The role of opioid receptor phosphorylation and trafficking in adaptations to persistent opioid treatment

Mu-opioid receptor activation underpins clinical analgesia and is the central event in the abuse of narcotics. Continued opioid use produces tolerance to the acute effects of the drug and adaptations that lead to physical and psychological dependence. Continued mu-receptor signaling provides the engine for these adaptations, with most evidence suggesting that chronic agonist treatment produces only limited alterations in primary mu-opioid receptor signaling. Here we examine agonist regulation of mu-opioid receptor function, and whether this is altered by chronic treatment. Receptor phosphorylation is thought to be the key initial event in agonist regulation of the mu-opioid receptor, providing a signal for acute receptor desensitization and also subsequent receptor resensitization. Morphine appears to produce qualitatively and quantitatively different mu-receptor phosphorylation than other agonists, but the consequences of this remain obscure, at least in neurons. There is no evidence that agonist-induced mu-opioid receptor phosphorylation changes in chronically morphine-treated animals, although receptor regulation appears to be altered. Thus, as receptor phosphorylation and resensitization appear to maintain continued signaling through the mu-opioid receptor, these two events are crucial in facilitating adaptations to chronic opioid treatment, and the possibility that agonist-specific phosphorylation can contribute to the development of different adaptations remains open.     

Chronic ethanol consumption in rats produces opioid antinociceptive tolerance through inhibition of mu opioid receptor endocytosis

It is well known that the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) plays an important role in the rewarding properties of ethanol. However, it is less clear how chronic ethanol consumption affects MOR signaling. Here, we demonstrate that rats with prolonged voluntary ethanol consumption develop antinociceptive tolerance to opioids. Signaling through the MOR is controlled at many levels, including via the process of endocytosis. Importantly, agonists at the MOR that promote receptor endocytosis, such as the endogenous peptides enkephalin and β-endorphin, show a reduced propensity to promote antinociceptive tolerance than do agonists, like morphine, which do not promote receptor endocytosis. These observations led us to examine whether chronic ethanol consumption produced opioid tolerance by interfering with MOR endocytosis. Indeed, here we show that chronic ethanol consumption inhibits the endocytosis of MOR in response to opioid peptide. This loss of endocytosis was accompanied by a dramatic decrease in G protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) protein levels after chronic drinking, suggesting that loss of this component of the trafficking machinery could be a mechanism by which endocytosis is lost. We also found that MOR coupling to G-protein was decreased in ethanol-drinking rats, providing a functional explanation for loss of opioid antinociception. Together, these results suggest that chronic ethanol drinking alters the ability of MOR to endocytose in response to opioid peptides, and consequently, promotes tolerance to the effects of opioids.     

C-terminal splice variants of the mouse mu-opioid receptor differ in morphine-induced internalization and receptor resensitization

The main analgesic effects of the opioid alkaloid morphine are mediated by the mu-opioid receptor. In contrast to endogenous opioid peptides, morphine activates the mu-opioid receptor without causing its rapid endocytosis. Recently, three novel C-terminal splice variants (MOR1C, MOR1D, and MOR1E) of the mouse mu-opioid receptor (MOR1) have been identified. In the present study, we show that these receptors differ substantially in their agonist-selective membrane trafficking. MOR1 and MOR1C stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells exhibited phosphorylation, internalization, and down-regulation in the presence of the opioid peptide [d-Ala(2),Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) but not in response to morphine. In contrast, MOR1D and MOR1E exhibited robust phosphorylation, internalization, and down-regulation in response to both DAMGO and morphine. DAMGO elicited a similar desensitization (during an 8-h exposure) and resensitization (during a 50-min drug-free interval) of all four mu-receptor splice variants. After morphine treatment, however, MOR1 and MOR1C showed a faster desensitization and no resensitization as compared with MOR1D and MOR1E. These results strongly reinforce the hypothesis that receptor phosphorylation and internalization are required for opioid receptor reactivation thus counteracting agonist-induced desensitization. Our findings also suggest a mechanism by which cell- and tissue-specific C-terminal splicing of the mu-opioid receptor may significantly modulate the development of tolerance to the various effects of morphine.     

