Protein kinase A and G protein-coupled receptor kinase phosphorylation mediates beta-1 adrenergic receptor endocytosis through different pathways

Agonist-induced phosphorylation of beta-adrenergic receptors (beta ARs) by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) results in their desensitization followed by internalization. Whether protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation of beta ARs, particularly the beta 1AR subtype, can also trigger internalization is currently not known. To test this, we cloned the mouse wild type beta 1AR (WT beta 1AR) and created 3 mutants lacking, respectively: the putative PKA phosphorylation sites (PKA-beta 1AR), the putative GRK phosphorylation sites (GRK-beta 1AR), and both sets of phosphorylation sites (PKA-/GRK-beta 1AR). Following agonist stimulation, both PKA-beta 1AR and GRK-beta 1AR mutants showed comparable increases in phosphorylation and desensitization. Saturating concentrations of agonist induced only 50% internalization of either mutant compared with wild type, suggesting that both PKA and GRK phosphorylation of the receptor contributed to receptor sequestration in an additive manner. Moreover, in contrast to the WT beta 1AR and PKA-beta 1AR, sequestration of the GRK-beta 1AR and PKA-/GRK-beta 1AR was independent of beta-arrestin recruitment. Importantly, clathrin inhibitors abolished agonist-dependent internalization for both the WT beta 1AR and PKA-beta 1AR, whereas caveolae inhibitors prevented internalization only of the GRK-beta 1AR mutant. Taken together, these data demonstrate that: 1) PKA-mediated phosphorylation can trigger agonist-induced internalization of the beta 1AR and 2) the pathway selected for beta 1AR internalization is primarily determined by the kinase that phosphorylates the receptor, i.e. PKA-mediated phosphorylation directs internalization via a caveolae pathway, whereas GRK-mediated phosphorylation directs it through clathrin-coated pits.     

Structural basis of beta-adrenergic receptor function

Receptors that mediate their actions by stimulating guanine nucleotide binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) share structural as well as functional similarities. The structural motif characteristic of receptors of this class includes seven hydrophobic putative transmembrane domains linked by hydrophilic loops. Genetic analysis of the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) revealed that the ligand binding domain of this receptor, like that of rhodopsin, involves residues within the hydrophobic core of the protein. On the basis of these studies, a model for ligand binding to the receptor has been developed in which the amino group of an agonist or antagonist is anchored to the receptor through the carboxylate side chain of Asp113 in the third transmembrane helix. Other interactions between specific residues of the receptor and functional groups on the ligand have also been proposed. The interaction between the beta AR and the G protein Gs has been shown to involve an intracellular region that is postulated to form an amphiphilic alpha helix. This region of the beta AR is also critical for sequestration, which accompanies agonist-mediated desensitization, to occur. Structural similarities among G protein-linked receptors suggest that the information gained from the genetic analysis of the beta AR should help define functionally important regions of other receptors of this class.     

Multiple pathways of rapid beta 2-adrenergic receptor desensitization. Delineation with specific inhibitors

Exposure of beta-adrenergic receptors (beta ARs) to agonists causes rapid desensitization of the receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase response. Three main mechanisms have been implicated in this process: phosphorylation of the receptors by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), phosphorylation by the specific agonist-dependent beta AR kinase, and sequestration of the receptors away from the cell surface. By applying inhibitors of these processes to digitonin-permeabilized A431 cells we investigated their contributions to beta AR desensitization. Each process could be selectively inhibited: PKA-dependent phosphorylation by an inhibitor peptide (amino acids 1-24 of the heat-stable inhibitor of PKA (PKI], beta AR kinase-dependent phosphorylation by heparin, and sequestration by concanavalin A. In permeabilized cells, heparin plus PKI completely blocked agonist-induced phosphorylation of the beta ARs. Desensitization was assessed by quantitating the signal transduction efficacy of the system. At high agonist concentrations (approximately 1 microM) up to 70% desensitization occurred. Complete blockade of this desensitization required the concurrent inhibition of all three pathways. When individual pathways were blocked it could be demonstrated that either the PKA or beta AR kinase mechanisms alone resulted in 40-50% desensitization whereas sequestration alone caused 20-30% desensitization. At low agonist concentrations (approximately 10 nM), the PKA pathway was selectively activated. These data indicate that while desensitization mediated via the three different mechanisms can occur independently, the quantitative contributions are not additive. Such findings suggest distinct but overlapping physiological roles for each mechanism in controlling receptor function.     

