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M G Caron

Publications and source records attributed to M G Caron.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources

Solubilization and characterization of the beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites of frog erythrocytes.

Specific beta-adrenergic receptors present in membrane preparations of frog erythrocytes were identified by binding of (-)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol, a potent competitive beta-adrenergic antagonist. The (-)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites could be solubilized by treatment of a purified erythrocyte membrane fraction with the plant glycoside digitonin but not by treatment with a wide variety of other detergents. The binding sites appeared to be soluble by several independent experimental criteria including (a) failure to sediment of 105,000 X g for 2 hours; (b) passage through 0.22-mu Millipore filters; (c) chromatography on Sepharose 6B gels; and (d) electron microscopy. The soluble receptor sites retained all of the essential characteristics of the membrane-bound sites, namely rapid and reversible binding of beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists; strict stereospecificity toward both beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists; appropriate structure-activity relationships; saturability of the sites at low concentrations of ligand; no affinity for alpha-adrenergic drugs, nonphysiologically active catechol compounds, and catecholamine metabolites. Based on gel chromatography in the presence of detergent, the molecular weight of the soluble receptor is estimated to be no greater than 130,000 to 150,000. Equilibrium binding studies indicated a KD for the soluble receptor of 2 nM. Hill coefficients (nH) of 0.77 and curved Scatchard plots suggested the presence of negatively cooperative interactions among the solubilized receptors in agreement with previous findings with the membrane-bound sites. Kinetic studies indicated an association rate constant K1 = 3.8 X 10(6) M-1 min-1 and a reverse rate constant k2 = 2.3 X 10(-3) min-1 at 4 degrees. The kinetically derived KD (k2/k1) of 0.6 nM is in reasonable agreement with that determined by equilibrium studies. The soluble receptors were labile at temperature greater than 4 degrees but could be stabilized with high concentrations of EDTA. Guanidine hydrochloride and urea produced concentration-dependent losses of binding activity which were partially reversible upon dialysis. Trypsin and phospholipase A both degraded the soluble receptors but a variety of other proteases and phospholipases as well as DNase and RNase were without effect. Experiments with group-specific reagents indicated that free lysine, tryptophan, serine, and sulfhydryl groups may be important for receptor binding. These studies suggest that the receptor is probably a protein which requires lipids for functional integrity. Data obtained with the solubilized binding sites are consistent with the contention that these sites represent the physiologically relevant beta-adrenergic receptors which have been extracted from the membranes with full retention of their properties.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Regulation of adenylate cyclase coupled beta-adrenergic receptors by beta-adrenergic catecholamines.

Injection of frogs with beta-adrenergic catecholamines produced a selective desensitization (loss of responsiveness) of the erythrocyte membrane adenylate cylase to subsequent stimulation in vitro by isoproterenol. Basal, prostaglandin E1- and fluoride-sensitive enzyme activities were unaffected. A 77% (p less than 0.001) decline in isoproterenol-responsive enzyme activity in the cells from the treated animals was observed with no change in the Km for isoproterenol stimulation of the enzyme (concentration causing 1/2 maximal enzyme activation). The decrease in catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase was accompanied by a parallel 68% (p less than 0.001) fall in the apparent number of beta-adrenergic receptors in the erythrocyte membranes, assessed by (-) (3H)alprenolol binding studies. There was no change in the affinity of the receptor binding sites. The catecholamine-induced desensitization and fall in the beta-adrenergic receptor number were both concentration and time-dependent and displayed beta-adrenergic specificity. Isoproterenol was more potent in desensitizing cells and in lowering the receptor number than was norepinephrine. The beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol, but not the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine, blocked the desensitizing effects of isoproterenol. Propranolol itself, however, did not cause desensitization. Cells became resensitized to the stimulatory effects of catecholamines, in association with a return in beta-receptor number, when propranolol was injected into previously desensitized animals. The changes in receptor number in membranes from desensitized and resensitized animals were also reflected in soluble receptor preparations. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide did not affect either desensitization, resensitization, or the changes in receptor number which accompanied the changes in adenylate cyclase sensitivity to catecholamines. These findings suggest that the chronic occupancy of beta-adrenergic receptors by beta-adrenergic agonists (but not antagonists) decreases the number of functional beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites and, hence, lowers the responsiveness of adenylate cylase to catecholamine stimulation. The lack of effort of cycloheximide on these regulatory effects suggests that "inactivation" and subsequent "reactivation" of the receptors, rather than changes in receptor turnover, are involved.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Protein kinase stimulation of a reconstituted cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme system in the bovine corpus luteum.

