Jonathon M. Willets

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent translocation of sphingosine kinase: role in plasma membrane relocation but not activation.

Activation of sphingosine kinase (SPHK), thereby increasing cellular levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), may be involved in a variety of intracellular responses including Ca(2+) signaling. This study uses mammalian SPHK1a, tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), to examine whether translocation of this enzyme is linked with Ca(2+)-mobilizing responses. Real-time confocal imaging of SPHK1a-eGFP in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells visualized a relocation of the enzyme from the cytosol to the plasma membrane in response to Ca(2+)-mobilizing stimuli (muscarinic M(3)- or lysophosphatidic acid receptor activation, and thapsigargin-mediated store release). This redistribution was preceded by a transient increase in cytosolic SPHK1a-eGFP levels due to liberation of SPHK from localized higher intensity regions. Translocation was dependent on Ca(2+) mobilization from intracellular stores, and was prevented by pretreatment with the Ca(2+)/calmodulin inhibitor W-7, but not W-5 or KN-62. In functional studies, pretreatment with W-7 lowered basal and M(3)-receptor-mediated cellular S1P production. However, this pretreatment did not alter agonist-mediated Ca(2+) responses, and SPHK1a-eGFP activity itself appeared insensitive to Ca(2+)/calmodulin and W-7. These data suggest a role for Ca(2+)/calmodulin in controlling the subcellular distribution but not the activity of SPHK1a.

Endothelin signalling in arterial smooth muscle is tightly regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2.

Aims Prolonged endothelin (ET) receptor signalling causes vasoconstriction and can lead to hypertension, vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy, and hyperplasia. Usually, G protein-coupled receptor signalling is negatively regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), preventing prolonged or inappropriate signalling. This study investigated whether GRKs regulate ET receptor contractile signalling in adult Wistar rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs). Methods and results ET-1-stimulated phospholipase C (PLC) activity and changes in [Ca2+]i were assessed using confocal microscopy in rat MSMCs transfected with the pleckstrin-homology domain of PLCδ1 (eGFP-PH) and loaded with Fura-Red. ET-1 applications (30 s) stimulated transient concentration-dependent eGFP-PH translocations from plasma membrane to cytoplasm and graded [Ca2+]i increases. ET-1-mediated PLC signalling was blocked by the type A endothelin receptor (ETAR) antagonist, BQ123. To characterize ETAR desensitization, cells were stimulated with a maximally effective concentration of ET-1 (50 nM, 30 s) followed by a variable washout period and a second identical application of ET-1. This brief exposure to ET-1 markedly decreased ETAR responsiveness to re-challenge, and reversal was incomplete even after increasing the time period between agonist challenges to 60 min. To assess GRK involvement in ETAR desensitization, MSMCs were co-transfected with eGFP-PH and catalytically inactive D110A,K220RGRK2, D110A,K220RGRK3, K215RGRK5, or K215RGRK6 constructs. D110A,K220RGRK2 expression significantly attenuated ETAR desensitization, whereas other constructs were ineffective. Small interfering RNA-targeted GRK2 depletion equally attenuated ETAR desensitization. Finally, immunocyotchemical data showed that ETAR activation recruited endogenous GRK2 from cytoplasm to membrane. Conclusion These studies identify GRK2 as a key regulator of ETAR responsiveness in resistance arteries, highlighting the potential importance of this GRK isoenzyme in regulating vasoconstrictor signalling pathways implicated in vascular disease.

Imaging of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Signaling in Hippocampal Neurons: Evidence for Phosphorylation-Dependent and -Independent Regulation by G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases

We used the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) biosensor, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of PLCδ1 (phospholipase C) tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP-PHPLCδ), to examine muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor regulation of phospholipase C/IP3 signaling in intact single hippocampal neurons in “real time.” Initial experiments produced a pharmacological profile consistent with the presence of a predominant M1 mACh receptor population coupled to the IP3 response. To investigate M1 mACh receptor regulation, neurons were stimulated with approximate EC50 concentrations of the mACh receptor agonist methacholine before (R1) and after (R2) a short (60 sec) exposure to a high concentration of agonist. This resulted in a marked attenuation in the R2 relative to R1 response. Inhibition of endogenous GRK6 (G-protein-coupled receptor kinase) activity, by the introduction of catalytically inactive K215RGRK6, partially reversed the attenuation of agonist-induced responsiveness, whereas overexpression of wild-type GRK6 increased receptor desensitization. Manipulation of endogenous GRK2 activity through introduction of either wild-type or catalytically inactive GRK2 (K220RGRK2) almost completely inhibited agonist-stimulated IP3 production, implying a phosphorylation-independent regulation of M1 mACh receptor signaling, most probably mediated by a GRK2 N-terminal RGS-like (regulator of G-protein signaling) domain interaction with GTP-bound Gαq/11. Together, our data suggest a role for both phosphorylation-dependent and -independent regulation of M1 mACh receptors in hippocampal neurons.

