Purification of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor from porcine liver by a newly designed one-step affinity chromatography

Vasoactive intestinal peptide induces proliferation of human hepatocytes

OBJECTIVES

Proliferation of hepatocytes in vitro can be stimulated by growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), but the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) remains unclear. We have investigated the effect of VIP on maintenance and proliferation of human hepatocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human hepatocytes were isolated from liver specimens obtained from patients undergoing liver surgery. Treatment with VIP or EGF was started 24 h after plating and continued for 3 or 5 d. DNA replication was investigated by Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell viability detected by MTT assay. Cell lysate was analysed by western blotting and RT-PCR. Urea and albumin secretion into the culture supernatants were measured.

RESULTS

VIP increased DNA replication in hepatocytes in a dose-dependant manner, with a peak response at day 3 of treatment. VIP treatment was associated with an increase in mRNA expression of antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki-67 (MKI-67) and Histone Cluster 3 (H3) genes. Western blotting analysis showed that VIP can induce a PKA/B-Raf dependant phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). Although EGF can maintain hepatocyte functions up to day 5, no marked efffect was found with VIP.

CONCLUSIONS

VIP induces proliferation of human hepatocytes with little or no effect on hepatocyte differentiation. Further investigation of the role of VIP is required to determine if it may ultimately support therapeutic approaches of liver disease.

Ligand-supported purification of the urotensin-II receptor

A crucial limitation for structural and biophysical analysis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is the inherent challenge of purifying and stabilizing these receptors in an active (agonist-bound) conformation. Peptide ligands, such as the vasoactive, cyclic hormone urotensin-II (U-II), may provide new purification tools, via high affinity, pseudo-irreversible binding suitable for ligand-based affinity purification. We show that the U-II receptor (UT) is resistant to desensitization as a result of low phosphorylation and diminished endocytosis. UT also displays an unusual proclivity to remain active with vasoconstriction sustained despite extensive washout of the ligand. To exploit these properties for ligand-supported purification, we modified the U-II ligand by attaching a biotin moiety and spacer arm to the N terminus, creating a novel affinity ligand (Bio-U-II) to interface with streptavidin media. Bio-U-II bound to UT with pharmacological properties analogous to those of the unmodified U-II ligand (high-affinity, pseudo-irreversible binding). The prebinding of Bio-U-II to UT (before exposure to detergent) facilitated specific capture of UT by stabilizing the receptor structure during solubilization with detergent. Solubilization of UT with the most compatible detergent, n-dodecyl β-d-maltoside, was dependent on the critical micelle concentration, and Gα(q/11) protein was copurified with captured Bio-U-II-UT complexes. Furthermore, captured Bio-U-II-UT complexes were resistant to dissociation at elevated temperatures, suggesting that UT is relatively thermostable, making it an ideal candidate for future structural and biophysical studies. This work demonstrates the utility of pseudo-irreversible ligands to support the purification of a GPCR during detergent extraction, resulting in the first successful purification of the UT.

Secretin: Should we revisit its metabolic outcomes?

Metabolic pathologies such as Type 2 Diabetes have become a major health problem for worldwide populations. Unfortunately, efforts to cure and especially to prevent these significant global problems have so far been met with disappointment. Recently, the involvement of the gut-derived hormonal dysregulation in the development of obesity-related disturbances has been intensively studied. For instance, studies of gut-derived peptides such as peptide YY 3-36, glucagon-like peptide-1, oxyntomodulin and, more recently, ghrelin have significantly improved our understanding of mechanisms underlying weight and metabolic regulation. Even though early reports of the existence of secretin, the first peptide hormone to be described, date back as far as 1825, so much and yet so little is still known about its physiological role in mammals, including humans. However, recent years have provided a better understanding of how the release of secretin is regulated by enteral secretagogues. On the other hand, most basic questions about its role in the post-prandial regulation of metabolic functions in normal and pathophysiological conditions remain to be elucidated. The present work intends to review the physiology of secretin along with its central and peripheral outcomes on metabolic functions.

