetic method to assign ligand-binding relationships between 7TM receptors

A computational protocol has been devised to relate 7TM receptor proteins (GPCRs) with respect to physicochemical features of the core ligand-binding site as defined from the crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin. The identification of such receptors that already are associated with ligand information (e.g., small molecule ligands with mutagenesis or SAR data) is used to support structure-guided drug design of novel ligands. A case targeting the newly identified prostaglandin D2 receptor CRTH2 serves as a primary example to illustrate the procedure.

Determining the Environment of the Ligand Binding Pocket of the Human Angiotensin II Type I (hAT1) Receptor Using the Methionine Proximity Assay

The peptide hormone angiotensin II (AngII) binds to the AT0 (angiotensin type 1) receptor within the transmembrane domains in an extended conformation, and its C-terminal residue interacts with transmembrane domain VII at Phe-293/Asn-294. The molecular environment of this binding pocket remains to be elucidated. The preferential binding of benzophenone photolabels to methionine residues in the target structure has enabled us to design an experimental approach called the methionine proximity assay, which is based on systematic mutagenesis and photolabeling to determine the molecular environment of this binding pocket. A series of 44 transmembrane domain III, VI, and VII X --> Met mutants photolabeled either with 125I-[Sar1,p'-benzoyl-L-Phe8]AngII or with 125I-[Sar1,p''-methoxy-p'-benzoyl-L-Phe8]AngII were purified and digested with cyanogen bromide. Several mutants produced digestion patterns different from that observed with wild type human AT1, indicating that they had a new receptor contact with position 8 of AngII. The following residues form this binding pocket: L112M and Y113M in transmembrane domain (TMD) III; F249M, W253M, H256M, and T260M in TMD VI; and F293M, N294M, N295M, C296M, and L297M in TMD VII. Homology modeling and incorporation of these contacts allowed us to develop an evidence-based molecular model of interactions with human AT1 that is very similar to the rhodopsin-retinal interaction.

N-Acetylcysteine Decreases Angiotensin II Receptor Binding in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Antioxidants seem to inhibit angiotensin II (Ang II) actions by consuming stimulated reactive oxygen species. An alternative hypothesis was investigated: Antioxidants that are also strong reducers of disulfide bonds inhibit the binding of Ang II to its surface receptors with consequent attenuation of signal transduction and cell action. Incubation of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, which possess Ang II type 1a receptors, with the reducing agent n-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 1 h at 37 degrees C resulted in decreased Ang II radioligand binding in a concentration-dependent pattern. NAC removal restored Ang II binding within 30 min. Incubation with n-acetylserine, a nonreducing analogue of NAC, did not lower Ang II binding, and oxidized NAC was less effective than reduced NAC in lowering Ang II binding. NAC did not decrease Ang II type 1a receptor protein content. Other antioxidants regulated Ang II receptors differently: alpha-Lipoic acid lowered Ang II binding after 24 h, and vitamin E did not lower Ang II binding at all. NAC inhibited Ang II binding in cell membranes at 21 or 37 but not 4 degrees C. Dihydrolipoic acid (the reduced form of alpha-lipoic acid), which contains free sulfhydryl groups as NAC does, decreased Ang II receptor binding in cell membranes, whereas alpha-lipoic acid, which does not contain free sulfhydryl groups, did not. Ang II-stimulated inositol phosphate formation was decreased by preincubation with NAC (1 h) or alpha-lipoic acid (24 h) but not vitamin E. In conclusion, certain antioxidants that are reducing agents lower Ang II receptor binding, and Ang II-stimulated signal transduction is decreased in proportion to decreased receptor binding.

