Alternative splicing generates two isoforms of the beta3-adrenoceptor which are differentially expressed in mouse tissues

Is the β3-Adrenoceptor a Valid Target for the Treatment of Obesity and/or Type 2 Diabetes?

β3-Adrenoceptors mediate several functions in rodents that could be beneficial for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This includes promotion of insulin release from the pancreas, cellular glucose uptake, lipolysis, and thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. In combination, they lead to a reduction of body weight in several rodent models including ob/ob mice and Zucker diabetic fatty rats. These findings stimulated drug development programs in various pharmaceutical companies, and at least nine β3-adrenoceptor agonists have been tested in clinical trials. However, all of these projects were discontinued due to the lack of clinically relevant changes in body weight. Following a concise historical account of discoveries leading to such drug development programs we discuss species differences that explain why β3-adrenoceptors are not a meaningful drug target for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans.

Pharmacological modulation of adaptive thermogenesis: new clues for obesity management?

BACKGROUND

Adaptive thermogenesis represents the main mechanism through which the body generates heat in response to external stimuli, a phenomenon that includes shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis. The non-shivering thermogenesis is mainly exploited by adipose tissue characterized by a brown aspect, which specializes in energy dissipation. A decreased amount of brown adipose tissue has been observed in ageing and chronic illnesses such as obesity, a worldwide health problem characterized by dysfunctional adipose tissue expansion and associated cardiometabolic complications. In the last decades, the discovery of a trans-differentiation mechanism ("browning") within white adipose tissue depots, leading to the generation of brown-like cells, allowed to explore new natural and synthetic compounds able to favour this process and thus enhance thermogenesis with the aim of counteracting obesity. Based on recent findings, brown adipose tissue-activating agents could represent another option in addition to appetite inhibitors and inhibitors of nutrient absorption for obesity treatment.

PURPOSE

This review investigates the main molecules involved in the physiological (e.g. incretin hormones) and pharmacological (e.g. β3-adrenergic receptors agonists, thyroid receptor agonists, farnesoid X receptor agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1, and glucagon receptor agonists) modulation of adaptive thermogenesis and the signalling mechanisms involved.

The role of l-cysteine/Hydrogen sulfide pathway on β3-Adrenoceptor- induced relaxation in mouse gastric fundus

In this study, we investigated the possible role of the l-cysteine/hydrogen sulfide pathway in β₃-adrenoceptors-mediated relaxation in isolated mouse gastric fundus tissue. l-cysteine (endogenous H₂S; 10^-6-10^-2 M), sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS; exogenous H₂S; 10^-6-10^-3 M), selective β₃-adrenoceptors agonist BRL 37344 (10^-9-10^-4 M) and non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline (10^-9-10^-4 M) produced concentration-dependent relaxation in mouse gastric fundus. The non-selective β-adrenoceptors antagonist propranolol (10^-6 M) inhibited the relaxant response to isoprenaline but not to BRL 37344. On the other hand, the selective β₃-adrenoceptors antagonist SR 59230A (10^-5 M) inhibited the relaxant responses to BRL 37344. In addition, cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) inhibitor D,L-propargylglycine (PAG, 10^-2 M), cystathionine-beta-synthase inhibitor (CBS) aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, 10^-2 M), and the combination of these inhibitors significantly reduced the relaxant responses induced by l-cysteine and BRL 37344. Pre-incubation of gastric fundal strips with propranolol (10^-6 M) and SR 59230A (10^-5 M) did not affect relaxations to l-cysteine and NaHS. Also, the existence of CSE, CBS, 3-mercaptopurivate sulfur transferase (3-MST) enzymes and β₃-adrenoceptors were detected in gastric fundal tissue. Furthermore, basal H₂S release was detected in the measurements. H₂S level increased in the presence of l-cysteine, NaHS, and BRL 37344. The increase in H₂S level by l-cysteine and BRL 37344 decreased significantly with PAG and AOAA enzyme inhibitors. These results suggest that endogenous H₂S is synthesized from l-cysteine at least by CBS and CSE enzymes. Also, β₃-adrenoceptors are found in the mouse stomach fundus and mediate BRL 37344-induced relaxations, and l-cysteine/hydrogen sulfide pathway plays a partial role in β₃-adrenoceptors-mediated relaxation in mouse gastric fundus tissue.

β3 Adrenoceptor-induced cholinergic inhibition in human and rat urinary bladders involves the exchange protein directly activated by cyclic AMP 1 favoring adenosine release

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The mechanism by which β₃ receptor agonists (e.g. mirabegron) control bladder overactivity may involve adenosine release from human and rat detrusor smooth muscle. Retrograde activation of adenosine A₁ receptors reduces ACh release from cholinergic bladder nerves. β₃ -Adrenoceptors usually couple to adenylyl cyclase. Here we investigated, which of the cAMP targets, protein kinase A or the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) could be involved in this cholinergic inhibition of the bladder.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

[³ H]ACh and adenosine release from urothelium-denuded detrusor strips of cadaveric human organ donors and rats were measured by liquid scintillation spectrometry and HPLC, respectively. In vivo cystometry was also performed in urethane-anaesthetized rats.

KEY RESULTS

The exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) inhibitor, ESI-09, prevented mirabegron- and isoprenaline-induced adenosine release from human and rat detrusor strips respectively. ESI-09, but not the PKA inhibitor, H-89, attenuated inhibition of [³ H]ACh release from stimulated (10 Hz) detrusor strips caused by activating β₃ -adrenoceptors, AC (forskolin) and EPAC1 (8-CTP-2Me-cAMP). Isoprenaline-induced inhibition of [³ H]ACh release was also prevented by inhibitors of PKC (chelerythrine and Go6976) and of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1; dipyridamole and NBTI), but not by PLC inhibition with U73122. Pretreatment with ESI-09, but not with H-89, prevented the reduction of the voiding frequency caused by isoprenaline and forskolin in vivo.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Data suggest that β₃ -adrenoceptor-induced inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission in human and rat urinary bladders involves activation of an EPAC1/PKC pathway downstream cAMP production resulting in adenosine outflow via ENT1.

β3-Adrenoceptor agonists inhibit purinergic receptor-mediated contractions of the murine detrusor

β₃-Adrenoceptor (β₃-AR) agonists are used to treat overactive bladder syndrome; however, their mechanism of action has not been determined. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of β₃-AR agonists on cholinergic versus purinergic receptor-mediated contractions of the detrusor and to examine the mechanisms underlying inhibition of the purinergic responses by β₃-AR agonists. Isometric tension recordings were made from strips of murine detrusor and whole cell current recordings were made from freshly isolated detrusor myocytes using the patch-clamp technique. Transcriptional expression of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) subtypes in detrusor strips was assessed using RT-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR. The β₃-AR agonists BRL37344 and CL316243 (100 nM) inhibited cholinergic nerve-mediated contractions of the detrusor by 19 and 23%, respectively, but did not reduce contractions induced by the cholinergic agonist carbachol (300 nM). In contrast, BRL37344 and CL316243 inhibited purinergic nerve-mediated responses by 55 and 56%, respectively, and decreased the amplitude of contractions induced by the P2X receptor agonist α,β-methylene ATP by 40 and 45%, respectively. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin inhibited purinergic responses, and these effects were mimicked by a combination of the PKA activator N⁶-monobutyryl-cAMP and the EPAC activator 8-pCPT-2'-O-methyl-cAMP-AM (007-AM). Application of ATP (1 μM) evoked reproducible P2X currents in isolated detrusor myocytes voltage-clamped at -60 mV. These responses were reduced in amplitude in the presence of BRL37344 and also by 007-AM. This study demonstrates that β₃-AR agonists reduce postjunctional purinergic responses in the detrusor via a pathway involving activation of the cAMP effector EPAC.

