Coupling of endothelin receptors to the ERK/MAP kinase pathway. Roles of palmitoylation and G(alpha)q.

Endothelins are potent mitogens that stimulate extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK/MAP kinases) through their cognate G-protein-coupled receptors, ET(A) and ET(B). To address the role of post-translational ET receptor modifications such as acylation on ERK activation and to identify relevant downstream effectors coupling the ET receptor to the ERK signaling cascades we have constructed a panel of palmitoylation-deficient ET receptor mutants with differential G(alpha) protein binding capacity. Endothelin-1 stimulation of wild-type ET(A) or ET(B) induced a fivefold to sixfold increase in ERK in COS-7 and CHO cells whereas full-length nonpalmitoylated ET(A) and ET(B) mutants failed to stimulate ERK. A truncated ET(B) lacking the C-terminal tail domain including putative phosphorylation and arrestin binding site(s) but retaining the critical palmitoylation site(s) was still able to fully stimulate ERK activation. Using mutated ET receptors with selective G-protein-coupling we found that endothelin-induced stimulation of G(alpha)q, but not of G(alpha)i or G(alpha)s, is essential for endothelin-mediated ERK activation. Inhibition of protein kinases A and C or epidermal growth factor receptor kinase failed to prevent ET(A)- and ET(B)-mediated ERK activation whereas blockage of phospholipase C-beta completely abrogated endothelin-promoted ERK activation through ET(A) and ET(B) in recombinant COS-7 and native C6 cells. Complex formation of Ca2+ or inhibition of Src family tyrosine kinases prevented ET-1-induced ERK-2 activation in C6-cells. Our results indicate that endothelin-promoted ERK/MAPK activation criticially depends on palmitoylation but not on phosphorylation of ET receptors, and that the G(alpha)q/phospholipase C-beta/Ca2+/Src signaling cascade is necessary for efficient coupling of ET receptors to the ERK/MAPK pathway.     

Signal transduction mechanism via adenosine A1 receptor in the cat esophageal smooth muscle cells

We investigated what adenosine receptor type exists and the signaling pathways on the contraction of circular muscle cells isolated by enzymatic digestion from the cat esophagus. Adenosine or the selective A1 receptor agonist R-PIA causes a concentration-dependent contraction. After pretreatment with A1 receptor antagonist, DPCPX, adenosine-mediated contraction was abolished. Adenosine-induced contraction was significantly increased when A1 receptors were preserved by pretreatment with DPCPX followed by inactivation of all unprotected receptors with N-ethylmaleimide. Adenosine- or R-PIA-induced contraction was significantly augmented in the preserved cells and the increase was abolished in the presence of the A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX. PTX abolished contraction induced by adenosine or R-PIA, implying that contraction activated by A1 receptor was coupled to a pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G(i) protein. After permeabilization, contraction was inhibited by G(i2), but not by G(i1) and G(i3), antibodies. These data suggest that adenosine-induced contraction of esophagus depends on PTX-sensitive G(i2.) Adenosine- or R-PIA-induced contraction of esophageal smooth muscle cells was not affected by the phospholipase D (PLD) inhibitor rho-chloromercuribenzoic acid (rhoCMB), phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) inhibitor DEDA or PKC antagonist chelerythrine, but was significantly abolished by phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, neomycin. PLC-beta3 antibody inhibited R-PIA-induced contraction. R-PIA-induced contraction of esophageal muscle cells was inhibited by IP(3) receptor antagonist heparin, which suggests that the contraction of esophageal smooth muscle cells is dependent on phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase (PI-PLC) and IP(3). In conclusion, adenosine- and R-PIA-induced contraction in cat esophageal smooth muscle cell was mediated by A1 receptor. A1 receptor is coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein G(i2), which results in the activation of PI-PLC-beta3. PI hydrolysis by PI-PLC forms IP(3), which binds to IP(3) receptor on endoplasmic reticulum, resulting in the release of intracellular Ca(2+).     

