Evidence for the activation of PAR-2 by the sperm protease, acrosin: expression of the receptor on oocytes

Protease-activated receptor-2: Role in asthma pathogenesis and utility as a biomarker of disease severity

PAR₂, a receptor activated by serine proteases, has primarily pro-inflammatory roles in the airways and may play a role in asthma pathogenesis. PAR₂ exerts its effects in the lungs through activation of a variety of airway cells, but also activation of circulating immune cells. There is evidence that PAR₂ expression increases in asthma and other inflammatory diseases, although the regulation of PAR₂ expression is not fully understood. Here we review the available literature on the potential role of PAR₂ in asthma pathogenesis and propose a model of PAR₂-mediated development of allergic sensitization. We also propose, based on our previous work, that PAR₂ expression on peripheral blood monocyte subsets has the potential to serve as a biomarker of asthma severity and/or control.

Protease-activated receptor 2 induces migration and promotes Slug-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung adenocarcinoma cells

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a G protein-coupled receptor for trypsin, contributes to growth, anti-apoptosis, and migration in lung cancer. Given that PAR2 activation in airway epithelial cells compromises the airway epithelium barrier by disruption of E-cadherin adhesion, PAR2 may be involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Although PAR2 is known to promote the migration of lung cancer cells, the detailed mechanism of this event is still not clear. Here, we found that PAR2 is highly expressed in several lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. In two lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, CL1-5 and H1299 cells, activation of PAR2 induces migration and Slug-mediated EMT. The underlying mechanisms involved in PAR2-induced migration and EMT in CL1-5 cells were further investigated. We showed that PAR2-induced migration of CL1-5 cells is mediated by the Src/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. β-arrestin 1, not G protein, is involved in this PAR2-mediated Src/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. PAR2-induced EMT in CL1-5 cells is dependent on the activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2). The activation of ERK2 further mediates Slug stabilization through suppressing the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β. In addition, a poor prognosis was observed in lung adenocarcinoma patients with a high expression of PAR2. Thus, PAR2 regulates migration through β-arrestin 1-dependent activation of p38 MAPK and EMT through ERK2-mediated stabilization of Slug in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Our finding also suggests that PAR2 might serve as a therapeutic target for metastatic lung adenocarcinoma and a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Inhibitory effect of a reproductive-related serpin on sperm trypsin-like activity implicates its role in sperm maturation of Penaeus monodon

In a number of marine animals, sperm serine proteases are important for fertilization. Penaeus monodon sperm require trypsin-like activity for a complete acrosome reaction, which exclusively occurs in sperm residing in the female thelycum. In this study, a complete cDNA sequence of reproductive tract-related Serine protease inhibitor (rrPmserpin) was identified. The longest open reading frame was composed of 1,366 nucleotides encoding 402 amino acids with a predicted pI of 6.86 and molecular mass of 44.88 kDa. The signal peptide cleavage site was identified as the 17th amino acid residue in the amino-terminus, and two potential N-glycosylation sites were predicted as post-translation modifications. A conserved reactive loop and fold similarities, identified through three-dimensional modeling, suggested that this gene is a member of the serpin family. The expression of rrPmserpin mRNA was prominent in the reproductive organs, including the testis, vas deferens, terminal ampoule containing the spermatophore, and the female thelycum. Inhibitory activity of recombinant rrPmSERPIN-6His was revealed from the negative correlation between the abundance of rrPmserpin mRNA and sperm trypsin-like activities, along with its inhibitory effects on chymotrypsin, trypsin, and thelycal proteases. Therefore, our results suggest that rrPmserpin participates in the regulation of the activity of a sperm protease and the decapacitation process.

Trypsin differentially modulates the surface expression and function of channel catfish leukocyte immune-type receptors

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) leukocyte immune-type receptors (IpLITRs) are immunoregulatory proteins that control innate immune cellular responses. Previously, we demonstrated that two representative IpLITR forms, IpLITR 2.6b and IpLITR 1.1b, engage distinct components of the phagocytic machinery resulting in unique target capture and engulfment phenotypes. IpLITR-induced phagocytic mechanisms were also differentially susceptible to temperature and pharmacological inhibitors of canonical signaling mediators. In the present study, we examined the sensitivity of IpLITR-mediated phagocytosis to the endogenous serine-protease trypsin, a well-known mediator of immunoregulatory receptor functions. Trypsin selectively reduced IpLITR 1.1b cell surface expression and phagocytic activity in a dose-dependent manner. We also observed a significant alteration of the IpLITR 1.1b phagocytic phenotype post-trypsin exposure; whereas, the IpLITR 2.6b-mediated target engulfment phenotype was unchanged. Recovery experiments suggested that trypsin-induced inhibition of IpLITR 1.1b-dependent phagocytosis was reversible and that the re-establishment of phagocytic function was associated with a recovery of receptor surface expression. Cell-surface biotinylation and immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that IpLITR 1.1b normally exists as a mature (∼70 kDa) protein on the cell surface. However, trypsin treatment reduced expression of the mature receptor and processed IpLITR 1.1b into an ∼60 kDa form. The trypsin-generated and putative immature IpLITR 1.1b form was not present on the cell surface; suggesting that the cleaved receptor may have been internalized, post-processing, by regulated endocytosis. Taken together, these results reveal a unique role for trypsin as a selective modulator of IpLITR-mediated phagocytosis and highlight a conserved role for serine proteases as potent immunomodulatory factors.

