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Jeffrey L Benovic

Publications and source records attributed to Jeffrey L Benovic.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Characterization of tescalcin, a novel EF-hand protein with a single Ca2+-binding site: metal-binding properties, localization in tissues and cells, and effect on calcineurin.

The tescalcin gene is preferentially expressed during mouse testis differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that this gene encodes a 24 kDa Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-binding protein with one consensus EF-hand and three additional domains with EF-hand homology. Equilibrium dialysis with (45)Ca(2+) revealed that recombinant tescalcin binds approximately one Ca(2+) ion at physiological concentrations (pCa 4.5). The intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of tescalcin was significantly reduced by Ca(2+), indicative of a conformational change. The apparent K(d) for Ca(2+) was 0.8 microM. A point mutation in the consensus EF-hand (D123A) abolished (45)Ca(2+) binding and prevented the fluorescence quenching, demonstrating that the consensus EF-hand alone mediates the Ca(2+)-induced conformational change. Tescalcin also binds Mg(2+) (K(d) 73 microM), resulting in a much smaller fluorescence decrease. In the presence of 1 mM Mg(2+), tescalcin's Ca(2+) affinity is shifted to 3.5 microM. These results illustrate that tescalcin should bind Mg(2+) constitutively in a quiescent cell, replacing it with Ca(2+) during stimulation. We also show that tescalcin is most abundant in adult mouse heart, brain, and stomach, as well as in HeLa and HL-60 cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that tescalcin is present in the cytoplasm and nucleus, with concentration in membrane ruffles and lamellipodia in the presence of serum, where it colocalizes with the small guanosine triphosphatase Rac-1. Tescalcin shares sequence and functional homology with calcineurin-B homologous protein (CHP), and we found that tescalcin, like CHP, can inhibit the phosphatase activity of calcineurin A. Hence, tescalcin is a novel calcineurin B-like protein that binds a single Ca(2+) ion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

G protein-coupled receptor kinase interaction with Hsp90 mediates kinase maturation.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that mediates agonist-dependent phosphorylation of numerous G protein-coupled receptors. In an effort to identify proteins that regulate GRK2 function, we searched for interacting proteins by immunoprecipitation of endogenous GRK2 from HL60 cells. Subsequent analysis by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry revealed that GRK2 associates with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). GRK2 interaction with Hsp90 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and was effectively disrupted by geldanamycin, an Hsp90-specific inhibitor. Interestingly, geldanamycin treatment of HL60 cells decreased the expression of endogenous GRK2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and metabolic labeling demonstrated that geldanamycin rapidly accelerated the degradation of newly synthesized GRK2. The use of various protease inhibitors suggested that GRK2 degradation induced by geldanamycin was predominantly through the proteasome pathway. To test whether Hsp90 plays a general role in regulating GRK maturation, additional GRKs were studied by transient expression in COS-1 cells and subsequent treatment with geldanamycin. These studies demonstrate that GRK3, GRK5, and GRK6 are also stabilized by interaction with Hsp90. Taken together, our work revealed that GRK interaction with heat shock proteins plays an important role in regulating GRK maturation.

Benzoquinones↗

Mapping the arrestin-receptor interface. Structural elements responsible for receptor specificity of arrestin proteins.

Arrestins selectively bind to phosphorylated activated forms of their cognate G protein-coupled receptors. Arrestin binding prevents further G protein activation and often redirects signaling to other pathways. The comparison of the high-resolution crystal structures of arrestin2, visual arrestin, and rhodopsin as well as earlier mutagenesis and peptide inhibition data collectively suggest that the elements on the concave sides of both arrestin domains most likely participate in receptor binding directly, thereby dictating its receptor preference. Using comparative binding of visual arrestin/arrestin2 chimeras to the preferred target of visual arrestin, light-activated phosphorylated rhodopsin (PRh*), and to the arrestin2 target, phosphorylated activated m2 muscarinic receptor (P-m2 mAChR*), we identified the elements that determine the receptor specificity of arrestins. We found that residues 49-90 (beta-strands V and VI and adjacent loops in the N-domain) and 237-268 (beta-strands XV and XVI in the C-domain) in visual arrestin and homologous regions in arrestin2 are largely responsible for their receptor preference. Only 35 amino acids (22 of which are nonconservative substitutions) in the two elements are different. Simultaneous exchange of both elements between visual arrestin and arrestin2 fully reverses their receptor specificity, demonstrating that these two elements in the two domains of arrestin are necessary and sufficient to determine their preferred receptor targets.