Cell cycle-dependent coupling of the vasopressin V1a receptor to different G proteins

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulates biological processes by binding to G protein-coupled receptors. In Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, expressing the V(1a) subtype of vasopressin receptors, AVP mobilizes calcium from intracellular stores. In proliferating cells, the AVP-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was mediated by G proteins of the G(q) family, which are insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment of the cells. In quiescent cells, the AVP-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was partially PTX-sensitive, suggesting an involvement of G(i) proteins. We confirmed this by photoaffinity labeling of G proteins in Swiss 3T3 cell membranes activated by AVP. In Swiss 3T3 cells arrested in the G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle, the AVP-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was also partially PTX-sensitive but was PTX-insensitive in cells arrested in other phases of the cell cycles. The blocking effect of PTX pretreatment in G(0)/G(1) cells was mimicked by microinjection of antisense oligonucleotides suppressing the expression of the Galpha(i3) subunits. These results were confirmed by microinjection of antibodies directed against the C terminus of G protein alpha-subunits. The data presented indicate that in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts synchronized in the G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle the V(1a) receptor couples to G(q/11) and G(i3) to activate the phospholipase C-beta, leading to release of intracellular calcium.     

Signal transduction of somatostatin in human B lymphoblasts

Somatostatin (SST) and somatostatin receptors (SSTR) are widely distributed in lymphoid tissues. Here, we report on the stimulatory effects of SST in Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized B lymphoblasts. By RT-PCR, we demonstrated the exclusive expression of the somatostatin receptor isoform 2A (SSTR2A) in B lymphoblasts. Addition of SST rapidly increased the cytosolic free calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) maximally by about 200 nM, with an EC(50) of 1.3 nM, and stimulated the formation of inositol phosphates. Furthermore, SST increased binding of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) by 50% above basal. These effects were partly inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX), which indicates the involvement of PTX-sensitive G proteins. We provide further evidence that Galpha(16,) a PTX-insensitive G protein confined to lymphohematopoietic cells, is involved in the otherwise unusual coupling of SSTR2A to phospholipase C activation. In addition, SST activated extracellular regulated kinases and induced a 3.5-fold stimulation of DNA synthesis and a 4.4-fold stimulation of B lymphoblast proliferation, which was accompanied by an enhanced immunoglobulin formation. Thus SST exerts a growth factor-like activity on human B lymphoblasts.     

Lysophosphatidylserine stimulates leukemic cells but not normal leukocytes

In this study, we observed that lysophosphatidylserine (LPS) stimulated intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) increase in leukemic cells but not in normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. LPS also stimulated [Ca(2+)](i) increase in human leukemic THP-1 cells. LPS-stimulated [Ca(2+)](i) increase was inhibited by U-73122 but not by U-73343. LPS also stimulated inositol phosphates formation in THP-1 cells, suggesting that LPS stimulates calcium signaling via phospholipase C activation. Moreover, pertussis toxin (PTX) completely inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) increase by LPS, indicating the activation of PTX-sensitive G-proteins. We also found that LPS-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was completely inhibited by suramin, suggesting G-protein coupled receptor activation. Since LPS specifically stimulates PTX-sensitive G-proteins, phospholipase C-dependent [Ca(2+)](i) increase in leukemic cells but not normal peripheral blood leukocytes, LPS receptor may be associated with leukemia.     

Expression of RGS2 alters the coupling of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a to M-type K+ and N-type Ca2+ channels

Group I mGluRs heterologously expressed in sympathetic neurons inhibited calcium (I(Ca)) and M-type potassium (I(M)) currents. Treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) revealed a voltage-dependent (VD), PTX-sensitive component of I(Ca) inhibition and a voltage-independent (VI), PTX-insensitive component. Coexpression of RGS2 occluded mGluR1a inhibition of I(M) and made I(Ca) inhibition VD in PTX-treated cells, presumably by blocking the effects of G alpha(q/11)-GTP. These data indicate that mGluR1a can couple to G(i/o) as well as G(q/11). In addition, VI I(Ca) inhibition proceeds through a G alpha(q/11)-GTP-mediated pathway, which can be occluded by expressing RGS2, leaving the VD, G betagamma-mediated inhibition active. These data may reveal a functional role for the upregulation of RGS2 expression in in vivo systems.     

