Repeated agonistic encounters in hamsters modulate AVP V1a receptor binding

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulates aggression in male Syrian hamsters. In this study, we used radioligand receptor autoradiography to examine whether changes in agonistic behavior following acute and repeated social defeat are accompanied by changes in AVP V1a receptor binding. Social defeat produced high levels of submissive behavior and a loss of territorial aggression when hamsters were subsequently tested with a novel intruder, and repeated agonistic encounters produced similar behavioral changes in subordinates. AVP V1a receptor binding was not reduced by acute social defeat but was affected by repeated agonistic encounters. Dominants had significantly more AVP V1a receptor binding in lateral portions of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHL) than did their subordinate opponents, but subordinates were no different from controls. In contrast, receptor binding did not differ in most other brain regions examined. The changes in receptor binding appear to be independent of testosterone levels, as testosterone levels did not differ among dominants, subordinates, and controls. Our results suggest that changes in AVP V1a receptors do not account for the changes in agonistic behavior produced by acute social defeat but AVP V1a binding in the VMHL correlates with, and may modulate, the behavioral changes that occur following repeated experiences of victory.     

Synthesis and some pharmacologic properties of five novel V1 or V1/V2 antagonists of AVP

Based on [1-(1-mercaptocyclohexaneacetic acid),2-(O-ethyl-D-tyrosine),4-valine]-8-arginine-vasopressin as a model, five new analogues of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) were designed and synthesized. Four of them have in position 1 a large lipophilic substituent, whereas the fifth contains pchloro-D-phenylalanine at position 2. We found that the anti-antidiuretic potency with 1-mercapto-4-methycyclohexaneacetic acid is higher than with 1-mercaptocyclohexaneacetic acid (model peptide) in position 1 and this analogue is among the most potent antagonists of the antidiuretic response to AVP known to date. Upon further increase of the size of substituents, antagonistic potency was significantly decreased or totally eliminated. As for the substitution of p-chloro-D-phenylalanine in position 2, we conclude that this modification leads to substantial decrease of the V2 antagonistic potency.     

精氨酸加压素V1受体阻断剂对毒死蜱降温效应的阻断作用

精氨酸加压素 (ＡＶＰ)能够降低致热原性和非致热原性的发热效应 ,精氨酸加压素Ｖ1受体阻断剂 (ＡＶＰＶ1受体阻断剂 )可以阻断其作用。最近几年的研究发现 ,有机磷农药杀虫剂毒死蜱 (ＣＨＰ)可以引起体温降低。目前认为ＣＨＰ引起的降温效应与体内乙酰胆硷 (Ａｃｈ)含量增加有关 ,因为Ａｃｈ参与体温调节过程。我们考虑既然ＡＶＰ有参与体温调节和降温过程 ,那么ＣＨＰ的降温作用是否与ＡＶＰ有关 ,所以本研究观察了ＡＶＰＶ1受体阻断剂对ＣＨＰ引起的体温变化的影响。1　材料与方法(1)动物与试剂　实验用 2月龄的ＳＤ雄性和雌性大鼠 ,体重…     

Identification and molecular characterization of novel cry1-type toxin genes from Bacillus thuringiensis K1 isolated in Korea

To clone novel cry1-type genes from the Bacillus thuringiensis K1 isolate, about 2.4-kb-long PCR fragments were amplified with two primer sets of ATG1-F/N400-R and 1BeATG1-F/N400-R. Using PCR-RFLP, three novel cry1-type genes, cry1-1, cry1-7, and cry1-44, were obtained from B. thuringiensis K1 and the complete coding sequences of these novel genes were analyzed. The Cry1-1, Cry1-7, and Cry1-44 proteins showed maximum similarities of about 78.0%, 99.7%, and 91.0% with the Cry1Ha1, Cry1Be1, and Cry1Ac2 proteins, respectively. These novel cry1-type genes were expressed using a baculovirus expression vector system and their insecticidal activities were investigated. Whereas all three novel genes were toxic to Plutella xylostella larvae, only Cry1-1 showed insecticidal activity against Spodoptera exigua larvae.     

