Novel roles for β-arrestins in the regulation of pharmacological sequestration to predict agonist-induced desensitization of dopamine D3 receptors

TRAF6-mediated ubiquitination of AKT in the nucleus is a critical event underlying the desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors

BACKGROUND

Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) refers to the attenuation of receptor responsiveness by prolonged or intermittent exposure to agonists. The binding of β-arrestin to the cytoplasmic cavity of the phosphorylated receptor, which competes with the G protein, has been widely accepted as an extensive model for explaining GPCRs desensitization. However, studies on various GPCRs, including dopamine D2-like receptors (D2R, D3R, D4R), have suggested the existence of other desensitization mechanisms. The present study employed D2R/D3R variants with different desensitization properties and utilized loss-of-function approaches to uncover the mechanisms underlying GPCRs homologous desensitization, focusing on the signaling cascade that regulates the ubiquitination of AKT.

RESULTS

AKT undergoes K8/14 ubiquitination by TRAF6, which occurs in the nucleus and promotes its membrane recruitment, phosphorylation and activation under receptor desensitization conditions. The nuclear entry of TRAF6 relies on the presence of the importin complex. Src regulates the nuclear entry of TRAF6 by mediating the interaction between TRAF6 and importin β1. Ubiquitinated AKT translocates to the plasma membrane where it associates with Mdm2 to phosphorylate it at the S166 and S186 residues. Thereafter, phosphorylated Mdm2 is recruited to the nucleus, resulting in the deubiquitination of β-Arr2. The deubiquitinated β-Arr2 then forms a complex with Gβγ, which serves as a biomarker for GPCRs desensitization. Like in D3R, ubiquitination of AKT is also involved in the desensitization of β2 adrenoceptors.

CONCLUSION

Our study proposed that the property of a receptor that causes a change in the subcellular localization of TRAF6 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus to mediate AKT ubiquitination could initiate the desensitization of GPCRs.

Unveiling the Differences in Signaling and Regulatory Mechanisms between Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptors and Their Impact on Behavioral Sensitization

Dopamine receptors are classified into five subtypes, with D2R and D3R playing a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, reward, and movement. Whereas D2R are distributed widely across the brain, including regions responsible for motor functions, D3R are primarily found in specific areas related to cognitive and emotional functions, such as the nucleus accumbens, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex. Despite their high sequence homology and similar signaling pathways, D2R and D3R have distinct regulatory properties involving desensitization, endocytosis, posttranslational modification, and interactions with other cellular components. In vivo, D3R is closely associated with behavioral sensitization, which leads to increased dopaminergic responses. Behavioral sensitization is believed to result from D3R desensitization, which removes the inhibitory effect of D3R on related behaviors. Whereas D2R maintains continuous signal transduction through agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation, arrestin recruitment, and endocytosis, which recycle and resensitize desensitized receptors, D3R rarely undergoes agonist-induced endocytosis and instead is desensitized after repeated agonist exposure. In addition, D3R undergoes more extensive posttranslational modifications, such as glycosylation and palmitoylation, which are needed for its desensitization. Overall, a series of biochemical settings more closely related to D3R could be linked to D3R-mediated behavioral sensitization.

Sequestration of Gβγ by deubiquitinated arrestins into the nucleus as a novel desensitization mechanism of G protein-coupled receptors

BACKGROUND

Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) refers to a rapid attenuation of responsiveness that occurs with repeated or continuous exposure to agonists. GRK-mediated phosphorylation and subsequent binding with arrestins in the activated receptor cytoplasmic cavity in competition with G proteins has been suggested as the conventional mechanism of desensitization. Along with widely accepted conventional mechanism of desensitization, studies of various GPCRs including dopamine D2-like receptors (D₂R, D₃R, D₄R) have suggested the existence of another desensitization mechanism. In this study, loss-of-function approaches and D2-like receptor mutants that display different desensitization properties were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for desensitization.

RESULTS

Desensitization development entailed the signaling cascade composed of Src, PDK1, and Akt, the latter of which in turn interacted with USP33, an arrestin deubiquitinase, to promote arrestin deubiquitination. The deubiquitinated arrestin subsequently formed a complex with Gβγ and translocated to the nucleus via an importin complex, wherein it sequestered Gβγ from the receptor and Gα, thereby attenuating receptor signaling. As in D2-like receptors, both USP33 and importin β1 were involved in the desensitization of the β₂ adrenoceptor.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the conventional mechanism of desensitization, which occurs on the plasma membrane and in the cytosol, this study provides a new insight that another desensitization pathway in which nuclear trafficking plays a critical role is operating. It is plausible that multiple, complementary desensitization measures are in place to properly induce desensitization depending on receptor characteristics or the surrounding environment. Video Abstract.

