Trafficking of β2-adrenergic receptors: insulin and β-agonists regulate internalization by distinct cytoskeletal pathways

Recent advancements of fluorescent biosensors using semisynthetic probes

Fluorescent biosensors are crucial experimental tools for live-cell imaging and the quantification of different biological analytes. Fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors are widely used for imaging applications in living systems. However, the use of FP-based biosensors is hindered by their large size, poor photostability, and laborious genetic manipulations required to improve their properties. Recently, semisynthetic fluorescent biosensors have been developed to address the limitations of FP-based biosensors using chemically modified fluorescent probes and self-labeling protein tag/peptide tags or DNA/RNA-based hybrid systems. Semisynthetic biosensors have unique advantages, as they can be easily modified using different probes. Moreover, the self-labeling protein tag, which labels synthetically developed ligands via covalent bonds, has immense potential for biosensor development. This review discusses the recent progress in different types of fluorescent biosensors for metabolites, protein aggregation and degradation, DNA methylation, endocytosis and exocytosis, membrane tension, and cellular viscosity. Here, we explain in detail the design strategy and working principle of these biosensors. The information presented will help the reader to create new biosensors using self-labeling protein tags for various applications.

Dynein Coordinates β2-Adrenoceptor-Mediated Relaxation in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rat Mesenteric Arteries

BACKGROUND

The voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv)7.4 and Kv7.5 channels contribute to the β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation. In arteries from hypertensive rodents, the Kv7.4 channel is downregulated and function attenuated, which contributes to the reduced β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation observed in these arteries. Recently, we showed that disruption of the microtubule network, with colchicine, or inhibition of the microtubule motor protein, dynein, with ciliobrevin D, enhanced the membrane abundance and function of Kv7.4 channels in rat mesenteric arteries. This study aimed to determine whether these pharmacological compounds can improve Kv7.4 function in third-order mesenteric arteries from the spontaneously hypertensive rat, thereby restoring the β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation.

METHODS

Wire and intravital myography was performed on normotensive and hypertensive male rat mesenteric arteries and immunostaining was performed on isolated smooth muscle cells from the same arteries.

RESULTS

Using wire and intravital microscopy, we show that ciliobrevin D enhanced the β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation by isoprenaline. This effect was inhibited partially by the Kv7 channel blocker linopirdine and was dependent on an increased functional contribution of the β2-adrenoceptor to the isoprenaline-mediated relaxation. In mesenteric arteries from the spontaneously hypertensive rat, ciliobrevin D and colchicine both improved the isoprenaline-mediated vasorelaxation and relaxation to the Kv7.2 -7.5 activator, ML213. Immunostaining confirmed ciliobrevin D enhanced the membrane abundance of Kv7.4. As well as an increase in the function of Kv7.4, the functional changes were associated with an increase in the contribution of β2-adrenoceptor following isoprenaline treatment. Immunostaining experiments showed ciliobrevin D prevented isoprenaline-mediated internalizationof the β2-adrenoceptor.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these data show that colchicine and ciliobrevin D can induce a β2-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation in arteries from the spontaneously hypertensive rat as well as reinstating Kv7.4 channel function.

Beta 2-Adrenergic Receptor in Circulating Cancer-Associated Cells Predicts for Increases in Stromal Macrophages in Circulation and Patient Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer

The usage of beta blockers in breast cancer (BC) patients is implicated in the reduction in distant metastases, cancer recurrence, and cancer mortality. Studies suggest that the adrenergic pathway is directly involved in sympathetic-driven hematopoietic activation of pro-tumor microenvironmental proliferation and tumor cell trafficking into the circulation. Cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) are pro-tumor polynucleated monocytic cells of hematopoietic origin emanating from tumors which may aid in circulating tumor cell (CTC) dissemination into the circulation. We examined the linkage between Beta-2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) signaling in CAMLs and CTCs by establishing expression profiles in a model BC cell line (MDA-MB-231). We compared the model to CAMLs and CTCs found in patents. Although internalization events were observed in patients, differences were found in the expression of B2AR between the tumor cell lines and the CAMLs found in patients. High B2AR expression on patients’ CAMLs was correlated with significantly more CAMLs in the circulation (p = 0.0093), but CTCs had no numerical relationship (p = 0.1565). High B2AR CAML expression was also significantly associated with a larger size of CAMLs (p = 0.0073), as well as being significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.0097) and overall survival (p = 0.0265). These data suggest that B2AR expression on CAMLs is closely related to the activation, intravasation, and growth of CAMLs in the circulation.