MOR Is Not Enough: Identification of Novel mu-Opioid Receptor Interacting Proteins Using Traditional and Modified Membrane Yeast Two-Hybrid Screens

The mu-opioid receptor (MOR) is the G-protein coupled receptor primarily responsible for mediating the analgesic and rewarding properties of opioid agonist drugs such as morphine, fentanyl, and heroin. We have utilized a combination of traditional and modified membrane yeast two-hybrid screening methods to identify a cohort of novel MOR interacting proteins (MORIPs). The interaction between the MOR and a subset of MORIPs was validated in pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation, and co-localization studies using HEK293 cells stably expressing the MOR as well as rodent brain. Additionally, a subset of MORIPs was found capable of interaction with the delta and kappa opioid receptors, suggesting that they may represent general opioid receptor interacting proteins (ORIPS). Expression of several MORIPs was altered in specific mouse brain regions after chronic treatment with morphine, suggesting that these proteins may play a role in response to opioid agonist drugs. Based on the known function of these newly identified MORIPs, the interactions forming the MOR signalplex are hypothesized to be important for MOR signaling and intracellular trafficking. Understanding the molecular complexity of MOR/MORIP interactions provides a conceptual framework for defining the cellular mechanisms of MOR signaling in brain and may be critical for determining the physiological basis of opioid tolerance and addiction.     

Efficient adenylyl cyclase activation by a beta2-adrenoceptor-G(i)alpha2 fusion protein

The G-protein G(i)alpha can activate adenylyl cyclase (AC), but the relevance of this AC activation is unknown. We used receptor-G protein co-expression and receptor-G protein fusion proteins to investigate G(i)alpha(2) regulation of AC in Sf9 cells. G(i)alpha(2) was fused to the beta(2)-adrenoceptor (beta(2)AR), a preferentially G(s)-coupled receptor, or the formyl peptide receptor (FPR), a G(i)-coupled receptor. The FPR co-expressed with, or fused to, G(i)alpha(2), reduced AC activity. In contrast, the beta(2)AR fused to G(i)alpha(2) was a highly efficient AC activator, while the beta(2)AR co-expressed with G(i)alpha(2) was not. Agonist efficiently stimulated incorporation of [alpha-32P]GTP azidoanilide into beta(2)AR-G(i)alpha(2). We explain AC activation by beta(2)AR-G(i)alpha(2) by a model in which there is interaction of the beta(2)AR and AC, preventing tethered G(i)alpha(2) from interacting with the inhibitory G(i)alpha site of AC. The postulated beta(2)AR/AC interaction brings G(i)alpha(2) into close proximity of the G(s)alpha site of AC, enabling G(i)alpha(2) to activate AC.     

Opioid tolerance and the emergence of new opioid receptor-coupled signaling

Multiple cellular adaptations are elicited by chronic exposure to opioids. These include diminution of spare opioid receptors, decreased opioid receptor density, and G-protein content and coupling thereof. All imply that opioid tolerance is a manifestation of a loss of opioid function, i.e., desensitization. Recent observations challenge the exclusiveness of this formulation and indicate that opioid tolerance also results from qualitative changes in opioid signaling. In this article, Gintzler and Chakrabarti discuss the evidence that suggests that opioid tolerance results not only from impaired opioid receptor functionality, but also from altered consequences of coupling. Underlying the latter are fundamental changes in the nature of effectors that are coupled to the opioid receptor/G-protein signaling pathway. These molecular changes include the upregulation of adenylyl cyclase isoforms of the type II family as well as a substantial increase in their phosphorylation state. As a result, there is a shift in opioid receptor/G-protein signaling from predominantly G_iα inhibitory to G_βγ stimulatory following chronic in vivo morphine exposure. These adaptations to chronic morphine indicate the plasticity of opioid-signal transduction mechanisms and the ability of chronic morphine to augment new signaling strategies.     

mu-Opioid receptor-mediated ERK activation involves calmodulin-dependent epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation.

