Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase by the A(2A)-adenosine receptor via a rap1-dependent and via a p21(ras)-dependent pathway.

The A(2A)-adenosine receptor, a prototypical G(s)-coupled receptor, activates mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in a manner independent of cAMP in primary human endothelial cells. In order to delineate signaling pathways that link the receptor to the regulation of MAP kinase, the human A(2A) receptor was heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and HEK293 cells. In both cell lines, A(2A) agonist-mediated cAMP accumulation was accompanied by activation of the small G protein rap1. However, rap1 mediates A(2A) receptor-dependent activation of MAP kinase only in CHO cells, the signaling cascade being composed of G(s), adenylyl cyclase, rap1, and the p68 isoform of B-raf. This isoform was absent in HEK293 cells. Contrary to CHO cells, in HEK293 cells activation of MAP kinase by A(2A) agonists was not mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP, was independent of Galpha(s), and was associated with activation of p21(ras). Accordingly, overexpression of the inactive S17N mutant of p21(ras) and of a dominant negative version of mSos (the exchange factor of p21(ras)) blocked MAP kinase stimulation by the A(2A) receptor in HEK 293 but not in CHO cells. In spite of the close homology between p21(ras) and rap1, the S17N mutant of rap1 was not dominant negative because (i) overexpression of rap1(S17N) failed to inhibit A(2A) receptor-dependent MAP kinase activation, (ii) rap1(S17N) was recovered in the active form with a GST fusion protein comprising the rap1-binding domain of ralGDS after A(2A) receptor activation, and (iii) A(2A) agonists promoted the association of rap1(S17N) with the 68-kDa isoform of B-raf in CHO cells. We conclude that the A(2A) receptor has the capacity two activate MAP kinase via at least two signaling pathways, which depend on two distinct small G proteins, namely p21(ras) and rap1. Our observations also show that the S17N version of rap1 cannot be assumed a priori to act as a dominant negative interfering mutant.     

Coupling of the thrombin receptor to G12 may account for selective effects of thrombin on gene expression and DNA synthesis in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells.

In 1321N1 astrocytoma cells, thrombin, but not carbachol, induces AP-1-mediated gene expression and DNA synthesis. To understand the divergent effects of these G protein-coupled receptor agonists on cellular responses, we examined Gq-dependent signaling events induced by thrombin receptor and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation. Thrombin and carbachol induce comparable changes in phosphoinositide and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, diglyceride generation, and redistribution of protein kinase C; thus, activation of these Gq-signaling pathways appears to be insufficient for gene expression and mitogenesis. Thrombin increases Ras and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation to a greater extent than carbachol in 1321N1 cells. The effects of thrombin are not mediated through Gi, since ribosylation of Gi/Go proteins by pertussis toxin does not prevent thrombin-induced gene expression or thrombin-stimulated DNA synthesis. We recently reported that the pertussis toxin-insensitive G12 protein is required for thrombin-induced DNA synthesis. We demonstrate here, using transfection of receptors and G proteins in COS-7 cells, that G alpha 12 selectively couples the thrombin receptor to AP-1-mediated gene expression. This does not appear to result from increased mitogen-activated protein kinase activity but may reflect activation of a tyrosine kinase pathway. We suggest that preferential coupling of the thrombin receptor to G12 accounts for the selective ability of thrombin to stimulate Ras, mitogen-activated protein kinase, gene expression, and mitogenesis in 1321N1 cells.     

Regulation of the phosphoinositide hydrolysis pathway in thrombin-stimulated platelets by a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein. Evaluation of its contribution to platelet activation and comparisons with the adenylate cyclase inhibitory protein, Gi