Cardiac β3 -adrenoceptors-A role in human pathophysiology?

As β₃ -adrenoceptors were first demonstrated to be expressed in adipose tissue they have received much attention for their metabolic effects in obesity and diabetes. After the existence of this subtype had been suggested to be present in the heart, studies focused on its role in cardiac function. While the presence and functional role of β₃ -adrenoceptors in the heart has not uniformly been detected, there is a broad consensus that they become up-regulated in pathological conditions associated with increased sympathetic activity such as heart failure and diabetes. When detected, the β₃ -adrenceptor has been demonstrated to mediate negative inotropic effects in an inhibitory G protein-dependent manner through the NO-cGMP-PKG signalling pathway. Whether these negative inotropic effects provide protection from the adverse effects induced by overstimulation of β₁ /β₂ -adrenoceptors or in themselves are potentially harmful is controversial, but ongoing clinical studies in patients with congestive heart failure are testing the hypothesis that β₃ -adrenceptor agonism has a beneficial effect. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about β3-AR * (* But Were Afraid to Ask)

The beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR) is by far the least studied isotype of the beta-adrenergic sub-family. Despite its study being long hampered by the lack of suitable animal and cellular models and inter-species differences, a substantial body of literature on the subject has built up in the last three decades and the physiology of β₃-AR is unraveling quickly. As will become evident in this work, β₃-AR is emerging as an appealing target for novel pharmacological approaches in several clinical areas involving metabolic, cardiovascular, urinary, and ocular disease. In this review, we will discuss the most recent advances regarding β₃-AR signaling and function and summarize how these findings translate, or may do so, into current clinical practice highlighting β₃-AR’s great potential as a novel therapeutic target in a wide range of human conditions.

Agonist-induced desensitisation of β3 -adrenoceptors: Where, when, and how?

β₃ -Adrenoceptor agonists have proven useful in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome, but it is not known whether their efficacy during chronic administration may be limited by receptor-induced desensitisation. Whereas the β₂ -adrenoceptor has phosphorylation sites that are important for desensitisation, the β₃ -adrenoceptor lacks these; therefore, it had been assumed that β₃ -adrenoceptors are largely resistant to agonist-induced desensitisation. While all direct comparative studies demonstrate that β₃ -adrenoceptors are less susceptible to desensitisation than β₂ -adrenoceptors, desensitisation of β₃ -adrenoceptors has been observed in many models and treatment settings. Chimeric β₂ - and β₃ -adrenoceptors have demonstrated that the C-terminal tail of the receptor plays an important role in the relative resistance to desensitisation but is not the only relevant factor. While the evidence from some models, such as transfected CHO cells, is inconsistent, it appears that desensitisation is observed more often after long-term (hours to days) than short-term (minutes to hours) agonist exposure. When it occurs, desensitisation of β₃ -adrenoceptors can involve multiple levels including down-regulation of its mRNA and the receptor protein and alterations in post-receptor signalling events. The relative contributions of these mechanistic factors apparently depend on the cell type under investigation. Which if any of these factors is applicable to the human urinary bladder remains to be determined. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.

Differential S-palmitoylation of the human and rodent β3-adrenergic receptors

With few reported exceptions, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are modified by Cys palmitoylation (S-palmitoylation). In multiple GPCRs, S-palmitoylation targets a canonical site within the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail adjacent to the C terminus of the seventh transmembrane domain, but modification of additional sites is exemplified by the β-adrenergic receptors (βARs). The β₁AR is S-palmitoylated at a second, more distal site within the C-terminal tail, and the β₂AR is modified at a second site within the third intracellular loop, neither of which is conserved in other βAR isoforms. The functional roles of S-palmitoylation of disparate sites are incompletely characterized for any GPCR family. Here, we describe S-palmitoylation of the β₃AR. We compared mouse and human β₃ARs and found that both were S-palmitoylated at the canonical site within the C-terminal tail, Cys-358 and Cys-361/363 in mouse and human β₃ARs, respectively. Surprisingly, the human β₃AR was S-palmitoylated at two additional sites, Cys-153 and Cys-292 within the second and third intracellular loops, respectively. Cys-153 is apparently unique to the human β₃AR, and Cys-292 is conserved primarily in primates. Mutational substitution of C-tail Cys in human but not mouse β₃ARs resulted in diminished ligand-induced cAMP production. Substitution of Cys-153, Cys-292, or Cys-361/363 within the human β₃AR diminished membrane-receptor abundance, but only Cys-361/363 substitution diminished membrane-receptor half-life. Thus, S-palmitoylation of different sites differentially regulates the human β₃AR, and differential S-palmitoylation distinguishes human and rodent β₃ARs, potentially contributing to species-specific differences in the clinical efficacy of β₃AR-directed pharmacological approaches to disease.

Physiology and pathophysiology of the β3-adrenergic receptor

The β₃-adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR) is an important regulator of various physiological functions, such as thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue, lipolysis in white adipose tissue, negative inotropic effect in cardiomyocyte, and relaxation in blood vessel. The activation of β₃-AR by its agonists is shown to have metabolic (antiobesity and antidiabetic) and cardiovascular effects in animal models, highlighting β₃-AR as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of several human diseases. Moreover, a substantial number of studies performed on different populations have identified some β₃-AR polymorphic variants associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other disorders. The clinical phenotypes and functional characteristics of these variants provide insights into potential pathophysiological roles of β₃-AR in the development of these diseases.

Mirabegron: potential off target effects and uses beyond the bladder

The β₃ -adrenoceptor was initially an attractive target for several pharmaceutical companies due to its high expression in rodent adipose tissue, where its activation resulted in decreased adiposity and improved metabolic outputs (such as glucose handling) in animal models of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. However, several drugs acting at the β₃ -adrenoceptor failed in clinical trials. This was thought to be due to their lack of efficacy at the human receptor. Recently, mirabegron, a β₃ -adrenoceptor agonist with human efficacy, was approved in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. There are indications that mirabegron may act at other receptors/targets, but whether they have any clinical relevance is relatively unknown. Besides overactive bladder syndrome, mirabegron may have other uses such as in the treatment of heart failure or metabolic disease. This review gives an overview of the off-target effects of mirabegron and its potential use in the treatment of other diseases.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc.