Proteinases, Their Extracellular Targets, and Inflammatory Signaling

Given that over 2% of the human genome codes for proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors, it is not surprising that proteinases serve many physiologic-pathophysiological roles. In this context, we provide an overview of proteolytic mechanisms regulating inflammation, with a focus on cell signaling stimulated by the generation of inflammatory peptides; activation of the proteinase-activated receptor (PAR) family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), with a mechanism in common with adhesion-triggered GPCRs (ADGRs); and by proteolytic ion channel regulation. These mechanisms are considered in the much wider context that proteolytic mechanisms serve, including the processing of growth factors and their receptors, the regulation of matrix-integrin signaling, and the generation and release of membrane-tethered receptor ligands. These signaling mechanisms are relevant for inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases as well as for cancer. We propose that the inflammation-triggering proteinases and their proteolytically generated substrates represent attractive therapeutic targets and we discuss appropriate targeting strategies.

Neutrophil Elastase Activates Protease-activated Receptor-2 (PAR2) and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) to Cause Inflammation and Pain

Proteases that cleave protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2)) at Arg(36)↓Ser(37) reveal a tethered ligand that binds to the cleaved receptor. PAR(2) activates transient receptor potential (TRP) channels of nociceptive neurons to induce neurogenic inflammation and pain. Although proteases that cleave PAR(2) at non-canonical sites can trigger distinct signaling cascades, the functional importance of the PAR(2)-biased agonism is uncertain. We investigated whether neutrophil elastase, a biased agonist of PAR(2), causes inflammation and pain by activating PAR2 and TRP vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). Elastase cleaved human PAR(2) at Ala(66)↓Ser(67) and Ser(67)↓Val(68). Elastase stimulated PAR(2)-dependent cAMP accumulation and ERK1/2 activation, but not Ca(2+) mobilization, in KNRK cells. Elastase induced PAR(2) coupling to Gαs but not Gαq in HEK293 cells. Although elastase did not promote recruitment of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK(2)) or β-arrestin to PAR(2), consistent with its inability to promote receptor endocytosis, elastase did stimulate GRK6 recruitment. Elastase caused PAR(2)-dependent sensitization of TRPV4 currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes by adenylyl cyclase- and protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent mechanisms. Elastase stimulated PAR(2)-dependent cAMP formation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and a PAR(2)- and TRPV4-mediated influx of extracellular Ca(2+) in mouse nociceptors. Adenylyl cyclase and PKA-mediated elastase-induced activation of TRPV4 and hyperexcitability of nociceptors. Intraplantar injection of elastase to mice caused edema and mechanical hyperalgesia by PAR(2)- and TRPV4-mediated mechanisms. Thus, the elastase-biased agonism of PAR(2) causes Gαs-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase and PKA, which activates TRPV4 and sensitizes nociceptors to cause inflammation and pain. Our results identify a novel mechanism of elastase-induced activation of TRPV4 and expand the role of PAR(2) as a mediator of protease-driven inflammation and pain.

Sensitisation of TRPV4 by PAR2 is independent of intracellular calcium signalling and can be mediated by the biased agonist neutrophil elastase

Proteolytic activation of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) may represent a major mechanism of regulating the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) non-selective cation channel in pathophysiological conditions associated with protease activation (e.g. during inflammation). To provide electrophysiological evidence for PAR2-mediated TRPV4 regulation, we characterised the properties of human TRPV4 heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes in the presence and absence of co-expressed human PAR2. In outside-out patches from TRPV4 expressing oocytes, we detected single-channel activity typical for TRPV4 with a single-channel conductance of about 100 pS for outward and 55 pS for inward currents. The synthetic TRPV4 activator GSK1016790A stimulated TRPV4 mainly by converting previously silent channels into active channels with an open probability of nearly one. In oocytes co-expressing TRPV4 and PAR2, PAR2 activation by trypsin or by specific PAR2 agonist SLIGRL-NH2 potentiated the GSK1016790A-stimulated TRPV4 whole-cell currents several fold, indicative of channel sensitisation. Pre-incubation of oocytes with the calcium chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA)-AM did not reduce the stimulatory effect of PAR2 activation on TRPV4, which indicates that the effect is independent of intracellular calcium signalling. Neutrophil elastase, a biased agonist of PAR2 that does not induce intracellular calcium signalling, also caused a PAR2-dependent sensitisation of TRPV4. The Rho-kinase inhibitor Y27362 abolished elastase-stimulated sensitisation of TRPV4, which indicates that Rho-kinase signalling plays a critical role in PAR2-mediated TRPV4 sensitisation by the biased agonist neutrophil elastase. During acute inflammation, neutrophil elastase may sensitise TRPV4 by a mechanism involving biased agonism of PAR2 and activation of Rho-kinase.

