Molecular mechanisms involved in vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor activation and regulation: current knowledge, similarities to and differences from the A family of G-protein-coupled receptors

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 724-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Langer ◽  
P. Robberecht

An actual paradigm for activation and regulation of the GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptors)/seven-transmembrane helix family of receptors essentially emerges from extensive studies of the largest family of receptors, the GPCR-A/rhodopsin family. The mechanisms regulating the GPCR-B family signal transduction are less precisely understood due in part to the lack of the conserved signatures of the GPCR-A family (E/DRY, NPXXY) and in part to the absence of a reliable receptor modelling, although some studies suggest that both families share similar features. Here, we try to highlight the current knowledge of the activation and the regulation of the VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) receptors, namely VPAC (VIP/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide receptor) 1 and 2. This includes search for amino acids involved in the stabilization of the receptor active conformation and in coupling to G-proteins, signalling pathways activated in response to VIP, agonist-dependent receptor down-regulation, phosphorylation and internalization as well as pharmacological consequences of receptor hetero-dimerization.

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 871-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Binet ◽  
C. Goudet ◽  
C. Brajon ◽  
L. Le Corre ◽  
F. Acher ◽  
...  

The GABAB (γ-aminobutyric acid-B) receptor is composed of two subunits, GABAB1 and GABAB2. Both subunits share structural homology with other class-III G-protein-coupled receptors. They contain two main domains, a heptahelical domain typical of all G-protein-coupled receptors and a large ECD (extracellular domain). It has not been demonstrated whether the association of these two subunits is always required for function. However, GABAB2 plays a major role in coupling with G-proteins, and GABAB1 has been shown to bind GABA. To date, only ligands interacting with GABAB1-ECD have been identified. In the present study, we explored the mechanism of action of CGP7930, a compound described as a positive allosteric regulator of the GABAB receptor. We have shown that it can weakly activate the wild-type GABAB receptor, but also the GABAB2 expressed alone, thus being the first described agonist of GABAB2. CGP7930 retains its weak agonist activity on a GABAB2 subunit deleted of its ECD. Thus the heptahelical domain of GABAB2 behaves similar to a rhodopsin-like receptor. These results open new strategies for studying the mechanism of activation of GABAB receptor and examine any possible role of GABAB2.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raise Ahmad ◽  
Julie E. Dalziel

Heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest receptor family in mammals and are responsible for the regulation of most physiological functions. Besides mediating the sensory modalities of olfaction and vision, GPCRs also transduce signals for three basic taste qualities of sweet, umami (savory taste), and bitter, as well as the flavor sensation kokumi. Taste GPCRs reside in specialised taste receptor cells (TRCs) within taste buds. Type I taste GPCRs (TAS1R) form heterodimeric complexes that function as sweet (TAS1R2/TAS1R3) or umami (TAS1R1/TAS1R3) taste receptors, whereas Type II are monomeric bitter taste receptors or kokumi/calcium-sensing receptors. Sweet, umami and kokumi receptors share structural similarities in containing multiple agonist binding sites with pronounced selectivity while most bitter receptors contain a single binding site that is broadly tuned to a diverse array of bitter ligands in a non-selective manner. Tastant binding to the receptor activates downstream secondary messenger pathways leading to depolarization and increased intracellular calcium in TRCs, that in turn innervate the gustatory cortex in the brain. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between agonist binding and the conformational changes required for receptor activation, several major challenges and questions remain in taste GPCR biology that are discussed in the present review. In recent years, intensive integrative approaches combining heterologous expression, mutagenesis and homology modeling have together provided insight regarding agonist binding site locations and molecular mechanisms of orthosteric and allosteric modulation. In addition, studies based on transgenic mice, utilizing either global or conditional knock out strategies have provided insights to taste receptor signal transduction mechanisms and their roles in physiology. However, the need for more functional studies in a physiological context is apparent and would be enhanced by a crystallized structure of taste receptors for a more complete picture of their pharmacological mechanisms.


Author(s):  
Matthew Rosa ◽  
Timothy Noel ◽  
Matthew Harris ◽  
Graham Ladds

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) form a sub-group within the GPCR superfamily. Their distinctive structure contains an abnormally large N-terminal, extracellular region with a GPCR autoproteolysis-inducing (GAIN) domain. In most aGPCRs, the GAIN domain constitutively cleaves the receptor into two fragments. This process is often required for aGPCR signalling. Over the last two decades, much research has focussed on aGPCR-ligand interactions, in an attempt to deorphanize the family. Most ligands have been found to bind to regions N-terminal to the GAIN domain. These receptors may bind a variety of ligands, ranging across membrane-bound proteins and extracellular matrix components. Recent advancements have revealed a conserved method of aGPCR activation involving a tethered ligand within the GAIN domain. Evidence for this comes from increased activity in receptor mutants exposing the tethered ligand. As a result, G protein-coupling partners of aGPCRs have been more extensively characterised, making use of their tethered ligand to create constitutively active mutants. This has led to demonstrations of aGPCR function in, for example, neurodevelopment and tumour growth. However, questions remain around the ligands that may bind many aGPCRs, how this binding is translated into changes in the GAIN domain, and the exact mechanism of aGPCR activation following GAIN domain conformational changes. This review aims to examine the current knowledge around aGPCR activation, including ligand binding sites, the mechanism of GAIN domain-mediated receptor activation and how aGPCR transmembrane domains may relate to activation. Other aspects of aGPCR signalling will be touched upon, such as downstream effectors and physiological roles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabell Kaczmarek ◽  
Tomáš Suchý ◽  
Simone Prömel ◽  
Torsten Schöneberg ◽  
Ines Liebscher ◽  
...  

