Sphingosine 1-phosphate: a Ca2+ release mediator in the balance

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid signalling molecule with Ca(2+) mobilising properties. Importantly for a role as a Ca(2+) release messenger, intracellular levels of S1P can be regulated by a variety of extracellular stimuli, via the enzyme sphingosine kinase. However, neither the mechanism underlying S1P generation, nor its actions at the endoplasmic reticulum are clear. Thus, the role of S1P as an intracellular mediator of Ca(2+) release remains in the balance.

Homologous and heterologous uncoupling of muscarinic M(3) and alpha(1B) adrenoceptors to Galpha(q/11) in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

1. The present study employed a [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding protocol in conjunction with immunoprecipitation (IP) of the Galpha subunits to investigate the desensitization of G(q/11)-coupled receptors at the level of the G-protein activation. Membranes from SH-SY5Y cells expressing the recombinant human alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor (alpha(1B)-AR) (and endogenously expressing the M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M(3)-AChR)) exhibited G(q/11) activation in a concentration-dependent manner in response to noradrenaline or methacholine. 2. Pre-treatment of intact cells with agonist prior to membrane preparation and use in the [(35)S]-GTPgammaS IP assay demonstrated that both receptors were homologously desensitized by pre-treatment with agonist since the G(q/11) activation in response to a secondary challenge with agonist was markedly reduced. Stimulation of alpha(1B)-AR was effective at heterologously desensitizing the M(3)-AChR. The PKC inhibitor, Ro-31-8220 (10 microM) was ineffective at preventing the agonist-mediated receptor desensitization. 3. [(32)P]P(i)-labelled cells allowed the detection of increases in receptor phosphorylation. Phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu) (1 microM) was effective at producing a Ro-31-8220 (10 microM)-sensitive, detectable increase in alpha(1B)-AR but not M(3)-AChR phosphorylation. Noradrenaline (30 microM) stimulated alpha(1B)-AR phosphorylation, which could be partially inhibited by Ro-31-8220 (10 microM). The phosphorylation of M(3)-AChR was increased by methacholine (100 microM) incubation and this effect appeared to be insensitive to Ro-31-8220 (10 microM). 4. These findings demonstrate that [(35)S]-GTPgammaS-Galpha-subunit IP can be used to estimate receptor desensitization as a decline in receptor-G-protein coupling. Both the alpha(1B)-AR and M(3)-AChR undergo rapid homologous desensitization that is associated with an increase in receptor phosphorylation. The heterologous desensitization of M(3)-AChR produced by alpha(1B)-AR stimulation is not associated with a detectable increase in M(3)-AChR phosphorylation, suggesting that receptor phosphorylation is not necessarily a prerequisite for desensitization.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases 3 and 6 use different pathways to desensitize the endogenous M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in human SH-SY5Y cells

We have investigated the effects of G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 3 and GRK6 on the phosphorylation and regulation of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mACh) endogenously expressed in SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of GRK3 or GRK6 enhanced M3 mACh receptor phosphorylation after high-concentration methacholine (100 microM, 1 min) addition. However, GRK6 was more potent, increasing receptor phosphorylation even after low (3 microM, 1 min) agonist stimulation. Compared with plasmid-transfected control cells expressing equivalent M3 mACh receptor number, GRK3- or GRK6-overexpressing cells exhibited a reduced phospholipase C activity reflected by a lower accumulation of total [3H]inositol phosphates and Ins(1,4,5)P3 mass. In addition, direct stimulation of G protein activation of phospholipase C (by AlF4(-)) was inhibited in GRK3- but not GRK6-overexpressing cells. Guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate binding and immunoprecipitation of Galpha(q/11) indicated that acute methacholine-stimulated receptor/Galpha(q/11) coupling was unaffected by GRK overexpression. In contrast, agonist pretreatment of cells for 3 min caused M3 mACh receptor uncoupling from Galpha(q/11), which was markedly enhanced by GRK6 overexpression, particularly at lower agonist pretreatment concentrations. However, the increased M3 mACh receptor phosphorylation seen in clones overexpressing GRK3 was not accompanied by increased receptor-Galpha(q/11) uncoupling. Overall, these data suggest that GRK3 and GRK6 use different pathways to desensitize the M3 mACh receptor. GRK6 seems to act as a classical GRK, inducing increased receptor phosphorylation accompanied by an uncoupling of receptor and Galpha(q/11). Conversely, GRK3 may cause desensitization independently of receptor phosphorylation, possibly via Gbetagamma binding and/or direct Galpha(q) binding via its regulator of G protein signaling domain to inhibit phospholipase C activity.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent calcium signalling by platelet-derived growth factor in the human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell

In adherent SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, activation of G-protein-coupled muscarinic M3 receptors evoked a biphasic elevation of both intracellular [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)]i) and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (D-Ins(1,4,5)P3) mass. In both cases, temporal profiles consisted of rapid transient elevations followed by a decline to a lower, yet sustained level. In contrast, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a receptor tyrosine kinase agonist acting via PDGF receptor b chains in these cells, elicited a slow and transient elevation of [Ca(2+)]i that returned to basal levels within 5 to 10 min with no evidence of inositol phosphate generation. Full responses for either receptor type required intracellular and extracellular Ca(2+) and mobilization of a shared thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) store. Strategies that affected the ability of D-Ins(1,4,5)P3 to interact with the Ins(1,4,5)P3-receptor demonstrated an Ins(1,4,5)P3-dependency of the muscarinic receptor-mediated elevation of [Ca(2+)]i but showed that PDGF-mediated elevations of [Ca(2+)]i are Ins(1,4,5)P3-independent in these cells.

Enhanced inducible mGlu1alpha receptor expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Inducible expression of the group-I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu1alpha) in Chinese hamster ovary cells allows for the study of receptor density dependent effects. However, expression levels attainable with this system are lower than those reported for various brain regions and achieved by conventional (constitutive) transfection. Thus, direct comparison of mGlu1alpha receptor-mediated responses in this inducible expression system with those for receptors expressed heterologously or in vivo is compounded. We show here that inducible expression can be selectively augmented by butyrate pretreatment to levels approaching those reported for cerebral tissue. Enhanced mGlu1alpha receptor protein levels, agonist-induced inositol phosphate accumulation, as well as single-cell inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization occurred following co-induction with butyrate. In contrast, endogenous purinoceptor function was unaffected. Importantly, the ability to titrate receptor expression by varying isopropyl beta-thiogalactoside concentration was retained. Sodium butyrate thus offers a simple and convenient method to enhance inducible gene expression to levels found in vivo.

Reassessment of the Ca2+ sensing property of a type I metabotropic glutamate receptor by simultaneous measurement of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and Ca2+ in single cells

Transient transfection of Chinese hamster ovary or baby hamster kidney cells expressing the Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu1alpha with green fluorescent protein-tagged pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase Cdelta1 allows real-time detection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Loading with Fura-2 enables simultaneous measurement of intracellular Ca(2+) within the same cell. Using this technique we have studied the extracellular calcium sensing property of the mGlu1alpha receptor. Quisqualate, in extracellular medium containing 1.3 mm Ca(2+), increased inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in all cells. This followed a typical peak and plateau pattern and was paralleled by concurrent increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Under nominally Ca(2+)-free conditions similar initial peaks in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and Ca(2+) concentration occurred with little change in either agonist potency or efficacy. However, sustained inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production was substantially reduced and the plateau in Ca(2+) concentration absent. Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores using thapsigargin abolished quisqualate-induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+) and markedly reduced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production. These data suggest that the mGlu1alpha receptor is not a calcium-sensing receptor because the initial response to agonist is not sensitive to extracellular Ca(2+) concentration. However, prolonged activation of phospholipase C requires extracellular Ca(2+), while the initial burst of activity is highly dependent on Ca(2+) mobilization from intracellular stores.