A critical assessment of the effect of serine protease inhibitors on porcine fertilization and quality parameters of porcine spermatozoa in vitro

Proteases play an important role during mammalian fertilization. Their function is frequently investigated using specific inhibitors. We analyzed four serine protease inhibitors [4-(2-aminoethyl) benzene sulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF), soybean trypsin inhibitor from glycine max (STI), Nα-tosyl-L-lysine-chloromethyl ketone hydrochloride (TLCK) and N(p)-tosyl-L-phenylalanine-chloromethyl ketone (TPCK)] for their in vitro effect on fertilization and sperm quality in pigs. Inhibitor concentrations were chosen based on the reduction of fertilization rate during preliminary dose-response experiments with cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa. The inhibitor effects on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and sperm parameters (membrane and acrosomal integrity, motility and mitochondrial membrane potential - MMP) were evaluated using diluted fresh semen. AEBSF (100 μM), TLCK (100 μM) and TPCK (100 μM) decreased total fertilization and polyspermy rates by at least 50%. STI (5 μM) lowered total fertilization rates but not the level of polyspermy. AEBSF and TPCK reduced fertilization parameters to a similar degree using cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa (dose-response experiment) or diluted fresh semen. Inhibition by STI was more pronounced using cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa, whereas TLCK inhibited IVF only with diluted fresh semen. AEBSF and STI had no effect on sperm parameters, and TLCK significantly reduced motility. TPCK diminished MMP and motility and affected membrane and acrosomal integrity in a negative way. In summary, serine protease inhibitors differed in the way they reduce the fertilization rate. These results emphasize the necessity of inhibitor testing before they can be applied in fertilization studies. AEBSF and STI can be used in the future IVF studies without compromising sperm quality.

Cathepsin S causes inflammatory pain via biased agonism of PAR2 and TRPV4

Serine proteases such as trypsin and mast cell tryptase cleave protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) at R(36)↓S(37) and reveal a tethered ligand that excites nociceptors, causing neurogenic inflammation and pain. Whether proteases that cleave PAR2 at distinct sites are biased agonists that also induce inflammation and pain is unexplored. Cathepsin S (Cat-S) is a lysosomal cysteine protease of antigen-presenting cells that is secreted during inflammation and which retains activity at extracellular pH. We observed that Cat-S cleaved PAR2 at E(56)↓T(57), which removed the canonical tethered ligand and prevented trypsin activation. In HEK and KNRK cell lines and in nociceptive neurons of mouse dorsal root ganglia, Cat-S and a decapeptide mimicking the Cat-S-revealed tethered ligand-stimulated PAR2 coupling to Gαs and formation of cAMP. In contrast to trypsin, Cat-S did not mobilize intracellular Ca(2+), activate ERK1/2, recruit β-arrestins, or induce PAR2 endocytosis. Cat-S caused PAR2-dependent activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) in Xenopus laevis oocytes, HEK cells and nociceptive neurons, and stimulated neuronal hyperexcitability by adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A-dependent mechanisms. Intraplantar injection of Cat-S caused inflammation and hyperalgesia in mice that was attenuated by PAR2 or TRPV4 deletion and adenylyl cyclase inhibition. Cat-S and PAR2 antagonists suppressed formalin-induced inflammation and pain, which implicates endogenous Cat-S and PAR2 in inflammatory pain. Our results identify Cat-S as a biased agonist of PAR2 that causes PAR2- and TRPV4-dependent inflammation and pain. They expand the role of PAR2 as a mediator of protease-driven inflammatory pain.

Structure and putative signaling mechanism of Protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) - a promising target for breast cancer

Experimental evidences have observed enhanced expression of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in breast cancer consistently. However, it is not yet recognized as an important therapeutic target for breast cancer as the primary molecular mechanisms of its activation are not yet well-defined. Nevertheless, recent reports on the mechanism of GPCR activation and signaling have given new insights to GPCR functioning. In the light of these details, we attempted to understand PAR2 structure & function using molecular modeling techniques. In this work, we generated averaged representative stable models of PAR2, using protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) as a template and selected conformation based on their binding affinity with PAR2 specific agonist, GB110. Further, the selected model was used for studying the binding affinity of putative ligands. The selected ligands were based on a recent publication on phylogenetic analysis of Class A rhodopsin family of GPCRs. This study reports putative ligands, their interacting residues, binding affinity and molecular dynamics simulation studies on PAR2-ligand complexes. The results reported from this study would be useful for researchers and academicians to investigate PAR2 function as its physiological role is still hypothetical. Further, this information may provide a novel therapeutic scheme to manage breast cancer.