Regulatory Role of the GTP-Binding Protein, Go, in the Mechanism of Exocytosis in Adrenal Chromaffin Cells

To elucidate the possible involvement of GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) in the mechanism of exocytosis, we studied effects of pertussis toxin (PTX), guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S), and antibodies against the G proteins (Gi and G(o)) on the secretory function of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Pretreatment of chromaffin cells with PTX resulted in an increase in acetylcholine-evoked catecholamine release. High K(+)-, histamine-, or gamma-aminobutyric acid-evoked catecholamine release was also potentiated by PTX pretreatment. The concentration of extracellular Ca2+ required for maximal release by 10(-4) M acetylcholine was decreased significantly in PTX-treated cells. In digitonin-permeabilized cells, PTX pretreatment resulted in a decrease of the half-maximal concentration (Km) of Ca2+ required for exocytosis with no significant change in the maximal stimulation (Vmax). Exposure of permeabilized cells to GTP-gamma-S (a nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue) inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis by reducing the affinity for Ca2+. The effects of PTX pretreatment were mimicked by treatment of permeabilized cells with polyclonal antibodies selective for the alpha subunit of the PTX-sensitive G protein, G(o). Treatment with similar antibodies against the alpha subunit of Gi had no effect. These findings suggest that G(o) directly controls the Ca(2+)-triggered process in the machinery of exocytosis by lowering the affinity of the unknown target for Ca2+.     

Dioleoyl phosphatidic acid increases intracellular Ca2+ through endogenous LPA receptors in C6 glioma and L2071 fibroblasts

Phosphatidic acid (PA) increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in C6 rat glioma and L2071 mouse fibroblast cells. Dioleoyl PA (PA, 18:1) was the most efficacious, followed by dipalmitoyl PA (16:0 PA) and dimyristoyl PA (14:0 PA). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) also increased the [Ca(2+)](i) in the both cells. PA desensitized LPA-induced Ca(2+) response completely in C6 cells, but partly in L2071 cells. Treatment of pertussis toxin (PTX), a specific inhibitor of G(i/o)-type G proteins, completely ameliorated LPA- and PA-induced Ca(2+) response in C6 cells. However, in L2071 cells, PTX inhibited PA-induced Ca(2+) increase by 80% and LPA-induced one by 20%. Ki16425, a specific inhibitor of LPA(1)/LPA(3) receptors, completely inhibited both LPA- and PA-induced Ca(2+) responses in C6 cells. On the other hand, in L2071 cells, Ki16425 completely inhibited PA-induced Ca(2+) response, but partly LPA-induced one. VPC32183, another specific inhibitor of LPA(1)/LPA(3) receptors, completely inhibited LPA- and PA-induced Ca(2+) responses in both C6 and L2071 cells. Therefore, PA and LPA appear to increase [Ca(2+)](i) through Ki16425/VPC32183-sensitive LPA receptor coupled to PTX-sensitive G proteins in C6 cells. In L2071 cells, however, LPA increases [Ca(2+)](i) through Ki16425-insensitive LPA receptor coupled to PTX-insensitive G proteins and Ki16425-sensitive LPA receptor coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein, whereas PA utilized only the latter pathway. Our results suggest that PA acts as a partial agonist on endogenous LPA receptors, which are sensitive to Ki16425 and coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein, but not on LPA receptors, which are not sensitive to Ki16425 and coupled to PTX-insensitive G protein.     