Targeting β3-Adrenergic Receptors in the Heart: Selective Agonism and β-Blockade

Cardiac diseases, such as heart failure, remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with myocardial infarction as the most common etiology. HF is characterized by β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) dysregulation that is primarily due to the upregulation of G protein–coupled receptor kinases that leads to overdesensitization of β₁ and β₂ARs, and this clinically manifests as a loss of inotropic reserve. Interestingly, the “minor” βAR isoform, the β₃AR, found in the heart, lacks G protein–coupled receptor kinases recognition sites, and is not subject to desensitization, and as a consequence of this, in human failing myocardium, the levels of this receptor remain unchanged or are even increased. In different preclinical studies, it has been shown that β₃ARs can activate different signaling pathways that can protect the heart. The clinical relevance of this is also supported by the effects of β-blockers which are well known for their proangiogenic and cardioprotective effects, and data are emerging showing that these are mediated, at least in part, by enhancement of β₃AR activity. In this regard, targeting of β₃ARs could represent a novel potential strategy to improve cardiac metabolism, function, and remodeling.

Inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission by β3-adrenoceptors depends on adenosine release and A1-receptor activation in human and rat urinary bladders

The direct detrusor relaxant effect of β₃-adrenoceptor agonists as a primary mechanism to improve overactive bladder symptoms has been questioned. Among other targets, activation of β₃-adrenoceptors downmodulate nerve-evoked acetylcholine (ACh) release, but there is insufficient evidence for the presence of these receptors on bladder cholinergic nerve terminals. Our hypothesis is that adenosine formed from the catabolism of cyclic AMP in the detrusor may act as a retrograde messenger via prejunctional A₁ receptors to explain inhibition of cholinergic activity by β₃-adrenoceptors. Isoprenaline (1 µM) decreased [³H]ACh release from stimulated (10 Hz, 200 pulses) human (-47 ± 5%) and rat (-38 ± 1%) detrusor strips. Mirabegron (0.1 µM, -53 ± 8%) and CL316,243 (1 µM, -37 ± 7%) mimicked isoprenaline (1 µM) inhibition, and their effects were prevented by blocking β₃-adrenoceptors with L748,337 (30 nM) and SR59230A (100 nM), respectively, in human and rat detrusor. Mirabegron and isoprenaline increased extracellular adenosine in the detrusor. Blockage of A₁ receptors with 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 100 nM) or the equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENT) with dipyridamole (0.5 µM) prevented mirabegron and isoprenaline inhibitory effects. Dipyridamole prevented isoprenaline-induced adenosine outflow from the rat detrusor, and this effect was mimicked by the ENT1 inhibitor, S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI, 30 µM). Cystometry recordings in anesthetized rats demonstrated that SR59230A, DPCPX, dipyridamole, and NBTI reversed the decrease in the voiding frequency caused by isoprenaline (0.1-1,000 nM). Data suggest that inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission by β₃-adrenoceptors results from adenosine release via equilibrative nucleoside transporters and prejunctional A₁-receptor stimulation in human and rat urinary bladder.

β3 adrenergic receptor in the kidney may be a new player in sympathetic regulation of renal function

To date, the study of the sympathetic regulation of renal function has been restricted to the important contribution of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs). Here we investigate the expression and the possible physiologic role of β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) in mouse kidney. The β3-AR is expressed in most of the nephron segments that also express the type 2 vasopressin receptor (AVPR2), including the thick ascending limb and the cortical and outer medullary collecting duct. Ex vivo experiments in mouse kidney tubules showed that β3-AR stimulation with the selective agonist BRL37344 increased intracellular cAMP levels and promoted 2 key processes in the urine concentrating mechanism. These are accumulation of the water channel aquaporin 2 at the apical plasma membrane in the collecting duct and activation of the Na-K-2Cl symporter in the thick ascending limb. Both effects were prevented by the β3-AR antagonist L748,337 or by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89. Interestingly, genetic inactivation of β3-AR in mice was associated with significantly increased urine excretion of water, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Stimulation of β3-AR significantly reduced urine excretion of water and the same electrolytes. Moreover, BRL37344 promoted a potent antidiuretic effect in AVPR2-null mice. Thus, our findings are of potential physiologic importance as they uncover the antidiuretic effect of β3-AR stimulation in the kidney. Hence, β3-AR agonism might be useful to bypass AVPR2-inactivating mutations.

β-Adrenoceptor-mediated Relaxation of Urinary Bladder Muscle in β2-Adrenoceptor Knockout Mice

Background and Objective: In order to characterize the β-adrenoceptor (AR) subtypes involved in agonist-stimulated relaxation of murine urinary bladder we studied the effects of (-)-isoprenaline and CL 316,243 on tonic contraction and spontaneous contractions in detrusor strips of wild-type (WT) and β₂-AR knockout (β₂-AR KO) mice.

Materials and Methods: Urinary bladders were isolated from male WT and β₂-AR KO mice. β-AR subtype expression was determined with quantitative real-time PCR. Intact muscle strips pre-contracted with KCl (40 mM) were exposed to cumulatively increasing concentrations of (-)-isoprenaline or β₃-AR agonist CL 316,243 in the presence and absence of the subtype-selective β-AR blockers CGP 20712A (β₁-ARs), ICI 118,551 (β₂-ARs), and L748,337 (β₃-ARs).

Results: Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed lack of β₂-AR expression in bladder tissue from β₂-AR KO mice. In isolated detrusor strips, pre-contraction with KCl increased basal tone and enhanced spontaneous activity significantly more in β₂-AR KO than in WT. (-)-Isoprenaline relaxed tonic tension and attenuated spontaneous activity with similar potency, but the concentrations required were two orders of magnitude higher in β₂-AR KO than WT. The concentration-response curves (CRCs) for relaxation were not affected by CGP 20712A (300 nM), but were shifted to the right by ICI 118,551 (50 nM) and L748,337 (10 μM). The -logEC₅₀ values for (-)-isoprenaline in WT and β₂-AR KO tissue were 7.98 and 6.00, respectively, suggesting a large receptor reserve of β₂-AR. (-)-CL 316,243 relaxed detrusor and attenuated spontaneous contractions from WT and β₂-AR KO mice with a potency corresponding to the drug’s affinity for β₃-AR. L743,337 shifted the CRCs to the right.

Conclusion: Our findings in β₂-AR KO mice suggest that there is a large receptor reserve for β₂-AR in WT mice so that this β-AR subtype will mediate relaxation of tone and attenuation of spontaneous activity under physiological conditions. Nevertheless, upon removal of this reserve, β₃-AR can also mediate murine detrusor relaxation.

β3-Adrenoceptor agonists for overactive bladder syndrome: Role of translational pharmacology in a repositioning clinical drug development project

β3-Adrenoceptor agonists were originally considered as a promising drug class for the treatment of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. When these development efforts failed, they were repositioned for the treatment of the overactive bladder syndrome. Based on the example of the β3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron, but also taking into consideration evidence obtained with ritobegron and solabegron, we discuss challenges facing a translational pharmacology program accompanying clinical drug development for a first-in-class molecule. Challenges included generic ones such as ligand selectivity, species differences and drug target gene polymorphisms. Challenges that are more specific included changing concepts of the underlying pathophysiology of the target condition while clinical development was under way; moreover, a paucity of public domain tools for the study of the drug target and aspects of receptor agonists as drugs had to be addressed. Nonetheless, a successful first-in-class launch was accomplished. Looking back at this translational pharmacology program, we conclude that a specifically tailored and highly flexible approach is required. However, several of the lessons learned may also be applicable to translational pharmacology programs in other indications.

