scholarly journals Rapid internalization and surface expression of a functional, fluorescently tagged G-protein-coupled glutamate receptor

1999 ◽  
Vol 341 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. DOHERTY ◽  
Victoria COUTINHO ◽  
Graham L. COLLINGRIDGE ◽  
Jeremy M. HENLEY

L-Glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system, where it mediates many of its actions via G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. Since little is known about the dynamics of mGlu receptors at the plasma membrane, we have constructed a fusion protein comprising the mGlu receptor subtype 1α (mGlu1α) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Using imaging of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores as a functional assay, the agonist pharmacology of this fluorescently tagged receptor was found to be similar to that of the wild-type receptor when expressed in HEK-293 cells. Receptor movement and function were measured simultaneously by combined imaging of Ca2+, using fura-red, and GFP fluorescence in single cells. Exposure to agonist induced a rapid loss of up to 30% of membrane-associated fluorescence, with a corresponding decrease in the functional response. Following removal of the agonist there was recovery of both the membrane fluorescence and the functional response. These data suggest that the surface expression of G-protein-coupled glutamate receptors might be rapidly regulated in response to agonist activation.

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 2234-2247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Caius G. Radu ◽  
Li V. Yang ◽  
Laurent A. Bentolila ◽  
Mireille Riedinger ◽  
...  

Intracellular trafficking and spatial dynamics of membrane receptors critically regulate receptor function. Using microscopic and subcellular fractionation analysis, we studied the localization of the murine G protein-coupled receptor G2A (muG2A). Evaluating green fluorescent protein-tagged, exogenously expressed as well as the endogenous muG2A, we observed that this receptor was spontaneously internalized and accumulated in endosomal compartments, whereas its surface expression was enhanced and stabilized by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) treatment. Monensin, a general inhibitor of recycling pathways, blocked LPC-regulated surface localization of muG2A as well as muG2A-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and cell migration induced by LPC treatment. Mutation of the conserved DRY motif (R→ A) enhanced the surface expression of muG2A, resulting in its resistance to monensin inhibition of ERK activation. Our data suggest that intracellular sequestration and surface expression regulated by LPC, rather than direct agonistic activity control the signaling responses of murine G2A toward LPC.


1999 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce R. Conway ◽  
Lisa K. Minor ◽  
Jun Z. Xu ◽  
Joseph W. Gunnet ◽  
Robbin DeBiasio ◽  
...  

Many G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) undergo ligand-dependent homologous desensitization and internalization. Desensitization, defined as a decrease in the responsiveness to ligand, is accompanied by receptor aggregation on the cell surface and internalization via clathrin-coated pits to an intracellular endosomal compartment. In this study, we have taken advantage of the trafficking properties of GPCRs to develop a useful screening method for the identification of receptor mimetics. A series of studies were undertaken to evaluate the expression, functionality, and ligand-dependent trafficking of GPCR-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion conjugates stably transfected into HEK 293 cells. These GPCR-GFP expressing cells were then utilized in the validation of the ArrayScan™ (Cellomics™, Pittsburgh, PA), a microtiter plate imaging system that permits cellular and subcellular quantitation of fluorescence in whole cells. These studies demonstrated our ability to measure the internalization of a parathy-roid hormone (PTH) receptor-GFP conjugate after ligand treatment by spatially resolving internalized receptors. Internalization was time- and dose-dependent and appeared to be selective for PTH. Similar results were obtained for a β2-adrenergic receptor (β2 AR)-GFP conjugate stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. The internalized GFP-labeled receptors were visualized as numerous punctate "spots" within the cell interior. An algorithm has been developed that identifies and collects information about these spots, allowing quantification of the internalization process. Variables such as the receptor-GFP expression level, plating density, cell number per field, number of fields scanned per well, spot size, and spot intensity were evaluated during the development of this assay. The method represents a valuable tool to screen for receptor mimetics and antagonists of receptor internalization in whole cells rapidly.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Eugenia V. Gurevich ◽  
Vsevolod V. Gurevich

Many receptors for neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and neuropeptides, belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). A general model posits that GPCRs undergo two-step homologous desensitization: the active receptor is phosphorylated by kinases of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) family, whereupon arrestin proteins specifically bind active phosphorylated receptors, shutting down G protein-mediated signaling, facilitating receptor internalization, and initiating distinct signaling pathways via arrestin-based scaffolding. Here, we review the mechanisms of GRK-dependent regulation of neurotransmitter receptors, focusing on the diverse modes of GRK-mediated phosphorylation of receptor subtypes. The immediate signaling consequences of GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation, such as arrestin recruitment, desensitization, and internalization/resensitization, are equally diverse, depending not only on the receptor subtype but also on phosphorylation by GRKs of select receptor residues. We discuss the signaling outcome as well as the biological and behavioral consequences of the GRK-dependent phosphorylation of neurotransmitter receptors where known.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (21) ◽  
pp. 5186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Silvestro ◽  
Giovanni Schepici ◽  
Placido Bramanti ◽  
Emanuela Mazzon