In platelets activated by thrombin, the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by phospholipase C produces inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol, metabolites which are known to cause Ca2+ release from the platelet dense tubular system and granule secretion. Previous studies suggest that phospholipase C activation is coupled to platelet thrombin receptors by a guanine nucleotide-binding protein or G protein. The present studies examine the contribution of this protein to thrombin-induced platelet activation and compare its properties with those of Gi, the G protein which mediates inhibition of adenylate cyclase by thrombin. In platelets permeabilized with saponin, nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs reproduced the effects of thrombin by causing diacylglycerol formation, Ca2+ release from the dense tubular system and serotonin secretion. In intact platelets, fluoride, which by-passes the thrombin receptor and directly activates G proteins, caused phosphoinositide hydrolysis and secretion. Fluoride also caused an increase in the platelet cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration that appeared to be due to a combination of Ca2+ release from the dense tubular system and increased Ca2+ influx across the platelet plasma membrane. Guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S), which inhibits G protein function, inhibited the ability of thrombin to cause IP3 and diacylglycerol formation, granule secretion, and Ca2+ release from the dense tubular system in saponin-treated platelets. Increasing the thrombin concentration overcame the effects of GDP beta S on secretion without restoring diacylglycerol formation. The effects of GDP beta S on platelet responses to thrombin which had been subjected to partial proteolysis (gamma-thrombin) were similar to those obtained with native alpha-thrombin despite the fact that gamma-thrombin is a less potent inhibitor of adenylate cyclase than is alpha-thrombin. Thrombin-induced diacylglycerol formation and 45Ca release were also inhibited when the saponin-treated platelets were preincubated with pertussis toxin, an event that was associated with the ADP-ribosylation of a protein with Mr = 41.7 kDa. At each concentration tested, the inhibition of thrombin-induced diacylglycerol formation by pertussis toxin paralleled the inhibition of thrombin's ability to suppress PGI2-stimulated cAMP formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Activation of phospholipase C by heat shock requires GTP analogs and is resistant to pertussis toxin

The heat shock response in mammals consists of a complex array of intracellular reactions initiated by stress, although its regulation is poorly understood. We have investigated the role of transmembrane signal transduction in the response, examining mechanisms involved in the activation of phospholipase C (PLC) by heat shock. In rodent fibroblasts permeabilized with digitonin, heat shock and receptor-mediated PLC activity exhibited a strict GTP analog dependency. This indicates that heat shock-mediated phopholipase activation, in common with receptor mediated stimulation, does not involve direct effects on the phospholipases and suggests the participation of GTP binding (G) proteins in the activation process. When cells were treated with the inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX), the phospholipases retained their inducibility by heat shock, but became refractory to thrombin treatment, indicating that heat shock may influence PLC activity through a distinct population of G proteins compared to thrombin. The data seem to exclude a role for PTX sensitive G proteins in the production of IP₃ after heating and suggest a pathway involving the direct thermal activation of the G_q class of G proteins, which are coupled to the PLC_β1 isoform. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Galpha13 mediates activation of the cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha through fine regulation of ERK phosphorylation

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding (G) proteins transduce hormone-induced signals to their effector enzymes, which include several phospholipases. In particular, the G(o)/G(i) and G(q) protein families have been shown to couple signaling to phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), phospholipase C, and phospholipase D, while the G(12)/G(13) family has been linked to the activation of small GTPases of the Rho family, and hence, to phospholipase D activation. Here, we demonstrate that in CHO cells, the G(12)/G(13) family is also able to activate cPLA(2)alpha, through the activation of RhoA and, subsequently, ERK1/2. Hormone-induced arachidonic acid release increased as a consequence of Galpha(13) overexpression, and was inhibited through inhibition of Galpha(13) signaling. The Galpha(13)-mediated cPLA(2)alpha activation was inhibited by pharmacological blockade of ERK1/2 with either U0126 or PD98059, and by RhoA inactivation with C3 toxin or a dominant-negative RhoA (N19RhoA), and was stimulated by the serine-threonine phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. Our data thus identify a pathway of cPLA(2)alpha regulation that is initiated by thrombin and purinergic receptor activation, and that signals through Galpha(13), RhoA and ERK1/2, with the involvement of a calyculin-sensitive phosphatase.     

Shc adaptor proteins are key transducers of mitogenic signaling mediated by the G protein-coupled thrombin receptor.

