降钙素基因相关肽家族受体及其受体活性修饰蛋白

降钙素基因相关肽家族是一类多功能的激素家族 ,参与人体的多种生物学功能 ,与多种疾病有关。降钙素基因相关肽受体包括降钙素受体 (CTR)和降钙素受体样受体 (CRLR) ,CTR可以独自与降钙素结合 ,而CRLR必须与一组称作受体活性修饰蛋白 (RAMPs)的蛋白质共同作用才能发挥生物学功能。综述CTR的研究概况及CRLR与RAMPs相互作用的机制和表达调控 ,以期为人们设计新型药物提供参考。     

Intermedin is a calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide family peptide acting through the calcitonin receptor-like receptor/receptor activity-modifying protein receptor complexes

Calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), adrenomedullin (ADM), and amylin belong to a unique group of peptide hormones important for homeostasis in diverse tissues. Calcitonin is essential for calcium balance, whereas CGRP and ADM are important for neurotransmission and cardiovascular and respiratory regulation. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we identified intermedin as a novel member of the calcitonin/CGRP peptide family. Analysis of intermedin expression indicated that intermedin is expressed primarily in the pituitary and gastrointestinal tract. Intermedin increased cAMP production in SK-N-MC and L6 cells expressing endogenous CGRP receptors and competed with labeled CGRP for binding to its receptors in these cells. In addition, treatment of 293T cells expressing recombinant calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and one of the three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) showed that a CRLR/RAMP receptor complex is required for intermedin signaling. In contrast to CGRP and ADM, which exhibited a preferential stimulation of CRLR when co-expressed with RAMP1 and RAMP2 or RAMP3, respectively, intermedin represents a nonselective agonist for the RAMP coreceptors. In vivo studies demonstrated that intermedin treatment led to blood pressure reduction in both normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats via interactions with the CRLR/RAMP receptor complexes. Furthermore, in vivo treatment in mice with intermedin led to suppression of gastric emptying activity and food intake. Thus, identification of intermedin as a novel member of the calcitonin/CGRP peptide family capable of signaling through CRLR/RAMP receptor complexes provides an additional player in the regulation of peripheral tissues by CRLR and will allow development of new therapeutic agents for pathologies associated with diverse vascular and gastrointestinal disorders.     

Comparisons between the effects of calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide and intermedin and other peptides in the calcitonin family on bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis

Calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide (CRSP) and intermedin (IMD) are two recently discovered peptides in the calcitonin (CT) family of peptides. CRSP and IMD, similar to CT, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and amylin (AMY), but in contrast to adrenomedullin (ADM), inhibited bone resorption in mouse calvarial bones. CRSP and IMD, similar to CT, CGRP, AMY, but in contrast to ADM, decreased formation of osteoclasts and number of pits in bone marrow macrophage cultures stimulated by M-CSF and RANKL, with no effect on the expression of a number of genes associated with osteoclast progenitor cell differentiation. CRSP and IMD inhibited osteoclastogenesis at a late stage but had no effect on DC-STAMP mRNA. IMD, similar to CGRP, AMY, and ADM stimulated cyclic AMP formation in M-CSF expanded osteoclast progenitor cells lacking CT receptors (CTRs). RANKL induced CTRs and a cyclic AMP response also to CT and CRSP, and increased the cyclic AMP response to CGRP, AMY, and IMD but decreased the response to ADM. Our data demonstrates that CRSP and IMD share several functional properties of peptides in the CT family of peptides, including inhibition of bone resorption and osteoclast formation. The data also show that the reason why ADM does not inhibit osteoclast activity or formation is related to the fact that RANKL decreases ADM receptor signaling through the adenylate cyclase-cyclic AMP pathway. Finally, the findings indicate that activation by CGRP, AMY, and IMD may include activation of both CT and CT receptor-like receptors.     