Expression of glucagon receptors in tetracycline-inducible HEK293S GnT1- stable cell lines: an approach toward purification of receptor protein for structural studies

Glucagon is a 29-amino acid polypeptide hormone secreted by pancreatic A cells. Together with insulin, it is an important regulator of glucose metabolism. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced insulin secretion from pancreatic B cells and increased glucose output by the liver which has been attributed to abnormally elevated levels of glucagon. The glucagon receptor (GR) is a member of family B G protein-coupled receptors, ligands for which are peptides composed of 30-40 amino acids. The impetus for studying how glucagon interacts with its membrane receptor is to gain insight into the mechanism of glucagon action in normal physiology as well as in diabetes mellitus. The principal approach toward this goal is to design and synthesize antagonists of glucagon that will bind with high affinity to the GR but will not activate it. Site-directed mutagenesis of the GR has provided some insight into the interactions between glucagon and GR. The rational design of potent antagonists has been hampered by the lack of structural information on receptor-bound glucagon. To obtain adequate amounts of receptor protein for structural studies, a tetracycline-inducible HEK293S GnT1(-) cell line that stably expresses human GR at high-levels was developed. The recombinant receptor protein was characterized, solubilized, and isolated by one-step affinity chromatography. This report describes a feasible approach for the preparation of human GR and other family B GPCRs in the quantities required for structural studies.

Class II G protein-coupled receptors for VIP and PACAP: structure, models of activation and pharmacology

VIP and PACAP impact strongly on human pathophysiology. Their receptors are very promising targets for developing new drugs in the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the present knowledge regarding VIP and PACAP receptors, i.e. VPAC1, VPAC2 and PAC1. This includes: (I) a critical review of instrumental peptide agonists and antagonists; (II) a survey of recent data regarding the structure of VPAC1 receptor and the docking of VIP in the receptor binding domain. Structural models for the VPAC2 and PAC1 receptor N-terminal ectodomains are also described; (III) A critical description of the two models of VPAC1 receptor activation in the general context of class II/family B G protein-coupled receptors.

Molecular pharmacology and structure of VPAC Receptors for VIP and PACAP

VIP and PACAP are two prominent neuropeptides which share two common G protein-coupled receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 while PACAP has an additional specific receptor PAC1. This paper reviews the present knowledge regarding three aspects of VPAC receptors including: (i). receptor specificity towards natural VIP-related peptides and pharmacology of synthetic agonists or antagonists; (ii). receptor signaling; (iii). molecular basis of ligand-receptor interaction as determined by site-directed mutagenesis, construction of receptor chimeras and structural modeling.

In vitro folding, functional characterization, and disulfide pattern of the extracellular domain of human GLP-1 receptor

The N-terminal, extracellular domain of the receptor for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1 receptor) was expressed at a high level in E. coli and isolated as inclusion bodies. Renaturation with concomitant disulfide bond formation was achieved from guanidinium-solubilized material. A soluble and active fraction of the protein was isolated by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Complex formation with GLP-1 was shown by cross-linking experiments, surface plasmon resonance measurements, and isothermal titration calorimetry. The existence of disulfide bridges in the N-terminal receptor fragment was proven after digestion of the protein with pepsin. Further analysis revealed a disulfide-binding pattern with links between cysteines 46 and 71, 62 and 104, and between 85 and 126.

In vitro autoradiographic localization of (125)i-secretin receptor binding sites in rat brain

Although the existence of the receptor for secretin in the brain was suggested, the localization of secretin receptor and the neuronal function of secretin have not been clarified yet. In the present study, the localization of secretin receptor was investigated in the rat brain by using an in vitro autoradiography technique. Frozen section autoradiography with (125)I-secretin showed intense binding in the nucleus of solitary tract, laterodorsal thalamic nucleus, and accumbens nucleus; moderate binding in the hippocampus, caudate/putamen, cerebellum, cingulate and orbital cortices. Scatchard plot analysis gave the Kd value of 125 pM with Bmax of 134 fmol/mg tissue in the hippocampus. The binding specificity was confirmed with secretin and its analogs, VIP, PACAP, and glucagon. These results indicate the secretin receptor system might have some neural functions in the brain, which could give the basis for therapeutic use of secretin in autistic children.

Functional reconstitution of membrane glycoproteins into lipid vesicles using lectin precipitation. Application to the VIP receptor

We studied the interaction of n-octyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside-solubilized VIP receptors (VIPR) with wheat germ agglutinin and found that the addition of the lectin to the detergent extract led to the formation of aggregates that could be pelleted by high speed centrifugation. Resuspension of the pellet in the presence of the competing trisaccharide, N,N', N"-triacetylchitotriose (TAC), dissociated the lectin from the complex without altering the precipitability of VIPR. The final pellet (referred to as TAC pellet) contained an average of 12% of total protein and 96% of total VIP binding activity with a typical rank order of potency for VIP-related peptides. Lipid analysis and electron microscopic examination indicated that the precipitated material was composed of lipid vesicles. VIPR molecules were shown to be integrally inserted in the liposomes because they could not be dissociated from the vesicles at pH 11 or with high salt concentration. By comparing the liposome-associated VIP binding activity in the presence and absence of detergent and by showing accessibility of VIPR to PNGase F, it was concluded that VIP binding sites were not simply trapped within the reconstituted vesicles but likely exposed at the external surface of the liposomes.

