Structure of the human serotonin 5-HT4 receptor gene and cloning of a novel 5-HT4 splice variant

Several variants of the serotonin 5-HT4 receptor are known to be produced by alternative splicing. To survey the existence and usage of exons in humans, we cloned the human 5-HT4 gene. Based on sequence analysis seven C-terminal variants (a-g) and one internal splice variant (h) were found. We concentrated in this study on the functional characterization of the novel splice variant h, which leads to the insertion of 14 amino acids into the second extracellular loop of the receptor. The h variant was cloned as a splice combination with the C-terminal b variant; therefore, we call this receptor 5-HT4(hb). This novel receptor variant was expressed transiently in COS-7 cells, and its pharmacological profile was compared with those of the previously cloned 5-HT4(a) and 5-HT4(b) isoforms, with the latter being the primary reference for the h variant. In competition binding experiments using reference 5-HT4 ligands, no significant differences were detected. However, the broadly used 5-HT4 antagonist GR113808 discriminated functionally among the receptor variants investigated. As expected, it was an antagonist on the 5-HT4(a) and 5-HT4(b) variant but showed partial agonistic activity on the 5-HT4(hb) variant. These data emphasize the importance of variations introduced by splicing for receptor pharmacology and may help in the understanding of conflicting results seen with 5-HT4 ligands in different model systems.     

Comparison of 5-HT4 and 5-HT7 receptor expression and function in the circular muscle of the human colon

Serotonin receptors are potential targets for treating functional bowel disorders. This study investigated the functional roles and expression of the 5-HT4 and the 5-HT7 receptor, which coexist in human colon circular smooth muscle. 5-HT3 receptor expression was also investigated. Part of the relaxant response to 5-HT was due to activation of 5-HT4 receptors as the apparent pKB value of the selective 5-HT4 antagonist, GR 113808, was 9.36. 5-HT4 mRNA levels were low in five tissues and undetectable in four others, but all responded to 5-HT with an EC50 value of 102.54+/-19.32 nM. The contribution of 5-HT7 receptors to the response was not readily demonstrated using the selective 5-HT7 antagonist, SB-269970, as its apparent pKB value of 7.19 (5-HT4 block with 1 microM GR 113808) was lower than the value obtained using the 5-HT7 guinea pig ileum assay (8.62). Nevertheless, the 5-HT7 receptor was expressed more consistently than the 5-HT4, but at similar levels. The 5-HT(3Ashort) and 5-HT(3B) subunits were co-expressed at similar levels, but the 5-HT(3Along) subunit was detected in only five of the nine samples tested. The findings show that 5-HT4-induced relaxation occurs at low to undetectable levels of tissue mRNA, as measured by qPCR. Although 5-HT7 receptor mRNA is detected at low, but consistent levels, the functional activity of this receptor is not readily identified given the currently available drugs.     

Phosphodiesterase 4 interacts with the 5-HT4(b) receptor to regulate cAMP signaling

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and PDE4, which degrade cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), are important regulators of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 4 receptor signaling in cardiac tissue. Therefore, we investigated whether they interact with the 5-HT_4(b) receptor, and whether A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), scaffolding proteins that bind to the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) and contribute to the spacial-temporal control of cAMP signaling, are involved in the regulation of 5-HT_4(b) receptor signaling. By measuring PKA activity in the absence and presence of PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitiors, we found that constitutive signaling of the overexpressed HA-tagged 5-HT_4(b) receptor in HEK293 cells is regulated predominantly by PDE4, with a secondary role for PDE3 that is unmasked in the presence of PDE4 inhibition. Overexpressed PDE4D3 and PDE3A1, and to a smaller extent PDE4D5 co-immunoprecipitate constitutively with the 5-HT_4(b) receptor. PDE activity measurements in immunoprecipitates of the 5-HT_4(b) receptor confirm the association of PDE4D3 with the receptor and provide evidence that the activity of this PDE may be increased upon receptor stimulation with 5-HT. A possible involvement of AKAPs in 5-HT_4(b) receptor signaling was uncovered in experiments using the St-Ht31 inhibitor peptide, which disrupts the interaction of AKAPs with PKA. However, St-Ht31 did not influence 5-HT_4(b) receptor-stimulated PKA activity, and endogenous AKAP79 and gravin were not found in immunoprecipitates of the 5-HT_4(b) receptor. In conclusion, we found that both PDE3A1 and PDE4D3 are integrated into complexes that contain the 5-HT_4(b) receptor and may thereby regulate 5-HT_4(b) receptor-mediated signaling.     