Functional receptor coupling to Gi is a mechanism of agonist-promoted desensitization of the beta2-adrenergic receptor

The beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) couples to Gs activating adenylyl cyclase (AC) and increasing cAMP. Such signaling undergoes desensitization with continued agonist exposure. Beta2AR also couple to Gi after receptor phosphorylation by the cAMP dependent protein kinase A, but the efficiency of such coupling is not known. Given the PKA dependence of beta2AR-Gi coupling, we explored whether this may be a mechanism of agonist-promoted desensitization. HEK293 cells were transfected to express beta2AR or beta2AR and Gialpha2, and then treated with vehicle or the agonist isoproterenol to evoke agonist-promoted beta2AR desensitization. Membrane AC activities showed that Gialpha2 overexpression decreased basal levels, but the fold-stimulation of the AC over basal by agonist was not altered. However, with treatment of the cells with isoproterenol prior to membrane preparation, a marked decrease in agonist-stimulated AC was observed with the cells overexpressing Gialpha2. In the absence of such overexpression, beta2AR desensitization was 23+/-7%, while with 5-fold Gialpha2 overexpression desensitization was 58+/-5% (p<0.01, n=4). The effect of Gi on desensitization was receptor-specific, in that forskolin responses were not altered by G(i)alpha2 overexpression. Thus, acquired beta2AR coupling to Gi is an important mechanism of agonist-promoted desensitization, and pathologic conditions that increase Gi levels contribute to beta2AR dysfunction.     

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.     

Complexity of agonist- and cyclic AMP-mediated downregulation of the human beta 1-adrenergic receptor: role of internalization,degradation, and mRNA destabilization

Prolonged agonist exposure often induces downregulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Although downregulation of the prototypical beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) has been extensively studied, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be resolved. As even less is known about the beta(1)-subtype, we investigated the downregulation of human beta(1)AR stably expressed in Chinese hamster fibroblasts in response to the agonist isoproterenol or the cell-permeable, chlorophenylthio-cAMP (CPT-cAMP). While either effector mediated decreases in both beta(1)AR binding activity and steady-state beta(1)AR mRNA levels, there were significant differences in their actions. Whereas agonist-mediated downregulation of beta(1)AR followed first-order kinetics, that induced by CPT-cAMP was delayed for several hours and approximately 50% of the former. Furthermore, agonist but not CPT-cAMP induced beta(1)AR internalization, and inhibiting internalization also suppressed agonist-mediated downregulation. The latter, however, was more sensitive than the former to agonist concentration (EC(50) of 0.3 vs 48 nM). Thus, at < or =1 nM agonist, downregulation occurred without internalization and with a pattern similar to that mediated by CPT-cAMP. The amounts of beta(1)AR downregulated or internalized were proportional to initial receptor levels but reached saturation at approximately 2 and 3 pmol/mg of protein, respectively. The fate of beta(1)AR protein during downregulation was determined by immunoblotting with anti-C-terminal antibodies. In agonist-treated cells, beta(1)AR protein disappeared with time and without any immunoreactive degradation products. Agonist-mediated downregulation of the human beta(1)AR appears to be a complex process that consists of both agonist- and cAMP-specific components. The former involves both receptor internalization and degradation whereas the latter involves a reduction in receptor mRNA.     