Biased signaling of protease-activated receptors

In addition to their role in protein degradation and digestion, proteases can also function as hormone-like signaling molecules that regulate vital patho-physiological processes, including inflammation, hemostasis, pain, and repair mechanisms. Certain proteases can signal to cells by cleaving protease-activated receptors (PARs), a family of four G protein-coupled receptors. PARs are expressed by almost all cell types, control important physiological and disease-relevant processes, and are an emerging therapeutic target for major diseases. Most information about PAR activation and function derives from studies of a few proteases, for example thrombin in the case of PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4, and trypsin in the case of PAR2 and PAR4. These proteases cleave PARs at established sites with the extracellular N-terminal domains, and expose tethered ligands that stabilize conformations of the cleaved receptors that activate the canonical pathways of G protein- and/or β-arrestin-dependent signaling. However, a growing number of proteases have been identified that cleave PARs at divergent sites to activate distinct patterns of receptor signaling and trafficking. The capacity of these proteases to trigger distinct signaling pathways is referred to as biased signaling, and can lead to unique patho-physiological outcomes. Given that a different repertoire of proteases are activated in various patho-physiological conditions that may activate PARs by different mechanisms, signaling bias may account for the divergent actions of proteases and PARs. Moreover, therapies that target disease-relevant biased signaling pathways may be more effective and selective approaches for the treatment of protease- and PAR-driven diseases. Thus, rather than mediating the actions of a few proteases, PARs may integrate the biological actions of a wide spectrum of proteases in different patho-physiological conditions.

Protease-activated receptor 2 signaling in inflammation

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are G protein-coupled receptors that are activated by proteolytical cleavage of the amino-terminus and thereby act as sensors for extracellular proteases. While coagulation proteases activate PARs to regulate hemostasis, thrombosis, and cardiovascular function, PAR2 is also activated in extravascular locations by a broad array of serine proteases, including trypsin, tissue kallikreins, coagulation factors VIIa and Xa, mast cell tryptase, and transmembrane serine proteases. Administration of PAR2-specific agonistic and antagonistic peptides, as well as studies in PAR2 knockout mice, identified critical functions of PAR2 in development, inflammation, immunity, and angiogenesis. Here, we review these roles of PAR2 with an emphasis on the role of coagulation and other extracellular protease pathways that cleave PAR2 in epithelial, immune, and neuronal cells to regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Structure, function and pathophysiology of protease activated receptors

Discovered in the 1990s, protease activated receptors(1) (PARs) are membrane-spanning cell surface proteins that belong to the G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. A defining feature of these receptors is their irreversible activation by proteases; mainly serine. Proteolytic agonists remove the PAR extracellular amino terminal pro-domain to expose a new amino terminus, or tethered ligand, that binds intramolecularly to induce intracellular signal transduction via a number of molecular pathways that regulate a variety of cellular responses. By these mechanisms PARs function as cell surface sensors of extracellular and cell surface associated proteases, contributing extensively to regulation of homeostasis, as well as to dysfunctional responses required for progression of a number of diseases. This review examines common and distinguishing structural features of PARs, mechanisms of receptor activation, trafficking and signal termination, and discusses the physiological and pathological roles of these receptors and emerging approaches for modulating PAR-mediated signaling in disease.

Concentration dependent dual effect of thrombin in endothelial cells via Par-1 and Pi3 Kinase

Disruption of endothelial barrier is a critical pathophysiological factor in inflammation. Thrombin exerts a variety of cellular effects including inflammation and apoptosis through activation of the protease activated receptors (PARs). The activation of PAR-1 by thrombin is known to have a bimodal effect in endothelial cell permeability with a low concentration (pM levels) eliciting a barrier protective and a high concentration (nM levels) eliciting a barrier disruptive response. It is not known whether this PAR-1-dependent activity of thrombin is a unique phenomenon specific for the in vitro assay or it is part of a general anti-inflammatory effect of low concentrations of thrombin that may have a physiological relevance. Here, we report that low concentrations of thrombin or of PAR-1 agonist peptide induced significant anti-inflammatory activities. However, relatively high concentration of thrombin or of PAR-1 agonist peptide showed pro-inflammatory activities. By using function-blocking anti-PAR-1 antibodies and PI3 kinase inhibitor, we show that the direct anti-inflammatory effects of low concentrations of thrombin are dependent on the activation of PAR-1 and PI3 kinase. These results suggest a role for cross communication between PAR-1 activation and PI3 kinase pathway in mediating the cytoprotective effects of low concentrations of thrombin in the cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 744-751, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Chitinase activates protease-activated receptor-2 in human airway epithelial cells