A solubilized preparation of cytochrome P-450, obtained by treatment of mitochondria from bovine corpora lutea with phospholipase A, contained all of the necessary components for the cholesterol side chain cleavage activity. The solubilized cytochrome -450 preparation could be isolated essentially free of endogenous cholesterol side chain cleavage activity by various fractionation techniques. A cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme system was reconstituted using the isolated cytochrome P-450 preparation and purified adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase (components of the enzyme system purified from the adrenal cortex). Protein kinase was partially purified from the cytosol fraction of bovine corpora lutea. It was purified 43-fold and the activity was highly dependent on cyclic adenosine 3:5-monophosphate (cyclic AMP). When ATP and this partially purified cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase were added to the reconstituted cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme assay in which cytochrome P-450 was limiting, a stimulation (20 to 74%) of the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone was observed. This stimulation was statistically significant with p value less than 0.001. The stimulatory effect of the protein kinase appeared to be dependent on ATP and was not mimicked by bovine serum albumin, indicating that the effect was specific for protein kinase. Protein kinase caused a phosphorylation of the cytochrome P-450 preparation when large amounts of this preparation were used in the assay. It is concluded from these results that the direct activation of the cytochrome P-450 component of the cholesterol side chain cleavage by protein kinase may be one of the ways by which cyclic AMP mediates the effect of luteinizine.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Identification of adenylate cyclase-coupled beta-adrenergic receptors in frog erythrocytes with (minus)-[3-H] alprenolol.

(minus)-Alprenolol, a potent, competitive beta-adrenergic antagonist labeled to high specific activity with tritium (17 Ci per mmol), has been used to identify binding sites in frog erythrocyte membranes having many of the characteristics to be expected of the beta-adrenergic receptors which are linked to adenylate cyclase in these membranes. The chromatographic behavior and biological activity of the labeled and native drug were essentially identical. (minus)-Alprenolol and (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol both competitively antagonize isoproterenol stimulation of frog erythrocyte membrane adenylate cyclase with a KD OF 5 TO 10 NM. (minus)-[3-H]Alprenolol binding to sites in the frog erythrocyte membranes was studied by a centrifugal assay. At 37 degrees, equilibrium binding was established within 5 min and the half-time for dissociation of bound (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol was approximately 30 s. This rapid onset and dissociation of (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding was in good agreement with the rapid onset of action of beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on the frog erythrocyte adenylate cyclase. (minus)-[3-H]Alprenolol binding was saturable. There were 0.25 to 0.35 pmol of (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding sites per mg of protein corresponding to 1300 to 1800 binding sites per intact frog erythrocyte. The binding sites showed half-maximal saturation at 5.0 to 10 nM (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol, which is in good agreement with the KD for alprenolol antagonism of isoproterenol stimulation of adenylate cyclase. The (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding sites exhibited strict stereospecificity. (minus)-Stereoisomers of beta-adrenergic antagonists or agonists were approximately 2 orders of magnitude more potent than the (+)-stereoisomers in competing for the binding sites. Comparable stereospecificity was apparent when agonists and antagonists were tested for their ability to interact with the adenylate cyclase-coupled beta-adrenergic receptors in the membranes. Potency series of 11 agonists and 13 antagonists for inhibition of binding and interaction with adenylate cyclase were identical and were characteristic of a beta2-adrenergic receptor. A variety of nonphysiologically active compounds containing a catechol moiety as well as several metabolites and cholinergic agents did not inhibit (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding or interact significantly as agonists or antagonists with the adenylate cyclase. The (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding sites studied appear to be equivalent to the beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites in the frog erythrocyte membranes.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Characteristics of 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate-activated adenylate cyclase.

