Identification and functional properties of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PAC1) receptor in human benign hyperplastic prostate

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is a novel neuropeptide with regulatory and trophic functions that is related to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Here we investigate the expression of specific PACAP receptors (PAC1) and common VIP/PACAP receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2) in the human hyperplastic prostate by immunological methods. The PAC1 receptor corresponded to a 60-KDa protein whereas the already known VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors possessed molecular masses of 58 and 68 KDa, respectively. The heterogeneity of VIP/PACAP receptors in this tissue was confirmed by radioligand binding studies using [125I]PACAP-27 by means of stoichiometric and pharmacological experiments. At least two classes of PACAP binding sites showing different affinities could be resolved, with Kd values of 0.81 and 51.4 nM, respectively. The order of potency in displacing [125I]PACAP-27 binding was PACAP-27 approximately equal to PACAP-38 > VIP. PACAP-27 and VIP stimulated similarly adenylate cyclase activity, presumably through common VIP/PACAP receptors. The PAC1 receptor was not coupled to activation of either adenylate cyclase, nitric oxide synthase, or phospholipase C. It appears to be a novel subtype of PAC1 receptor because PACAP-27 (but not PACAP-38 or VIP) led to increased phosphoinositide synthesis, an interesting feature because phosphoinositides are involved via receptor mechanisms in the regulation of cell proliferation.     

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide induces translocation of its G-protein-coupled receptor into caveolin-enriched membrane microdomains, leading to enhanced cyclic AMP generation and neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the secretin/glucagon/vasoactive intestinal peptide family expressed throughout the nervous system, binds to the PACAP-specific G-protein-coupled receptor family members to promote both neuronal differentiation and survival. Although the PACAP receptor is known to activate its effector protein, adenylate cyclase (AC), and thus enhance cAMP generation, the molecular mechanism utilized by the receptor to activate AC is lacking. Here, we show that PACAP induces neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells by induction of translocation of the PACAP type 1 receptor (PAC1R) into caveolin-enriched Triton X-100-insoluble microdomains, leading to stronger PAC1R-AC interaction and elevated cAMP production. Moreover, we demonstrate that translocation of PAC1R is blocked by various treatments that selectively disrupt caveolae. As a result, intracellular cAMP level is decreased and consequently the PACAP-induced neurite outgrowth retarded. In contrast, addition of exogenous ganglioside GM1 to the cells shows the opposite effects. These results therefore identify the PACAP-induced translocation of its G-protein-coupled receptor into caveolae, where both AC and the regulating G-proteins reside, as the key molecular event in activating AC and inducing cAMP-mediated differentiation of PC12 cells.     

Maxadilan activates PAC1 receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis xelanophores

Functional interactions between ligands and their cognate receptors can be investigated using the ability of melanophores from Xenopus laevis to disperse or aggregate their pigment granules in response to alterations in the intracellular levels of second messengers. We have examined the response of long-term lines of cultured melanophores from X. laevis to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), a neuropeptide with vasodilatory activity, and maxadilan, a vasodilatory peptide present in the salivary gland extracts of the blood feeding sand fly. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide increased the intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and induced pigment dispersion in the pigment cells, confirming that melanophores express an endogenous PACAP receptor. Maxadilan did not induce a response in non-transfected melanophores. When the melanophores were transfected with complementary DNA (cDNA) from the three different members of the PACAP receptor family, maxadilan induced pigment dispersion specifically and cAMP accumulation in melanophores transfected with the cDNA for PAC1 receptors but not VPAC1 or VPAC2 receptors. A melanophore line was generated that stably expresses the PAC1 receptor.     