The serine protease thrombin activates G protein signaling systems that lead to Ras activation and, in certain cells, proliferation. Whereas the steps leading to Ras activation by G protein-coupled receptors are not well defined, the mechanisms of Ras activation by receptor tyrosine kinases have recently been elucidated biochemically and genetically. The present study was undertaken to determine whether common signaling components are used by these two distinct classes of receptors. Here we report that the adaptor protein Shc, is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues following stimulation of the thrombin receptor in growth-responsive CCL39 fibroblasts. Shc phosphorylation by thrombin or the thrombin receptor agonist peptide is maximal by 15 min and persists for > or = 2 h. Following thrombin stimulation, phosphorylated Shc is recruited to Grb2 complexes. One or more pertussis toxin-insensitive proteins appear to mediate this effect, since (i) pertussis toxin pre-treatment of cells does not blunt the action of thrombin and (ii) Shc phosphorylation on tyrosine can be stimulated by the muscarinic m1 receptor. Shc phosphorylation does not appear to involve protein kinase C, since the addition of 4-beta-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate has no effect. Rather, thrombin-induced Shc phosphorylation is enhanced in cells depleted of phorbol ester-sensitive protein kinase C isoforms. Expression of mutant Shc proteins defective in Grb2 binding displays a dominant-negative effect on thrombin-stimulated p44 MAP kinase activation, gene induction and cell growth. From these data, we conclude that Shc represents a crucial point of convergence between signaling pathways activated by receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors.     

Homologous desensitization of HEL cell thrombin receptors. Distinguishable roles for proteolysis and phosphorylation.

Loss of sensitivity to thrombin following an initial response is characteristic of a number of cell types, including platelets. It has recently been proposed that thrombin receptors resemble other G protein-coupled receptors, but that activation involves a novel mechanism in which thrombin cleaves the receptor, exposing a new N terminus that serves as the ligand for the receptor. Based upon this model, we have examined the mechanism of thrombin receptor desensitization by comparing the effects of thrombin with those of a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal sequence of the receptor following proteolysis by thrombin: SFLLRNPNDKYEPF or TRP42/55. Like thrombin, TRP42/55 stimulated pertussis toxin-sensitive inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation, raised cytosolic Ca2+, and inhibited cAMP formation in the megakaryoblastic HEL cell line. Exposure to either thrombin or TRP42/55 desensitized the cells to both, but not to a third agonist, neuropeptide Y. The rate of recovery after desensitization depended upon the order of agonist addition. Resensitization of the cell to thrombin following a brief exposure to thrombin required up to 24 h and could be inhibited with cycloheximide. Resensitization to TRP42/55 after exposure to thrombin, or to thrombin after exposure to TRP42/55, on the other hand, was detectable within 30 min and could be inhibited by serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors, but not by cycloheximide. Loss of responsiveness to thrombin and TRP42/55 was also observed following addition of the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). However, while the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine completely prevented the desensitization caused by TPA, it had only a limited effect on the desensitization caused by TRP42/55. These results demonstrate that the G protein-mediated effects of thrombin can be reproduced by a receptor-derived peptide and suggest that desensitization occurs by at least two mechanisms. The first, which is seen with thrombin, but not TRP42/55, involves proteolysis and requires protein synthesis for recovery. The second, which occurs with TRP42/55 and TPA, as well as with thrombin, involves phosphorylation, possibly of the receptor itself. Although protien kinase C is activated by thrombin and is presumably responsible for the desensitization caused by TPA, it does not appear to play a major role in receptor desensitization caused by thrombin and TRP42/55. This suggests that other kinases, such as those which inactivate adrenergic receptors and rhodopsin, are involved in the down-regulation of thrombin receptor function.     

Induction of the fibrinogen receptor on human platelets by intracellular mediators