Single-cell imaging of graded Ins(1,4,5)P3 production following G-protein-coupled-receptor activation

The pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase Cdelta1 (PH(PLCdelta)) binds Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and PtdIns(4,5)P(2) specifically, and can be used to detect changes in Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in single cells. A fusion construct of PH(PLCdelta) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP-PH(PLCdelta)) associates with the plasma membrane due to its association with PtdIns(4,5)P(2). However, PH(PLCdelta) has greater affinity for Ins(1,4,5)P(3) than PtdIns(4,5)P(2), and translocates to the cytosol as Ins(1,4,5)P(3) levels rise. Prolonged activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor 1alpha expressed in Chinese-hamster ovary cells or endogenous M(3) muscarinic receptors in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells gave an initial transient peak in translocation, followed by a sustained plateau phase. This closely followed changes in cell population Ins(1,4,5)P(3) mass, but not PtdIns(4,5)P(2) levels, which decreased monophasically, as determined by radioreceptor assay. Translocation thus provides a real-time method to follow increases in Ins(1,4,5)P(3). Graded changes in Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in Chinese-hamster ovary-lac-mGlu1alpha cells could be detected with increasing glutamate concentrations, and dual loading with fura 2 and EGFP-PH(PLCdelta) showed that changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration closely paralleled Ins(1,4,5)P(3) production. Moreover, Ins(1,4,5)P(3) accumulation and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization within single cells is graded in nature and dependent on both agonist concentration and receptor density.

Cell type-specific differences in the coupling of recombinant mGlu1alpha receptors to endogenous G protein sub-populations

In this study the effects of cell background on the coupling of the type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate (mGlu1alpha) receptor to different G protein sub-populations by recombinant expression of this receptor subtype in baby hamster kidney (BHK) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have been investigated. Receptor-G protein interactions were assessed using [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding and subsequent Galpha subunit-specific immunoprecipitation. In a CHO cell line (CHO-lac-mGlu1alpha), where mGlu1alpha receptor expression is under inducible control, stimulation of membranes with the mGlu receptor agonist quisqualate resulted in an increase in specific [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to G(q/11)alpha only, whereas in a BHK cell line (BHK-mGlu1alpha) agonist stimulation increased [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to G(q/11)alpha and also to pertussis toxin (PTx)-sensitive G(i/o) proteins (assessed using G(i1/2)alpha- and G(i3/o)alpha-specific antibodies). These data are consistent with our previous observations of dual, antagonistic G(q/11)/G(i/o) regulation of phospholipase C (PLC) in BHK-mGlu1alpha cells, whereas no evidence was found for a G(i/o) modulation of PLC activity in the CHO-lac-mGlu1alpha cell line. PTx pre-treatment of either cell line had no effect on either the magnitude or the concentration-dependency of agonist-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS-G(q/11)alpha binding, excluding the possibility that receptor-G(i/o) uncoupling can unmask an increase in receptor-G(q/11) interaction. mGlu1alpha receptor expression per se had little effect on Galpha protein expression levels in either CHO or BHK cell lines, with the possible exception of a small, but consistent increase in G(o)alpha expression in BHK-mGlu1alpha cells compared to the vector-transfected control cell line (BHK-570). Semi-quantitative assessment of mGlu1alpha receptor immunoreactivity and [(3)H]quisqualate saturation binding analysis demonstrated a ca 10-fold higher mGlu1alpha receptor content in BHK cells. Whether the higher receptor expression level in BHK-mGlu1alpha cells underlies the additional G(i/o) coupling observed in this cell line, or additional factors contribute to the phenomenon are discussed.

Rapid down-regulation of the type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and desensitization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-mediated Ca2+ responses in alpha T3-1 gonadotropes

Despite no evidence for desensitization of phospholipase C-coupled gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors, we previously reported marked suppression of GnRH-mediated Ca(2+) responses in alphaT3-1 cells by pre-exposure to GnRH. This suppression could not be accounted for solely by reduced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3)) responses, thereby implicating uncoupling of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) production and Ca(2+) mobilization (McArdle, C. A., Willars, G. B., Fowkes, R. C., Nahorski, S. R., Davidson, J. S., and Forrest-Owen, W. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 23711-23717). In the current study we demonstrate that GnRH causes a homologous and heterologous desensitization of Ca(2+) signaling in alphaT3-1 cells that is coincident with a rapid (t((12)) < 20 min), marked, and functionally relevant loss of type I Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor immunoreactivity and binding. Furthermore, using an alphaT3-1 cell line expressing recombinant muscarinic M(3) receptors we show that the unique resistance of the GnRH receptor to rapid desensitization contributes to a fast, profound, and sustained loss of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor immunoreactivity. These data highlight a potential role for rapid Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor down-regulation in homologous and heterologous desensitization and in particular suggest that this mechanism may contribute to the suppression of the reproductive system that is exploited in the major clinical applications of GnRH analogues.

Intracellular sphingosine 1-phosphate production: a novel pathway for Ca2+ release

Sphingolipids such as sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) and sphingosylphosphorylcholine have long been recognized to possess Ca2+ mobilizing activity, yet to date little is known about their mechanism of action, or indeed their significance as Ca2+ mobilizing intracellular messengers. The recent discovery of extracellular receptors for the sphingolipids has further complicated the interpretation of many experiments in this field. This paper reviews the current literature in which molecular and pharmacological approaches have begun to uncover the signalling components associated with intracellular SPP production and Ca2+ mobilization. The functional significance of this novel Ca2+ release pathway is also discussed.

Characterization of the metabotropic glutamate receptors mediating phospholipase C activation and calcium release in cerebellar granule cells: calcium-dependence of the phospholipase C response

In this study we have determined the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) involved in the glutamate activation of phospholipase C (PLC) and Ca(2+) mobilization in cerebellar granule cells at 9 days in vitro; and studied the Ca(2+) modulation of the PLC response. Both PLC activation and Ca(2+) signalling were found to be mediated exclusively by the mGluR1 subtype, although both group I mGluRs, mGluR1 alpha and mGluR5, could be detected in cell extracts. Exposure of cells to medium devoid of Ca(2+) for various times before agonist stimulation reduced the PLC response, which was quickly recovered following the re-exposure of cells to Ca(2+)-containing medium. The extent of the glutamate response correlated well with changes in the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. On the other hand, loading of the intracellular Ca(2+) stores by a transient depolarization followed by washing in nondepolarizing buffer, allowed glutamate to release stored Ca(2+) in the majority of cells and enhanced glutamate activation of PLC. Under such conditions, the absence of extracellular Ca(2+) during stimulation and the chelation of cytosolic Ca(2+) with BAPTA/AM inhibited both glutamate-elicited Ca(2+) response and PLC activation. Overall, these results indicate that the mGluR-mediated activation of PLC depends on the presence of extracellular Ca(2+) and can be modulated by moderate changes of cytosolic Ca(2+). Furthermore, ryanodine reduced PLC stimulation by glutamate in predepolarized cells but not in control cells, suggesting that ryanodine receptors could play a role in the potentiation of the mGluR-mediated activation of PLC by Ca(2+) release in predepolarized cells.

Lysophosphatidic acid-induced Ca2+ mobilization requires intracellular sphingosine 1-phosphate production. Potential involvement of endogenous EDG-4 receptors

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells does not involve either inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3))- or ryanodine-receptor pathways, but is sensitive to inhibitors of sphingosine kinase. This present study identifies Edg-4 as the receptor subtype involved and investigates the presence of a Ca(2+) signaling cascade based upon the lipid second messenger molecule, sphingosine 1-phosphate. Both LPA and direct G-protein activation increase [(3)H]sphingosine 1-phosphate levels in SH-SY5Y cells. Measurements of (45)Ca(2+) release in premeabilized SH-SY5Y cells indicates that sphingosine 1-phosphate, sphingosine, and sphingosylphosphorylcholine, but not N-acetylsphingosine are capable of mobilizing intracellular Ca(2+). Furthermore, the effect of sphingosine was attenuated by the sphingosine kinase inhibitor dimethylsphingosine, or removal of ATP. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that LPA stimulated intracellular Ca(2+) "puffs," which resulted from an interaction between the sphingolipid Ca(2+) release pathway and Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors. Down-regulation of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors uncovered a Ca(2+) response to LPA, which was manifest as a progressive increase in global cellular Ca(2+) with no discernible foci. We suggest that activation of an LPA-sensitive Edg-4 receptor solely utilizes the production of intracellular sphingosine 1-phosphate to stimulate Ca(2+) mobilization in SH-SY5Y cells. Unlike traditional Ca(2+) release processes, this novel pathway does not require the progressive recruitment of elementary Ca(2+) events.

