Ligand-induced internalization and recycling of the human neuropeptide Y2 receptor is regulated by its carboxyl-terminal tail

Agonist-induced internalization of G protein-coupled receptors plays an important role in signal regulation. The underlying mechanisms of the internalization of the human neuropeptide Y(2) receptor (hY(2)R), as well as its desensitization, endocytosis, and resensitization are mainly unknown. In the present study we have investigated the role of carboxyl-terminal (C-terminal) Ser/Thr residues and acidic amino acids in regulating receptor internalization, arrestin interaction, and recycling by fluorescence microscopy, cell surface enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer in several cell lines. Strikingly, C-terminal truncation mutants revealed two different internalization motifs. Whereas a distal motif (373)DSXTEXT(379) was found to be the primary regulatory internalization sequence acting in concert with arrestin-3, the proximal motif (347)DXXXSEXSXT(356) promoted ligand-induced internalization in an arrestin-3-independent manner. Moreover, we identified a regulatory sequence located between these internalization motifs ((357)FKAKKNLEVRKN(368)), which serves as an inhibitory element. We found that hY(2)R recycling is also governed by structural determinants within the proximal internalization motif. In conclusion, these results indicate that the hY(2)R C terminus is involved in multiple molecular events that regulate internalization, interaction with arrestin-3, and receptor resensitization. Our findings provide novel insights into complex mechanisms of controlled internalization of hY(2)R, which is likely applicable to other GPCRs.     

Dihydropyridine neuropeptide Y Y(1) receptor antagonists

Dihydropyridine 5a was found to be an inhibitor of neuropeptide Y(1) binding in a high throughput (125)I-PYY screening assay. Structure-activity studies around certain portions of the dihydropyridine chemotype identified BMS-193885 (6e) as a potent and selective Y(1) receptor antagonist. In a forskolin-stimulated c-AMP production assay using CHO cells expressing the human Y(1) receptor, 6e demonstrated full functional antagonism (K(b)=4.5 nM). Compound 6e inhibited NPY-induced feeding in satiated rats when dosed at 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg (ip), and also decreased spontaneous overnight food consumption in rats at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg (ip).     

Agonist internalization by cloned Y1 neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor in Chinese hamster ovary cells shows strong preference for NPY,endosome-linked entry and fast receptor recycling

In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the cloned guinea-pig Y1 receptor, the saturable, receptor-linked internalization of NPY (NPY)-related peptides showed the rank order of human/rat neuropeptide Y (hNPY)>pig/rat peptide YY (pPYY)>=(Pro(34))human PYY>(Leu(31),Pro(34))hNPY>(Leu(31),Pro(34))hPYY>BVD-11 (a selective Y1 antagonist). All agonists accessed similar numbers of Y1 sites in particulates from disrupted cells, with relatively small affinity variation. The rate of internalization could significantly depend on the overall interactivity of the agonist peptide (reflected in sensitivity to chaotropic agents, as well as in the level of non-saturable binding and internalization). Concentration-dependent inhibition of the agonist-driven CHO-Y1 internalization was found with filipin III (a cholesterol-complexing macrolide), and confirmed with inhibitors of clathrin lattice formation, phenylarsine oxide (PAO) and sucrose. In the concentration range affecting Y1 internalization, none of the above treatments or agents significantly alter agonist affinity for Y1 cell surface or particulate receptors. Largely similar responses to the above inhibitors were observed in CHO-Y1 cells for internalization of human transferrin. Internalization of CHO-Y1 receptor apparently is driven by NPY in strong preference to other naturally encountered agonists. At 37 degrees C, most of the internalized receptor is rapidly recycled through endosome-like membrane elements, detectable in Percoll gradients.     

N-acylated alpha-(3-pyridylmethyl)-beta-aminotetralin antagoinists of the human neuropeptide Y Y5 receptor

Alpha-(3-Pyridylmethyl)-beta-aminotetralins were acylated with amino-piperidinyl and-pyrrolidinyl acetic acids, and with (aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Reaction with acyl chlorides, chloroformates, and isocyanates gave amides 8e, carbamates 9, and ureas 10, which bound to the Y5 receptor with nanomolar affinity. Congeners 11a and 11d containing a terminal benzimidazolone group were shown to be functional Y5 antagonists.     

Cloned neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 and pancreatic polypeptide Y4 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells show considerable agonist-driven internalization, in contrast to the NPY Y2 receptor.