RAMPs and G protein coupled receptors

RAMPs (receptor activity-modifying proteins) were discovered in 1998 as accessory proteins needed to the functionnal activity of CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptors. Three RAMPs generated by three different genes are known in human, rat and mice. The coding sequences of such genes are described, but as yet, regulation sequences are unknown. RAMPs interact with GPCR (G protein-coupled receptors) of class II. In the case of the calcitonin/CGRP peptide family, RAMPs determine the functionnal specificity of the receptor, glycosylate and translocate the receptor to the cell surface. CGRP receptors are observed in presence of the RAMP1/calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), but the association of RAMP2 or RAMP3 with CRLR generates an adrenomedullin receptor. The calcitonin receptor (CTR) is translocated alone to the cell surface, but interactions of RAMPs with CTR forms amylin receptors. If RAMPs can interact with glucagon, parathyroid hormone and VIP/PACAP (vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (VPACR1)) receptors, the functionnal specificity of these receptors remains unaltered. However, the complex VPACR1/RAMP2 enhances specifically the phosphoinoside signaling pathway.     

Evidence for Conservation of the Calcitonin Superfamily and Activity-regulating Mechanisms in the Basal Chordate Branchiostoma floridae: INSIGHTS INTO THE MOLECULAR AND FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTION IN CHORDATES*

The calcitonin (CT)/CT gene-related peptide (CGRP) family is conserved in vertebrates. The activities of this peptide family are regulated by a combination of two receptors, namely the calcitonin receptor (CTR) and the CTR-like receptor (CLR), and three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). Furthermore, RAMPs act as escort proteins by translocating CLR to the cell membrane. Recently, CT/CGRP family peptides have been identified or inferred in several invertebrates. However, the molecular characteristics and relevant functions of the CTR/CLR and RAMPs in invertebrates remain unclear. In this study, we identified three CT/CGRP family peptides (Bf-CTFPs), one CTR/CLR-like receptor (Bf-CTFP-R), and three RAMP-like proteins (Bf-RAMP-LPs) in the basal chordate amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae). The Bf-CTFPs were shown to possess an N-terminal circular region typical of the CT/CGRP family and a C-terminal Pro-NH₂. The Bf-CTFP genes were expressed in the central nervous system and in endocrine cells of the midgut, indicating that Bf-CTFPs serve as brain and/or gut peptides. Cell surface expression of the Bf-CTFP-R was enhanced by co-expression with each Bf-RAMP-LP. Furthermore, Bf-CTFPs activated Bf-CTFP-R·Bf-RAMP-LP complexes, resulting in cAMP accumulation. These results confirmed that Bf-RAMP-LPs, like vertebrate RAMPs, are prerequisites for the function and translocation of the Bf-CTFP-R. The relative potencies of the three peptides at each receptor were similar. Bf-CTFP2 was a potent ligand at all receptors in cAMP assays. Bf-RAMP-LP effects on ligand potency order were distinct to vertebrate CGRP/adrenomedullin/amylin receptors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular and functional characterization of an authentic invertebrate CT/CGRP family receptor and RAMPs.     

受体活性修饰蛋白研究进展

受体活性修饰蛋白(receptor activity-modifying proteins,RAMPs)属于单跨膜蛋白家族,分三个结构域,RAMP的N端和跨膜区决定本身的功能和受体表型,胞内C端对于配体的信号传导和受体循环有重要作用。目前发现有三个成员:RAMP1、RAMP2和RAMP3。RAMPs通过改变G蛋白偶联受体的糖基化,作用于配体结合区域来调节受体表型。RAMP1与降钙素受体样受体(calcitonin receptor like receptor,CRLR)结合表现出降钙素基因相关肽(calcitonin gene-related peptide,CGRP)受体表型:RAMP2和RAMP3与CRLR结合则对肾上腺髓质素(adrenomedullin,AM)表现高亲和力,与降钙素受体(calcitonin receptor,CTR)结合则作为胰淀粉样酶(amylin,AMY)受体。由此可见,RAMPs不仅调节受体与配体结合,还影响细胞内的蛋白相互作用调节细胞内信号传导来影响细胞的增殖、迁移、分化等生物学特性。RAMPs还对心血管系统的病理生理有重要调节作用。     