The palmitoylation state of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor regulates the synergistic action of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and beta-adrenergic receptor kinase involved in its phosphorylation and desensitization

Although palmitoylation of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR), as well as its phosphorylation by the cyclic AMP-dependant protein kinase (PKA) and the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), are known to play important roles in agonist-promoted desensitization, their relative contribution and mutual regulatory influences are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role that the carboxyl tail PKA site (Ser(345,346)) of the beta(2)AR plays in its rapid agonist-promoted phosphorylation and desensitization. Mutation of this site (Ala(345,346)beta(2)AR) significantly reduced the rate and extent of the rapid desensitization promoted by sustained treatment with the agonist isoproterenol. The direct contribution of Ser(345,346) in desensitization was then studied by mutating all other putative PKA and beta ARK phosphorylation sites (Ala(261,262)beta ARK(-)beta(2)AR). We found this mutant receptor to be phosphorylated upon receptor activation but not following direct activation of PKA, suggesting a role in receptor-specific (homologous) but not heterologous phosphorylation. However, despite its phosphorylated state, Ala(261,262)beta ARK(-)beta(2)AR did not undergo rapid desensitization upon agonist treatment, indicating that phosphorylation of Ser(345,346) alone is not sufficient to promote desensitization. Taken with the observation that mutation of either Ser(345,346) or of the beta ARK phosphorylation sites prevented both the hyper-phosphorylation and constitutive desensitization of a palmitoylation-less mutant (Gly(341)beta(2)AR), our data suggest a concerted/synergistic action of the two kinases that depends on the palmitoylation state of the receptor. Consistent with this notion, in vitro phosphorylation of Gly(341)beta(2)AR by the catalytic subunit of PKA facilitated further phosphorylation of the receptor by purified beta ARK. Our study therefore allows us to propose a coordinated mechanism by which sequential depalmitoylation, and phosphorylation by PKA and beta ARK lead to the functional uncoupling and desensitization of the ss(2)AR.     

Phosphorylation sites on two domains of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor are involved in distinct pathways of receptor desensitization

Continuous exposure of cells to neurotransmitter or hormone agonists often results in a rapid desensitization of the cellular response. For example, pretreatment of Chinese hamster fibroblasts (CHW cells) expressing beta 2-adrenergic receptors (beta 2AR) with low (nanomolar) concentrations of isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist, causes decreases in the sensitivity of the cellular adenylyl cyclase response to the agonist, without changing the maximal responsiveness. In contrast, exposure of CHW cells to high (micromolar) concentrations of isoproterenol results in decreases in both sensitivity and the maximal responsiveness to agonist. To explore the role(s) of receptor phosphorylation in these processes, we expressed in CHW cells three mutant beta 2AR genes encoding receptors lacking putative phosphorylation sites for the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and/or the cAMP-independent beta 2AR kinase. Using these mutants we found that exposure of cells to low concentrations of agonist appears to preferentially induce phosphorylation at protein kinase A sites. This phosphorylation correlates with the decreased sensitivity to agonist stimulation of the adenylyl cyclase response. At higher agonist concentrations phosphorylation on both the beta 2AR kinase and protein kinase A sites occurs, and only then is the maximal cyclase responsiveness elicited by agonist reduced. We conclude that low or high concentrations of agonist elicit phosphorylation of beta 2AR on distinct domains, with different implications for the functional coupling of the receptors with effector molecules.     

Substitution of an extracellular cysteine in the beta 2-adrenergic receptor enhances agonist-promoted phosphorylation and receptor desensitization

We constructed and expressed in a permanent cell line a beta 2-adrenergic receptor with a valine substitution for cysteine 184 of the second putative extracellular loop. The mutant receptor was partially uncoupled from adenylyl cyclase with impaired ability to form the high affinity agonist-receptor-G protein complex, yet displayed more rapid and extensive agonist-induced desensitization. The enhanced desensitization was accompanied by increased agonist promoted, but not cAMP promoted, receptor phosphorylation in intact cells. Thus, not only is impaired desensitization associated with decreased phosphorylation, as we have shown with several mutant beta 2-adrenergic receptors recently, but enhanced desensitization is accompanied by increased agonist promoted receptor phosphorylation. In the case of this cysteine mutant, this may be due to the greater accessibility of the uncoupled receptor for phosphorylation by the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase.     