Angiotensin Receptor Type 1 Forms a Complex with the Transient Outward Potassium Channel Kv4.3 and Regulates Its Gating Properties and Intracellular Localization

We report a novel signal transduction complex of the angiotensin receptor type 1. In this complex the angiotensin receptor type 1 associates with the potassium channel alpha-subunit Kv4.3 and regulates its intracellular distribution and gating properties. Co-localization of Kv4.3 with angiotensin receptor type 1 and fluorescent resonance energy transfer between those two proteins labeled with cyan and yellow-green variants of green fluorescent protein revealed that Kv4.3 and angiotensin receptor type I are located in close proximity to each other in the cell. The angiotensin receptor type 1 also co-immunoprecipitates with Kv4.3 from canine ventricle or when co-expressed with Kv4.3 and its beta-subunit KChIP2 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Treatment of the cells with angiotensin II results in the internalization of Kv4.3 in a complex with the angiotensin receptor type 1. When stimulated with angiotensin II, angiotensin receptors type 1 modulate gating properties of the remaining Kv4.3 channels on the cell surface by shifting their activation voltage threshold to more positive values. We hypothesize that the angiotensin receptor type 1 provides its internalization molecular scaffold to Kv4.3 and in this way regulates the cell surface representation of the ion channel.

Mechanical stress activates angiotensin II type 1 receptor without the involvement of angiotensin II

The angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor has a crucial role in load-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Here we show that the AT1 receptor can be activated by mechanical stress through an angiotensin-II-independent mechanism. Without the involvement of angiotensin II, mechanical stress not only activates extracellular-signal-regulated kinases and increases phosphoinositide production in vitro, but also induces cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. Mechanical stretch induces association of the AT1 receptor with Janus kinase 2, and translocation of G proteins into the cytosol. All of these events are inhibited by the AT1 receptor blocker candesartan. Thus, mechanical stress activates AT1 receptor independently of angiotensin II, and this activation can be inhibited by an inverse agonist of the AT1 receptor.

Conformational features of a synthetic model of the first extracellular loop of the angiotensin II AT1A receptor

The angiotensin II AT1A receptor belongs to the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Like other membrane proteins, GPCRs are not easily amenable to direct structure determination by the currently available methods. The peptide encompassing the putative first extracellular loop of AT1A (residues Thr88-Leu100, el1) has been synthesized along with a cyclic model where the linear peptide has been covalently linked to a template designed to keep the distance between the peptide termini as expected in the receptor. The conformational features of the two molecules have been studied using circular dichroism and NMR techniques. The region W94PFG97 forms a type-II beta-turn and undergoes a Trp-Pro peptide bond cis-trans isomerization in both peptides confirming that these characteristics are intrinsic to el1. In addition, the presence of the spacer seems to modulate the flexibility of the peptide.

Molecular Analysis of the Structure and Function of the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor

The renin-angiotensin system hormone angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a central role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Two distinct subtypes of Ang II receptor, type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2), have been identified, and both have been shown to belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily (GPCRs). The recent Human Genome Project has revealed more than 1,000 transmembrane (TM) receptors that belong to this superfamily, and it has been estimated that 50% of all clinically used medicines modulate GPCRs activity. Recently, there have been many new insights regarding Ang II receptors and other GPCRs, such as on homo- and hetero-oligomerization, constitutive activation, movement of TM helices, internalization, desensitization and phosphorylation, trafficking, nuclear localization, intracellular protein-induced receptor activation, and receptor-associated proteins. Although AT1 receptor antagonists which prevent Ang II-induced signaling are already clinically available, we here summarize new findings regarding their structure and function, and the possibility of new therapeutic strategies for targeting Ang II receptors through molecular biological techniques.