Unraveling the hidden temporal range of fast β2-adrenergic receptor mobility by time-resolved fluorescence

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are hypothesized to possess molecular mobility over a wide temporal range. Until now the temporal range has not been fully accessible due to the crucially limited temporal range of available methods. This in turn, may lead relevant dynamic constants to remain masked. Here, we expand this dynamic range by combining fluorescent techniques using a spot confocal setup. We decipher mobility constants of β2-adrenergic receptor over a wide time range (nanosecond to second). Particularly, a translational mobility (10 µm²/s), one order of magnitude faster than membrane associated lateral mobility that explains membrane protein turnover and suggests a wider picture of the GPCR availability on the plasma membrane. And a so far elusive rotational mobility (1-200 µs) which depicts a previously overlooked dynamic component that, despite all complexity, behaves largely as predicted by the Saffman-Delbrück model.

Receptor tyrosine kinase activation induces free fatty acid 4 receptor phosphorylation, β-arrestin interaction, and internalization

FFA4 (Free Fatty Acid receptor 4, previously known as GPR120) is a G protein-coupled receptor that acts as a sensor of long-chain fatty acids, modulates metabolism, and whose dysfunction participates in endocrine disturbances. FFA4 is known to be phosphorylated and internalized in response to agonists and protein kinase C activation. In this paper report the modulation of this fatty acid receptor by activation of receptor tyrosine kinases. Cell-activation with growth factors (insulin, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I, and platelet-derived growth factor) increases FFA4 phosphorylation in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. This effect was blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C and phosphoinositide 3-kinase, suggesting the involvement of these kinases in it. FFA4 phosphorylation did not alter agonist-induced FFA4 calcium signaling, but was associated with decreased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, epidermal growth factor, and to a lesser extent, platelet-derived growth factor, induce receptor internalization. This action of insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and epidermal growth factor was blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Additionally, cell treatment with these growth factors induced FFA4-β-arrestin coimmunoprecipitation. Our results evidenced cross-talk between receptor tyrosine kinases and FFA4 and suggest roles of protein kinase C and phosphoinositide 3-kinase in such a functional interaction.

Cross-talk between microtubules and the linker of nucleoskeleton complex plays a critical role in the adipogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells

Background

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) that show multidifferentiation and anti-immune rejection capacities have been widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Previous studies have indicated that mechanical and biophysical interactions between cells and their surrounding environment regulate essential processes, such as growth, survival, and differentiation, and the cytoskeleton system plays an important role in the mechanotransduction. However, the role of mechanical force in the determination of lineage fate is still unclear.

Methods

Human ASCs (hASCs) were obtained from three different donors by liposuction. Adipogenesis and osteogenesis were determined by Oil Red O and Alizarin Red staining, respectively. The mRNA levels of the cytoskeleton system, PPARγ, and C/EBPα were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The level of cytoskeleton, PPARγ, and C/EBPα protein levels were measured by Western blotting. The morphology of the cytoskeleton system during adipogenesis was observed with confocal microscopy. hASCs were transfected with a SUN2-specific shRNA to knockdown sun2, and a nontargeting shRNA was used as a control.

Results

We found that disrupting the physiological balance between the cytoskeleton and the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex (especially SUN2) could impact the adipogenesis of hASCs in vitro. Microtubule (MT) depolymerization with nocodazole (which interferes with the polymerization of MTs) increased the expression of SUN2 and PPARγ, while taxol (an inhibitor of MT disassembly) showed the opposite results. Meanwhile, hASCs with sun2 knockdown overexpressed MTs and decreased PPARγ expression, thereby inhibiting the adipogenesis. Furthermore, knockdown of sun2 changed the structure of perinuclear MTs.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the presence of cross-talk between MT and SUN2, and this cross-talk plays a critical role in the rebalance of the mechanical environment and is involved in the regulation of PPARγ transport during adipogenic differentiation of hASCs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0836-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cross-Talk Between Insulin Signaling and G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure. One of the hallmarks of diabetes is insulin resistance associated with hyperinsulinemia. The literature shows that insulin and adrenergic signaling is intimately linked to each other; however, whether and how insulin may modulate cardiac adrenergic signaling and cardiac function remains unknown. Notably, recent studies have revealed that insulin receptor and β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) forms a membrane complex in animal hearts, bringing together the direct contact between 2 receptor signaling systems, and forming an integrated and dynamic network. Moreover, insulin can drive cardiac adrenergic desensitization via protein kinase A and G protein-receptor kinases phosphorylation of the β2AR, which compromises adrenergic regulation of cardiac contractile function. In this review, we will explore the current state of knowledge linking insulin and G protein-coupled receptor signaling, especially β-adrenergic receptor signaling in the heart, with emphasis on molecular insights regarding its role in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Biotin-transfer from a trifunctional crosslinker for identification of cell surface receptors of soluble protein ligands

