Molecular cloning of the murine substance K and substance P receptor genes.

The peptides substance K and substance P evoke a variety of biological responses via distinct, guanosine-nucleotide-binding-regulatory-protein-coupled receptors. We have screened a murine genomic cosmid library using oligonucleotide probes and have isolated, cloned and characterized the substance K receptor and the substance P receptor genes. The coding portion of the substance K receptor gene consists of five exons distributed over 13 kbp. The substance P receptor gene is considerably larger than that of substance K (more than 30 kbp), however, the boundaries of the four exons that have been characterized in the substance P receptor gene correspond exactly to the homologous exons in the substance K receptor gene. To verify the identity of the isolated genes, we have cloned the corresponding cDNA by means of the polymerase chain reaction and we have expressed these cDNA species in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The ligand binding characteristics determined in this system pharmacologically confirm the identity of the two receptors. The deduced amino acid sequence of the mouse substance K receptor is 94% identical to the rat sequence and 85% identical to the bovine and human sequences. The mouse substance P receptor amino acid sequence is 99% identical to the rat sequence. The cloning of the murine substance K and substance P receptor genes should contribute substantially to the generation of in vivo models for the detailed analysis of the functional significance of these receptors.     

Highly selective agonists for substance P receptor subtypes.

The existence of a third tachykinin receptor (SP-N) in the mammalian nervous system was demonstrated by development of highly selective agonists. Systematic N-methylation of individual peptide bonds in the C-terminal hexapeptide of substance P gave rise to agonists which specifically act on different receptor subtypes. The most selective analog of this series, succinyl-[Asp6,Me-Phe8]SP6-11, elicits half-maximal contraction of the guinea pig ileum through the neuronal SP-N receptor at a concentration of 0.5 nM. At least 60,000-fold higher concentrations of this peptide are required to stimulate the other two tachykinin receptors (SP-P and SP-E). The action of selective SP-N agonists in the guinea pig ileum is antagonized by opioid peptides, suggesting a functional counteraction between opiate and SP-N receptors. These results indicate that the tachykinin receptors are distinct entities which may mediate different physiological functions.     

Photoaffinity labeling the substance P receptor using a derivative of substance P containing p-benzoylphenylalanine.

A novel photoreactive substance P (SP) analogue has been synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis methodology to incorporate the amino acid p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine [L-Phe(pBz)] in place of the Phe8 residue of SP. [Phe8(pBz)]SP was equipotent with SP in competing for SP binding sites on rat submaxillary gland membranes and had potent sialagogic activity in vivo. In the absence of light, the 125I-labeled Bolton-Hunter conjugate of [Phe8(pBz)]SP bound in a saturable and reversible manner to an apparently homogeneous class of binding sites (Bmax = 0.2 pmol/mg of membrane protein) with an affinity KD = 0.4 nM. The binding of 125I-[Phe8(pBz)]SP was inhibited competitively by various tachykinin peptides and analogues with the appropriate specificity for SP/NK-1 receptors. Upon photolysis, up to 70% of the specifically bound 125I-[Phe8(pBz)]SP underwent covalent linkage to two polypeptides of Mr = 53,000 and 46,000, identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Quantitative analysis of the inhibitory effects of SP and related peptides on 125I-[Phe8(pBz)]SP photoincorporation indicated that the binding sites of the two photolabeled polypeptides have the same peptide specificity, namely, that typical of NK-1-type SP receptors. In addition, the labeling of the two polypeptides was equally sensitive to inhibition by guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable analogue of GTP. Further information on the relationship between the two labeled SP binding sites was provided by enzymatic digestion studies: the Mr = 46,000 polypeptide contains N-linked carbohydrates and is derived most likely from the higher molecular weight species by proteolytic nicking.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Biological activity and enzymic degradation of substance P analogs: implications for studies of the substance P receptor.

Partial sequences of Substance P, either free or blocked at their amino terminal, have been examined for their stability towards inactivation by homogenate or particulate fractions of rat brain and for their relative potencies as smooth muscle contractors. The C-terminal hexapeptide in both the free and blocked forms displays activity comparable to that of the longer C-terminal peptides as well as to that of the native undecapeptide. The blocked peptides, however, are much more stable than their corresponding free peptides. Among the free peptides Substance P is degraded slower than the free hexa- and hepta-peptides, suggesting that the N-terminal tetrapeptide part may play a role in stabilizing the molecule. Blocked hepta- and octapeptide analogs, carrying probe properties, may be useful for studies of the Substance P receptor.     