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) replacement of helper cell requirement in IFN-gamma production. Evidence for a novel AVP receptor on mouse lymphocytes

Arginine vasopressin (AVP), a nine-amino acid neurohypophyseal hormone, is capable of replacing the helper cell requirement for IFN-gamma production by Lyt-2+ mouse splenic lymphocytes. We present data here showing that the AVP helper signal occurs via interaction with a novel R on splenic lymphocytes and involves primarily the N-terminal six-amino acid cyclic ring (pressinoic acid) with the C-terminal three-amino acid end of AVP playing a minor role. Pressinoic acid was capable of providing help at concentrations similar to those of AVP, whereas oxytocin and isoleucine pressinoic acid were 10- and 100-fold less effective, respectively. Isoleucine pressinoic acid has the same structure as pressinoic acid except for the substitution of isoleucine for phenylalanine in position 3 of the sequence. Consistent with the function data, R binding competitions with splenic lymphocyte membrane preparations showed that AVP and pressinoic acid competed similarly with [3H]AVP, whereas oxytocin and isoleucine pressinoic acid were much less effective competitors. Further characterization of the AVP lymphocyte R was performed using AVP analogues having well defined agonist and antagonist activities on either V1 (vasopressor) R or V2 (antidiuretic) R. The AVP helper signal was blocked by the V1 antagonist [d(CH2)1(5) Tyr(methyl)]AVP but not by another V1 antagonist, [d(CH2)1(5)D-Tyr(ethyl)2Val4]AVP. Both V1-R antagonists were able to block [3H]AVP binding to the V1-R on liver cells, whereas only the V1 antagonist that blocked AVP help was able to compete effectively for the spleen AVP-R. Neither a V2 agonist nor a V2 antagonist had any effect on AVP help in IFN-gamma production. These data strongly indicate the presence of a novel AVP-R on spleen lymphocytes, which is related to the classic V1-R on liver cell membranes.     

A molecular theory of recognition and activation at a 5-HT receptor based on a quantum chemical approach to structure activity relationships

The study of structure activity relationships (SAR) is based on the delineation of the causal relationships between the properties of molecules and the observed responses evoked by the interaction of these molecules with biological systems. The methods of theoretical and quantum chemistry describe accurately the molecular properties that are determined by molecular structure and provide a rigorous link between structure and activity. We study the molecular events in the pharmacological mechanism of drugs interacting with the receptor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) by defining the elements of recognition and by analyzing the changes induced in a molecular model for the receptor. These steps define the relationship between the properties of the drugs and their ability to be recognized and cause the activation of the receptors. Consequently, our quantum chemical studies of drug-receptor interactions explain the selectivity of receptors and the molecular determinants for agonism and antagonism on the 5-HT receptor.     

Identification and optimisation of novel sulfonamide, selective vasopressin V1B receptor antagonists

The synthesis and preliminary structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a novel class of vasopressin V(1B) receptor antagonists are described. Hit compound 5, identified via high throughput screening of the corporate collection, showed good activity in a V(1B) binding assay (K(i) 63 nM) but did not possess the lead-like physicochemical properties typically required in a hit compound. A 'deletion approach' on the HTS hit 5 was performed, with the focus on improvement of physicochemical properties, yielding the selective V(1B) antagonist 9f (K(i) 190 nM), with improved druglike characteristics.     

Computational insight into novel molecular recognition mechanism of different bioactive GAs and the Arabidopsis receptor GID1A

