Gs couples thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes to phospholipase C

Biochemical and physiological insights into TRH receptor-mediated signaling

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is an important endocrine agent that regulates the function of cells in the anterior pituitary and the central and peripheral nervous systems. By controlling the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, TRH affects many physiological functions, including energy homeostasis. This hormone exerts its effects through G protein-coupled TRH receptors, which signal primarily through G_q/11 but may also utilize other G protein classes under certain conditions. Because of the potential therapeutic benefit, considerable attention has been devoted to the synthesis of new TRH analogs that may have some advantageous properties compared with TRH. In this context, it may be interesting to consider the phenomenon of biased agonism and signaling at the TRH receptor. This possibility is supported by some recent findings. Although knowledge about the mechanisms of TRH receptor-mediated signaling has increased steadily over the past decades, there are still many unanswered questions, particularly about the molecular details of post-receptor signaling. In this review, we summarize what has been learned to date about TRH receptor-mediated signaling, including some previously undiscussed information, and point to future directions in TRH research that may offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of TRH receptor-triggered actions and possible ways to modulate TRH receptor-mediated signaling.

Voltage-Dependent Dopamine Potency at D1-Like Dopamine Receptors

In recent years, transmembrane voltage has been found to modify agonist potencies at several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Whereas the voltage sensitivities of the Gα_i/o-coupled dopamine D₂-like receptors (D₂R, D₃R, D₄R) have previously been investigated, the putative impact of transmembrane voltage on agonist potency at the mainly Gα_s/olf-coupled dopamine D₁-like receptors (D₁R, D₅R) has hitherto not been reported. Here, we assayed the potency of dopamine in activating G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium (GIRK) channels co-expressed with D₁R and D₅R in Xenopus oocytes, at -80 mV and at 0 mV. Furthermore, GIRK response deactivation rates upon dopamine washout were measured to estimate dopamine dissociation rate (k_off) constants. Depolarization from -80 to 0 mV was found to reduce dopamine potency by about 7-fold at both D₁R and D₅R. This potency reduction was accompanied by an increase in estimated dopamine k_offs at both receptors. While the GIRK response elicited via D₁R was insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX), the response evoked via D₅R was reduced by 64% (-80 mV) and 71% (0 mV) in the presence of PTX. Injection of oocytes with Gα_s antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the D₁R-mediated response by 62% (-80 mV) and 76% (0 mV) and abolished the D₅R response when combined with PTX. Our results suggest that depolarization decreases dopamine affinity at D₁R and D₅R. The voltage-dependent affinities of dopamine at D₁R and D₅R may be relevant to the functions of these receptors in learning and memory.

cAMP guided his way: a life for G protein-mediated signal transduction and molecular pharmacology-tribute to Karl H. Jakobs

Karl H. Jakobs, former editor-in-chief of Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology and renowned molecular pharmacologist, passed away in April 2018. In this article, his scientific achievements regarding G protein-mediated signal transduction and regulation of canonical pathways are summarized. Particularly, the discovery of inhibitory G proteins for adenylyl cyclase, methods for the analysis of receptor-G protein interactions, GTP supply by nucleoside diphosphate kinases, mechanisms in phospholipase C and phospholipase D activity regulation, as well as the development of the concept of sphingosine-1-phosphate as extra- and intracellular messenger will presented. His seminal scientific and methodological contributions are put in a general and timely perspective to display and honor his outstanding input to the current knowledge in molecular pharmacology.

A seven-transmembrane receptor that mediates avoidance response to dihydrocaffeic acid, a water-soluble repellent in Caenorhabditis elegans

The ability to detect harmful chemicals rapidly is essential for the survival of all animals. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), repellents trigger an avoidance response, causing animals to move away from repellents. Dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) is a water-soluble repellent and nonflavonoid catecholic compound that can be found in plant products. Using a Xenopus laevis (X. laevis) oocyte expression system, we identified a candidate dihydrocaffeic acid receptor (DCAR), DCAR-1. DCAR-1 is a novel seven-transmembrane protein that is expressed in the ASH avoidance sensory neurons of C. elegans. dcar-1 mutant animals are defective in avoidance response to DHCA, and cell-specific expression of dcar-1 in the ASH neurons of dcar-1 mutant animals rescued the defect in avoidance response to DHCA. Our findings identify DCAR-1 as the first seven-transmembrane receptor required for avoidance of a water-soluble repellent, DHCA, in C. elegans.

