Gary B. Willars

Residues within the transmembrane domain of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor involved in ligand binding and receptor activation: modelling the ligand-bound receptor.

The C-terminal regions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) bind to the N terminus of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), facilitating interaction of the ligand N terminus with the receptor transmembrane domain. In contrast, the agonist exendin-4 relies less on the transmembrane domain, and truncated antagonist analogs (e.g. exendin 9-39) may interact solely with the receptor N terminus. Here we used mutagenesis to explore the role of residues highly conserved in the predicted transmembrane helices of mammalian GLP-1Rs and conserved in family B G protein coupled receptors in ligand binding and GLP-1R activation. By iteration using information from the mutagenesis, along with the available crystal structure of the receptor N terminus and a model of the active opsin transmembrane domain, we developed a structural receptor model with GLP-1 bound and used this to better understand consequences of mutations. Mutation at Y152 [transmembrane helix (TM) 1], R190 (TM2), Y235 (TM3), H363 (TM6), and E364 (TM6) produced similar reductions in affinity for GLP-1 and exendin 9-39. In contrast, other mutations either preferentially [K197 (TM2), Q234 (TM3), and W284 (extracellular loop 2)] or solely [D198 (TM2) and R310 (TM5)] reduced GLP-1 affinity. Reduced agonist affinity was always associated with reduced potency. However, reductions in potency exceeded reductions in agonist affinity for K197A, W284A, and R310A, while H363A was uncoupled from cAMP generation, highlighting critical roles of these residues in translating binding to activation. Data show important roles in ligand binding and receptor activation of conserved residues within the transmembrane domain of the GLP-1R. The receptor structural model provides insight into the roles of these residues.

Neuromedin U and Its Receptors: Structure, Function, and Physiological Roles

Neuromedin U (NmU) is a structurally highly conserved neuropeptide. It is ubiquitously distributed, with highest levels found in the gastrointestinal tract and pituitary. Originally isolated from porcine spinal cord, it has since been isolated and sequenced from several species. Amino acid alignment of NmU from different species reveals a high level of conservation, and particular features within its structure are important for bioactivity. Specifically, the C terminus, including a terminal asparagine-linked amidation, is essential for activity. The conservation of NmU across a wide range of species indicates a strong evolutionary pressure to conserve this peptide and points to its physiological significance. Despite this, the precise physiological and indeed pathophysiological roles of NmU have remained elusive. NmU was first isolated based on its ability to contract rat uterine smooth-muscle (hence the suffix “U”) and has since been implicated inthe regulation of smooth-muscle contraction, blood pressure and local blood flow, ion transport in the gut, stress responses, cancer, gastric acid secretion, pronociception, and feeding behavior. Two G-protein-coupled receptors for NmU have recently been cloned. These receptors are widespread throughout the body but have differential distributions suggesting diverse but specific roles for the receptor subtypes. Here we detail the isolation and characterization of NmU, describe the discovery, cloning, distribution, and structure of its two receptors, and outline its possible roles in both physiology and pathophysiology. Ultimately the development of receptor-specific ligands and the generation of animals in which the receptors have been selectively knocked out will hopefully reveal the true extent of the biological roles of NmU and suggest novel therapeutic indications for selective activation or blockade of either of its receptors.

Mechanisms of cross-talk between G-protein-coupled receptors resulting in enhanced release of intracellular Ca2+.