Mammalian chitinase released by airway epithelia is thought to be an important mediator of disease manifestation in an experimental model of asthma. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms engaged by exogenous chitinase in human airway epithelial cells are unknown. Here, we investigated the direct effects of exogenous chitinase from Streptomyces griseus on Ca(2+) signaling in human airway epithelial cells. Spectrofluorometry was used to measure intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in fura-2-AM-loaded cells. S. griseus chitinase induced dose-dependent [Ca(2+)](i) increases in normal human bronchial epithelial cells and promoted [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in H292 cells. Chitinase-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were independent of extracellular Ca(2+), suggesting that the observed [Ca(2+)](i) increases were due to Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Accordingly, after depleting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) with the ER Ca(2+) ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, chitinase-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) increases were abolished. Treatment with the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 or the 1, 4, 5-trisinositolphosphate (IP(3)) receptor inhibitor 2-APB attenuated chitinase-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. Desensitization of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) by repetitive agonist stimulation or siRNA-mediated PAR-2 knock-down revealed that chitinase-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) increases were exclusively mediated by PAR-2 activation. Finally, chitinase was found to cleave a model peptide representing the cleavage site of PAR-2 and enhanced IL-8 production. These results indicate that exogenous chitinase is a potent proteolytic activator of PAR-2 that can directly induce PLC/IP(3)-dependent Ca(2+) signaling in human airway epithelial cells.

Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) initiates intracellular signaling via protease-activated receptors (PARs). KLK4 and PAR-2 are co-expressed during prostate cancer progression

Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) is one of the 15 members of the human KLK family and a trypsin-like, prostate cancer-associated serine protease. Signaling initiated by trypsin-like serine proteases are transduced across the plasma membrane primarily by members of the protease-activated receptor (PAR) family of G protein-coupled receptors. Here we show, using Ca(2+) flux assays, that KLK4 signals via both PAR-1 and PAR-2 but not via PAR-4. Dose-response analysis over the enzyme concentration range 0.1-1000 nM indicated that KLK4-induced Ca(2+) mobilization via PAR-1 is more potent than via PAR-2, whereas KLK4 displayed greater efficacy via the latter PAR. We confirmed the specificity of KLK4 signaling via PAR-2 using in vitro protease cleavage assays and anti-phospho-ERK1/2/total ERK1/2 Western blot analysis of PAR-2-overexpressing and small interfering RNA-mediated receptor knockdown cell lines. Consistently, confocal microscopy analyses indicated that KLK4 initiates loss of PAR-2 from the cell surface and receptor internalization. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated the co-expression of agonist and PAR-2 in primary prostate cancer and bone metastases, suggesting that KLK4 signaling via this receptor will have pathological relevance. These data provide insight into KLK4-mediated cell signaling and suggest that signals induced by this enzyme via PARs may be important in prostate cancer.

Potential physiological and pathophysiological roles for protease-activated receptor-2 in the kidney (Review Article)

The protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), the second of four members of a unique subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors, is abundantly expressed in the kidney. In a similar manner to other PAR cleavage of its extracellular N-terminus exposes a tethered ligand, SLIGKV in humans, which acts as an intramolecular ligand to activate itself. In the kidney, PAR-2 expression has been variably reported in collecting duct cells, mesangial cells, interstitial fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and proximal tubular cells. Despite this renal expression data, the function of PAR-2 in the kidney remains unknown. More than 15 different mammalian serine proteases have been shown to activate PAR-2 in an in vitro setting, but it is still unclear which of these are physiologically relevant activators of PAR-2 in specific tissues. Their identification could provide novel therapeutic targets. PAR-2 activates a number of down-stream signalling molecules that include protein kinase C, extracellular signal regulated kinase and nuclear factor kappa-B. Proteases that can activate PAR-2 are generated and released from cells during injury, inflammation and malignancy and can thus signal to cells under these conditions. Potential physiological and pathophysiological roles for PAR-2 in the kidney include the regulation of inflammation, blood flow, and ion transport and tissue protection, repair and fibrosis. In this review the potential roles of PAR-2 in the kidney are highlighted and discussed.

The roles of proteinase-activated receptors in the vascular physiology and pathophysiology

Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) belong to a family of G protein-coupled receptors, thus mediating the cellular effects of proteinases. In the vascular system, thrombin and other proteinases in the coagulation-fibrinolysis system are considered to be the physiologically relevant agonists, whereas PARs are among the most important mechanisms mediating the interaction between the coagulation-fibrinolysis system and the vascular wall. Under physiological conditions, PARs are mainly expressed in endothelial cells, and participate in the regulation of vascular tone, mostly by inducing endothelium-dependent relaxation. PARs in endothelial cells are also suggested to contribute to a proinflammatory phenotypic conversion and an increase in the permeability of vascular lesions. In smooth muscle cells, PARs mediate contraction, migration, proliferation, hypertrophy, and production of the extracellular matrix, thereby contributing to the development of vascular lesions and the pathophysiology of such vascular diseases as atherosclerosis. However, the expression of PARs in the smooth muscle of normal arteries is limited. The upregulation of PARs in the smooth muscle is thus considered to be a key step for PARs to participate in the pathogenesis of vascular lesions. Elucidating the molecular mechanism regulating the PARs expression is therefore important to develop new strategies for the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases.