Maxadilan Activates PAC1 Receptors Expressed in Xenopus laevis Melanophores

Functional interactions between ligands and their cognate receptors can be investigated using the ability of melanophores from Xenopus laevis to disperse or aggregate their pigment granules in response to alterations in the intracellular levels of second messengers. We have examined the response of long‐term lines of cultured melanophores from X. laevis to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), a neuropeptide with vasodilatory activity, and maxadilan, a vasodilatory peptide present in the salivary gland extracts of the blood feeding sand fly. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide increased the intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and induced pigment dispersion in the pigment cells, confirming that melanophores express an endogenous PACAP receptor. Maxadilan did not induce a response in non‐transfected melanophores. When the melanophores were transfected with complementary DNA (cDNA) from the three different members of the PACAP receptor family, maxadilan induced pigment dispersion specifically and cAMP accumulation in melanophores transfected with the cDNA for PAC1 receptors but not VPAC1 or VPAC2 receptors. A melanophore line was generated that stably expresses the PAC1 receptor.     

Calmodulin interacts with the cytoplasmic tails of the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor and a sub-set of class b G-protein coupled receptors

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) binds to its receptor (PTH 1 receptor, PTH1R) and activates multiple pathways. The PTH1R, a class b GPCR, contains consensus calmodulin-binding motifs. The PTH1R cytoplasmic tail interacts with calmodulin in a calcium-dependent manner via the basic 1-5-8-14 motif. Calcium-dependent calmodulin interactions with the cytoplasmic tails of receptors for PTH 2, vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide, corticotropin releasing hormone, calcitonin, and the glucagon-like peptides 1 and 2 are demonstrated. The cytoplasmic tails of the secretin receptor and the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor either interact poorly or not at all with calmodulin, respectively. Fluphenazine, a calmodulin antagonist, enhances PTH-mediated accumulation of total inositol phosphates, suggesting that calmodulin regulates signaling via phospholipase C.     

Paradoxical antagonism of PACAP receptor signaling by VIP in Xenopus oocytes via the type-C natriuretic peptide receptor

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the closely-related peptides BNP and CNP are highly conserved cardiovascular hormones. They bind to single transmembrane-spanning receptors, triggering receptor-intrinsic guanylyl cyclase activity. The "truncated" type-C natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-C) has long been called a clearance receptor because it lacks the intracellular guanylyl cyclase domain, though data suggest it might negatively couple to adenylyl cyclase via G(i). Here we report the molecular cloning and characterization of the Xenopus laevis type-C natriuretic peptide receptor (XNPR-C). Analysis confirms the presence of a short intracellular C-terminus, as well as a high similarity to fish and mammalian NPR-C. Injection of XNPR-C mRNA into Xenopus oocytes resulted in expression of high affinity [(125)I]ANP binding sites that were competitively and completely displaced by natriuretic analogs and the unrelated neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Measurement of cAMP levels in mRNA-injected oocytes revealed that XNPR-C is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. When XNPR-C was co-expressed with PAC(1) receptors for pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), VIP and natriuretic peptides counteracted the cAMP induction by PACAP. These results suggest that VIP and natriuretic peptides can potentially modulate the action of PACAP in cells where these receptors are co-expressed.     

Identification by photoaffinity labeling of the extracellular N-terminal domain of PAC1 receptor as the major binding site for PACAP

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts many crucial biological functions through the interaction with its specific PAC1 receptor (PAC1-R), a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). To identify the binding sites of PACAP in the PAC1-R, three peptide derivatives containing a photoreactive p-benzoyl-phenylalanine (Bpa) residue were developed. These photosensitive PACAP analogs were fully biologically active and competent to displace radiolabeled Ac-PACAP27 from the PAC1-R. Subsequently, the ¹²⁵I-labeled photoprobes were used to anchor the PAC1-R expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Photolabeling led to the formation of two protein complexes of 76 and 67 kDa, representing different glycosylated forms of the receptor. Proteinase and chemical cleavages of the peptide-receptor complexes revealed that ¹²⁵I[Bpa⁰, Nle¹⁷]PACAP27, ¹²⁵I[Bpa⁶, Nle¹⁷]PACAP27 and ¹²⁵I[Nle¹⁷, Bpa²²]PACAP27 covalently labeled the Ser⁹⁸ - Met¹¹¹ segment, the Ser¹²⁴ - Glu¹²⁵ dipeptide and the Ser¹⁴¹ - Met¹⁷² fragment, respectively. Taking into account the topology of the PAC1-R, these segments are mainly located within the extracellular N-terminal domain, indicating that this PAC1-R domain is the major binding site of PACAP27. The present study constitutes the first characterization of the binding domains of PACAP to its specific receptor and suggests heterogeneity within the binding mode of peptide ligands to class B GPCRs.     