Selective Regulation of H1 Histamine Receptor Signaling by G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 in Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells

Histamine stimulates uterine contraction; however, little is known regarding the mechanism or regulation of uterine histamine receptor signaling. Here we investigated the regulation of Galpha(q/11)-coupled histamine receptor signaling in human myometrial smooth muscle cells using the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate biosensor pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase-delta1 tagged to enhanced green fluorescent protein and the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fluo-4. Histamine addition caused concentration-dependent increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and [Ca(2+)](i) in the ULTR human uterine smooth muscle cell line and primary human myometrial cells. These effects were completely inhibited by the H(1) histamine receptor antagonist, diphenhydramine, and were unaffected by the H(2) histamine receptor antagonist, cimetidine. ULTR and primary myometrial cells were transfected with either dominant-negative G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) or small interfering RNAs targeting specific GRKs to assess the roles of this protein kinase family in H(1) histamine receptor desensitization. Dominant-negative GRK2, but not GRK5 or GRK6, prevented H(1) histamine receptor desensitization. Similarly, transfection with short interfering RNAs (that each caused >70% depletion of the targeted GRK) for GRK2, but not GRK3 or GRK6, also prevented H(1) histamine receptor desensitization. Our data suggest that histamine stimulates phospholipase C-signaling in myometrial smooth muscle cells through H(1) histamine receptors and that GRK2 recruitment is a key mechanism in the regulation of H(1) histamine receptor signaling in human uterine smooth muscle. These data provide insights into the in situ regulation of this receptor subtype and may inform pathophysiological functioning in preterm labor and other conditions involving uterine smooth muscle dysregulation.

Roles of Phosphorylation-dependent and -independent Mechanisms in the Regulation of M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors by G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase 2 in Hippocampal Neurons

When co-expressed with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate biosensor eGFP-PHPLCδ, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) can suppress M1 muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor-mediated phospholipase C signaling in hippocampal neurons through a phosphorylation-independent mechanism, most likely involving the direct binding of the RGS homology domain of GRK2 to Gαq/11. To define the importance of this mechanism in comparison with classical, phosphorylation-dependent receptor regulation by GRKs, we have examined M1 mACh receptor signaling in hippocampal neurons following depletion of GRK2 and also in the presence of non-Gαq/11-binding GRK2 mutants. Depletion of neuronal GRK2 using an antisense strategy almost completely inhibited M1 mACh receptor desensitization without enhancing acute agonist-stimulated phospholipase C activity. By stimulating neurons with a submaximal agonist concentration before (R1) and after (R2) a period of exposure to a maximal agonist concentration, an index (R2/R1) of agonist-induced desensitization of signaling could be obtained. Co-transfection of neurons with either a non-Gαq/11-binding (D110A) GRK2 mutant or the catalytically inactive D110A,K220RGRK2 did not suppress acute M1 mACh receptor-stimulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production. However, using the desensitization (R2/R1) protocol, it could be shown that expression of D110AGRK2 enhanced, whereas D110A,K220RGRK2 inhibited, agonist-induced M1 mACh receptor desensitization. In Chinese hamster ovary cells, the loss of Gαq/11 binding did not affect the ability of the D110AGRK2 mutant to phosphorylate M1 mACh receptors, whereas expression of D110A,K220RGRK2 had no effect on receptor phosphorylation. These data indicate that in hippocampal neurons endogenous GRK2 is a key regulator of M1 mACh receptor signaling and that the regulatory process involves both phosphorylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 and arrestin2 regulate arterial smooth muscle P2Y-purinoceptor signalling.

Aims Prolonged P2Y-receptor signalling can cause vasoconstriction leading to hypertension, vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy, and hyperplasia. G protein-coupled receptor signalling is negatively regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and arrestin proteins, preventing prolonged or inappropriate signalling. This study investigates whether GRKs and arrestins regulate uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP)-stimulated contractile signalling in adult Wistar rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs). Methods and results Mesenteric arteries contracted in response to UTP challenge: When an EC50 UTP concentration (30 µM, 5 min) was added 5 min before (R1) and after (R2) the addition of a maximal UTP concentration (Rmax: 100 µM, 5 min), R2 responses were decreased relative to R1, indicating desensitization. UTP-induced P2Y-receptor desensitization of phospholipase C signalling was studied in isolated MSMCs transfected with an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate biosensor and/or loaded with Ca2+-sensitive dyes. A similar protocol (R1/R2 = 10 µM; Rmax = 100 µM, applied for 30 s) revealed markedly reduced R2 when compared with R1 responses. MSMCs were transfected with dominant-negative GRKs or siRNAs targeting specific GRK/arrestins to probe their respective roles in P2Y-receptor desensitization. GRK2 inhibition, but not GRK3, GRK5, or GRK6, attenuated P2Y-receptor desensitization. siRNA-mediated knockdown of arrestin2 attenuated UTP-stimulated P2Y-receptor desensitization, whereas arrestin3 depletion did not. Specific siRNA knockdown of the P2Y2-receptor almost completely abolished UTP-stimulated IP3/Ca2+ signalling, strongly suggesting that our study is specifically characterizing this purinoceptor subtype. Conclusion These new data highlight roles of GRK2 and arrestin2 as important regulators of UTP-stimulated P2Y2-receptor responsiveness in resistance arteries, emphasizing their potential importance in regulating vasoconstrictor signalling pathways implicated in vascular disease.

Characterization of Anandamide-Stimulated Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling in Human ULTR Myometrial Smooth Muscle Cells

Accumulating evidence highlights the importance of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) as a key mediator in reproductive physiology. Current data suggest potential roles for AEA in gametogenesis, fertilization, and parturition. AEA exerts its actions through two G protein-coupled receptors, termed cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), and 2 (CB2), and the ligand-gated transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) ion channel. At present, the cellular mechanism(s) and consequences of AEA signaling in reproductive tissues, especially the myometrium, are poorly understood. Here, we examine the expression of CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 in the human myometrial smooth muscle cell-line (ULTR) and characterize intracellular signaling after stimulation with AEA. Radioligand binding analysis revealed a total CB receptor expression of 76 +/- 24 fmol/mg protein, with both quantitative PCR and competition binding studies indicating a negligible CB2 component. AEA caused Galpha(i/o)-dependent inhibition of adenylate cyclase to reduce intracellular cAMP levels. In addition, AEA caused a 2.5- to 3.5-fold increase in ERK activation, which was ablated by inhibition of Galpha(i/o), phosphoinositide-3-kinase and Src-kinase activities, but not by inhibition of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C activities. TRPV1 channel activation with capsaicin failed to activate ERK. Consistent with these findings, the selective agonists, arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (CB1) and L759656 (CB2), and selective antagonists AM251 (CB1) and JTE907 (CB2), provided pharmacological evidence that the ERK signaling pathway is activated through endogenously expressed CB1. These findings provide an insight into myometrial AEA signaling, highlighting a potential role for endocannabinoids in the regulation of gene expression in myometrial smooth muscle cells.

Anandamide modulates human sperm motility: implications for men with asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

STUDY QUESTION What are the levels of anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide, AEA) in human seminal plasma and how are these related to abnormal spermatozoa? SUMMARY ANSWER Seminal plasma AEA levels were lower in men with asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia compared with normozoospermic men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AEA, a bioactive lipid, synthesized from membrane phospholipids may signal through cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) to regulate human sperm functions and male reproduction by modulating sperm motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction in vitro. Local AEA levels are regulated by the synthetic and degradative enzymes, NAPE-PLD and FAAH, respectively. How the deregulation of this endogenous signalling pathway affects human sperm function(s) is not clear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION This was a cross-sectional study of 86 men presenting at an infertility clinic for semen analysis over a period of 2 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS AEA was quantified, by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, in seminal plasma from 86 volunteers. Using qRT-PCR, CB1, CB2, NAPE-PLD and FAAH transcript levels were determined in spermatozoa from men with normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Normal spermatozoa were exposed in vitro to methanadamide (meth-AEA) to determine its effect on sperm motility, viability and mitochondrial activity. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Seminal plasma AEA levels (mean ± SEM) were significantly lower in men with asthenozoospermia (0.080 ± 0.01 nM; P < 0.05) or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (0.083 ± 0.01 nM; P < 0.05) compared with normozoospermic men (0.198 ± 0.03 nM). In addition, the levels of spermatozoal CB1 mRNA were significantly decreased in men with asthenozoospermia (P < 0.001) or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (P < 0.001) compared with normozoospermic controls. Supra-physiological levels of meth-AEA decreased sperm motility and viability, probably through CB1-mediated inhibition of mitochondrial activity. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The inhibitory effect of meth-AEA was only shown in vitro and may not reflect what happens in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As the regulation of the endocannabinoid system appears to be necessary for the preservation of normal sperm function and male fertility, there may be implications for the adverse reproductive consequences of marijuana use. Exocannabinoids, such as Δ(9)-THC, are likely to compete with endocannabinoids at the cannabinoid receptors, upsetting the finely balanced endocannabinoid signalling system. The importance of the endocannabinoid system makes it an attractive target for pharmacological interventions to control male fertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded in part by miscellaneous educational funds from the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Services Trust to support the Endocannabinoid Research Laboratory of University of Leicester. The authors declare no competing interests.

Ectopic Pregnancy Is Associated with High Anandamide Levels and Aberrant Expression of FAAH and CB1 in Fallopian Tubes

CONTEXT Ectopic pregnancy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition remain unclear. Although the endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), N-oleoylethanolamine, and N-palmitoylethanolamine, are thought to play a negative role in ectopic pregnancy, their precise role(s) within the fallopian tube remains unclear. Anandamide activates cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and, together with its degrading [e.g. fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)] and synthesizing enzymes (e.g. N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D), forms the endocannabinoid system. High anandamide levels are associated with tubal arrest of embryos in mice and may have a similar role in women. OBJECTIVE The aims were to quantify the levels of the endocannabinoids and evaluate the expression of the modulating enzymes and the cannabinoid receptors in fallopian tubes of women with ectopic pregnancy compared to those of nonpregnant women. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a prospective study at the University Hospitals of the Leicester National Health Service Trust. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Fallopian tubes collected from women with ectopic pregnancy and nonpregnant women with regular menstrual cycles were used for quantification of endocannabinoids by ultra-HPLC tandem mass spectrometry, were fixed in formalin for immunohistochemistry, and had RNA extracted for RT-quantitative PCR or protein extracted for immunoblotting. RESULTS Anandamide, but not N-oleoylethanolamine and N-palmitoylethanolamine, levels were significantly higher in ectopic fallopian tubes. Endocannabinoid levels from isthmus to ampulla were not significantly different. Cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid modulating enzymes were localized in fallopian tube epithelium by immunohistochemistry and showed reduced CB1 and FAAH expression in ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSION High anandamide levels and reduced expression of CB1 and FAAH may play a role in ectopic implantation.

Quantitative analysis of anandamide and related acylethanolamides in human seminal plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The endocannabinoids anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide have been detected in human seminal plasma and are bioactive lipids implicated in regulation of sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction. Several methods exist for endocannabinoid quantification but none have been validated for measurement in human seminal plasma. We describe sensitive, robust, reproducible solid phase and isotope-dilution UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS methods for the extraction and quantification of anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide in human seminal plasma. Precision and accuracy were evaluated using pooled seminal plasma over a 4 day period. For all analytes, the inter- and intraday precision (CV%) was between 6.6-17.7% and 6.3-12.5%, respectively. Analyses were linear over the range 0.237-19nM for anandamide and oleoylethanolamide and 0.9-76nM for PEA. Limits of detection (signal-to-noise >3) were 50, 100 and 100fmol/mL and limits of quantification (signal-to-noise >10) were 100, 200 and 200fmol/mL, respectively for anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide. Anandamide and oleoylethanolamide were stable at -80°C for up to 4 weeks, but palmitoylethanolamide declined significantly. We assessed seminal plasma from 40 human donors with normozoospermia and found mean (inter-quartile range) concentrations of 0.21nM (0.09-0.27), 1.785nM (0.48-2.32) and 15.54nM (7.05-16.31) for anandamide, oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide, respectively. Consequently, this UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method represents a rapid, reliable and reproducible technique for the analysis of these endocannabinoids in fresh seminal plasma.