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Abstract: The human endothelin receptors are members of the rhodopsin class A of G-protein coupled receptors and key modulators of blood pressure regulation. Their functional in vitro characterization has widely been limited by the availability of high quality samples. We have optimized cell-free expression protocols for the human endothelin A and endothelin B receptors by implementing co-translational association approaches of the synthesized proteins with supplied liposomes or nanodiscs. Efficiency of membrane association and ligand binding properties of the receptors have systematically been studied in correlation to different membrane environments and lipid types. Ligand binding was analyzed by a number of complementary assays including radioassays, surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence measurements. High affinity binding of the peptide ligand ET-1 to both endothelin receptors could be obtained with several conditions and the highest Bmax values were measured in association with nanodiscs. We could further obtain the characteristic differential binding pattern of the two endothelin receptors with a panel of selected agonists and antagonists. Two intrinsic properties of the functionally folded endothelin B receptor, the proteolytic processing based on conformational recognition as well as the formation of SDS-resistant complexes with the peptide ligand ET-1, were observed with samples obtained from several cell-free expression conditions. High affinity and specific binding of ligands could furthermore be obtained with non-purified receptor samples in crude cell-free reaction mixtures, thus providing new perspectives for fast in vitro screening applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Liposomes and micellar carriers equipped with targeting and cellular uptake mediating peptides have attracted attention for numerous applications. The optimization of the carrier requires an understanding of how their properties influence target cell recognition and uptake. We developed a dipalmitoylated apolipoprotein E-derived peptide, named P2A2 as promising vector to mediate cellular uptake of potential micellar and liposomal carriers. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were used to get insight into the internalization mediated by carboxyfluoresceine-labeled P2fA2 and the all-D amino acid analogue P2fa2 into brain capillary endothelial cells. Both peptide micelles and liposomes entered cells via endocytosis. Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) were involved in the internalization process of peptide-bearing liposomes characterized by a diameter of 100 nm, a low surface density of 100 peptide molecules per vesicle and a helical conformation of the vector. In contrast, peptide micelles characterized by a diameter of about 10 nm, a high peptide density caused by 19 associated molecules and a high conformational flexibility of the vector sequence did not address HSPG. Unspecific interactions between the carriers and membrane constituents predominate the two uptake processes but stereospecific components seem to be involved. Both routes differ with respect to transport efficiency. The results provide a prospective basis to optimize liposomes and micelles as drug delivery systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The GYF domain of CD2BP2 serves as an adapter that recognizes proline-rich sequences in intracellular proteins. Although the T cell adhesion molecule CD2 and the core splicing protein SmB/B′ were previously shown to interact with CD2BP2-GYF, we are now using a general approach to identify putative GYF domain target sites within the human proteome. The phage display-derived recognition motif for CD2BP2-GYF is PPG(W/F/Y/M/L). SPOT analysis confirmed that the GYF domain interacts with peptides from human proteins containing the consensus site. Epitope mapping by NMR spectroscopy performed for several peptides revealed a conserved binding surface. A direct interaction of the CD2BP2-GYF domain with the novel protein interaction partners PI31 and NPWBP was verified by yeast two-hybrid analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The membrane interaction of tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39), which selectively activates the parathyroid hormone 2 (PTH2) receptor (PTH2-R), has been studied by fluorescence and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Membrane binding would be the first step of a potential membrane-bound activation pathway which has been discussed for a number of neuropeptides and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here, the orientation of TIP39 on the surface of membrane mimicking dodecyl-phosphocholine (DPC) micelles was monitored by Photo-CIDNP (chemically-induced dynamic nuclear polarization) NMR which indicates that both Trp25 and Tyr29 face the membrane surface. However, the PTH2 receptor is located in the hypothalamus membrane, for which a more realistic model is required. Therefore, liposomes containing different mixtures of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylserine (POPS) and cholesterol were used for fluorescence and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that a large proportion of TIP39 added to these liposomes binds to the membrane surface. Proton-decoupled 31P-MAS NMR is used to investigate the potential role of individual lipid headgroups in peptide binding. Significant