Molecular cloning of substance P receptor cDNA from guinea-pig uterus.

A cDNA encoding guinea-pig uterine substance P (SP) receptor has been isolated using the homology screening approach. Northern blot analysis reveals that the corresponding mRNA, of approx. 4.8 kb, is expressed in all tissues tested, but predominantly in the uteri of non-pregnant animals; during pregnancy its expression is reduced. The guinea-pig SP receptor was expressed in COS-7 cells and demonstrated relative ligand affinity in the order: SP much greater than neurokinin A greater than neurokinin B.     

Are the proposed substance P receptor sub-types,substance P receptors?

Recently, a number of laboratories have postulated the existence of receptor sub-types for substance P. This review is intended to represent a critical appraisal of these reports. In the majority of cases, the evidence for the existence of receptor sub-types has been obtained from observed potency differences of agonists. The problems with this approach are discussed. In addition, information obtained through substance P antagonists, binding studies and investigations of second messenger systems is presented and discussed in relation to the above receptor subdivisions. It is concluded that the present results are consistent with the existence of three receptor sub-types; however, it is suggested that substance P is the natural agonist for only one of these receptors, and that substance K and tuftsin may be the transmitters for the other two receptor sub-types.     

Amyloid-beta peptide, substance P, and bombesin bind to the serpin-enzyme complex receptor.

During the formation of an inhibitory complex with neutrophil elastase, alpha 1 antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) undergoes a structural rearrangement and the resulting alpha 1 AT-elastase complex becomes endowed with chemoattractant activities, mediates an increase in synthesis of alpha 1 AT, and is rapidly cleared from the circulation. In previous studies we have provided evidence that these biological activities involve the recognition of a conformation-specific domain in the alpha 1 AT molecule by a cell surface receptor on human hepatoma HepG2 cells and human monocytes. The receptor has been termed the serpin-enzyme complex (SEC) receptor because it also recognizes complex of serpins antithrombin III, alpha 1 anti-chymotrypsin, and C1 inhibitor with their cognate enzymes. Because a pentapeptide domain of alpha 1 AT (amino acids 370-374, Phe-Val-Phe-Leu-Met) is sufficient for binding to the SEC receptor and the sequence of this domain is remarkably similar to those of substance P, several other tachykinins, bombesin, and the amyloid-beta peptide, we have examined the possibility that these other ligands bind to the SEC receptor. The results indicate that substance P, several other tachykinins, and bombesin compete for binding to, and cross-linking of, the SEC receptor. The SEC receptor is distinct from the substance P receptor by several criteria. There is no substance P receptor mRNA in HepG2 cells; the SEC receptor is present in much higher density on receptor-bearing cells and binds its ligands at lower affinity than the substance P receptor; the SEC receptor is much less restricted in the specificity with which it recognizes ligand; ligands for the SEC receptor including peptide 105Y (based on alpha 1 AT sequence 359-374), alpha 1 AT-protease complexes, and bombesin do not compete for binding of substance P to a stable transfected cell line expressing the substance P receptor. Finally, we show here that the amyloid-beta peptide competes for binding to the SEC receptor but does not bind to the substance P receptor, therein raising the possibility that the SEC receptor is involved in certain biological activities, including the recently described neurotrophic and neurotoxic effects ascribed to the amyloid-beta peptide.     

Molecular cloning, structural characterization and functional expression of the human substance P receptor.

A cDNA encoding the human substance P receptor (SPR) was isolated and the primary structure of the protein was deduced by nucleotide sequence analysis. This SPR consists of 407 residues and is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. Comparison of rat and human SPR sequences demonstrated a 94.5% identity. The receptor was expressed in a COS-7 cell line and displayed a Kd for Tyr-1-SP binding of 0.24 nM. Ligand displacement by naturally occurring tachykinin peptides was SP much greater than neurokinin A greater than neurokinin B. SP stimulation of transfected cells resulted in a rapid and transient inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate response. RNA blot hybridization and solution hybridization demonstrated that SPR mRNA was about 4.5 Kb in size, and was expressed in IM-9 lymphoblast and U373-MG astrocytoma cells, as well as in spinal cord and lung but not in liver.     