Stable association of G proteins with beta 2AR is independent of the state of receptor activation.

beta 2-Adrenergic receptors expressed in Sf9 cells activate endogenous Gs and adenylyl cyclase [Mouillac B., Caron M., Bonin H., Dennis M. and Bouvier M. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 21733-21737]. However, high affinity agonist binding is not detectable under these conditions suggesting an improper stoichiometry between the receptor and the G protein and possibly the effector molecule as well. In this study we demonstrate that when beta 2-adrenergic receptors were co-expressed with various mammalian G protein subunits in Sf9 cells using recombinant baculoviruses signalling properties found in native receptor systems were reconstituted. For example, when beta 2AR was co-expressed with the Gs alpha subunit, maximal receptor-mediated adenylyl cyclase stimulation was greatly enhanced (60 +/- 9.0 versus 150 +/- 52 pmol cAMP/min/mg protein) and high affinity, GppNHp-sensitive, agonist binding was detected. When G beta gamma subunits were co-expressed with Gs alpha and the beta 2AR, receptor-stimulated GTPase activity was also demonstrated, in contrast to when the receptor was expressed alone, and this activity was higher than when beta 2AR was co-expressed with Gs alpha alone. Other properties of the receptor, including receptor desensitization and response to inverse agonists were unaltered. Using antisera against an epitope-tagged beta 2AR, both Gs alpha and beta gamma subunits could be co-immunoprecipitated with the beta 2AR under conditions where subunit dissociation would be expected given current models of G protein function. A desensitization-defective beta 2AR (S261, 262, 345, 346A) and a mutant which is constitutively desensitized (C341G) could also co-immunoprecipitate G protein subunits. These results will be discussed in terms of a revised view of G protein-mediated signalling which may help address issues of specificity in receptor/G protein coupling.     

Resistance of the human beta1-adrenergic receptor to agonist-induced ubiquitination: a mechanism for impaired receptor degradation

Down-regulation is a classic response of most G protein-coupled receptors to prolonged agonist stimulation. We recently showed that when expressed in baby hamster kidney cells, the human beta1-but not the beta2-adrenergic receptor (AR) is totally resistant to agonist-mediated down-regulation, whereas both have similar rates of basal degradation (Liang, W., Austin, S., Hoang, Q., and Fishman, P. H. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 39773-39781). To identify the underlying mechanism(s) for this resistance, we investigated the role of proteasomes, lysosomes, and ubiquitination in the degradation of beta1AR expressed in baby hamster kidney and human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Both lysosomal and proteasomal inhibitors reduced beta1AR degradation in agonist-stimulated cells but were less effective on basal degradation. To determine whether beta1AR trafficked to lysosomes we used confocal fluorescence microscopy. We observed some colocalization of beta1AR and lysosomal markers in agonist-treated cells but much less than that of beta2AR even in cells co-transfected with arrestin-2, which increases beta1AR internalization. Ubiquitination of beta2AR readily occurred in agonist-stimulated cells, whereas ubiquitination of beta1AR was not detectable even under conditions optimal for that of beta2AR. Moreover, in cells expressing betaAR chimeras in which the C termini have been switched, the chimeric beta1AR with beta2AR C-tail underwent ubiquitination and down-regulation, but the chimeric beta2AR with beta1AR C-tail did not. Our results demonstrate for the first time that beta1AR and beta2AR differ in the ability to be ubiquitinated. Because ubiquitin serves as a signal for sorting membrane receptors to lysosomes, the lack of agonist-mediated ubiquitination of beta1AR may prevent its extensive trafficking to lysosomes and, thus, account for its resistance to down-regulation.     

Role of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase site serine cluster in beta2-adrenergic receptor internalization, desensitization, and beta-arrestin translocation

