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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Japanese patients with sporadic Hirschsprung: mutation analysis of the receptor tyrosine kinase proto-oncogene, endothelin-B receptor, endothelin-3, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and neurturin genes: a comparison with similar studies.

UNLABELLED: We report on mutation analysis of five genes involved in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RET) or the endothelin-signalling pathways in 28 sporadic Japanese patients with Hirschsprung disease. Analysis of DNA obtained from peripheral blood cells revealed six mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, four of which were disease-causing mutations in exon 9 (D584G), the splice donor site of intron 10 (+2T to A), exon 11 (A654T), and exon 12 (T706A). A heterozygous A to G transition was found in 47 bases upstream from the 5' end of exon 2 in two HD patients but was also seen in one control subject (2/28; 1/24). A silent 2307T to G transversion was observed in exon 13. Two disease-causing mutations were detected in the endothelin receptor (EDNRB) gene, in the non-coding region of exon 1 (-26 G to A) and in exon 4 (A301T); the latter mutation was a novel one. One silent mutation was observed in exon 4 (codon 277). One heterozygous T to C mutation was found in the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene in 25 bases upstream of the coding region in exon 1. No nucleotide changes were detected in either the endothelin-3 or neurturin genes. Disease-causing mutation rates in the RET proto-oncogene and the EDNRB gene were estimated at 14.3% (4/28) and 10.7% (3/28), respectively. In addition to mutations in the RET and EDNRB genes, embryonic environmental factors and/or other genetic factors appear to be involved in the development of Hirschsprung disease. Further systematic studies of genetic variation in a large series of patients and controls are necessary for elucidating the pathogenesis of this disorder. CONCLUSION: This study provides further gene alterations as disease-causing mutations in Japanese cases of sporadic Hirschsprung disease. However, the low mutation rate of the susceptibility genes may indicate that Hirschsprung disease arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Asian People↗

Endothelin-1-induced vasodilatation in rat breast tumor is mediated through endothelin-B receptors.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) causes vasodilatation via its endothelin-B receptors. ET-1, endothelin-3 and endothelin-B receptors are known to be overexpressed in breast carcinoma tissue. However, the functional role of ET-1 in tumor vasculature is still unknown. If ET-1 causes an increase in breast tumor perfusion, it could be used to increase delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor tissues. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 g) were treated with either saline or N-methyl, N-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), a chemical carcinogen. Each group was treated with: (a) ET-1 (50 ng/kg/minute, 30 minute infusion) (n = 6); or (b) BQ788, an endothelin-B receptor antagonist (0.33 mg/kg/minute, 20 minute infusion) + ET-1 (50 ng/kg/minute, 30 minute infusion) (n = 5). Blood flow to tumor and normal breast tissue was measured using radioactive microspheres. Blood perfusion to the breast and tumor tissue was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Blood flow to tumor tissue increased (153%; P < 0.05) and vascular resistance decreased following ET-1 infusion. Blood flow to other organs was not affected. Laser Doppler flowmetry showed an increase (176%; P < 0.05) in breast tumor perfusion following ET-1 infusion. The increase in perfusion was attenuated (-25.2%; P < 0.05) with the administration of BQ788. Results indicate that ET-1 induced an increase in blood flow to tumors in tumor-bearing rats, which is mediated by endothelin-B receptors.

Animals↗

Dissociation characteristics of endothelin receptor agonists and antagonists in cloned human type-B endothelin receptor.

The human type-B endothelin receptor (h-ETB) was cloned from human lung poly A+RNA and stably expressed in CHO cells. Endothelin (ET) receptor binding and stimulation of PI hydrolysis demonstrated that the cloned h-ETB receptor is functional and linked to intracellular signal transduction pathways in CHO cells. The molecular mass of the h-ETB receptor was determined to be 65 KDa, and Bmax and Kd were 0.36 pmol/mg and 80 pM, respectively. Competition studies employing receptor ligands revealed that the potencies of the test ligands (IRL1620, PD142893, and Ro46-2005) were dependent on the length of the incubation time, whereas the natural agonists (ET-1 and ET-3) were not. When competing with ET-1 in the h-ETB receptor binding, the IC50 increased from 1.2 nM to 8.2 nM for IRL1620, 0.068 microM to 1.9 microM for PD142893, and 0.76 microM to 12.7 microM for Ro46-2005, as the incubation time increased from 1 hr to 24 hr. These time-induced changes are likely due to differences in the dissociation characteristics between the artificial ligands and the natural ligands.

Animals↗

Mutations of the endothelin-B receptor and endothelin-3 genes in Hirschsprung's disease.

The endothelin-B receptor gene (EDNRB) and the endothelin-3 gene (EDN3) have recently been recognized as susceptibility genes for Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Novel EDNRB mutations have been detected in non-syndromic HD patients with heterozygous forms, and homozygous mutations of the EDNRB or the EDN3 genes have been reported in HD patients associated with type 2 Waardenburg syndrome. These observations confirm that impaired function of the endothelin-B receptor or endothelin-3 is involved in the aetiology of some human HD cases. EDNRB mutations appear to be associated with short-segment HD, in contrast to RET mutations, which are found mainly in long-segment aganglionosis.

Animals↗

Endothelin-1-evoked calcium transients in UMR-106 osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells are mediated through endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptors.

Endothelin (ET) receptor subtypes involved in the modulation of intracellular calcium were studied in UMR-106 osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells. Calcium signaling in UMR-106 cells in suspension was determined with fluo-3-acetoxymethylester fluorescent dye. ET-1 and the ETB-selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) elicited rapid calcium transients. Maximally effective concentrations of the ETA-selective antagonist BQ-123 [Cyclo(-D-Trp-D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu)] attenuated ET-1-evoked calcium transients by only 50%. BQ-123 had no effect on S6c-stimulated transients. ET-1 and S6c showed homologous desensitization on repeated administration. Pretreatment with ET-1 completely eliminated S6c-evoked calcium transients, whereas S6c pretreatment only partially (50%) attenuated the calcium transient evoked by ET-1. Joint pretreatment with S6c and BQ-123 or pretreatment with the ETA/ETB nonselective antagonist PD-142893 (Ac-D-diphenylalanine-Leu-Asp-Ile-Ile-Trp) eliminated the ET-1-stimulated calcium transient. These cells display both ETA and ETB receptors (60:40), as demonstrated by saturation binding experiments with [125I] ET-1 and the ETB specific agonist, [125I] IRL-1620 (Suc [Glu9, Ala11,15] endothelin-1 [8-21]). This was further confirmed by competition binding experiments using [125I] ET-1 and subtype-selective ligands S6c and BQ-123. These data indicate that ET-1 interacts with both ETA and ETB receptors to elicit calcium transients in UMR-106 osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Impaired growth and differentiation of diploid but not immortal melanoblasts from endothelin receptor B mutant (piebald) mice.

Endothelin 3 (Edn3) and its preferred receptor, endothelin receptor B (Ednrb), are implicated in development, especially that of two neural-crest-derived cell lineages: melanocytes and enteric ganglion cells. Mice and humans with a null mutation at either locus can show major deficiencies in both cell types: congenital white spotting and aganglionic megacolon (Hirschsprung disease in human). Numbers of early (migrating) embryonic melanoblasts are low in Ednrb(ls) mutant mice, while added Edn3 appears to promote the growth of melanocyte precursors in neural crest cultures. However, it is hard to assess cell differentiation in these mixed cultures, and it is not known whether Ednrb has any role in the postnatal melanocytic lineage. We have therefore studied primary cultures of neonatal melanoblasts homozygous for the piebald (Ednrb(s)) mutation. These mutant melanoblasts showed severe impairment of both net cell growth and differentiation compared to wild-type melanoblasts. They were also unresponsive to stimulation of growth by cholera toxin. We have established three immortal lines of melanoblasts and one of melanocytes homozygous for Ednrb(s). These immortal lines, however, had no detectable deficiency of growth or differentiation as judged by cell counts, induced pigmentation and immunocytochemistry for melanocytic markers. Consistent with this, neither Ednrb nor Edn3 mRNA was detected in 3/3 tested immortal lines of mouse melanoblasts and 5/5 lines of melanocytes, of various genotypes. We also report for the first time a method to grow immortal melanoblasts in pure culture, without feeder cells.

Animals↗

Endothelin-converting enzymes and endothelin receptor B messenger RNAs are expressed in different neural cell species and these messenger RNAs are coordinately induced in neurons and astrocytes respectively following nerve injury.

There is some evidence that endothelins may be a signal mediator between neuronal and glial cells, at least in some regions of the brain. To evaluate this possibility, the localization of messenger RNAs for endothelin-converting enzymes and endothelin receptor B in the rat brain were examined using in situ hybridization histochemistry. The messenger RNAs for endothelin-converting enzyme-1 and endothelin-converting enzyme-2 were expressed mainly in neurons located in various brain regions, whereas the messenger RNA for endothelin receptor B was mainly localized in the astrocytes located throughout the brainstem, Bergmann glia, choroid plexus and ependymal cells. The localization patterns of endothelin-converting enzyme and endothelin receptor B messenger RNAs were strikingly different. For instance, in the cerebellum, endothelin-converting enzyme-1 messenger RNA was localized in Purkinje cells, and endothelin-converting enzyme-2 mRNA was expressed in Purkinje cells and granule cells. On the other hand, endothelin receptor B messenger RNA was expressed in Bergmann glia and the astrocytes located in the granule cell layer. This suggests that final cleavages of big endothelins are performed on neuronal cells, and the major target of the processed endothelins could be astrocytes, which express endothelin receptor B most abundantly in the brain. Since evidence that endothelin is implicated in brain injury has also accumulated, we examined whether the expressions of endothelin-converting enzymes and endothelin receptor B are regulated by nerve injury. Following hypoglossal nerve injury, expression of messenger RNA for endothelin-converting enzymes-1 and -2 and endothelin receptor B was enhanced in the injured motor neurons and astrocytes respectively. The up-regulation of these messenger RNAs was also confirmed by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction based strategyThese results lead us to suggest that endothelin can be an inducible intercellular mediator between injured neurons and astrocytes in response to nerve injury.

Animals↗

Evidence for downregulation of the endothelin-B-receptor by the use of fluorescent endothelin-1 and a fusion protein consisting of the endothelin-B-receptor and the green fluorescent protein.

We generated fusion proteins consisting of the endothelin-B (ET(B))-receptor and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to visualize receptor internalization. In Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) clones expressing ET(B)/EGFP fusion proteins, single class high affinity binding sites for [125I]endothelin-1 (ET-1) were found (for two different clones apparent K(D) values were 31 +/- 15 pM and 30 +/- 7 pM). Pretreatment of membranes with GTPgammaS prior to saturation analysis did not alter these values. We also labelled ET-1 with cyanine-dyes (Cy3/ET-1, Cy5/ET-1). In displacement analyses with membranes of MDCK ET(B)/EGFP clones using [125I]ET-1, we found reduced affinity for Cy3/ET-1 and Cy5/ET-1 (about 5- to 10-fold, respectively), but normal efficacy when compared to unlabelled ET-1. Both fluorescent ligands and the ET(B)/EGFP fusion protein were suitable for analysis of receptor trafficking in living cells and cells fixed at different timepoints. Laser scanning microscopy of MDCK ET(B)/EGFP clones incubated with Cy3/ET-1 or Cy5/ET-1 revealed rapid internalization of ligand/receptor complexes, which clustered in large, perinuclear structures (most probably late endosomes). Our data argue against recycling of the ET(B) receptor and favour its targeting to the lysosomal pathway.

Animals↗

Lysosomal traffic of liganded endothelin B receptor.

The endothelin B receptor (ETB) is an endothelial cell receptor found in caveolae. Studies with GFP-tagged ETB have suggested that the protein is constitutively endocytosed and targeted to lysosomes where it is rapidly degraded. We report that iodinated endothelin-1 ligand (ET-1) is taken up by cells transfected with ETB and remains undegraded for at least 17 h. Analysis of the intracellular traffic of endocytosed ET-1 on isotonic Ficoll gradients shows that it is rapidly internalised to lysosomes by a chloroquine sensitive and cholesterol dependent pathway. Low-temperature nonreducing SDS gels show that the ET-1 initially binds to full-length GFP-tagged ETB, which is rapidly clipped at the amino-terminus and is then stable for at least 6 h. Analysis of GFP tagged ETB on reducing SDS gels shows that it is proteolytically cleaved with a half time of approximately 3 h. However, nonreducing gels show that the receptor is virtually intact, suffering only a similar cleavage to the liganded receptor. We conclude that the ETB receptor shows remarkable stability in lysosomes, held together by disulfide bonds, and maintaining ligand binding for long periods of time.

Binding Sites↗

Expression of the ET(A) and ET(B) endothelin receptor subtype mRNA in human detrusor cultured smooth muscle cells.

The aim of this study was to determine the expression of the endothelin receptor subtype mRNAs in human detrusor cultured smooth muscle cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). First strand cDNA was made from human detrusor cultured smooth muscle cells total RNA and used for PCR with primers designed to amplify fragments of the ET(A) and ET(B) endothelin receptor subtype cDNA sequences. Subcloned fragments of the ET(A) and ET(B) endothelin receptor cDNAs were used to synthesize digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes by in vitro transcription. COS-7 cells transfected with the ET(A) and ET(B) receptor cDNAs were used as positive control and to confirm the absence of cross-hybridization due to sequence homology. Both ET(A) and ET(B) receptor mRNAs were detected by RT-PCR analysis. By ISH, both ET(A) and ET(B) receptor subtype mRNAs were detected. However, ET(A) signal was much more intense than ET(B) signal. These results indicate that mRNAs for both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors are expressed in detrusor smooth muscle cells of human urinary bladder. The ET(A) receptor is the predominant detrusor ET receptor.

Cells, Cultured↗

Ligand-dependent differences in the internalization of endothelin A and endothelin B receptor heterodimers.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoactive peptide that acts on endothelin A (ET(A)) and endothelin B (ET(B)) receptors. Although both receptor subtypes are co-expressed in numerous cells, little is known about their ability to form heterodimers. Here we show that both receptors were co-immunoprecipitated with an ET(B)-specific antibody using extracts from HEK293 cells stably co-expressing a fusion protein consisting of a myc-tagged ET(A) receptor and CFP (ET(A)myc.CFP) and a fusion protein consisting of an ET(B) receptor and YFP (ET(B).YFP). Co-immunoprecipitation was also observed with extracts from HEK293 cells transiently co-expressing FLAG-tagged ET(B) and myc-tagged ET(A) receptors, thereby excluding that heterodimerization is mediated by the CFP/YFP moieties. Heterodimerization was further confirmed in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis of HEK293 cells transiently co-expressing ET(A)myc.CFP and ET(B).YFP receptors. FRET efficiencies were between 12 and 18% in untreated and antagonist- or ET-1-treated cells, indicating constitutive heterodimerization. Prolonged stimulation (30 min) with the ET(B) receptor-selective agonist BQ3020 decreased FRET efficiency by 50%. This decrease was not observed when internalization was inhibited by co-expression of dominant-negative K44A.dynamin I or incubation with 450 mm sucrose. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and laser scanning microscopy of cell clones stably co-expressing ET(A)myc.CFP/ET(B)flag.YFP receptors revealed a slower sequestration of the ET(B)flag.YFP receptors upon stimulation with ET-1 than with BQ3020. No difference in ET-1 or BQ3020-mediated sequestration was observed with cell clones expressing ET(B)flag.YFP receptors alone. The data suggest that ET(A) and ET(B) receptors form constitutive heterodimers, which show a slower sequestration upon stimulation with ET-1 than with BQ3020. Heterodimer dissociation along the endocytic pathway only occurs upon ET(B)-selective stimulation.

Binding, Competitive↗

An endothelin receptor B antagonist inhibits growth and induces cell death in human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Activation of the endothelin receptor B (ETRB) in cultured melanocyte precursors promotes cell proliferation while inhibiting differentiation, two hallmarks of malignant transformation. We therefore tested whether ETRB has a similar role in malignant transformation of melanoma. When tested in culture, we find that the selective ETRB antagonist BQ788 can inhibit the growth of seven human melanoma cell lines, but not a human kidney cell line. This inhibition often is associated with increases in pigmentation and in the dendritic shape that is characteristic of mature melanocytes. In three cell lines we also observe a major increase in cell death. In contrast, the endothelin receptor A (ETRA) antagonist BQ123 does not have these effects, although all the cell lines express both ETRA and ETRB mRNA. Extending these studies in vivo, we find that administration of BQ788 significantly slows human melanoma tumor growth in nude mice, including a complete growth arrest in half of the mice treated systemically. Histological examination of tumor sections suggests that BQ788 also enhances melanoma cell death in vivo. Thus, ETRB inhibitors may be beneficial for the treatment of melanoma.

Animals↗

Analysis of two pharmacologically predicted endothelin B receptor subtypes by using the endothelin B receptor gene knockout mouse.

1. This study was performed to clarify whether the endothelin (ET) receptor subtypes mediating two pharmacologically heterogeneous response to ETH receptor agonists in normal mice are the product(s) of a single ETB receptor gene. 2. Vasodilator responses to sarafotoxin S6c (S6c) in the thoracic aorta and contractile responses to ET-1 and IRL1620 in the stomach were examined in tissues from normal and ETB receptor gene knockout mice, in the absence and presence of an ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123, or an ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, PD142893. 3. In the normal mouse aorta precontracted with phenylephrine, S6c (0.1-100 nM) caused concentration-dependent relaxations (pD2 = 8.4). BQ-123 had no effect on these responses. However, PD142893 almost abolished the relaxations induced by 0.1-300 nM S6c. 4. In aortae taken from ETB receptor gene knockout mice, S6c up to 1 microM failed to cause relaxations, confirming that ETB receptors are involved in mediating this response. 5. In normal mouse gastric fundus, 0.1 nM-1 microM ET-1, S6c or IRL1620 caused dose-dependent, BQ-123-insensitive contractions, which were much more resistant to PD142893 than S6c-induced relaxations of the aorta. The pD2 values for S6c in the absence and presence of PD142893 (10 microM) were 8.12 +/- 0.11 and 7.70 +/- 0.11, respectively. 6. In the gastric fundus of the ETB receptor gene knockout mouse, S6c and IRL1620 caused no contractions. ET-1 (0.1 nM-1 microM) caused contractions sensitive to both BQ-123 and PD142893, indicating that only ETA receptors mediate ET-1-induced contractions of the knockout mouse gastric fundus. 7. Since both the PD142893-sensitive vasodilator response of the aorta and the PD142893-resistant contractile response of the gastric fundus to S6c were completely absent in the ETB receptor gene knockout mouse, we conclude that the two pharmacologically heterogeneous responses to S6c are mediated by receptors derived from the same ETB receptor gene.

Animals↗

Plasma- and cerebrospinal fluid-immunoreactive endothelin-1: effects of nonpeptide endothelin receptor antagonists with diverse affinity profiles for endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptors.

Some endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists have been reported to elevate plasma immunoreactive endothelin-1 (irET-1). However, there is no information regarding the effects of ET receptor antagonists on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels. To better understand the regulation of circulating and CSF ET-1, the effects of several nonpeptide antagonists with high, intermediate, or low affinity at the ETB receptor, as well as the potent ETB selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c (S6c), were characterized and compared. The effects of SB209670 (Ki ETA = 0.2 nM; Ki ETB = 12 nM), SB217242 (Ki ETA = 1.1 nM; Ki ETB = 111 nM), SB234551 (Ki ETA = 0.1 nM; Ki ETB = 500 nM), SB247083 (Ki ETA = 0.4 nM; Ki ETB = 467 nM), and S6c (Ki ETA = 950 nM; Ki ETB = 1 nM) on plasma irET-1 were determined by ELISA in the anesthetized dog after i.v. administration. Systemic administration of equivalent doses of the nonpeptide ET receptor antagonists produced dose-related elevations in plasma irET-1 which were correlated (p = 0.019) with affinity at the ETB receptor. There was no significant correlation with affinity at the ETA receptor. In addition, the plasma irET-1 and ET antagonist concentrations were linearly correlated (r = 0.98) throughout the time course after antagonist administration. There was no evidence of densensitization after three bolus administrations performed at 2-h intervals (SB209670, 1 and 3 mg/kg i.v.). Elevations in plasma irET-1 (four- to fivefold) were also observed after systemic administration of S6c (1 nmol/kg i.v.). The administration of L-NAME (200 micrograms/kg/min for 30 min), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, increased blood pressure (33%) but did not alter plasma irET-1. In contrast, systemic administration of the ET receptor antagonists had little or no effect on the on irET-1 in the CSF. However, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of SB209670 produced a dose-related (3-100 micrograms) increase in cisternal CSF levels of irET-1 without altering plasma irET-1. Systemic administration of ETB receptor antagonists and agonists rapidly increased plasma irET-1. These ETB receptor antagonist effects correlate linearly with affinity at the cloned human ETB receptor, do not exhibit desensitization, and do not appear to reflect inhibition of ETB-mediated NO production. The endothelial ETB receptor may represent a high-capacity storage/clearance site for circulating ET-1. ET receptor antagonists may also act extravascularly/abluminally to increase irET-1 in the CNS.

Animals↗

Effects of endothelin B receptor agonists on amyloid beta protein (25-35)-induced neuronal cell death.