Gibberellin (GA) is an essential plant hormone and plays a significant role during the growth and development of the higher plants. The molecular recognition mode between GA and receptor Arabidopsis thaliana GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF1 A (AtGID1A) was investigated by molecular docking and dynamics simulations to clarify the selective perceived mechanism of different bioactive GA molecules to AtGID1A. The 6-COOH group of GA, especially its β configuration, was found to be an indispensable pharmacophore group for GA recognition and binding to AtGID1A. Not only does a strong salt bridge interaction between the 6β-COOH group of GA and Arg244 of AtGID1A play a very important role in the GA recognition of the receptor, but also an indirect water bridge interaction between the pharmacophore group 6β-COOH of GA and the residue Tyr322 of AtGID1A is essential for the GA binding to the receptor. The site-directed residues mutant modeling study on the receptor-binding pocket confirmed that the mutations of Arg244 and Tyr322 decreased the GA binding activity due to the disappearances of the salt bridge and the hydrogen bond interaction. The 3β-OH group of GA was well known to be necessary for the GA bioactivity due to its forming a unique hydrogen bond with Tyr127 of AtGID1A. In addition, the hydrophobic interaction between GA and AtGID1A was considered a necessary factor to lock the GA active conformation and stabilize the GA-GID1A complex structure. The novel molecular recognition mode will be beneficial in elucidating the GA regulation function on the growth and development of the higher plants.

Identification of a novel endocytic recycling signal in the D1 dopamine receptor

A critical event determining the functional consequences of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) endocytosis is the molecular sorting of internalized receptors between divergent recycling and degradative membrane pathways. The D1 dopamine receptor recycles rapidly and efficiently to the plasma membrane after agonist-induced endocytosis and is remarkably resistant to proteolytic down-regulation. Whereas the mechanism mediating agonist-induced endocytosis of D1 receptors has been investigated in some detail, little is known about how receptors are sorted after endocytosis. We have identified a sequence present in the carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain of the human D1 dopamine receptor that is specifically required for the efficient recycling of endocytosed receptors back to the plasma membrane. This sequence is distinct from previously identified membrane trafficking signals and is located in a proximal portion of the carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain, in contrast to previously identified GPCR recycling signals present at the distal tip. Nevertheless, fusion of this sequence to the carboxyl terminus of a chimeric mutant delta opioid neuropeptide receptor is sufficient to re-route internalized receptors from lysosomal to recycling membrane pathways, defining this sequence as a bona fide endocytic recycling signal that can function in both proximal and distal locations. These results identify a novel sorting signal controlling the endocytic trafficking itinerary of a physiologically important dopamine receptor, provide the first example of such a sorting signal functioning in a proximal portion of the carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain, and suggest the existence of a diverse array of sorting signals in the GPCR superfamily that mediate subtype-specific regulation of receptors via endocytic membrane trafficking.     

Identification of Pex13p a peroxisomal membrane receptor for the PTS1 recognition factor

We have identified an S. cerevisiae integral peroxisomal membrane protein of M of 42,705 (Pex13p) that is a component of the peroxisomal protein import apparatus. Pex13p's most striking feature is an src homology 3 (SH3) domain that interacts directly with yeast Pex5p (former Pas10p), the recognition factor for the COOH-terminal tripeptide signal sequence (PTS1), but not with Pex7p (former Pas7p), the recognition factor for the NH2-terminal nonapeptide signal (PTS2) of peroxisomal matrix proteins. Hence, Pex13p serves as peroxisomal membrane receptor for at least one of the two peroxisomal signal recognition factors. Cells deficient in Pex13p are unable to import peroxisomal matrix proteins containing PTS1 and, surprisingly, also those containing PTS2. Pex13p deficient cells retain membranes containing the peroxisomal membrane protein Pex11p (former Pmp27p), consistent with the existence of independent pathways for the integration of peroxisomal membrane proteins and for the translocation of peroxisomal matrix proteins.     

Identification and characterisation of a novel splice variant of the human CB1 receptor

Cannabinoid ligands are implicated in many physiological processes and to date two receptors have been identified. However, a growing body of evidence exists that suggests the presence of additional receptors. Whilst cloning the previously described hCB1a, we have identified a novel variant that we call hCB1b. Characterising these two splice variants demonstrates that they have a unique pharmacological profile and that their RNA's are expressed at low levels in a variety of tissues.     

Atomic force microscope imaging contrast based on molecular recognition.