Functional relevance of G-protein-coupled-receptor-associated proteins,exemplified by receptor-activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs)

The calcitonin (CT) receptor (CTR) and the CTR-like receptor (CRLR) are close relatives within the type II family of G-protein-coupled receptors, demonstrating sequence identity of 50%. Unlike the interaction between CT and CTR, receptors for the related hormones and neuropeptides amylin, CT-gene-related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin (AM) require one of three accessory receptor-activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) for ligand recognition. An amylin/CGRP receptor is revealed when CTR is co-expressed with RAMP1. When complexed with RAMP3, CTR interacts with amylin alone. CRLR, initially classed as an orphan receptor, is a CGRP receptor when co-expressed with RAMP1. The same receptor is specific for AM in the presence of RAMP2. Together with human RAMP3, CRLR defines an AM receptor, and with mouse RAMP3 it is a low-affinity CGRP/AM receptor. CTR-RAMP1, antagonized preferentially by salmon CT-(8-32) and not by CGRP-(8-37), and CRLR-RAMP1, antagonized by CGRP-(8-37), are two CGRP receptor isotypes. Thus amylin and CGRP interact specifically with heterodimeric complexes between CTR and RAMP1 or RAMP3, and CGRP and AM interact with complexes between CRLR and RAMP1, RAMP2 or RAMP3.     

Selective CGRP and adrenomedullin peptide binding by tethered RAMP‐calcitonin receptor‐like receptor extracellular domain fusion proteins

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin (AM) are related peptides that are potent vasodilators. The CGRP and AM receptors are heteromeric protein complexes comprised of a shared calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CLR) subunit and a variable receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) subunit. RAMP1 enables CGRP binding whereas RAMP2 confers AM specificity. How RAMPs determine peptide selectivity is unclear and the receptor stoichiometries are a topic of debate with evidence for 1:1, 2:2, and 2:1 CLR:RAMP stoichiometries. Here, we describe bacterial production of recombinant tethered RAMP‐CLR extracellular domain (ECD) fusion proteins and biochemical characterization of their peptide binding properties. Tethering the two ECDs ensures complex stability and enforces defined stoichiometry. The RAMP1‐CLR ECD fusion purified as a monomer, whereas the RAMP2‐CLR ECD fusion purified as a dimer. Both proteins selectively bound their respective peptides with affinities in the low micromolar range. Truncated CGRP(27‐37) and AM(37‐52) fragments were identified as the minimal ECD complex binding regions. The CGRP C‐terminal amide group contributed to, but was not required for, ECD binding, whereas the AM C‐terminal amide group was essential for ECD binding. Alanine‐scan experiments identified CGRP residues T30, V32, and F37 and AM residues P43, K46, I47, and Y52 as critical for ECD binding. Our results identify CGRP and AM determinants for receptor ECD complex binding and suggest that the CGRP receptor functions as a 1:1 heterodimer. In contrast, the AM receptor may function as a 2:2 dimer of heterodimers, although our results cannot rule out 2:1 or 1:1 stoichiometries.     

Novel calcitonin-(8-32)-sensitive adrenomedullin receptors derived from co-expression of calcitonin receptor with receptor activity-modifying proteins

We tested whether heterodimers comprised of calcitonin (CT) receptor lacking the 16-amino acid insert in intracellular domain 1 (CTR(I1-)) and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) can function not only as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors but also as adrenomedullin (AM) receptors. Whether transfected alone or together with RAMP, human (h)CTR(I1-) appeared mainly at the surface of HEK-293 cells. Expression of CTR(I1-) alone led to significant increases in cAMP in response to hCGRP or hAM, though both peptides remained about 100-fold less potent than hCT. However, the apparent potency of AM, like that of CGRP, approached that of CT when CTR(I1-) was co-expressed with RAMP. CGRP- or AM-evoked cAMP production was strongly inhibited by salmon CT-(8-32), a selective amylin receptor antagonist, but not by hCGRP-(8-37) or hAM-(22-52), antagonists of CGRP and AM receptors, respectively. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of CT-(8-32) were much stronger in cells co-expressing CTR(I1-) and RAMP than in cells expressing CTR(I1-) alone. Co-expression of CTR(I1-) with RAMP thus appears to produce functional CT-(8-32)-sensitive AM receptors.     