Guinea-pig neuropeptide Y1 and rat pancreatic polypeptide Y4 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells were internalized rapidly upon attachment of selective peptide agonists. The Y1 and Y2, but not the Y4, receptor also internalized the nonselective neuropeptide Y receptor agonist, human/rat neuropeptide Y. The internalization of guinea-pig neuropeptide Y2 receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells was small at 37 degrees C, and essentially absent at or below 15 degrees C, possibly in connection to the large molecular size of the receptor-ligand complexes (up to 400 kDa for the internalized fraction). The rate of intake was strongly temperature dependent, with essentially no internalization at 6 degrees C for any receptor. Internalized receptors were largely associated with light, endosome-like particulates. Sucrose dose-dependently decreased the internalization rate for all receptors, while affecting ligand attachment to cell membrane sites much less. Internalization of the Y1 and the Y4 receptors could be blocked, and that of the Y2 receptor significantly inhibited, by phenylarsine oxide, which also unmasked spare cell-surface receptors especially abundant for the Y2 subtype. The restoration of Y1 and Y4 receptors after agonist peptide pretreatment was decreased significantly by cycloheximide and monensin. Thus, in Chinese hamster ovary cells the Y1 and Y4 receptors have much larger subcellular dynamics than the Y2 receptor. This differential could also hold in organismic systems, and is comparable with the known differences in internalization of angiotensin, bradykinin, somatostatin and opioid receptor subtypes.     

1,3-Disubstituted benzazepines as neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antagonists.

A novel class of potent and selective non-peptide neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor antagonists, having benzazepine nuclei, have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for activity. Through a blind screening we found the compound 1-N-(3-(N'-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)benzyl)-7-methoxy-(3-(3)-methyl ureido)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-2-one (9: IC50 = 1.6 microM). Chemical modifications of 9 gave a potent NPY Y1 antagonist 3-(N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N'-methylguanidino)-1-N-(3-(N'-(tert-butoxy carbonyl)amino)benzyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-2-one (14c: IC5(0=43 nM), which had no affinity for NPY Y2 and Y5 receptors.     

Chicken neuropeptide Y receptor Y2: structural and pharmacological differences to mammalian Y2(1)

Here we report the molecular cloning of the chicken (Gallus gallus) neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor Y2, the first non-mammalian Y2 receptor. It displays 75-80% identity to mammalian Y2 and has a surprisingly divergent cytoplasmic tail. Expression of the receptor protein in a cell line showed that the receptor did not bind the mammalian Y2 selective antagonist BIIE0246. Furthermore, porcine [Leu(31), Pro(34)]NPY, which binds poorly to mammalian Y2, exhibited an unexpectedly high affinity for chicken Y2. In situ hybridisation revealed expression in the hippocampus. Thus, the chicken Y2 receptor exhibits substantial differences with regard to sequence and pharmacological profile in comparison to mammalian Y2 receptors, while the expression pattern in the central nervous system resembles that observed in mammals.     

Agonist induced receptor internalization of neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes depends on third intracellular loop and C-terminus

Agonist stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) results in the redistribution of the receptor from the cell surface into intracellular compartments through the process of endocytosis. Monitoring ligand-mediated internalization of GPCRs in living cells has become experimentally accessible by applying fluorescent reagents and fluorescence microscopy. By using cell lines that transiently, stably or endogenously express the human Y receptor (hYR) subtypes hY(1)R, hY(2)R, hY(4)R and hY(5)R and differently fluorescently tagged receptor proteins we were able to unravel further details concerning the internalization behavior of this multi-receptor/multi-ligand system. For the first time we could show that also the hY(2)R is internalized with a rate which is comparable to the hY(1)R and the hY(4)R. In contrast, the hY(5)R was internalized much slower and the rate remained unaffected by co-expression with other hYR subtypes. Furthermore receptor subtype co-expressing cells and selectively binding peptides revealed a receptor subtype selective internalization. By using novel hY(5)/hY(2) receptor chimera the receptor subtype dependent differences in hY receptor internalization could be identified on a molecular level.     

Peptide YY/neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor expression in the epithelium and mucosal nerves of the human colon.

OBJECTIVES: Peptide YY is an abundant distal gut hormone which regulates secretion, motility, and possibly epithelial proliferation in the gut. Though messenger RNA for the peptide YY Y1 receptor subtype occurs in the basal colonic crypts of humans, peptide YY receptors themselves have not been clearly localized within the adult human gastrointestinal tract. Using an antiserum directed against the C-terminus of the Y1 receptor we determined the actual extent of Y1 receptor protein expression in the human colon in order to identify areas targeted for peptide YY effects and suggest additional physiological roles for PYY in the human gut. RESULTS: Y1 receptor protein expression was seen throughout the colonic epithelium along its basolateral aspect. There was an unexpected dense distribution of Y1 receptor immunoreactivity in varicose fibers within the mucosa. Staining was also noted in nerve fibers of the muscularis mucosae, in the submucous and myenteric plexuses, and in nerves in the muscularis propria. CONCLUSIONS: Widespread distribution of Y1 receptors in the colonic epithelium and mucosal nerve fibers suggests diverse regulatory roles for peptide YY in modulating epithelial function as well as secretomotor reflexes in response to lumenal peptide YY-release signals.     