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid known for its beneficial effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, CBD is a compound with antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and antipsychotic effects. Thanks to all these properties, the interest of the scientific community for it has grown. Indeed, CBD is a great candidate for the management of neurological diseases. The purpose of our review is to summarize the in vitro and in vivo studies published in the last 15 years that describe the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CBD and its therapeutic application in neurological diseases. CBD exerts its neuroprotective effects through three G protein coupled-receptors (adenosine receptor subtype 2A, serotonin receptor subtype 1A and G protein-coupled receptor 55), one ligand-gated ion channel (transient receptor potential vanilloid channel-1) and one nuclear factor (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ). Moreover, the therapeutical properties of CBD are also due to GABAergic modulation. In conclusion, CBD, through multi-target mechanisms, represents a valid therapeutic tool for the management of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.


2016 ◽  
Vol 292 (4) ◽  
pp. 1524-1534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stine Jørgensen ◽  
Christian Theil Have ◽  
Christina Rye Underwood ◽  
Lars Dan Johansen ◽  
Petrine Wellendorph ◽  
...  

2004 ◽  
Vol 379 (3) ◽  
pp. 573-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank NEUSCHÄFER-RUBE ◽  
Ricardo HERMOSILLA ◽  
Mathias REHWALD ◽  
Lars RÖNNSTRAND ◽  
Ralf SCHÜLEIN ◽  
...  

hEP4-R (human prostaglandin E2 receptor, subtype EP4) is a Gs-linked heterotrimeric GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor). It undergoes agonist-induced desensitization and internalization that depend on the presence of its C-terminal domain. Desensitization and internalization of GPCRs are often linked to agonist-induced β-arrestin complex formation, which is stabilized by phosphorylation. Subsequently β-arrestin uncouples the receptor from its G-protein and links it to the endocytotic machinery. The C-terminal domain of hEP4-R contains 38 Ser/Thr residues that represent potential phosphorylation sites. The present study aimed to analyse the relevance of these Ser/Thr residues for agonist-induced phosphorylation, interaction with β-arrestin and internalization. In response to agonist treatment, hEP4-R was phosphorylated. By analysis of proteolytic phosphopeptides of the wild-type receptor and mutants in which groups of Ser/Thr residues had been replaced by Ala, the principal phosphorylation site was mapped to a Ser/Thr-containing region comprising residues 370–382, the presence of which was necessary and sufficient to obtain full agonist-induced phosphorylation. A cluster of Ser/Thr residues (Ser-389–Ser-390–Thr-391–Ser-392) distal to this site, but not the principal phosphorylation site, was essential to allow agonist-induced recruitment of β-arrestin1. However, phosphorylation greatly enhanced the stability of the β-arrestin1–receptor complexes. For maximal agonist-induced internalization, phosphorylation of the principal phosphorylation site was not required, but both β-arrestin1 recruitment and the presence of Ser/Thr residues in the distal half of the C-terminal domain were necessary.


2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Lavoie ◽  
Terence E Hébert

In the last few years, significant experimental evidence has accumulated showing that many G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are structurally and perhaps functionally homodimers. Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated that many GPCRs, notably GABAB, somatostatin, and δ and κ opioid receptors form heterodimers, as well. Based on these observations, we undertook a pharmacological and functional analysis of HEK 293 cells transiently transfected with the β1AR or β2AR or with both subtypes together. High-affinity binding for subtype-specific ligands (betaxolol and xamoterol for the β1AR, and ICI 118,551 and procaterol for the β2AR) was detected in cells expressing the cognate receptors alone with values similar to those reported in the literature. However, a significant portion of these high-affinity interactions were lost when both receptors were expressed together while nonspecific ligands (propranolol and isoproterenol) retained their normal affinities. When competition assays were performed with each subtype-specific ligand in the presence of a constant concentration of the other subtype-specific ligand, the high-affinity binding site was rescued, suggesting that the two receptor subtypes were interacting in a fashion consistent with positive cooperativity. Our data suggest that the β1AR and β2AR can form heterodimers and that these receptors have altered pharmacological properties from the receptor homodimers.Key words: G protein coupled receptor, signalling, G protein, dimerization, heterodimer, adrenergic.


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