Structure-function analysis of amino acid 74 of human RAMP1 and RAMP3 and its role in peptide interactions with adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors

The receptors for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin (AM) are complexes of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMP). The CGRP receptor is a CLR/RAMP1 pairing whereas CLR/RAMP2 and CLR/RAMP3 constitute two subtypes of AM receptor: AM₁ and AM₂, respectively. Previous studies identified Glu74 in RAMP3 to be important for AM binding and potency. To further understand the importance of this residue and its equivalent in RAMP1 (Trp74) we substituted the native amino acids with several others. In RAMP3, these were Trp, Phe, Tyr, Ala, Ser, Thr, Arg and Asn; in RAMP1, Glu, Phe, Tyr, Ala and Asn substitutions were made. The mutant RAMPs were co-expressed with CLR in Cos7 cells; receptor function in response to AM, AM₂/intermedin and CGRP was measured in a cAMP assay and cell surface expression was determined by ELISA. Phe reduced AM potency in RAMP3 but had no effect in RAMP1. In contrast, Tyr had no effect in RAMP3 but enhanced AM potency in RAMP1. Most other substitutions had a small effect on AM potency in both receptors whereas there was little impact on CGRP or AM₂ potency. Overall, these data suggest that the geometry and charge of the residue at position 74 contribute to how AM interacts with the AM₂ and CGRP receptors and confirms the role of this position in dictating differential AM pharmacology at the AM₂ and CGRP receptors.     

Multiple ramp domains are required for generation of amylin receptor phenotype from the calcitonin receptor gene product

Calcitonin (CT), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), amylin, and adrenomedullin constitute a family of structurally related peptides that signal via either the calcitonin receptor-like receptor or the CT receptor, with receptor phenotype determined by coexpression of one of the three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). The nature of the interaction between the receptor and RAMP was investigated using chimeras between RAMP1 and RAMP2 where the amino-terminal domain of RAMP1 was attached to the transmembrane domain and carboxy terminus of RAMP2 and called RAMP1/2, and vice versa for RAMP2/1. Cotransfection of wild-type or chimeric RAMPs with the insert-negative isoform of the human CT receptor (hCTR(I1-)) into COS-7 cells resulted in the expression of (125)I-rat amylin binding sites. Highest specific binding was observed when either RAMP1 or RAMP2/1 were cotransfected, indicating the importance of the RAMP transmembrane domain and/or carboxy terminus for the degree to which amylin receptors are expressed. In contrast, the phenotype generated was primarily determined by the amino terminus, with similar RAMP1- and RAMP1/2-induced receptor phenotypes that had higher affinity for human CGRPalpha and lower affinity for human calcitonin than the RAMP2- and RAMP2/1-induced receptors.     

Deletions of genes encoding calcitonin/alpha-CGRP, amylin and calcitonin receptor have given new and unexpected insights into the function of calcitonin receptors and calcitonin receptor-like receptors in bone

