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Topogenesis of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR): regulation by the amino terminal transmembrane sequences.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport superfamily. CFTR folding and assembly appear to involve several events occurred in the cytosol and ER. Misfolding of CFTR causes cystic fibrosis, and thus, understanding the folding mechanism of CFTR is extremely important. Recently, detailed study of membrane insertion process suggests that the first two transmembrane (TM) segments of CFTR have two distinct but independent mechanisms to ensure the correct membrane folding of its amino terminal end [Lu, Y., Xiong, X., Helm, A., Kimani, K., Bragin, A., Skach, W. R. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 568-576]. To understand how other TM segments are ensured to insert into membranes correctly, we investigated the topogenesis of TM3 and TM4 of CFTR in a cell-free expression system. We found that the correct membrane insertion of TM3 and TM4 of CFTR was ensured by their flanking amino acid sequences and controlled by the correct membrane insertion of their preceding TM1 and TM2. Thus, correct membrane insertion and folding of TM1 and TM2 play an essential role in the membrane insertion and folding of the subsequent TM segments of CFTR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tertiary interactions between transmembrane segments 3 and 5 near the cytoplasmic side of rhodopsin.

Previous studies [Yu, H., Kono, M., and Oprian, D. D. (1999) Biochemistry 38, xxxx-xxxx] using split receptors and disulfide cross-linking have shown that native cysteines 140 and 222 on the cytoplasmic side of transmembrane segments (TM) 3 and 5 of rhodopsin, respectively, can cross-link to each other upon treatment with the oxidant Cu(phen)3(2+). In this paper we show that although the 140-222 cross-link does not affect the spectral properties of rhodopsin, it completely and reversibly inactivates the ability of the receptor to activate transducin. Following on this lead we further investigate the cytoplasmic region of TM3 and TM5 and identify three additional pairs of residues that when changed to Cys are capable of forming disulfide cross-links in the protein: 140/225, 136/222, and 136/225. These disulfides are able to form without addition of the Cu(phen)3(2+) oxidant. Similar to the 140-222 cross-link, none of the additional disulfides affect the spectral properties of rhodopsin. Also like the 140-222 bond, the 136-222 disulfide completely and reversibly inactivates the light-dependent activation of transducin by the receptor. In contrast, the 140-225 and 136-225 disulfides have no effect on the ability of rhodopsin to activate transducin. The pattern of cross-linking observed in Cys and disulfide scans of the protein is consistent with helical secondary structure in TM3 from 130 to 142 and in TM5 from 218 to 225.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Protein alignment by a coexpressed lanthanide-binding tag for the measurement of residual dipolar couplings.

A protein fusion construct of human ubiquitin with an N-terminal lanthanide binding tag (LBT) enables observation of long-range orientational restraints in solution NMR from residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) due to paramagnetic alignment of the protein. The paramagnetic lanthanide ions Tb3+, Dy3+, and Tm3+ are shown to bind to the LBT and induce different alignment tensors, in agreement with theory. RDCs, measured relative to the diamagnetic Lu3+, range from -7.6 to 5.5 Hz for Tb3+ and -6.6 to 6.1 Hz for Dy3+, while an opposite alignment tensor is observed for Tm3+ (4.5 to -2.9 Hz) at 800 MHz. Experimental RDCs are in excellent agreement with those predicted on the basis of the X-ray structure of the protein.

Humans↗

Bright white light through up-conversion of a single NIR source from sol-gel-derived thin film made with Ln3+-doped LaF3 nanoparticles.

White light was generated from a single silica thin film made with Yb0.75La0.2Eu0.05F3, La0.45Yb0.5Er0.05F3, and La0.75Yb0.2Tm0.05F3 nanoparticles by exciting with a single source near-infrared light (980 nm CW diode laser). Eu3+ and Tm3+ ions are responsible for red and blue emission, respectively. Er3+ ion is responsible for green as well as red emission. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of the resulting light were easily adjusted by controlling the concentration of Ln3+ (Eu3+, Er3+, Tm3+) ions in the nanoparticles as well as the concentration of Ln3+-doped nanoparticles in the sol-gel thin layer.

Fluorides↗

Identification of putative agouti-related protein(87-132)-melanocortin-4 receptor interactions by homology molecular modeling and validation using chimeric peptide ligands.

Agouti-related protein (AGRP) is one of only two naturally known antagonists of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) identified to date. Specifically, AGRP antagonizes the brain melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors involved in energy homeostasis. Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is one of the known endogenous agonists for these melanocortin receptors. Insight into putative interactions between the antagonist AGRP amino acids with the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) may be important for the design of unique ligands for the treatment of obesity related diseases and is currently lacking in the literature. A three-dimensional homology molecular model of the mouse MC4 receptor complex with the hAGRP(87-132) ligand docked into the receptor has been developed to identify putative antagonist ligand-receptor interactions. Key putative AGRP-MC4R interactions include the Arg111 of hAGRP(87-132) interacting in a negatively charged pocket located in a cavity formed by transmembrane spanning (TM) helices 1, 2, 3, and 7, capped by the acidic first extracellular loop (EL1) and specifically with the conserved melanocortin receptor residues mMC4R Glu92 (TM2), mMC4R Asp114 (TM3), and mMC4R Asp118 (TM3). Additionally, Phe112 and Phe113 of hAGRP(87-132) putatively interact with an aromatic hydrophobic pocket formed by the mMC4 receptor residues Phe176 (TM4), Phe193 (TM5), Phe253 (TM6), and Phe254 (TM6). To validate the AGRP-mMC4R model complex presented herein from a ligand perspective, we generated nine chimeric peptide ligands based on a modified antagonist template of the hAGRP(109-118) (Tyr-c[Asp-Arg-Phe-Phe-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH(2)). In these chimeric ligands, the antagonist AGRP Arg-Phe-Phe residues were replaced by the melanocortin agonist His/D-Phe-Arg-Trp amino acids. These peptides resulted in agonist activity at the mouse melanocortin receptors (mMC1R and mMC3-5Rs). The most notable results include the identification of a novel subnanomolar melanocortin peptide template Tyr-c[Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH(2) that is equipotent to alpha-MSH at the mMC1, mMC3, and mMC5 receptors but is 30-fold more potent than alpha-MSH at the mMC4R. Additionally, these studies identified a new and novel >200-fold MC4R versus MC3R selective peptide Tyr-c[Asp-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH(2) template. Furthermore, when the His-DPhe-Arg-Trp sequence is used to replace the hAGRP Arg-Phe-Phe residues in the "mini"-AGRP (hAGRP87-120, C105A) template, a potent nanomolar agonist resulted at the mMC1R and MC3-5Rs.

Agouti-Related Protein↗

Mutagenesis reveals structure-activity parallels between human A2A adenosine receptors and biogenic amine G protein-coupled receptors.

Structure-affinity relationships for ligand binding at the human A2A adenosine receptor have been probed using site-directed mutagenesis in the transmembrane helical domains (TMs). The mutant receptors were expressed in COS-7 cells and characterized by binding of the radioligands [3H]CGS21680, [3H]NECA, and [3H]XAC. Three residues, at positions essential for ligand binding in other G protein-coupled receptors, were individually mutated. The residue V(3.32) in the A2A receptor that is homologous to the essential aspartate residue of TM3 in the biogenic amine receptors, i.e., V84(3.32), may be substituted with L (present in the A3 receptor) but not with D (in biogenic amine receptors) or A. H250(6.52), homologous to the critical N507 of rat m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, may be substituted with other aromatic residues or with N but not with A (Kim et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1995, 270, 13987-13997). H278(7.43), homologous to the covalent ligand anchor site in rhodopsin, may not be substituted with either A, K, or N. Both V84L(3.32) and H250N(6.52) mutant receptors were highly variable in their effect on ligand competition depending on the structural class of the ligand. Adenosine-5'-uronamide derivatives were more potent at the H250N(6.52) mutant receptor than at wild type receptors. Xanthines tended to be close in potency (H250N(6.52)) or less potent (V84L(3.32)) than at wild type receptors. The affinity of CGS21680 increased as the pH was lowered to 5.5 in both the wild type and H250N(6.52) mutant receptors. Thus, protonation of H250(6.52) is not involved in this pH dependence. These data are consistent with a molecular model predicting the proximity of bound agonist ligands to TM3, TM5, TM6, and TM7.

Adenosine↗

Human P2Y1 receptor: molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis as tools to identify agonist and antagonist recognition sites.

The molecular basis for recognition by human P2Y1 receptors of the novel, competitive antagonist 2'-deoxy-N6-methyladenosine 3', 5'-bisphosphate (MRS 2179) was probed using site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling. The potency of this antagonist was measured in mutant receptors in which key residues in the transmembrane helical domains (TMs) 3, 5, 6, and 7 were replaced by Ala or other amino acids. The capacity of MRS 2179 to block stimulation of phospholipase C promoted by 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-diphosphate (2-MeSADP) was lost in P2Y1 receptors having F226A, K280A, or Q307A mutations, indicating that these residues are critical for the binding of the antagonist molecule. Mutation of the residues His132, Thr222, and Tyr136 had an intermediate effect on the capacity of MRS 2179 to block the P2Y1 receptor. These positions therefore appear to have a modulatory role in recognition of this antagonist. F131A, H277A, T221A, R310K, or S317A mutant receptors exhibited an apparent affinity for MRS 2179 that was similar to that observed with the wild-type receptor. Thus, Phe131, Thr221, His277, and Ser317 are not essential for antagonist recognition. A computer-generated model of the human P2Y1 receptor was built and analyzed to help interpret these results. The model was derived through primary sequence comparison, secondary structure prediction, and three-dimensional homology building, using rhodopsin as a template, and was consistent with data obtained from mutagenesis studies. We have introduced a "cross-docking" procedure to obtain energetically refined 3D structures of the ligand-receptor complexes. Cross-docking simulates the reorganization of the native receptor structure induced by a ligand. A putative nucleotide binding site was localized and used to predict which residues are likely to be in proximity to agonists and antagonists. According to our model TM6 and TM7 are close to the adenine ring, TM3 and TM6 are close to the ribose moiety, and TM3, TM6, and TM7 are near the triphosphate chain.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

A different molecular interaction of bradykinin and the synthetic agonist FR190997 with the human B2 receptor: evidence from mutational analysis.

Binding affinity at the [3H]-BK binding site and activity as inositol phosphate (IP) production by the peptide bradykinin (BK) and the nonpeptide FR190997 were studied at wild-type or point-mutated human B2 receptors (hB2R) expressed in CHO cells. The effect of the following mutations were analyzed: E47A (TM1), W86A and T89A (TM2), I110A, L114A and S117A (TM3), T158A, M165T and L166F (TM4), T197A and S211A (TM5), F252A, W256A and F259A (TM6), S291A, F292A, Y295A and Y295F (TM7), and the double mutation W256A/Y295F. As the wild-type receptor-binding affinity of FR190997 was 40-fold lower than BK, whereas their agonist potency was comparable, both agonists produced similar maximal effects (Emax). Mutations were evaluated as affecting the affinity and/or efficacy of FR190997 compared with BK. Two mutations were found to impair the agonist affinity of both agonists drastically: W86A and F259A. BK agonist affinity (pEC50) was reduced by 1400- and 150-fold, and that of FR190997 was reduced by 400- and 25-fold, at the W86A and F259A mutant B2 receptors, respectively. Contrary to BK, the affinity of FR190997 was selectively decreased at I110A, Y295A, and Y295F mutants (>103-fold), and a different efficacy was measured at the Y295 mutants, FR190997 being devoid of the capability to trigger IP production at Y295A mutant. L114A, F252A, and W256A selectively impaired the efficacy of FR190997, whereas its binding affinity was not affected. As a consequence, FR190997 behaved as a high-affinity antagonist in blocking the IP production induced by BK. The lack of capability of FR190997 to activate or to bind the double mutant W256A/Y295F suggests that these residues are part of the same binding site, which is also important for receptor activation by the nonpeptide ligand. Overall, by means of mutational analysis, we indicate an hB2R recognition site for the nonpeptide agonist FR190997 (between TM3, 6, and 7), different from that of BK, and show that in the same binding crevice some mutations (L114, W256, and F252) are selectively responsible for the agonist properties of only FR190997.

Animals↗

The penicillin sensory transducer, BlaR, involved in the inducibility of beta-lactamase synthesis in Bacillus licheniformis is embedded in the plasma membrane via a four-alpha-helix bundle.

Prediction studies, conformational analyses and membrane-topology mapping lead to the conclusion that the penicillin sensory transducer, BlaR, involved in the inducibility of beta-lactamase synthesis in Bacillus licheniformis, is embedded in the plasma membrane bilayer via four transmembrane segments TM1-TM4 that form a four-alpha-helix bundle. The extracellular 262-amino-acid-residue polypeptide, S340-R601, that is fused at the carboxy end of TM4, possesses the amino acid sequence signature of a penicilloyl serine transferase. It probably functions as penicillin sensor. As an independent entity, this polypeptide behaves as a high-affinity penicillin-binding protein. As a component of the full-size BlaR, it adopts a different conformation presumably because of interactions with the extracellular 63-amino-acid-residue P53-S115 loop that connects TM2 and TM3. Reception of the penicillin-induced signal requires a precise conformation of the sensor but it does not involve penicilloylation of the serine residue S402 of motif STYK. Signal transmission through the plasma membrane by the four-alpha-helix bundle may proceed in a way comparable to that of the aspartate receptor, Tar. Signal emission in the cytosol by the intracellular 189-amino-acid-residue Y134-K322 loop that connects TM3 and TM4, may proceed via the activation of a putative metallopeptidase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

NMR investigation of the multidrug transporter EmrE, an integral membrane protein.

EmrE is an Escherichia coli multidrug transport protein that confers resistance to a wide range of toxicants by active transport across the bacterial cell membrane. The highly hydrophobic polytopic integral membrane protein has been purified and studied in its full-length form by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy in a mixture of chloroform/methanol/water (6:6:1, by vol.). Full activity is maintained after reconstitution of the protein into proteoliposomes from this solvent mixture. A series of heteronuclear (1H-15N) two- and three-dimensional experiments, as well as triple resonance experiments, were applied to the 110-residue protein and led to the assignment of the 1H, 15N and a large part of the 13C backbone resonances as well as many of the sidechain resonances. A preliminary analysis of the secondary structure, based on sequential NOE connectivities, deviation of chemical shifts from random coil values and 3J(NH-H alpha) coupling constants supports a model where the protein forms four alpha-helices between residues 4-26 (TM1), 32-53 (TM2), 58-76 (TM3) and 85-106 (TM4). For the residues of helices TM2 and TM3 a significant line broadening occurs due to slow conformational processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural origins of constitutive activation in rhodopsin: Role of the K296/E113 salt bridge.

The intramolecular interactions that stabilize the inactive conformation of rhodopsin are of primary importance in elucidating the mechanism of activation of this and other G protein-coupled receptors. In the present study, site-directed spin labeling is used to explore the role of a buried salt bridge between the protonated Schiff base at K296 in TM7 and its counterion at E113 in TM3. Spin-label sensors are placed at positions in the cytoplasmic surface of rhodopsin to monitor changes in the structure of the helix bundle caused by point mutations that disrupt the salt bridge. The single point mutations E113Q, G90D, and A292E, which were previously reported to cause constitutive activation of the apoprotein opsin, are found to cause profound movements of both TM3 and TM6 in the dark state, the latter of which is similar to that caused by light activation. The mutant M257Y, which constitutively activates opsin but does not disrupt the salt bridge, is shown to cause related but distinguishable structural changes. The double mutants E113Q/M257Y and G90D/M257Y produce strong activation of the receptor in the dark state. In the E113Q/M257Y mutant investigated with spin labeling, the movement of TM6 and other changes are exaggerated relative to either E113Q or M257Y alone. Collectively, the results provide structural evidence that the salt bridge is a key constraint maintaining the resting state of the receptor, and that the disruption of the salt bridge is the cause, rather than a consequence, of the TM6 motion that occurs upon activation.

Animals↗

Latent infection membrane protein transmembrane FWLY is critical for intermolecular interaction, raft localization, and signaling.

Relatively little is known about the biochemical mechanisms through which the Epstein-Barr virus latent infection integral membrane protein 1 (LMP1) transmembrane domains cause constitutive LMP1 aggregation and continuous cytoplasmic C terminus-mediated signal transduction. We now evaluate the role of the three consecutive LMP1 hydrophobic transmembrane pairs, transmembrane domains (TM)1-2, TM3-4, and TM5-6, in intermolecular aggregation and NF-kappaB activation. LMP1TM1-2 enabled approximately 40% of wild-type LMP1 cytoplasmic domain-mediated NF-kappaB activation, whereas TM3-4 or TM5-6 assayed in parallel had almost no effect independent of LMP1TM1-2. Alanine mutagenesis of conserved residues in LMP1TM1-2 identified FWLY(38-41) to be critical for LMP1TM1-2 intermolecular association with LMP1TM3-6. Further, in contrast to wild-type LMP1, LMP1 with FWLY(38-41) mutated to AALA(38-41) did not (i). significantly partition to lipid Rafts or Barges and effectively intermolecularly associate, (ii). enable cytoplasmic C terminus engagement of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3, (iii). activate NF-kappaB, and thereby (iv). induce tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 expression. Other LMP1 intermolecular associations were observed that involved LMP1TM1-2/LMP1TM1-2 or LMP1TM3-4/LMP1TM3-6 interactions; these probably also contribute to LMP1 aggregation. Because FWLY(38-41) was essential for LMP1-mediated signal transduction, and LMP1 activation of NF-kappaB is essential for proliferating B lymphocyte survival, inhibition of LMP1FWLY(41)-mediated LMP1/LMP1 intermolecular interactions is an attractive therapeutic target.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of pro-opiomelanocortin-like gene in the testis and epididymis.

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), beta-endorphin, and the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs), which are products of a common precursor, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), are present in a variety of tissues other than pituitary. The recent detection of immunoreactive POMC-derived peptides in the male reproductive tract raised the possibility that these hormones might regulate reproductive function. To determine whether the low concentrations of POMC-derived peptides in the male reproductive tract are synthesized locally and are not contaminants from blood, we have demonstrated POMC-like gene expression in both testis and epididymis. The identification of cells in testis capable of synthesizing POMC mRNA was established by showing the presence of this mRNA in mouse Leydig cell lines (TM3 and I10A). The hybridizing species of POMC-like mRNA in the testis, epididymis, and Leydig cell lines (TM3 and I10A) were approximately 150 bases shorter than those in the pituitary or hypothalamus but were similar in size to that in the amygdaloid nucleus of rat brain. The concentration of POMC-like mRNA in the testis is almost as high as that in the hypothalamus. This finding is quite unexpected because the concentrations of POMC-derived peptides in the testis were 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than those in the hypothalamus. The demonstration of a POMC-like gene expression in male reproductive tissues suggests that POMC-derived peptides are synthesized in Leydig cells and epididymis. These observations are consistent with the postulate that POMC-derived peptides may exert paracrine and/or autocrine effects in these organs.

Animals↗

Assessment of topogenic functions of anticipated transmembrane segments of human band 3.

Band 3 protein is a typical multispanning membrane protein whose membrane topology has been extensively studied from various protein chemical approaches. To clarify the membrane topogenesis of this multispanning protein on the endoplasmic reticulum, the topogenic functions of the anticipated transmembrane segments were individually assessed in an in vitro system using two series of model proteins in which each segment was placed in either a "stop-transfer" context or a "translocation initiation" context. They were expressed in a cell-free system containing rough microsomal membranes, and their topologies were evaluated by taking advantage of either sensitivity to protease or accessibility to N-glycosylation. We found that some segments seem to possess insufficient topogenic functions for membrane integration: the second transmembrane segment (TM2) is insufficient for the stop-transfer sequence, and TM3, TM5, and TM7 are not sufficient for the translocation initiation. In contrast to these phenomena, we herein demonstrate that TM2 shows an efficient stop-transfer function when it is near the preceding TM1 and suggest that TM3, TM5, and TM7 are followed by TM segments with a strong topogenic function to form Nexo/Ccyt topology, via which the preceding segments are integrated into the membrane. From these results, we propose that the interactions between the TMs should be operative during membrane integration, and that the segments with a weak topogenic function are given a transmembrane orientation by their following TMs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Amino acid volume and hydropathy of a transmembrane site determine glycine and anesthetic sensitivity of glycine receptors.

Two specific amino acid residues in transmembrane segments (TM) 2 and 3 are critical for the enhancement of glycine receptor (GlyR) function by volatile anesthetics. To determine which physicochemical characteristics of these sites determine their roles in anesthetic actions, an extensive series of single amino acid mutations at amino acid residue 288 (Ala-288) in TM3 of the alpha1 GlyR subunit was tested for modulation by volatile anesthetics. The mutations changed the apparent affinities of receptors for glycine; replacements with larger volumes and less hydropathy exhibited higher affinities for glycine. Potentiation by anesthetics was reduced by specific mutations at Ala-288. The molecular volume of the substituents was negatively correlated with the extent of potentiation by isoflurane, enflurane, and 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane, whereas there was no correlation between anesthetic enhancement and polarity, hydropathy, or hydrophilicity of substituents. In contrast to anesthetics, no correlation was found between the effects of the nonanesthetics 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane or 2, 3-dichlorooctafluorobutane and any physicochemical property of the substituent. These results suggest that the molecular volume and hydropathy of the amino acid at position 288 in TM3 regulate glycine and anesthetic sensitivity of the GlyR and that this residue might represent one determinant of an anesthetic binding site.