Characterization and distribution of an arginine vasotocin receptor in mouse

A cDNA, which has a high homology with teleost Platichthys flesus [Arg8] vasotocin (AVT) receptor (GenBank: AK033957), was found in mouse genome database. Analyses of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that a cDNA has several features of AVT receptor. We tentatively named it as a mouse vasotocin receptor (MVTR). A two-electrodes voltage clamp technique was applied to characterize the MVTR expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. AVT induced Ca2+-dependent Cl- currents in Xenopus oocytes injected with MVTR cRNA. On the other hand, [Arg8] vasopressin, oxytocin and isotocin did not induce such currents. RT-PCR showed that MVTR mRNA was specifically expressed in the brain. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated significant expression of MVTR mRNA in suprachiasmatic nucleus, arcuate nucleus and medial habenular nucleus of mouse brain. These results suggest that MVTR may mediate a variety of physiological functions in mouse.

Specificity of TRH receptor coupling to G-proteins for regulation of ERG K+ channels in GH3 rat anterior pituitary cells

The identity of the G-protein coupling thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptors to rat ether-à-go-go related gene (r-ERG) K+ channel modulation was studied in situ using perforated-patch clamped adenohypophysial GH(3) cells and dominant-negative variants (Galpha-QL/DN) of G-protein alpha subunits. Expression of dominant-negative Galpha(q/11) that minimizes the TRH-induced Ca2+ signal had no effect on r-ERG current inhibition elicited by the hormone. In contrast, the introduction of dominant-negative variants of Galpha13 and the small G-protein Rho caused a significant loss of the inhibitory effect of TRH on r-ERG. A strong reduction of this TRH effect was also obtained in cells expressing either dominant-negative Galpha(s) or transducin alpha subunits, an agent known to sequester free G-protein betagamma dimers. As a further indication of specificity of the dominant-negative effects, only the dominant-negative variants of Galpha13 and Rho (but not Galpha(s)-QL/DN or Galpha(t)) were able to reduce the TRH-induced shifts of human ERG (HERG) activation voltage dependence in HEK293 cells permanently expressing HERG channels and TRH receptors. Our results demonstrate that whereas the TRH receptor uses a G(q/11) protein for transducing the Ca2+ signal during the initial response to TRH, this G-protein is not involved in the TRH-induced inhibition of endogenous r-ERG currents in pituitary cells. They also identify G(s) (or a G(s)-like protein) and G13 as important contributors to the hormonal effect in these cells and suggest that betagamma dimers released from these proteins may participate in modulation of ERG currents triggered by TRH.

Spinophilin regulates Ca2+ signalling by binding the N-terminal domain of RGS2 and the third intracellular loop of G-protein-coupled receptors

Signalling by G proteins is controlled by the regulator of G-protein signalling (RGS) proteins that accelerate the GTPase activity of Galpha subunits and act in a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-specific manner. The conserved RGS domain accelerates the G subunit GTPase activity, whereas the variable amino-terminal domain participates in GPCR recognition. How receptor recognition is achieved is not known. Here, we show that the scaffold protein spinophilin (SPL), which binds the third intracellular loop (3iL) of several GPCRs, binds the N-terminal domain of RGS2. SPL also binds RGS1, RGS4, RGS16 and GAIP. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, SPL markedly increased inhibition of alpha-adrenergic receptor (alphaAR) Ca2+ signalling by RGS2. Notably, the constitutively active mutant alphaAR(A293E) (the mutation being in the 3iL) did not bind SPL and was relatively resistant to inhibition by RGS2. Use of betaAR-alphaAR chimaeras identified the 288REKKAA293 sequence as essential for the binding of SPL and inhibition of Ca2+ signalling by RGS2. Furthermore, alphaAR-evoked Ca2+ signalling is less sensitive to inhibition by SPL in rgs2-/- cells and less sensitive to inhibition by RGS2 in spl-/- cells. These findings provide a general mechanism by which RGS proteins recognize GPCRs to confer signalling specificity.