Dependence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced neuronal MAPK signaling on epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation

The hypothalamic decapeptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), utilizes multiple signaling pathways to activate extracellularly regulated mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK1/2) in normal and immortalized pituitary gonadotrophs and transfected cells expressing the GnRH receptor. In immortalized hypothalamic GnRH neurons (GT1-7 cells), which also express GnRH receptors, GnRH, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) caused marked phosphorylation of ERK1/2. This action of GnRH and PMA, but not that of EGF, was primarily dependent on activation of protein kinase C (PKC), and the ERK1/2 responses to all three agents were abolished by the selective EGF receptor kinase inhibitor, AG1478. Consistent with this, both GnRH and EGF increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor. GnRH and PMA, but not EGF, caused rapid phosphorylation of the proline-rich tyrosine kinase, Pyk2, at Tyr(402). This was reduced by Ca(2+) chelation and inhibition of PKC, but not by AG1478. GnRH stimulation caused translocation of PKC alpha and -epsilon to the cell membrane and enhanced the association of Src with PKC alpha and PKC epsilon, Pyk2, and the EGF receptor. The Src inhibitor, PP2, the C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), and dominant-negative Pyk2 attenuated ERK1/2 activation by GnRH and PMA but not by EGF. These findings indicate that Src and Pyk2 act upstream of the EGF receptor to mediate its transactivation, which is essential for GnRH-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in hypothalamic GnRH neurons.     

Epidermal growth factor potentiates cholecystokinin/gastrin receptor-mediated Ca2+ release by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases

Small differences in amplitude, duration, and temporal patterns of change in the concentration of free intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+](i)) can profoundly affect cell physiology, altering programs of gene expression, cell proliferation, secretory activity, and cell survival. We report a novel mechanism for amplitude modulation of [Ca2+](i) that involves mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We show that epidermal growth factor (EGF) potentiates gastrin-(1-17) (G17)-stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores through a MAPK-dependent pathway. G17 activation of the cholecystokinin/gastrin receptor (CCK(2)R), a G protein-coupled receptor, stimulates release of Ca2+ from inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ stores. Pretreating rat intestinal epithelial cells expressing CCK(2)R with EGF increased the level of G17-stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. The stimulatory effect of EGF on CCK(2)R-mediated Ca2+ release requires activation of the MAPK kinase (MEK)1,2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1,2 pathway. Inhibition of the MEK1,2/ERK1,2 pathway by either serum starvation or treatment with selective MEK1,2 inhibitors PD98059 and U0126 or expression of a dominant-negative mutant form of MEK1 decreased the amplitude of the G17-stimulated Ca2+ release response. Activation of the MEK1,2/ERK1,2 pathway either by pretreating cells with EGF or by expression of constitutively active K-ras (K-rasV12G) or MEK1 (MEK1*) increased the amplitude of G17-stimulated Ca2+ release. Although EGF, MEK1*, and K-rasV12G activated the MEK1,2/ERK1,2 pathway, they did not increase [Ca2+](i) in the absence of G17. These data demonstrate that the activation state of the MEK1,2/ERK1,2 pathway can modulate the amplitude of the CCK(2)R-mediated Ca2+ release response and identify a novel mechanism for cross-talk between EGF receptor- and CCK(2)R-regulated signaling pathways.     

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine induces proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells via activation of JNK

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) has been implicated in a variety of cellular responses, including proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate that d-erythro-SPC, but not l-threo-SPC, stereoselectively stimulated the proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs), with a maximal increase at 5 microM, and increased the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in hADSCs, which do not express known SPC receptors (i.e., OGR1, GPR4, G2A, and GPR12). The SPC-induced proliferation and increase in [Ca(2+)](i) were sensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) and the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122, suggesting that PTX-sensitive G proteins, Gi or Go, and PLC are involved in SPC-induced proliferation. In addition, SPC treatment induced the phosphorylation of c-Jun and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and SPC-induced proliferation was completely prevented by pretreatment with the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-specific inhibitor SP600125 but not with the MEK-specific inhibitor U0126. Furthermore, the SPC-induced proliferation and JNK activation were completely attenuated by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of JNK2, and the SPC-induced activation of JNK was inhibited by pretreatment with PTX or U73122. Treatment of hADSCs with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor antagonist, Ki16425, had no impact on the SPC-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). However, SPC-induced proliferation was partially, but significantly, attenuated by pretreatment of the cells with Ki16425.These results indicate that SPC stimulates the proliferation of hADSCs through the Gi/Go-PLC-JNK pathway and that LPA receptors may be responsible in part for the SPC-induced proliferation.     