Alternative Splicing of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Relevance to Pain Management

Drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the primary treatment strategy for patients with acute and chronic pain; however, there is substantial individual variability in both the efficacy and adverse effects associated with these drugs. Variability in drug responses is due, in part, to individuals' diversity in alternative splicing of pain-relevant GPCRs. G protein-coupled receptor alternative splice variants often exhibit distinct tissue distribution patterns, drug-binding properties, and signaling characteristics that may impact disease pathology as well as the extent and direction of analgesic effects. We review the importance of GPCRs and their known splice variants to the management of pain.

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: G protein-coupled receptors

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. G protein-coupled receptors are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.

Interaction with caveolin-1 modulates G protein coupling of mouse β3-adrenoceptor

Caveolins act as scaffold proteins in multiprotein complexes and have been implicated in signaling by G protein-coupled receptors. Studies using knock-out mice suggest that β(3)-adrenoceptor (β(3)-AR) signaling is dependent on caveolin-1; however, it is not known whether caveolin-1 is associated with the β(3)-AR or solely with downstream signaling proteins. We have addressed this question by examining the impact of membrane rafts and caveolin-1 on the differential signaling of mouse β(3a)- and β(3b)-AR isoforms that diverge at the distal C terminus. Only the β(3b)-AR promotes pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive cAMP accumulation. When cells expressing the β(3a)-AR were treated with filipin III to disrupt membrane rafts or transfected with caveolin-1 siRNA, the cyclic AMP response to the β(3)-AR agonist CL316243 became PTX-sensitive, suggesting Gα(i/o) coupling. The β(3a)-AR C terminus, SP(384)PLNRF(389)DGY(392)EGARPF(398)PT, resembles a caveolin interaction motif. Mutant β(3a)-ARs (F389A/Y392A/F398A or P384S/F389A) promoted PTX-sensitive cAMP responses, and in situ proximity assays demonstrated an association between caveolin-1 and the wild type β(3a)-AR but not the mutant receptors. In membrane preparations, the β(3b)-AR activated Gα(o) and mediated PTX-sensitive cAMP responses, whereas the β(3a)-AR did not activate Gα(i/o) proteins. The endogenous β(3a)-AR displayed Gα(i/o) coupling in brown adipocytes from caveolin-1 knock-out mice or in wild type adipocytes treated with filipin III. Our studies indicate that interaction of the β(3a)-AR with caveolin inhibits coupling to Gα(i/o) proteins and suggest that signaling is modulated by a raft-enriched complex containing the β(3a)-AR, caveolin-1, Gα(s), and adenylyl cyclase.

Role of β-adrenoceptors in glucose uptake in astrocytes using β-adrenoceptor knockout mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

β(1) -, β(2) - and β(3) -adrenoceptors determined by functional, binding and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies are present in chick astrocytes and activation of β(2) - or β(3) -adrenoceptors increase glucose uptake. The aims of the present study are to identify which β-adrenoceptor subtypes are present in mouse astrocytes, the signal transduction mechanisms involved and whether β-adrenoceptor stimulation regulates glucose uptake.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Astrocytes were prepared from four mouse strains: FVB/N, DBA/1 crossed with C57BL/6J, β(3) -adrenoceptor knockout and β(1) β(2) -adrenoceptor knockout mice. RT-PCR and radioligand binding studies were used to determine β-adrenoceptor expression. Glucose uptake and cAMP were assayed to elucidate the signalling pathways involved.

KEY RESULTS

mRNAs for all three β-adrenoceptors were identified in astrocytes from wild-type mice. Radioligand binding studies identified that β(1) - and β(3) -adrenoceptors were predominant. cAMP studies showed that β(1) - and β(2) -adrenoceptors coupled to G(s) whereas β(3) -adrenoceptors coupled to both G(s) and G(i) . However, activation of any of the three β-adrenoceptors increased glucose uptake in mouse astrocytes. Interestingly, there was no functional compensation for receptor subtype loss in knockout animals.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates that although β(1) -adrenoceptors are the predominant β-adrenoceptor in mouse astrocytes and are primarily responsible for cAMP production in response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation, β(3) -adrenoceptors are also present in mouse astrocytes and activation of β(2) - and β(3) -adrenoceptors increases glucose uptake in mouse astrocytes.

Norepinephrine directly activates adult hippocampal precursors via beta3-adrenergic receptors

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a critical form of cellular plasticity that is greatly influenced by neural activity. Among the neurotransmitters that are widely implicated in regulating this process are serotonin and norepinephrine, levels of which are modulated by stress, depression and clinical antidepressants. However, studies to date have failed to address a direct role for either neurotransmitter in regulating hippocampal precursor activity. Here we show that norepinephrine but not serotonin directly activates self-renewing and multipotent neural precursors, including stem cells, from the hippocampus of adult mice. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that beta(3)-adrenergic receptors, which are preferentially expressed on a Hes5-expressing precursor population in the subgranular zone (SGZ), mediate this norepinephrine-dependent activation. Moreover, intrahippocampal injection of a selective beta(3)-adrenergic receptor agonist in vivo increases the number of proliferating cells in the SGZ. Similarly, systemic injection of the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol not only results in enhancement of proliferation in the SGZ but also leads to an increase in the percentage of nestin/glial fibrillary acidic protein double-positive neural precursors in vivo. Finally, using a novel ex vivo "slice-sphere" assay that maintains an intact neurogenic niche, we demonstrate that antidepressants that selectively block the reuptake of norepinephrine, but not serotonin, robustly increase hippocampal precursor activity via beta-adrenergic receptors. These findings suggest that the activation of neurogenic precursors and stem cells via beta(3)-adrenergic receptors could be a potent mechanism to increase neuronal production, providing a putative target for the development of novel antidepressants.

Beta3-adrenergic receptors in cardiac and vascular tissues emerging concepts and therapeutic perspectives

Catecholamines released by the orthosympathetic system play a major role in the short- and long-term regulation of cardiovascular function. Beta1- and beta2-adrenoreceptors (ARs) have classically been considered as mediating most of their effects on cardiac contraction. After their initial cloning and pharmacologic characterization in the late 1980s, beta3-ARs have been mostly thought of as receptors mediating metabolic effects (e.g., lipolysis) in adipocytes. However, definitive evidence for their expression and functional coupling in cardiovascular tissues (including in humans) has recently initiated a re-examination of their implication in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Distinctive pharmacodynamic properties of beta3-AR, e.g., their upregulation in disease and resistance to desensitization, suggest that they may be attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. They may substitute efficient vasodilating pathways when beta1/2-ARs are inoperative. In the heart, their contractile effects, which are functionally antipathetic to those of beta1/2-AR, may protect the myocardium against adverse effects of excessive catecholamine stimulation and perhaps mediate additional ancillary effects on key aspects of electrophysiology or remodeling. Longitudinal studies in animals and patients with different stages of heart failure are now needed to identify the optimal therapeutic scheme using specific combinations of agonists or antagonists at all three beta-ARs.