Dopamine D3 Receptor in Parkinson Disease: A Prognosis Biomarker and an Intervention Target

Parkinson disease (PD) dementia, pathologically featured as nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neuronal loss with motor and non-motor manifestations, leads to substantial disability and economic burden. DA therapy targets the DA D3 receptor (D3R) with high affinity and selectivity. The pathological involvement of D3R is evidenced as an effective biomarker for disease progression and DA agnostic interventions, with compensations of increased DA, decreased aggregates of α-synuclein (α-Syn), enhanced secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), attenuation of neuroinflammation and oxidative damage, and promoting neurogenesis in the brain. D3R also interacts with D1R to reduce PD-associated motor symptoms and alleviate the side effects of levodopa (L-DOPA) treatment. We recently found that DA D2 receptor (D2R) density decreases in the late-stage PDs, while high D3R or DA D1 receptor (D1R) + D3R densities in the postmortem PD brains correlate with survival advantages. These new essential findings warrant renewed investigations into the understanding of D3R neuron populations and their cross-sectional and longitudinal regulations in PD progression.

Current Perspectives on Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonists/Partial Agonists as Pharmacotherapeutics for Opioid and Psychostimulant Use Disorders

Over three decades of evidence indicate that dopamine (DA) D3 receptors (D3R) are involved in the control of drug-seeking behavior and may play an important role in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders (SUD). The expectation that a selective D3R antagonist/partial agonist would be efficacious for the treatment of SUD is based on the following key observations. First, D3R are distributed in strategic areas belonging to the mesolimbic DA system such as the ventral striatum, midbrain, and ventral pallidum, which have been associated with behaviors controlled by the presentation of drug-associated cues. Second, repeated exposure to drugs of abuse produces neuroadaptations in the D3R system. Third, the synthesis and characterization of highly potent and selective D3R antagonists/partial agonists have further strengthened the role of the D3R in SUD. Based on extensive preclinical and preliminary clinical evidence, the D3R shows promise as a target for the development of pharmacotherapies for SUD as reflected by their potential to (1) regulate the motivation to self-administer drugs and (2) disrupt the responsiveness to drug-associated stimuli that play a key role in reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior triggered by re-exposure to the drug itself, drug-associated environmental cues, or stress. The availability of PET ligands to assess clinically relevant receptor occupancy by selective D3R antagonists/partial agonists, the definition of reliable dosing, and the prospect of using human laboratory models may further guide the design of clinical proof of concept studies. Pivotal clinical trials for more rapid progression of this target toward regulatory approval are urgently required. Finally, the discovery that highly selective D3R antagonists, such as R-VK4-116 and R-VK4-40, do not adversely affect peripheral biometrics or cardiovascular effects alone or in the presence of oxycodone or cocaine suggests that this class of drugs has great potential in safely treating psychostimulant and/or opioid use disorders.

Arrestin-dependent internalization of rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors

The internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is an important mechanism regulating the signal strength and limiting the opportunity of receptor activation. Based on the importance of GPCRs, the detailed knowledge about the regulation of signal transduction is crucial. Here, current knowledge about the agonist-induced, arrestin-dependent internalization process of rhodopsin-like GPCRs is reviewed. Arrestins are conserved molecules that act as key players within the internalization process of many GPCRs. Based on highly conserved structural characteristics within the rhodopsin-like GPCRs, the identification of arrestin interaction sites in model systems can be compared and used for the investigation of internalization processes of other receptors. The increasing understanding of this essential regulation mechanism of receptors can be used for drug development targeting rhodopsin-like GPCRs. Here, we focus on the neuropeptide Y receptor family, as these receptors transmit various physiological processes such as food intake, energy homeostasis, and regulation of emotional behavior, and are further involved in pathophysiological processes like cancer, obesity and mood disorders. Hence, this receptor family represents an interesting target for the development of novel therapeutics requiring the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms influencing receptor mediated signaling.

β-Arrestin1 and GPCR kinase2 play permissive roles in Src-mediated endocytosis of α4β2 nicotinic ACh receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The α4β2 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR), a subtype of the ligand-gated ion channel, is abundantly expressed in the brain and is implicated in several neurological disorders. The endocytosis of nAChRs plays important roles in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Loss-of-function approaches and mutants of α4β2 nAChRs that display different endocytic properties were used to identify the cellular components and processes responsible for endocytosis. The signalling cascade that leads to endocytosis was deduced via protein interactions in predicted cellular components. The endocytosis of α4β2 nAChRs was determined and crosschecked using an ELISA and radioligand assay.

KEY RESULTS

Endocytosis of α4β2 nAChRs occurred through clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a dynamin-dependent manner. 14-3-3η-dependent Src-mediated phosphorylation of the nAChR α4 subunit at Y575 was required for nAChR endocytosis, and this occurred with the assistance of β-arrestin1 and GPCR kinase 2 (GRK2) without the need for kinase activity. Endocytosis triggered the mouse double minute 2 homologue-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent down-regulation of α4β2 nAChRs.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

α4β2 nAChR, an ionophore receptor, employs the metabotropic signalling pathway required for endocytosis, which leads to ubiquitination and down-regulation. Further, GRK2 and β-arrestin1, usually associated with GPCR signalling, are involved in the endocytosis of α4β2 nAChRs via different mechanisms. Considering the functional and pathological implications of nAChR endocytosis, results obtained in this study are crucial for the progression of basic research and clinical investigations.