We have used platelets permeabilized with saponin to examine the mechanism by which platelet activation causes the exposure of surface receptors for fibrinogen. Receptor exposure was detected using 125I-fibrinogen and 125I-PAC1, a monoclonal antibody specific for the activated form of the fibrinogen receptor. The potential mediators that were studied included guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) and guanosine 5'O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), which cause G protein-dependent phospholipase C activation in platelets; inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3), which causes Ca2+ release from the platelet dense tubular system; and diacylglycerol and phorbol ester, which activate protein kinase C. Each of these molecules caused fibrinogen and PAC1 binding. The effect of IP3 was mimicked by raising the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in the permeabilized platelets. However, IP3 and Ca2+-induced PAC1 binding were abolished by indomethacin or aspirin, which had no effect on PAC1 binding caused by Gpp(NH)p, phorbol ester, or diacylglycerol. This suggests that the response to IP3 and Ca2+ is due to the formation of metabolites of arachidonic acid. One such metabolite, TxA2, is believed to activate platelets by stimulating G protein-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Indeed, we found that the G protein inhibitor guanyl-5'-yl thiophosphate (GDP beta S) inhibited PAC1 binding caused by a thromboxane A2 analog (U46619), IP3, and Ca2+, but had no effect on diacylglycerol or phorbol ester-induced PAC1 binding. Thrombin-induced PAC1 binding and phosphoinositide hydrolysis were also inhibited by GDP beta S and by pertussis toxin. Increasing the thrombin concentration overcame the inhibition of PAC1 binding caused by GDP beta S but did not overcome the inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. These observations demonstrate that fibrinogen receptor exposure occurs by at least two routes. One of these, in response to agonists such as thrombin and U46619, is initiated by G protein-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis and involves the formation of IP3 and diacylglycerol. IP3 appears to act by stimulating Ca2+-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism which, in turn, triggers further phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Diacylglycerol acts by stimulating protein kinase C. A second route is activated by high concentrations of thrombin and is independent of phosphoinositide hydrolysis.     

Regulated shedding of PAR1 N-terminal exodomain from endothelial cells

G protein-coupled receptors can trigger metalloproteinase-dependent shedding of proteins from the cell surface. We now report that G protein-coupled receptors can themselves undergo regulated metalloproteinase-dependent shedding. The N-terminal exodomain of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1), a G protein-coupled receptor for thrombin, displayed regulated shedding in endothelial cells, which normally express this receptor. Cleavage occurred at a site predicted to render the receptor unresponsive to thrombin. A chimeric protein in which the N-terminal exodomain of PAR1 was fused to an unrelated transmembrane segment was shed as efficiently as PAR1, shedding of both proteins was stimulated by phorbol ester and by a PAR1 agonist. TNFalpha protease inhibitor-2 (TAPI-2), phenanthroline, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) but not TIMP-1 or -2 inhibited such shedding. These and other data suggest that the information that specifies PAR1 shedding resides within its N-terminal exodomain rather than its heptahelical segment, that activation of protein kinase C or of PAR1 itself can stimulate PAR1 shedding in trans, and that ADAM17/TACE or a metalloproteinase with similar properties mediates PAR1 shedding. Regulated shedding reduced the amount of cell surface PAR1 available for productive cleavage by thrombin by half or more, but thus far we have been unable to demonstrate an effect of PAR1 shedding on cellular responsiveness to thrombin. Nonetheless, regulated shedding of G protein-coupled receptors represents a new mechanism by which signaling by this important class of receptors might be modulated.     

Murine macrophage P2X7 receptors support rapid prothrombotic responses

Non-apoptotic externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) can act as a reactive surface for the efficient assembly of the prothrombinase complex leading to thrombin generation and coagulation. Here we show that extracellular ATP, acting at the macrophage P2X(7) receptor, drives the rapid Ca(2+)-dependent formation and release of PS-rich microvesicles that enhance the assembly of the prothrombinase complex and subsequent formation of thrombin. Incubation with P2X(7) receptor antagonists (KN-62 and Brilliant Blue G) attenuates ATP induced prothrombotic responses. Consistent with the hypothesis that exposed PS enhances prothrombinase activity; pre-incubation with annexin V blocks the increase in thrombin formation. The rapid translocation of PS and formation of pro-thrombotic microvesicles occurs in the absence of cell lysis. These data demonstrate that the pro-inflammatory P2X(7) receptor can also support and propagate rapid increases in thrombin formation.     

Calcium receptor-mediated intracellular signalling

As a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) responds to changes in extracellular free calcium concentration by inducing intracellular signalling. These CaR-induced signals then specifically modulate cellular functions such as parathyroid hormone secretion from the parathyroid glands and calcium reabsorption in the kidney and thus to understand how the CaR functions one must understand how it signals. CaR-induced signalling involves intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation/oscillations as well as the activation of various phospholipases and protein kinases and the suppression of cAMP formation. This review will detail the intracellular pathways by which the CaR is believed to elicit its physiological functions and summarises the evidence for cell- and agonist-specific differential signalling.     