Phosphorylation of the MAPK isoform ERK by G protein-coupled receptors involves multiple signaling pathways. One of these pathways entails growth factor receptor transactivation followed by ERK activation. This study demonstrates that a similar signaling pathway is used by the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) expressed in HEK293 cells and involves calmodulin (CaM). Stimulation of MOR resulted in both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERK phosphorylation. Data obtained with inhibitors of EGFR Tyr kinase and membrane metalloproteases support an intermediate role of EGFR activation, involving release of endogenous membrane-bound epidermal growth factor. Previous studies had demonstrated a role for CaM in opioid signaling based on direct CaM binding to MOR. To test whether CaM contributes to EGFR transactivation and ERK phosphorylation by MOR, we compared wild-type MOR with mutant K273A MOR, which binds CaM poorly, but couples normally to G proteins. Stimulation of K273A MOR with [D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin (10-100 nm) resulted in significantly reduced ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, wild-type MOR stimulated EGFR Tyr phosphorylation 3-fold more than K273A MOR, indicating that direct CaM-MOR interaction plays a key role in the transactivation process. Inhibitors of CaM and protein kinase C also attenuated [D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin-induced EGFR transactivation in wild-type (but not mutant) MOR-expressing cells. This novel pathway of EGFR transactivation may be shared by other G protein-coupled receptors shown to interact with CaM.     

RGS9-2 is a negative modulator of mu-opioid receptor function

Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) 9-2 is a striatal enriched protein that controls G protein coupled receptor signaling duration by accelerating Galpha subunit guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis. We have previously demonstrated that mice lacking the RGS9 gene show enhanced morphine analgesia and delayed development of tolerance. Here we extend these studies to understand the mechanism via which RGS9-2 modulates opiate actions. Our data suggest that RGS9-2 prevents several events triggered by mu-opioid receptor (MOR) activation. In transiently transfected PC12 cells, RGS9-2 delays agonist induced internalization of epitope HA-tagged mu-opioid receptor. This action of RGS9-2 requires localization of the protein near the cell membrane. Co-immunoprecipitation studies reveal that RGS9-2 interacts with HA-tagged mu-opioid receptor, and that this interaction is enhanced by morphine treatment. In addition, morphine promotes the association of RGS9-2 with another essential component of MOR desensitization, beta-arrestin-2. We also show that over-expression of RGS9-2 prevents opiate-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. Our data indicate that RGS9-2 plays an essential role in opiate actions, by negatively modulating MOR downstream signaling as well as the rate of MOR endocytosis.     

The role of mu opioid receptor desensitization and endocytosis in morphine tolerance and dependence

Following activation, most G protein coupled receptors undergo regulation by a cascade of events that promote receptor desensitization and endocytosis. Following endocytosis, receptors can then be recycled to the plasma membrane, retained in an intracellular compartment, or targeted for degradation. For receptors that are recycled, like the mu opioid receptor (MOR), endocytosis serves as the first step toward resensitizing receptors. For receptors that are degraded, endocytosis serves as the first step toward receptor downregulation. Thus, for receptors like the MOR, the desensitization-endocytosis-resensitization cycle serves as a rapid and dynamic means to titrate signaling through the receptor. However, not all agonist ligands at the MOR promote the same degree of receptor desensitization and endocytosis. For example, the endogenous peptide ligands at the MOR induce rapid desensitization, endocytosis, and recycling. By contrast, morphine induces only weak or partial desensitization and little to no endocytosis. As a consequence, signal transduction promoted by morphine is less dynamic than that induced by endogenous ligands as well as other opioid agonists that promote endocytosis. The resulting imbalance of desensitization-endocytosis-resensitization has at least two consequences: (1) in cell types where morphine induces desensitization but not endocytosis and/or resensitization, desensitization is protracted; (2) in cell types where morphine induces neither desensitization nor endocytosis, prolonged signaling through the receptor leads to multiple cellular adaptations downstream of receptor-G protein coupling. Both protracted desensitization and adaptive cellular changes probably contribute to the pronounced in vivo tolerance and dependence that occur with chronic morphine treatment. As a consequence, facilitating receptor endocytosis, using either genetic or pharmacological approaches, can restore the balance of signaling through the receptor and affect the development of tolerance and dependence.     