Animals↗

Development of a yeast bioassay to characterize G protein-coupled receptor kinases. Identification of an NH2-terminal region essential for receptor phosphorylation.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) specifically bind and phosphorylate the agonist-occupied form of G protein-coupled receptors. To further characterize the mechanism of GRK/receptor interaction, we developed a yeast-based bioassay using strains engineered to functionally express the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 and exhibit agonist-dependent growth. Here, we demonstrate that agonist-promoted growth was effectively inhibited by co-expression with either wild type GRK2 or GRK5, whereas catalytically inactive forms of these kinases were without effect. In an effort to identify residues involved in receptor interaction, we generated a pool of GRK5 mutants and then utilized the bioassay to identify mutants selectively deficient in inhibiting agonist-promoted growth. This resulted in the identification of a large number of mutants, several of which were expressed, purified, and characterized in more detail. Two of the mutants, GRK5-L3Q/K113R and GRK5-T10P, were defective in receptor phosphorylation and also exhibited a partial defect in phospholipid binding and phospholipid-stimulated autophosphorylation of the kinase. In contrast, these mutants had wild type activity in phosphorylating the non-receptor substrate tubulin. To further characterize the function of the NH2-terminal region of GRK5, we generated a deletion mutant lacking residues 2-14 and found that this mutant was also severely impaired in receptor phosphorylation and phospholipid-promoted autophosphorylation. In addition, an NH2-terminal 14-amino acid peptide from GRK5 selectively inhibited receptor phosphorylation by GRK5 but had minimal effect on GRK2 activity. Based on these findings, we propose a model whereby the extreme NH2 terminus of GRK5 mediates phospholipid binding and is required for optimal receptor phosphorylation.

Animals↗

Differential interaction of GRK2 with members of the G alpha q family.

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins bind to active G alpha subunits and accelerate the rate of GTP hydrolysis and/or block interaction with effector molecules, thereby decreasing signal duration and strength. RGS proteins are defined by the presence of a conserved 120-residue region termed the RGS domain. Recently, it was shown that the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) contains an RGS domain that binds to the active form of G alpha(q). Here, the ability of GRK2 to interact with other members of the G alpha(q) family, G alpha(11), G alpha(14), and G alpha(16), was tested. The signaling of all members of the G alpha(q) family, with the exception of G alpha(16), was inhibited by GRK2. Immunoprecipitation of full-length GRK2 or pull down of GST-GRK2-(45-178) resulted in the detection of G alpha(q), but not G alpha(16), in an activation-dependent manner. Moreover, activated G alpha(16) failed to promote plasma membrane (PM) recruitment of a GRK2-(45-178)-GFP fusion protein. Assays with chimeric G alpha(q)(-)(16) subunits indicated that the C-terminus of G alpha(q) mediates binding to GRK2. Despite showing no interaction with GRK2, G alpha(16) does interact with RGS2, in both inositol phosphate and PM recruitment assays. Thus, GRK2 is the first identified RGS protein that discriminates between members of the G alpha(q) family, while another RGS protein, RGS2, binds to both G alpha(q) and G alpha(16).

Cell Line↗

The E3 ubiquitin ligase AIP4 mediates ubiquitination and sorting of the G protein-coupled receptor CXCR4.