Abstract G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) modulate a variety of physiological functions and have been proven to be outstanding drug targets. However, approximately one-third of all non-olfactory GPCRs are still orphans in respect to their signal transduction and physiological functions. Receptors of the class of Adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs) are among these orphan receptors. They are characterized by unique features in their structure and tissue-specific expression, which yields them interesting candidates for deorphanization and testing as potential therapeutic targets. Capable of G-protein coupling and non-G protein-mediated function, aGPCRs may extend our repertoire of influencing physiological function. Besides their described significance in the immune and central nervous systems, growing evidence indicates a high importance of these receptors in metabolic tissue. RNAseq analyses revealed high expression of several aGPCRs in pancreatic islets, adipose tissue, liver, and intestine but also in neurons governing food intake. In this review, we focus on aGPCRs and their function in regulating metabolic pathways. Based on current knowledge, this receptor class represents high potential for future pharmacological approaches addressing obesity and other metabolic diseases.


2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 287-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernand Gobeil ◽  
Audrey Fortier ◽  
Tang Zhu ◽  
Michela Bossolasco ◽  
Martin Leduc ◽  
...  

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise a wide family of monomeric heptahelical glycoproteins that recognize a broad array of extracellular mediators including cationic amines, lipids, peptides, proteins, and sensory agents. Thus far, much attention has been given towards the comprehension of intracellular signaling mechanisms activated by cell membrane GPCRs, which convert extracellular hormonal stimuli into acute, non-genomic (e.g., hormone secretion, muscle contraction, and cell metabolism) and delayed, genomic biological responses (e.g., cell division, proliferation, and apoptosis). However, with respect to the latter response, there is compelling evidence for a novel intracrine mode of genomic regulation by GPCRs that implies either the endocytosis and nuclear translocation of peripheral-liganded GPCR and (or) the activation of nuclearly located GPCR by endogenously produced, nonsecreted ligands. A noteworthy example of the last scenario is given by heptahelical receptors that are activated by bioactive lipoids (e.g., PGE2 and PAF), many of which may be formed from bilayer membranes including those of the nucleus. The experimental evidence for the nuclear localization and signalling of GPCRs will be reviewed. We will also discuss possible molecular mechanisms responsible for the atypical compartmentalization of GPCRs at the cell nucleus, along with their role in gene expression.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruka Aoki ◽  
Chihiro Mogi ◽  
Fumikazu Okajima

An acidic microenvironment has been shown to evoke a variety of airway responses, including cough, bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung, and stimulation of mucus hyperproduction. Except for the participation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in severe acidic pH (of less than 6.0)-induced cough and bronchoconstriction through sensory neurons, the molecular mechanisms underlying extracellular acidic pH-induced actions in the airways have not been fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1)-family G protein-coupled receptors, which sense pH of more than 6.0, are expressed in structural cells, such as airway smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells, and in inflammatory and immune cells, such as eosinophils and dendritic cells. They function in a variety of airway responses related to the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma. In the present review, we discuss the roles of ionotropic TRPV1 and ASICs and metabotropic OGR1-family G protein-coupled receptors in the airway inflammation and AHR in asthma and respiratory diseases.


2001 ◽  
Vol 357 (2) ◽  
pp. 587-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nickolai O. DULIN ◽  
Sergei N. ORLOV ◽  
Chad M. KITCHEN ◽  
Tatyana A. VOYNO-YASENETSKAYA ◽  
Joseph M. MIANO

A hallmark of cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is the rapid down-regulation of several lineage-restricted genes that define their in vivo differentiated phenotype. Identifying factors that maintain an SMC differentiated phenotype has important implications in understanding the molecular underpinnings governing SMC differentiation and their subversion to an altered phenotype in various disease settings. Here, we show that several G-protein coupled receptors [α-thrombin, lysophosphatidic acid and angiotensin II (AII)] increase the expression of smooth muscle calponin (SM-Calp) in rat and human SMC. The increase in SM-Calp protein appears to be selective for G-protein-coupled receptors as epidermal growth factor was without effect. Studies using AII showed a 30-fold increase in SM-Calp protein, which was dose- and time-dependent and mediated by the angiotensin receptor-1 (AT1 receptor). The increase in SM-Calp protein with AII was attributable to transcriptional activation of SM-Calp based on increases in steady-state SM-Calp mRNA, increases in SM-Calp promoter activity and complete abrogation of protein induction with actinomycin D. To examine the potential role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk1/2), protein kinase B, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase C in AII-induced SM-Calp, inhibitors to each of the signalling pathways were used. None of these signalling molecules appears to be crucial for AII-induced SM-Calp expression, although Erk1/2 may be partially involved. These results identify SM-Calp as a target of AII-mediated signalling, and suggest that the SMC response to AII may incorporate a novel activity of SM-Calp.


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