Involvement of both G(q/11) and G(s) proteins in gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor-mediated signaling in L beta T2 cells

The hypothalamic hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the synthesis and release of the pituitary gonadotropins. GnRH acts through a plasma membrane receptor that is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. These receptors interact with heterotrimeric G proteins to initiate downstream signaling. In this study, we have investigated which G proteins are involved in GnRH receptor-mediated signaling in L beta T2 pituitary gonadotrope cells. We have shown previously that GnRH activates ERK and induces the c-fos and LH beta genes in these cells. Signaling via the G(i) subfamily of G proteins was excluded, as neither ERK activation nor c-Fos and LH beta induction was impaired by treatment with pertussis toxin or a cell-permeable peptide that sequesters G beta gamma-subunits. GnRH signaling was partially mimicked by adenoviral expression of a constitutively active mutant of G alpha(q) (Q209L) and was blocked by a cell-permeable peptide that uncouples G alpha(q) from GPCRs. Furthermore, chronic activation of G alpha(q) signaling induced a state of GnRH resistance. A cell-permeable peptide that uncouples G alpha(s) from receptors was also able to inhibit ERK, c-Fos, and LH beta, indicating that both G(q/11) and G(s) proteins are involved in signaling. Consistent with this, GnRH caused GTP loading on G(s) and G(q/11) and increased intracellular cAMP. Artificial elevation of cAMP with forskolin activated ERK and caused a partial induction of c-Fos. Finally, treatment of G alpha(q) (Q209L)-infected cells with forskolin enhanced the induction of c-Fos showing that the two pathways are independent and additive. Taken together, these results indicate that the GnRH receptor activates both G(q) and G(s) signaling to regulate gene expression in L beta T2 cells.

A new phospholipase-C-calcium signalling pathway mediated by cyclic AMP and a Rap GTPase

Stimulation of phosphoinositide-hydrolysing phospholipase C (PLC) generating inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate is a major calcium signalling pathway used by a wide variety of membrane receptors, activating distinct PLC-beta or PLC-gamma isoforms. Here we report a new PLC and calcium signalling pathway that is triggered by cyclic AMP (cAMP) and mediated by a small GTPase of the Rap family. Activation of the adenylyl cyclase-coupled beta2-adrenoceptor expressed in HEK-293 cells or the endogenous receptor for prostaglandin E1 in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells induced calcium mobilization and PLC stimulation, seemingly caused by cAMP formation, but was independent of protein kinase A (PKA). We provide evidence that these receptor responses are mediated by a Rap GTPase, specifically Rap2B, activated by a guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor (Epac) regulated by cAMP, and involve the recently identified PLC-epsilon isoform.

Galphas family G proteins activate IP(3)-Ca(2+) signaling via gbetagamma and transduce ventralizing signals in Xenopus

During early embryonic development, IP(3)-Ca(2+) signaling transduces ventral signaling at the time of dorsoventral axis formation. To identify molecules functioning upstream in this signal pathway, we examined effects of a panel of inhibitory antibodies against Galphaq/11, Galphas/olf, or Galphai/o/t/z. While all these antibodies showed direct inhibition of their targets, their effects on redirection of the ventral mesoderm to a dorsal fate varied. Anti-Galphas/olf antibody showed strong induction of dorsal fate, anti-Galphai/o/t/z antibody did so weakly, and anti-Galphaq/11 antibody was without effect. Injection of betaARK, a Gbetagamma inhibitor, mimicked the dorsalizing effect of anti-Galphas/olf antibody, whereas injection of adenylyl cyclase inhibitors at a concentration which inhibited Galphas-coupled cAMP increase did not do so. The activation of Galphas-coupled receptor gave rise to Ca(2+) transients. All these results suggest that activation of the Galphas-coupled receptor relays dorsoventral signal to Gbetagamma, which then stimulates PLCbeta and then the IP(3)-Ca(2+) system. This signaling pathway may play a crucial role in transducing ventral signals.