Sympathetic denervation-induced changes in G protein expression in enteric neurons of the guinea pig colon

Chronic sympathetic denervation entails subsensitivity to alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists and supersensitivity to kappa- and mu-opioid receptor agonists modulating cholinergic neurons in the guinea pig colon. A possible role for signal transduction G proteins in contributing to development of these sensitivity changes was investigated. Pertussis toxin (PTX), a blocker of the G(i/o)-type family of G proteins significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of UK14,304 (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist), U69593 (kappa-opioid receptor agonist) and DAMGO (mu-opioid receptor agonist) on acetylcholine (ACh) overflow in preparations obtained from normal animals, but not in those obtained from sympathetically denervated animals. In this experimental condition, immunoblot analysis revealed reduced levels of G(alphao), G(alphai2), G(alphai3) and G(beta) in myenteric plexus synaptosomes. On reverse, synaptosomal levels of G(alphai1) and G(alphaz), a PTX-insensitive G-protein, increased after chronic ablation of the sympathetic pathways. These data suggest that changes in the function and expression of inhibitory G proteins coupled to alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, kappa- and mu-opioid receptors occur in the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig colon after chronic sympathetic denervation. The possibility that regulation of G proteins represents one of the biochemical mechanisms at the basis of the changes in sensitivity of enteric cholinergic neurons to alpha(2)-adrenoceptor, kappa- and mu-opioid receptor agonists is discussed.     

Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase is distinctively required for mu-, but not kappa-opioid receptor-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase

Opioid receptors are the therapeutic targets of narcotic analgesics. All three types of opioid receptors (mu, delta and kappa) are prototypical G(i)-coupled receptors with common signaling characteristics in their regulation of intracellular events. Nevertheless, numerous signaling processes are differentially regulated by the three receptors. We have recently demonstrated that stimulation of delta-opioid receptor can up-regulate the activity of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner (Kam et al. 2003; J. Neurochem. 84, 503-513). The present study revealed that the mu-opioid receptor could stimulate JNK in both SH-SY5Y cells and transfected COS-7 cells. The mechanism by which the mu-opioid receptor stimulated JNK was delineated with the use of specific inhibitors and dominant-negative mutants of signaling intermediates. Activation of JNK by the mu-opioid receptor was mediated through G beta gamma, Src kinase, son-of-sevenless (Sos), Rac and Cdc42. Interestingly, unlike the delta-opioid receptors, the mu-opioid receptor required phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) to activate JNK. The mu-opioid receptor-induced JNK activation was effectively inhibited by wortmannin or the coexpression of a dominant negative mutant of PI3K gamma. Like the delta-opioid receptor, activation of JNK by the kappa-opioid receptor occurred in a PI3K-independent manner. These studies revealed that the mu-opioid receptor utilize a distinct mechanism to regulate JNK.     

Opioid tolerance/dependence in neuroblastoma x glioma (NG108-15) hybrid cells is associated with a reduction in spontaneous stimulatory receptor activity

Chronic opioid regulation of stimulatory receptor activity was investigated in neuroblastoma x glioma (NG108-15) hybrid cells stably transfected to express the human beta(2)-adrenoceptor (beta(2)-AR). Expressed beta(2)-ARs are functionally coupled to G proteins and display ligand-independent signalling activity, as demonstrated by the ability of an inverse agonist to attenuate basal adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity. Despite the relative increase in basal AC activity due to the development of tolerance/dependence, chronic morphine treatment was found to completely abolish spontaneous beta(2)-AR activity by reducing basal receptor/G protein precoupling. A similar chronic opioid effect was observed in transiently transfected COS-7 cells. These results indicate that during the state of opioid tolerance/dependence basal levels of AC activity are no longer under the control of spontaneously active stimulatory receptors.     

Relationship between the G protein signaling and homologous desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors

Signaling and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptor are intimately related, and measuring them separately requires certain parameters that represent desensitization independently of signaling. In this study, we tested whether desensitization requires signaling in three different receptors, beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) in S49 lymphoma cells, alpha-factor pheromone receptor (Ste2p) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae LM102 cells, and dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) in HEK-293 cells. Agonist-induced beta-arrestin translocation to the plasma membrane or receptor sequestration was measured to estimate homologous desensitization. To separate the signaling and desensitization of beta2AR, which mediates stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, S49 lymphoma cys- cells that lack the alpha subunit of Gs were used. Stimulation of beta2AR in these cells failed to increase intracellular cAMP, but beta-arrestin translocation still occurred, suggesting that feedback from beta2AR signaling is not required for homologous desensitization to occur. Agonist-induced sequestration of the yeast Ste2p-L236R, which showed reduced signaling through G protein, was not different from that of wildtype Ste2p, suggesting that the receptor signaling and sequestration are not directly linked cellular events. Both G protein coupling and D3R signaling, measured as inhibition of cAMP production, were greatly enhanced by co-expression of exogenous alpha subunit of Go (Goalpha) or adenylyl cyclase type 5 (AC5), respectively. However, agonist-induced beta-arrestin translocation, receptor phosphorylation, and sequestration were not affected by co-expression of Galphao and AC5, suggesting that the extent of signaling does not determine desensitization intensity. Taken together, our results consistently suggest that G protein signaling and homologous desensitization are independent cellular processes.     