It has been suggested that skeletal nerves fibers may play important roles in neuro-osteogenic interactions. This view is partly based upon information obtained from immunohistochemical studies, chemical and surgical denervation experiments and clinical observations in patients with stroke and spinal cord injury, indicating the presence of a network of nerve fibers in the skeleton and that defective signalling in skeletal nerve fibers affects remodelling of bone. This view is also supported by data showing that functional receptors for signalling molecules in skeletal nerve fibers are expressed in bone cells and that activation of these receptors leads to profound effects on bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. Convincing evidence for a role of neuronal signalling in bone metabolism has been provided by gene deletion approaches in which it has been shown that leptin-sensitive and neuropeptide Y-sensitive receptors in hypothalamus are important for bone remodelling in mice. Recently, gene deletion experiments have shown that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), one of the neuropeptides present in skeletal nerve fibers, is an important physiological regulator of bone formation at the level of osteoblast activity. CGRP belongs to the calcitonin (CT) family of peptides also including CT, amylin and adrenomedullin, as well as the recently described intermedin and calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide. These peptides utilize two seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors - the calcitonin receptor (CTR) and the calcitonin receptor- like receptor (CRLR) - which can dimerize with three different single transmembrane proteins, making up the RAMP family. Associations between RAMPs and either CTR or CRLR give rise to seven distinct, molecularly characterized, receptors for CT, CGRP, amylin and adrenomedullin. Deletions of the genes for ligands in the CT family of peptides and for one of the receptors have revealed unexpected findings that have changed our view on the role of these peptides in bone remodelling. It was anticipated that deletions of the CT/alpha-CGRP and CTR genes would lead to bone loss, since CT has been shown to inhibit bone resorption in vitro and in vivo and has been used to treat patients with excessive bone resorption. Surprisingly, it was found that CT/alpha-CGRP-/- and CTR+/- mice have increased bone mass due to increased bone formation. Mice with deletion of the amylin gene, however, exhibited bone loss due to enhanced bone resorption. Selective deletion of the alpha-CGRP gene also leads to bone loss, but due to decreased bone formation. Thus, our understanding of the role of the CT family of peptides has been changed dramatically and much more data have to be gained before we fully understand the roles these peptides have in bone biology.     

Localization of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) in human gastrointestinal tract

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) exerts its diverse effects on vasodilation, nociception, secretion, and motor function through a heterodimeric receptor comprising of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1). Despite the importance of CLR·RAMP1 in human disease, little is known about its distribution in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where it participates in inflammation and pain. In this study, we determined that CLR and RAMP1 mRNAs are expressed in normal human stomach, ileum and colon by RT-PCR. We next characterized antibodies that we generated to rat CLR and RAMP1 in transfected HEK cells. Having characterized these antibodies in vitro, we then localized CLR-, RAMP1-, CGRP- and intermedin-immunoreactivity (IMD-IR) in various human GI segments. In the stomach, nerve bundles in the myenteric plexus and nerve fibers throughout the circular and longitudinal muscle had prominent CLR-IR. In the proximal colon and ileum, CLR was found in nerve varicosities of the myenteric plexus and surrounding submucosal neurons. Interestingly, CGRP expressing fibers did not co-localize, but were in close proximity to CLR. However, CLR and RAMP1, the two subunits of a functional CGRP receptor were clearly localized in myenteric plexus, where they may form functional cell-surface receptors. IMD, another member of calcitonin peptide family was also found in close proximity to CLR, and like CGRP, did not co-localize with either CLR or RAMP1 receptors. Thus, CGRP and IMD appear to be released locally, where they can mediate their effect on their receptors regulating diverse functions such as inflammation, pain and motility.     

Adrenomedullin: receptor and signal transduction

Adrenomedullin is a vascular tissue peptide and a member of the calcitonin family of peptides, which includes calcitonin, calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) and amylin. Its many biological actions are mediated via CGRP type 1 (CGRP(1)) receptors and by specific adrenomedullin receptors. Although the pharmacology of these receptors is distinct, they are both represented in molecular terms by the type II family G-protein-coupled receptor, calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CRLR). The specificity here is defined by co-expression of receptor-activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). CGRP(1) receptors are represented by CRLR and RAMP1, and specific adrenomedullin receptors by CRLR and RAMP2 or 3. Here we discuss how CRLR/RAMP2 relates to adrenomedullin binding, pharmacology and pathophysiology, and how chemical cross-linking of receptor-ligand complexes in tissue relates to that in CRLR/RAMP2-expressing cells. CRLR, like other type II family G-protein-coupled receptors, signals via G(s) and adenylate cyclase activation. We demonstrated that adrenomedullin signalling in cell lines expressing specific adrenomedullin receptors followed this expected pattern.     