Alanine↗

Comparison of covalent with reversible inhibitor binding sites of the gastric H,K-ATPase by site-directed mutagenesis.

The gastric H,K-ATPase is covalently inhibited by substituted pyridyl-methylsulfinyl-benzimidazoles, such as omeprazole, that convert to thiophilic probes of luminally accessible cysteines in the acid space. The K(+) competitive inhibitor, SCH28080, prevented inhibition of acid transport by omeprazole. In stably expressing HEK293 cells, the benzimidazole-reactive cysteines, Cys-321 (transmembrane helix (TM) 3), Cys-813 and Cys-822 (TM5/6), and Cys-892 (TM7/8) were mutated to the amino acids found in the SCH28080-resistant Na,K-ATPase and kinetic parameters of H,K-ATPase activity analyzed. Mutations of Cys-822 and Cys-892 had insignificant effects on the K(i(app)), K(m(app)) or V(max), but mutations of Cys-813 to threonine and Cys-321 to alanine decreased the affinity for SCH28080. Mutation of Cys-321 to alanine produced mixed kinetics of inhibition, still with higher affinity for the cation-free form of phosphoenzyme. Since the phenylmethoxy ring of the imidazo-pyridine inhibitors binds to TM1/2, as shown by earlier photoaffinity studies, and the mutations in TM6 (Cys-813 --> Thr) as well as the end of TM3 (Cys-321 --> Ala) decrease the affinity for SCH28080, the TM1/2, TM3, and TM6 helices lie within approximately 16 A of each other based on the size of the active, extended conformation of SCH28080.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗

Arg-274 and Leu-277 of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha 2 subunit define agonist efficacy and potency.

Alanine-scanning mutagenesis and the whole cell voltage clamp technique were used to investigate the function of the extracellular loop between the second and third transmembrane domains (TM2-TM3) of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)-R). A conserved arginine residue in the TM2-TM3 loop of the GABA(A)-R alpha(2) subunit was mutated to alanine, and the mutant alpha(2)(R274A) was co-expressed with wild-type beta(1) and gamma(2S) subunits in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. The GABA EC(50) was increased by about 27-fold in the mutant receptor relative to receptors containing a wild-type alpha(2) subunit. Similarly, the GABA EC(50) at alpha(2)(L277A)beta(1)gamma(2S) and alpha(2)(K279A)beta(1)gamma(2S) GABA(A)-R combinations was increased by 51- and 4-fold, respectively. The alpha(2)(R274A) or alpha(2)(L277A) mutations also reduced the maximal response of piperidine-4-sulfonic acid relative to GABA by converting piperidine-4-sulfonic acid into a weak partial agonist at the GABA(A)-R. Based on these results, we propose that alpha(2)(Arg-274) and alpha(2)(Leu-277) are crucial to the efficient transduction of agonist binding into channel gating at the GABA(A)-R.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ethanol inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors is reduced by site-directed mutagenesis of a transmembrane domain phenylalanine residue.

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NRs) are ionotropic receptors activated by glutamate and the co-agonist glycine. Ethanol inhibits NMDA receptor function, although its site of action is undefined. We hypothesized that ethanol acts at specific amino acids contained within the transmembrane (TM) domains of the receptor. In this study, NR1 and NR2A subunits were altered by mutagenesis and tested for sensitivity to ethanol. Three NR1 mutants (W636A, F817A, and L819A) and one NR2A mutant (F637A) failed to generate functional receptors. Pre-TM1 (I546A, L551A, F554A, and F558A), TM1 (W563A), and TM2 (W611A) NR1 mutations did not affect ethanol sensitivity of heteromeric receptors. In contrast, altering a TM3 phenylalanine to alanine (F639A) reduced the ethanol inhibition of NMDA receptors expressed in oocytes and human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Mutation of the nearby methionine (M641) to alanine did not affect ethanol sensitivity, whereas changing Phe(639) to tryptophan slightly enhanced ethanol inhibition. NR1(F639A) did not alter the agonist potency of glutamate but did produce a leftward shift in the glycine concentration response for receptors containing NR2A and NR2B subunits. NR1(F639A) also reduced the potency of the competitive glycine antagonist 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid and increased the efficacy of the glycine partial agonist 3-amino-1-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone ((+)-HA-966). These results suggest that ethanol may interact with amino acids contained in the TM3 domain of NMDA subunits that are involved in transducing agonist binding to channel opening.

Amino Acid Sequence↗