Dissecting G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways with membrane-permeable blocking peptides. Endogenous 5-HT(2C) receptors in choroid plexus epithelial cells

To determine the intracellular signaling mechanism of the 5-HT(2C) receptor endogenously expressed in choroid plexus epithelial cells, we implemented a strategy of targeted disruption of protein-protein interactions. This strategy entails the delivery of conjugated membrane-permeable peptides that disrupt domain interaction at specific steps in the signaling cascade. As proof of concept, two peptides targeted against receptor-G protein interaction domains were examined. Only G(q)CT, which targets the receptor-G(q) protein interacting domain, disrupted 5-HT(2C) receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositide hydrolysis. G(s)CT, targeting the receptor-G(s) protein, disrupted beta2 adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of cAMP but not 5-HT(2C) receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositide hydrolysis. The peptide MPS-PLCbeta1M, mimicking the domain of phospholipase Cbeta1 (PLCbeta1) interacting with active Galpha(q), also blocked 5-HT(2C) receptor activation. In contrast, peptides PLCbeta2M and Phos that bind to and sequester free Gbetagamma subunits were ineffective at blocking 5-HT(2C) receptor-mediated phosphoinositol turnover. However, both peptides disrupted Gbetagamma-mediated alpha(2A) adrenergic receptor activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. These results provide the first direct demonstration that active Galpha(q) subunits mediate endogenous 5-HT(2C) receptor activation of PLCbeta and that Gbetagamma subunits released from Galpha(q) heterotrimeric proteins are not involved. Comparable results were obtained with metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 expressed in astrocytes. Thus, conjugated, membrane-permeable peptides are effective tools for the dissection of intracellular signals.

Signal transduction and hormone-dependent internalization of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor in cells lacking Gq and G11

The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor was expressed in embryonic fibroblasts from mice lacking the alpha subunits of Gq and G11 (Fq/11 cells) to determine whether G protein coupling is necessary for agonist-dependent receptor internalization. Neither TRH nor agonists acting on endogenous receptors increased intracellular calcium unless the cells were co-transfected with the alpha subunit of Gq. In contrast, temperature-dependent internalization of [3H]MeTRH in Fq/11 cells was the same whether Gqalpha was expressed or not. A rhodamine-labeled TRH analog and fluorescein-labeled transferrin co-localized in endocytic vesicles in Fq/11 cells, indicating that endocytosis took place via the normal clathrin pathway. Cotransfection with beta-arrestin or V53D beta-arrestin increased TRH-dependent receptor sequestration. Fq/11 cells were co-transfected with the TRH receptor and a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-beta-arrestin conjugate. GFP-beta-arrestin was uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm of untreated cells and quickly translocated to the periphery of the cells when TRH was added. A truncated TRH receptor that lacks potential phosphorylation sites in the cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus signaled but did not internalize or cause membrane localization of GFP-beta-arrestin. These results prove that calcium signaling by the TRH receptor requires coupling to a G protein in the Gq family, but TRH-dependent binding of beta-arrestin and sequestration do not.

Expression analysis of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) in the immune system using agonist anti-TRHR monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal anti-rat thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR)-specific antibodies (mAb) were generated by immunization with synthetic peptides of rat TRHR partial amino acid sequences; one (TRHR01) was directed against a sequence (84-98) in the extracellular portion of the rat TRHR reported to be constant among different species, including man, and the second (TRHR02) recognizes the C-terminal region sequence 399-412. In lysates from GH4C1 cells, a clonal rat pituitary cell line, both mAb recognize the TRHR in Western blot analysis, and TRHR02 immunoprecipitates the TRHR. Incubation of GH4C1 cells with the mAb causes a fluorescence shift in fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. The cells were stained specifically by both mAb using immunocytochemical techniques. Furthermore, TRHR01 is agonistic in its ability to trigger Ca2+ flux, and desensitizes the TRH receptor. We tested for TRHR in several rat organs and found expression in lymphoid tissues. TRHR01 recognizes the human TRHR, and analysis of human peripheral blood lymphocyte and tonsil-derived leukocyte populations showed receptor expression in non-activated and phytohemagglutinin-activated T and B cells.