There is considerable evidence for the role of carboxyl-terminal serines 355, 356, and 364 in G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-mediated phosphorylation and desensitization of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (beta(2)ARs). In this study we used receptors in which these serines were changed to alanines (SA3) or to aspartic acids (SD3) to determine the role of these sites in beta-arrestin-dependent beta(2)AR internalization and desensitization. Coupling efficiencies for epinephrine activation of adenylyl cyclase were similar in wild-type and mutant receptors, demonstrating that the SD3 mutant did not drive constitutive GRK desensitization. Treatment of wild-type and mutant receptors with 0.3 nm isoproterenol for 5 min induced approximately 2-fold increases in the EC(50) for agonist activation of adenylyl cyclase, consistent with protein kinase A (PKA) site-mediated desensitization. When exposed to 1 mum isoproterenol to trigger GRK site-mediated desensitization, only wild-type receptors showed significant further desensitization. Using a phospho site-specific antibody, we determined that there is no requirement for these GRK sites in PKA-mediated phosphorylation at high agonist concentration. The rates of agonist-induced internalization of the SD3 and SA3 mutants were 44 and 13%, respectively, relative to that of wild-type receptors, but the SD3 mutant recruited enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-beta-arrestin 2 to the plasma membrane, whereas the SA3 mutant did not. EGFP-beta-Arrestin2 overexpression triggered a significant increase in the extent of SD3 mutant desensitization but had no effect on the desensitization of wild-type receptors or the SA3 mutant. Expression of a phosphorylation-independent beta-arrestin 1 mutant (R169E) significantly rescued the internalization defect of the SA3 mutant but inhibited the phosphorylation of serines 355 and 356 in wild-type receptors. Our data demonstrate that (i) the lack of GRK sites does not impair PKA site phosphorylation, (ii) the SD3 mutation inhibits GRK-mediated desensitization although it supports some agonist-induced beta-arrestin binding and receptor internalization, and (iii) serines 355, 356, and 364 play a pivotal role in the GRK-mediated desensitization, beta-arrestin binding, and internalization of beta(2)ARs.     

Desensitization of the human beta 1-adrenergic receptor. Involvement of the cyclic AMP-dependent but not a receptor-specific protein kinase.

Human SK-N-MC neurotumor cells express beta 1- but not beta 2-adrenergic receptors. Following exposure of the cells to isoproterenol, there was no reduction in the maximum response of adenylyl cyclase to the agonist but a 3-fold shift to less sensitivity in the concentration response. This desensitization was very rapid and dose dependent; half-maximal effects occurred at 10 nM isoproterenol. A similar shift was observed when membranes from control cells were incubated with ATP and the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). No shift, however, was observed in intact cells exposed to either dibutyryl cyclic AMP or dopamine, which stimulates adenylyl cyclase in these cells through D1 dopamine receptors. To pursue the role of protein kinases in the desensitization process, cells were made permeable, loaded with a PKA inhibitor or with heparin, an inhibitor of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), and exposed to isoproterenol. The PKA inhibitor but not heparin blocked the agonist-mediated desensitization. In contrast, desensitized human tumor cells (HeLa and A431), which express beta 2-adrenergic receptors, exhibited both a shift in concentration response and a reduction in maximum response; the former was blocked by the PKA inhibitor and the latter by heparin. Our results indicated that whereas both human beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors are susceptible to PKA, only the beta 2 receptors are susceptible to beta ARK. These differences in desensitization may be due to differences in receptor structure as the human beta 1 receptor has fewer potential phosphorylation sites for beta ARK in the carboxyl terminus than the human beta 2 receptor.     

Altered phosphorylation and desensitization patterns of a human beta 2-adrenergic receptor lacking the palmitoylated Cys341.

Exposure of beta 2-adrenergic receptors to agonists causes a rapid desensitization of the receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase, associated with an increased phosphorylation of the receptor. Agonist-promoted phosphorylation of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) by protein kinase A and the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) is believed to promote a functional uncoupling of the receptor from the guanyl nucleotide regulatory protein Gs. More recently, palmitoylation of Cys341 of the receptor has also been proposed to play an important role in the coupling of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor to Gs. Here we report that substitution of the palmitoylated cysteine by a glycine (Gly341 beta 2 AR) using site directed mutagenesis leads to a receptor being highly phosphorylated and largely uncoupled from Gs. In Chinese hamster fibroblasts (CHW), stably transfected with the human receptor cDNAs, the basal phosphorylation level of Gly341 beta 2AR was found to be approximately 4 times that of the wild type receptor. This elevated phosphorylation level was accompanied by a depressed ability of the receptor to stimulate the adenylyl cyclase and to form a guanyl nucleotide-sensitive high affinity state for agonists. Moreover, exposure of this unpalmitoylated receptor to an agonist did not promote any further phosphorylation or uncoupling. A modest desensitization of the receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase response was observed but resulted from the agonist-induced sequestration of the unpalmitoylated receptor and could be blocked by concanavalin A. This contrasts with the agonist-promoted phosphorylation and uncoupling of the wild type receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Regulation of membrane targeting of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 by protein kinase A and its anchoring protein AKAP79