Signaling pathways mediating beta3-adrenergic receptor-induced production of interleukin-6 in adipocytes

The beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) is an essential regulator of metabolic and endocrine functions. A major cellular and clinically significant consequence of beta(3)AR activation is the substantial elevation in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Although the beta(3)AR-dependent regulation of IL-6 expression is well established, the cellular pathways underlying this regulation have not been characterized. Using a novel method of homogenous reporters, we assessed the pattern of activation of 43 transcription factors in response to the specific beta(3)AR agonist CL316243 in adipocytes, cells that exhibit the highest expression of beta(3)ARs. We observed a unique and robust activation of the CRE-response element, suggesting that IL-6 transcription is regulated via the G(s)-protein/cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) but not nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway. However, pretreatment of adipocytes with pharmacologic inhibitors of PKA pathway failed to block beta(3)AR-mediated IL-6 up-regulation. Additionally, stimulation of adipocytes with the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) agonist did not induce IL-6 expression. Instead, the beta(3)AR-mediated transcription of IL-6 required activation of both the p38 and PKC pathways. Western blot analysis further showed that transcription factors CREB and ATF-2 but not ATF-1 were activated in a p38- and PKC-dependent manner. Collectively, our results suggest that while stimulation of the beta(3)AR leads to a specific activation of CRE-dependent transcription, there are several independent cellular pathways that converge at the level of CRE-response element activation, and in the case of IL-6 this activation is mediated by p38 and PKC but not PKA pathways.

Catecholamines relax detrusor through beta 2-adrenoceptors in mouse and beta 3-adrenoceptors in man

(-)-Isoproterenol [4-[1-hydroxy-2-[(1-methylethyl)amino]ethyl]-1,2-benzene diol hydrochloride] relaxes murine detrusor through beta-adrenoceptors (ARs); however, the beta-AR subtypes involved are unknown. beta(2)-ARs have been associated with caveolae, plasma-lemmal scaffolding domains that are absent in caveolin-1 (cav-1) knockout (KO) mice. Here, we studied detrusor responses in the absence and presence of beta-AR subtype-selective antagonists in wild-type (WT) and cav-1 KO mice. To inquire whether the murine detrusor model is relevant to man, beta-AR subtypes that mediate (-)-isoproterenol-evoked human detrusor relaxation were investigated. In WT mice, (-)-isoproterenol concentration-dependently relaxed the KCl (40 mM)-precontracted detrusor (-logEC(50)M = 8.04, E(max) = 62%). The effects of (-)-isoproterenol were surmountably antagonized by the beta(2)-AR-selective antagonist ICI 118,551 [(+/-)-1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-butanol] (pK(B) = 9.28) but not affected by the beta(1)-AR-selective antagonist CGP 20712 [1-[2-((3-carbamoyl-4-hydroxy)phenoxy)ethylamino]-3-[4-(1-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2-imidazolyl)phenoxy]-2-propanol] and beta(3)-AR-selective L-748,337 [(S)-M-[4-[2-[3-[3-[acetamidomethyl)phenoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]-amino]-ethyl]-phenylbenzsulfonamide)], suggesting involvement of beta(2)-AR only. The cav-1 KO detrusor displayed significant contractile dysfunction. (-)-Isoproterenol was less potent and efficient in relaxing detrusor from cav-1 KO (-logEC(50)M, 7.76; E(max) = 44%), but ICI 118,551 caused similar antagonism (pK(B) = 9.15), suggesting that beta(2)-AR function persisted in cav-1 KO. The beta(3)-AR-selective antagonist L-748,337 in the presence of ICI 118,551 and CGP 20712 caused additional blockade of (-)-isoproterenol effects in cav-1 KO, consistent with a beta(3)-AR involvement during relaxation and suppression of this effect in WT. (-)-Isoproterenol relaxed human detrusor muscle precontracted with carbachol (-logEC(50)M = 6.39, E(max) = 52%). However, the effects of (-)-isoproterenol in human detrusor were not blocked by CGP 20712 or ICI 118,551 but antagonized by L-748,337 (pK(B) = 7.65). We conclude that murine detrusor relaxation occurs via beta(2)-AR, and loss of caveolae does not perturb beta(2)-AR function but unmasks an additional activation of beta(3)-AR. In contrast, detrusor relaxation in man is mediated exclusively via beta(3)-AR.

Role of beta-adrenoceptor signaling in skeletal muscle: implications for muscle wasting and disease

The importance of beta-adrenergic signaling in the heart has been well documented, but it is only more recently that we have begun to understand the importance of this signaling pathway in skeletal muscle. There is considerable evidence regarding the stimulation of the beta-adrenergic system with beta-adrenoceptor agonists (beta-agonists). Although traditionally used for treating bronchospasm, it became apparent that some beta-agonists could increase skeletal muscle mass and decrease body fat. These so-called "repartitioning effects" proved desirable for the livestock industry trying to improve feed efficiency and meat quality. Studying beta-agonist effects on skeletal muscle has identified potential therapeutic applications for muscle wasting conditions such as sarcopenia, cancer cachexia, denervation, and neuromuscular diseases, aiming to attenuate (or potentially reverse) the muscle wasting and associated muscle weakness, and to enhance muscle growth and repair after injury. Some undesirable cardiovascular side effects of beta-agonists have so far limited their therapeutic potential. This review describes the physiological significance of beta-adrenergic signaling in skeletal muscle and examines the effects of beta-agonists on skeletal muscle structure and function. In addition, we examine the proposed beneficial effects of beta-agonist administration on skeletal muscle along with some of the less desirable cardiovascular effects. Understanding beta-adrenergic signaling in skeletal muscle is important for identifying new therapeutic targets and identifying novel approaches to attenuate the muscle wasting concomitant with many diseases.

Energy metabolism and memory processing: role of glucose transport and glycogen in responses to adrenoceptor activation in the chicken

From experiments using a discriminated bead task in young chicks, we have defined when and where adrenoceptors (ARs) are involved in memory modulation. All three ARs subtypes (alpha(1)-, alpha(2)- and beta-ARs) are found in the chick brain and in regions associated with memory. Glucose and glycogen are important in the role of memory consolidation in the chick since increasing glucose levels improves memory consolidation while inhibiting glucose transporters (GLUTs) or glycogen breakdown inhibits memory consolidation. The selective beta(3)-AR agonist CL316243 enhances memory consolidation by a glucose-dependent mechanism and the administration of the non-metabolized glucose analogue 2-deoxyglucose reduces the ability of CL316243 to enhance memory. Agents that reduce glucose uptake by GLUTs and its incorporation into the glycolytic pathway also reduce the effectiveness of CL316243, but do not alter the dose-response relationship to the beta(2)-AR agonist zinterol. However, beta(2)-ARs do have a role in memory related to glycogen breakdown and inhibition of glycogenolysis reduces the ability of zinterol to enhance memory. Both beta(2)- and beta(3)-ARs are found on astrocytes from chick forebrain, and the actions of beta(3)-ARs on glucose uptake, and beta(2)-ARs on the breakdown of glycogen is consistent with an effect on astrocytic metabolism at the time of memory consolidation 30 min after training. We have shown that both beta(2)- and beta(3)-ARs can increase glucose uptake in chick astrocytes but do so by different mechanisms. This review will focus on the role of ARs on memory consolidation and specifically the role of energy metabolism on AR modulation of memory.