Effect of dimethylsphingosine on muscarinic M(3) receptor signalling in SH-SY5Y cells

The sphingosine kinase inhibitor, dimethylsphingosine, is an important tool for investigating intracellular effects of the putative second messenger compound, sphingosine 1-phosphate. However, the specificity of action of dimethylsphingosine has not been fully investigated. In human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, dimethylsphingosine (30 microM), produced a 25-fold increase in the EC(50) for methacholine-induced Ca(2+) mobilisation, and reduced the maximum response by 57+/-5%, suggesting the involvement of sphingosine 1-phosphate production in the Ca(2+) signal. However, dimethylsphingosine also inhibited [3H]N-methylscopolamine binding to whole SH-SY5Y cells and reduced methacholine-induced phosphoinositide turnover. Thus, this compound must be used with caution when investigating the role of sphingosine kinase in G-protein coupled receptor-mediated Ca(2+) mobilisation responses.

Complex involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in the regulation of type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling in baby hamster kidney cells

Previously, we demonstrated that the coupling of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu1alpha to phosphoinositide hydrolysis is enhanced by pertussis toxin (PTX) in stably transfected baby hamster kidney cells (BHK). Here, we show that the PTX effect on agonist-stimulated [(3)H]inositol phosphate accumulation can be resolved into two components: an immediate increase in agonist potency, and a more slowly developing increase in the magnitude of the response observed at maximally effective agonist concentrations. Using G(q/11)alpha- and G(i/o)alpha-selective antibodies to immunoprecipitate [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate-bound Galpha proteins, we also show that agonist stimulation of mGlu1alpha in BHK membranes increases specific [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding to both G(q/11) and G(i/o) proteins. Preincubation of BHK-mGlu1alpha with L-glutamate (300 microM) results in a progressive loss (60% in 30 min) of L-quisqualate-induced [(3)H]inositol phosphate accumulation (without a change in potency), providing evidence for agonist-induced receptor desensitization. Although such desensitization of mGlu receptor signaling was mimicked by a phorbol ester, agonist-induced phosphorylation of the receptor was not observed and protein kinase C inhibition by Ro 31-8220 did not prevent L-glutamate-mediated desensitization. In contrast, PTX treatment of the cells almost completely prevented L-glutamate-mediated desensitization. Together, these data provide evidence for a multifunctional coupling of mGlu1alpha to different types of G proteins, including PTX-sensitive G(i)-type G proteins. The latter are involved in the negative control of phospholipase C activity while also influencing the rate of desensitization of the mGlu1alpha receptor.

Intracellular Ca2+ stores regulate muscarinic receptor stimulation of phospholipase C in cerebellar granule cells

Muscarinic receptor activation of phosphoinositide phospholipase C (PLC) has been examined in rat cerebellar granule cells under conditions that modify intracellular Ca2+ stores. Exposure of cells to medium devoid of Ca2+ for various times reduced carbachol stimulation of PLC with a substantial loss (88%) seen at 30 min. A progressive recovery of responses was observed following the reexposure of cells to Ca2+-containing medium (1.3 mM). However, these changes did not appear to result exclusively from changes in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which decreased to a lower steady level (approximately 25 nM decrease in 1-3 min after extracellular omission) and rapidly returned (within 1 min) to control values when extracellular Ca2+ was restored. Only after loading of the intracellular Ca2+ stores through a transient 1-min depolarization of cerebellar granule cells with 40 mM KCl, followed by washing in nondepolarizing buffer, was carbachol able to mobilize intracellular Ca2+. However, the same treatment resulted in an 80% enhancement of carbachol activation of PLC. In other experiments, partial depletion of the Ca2+ stores by pretreatment of cells with thapsigargin and caffeine resulted in an inhibition (18 and 52%, respectively) of the PLC response. Furthermore, chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA/AM did not influence muscarinic activation of PLC in either the control or predepolarized cells. These conditions, however, inhibited both the increase in [Ca2+]i and the PLC activation elicited by 40 mM KCl and abolished carbachol-induced intracellular Ca2+ release in predepolarized cells. Overall, these results suggest that muscarinic receptor activation of PLC in cerebellar granule cells can be modulated by changes in the loading state of the Ca2+ stores.

Receptor phosphorylation does not mediate cross talk between muscarinic M(3) and bradykinin B(2) receptors

This study examined cross talk between phospholipase C-coupled muscarinic M(3) and bradykinin B(2) receptors coexpressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Agonists of either receptor enhanced phosphoinositide signaling (which rapidly desensitized) and caused protein kinase C (PKC)-independent, homologous receptor phosphorylation. Muscarinic M(3) but not bradykinin B(2) receptors were also phosphorylated after phorbol ester activation of PKC. Consistent with this, muscarinic M(3) receptors were phosphorylated in a PKC-dependent fashion after bradykinin B(2) receptor activation, but muscarinic M(3) receptor activation did not influence bradykinin B(2) receptor phosphorylation. Despite heterologous phosphorylation of muscarinic M(3) receptors, phosphoinositide and Ca(2+) signaling were unaffected. In contrast, marked heterologous desensitization of bradykinin-mediated responses occurred despite no receptor phosphorylation. This desensitization was associated with a sustained component of muscarinic receptor-mediated signaling, whereas bradykinin's inability to influence muscarinic receptor-mediated responses was associated with rapid and full desensitization of bradykinin responses. Thus the mechanism of functional cross talk most likely involves depletion of a shared signaling component. These data demonstrate that receptor phosphorylation is not a prerequisite for heterologous desensitization and that such desensitization is not obligatory after heterologous receptor phosphorylation.

Lack of a C-terminal tail in the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor confers resistance to agonist-dependent phosphorylation and rapid desensitization

The mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) is, at present, the only G-protein-coupled receptor that activates phospholipase C and lacks a C-terminal tail. We have previously demonstrated that this unique structural feature is associated with resistance to rapid desensitization of phosphoinositide signaling in COS-7 and HEK-293 cells (Heding, A., Vrecl, M., Bogerd, J., McGregor, A., Sellar, R., Taylor, P. L., and Eidne, K. A. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 11472-11477). Using receptors tagged with a nonapeptide of the influenza hemagglutinin protein to enable immunoprecipitation, we now demonstrate that the mammalian GnRH-R is not phosphorylated in an agonist-dependent manner. In contrast, the mammalian thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor and the African catfish GnRH-R, both of which have a C-terminal tail, are phosphorylated in response to agonist challenge. Furthermore, chimeras of the mammalian GnRH-R with the C-terminal tail of either the mammalian thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor or the catfish GnRH-R are also phosphorylated in an agonist-dependent manner. Only those receptors having C-terminal tails showed desensitization of phosphoinositide responses within 5-10 min of agonist challenge. We also show that the internalization of all these receptors when expressed transiently in COS-7 cells is similar. This dissociates receptor internalization from rapid desensitization and demonstrates that the lack of a C-terminal tail in the mammalian GnRH-R results in an inability of the receptor to undergo agonist-dependent phosphorylation and that this results directly in a resistance to rapid desensitization.

Inhibition of N-linked glycosylation of the human type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor by tunicamycin: effects on cell-surface receptor expression and function

The potential role of N-linked glycosylation of the human type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate (mGlu1alpha) receptor was studied in a recombinant, inducible expression system, where receptor expression was induced in the absence and presence of tunicamycin. In the absence of tunicamycin the mGlu1alpha receptor appeared to be expressed, at least in part, as a dimer consisting of monomers of approx. 145 and 160 KDa relative molecular mass (Mr). In the presence of tunicamycin only a single monomeric protein could be detected approximating the Mr predicted for the human mGlu1alpha receptor based on its primary amino acid sequence (130 KDa). Exposure to tunicamycin during receptor induction did not appear to affect the cell surface expression of the mGlu1alpha receptor as determined immunocytochemically or using a cell-surface biotinylation strategy, but reduced agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis by approximately 50% compared to control cell populations. Our data suggest that non-N-glycosylated human mGlu1alpha receptors can traffic to the cell surface and activate phospholipase C.