Adrenomedullin and related peptides: receptors and accessory proteins.

Adrenomedullin (AM), alpha- and beta-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), amylin and calcitonin (CT) are structurally and functionally related peptides. The structure of a receptor for CT (CTR) was elucidated in 1991 through molecular cloning, but the structures of the receptors for the other three peptides had yet to be elucidated. The discovery of receptor-activity-modifying proteins (RAMP) 1 and -2 and their co-expression with an orphan receptor, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) has led to the elucidation of functional CGRP and AM receptors, respectively. RAMP1 and -3 which are co-expressed with CTR revealed two amylin receptor isotypes. Molecular interactions between CRLR and RAMPs are involved in their transport to the cell surface. Heterodimeric complexes between CRLR or CTR and RAMPs are required for ligand recognition.     

Receptor autoradiography as mean to explore the possible functional relevance of neuropeptides: focus on new agonists and antagonists to study natriuretic peptides, neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene-related peptides

Over the past 20 years, receptor autoradiography has proven most useful to provide clues as to the role of various families of peptides expressed in the brain. Early on, we used this method to investigate the possible roles of various brain peptides. Natriuretic peptide (NP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin (CT) peptide families are widely distributed in the peripheral and central nervous system and induced multiple biological effects by activating plasma membrane receptor proteins. The NP family includes atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). The NPY family is composed of at least three peptides NPY, peptide YY (PYY) and the pancreatic polypeptides (PPs). The CT family includes CT, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), amylin (AMY), adrenomedullin (AM) and two newly isolated peptides, intermedin and calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide (CRSP). Using quantitative receptor autoradiography as well as selective agonists and antagonists for each peptide family, in vivo and in vitro assays revealed complex pharmacological responses and radioligand binding profile. The existence of heterogeneous populations of NP, NPY and CT/CGRP receptors has been confirmed by cloning. Three NP receptors have been cloned. One is a single-transmembrane clearance receptor (NPR-C) while the other two known as CG-A (or NPR-A) and CG-B (or NPR-B) are coupled to guanylate cyclase. Five NPY receptors have been cloned designated as Y(1), Y(2), Y(4), Y(5) and y(6). All NPY receptors belong to the seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors family (GPCRs; subfamily type I). CGRP, AMY and AM receptors are complexes which include a GPCR (the CT receptor or CTR and calcitonin receptor-like receptor or CRLR) and a single-transmembrane domain protein known as receptor-activity-modifying-proteins (RAMPs) as well as an intracellular protein named receptor-component-protein (RCP). We review here tools that are currently available in order to target each NP, NPY and CT/CGRP receptor subtype and establish their respective pathophysiological relevance.     

Receptor activity modifying proteins interaction with human and porcine calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) in HEK-293 cells

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin (ADM), two closely related peptides, initiate their biological responses through their interaction with calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR). The CRLR receptor phenotype can be determined by coexpression of CRLR with one of the three-receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs). In this report, we characterized the pharmacological properties of the human or porcine CRLR with individual RAMPs transiently expressed in human embroynic kidney cell line (HEK-293). Characterization of RAMP1/human or porcine CRLR combination by radioligand binding ([¹²⁵I] hCGRP) and functional assay (activation of adenylyl cyclase) revealed the properties of CGRP receptor. Similarly characterization of RAMP2/human or porcine CRLR and RAMP3/human or porcine CRLR combination by radioligand binding ([¹²⁵I]rADM) and functional assay (activation of adenylyl cyclase) revealed the properties of ADM (22–52) sensitive-ADM receptor. In addition, porcine CRLR/RAMP2 or 3 combination displayed specific high affinity [¹²⁵I] hCGRP binding also. Also, co-transfection of porcine CRLR with RAMPs provided higher expression level of the receptor than the human counterpart. Thus the present study along with earlier studies strongly support the role of RAMPs in the functional expression of specific CRLRs.     