Co-expressions of different opioid receptor types differentially modulate their signaling via G(16)

Combinations of two different types of opioid receptors - delta-, kappa-, mu-opioid receptors (DOR, KOR, and MOR) and opioid receptor-like receptor 1 (ORL(1)) - were co-expressed with the alpha subunit of G(16) in COS-7 cells, and the ability of various selective agonists to induce activation of phospholipase Cbeta was examined. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ-induced response was enhanced when ORL(1) was co-expressed with MOR or KOR but not DOR. The kappa-agonist U50,488H induced a modest inositol phosphate formation when KOR was expressed alone or with MOR, but the response was attenuated when co-expressing with either DOR or ORL(1). It is suggested that the co-expressions of two different opioid receptor types indeed modify their downstream signaling events.     

Gβγ that interacts with adenylyl cyclase in opioid tolerance originates from a Gs protein

We previously demonstrated that chronic morphine induces a change in G protein coupling by the mu opioid receptor (MOR) from Gi/o to Gs, concurrent with the instatement of an interaction between Gβγ and adenylyl cyclase types II and IV. These two signaling changes confer excitatory effects on the cell in place of the typical inhibition by opioids and are associated with morphine tolerance and dependence. Both signaling changes and these behavioral manifestations of chronic morphine are attenuated by cotreatment with ultra‐low‐dose naloxone. In the present work, using striatum from chronic morphine‐treated rats, we isotyped the Gβ within Gs and Go heterotrimers that coupled to MOR and compared these to the Gβ isotype of the Gβγ that interacted with adenylyl cyclase II or IV after chronic morphine treatment. Isotyping results show that chronic morphine causes a Gs heterotrimer associated with MOR to release its Gβγ to interact with adenylyl cyclase. These data suggest that the switch to Gs coupling by MOR in response to chronic morphine, which is attenuated by ultra‐low‐dose opioid antagonist cotreatment, leads to a two‐pronged stimulation of adenylyl cyclase utilizing both Gα and Gβγ subunits of the Gs protein novel to this receptor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006     

Changes in the expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinases and beta-arrestin 2 in rat brain during opioid tolerance and supersensitivity

We previously demonstrated that chronic treatment of rats with the mu-opioid receptor agonist sufentanil induced pharmacological tolerance associated with mu-opioid receptor desensitization and down-regulation. Administration of the calcium channel blocker nimodipine during chronic treatment with sufentanil prevented mu-opioid receptor down-regulation, induced down-stream supersensitization, and produced supersensitivity to the opioid effects. The focus of the present study was to determine a role for G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and beta-arrestin 2 in agonist-induced mu-opioid receptor signalling modulation during chronic opioid tolerance and supersensitivity. Tolerance was induced by 7-day chronic infusion of sufentanil (2 microgram/h). Supersensitivity was induced by concurrent infusion of sufentanil (2 microgram/h) and nimodipine (1 microgram/h) for 7 days. Antinociception was evaluated by the tail-flick test. GRK2, GRK3, GRK6 and beta-arrestin 2 immunoreactivity levels were determined by western blot in brain cortices. Acute and chronic treatment with sufentanil induced analgesic tolerance, associated with up-regulation of GRK2, GRK6, and beta-arrestin 2. GRK3 expression only was increased in the acutely treated group. When nimodipine was associated to the chronic opioid treatment, tolerance expression was prevented, and immunoreactivity levels of GRK2, GRK6 and beta-arrestin 2 recovered the control values. These data indicate that GRK2, GRK3, GRK6 and beta-arrestin 2 are involved in the short- and long-term adaptive changes in mu-opioid receptor activity, contributing to tolerance development in living animals. These observations also suggest that GRKs and beta-arrestin 2 could constitute pharmacological targets to prevent opioid tolerance development, and to improve the analgesic efficacy of opioid drugs.     