Lysophosphatidic acid-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells is independent of phosphoinositide signalling, but dependent on sphingosine kinase activation

Extracellular application of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) elevated intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The maximal response to LPA occurred between 0. 1 and 1 microM, at which point [Ca(2+)](i) was increased by approx. 500 nM. This increase was of similar magnitude to that caused by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist methacholine (MCh), although the initial rate of release by LPA was slower. Both LPA and MCh released Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, as assessed by inhibition of their effects by thapsigargin, a blocker of endoplasmic reticular Ca(2+) uptake, and by the persistence of their action in nominally Ca(2+)-free extracellular medium. Similarly, both agonists appeared to stimulate store-refilling Ca(2+) entry. MCh produced a marked elevation in cellular Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and stimulated [(3)H]InsP accumulation in the presence of Li(+). In contrast, LPA failed to stimulate detectable phosphoinositide turnover. Chronic down-regulation of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor (InsP(3)R) proteins with MCh did not affect Ca(2+) responses to LPA. In addition, heparin, a competitive antagonist of InsP(3)Rs, blocked Ca(2+)-mobilization in permeabilized SH-SY5Y cells in response to MCh or exogenously added Ins(1,4,5)P(3), but failed to inhibit Ca(2+)-release induced by LPA. Elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by LPA was blocked by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]-diphosphate, indicating that this agonist acts via a G-protein-coupled receptor. However, pertussis toxin was without effect on LPA-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) responses, suggesting that G(i/o)-proteins were not involved. In the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS, 30 microM), a competitive inhibitor of sphingosine kinase, blocked LPA-induced Ca(2+) responses by almost 90%. In addition, MCh-induced Ca(2+) responses were also diminished by the addition of DMS, although to a lesser extent than with LPA. We conclude that LPA mobilizes intracellular Ca(2+)-stores in SH-SY5Y cells independently of the generation and action of Ins(1,4,5)P(3). Furthermore, the Ca(2+)-response to LPA appears to be dependent on sphingosine kinase activation and the potential generation of the putative second messenger sphingosine 1-phosphate.

Enhanced purinoceptor-mediated Ca2+ signalling in L-fibroblasts overexpressing type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Mouse L-fibroblast cells stably transfected with either type 1 Ins(1, 4,5)P(3) receptor (InsP(3)R) cDNA (L15) or the vector control (Lvec) have been used to investigate the functional consequences of increased InsP(3)R density on receptor-mediated Ca(2+) signalling. L15 cells express approx. 8-fold higher levels of the type 1 InsP(3)R compared with Lvec cells, which endogenously express essentially only the type 1 InsP(3)R protein. Stimulation of Lvec and L15 cells with UTP or ATP increased cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration to a greater extent in L15 cells at all agonist concentrations. UTP and ATP were equipotent, suggestive of the presence of endogenous cell-surface metabotropic P2Y(2)-purinoceptors. In both cell clones the purinoceptors were coupled via pertussis-toxin-insensitive G-protein(s) to phospholipase C activation, resulting in similar concentration-dependent accumulations of InsP(3). Single-cell microfluorimetry revealed that overexpression of InsP(3)Rs reduced the threshold for purinoceptor-mediated Ca(2+) signalling. L-fibroblasts also exhibited temporally complex sinusoidal cytosolic Ca(2+) oscillations in response to submaximal agonist concentrations, with significant increases in oscillatory frequencies exhibited by cells overexpressing InsP(3)Rs. Sustainable oscillatory responses were dependent on Ca(2+) entry and, at higher agonist concentrations, cytosolic Ca(2+) oscillations were superseded by biphasic peak-and-plateau Ca(2+) responses. Overexpression of InsP(3)Rs in L15 cells resulted in a 4-fold reduction in the threshold for this change in the temporal pattern of Ca(2+) mobilization. These data provide the first direct evidence demonstrating that altering the expression of the type 1 InsP(3)R significantly affects receptor-mediated InsP(3)-induced Ca(2+) mobilization.

Differential regulation of muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors by a putative phosphorylation domain

A motif consisting of several serine residues flanked N-terminally by acidic residues occurs in the third intracellular loop of both muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors (287SerLeuThrSerSer291 and 349SerAlaSerSer352, respectively). We examined the role of these domains in modulating agonist-induced desensitization and receptor trafficking, and for the muscarinic M3 receptor, we assessed the contribution of phosphorylation to receptor regulation. Mutation of the above residues did not affect desensitization of phosphoinositide hydrolysis signaling for either the muscarinic M1 or M3 receptor and did not alter the agonist-induced phosphorylation state of the muscarinic M3 receptor. Mutation of this domain (349SerAlaSerSer352/349AlaAlaAlaAla352) in the muscarinic M3 receptor completely abrogated receptor internalization and subsequently, down-regulation. Mutation of the analogous domain (287SerLeuThrSerSer291/287AlaLeuAlaAlaAla291) in the muscarinic M1 receptor had no obvious effect on internalization, but led to a more rapid down-regulation. Thus, these serine-rich regions are not required for receptor desensitization, but are differentially involved in receptor trafficking for the muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors.

Synthesis, calcium mobilizing, and physicochemical properties of D-chiro-inositol 1,3,4,6-tetrakisphosphate, a novel and potent ligand at the D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

The synthesis of a novel and potent ligand at the D-myo-inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) is described. D-chiro-Inositol 1,3, 4,6-tetrakisphosphate (7) and L-chiro-inositol 1,3,4, 6-tetrakisphosphate (ent-7) have been synthesized from D-2, 5-di-O-benzyl-chiro-inositol and L-2,5-di-O-benzyl-chiro-inositol, respectively. The potency of binding and Ca2+ release of 7 and ent-7 were examined in L15 and Lvec cells. 7 was a full agonist at the InsP3R in both cells, and ent-7 was inactive. The results are compared to those from D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1), DL-scyllo-inositol 1,2,4-trisphosphate (2), DL-myo-inositol 1,2,4, 5-tetrakisphosphate (3), scyllo-inositol 1,2,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (4), D-myo-inositol 2,4,5-trisphosphate (5), and D-chiro-inositol 1, 3,4-trisphosphate (6). The protonation processes of 7 have also been investigated by 31P NMR titration experiments.

Complex relationship between Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation and Ca2+ -signalling in a human neuroblastoma reveled by cellular differentiation

1. Differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells induces morphological and biochemical changes consistent with a more neuronal phenotype. These cells may therefore provide a model for studying phenomena such as signal transduction in a neuronal context whilst retaining the advantages of a homogenous cell population expressing a well characterized array of G-protein coupled receptors. 2. This study examined the effects of differentiating SH-SY5Y cells on muscarinic- and bradykinin-receptor-mediated phosphoinositide and Ca2+ signalling. Retinoic acid (10 microM, 6 days) along with a lowered serum concentration produced phenotypic changes consistent with differentiation including reduced proliferation and increased neurite outgrowth. 3. Differentiation increased the magnitude and potency of rapid Ins(1,4,5)P3 responses to a full muscarinic receptor agonist. Bradykinin receptor-mediated Ins(1,4,5)P3 signalling was also potentiated following differentiation. Determination of agonist-evoked accumulation of [3H]-inositol phosphates under lithium-block demonstrated these changes reflected enhanced phospholipase C activity which is consistent with observed increases in the expression of muscarinic and bradykinin receptors. 4. Despite the marked alterations in Ins(1,4,5)P3 signalling following differentiation, elevations of intracellular [Ca2+] were totally unaltered. Thus, in SH-SY5Y cells, the relationship between the elevations of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and intracellular [Ca2+] is agonist dependent and affected by the state of differentiation. This demonstrates that mechanisms other than the measured increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 regulate the elevation of intracellular [Ca2+].

Agonist-induced desensitization and phosphorylation of m1-muscarinic receptors

Pre-stimulation of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human m1-muscarinic receptor (CHO-m1 cells) with a maximally effective concentration of the muscarinic agonist methacholine resulted in desensitization of Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation, apparent as a approximately 4-fold shift in the agonist dose-response curve. Agonist-induced desensitization was rapid (detectable by 10 s) and concentration dependent (EC50=8.2+/-2.2 microM) and resulted in a complete loss of receptor reserve for the agonist-stimulated Ins(1,4, 5)P3 response. An investigation of the possible mechanisms involved in m1-muscarinic receptor desensitization indicated that agonist-induced receptor internalization, PtdIns-(4,5)P2 depletion or an increased rate of Ins(1,4,5)P3 metabolism were not involved. m1-Muscarinic receptors did, however, undergo rapid agonist-induced phosphorylation with a time course that was consistent with an involvement in receptor desensitization. Characterization studies indicated that the receptor-specific kinase involved was distinct from protein kinase C and other second-messenger-dependent protein kinases. Since previous studies have suggested that the m3-muscarinic receptor subtype undergoes agonist-dependent phosphorylation via casein kinase 1alpha (CK1alpha) [Tobin, Totty, Sterlin and Nahorski (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 20844-20849], we examined the ability of m1-muscarinic receptors to be phosphorylated by this kinase. In reconstitution experiments, CK1alpha was able to phosphorylate purified, soluble m1-muscarinic receptors in an agonist-dependent manner.