The contrast in atomic force microscope images arises from forces between the tip and the sample. It was shown recently that specific molecular interaction forces may be measured with the atomic force microscope; consequently, we use such forces to map the distribution of binding partners on samples. Here we demonstrate this concept by imaging a streptavidin pattern with a biotinylated tip in a novel imaging mode called affinity imaging. In this mode topography, adhesion, and sample elasticity are extracted online from local force scans. We show that this technique allows the separation of these values and that the measured binding pattern is based on specific molecular interactions.     

Identification of novel pyrazole acid antagonists for the EP1 receptor

The discovery, synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a novel series of EP1 receptor antagonists is described. Pyrazole acid 4, identified from a chemical array, had desirable physicochemical properties, an excellent in vitro microsomal inhibition and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) profile and good exposure levels in blood. This compound had an ED50 of 1.3 mg/kg in a rat pain model. A range of more potent analogues in the in vitro assay was identified using efficient array chemistry. These EP1 antagonists have potential as agents in the treatment of PGE2 mediated pain.     

Identification of novel glycine sulfonamide antagonists for the EP1 receptor

A high-throughput screen targeting the EP(1) receptor identified non-acidic glycine sulfonamide derivative 2a with a pK(i) of 6.2. Analogue synthesis allowed a thorough investigation of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and led to a 100-fold increase in recombinant potency.     

Identification of a novel RAMP-independent CGRP receptor antagonist

Identification of an HIV integrase inhibitor with micromolar affinity for the CGRP receptor led to the discovery of a series of structurally novel CGRP receptor antagonists. Optimization of this series produced compound 16, a low-molecular weight CGRP receptor antagonist with good pharmacokinetic properties in both rat and dog. In contrast to other nonpeptide antagonists, the activity of 16 was affected by the presence of divalent cations and showed evidence of an alternative, RAMP-independent CGRP receptor binding site.     

Lateral mobility of the phospholipase C-activating vasopressin V1-type receptor in A7r5 smooth muscle cells: a comparison with the adenylate cyclase-coupled V2-receptor.

The present work examines lateral mobility of the vasopressin V1-type receptor, representing the first determination of lateral mobility of a hormone receptor coupled to phospholipase C activation. The V1-receptor of A7r5 smooth muscle cells was characterized for [Arg8] vasopressin (AVP) binding properties and affinity for the fluorescent vasopressin analogue 1-deamino[8-lysine (N6-tetramethylrhodamylaminothiocarbonyl)] vasopressin (TR-LVP). TR-LVP was biologically active in A7r5 cells, inducing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate turnover in similar fashion to AVP. TR-LVP was used to specifically label the V1-receptor of living A7r5 cells, and lateral mobility of the V1-receptor was measured using the technique of fluorescence microphotolysis. The apparent lateral diffusion coefficient (D) at 37 degrees C was 5.1 x 10(-10) cm2/s, falling to 2.9 x 10(-10) cm2/s at 13 degrees C. These D values are higher than comparable values for the adenylate cyclase-activating vasopressin V2-receptor of LLC-PK1 renal epithelial cells analysed with the same fluorescent ligand. In contrast to the V2-receptor, no marked temperature dependence was observed for the V1-receptor mobile fraction (f). From 37 degrees C to 13 degrees C, f was relatively low (between 0.4 and 0.5) consistent with V1-receptor immobilization through internalization, which is rapid even at room temperature in A7r5 cells. These differences between V1- and V2-receptor lateral mobility are discussed in terms of the implications for their respective signal transduction systems.     

Identification of a novel recognition sequence for the integrin alpha 4 beta 1 in the COOH-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin.