Dihydropyridine neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antagonists 2. bioisosteric urea replacements

Structure-activity studies around the urea linkage in BMS-193885 (4a) identified the cyanoguanidine moiety as an effective urea replacement in a series of dihydropyridine NPY Y(1) receptor antagonists. In comparison to urea 4a (K(i)=3.3 nM), cyanoguanidine 20 (BMS-205749) displayed similar binding potency at the Y(1) receptor (K(i)=5.1 nM) and full functional antagonism (K(b)=2.6 nM) in SK-N-MC cells. Cyanoguanidine 20 also demonstrated improved permeability properties in Caco-2 cells in comparison to urea 4a (43 vs 19 nm/s).     

Ligands of the neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the mammalian brain and exerts a variety of physiological processes in humans via four different receptor subtypes Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y5. Y2 receptor is the most abundant Y subtype receptor in the central nervous system and implicated with food intake, bone formation, affective disorders, alcohol and drugs of abuse, epilepsy, pain, and cancer. The lack of small molecule non-peptidic Y2 receptor modulators suitable as in vivo pharmacological tools hampered the progress to uncover the precise pharmacological role of Y2. Only in recent years, several potent, selective and non-peptidic Y2 antagonists have been discovered providing the tools to validate Y2 receptor as a therapeutic target. This Letter reviews Y2 receptor modulators mainly non-peptidic antagonists and their structure–activity relationships.     

Monitoring of the internalization of neuropeptide Y on neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an important neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous system. The peptide acts through different NPY receptor subtypes (Y1-Y5, y6) that belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. In general, cellular responses to prolonged exposure to agonists of G protein-coupled receptors are attenuated, often through internalization of the receptors and their bound ligands. In this study, a fluorescent labeled NPY derivative was synthesized and characterized to investigate the internalization of NPY in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. Internalization was proven by binding experiments and subsequent acidic washing as well as by direct visualization by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. Approximately 20-30% of the fluorescent labeled NPY and a tritium-marked NPY were resistant to acid removal of cell surface-bound ligands indicating internalization. Extracellular fluorescent labeled NPY was found to be distributed heterogeneously in a clustered pattern, which suggests that the ligand-receptor complex is collected in pits and caveolae followed by endocytosis.     

The cloned guinea pig neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 conforms to other mammalian Y1 receptors.

We have cloned the guinea pig neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor and found it to be 92-93% identical to other cloned mammalian Y1 receptors. Porcine NPY and peptide YY (PYY) displayed affinities of 43 pM and 48 pM, respectively. NPY2-36 and NPY3-36 had 6- and 46-fold lower affinity, respectively, than intact NPY. Functional coupling was measured by using a microphysiometer. Human NPY and PYY were equipotent in causing extracellular acidification with EC50 values of 0.59 nM and 0.69 nM, respectively, whereas NPY2-36 and NPY3-36 were about 15-fold and 500-fold less potent, respectively, than NPY. The present study shows that the cloned guinea pig Y1 receptor is very similar to its orthologues in other mammals, both with respect to sequence and pharmacology. Thus, results from previous studies on guinea pig NPY receptors might imply the existence of an additional Y1-like receptor sensitive to B1BP3226.     

Agonist-induced internalization and recycling of the human A(3) adenosine receptors: role in receptor desensitization and resensitization

A(3) adenosine receptors have been proposed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia with a regimen-dependent nature of the therapeutic effects probably related to receptor desensitization and down-regulation. Here we studied the agonist-induced internalization of human A(3) adenosine receptors in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells, and then we evaluated the relationship between internalization and signal desensitization and resensitization. Binding of N(6)-(4-amino-3-[(125)I]iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide to membranes from Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the human A(3) adenosine receptor showed a profile typical of these receptors in other cell lines (K:(D) = 1.3+/-0.08 nM; B(max) = 400+/-28 fmol/mg of proteins). The iodinated agonist, bound at 4 degrees C to whole transfected cells, was internalized by increasing the temperature to 37 degrees C with a rate constant of 0.04+/-0.034 min(-1). Agonist-induced internalization of A(3) adenosine receptors was directly demonstrated by immunogold electron microscopy, which revealed the localization of these receptors in plasma membranes and intracellular vesicles. Moreover, short-term exposure of these cells to the agonist caused rapid desensitization as tested in adenylyl cyclase assays. Subsequent removal of the agonist led to restoration of the receptor function and recycling of the receptors to the cell surface. The rate constant of receptor recycling was 0.02+/-0.0017 min(-1). Blockade of internalization and recycling demonstrated that internalization did not affect signal desensitization, whereas recycling of internalized receptors was implicated in the signal resensitization.     