Visualization of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor and its receptor activity-modifying proteins during internalization and recycling

Expression of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and its receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) can produce calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors (CRLR/RAMP1) and adrenomedullin (AM) receptors (CRLR/RAMP2 or -3). A chimera of the CRLR and green fluorescent protein (CRLR-GFP) was used to study receptor localization and trafficking in stably transduced HEK 293 cells, with or without co-transfection of RAMPs. CRLR-GFP failed to generate responses to CGRP or AM without RAMPs. Furthermore, CRLR-GFP was not found in the plasma membrane and its localization was unchanged after agonist exposure. When stably coexpressed with RAMPs, CRLR-GFP appeared on the cell surface and was fully active in intracellular cAMP production and calcium mobilization. Agonist-mediated internalization of CRLR-GFP was observed in RAMP1/CGRP or AM, RAMP2/AM, and RAMP3/AM, which occurred with similar kinetics, indicating the existence of ligand-specific regulation of CRLR internalization by RAMPs. This internalization was strongly inhibited by hypertonic medium (0.45 m sucrose) and paralleled localization of rhodamine-labeled transferrin, suggesting that CRLR endocytosis occurred predominantly through a clathrin-dependent pathway. A significant proportion of CRLR was targeted to lysosomes upon binding of the ligands, and recycling of the internalized CRLR was not efficient. In HEK 293 cells stably expressing CRLR-GFP and Myc-RAMPs, these rhodamine-labeled RAMPs were co-localized with CRLR-GFP in the presence and absence of the ligands. Thus, the CRLR is endocytosed together with RAMPs via clathrin-coated vesicles, and both the internalized molecules are targeted to the degradative pathway.     

Adrenomedullin receptors: pharmacological features and possible pathophysiological roles

Three receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) chaperone calcitonin-like receptor (CLR) to the cell surface. RAMP2 enables CLR to form an adrenomedullin (AM)-specific receptor that is sensitive to AM-(22-52) (AM(1) receptor). RAMP3 enables CLR to form an AM receptor sensitive to both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-(8-37) and AM-(22-52) (AM(2) receptor), though rat and mouse AM(2) receptors show a clear preference for CGRP alpha-(8-37) over AM-(22-52). RAMP1 enables CRL to form the CGRP-(8-37)-sensitive CGRP(1) receptor, which can also be activated by higher concentrations of AM. Here we review the available information on the pharmacological features and possible pathophysiological roles of the aforementioned AM receptors.     

Functional expression of heteromeric calcitonin gene-related peptide and adrenomedullin receptors in yeast.

The ability of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to form homo- and heteromeric complexes has important implications for the regulation of cellular events. A notable example of heteromer formation is the interaction of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) with different members of the receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) family, which results in the formation of two different receptors, a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor and an adrenomedullin receptor. To analyze the role of RAMPs in determining ligand specificity, we have co-expressed CRLR and RAMP proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which provides a null system to study the function of mammalian receptors. Co-expression of RAMP1 and CRLR reconstituted a CGRP receptor that was able to activate the pheromone-signaling pathway with pharmacological properties similar to those observed previously in mammalian cells. Co-expression of CRLR with RAMP2 or RAMP3 resulted in a response with the pharmacological properties of an adrenomedullin receptor. These data indicate that RAMPs are necessary and sufficient to determine ligand specificity of CRLR. Contrary to observations in mammalian cells, the glycosylation of CRLR was not affected by the presence of RAMPs in yeast, indicating that glycosylation of CRLR is not the prime determinant of ligand specificity. The first functional reconstitution of a heteromeric seven transmembrane receptor in yeast suggests this organism as a useful research tool to study the molecular nature of other heteromeric receptors.