The beta2 adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) undergoes desensitization by a process involving its phosphorylation by both protein kinase A (PKA) and G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). The protein kinase A-anchoring protein AKAP79 influences beta2AR phosphorylation by complexing PKA with the receptor at the membrane. Here we show that AKAP79 also regulates the ability of GRK2 to phosphorylate agonist-occupied receptors. In human embryonic kidney 293 cells, overexpression of AKAP79 enhances agonist-induced phosphorylation of both the beta2AR and a mutant of the receptor that cannot be phosphorylated by PKA (beta2AR/PKA-). Mutants of AKAP79 that do not bind PKA or target to the beta2AR markedly inhibit phosphorylation of beta2AR/PKA-. We show that PKA directly phosphorylates GRK2 on serine 685. This modification increases Gbetagamma subunit binding to GRK2 and thus enhances the ability of the kinase to translocate to the membrane and phosphorylate the receptor. Abrogation of the phosphorylation of serine 685 on GRK2 by mutagenesis (S685A) or by expression of a dominant negative AKAP79 mutant reduces GRK2-mediated translocation to beta2AR and phosphorylation of agonist-occupied beta2AR, thus reducing subsequent receptor internalization. Agonist-stimulated PKA-mediated phosphorylation of GRK2 may represent a mechanism for enhancing receptor phosphorylation and desensitization.     

Regulation of A2B adenosine receptor functioning by tumour necrosis factor a in human astroglial cells

Low-affinity A2B adenosine receptors (A2B ARs), which are expressed in astrocytes, are mainly activated during brain hypoxia and ischaemia, when large amounts of adenosine are released. Cytokines, which are also produced at high levels under these conditions, may regulate receptor responsiveness. In the present study, we detected A2B AR in human astrocytoma cells (ADF) by both immunoblotting and real-time PCR. Functional studies showed that the receptor stimulated adenylyl cyclase through Gs proteins. Moreover, A2B ARs were phosphorylated and desensitized following stimulation of the receptors with high agonist concentration. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) treatment (24- h) increased A2B AR functional response and receptor G protein coupling, without any changes in receptor protein and mRNA levels. TNF-alpha markedly reduced agonist-dependent receptor phosphorylation on threonine residues and attenuated agonist-mediated A2B ARs desensitization. In the presence of TNF-alpha, A2B AR stimulation in vitro induced the elongation of astrocytic processes, a typical morphological hallmark of in vivo reactive astrogliosis. This event was completely prevented by the selective A2B AR antagonist MRS 1706 and required the presence of TNF-alpha. These results suggest that, in ADF cells, TNF-alpha selectively modulates A2B AR coupling to G proteins and receptor functional response, providing new insights to clarify the pathophysiological role of A2B AR in response to brain damage.     

Hierarchy of polymorphic variation and desensitization permutations relative to beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor signaling

Agonist-promoted desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors results in partial uncoupling of receptor from cognate G-protein, a process that provides for rapid adaptation to the signaling environment. This property plays important roles in physiologic and pathologic processes as well as therapeutic efficacy. However, coupling is also influenced by polymorphic variation, but the relative impact of these two mechanisms on signal transduction is not known. To determine this we utilized recombinant cells expressing the human beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)AR) or a gain-of-function polymorphic variant (beta(1)AR-Arg(389)), and the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) or a loss-of-function polymorphic receptor (beta(2)AR-Ile(164)). Adenylyl cyclase activities were determined with multiple permutations of the possible states of the receptor: genotype, basal, or agonist stimulated and with or without agonist pre-exposure. For the beta(1)AR, the enhanced function of the Arg(389) receptor underwent less agonist-promoted desensitization compared with its allelic counterpart. Indeed, the effect of polymorphic variation on absolute adenylyl cyclase activities was such that desensitized beta(1)AR-Arg(389) signaling was equivalent to non-desensitized wild-type beta(1)AR; that is, the genetic component had as much impact as desensitization on receptor coupling. In contrast, the enhanced signaling of wild-type beta(2)AR underwent less desensitization compared with beta(2)AR-Ile(164), thus the heterogeneity in absolute signaling was markedly broadened by this polymorphism. Inverse agonist function was not affected by polymorphisms of either subtype. A general model is proposed whereby up to 10 levels of signaling by G-protein-coupled receptors can be present based on the influences of desensitization and genetic variation on coupling.     