Expression of functional PACAP/VIP receptors in human prostate cancer and healthy tissue

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is involved in prostate cell proliferation and function. VIP and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) are similarly recognized by VPAC(1)/VPAC(2) receptors whereas PACAP binds with higher affinity than VIP to PAC(1) receptor. Here we systematically studied the presence and distribution of functional PAC(1), VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptors in human normal and malignant prostate tissue. Functional PACAP/VIP receptors were detected in normal and malignant prostate by adenylyl cyclase stimulation with PACAP-27/38 and VIP. RT-PCR experiments showed PAC(1) (various isoforms due to alternative splicing), VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptor expression at the mRNA level, whereas Western blots found the three receptor protein classes in normal and pathological conditions. No conclusive differences could be established when comparing control and cancer tissue samples. Immunohistochemistry showed a weaker immunostaining in tumoral than in normal epithelial cells for the three receptor subtypes. In conclusion, we demonstrate the expression of functional PAC(1), VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptors in human prostate as well as its maintenance after malignant transformation.     

Distinct structural and functional roles of conserved residues in the first extracellular domain of receptors for corticotropin-releasing factor and related G-protein-coupled receptors

The G-protein-coupled receptor B1 family includes corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), growth hormone-releasing hormone, incretin, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptors. The three-dimensional NMR structure of the first extracellular domain (ECD1) of CRF receptor 2beta (CRF-R2beta), free and complexed with astressin, comprises a Sushi domain. This domain is stabilized in part by a salt bridge between Asp(65) and Arg(101). Analogous residues are conserved in other members of the B1 family. To address the importance of the salt bridge residues within this receptor family, we studied the effects of mutating the residues in full-length CRF-R2beta and isolated ECD1. Mutation D65A or D65R/R101D resulted in loss of the canonical disulfide arrangement, whereas R101A retained the Cys(4)-Cys(6) disulfide bond. The mutations resulted in misfolding within the ECD1 as determined by NMR and 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate binding but did not prevent cell surface expression. The D65A mutation in CRF-R2beta greatly reduced binding and activation, but the R101A substitution had only a small effect. Similar effects were seen on astressin binding to the ECD1. The different interactions of Asp(65) and Arg(101), deduced from the three-dimensional structure of the complex, are consistent with the differential effects seen in the mutants. The reduction in binding of Asp(65) mutants is a consequence of a distinct Asp(65)-Trp(71) interaction, which stabilizes the ligand-binding loop. Hence, loss of the salt bridge leads to disruption of the overall fold but does not abolish function. Because homologous mutations in other B1 receptors produce similar effects, these conserved residues may play similar roles in the entire receptor family.     