Ubiquitination of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 serves as a targeting signal for lysosomal degradation, but the mechanisms mediating ubiquitination and lysosomal sorting remain poorly understood. Here we report that the Nedd4-like E3 ubiquitin ligase AIP4 mediates ubiquitination of CXCR4 at the plasma membrane, and of the ubiquitin binding protein Hrs on endosomes. CXCR4 activation promotes CXCR4 colocalization with AIP4 and Hrs within the same region of endosomes. Endosomal sorting of CXCR4 is dependent on Hrs as well as the AAA ATPase Vps4, the latter involved in regulating the ubiquitination status of both CXCR4 and Hrs. We propose a model whereby AIP4, Hrs, and Vps4 coordinate a cascade of ubiquitination and deubiquitination events that sort CXCR4 to the degradative pathway.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

G protein-coupled receptor Kinase 2/G alpha q/11 interaction. A novel surface on a regulator of G protein signaling homology domain for binding G alpha subunits.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce cellular signals from hormones, neurotransmitters, light, and odorants by activating heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins. For many GPCRs, short term regulation is initiated by agonist-dependent phosphorylation by GPCR kinases (GRKs), such as GRK2, resulting in G protein/receptor uncoupling. GRK2 also regulates signaling by binding G alpha(q/ll) and inhibiting G alpha(q) stimulation of the effector phospholipase C beta. The binding site for G alpha(q/ll) resides within the amino-terminal domain of GRK2, which is homologous to the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) family of proteins. To map the Galpha(q/ll) binding site on GRK2, we carried out site-directed mutagenesis of the RGS homology (RH) domain and identified eight residues, which when mutated, alter binding to G alpha(q/ll). These mutations do not alter the ability of full-length GRK2 to phosphorylate rhodopsin, an activity that also requires the amino-terminal domain. Mutations causing G alpha(q/ll) binding defects impair recruitment to the plasma membrane by activated G alpha(q) and regulation of G alpha(q)-stimulated phospholipase C beta activity when introduced into full-length GRK2. Two different protein interaction sites have previously been identified on RH domains. The G alpha binding sites on RGS4 and RGS9, called the "A" site, is localized to the loops between helices alpha 3 and alpha 4, alpha 5 and alpha 6, and alpha 7 and alpha 8. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) binding site of axin involves residues on alpha helices 3, 4, and 5 (the "B" site) of its RH domain. We demonstrate that the G alpha(q/ll) binding site on the GRK2 RH domain is distinct from the "A" and "B" sites and maps primarily to the COOH terminus of its alpha 5 helix. We suggest that this novel protein interaction site on an RH domain be designated the "C" site.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phosphorylation-independent desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors?

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in a multitude of signaling processes and respond to a wide range of ligands. The activity of GPCRs is subject to three principal modes of regulation: desensitization, trafficking, and down-regulation. Desensitization is defined as a loss in the responsiveness of a signaling system. The generally established paradigm for GPCR desensitization involves receptor phosphorylation by GPCR kinases (GRKs), initiated by agonist-induced conformational changes in the receptor or by kinases activated by specific signaling pathways. GRKs have several interaction domains and may be able to contribute to receptor desensitization through mechanisms that do not involve the kinase activity of GRK. Pao and Benovic discuss some of these interactions and their relevance for the regulation of GPCR signaling.

GTP-Binding Proteins↗

The third intracellular loop of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors determines subtype specificity of arrestin interaction.