Alteration in [Ca(2+)](i) (the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+)) is a key regulator of many cellular processes. To allow precise regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) and a diversity of signalling by this ion, cells possess many mechanisms by which they are able to control [Ca(2+)](i) both globally and at the subcellular level. Among these are many members of the superfamily of GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors), which are characterized by the presence of seven transmembrane domains. Typically, those receptors able to activate PLC (phospholipase C) enzymes cause release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and influence Ca(2+) entry across the plasma membrane. It has been well documented that Ca(2+) signalling by one type of GPCR can be influenced by stimulation of a different type of GPCR. Indeed, many studies have demonstrated heterologous desensitization between two different PLC-coupled GPCRs. This is not surprising, given our current understanding of negative-feedback regulation and the likely shared components of the signalling pathway. However, there are also many documented examples of interactions between GPCRs, often coupling preferentially to different signalling pathways, which result in a potentiation of Ca(2+) signalling. Such interactions have important implications for both the control of cell function and the interpretation of in vitro cell-based assays. However, there is currently no single mechanism that adequately accounts for all examples of this type of cross-talk. Indeed, many studies either have not addressed this issue or have been unable to determine the mechanism(s) involved. This review seeks to explore a range of possible mechanisms to convey their potential diversity and to provide a basis for further experimental investigation.

Ligand-independent Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ by Insulin and C-peptide in Kidney Proximal Tubular Cells DEPENDENT ON PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-KINASE ACTIVITY

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has key roles in the regulation of adipogenesis, inflammation, and lipid and glucose metabolism. C-peptide is believed to be inert and without appreciable biological functions. Recent studies suggest that C-peptide possesses multiple functions. The present study investigated the effects of insulin and C-peptide on PPARγ transcriptional activity in opossum kidney proximal tubular cells. Both insulin and C-peptide induced a concentration-dependent stimulation of PPARγ transcriptional activity. Both agents substantially augmented thiazolidinedione-stimulated PPARγ transcriptional activity. Neither insulin nor C-peptide had any effect on the expression levels of PPARγ. GW9662, a PPARγ antagonist, blocked PPARγ activation by thiazolidinediones but had no effect on either insulin- or C-peptide-stimulated PPARγ transcriptional activity. Co-transfection of opossum kidney cells with dominant negative mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase significantly depressed basal PPARγ transcriptional activity but had no effect on that induced by either insulin or C-peptide. Both insulin- and C-peptide-stimulated PPARγ transcriptional activity were attenuated by wortmannin and by expression of a dominant negative phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase p85 regulatory subunit. In addition PI 3-kinase-dependent phosphorylation of PPARγ was observed after stimulation by C-peptide or insulin. C-peptide effects but not insulin on PPARγ transcriptional activity were abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment. Finally both C-peptide and insulin positively control the expression of the PPARγ-regulated CD36 scavenger receptor in human THP-1 monocytes. We concluded that insulin and C-peptide can stimulate PPARγ activity in a ligand-independent fashion and that this effect is mediated by PI 3-kinase. These results support a new and potentially important physiological role for C-peptide in regulation of PPARγ-related cell functions.

Phosphorylation of the Gq/11-coupled M3-Muscarinic Receptor Is Involved in Receptor Activation of the ERK-1/2 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway

We investigated the role played by agonist-mediated phosphorylation of the Gq/11-coupled M3-muscarinic receptor in the mechanism of activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, ERK-1/2, in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. A mutant of the M3-muscarinic receptor, where residues Lys370–Ser425 of the third intracellular loop had been deleted, showed a reduced ability to activate the ERK-1/2 pathway. This reduction was evident despite the fact that the receptor was able to couple efficiently to the phospholipase C second messenger pathway. Importantly, the ERK-1/2 responses to both the wild-type M3-muscarinic receptor and ΔLys370–Ser425 receptor mutant were dependent on the activity of protein kinase C. Our results, therefore, indicate the existence of two mechanistic components to the ERK-1/2 response, which appear to act in concert. First, the activation of protein kinase C through the diacylglycerol arm of the phospholipase C signaling pathway and a second component, absent in the ΔLys370–Ser425 receptor mutant, that is independent of the phospholipase C signaling pathway. The reduced ability of the ΔLys370–Ser425 receptor mutant to activate the ERK-1/2 pathway correlated with an ∼80% decrease in the ability of the receptor to undergo agonist-mediated phosphorylation. Furthermore, we have previously shown that M3-muscarinic receptor phosphorylation can be inhibited by a dominant negative mutant of casein kinase 1α and by expression of a peptide corresponding to the third intracellular loop of the M3-muscarinic receptor. Expression of these inhibitors of receptor phosphorylation reduced the wild-type M3-muscarinic receptor ERK-1/2 response. We conclude that phosphorylation of the M3-muscarinic receptor on sites in the third intracellular loop by casein kinase 1α contributes to the mechanism of receptor activation of ERK-1/2 by working in concert with the diacylglycerol/PKC arm of the phospholipase C signaling pathway.