Mechanistic diversity involved in the desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors

The desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which involves rapid loss of responsiveness due to repeated or chronic exposure to agonists, can occur through various mechanisms at different levels of signaling pathways. In this review, the mechanisms of GPCR desensitization are classified according to their occurrence at the receptor level and downstream to the receptor. The desensitization at the receptor level occurs in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, wherein the activated receptors are phosphorylated by GPCR kinases (GRKs), thereby increasing their affinities for arrestins. Arrestins bind to receptors through the cavity on the cytoplasmic region of heptahelical domains and interfere with the binding and activation of G-protein. Diverse mechanisms are involved in the desensitization that occurs downstream of the receptor. Some of these include the sequestration of G proteins, such as G_q and G_i/o by GRK2/3 and deubiquitinated arrestins, respectively. Mechanistically, GRK2/3 attenuates GPCR signaling by sequestering the G_α subunits of the G_q family and G_βγ via regulators of G protein signaling and pleckstrin homology domains, respectively. Moreover, studies on G_i/o-coupled D2-like receptors have reported that arrestins are deubiquitinated under desensitization condition and form a stable complex with G_βγ, thereby preventing them from coupling with G_α and the receptor, eventually leading to receptor signaling inhibition. Notably, the desensitization mechanism that involves arrestin deubiquitination is interesting; however, this is a new mechanism and needs to be explored further.

Neuronal Dopamine D3 Receptors: Translational Implications for Preclinical Research and CNS Disorders

Dopamine (DA), as one of the major neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery, exerts its actions through five types of receptors which belong to two major subfamilies such as D1-like (i.e., D1 and D5 receptors) and D2-like (i.e., D2, D3 and D4) receptors. Dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) was cloned 30 years ago, and its distribution in the CNS and in the periphery, molecular structure, cellular signaling mechanisms have been largely explored. Involvement of D3Rs has been recognized in several CNS functions such as movement control, cognition, learning, reward, emotional regulation and social behavior. D3Rs have become a promising target of drug research and great efforts have been made to obtain high affinity ligands (selective agonists, partial agonists and antagonists) in order to elucidate D3R functions. There has been a strong drive behind the efforts to find drug-like compounds with high affinity and selectivity and various functionality for D3Rs in the hope that they would have potential treatment options in CNS diseases such as schizophrenia, drug abuse, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and restless leg syndrome. In this review, we provide an overview and update of the major aspects of research related to D3Rs: distribution in the CNS and periphery, signaling and molecular properties, the status of ligands available for D3R research (agonists, antagonists and partial agonists), behavioral functions of D3Rs, the role in neural networks, and we provide a summary on how the D3R-related drug research has been translated to human therapy.

GRKs as Modulators of Neurotransmitter Receptors

Many receptors for neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and neuropeptides, belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). A general model posits that GPCRs undergo two-step homologous desensitization: the active receptor is phosphorylated by kinases of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) family, whereupon arrestin proteins specifically bind active phosphorylated receptors, shutting down G protein-mediated signaling, facilitating receptor internalization, and initiating distinct signaling pathways via arrestin-based scaffolding. Here, we review the mechanisms of GRK-dependent regulation of neurotransmitter receptors, focusing on the diverse modes of GRK-mediated phosphorylation of receptor subtypes. The immediate signaling consequences of GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation, such as arrestin recruitment, desensitization, and internalization/resensitization, are equally diverse, depending not only on the receptor subtype but also on phosphorylation by GRKs of select receptor residues. We discuss the signaling outcome as well as the biological and behavioral consequences of the GRK-dependent phosphorylation of neurotransmitter receptors where known.

A Split Luciferase Complementation Assay for the Quantification of β-Arrestin2 Recruitment to Dopamine D2-Like Receptors

Investigations on functional selectivity of GPCR ligands have become increasingly important to identify compounds with a potentially more beneficial side effect profile. In order to discriminate between individual signaling pathways, the determination of β-arrestin2 recruitment, in addition to G-protein activation, is of great value. In this study, we established a sensitive split luciferase-based assay with the ability to quantify β-arrestin2 recruitment to D_2long and D₃ receptors and measure time-resolved β-arrestin2 recruitment to the D_2long receptor after agonist stimulation. We were able to characterize several standard (inverse) agonists as well as antagonists at the D_2longR and D₃R subtypes, whereas for the D_4.4R, no β-arrestin2 recruitment was detected, confirming previous reports. Extensive radioligand binding studies and comparisons with the respective wild-type receptors confirm that the attachment of the Emerald luciferase fragment to the receptors does not affect the integrity of the receptor proteins. Studies on the involvement of GRK2/3 and PKC on the β-arrestin recruitment to the D_2longR and D₃R, as well as at the D₁R using different kinase inhibitors, showed that the assay could also contribute to the elucidation of signaling mechanisms. Its broad applicability, which provides concentration-dependent and kinetic information on receptor/β-arrestin2 interactions, renders this homogeneous assay a valuable method for the identification of biased agonists.