Reduced peptide bond pseudopeptide analogues of substance P. A new class of substance P receptor antagonists with enhanced specificity

Each of the last 6 peptide bonds in the COOH terminus of [Leu11]substance P [( Leu11]SP) and [Nle11]spantide were replaced with [CH2NH], and each analogue was tested for SP agonist or antagonist activity by determining its ability to interact with SP receptors on dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas. Each of the 6 spantide and 5 of the 6 SP analogues had no agonist activity, whereas [psi 9-10]SP was an agonist. For the spantide pseudopeptides, the psi 10-11 analogue (Ki,2.8 microM) was equipotent as an antagonist to spantide itself, whereas the psi 9-10, psi 8-9, psi 7-8, and psi 6-7 analogues were 2.5, 7, 5, and 3 times less potent. For the SP pseudopeptides, the psi 10-11 analogue was the most potent antagonist (Ki, 6.2 microM), whereas the psi 8-9, psi 7-8, and psi 6-7 analogues were 7-, 36-, and 39-fold less potent. There was a close correlation between the ability of each pseudopeptide to inhibit binding of 125I-Bolton-Hunter-SP and to affect amylase secretion. [psi 10-11]SP inhibited SP-stimulated amylase release in a competitive manner, and its inhibitory ability was specific for the SP receptor. Despite [psi 10-11]SP, spantide, and [psi 10-11]spantide having similar affinities for the SP receptor (Ki, 2-6 microM), for inhibition of binding of 125I-[Tyr4]bombesin, the analogues differed with [psi 10-11]SP having a 50-fold lower affinity than for the SP receptor, whereas [psi 10-11]spantide had a 4-fold lower affinity and spantide a 1.5-fold lower affinity for the SP receptor. These results demonstrate that SP pseudopeptides represent a new class of SP receptor antagonists and, in contrast to the currently described SP receptor antagonists, are more specific for SP receptors.     

Molecular characterization of rat substance K receptor and its mRNAs

The nucleotide sequence and the amino acid sequence for rat substance K receptor were deduced by molecular cloning and sequence analysis of its cDNAs. The rat substance K receptor consists of 390 amino acid residues and belongs to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. The comparison of the amino acid sequences of the rat and bovine substance K receptors indicated that they are highly homologous in the regions covering seven putative transmembrane domains, and this similarity is particularly remarkable in the transmembrane segments III and VII and their surrounding regions. RNA blot hybridization analysis showed that the rat substance K receptor is encoded by two species of mRNAs which differ in the lengths of the extreme 5' sequence of the 5'-untranslated regions. This analysis also indicated that the substance K receptor mRNAs are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Interestingly, no appreciable substance K receptor mRNAs were detected in poly(A)+ RNAs isolated from the brain and spinal cord, even though these tissues are known to not only contain substance K but also express the mRNA encoding the substance K precursor.     

Delineation of the endocytic pathway of substance P and its seven-transmembrane domain NK1 receptor.

Many of the actions of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) that are mediated by the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1-R) desensitize and resensitize, which may be associated with NK1-R endocytosis and recycling. We delineated this endocytic pathway in transfected cells by confocal microscopy using cyanine 3-SP and NK1-R antibodies. SP and the NK1-R were internalized into the same clathrin immunoreactive vesicles, and then sorted into different compartments. The NK1-R was colocalized with a marker of early endosomes, but not with markers of late endosomes or lysosomes. We quantified the NK1-R at the cell surface by incubating cells with an antibody to an extracellular epitope. After exposure to SP, there was a loss and subsequent recovery of surface NK1-R. The loss was prevented by hypertonic sucrose and potassium depletion, inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Recovery was independent of new protein synthesis because it was unaffected by cycloheximide. Recovery required endosomal acidification because it was prevented by an H(+)-ATPase inhibitor. The fate of internalized 125I-SP was examined by chromatography. SP was intact at the cell surface and in early endosomes, but slowly degraded in perinuclear vesicles. We conclude that SP induces clathrin-dependent internalization of the NK1-R. The SP/NK1-R complex dissociates in acidified endosomes. SP is degraded, whereas the NK1-R recycles to the cell surface.     