Modulation of human erg K+ channel gating by activation of a G protein-coupled receptor and protein kinase C

1. Modulation of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (HERG) K+ channel was studied in two-electrode voltage-clamped Xenopus oocytes co-expressing the channel protein and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor. 2. Addition of TRH caused clear modifications of HERG channel gating kinetics. These variations consisted of an acceleration of deactivation, as shown by a faster decay of hyperpolarization-induced tail currents, and a slower time course of activation, measured using an envelope of tails protocol. The voltage dependence for activation was also shifted by nearly 20 mV in the depolarizing direction. Neither the inactivation nor the inactivation recovery rates were altered by TRH. 3. The alterations in activation gating parameters induced by TRH were demonstrated in a direct way by looking at the increased outward K+ currents elicited in extracellular solutions in which K+ was replaced by Cs+. 4. The effects of TRH were mimicked by direct pharmacological activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with beta-phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA). The TRH-induced effects were antagonized by GF109203X, a highly specific inhibitor of PKC that also abolished the PMA-dependent regulation of the channels. 5. It is concluded that a PKC-dependent pathway links G protein-coupled receptors that activate phospholipase C to modulation of HERG channel gating. This provides a mechanism for the physiological regulation of cardiac function by phospholipase C-activating receptors, and for modulation of adenohypophysial neurosecretion in response to TRH.

Different signaling pathway between sphingosine-1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid in Xenopus oocytes: functional coupling of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor to PLC-xbeta in Xenopus oocytes

In Xenopus oocytes, both sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activate Ca2+-dependent oscillatory Cl- currents by acting through membrane-bound receptors. External application of 50 microM S1P elicited a long-lasting oscillatory current that continued over 30 min from the beginning of oscillation, with 300 nA (n = 11) as a usual maximum peak of current, whereas 1-microM LPA treatment showed only transiently oscillating but more vigorous current responses, with 2,800 nA (n = 18) as a maximum peak amplitude. Both phospholipid-induced Ca2+-dependent Cl- currents were observed in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, were blocked by intracellular injection of the Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, and could not be elicited by treatment with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ ATPase. Intracellular Ca2+ release appeared to be from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ store, because Cl- currents were blocked by heparin injection. Pretreatment with the aminosteroid, U-73122, an inhibitor of G protein-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) activation, to oocytes inhibited the current responses evoked both by S1P and LPA. However, when they were injected with 10 ng of antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) against Xenopus phospholipase C (PLC-xbeta), oocytes could not respond to S1P application, whereas they responded normally to LPA, indicating that the S1P signaling pathway goes through PLC-xbeta, whereas LPA signaling goes through another unknown PLC. To determine the types of G proteins involved, we introduced AS-ODNs against four types of G-protein alpha subunits that were identified in Xenopus laevis; G(q)alpha, G11alpha, G0alpha, and G(i1)alpha. Among AS-ODNs against the G alphas tested, AS-G(q)alpha and AS-G(i1)alpha to S1P and AS-G(q)alpha and AS-G11alpha to LPA specifically reduced current responses, respectively, to about 20-30% of controls. These results demonstrate that LPA and S1P, although they have similar structural features, release intracellular Ca2+ from the IP3-sensitive pool, use different components in their signal transduction pathways in Xenopus oocytes.

The expression of a cloned Drosophila octopamine/tyramine receptor in Xenopus oocytes

The expression of a cloned Drosophila octopamine/tyramine receptor (OctyR99AB) is described in Xenopus oocytes. Agonist stimulation of OctyR99AB receptors increased intracellular Ca2+ levels monitored as changes in the endogenous inward Ca2+-dependent chloride current. The receptor is preferentially sensitive to biogenic amines with a single hydroxyl on the aromatic ring. The G-protein, Galphai, appears to be involved in the coupling of the receptor to the production of intracellular calcium signals, since the effect is pertussis-toxin sensitive and is blocked or substantially reduced in antisense knockout experiments using oligonucleotides directed against Galphai but not by those directed against Galphao, Galphaq and Galpha11. The increase in intracellular calcium levels induced by activation of the OctyR99AB receptor can potentiate the ability of activation of a co-expressed beta2-adrenergic receptor to increase oocyte cyclic AMP levels. A comparison of the pharmacological coupling of OctyR99AB to different second messenger systems when expressed in Xenopus oocytes with previous studies on the expression of the receptor in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line suggests that the property of agonist-specific coupling of the receptor to different second messenger systems may be cell-specific, depending upon the G-protein environment of any particular cell type.