Cytoplasmic recruitment of Mdm2 as a common characteristic of G protein-coupled receptors that undergo desensitization

Desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represents a gradual attenuation of receptor responsiveness by continuous or repeated exposure to agonists. The most widely accepted molecular mechanism responsible for desensitization is that of GRK2-mediated receptor phosphorylation followed by association with β-arrestins. However, in most cases, this mechanism cannot explain the desensitization of GPCRs. In this study, we investigated whether there exists a direct correlation between desensitization and certain cellular events that commonly observed with desensitizing receptors. Our study showed that constitutive ubiquitination of β-arrestin, accompanied by nuclear to cytoplasmic translocation of Mdm2, was observed in cells expressing desensitizing GPCRs (dopamine D₃ receptor, K149C-dopamine D₂ receptor, β₂ adrenoceptor, and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1). In contrast, Mdm2 was observed in the nucleus in cells expressing non-desensitizing GPCRs (dopamine D₂ receptor, C147K-dopamine D₃ receptor, and dopamine D₄ receptor). Molecular manipulation to convert the characteristics of the dopamine D₄ receptor from non-desensitizing to desensitizing changed the status of subcellular localization of Mdm2 from nuclear to cytoplasmic. With repeated agonist treatments of desensitizing receptors, Mdm2 translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus, resulting in the deubiquitination of β-arrestins. This study suggests that the property of a receptor that causes a change in subcellular localization of Mdm2, from the nuclear to cytoplasmic, could be used as a biomarker to predict the desensitization of a receptor.

A novel molecular mechanism responsible for phosphorylation-independent desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors exemplified by the dopamine D3 receptor

GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation followed by association with β-arrestins has been proposed to be the molecular mechanism involved in the desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, this mechanism does not explain the desensitization of some GPCRs, such as dopamine D₃ receptor (D₃R), which does not undergo GRK-mediated phosphorylation. Loss-of-function approaches and mutants of dopamine D₂ receptor and D₃R, which exhibit different desensitization properties, were used to identify the cellular components and processes responsible for desensitization. D₃R mediated the recruitment of Mdm2 to the cytosol, which resulted in the constitutive ubiquitination of β-arrestin2 in the resting state. Under desensitization conditions, cytosolic Mdm2 returned to the nucleus, resulting in the deubiquitination of cytosolic β-arrestins. Deubiquitinated β-arrestins formed a tight complex with Gβγ, thereby sequestering it, causing interference in D₃R signaling. In conclusion, this study shows that β-arrestins, depending on their ubiquitination status, control the G protein cycling by regulating their interactions with Gβγ. This is a novel mechanism proposed to explain how certain GPCRs can undergo desensitization without receptor phosphorylation.

Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination of β-arrestin2 in the nucleus occurs in a Gβγ- and clathrin-dependent manner

The fate and activity of β-arrestin2, a key player in the regulation of desensitization and endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are regulated by mouse double minute 2 homolog (Mdm2)-mediated ubiquitination. However, details of the molecular mechanisms of β-arrestin2 ubiquitination remain unclear. Studies on β-arrestin2 and Mdm2 mutants with modified nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties have revealed that β-arrestin2 ubiquitination occurs in the nucleus in a Gβγ- and clathrin-dependent manner. The nuclear entry of both β-arrestin2 and Mdm2 commonly relies on the presence of importin complex but can occur independently of each other. Gβγ and clathrin regulated the nuclear entry of β-arrestin2 by mediating the interaction between β-arrestin2 and importin β1. In contrast, Akt-mediated phosphorylation of two serine residues of Mdm2 partly regulated the nuclear entry of Mdm2. Ubiquitinated β-arrestin2 along with Mdm2 translocated to the cytoplasm where they play various functional roles including receptor endocytosis and ubiquitination of other cytoplasmic proteins. The nuclear export of Mdm2 required nuclear entry and interaction of β-arrestin2 with Mdm2. Ubiquitination was required for the translocation of β-arrestin2 toward activated receptors on the plasma membrane and for its endocytic activity. The current study revealed the cellular components and processes involved in the ubiquitination of β-arrestin2, and these findings could be quintessential for providing directions and detailed strategies for the manipulation of GPCR functions and development of GPCR-related therapeutics.

Metabotropic signaling cascade involved in α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated PKCβII activation

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) belong to the ionophore receptor family, which regulates plasma membrane conductance to Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions. Some studies, however, have shown that nAChRs also employ second messengers for intracellular signaling. We previously showed that α4β2 nAChR mediates the translocation of protein kinase CβII (PKCβII) from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane, which is a typical activation marker for PKCβII. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying PKCβII activation through α4β2 nAChR. α4β2 nAChR is the most abundant nAChR subtype and is implicated in various brain functions and diseases. Putative α4β2 nAChR signaling components were identified by knockdown or chemical inhibition of candidate proteins, and the signaling cascade was deduced by protein interactions in predicted cellular components. α4β2 nAChR-mediated PKCβII translocation was found to occur in an ionophore activity-independent manner. Nicotinic stimulation of α4β2 nAChR activated Src in a β-arrestin1 and 14-3-3η-dependent manner. Activated Src phosphorylated the tyrosine residue(s) on Syk molecules, which in turn interacted with phospholipase C γ1 to trigger the translocation of PKCβII to the cell membrane by elevating cellular diacylglycerol levels. The activated PKCβII in turn exerted a positive feedback effect on Src activation, suggesting that α4β2 nAChR signaling is amplified by a positive feedback loop. These findings provide novel information for unveiling the previously unclear metabotropic second messenger-based signal transduction pathway of nAChRs.