Here we describe a novel crosslinker and its application as a biotin-transfer reagent to identify cell surface receptors of soluble protein ligands on live cells. This crosslinker contains three functional groups: an aldehyde-reactive aminooxy group, a sulfhydryl, and a biotin (ASB). It is readily synthesized via a 3-step addition reaction using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis methods and commercially available intermediates, allowing access to laboratories without specialized synthetic chemistry capabilities. For the biotin-transfer method, ASB is linked to a protein ligand through the sulfhydryl group in a two-step process that allows the introduction of a disulfide bond between the ligand and the crosslinker. Incubation of the labelled ligand with oxidized live cells leads to the formation of crosslinks with aldehyde-containing glycans on the cell surface receptor. Subsequent reduction of the disulfide bond results in biotin transfer from the ligand to the cell surface receptor. Protein biotinylation that is mediated by ligand binding to its receptor is differentiated from background biotinylation events by comparison with a similarly labelled control protein using comparative proteomic mass spectrometry to quantify streptavidin-bound proteins. Using this method, we successfully identified the cell surface receptors of a peptide hormone, a monoclonal antibody, and a single-domain antibody-Fc fusion construct.

α1B-adrenergic receptors differentially associate with Rab proteins during homologous and heterologous desensitization

Internalization of G protein-coupled receptors can be triggered by agonists or by other stimuli. The process begins within seconds of cell activation and contributes to receptor desensitization. The Rab GTPase family controls endocytosis, vesicular trafficking, and endosomal fusion. Among their remarkable properties is the differential distribution of its members on the surface of various organelles. In the endocytic pathway, Rab 5 controls traffic from the plasma membrane to early endosomes, whereas Rab 4 and Rab 11 regulate rapid and slow recycling from early endosomes to the plasma membrane, respectively. Moreover, Rab 7 and Rab 9 regulate the traffic from late endosomes to lysosomes and recycling to the trans-Golgi. We explore the possibility that α_1B-adrenergic receptor internalization induced by agonists (homologous) and by unrelated stimuli (heterologous) could involve different Rab proteins. This possibility was explored by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) using cells coexpressing α_1B-adrenergic receptors tagged with the red fluorescent protein, DsRed, and different Rab proteins tagged with the green fluorescent protein. It was observed that when α_1B-adrenergic receptors were stimulated with noradrenaline, the receptors interacted with proteins present in early endosomes, such as the early endosomes antigen 1, Rab 5, Rab 4, and Rab 11 but not with late endosome markers, such as Rab 9 and Rab 7. In contrast, sphingosine 1-phosphate stimulation induced rapid and transient α_1B-adrenergic receptor interaction of relatively small magnitude with Rab 5 and a more pronounced and sustained one with Rab 9; interaction was also observed with Rab 7. Moreover, the GTPase activity of the Rab proteins appears to be required because no FRET was observed when dominant-negative Rab mutants were employed. These data indicate that α_1B-adrenergic receptors are directed to different endocytic vesicles depending on the desensitization type (homologous vs. heterologous).