Cloning of the human serotonin 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C receptor subtypes.

We report the cloning and the deduced amino acid sequence of cDNAs encoding both the human serotonin 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C receptors. The human 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C receptors shared 87% and 90% amino acid homology, respectively, with their rat counterparts. The most divergent regions of the 5-HT2 receptor between human and rat were the N-terminal extracellular domain (75% homology) and the C-terminal intracellular domain (67% homology between amino acids 426-474). The greatest variability between the human and rat 5-HT1C receptors were at the N-terminal extracellular domain (78% homology) and the third cytoplasmic loop (71% homology). The availability of the cloned human 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C receptors will help facilitate the further understanding of the molecular pharmacology and physiology of these receptors.     

Activation of the leptin receptor by a ligand-induced conformational change of constitutive receptor dimers

Binding of leptin to the leptin receptor is crucial for body weight and bone mass regulation in mammals. Leptin receptors were shown to exist as dimers, but the role of dimerization in receptor activation remains unknown. Using a quantitative Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer approach, we show here in living cells that approximately 60% of the leptin receptor exists as constitutive dimers at physiological expression levels in the absence of leptin. No further increase in leptin receptor dimerization was detected in the presence of leptin. Importantly, in cells expressing the short leptin receptor isoform, leptin promoted a robust enhancement of energy transfer signals that reflect specific conformational changes of pre-existing leptin receptor dimers and that may be used as read-out in screening assays for leptin receptor ligands. Both leptin receptor dimerization and the leptin-induced energy transfer were Janus kinase 2-independent. Taken together, our data support a receptor activation model based on ligand-induced conformational changes rather than ligand-induced dimerization.     

The human serotonin 5-HT4 receptor regulates secretion of non-amyloidogenic precursor protein

The serotonin 5-HT(4) receptor has recently gained a lot of attention for its functional roles in central processes such as memory and cognition. In this study, we show that activation of the human 5-HT(4) (h5-HT(4)) receptor stimulates the secretion of the non-amyloidogenic soluble form of the amyloid precursor protein (sAPPalpha). 5-HT enhanced the level of secreted sAPPalpha in a time- and dose-dependent manner in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the h5-HT(4(e)) receptor isoform. The increase was inhibited by the selective 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist, GR113808. The 5-HT(4) selective agonists, prucalopride and renzapride, also increased secreted sAPPalpha in IMR32 human neuroblastoma cells. The stimulatory effect of 5-HT was mimicked by forskolin, a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase, and 8-bromo-cAMP, a membrane-permeant cAMP analogue. On the contrary, inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) by H89 potentiated the 5-HT-induced increase in both secreted and cellular sAPPalpha. This phenomenon involves a novel PKA-independent stimulatory process that overcomes a PKA-dependent inhibitory one. Finally, activation of the h5-HT(4(e)) receptor did not modify extracellular amyloid beta-protein in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human APP695. Given the neuroprotective and enhancing memory effects of sAPPalpha, our results may open a new avenue for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.     

Axonal targeting of the 5-HT1B serotonin receptor relies on structure-specific constitutive activation

By analogy to other axonal proteins, transcytotic delivery following spontaneous endocytosis from the somatodendritic membrane is expected to be essential for polarized distribution of axonal G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, possible contribution from constitutive activation, which may also result in constitutive GPCR endocytosis, is poorly known. Using two closely related but differentially distributed serotonin receptors, here we demonstrate higher constitutive activation and spontaneous endocytosis for the axonal 5-HT(1B) R, as compared to the somatodendritic 5-HT(1A) R, both in non-neuronal cells and neurons. Activation-dependent constitutive endocytosis is crucial for axonal targeting, because inverse-agonist treatment, which prevents constitutive activation, leads to atypical accumulation of newly synthesized 5-HT(1B) Rs on the somatodendritic plasma membrane. Using receptor chimeras composed of different domains from 5-HT(1A) R and 5-HT(1B) R, we show that the complete third intracellular loop of 5-HT(1B) R is necessary and sufficient for constitutive activation and efficient axonal targeting, both sensitive to inverse-agonist treatment. These results suggest that activation and targeting of 5-HT(1B) Rs are intimately interconnected in neurons.     