DRD3 (dopamine receptor D3) but not DRD2 activates autophagy through MTORC1 inhibition preserving protein synthesis

Growing evidence shows that autophagy is deficient in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, and that its induction may have beneficial effects in these conditions. However, as autophagy shares signaling pathways with cell death and interferes with protein synthesis, prolonged use of autophagy inducers available nowadays is considered unwise. The search for novel autophagy inducers indicates that DRD2 (dopamine receptor 2)-DRD3 ligands may also activate autophagy, though critical aspects of the action mechanisms and effects of dopamine ligands on autophagy are still unknown. In order to shed light on this issue, DRD2- and DRD3-overexpressing cells and drd2 KO, drd3 KO and wild-type mice were treated with the DRD2-DRD3 agonist pramipexole. The results revealed that pramipexole induces autophagy through MTOR inhibition and a DRD3-dependent but DRD2-independent mechanism. DRD3 activated AMPK followed by inhibitory phosphorylation of RPTOR, MTORC1 and RPS6KB1 inhibition and ULK1 activation. Interestingly, despite RPS6KB1 inhibition, the activity of RPS6 was maintained through activation of the MAPK1/3-RPS6KA pathway, and the activity of MTORC1 kinase target EIF4EBP1 along with protein synthesis and cell viability, were also preserved. This pattern of autophagy through MTORC1 inhibition without suppression of protein synthesis, contrasts with that of direct allosteric and catalytic MTOR inhibitors and opens up new opportunities for G protein-coupled receptor ligands as autophagy inducers in the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.

ABBREVIATIONS

AKT/Protein kinase B: thymoma viral proto-oncogene 1; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; BECN1: beclin 1; EGFP: enhanced green fluorescent protein; EIF4EBP1/4E-BP1: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1; GPCR; G protein-coupled receptor; GFP: green fluorescent protein; HEK: human embryonic kidney; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAP2K/MEK: mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase; MAPK1/ERK2: mitogen-activated protein kinase 1; MAPK3/ERK1: mitogen-activated protein kinase 3; MDA: malonildialdehyde; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; PPX: pramipexole; RPTOR/raptor: regulatory associated protein of MTOR, complex 1; RPS6: ribosomal protein S6; RPS6KA/p90S6K: ribosomal protein S6 kinase A; RPS6KB1/p70S6K: ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; WT: wild type.

Biased signaling agonist of dopamine D3 receptor induces receptor internalization independent of β-arrestin recruitment

Agonist-induced internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a significant step in receptor kinetics and is known to be involved in receptor down-regulation. However, the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) has been an exception wherein agonist induces D3Rs to undergo desensitization followed by pharmacological sequestration - which is defined as the sequestration of cell surface receptors into a more hydrophobic fraction within the plasma membrane without undergoing the process of receptor internalization. Pharmacological sequestration renders the receptor in an inactive state on the membrane. In our previous study we demonstrated that a novel class of D3R agonists exemplified by SK608 have biased signaling properties via the G-protein dependent pathway and do not induce D3R desensitization. In this study, using radioligand binding assay, immunoblot or immunocytochemistry methods, we observed that SK608 induced internalization of human D3R stably expressed in CHO, HEK and SH-SY5Y cells which are derived from neuroblastoma cells, suggesting that it is not a cell-type specific event. Further, we have evaluated the potential mechanism of D3R internalization induced by these biased signaling agonists. SK608-induced D3R internalization was time- and concentration-dependent. In comparison, dopamine induced D3R upregulation and pharmacological sequestration in the same assays. GRK2 and clathrin/dynamin I/II are the key molecular players in the SK608-induced D3R internalization process, while β-arrestin 1/2 and GRK-interacting protein 1(GIT1) are not involved. These results suggest that SK608-promoted D3R internalization is similar to the type II internalization observed among peptide binding GPCRs.

Role of Helix 8 in Dopamine Receptor Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane receptors whose agonist-induced dynamic conformational changes trigger heterotrimeric G protein activation, followed by GRK-mediated phosphorylation and arrestin-mediated desensitization. Cytosolic regions of GPCRs have been studied extensively because they are direct contact sites with G proteins, GRKs, and arrestins. Among various cytosolic regions, the role of helix 8 is least understood, although a few studies have suggested that it is involved in G protein activation, receptor localization, and/or internalization. In the present study, we investigated the role of helix 8 in dopamine receptor signaling focusing on dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R). D1R couples exclusively to Gs, whereas D2R couples exclusively to Gi. Bioinformatic analysis implied that the sequences of helix 8 may affect GPCR-G protein coupling selectivity; therefore, we evaluated if swapping helix 8 between D1R and D2R changed G protein selectivity. Our results suggest that helix 8 is not involved in D1R-Gs or D2R-Gi coupling selectivity. Instead, we observed that D1R with D2R helix 8 or D1R with an increased number of hydrophobic residues in helix 8 relative to wild-type showed diminished β-arrestin-mediated desensitization, resulting in increased Gs signaling.