Effects of dietary vitamin A intake on acrosin- and plasminogen-activator activity of ram spermatozoa

Acrosin and plasminogen activators are proteolytic enzymes of ram spermatozoa that play an essential role in the induction of the acrosome reaction, as well as the binding of spermatozoa to the oocyte and their penetration through the layers that surround the oocyte. Since vitamin A can alter gene expression in various tissues, testis included, this study was undertaken to evaluate the possible effect of vitamin A intake on acrosin- and plasminogen-activator activity. During a 20-week experiment, 15 rams of the Greek breed Karagouniki, divided to three groups, received different amounts of vitamin A per os in retinyl acetate capsules (group A, controls, 12,500 iu/animal per day; group B, 50,000 iu/animal per day; group C, 0 iu/animal per day up to the 13th week, then 150,000 iu/animal per day until the end of the experiment). Acrosin- and plasminogen-activator activity were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Vitamin A was determined in blood plasma by HPLC. No statistical differences were detected regarding the body weight of the rams or the qualitative and quantitative parameters of their ejaculate throughout the whole experiment. No statistically significant alterations of enzyme activity were detected in group B. In group C, both enzyme activities started declining in week 9. Compared with controls, maximum reduction for acrosin was 49% on week 11 and for plasminogen activators 51% in week 14. Activities returned to normal rates after vitamin A re-supplementation. To date, the main result of vitamin A deficiency was known to be arrest of spermatogenesis and testicular degeneration. A new role for vitamin A may be suggested, since it can influence factors related to male reproductive ability before spermatogenesis is affected.

[Development of agonists/antagonists for protease-activated receptors (PARs) and the possible therapeutic application to gastrointestinal diseases]

Protease-activated receptors (PARs), a family of G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane-domain receptors, are activated by proteolytic unmasking of the N-terminal cryptic tethered ligand by certain serine proteases. Among four PAR family members cloned to date, PAR-1, PAR-2, and PAR-4 can also be activated through a non-enzymatic mechanism, which is achieved by direct binding of exogenously applied synthetic peptides based on the tethered ligand sequence, known as PARs-activating peptides, to the body of the receptor. Various peptide mimetics have been synthesized as agonists for PARs with improved potency, selectivity, and stability. Some peptide mimetics and/or nonpeptide compounds have also been developed as antagonists for PAR-1 and PAR-4. PARs are widely distributed in the mammalian body, especially throughout the alimentary systems, and play various roles in physiological/pathophysiological conditions, i.e., modulation of salivary, gastric, or pancreatic glandular exocrine secretion, gastrointestinal smooth muscle motility, gastric mucosal cytoprotection, suppression/facilitation of visceral pain and inflammation, etc. Thus PARs are now considered novel therapeutic targets, and development of selective agonists and/or antagonists for PARs might provide a novel strategy for the treatment of various diseases that are resistant to current therapeutics.

Tissue factor enhances protease-activated receptor-2-mediated factor VIIa cell proliferative properties

In addition to its hemostatic functions, factor (F)VIIa exhibits cell proliferative properties as seen in angiogenesis and tumor growth. A role for tissue factor (TF) and protease-activated receptors (PAR)-1 and -2 in cell proliferation remain to be clarified. We tested the hypothesis that FVIIa induces cell proliferation by a mechanism involving TF and PAR-2. Human recombinant FVIIa induced cell proliferation of human BOSC23 cells transfected with plasmid containing human TF DNA sequence. Because DNA primase 1 (PRIM1) plays an essential role in cell proliferation, we used the cloned PRIM1 promoter upstream of the reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) to elucidate the mode of action of FVIIa. FVIIa evoked a dose-dependent increase in cell proliferation and PRIM1 induction, which were markedly potentiated (4-5-fold) by the presence of TF and abrogated by TF antisense oligonucleotide. PRIM1 induction by FVIIa was also abolished by PAR-2 but not by PAR-1 antisense. In contrast, thrombin induced a small increase in CAT activity which was unaffected by TF, but was prevented only by PAR-1 antisense as well as the thrombin inhibitor hirudin. Proliferative properties of FVIIa were associated with a TF-dependent increase in intracellular calcium and were mediated by a concordant phosphorylation of p44/42 MAP kinase. In conclusion, data reveal that FVIIa induces PRIM1 and ensuing cellular proliferation via a TF- and of the PARs entirely PAR-2-dependent pathway, in distinction to that of thrombin which is PAR-1-dependent and TF-independent. We speculate that FVIIa-TF-PAR-2 inhibitors may be effective in suppressing cell proliferation.