Regulation of Ca2+-sensitive adenylyl cyclase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons

In immortalized GnRH neurons, cAMP production is elevated by increased extracellular Ca2+ and the Ca2+ channel agonist, BK-8644, and is diminished by low extracellular Ca2+ and treatment with nifedipine, consistent with the expression of adenylyl cyclase type I (AC I). Potassium-induced depolarization of GT1-7 neurons causes a dose-dependent monotonic increase in [Ca2+]i and elicits a bell-shaped cAMP response. The inhibitory phase of the cAMP response is prevented by pertussis toxin (PTX), consistent with the activation of G(i)-related proteins during depolarization. Agonist activation of the endogenous GnRH receptor in GT1-7 neurons also elicits a bell-shaped change in cAMP production. The inhibitory action of high GnRH concentrations is prevented by PTX, indicating coupling of the GnRH receptors to G(i)-related proteins. The stimulation of cAMP production by activation of endogenous LH receptors is enhanced by low (nanomolar) concentrations of GnRH but is abolished by micromolar concentrations of GnRH, again in a PTX-sensitive manner. These findings indicate that GnRH neuronal cAMP production is maintained by Ca2+ entry through voltage-sensitive calcium channels, leading to activation of Ca2+-stimulated AC I. Furthermore, the Ca2+ influx-dependent activation of AC I acts in conjunction with AC-regulatory G proteins to determine basal and agonist-stimulated levels of cAMP production.     

alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor stimulation potentiates calcium release in platelets by modulating cAMP levels

alpha(2A)-Adrenergic receptor-mediated Ca(2+) signaling and integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) exposure were investigated in human platelets under conditions where indirect, thromboxane- or ADP-mediated effects were absent. The alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor agonists, UK14304 and epinephrine (EPI), were unable to raise cytosolic levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) or Ca(2+) but potentiated the [Ca(2+)](i) rises evoked by other agonists that act through stimulation of phospholipase C (thrombin or platelet-activating factor) or stimulation of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) in the absence of InsP(3) generation (thimerosal or thapsigargin). In addition, alpha(2)-adrenergic stimulation resulted in a 20% lowering in the cytosolic cAMP level. In platelets treated with G(salpha)-stimulating prostaglandin E(1), EPI increased the Ca(2+) signal evoked by either phospholipase C- or CICR-stimulating agonists mainly through modulation of the cAMP level. The stimulating effects of UK14304 and EPI on platelet Ca(2+) responses, and also on integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) exposure and platelet aggregation, were abolished by pharmacological stimulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and these effects were mimicked by inhibition of this activity. In permeabilized platelets, UK14304 and EPI potentiated InsP(3)-induced, CICR-mediated mobilization of Ca(2+) from internal stores in a similar way as did inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. In summary, a G(ialpha)-mediated decrease in cAMP level appears to play a major role in the platelet-activating effects of alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Thus, in platelets, unlike other cell types, occupation of the G(ialpha)-coupled alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptors does not result in phospholipase C activation but rather in modulation of the Ca(2+) response by relieving cAMP-mediated suppression of InsP(3)-dependent CICR.     

Heterotrimeric G-proteins activate Cl- channels through stimulation of a cyclooxygenase-dependent pathway in a model liver cell line.

Circulating hormones produce rapid changes in the Cl(-) permeability of liver cells through activation of plasma membrane receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G-proteins. The resulting effects on intracellular pH, membrane potential, and Cl(-) content are important contributors to the overall metabolic response. Consequently, the purpose of these studies was to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for G-protein-mediated changes in membrane Cl(-) permeability using HTC hepatoma cells as a model. Using patch clamp techniques, intracellular dialysis with 0.3 mm guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) increased membrane conductance from 10 to 260 picosiemens/picofarads due to activation of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) currents that were outwardly rectifying and exhibited slow activation at depolarizing potentials. These effects were mimicked by intracellular AlF(4)(-) (0.03 mm) and inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX), consistent with current activation through Galpha(i). Studies using defined agonists and inhibitors indicate that Cl(-) channel activation by GTPgammaS occurs through an indomethacin-sensitive pathway involving sequential activation of phospholipase C, mobilization of Ca(2+) from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive stores, and stimulation of phospholipase A(2) and cyclooxygenase (COX). Accordingly, the conductance responses to GTPgammaS or to intracellular Ca(2+) were inhibited by COX inhibitors. These results indicate that PTX-sensitive G-proteins regulate the Cl(-) permeability of HTC cells through Ca(2+)-dependent stimulation of COX activity. Thus, receptor-mediated activation of Galpha(i) may be essential for hormonal regulation of liver transport and metabolism through COX-dependent opening of a distinct population of plasma membrane Cl(-) channels.     

Transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor mediates parathyroid hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha-stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in cultured transgenic murine osteoblasts

Recent data suggest that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including those for PTH and prostaglandins (PGs), contribute to the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in vivo. To understand how these signals are transduced, we studied activation of the ERK1/2 MAPK cascade in cultures of differentiating TMOb murine osteoblasts. In TMOb cells, stimulation of endogenous Gs/Gq-coupled PTH receptors, Gq-coupled PGF2 alpha receptors, and Gi/Gq-coupled lysophosphatidic acid receptors, but not Gs-coupled PGE2 receptors, caused a rapid 5- to 10-fold increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. GPCR-stimulated ERK1/2 activation coincided with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and was blocked by the EGF receptor inhibitor, tyrphostin AG1478, and the metalloprotease inhibitor, batimastat, suggesting that the response involved transactivation of EGF receptors through the proteolytic release of an EGF receptor ligand. To further examine the mechanism of PTH-stimulated EGF receptor transactivation, we employed COS-7 cells expressing the rat PTH receptor. Here, stimulation with PTH(1-34) caused proteolysis of hemagglutinin epitope-tagged heparin binding-EGF, increased tyrosine autophosphorylation of EGF receptors, and AG1478-sensitive ERK1/2 activation. When PTH receptor-expressing COS-7 cells were placed in a mixed culture with cells lacking the PTH receptor but expressing a green fluorescent protein-tagged ERK2, stimulation with PTH(1-34) induced phosphorylation of green fluorescent protein-ERK2 that was abolished by either batimastat or tyrphostin AG1478. These data suggest that autocrine/paracrine cross-talk between EGF receptors and Gi- or Gq/11-coupled GPCRs represents the predominant mechanism of GPCR-mediated activation of ERK1/2 in cultured TMOb osteoblasts.     

Pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi protein involvement in epidermal growth factor-induced activation of phospholipase C-gamma in rat hepatocytes.

Treatment of rat hepatocytes with epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced an enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor and phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) in conjunction with the mobilization of Ca2+. Approximately 30% of the total PLC-gamma was tyrosine-phosphorylated with a maximum being reached after 30 s of incubation with EGF. Pretreatment of the rats with pertussis toxin prior to isolation of the hepatocytes blocked EGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma and Ca2+ mobilization but had no effect on autophosphorylation of the EGF receptor or Ca2+ responses elicited by angiotensin II or phenylephrine. Under these conditions Gi protein alpha subunits were fully ADP-ribosylated. A 41-kDa Gi protein alpha subunit was found to be present in the anti-PLC-gamma immune complex after EGF stimulation as shown by in vitro ADP-ribosylation using [32P]NAD+ and activated pertussis toxin. The kinetics of association between PLC-gamma with Gi alpha protein reached a maximum after 1 min of incubation with EGF. Antibodies specific for the EGF receptor also coimmunoprecipitated a Gi protein alpha subunit. Treatment of hepatocytes with EGF caused first an increase and then a decrease in the amount of Gi protein alpha subunit associated with the EGF receptor. In contrast, studies with cultured rat liver (WB) cells, a cell line in which EGF stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis is not inhibited by pertussis toxin, showed that a stable complex of Gi alpha was not formed with either PLC-gamma or EGF receptor immunoprecipitates. These results indicate that a pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi protein is uniquely involved in the signal transduction pathway mediating EGF-induced activation of PLC-gamma and Ca2+ mobilization in hepatocytes.     