Agonist-specific coupling of a cloned Drosophila melanogaster D1-like dopamine receptor to multiple second messenger pathways by synthetic agonists

The mechanism of coupling of a cloned Drosophila D1-like dopamine receptor, DopR99B, to multiple second messenger systems when expressed in Xenopus oocytes is described. The receptor is coupled directly to the generation of a rapid, transient intracellular Ca2+ signal, monitored as changes in inward current mediated by the oocyte endogenous Ca2+-activated chloride channel, by a pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein-coupled pathway. The more prolonged receptor-mediated changes in adenylyl cyclase activity are generated by an independent G-protein-coupled pathway that is pertussis toxin-sensitive but calcium-independent, and Gbetagamma-subunits appear to be involved in the transduction of this response. This is the first evidence for the direct coupling of a cloned D1-like dopamine receptor both to the activation of adenylyl cyclase and to the initiation of an intracellular Ca2+ signal. The pharmacological profile of both second messenger effects is identical for a range of naturally occurring catecholamine ligands (dopamine > norepinephrine > epinephrine) and for the blockade of dopamine responses by a range of synthetic antagonists. However, the pharmacological profiles of the two second messenger responses differ for a range of synthetic agonists. Thus, the receptor exhibits agonist-specific coupling to second messenger systems for synthetic agonists. This feature could provide a useful tool in the genetic analysis of the roles of the multiple second messenger pathways activated by this receptor, given the likely involvement of dopamine in the processes of learning and memory in the insect nervous system.

Specific Gq protein involvement in muscarinic M3 receptor-induced phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and Ca2+ release in mouse duodenal myocytes

1. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during exposure to acetylcholine or caffeine was measured in mouse duodenal myocytes loaded with fura-2. Acetylcholine evoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i followed by a sustained rise which was rapidly terminated after drug removal. Although L-type Ca2+ currents participated in the global Ca2+ response induced by acetylcholine, the initial peak in [Ca2+]i was mainly due to release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. 2. Atropine, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP, a muscarinic M3 antagonist), pirenzepine (a muscarinic M1 antagonist), methoctramine and gallamine (muscarinic M2 antagonists) inhibited the acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release, with a high affinity for 4-DAMP and atropine and a low affinity for the other antagonists. Selective protection of muscarinic M2 receptors with methoctramine during 4-DAMP mustard alkylation of muscarinic M3 receptors provided no evidence for muscarinic M2 receptor-activated [Ca2+]i increase. 3. Acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release was blocked by intracellular dialysis with a patch pipette containing either heparin or an anti-phosphatidylinositol antibody and by external application of U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor). 4. Acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release was insensitive to external pretreatment with pertussis toxin, but concentration-dependently inhibited by intracellular dialysis with a patch pipette solution containing an anti-alpha q/alpha 11 antibody. An antisense oligonucleotide approach revealed that only the Gq protein was involved in acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release. 5. Intracellular applications of either an anti-beta com antibody or a peptide corresponding to the G beta gamma binding domain of the beta-adrenoceptor kinase 1 had no effect on acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release. 6. Our results show that, in mouse duodenal myocytes, acetylcholine-induced release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is mediated through activation of muscarinic M3 receptors which couple with a Gq protein to activate a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors activate G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels in Xenopus oocytes

Receptor-mediated activation of a G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK) is a common mechanism for synaptic modulation in the CNS. However, evidence for metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activation of GIRK is virtually nonexistent, despite the widespread and overlapping distribution of these proteins. We examined this apparent paradox by coexpressing mGluRs 1a, 2, and 7 with the GIRK subunits Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 in Xenopus oocytes. Functional expression of GIRK was confirmed by coexpression with the D2 dopamine receptor that is known to activate GIRK in neurons. Agonist activation of each of the three mGluRs evoked inward potassium currents in symmetrical KCI solutions. The current amplitudes evoked by mGluR1a, mGluR2, and D2 were comparable, whereas mGluR7 currents were somewhat smaller. mGluR1a-evoked GIRK currents were not blocked in BAPTA-treated oocytes, demonstrating that GIRK activation was distinct from phospholipase C-mediated activation of the endogenous calcium-dependent chloride current (lCaCl). Pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment significantly reduced both the mGluR and D2 receptor-evoked GIRK currents. In oocytes in which mGluR2 and D2 were coexpressed, activation of mGluR2 occluded additional D2 receptor current, indicating that mGluR2 and D2 receptor coupling to GIRK involves a common G-protein. The efficient coupling of mGluRs to GIRK in oocytes suggests either that mGluR activation of GIRK has been overlooked in neurons or possibly that mGluRs are excluded from GIRK-containing microdomains.