Constitutive activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor alters the orientation of transmembrane Helix-2

A key step in transmembrane (TM) signal transduction by G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is the ligand-induced conformational change of the receptor, which triggers the activation of a guanine nucleotide-binding protein. GPCRs contain a seven-TM helical structure essential for signal transduction in response to a large variety of sensory and hormonal signals. Primary structure comparison of GPCRs has shown that the second TM helix contains a highly conserved Asp residue, which is critical for agonist activation in these receptors. How conformational changes in TM2 relate to signal transduction by a GPCR is not known, because activation-induced conformational changes in TM2 helix have not been measured. Here we use modification of reporter cysteines to measure water accessibility at specific residues in TM2 of the type 1 receptor for the octapeptide hormone angiotensin II. Activation-dependent changes in the accessibility of Cys76 on TM2 were measured in constitutively activated mutants. These changes were directly correlated with measurement of function, establishing the link between physical changes in TM2 and function. Accessibility changes were measured at several consecutive residues on TM2, which suggest that TM2 undergoes a transmembrane movement in response to activation. This is the first report of in situ measurement of TM2 movement in a GPCR.

Aliphatic amino acids in helix VI of the AT(1) receptor play a relevant role in agonist binding and activity

Angiotensin II (AII) AT(1) receptor mutants with replacements of aliphatic amino acids in the distal region of helix VI and the adjoining region of the third extracellular loop (EC-3) were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to determine their role in ligand binding and activation. The triple mutant [L262D, L265D, L268D]AT(1) (L3D) showed a marked reduction in affinity for AII and for non-peptide (losartan) and peptide ([Sar(1)Leu(8) ]AII) antagonists; in functional assays using inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation, the relative potency and the maximum effect of AII were reduced in L3D. Replacement of Leu(268) (in EC-3) and Leu(262) (in the transmembrane domain) by aspartyl residues did not cause significant changes in the receptor's affinity for the ligands and in IP production. In contrast, the point mutation L265D, at helix VI, markedly decreased affinity and ability to stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover. Molecular modeling of the AT(1) receptor based on a recent crystal structure of rhodopsin, suggests that the side chain of Leu(265) but not that of Leu(262) is facing a cleft between helices V and VI and interacts with the lipid bilayer, thus helping to stabilize the receptor structure near the Lys(199) residue of helix V in the agonist binding site which is necessary for full activity.

Relevant role of Leu265 in helix VI of the angiotensin AT1 receptor in agonist binding and activity

The finding of critical residues for angiotensin II (AII) binding and receptor signalling in helices V and VI led us to assess if, in this region of the receptor, aliphatic side chains might play a role in the agonist-mediated mechanism. Two mutations of the angiotensin AT1 receptor were designed to explore a possible role of a leucine at two positions, Leu265 and Leu268. Thus two mutants, L265D and L268D, were prepared through single substitutions of Leu265, located in the C-terminal region of transmembrane VI (TM-VI), and Leu268, in the adjoining region of the third extracellular loop (EC-3), for an aspartyl residue, and were stably transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Ligand-binding experiments and the functional assays determining inositol phosphate (IP) production were performed in these cells expressing these mutants. No significant changes were found in the binding affinity for the ligands, AII, DuP753, and [Sar1Leu8]AII in the mutant L268D. Moreover, the relative potency and the maximum effect on IP production of this mutant were similar to those of the wild-type receptor. In contrast, L265D mutant AT1 receptor, located within the transmembrane domain, markedly decreased binding affinity and ability to stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover. Our results suggest that the hydrophobic side chain of Leu265, at the C-terminal portion of the AT1's TM-VI, but not Leu268, which belongs to the EC-3 loop, might interact with the AII molecule. On the other side, the aliphatic side chain of Leu265 may be involved in the formation of the ligand binding sites through allosteric effects, thus helping to stabilize the receptor structure around the agonist binding site for full activity.

Role of Asp297 of the AT2 receptor in high-affinity binding to different peptide ligands

To determine how ligand-receptor interaction is affected by the charges of the amino acids at position 2 of the ligands and position 297 of the AT2 receptor, we generated the Asp297Lys mutant of AT2 and a ligand SarAsp(2)Ile. Asp297Lys mutant lost affinity to Ang II and SarIle however retained partial affinity to 125I-CGP42112A. The SarAsp(2)Ile had high affinity to Asp297Lys (IC(50)3.5nM) and partial affinity to the AT2 (IC(50)15nM). Therefore, not only the charge, but also the length of the side arms of the amino acids at position 2 of the ligand and position 297 of the receptor affect their interaction.