IRS-1 mediates inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization by insulin via the inhibitory G-protein Gi

Platelet agonists initiate aggregation and secretion by activating receptors coupled to the G-protein G(q), thereby raising cytosolic Ca(2+), [Ca(2+)](i). The rise in [Ca(2+)](i) is facilitated via inhibition of cAMP formation by the inhibitory G-protein of adenylyl cyclase, G(i). Since insulin attenuates platelet activation, we investigated whether insulin interferes with cAMP regulation. Here we report that insulin (0.5-200 nmol/liter) interferes with agonist-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) (ADP, thrombin), cAMP suppression (thrombin), and aggregation (ADP). The effects of insulin are as follows: (i) independent of the P2Y(12) receptor, which mediates ADP-induced cAMP lowering; (ii) not observed during G(s)-mediated cAMP formation; (iii) unaffected by treatments that affect phosphodiesterases (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine); and (iv) not changed by interfering with NO-mediated regulation of cAMP degradation (N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine). Hence, insulin might interfere with G(i). Indeed, insulin induces the following: (i) tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and G(i)alpha(2); (ii) co-precipitation of IRS-1 with G(i)alpha(2) but not with other G alpha subunits. Despite persistent receptor activation, the association of IRS-1 with G(i)alpha(2) is transient, being optimal at 5 min and 1 nmol/liter insulin, which is sufficient to suppress Ca(2+) signaling by ADP, and at 10 min and 100 nmol/liter insulin, which is required to suppress Ca(2+) signaling by thrombin. Epinephrine, a known platelet sensitizer and antagonist of insulin, abolishes the effect of insulin on [Ca(2+)](i), tyrosine phosphorylation of G(i)alpha(2), and aggregation by interfering with the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor beta subunit. We conclude that insulin attenuates platelet functions by interfering with cAMP suppression through IRS-1 and G(i).     

Thrombin-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration: cooperative action via proteinase-activated receptors 1 and 4

Proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR(1)), a thrombin receptor and the prototype of a newly discovered G-protein-coupled receptor subfamily, plays an important role in tumor development and progression. In this study, we documented the expression of the thrombin receptors PAR(1), PAR(3), and PAR(4) in permanent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and primary HCC cell cultures. Stimulation of HCC cells with thrombin and the PAR(1)-selective activating peptide, TFLLRN-NH(2), increased transmembrane migration across a collagen barrier. This effect was blocked by the PAR(1) antagonist SCH 79797, confirming that the PAR(1) thrombin receptor subtype is involved in regulating hepatoma cell migration. In addition, the PAR(4)-selective agonist, AYPGKF-NH(2), also stimulated HCC cell migration whilst the PAR(4) antagonist, trans-cinnamoyl-YPGKF-NH(2), attenuated the effect of thrombin on HCC cell migration. PAR(1)- and PAR(4)-triggered HCC cell migration was blocked by inhibiting a number of key mediators of signal transduction, including G proteins of the G(i)/G(o) family, matrix metalloproteinases, ERK/MAPKinase, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, Src tyrosine kinase, and the EGF receptor kinase. Our data point to a cooperative PAR(1)/PAR(4) signaling network that contributes to thrombin-mediated tumor cell migration. We suggest that a combined inhibition of coagulation cascade serine proteinases, the two PARs and their complex signaling pathways may provide a new strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Regulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in adult myocardium: differential roles of G(q/11), Gi and G(12/13) proteins in signalling by alpha1-adrenergic, endothelin-1 and thrombin-sensitive protease-activated receptors