Proteinase-activated receptors: transducers of proteinase-mediated signaling in inflammation and immune response

Serine proteinases such as thrombin, mast cell tryptase, trypsin, or cathepsin G, for example, are highly active mediators with diverse biological activities. So far, proteinases have been considered to act primarily as degradative enzymes in the extracellular space. However, their biological actions in tissues and cells suggest important roles as a part of the body's hormonal communication system during inflammation and immune response. These effects can be attributed to the activation of a new subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors, termed proteinase-activated receptors (PARs). Four members of the PAR family have been cloned so far. Thus, certain proteinases act as signaling molecules that specifically regulate cells by activating PARs. After stimulation, PARs couple to various G proteins and activate signal transduction pathways resulting in the rapid transcription of genes that are involved in inflammation. For example, PARs are widely expressed by cells involved in immune responses and inflammation, regulate endothelial-leukocyte interactions, and modulate the secretion of inflammatory mediators or neuropeptides. Together, the PAR family necessitates a paradigm shift in thinking about hormone action, to include proteinases as key modulators of biological function. Novel compounds that can modulate PAR function may be potent candidates for the treatment of inflammatory or immune diseases.

Amplification of MMP-2 and MMP-9 production by prostate cancer cell lines via activation of protease-activated receptors

BACKGROUND

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of proteolytic enzymes involved in facilitating cancer metastasis. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) have previously been shown to be involved in pathways of MMP upregulation by tumor cells.

METHODS

Two androgen independent prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 and DU-145, and one androgen dependent prostate cancer line LNCaP, were investigated. PAR expression was detected using RT-PCR and immunofluorochemistry (IFC) techniques. MMP activity assays were used to quantify the levels of MMP-2 and -9 on all three prostate cell lines after PAR activation.

RESULTS

RT-PCR and IFC showed the presence of PAR-1 and PAR-2 in all cell lines investigated, only LNCaP showed PAR-3 and PAR-4 expression. Increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, up to sevenfold depending on prostate cancer cell line, following PAR activation by specific PAR peptides was shown.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary studies show the activation of PAR-1 or PAR-2 produced increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in prostate cancer cell lines, indicating their potential role in the metastasis of prostate cancer cells.

Specificity of coagulation factor signaling

Coagulation serine proteases signal through protease-activated receptors (PARs). Thrombin-dependent PAR signaling on platelets is essential for the hemostatic response and vascular thrombosis, but regulation of inflammation by PAR signaling is now recognized as an important aspect of the pro- and anti-coagulant pathways. In tissue factor (TF)-dependent initiation of coagulation, factor (F) Xa is the PAR-1 or PAR-2-activating protease when associated with the transient TF-FVIIa-FXa complex. In the anticoagulant protein C (PC) pathway, the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex activates PC bound to the endothelial cell PC receptor (EPCR), which functions as a required coreceptor for activated PC-mediated signaling through endothelial cell PAR-1. Thus, the pro- and anti-inflammatory receptor cascades are mechanistically coupled to immediate cell signaling, which precedes systemic coagulant or anticoagulant effects. In contrast to the substrate-like recognition of PARs by thrombin, TF- or EPCR-targeted activation of PARs generates cell-type specificity, PAR selectivity and protease receptor cosignaling with the G-protein-coupled PAR response. Protease receptors are thus major determinants of the biological outcome of coagulation factor signaling on vascular cells.

Kinetics of inhibition of sperm beta-acrosin activity by suramin

Sperm beta-acrosin activity is inhibited by suramin, a polysulfonated naphthylurea compound with therapeutic potential as a combined antifertility agent and microbicide. A kinetic analysis of enzyme inhibition suggests that three and four molecules of suramin bind to one molecule of ram and boar beta-acrosins respectively. Surface charge distribution models of boar beta-acrosin based on its crystal structure indicate several positively charged exosites that represent potential 'docking' regions for suramin. It is hypothesised that the spatial arrangement and distance between these exosites determines the capacity of beta-acrosin to bind suramin.

[Physiological functions of protease-activated receptor-2]

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of G-protein-coupled-seven-trans-membrane-domain-receptors activated by specific proteases, consisting of four family members. PAR-2, a receptor activated by trypsin, tryptase or coagulation factors VIIa and Xa, is unevenly distributed throughout the mammalian body, modulating multiple physiological functions. In the gastrointestinal tract, PAR-2 is involved in gastric mucosal cytoprotection, smooth muscle motility modulation, salivary and pancreatic exocrine secretion, intestinal ionic transport, etc. In the circulatory system, endothelial PAR-2, upon activation, induces vascular relaxation by mechanisms dependent on nitric oxide or endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), resulting in hypotension in vivo. In the respiratory system, PAR-2 appears to play a dual role, being pro- and anti-inflammatory. In the nervous system, PAR-2 present in capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons participates in processing of pain information. PAR-2 is thus involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological functions. PAR-2 is now considered one of the most important molecules as a target for drug development.

Role of protease-activated receptors in airway function: a target for therapeutic intervention?