β2- and β3-Adrenoceptors activate glucose uptake in chick astrocytes by distinct mechanisms: a mechanism for memory enhancement?

Isoprenaline, acting at beta-adrenoceptors (ARs), enhances memory formation in single trial discriminated avoidance learning in day-old chicks by mechanisms involving alterations in glucose and glycogen metabolism. Earlier studies of memory consolidation in chicks indicated that beta3-ARs enhanced memory by increasing glucose uptake, whereas beta2-ARs enhance memory by increasing glycogenolysis. This study examines the ability of beta-ARs to increase glucose uptake in chick forebrain astrocytes. The beta-AR agonist isoprenaline increased glucose uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, as did insulin. Glucose uptake was increased by the beta2-AR agonist zinterol and the beta3-AR agonist CL316243, but not by the beta1-AR agonist RO363. In chick astrocytes, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction studies showed that beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-AR mRNA were present, whereas radioligand-binding studies showed the presence of only beta2- and beta3-ARs. beta-AR or insulin-mediated glucose uptake was inhibited by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and protein kinase C inhibitors, suggesting a possible interaction between the beta-AR and insulin pathways. However beta2- and beta3-ARs increase glucose uptake by two different mechanisms: beta2-ARs via a Gs-cAMP-protein kinase A-dependent pathway, while beta3-ARs via interactions with Gi. These results indicate that activation of beta2- and beta3-ARs causes glucose uptake in chick astrocytes by distinct mechanisms, which may be relevant for memory enhancement.

Functional domains of the mouse β3-adrenoceptor associated with differential G-protein coupling

Localization of G-protein-coupled receptors within membrane microdomains is associated with differential signalling pathway activation. We have shown that two mouse β3-AR (β3-adrenoceptor) isoforms encoded by alternatively spliced mRNAs differ in their signalling properties; the β3a-AR couples only with Gs, whereas the β3b-AR couples with both Gs and Gi. Our previous studies indicated that the β3a-AR is restrained from coupling with Gi due to the interaction of residues in the C-terminus with other protein(s). We have investigated the hypothesis that the β3a-AR interacts with caveolin. Disruption of caveolae in CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary)-K1 cells expressing wild-type β3a-ARs with filipin III, or mutation of a putative caveolin-binding site in the β3a-AR, causes cAMP accumulation to become PTX (pertussis toxin)-sensitive. Likewise, filipin treatment of mouse brown adipocytes that express endogenous β3a-ARs produces a substantial reduction in agonist-stimulated cAMP production that is rescued by pre-treatment with PTX. These studies suggest that β3a-ARs may be restricted to caveolae and that localization of the receptor may play a specific role in G-protein-mediated signalling.

Tools to study beta3-adrenoceptors

Beta(3)-adrenoceptors mediate some of the effects of catecholamines on tissues such as blood vessels or the urinary bladder and are putative targets for the treatment of diseases such as the overactive bladder syndrome. Progress in the understanding of the presence, function, and regulation of beta(3)-adrenoceptors has been hampered by a lack of highly specific tools. "Classical" beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists such as BRL 37,344 [(R*, R*)-(+/-)-4[2-[(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl) amino] propyl] phenoxyacetic acid] and CGP 12,177 [(+/-)-4-(3-t-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzimidazol-2-one] are only partial agonists in many settings, have limited selectivity over other beta-adrenoceptor subtypes, and may additionally act on receptors other than beta-adrenoceptors. More efficacious and more selective agonists have been reported and, in some cases, are in clinical development but are not widely available for experimental studies. The widely used antagonist SR 59,230 [3-(2-ethylphenoxy)-1-[(1,S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapth-1-ylamino]-2S-2-propanoloxalate] is not selective for beta(3)-adrenoceptors, at least in humans, and may actually be a partial agonist. Radioligands, which are suitable either for the selective labeling of beta(3)-adrenoceptors or for the nonselective labeling of all beta-adrenoceptor subtypes, are also missing. beta(3)- and beta(1)/beta(2) double knockout mice have been reported, but their usefulness for extrapolations in humans is questionable based upon major differences between humans and rodents with regard to the ligand recognition and expression profiles of beta(3)-adrenoceptors. While the common availability of more selective agonists and antagonists at the beta(3)-adrenoceptor is urgently awaited, the limitations of the currently available tools need to be considered in studies of beta(3)-adrenoceptor for the time being.

The function of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors of the saphenous artery in caveolin-1 knockout and wild-type mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Adrenoceptors can associate with cardiac caveolae. To investigate the function of vascular caveolae, adrenoceptor-mediated effects were compared in the saphenous artery of caveolin-1 knockout (cav-1KO) and wild-type (WT) mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Electronmicroscopy was used to detect caveolae. Real-Time quantitative PCR was used for adrenoceptor subtypes. Catecholamine-evoked contractions and relaxations were studied in arterial segments.

KEY RESULTS

Caveolae were found in arterial smooth muscle from WT but not from cav-1KO mice. Arterial mRNA levels for the adrenoceptors alpha1A, alpha1B, alpha1D, beta1, beta2 and beta3 were similar in cav-1KO and WT. (-)-Noradrenaline contracted cav-1KO (-log EC50M=7.1) and WT (-log EC50M=7.3) arteries through prazosin-sensitive receptors. Maximum (-)-noradrenaline-evoked contractions were greater in cav-1KO than WT arteries. (-)-Isoprenaline relaxed WT arteries (-log EC50M=7.3) more potently than cav-1KO arteries (-log EC50M=6.8); the effects were antagonized partially and similarly by the beta2-selective antagonist ICI118551 (50 nM). The (-)-isoprenaline-evoked relaxation was partially antagonized by the beta1-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist CGP20712 (300 nM) in WT but not cav-1KO arteries. The beta3-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist L748337 (100 nM) partially antagonized the relaxant effects of (-)-isoprenaline in cav-1KO but not in WT arteries. BRL37344 partially relaxed arteries through beta3-adrenoceptors in cav-1KO but not WT. The relaxant effects of BRL37344 were decreased by the NO synthase inhibitor OmegaL-nitroarginine.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The function of arterial alpha1- and beta2-adrenoceptors is similar in cav-1KO and WT mice. beta1-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation in WT is lost in cav-1KO and replaced by the appearance of beta3-adrenoceptors.

Differential coupling of beta3A- and beta3B-adrenergic receptors to endogenous and chimeric Galphas and Galphai

Chimeric G proteins made by replacing the COOH-terminal heptapeptide of G(alpha)q with the COOH-terminal heptapeptide of G(alpha)s or G(alpha)i were used to assess the relative coupling of beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)-AR) splice variants (beta(3A) and beta(3B)) to G(alpha)s and G(alpha)i. The G(alpha)q/s and G(alpha)q/i chimeras transformed the response to receptor activation from regulation of adenylyl cyclase to mobilization of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)(i)). Complementary high-throughput and single-cell approaches were used to evaluate agonist-induced coupling of the receptor to the G protein chimeras. In cells stably transformed with rat beta(3)-AR, transfected with the G protein chimeras, and evaluated using a scanning fluorometer, beta(3)-AR-induced coupling to G(alpha)q/s produced a rapid eightfold increase in Ca(2+)(i) followed by a slow decay to levels 25% above baseline. G(alpha)q/i also linked rat beta(3)-AR to mobilization of Ca(2+)(i) in a similar time- and agonist-dependent manner, but the net 2.5-fold increase in Ca(2+)(i) was only 30% of the response obtained with G(alpha)q/s. Activation of the rat beta(3)-AR also increased GTP binding to endogenous G(alpha)i threefold in membranes from CHO cells stably transformed with the receptor. A complementary single-cell imaging approach was used to assess the relative coupling of mouse beta(3A)- and beta(3B)-AR to G(alpha)i under conditions established to produce equivalent agonist-dependent coupling of the receptor splice variants to G(alpha)q/s and to increases in intracellular cAMP through endogenous G(alpha)s. The beta(3A)- and beta(3B)-AR coupled equivalently to G(alpha)q/i, but the temporal patterns of Ca(2+)(i) mobilization indicated that coupling was significantly less efficient than coupling to G(alpha)q/s. Collectively, these findings indicate less efficient but equivalent coupling of beta(3A)- and beta(3B)-AR to G(alpha)i vs. G(alpha)s and suggest that differential expression of the splice variants would not produce local differences in signaling networks linked to beta(3)-AR activation.

Agonist effects of zinterol at the mouse and human beta(3)-adrenoceptor

The present study investigates the action of zinterol at beta(3)-adrenoceptors. We used mouse primary brown adipocytes and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells expressing the mouse or human beta(3)-adrenoceptor. Zinterol was a full agonist at increasing cyclic AMP levels in primary brown adipocytes (which express beta(1)- and beta(3)-adrenoceptors but not beta(2)-adrenoceptors), and this effect was almost totally abolished in adipocytes derived from beta(3)-adrenoceptor knock-out (KO) mice. Zinterol was also a full agonist at increasing another biological end-point, glucose uptake in brown adipocytes. This effect was reduced in adipocytes derived from beta(3)-adrenoceptor KO mice, with the remaining response sensitive to beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonism. To determine whether the effect of zinterol on beta(3)-adrenoceptors in primary brown adipocytes can be replicated in a recombinant system, we used CHO-K1 cells expressing the mouse or human beta(3)-adrenoceptor. Zinterol was a full agonist at mouse and human receptors with respect to increasing cyclic AMP levels, with pEC(50) values similar to that of the selective beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist (R, R)-5-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-amino]-propyl]1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate (CL316243) at the mouse receptor. At the human receptor, zinterol was more potent at increasing cyclic AMP levels than CL316243. In cytosensor microphysiometer studies, zinterol was a full agonist for increases in extracellular acidification rates at the mouse and human beta(3)-adrenoceptor. Therefore, we have shown that zinterol is a potent, high-efficacy beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist at the endogenous mouse beta(3)-adrenoceptor in primary brown adipocytes and at the cloned mouse and human beta(3)-adrenoceptor expressed in CHO-K1 cells. Zinterol is therefore one of few beta-adrenoceptor agonists with high potency and efficacy at the human beta(3)-adrenoceptor.

Expression of beta adrenergic receptors in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos

Accumulating evidence indicates the role of endogenous catecholamines in mammalian embryogenesis. We searched public databases containing nucleotide sequences derived from mouse preimplantation cDNA libraries and found a partial sequence homology between a cDNA clone from mouse blastocysts and the mouse beta 2-adrenergic receptor sequence. No significant sequence homology was found for other mouse adrenergic and dopamine receptors. Using RT-PCR, we showed that beta 2-adrenoceptor is transcribed not only at blastocyst stage but also at earlier stages of preimplantation development as well as in oocytes. Moreover, we demonstrated that transcripts encoding both isoforms of the beta 3-adrenoceptor (beta 3a- and beta 3b-) are expressed in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos as well. We did not detect the beta 1-adrenoceptor transcript either in oocytes or in preimplantation embryos. Using an antibody against the mouse beta 2-adrenergic receptor, we showed that the receptor protein is expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos; in blastocysts, the immufluorescence labeling was stronger in the inner cell mass than in throphectodermal cells. The cell number of the in vitro cultured mouse preimplantation embryos exposed to isoproterenol (a potent beta adrenoceptor agonist) was lower than in control embryos, suggesting that activation of beta adrenergic receptors by appropriate agonist concentration can influence cell proliferation in mouse pre-implantation embryos. Thus, our results indicate that beta adrenergic receptors are expressed in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos and that ligands for the receptors can affect the mouse embryo even in the very early stages of development.

Functional domains of the mouse beta3-adrenoceptor associated with differential G protein coupling

Alternative splicing of mouse beta3-adrenoceptor transcripts produces an additional receptor isoform (beta3b-adrenoceptor) with a C terminus comprising 17 amino acids distinct from the 13 in the known receptor (beta3a-adrenoceptor). We have shown that the beta3b-adrenoceptor couples to both Gs and Gi, whereas the beta3a-adrenoceptor couples only to Gs. To define the regions involved in this differential G protein coupling, we have compared wild-type, truncated, and mutant beta3-adrenoceptors. In Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing beta3-adrenoceptors truncated at the splicing point, cAMP accumulation with CL316243 [(R,R)-5-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-amino]-propyl]1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate] increased by 59% following pretreatment with pertussis toxin, suggesting that the C-terminal region of the beta3a-adrenoceptor inhibits coupling to Gi. We next utilized the cell-penetrating peptide Transportan 10 (Tp10) to introduce peptides comprising the different C-terminal tail fragments into cells expressing beta3a-adrenoceptor, beta3b-adrenoceptor, and the truncated beta3-adrenoceptor. Treatment with beta3a-Tp10 (1 microM) caused cAMP responses to CL316243 in the beta3a-adrenoceptor to become pertussis toxin-sensitive and display a 30% increase over control, whereas the other peptides did not affect any receptor. Mutation at a potential tyrosine phosphorylation site (Tyr392Ala beta3a-adrenoceptor) did not alter responses or pertussis toxin sensitivity relative to the parent receptor. Surprisingly, a Ser388Ala/Ser389Ala mutant beta3b-adrenoceptor became unresponsive to CL316243 while retaining an extracellular acidification rate response to SR59230A [3-(2-ethylphenoxy)-1-[(1,S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapth-1-ylamino]-2S-2-propanol oxalate]. Our findings suggest that the beta3a-adrenoceptor cannot couple to Gi because of conformational changes induced by a protein(s) that interacts with residues in the C-terminal tail or because this protein(s) affects the intracellular localization of the beta3a-adrenoceptor.

Alpha1- and beta1-adrenoceptor signaling fully compensates for beta3-adrenoceptor deficiency in brown adipocyte norepinephrine-stimulated glucose uptake

To assess the relative roles and potential contribution of adrenergic receptor subtypes other than the beta3-adrenergic receptor in norepinephrine-mediated glucose uptake in brown adipocytes, we have here analyzed adrenergic activation of glucose uptake in primary cultures of brown adipocytes from wild-type and beta3-adrenergic receptor knockout (KO) mice. In control cells in addition to high levels of beta3-adrenergic receptor mRNA, there were relatively low alpha1A-, alpha1D-, and moderate beta1-adrenergic receptor mRNA levels with no apparent expression of other adrenergic receptors. The levels of alpha1A-, alpha1D-, and beta1-adrenergic receptor mRNA were not changed in the beta3-KO brown adipocytes, indicating that the beta3-adrenergic receptor ablation does not influence adrenergic gene expression in brown adipocytes in culture. As expected, the beta3-adrenergic receptor agonists BRL-37344 and CL-316 243 did not induce 2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake in beta3-KO brown adipocytes. Surprisingly, the endogenous adrenergic neurotransmitter norepinephrine induced the same concentration-dependent 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake in wild-type and beta3-KO brown adipocytes. This study demonstrates that beta1-adrenergic receptors, and to a smaller degree alpha1-adrenergic receptors, functionally compensate for the lack of beta3-adrenergic receptors in glucose uptake. Beta1-adrenergic receptors activate glucose uptake through a cAMP/protein kinase A/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway, stimulating conventional and novel protein kinase Cs. The alpha1-adrenergic receptor component (that is not evident in wild-type cells) stimulates glucose uptake through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase C pathway in the beta3-KO cells.

Evidence for pleiotropic signaling at the mouse beta3-adrenoceptor revealed by SR59230A [3-(2-Ethylphenoxy)-1-[(1,S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapth-1-ylamino]-2S-2-propanol oxalate]

This study examines the action of the beta(3)-adrenoceptor antagonist SR59230A [3-(2-ethylphenoxy)-1-[(1,S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapth-1-ylamino]-2S-2-propanoloxalate] at cloned mouse beta(3)-adrenoceptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1-beta(3)) or endogenously expressed in 3T3-F442A adipocytes or ileum. SR59230A displayed partial agonist properties compared with the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist CL316243 [(R,R)-5-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-amino]-propyl]1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate] in CHO-K1-beta(3) with the intrinsic activity increasing with the level of receptor expression. Functional affinity values for SR59230A at each level of receptor expression were in agreement with pK(I) values determined by binding. In cytosensor microphysiometer studies, SR59230A was a full agonist for increases in extracellular acidification rates (ECARs) at all levels of receptor expression, and antagonist actions were measurable only in medium- or low-expressing cells. In 3T3-F442A adipocytes, SR59230A antagonized CL316243-mediated increases of cAMP and had no agonist actions. However, in the cytosensor micro-physiometer, SR59230A (acting via beta(3)-adrenoceptors) was an agonist with an intrinsic activity greater than CL316243. In mouse ileum, SR59230A relaxed smooth muscle, although concentration-response curves were biphasic. Relaxant effects were produced by concentrations that did not affect cAMP levels. Differences in tissue responses to SR59230A were not caused by major differences in expression of Galphas. ECAR responses were not affected by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin, indicating that signaling did not involve Gi. Therefore, SR59230A displays agonist and antagonist actions at the mouse beta(3)-adrenoceptor. Because SR59230A only antagonized accumulation of cAMP in 3T3-F442A adipocytes yet in the same cells was an agonist for ECAR, cAMP-independent signaling pathways must mediate part of the agonist actions in the microphysiometer.

THE JANUS* FACES OF ADRENOCEPTORS: FACTORS CONTROLLING THE COUPLING OF ADRENOCEPTORS TO MULTIPLE SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS

1. The adrenoceptors (AR) are an important subfamily of rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled receptors that couple to an increasingly large number of signalling mechanisms. Two important factors that determine the pathways that are used are the C-terminal region of the receptor and the agonist used to activate the receptor. 2. Studies of splice variants of the mouse beta3-AR showed that the C-terminus is a factor controlling the signalling characteristics. Although these receptors differ only at the C-terminus, the beta3b-AR coupled to both Gs and Gi, whereas the beta3a-AR coupled solely to Gs. 3. Examination of four splice variants of the human alpha1A-AR showed that all were able to couple to pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins, even though they have radically different C-terminal regions. 4. Comparison of the effects of the beta3-AR ligands CL316243 and SR59230A showed that both can activate the mouse beta3-AR but that SR59230A uses pathways other than cAMP accumulation in 3T3-F442A cells. 5. Examination of a series of alpha1-AR agonists for their ability to activate a number of signalling pathways revealed that A61603 acted as a full agonist in all assays, whereas oxymetazoline was unable to cause cAMP accumulation, suggesting agonist-selective signalling at the human alpha1A-AR.

Stereoselectivity for interactions of agonists and antagonists at mouse, rat and human β3-adrenoceptors

This study examines the stereoselectivity profile of recombinant mouse, rat and human beta(3)-adrenoceptors expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO-K1) cells using radioligand binding, in comparison with endogenously expressed beta(3)-adrenoceptors mediating relaxation responses in mouse ileum. The enantiomeric ratios for several beta-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists at the cloned mouse, rat and human beta(3)-adrenoceptor were less than those reported at the cloned beta(1)-/beta(2)-adrenoceptor but higher than those reported in previous studies. The degree of stereoselectivity was relatively low for the agonists isoprenaline and noradrenaline but higher for antagonists and, in particular, tertatolol and propranolol. In mouse ileum, stereoselectivity of propranolol and tertatolol was observed under beta(1)-/beta(2)-adrenoceptor blockade. The (-)-enantiomers of propranolol and tertatolol were more effective at antagonism of (-)-isoprenaline-mediated relaxation of mouse ileum than their (+)-enantiomers. The recombinant mouse, rat and human beta(3)-adrenoceptors display stereoselective interactions for agonists and antagonists similar to the stereoselective profile of beta(3)-adrenoceptors in mouse ileum. The degree of stereoselectivity varied between species and the human beta(3)-adrenoceptor displayed higher affinities and enantiomeric ratios than the mouse or rat beta(3)-adrenoceptors.

Polymorphism at the ovine beta3-adrenergic receptor locus: associations with birth weight, growth rate, carcass composition and cold survival

The beta3-adrenergic receptors (ADRB3s) are predominantly found on the surface of adipocytes and are the major mediators of the lipolytic and thermogenic effects of high catecholamine concentrations. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis of part of the ovine beta3-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3) intron was used to screen 12 large Merino half-sib families for sequence variation. Six different alleles that segregated in a Mendelian fashion were observed. The genetic basis for the allelic differences were identified by sequencing the ADRB3 (coding and non-coding regions) from animals that were homozygous for each of the alleles. Five sire lines (two Merino x Merino, two Merino x Coopworth, one Dorset Down x Coopworth) provided phenotypic and genotypic data used to ascertain the effects of allelic variation at the ADRB3 locus on birth weight, weaning weight, growth rate (up until weaning), carcass composition at 63 days post-weaning and cold survival. Statistical analyses within each half-sib family showed that in some sire lines (S13, S15, and S17) the inheritance of a particular allele was associated with increased birth weights and/or increased growth rates up until weaning. The inheritance of a particular sire allele was associated with fatter carcasses in sire line S16. Chi-squared analysis revealed the association of the E allele with cold survival and the D allele with cold-related mortality in sire line S14. Such associations support the hypothesis that ADRB3s are involved in energy homeostasis. With more research, the variation detected at the ADRB3 locus may assist in the genetic selection for desirable animal production traits.