123I-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor scanning: update of imaging results in patients with adenocarcinomas and endocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

Recent data suggest that functional receptors (R) for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are expressed on various tumor cells. The high-level expression of VIPR on tumor cells provided the basis for the successful use of 123I-labeled VIP for the in vivo localization of intestinal adenocarcinomas and endocrine tumors. We here report an update of our imaging results using 123I-VIP (150-200 MBg/1 microgram/patient) in 169 patients. In patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas without liver metastases, the primary/recurrent tumor was visualized in 16 of 18 patients (89%) and liver metastases were imaged in 15 of 16 patients. In 11 of 12 patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas, the primary/recurrent tumor (92%) was imaged by 123I-VIP. Also, in 21 of 25 patients, liver metastases (84%); in 3 of 6 patients, lung metastases (50%); and in 4 of 5 patients, lymph-node metastases (80%) were imaged by 123I-VIP. In 10 of 10 patients with gastric adenocarcinomas, the primary/recurrent tumor; in 3 of 4 patients, liver metastases; and in 2 of 2 patients, lymph-node metastases were visualized by 123I-VIP. 123I-VIP localized primary intestinal carcinoid tumors in 15 of 17 patients (88%) and 8 of 10 primary insulinomas (80%). We conclude that the 123I-VIPR scintigraphy localizes intestinal adenocarcinomas and endocrine tumors as well as metastatic tumor sites.

Comitogenic effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on rat hepatocytes

The primary mitogens such as epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha are known to stimulate DNA synthesis in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was found to amplify DNA synthesis induced by the primary mitogens and thus acted as a comitogen. The comitogenic effect of VIP was specific for the culture medium, suggesting that minor components in the medium were required for hepatocytes to fully respond to VIP. Glutamic acid is probably one of these minor components, although other components present in the nutrient-rich medium were also necessary for the full comitogenic effect. Other comitogens such as insulin, vasopressin, and angiotensin II interacted additively with low concentrations of VIP. The comitogenic effect of VIP was also found in hepatocytes cultured from regenerating rat liver after a partial hepatectomy. In the regenerating hepatocyte cultures, VIP can act as a mitogen even in the absence of the primary mitogen EGF. VIP mRNA was found in several organs including brain, intestine, and liver, and its expression was slightly induced in liver 24 h after a partial hepatectomy. These results suggest that VIP can act as a hepatic comitogen and may play a role in liver cell proliferation.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)1 receptor. Three nonadjacent amino acids are responsible for species selectivity with respect to recognition of peptide histidine isoleucineamide

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)1 receptors in rats and humans recognize peptide histidine isoleucineamide (PHI) with high and low affinity, respectively. We took advantage of this phenotypic difference to identify the domain responsible for the selective recognition of PHI by rat and human receptors which display >80% sequence identity. After transfection of human and rat receptors in COS cells, the ratio of IC50 for PHI/IC50 for VIP (referred to as P/V) in inhibiting 125I-VIP binding was shown to be >1,000 and <40, respectively. Construction of eight rat/human receptor chimerae by overlap polymerase chain reaction and determination of their P/V ratios demonstrated that the critical domain for PHI recognition is present within a sequence comprising part of the first extracellular loop and third transmembrane domain. This domain contains three different amino acids numbered according to human and rat sequences, respectively, e.g. Gln207 (human) versus His208 (rat), Gly211 versus Ala212 and Met219 versus Val220. Site-directed mutagenesis introducing individual, double, or triple mutations in a chimeric construct revealed that all three amino acids were involved in the recognition of PHI. Triple mutations were then introduced in the wild-type receptors i.e. Q207H, G211A, M219V human VIP1 receptor and H208Q, A212G, V220M rat VIP1 receptor, resulting in a complete change in their phenotype from human to rat and from rat to human, respectively. The results demonstrate that three nonadjacent amino acids are responsible for the selective recognition of PHI by human and rat VIP1 receptors.