Demonstration of a direct interaction between β2-adrenergic receptor and insulin receptor by BRET and bioinformatics

Glucose metabolism is under the cooperative regulation of both insulin receptor (IR) and β₂-adrenergic receptor (β₂AR), which represent the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and seven transmembrane receptors (7TMRs), respectively. Studies demonstrating cross-talk between these two receptors and their endogenous coexpression have suggested their possible interactions. To evaluate the effect of IR and prospective heteromerization on β₂AR properties, we showed that IR coexpression had no effect on the ligand binding properties of β₂AR; however, IR reduced β₂AR surface expression and accelerated its internalization. Additionally, both receptors displayed a similar distribution pattern with a high degree of colocalization. To test the possible direct interaction between β₂AR and IR, we employed quantitative BRET² saturation and competition assays. Saturation assay data suggested constitutive β₂AR and IR homo- and heteromerization. Calculated acceptor/donor (AD₅₀) values as a measure of the relative affinity for homo- and heteromer formation differed among the heteromers that could not be explained by a simple dimer model. In heterologous competition assays, a transient increase in the BRET² signal with a subsequent hyperbolical decrease was observed, suggesting higher-order heteromer formation. To complement the BRET² data, we employed the informational spectrum method (ISM), a virtual spectroscopy method to investigate protein-protein interactions. Computational peptide scanning of β₂AR and IR identified intracellular domains encompassing residues at the end of the 7^th TM domain and C-terminal tail of β₂AR and a cytoplasmic part of the IR β chain as prospective interaction domains. ISM further suggested a high probability of heteromer formation and homodimers as basic units engaged in heteromerization. In summary, our data suggest direct interaction and higher-order β₂AR:IR oligomer formation, likely comprising heteromers of homodimers.

Knockout mice reveal key roles for claudin 18 in alveolar barrier properties and fluid homeostasis

Claudin proteins are major constituents of epithelial and endothelial tight junctions (TJs) that regulate paracellular permeability to ions and solutes. Claudin 18, a member of the large claudin family, is highly expressed in lung alveolar epithelium. To elucidate the role of claudin 18 in alveolar epithelial barrier function, we generated claudin 18 knockout (C18 KO) mice. C18 KO mice exhibited increased solute permeability and alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) compared with wild-type control mice. Increased AFC in C18 KO mice was associated with increased β-adrenergic receptor signaling together with activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, higher epithelial sodium channel, and Na-K-ATPase (Na pump) activity and increased Na-K-ATPase β1 subunit expression. Consistent with in vivo findings, C18 KO alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) monolayers exhibited lower transepithelial electrical resistance and increased solute and ion permeability with unchanged ion selectivity. Claudin 3 and claudin 4 expression was markedly increased in C18 KO mice, whereas claudin 5 expression was unchanged and occludin significantly decreased. Microarray analysis revealed changes in cytoskeleton-associated gene expression in C18 KO mice, consistent with observed F-actin cytoskeletal rearrangement in AEC monolayers. These findings demonstrate a crucial nonredundant role for claudin 18 in the regulation of alveolar epithelial TJ composition and permeability properties. Increased AFC in C18 KO mice identifies a role for claudin 18 in alveolar fluid homeostasis beyond its direct contributions to barrier properties that may, at least in part, compensate for increased permeability.

Genetically encoded pH sensor for tracking surface proteins through endocytosis

Traffic cam: a tandem dye prepared from a FRET acceptor and a fluorogenic donor functions as a cell surface ratiometric pH indicator, which upon internalization serves to follow protein trafficking during endocytosis. This sensor was used to analyze agonist-dependent internalization of β(2)-adrenergic receptors. It was also used as a surrogate antigen to reveal direct surface-to-endosome antigen transfer between dendritic cells (not shown).

High-throughput analysis of ligand-induced internalization of β2-adrenoceptors using the coiled-coil tag-probe method

Receptor internalization is a useful indicator of the activity of ligands. The N-terminus of the β(2)-adrenergic receptor expressed on the cell surface was labeled with fluorophores using a novel coiled-coil labeling system. Endocytosis of the receptors was automatically detected using a fluorescence image analyzer by evaluating (1) translocation of the receptor from cell-surface to intracellular regions and (2) acidification in endosomes. Both parameters increased upon agonist stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. The extent of endocytosis was significantly dependent on the agonist used, indicating the presence of a biased signaling for endocytosis. The receptor antagonists can also be screened by competitive inhibition of agonist-induced endocytosis. The image analysis approach has proven to be useful for high-throughput characterization and screening of GPCR ligands.