Effects of varying the expression level of recombinant human mGlu1alpha receptors on the pharmacological properties of agonists and antagonists

1. Different expression levels of the human type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate (mGlu1alpha) receptor were obtained in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells using an isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) inducible system. Expression of mGlu1alpha receptors could not be detected using immunoblotting or immunocytochemical approaches in non-induced cells, however, controlled expression could be induced following IPTG addition in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. 2. In induced cells (100 microM IPTG, 20 h) the agonists L-quisqualate or 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylic acid stimulated large increases in [3H]-inositol (poly)phosphate (in the presence of Li+) and inositol, 1,4,5-trisphosphate levels. 3. Induction with 1-100 microM IPTG allowed the receptor density to be increased incrementally and this not only resulted in an increase in the maximum response to L-quisqualate, 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylic acid and (S)-3,5-dihydroxy-phenylglycine, but also in an increase in the respective potencies of each agent to activate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. 4. The intrinsic activity of the partial agonist 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylic acid dramatically increased with increasing receptor expression. 5. The activities of the competitive mGlu1alpha receptor antagonists (S)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine and (S)-4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine for inhibition of the effects of L-quisqualate or (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine were found to be independent of the receptor expression level. 6. When the mGlu1alpha receptor was expressed at very high levels, no evidence for receptor constitutive activity could be detected, and none of the antagonists tested revealed either any intrinsic activity or negative efficacy. 7. These data demonstrate that both the potency and efficacy of mGlu1alpha receptor agonists are influenced by expression level, whilst mGlu1alpha receptor antagonist activities are independent of expression level.

The lack of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor desensitisation in alphaT3-1 cells is not due to GnRH receptor reserve or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bis-phosphate pool size

The phospholipase C (PLC)-activating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor is thought not to rapidly desensitise in alphaT3-1 cells. This extremely unusual characteristic raises the concern that it might be a feature of the cell type, rather than the receptor per se. Here we have used video imaging to establish whether the effects of endogenous PLC-activating G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) on Ca2+ ion concentration [Ca2+]i desensitise in these cells. Oxytocin, endothelin-1, methacholine, and UTP all caused [Ca2+]i increases which underwent rapid homologous desensitisation in that they were transient and responses to repeat stimuli were attenuated whereas subsequent responses to GnRH were not. To test whether receptor reserve obscures functional desensitisation of GnRH receptors, a photoaffinity antagonist (Pant-1), was used to effect a partial and irreversible receptor blockade. UV crosslinking in medium with 1000 nM Pant-1 reduced GnRH receptor number to 20 +/- 5% and reduced maximal buserelin-stimulated [3H]IP(X) accumulation to 57 +/- 5%, demonstrating removal of receptor reserve. In control alphaT3-1 cells the initial rate of GnRH-stimulated [3H]IP(X) accumulation was maintained for at least 5 min and GnRH caused a sustained increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 mass (confirming the resistance of GnRH receptors to desensitisation) and Pant-1 pre-treatment reduced the magnitude of these responses without altering their temporal profiles. In alphaT3-1 cells stably transfected with recombinant human muscarinic receptors (alphaT3-1/M3), responses to methacholine were characteristic of desensitising GPCRs (transient Ins(1,4,5)P3 and curvilinear [3H]IP(X) responses) and were unaltered by Pant-1. To test the relevance of phospholipid pool size, alphaT3-1/M3 cells were pre-treated with GnRH or methacholine in medium with LiCl (to deplete PtdIns(4,5)P2 pools). These pre-treatments reduced subsequent responses to methacholine and GnRH comparably, indicating access to a shared PtdIns(4,5)P2 pool. Partial depletion of this pool (GnRH pre-treatment in medium with LiCl) reduced the magnitude of the [3H]IP(X) and Ins(1,4,5)P3 responses to methacholine and GnRH, without altering their temporal profiles. Thus the GnRH receptor does not undergo rapid homologous desensitisation in alphaT3-1 cells in spite of the fact that they can desensitise other endogenous (and recombinant) PLC-activating GPCRs, and the lack of desensitisation cannot be attributed to the existence of GnRH receptor reserve or access to an atypically large or rapidly re-cycled PtdIns(4,5)P2 pool. This unique functional characteristic (mammalian GnRH receptors are the only PLC-activating GPCRs known not to rapidly desensitise) almost certainly therefore reflects the atypical structure of these receptors (mammalian GnRH receptors are the only PLC-activating GPCRs known to lack C-terminal tails).

Reversible and non-competitive antagonist profile of CPCCOEt at the human type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor

In transfected CHO cells expressing the human metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu1alpha, 7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropan[b]-chromen-1a-carboxylic acid ethylester (CPCCOEt) was found to antagonize L-quisqualate-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in a non-competitive and reversible manner (apparent pKi value, 4.76+/-0.18; n=3). This suggests that CPCCOEt antagonizes type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor activation by interacting with a site distinct from the agonist binding site.

New developments in the molecular pharmacology of the myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

Receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C to generate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] is a ubiquitous signalling pathway in mammalian systems. A family of three IP3 receptor subtype monomers form functional tetramers, which act as effectors for Ins(1,4,5)P3, providing a ligand-gated channel that allows Ca2+ ions to move between cellular compartments. As IP3 receptors are located principally, although not exclusively, in the endoplasmic reticular membrane, Ins(1,4,5)P3 is considered to be a second messenger that mobilizes Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Ca2+ store mobilization by Ins(1,4,5)P3 can be shown to contribute to a variety of physiological and pathophysiological phenomena, and therefore the IP3 receptor represents a novel, potential pharmacological target. In this article, Rob Wilcox and colleagues review recent developments in IP3 receptor pharmacology, with particular emphasis on ligand molecular recognition by this receptor-channel complex. The potential for designing non-inositol phosphate-based agonists and antagonists is also discussed.

Characterization of an atypical muscarinic cholinoceptor mediating contraction of the guinea-pig isolated uterus

In many smooth muscle tissues a minor M3-muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor population mediates contraction, despite the presence of a larger M2-mACh receptor population. However, this is not the case for guinea-pig uterus where radioligand binding and functional studies exclude a dominant role for M3-mACh receptors. Using tissue from animals pre-treated with diethylstilboestrol, estimates of antagonist affinity were made before and after selective alkylation procedures, together with estimates of agonist affinity to characterise the mACh receptor population mediating carbachol-induced contraction of guinea-pig isolated uterus. Antagonist affinity estimates made at 'protected' receptors were not significantly different from those made in untreated tissues. However all estimations were significantly different from those reported in guinea-pig ileum and atria. The rank order of affinities were atropine>zamifenacin=tripitramine> methoctramine. Carbachol-induced contractions were insensitive to the M4-selective muscarinic toxin MTx-3, or PD102807 (0.1 microM) ruling out a role for M4-mACh receptors. The agonist affinity value for L-660,863, a putative 'M2-selective' agonist of 5.44+/-0.30 (n=6) was significantly different from that reported in guinea-pig atria. In contrast, the pKA value for carbachol (4.22+/-0.17 n = 8) agrees with that reported for guinea-pig ileum. Carbachol-induced contractions were insensitive to pertussis toxin although carbachol-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production was attenuated, ruling out the involvement of Gi-proteins in contraction. Radioligand binding studies revealed a KD for N-[3H]-methylscopolamine of 0.12+/-0.05 nM and a Bmax of 147+/-18 fmol mg protein(-1). Antagonist affinity estimates made using competition binding studies supported previous data suggesting the presence of a homogenous population of M2-mACh receptors. These data suggest a small population of mACh receptors with an atypical operational profile which can not be distinguished using radioligand binding studies may mediate carbachol-induced contraction of guinea-pig isolated uterus.