ADP-ribosylation factor-dependent phospholipase D2 activation is required for agonist-induced mu-opioid receptor endocytosis

Agonist exposure of many G protein-coupled receptors induces a rapid receptor phosphorylation and uncoupling from G proteins. Resensitization of these desensitized receptors requires endocytosis and subsequent dephosphorylation. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, the rat mu-opioid receptor (MOR1, also termed MOP) was found to be associated with phospholipase D2 (PLD2), a phospholipid-specific phosphodiesterase located in the plasma membrane, which has been implicated in the formation of endocytotic vesicles. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments in HEK293 cells coexpressing MOR1 and PLD2 confirmed that MOR1 constitutively interacts with PLD2. Treatment with the mu receptor agonist DAMGO ([d-Ala(2), Me Phe(4), Glyol(5)]enkephalin) led to an increase in PLD2 activity, whereas morphine, which does not induce MOR1 receptor internalization, failed to induce PLD2 activation. The DAMGO-mediated PLD2 activation was inhibited by brefeldin A, an inhibitor of ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) but not by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C indicating that opioid receptor-mediated activation of PLD2 is ARF- but not PKC-dependent. Furthermore, heterologous stimulation of PLD2 by phorbol ester led to an accelerated internalization of the mu-opioid receptor after both DAMGO and morphine exposure. Conversely the inhibition of PLD2-mediated phosphatidic acid formation by 1-butanol or overexpression of a negative mutant of PLD2 prevented agonist-mediated endocytosis of MOR1. Together, these data suggest that PLD2 play a key role in the regulation of agonist-induced endocytosis of the mu-opioid receptor.     

Gbetagamma that interacts with adenylyl cyclase in opioid tolerance originates from a Gs protein

We previously demonstrated that chronic morphine induces a change in G protein coupling by the mu opioid receptor (MOR) from Gi/o to Gs, concurrent with the instatement of an interaction between Gbetagamma and adenylyl cyclase types II and IV. These two signaling changes confer excitatory effects on the cell in place of the typical inhibition by opioids and are associated with morphine tolerance and dependence. Both signaling changes and these behavioral manifestations of chronic morphine are attenuated by cotreatment with ultra-low-dose naloxone. In the present work, using striatum from chronic morphine-treated rats, we isotyped the Gbeta within Gs and Go heterotrimers that coupled to MOR and compared these to the Gbeta isotype of the Gbetagamma that interacted with adenylyl cyclase II or IV after chronic morphine treatment. Isotyping results show that chronic morphine causes a Gs heterotrimer associated with MOR to release its Gbetagamma to interact with adenylyl cyclase. These data suggest that the switch to Gs coupling by MOR in response to chronic morphine, which is attenuated by ultra-low-dose opioid antagonist cotreatment, leads to a two-pronged stimulation of adenylyl cyclase utilizing both Galpha and Gbetagamma subunits of the Gs protein novel to this receptor.     

RGS14 prevents morphine from internalizing Mu-opioid receptors in periaqueductal gray neurons

Opioid agonists display different capacities to stimulate mu-opioid receptor (MOR) endocytosis, which is related to their ability to provoke the phosphorylation of specific cytosolic residues in the MORs. Generally, opioids that efficiently promote MOR endocytosis and recycling produce little tolerance, as is the case for [d-Ala², N-MePhe⁴,Gly-ol⁵] encephalin (DAMGO). However, morphine produces rapid and profound antinociceptive desensitization in the adult mouse brain associated with little MOR internalization. The regulator of G-protein signaling, the RGS14 protein, associates with MORs in periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) neurons, and when RGS14 is silenced morphine increased the serine 375 phosphorylation in the C terminus of the MOR, a GRK substrate. Subsequently, these receptors were internalized and recycled back to the membrane where they accumulated on cessation of antinociception. These mice now exhibited a resensitized response to morphine and little tolerance developed. Thus, in morphine-activated MORs the RGS14 prevents GRKs from phosphorylating those residues required for β-arresting-mediated endocytosis. Moreover morphine but not DAMGO triggered a process involving calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) in naïve mice, which contributes to MOR desensitization in the plasma membrane. In RGS14 knockdown mice morphine failed to activate this kinase. It therefore appears that phosphorylation and internalization of MORs disrupts the CaMKII-mediated negative regulation of these opioid receptors.