PROBING CANCER SIGNALING WITH RESONANT WAVEGUIDE GRATING BIOSENSORS

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Cancer is a collection of diseases that arise from the progressive accumulation of genetic alterations in somatic cells. Genomic approaches have identified a great variety of genetic abnormalities associated with tumorigenesis, and molecular imaging and quantification assays have further elucidated the complex interactions within or between pathways. It is acknowledged that it is proteins, rather than genes, to fulfill most cellular functions; and signaling proteins largely operate through a large and complex network. To this end, cancer is mostly a pathway dysregulated disease - a small number of core pathways are dominate in aberrant cell growth leading to cancer. Thus, understanding the functional consequences of dysregulated and/or mutant signaling proteins in the context of native signaling networks is the frontier in cancer research. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: This article reviews why resonant waveguide grating (RWG) biosensor cellular assays are considered to be integrative in nature, and how RWG biosensor can be used for mining the surface markers of cancer cells, and discovering core pathway(s) of cancer receptor signaling. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: The reader will gain an overview of cancer biology from pathway perspective, and have a glimpse of potential implications of integrative cellular assays, as promised by RWG biosensor, in cancer research and diagnosis. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Successful approaches for developing next-generation anti-cancer therapies and diagnostic protocols should take into account that the dysregulation of oncogenic pathways is central to tumorigenesis. The biosensor cellular assays offer unprecedented advantage in characterizing cancer biology. However, significant challenges are also presented in deconvoluting and validating cellular mechanisms identified in cancer receptor signaling using these assays.

Dynamic imaging of cannabinoid receptor 1 vesicular trafficking in cultured astrocytes

Astrocytes possess GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors) for neuroactive substances and can respond via these receptors to signals originating from neurons as well as astrocytes. Like many transmembrane proteins, GPCRs exist in a dynamic equilibrium between receptors expressed at the plasma membrane and those present within intracellular trafficking compartments. The characteristics of GPCR trafficking within astrocytes have not been investigated. We therefore monitored the trafficking of recombinant fluorescent protein chimeras of the CB1R (cannabinoid receptor 1) that is thought to be expressed natively in astrocytes. CB1R chimeras displayed a marked punctate intracellular localization when expressed in cultured rat visual cortex astrocytes, an expression pattern reminiscent of native CB1R expression in these cells. Based upon trafficking characteristics, we found the existence of two populations of vesicular CB1R puncta: (i) relatively immobile puncta with movement characteristic of diffusion and (ii) mobile puncta with movement characteristic of active transport along cytoskeletal elements. The predominant direction of active transport is oriented radially to/from the nuclear region, which can be abolished by disruption of the microtubule cytoskeleton. CB1R puncta are localized within intracellular acidic organelles, mainly co-localizing with endocytic compartments. Constitutive trafficking of CB1R to and from the plasma membrane is an energetically costly endeavour whose function is at present unclear in astrocytes. However, given that intracellular CB1Rs can engage cell signalling pathways, it is likely that this process plays an important regulatory role.

Label-free optical biosensor for probing integrative role of adenylyl cyclase in G protein-coupled receptor signaling

Adenylyl cyclase is considered as an integrator for receptor signaling. However, its integrative role in receptor signaling is largely studied at the level of point of contacts in complex pathways. Here we used forskolin as a pharmacological probe and the resonant waveguide grating (RWG) biosensor to examine the signal integration of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the cyclase-cyclic AMP-PKA module. The biosensor is a refractive index sensitive optical biosensor that is capable of detecting ligand-induced dynamic mass redistribution in cells without labels and cellular manipulations. Stimulation of seven cell lines with forskolin led to distinct optical responses, indicative of distinct expressions and/or organization of cyclase isoforms. The forskolin response in A431 was sensitive to the activities of protein kinase A, Rho kinase, and MAP kinases. Desensitization assays showed that the forskolin pretreatment heterologously desensitized G(s) signaling, partially attenuated G(q) signaling, but had complicate impacts on G(i) signaling. This study documents the integrative role of adenylyl cyclase in GPCR signaling and the power of forskolin as a pharmacological probe to differentiate receptor signaling using the label-free biosensor cellular assays.