Interaction of Met297 in the seventh transmembrane segment of the tachykinin NK2 receptor with neurokinin A

We report the use of thiol chemistry to define specific and reversible disulfide interactions of Cys-substituted NK2 receptor mutants with analogues of neurokinin A (NKA) containing single cysteine substitutions. The NKA analogues were N-biotinylated to facilitate the rapid detection of covalent analogue-receptor interactions utilizing streptavidin reactivity. N-biotinyl-[Tyr1,Cys9]NKA, N-biotinyl-[Tyr1,Cys10]NKA were both found to reversibly disulfide bond to the NK2 receptor mutant Met297 --> Cys. This is consistent with the improved affinities of these particular analogues for the Met297 --> Cys receptor as compared with those for the wild-type and Met297 --> Leu receptors. In our three-dimensional model, Met297 occupies the equivalent position in helix 7 to the retinal binding Lys296 in rhodopsin. Binding of the NK2 receptor antagonist [3H]SR 48968 and of 125I-NKA was used to characterize additional receptor mutants. It seems that the aromatic residues Trp99 (helix 3), His198 (helix 5), Tyr266, His267, and Phe270 play an important role in NKA binding as structural determinants. The existence of overlapping SR 48968 and NKA binding sites is also evident. These data suggest that the peptide binding site of the NK2R is at least in part formed by residues buried deep within the transmembrane bundle and that this intramembranous binding domain may correspond to the binding sites for substantially smaller endogenous GPCR ligands.

Normal ligand binding and signaling by CD47 (integrin-associated protein) requires a long range disulfide bond between the extracellular and membrane-spanning domains

CD47 is a unique member of the Ig superfamily with a single extracellular Ig domain followed by a multiply membrane-spanning (MMS) domain with five transmembrane segments, implicated in both integrin-dependent and -independent signaling cascades. Essentially all functions of CD47 require both the Ig and MMS domains, raising the possibility that interaction between the two domains is required for normal function. Conservation of Cys residues among CD47 homologues suggested the existence of a disulfide bond between the Ig and MMS domains that was confirmed by chemical digestion and mapped to Cys(33) and Cys(263). Subtle changes in CD47 conformation in the absence of the disulfide were suggested by decreased binding of two anti-Ig domain monoclonal antibodies, decreased SIRPalpha1 binding, and reduced CD47/SIRPalpha1-mediated cell adhesion. Mutagenesis to prevent formation of this disulfide completely disrupted CD47 signaling independent of effects on ligand binding, as assessed by T cell interleukin-2 secretion and Ca(2+) responses. Loss of the disulfide did not affect membrane raft localization of CD47 or its association with alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. Thus, a disulfide bond between the Ig and MMS domains of CD47 is required for normal ligand binding and signal transduction.

Peptide hormone binding to G-protein-coupled receptors: structural characterization via NMR techniques

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) allow cells to respond to calcium, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Not surprisingly, they currently make up the largest family of validated drug targets. Rational drug design for molecular regulators targeting GPCRs has been limited to theoretical-based computational approaches. X-ray crystallography of intact GPCRs has provided the topological orientation of the seven transmembrane helices, but limited structural information of the extracellular and intracellular loops and protein termini. In this review we detail an NMR-based approach which provides the high-resolution structural features on the extracellular domains of GPCRs and the ligand/receptor complexes formed upon titration of the peptide hormone. The results provide important contact points and a high-resolution description of the ligand/receptor interactions, which may be useful for the rational design of therapeutic agents targeting GPCRs. Recent results from our investigation of the cholecystokinin peptide hormone system are used to highlight this approach.