Interaction of a cationic polymer with negatively charged proteoliposomes

In the present study, we have analyzed a previously identified constitutively active pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) type I (PAC1) receptor with a deletion of the single amino acid residue Glu(261) (Y.-J. Cao, G. Gimpl, F. Fahrenholz, A mutation of second intracellular loop of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide type I receptor confers constitutive receptor activation, FEBS Lett. 469 (2000)). This glutamic acid residue is highly conserved within the second intracellular loop of class II G protein-coupled receptors and may thus be of importance for many members of this receptor class. To explore the molecular characteristics of this mutant receptor, we performed photoaffinity labeling using previously defined photoreactive PACAP analogues. In COS cells, the PAC1 receptor was expressed in two differently glycosylated forms: a M(r) 75,000 and a M(r) 55,000 form. According to partial deglycosylation, at least three carbohydrate chains may exist in the rat PAC1 receptor expressed in COS cells. The constitutively active PAC1 receptor was expressed at the surface of COS-7 cells at the same density as the wild-type receptor. With respect to the different photoreactive PACAP analogues, the labeling specificity was the same for the wild-type versus mutant receptor: (125)I-[Lys(15)(pBz(2))]-PACAP-27 and (125)I-[Bpa(22)]-PACAP-27 were efficiently incorporated into each of the receptors, whereas (125)I-[Bpa(6)]-PACAP-27 labeled each of the receptors only to a negligible extent. This suggests that both receptors have the same or at least a very similar hormone binding site which is in close contact to Tyr(22) and Lys(15) located in the carboxy-terminal alpha-helical region of the PACAP-27 molecule. However, in comparison with the wild-type PAC1 receptor, the constitutively active receptor showed a markedly (approx. 6--8-fold) enhanced photoaffinity labeling efficiency in particular of the high glycosylated form. The enzymatically deglycosylated rat PAC1 receptor was efficiently labeled by photoreactive PACAP analogues. In contrast, nonglycosylated PAC1 receptors produced by tunicamycin treatment of the transfected COS-7 cells showed a 30-fold lower affinity for PACAP-27 and were capable of signal transduction with 30--50-fold lower potency as compared with the glycosylated PAC1 receptors.     

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides directly stimulate sympathetic neuron neuropeptide Y release through PAC(1) receptor isoform activation of specific intracellular signaling pathways.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides (PACAP) have potent regulatory and neurotrophic activities on superior cervical ganglion (SCG) sympathetic neurons with pharmacological profiles consistent for the PACAP-selective PAC(1) receptor. Multiple PAC(1) receptor isoforms are suggested to determine differential peptide potency and receptor coupling to multiple intracellular signaling pathways. The current studies examined rat SCG PAC(1) receptor splice variant expression and coupling to intracellular signaling pathways mediating PACAP-stimulated peptide release. PAC(1) receptor mRNA was localized in over 90% of SCG neurons, which correlated with the cells expressing receptor protein. The neurons expressed the PAC(1)(short)HOP1 receptor but not VIP/PACAP-nonselective VPAC(1) receptors; low VPAC(2) receptor mRNA levels were restricted to ganglionic nonneuronal cells. PACAP27 and PACAP38 potently and efficaciously stimulated both cAMP and inositol phosphate production; inhibition of phospholipase C augmented PACAP-stimulated cAMP production, but inhibition of adenylyl cyclase did not alter stimulated inositol phosphate production. Phospholipase C inhibition blunted neuron peptide release, suggesting that the phosphatidylinositol pathway was a prominent component of the secretory response. These studies demonstrate preferential sympathetic neuron expression of PACAP-selective receptor variants contributing to regulation of autonomic function.     