Functional alpha1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors in human osteoblasts

Central (hypothalamic) control of bone mass is proposed to be mediated through beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2-ARs). While investigations in mouse bone cells suggest that epinephrine enhances both RANKL and OPG mRNA via both beta-ARs and alpha-ARs, whether alpha-ARs are expressed in human bone cells is controversial. The current study investigated the expression of alpha1-AR and beta2-AR mRNA and protein and the functional role of adrenergic stimulation in human osteoblasts (HOBs). Expression of alpha1B- and beta2-ARs was examined by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot (for alpha1B-ARs). Proliferation in HOBs was assessed by (3)H-thymidine incorporation and expression of RANKL and OPG was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. RNA message for alpha1B- and beta2-ARs was expressed in HOBs and MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. alpha1B- and beta2-AR immunofluorescent localization in HOBs was shown for the first time by deconvolution microscopy. alpha1B-AR protein was identified in HOBs by Western blot. Both alpha1-agonists and propranolol (beta-blocker) increased HOB replication but fenoterol, a beta2-agonist, inhibited it. Fenoterol nearly doubled RANKL mRNA and this was inhibited by propranolol. The alpha1-agonist cirazoline increased OPG mRNA and this increase was abolished by siRNA knockdown of alpha1B-ARs in HOBs. These data indicate that both alpha1-ARs and beta2-ARs are present and functional in HOBs. In addition to beta2-ARs, alpha1-ARs in human bone cells may play a role in modulation of bone turnover by the sympathetic nervous system.

Rapid recycling of beta-adrenergic receptors is dependent on the actin cytoskeleton and myosin Vb

For the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR), published evidence suggests that an intact actin cytoskeleton is required for the endocytosis of receptors and their proper sorting to the rapid recycling pathway. We have characterized the role of the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of beta(2)AR trafficking in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells using two distinct actin filament disrupting compounds, cytochalasin D and latrunculin B (LB). In cells pretreated with either drug, beta(2)AR internalization into transferrin-positive vesicles was not altered but both agents significantly decreased the rate at which beta(2)ARs recycled to the cell surface. In LB-treated cells, nonrecycled beta(2)ARs were localized to early embryonic antigen 1-positive endosomes and also accumulated in the recycling endosome (RE), but only a small fraction of receptors localized to LAMP-positive late endosomes and lysosomes. Treatment with LB also markedly enhanced the inhibitory effect of rab11 overexpression on receptor recycling. Dissociating receptors from actin by expression of the myosin Vb tail fragment resulted in missorting of beta(2)ARs to the RE, while the expression of various CART fragments or the depletion of actinin-4 had no detectable effect on beta(2)AR sorting. These results indicate that the actin cytoskeleton is required for the efficient recycling of beta(2)ARs, a process that likely is dependent on myosin Vb.

G-protein-coupled receptor phosphorylation: where, when and by whom

Almost all G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are regulated by phosphorylation and this process is a key event in determining the signalling properties of this receptor super-family. Receptors are multiply phosphorylated at sites that can occur throughout the intracellular regions of the receptor. This diversity of phospho-acceptor sites together with a lack of consensus phosphorylation sequences has led to the suggestion that the precise site of phosphorylation is not important in the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of GPCR function but rather it is the increase in bulk negative charge of the intracellular face of the receptor which is the significant factor. This review investigates the possibility that the multi-site nature of GPCR phosphorylation reflects the importance of specific phosphorylation events which mediate distinct signalling outcomes. In this way receptor phosphorylation may provide for a flexible regulatory mechanism that can be tailored in a tissue specific manner to regulate physiological processes. By understanding the flexible nature of GPCR phosphorylation if may be possible to develop agonists or allosteric modulators that promote a subset of phosphorylation events on the target GPCR and thereby restrict the action of the drug to a particular receptor mediated signalling response.

Lysophosphatidic acid regulates trafficking of beta2-adrenergic receptors: the Galpha13/p115RhoGEF/JNK pathway stimulates receptor internalization

Lysophosphatidic acid is an important lipid ligand regulating many aspects of cell function, including proliferation and migration. Operating via heterotrimeric G proteins to downstream effectors, lysophosphatidic acid was shown to regulate the function and trafficking of the G protein-coupled beta(2)-adrenergic receptor. C3 exotoxin, expression of dominant negative RhoA, and inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase blocked the ability of lysophosphatidic acid to sequester the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor, whereas expression of constitutively active Galpha(13), p115RhoGEF, or RhoA mimicked lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) action, stimulating the internalization of the Galpha(s)-coupled beta(2)-adrenergic receptor. This study revealed a novel cross-talk exerted from the LPA/Galpha(13)/p115RhoGEF/RhoA pathway to the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor/Galpha(s)/adenylyl cyclase pathway, attenuating the ability of beta-adrenergic agonists to act following stimulation of cells by LPA as may occur during beta-adrenergic therapy of an inflammatory response.