Cysteine residues are involved in structure and function of melanocortin 1 receptor: Substitution of a cysteine residue in transmembrane segment two converts an agonist to antagonist

Reduction of disulfide bonds in human melanocortin 1 receptor (hMC1R) with increasing concentrations of DTT (dithiothreitol) resulted in a decrease in the binding of [125I]-ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, L-isomer) in an uniphasic manner and a decrease in [125I]-NDP-MSH ([Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]-alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone; D-isomer) binding in a biphasic manner. Pretreatment of hMC1R with 10 mM DTT resulted in a 36-fold loss of affinity for alpha-MSH (L-isomer) without affecting the affinity of NDP-MSH (D-isomer). To characterize the role of individual cysteine residues, we employed site-directed mutagenesis to substitute cysteine by glycine at all fourteen positions in hMC1R and analysed wild-type and mutant receptors for ligand binding and cAMP signalling. Single point mutation of four cysteine residues in extracellular loops to glycine (C35G, C267G, C273G, and C275G) resulted in a complete loss of binding for [125I]-NDP-MSH. Moreover, mutants with normal ligand binding, at positions C191G (transmembrane segment 5), C215G (third intracellular loop), and C315G (C-terminal loop) failed to generate cAMP signal in response to both agonists alpha-MSH and NDP-MSH. Mutant at position C78G (with wild-type binding to alpha-MSH as well as NDP-MSH) generated a cAMP signal in response to alpha-MSH (identical to wild-type hMC1R) but interestingly could not be stimulated by NDP-MSH. Moreover, this single amino acid substitution converted NDP-MSH from being an agonist to antagonist at the C78G mutant receptor. These findings demonstrate that (i) alpha-MSH and ACTH (L-isomers) are different from D-isomer NDP-MSH in their sensitivity to DTT for receptor binding, (ii) cysteine residues in N-terminus and extracellular loop three make disulfide bridges and are needed for structural integrity of hMC1R, (iii) cysteine residues in transmembrane segments and intracellular loops are required for receptor-G-protein coupling, (iv) C78 in transmembrane segment two is required for generating a functional response by D-isomer agonist (NDP-MSH) but not by L-isomer agonist (alpha-MSH), and (v) wild-type receptor agonist NDP-MSH is an antagonist at the mutant C78G receptor.

The angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist irbesartan prevents thromboxane A2-induced vasoconstriction in the rat hind-limb vascular bed in vivo

OBJECTIVE

We studied the vasoconstrictor effects of the thromboxane A2 (TxA2) analogue U46619 in the perfused hind limb of rats under constant flow before and after intravenous injection of irbesartan, an angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist, to test whether irbesartan interacts in vivo with the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin endoperoxidase H2 (TxA2/PGH2) receptor.

DESIGN

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 15, body weight 350-420 g) were anesthetized with thiobutabarbital sodium (Inactin, 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Regional vascular responses to U46619 (0.5 and 1.0 microg) were investigated in the rat hind quarter under conditions of controlled flow before and after administration of irbesartan (10 mg/kg, intravenously). In addition, to test the specificity of the effect of irbesartan on U46619, phenylephrine (0.5, 1.0 microg) and another AT1 receptor antagonist, candesartan CV11974 (0.3 mg/kg, intravenously) were used.

RESULTS

The dose-dependent increases in hind-limb perfusion pressure produced by U46619 were significantly attenuated by prior injection of irbesartan, at a dose that blocked the angiotensin II (Ang II) pressor responses. The specificity for the response was shown with the demonstrations that the increase in vascular resistance produced by phenylephrine was unchanged by irbesartan and, furthermore, that the increase in vascular resistance produced by U46619 was unchanged by another AT1 receptor antagonist, candesartan.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that irbesartan interacts at the TxA2/PGH2 receptor in the rat's hind limb in vivo, to modify changes in local regional vascular resistance. The dual antagonistic actions of irbesartan, acting at both AT1 and TxA2 receptors in blood vessels, may overall enhance its therapeutic profile in the treatment of hypertension.