Quantitative comparisons of muscarinic and bradykinin receptor-mediated Ins (1,4,5)P3 accumulation and Ca2+ signalling in human neuroblastoma cells

1 Muscarinic and bradykinin receptor‐mediated Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation, Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ entry have been examined in human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. This has allowed both direct comparison of signalling events by two receptor types potentially linked to the same transduction pathway and an investigation of the interactions between the components of this pathway.

C-Peptide Signals via Gαi to Protect against TNF-α–Mediated Apoptosis of Opossum Kidney Proximal Tubular Cells

Cell loss by apoptosis occurs in renal injury such as diabetic nephropathy. TNF-alpha is a cytokine that induces apoptosis and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The aim was to investigate whether C-peptide or insulin could modulate TNF-alpha-mediated cell death in opossum kidney proximal tubular cells and to examine the mechanism(s) of any effects observed. C-peptide and insulin protect against TNF-alpha-induced proximal tubular cell toxicity and apoptosis. Cell viability was analyzed by methylthiazoletetrazolium assay; cell viability was reduced to 60.8 +/- 2.7% of control after stimulation with 300 ng/ml TNF-alpha. Compromised cell viability was reversed by pretreatment with 5 nM C-peptide or 100 nM insulin. TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis was detected by DNA nick-end labeling and by measuring histone associated DNA fragments using ELISA. By ELISA assay, 300 ng/ml TNF-alpha increased apoptosis by 145.8 +/- 4.9% compared with controls, whereas 5 nM C-peptide and 100 nM insulin reduced apoptosis to 81.6 +/- 4.8 and 77.4 +/- 3.1% of control, respectively. The protective effects of C-peptide and insulin were associated with activation of NF-kappaB. Activation of NF-kappaB by C-peptide was pertussis toxin sensitive and dependent on activation of Galpha(i). Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase but not extracellular signal regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase mediated C-peptide and insulin activation of NF-kappaB. The cytoprotective effects of both C-peptide and insulin were related to increased expression of TNF receptor-associated factor 2, the product of an NF-kappaB-dependent survival gene. These data suggest that C-peptide and/or insulin activation of NF-kappaB-regulated survival genes protects against TNF-alpha-induced renal tubular injury in diabetes. The data further support the concept of C-peptide as a peptide hormone in its own right and suggest a potential therapeutic role for C-peptide.

C-peptide reverses TGF-β1-induced changes in renal proximal tubular cells: implications for treatment of diabetic nephropathy

The crucial pathology underlying progressive chronic kidney disease in diabetes is tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Central to this process is epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of proximal tubular epithelial cells driven by maladaptive transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) signaling. Novel signaling roles for C-peptide have recently been discovered with evidence emerging that C-peptide may mitigate microvascular complications of diabetes. We studied the potential for C-peptide to interrupt injurious TGF-beta1 signaling pathways and thus block development of EMT in HK2 human kidney proximal tubular cells. Cells were incubated with TGF-beta1 either alone or with C-peptide in low or high glucose. Changes in cell morphology, TGF-beta1 receptor expression, vimentin, E-cadherin, and phosphorylated Smads were assessed. Luciferase reporters were used to assess Smad activity. The cytoskeleton was visualized by TRITC-phalloidin staining. The typical TGF-beta1-stimulated, EMT-associated morphological alterations of proximal tubular cells, including increased vimentin expression, decreased E-cadherin expression, and cytoskeletal rearrangements, were prevented by C-peptide treatment. C-peptide also blocked TGF-beta1-induced upregulation of expression of both type I and type II TGF-beta1 receptors and attenuated TGF-beta1-mediated Smad phosphorylation and Smad transcriptional activity. These effects of C-peptide were inhibited by pertussis toxin. The results demonstrate that C-peptide almost completely reversed the morphological changes in PT cells induced by TGF-beta1 and suggest a role or C-peptide as a renoprotective agent in diabetic nephropathy.

