scholarly journals Emerging roles of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors

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 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Marie Heydenreich ◽  
Maria Marti-Solano ◽  
Manbir Sandhu ◽  
Brian K Kobilka ◽  
Michel Bouvier ◽  
...  

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) translate binding of extracellular ligands into intracellular responses through conformational changes. Ligand properties are described by the maximum response (efficacy) and the agonist concentration at half-maximal response (potency). Integrating structural changes with pharmacological properties remains challenging and has not yet been performed at the resolution of individual amino acids. We use epinephrine and β2-adrenergic receptor as a model to integrate residue-level pharmacology data with intramolecular residue contact data describing receptor activation. This unveils the allosteric networks driving ligand efficacy and potency. We provide detailed insights into how structural rearrangements are linked to fundamental pharmacological properties at single-residue level in a receptor-ligand system. Our approach can be used to determine such pharmacological networks for any receptor-ligand complex.


2018 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 897-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
William I. Weis ◽  
Brian K. Kobilka

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate the majority of cellular responses to external stimuli. Upon activation by a ligand, the receptor binds to a partner heterotrimeric G protein and promotes exchange of GTP for GDP, leading to dissociation of the G protein into α and βγ subunits that mediate downstream signals. GPCRs can also activate distinct signaling pathways through arrestins. Active states of GPCRs form by small rearrangements of the ligand-binding, or orthosteric, site that are amplified into larger conformational changes. Molecular understanding of the allosteric coupling between ligand binding and G protein or arrestin interaction is emerging from structures of several GPCRs crystallized in inactive and active states, spectroscopic data, and computer simulations. The coupling is loose, rather than concerted, and agonist binding does not fully stabilize the receptor in an active conformation. Distinct intermediates whose populations are shifted by ligands of different efficacies underlie the complex pharmacology of GPCRs.


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.


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.


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.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zack Zurawski ◽  
Analisa D. Thompson Gray ◽  
Lillian J. Brady ◽  
Brian Page ◽  
Emily Church ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTGi/o-coupled G-protein coupled receptors modulate neurotransmission presynaptically through inhibition of exocytosis. Release of Gβγ subunits decreases the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), decreasing excitability. A less understood Gβγ–mediated mechanism downstream of calcium entry is the binding of Gβγ to SNARE complexes. Here, we create a mouse partially deficient in this interaction. SNAP25Δ3 homozygote animals are developmentally normalbut impaired gait and supraspinal nociception. They also have elevated stress-induced hyperthermia and impaired inhibitory postsynaptic responses to α2A-AR, but normal inhibitory postsynaptic responses to Gi/o-coupled GABAB receptor activation. SNAP25Δ3 homozygotes have deficits in inhibition of hippocampal postsynaptic responses to 5 HT1b agonists that affect hippocampal learning. These data suggest that Gi/o-coupled GPCR inhibition of exocytosis through the Gβγ-SNARE interaction is a crucial component of numerous physiological and behavioral processes.


FEBS Letters ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 593 (10) ◽  
pp. 1113-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanhui Hu ◽  
Huixia Wang ◽  
Yaguang Hou ◽  
Yimei Hao ◽  
Dongsheng Liu

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (04) ◽  
pp. 534-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selin Gencer ◽  
Emiel van der Vorst ◽  
Maria Aslani ◽  
Christian Weber ◽  
Yvonne Döring ◽  
...  

AbstractInflammation has been well recognized as one of the main drivers of atherosclerosis development and therefore cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has been shown that several chemokines, small 8 to 12 kDa cytokines with chemotactic properties, play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Chemokines classically mediate their effects by binding to G-protein-coupled receptors called chemokine receptors. In addition, chemokines can also bind to atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs). ACKRs fail to induce G-protein-dependent signalling pathways and thus subsequent cellular response, but instead are able to internalize, scavenge or transport chemokines. In this review, we will give an overview of the current knowledge about the involvement of ACKR1–4 in CVDs and especially in atherosclerosis development. In the recent years, several studies have highlighted the importance of ACKRs in CVDs, although there are still several controversies and unexplored aspects that have to be further elucidated. A better understanding of the precise role of these atypical receptors may pave the way towards novel and improved therapeutic strategies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (37) ◽  
pp. 9252-9257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie L. Lahvic ◽  
Michelle Ammerman ◽  
Pulin Li ◽  
Megan C. Blair ◽  
Emma R. Stillman ◽  
...  

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are lipid-derived signaling molecules with cardioprotective and vasodilatory actions. We recently showed that 11,12-EET enhances hematopoietic induction and engraftment in mice and zebrafish. EETs are known to signal via G protein-coupled receptors, with evidence supporting the existence of a specific high-affinity receptor. Identification of a hematopoietic-specific EET receptor would enable genetic interrogation of EET signaling pathways, and perhaps clinical use of this molecule. We developed a bioinformatic approach to identify an EET receptor based on the expression of G protein-coupled receptors in cell lines with differential responses to EETs. We found 10 candidate EET receptors that are expressed in three EET-responsive cell lines, but not expressed in an EET-unresponsive line. Of these, only recombinant GPR132 showed EET-responsiveness in vitro, using a luminescence-based β-arrestin recruitment assay. Knockdown of zebrafish gpr132b prevented EET-induced hematopoiesis, and marrow from GPR132 knockout mice showed decreased long-term engraftment capability. In contrast to high-affinity EET receptors, GPR132 is reported to respond to additional hydroxy-fatty acids in vitro, and we found that these same hydroxy-fatty acids enhance hematopoiesis in the zebrafish. We conducted structure–activity relationship analyses using both cell culture and zebrafish assays on diverse medium-chain fatty acids. Certain oxygenated, unsaturated free fatty acids showed high activation of GPR132, whereas unoxygenated or saturated fatty acids had lower activity. Absence of the carbon-1 position carboxylic acid prevented activity, suggesting that this moiety is required for receptor activation. GPR132 responds to a select panel of oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids to enhance both embryonic and adult hematopoiesis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Di Pizio ◽  
Maik Behrens ◽  
Dietmar Krautwurst

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the largest class of drug targets. Approximately half of the members of the human GPCR superfamily are chemosensory receptors, including odorant receptors (ORs), trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs), bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), sweet and umami taste receptors (TAS1Rs). Interestingly, these chemosensory GPCRs (csGPCRs) are expressed in several tissues of the body where they are supposed to play a role in biological functions other than chemosensation. Despite their abundance and physiological/pathological relevance, the druggability of csGPCRs has been suggested but not fully characterized. Here, we aim to explore the potential of targeting csGPCRs to treat diseases by reviewing the current knowledge of csGPCRs expressed throughout the body and by analysing the chemical space and the drug-likeness of flavour molecules.


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