Acute agonist-mediated desensitization of the human alpha 1a-adrenergic receptor is primarily independent of carboxyl terminus regulation: implications for regulation of alpha 1aAR splice variants.

Despite important roles in myocardial hypertrophy and benign prostatic hyperplasia, little is known about acute effects of agonist stimulation on alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1a)AR) signaling and function. Regulatory mechanisms are likely complex since 12 distinct human alpha(1a)AR carboxyl-terminal splice variants have been isolated. After determining the predominance of the alpha(1a-1)AR isoform in human heart and prostate, we stably expressed an epitope-tagged alpha(1a-1)AR cDNA in rat-1 fibroblasts and subsequently examined regulation of signaling, phosphorylation, and internalization of the receptor. Human alpha(1a)AR-mediated inositol phosphate signaling is acutely desensitized in response to both agonist and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) exposure. Concurrent with desensitization, alpha(1a)ARs in (32)P(i)-labeled cells are rapidly phosphorylated in response to both NE and PMA stimulation. Despite the ability of PKC to desensitize alpha(1a)ARs when directly activated with PMA, inhibitors of PKC have no effect on agonist-mediated desensitization. In contrast, involvement of GRK kinases is suggested by the ability of GRK2 to desensitize alpha(1a)ARs. Internalization of cell surface alpha(1a)ARs also occurs in response to agonist stimulation (but not PKC activation), but is initiated more slowly than receptor desensitization. Significantly, deletion of the alpha(1a)AR carboxyl terminus has no effect on receptor internalization or either agonist-induced or GRK-mediated receptor desensitization. Because mechanisms underlying acute agonist-mediated regulation of human alpha(1a)ARs are primarily independent of the carboxyl terminus, they may be common to all functional alpha(1a)AR isoforms.     

Human complement 5a (C5a) anaphylatoxin receptor (CD88) phosphorylation sites and their specific role in receptor phosphorylation and attenuation of G protein-mediated responses. Desensitization of C5a receptor controls superoxide production but not receptor sequestration in HL-60 cells

Upon agonist binding, the anaphylatoxin human complement 5a receptor (C5aR) has previously been found to be phosphorylated on the six serine residues of its carboxyl-terminal tail (Giannini, E., Brouchon, L., and Boulay, F. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 19166-19172). To evaluate the precise roles that specific phosphorylation sites may play in receptor signaling, a series of mutants were expressed transiently in COS-7 cells and stably in the physiologically relevant myeloid HL-60 cells. Ser(334) was found to be a key residue that controls receptor phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of either of two serine pairs, namely Ser(332) and Ser(334) or Ser(334) and Ser(338), was critical for the phosphorylation of C5aR and its subsequent desensitization. Full phosphorylation and desensitization of C5aR were obtained when these serines were replaced by aspartic acid residues. The mutation S338A had no marked effect on the agonist-mediated phosphorylation of C5aR, but it allowed a sustained C5a-evoked calcium mobilization in HL-60 cells. These findings and the ability of the S314A/S317A/S327A/S332A mutant receptor to undergo desensitization indicate that the phosphorylation of Ser(334) and Ser(338) is critical and sufficient for C5aR desensitization. The lack of phosphorylation was found to result not only in a sustained calcium mobilization and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 activity but also in the enhancement of the C5a-mediated respiratory burst in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells. For instance, the nonphosphorylatable S332A/S334A mutant receptor triggered a 1.8-2-fold higher production of superoxide as compared with the wild-type receptor. Interestingly, although the desensitization of this mutant was defective, it was sequestered with the same time course and the same efficiency as the wild-type receptor. Thus, in myeloid HL-60 cells, desensitization and sequestration of C5aR appear to occur through divergent molecular mechanisms.