Endothelin (ET), a vasoconstrictive peptide, acts as an anti-apoptotic factor, and endothelin receptor B (ET(B) receptor) is associated with neuronal survival in the brain. In the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, accumulation of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) is thought to cause neuronal cell death via apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated effects of ET(B) receptor agonists on Abeta-induced neuronal cell death. In primary cultures of rat cortical neurons, Abeta(25-35) caused neuronal cell death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Abeta(25-35)-induced neuronal cell death was accompanied by chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, exhibiting apoptotic features. ET-3 and IRL-1620, ET(B) receptor agonists, significantly prevented neurons from undergoing Abeta(25-35)-induced cell death. Prior to cell death, Abeta increased concentration of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)). Nimodipine, an L-type voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel (L-VSCC) blocker, suppressed the Abeta-induced Ca(2) influx, and attenuated Abeta-induced neuronal apoptosis. On the other hand, omega-conotoxin GIVA, an N-type VSCC blocker and omega-conotoxin MVIIC and omega-agatoxin IVA, P/Q-type VSCC blockers, had no effect. ET-3 and IRL-1620 significantly blocked Abeta(25-35)-induced Ca(2) influx. Furthermore, BQ788, an ET(B) receptor antagonist, inhibited both an anti-apoptotic effect and an L-VSCC-inactivating effect of ET(B) receptor agonists. In conclusion, ET(B) receptor agonists exhibit a protective effect against neurotoxicity of Abeta. Furthermore, these agonists appear to act as anti-apoptotic factors by blocking of L-VSCCs.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Heterozygous endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) mutations in isolated Hirschsprung disease.

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR, aganglionic megacolon) is a frequent congenital malformation regarded as a multigenic neurocristopathy. Two susceptibility genes have been recently identified in HSCR, namely the RET proto-oncogene and the endothelin B receptor (EDNRB) gene. Hitherto however, homozygosity for EDNRB mutations accounted for the HSCR-Waardenburg syndrome (WS) association. Here, we report heterozygous EDNRB missense mutations (G57S, R319W and P383L) in isolated HSCR. These data might suggest that EDNRB mutations could be dosage sensitive: heterozygosity would predispose to isolated HSCR with incomplete penetrance, while homozygosity would result in more complex neurocristopathies associating HSCR and WS features. In addition, the present data give further support to the role of the endothelin-signalling pathway in the development of neural crest-derived enteric neurons.

Female↗

Endothelin receptor B polymorphism associated with lethal white foal syndrome in horses.

Overo lethal white syndrome (OLWS) is an inherited syndrome of foals born to American Paint Horse parents of the overo coat-pattern lineage. Affected foals are totally or almost totally white and die within days from complications due to intestinal aganglionosis. Related conditions occur in humans and rodents in which mutations in the endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) gene are responsible. EDNRB is known to be involved in the developmental regulation of neural crest cells that become enteric ganglia and melanocytes. In this report we identify a polymorphism in the equine EDNRB gene closely associated with OLWS. This Ile to Lys substitution at codon 118 is located within the first transmembrane domain of this seven-transmembrane domain G-protein-coupled receptor protein. All 22 OLWS-affected foals examined were homozygous for the Lys118 EDNRB allele, while all available parents of affected foals were heterozygous. All but one of the parents also had an overo white body-spot phenotype. Solid-colored control horses of other breeds were homozygous for the Ile118 EDNRB allele. Molecular definition of the basis for OLWS in Paint Horses provides a genetic test for the presence of the Lys118 EDNRB allele and adds to our understanding of the basis for coat color patterns in the horse.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Post-translational modifications of endothelin receptor B from bovine lungs analyzed by mass spectrometry.

A new mild experimental approach for isolation of peptide membrane receptors and subsequent analysis of post-translational modifications is described. Endothelin receptors A and B were isolated on oligo(dT)-cellulose using N-(epsilon-maleimidocaproyloxy)succinimide endothelin coupled to a protected (dA)-30-mer. This allowed a one-step isolation of the receptor from oligo(dT)-cellulose via variation solely of salt concentration. The identity of the receptor was confirmed by direct amino acid sequencing of electroblotted samples or by using antibodies against ETA and ETB receptors. The method used here is very fast, requires only very mild elution conditions and, for the first time, gave both ETA and ETB receptors concurrently in very good yield. Following enzymatic in-gel digestion, MALDI, and electrospray ion trap mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated endothelin B receptor showed phosphorylation at Ser-304, -418, -438, -439, -440, and -441. Further phosphorylation at either Ser-434 or -435 was observed. The endothelin B receptor is also palmitoylated at Cys residues 402 and 404. Phosphorylation of Ser304 may play a role in Hirschsprung's disease.

Amino Acid Sequence↗