Stable expression of the recombinant human VIP1 receptor in clonal Chinese hamster ovary cells: pharmacological, functional and molecular properties

We stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with the recombinant human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)1 receptor. A clone referred to as Clone 15 was isolated and studied for receptor properties. The following data were obtained: (1) one class of binding site was identified by Scatchard analysis of [125I]VIP binding to cell membranes with a Kd of 0.41 nM and a Bmax of 1.62 pmol/mg protein; (2) the constant Ki for the inhibition of [125I]VIP binding by VIP and related peptides was: VIP (0.9 nM) = pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP)-27 (1.3 nM) < PACAP-38 (6.8 nM) < helodermin (46.0 nM) < human growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) (0.6 microM) < peptide histidine methionineamide (2.0 microM) < secretin (> 10 microM); (3) cross-linking experiments using [125I]VIP identified a single M(r) 67000 recombinant receptor; (4) VIP stimulated cAMP production in Clone 15 cells with an EC50 of 0.20 nM; (5) some previously described VIP receptor antagonists including [4-Cl-D-Phe6, Leu17]VIP, [Ac-Tyr1,D-Phe2]GRF-(1-29) amide and VIP-(10-28) inhibited [125I]VIP binding with a Ki of 0.7, 1.6 and 2.5 microM, respectively. They failed to stimulate cAMP production in Clone 15 cells and inhibited, at least partially, the VIP (0.3 nM)-evoked cAMP production; (6) exposure of Clone 15 cells to 10 nM VIP for 24 h resulted in a sharp decrease in Bmax in Clone 15 cells (0.43 vs. 1.62 pmol/mg protein in control cells) and in the potency and efficacy of VIP in stimulating cAMP. Moreover, immunofluorescence studies using confocal microscopy indicated that the receptor was internalized and sequestered in vesicular structures within the cells. It is concluded that Clone 15 cells provide a valuable tool to further characterize various functional and pharmacological aspects of the human VIP1 receptor.

Mutagenesis of N-glycosylation sites in the human vasoactive intestinal peptide 1 receptor. Evidence that asparagine 58 or 69 is crucial for correct delivery of the receptor to plasma membrane

The functional role of N-linked carbohydrates in the human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) 1 receptor was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis (Asn-->Thr) of the four consensus N-glycosylation sites on Asn58, Asn69, Asn100 (N-terminal extracellular domain) and Asn293 (second extracellular loop). Mutated receptors were investigated after transient expression in Cos-7 cells, by ligand binding assay, affinity cross-linking, western blotting, and confocal laser microscopy of epitope-tagged receptor proteins. Mutations of each consensus site revealed that Asn58, Asn69, and Asn100 were occupied by a 9-kDa N-linked carbohydrate whereas Asn293 was not used for glycosylation. Each mutated receptor was expressed (western blot) and delivered at the plasma membrane (confocal microscopy) of Cos-7 cells. They displayed a dissociation constant similar to that of the wild-type receptor, i.e., 0.5-1 nM. In contrast, no VIP binding to Cos-7 cells could be observed with the mutant devoid of consensus N-glycosylation sites due to a strict sequestration of this mutant in the perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum. However, when solubilized with a zwitterionic detergent, this mutant bound [125I]VIP specifically, indicating that it retained intrinsic binding activity. The construction of other mutants in which three out of four N-glycosylation sites were altered, demonstrated that N-glycosylation at either Asn58 or Asn69 is necessary and sufficient to ensure correct delivery of the receptor to the plasma membrane. Further pharmacological studies involving incubation of Cos-7 cells with castanospermine or deoxymannojirimycin immediately after transfection of mutated cDNAs encoding receptors with a single glycosylation site at Asn58 or Asn69 suggested that carbohydrate at Asn58 was involved in a calnexin-dependent folding process of the receptor whereas carbohydrate at Asn69 was not. These studies highlight the functional importance of the N-glycosylation of the human VIP 1 receptor which belongs to a new subfamily of seven membrane-spanning receptors.

VIP antagonist demonstrates differences in VIP- and PHI-mediated stimulation and inhibition of ACTH and corticosterone secretion in rats

Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that PVN administration of equimolar doses of VIP and PHI induce similar increases in plasma ACTH and CORT concentrations via the release of CRF and vasopressin in fasted, freely moving rats studied during the early light cycle. The purpose of these investigations was to determine whether VIP and PHI act via the same receptor and/or mechanism. Individual studies involving the PVN administration of either VIP or PHI in doses ranging from 0.3 to 30.0 nmol/rat demonstrated that VIP increases both ACTH and CORT secretion throughout the administered range. In contrast, PHI was an effective stimulant in doses up to 15 nmol/rat but had no effect on either ACTH or CORT at a dose of 30 nmol/rat thus yielding a bell-shaped dose-response curve. When increasing doses of PHI (0.15-3.0 nmol/rat) were administered against a background of VIP (3.0 nmol/rat) predictably additive responses were observed; however, when increasing doses of VIP (0.15-3.0 nmol/rat) were administered with PHI (3.0 nmol/rat) only the higher doses of VIP facilitated the PHI-induced secretion while the lower doses of VIP actually reduced the PHI-induced ACTH secretion. Finally, pretreatment with [Lys1, Pro2,5, Arg3,4, Tyr6]-VIP, anVIP (1.5 nmol/rat) totally suppressed VIP-induced ACTH secretion but had no effect on PHI-induced secretion. These studies collectively suggest that VIP and PHI utilize different receptors/mechanisms to regulate HPA secretion. Furthermore, when a range of doses of anVIP (1.5-30.0 nmol/rat) was tested against VIP (3.0 nmol/rat), ACTH secretion was totally suppressed at all doses of the antagonist. However, the maximal reduction of CORT secretion occurred at the lowest dose of anVIP and increasing doses were less and less effective, suggesting that not only PHI but VIP may also stimulate and inhibit HPA secretion. While both the stimulatory and the inhibitory actions of PHI appear to involve ACTH, only the stimulatory action of VIP is ACTH-dependent.

Ontogeny of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors in rat ventral prostate

1. The stimulatory effect of VIP on rat prostatic adenylyl cyclase changes during postnatal development. It peaks at 2 months (peripubertal period), remains in a plateau between 3 and 12 months (adult period), and decreases at 24 months (old period). 2. The stimulation of rat prostatic adenylyl cyclase by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol follows a pattern rather similar to that of VIP. 3. The values of VIP binding capacity correlate well with those observed for adenylyl cyclase between 1 and 12 months, whereas there appears to exist a great number of uncoupled VIP receptors at 0.5 and 24 months. 4. The apparent molecular mass (51 kDa) of the rat prostatic VIP-receptor complex remains unaltered during ontogenic development.

Characterization of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors in human liver

The stoichiometric, pharmacological and molecular properties of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors have been analyzed in human liver membranes and compared in parallel with those in rat liver membranes. The binding of [125I]VIP was rapid, saturable and specific. The stoichiometric data indicated the presence of two classes of binding sites in both human and rat liver membranes with Kd values of 0.22 (human) and 0.20 (rat) nM for the high-affinity site, and 27.3 (human) and 3.6 (rat) nM for the low-affinity site. Tracer binding was displaced by structurally related peptides with an order of potency: VIP = PACAP-27 > helodermin > secretin in human liver, and VIP = PACAP-27 = helodermin > secretin in rat liver. GTP inhibited [125I]VIP binding in a dose-dependent manner suggesting the involvement of a G protein in the signal transduction pathway. Cross-linking experiments revealed an apparent molecular mass for the VIP-receptor complex that was 67,500 +/- 2700 and 50,500 +/- 900 in human and rat preparations, respectively. VIP receptors were functional, since VIP stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in a dose dependent manner with similar efficacy but different potency in human (ED50 = 1.2 nM) and rat (ED50 = 5.8 nM) liver membranes.

Expression of VIP receptors in mouse peritoneal macrophages: functional and molecular characterization

Receptors for VIP in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) were examined using [125I]labeled VIP as ligand. The receptor binding was rapid, reversible, saturable, specific, and dependent on time, pH, temperature and cell concentration. At 15 degrees C, the stoichiometric data suggested the presence of two classes of VIP receptors with Kd values of 1.05 +/- 0.2 and 66.4 +/- 11.0 nM and binding capacities of 19.2 +/- 2.8 and 706.6 +/- 172.0 fmol VIP/10(6) cells. The interaction showed a high degree of specificity, as suggested by competition experiments with various peptides structurally related to VIP as follows: VIP > helodermin > rGRF > PHI >> secretin. Glucagon, pancreastatin, somatostatin, insulin, and octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK 26-33) were ineffective at concentrations as high as 1 microM. VIP was a potent and efficient stimulator of cyclic AMP production in MPM. The stimulation was observed at a concentration as low as 0.01 nM VIP. Half-maximal stimulation (ED50) was observed at 1.0 +/- 0.2 nM VIP, and maximal stimulation (three-fold above basal levels) was obtained between 0.1-1 microM. The cyclic AMP system of mouse peritoneal macrophages showed a high specificity for VIP. The order of potency observed in inducing cyclic AMP production was VIP > helodermin > rGRF > PHI >> secretin. Glucagon, insulin, pancreastatin, somatostatin and octapeptide of cholecystokinin did not modify cyclic AMP levels at concentrations as high as 1 microM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Receptors for gut regulatory peptides