Cloning and expression of the human substance K receptor and analysis of its role in mitogenesis.

The primary structure of the human substance K receptor was established from the sequences of complementary DNA clones isolated from a human jejunal complementary DNA library. It consists of 398 amino acids, including seven putative transmembrane regions. The gene for the human substance K receptor was localized to chromosome region 10p13-10q23, a region with frequent chromosomal abnormalities. The human substance K receptor was expressed in transfected NIH-3T3 cells lacking endogenous substance K receptors, and Scatchard analysis of 125I-labeled substance K binding indicates approximately 100,000 receptors/cell with a single dissociation constant of 12 nM. Covalent cross-linking experiments utilizing 125I-substance K and three different chemical cross-linking reagents (disuccinimidyl suberate, disuccinimidyl tartrate, or 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide-HCl) demonstrate an apparent molecular weight of 45,000, consistent with little or no N-linked glycosylation. The binding of substance K to its receptor on transfected cells led to a rapid increase in the production of total inositol phosphates and the release of Ca2+ from internal stores. Growth of the cells transfected with the human substance K receptor is stimulated by the addition of substance K to the medium to a level similar to 10% serum. Therefore, the human substance K receptor can function as a growth factor receptor when expressed in mouse 3T3 cells.     

Calpha methylation in molecular recognition. Application to substance P and the two neurokinin-1 receptor binding sites.

Two binding sites NK-1M (major, more abundant) and NK-1m (minor) are associated with the neurokinin-1 receptor. For the first time with a bioactive peptide, the Calpha methylation constraint, shown to be a helix stabiliser in model peptides, was systematically used to probe the molecular requirements of NK-1M and NK-1m binding sites and the previously postulated bioactive helical conformation of substance P (SP). Seven Calpha methylated analogues of the undecapeptide SP (from position 5-11) have been assayed for their affinities and their potencies to stimulate second messenger production. The consequences of Calpha methylation on the structure of SP have been analysed by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance combined with restrained molecular dynamics. The decreased potencies of six out of these seven Calpha methylated SP analogues do not allow the identification of any clear-cut differences in the structural requirements between the two binding sites. Strikingly, the most active analogue, [alphaMeMet5]SP, leads to variable subnanomolar affinity and potency when interacting with the NK-1m binding site. The conformational analyses show that the structural consequences associated with Calpha methylation of SP are sequence dependent. Moreover, a single Calpha methylation is not sufficient by itself to drastically stabilize a helical structure even pre-existing in solution, except when Gly9 is substituted by an alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Furthermore, Calpha methylation of residues 5 and 6 of SP in the middle of the postulated helix does not stabilize, but decreases (to different extents) the stability of the helical structure previously observed in the 4-8 domain of other potent SP analogues.     

Valproic acid inhibits substance P-induced activation of protein kinase C epsilon and expression of the substance P receptor

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) has been hypothesized to be involved in the etiopathology of affective disorders. This hypothesis is based on the findings that neurokinin-1-receptor antagonists have antidepressant effects in depressed patients and that SP may worsen mood. In this study, we investigated the effect of the mood-stabilizing agents valproic acid (VPA), carbamazepine, and lithium on SP-induced gene expression. As a model system, we used primary rat astrocytes and human astrocytoma cells, which both express functional SP-receptors and, upon stimulation with SP, synthesize interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine which has been shown to be elevated during the acute depressive state. We found that VPA dose-dependently inhibited SP-induced IL-6 synthesis which was seen with pre-incubation periods of 30 min, 3, 7 and 14 days, whereas carbamazepine and lithium showed no inhibitory effect. The inhibitory effect of VPA was not mediated by inhibition of the stress-regulated kinases p38 and p42/44 (Erk1/2) but by inhibition of protein kinase C epsilon activation. Furthermore, VPA down-regulated the expression of the substance P receptor (neurokinin(NK)-1-receptor) as assessed by real-time PCR. Whether both mechanisms contribute to the mood-stabilizing properties of VPA has to be evaluated in further studies.     