On internalization of hormone-receptor complex and receptor recycling

Experimental evidence for recycling of receptors and for discontinuous internalization of the hormone-receptor complex by endocytosis, suggests a number of variations on this theme. Simulations based on models of these processes show the possible effects of the variations and suggest experimental strategies. Two examples from the experimental literature are explored. The new parameters associated with endocytosis are threshold for internalization of clusters of the complex, composition of clusters with respect to the complex and uncomplexed receptor and rate constant for cluster formation.     

Coupling of agonist-induced AMPA receptor internalization with receptor recycling

Excitatory post-synaptic currents in the CNS are primarily mediated by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors in response to glutamate. Internalization of cell-surface receptors has been shown to be one mechanism by which to control receptor function. To test for agonist control of AMPA receptor plasma membrane expression we used biochemical assays to study AMPA receptor internalization and insertion processes. In heterologous cells, we observed a slow constitutive internalization and a rapid agonist-induced internalization of AMPA receptors. To our surprise, however, agonist treatment had no effect on the steady-state levels of AMPA receptors on the cell surface. To examine whether this could be explained by an agonist-induced increase in the insertion rate of AMPA receptors into the plasma membrane we developed an assay to independently measure receptor insertion. Remarkably, agonist treatment of cells also dramatically increased AMPA receptor plasma membrane insertion rates. In addition, using an assay to measure recycling of internalized pools we found that internalized receptors are rapidly recycled to the cell surface. These results suggest that agonist-induced receptor internalization is coupled to increases in receptor recycling. This increase in receptor flux through intracellular pools may allow for rapid changes in receptor surface expression by independent regulatory control of internalization and insertion.     

Distribution of neuropeptide Y Y1 and Y2 receptors in the postmortem human heart

In the present study, we present for the first time the presence and distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors Y1 and Y2 in the human postmortem heart using specific antibodies raised against extracellular parts of the receptors. A more intensive staining against the Y2 than against the Y1 receptors was detected on both atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes. Immunoreactivity against both receptors was identified on both conducting fibers and cardiac nerves. More vessels stained positively for the Y2 than for the Y1 receptor, but the Y1 receptors were more abundant in subendocardial than subepicardial vessels of the left ventricular wall.     

Mechanisms of internalization and recycling of the chemokine receptor, CCR5.

CCR5 is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds several natural chemokines but it is also a coreceptor for the entry of M tropic strains of HIV-1 into cells. Levels of CCR5 on the cell surface are important for the rate of HIV-1 infection and are determined by a number of factors including the rates of CCR5 internalization and recycling. Here we investigated the involvement of the actin cytoskeleton in the control of ligand-induced internalization and recycling of CCR5. Cytochalasin D, an actin depolymerizing agent, inhibited chemokine-induced internalization of CCR5 and recycling of the receptor in stably transfected CHO cells and in the monocytic cell line, THP-1. CCR5 internalization and recycling were inhibited by Toxin B and C(3) exoenzyme treatment in CHO and THP-1 cells, confirming activation of members of the RhoGTPase family by CCR5. The specific Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632, however, had no effect on CCR5 internalization or recycling. Ligand-induced activation of CCR5 leads to Rho kinase-dependent formation of focal adhesion complexes. These data indicate that CCR5 internalization and recycling are regulated by actin polymerization and activation of small G proteins in a Rho-dependent manner.     

Molecular characterization of the human neuropeptide Y Y2-receptor.

Five neuropeptide Y receptors, the Y1-, Y2-, Y4-, Y5- and y6-subtypes, have been cloned, which belong to the rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled, 7-transmembrane helix-spanning receptors and bind the 36-mer neuromodulator NPY (neuropeptide Y) with nanomolar affinity. In this study, the Y2-receptor subtype expressed in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SMS-KAN) and in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-hY2) was characterized on the protein level by using photoaffinity labeling and antireceptor antibodies. Two photoactivatable analogues of NPY were synthesized, in which a Tyr residue was substituted by the photoreactive amino acid 4-(3-trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-ylphenylalanine ((Tmd)Phe), [Nalpha-biotinyl-Ahx2,(Tmd)Phe36]NPY (Tmd36), and the Y2-receptor subtype selective [Nalpha-biotinyl-Ahx2,Ahx5-24,(Tmd)Phe27]N PY (Tmd27). Both analogues were labeled with [3H]succinimidyl-propionate at Lys4 and bind to the Y2-receptor with affinity similar to that of the native ligand. A synthetic fragment of the second (E2) extracellular loop was used to generate subtype selective antireceptor antibodies against the Y2-receptor. Photoaffinity labeling of the receptor followed by SDS-PAGE and detection of bound radioactivity and SDS-PAGE of solubilized receptors and subsequent Western blotting revealed the same molecular masses. Two proteins correspondingly have been detected for each cell line with molecular masses of 58 +/- 4 and 50 +/- 4 kDa, respectively.