Using adenoviruses encoding RGS2, RGS4 and Lsc (regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) domain of p115 RhoGEF), we investigated the contributions of G(q/11), Gi and G(12/13) proteins to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM). Exposure to phenylephrine, endothelin-1 (ET-1) or thrombin induced significant activation of ERK1/2 and their downstream target 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), which was abolished by overexpression of RGS4 (inhibits signalling via G(q/11) and Gi) or RGS2 (inhibits signalling via G(q/11)). Pertussis toxin (inhibits signalling via Gi) only partially attenuated the activation of ERK1/2 and p90(RSK) by phenylephrine and ET-1, but abolished such activation by thrombin. Overexpression of Lsc (inhibits signalling via G(12/13)) did not affect the responses to phenylephrine and ET-1, but suppressed the activation of ERK1/2 and p90RSK by thrombin. We conclude that full activation of the ERK pathway in ARVM by alpha1-adrenergic, ET-1 and thrombin receptors requires the activation of distinct families of heterotrimeric G proteins.     

Regulation of RAS in human platelets. Evidence that activation of RAS is not sufficient to lead to ERK1-2 phosphorylation.

In this study, we show that the G protein-coupled receptor agonist thrombin, the glycoprotein VI agonist convulxin, and the cytokine receptor Mpl agonist thrombopoietin (TPO) are able to induce activation of RAS in human platelets. Recruitment of GRB2 by tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in response to TPO and convulxin but not by thrombin occurred with a similar time-course to RAS activation, consistent with a causal relationship. On the other hand, activation of ERK2 by thrombin and convulxin is delayed and also inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro-31 8220, whereas RAS activation is unaffected. Further evidence for differential regulation of RAS and ERK is provided by the observations that TPO, which activates RAS but not protein kinase C, does not activate ERK, and that the inhibitor of SRC kinases PP1 inhibits activation of RAS but not ERK2 in response to thrombin. Our results demonstrate that activation of RAS is not necessarily coupled to ERK in human platelets.     

Formation of a stable complex of thrombin and the secreted platelet protein glycoprotein G (thrombin-sensitive protein, thrombospondin) by thiol-disulfide exchange

When 125I-labeled thrombin was incubated with washed human platelets or with the supernatant solution of activated platelets, it formed a NaDodSO4-stable complex of apparent mass greater than 450 000 daltons. Formation of the complex was temperature dependent; with 20 nM thrombin incubated with the supernatant solution of ionophore-activated platelets, the initial rate of formation of the stable complex was 1 nM thrombin/min at 37 degrees C, 50 times the rate at 22 degrees C. Thrombin with all free amino groups methylated was still reactive. Active-site-blocked thrombin formed the complex only slowly. The complex that formed with active thrombin was not dissociated by hydroxylamine in urea. Reduction with 2-mercaptoethanol dissociated the complex, and its formation was blocked by the sulfhydryl-blocking agents iodoacetamide and 4,4'-dithiodipyridine. The complex was thus unlike those of thrombin and alpha 2-macroglobulin or antithrombin III, but it had characteristics of a disulfide-linked complex. Of the secreted proteins, albumin and glycoprotein G adhered to an activated thiol-Sepharose column, indicating that they contained free thiol groups. Purified glycoprotein G and thrombin formed a complex similar to the complex formed when thrombin was incubated with the supernatant solution of activated platelets. The purified glycoprotein bound 2.6 mol of radioactive N-ethylmaleimide/mol of protein, indicating three sulfhydryl groups per mole. After reacting with purified glycoprotein G, thrombin developed a new sulfhydryl group. It is concluded that glycoprotein G (thrombin-sensitive protein, thrombospondin) and thrombin form a dissociable complex that leads to a covalent complex by thiol-disulfide exchange of a thiol group on glycoprotein G and a disulfide on thrombin.     

Proteinase-activated receptor-1 regulation of macrophage elastase (MMP-12) secretion by serine proteinases