Receptors for regulatory peptides (hormones or neurotransmitters) play a pivotal role in the ability of cells to taste the rich neuroendocrine environment of the gut. Recognition of low concentration of peptides with a high specificity and translation of the peptide-receptor interaction into a biological response through different signalling pathways (adenylyl cyclase-cAMP or phospholipase C-phosphatidylinositol) are crucial properties of receptors. While many new receptors have been identified and thereafter characterized functionally during the 1980s, molecular biology now emerges as the privileged way for the structural characterization and discovery of receptors. Different strategies of receptor cloning have been developed which may or may not require prior receptor purification. Among cloning strategies that do not require receptor purification, homology screening of cDNA libraries, expression of receptor cDNA or mRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes or in COS cells, and the polymerase chain reaction method achieved great success, e.g. cloning of receptors for cholecystokinin, gastrin, glucagon-like peptide 1, gastrin-releasing peptide/bombesin, neuromedin K, neuropeptide Y, neurotensin, opioids, secretin, somatostatin, substance K, substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide. All these receptors belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors which consist of a single polypeptide chain (350-450 amino acids) with seven transmembrane segments, an N-terminal extracellular domain and a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. In this chapter, we have detailed the properties of three receptors which play an important role in digestive tract physiology and illustrate various signal transduction pathways: pancreatic beta-cell galanin receptors which mediate inhibition of insulin release and intestinal epithelial receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide and peptide YY, which mediate the stimulation and inhibition of water and electrolyte secretion, respectively.

Characterization and purification of the solubilized pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide-1 receptor from porcine brain using a biotinylated ligand

A specific receptor for the brain-gut neuropeptide pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP-1 receptor) was solubilized with Chapso from porcine brain plasma membranes and purified. Binding of 125I-PACAP(1-27) to the solubilized material was reversed equipotently by unlabeled PACAP(1-27) and PACAP(1-38). Soluble receptors retained the binding affinities and specificities of the plasma membrane fraction. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium-binding data indicated the existence of a single high-affinity binding site (Kd = 0.23 nM, Bmax = 1.2 pmol/mg protein). Binding of 125I-PACAP(1-27) to solubilized receptors was not affected by guanosine nucleotides, suggesting that solubilization dissociates the PACAP-1 receptor/guanosine-nucleotide-binding protein complex. Affinity cross-linking of 125I-PACAP(1-27) to soluble PACAP-1 receptors identified a specifically labeled 60-kDa protein. Enzymic deglycosylation of soluble affinity-labeled receptors reduced the apparent molecular mass by 10 kDa. The solubilized receptor glycoprotein was purified 4-5-fold by lectin-adsorption chromatography on wheatgerm agglutinin immobilized on agarose. S-Biotinyl[Ala28-34, Cys35]PACAP(1-35) was synthesized, immobilized on streptavidin-coated magnetic Sepharose beads and used to further affinity-purify wheatgerm-agglutinin-eluted receptor material. This more than 6000-fold enriched PACAP-1-receptor-preparation retained single-class high-affinity binding and consisted of an almost homogenous 55-60-kDa protein identified by silver staining. In conclusion, we established a rapid method for purification of PACAP-1 receptors, allowing further studies to be performed by protein chemistry.

Glycosylation of VIP receptors: a molecular basis for receptor heterogeneity

Apparent molecular weights of VIP-binding proteins differ greatly according to species and to tissue. In this study, we used plasma membranes from various species (human, rat, pig) and tissues (melanoma, intestine, liver), which display major 125I-VIP-labeled components with molecular weights ranging from M(r) = 51,800 to 66,800. With the exception of porcine receptor, the various VIP receptors had similar apparent molecular weights after removal of their N-linked carbohydrates. In addition to differences in the amount of asparagine-linked glycans, our results also revealed differences in the composition of the oligosaccharide chains, which can also account for the heterogeneity in the molecular weights of the VIP receptor.