A modulatory effect of extracellular Ca2+ on type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated signalling

Increasing [Ca2+]e from 1.3 4 mM had little effect on basal phospholipase C activity in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells stably expressing either type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate (mGlu1alpha) or M3-muscarinic (m3) receptors, but enhanced agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in BHK-mGlu1alpha, but not BHK-m3 cells, demonstrating that Ca2+(e) selectively modulates phosphoinositide signalling stimulated by this receptor subtype.

Acute desensitization of phospholipase C-coupled muscarinic M3 receptors but not gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors co-expressed in alphaT3-1 cells: implications for mechanisms of rapid desensitization

In the present study we have expressed the muscarinic M3 receptor in an immortalized mouse pituitary cell line (alphaT3-1), which expresses an endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor, to examine potential differences in acute receptor regulation. Both of these receptors couple to the activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) in these cells and we demonstrate that, despite expression in the same cell background, acute desensitization is a feature of muscarinic M3 receptors but not of GnRH receptors. We show that, when the concentrations of GnRH and methacholine are matched to give approximately equivalent maximal elevations of Ins(1,4,5)P3, the GnRH receptor is able to sustain PLC activity at the initial rate, whereas the muscarinic M3 receptor cannot. Thus PLC-activating G-protein-coupled receptors are able to undergo rapid desensitization in this cell line, indicating that the desensitization profile is receptor-specific rather than cell-specific. This argues strongly that post-receptor regulatory features do not have a prominent role in mediating rapid desensitization in these cells. Furthermore GnRH receptor-mediated PLC activity is sustained despite a marked and persistent depletion in the steady-state level of PtdIns(4,5)P2. In contrast, activation of muscarinic receptors is not sustained despite only a transient decrease in PtdIns(4,5)P2 concentration. Thus, whereas the contribution of PtdIns(4,5)P2 depletion to the temporal profile of receptor-mediated PLC signalling has been difficult to assess, the present results demonstrate that this is unlikely to be of importance in these cells. We suggest that unique structural features of the GnRH receptor result in a lack of appropriate regulatory phospho-acceptor sites and that the absence of agonist-dependent phosphorylation might underlie the lack of acute regulation.

Determination of the inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate requirement for histamine- and substance P-induced Ca2+ mobilisation in human U373 MG astrocytoma cells

In human U373 MG astrocytoma cells, histamine and substance P stimulated similar peak increases in intracellular free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), as measured by single cell imaging of Fura-2 fluorescence. Best-fit EC50 values for the peak Ca2+ response were 1.86 microM for histamine and 0.93 nM for substance P. The histamine Ca2+ response was manifest as either a series of repetitive spikes, or, at higher concentrations, a peak followed by a lower plateau level of Ca2+. In contrast, the substance P response became more transient at higher agonist concentrations. Substance P (10 nM) stimulated a biphasic increase in levels of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) with a peak of 97 +/- 5 pmoles/mg protein at 10 s. In contrast, the Ins(1,4,5)P3 response to 100 microM histamine was only marginally above basal levels of around 12 pmoles/mg protein. However, concentrations of histamine and substance P giving similar Ins(1,4,5)P3 responses produce similar peak increases in [Ca2+]i. HPLC analysis indicated that histamine stimulated the production of [3H]-Ins(1,4,5)P3 and its metabolites, although the magnitude of response was smaller than that observed with substance P. The initial Ca2+ responses to histamine and substance P did not require the presence of extracellular Ca2+. The Ca2+ response to histamine was unaffected by treatment with ryanodine, and was shifted to areas of lower agonist concentration by thimerosal. These results demonstrate that extremely small increases in Ins(1,4,5)P3 can stimulate large increases in [Ca2+]i in U373 MG cells, and suggest a marked redundancy for Ins(1,4,5)P3 production in the Ca2+ signalling pathway.

Effects of human type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor expression level on phosphoinositide and Ca2+ signalling in an inducible cell expression system

Stable expression of the human type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate (mGlu 1alpha) receptor was achieved in Chinese hamster ovary cells using an isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG)-repressible expression system. Treatment of the cells with IPTG resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent induction of receptor expression. Maximal expression was obtained after treatment of the cells with 100 microM IPTG for 20 h, leading to a marked increase in receptor immunoreactivity detected by western blot, >30-fold stimulation of 3H-labelled inositol phosphate (3H-InsP) production, and a robust increase in intracellular calcium concentration in single cells after stimulation with 20 microM quisqualate. The basal level of 3H-InsP accumulation in cells induced with IPTG was increased by two- to threefold as compared with control cells; however, this basal activity was found to be dependent on glutamate released by the cells into the incubation medium. Following IPTG treatment, stable expression of the mGlu 1alpha receptor was maintained for at least 1 week. Taken together, these results clearly indicate the advantages of working with an inducible expression system when studying the biochemical and pharmacological properties of the human mGlu 1alpha receptor in transfected cells.

Differential regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-sensitive polyphosphoinositide pools and consequences for signaling in human neuroblastoma cells

In this study we have quantitatively assessed the basal turnover of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) and M3-muscarinic receptor-mediated changes in phosphoinositides in the human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. We demonstrate that the polyphosphoinositides represent a minor fraction of the total cellular phosphoinositide pool and that in addition to rapid, sustained increases in [3H]inositol phosphates dependent upon the extent of receptor activation by carbachol, there are equally rapid and sustained reductions in the levels of polyphosphoinositides. Compared with phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns(4)P), PtdIns(4,5)P2 was reduced with less potency by carbachol and recovered faster following agonist removal suggesting protection of PtdIns(4,5)P2 at the expense of PtdIns(4)P and indicating specific regulatory mechanism(s). This does not involve a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein regulation of PtdIns(4)P 5-kinase. Using wortmannin to inhibit PtdIns 4-kinase activity, we demonstrate that the immediate consequence of blocking the supply of PtdIns(4)P (and therefore PtdIns(4,5)P2) is a failure of agonist-mediated phosphoinositide and Ca2+ signaling. The use of wortmannin also indicated that PtdIns is not a substrate for receptor-activated phospholipase C and that 15% of the basal level of PtdIns(4,5)P2 is in an agonist-insensitive pool. We estimate that the agonist-sensitive pool of PtdIns(4,5)P2 turns over every 5 s (0.23 fmol/cell/min) during sustained receptor activation by a maximally effective concentration of carbachol. Immediately following agonist addition, PtdIns(4,5)P2 is consumed >3 times faster (0.76 fmol/cell/min) than during sustained receptor activation which represents, therefore, utilization by a partially desensitized receptor. These data indicate that resynthesis of PtdIns(4,5)P2 is required to allow full early and sustained phases of receptor signaling. Despite the critical dependence of phosphoinositide and Ca2+ signaling on PtdIns(4,5)P2 resynthesis, we find no evidence that this rate resynthesis is limiting for agonist-mediated responses.

Differential expression and regulation of ryanodine receptor and myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor Ca2+ release channels in mammalian tissues and cell lines

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors (Ins(1,4, 5)P3Rs) represent two multigene families of channel proteins that mediate the release of Ca2+ ions from intracellular stores. In the present study, the expression patterns of these channel proteins in mammalian cell lines and tissues were investigated by using isoform-specific antibodies. All cell lines examined expressed two or more Ins(1,4,5)P3R isoforms, with the type 1 Ins(1,4,5)P3R being ubiquitous. RyR isoforms were detected in only six out of eight cell lines studied. Similarly, of the nine rabbit tissues examined, RyR protein expression was detected only in brain, heart, skeletal muscle and uterus. Specific [3H]ryanodine binding was found in a number of rabbit tissues, although it was not detected in mammalian cell lines. Subcellular fractionation of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastomas revealed that the type 2 RyR and type 1 Ins(1,4,5)P3R co-localize among the fractions of a sucrose-cushion separation of crude microsomal membrane fractions. Manipulation of SH-SY5Y cells by chronic stimulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) results in a decrease in their type 1 Ins(1,4,5)P3R levels but not in the abundance of the type 2 RyR. Differentiation of these neuroblastomas by using retinoic acid did not detectably alter their expression of Ca2+-release channel proteins. Finally, differentiation of BC3H1 cells affects the expression of their Ca2+-release channel proteins in an isoform-specific manner. In summary, this study demonstrates that mammalian cell lines display distinct patterns of Ca2+-release channel protein expression. The abundance of these proteins is differentially regulated during phenotypic modifications of a cell, such as differentiation or chronic stimulation of mAChR.