Characteristics of adenylate cyclase stimulation by the GTP analog 5'-guanyl imidodiphosphate Gpp(NH)p have been examined in intact frog erythrocytes, frog erythrocyte membranes, and solubilized canine myocardial preparations. Gpp(NH)p caused marked enzyme activation in the erythrocyte membranes and in solubilized myocardial preparations, but had much lesser effects in intact cells. Enzyme activation by Gpp(NH)p exhibited a definite lag period, requiring 10 to 15 min for complete activation at 37 degrees. Activation was essentially irreversible after a 5-hour dialysis sufficient to reduce the Gpp(NH)p levels below threshold for stimulation. Gpp(NH)p-"activated" enzyme differed from native enzyme in several respects, such as its greater temperature stability, and its insensitivity to further stimulation by other activators, such as catecholamine or fluoride. These differences suggest that the enzyme, once fully activated by Gpp(NH)p, may have undergone some modification that is not subject ot facile reversal.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Catecholamine-induced subsensitivity of adenylate cyclase associated with loss of beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites.

Injection of frogs with beta-adrenergic catecholamines for 1-24 hr produces marked subsensitivity of the erythrocyte membrane adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing); EC 4.6.1.1.] to in vitro stimulation by isoproterenol. The subsensitization is specific for catecholamine stimulation, since basal and fluoride-stimulated enzyme activity are unaffected. Maximum isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity declines by 75% in the isoproterenol-treated animals (P less than 0.001). The concentration of isoproterenol causing one-half maximal activation of adenylate cyclase, however, is unaltered. (-)[3H]Alprenolol, a potent competitive beta-adrenergic antagonist, was used to study directly the beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites in the erythrocyte membranes from control and subsensitized animals. A highly significant (P less than 0.005) 60% fall in the number of the beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites ("specific"(-)[3H]alprenolol binding sites) in the treated animals was found. The binding affinity of the sites was not markedly altered. These data suggest that beta-adrenergic catecholamines are able to regulate catecholamine sensitivity of tissues in vivo, by regulating the properties of the beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Dopamine receptors status after unilateral nigral 6-OHDA lesion. Autoradiographic and in situ hybridization study in the rat brain.

The physiological effects of dopamine (DA) are mediated by several distinct receptor subtypes. The effects of unilateral nigral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions on DA receptors were investigated by receptor autoradiography using the D1 selective ligand [3H]SCH 23390 as well as the D2 ligand [3H]spiroperidol. mRNA distribution was studied by in situ hybridization. Lesioned rats were sacrificed at different time intervals. Receptor binding studies were performed on tissue sections using selective ligands. [35S]UTP labeled RNA probes were prepared from the different cDNA (D1, D2, D3) and used for in situ hybridization. A specific loss of receptor binding sites and mRNA hybridization was found in the lesioned substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) at all times examined. Receptor binding studies revealed a different time-dependent increase in both D1 and D2 receptors. In situ hybridization showed that only D2 receptor mRNA increased in the caudate-putamen (CPu) of the lesioned side 15 d after 6-OHDA. No changes were observed in D1 and D3 receptor mRNA during the entire time-course.

Animals↗

Pure beta-adrenergic receptor: the single polypeptide confers catecholamine responsiveness to adenylate cyclase.

The beta-adrenergic receptor binding subunits from frog erythrocytes, hamster lung and guinea pig lung have been purified to apparent homogeneity and in all cases reside on a single polypeptide. Insertion of the pure receptors into phospholipid vesicles and subsequent fusion of these vesicles with a receptor-deficient cell conveys beta-adrenergic responsiveness to the adenylate cyclase system of the acceptor cell. Such responsiveness is linearly dependent on the amount of receptor used in the fusion experiments and is independent of the receptor source. Moreover, this responsiveness displays appropriate beta-adrenergic specificity. These results indicate that the beta-adrenergic receptor polypeptide contains both the ligand binding site and the site responsible for mediating stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity, presumably via interaction with the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

A role for Ni in the hormonal stimulation of adenylate cyclase.

The best understood system for transduction of extracellular messages into intracellular signals is the hormone receptor-coupled adenylate cyclase. In such systems receptors are functionally coupled to the enzyme by two special proteins, termed the stimulatory and inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (Ns and Ni, respectively). These proteins, thought to mediate, respectively, stimulatory and inhibitory influences on the adenylate cyclase, are members of a larger class of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins involved in membrane signal transduction. We have studied the interactions of the various components of the adenylate cyclase system by co-reconstituting pure beta-adrenergic receptors, pure Ns and Ni, and functionally resolved preparations of the catalyst in phospholipid vesicles. In the absence of Ni, beta-adrenergic receptor/Ns-mediated catecholamine stimulation of the enzyme is relatively modest (approximately 1.3-fold). Surprisingly, however, when Ni is also present, stimulation increases dramatically (up to 7-8-fold) because of a greater suppression of basal relative to agonist-stimulated enzyme activity. Thus, Ni may actually be required for maximal agonist stimulation as well as for inhibition of the adenylate cyclase.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Cloning of the gene and cDNA for mammalian beta-adrenergic receptor and homology with rhodopsin.