Cloning and expression of the human 5-HT1B-type receptor gene.

We report the cloning and expression of a novel 5-HT receptor gene from human genomic DNA. This clone, HGCR1, contains an apparently intronless open reading frame of 390 amino acids with the seven hydrophobic regions, typical of G-protein coupled receptors. The deduced amino acid sequence of HGCR1 is 39%, 55% and 87% identical to that for the human 5-HT1A, the human 5-HT1D and the rat 5-HT1B receptor, respectively. [3H]5-HT binding to transfected COS-7 cell membranes yields a pharmacological profile similar to that of 5-HT1B receptor. Thus these findings indicate the presence of 5-HT1B-type receptor in the human.     

New aza(nor)adamantanes are agonists at the newly identified serotonin 5-HT4 receptor and antagonists at the 5-HT3 receptor

New aza(nor)adamantanes , , and are described which exhibit properties of both 5-HT4 agonism and 5-HT3 antagonism. In particular, compound [SC-52491], an azanoradamantane, exhibits an EC₅₀ of 51 nM in a functional model of 5-HT₄ agonism and potent antagonism, Ki = 1.2 nM, at the 5-HT₃ receptor.     

Synthesis and pharmacological properties of novel hydrophilic 5-HT4 receptor antagonists

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important signalling molecule in the human body. The 5-HT(4) serotonin receptor, coupled to the G protein G(s), plays important physiological and pathophysiological roles in the heart, urinary bladder, gastrointestinal tract and the adrenal gland. Both 5-HT(4) antagonists and agonists have been developed in the aim to treat diseases in these organs. 5-HT(4) agonists might have beneficial effects in the central nervous system (CNS) and therefore, 5-HT(4) antagonists might cause CNS side effects. In this study, we have developed new amphoteric 5-HT(4) antagonists. A series of cyclic indole amide derivatives possessing an oxazine ring and a piperidine alkane carboxylic acid side chain and the corresponding prodrug esters were synthesized and their binding to 5-HT(4) receptors and antagonist properties were evaluated. In addition, an indole ester without the oxazine ring and the corresponding indole amide derivatives were also tested. Octanol-water distribution (LogD(Oct7.4)) was tested for some of the synthesized ligands. The main structure-affinity characteristics of the 5-HT(4) compounds tested were that the prodrug esters show higher affinity than their corresponding free acids, indole esters show higher affinity than the corresponding amides and ligands containing the oxazine ring in the indole skeleton show higher affinity than indole derivatives not containing the ring. One representative prodrug ester and its corresponding free acid were tested for binding on a panel of receptors and showed preserved selectivity for the 5-HT(4) receptor. These new molecules may be useful to target peripheral 5-HT(4) receptors.     

Discovery and pharmacological profile of new hydrophilic 5-HT4 receptor antagonists

The synthesis and pharmacological data of some new and potent hydrophilic 5-HT₄ receptor antagonists are described. Propanediol derivative 25 was identified as a potent antagonist with low affinity for the hERG potassium channel and promising pharmacokinetics.     

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a human 5-HT1B serotonin receptor: a homologue of the rat 5-HT1B receptor with 5-HT1D-like pharmacological specificity.

We describe a genomic clone encoding the human 5-HT1B receptor. This apparently intronless gene encodes a 390 amino acid polypeptide homologous to the rat 5-HT1B serotonin receptor, with which it shares 93% amino acid sequence identity. Remarkably, [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine binding studies with transfected HeLa cells show that the human 5-HT1B receptor has a pharmacological profile that is markedly different from that of the corresponding rat receptor. Instead, human 5-HT1B drug specificity is highly similar to that of the human 5-HT1D receptor, with which it shares 59% amino acid sequence identity. The human 5-HT1B receptor, like the 5-HT1D receptor, can couple to Gi proteins. The presence of the threonine355 in the human receptor rather than an asparagine, as found in the corresponding rat gene product, may explain much of the marked pharmacological difference between the human and rat 5-HT1B receptors.     