Enhanced type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide signaling after pertussis toxin treatment

The regulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by the type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1alpha) was investigated in stably transfected baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Incubation of the cells with L-glutamate, quisqualate, and 1-aminocyclopentane-1S, 3R-dicarboxylic acid resulted in a marked accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate (InsP1) and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] mass in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of BHK-mGluR1alpha cells with pertussis toxin [ 100 ng/ml, 24 hr] led to a dramatic 12-16-fold increase in the accumulation of [3H]InsP1 and a 2-fold increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 in the absence of added agonist. Although only very low levels (</=1 microM) of L-glutamate could be detected in medium taken from control and PTX-treated cell monolayers, the PTX-elicited effect on basal [3H]InsP1 was fully reversed by preincubation of cells in the presence of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and pyruvate, suggesting that an increased sensitivity to endogenous glutamate was responsible for the apparent agonist-independent activation of phosphoinositidase C (PIC) after PTX treatment. Consistent with this hypothesis, in the presence of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase/pyruvate, the maximal [3H]InsP1 response to quisqualate was increased by >/=75%, and the EC50 shifted leftward by 65-fold [-log EC50 values (molar), 7.26 +/- 0.23 versus 5.45 +/- 0.07; n = 4) in PTX-treated compared with control cells. In contrast, antagonist effects on agonist-stimulated [3H]InsP1 responses were similar in control and PTX-treated BHK-mGluR1alpha cells. These changes in the concentration-effect curves for mGluR agonists are consistent with a model in which the receptor associates with PTX-sensitive inhibitory (Gi/o) and PTX-insensitive stimulatory (Gq/11) G proteins that can each influence PIC activity. The present observations are consistent with a dual regulation of mGluR1alpha-mediated PIC activity that could be fundamental in controlling the output of phosphoinositide-derived messengers.

Stimulus-dependent phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors by casein kinase 1alpha

We have previously demonstrated that the phospholipase C-coupled m3-muscarinic receptor is phosphorylated in an agonist-sensitive manner by a protein kinase of approximately 40 kDa purified from porcine cerebellum (Tobin, A. B., Keys, B., and Nahorski, S. R. (1996) J. Biol Chem. 271, 3907-3916). This kinase, called muscarinic receptor kinase (MRK), is distinct from second messenger-regulated protein kinases and from beta-adrenergic receptor kinase and other members of the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase family. In the present study we propose that MRK is casein kinase 1alpha (CK1alpha) based on the following evidence: 1) the amino acid sequence from two proteolytic peptide fragments derived from purified MRK corresponded exactly to sequences within CK1alpha. 2) Casein kinase activity co-eluted with MRK activity from the final two chromatography steps in the purification of porcine brain MRK. 3) Recombinant CK1alpha expressed in Sf9 cells is able to phosphorylate both casein and the bacterial fusion protein, Ex-m3, that contains a portion of the third intracellular loop of the m3-muscarinic receptor downstream of glutathione S-transferase. 4) Partially purified CK1alpha increased the level of muscarinic receptor phosphorylation in an agonist-sensitive manner when reconstituted with membranes from Chinese hamster ovary-m3 cells expressing the human recombinant m3-muscarinic receptor. 5) Partially-purified CK1alpha phosphorylated rhodopsin, contained in urea-treated bovine rod outer segment membranes, and the extent of phosphorylation was increased in the presence of light. These data demonstrate that the kinase previously called MRK is CK1alpha, and that CK1alpha offers an alternative protein kinase pathway from that of the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase family for the stimulus-dependent phosphorylation of the m3-muscarinic receptor, rhodopsin, and possibly other G-protein-coupled receptors.

Pharmacological characterization of type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor-stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding

1. The activation of G proteins by type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in membranes from recombinant baby hamster kidney cells expressing the cloned rat mGluR1alpha receptor has been studied by use of a [35S]-guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate ([35S]-GTPgammaS) binding assay. 2. L-Glutamate increased the rate of [35S]-GTPgammaS binding in a concentration-dependent manner (-logEC50 (M) 5.25 +/- 0.07), with an optimal (62.4 +/- 1.6%) increase over basal binding being observed following 60 min incubation at 30 degrees C with 70 pM [35S]-GTPgammaS, 1 microM GDP, 10 mM MgCl2, 100 mM NaCl and 100 microg membrane protein ml(-1). The L-glutamate (100 microM)-stimulated increase in [35S]-GTPgammaS binding was totally prevented in the presence of the group I mGluR antagonist (S)-4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine (300 microM). 3. Quantitative analysis of the affinity and number of G proteins activated by a maximally effective concentration of L-glutamate revealed an equilibrium dissociation constant (K(D)) for [35S]-GTPgammaS binding of 0.76 +/- 0.20 nM and a maximal number of GTPgammaS-liganded G proteins (Bmax) of 361 +/- 30 fmol mg(-1) protein. 4. Metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists, quisqualate (-logEC50 (M) 6.74 +/- 0.06), 1S,3R-ACPD (4.64 +/- 0.08) and (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (5.16 +/- 0.23) also increased [35S]-GTPgammaS binding in a concentration-dependent manner, with the latter two agents behaving as partial agonists. 5. (+)-alpha-Methylcarboxyphenylglycine (300 microM) caused a parallel rightward shift of the L-glutamate concentration-effect curve for [35S]-GTPgammaS binding, allowing an antagonist equilibrium dissociation constant (K(D)) of 34.0 +/- 7.8 microM to be calculated for this mGluR antagonist. 6. Pretreatment of BHK-mGluR1alpha cells with a concentration of pertussis toxin (PTX) shown to be maximally effective (100 ng ml(-1), 24 h) before membrane preparation resulted in a marked decrease in agonist-stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding (by 66.0 +/- 0.9%), and an altered concentration-effect relationship for agonist-stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding by the residual PTX-insensitive G-protein population. 7. The modulation of [35S]-GTPgammaS binding by agonists and antagonists in membranes from recombinant cells provides an excellent system in which to study mGluR interactions with PTX-sensitive and -insensitive G proteins.

Binding and activity of the nine possible regioisomers of myo-inositol tetrakisphosphate at the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

All 9 racemic regioisomers (15 enantiomerically) of myo-inositol tetrakisphosphates (IP4s): DL-Ins(1,2,4,5)P4 [A], DL-Ins(1,2,4,6)P4 [B], Ins(1,2,3,5)P4 [C], Ins(1,3,4,6)P4 [D], Ins(2,4,5,6)P4 [E], DL-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 [F], DL-Ins(1,2,5,6)P4 [G], DL-Ins(1,2,3,4)P4 [H] and DL-Ins(1,4,5,6)P4 [I] [Chung S-K., Chang Y-T. Synthesis of all possible regioisomers of myo-inositol tetrakisphosphate. J Chem Soc Chem Commun 1995; 11-13] were investigated for their ability to bind to the D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] receptor in bovine adrenal cortical membranes, and for their ability to mobilize 45Ca2+ from Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ stores in permeabilized Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. DL-Ins(1,2,4,5)P4 (Ki = 11 nM) bound to Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors with an affinity only 2-fold lower than Ins(1,4,5)P3 (Ki = 6 nM). Ins(1,2,3,5)P4, Ins(1,3,4,6)P4, Ins(2,4,5,6)P4, DL-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, DL-Ins(1,2,3,4)P4 and DL-Ins(1,4,5,6)P4 bound with affinities of between 0.4-0.7 microM. DL-Ins(1,2,4,6)P4 and DL-Ins(1,2,5,6)P4 bound to the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor with low affinity (approximately 2-3 microM). All but one of the IP4s mediated release of 45Ca2+ from stores of permeabilized CHO cells with a similar rank order of potency as that for Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor binding, being between 16-fold and 50-fold less potent at releasing 45Ca2+ compared with their apparent binding affinities to the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor. The notable exception was Ins(1,2,3,5)P4, which showed an approximately 200-fold lower potency compared with its affinity for the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor. Ins(1,2,3,5)P4 may be a useful lead compound for the rational design of novel synthetic Ins(1,4,5)P3 analogues possessing structure-activity profiles with relatively high binding affinity, but low intrinsic efficacy, and hence partial agonists and antagonists at the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor.