The adenylate cyclase system, which consists of a catalytic moiety and regulatory guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, provides the effector mechanism for the intracellular actions of many hormones and drugs. The tissue specificity of the system is determined by the particular receptors that a cell expresses. Of the many receptors known to modulate adenylate cyclase activity, the best characterized and one of the most pharmacologically important is the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR). The pharmacologically distinguishable subtypes of the beta-adrenergic receptor, beta 1 and beta 2 receptors, stimulate adenylate cyclase on binding specific catecholamines. Recently, the avian erythrocyte beta 1, the amphibian erythrocyte beta 2 and the mammalian lung beta 2 receptors have been purified to homogeneity and demonstrated to retain binding activity in detergent-solubilized form. Moreover, the beta-adrenergic receptor has been reconstituted with the other components of the adenylate cyclase system in vitro, thus making this hormone receptor particularly attractive for studies of the mechanism of receptor action. This situation is in contrast to that for the receptors for growth factors and insulin, where the primary biochemical effectors of receptor action are unknown. Here, we report the cloning of the gene and cDNA for the mammalian beta 2AR. Analysis of the amino-acid sequence predicted for the beta AR indicates significant amino-acid homology with bovine rhodopsin and suggests that, like rhodopsin, beta AR possesses multiple membrane-spanning regions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Light-dependent phosphorylation of rhodopsin by beta-adrenergic receptor kinase.

The structural components involved in transduction of extracellular signals as diverse as a photon of light impinging on the retina or a hormone molecule impinging on a cell have been highly conserved. These components include a recognition unit or receptor (for example, the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) for catecholamines or the 'light receptor' rhodopsin), a guanine nucleotide regulatory or transducing protein, and an effector enzyme (for example, adenylate cyclase or cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase). Molecular cloning has revealed that the beta AR shares significant sequence and three-dimensional homology with rhodopsin. The function of the beta AR is diminished by exposure to stimulatory agonists, leading to desensitization. Similarly, 'light adaptation' involves decreased coupling of photoactivated rhodopsin to cGMP phosphodiesterase activation. Both forms of desensitization involve receptor phosphorylation. The latter is mediated by a unique protein kinase, rhodopsin kinase, which phosphorylates only the light-bleached form of rhodopsin. An analogous enzyme (termed beta AR kinase or beta ARK) phosphorylates only the agonist-occupied beta AR. We report here that beta ARK is also capable of phosphorylating rhodopsin in a totally light-dependent fashion. Moreover, rhodopsin kinase can phosphorylate the agonist-occupied beta AR. Thus the mechanisms which regulate the function of these disparate signalling systems also appear to be similar.

Animals↗

Cross-talk between cellular signalling pathways suggested by phorbol-ester-induced adenylate cyclase phosphorylation.

Receptor-mediated activation of both adenylate cyclase and phosphatidylinositide hydrolysis systems occurs through guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins and ultimately leads to specific activation of either cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A or Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C. Given the remarkable diversity of agents that influence cellular metabolism through these pathways and the similarities of their components, interactions between the two signalling systems could occur. In fact, stimulation of cells with 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a phorbol ester that activates protein kinase C, influences hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase. In some cells TPA induces desensitization of receptor-mediated stimulation of adenylate cyclase, whereas in others, such as frog erythrocytes, phorbol ester treatment results in increased agonist-stimulated as well as basal, guanine nucleotide- and fluoride ion-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities. We show here that TPA produces phosphorylation of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase in frog erythrocytes. Moreover, purified protein kinase C can directly phosphorylate in vitro the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase purified from bovine brain. These results suggest that phosphorylation of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase by protein kinase C may be involved in the phorbol ester-induced enhancement of adenylate cyclase activity. In addition to providing the first direct demonstration of a covalent modification of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase, these results provide a potential biochemical mechanism for a regulatory link between the two major transmembrane signalling systems.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