Nonvisual arrestins (arrestin-2 and -3) serve as adaptors to link agonist-activated G protein-coupled receptors to the endocytic machinery. Although many G protein-coupled receptors bind arrestins, the molecular determinants involved in binding remain largely unknown. Because arrestins selectively promote the internalization of the alpha(2b)- and alpha(2c)-adrenergic receptors (ARs) while having no effect on the alpha(2a)AR, here we used alpha(2)ARs to identify molecular determinants involved in arrestin binding. Initially, we assessed the ability of purified arrestins to bind glutathione S-transferase fusions containing the third intracellular loops of the alpha(2a)AR, alpha(2b)AR, or alpha(2c)AR. These studies revealed that arrestin-3 directly binds to the alpha(2b)AR and alpha(2c)AR but not the alpha(2a)AR, whereas arrestin-2 only binds to the alpha(2b)AR. Truncation mutagenesis of the alpha(2b)AR identified two arrestin-3 binding domains in the third intracellular loop, one at the N-terminal end (residues 194-214) and the other at the C-terminal end (residues 344-368). Site-directed mutagenesis further revealed a critical role for several basic residues in arrestin-3 binding to the alpha(2b)AR third intracellular loop. Mutation of these residues in the holo-alpha(2b)AR and subsequent expression in HEK 293 cells revealed that the mutations had no effect on the ability of the receptor to activate ERK1/2. However, agonist-promoted internalization of the mutant alpha(2b)AR was significantly attenuated as compared with wild type receptor. These results demonstrate that arrestin-3 binds to two discrete regions within the alpha(2b)AR third intracellular loop and that disruption of arrestin binding selectively abrogates agonist-promoted receptor internalization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential roles of arrestin-2 interaction with clathrin and adaptor protein 2 in G protein-coupled receptor trafficking.

The non-visual arrestins, arrestin-2 and arrestin-3, play a critical role in regulating the signaling and trafficking of many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Molecular insight into the role of arrestins in GPCR trafficking has suggested that arrestin interaction with clathrin, beta(2)-adaptin (the beta-subunit of the adaptor protein AP2), and phosphoinositides contributes to this process. In the present study, we have attempted to better define the molecular basis and functional role of arrestin-2 interaction with clathrin and beta(2)-adaptin. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the C-terminal region of arrestin-2 mediated beta(2)-adaptin and clathrin interaction with Phe-391 and Arg-395 having an essential role in beta(2)-adaptin binding and LIELD (residues 376-380) having an essential role in clathrin binding. Interestingly, arrestin-2-R169E, an activated form of arrestin that binds to GPCRs in a phosphorylation-independent manner, has significantly enhanced binding to beta(2)-adaptin and clathrin. This suggests that receptor-induced conformational changes in the C-terminal tail of arrestin-2 will likely play a major role in mediating arrestin interaction with clathrin-coated pits. In an effort to clarify the role of these interactions in GPCR trafficking we generated arrestin mutants that were completely and selectively defective in either clathrin (arrestin-2-DeltaLIELD) or beta(2)-adaptin (arrestin-2-F391A) interaction. Analysis of these mutants in COS-1 cells revealed that arrestin/clathrin interaction was essential for agonist-promoted internalization of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor, while arrestin/beta(2)-adaptin interaction appeared less critical. Arrestin-2 mutants defective in both clathrin and beta(2)-adaptin binding functioned as effective dominant negatives in HEK293 cells and significantly attenuated beta(2)-adrenergic receptor internalization. These mutants should prove useful in better defining the role of arrestins in mediating receptor trafficking.

Adaptor Protein Complex beta Subunits↗

Scaffolding functions of arrestin-2 revealed by crystal structure and mutagenesis.

Arrestin binding to activated, phosphorylated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represents a critical step in regulation of light- and hormone-dependent signaling. Nonvisual arrestins, such as arrestin-2, interact with multiple proteins for the purpose of propagating and terminating signaling events. Using a combination of X-ray crystallography, molecular modeling, mutagenesis, and binding analysis, we reveal structural features of arrestin-2 that may enable simultaneous binding to phosphorylated receptor, SH3 domains, phosphoinositides, and beta-adaptin. The structure of full-length arrestin-2 thus provides a uniquely oriented scaffold for assembly of multiple, diverse molecules involved in GPCR signal transduction.

Animals↗

Regulation of arrestin-3 phosphorylation by casein kinase II.