Defining the minimal structural requirements for partial agonism at the type I myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

The novel synthetic analogues D-3-fluoro-myo-inositol 1,5-bisphosphate-4-phosphorothioate, [3F-Ins(1,5)P2-4PS], D-3-fluoro-myo-inositol 1,4-bisphosphate-5-phosphorothioate [3F-Ins(1,4)P2-5PS], and D-3-fluoro-myo-inositol 1-phosphate-4,5-bisphosphorothioate [3F-Ins(1)P-(4,5)PS2] were utilised to define the structure-activity relationships which could produce partial agonism at the Ca2+ mobilising myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] receptor. Based on prior structure-activity data we hypothesised that the minimal structural requirements for lns(1,4,5)P3 receptor partial agonism, were phosphorothioate substitution of the crucial vicinal 4,5-bisphosphate pair accompanied by another structural perturbation, such fluorination of 3-position of the myo-inositol ring. All the analogues fully displaced [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 from a single Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding site in pig cerebellar membranes [3F-Ins(1,5)P2-4PS (1C50 = 26 nM), 3F-Ins(1,4)P2-5PS (IC50 = 80 nM) and 3F-Ins(1)P-(4,5)PS2 (IC50 = 109 nM) cf. Ins(1,4,5)P3 (IC50 = 11 nM)]. In contrast, 3F-Ins(1,5)P2-4PS (IC50 = 424 nM) and 3F-Ins(1,4)P2-5PS (IC50 = 3579 nM) were weak full agonists at the Ca2+ mobilising Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor of permeabilised SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, being respectively 4- and 36-fold less potent than Ins(1,4,5)P3 (EC50 = 99 nM). While 3F-Ins(1)P-(4,5)PS2 (EC50 = 11345 nM) was a partial agonist releasing only 64.3 +/- 1.9% of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pools. 3F-Ins(1)P-(4,5)PS2 was unique among the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor partial agonists so far identified in having a relatively high affinity for the Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding site, accompanied by a significant loss of intrinsic activity for Ca2+ mobilisation. This improved affinity was probably due to the retention of the 1-position phosphate, which enhances interaction with the Ins-(1,4,5)P3 receptor. 3F-Ins(1)P-(4,5)PS2 may be an important lead compound for the development of efficient Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor antagonists.

Muscarinic M3 receptor coupling and regulation

Current concepts regarding the regulation and coupling of muscarinic m3 receptors to G-proteins and various effectors are discussed. The last few years have provided much evidence that although muscarinic m1, m3 and m5 subtypes couple predominantly via pertussis toxin-insensitive G-proteins (Gq/11) to activate phosphoinositidase C (PIC), interactions with other G-proteins (Gi, Go, Gs) can be readily observed in cells expressing recombinant muscarinic receptors even at relatively low levels. The significance of this diversity and the potential for agonist "trafficking" could open up opportunities for novel approaches to selective agonist action. Finally, mechanisms underlying the regulation of muscarinic m3 coupling through Gq/11 to PIC are discussed. In particular, our recent studies on precursor lipid depletion, whether regulation is receptor or cell specific and the identification and role of receptor kinases are briefly reviewed.

Desensitization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone action in alphaT3-1 cells due to uncoupling of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate generation and Ca2+ mobilization

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acts via a G-protein coupled receptor on gonadotropes to increase cytosolic Ca2+ and stimulate gonadotropin secretion. Sustained exposure causes desensitization of these effects, but the GnRH receptor has no C-terminal tail and does not undergo rapid (<5 min) desensitization. Nevertheless, pretreatment of alphaT3-1 cells with GnRH reduced the spike Ca2+ response to GnRH and decreased the GnRH effect on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) by 30-50%. Ca2+-free medium with or without thapsigargin also decreased GnRH-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation, implying that attenuation of the Ca2+ response underlies the Ins(1,4,5)P3 reduction rather than vice versa. Intracellular Ca2+ pool depletion cannot explain desensitization of the Ca2+ response because pool depletion and repletion were faster (half-times, <1 min) than the onset of and recovery from desensitization (half-times 10-20 min and 4-6 h). Moreover, 1-h GnRH pre-treatment attenuated the spike Ca2+ response to GnRH but not that to ionomycin, and brief GnRH exposure in Ca2+-free medium reduced the response to ionomycin more effectively in controls than in desensitized cells. GnRH pretreatment also attenuated the Ca2+ response to PACAP38. This novel form of desensitization does not reflect uncoupling of GnRH receptors from their immediate effector system but rather a reduced efficiency of mobilization by Ins(1,4,5)P3 of Ca2+ from an intact intracellular pool.

Stable overexpression of the type-1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in L fibroblasts: subcellular distribution and functional consequences

InsP3 receptor (InsP3R)/Ca(2+)-release channels differ markedly in abundance in different tissues/cell types and InsP3R expression levels may be modulated in response to a variety of external cues. Cell lines overexpressing InsP3Rs will provide useful models for the study of the influence of receptor density and subtype on InsP3-mediated Ca2+ signalling. We have investigated the properties of InsP3Rs in mouse L fibroblast cell lines transfected with either type-1 InsP3R cDNA (L15) or vector control (Lvec). L15 cells express approximately eightfold higher levels of the type-1 InsP3R protein than Lvec cells, as assessed by radioligand binding and immunoblotting. Increased expression was stable since it did not alter over ten cell passages. Both L15 and Lvec cells express predominantly the type-1 InsP3R isoform, indicating that functional differences in the InsP3-mediated Ca2+ signalling in these cell lines are due to alteration in the levels of receptor rather than changes in the isoform expressed. Type-1 InsP3R in L15 cells is largely associated with subcellular membrane fractions bearing the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump, appropriate for rapidly exchanging Ca2+ pools. Functionally, there is an approximately fourfold increase in the sensitivity of permeabilized L15-cell Ca2+ mobilization in response to increasing concentrations of Ins(1,4,5)P3. This study indicates that L15/ Lvec cells provide a suitable model for studying the effects of InsP3R expression level on InsP3-induced Ca2+ mobilization.

Quantal calcium release in electropermeabilized SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells perfused with myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate

Continuous perfusion of immobilized electropermeabilized SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells was utilised as a novel approach to the assessment of incremental activation and inactivation of myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced calcium (Ca2+) mobilisation (IICM). SH-SY5Y cells when stimulated with sub-optimal IP3 exhibited a rapid concentration dependent activation of Ca2+ mobilization followed by a partial inactivation. Although this partial inactivation allowed net Ca2+ mobilized to be stringently returned to basal levels, a concentration-dependent depletion of the store was maintained while ever perfusion with the stimulating IP3 concentration was sustained. This partial inactivation of IP3-induced quantal Ca2+ release (QCR) was only compromised if cells, with replete Ca2+ stores, were perfused with supra-maximally effective concentrations of IP3 (5-10 microM). Thus, at supra-optimal IP3 concentrations, a reproducible plateau of Ca2+ release lying 50-150 nM above the basal Ca2+ concentration was observed. Feedback on IP3R sensitivity by gross cytosolic Ca2+ levels could be eliminated as the sustained and exclusive mediator of incremental activation/inactivation cycle of IICM in SH-SY5Y cells, since released Ca2+ was perfused away from the immobilized cells. Thus, while ever the cells were continuously perfused with IP3, impressive incremental inactivation was apparent. Additionally, IP3R partial agonists were found to exhibit lower intrinsic activity for both activation and inactivation of QCR, suggesting that ligand-induced inactivation of the IP3R was more important than inactivation mechanisms reliant on either Ca2+ flux through the channel and/or calcium store depletion. Therefore, we suggest that, in perfused SH-SY5Y cells, the most parsimonious explanation of our data is that IP3 binding probably activates and then partially inactivates its receptor in a concentration-dependent fashion to produce the QCR phenomenon.

Acute regulation of the receptor-mediated phosphoinositide signal transduction pathway

It is apparent that the phosphoinositide signalling pathway is subject to a variety of regulatory features which will ultimately dictate the magnitude and profile of cellular responses to agonist occupation of PIC-linked receptors. Our understanding of these mechanisms is far from complete but will be crucial in revealing both the specificity of receptor signalling and the integration of signals arising from the potentially wide variety of metabotropic and ionotropic receptors on individual cells.