Purification and G protein subunit regulation of a phospholipase C-beta from Xenopus laevis oocytes

Xenopus oocytes exhibit both pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive inositol lipid signaling responses to G protein-coupled receptor activation. The G protein subunits Galphai, Galphao, Galphaq, Galphas, and Gbetagamma all have been proposed to function as activators of phospholipase C in oocytes. Ma et al. (Ma, H.-W., Blitzer, R. D., Healy, E. C., Premont, R. T., Landau, E. M., and Iyengar, R. J. Biol. Chem. 268, 19915-19918) cloned a Xenopus phospholipase C (PLC-betaX) that exhibits homology to the PLC-beta class of isoenzymes. Although this enzyme was proposed to function as a signaling protein in the pertussis toxin-sensitive inositol lipid signaling pathway of oocytes, its regulation by G protein subunits has not been directly assessed. As such we have utilized baculovirus-promoted overexpression of PLC-betaX in Sf9 insect cells and have purified a recombinant 150-kDa isoenzyme. PLC-betaX catalyzes hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol(4)monophosphate, and reaction velocity is dependent on Ca2+. Recombinant PLC-betaX was activated by both Galphaq and Gbetagamma. PLC-betaX exhibited a higher apparent affinity for Galphaq than Gbetagamma, and Galphaq was more efficacious than Gbetagamma at lower concentrations of PLC-betaX. Relative to other PLC-beta isoenzymes, PLC-betaX was less sensitive to stimulation by Galphaq than PLC-beta1 but similar to PLC-beta2 and PLC-betaT. PLC-betaX was more sensitive to stimulation by Gbetagamma than PLC-beta1 but less sensitive than PLC-beta2 and PLC-betaT. In contrast PLC-betaX was not activated by the pertussis toxin substrate G proteins Galphai1, Galphai2, Galphai3, or Galphao. These results are consistent with the idea that PLC-betaX is regulated by alpha-subunits of the Gq family and by Gbetagamma and do not support the idea that alpha-subunits of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins are directly involved in regulation of this protein.

Specificity of G alpha q and G alpha 11 gene expression in platelets and erythrocytes. Expressions of cellular differentiation and species differences

G alpha q and G alpha 11, members of the Gq family of G-proteins, transduce signals from receptors to the beta isoenzymes of phosphatidyl-inositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). The receptor specificity of these alpha subunits is unknown. G alpha q and G alpha 11 are ubiquitously expressed in tissues; however, there have been conflicting reports of the presence or absence of G alpha 11 protein in haematopoietic cells. Platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors activate PI-PLC via G alpha q, but the role of G alpha 11 is uncertain. To define their roles in platelet activation we studied G alpha q and G alpha 11 gene expression by immunotransfer blotting and by reverse transcription of mRNA followed by PCR (RT-PCR) and direct sequencing. An antiserum specific for mouse G alpha 11 failed to identify G alpha 11 in dog or human platelets or in dog liver, a tissue known to contain G alpha 11. RT-PCR performed with gene-specific primers demonstrated G alpha q mRNA, but not G alpha 11 mRNA, in normal human and mouse platelets and in thromboxane-sensitive and thromboxane-insensitive dog platelets. Studies of mouse and dog liver and human retina confirmed that the cDNA, primers and probes used could amplify and recognize G alpha 11 in other tissues. However, species-specific oligonucleotide primers and probes were essential to demonstrate G alpha 11, but not G alpha q, mRNA. Compared with mouse cDNA, dog and human G alpha 11 cDNA had twice as many nucleotide substitutions (approx. 12% compared with approx. 6%) as G alpha q, G alpha q mRNA was also found in mature erythrocytes but G alpha 11 mRNA was not identified, whereas both G alpha q and G alpha 11 mRNAs were found in bone marrow stem cells. Therefore G alpha 11 gene expression in haematopoietic cells is linked with cellular differentiation. The lack of G alpha 11 indicates that signal transduction from platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors to PI-PLC occurs via G alpha q, and that G alpha 11 deficiency is not responsible for defective activation of PI-PLC in thromboxane-insensitive dog platelets. Despite the high degree of similarity that exists between G alpha q and G alpha 11, significantly greater species-specific variation in nucleotide sequence is present in G alpha 11 than in G alpha q. Cellular specificity and species specificity are important characteristics of these Gq family G-proteins.