Src Docks to A-kinase Anchoring Protein Gravin, Regulating β2-Adrenergic Receptor Resensitization and Recycling

Gravin (AKAP12) is a membrane-associated scaffold that provides docking for protein kinases, phosphatases, and adaptor molecules obligate for resensitization and recycling of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors. Gravin binds to the cell membrane in a Ca(2+)-sensitive manner and to receptors through well characterized protein-protein interactions. Although the interaction of serine/threonine, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase with protein kinase A-anchoring proteins is well described and involves a kinase regulatory subunit binding domain in the C terminus of these proteins, far less is known about tyrosine kinase docking to members of this family of scaffolds. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src regulates resensitization of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors and docks to gravin. Gravin displays nine proline-rich domains distributed throughout the molecule. One class I ligand for Src homology domain 3 docking, found in the N terminus ((10)RXPXXP(15)) of gravin, is shown to bind Src. Binding of Src to gravin activates the intrinsic tyrosine kinase of Src. Mutagenesis/deletion of the class I ligand (P15A,P16A) on the N terminus of gravin abolishes both the docking of Src to gravin as well as the receptor resensitization and recycling catalyzed by gravin. The Src-binding peptide-(1-51) of gravin behaves as a dominant-negative for AKAP gravin regulation of receptor resensitization/recycling. The tyrosine kinase Src plays an essential role in the AKAP gravin-mediated receptor resensitization and recycling, an essential aspect of receptor biology.

Taxol normalizes the impaired agonist-induced beta2-adrenoceptor internalization in splenocytes from GRK2+/- mice

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is involved in the agonist-induced desensitization of beta2-adrenoceptors. In addition, GRK2 is capable of binding and phosphorylating tubulin. Interestingly, microtubule dynamics profoundly affect agonist-induced internalization of beta2-adrenoceptors. Here, we analyzed agonist-induced beta2-adrenoceptor internalization and signaling in splenocytes from GRK2+/- mice that have a approximately 50% lower level of GRK2 protein compared to wild type (WT) mice. In addition, we investigated the role of microtubule stability in these processes. Splenocytes from GRK2+/- mice express approximately 50% less beta2-adrenoceptors on the cell surface and show impaired agonist-induced beta2-adrenoceptor internalization. Disruption of microtubules using colchicine reduces agonist-induced beta2-adrenoceptor internalization in cells from WT, but not in cells from GRK2+/- mice. Importantly, increasing tubulin stability by taxol almost completely restores the defective agonist-induced beta2-adrenoceptor internalization in cells from GRK2+/- animals, without affecting WT cells. Despite lower surface receptor numbers, cells of GRK2+/- mice show normal beta2-adrenoceptor agonist-induced cAMP responses. Although interfering with microtubule stability has major effects on agonist-induced receptor internalization in GRK2+/- cells, microtubule dynamics do not influence cAMP responses. Our data suggest that cells with low GRK2 adapt to the lower GRK2 level by decreasing the number of beta2-adrenoceptors on the cell surface. In addition, the cellular GRK2 level determines the extent of agonist-induced beta2-adrenoceptor internalization via a mechanism involving microtubule stability. Importantly, however, normalization of agonist-induced receptor internalization by taxol is not sufficient to alter receptor signaling.

CFTR surface expression and chloride currents are decreased by inhibitors of N-WASP and actin polymerization

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) undergoes rapid turnover at the plasma membrane in various cell types. The ubiquitously expressed N-WASP promotes actin polymerization and regulates endocytic trafficking of other proteins in response to signaling molecules such as Rho-GTPases. In the present study we investigated the effects of wiskostatin, an N-WASP inhibitor, on the surface expression and activity of CFTR. We demonstrate, using surface biotinylation methods, that the steady-state surface CFTR pool in stably transfected BHK cells was dramatically decreased following wiskostatin treatment with a corresponding increase in the amount of intracellular CFTR. Similar effects were observed for latrunculin B, a specific actin-disrupting reagent. Both reagents strongly inhibited macroscopic CFTR-mediated Cl(-) currents in two cell types including HT29-Cl19A colonic epithelial cells. As previously reported, CFTR internalization from the cell surface was strongly inhibited by a cyclic-AMP cocktail. This effect of cyclic-AMP was only partially blunted in the presence of wiskostatin, which raises the possibility that these two factors modulate different steps in CFTR traffic. In kinetic studies wiskostatin appeared to accelerate the initial rate of CFTR endocytosis as well as inhibit its recycling back to the cell surface over longer time periods. Our studies implicate a role for N-WASP-mediated actin polymerization in regulating CFTR surface expression and channel activity.