Modulation of hERG potassium currents in HEK-293 cells by protein kinase C. Evidence for direct phosphorylation of pore forming subunits

The human ether‐a‐go‐go related gene (hERG) potassium channel is expressed in a variety of tissues including the heart, neurons and some cancer cells. hERG channels are modulated by several intracellular signalling pathways and these provide important mechanisms for regulating cellular excitability. In this study, we investigated muscarinic modulation of hERG currents and direct phosphorylation of channel subunits expressed in HEK‐293 cells at physiologically relevant temperatures by protein kinase C (PKC). Activation of Gαq/11‐coupled M3‐muscarinic receptors with methacholine, reduced current amplitudes at all potentials with minor effects on the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation. The response to methacholine was insensitive to intracellular BAPTA, but was attenuated by either acute inhibition of PKC with 300 nm bisindolylmaleimide‐1 (bis‐1) or chronic down‐regulation of PKC isoforms by 24 h pretreatment of cells with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA). Stimulation of PKC with 1‐oleoyl 2‐acetylglycerol (OAG), an analogue of diacylglycerol (DAG), mimicked the actions of muscarinic receptor stimulation. Direct phosphorylation of hERG was measured by [32P]orthophosphate labelling of immunoprecipitated protein with an anti‐hERG antibody. Basal phosphorylation was high in unstimulated cells and further increased by OAG. The OAG dependent increase was abolished by bis‐1 and down‐regulation of PKC, but basal levels of phosphorylation were unchanged. Deletion of the amino‐terminus of hERG prevented both the modulation of channel activity and the increase of phosphorylation by OAG. Our results are consistent with calcium and/or DAG sensitive isotypes of PKC modulating hERG currents through a mechanism that involves direct phosphorylation of sites on the amino terminus of hERG.

Mobilization of Inositol 1,4,5‐Trisphosphate‐Sensitive Ca2+ Stores Supports Bradykinin‐ and Muscarinic‐Evoked Release of [3H]Noradrenaline from SH‐SY5Y Cells

Abstract: The human neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y, maintained at confluence for 14 days, released [3H]‐noradrenaline ([3H]NA) when stimulated with either the muscarinic receptor agonist methacholine or bradykinin. The major fraction of release was rapid, occurring in <10 s, whereas nicotine‐evoked release was slower. When the extracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]e) was buffered to ∼50–100 nM, release evoked by nicotine was abolished, whereas that in response to methacholine or bradykinin was reduced by ∼50% with EC50 values of −5.46 ± 0.05 M and −7.46 ± 0.06 M (log10), respectively. Methacholine and bradykinin also produced rapid elevations of both inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and intracellular free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i). These elevations were reduced at low [Ca2+]e and under these conditions the EC50 values for peak elevation of [Ca2+]i were −6.00 ± 0.14 M for methacholine and −7.95 ± 0.34 M for bradykinin (n = 3 for all EC50 determinations). At low [Ca2+]e, depletion of nonmitochondrial intracellular Ca2+ stores with the Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin produced a transient small elevation of [Ca2+]i and a minor release of [3H]NA. At low [Ca2+]e, thapsigargin abolished elevation of [Ca2+]i in response to methacholine and bradykinin and completely inhibited their stimulation of [3H]NA release. It is proposed, therefore, that Ca2+ release from Ins(1,4,5)P3‐sensitive stores is a major trigger of methacholine‐ and bradykinin‐evoked [3H]NA release in SH‐SY5Y cells.