Characterization of a common VIP-PACAP receptor in human small intestinal epithelium

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors were characterized in epithelial plasma membranes from human small intestine. Native VIP inhibited the binding of 125I-labeled VIP to jejunal membranes, and Scatchard analysis of these data was consistent with the existence of one class of receptor with a dissociation constant of 42 pM and a maximal binding of 256 fmol/mg membrane protein. VIP stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in human jejunal membranes in the 0.01 nM-1 microM range [half-maximal effective dose = 0.7 nM]. Coupling of VIP receptors with a Gs protein was further assessed by the ability of GTP (10(-8) to 10(-3) M) to inhibit 125I-VIP binding to membranes. 125I-VIP binding was seven to eight times higher in villus cells than in crypt cells. Finally, 125I-VIP binding was detectable throughout the small and large intestines with the highest binding in jejunum. Among the natural peptides structurally related to VIP, some inhibited 125I-VIP binding with the following order of potency: VIP = pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP)-27 = PACAP-38 > helodermin >> peptide histidine methionineamide = human growth hormone-releasing factor > secretin. The same order of potency of peptides for inhibiting 125I-VIP or 125I-labeled PACAP was observed, supporting that the two tracers bound to a common VIP-PACAP receptor site. This order of potency was also observed for the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity by these peptides. 125I-VIP was cross-linked to membranes using disuccinimidyl suberate. After sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, one single band of 70,000 mol wt was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification and characterization of the head-activator receptor from a multi-headed mutant of Chlorohydra viridissima

In hydra the neuropeptide head activator (HA) is responsible for head-specific growth and differentiation processes. The effects of HA are mediated by high and low affinity receptors on hydra cells. In the current study HA receptors from a multi-headed mutant of Chlorohydra viridissima were solubilized from the membrane fraction using 1% Triton X-100 and 2.5 M urea. Scatchard analysis showed that the solubilized receptor had a Kd of 1.55 x 10(-9) M, indicating the low affinity subtype of the HA receptor. The solubilized receptor was purified by DMAE chromatography and subsequent affinity chromatography to homogeneity. SDS-PAGE revealed a single protein band with a molecular mass of 96 +/- 4 kDa. The native receptor eluted during gel filtration as a 113 kDa protein, and focussed with an isoelectric point of 4.8.

Receptors for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide: comparison with vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a new member of the secretin glucagon-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) family of peptides, being most homologous to VIP. PACAP exists in two amidated forms with 38 residues (PACAP38) and 27 residues (PACAP27), respectively. PACAP38 is the major form in tissues. There are two types of high-affinity receptors for PACAP: type I, which specifically binds to both PACAPs, and type II, which is shared with VIP. Type I PACAP receptors appear to have two subtypes: type IA, which binds to both PACAP38 and PACAP27, with slight preference for the latter, and type IB, with greater preference for PACAP38. Distribution of the type I PACAP receptor is different from that of VIP, and it is found in high concentrations in brain, spinal cord, anterior pituitary, adrenal medulla, spermatogonia at certain stages, mature spermatozoa, and some cell lines. Type II PACAP receptors are found in lung, liver, intestine, and other tissues, and their distribution is similar to that of the VIP receptor. Type II PACAP receptor might be similar to or identical with the VIP receptor.

Molecular properties of the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor in aorta and other tissues

The molecular weight of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor was assessed in bovine aorta, and rat liver, lung, and brain by covalent cross-linking and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The receptor in all four tissues was found to be a single polypeptide of approximate M(r) 54,000, contradicting previous claims for substantial heterogeneity in the molecular weight of this receptor. Guanine nucleotides inhibit cross-linking of 125I-VIP to its receptor, and cross-linking with ethylene glycolbis(succinimidylsuccinate) provides further evidence for complex formation between VIP, its receptor and a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G-protein). The precise mechanism of receptor-G-protein coupling may differ between the aorta and other tissues.

Functional expression and tissue distribution of a novel receptor for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), a 28 amino acid peptide hormone, plays many physiological roles in the peripheral and central nerve systems. A functional cDNA clone of the VIP receptor was isolated from a rat lung cDNA library by cross-hybridization with the secretin receptor cDNA. VIP bound the cloned VIP receptor expressed in mouse COP cells and stimulated adenylate cyclase through the cloned receptor. The rat VIP receptor consists of 459 amino acids with a calculated Mr of 52,054 and contains seven transmembrane segments. It is structurally related to the secretin, calcitonin, and parathyroid hormone receptors, suggesting that they constitute a new subfamily of the Gs protein-coupled receptors. VIP receptor mRNA was detected in various rat tissues including liver, lung, intestines, and brain. In situ hybridization revealed that VIP receptor mRNA is widely distributed in neuronal cells of the adult rat brain, with a relatively high expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide: biologic role in health and disease

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), a neuropeptide with wide distribution in the central and peripheral nervous systems, has a broad spectrum of biologic actions. Usually acting as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator but sometimes also as a blood-borne hormone, it participates in the regulation of a variety of major body functions and may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of several diseases.