beta-Migrating very low density lipoprotein (beta VLDL) activates smooth muscle cell mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase via G protein-coupled receptor-mediated transactivation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor: effect of MAP kinase activation on beta VLDL plus EGF-induced cell proliferation

This study examined the premise that the atherogenic lipoprotein, beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein (betaVLDL), might activate the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1/ERK2, thereby contributing to the induction of smooth muscle cell proliferation in atherosclerosis. The data show that betaVLDL activates rabbit smooth muscle cell ERK1/ERK2. Interestingly, ERK1/ERK2 activation is mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that transactivate the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. betaVLDL-induced MAP kinase activation depends on Ras and Src activity as well as protein kinase C. The inhibition of lysosomal degradation of betaVLDL has no effect on ERK1/ERK2 activation. The contribution of betaVLDL-induced activation of ERK1/ERK2 to smooth muscle cell proliferation was also explored. betaVLDL induces expression of egr-1 and c-fos mRNA. Despite its ability to stimulate early gene expression, betaVLDL alone is unable to inspire quiescent cells into S phase. When added in conjunction with EGF, however, stimulation of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and an increase in histone gene expression are observed. Moreover, betaVLDL plus EGF synergistically induce cyclin D1 expression and down-regulate p27(KIP1) expression. The addition of either betaVLDL or EGF stimulates a robust activation of ERK1/ERK2, but the addition of both agents simultaneously sustains the activation for a longer time period. Inhibition of MAP kinase kinase, pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, the EGF receptor, or protein kinase C blocks betaVLDL plus EGF-induced proliferation, demonstrating that activation of the betaVLDL-induced signaling pathway results in smooth muscle cell proliferation.     

Role of diacylglycerol (DAG) in hormonal induction of S phase in hepatocytes: The DAG-dependent protein kinase C pathway is not activated by epidermal growth factor (EGF), but is involved in mediating the enhancement of responsiveness to EGF by vasopressin,angiotensin II,and norepinephrine

The role of diacylglycerol (DAG) in hormonal induction of S phase was investigated in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. In this model, several agonists that bind to G protein-coupled receptors act as comitogens when added to the cells soon after plating (i.e., in G_o/early G_l phase), while the cells are most responsive to the mitogenic effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) at 24–48 h of culturing (i.e., mid/late G_l). It was found that the cellular concentration of DAG rose markedly and progressively during the first 24 h of culturing. Exposure of the hepatocytes at 3 h to α_l-adrenergic stimulation (norepinephrine with timolol), vasopressin, or angiotensin II further increased this rise, producing a sustained increase in the DAG level. Norepinephrine, which was the most efficient comitogen, produced the most prolonged DAG elevation. In contrast, no significant increase of DAG was found in response to EGF, neither at 3 nor at 24 h, using concentrations that markedly stimulated the ERK subgroup of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and DNA synthesis. Addition of Bacillus cereus phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) strongly elevated DAG, while Streptomyces phospholipase D (PLD) increased phosphatidic acid (PA) but not DAG. B. cereus PC-PLC and the protein kinase C (PKC) activator tetradecanoyl phorbol-acetate (TPA), like norepinephrine, vasopressin, and angiotensin II, stimulated MAPK and enhanced the stimulatory effect of EGF on DNA synthesis. The PKC inhibitor GF109203X did not diminish the effect of EGF on MAPK or DNA synthesis, but strongly inhibited the effects of norepinephrine, vasopressin, angiotensin II, TPA and B. cereus PC-PLC on MAPK and almost abolished the enhancement by these agents of EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis. These results suggest that although generation of DAG is not a direct downstream response mediating the effects of the EGF receptor in hepatocytes, a sustained elevation of DAG with activation of PKC markedly increases the responsiveness to EGF. Mechanisms involving DAG and PKC seem to play a role in the comitogenic effects of various agents that bind to G protein-coupled receptors and activate the cells early in G_l, such as norepinephrine, angiotensin II, and vasopressin. J. Cell. Physiol. 180:203–214, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.