Co-expression of the 5-HT3B serotonin receptor subunit alters the biophysics of the 5-HT3 receptor

Homomeric complexes of 5-HT(3A) receptor subunits form a ligand-gated ion channel. This assembly does not fully reproduce the biophysical and pharmacological properties of native 5-HT(3) receptors which might contain the recently cloned 5-HT(3B) receptor subunit. In the present study, heteromeric assemblies containing human 5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3B) subunits were expressed in HEK 293 cells to detail the functional diversity of 5-HT(3) receptors. We designed patch-clamp experiments with homomeric (5-HT(3A)) and heteromeric (5-HT(3AB)) receptors to emphasize the kinetics of channel activation and desensitization. Co-expression of the 5-HT(3B) receptor subunit reduced the sensitivity for 5-HT (5-HT(3A) receptor: EC(50) 3 micro M, Hill coefficient 1.8; 5-HT(3AB) receptor: EC(50) 25 micro M, Hill coefficient 0.9) and markedly altered receptor desensitization. Kinetic modeling suggested that homomeric receptors, but not heteromeric receptors, desensitize via an agonist-induced open-channel block. Furthermore, heteromeric 5-HT(3AB) receptor assemblies recovered much faster from desensitization than homomeric 5-HT(3A) receptor assemblies. Unexpectedly, the specific 5-HT(3) receptor agonist mCPBG induced an open-channel block at both homomeric and heteromeric receptors. Because receptor desensitization and resensitization massively affect amplitude, duration, and frequency of synaptic signaling, these findings are evidence in favor of a pivotal role of subunit composition of 5-HT(3) receptors in serotonergic transmission.     

Suppressors of cytokine signaling 4 and 5 regulate epidermal growth factor receptor signaling

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) are Src homology-2-containing proteins originally identified as negative regulators of cytokine signaling. Accumulating evidence indicates a role for SOCS proteins in the regulation of additional signaling pathways including receptor tyrosine kinases. Notably, SOCS36E, the Drosophila ortholog of mammalian SOCS5, was recently implicated as a negative regulator of the Drosophila ortholog of EGFR. In this study, we aimed at characterizing the role of SOCS5 in the negative regulation of EGFR. Here we show that the expression of SOCS5 and its closest homolog SOCS4 is elevated in cells following treatment with EGF, similar to several negative feedback regulators of EGFR whose expression is up-regulated upon receptor activation. The expression of SOCS5 led to a marked reduction in EGFR expression levels by promoting EGFR degradation. The reduction in EGFR levels and EGF-induced signaling in SOCS5-expressing cells requires both the Src homology-2 and SOCS box domains of SOCS5. Interestingly, EGFR is degraded by SOCS5 prior to EGF treatment in a ligand- and c-Cbl-independent manner. SOCS5 can associate with EGFR and can also bind the ElonginBC protein complex via its SOCS box, which may recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase to promote EGFR degradation. Thus, we have characterized a novel function for SOCS5 in regulating EGFR and discuss its potential role in controlling EGFR homeostasis.     

Serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4R) internalization is isoform-specific: Effects of 5-HT and RS67333 on isoforms A and B

Serotonin 4 receptors (5-HT4Rs) are particularly abundant within the limbic system, where they constitute potential targets for the development of novel, rapid acting antidepressants. However, the population of limbic 5-HT4Rs is not homogenous, comprising various isoforms of which 5-HT4(a) and 5-HT4(b) are among the most abundant variants. Sequence divergence at their C-termini is predictive of specificity in isoform signalling and regulation, but the differences, if any, remain ill-defined. The present study compared isoforms 5-HT4(a) and 5-HT4(b) in their ability to undergo endocytic regulation following exposure to 5-HT and to the putatively fast acting antidepressant RS67333. Both ligands differed in their ability to induce internalization of either isoform, 5-HT being more effective than RS67333 in HEK293 cells and in neurons. In contrast, trafficking induced by 5-HT was isoform-specific. In particular, while PKC, GRK2 and βarrestin were necessary for 5-HT4(a)R internalization, sequestration of 5-HT4(b)Rs required PKC but not GRK2 and relied significantly less on βarrestin. After endocytosis, isoform (b) appeared scattered throughout the intracellular compartment and efficiently recycled to the membrane upon agonist removal. Isoform (a) accumulated in the perinuclear compartment and displayed little recycling. Isoform-specific subcellular distribution was present in HEK293 cells and in neurons. In neurons, where internalization by RS67333 was more pronounced than in HEK293 cells, receptors internalized by this ligand followed the same distribution pattern as observed with 5-HT. These results point to isoform-related differences in the way that 5-HTRs respond to different ligands. Such diversity should be taken into account when developing therapeutic agents that target 5-HT4Rs.     