Specific binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in rat cultured astrocytes: molecular identification and interaction with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)

Molecular identification of the binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and the effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the specific binding sites for PACAP in rat cultured astrocyte membrane preparations were investigated. Affinity cross-linking of astrocyte membrane preparations with [125I]PACAP27 showed the presence of a 60 kDa radiolabeled ligand-receptor complex. The labeling of this band was completely abolished in the presence of 10(-8) M or higher concentrations of unlabeled PACAP27. The molecular weight of this binding protein was estimated to be 57 kDa assuming an equimolar interaction of ligand and receptor in the 60 kDa complex. The labeling of [125I]PACAP27 binding to this binding protein was partly reduced by the addition of 10(-6) M VIP, but not by 10(-8) M. In the binding assay, VIP displaced the specific binding of [125I]PACAP27 at 10(-7) M or a greater concentration. Displacement of [125I]PACAP27 binding by unlabeled PACAP27 was analyzed in the presence or absence of 10(-6) M VIP. VIP at 10(-6) M reduced the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of the high affinity binding site for PACAP27 by about 50% but did not alter the Bmax of the low affinity binding site. The dissociation constants (Kd) for both the high and low affinity binding sites were unaltered. These results indicate that PACAP binds to a 57 kDa membrane protein with high affinity and that VIP, at much higher concentrations, binds to this same binding site, suggesting that VIP mimics the biological action of PACAP in astrocytes at high concentrations.

Solubilization of the neuropeptide Y receptor from rat brain membranes

The neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor was solubilized from rat brain membranes with the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). The binding of 125I-NPY to CHAPS extracts was protein, time, and temperature dependent. Unlabeled NPY and the related peptides peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide inhibited 125I-NPY binding to solubilized receptors with relative potencies similar to those seen with membrane-bound receptors: NPY greater than PYY much greater than pancreatic polypeptide. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data showed the CHAPS extracts to contain a single population of binding sites with a KD of 3.6 +/- 0.4 nM (mean +/- SEM) and a Bmax of 5.0 +/- 0.2 pmol/mg of protein. In addition the 125I-NPY binding to the soluble receptor was not inhibited by guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), in contrast to the GTP sensitivity displayed by the membrane-bound receptor. Gel filtration chromatography using Sepharose 6B revealed a single peak of binding activity corresponding to a Mr of approximately 67,000, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis after chemical cross-linking revealed a single band at Mr 62,000. After solubilization and gel chromatography a 50- to 100-fold purification of the NPY receptor was obtained.

The preparation of biotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproylated forms of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) as probes for the VIP receptor

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was biotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproylated using sulfosuccinimidyl-6-(biotinamido) hexanoate thereby producing a series of products that were separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Seven VIP-derivatives were isolated and the number and location of biotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproylation was determined by a combination of enzymatic degradation and plasma desorption mass spectrometry (PDMS). Receptor binding experiments with the VIP biotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproylated derivatives revealed IC50 values for the monobiotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproylated peptides that were 1.3-3.2 times higher than for natural VIP. All isolated biotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproylated derivatives possess VIP-like bioactivity as shown by an assay measuring pancreatic juice secretion in cat, VIP biotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproylated in position lysine being almost equipotent with natural VIP.

VIP receptors from porcine liver: high yield solubilization in a GTP-insensitive form

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors were solubilized from porcine liver membranes using CHAPS. The binding of 125I-VIP to solubilized receptors was reversible, saturable and specific. Scatchard analysis indicated the presence of one binding site with a Kd of 6.5 +/- 0.3 nM and a Bmax of 1.20 +/- 0.15 pmol/mg protein. Solubilized and membrane-bound receptors displayed the same pharmacological profile since VIP and VIP-related peptides inhibited 125I-VIP binding to both receptor preparations with the same rank order of potency e.g. VIP greater than helodermin greater than rat GRF greater than rat PHI greater than secretin greater than human GRF. GTP inhibited 125I-VIP binding to membrane-bound receptors but not to solubilized receptors supporting functional uncoupling of VIP receptor and G protein during solubilization. Affinity labeling of solubilized and membrane-bound VIP receptors with 125I-VIP revealed the presence of a single molecular component with Mr 55,000 in both cases. It is concluded that VIP receptors from porcine liver can be solubilized with a good yield, in a GTP-insentive, G protein-free form. This represents a major advance towards the purification of VIP receptors.