Arrestins play an important role in regulating the function of G protein-coupled receptors including receptor desensitization, internalization, down-regulation, and signaling via nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Previous studies have revealed that arrestins themselves are also subject to regulation. In the present study, we focused on identifying potential mechanisms involved in regulating the function of arrestin-3. Using metabolic labeling, phosphoamino acid analysis, and mutagenesis studies, we found that arrestin-3 is constitutively phosphorylated at Thr-382 and becomes dephosphorylated upon beta(2)-adrenergic receptor activation in COS-1 cells. Casein kinase II (CKII) appears to be the major kinase mediating arrestin-3 phosphorylation, since 1) Thr-382 is contained within a canonical consensus sequence for CKII phosphorylation and 2) wild type arrestin-3 but not a T382A mutant is phosphorylated by CKII in vitro. Functional analysis reveals that mutants mimicking the phosphorylated (T382E) and dephosphorylated (T382A or T382V) states of arrestin-3 promote beta(2)-adrenergic receptor internalization and bind clathrin, beta-adaptin, and Src to comparable levels as wild type arrestin-3. This suggests that the phosphorylation of arrestin-3 does not directly regulate interaction with endocytic (clathrin, beta-adaptin) or signaling (Src) components and is in contrast to arrestin-2, where phosphorylation appears to regulate interaction with clathrin and Src. However, additional analysis reveals that arrestin-3 phosphorylation may regulate formation of a large arrestin-3-containing protein complex. Differences between the regulatory roles of arrestin-2 and -3 phosphorylation may contribute to the different cellular functions of these proteins in G protein-coupled receptor signaling and regulation.

Adaptor Protein Complex beta Subunits↗

Biological actions of formoterol isomers.

Racemic beta(2) agonists, composed of equal amounts of (R)- and (S)-isomers, can display anomalous actions that compromise their effectiveness as asthma therapies. Loss of efficacy during regular use is characteristic of isoprenaline, albuterol and terbutaline and has in part been attributed to the biological effects of the (S)-isomer. This hypothesis was applied to the (R,R)- and (S,S)-isomers of formoterol. (R,R)-formoterol had 1000-times greater affinity (2.9 nm) to the human beta(2) adrenoceptor than (S,S)-formoterol (3100 nm), with receptor binding modulating intracellular cAMP levels. The minimum lethal intravenous (IV) dose was determined to be 100 mg/kg for (R,R)- and 50 mg/kg for (S,S)-formoterol, suggesting that the toxicity of (S,S)-formoterol may not be related to the binding of beta(2) adrenoceptors. In tissues pretreated with (S,S)-formoterol but not with (R,R)- or racemic formoterol contractions to high concentrations of carbachol were exaggerated. In vivo experiments with sensitized guinea pigs demonstrated that (R,R)-formoterol inhibited both histamine and antigen-induced bronchoconstriction with greater potency than (R,R/S,S)-formoterol while (S,S)-formoterol was ineffective. Metabolic radiolabeling experiments of (R,R)-, (S,S)- or (R,R/S,S)-formoterol with crude human liver phenolsulfotransferase (PST) determined the V(max)/K(m) values to be (0.151), (0.74) and (0.143), respectively. The reciprocal plot illustrates a 2-fold reduction in sulfation rate when (R,R)-formoterol is present as a single isomer. The data presented here suggest that (R,R)-formoterol binds to the beta(2) adrenoceptor and inhibits the contraction of bronchial tissues by spasmogens. However, (S,S)-formoterol exhibits properties inconsistent as an asthma therapeutic and may antagonize the actions of (R,R)-formoterol.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Novel beta2-adrenergic receptor signaling pathways.

The beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) is perhaps the most thoroughly investigated of all G-protein-coupled receptors. Although the classical pathway of beta(2)AR signaling involves agonist-promoted binding of the receptor to the heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein G(s), activation of adenylyl cyclase, and production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), current evidence suggests that beta(2)AR signaling is regulated by interaction with multiple proteins. These interactions fall into 3 major groups: guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins such as G(s) and G(i); protein kinases such as the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C, G-protein-coupled receptor kinases, and tyrosine kinases; and adaptor proteins such as arrestins, A-kinase anchoring proteins, and the Na(+)/H(+)-exchanger regulatory factor. This review discusses these various interactions with particular emphasis on their role in regulating beta(2)AR signaling and trafficking.

Arrestins↗