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are G-protein-coupled, seven transmembrane domain receptors that act as cellular enzyme sensors. These receptors are activated by the proteolytic cleavage at the amino terminus, enabling interaction between the newly formed "tethered ligand" and the second extracellular loop of the receptor to confer cellular signalling. PARs can also be activated by small peptides that mimic the tethered ligand. In the respiratory tract, PARs may be regulated by endogenous proteases, such as airway trypsin and mast cell tryptase, as well as exogenous proteases, including inhaled aeroallergens such as those from house dust mite faecal pellets. Immunoreactive PARs have been identified in multiple cell types of the respiratory tract, and PAR activation has been reported to stimulate cellular mitogenesis and to promote tissue inflammation. Activation of PARs concurrently stimulates the release of bronchorelaxant and anti-inflammatory mediators, which may serve to induce cytoprotection and to minimise tissue trauma associated with severe chronic airways inflammation. Furthermore, airway inflammatory responses are associated with increased epithelial PAR expression and elevated concentrations of PAR-activating, and PAR-inactivating, proteases in the extracellular space. On this basis, PARs are likely to play a regulatory role in airway homeostasis, and may participate in respiratory inflammatory disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Further studies focussing on the effects of newly developed PAR agonists and antagonists in appropriate models of airway inflammation will permit better insight into the role of PARs in respiratory pathophysiology and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Evaluation of the proacrosin/acrosin system and its mechanism of activation in human sperm extracts

Acrosin is an acrosomal protease synthesized as a proenzyme and activated into beta-acrosin during the acrosome reaction. In the present study, a set of sensitive assays was developed to identify the proacrosin/acrosin system and to evaluate its activation pattern in human sperm extracts. Immunocytochemical analysis with monoclonal antibody (Mab) AcrC5F10 showed specific staining on the acrosome of permeabilized ejaculated and capacitated spermatozoa. Acrosome reaction was associated with a decrease in staining. AcrC5F10 specifically recognized a 55-kDa band (proacrosin) in Western immunoblots. Activation studies showed enzymatically active intermediates of 39 and 35 kDa after zymography. Immunoreactive bands of 52, 43, 34, 21-26 and 16 kDa were identified in the activation patterns developed with AcrC5F10. Activation was completely inhibited in the presence of 9 mM CaCl(2) or 100 mM benzamidine. A multiple sequence alignment revealed partial conservation of putative cleavage sites in the proacrosin sequence. The tests described allow the detection of human proacrosin in spermatozoa and sperm protein extracts, as well as the evaluation of the proenzyme activation pattern. They can be used to study the effect of inhibitors upon proenzyme activation. In addition, alterations in proacrosin activation in semen samples with abnormal acrosin enzymatic activity can be analyzed using these assays.

Effect of protease-activated receptor-2 deficiency on allergic dermatitis in the mouse ear

To investigate the involvement of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) in allergic dermatitis, we generated PAR-2-deficient (PAR-2(-/-)) mice. Ear thickness, contact hypersensitivity (CH) induced by topical application of picryl chloride (PC) or oxazolone (Ox) after sensitization, and vascular permeability after ear passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) were compared between wild-type (WT) and PAR-2(-/-) mice. Ear thickness was almost the same in untreated WT and PAR-2(-/-) mice. Topical application of PC or Ox thickened the ears at 6, 24 and 48 h after challenge with a peak at 24 h in WT mice. In PAR-2(-/-) mice, the ear swelling induced by both PC and Ox was suppressed at every time point, and significant inhibition was found at 24 h in PC-induced CH and at 24 and 48 h in Ox-induced CH. Histopathological observation of the ears at 24 h after challenge revealed that PC- or Ox-induced ear edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells in WT mice were greatly attenuated in PAR-2(-/-) mice. The vascular permeability in the ears after PCA was not different between WT and PAR-2(-/-) mice. These results strongly suggest that PAR-2 plays a crucial role in type IV allergic dermatitis but not in type I allergic dermatitis.

Initiation of human colon cancer cell proliferation by trypsin acting at protease-activated receptor-2

The protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is cleaved and activated by trypsin. We investigated the expression of PAR-2 and the role of trypsin in cell proliferation in human colon cancer cell lines. A total of 10 cell lines were tested for expression of PAR-2 mRNA by Northern blot and RT-PCR. PAR-2 protein was detected by immunofluorescence. Trypsin and the peptide agonist SLIGKV (AP2) were tested for their ability to induce calcium mobilization and to promote cell proliferation on serum-deprived cells. PAR-2 mRNA was detected by Northern blot analysis in 6 out of 10 cell lines [HT-29, Cl.19A, Caco-2, SW480, HCT-8 and T84]. Other cell lines expressed low levels of transcripts, which were detected only by RT-PCR. Further results were obtained with HT-29 cells: (1) PAR-2 protein is expressed at the cell surface; (2) an increase in intracellular calcium concentration was observed upon trypsin (1-100 nM) or AP2 (10-100 microM) challenges; (3) cells grown in serum-deprived media supplemented with trypsin (0.1-1 nM) or AP2 (1-300 microM) exhibited important mitogenic responses (3-fold increase of cell number). Proliferative effects of trypsin or AP2 were also observed in other cell lines expressing PAR-2. These data show that subnanomolar concentrations of trypsin, acting at PAR-2, promoted the proliferation of human colon cancer cells. The results of this study indicate that trypsin could be considered as a growth factor and unravel a new mechanism whereby serine proteases control colon tumours.