Antibodies to the rat substance P receptor: production and characterization

1. A protein A-rat substance P receptor (SPR) fusion protein was genetically engineered and used as an immunogen to raise a polyclonal antiserum to the SPR. The fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli driven by the heat-inducible lambda promoter (lambda Pr). 2. The fusion protein was purified using an IgG-Sepharose column, which specifically binds proteins containing the protein A moiety. The IgG fraction obtained after the immunization was cleaved to produce Fab fragments, which were subsequently purified using a fusion protein affinity column. The serum (anti-SPR Fab serum) was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and immunohistochemistry on both a constitutive cell line for the SPR (AR42J) and a cell line transfected with the SPR (KNRKSPR). 3. Specificity of the antiserum for SPR was confirmed by immunohistochemistry on cells using antiserum that had been preincubated with the protein A fusion protein (blocked). 4. The Ca2+ signal normally observed on stimulation of SPR with SP in AR42J cells and SP binding to KNRKSPR cells was shown to be diminished in the presence of anti-SPR Fab serum. SPR from both cell lines was immunoprecipitated using the anti-SPR Fab serum. The antiserum itself did not induce intracellular Ca2+ mobilization normally observed when cells were incubated with SP. 5. This specific SPR antiserum will be a useful tool to investigate further the mechanisms of SP/SPR interactions.     

Antipeptide antibodies that recognize a lymphocyte substance P receptor

In an effort to investigate the presence of substance P (SP) receptors on lymphocytes, polyclonal antibodies against SP receptors were developed. The immunogen used to generate these antibodies was a peptide encoded by an RNA complementary to the mRNA for SP. The rationale for using this SP complementary peptide (termed SP CP) as an immunogen resulted from the observation that 3H-SP bound to microtiter wells coated with SP CP in a dose dependent and saturable fashion. Furthermore, binding was blocked with excess unlabeled SP or SP antagonist, D-Pro2-D-Phe7-D-Trp9-SP. Inasmuch as the peptide, SP CP, specifically bound 3H-SP, we hypothesized that antibodies against this peptide might recognize a SP receptor binding site. Using the SP receptor positive lymphoblast cell line, IM-9, affinity-purified antibodies against SP CP but not antibodies against keyhole limpet hemocyanin recognized a molecule on the surface of IM-9 cells. Anti-SP CP binding to IM-9 cells was blocked with excess SP antagonist, suggesting that the antibody and the SP antagonist were competing for the same binding site. In support of this possibility, anti-SP CP antibodies blocked 3H-SP binding to IM-9 cells. An immunoaffinity column coupled with antibodies against SP CP bound protein from solubilized IM-9 cells. This isolated protein bound 125I-Tyr8-SP and binding was specifically blocked with SP as well as by SP antagonist, neurokinin A, and eledoisin. Passthrough material did not bind SP suggesting that a SP receptor had been purified. Western blot analysis of solubilized IM-9 cell proteins using anti-SP CP antibodies but not preimmune IgG recognized a single protein of 58,000 D. Taken together, these results demonstrate that antibodies against SP CP recognize a SP receptor present on the lymphocyte cell line, IM-9.     

T cell substance P receptor governs antigen-elicited IFN-gamma production

Substance P (SP) enhances antigen-dependent T cell IFN-gamma production. It was determined if a T cell neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) was critical for IFN-gamma regulation. T cells from schistosome-infected mice were mixed with splenocytes from uninfected NK-1R knockout (KO) animals. Thus only the schistosome egg antigen-specific T cells expressed NK-1R. The cells were cultured 18 h with or without SP. SP enhanced antigen-induced IFN-gamma production fourfold without affecting IL-4 or IL-5 secretion. NK-1R inhibitor blocked this stimulation. Neither purified T cells nor naive KO splenocytes cultured alone responded to antigen. To further define the importance of T cell NK-1R, we developed a T cell-selective NK-1R KO mouse by reconstituting T cell-deficient Rag mice with NK-1R KO T cells. These mice challanged with schistosomiasis developed abnormal liver granulomas. Granuloma size was smaller in T cell-selective NK-1R KO mice compared with granulomas in Rag reconstituted with normal T cells. Splenocytes and granuloma cells from NK-1R KO mice made less IFN-gamma. The mice also made less IgG2a. Thus T cell NK-1R is important for IFN-gamma regulation.