B族G蛋白偶联受体PAC1的N端基序HSDCIF对其二聚化和上膜运输的影响

B族G蛋白偶联受体（G protein-coupled receptors, GPCRs）PAC1是垂体腺苷酸环化酶激活多肽（pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide, PACAP）的特异受体,介导PACAP神经保护等功能,是神经系统疾病药物开发的重要靶点之一. HSDCIF（His-Ser-Asp-Cys-Ile-Phe）为位于PAC1的N端胞外1区（extracellar domain 1, EC1）的一段短肽序列,与特定负责激活PAC1受体的激动域PACAP（1-6）具有极高的同源性.利用基因敲除技术构建出缺陷HSDCIF基序的PAC1突变体（简称D PAC1）|利用基因工程原理和技术构建系列真核表达重组载体,包括融合了增强型黄色荧光蛋白（enhanced yellow fluorescent protein, EYFP）的表达载体D-PAC1-EYFP|用于生物发光能量转移（bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, BRET）检测的D-PAC1-Rluc|以及用于双分子荧光互补（bimolecular fluorescence complementation, BiFC）实验的D-PAC1-EYFP/N和D-PAC1-EYFP/C.免疫荧光检测（immunofluorescence assay）测定D PAC1的表达|荧光共聚焦显微观察D-PAC1的细胞运输,然后通过 Western印迹、BRET与BiFC方法来检测D PAC1的二聚化情况,综合评价HSDCIF基序对PAC1二聚化和在细胞中定位的影响.检测结果显示,缺陷HSDCIF基序的突变体D PAC1不能发生二聚化,也不能正常的进行上膜运输,而是滞留在内质网中,同时外源化学合成的寡肽HSDCIF可以竞争性地抑制正常PAC1的二聚化.     

Expression of mRNAs for PACAP and its receptor in human neuroblastomas and their relationship to catecholamine synthesis

PURPOSE: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the secretin/glucagon/vasoactive intestinal peptide family, induces the expression of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes in adrenal medullary cells. In addition, PACAP and its receptor have been detected in human neuroblastoma tissues and cell lines, though it is not yet known whether PACAP enhances the expression of genes encoding catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes. To address this question, we analyzed PACAP, PACAP receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNAs in neuroblastomas. METHODS: The levels of mRNA for PACAP and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), as well as their receptors and the mRNA for TH were measured by RT-PCR or real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: VPAC1R mRNA was detected in all of 16 tissues and 3 cell lines that were examined, while VPAC2R mRNA was detected in 5 of 16 (31%) tissue and 2 of 3 cell lines. PAC1R mRNA was detected in 6 out of 16 (38%) tissues and none of 3 cell lines. mRNA expression of PACAP and TH were detected in many tissues (10/16 and 16/16, respectively). However, neither in tissues nor cell lines did PACAP mRNA expression correlate with TH mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PACAP is not involved in the regulation of expression of TH in neuroblastomas.     

Expression of mRNA for PACAP and its receptors in intra- and extra-adrenal human pheochromocytomas and their relationship to catecholamine synthesis

Purpose: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the secretin/glucagons/vasoactive intestinal peptide family, induces the expression of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes in adrenal medullary cells. In addition, PACAP and its receptor have been detected in human pheochromocytoma tissues, though it is not yet known whether PACAP enhances the expression of genes encoding catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes. To address this question, we analyzed PACAP, PACAP receptor, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) mRNAs in pheochromocytomas. Methods: The levels of the mRNA for PACAP and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and their receptors, and for TH and PNMT were measured by RT-PCR or real-time PCR analysis, and the concentrations of catecholamines were measured by HPLC in 24 intra-adrenal and six extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas. Results: mRNA expression of PACAP and its receptor VPAC1R were detected in many pheochromocytomas (24/30 and 29/30, respectively), but mRNA expression of the PAC1R and VPAC2R receptor subtypes were detected in only one of six extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas. PACAP mRNA expression correlated with TH (p=0.0018) and PNMT (p=0.05) mRNA expression, as well as epinephrine (p=0.0342) levels in 16 intra-adrenal pheochromocytomas. Conclusion: Our findings support a possible role for PACAP in the regulation of expression of genes encoding catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes in intra-adrenal pheochromocytomas.     