Dopamine D1A receptor regulation of phospholipase C isoform

In LTK- cells stably transfected with rat D1A receptor cDNA, fenoldopam, a D1 agonist, increased phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate hydrolysis in a time-dependent manner. In the cytosol, phospholipase C (PLC) activity increased (50 +/- 7%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 4 h, and decreased below basal values by 24 h; in the membrane, PLC activity also increased (36 +/- 13%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 10 min, and decreased below basal value at 4 and 24 h. Fenoldopam also increased PLC-gamma protein in a time-dependent manner. The latter was blocked by the D1 antagonist SKF83742 and by a D1A antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, indicating involvement of the D1A receptor. The fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-gamma and activity was mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) since it was blocked by the PKA antagonist Rp-8-CTP-adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-CTP-cAMP-S) and mimicked by direct stimulation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin or by a PKA agonist, Sp-cAMP-S. Protein kinase C (PKC) was also involved, since the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-gamma protein was blocked by two different PKC inhibitors, calphostin C and chelerythrine; calphostin C also blocked the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC activity. In addition, forskolin and a PKA agonist, Sp-8-CTP-cAMP-S, increased PKC activity, and direct stimulation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased PLC-gamma protein and activity, effects that were blocked by calphostin C. We suggest that the D1A-mediated stimulation of PLC occurs as a result of PKA activation. PKA then stimulates PLC-gamma in cytosol and membrane via activation of PKC.

The G protein beta gamma subunit transduces the muscarinic receptor signal for Ca2+ release in Xenopus oocytes

At least 30 G protein-linked receptors stimulate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate phosphodiesterase (phospholipase C beta, PLC beta) through G protein subunits to release intracellular calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum (Clapham, D. E. (1995) Cell 80, 259-268). Although both G alpha and G beta gamma G protein subunits have been shown to activate purified PLC beta in vitro, G alpha q has been presumed to mediate the pertussis toxin-insensitive response in vivo. In this study, we show that G beta gamma plays a dominant role in muscarinic-mediated activation of PLC beta by employing the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Antisense nucleotides and antibodies to G alpha q/11 blocked the m3-mediated signal transduction by inhibiting interaction of the muscarinic receptor with the G protein. Agents that specifically bound free G beta gamma subunits (G alpha-GDP and a beta-adrenergic receptor kinase fragment) inhibited acetylcholine-induced signal transduction to PLC beta, and injection of G beta gamma subunits into oocytes directly induced release of intracellular Ca2+. We conclude that receptor coupling specificity of the G alpha q/G beta gamma heterotrimer is determined by G alpha q; G beta gamma is the predominant signaling molecule activating oocyte PLC beta.

Purification of chlorpromazine-sensitive GTPase from rat cerebral cortex

The chlorpromazine-sensitive GTPase from the cell membrane of rat cerebral cortex was purified to homogenity by using DEAE Bio-Gel A agarose, hydroxyapatite and heparin agarose chromatography. The purified chlorpromazine-sensitive GTPase was purified 370-fold to obtain a final specific activity of 40 mumol GTP hydrolyzed2min/mg protein. The purified enzyme was inhibited by chlorpromazine but not by compound 48/80. Magnesium was required for its activity instead of calcium. The purified enzyme had an apparent pH optimum of 8.0, and molecular weight was estimated to be 58,000.