The serine proteinases plasmin and thrombin convert proenzyme matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) into catalytically active forms. In addition, we demonstrate that plasmin(ogen) and thrombin induce a significant increase in secretion of activated murine macrophage elastase (MMP-12) protein. Active serine protease is responsible for induction, as demonstrated by the absence of MMP-12 induction in plasminogen(Plg)-treated urokinase-type plasminogen activator-deficient macrophages. Since increased MMP-12 protein secretion was not accompanied by an increase in MMP-12 mRNA, we examined post-translational mechanisms. Protein synthesis was not required for early release of MMP-12 but was required for later secretion of activated enzyme. Immunofluorescent microscopy demonstrated basal expression in macrophages that increased following serine proteinase exposure. Inhibition of MMP-12 secretion by hirudin and pertussis toxin demonstrated a role for the thrombin G protein-coupled receptor (protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1)). PAR-1-activating peptides were able to induce MMP-12 release. Investigation of signal transduction pathways involved in this response demonstrate the requirement for protein kinase C, but not tyrosine kinase, activity. These data demonstrate that plasmin and thrombin regulate MMP-12 activity through distinct mechanisms: post-translational secretion of preformed MMP-12 protein, induction of protein secretion that is protein kinase C-mediated, and extracellular enzyme activation. Most importantly, we show that serine proteinase MMP-12 regulation in macrophages occurs via the protein kinase C-activating G protein-coupled receptor PAR-1.     

Regulation of the GTPase activity of the ras-related rap2 protein.

The small GTP-binding protein rap2A exhibits a high level of identity with rap1 and ras proteins (60% and 46%, respectively). Nevertheless, its intrinsic GTPase activity is not stimulated by ras-GAP, and unlike the rap1A protein, it cannot compete with ras proteins for their interaction with ras-GAP. In addition, rap1-GAPm that is highly active on the GTPase activity of the rap1A product, also stimulates the GTPase activity of the rap2A protein but with a 30-40-fold lower efficiency. An activity that greatly stimulated the GTPase activity of the rap2 protein (rap2-GAP) was found in bovine brain cytosol and purified. However, it copurified with the cytosolic form of rap1-GAP and was more efficient at stimulating the GTPase activity of the rap1 protein; this 55 kD polypeptide, that is recognized by an antibody raised against rap1-GAPm, likely represents a degraded and soluble form of the full size 89 kD molecule. In bovine brain membranes, a weak GAP activity toward the rap2A protein was also detected; however, it was also attributable to the membrane-associated rap1-GAPm. Thus, it appears that a single rap-GAP protein, complete or degraded, is able to stimulate the GTPase activity of both rap1 and rap2 proteins.     

Thrombin receptors activate G(o) proteins in endothelial cells to regulate intracellular calcium and cell shape changes

Thrombin receptors couple to G(i/o), G(q), and G(12/13) proteins to regulate a variety of signal transduction pathways that underlie the physiological role of endothelial cells in wound healing or inflammation. Whereas the involvement of G(i), G(q), G(12), or G(13) proteins in thrombin signaling has been investigated extensively, the role of G(o) proteins has largely been ignored. To determine whether G(o) proteins could contribute to thrombin-mediated signaling in endothelial cells, we have developed minigenes that encode an 11-amino acid C-terminal peptide of G(o1) proteins. Previously, we have shown that use of the C-terminal minigenes can specifically block receptor activation of G protein families (). In this study, we demonstrate that G(o) proteins are present in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). Moreover, we show that thrombin receptors can stimulate [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding to G(o) proteins when co-expressed in Sf9 membranes. The potential coupling of thrombin receptors to G(o) proteins was substantiated by transfection of the G(o1) minigene into HMECs, which led to a blockade of thrombin-stimulated release of [Ca(2+)](i) from intracellular stores. Transfection of the beta-adrenergic kinase C terminus blocked the [Ca(2+)](i) response to the same extent as with G(o1) minigene peptide, suggesting that this G(o)-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) transient was caused by Gbetagamma stimulation of PLCbeta. Transfection of a G(i1/2) minigene had no effect on thrombin-stimulated [Ca(2+)](i) signaling in HMEC, suggesting that Gbetagamma derived from G(o) but not G(i) could activate PLCbeta. The involvement of G(o) proteins on events downstream from calcium signaling was further evidenced by investigating the effect of G(o1) minigenes on thrombin-stimulated stress fiber formation and endothelial barrier permeability. Both of these effects were sensitive to pertussis toxin treatment and could be blocked by transfection of G(o1) minigenes but not G(i1/2) minigenes. We conclude that the G(o) proteins play a role in thrombin signaling distinct from G(i1/2) proteins, which are mediated through their Gbetagamma subunits and involve coupling to calcium signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangements.