Receptor Internalization (receptor + internalization)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Novel insulin analogues and its mitogenic potential

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2006
Ivana Zib
Abstract:, Insulin analogues were developed to modify the structure of the human insulin molecule in order to more accurately approximate the endogenous secretion of insulin. With the help of recombinant technology and site-directed mutagenesis, the insulin molecule can be modified to either delay or shorten absorption time, providing better insulin treatment options and facilitating the achievement of glycaemic goals. Changing the structure of the insulin molecule, however, may significantly alter both its metabolic and mitogenic activity. Multiple factors such as residence time on the receptor, dissociation rate, rate of receptor internalization and the degree of phosphorylation of signalling proteins can affect the mitogenic potencies of insulin analogues. Changes in the structure of the insulin have raised concern about the safety of the insulin analogues. For example, questions have emerged about the relationship between the use of insulin lispro and insulin glargine and the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Two studies have shown progression of retinopathy with the use of insulin lispro. However, others have not confirmed these results, and causality could not be proven as progression of retinopathy can occur with rapid improvement in glycaemic control, and methods of assessments among studies were not consistent. Therefore, we examine the metabolic and mitogenic characteristics of the three insulin analogues, insulin lispro, insulin aspart and insulin glargine, that are currently on the market, as well as the two insulin analogues, insulin glulisine and insulin detemir, that are soon going to be available for clinical use. [source]


Alanine screening of the intracellular loops of the human bradykinin B2 receptor , effects on receptor maintenance, G protein activation and internalization

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 13 2009
Alexander Faussner
The bradykinin B2 receptor is coupled to G protein Gq/11 and becomes sequestered into intracellular compartments after activation. To more closely define the receptor sequences involved in these processes and their functions, we systematically mutated all three intracellular loops (ICLs), either as point mutations or in groups of three to five amino acids to Ala, obtaining a total of 14 mutants. All constructs were stably expressed in HEK 293 cells and, with the exception of triple mutant DRY , AAA, retained the ability to specifically bind [3H]bradykinin. The binding affinities at 4 or 37 °C of several mutants differed considerably from those determined for the wild-type receptor, indicating an allosteric connection between the conformation of the binding site and that of the ICLs. Mutations in ICL-1 strongly reduced surface expression without affecting G protein signaling or [3H]bradykinin internalization. Two cluster mutants in the middle of ICL-2 containing basic residues displayed considerably reduced potencies, whereas two mutations in ICL-3 resulted in receptor conformations that were considered to be semi-active, based on the observation that they responded with phosphoinositide hydrolysis to compounds normally considered to be antagonists. This, and the fact that a cluster mutant at the C-terminal end of ICL-3 was signaling incompetent, hint at the involvement of ICL-2 and ICL-3 in Gq/11 activation, albeit with different functions. None of the mutants displayed reduced ligand-induced receptor internalization, indicating that the loops are not essential for this process. No conclusion could be drawn, however, with regard to the role of the DRY sequence, as the corresponding triplet mutation lacked binding capability. [source]


Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a Disorder of Ectopic Osteogenesis, Misregulates Cell Surface Expression and Trafficking of BMPRIA,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2005
Lourdes Serrano de la Peña
Abstract FOP is a disorder in which skeletal muscle is progressively replaced with bone. FOP lymphocytes, a model system for exploring the BMP pathway in these patients, exhibit a defect in BMPRIA internalization and increased activation of downstream signaling, suggesting that altered BMP receptor trafficking underlies ectopic bone formation in this disease. Introduction: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a severely disabling disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification of connective tissues. Whereas the genetic defect and pathophysiology of this condition remain enigmatic, BMP4 mRNA and protein are overexpressed, and mRNAs for a subset of secreted BMP antagonists are not synthesized at appropriate levels in cultured lymphocytes from FOP patients. These data suggest involvement of altered BMP signaling in the disease. In this study, we investigate whether the abnormality is associated with defective BMP receptor function in lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: Cell surface proteins were quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Protein phosphorylation was assayed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Protein synthesis and degradation were examined by [35S]methionine labeling and pulse-chase assays. mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Results: FOP lymphocytes expressed 6-fold higher levels of BMP receptor type IA (BMPRIA) on the cell surface compared with control cells and displayed a marked reduction in ligand-stimulated internalization and degradation of BMPRIA. Moreover, in control cells, BMP4 treatment increased BMPRIA phosphorylation, whereas BMPRIA showed ligand-insensitive constitutive phosphorylation in FOP cells. Our data additionally support that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is a major BMP signaling pathway in these cell lines and that expression of inhibitor of DNA binding and differentiation 1 (ID-1), a transcriptional target of BMP signaling, is enhanced in FOP cells. Conclusions: These data extend our previous observations of misregulated BMP4 signaling in FOP lymphocytes and show that cell surface overabundance and constitutive phosphorylation of BMPRIA are associated with a defect in receptor internalization. Altered BMP receptor trafficking may play a significant role in FOP pathogenesis. [source]


Quantitative analysis of agonist-dependent parathyroid hormone receptor trafficking in whole cells using a functional green fluorescent protein conjugate

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
Bruce R. Conway
Many G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) undergo ligand-dependent internalization upon activation. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor undergoes endocytosis following prolonged exposure to ligand although the ultimate fate of the receptor following internalization is largely unknown. To investigate compartmentalization of the PTH receptor, we have established a stable cell line expressing a PTH receptor,green fluorescent protein (PTHR,GFP) conjugate and an algorithm to quantify PTH receptor internalization. HEK 293 cells expressing the PTHR,GFP were compared with cells expressing the wild-type PTH receptor in whole-cell binding and functional assays. 125I-PTH binding studies revealed similar Bmax and kD values in cells expressing either the PTHR,GFP or the wild-type PTH receptor. PTH-induced cAMP accumulation was similar in both cell lines suggesting that addition of the GFP to the cytoplasmic tail of the PTH receptor does not alter the ligand binding or G-protein coupling properties of the receptor. Using confocal fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrated that PTH treatment of cells expressing the PTHR,GFP conjugate produced a time-dependent redistribution of the receptor to the endosomal compartment which was blocked by pretreatment with PTH antagonist peptides. Treatment with hypertonic sucrose prevented PTH-induced receptor internalization, suggesting that the PTH receptor internalizes via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. Moreover, co-localization with internalized transferrin showed that PTHR,GFP trafficking utilized the endocytic recycling compartment. Experiments using cycloheximide to inhibit protein synthesis demonstrated that recycling of the PTHR,GFP back to the plasma membrane was complete within 1,2 h of ligand removal and was partially blocked by pretreatment with cytochalasin D, but not nocodazole. We also demonstrated that the PTH receptor, upon recycling to the plasma membrane, is capable of undergoing a second round of internalization, a finding consistent with a role for receptor recycling in functional resensitization. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


C-terminal domains within human MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors are involved in internalization processes

JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008
Shalini Sethi
Abstract:, Melatonin, a molecule implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, often exerts its effects through G-protein-coupled melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2. In this study, we sought to understand further the domains involved in the function and desensitization patterns of these receptors through site-directed mutagenesis. Two mutations were constructed in the cytoplasmic C-terminal tail of each receptor subtype: (i) a cysteine residue in the C-terminal tail was mutated to alanine, thus removing a putative palmitoylation site, and a site possibly required for normal receptor function (MT1C7.72A and MT2C7.77A) and (ii) the C-terminal tail in the MT1 and MT2 receptors was truncated, removing the putative phosphorylation and ,-arrestin binding sites (MT1Y7.64 and MT2Y7.64). These mutations did not alter the affinity of 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binding to the MT1 or MT2 receptors. Using confocal microscopy, it was determined that the putative palmitoylation site (cysteine residue) did not play a role in receptor internalization; however, this residue was essential for receptor function, as determined by 3,,5,-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation assays. Truncation of the C-terminal tail of both receptors (MT1Y7.64 and MT2Y7.64) inhibited internalization as well as the cAMP response, suggesting the importance of the C-terminal tail in these receptor functions. [source]


Chemokine receptor CCR2 undergoes transportin1-dependent nuclear translocation

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 21 2008
Nicolas Favre
Abstract Chemokines (CCs) are small chemoattractant cytokines involved in a wide variety of biological and pathological processes. Released by cells in the milieu, and extracellular matrix and activating signalling cascades upon binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), they trigger many cellular events. In various pathologies, CCs are directly responsible for excessive recruitment of leukocytes to inflammatory sites and recent studies using chemokine receptor (CCR) antagonists permitted these molecules to reach the market for medical use. While interaction of CCs with their receptors has been extensively documented, downstream GPCR signalling cascades triggered by CC are less well understood. Given the pivotal role of chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in monocyte recruitment, activation and differentiation and its implication in several autoimmune-inflammatory pathologies, we searched for potential new CCR2-interacting proteins by engineering a modified CCR2 that we used as bait. Herein, we show the direct interaction of CCR2 with transportin1 (TRN1), which we demonstrate is followed by CCR2 receptor internalization. Further characterization of this novel interaction revealed that TRN1-binding to CCR2 increased upon time in agonist treated cells and promotes its nuclear translocation in a TRN1-dependent manner. Finally, we provide evidence that following translocation, the receptor localizes at the outer edge of the nuclear envelope where it is finally released from TRN1. [source]