Design and synthesis of dual 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptor ligands

5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ receptors have been at the center of discussions recently due in part to their major role in the etiology of major central nervous system diseases such as depression, sleep disorders, and schizophrenia. As part of our search to identify dual targeting ligands for these receptors, we have carried out a systematic modification of a selective 5HT₇ receptor ligand culminating in the identification of several dual 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ receptor ligands. Compound 16, a butyrophenone derivative of tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ), was identified as the most potent agent with low nanomolar binding affinities to both receptors. Interestingly, compound 16 also displayed moderate affinity to other clinically relevant dopamine receptors. Thus, it is anticipated that compound 16 may serve as a lead for further exploitation in our quest to identify new ligands with the potential to treat diseases of CNS origin.     

5-HT induces duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion via cAMP- and Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways and 5-HT4 receptors in mice

In previous studies, we have found that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a potent stimulant of duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion (DMBS) in mice. The aim of the present study was to determine the intracellular signaling pathways and 5-HT receptor subtypes involved in 5-HT-induced DMBS. Bicarbonate secretion by murine duodenal mucosa was examined in vitro in Ussing chambers. 5-HT receptor involvement in DMBS was inferred from pharmacological studies by using selective 5-HT receptor antagonists and agonists. The expression of 5-HT(4) receptor mRNA in duodenal mucosa and epithelial cells was analyzed by RT-PCR. cAMP-dependent signaling pathway inhibitors MDL-12330A, Rp-cAMP, and H-89 and Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathway inhibitors verapamil and W-13 markedly reduced 5-HT-stimulated duodenal bicarbonate secretion and short-circuit current (I(sc)), whereas cGMP-dependent signaling pathway inhibitors NS-2028 and KT-5823 failed to alter these responses. Both SB-204070 and high-dose ICS-205930 (selective 5-HT(4) receptor antagonists) markedly inhibited 5-HT-stimulated bicarbonate secretion and I(sc), whereas methiothepine (5-HT(1) receptor antagonist), ketanserin (5-HT(2) receptor antagonist), and a low concentration of ICS-205930 (5-HT(3) receptor antagonist) had no effect. RS-67506 (partial 5-HT(4) receptor agonist) concentration-dependently increased bicarbonate secretion and I(sc), whereas 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-HT(1) receptor agonist), alpha-methyl-5-HT (5-HT(2) receptor agonist), and phenylbiguanide (5-HT(3) receptor agonist) did not significantly increase bicarbonate secretion or I(sc). RT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression of 5-HT(4) receptor mRNA in murine duodenal mucosa and epithelial cells. These results demonstrate that 5-HT regulates DMBS via both cAMP- and Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways and 5-HT(4) receptors located in the duodenal mucosa and/or epithelial cells.     

An antagonistic 5-HT receptor system in the auricles of the systemic heart complex of Sepia officinalis L. (Cephalopoda) shows 5-HT1 and 5-HT4 subtype properties

In pharmacological bioassays on isolated ring-shaped auricle preparations of Sepia officinalis, the action of the specific 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) agonists 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1a), CP-93129 (5-HT1b), TFMPP (5-HT1b) and RS-67333 (5-HT4) on these autonomously contractile compartments was studied. 8-OH-DPAT and CP-93129 induced mainly positive effects on frequency and tone on the isotonically suspended auricles. The positive effect of 8-OH-DPAT on frequency was blocked by the specific 5-HT1a antagonist NAN-190. The 5-HT1b agonist TFMPP caused similar effects on tone and a positive impact on the auricular amplitude. The highly specific 5-HT4 agonist RS-67333 induced an effect opposite to the action of 5-HT1 agonists inducing mainly negative effects on frequency, amplitude and tone, causing a diastolic standstill at a concentration of 10(-6) M. These negative effects were blocked by the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ-22,536 in the absence of a diastolic standstill. The opposing action of 5-HT1 and 5-HT4 agonists on auricular contractile activity suggests that an antagonistic 5-HT-receptor system exists within the auricular myocardial cells of S. officinalis, probably consisting of 5-HT1- and 5-HT4-like subtypes. The results also suggest that adenylyl cyclase acts as the intracellular target enzyme of both signal transduction mechanisms.