IRAG is essential for relaxation of receptor-triggered smooth muscle contraction by cGMP kinase

Signalling by cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) relaxes various smooth muscles modulating thereby vascular tone and gastrointestinal motility. cGKI-dependent relaxation is possibly mediated by phosphorylation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor I (IP(3)RI)-associated protein (IRAG), which decreases hormone-induced IP(3)-dependent Ca(2+) release. We show now that the targeted deletion of exon 12 of IRAG coding for the N-terminus of the coiled-coil domain disrupted in vivo the IRAG-IP(3)RI interaction and resulted in hypomorphic IRAG(Delta12/Delta12) mice. These mice had a dilated gastrointestinal tract and a disturbed gastrointestinal motility. Carbachol- and phenylephrine-contracted smooth muscle strips from colon and aorta, respectively, of IRAG(Delta12/Delta12) mice were not relaxed by cGMP, while cAMP-mediated relaxation was unperturbed. Norepinephrine-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) were not decreased by cGMP in aortic smooth muscle cells from IRAG(Delta12/Delta12) mice. In contrast, cGMP-induced relaxation of potassium-induced smooth muscle contraction was not abolished in IRAG(Delta12/Delta12) mice. We conclude that cGMP-dependent relaxation of hormone receptor-triggered smooth muscle contraction essentially depends on the interaction of cGKI-IRAG with IP(3)RI.     

Association of phospholamban with a cGMP kinase signaling complex

The cGMP kinase signaling complex identified previously in tracheal smooth muscle membranes contains a number of cGMP kinase substrates termed G0 through G4. G0, G1, and G2 were identified as IP(3) receptor I (IP(3)RI), IRAG, and cGMP kinase I. Sequencing of purified G3 and G4 showed that these proteins were proteolytic cleavage products of IRAG. However, the purified cGMP kinase signaling complex contained following additional proteins: alpha-actin, calponin H1, and phospholamban (PLB) as verified by MALDI-TOF as well as MS/MS sequencing and immune detection. The complex of these six proteins was immune precipitated by antibodies to each protein. The proteins were phosphorylated by the endogenous cGMP kinase I with the exception of alpha-actin and calponin H1. The complex did not contain the Ca(2+)-ATPase SERCA II. PLB, IP(3)RI, and cGMP kinase Ibeta were co-immune precipitated after expression in COS-7 cells. These results suggest that PLB may have additional functions to regulate the activity of SERCA II.     

InsP3R-associated cGMP Kinase Substrate Determines Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Susceptibility to Phosphoregulation by Cyclic Nucleotide-dependent Kinases

Ca²⁺ release through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP₃R) can be modulated by numerous factors, including input from other signal transduction cascades. These events shape the spatio-temporal characteristics of the Ca²⁺ signal and provide fidelity essential for the appropriate activation of effectors. In this study, we investigate the regulation of Ca²⁺ release via InsP₃R following activation of cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases in the presence and absence of expression of a binding partner InsP₃R-associated cGMP kinase substrate (IRAG). cGMP-dependent kinase (PKG) phosphorylation of only the S2+ InsP₃R-1 subtype resulted in enhanced Ca²⁺ release in the absence of IRAG expression. In contrast, IRAG bound to each InsP₃R subtype, and phosphorylation of IRAG by PKG attenuated Ca²⁺ release through all InsP₃R subtypes. Surprisingly, simply the expression of IRAG attenuated phosphorylation and inhibited the enhanced Ca²⁺ release through InsP₃R-1 following cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activation. In contrast, IRAG expression did not influence the PKA-enhanced activity of the InsP₃R-2. Phosphorylation of IRAG resulted in reduced Ca²⁺ release through all InsP₃R subtypes during concurrent activation of PKA and PKG, indicating that IRAG modulation is dominant under these conditions. These studies yield mechanistic insight into how cells with various complements of proteins integrate and prioritize signals from ubiquitous signaling pathways.     

Internal calcium release and activation of sea urchin eggs by cGMP are independent of the phosphoinositide signaling pathway.

We show that microinjecting cyclic GMP (cGMP) into unfertilized sea urchin eggs activates them by stimulating a rise in the intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i). The increase in [Ca2+]i is similar in both magnitude and duration to the transient that activates the egg at fertilization. It is due to mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores but is not prevented by the inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) antagonist heparin. Furthermore, cGMP does not stimulate the eggs Na+/H+ antiport when the [Ca2+]i transient is blocked by the calcium chelator bis-(O-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), suggesting that cGMP does not activate eggs by interacting with the their phosphoinositide signaling pathway. However, the [Ca2+]i increase and activation are prevented in eggs in which the InsP3-sensitive calcium stores have been emptied by the prior microinjection of the InsP3 analogue inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphorothioate. These data indicate that cGMP activates eggs by stimulating the release of calcium from an InsP3-sensitive calcium store via a novel, though unidentified, route independent of the InsP3 receptor.     

IRAG and novel PKG targeting in the cardiovascular system

Signaling by nitric oxide (NO) determines several cardiovascular functions including blood pressure regulation, cardiac and smooth muscle hypertrophy, and platelet function. NO stimulates the synthesis of cGMP by soluble guanylyl cyclases and thereby activates cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs), mediating most of the cGMP functions. Hence, an elucidation of the PKG signaling cascade is essential for the understanding of the (patho)physiological aspects of NO. Several PKG signaling pathways were identified, meanwhile regulating the intracellular calcium concentration, mediating calcium desensitization or cytoskeletal rearrangement. During the last decade it emerged that the inositol trisphosphate receptor-associated cGMP-kinase substrate (IRAG), an endoplasmic reticulum-anchored 125-kDa membrane protein, is a main signal transducer of PKG activity in the cardiovascular system. IRAG interacts specifically in a trimeric complex with the PKG1β isoform and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor I and, upon phosphorylation, reduces the intracellular calcium release from the intracellular stores. IRAG motifs for phosphorylation and for targeting to PKG1β and 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor I were identified by several approaches. The (patho)physiological functions for the regulation of smooth muscle contractility and the inhibition of platelet activation were perceived. In this review, the IRAG recognition, targeting, and function are summarized compared with PKG and several PKG substrates in the cardiovascular system.     

Cardiac type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor: interaction and modulation by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

The type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP(3)R2) was identified previously as the predominant isoform in cardiac ventricular myocytes. Here we reported the subcellular localization of InsP(3)R2 to the cardiomyocyte nuclear envelope (NE). The other major known endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-release channel (ryanodine receptor) was not localized to the NE, indicating functional segregation of these channels and possibly a unique role for InsP(3)R2 in regulating nuclear calcium dynamics. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the NE InsP(3)R2 associates with Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIdelta (CaMKIIdelta), the major isoform expressed in cardiac myocytes. Recombinant InsP(3)R2 and CaMKIIdelta(B) also co-immunoprecipitated after co-expression in COS-1 cells. Additionally, the amino-terminal 1078 amino acids of the InsP(3)R2 were sufficient for interaction with CaMKIIdelta(B) and associated upon mixing following separate expression. CaMKII can also phosphorylate InsP(3)R2, as demonstrated by (32)P labeling. Incorporation of CaMKII-treated InsP(3)R2 into planar lipid bilayers revealed that InsP(3)-mediated channel open probability is significantly reduced ( approximately 11 times) by phosphorylation via CaMKII. We concluded that the InsP(3)R2 and CaMKIIdelta likely represent two central components of a multiprotein signaling complex, and this raises the possibility that calcium release via InsP(3)R2 in the myocyte NE may activate local CaMKII signaling, which may feedback on InsP(3)R2 function.     

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 phosphorylation and regulation by extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R1) is a widely expressed intracellular calcium-release channel found in many cell types. The operation of IP(3)R1 is regulated through phosphorylation by multiple protein kinases. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been found involved in calcium signaling in distinct cell types, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we present evidence that ERK1/2 and IP(3)R1 bind together through an ERK binding motif in mouse cerebellum in vivo as well as in vitro. ERK-phosphorylating serines (Ser 436) was identified in mouse IP(3)R1 and Ser 436 phosphorylation had a suppressive effect on IP(3) binding to the recombinant N-terminal 604-amino acid residues (N604). Moreover, phosphorylation of Ser 436 in R(224-604) evidently enhance its interaction with the N-terminal "suppressor" region (N223). At last, our data showed that Ser 436 phosphorylation in IP(3)R1 decreased Ca(2+) releasing through IP(3)R1 channels.     

ATP binding to a unique site in the type-1 S2- inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor defines susceptibility to phosphorylation by protein kinase A

The subtype- and splice variant-specific modulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3R) by interaction with cellular factors plays a fundamental role in defining the characteristics of Ca2+ release in individual cell types. In this study, we investigate the binding properties and functional consequences of the expression of a putative nucleotide binding fold (referred to as the ATPC site) unique to the S2- splice variant of the type-1 InsP3R (InsP3R-1), the predominant splice variant in peripheral tissue. A glutathione S-transferase fusion protein encompassing amino acids 1574-1765 of the S2- InsP3R-1 and including the glycine-rich motif Gly-Tyr-Gly-Glu-Lys-Gly bound ATP specifically as measured by fluorescent trinitrophenyl-ATP binding. This binding was completely abrogated by a point mutation (G1690A) in the nucleotide binding fold. The functional sensitivity of S2- InsP3R-1 constructs was evaluated in DT40-3KO-M3 cells, a null background for InsP3R, engineered to express muscarinic M3 receptors. The S2- InsP3R-1 containing the G1690A mutation was markedly less sensitive to agonist stimulation than wild type S2- InsP3R-1 or receptors containing a similar (Gly --> Ala) mutation in the established nucleotide binding sites in InsP3R-1 (the ATPA and ATPB sites). The ATP sensitivity of InsP3-induced Ca2+ release, however, was not altered by the G1690A mutation when measured in permeabilized DT40-3KO cells, suggesting a unique role for the ATPC site. Ca2+ release was dramatically potentiated following activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in DT40-3KO cells transiently expressing wild type S2- InsP3R or Gly --> Ala mutations in the ATPA and ATPB sites, but phosphorylation of the receptor and the potentiation of Ca2+ release were absent in cells expressing the G1690A mutation in S2- InsP3R. These data indicate that ATP binding specifically to the ATPC site in S2- InsP3R-1 controls the susceptibility of the receptor to protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation, contributes to the functional sensitivity of the S2- InsP3R-1 and ultimately the sensitivity of cells to agonist stimulation.     

Regulation of InsP3 receptor activity by neuronal Ca2+-binding proteins

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP(3)Rs) were recently demonstrated to be activated independently of InsP(3) by a family of calmodulin (CaM)-like neuronal Ca(2+)-binding proteins (CaBPs). We investigated the interaction of both naturally occurring long and short CaBP1 isoforms with InsP(3)Rs, and their functional effects on InsP(3)R-evoked Ca(2+) signals. Using several experimental paradigms, including transient expression in COS cells, acute injection of recombinant protein into Xenopus oocytes and (45)Ca(2+) flux from permeabilised COS cells, we demonstrated that CaBPs decrease the sensitivity of InsP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release (IICR). In addition, we found a Ca(2+)-independent interaction between CaBP1 and the NH(2)-terminal 159 amino acids of the type 1 InsP(3)R. This interaction resulted in decreased InsP(3) binding to the receptor reminiscent of that observed for CaM. Unlike CaM, however, CaBPs do not inhibit ryanodine receptors, have a higher affinity for InsP(3)Rs and more potently inhibited IICR. We also show that phosphorylation of CaBP1 at a casein kinase 2 consensus site regulates its inhibition of IICR. Our data suggest that CaBPs are endogenous regulators of InsP(3)Rs tuning the sensitivity of cells to InsP(3).     

Synthesis of diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate by a newly identified family of higher inositol polyphosphate kinases

Inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3)) is a well-known messenger molecule that releases calcium from intracellular stores. Homologues with up to six phosphates have been characterized and recently, homologues with seven or eight phosphate groups, including pyrophosphates, have been identified. These homologues are diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP-InsP(5)/InsP(7)) and bis(diphospho)inositol tetrakisphosphate (bis-PP-InsP(4)/InsP(8)) [1], the rapid turnover of which [2] is regulated by calcium [2] and adrenergic receptor activity [3]. It has been proposed that the high-energy pyrophosphates might participate in protein phosphorylation [4]. We have purified InsP(6) kinase [5] and PP-InsP(5) kinase [6], both of which display ATP synthase activity, transferring phosphate to ADP. Here, we report the cloning of two mammalian InsP(6) kinases and a yeast InsP(6) kinase. Furthermore, we show that the yeast protein, ArgRIII, is an inositol-polyphosphate kinase that can convert InsP(3) to InsP(4), InsP(5) and InsP(6). We have identified a new family of highly conserved inositol-polyphosphate kinases that contain a newly identified, unique consensus sequence.     

Modulation of cytosolic calcium signaling by protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Calcium release via intracellular Ca2+ release channels is a central event underpinning the generation of numerous, often divergent physiological processes. In electrically non-excitable cells, this Ca2+ release is brought about primarily through activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and typically takes the form of calcium oscillations. It is widely believed that information is carried in the temporal and spatial characteristics of these signals. Furthermore, stimulation of individual cells with different agonists can generate Ca2+ oscillations with dramatically different spatial and temporal characteristics. Thus, mechanisms must exist for the acute regulation of Ca2+ release such that agonist-specific Ca2+ signals can be generated. One such mechanism by which Ca2+ signals can be modulated is through simultaneous activation of multiple second messenger pathways. For example, activation of both the InsP3 and cAMP pathways leads to the modulation of Ca2+ release through protein kinase A mediated phosphoregulation of the InsP3R. Indeed, each InsP3R subtype is a potential substrate for PKA, although the functional consequences of this phosphorylation are not clear. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of phosphoregulation of InsP3R, as well as the functional consequences of this modulation in terms of eliciting specific cellular events.     

Calcium free inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate stimulates protein kinase C dependent protein phosphorylation in nuclei isolated from mitogen-treated Swiss 3T3 cells

As a step towards the elucidation of the role played by nuclear polyphosphoinositides, we have investigated the effect of exogenous calcium free inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate on the in vitro phosphorylation of proteins in nuclei prepared from Swiss 3T3 cells treated with bombesin and insulin-like growth factor I. When present in combination with phosphatidylserine, inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate enhanced the phosphorylation of two nuclear proteins, Mr 21,000 and 31,000, as well as of exogenous histone H1, to the same extent as a combination of phosphatidylserine and diacylglycerol. Inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate alone had no effect. This stimulation could be abolished by the protein kinase C inhibitor sphingosine and by EGTA, while could be restored by a combination of phosphatidylserine and exogenous Ca+(+) ions. These results raise the possibility that inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate is capable of liberating Ca+(+) ions from a nuclear store thus stimulating protein kinase C activity.     

Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of a rat brain cDNA encoding a Ca2+/calmodulin-sensitive inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) 3-kinase catalyses the phosphorylation of InsP3 to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4). InsP3 3-kinase activity was stimulated by Ca2+ in the presence of calmodulin (CaM) and the protein was associated with two silver-stained bands which migrated with an apparent Mr of approx. 50,000 on SDS/polyacrylamide gels. Upon limited proteolysis with trypsin, the native InsP3 3-kinase was converted into polypeptides of Mr 44,000 and 36,000. Both tryptic fragments displayed InsP3 3-kinase activity that was Ca2+/CaM-sensitive. A cDNA clone, C5, that encodes the C-terminal part of the InsP3 3-kinase, was isolated by immunoscreening of a rat brain cDNA library. The 5' end of this clone was used in turn to probe the same library, yielding a clone (CP16) containing the entire coding sequence of InsP3 3-kinase. The encoding protein of 459 amino acids (calculated Mr 50,868) has several putative phosphorylation sites for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C and CaM-dependent protein kinase II. When clone C5 was expressed in Escherichia coli, the truncated fusion protein showed Ca2+/CaM-sensitive InsP3 3-kinase activity. Our data demonstrate that the N-terminal part of the protein is not essential for either enzymic or CaM-regulatory properties.     

Cysteine-rich protein 2, a novel substrate for cGMP kinase I in enteric neurons and intestinal smooth muscle

Nitric oxide/cGMP/cGMP kinase I (cGKI) signaling causes relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle. In the gastrointestinal tract substrates of cGKI have not been identified yet. In the present study a protein interacting with cGKIbeta has been isolated from a rat intestinal cDNA library using the yeast two-hybrid system. The protein was identified as cysteine-rich protein 2 (CRP2), recently cloned from rat brain (Okano, I., Yamamoto, T., Kaji, A., Kimura, T., Mizuno, K., and Nakamura, T. (1993) FEBS Lett. 333, 51-55). Recombinant CRP2 is specifically phosphorylated by cGKs but not by cAMP kinase in vitro. Co-transfection of CRP2 and cGKIbeta into COS cells confirmed the phosphorylation of CRP2 in vivo. Cyclic GMP kinase I phosphorylated CRP2 at Ser-104, because the mutation to Ala completely prevented the in vivo phosphorylation. Immunohistochemical analysis using confocal laser scan microscopy showed a co-localization of CRP2 and cGKI in the inner part of the circular muscle layer, in the muscularis mucosae, and in specific neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexus. The co-localization together with the specific phosphorylation of CRP2 by cGKI in vitro and in vivo suggests that CRP2 is a novel substrate of cGKI in neurons and smooth muscle of the small intestine.     

Phosphorylation of a synaptic vesicle-associated protein by an inositol hexakisphosphate-regulated protein kinase

Despite the fact that inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP(6)) is the most abundant inositol metabolite in cells, its cellular function has remained an enigma. In the present study, we present the first evidence of a protein kinase identified in rat cerebral cortex/hippocampus that is activated by InsP(6). The substrate for the InsP(6)-regulated protein kinase was found to be the synaptic vesicle-associated protein, pacsin/syndapin I. This brain-specific protein, which is highly enriched at nerve terminals, is proposed to act as a molecular link coupling components of the synaptic vesicle endocytic machinery to the cytoskeleton. We show here that the association between pacsin/syndapin I and dynamin I can be increased by InsP(6)-dependent phosphorylation of pacsin/syndapin I. These data provide a model by which InsP(6)-dependent phosphorylation regulates synaptic vesicle recycling by increasing the interaction between endocytic proteins at the synapse.     

Functional coupling of chromogranin with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor shapes calcium signaling

Chromogranins A and B are high capacity, low affinity calcium (Ca(2+)) storage proteins that bind to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-gated receptor (InsP(3) R). Although most commonly associated with secretory granules of neuroendocrine cells, chromogranins have also been found in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of many cell types. To investigate the functional consequences of the interaction between the InsP(3) R and the chromogranins, we disrupted the interaction between the two proteins by adding a chromogranin fragment, which competed with chromogranin for its binding site on the InsP(3)R. Responses were monitored at the single channel level and in intact cells. When using InsP(3) R type I incorporated into planar lipid bilayers and activated by cytoplasmic InsP(3) and luminal chromogranin, the addition of the fragment reversed the enhancing effect of chromogranin. Moreover, the expression of the fragment in the ER of neuronally differentiated PC12 cells attenuated agonist-induced intracellular Ca(2+) signaling. These results show that the InsP(3)R/chromogranin interaction amplifies Ca(2+) release from the ER and that chromogranin is an essential component of this intracellular channel complex.