Large-scale analysis of the human ubiquitin-related proteome

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 16 2005
Masaki Matsumoto
Abstract Protein ubiquitylation contributes to the regulation of many cellular processes including protein degradation, receptor internalization, and repair of DNA damage. We now present a comprehensive characterization of ubiquitin-conjugated and ubiquitin-associated proteins in human cells. The proteins were purified by immunoaffinity chromatography under denaturing or native conditions. They were then digested with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were analyzed by 2-D LC and MS/MS. A total of 670 distinct proteins were identified; 345 proteins (51%) were classified as Urp-D (ubiquitin-related proteome under the denaturing condition) and comprised ubiquitin-conjugated molecules, whereas 325 proteins (49%) were classified as Urp-N (ubiquitin-related proteome only under the native condition) and included molecules that associated with ubiquitylated proteins. The proportions of proteins in various functional categories differed substantially between Urp-D and Urp-N. Many ribosomal subunits were detected in the Urp-D group of proteins and several of these subunits were directly shown to be ubiquitylated by mass spectrometric analysis, suggesting that ubiquitylation might play an important role in the regulation and/or quality control of ribosomal proteins. Our results demonstrate the potential of proteomics analysis of protein ubiquitylation to provide important insight into the regulation of protein stability and other ubiquitin-related cellular functions. [source]


,-Opioid Receptor Redistribution in the Locus Coeruleus Upon Precipitation of Withdrawal in Opiate-Dependent Rats

THE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Jillian L. Scavone
Abstract Administration of ,-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists is known to produce adaptive changes within noradrenergic neurons of the rat locus coeruleus (LC). Alterations in the subcellular distribution of MOR have been shown to occur in the LC in response to full agonists and endogenous peptides; however, there is considerable debate in the literature whether trafficking of MOR occurs after chronic exposure to the partial-agonist morphine. In the present study, we examined adaptations in MOR after chronic opioid exposure using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy (EM), using receptor internalization as a functional endpoint. MOR trafficking in LC neurons was characterized in morphine-dependent rats that were given naltrexone at a dose known to precipitate withdrawal. After chronic morphine exposure, a subtle redistribution of MOR immunoreactivity from the membrane to the cytosol was detected within dendrites of LC neurons. Interestingly, an acute injection of naltrexone in rats exposed to chronic morphine produced a robust internalization of MOR, whereas administration of naltrexone failed to do so in naïve animals. These findings provide anatomical evidence for modified regulation of MOR trafficking after chronic morphine treatment in brain noradrenergic neurons. Adaptations in the MOR signaling pathways that regulate internalization may occur as a consequence of chronic treatment and precipitation of withdrawal. Mechanisms underlying this effect might include differential MOR regulation in the LC, or downstream effects of withdrawal-induced enkephalin (ENK) release from afferents to the LC. Anat Rec, 292:401,411, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Cell Signaling and Trafficking of Human Melanocortin Receptors in Real Time Using Two-photon Fluorescence and Confocal Laser Microscopy: Differentiation of Agonists and Antagonists

CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN, Issue 4 2006
Minying Cai
Melanocortin hormones and neurotransmitters regulate a vast array of physiologic processes by interacting with five G-protein-coupled melanocortin receptor types. In the present study, we have systematically studied the regulation of individual human melanocortin receptor wild subtypes using a synthetic rhodamine-labeled human melanotropin agonist and antagonist, arrestins fused to green fluorescent protein in conjunction with two-photon fluorescence laser scanning microscopy and confocal microscopy. Stimulation of the melanocortin receptors by its cognate agonist triggered rapid arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization for all four human melanocortin receptors examined. Antagonists-bound melanocortin receptors, on the other hand, did not recruit , -arrestins, and remained in the cell membrane even after long-term (30 min) treatment. Agonist-mediated internalization of all melanocortin receptor subtypes was sensitive to inhibitors of clathrin-dependent endocytosis, but not to caveolae inhibitors. In summary, agonist-mediated internalization of all subtypes of melanocortin receptors are dependent upon ,-arrestin-mediated clathrin-coated pits, whereas, ,-arrestin-2 conjugated green fluorescence protein (,-arrestin-2-GFP) recruitment is not dependent on protein kinase A activation. Real time two-photon fluorescence laser scanning microscopy is a most powerful tool to study the dynamic processes in living cells and tissues, without inflicting significant and often lethal damage to the specimen. [source]