G-protein-coupled receptors and tyrosine kinases: crossroads in cell signaling and regulation

G-protein-coupled receptors and protein tyrosine kinases represent two prominent pathways for cellular signaling. As our knowledge of cell signaling pathways mediated by the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors and the smaller family of receptor tyrosine kinases expands, so does our appreciation of how these two major signaling platforms share information and modulate each other, otherwise termed "cross-talk". Cross-talk between G-protein-coupled receptors and tyrosine kinases can occur at several levels, including the receptor-to-receptor level, and at crucial downstream points (e.g. phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, Akt/protein kinase B and the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade). Regulation of G-protein-coupled receptors by non-receptor tyrosine kinases, such as Src family members, also operates in signaling. A broader understanding of how G-protein-coupled receptors and tyrosine kinases cross-talk reveals new insights into signaling modalities in both health and disease.

Involvement of Actin in Agonist-induced Endocytosis of the G Protein-coupled Receptor for Thromboxane A2

The role of actin in endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors is poorly defined. In the present study, we demonstrate that agents that depolymerize (latrunculin B and cytochalasin D) or stabilize (jasplakinolide) the actin cytoskeleton blocked agonist-induced endocytosis of the beta isoform of the thromboxane A(2) receptor (TPbeta) in HEK293 cells. This suggests that endocytosis of TPbeta requires active remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. On the other hand, disruption of microtubules with colchicine did not affect endocytosis of the receptor. Expression of wild-type and mutant forms of the small GTPases RhoA and Cdc42 potently inhibited endocytosis of TPbeta, further indicating a role for the dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in this pathway. Agonist treatment of TPbeta in HEK293 cells resulted in the formation of actin stress fibers through Galpha(q/11) signaling. Because we previously showed that endocytosis of TPbeta is dependent on arrestins, we decided to explore the relation between arrestin-2 and -3 and actin in endocytosis of this receptor. Interestingly, we show that the inhibition of TPbeta endocytosis by the actin toxins in HEK293 cells was overcome by the overexpression of arrestin-3, but not of arrestin-2. These results indicate that the actin cytoskeleton is not essential in arrestin-3-mediated endocytosis of TPbeta. However, arrestin-3 could not promote endocytosis of the TPbetaY339A and TPbetaI343A carboxyl-terminal mutants when the actin cytoskeleton was disrupted. Our data provide new evidence that the actin cytoskeleton plays an essential role in TPbeta endocytosis. Furthermore, our work suggests the existence of actin-dependent and -independent arrestin-mediated pathways of endocytosis.

The 15-amino acid motif of the C terminus of the beta2-adrenergic receptor is sufficient to confer insulin-stimulated counterregulation to the beta1-adrenergic receptor

Insulin counterregulates catecholamine action in part by inducing the sequestration of beta2-adrenergic receptors. Although similar to agonist-induced sequestration, insulin-induced internalization of beta2-adrenergic receptors operates through a distinct and better-understood cellular pathway. The effects of insulin treatment on the function and trafficking of both beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors were tested. The beta2-adrenergic receptors were counterregulated and internalized in response to insulin. The beta1-adrenergic receptors, in sharp contrast, are shown to be resistant to the ability of insulin to counterregulate function and induce receptor internalization. Using chimeric receptors composed of beta1-/beta2-adrenergic receptors in tandem with mutagenesis, we explored the role of the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of the beta2-adrenergic receptors for insulin-induced counterregulation. Substitution of the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of the beta2-adrenergic receptor on the beta1-adrenergic receptor enabled the chimeric G protein-coupled receptor to be functionally and spatially regulated by insulin. Truncation of the beta2-adrenergic receptor C-terminal cytoplasmic tail to a 15-amino acid motif harboring a potential Src homology 2-binding domain at Y350 and an Akt phosphorylation site at S345,346 was sufficient to enable receptor regulation by insulin.