The type III connecting segment of fibronectin contains two cell binding sites, represented by the peptides CS1 and CS5, that are recognized by the integrin receptor alpha 4 beta 1. Using assays measuring the spreading of A375-SM human melanoma cells, we now report that the adhesion promoting activity of a 29 kDa protease fragment of fibronectin containing the COOH-terminal heparin-binding domain (HepII), but lacking CS1 and CS5, is completely sensitive to anti-alpha 4 and anti-beta 1 antibodies, suggesting that HepII contains a third alpha 4 beta 1-binding sequence. Examination of the primary structure of HepII revealed a sequence with homology to CS1. A 19mer peptide spanning this region (designated H1) was found to support cell spreading to the same level as the 29 kDa fragment. H1-dependent adhesion was completely sensitive to anti-alpha 4 and anti-beta 1 antibodies. When soluble peptides were tested for their ability to block cell spreading on the 29 kDa fragment, a 13mer peptide comprising the central core of H1 was found to be completely inhibitory. The active region of H1 was localized to the pentapeptide IDAPS, which is homologous to LDVPS from the active site of CS1. Taken together, these results identify a novel peptide sequence in the HepII region of fibronectin that supports alpha 4 beta 1-dependent cell adhesion.     

The three-dimensional structure of a T-cell antigen receptor V alpha V beta heterodimer reveals a novel arrangement of the V beta domain.

The crystal structure of a mouse T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) Fv fragment complexed to the Fab fragment of a specific anti-clonotypic antibody has been determined to 2.6 A resolution. The polypeptide backbone of the TCR V alpha domain is very similar to those of other crystallographically determined V alphas, whereas the V beta structure is so far unique among TCR V beta domains in that it displays a switch of the c" strand from the inner to the outer beta-sheet. The beta chain variable region of this TCR antigen-binding site is characterized by a rather elongated third complementarity-determining region (CDR3beta) that packs tightly against the CDR3 loop of the alpha chain, without leaving any intervening hydrophobic pocket. Thus, the conformation of the CDR loops with the highest potential diversity distinguishes the structure of this TCR antigen-binding site from those for which crystallographic data are available. On the basis of all these results, we infer that a significant conformational change of the CDR3beta loop found in our TCR is required for binding to its cognate peptide-MHC ligand.     

Identification of a novel DNA binding site for nuclear orphan receptor OR1

The nuclear orphan receptor OR1 has been shown to bind as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor (RXR) to direct repeat 4 (DR4) response elements. It remained unclear, however, whether this represents the only or the optimal binding site for this receptor. Therefore, we performed a DNA binding site selection assay that allows the identification of novel DNA binding sites for OR1 in an unbiased manner. While OR1 alone was not able to select a specific sequence from the pool of oligonucleotides, the OR1/RXR heterodimer selected a highly conserved DR1 element, termed DR1s, with two AGGTCA motifs spaced by one adenosine. The functional activity of the consensus binding site was verified in transient transfection assays and corroborated by in vitro studies. Based on the sequence of the consensus DR1s, we located putative natural binding sites in the 5'-promoter flanking regions of the rat S14 gene and the rat cholecystokinin type A receptor gene. Furthermore, we could show that although the OR1/RXR heterodimer has a distinct binding orientation on a DR4 element, it is able to bind in both orientations to the DR1s element. The OR1 paralog LXRalpha does not bind as a heterodimer with RXR to the DR1s element, indicating that these receptors, despite their homology, are involved in the regulation of different sets of genes.     

Purification of a new type high molecular weight receptor (type V receptor) of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) from bovine liver. Identification of the type V TGF-beta receptor in cultured cells.

A 400-kDa transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor was purified from plasma membranes of bovine liver using Triton X-100 extraction, wheat germ lectin-Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography, DEAE-cellulose anion exchange chromatography, and Sepharose CL-4B gel filtration chromatography. This procedure yielded approximately 20 micrograms of the receptor from 1 kg of bovine liver. During purification, the 400-kDa TGF-beta receptor was detected by a cross-linking assay in which the TGF-beta receptor-125I-TGF-beta complex was cross-linked by disuccinimidyl suberate, a bifunctional reagent, and analyzed by 5.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography. This novel 400-kDa TGF-beta receptor was also identified on cultured cells including cells reported to lack the type III receptor. The 400-kDa TGF-beta receptor, a nonproteoglycan glycoprotein, appears to be distinct from TGF-beta receptors (types I, II, III, and IV) previously identified on cultured cells and is designated as the type V receptor. The 400-kDa TGF-beta receptor as well as type I, II, and III receptors underwent internalization upon 125I-TGF-beta binding in mink lung epithelial cells.