B族G蛋白偶联受体PAC1可调控表达体系的建立

PAC1是神经肽垂体腺苷酸环化酶激活多肽(Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide,PACAP)的特异受体,属于B族G蛋白偶联受体,介导PACAP的神经递质、神经调质、神经保护、抗神经损伤及调控神经再生等功能,PAC1高表达和神经损伤、肿瘤等生理病理过程密切相关。为了深入了解PAC1的功能,构建PAC1可调控表达的细胞系,通过优化的四环素控制表达系统实现PAC1在中国仓鼠卵巢(Chinese hamster ovary,CHO)细胞的强力霉素(doxycycline,Dox)依赖的可控表达。首先通过双酶切将编码PAC1和增强型黄色荧光蛋白(EYFP,enhanced yellow fluorescent protein)的融和基因PAC1-EYFP克隆到pTRE-Tight载体上,获得重组载体pTRE-PAC1-EYFP;基因测序鉴定正确后将新型的四环素调节元件载体pTet-on advanced和反应元件载体pTRE-PAC1-EYFP分别转入CHO细胞中,G418和潮霉素(Hygromycin)双抗筛选阳性克隆PAC1-Tet-CHO,使用梯度浓度四环素类似物强力霉素Dox诱导PAC1-EYFP表达,48 h后检测受体表达水平,并通过MTT法检测不同PAC1表达水平的细胞增殖活性。荧光检测和Western印迹结果显示,成功获得了具有良好诱导性的Dox依赖的PAC1可控表达的细胞系,这些细胞株在传10代后仍能稳定地可控表达PAC1。MTT结果显示PAC1表达水平越高,细胞增殖活性越强。成功所构建的Dox依赖的PAC1可控表达细胞系,为PAC1的生物学功能的深入研究奠定了基础。     

Identification, synthesis and properties of a consensus peptide recognized by a monoclonal antibody directed to various type I cytokine receptors

Previous works demonstrated that the monoclonal antibody (MAb) called R7B4 is directed to an epitope shared by receptors for lactogenic and somatogenic hormones as well as interleukins 2 and 6 (IL-2 and IL-6). The MAb inhibited the biological effects of those hormones and cytokines by impairing their binding to receptors. It is known that the receptors for growth hormones (GH), prolactins (PRL), IL-2, and IL-6 pertain to the type I cytokine receptor family, sharing the common motif WSXWS or the homologous F(Y)GEFS. Thus, a set of 34 decapeptides corresponding to diverse receptors containing those sequences were synthesized by the PEPSCAN method and their reactions with MAb R7B4 were measured by ELISA. The MAb significantly recognized 21 peptides, allowing us to establish the consensus sequence HGYWSEWSPE as a portion of the R7B4 epitope. The consensus peptide was synthesized and purified by conventional methods, and its capacity to bind to MAb R7B4 paratope confirmed. Moreover, polyclonal Ab to the peptide elicited in mice were able to inhibit the hGH binding to lactogenic, somatogenic and human specific liver receptors. This fact suggests that the consensus peptide could be used as an immunogen to produce anti-hGH receptor Ab behaving as hormone or cytokine antagonists in certain pathological conditions.     

Cis- and trans-activation of hormone receptors: the LH receptor

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) accommodate a wide spectrum of activators from ions to glycoprotein hormones. The mechanism of activation for this large and clinically important family of receptors is poorly understood. Although initially thought to function as monomers, there is a growing body of evidence that GPCR dimers form, and in some cases that these dimers are essential for signal transduction. Here we describe a novel mechanism of intermolecular GPCR activation, which we refer to as trans-activation, in the LH receptor, a GPCR that does not form stable dimers. The LH receptor consists of a 350-amino acid amino-terminal domain, which is responsible for high-affinity binding to human CG, followed by seven-transmembrane domains and connecting loops. This seven-transmembrane domain bundle transmits the signal from the extracellular amino terminus to intracellular G proteins and adenylyl cyclase. Here, we show that binding of hormone to one receptor can activate adenylyl cyclase through its transmembrane bundle, intramolecular activation (cis-activation), as well as trans-activation through the transmembrane bundle of an adjacent receptor, without forming a stable receptor dimer. Coexpression of a mutant receptor defective in hormone binding and another mutant defective in signal generation rescues hormone-activated cAMP production. Our observations provide new insights into the mechanism of receptor activation mechanisms and have implications for the treatment of inherited disorders of glycoprotein hormone receptors.