Free fatty acid receptor 1 agonist, MR1704, lowers blood glucose levels in rats unresponsive to the sulfonylurea, glibenclamide

Preclinical Research & Development MR1704 is a selective G protein-coupled receptor 40/free fatty acid receptor 1 agonist, which exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and glucose-lowering effects in animal models. We studied the effects of MR1704 in a sulfonylurea-desensitized Sprague-Dawley rat model and evaluated the risk of pancreatic β-cell exhaustion compared to that of glibenclamide in Zucker fatty rats. Rats fed ad libitum a diet containing 0.03% glibenclamide exhibited lower non-fasting blood glucose levels compared to those in rats fed a control diet during the first 6 days. However, the response to glibenclamide disappeared on day 9. In a rat oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), MR1704 reduced the plasma glucose excursion, whereas glibenclamide did not show this effect. In Zucker fatty rats, oral administration of MR1704 reduced glucose excursion during the OGTT, and the effects of MR1704 were maintained after 2-week treatment. In contrast, the glucose-lowering effects of glibenclamide were diminished, and glucose tolerance was aggravated after 2-week treatment. These results indicated that MR1704 provided more sustainable effects compared to those of the sulfonylurea, glibenclamide suggesting that MR1704 may be an attractive therapeutic option for diabetic patients who are unresponsive to sulfonylurea treatment.

Molecular Signature That Determines the Acute Tolerance of G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Desensitization and acute tolerance are terms used to describe the attenuation of receptor responsiveness by prolonged or intermittent exposure to an agonist. Unlike desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which is commonly explained by steric hindrance caused by the β-arrestins that are translocated to the activated receptors, molecular mechanisms involved in the acute tolerance of GPCRs remain unclear. Our studies with several GPCRs and related mutants showed that the acute tolerance of GPCRs could occur independently of agonist-induced β-arrestin translocation. A series of co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed a correlation between receptor tolerance and interactions among receptors, β-arrestin2, and Gβγ. Gβγ displayed a stable interaction with receptors and β-arrestin2 in cells expressing GPCRs that were prone to undergo tolerance compared to the GPCRs that were resistant to acute tolerance. Strengthening the interaction between Gβγ and β-arrestin rendered the GPCRs to acquire the tendency of acute tolerance. Overall, stable interaction between the receptor and Gβγ complex is required for the formation of a complex with β-arrestin, and determines the potential of a particular GPCR to undergo acute tolerance. Rather than turning off the signal, β-arrestins seem to contribute on continuous signaling when they are in the context of complex with receptor and Gβγ.

Functional Characterization of a Novel Series of Biased Signaling Dopamine D3 Receptor Agonists

Dopamine receptors play an integral role in controlling brain physiology. Importantly, subtype selective agonists and antagonists of dopamine receptors with biased signaling properties have been successful in treating psychiatric disorders with a low incidence of side effects. To this end, we recently designed and developed SK609, a dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) selective agonist that has atypical signaling properties. SK609 has shown efficacy in reversing akinesia and reducing L-dopa-induced dyskinesia in a hemiparkinsonian rats. In the current study, we demonstrate that SK609 has high selectivity for D3R with no binding affinity on D2R high- or low-affinity state when tested at a concentration of 10 μM. In addition, SK609 and its analogues do not induce desensitization of D3R as determined by repeated agonist treatment response in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 functional assay. Most significantly, SK609 and its analogues preferentially signal through the G-protein-dependent pathway and do not recruit β-arrestin-2, suggesting a functional bias toward the G-protein-dependent pathway. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies using analogues of SK609 demonstrate that the molecules bind at the orthosteric site by maintaining the conserved salt bridge interactions with aspartate 110 on transmembrane 3 and aryl interactions with histidine 349 on transmembrane 6, in addition to several hydrophobic interactions with residues from transmembranes 5 and 6. The compounds follow a strict SAR with reference to the three pharmacophore elements: substituted phenyl ring, length of the linker connecting phenyl ring and amine group, and orientation and hydrophobic branching groups at the amine among SK609 analogues for efficacy and functional selectivity. These features of SK609 and the analogues suggest that biased signaling is an inherent property of this series of molecules.

Multifactorial Regulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Endocytosis

Endocytosis is a process by which cells absorb extracellular materials via the inward budding of vesicles formed from the plasma membrane. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a highly selective process where receptors with specific binding sites for extracellular molecules internalize via vesicles. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest single family of plasma-membrane receptors with more than 1000 family members. But the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of GPCRs are believed to be highly conserved. For example, receptor phosphorylation in collaboration with β-arrestins plays major roles in desensitization and endocytosis of most GPCRs. Nevertheless, a number of subsequent studies showed that GPCR regulation, such as that by endocytosis, occurs through various pathways with a multitude of cellular components and processes. This review focused on i) functional interactions between homologous and heterologous pathways, ii) methodologies applied for determining receptor endocytosis, iii) experimental tools to determine specific endocytic routes, iv) roles of small guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins in GPCR endocytosis, and v) role of post-translational modification of the receptors in endocytosis.

Functional Regulation of Dopamine D₃ Receptor through Interaction with PICK1

PICK1, a PDZ domain-containing protein, is known to increase the reuptake activities of dopamine transporters by increasing their expressions on the cell surface. Here, we report a direct and functional interaction between PICK1 and dopamine D₃ receptors (D₃R), which act as autoreceptors to negatively regulate dopaminergic neurons. PICK1 colocalized with both dopamine D₂ receptor (D₂R) and D₃R in clusters but exerted different functional influences on them. The cell surface expression, agonist affinity, endocytosis, and signaling of D₂R were unaffected by the coexpression of PICK1. On the other hand, the surface expression and tolerance of D₃R were inhibited by the coexpression of PICK1. These findings show that PICK1 exerts multiple effects on D₃R functions.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is responsible for the lysosomal degradation of dopamine D3 receptor

GRK2-/β-Arrestin- and PKA-/PKC-mediated desensitization, internalization, and degradation are three representative pathways for regulating G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Compared with GRK2/β-arrestin-mediated ones, functional relationship among the aforementioned three regulatory processes mediated by PKA/PKC is less clear. Dopamine D3 receptor (D3R), a major target of currently available antipsychotic drugs, is a typical GPCR that selectively undergoes PKC-mediated regulation. In the present study, we examined PKC-mediated internalization of D3R in correlation with its roles in desensitization and degradation. Our results showed that the kinase activity of PKCβII and the 229th and 257th serine residues of D3R were required for PKC-mediated desensitization, internalization, and degradation of D3R. PMA treatment ubiquitinated D3R and induced its degradation through lysosomal pathway. Blockade of clathrin-mediated internalization inhibited PKC-mediated lysosomal degradation of D3R but did not affect its desensitization. These results suggested that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of D3R involved clathrin-mediated internalization, which was important for the lysosomal degradation of D3R.

RalA employs GRK2 and β-arrestins for the filamin A-mediated regulation of trafficking and signaling of dopamine D2 and D3 receptor

Filamin A (FLNA) is known to act as platform for the signaling and intracellular trafficking of various GPCRs including dopamine D2 and D3 receptors (D2R, D3R). To understand molecular mechanisms involved in the FLNA-mediated regulation of D2R and D3R, comparative studies were conducted on the signaling and intracellular trafficking of the D2R and D3R in FLNA-knockdown cells, with a specific focus on the roles of the proteins that interact with FLNA and the D2R and D3R. Lowering the level of cellular FLNA caused an elevation in RalA activity and resulted in selective interference with the normal intracellular trafficking and signaling of the D2R and D3R, through GRK2 and β-arrestins, respectively. Knockdown of FLNA or coexpression of active RalA interfered with the recycling of the internalized D2R and resulted in the development of receptor tolerance. Active RalA was found to interact with GRK2 to sequester it from D2R. Knockdown of FLNA or coexpression of active RalA prevented D3R from coupling with G protein. The selective involvement of GRK2- and β-arrestins in the RalA-mediated cellular processes of the D2R and D3R was achieved via their different modes of interactions with the receptor and their distinct functional roles in receptor regulation. Our results show that FLNA is a multi-functional protein that acts as a platform on which D2R and D3R can interact with various proteins, through which selective regulation of these receptors occurs in combination with GRK2 and β-arrestins.

Dopamine D3 receptor agonists as pharmacological tools

Dysregulation of the dopaminergic innervation in the central nervous system plays a key role in different neurological disorders like Parkinson´s disease, restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia etc. Although dopamine D3 receptors have been recognized as an important target in these diseases, their full pharmacological properties need further investigations. With focus on dopamine D3 receptor full agonists, this review has divided the ergoline and non-ergoline ligands in dissimilar chemical subclasses describing their pharmacodynamic properties on different related receptors, on species differences and their functional properties on different signaling mechanism. This is combined with a short description of structure-activity relationships for each class. Therefore, this overview should support the rational choice for the optimal compound selection based on affinity, selectivity and efficacy data in biochemical and pharmacological studies.

Selectivity of commonly used inhibitors of clathrin-mediated and caveolae-dependent endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors

Among the multiple G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) endocytic pathways, clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and caveolar endocytosis are more extensively characterized than other endocytic pathways. A number of endocytic inhibitors have been used to block CME; however, systemic studies to determine the selectivity of these inhibitors are needed. Clathrin heavy chain or caveolin1-knockdown cells have been employed to determine the specificity of various chemical and molecular biological tools for CME and caveolar endocytosis. Sucrose, concanavalin A, and dominant negative mutants of dynamin blocked other endocytic pathways, in addition to CME. In particular, concanavalin A nonspecifically interfered with the signaling of several GPCRs tested in the study. Decreased pH, monodansylcadaverine, and dominant negative mutants of epsin were more specific for CME than other treatments were. A recently introduced CME inhibitor, Pitstop2™, showed only marginal selectivity for CME and interfered with receptor expression on the cell surface. Blockade of receptor endocytosis by epsin mutants and knockdown of the clathrin heavy chain enhanced the β2AR-mediated ERK activation. Overall, our studies show that previous experimental results should be interpreted with discretion if they included the use of endocytic inhibitors that were previously thought to be CME-selective. In addition, our study shows that endocytosis of β2 adrenoceptor through clathrin-mediated pathway has negative effects on ERK activation.

Effects of pramipexole on the acquisition of responding with opioid-conditioned reinforcement in the rat

RATIONALE

Dopamine D3 receptor-preferring ligands may be able to modify the conditioned reinforcing effects of drug-associated stimuli. In evaluating the effects of these compounds, it is important to clarify the extent to which responding depends on (1) conditioned reinforcement vs. other behavioral mechanisms and (2) dopamine D3 vs. D2 receptor activity.

OBJECTIVES

To use behaviorally stringent new-response acquisition procedures to characterize the effects of the D3-preferring agonist, pramipexole, on the conditioned reinforcing effects of a stimulus paired with the opioid agonist, remifentanil.

METHODS

First, in Pavlovian conditioning (PAV) sessions, rats received response-independent IV injections of remifentanil and presentations of a light-noise stimulus. In separate groups, injections and stimuli either always co-occurred ("paired PAV") or occurred with no consistent relationship ("random PAV" control). Next, in instrumental acquisition (ACQ) sessions, all animals could respond in two nose-poke manipulanda: an active nose-poke, which produced the stimulus alone, or an inactive nose-poke. Pramipexole was injected SC prior to ACQ sessions with or without pretreatments of the D3-preferring antagonist, SB-277011A, or the D2-preferring antagonist, L-741,626.

RESULTS

After paired PAV, but not random PAV, rats acquired nose-poke responding during ACQ (i.e., active > inactive). Pramipexole dose-dependently increased active responding without changing inactive responding. Pramipexole-induced increases in responding were blocked by pretreatment with L-741,626, but not SB-277011A.

CONCLUSIONS

Pramipexole specifically enhanced remifentanil-conditioned reinforcement: active responding was selectively increased only after the stimulus was paired with remifentanil. Although pramipexole is D3-preferring, the antagonist effects obtained presently suggest an important role for the D2 receptor in opioid-conditioned reinforcement.

Prolonged treatment with pramipexole promotes physical interaction of striatal dopamine D3 autoreceptors with dopamine transporters to reduce dopamine uptake

The dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT), a membrane glycoprotein expressed in dopaminergic neurons, clears DA from extracellular space and is regulated by diverse presynaptic proteins like protein kinases, α-synuclein, D2 and D3 autoreceptors. DAT dysfunction is implicated in Parkinson's disease and depression, which are therapeutically treated by dopaminergic D2/D3 receptor (D2/D3R) agonists. It is, then, important to improve our understanding of interactions between D3R and DAT. We show that prolonged administration of pramipexole (0.1mg/kg/day, 6 to 21 days), a preferential D3R agonist, leads to a decrease in DA uptake in mouse striatum that reflects a reduction in DAT affinity for DA in the absence of any change in DAT density or subcellular distribution. The effect of pramipexole was absent in mice with genetically-deleted D3R (D3R(-/-)), yet unaffected in mice genetically deprived of D2R (D2R(-/-)). Pramipexole treatment induced a physical interaction between D3R and DAT, as assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and in situ proximity ligation assay. Furthermore, it promoted the formation of DAT dimers and DAT association with both D2R and α-synuclein, effects that were abolished in D3R(-/-) mice, yet unaffected in D2R(-/-) mice, indicating dependence upon D3R. Collectively, these data suggest that prolonged treatment with dopaminergic D3 agonists provokes a reduction in DA reuptake by dopaminergic neurons related to a hitherto-unsuspected modification of the DAT interactome. These observations provide novel insights into the long-term antiparkinson, antidepressant and additional clinical actions of pramipexole and other D3R agonists.

N-linked Glycosylation on the N-terminus of the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors determines receptor association with specific microdomains in the plasma membrane

Numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are glycosylated at extracellular regions. The regulatory roles of glycosylation on receptor function vary across receptor types. In this study, we used the dopamine D₂and D₃receptors as an experimental model to understand the underlying principles governing the functional roles of glycosylation. We used the pharmacological inhibitor, tunicamycin, to inhibit glycosylation, generated chimeric D₂and D₃receptors by swapping their respective N-termini, and produced the glycosylation site mutant D₂and D₃receptors to study the roles of glycosylation on receptor functions, including cell surface expression, signaling, and internalization through specific microdomains. Our results demonstrate that glycosylation on the N-terminus of the D₃ receptor is involved in the development of desensitization and proper cell surface expression. In addition, glycosylation on the N-terminus mediates the internalization of D₂and D₃receptors within the caveolae and clathrin-coated pit microdomains of the plasma membrane, respectively, by regulating receptor interactions with caveolin-1 and clathrin. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that glycosylation on the N-terminus of GPCRs is involved in endocytic pathway selection through specific microdomains. These data suggest that changes in the cellular environment that influence posttranslational modification could be an important determinant of intracellular GPCR trafficking.