line-broadening in POPC/cholesterol and POPC/POPS liposomes upon TIP39 association supports a surface binding model and indicates an interaction which is slightly mediated by the presence of POPS and cholesterol. Furthermore, smoothed order parameter profiles obtained from 2H powder spectra of liposomes containing POPC-d31 as bulk lipid in addition to POPS and cholesterol show that TIP39 does not penetrate beyond the headgroup region. Spectra of similar bilayers with POPS-d31 show a small increase in segmental chain order parameters which is interpreted as a small but specific interaction between the peptide and POPS. Our data demonstrate that TIP39 belongs to a class of signaling peptides that associate weakly with the membrane surface but do not proceed to insert into the membrane hydrophobic compartment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The specific inhibition of the biosynthesis of target proteins is a relatively novel strategy in pharmacology and is based mainly on antisense approaches (e.g. antisense oligonucleotides or RNA interference). Recently, a novel class of substances was described acting at a later step of protein biosynthesis. The cyclic heptadepsipeptides CAM741 and cotransin were shown to inhibit selectively the biosynthesis of a small subset of secretory proteins by preventing stable insertion of the nascent chains into the Sec61 translocon complex at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane (Besemer, J., Harant, H., Wang, S., Oberhauser, B., Marquardt, K., Foster, C. A., Schreiner, E. P., de Vries, J. E., Dascher- Nadel, C., and Lindley, I. J. (2005) Nature 436, 290-293; Garrison, J. L., Kunkel, E. J., Hegde, R. S., and Taunton, J. (2005) Nature 436, 285-289). These peptides act in a signal sequence-discriminatory manner, which explains their selectivity. Here, we have analyzed the cotransin sensitivity of various G protein-coupled receptors in transfected HEK 293 cells. We show that the biosynthesis of the human endothelin B receptor (ETBR) is highly sensitive to cotransin, in contrast to that of the other G protein-coupled receptors analyzed. Using a novel biosynthesis assay based on fusions with the photoconvertible Kaede protein, we show that the IC50 value of cotransin action on ETBR biosynthesis is 5.4 μm and that ETBR signaling could be completely blocked by treating cells with 30 μm cotransin. Taken together, our data add an integral membrane protein, namely the ETBR, to the small group of cotransin-sensitive proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

βArrestin is a multifunctional signal scaffold protein. Using SPOT immobilized peptide arrays, coupled with scanning alanine substitution and mutagenesis, we show that the MAPK kinase, MEK1, interacts directly with βarrestin1. Asp26 and Asp29 in the N-terminal domain of βarrestin1 are critical for its binding to MEK1, whereas Arg47 and Arg49 in the N-terminal domain of MEK1 are critical for its binding to βarrestin1. Wildtype FLAG-tagged βarrestin1 co-immunopurifies with MEK1 in HEKB2 cells, whereas the D26A1D29A mutant does not. ERK-dependent phosphorylation at Ser412 was compromised in the D26A/D29A-βarrestin1 mutant. A cell-permeable, 25-mer N-stearoylated βarrestin1 peptide that encompassed the N-domain MEK1 binding site blocked βarrestinl/MEK1 association in HEK cells and recapitulated the altered phenotype seen with the D26A/D29A-βarrestin1 in compromising the ERK-dependent phosphorylation of βarrestin1. In addition, the MEK disruptor peptide promoted the ability of βarrestinl to co-immunoprecipitate with endogenous c-Src and clathrin, facilitating the isoprenaline-stimulated internalization of the β2-adrenergic receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional capacity of the transcriptional regulatory CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBPβ) is governed by protein interactions and post-translational protein modifications. In a proteome-wide interaction screen, the histone-lysine N-methyltransferase, H3 lysine 9-specific 3 (G9a), was found to directly interact with the C/EBPβ transactivation domain (TAD). Binding between G9a and C/EBPβ was confirmed by glutathione S-transferase pulldown and co-immunoprecipitation. Metabolic labeling showed that C/EBPβ is post-translationally modified by methylation in vivo.Aconserved lysine residue in the C/EBPβ TAD served as a substrate for G9a-mediated methylation. G9a, but not a methyltransferase-defective G9a mutant, abrogated the transactivation potential of wild type C/EBPβ. A C/EBPβ TAD mutant that contained a lysine-to-alanine exchange was resistant to G9a-mediated inhibition. Moreover, the same mutation conferred super-activation of a chromatin-embedded, endogenous C/EBPβ target gene. Our data identify C/EBPβ as a direct substrate of G9a-mediated post-translational modification that alters the functional properties of C/EBPβ during gene regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We found previously by fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments that amyloid precursor protein (APP) homodimerizes in living cells. APP homodimerization is likely to be mediated by two sites of the ectodomain and a third site within the transmembrane sequence of APP. We have now investigated the role of the N-terminal growth factor-like domain in APP dimerization by NMR, biochemical, and cell biological approaches. Under nonreducing conditions, the N-terminal domain of APP formed SDS-labile and SDS-stable complexes. The presence of SDS was sufficient to convert native APP dimers entirely into monomers. Addition of an excess of a synthetic peptide (APP residues 91-116) containing the disulfide bridge-stabilized loop inhibited cross-linking of pre-existing SDS-labile APP ectodomain dimers. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that this peptide specifically bound to the N-terminal domain of APP and that binding was entirely dependent on the oxidation of the thiol groups. By solution-state NMR we detected small chemical shift changes indicating that the loop peptide interacted with a large protein surface rather than binding to a defined pocket. Finally, we studied the effect of the loop peptide added to the medium of living cells. Whereas the levels of -secretory APP increased, soluble β-cleaved APP levels decreased. Because Aβ40 and Aβ42 decreased to similar levels as soluble β-cleaved APP, we conclude either that β-secretase binding to APP was impaired or that the peptide allosterically affected APP processing. We suggest that APP acquires a loop-mediated homodimeric state that is further stabilized by interactions of hydrophobic residues of neighboring domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutant membrane proteins are frequently retained in the early secretory pathway by a quality control system, thereby causing disease. An example are mutants of the vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) leading to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Transport-defective V2Rs fall into two classes: those retained exclusively in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and those reaching post-ER compartments such as the ER/Golgi intermediate compartment. Although numerous chemical or pharmacological chaperones that rescue the transport of ER-retained membrane proteins are known, substances acting specifically in post-ER compartments have not been described as yet. Using the L62P (ER-retained) and Y205C (reaching post-ER compartments) mutants of the V2R as a model, we show here that the cell-penetrating peptide penetratin and its synthetic analog KLAL rescue the transport of the Y205C mutant, In contrast, the location of the L62P mutant is not influenced by either peptide because the peptides are unable to enter the ER. We also show data indicating that the peptide-mediated transport rescue is associated with an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. Thus, we describe a new class of substances influencing protein transport specifically in post-ER compartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2a (CRF2(a) receptor) belongs to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. The receptor possesses a putative N-terminal signal peptide that is believed to be cleaved-off after mediating the endoplasmic reticulum targeting/insertion process, like the corresponding sequence of the homologous CRF1 receptor. Here, we have assessed the functional significance of the putative signal peptide of the CRF2(a) receptor and show that it is surprisingly completely incapable of mediating endoplasmic reticulum targeting, despite meeting all sequence criteria for a functional signal by prediction algorithms. Moreover, it is uncleaved and forms part of the mature receptor protein. Replacement of residue Asn13 by hydrophobic or positively charged residues converts the sequence into a fully functional and cleaved signal peptide demonstrating that conventional signal peptide functions are inhibited by a single amino acid residue. Deletion of the domain leads to an increase in the amount of immature, intracellularly retained receptors demonstrating that the sequence has adopted a new function in receptor trafficking through the early secretory pathway. Taken together, our results identify a novel hydrophobic receptor domain in the family of the heptahelical G protein-coupled receptors and the first pseudo signal peptide of a eukaryotic membrane protein. Our data also show that the extreme N termini of the individual CRF receptor subtypes differ substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: N→O acyl migrations at serine or threonine residues in peptides or proteins have previously been observed upon treatment with strong acids. Here we show that the extent of such N→O shifts depends on the peptide sequence and even in the presence of moderately acidic trifluoroacetic acid, as during Fmoc or Bsmoc-based solid phase peptide synthesis, may give rise to large amounts of depsipeptide by-products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The regulation of G protein activation by the rat corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (rCRFR1) in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 (HEK-rCRFR1) cell membranes was studied. Corresponding to a high and low affinity ligand binding site, sauvagine and other peptidic CRFR1 ligands evoked high and low potency responses of G protein activation, differing by 64-fold in their EC50 values as measured by stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding. Contrary to the Iow potency response, the high potency response was of lower GTPγS affinity, pertussis toxin (PTX)-insensitive, and homologously desensitized. Distinct desensitization was also observed in the adenylate cyclase activity, when its high potency stimulation was abolished and the activity became low potently inhibited by sauvagine. From these results and immunoprecipitation of [35S]GTPγS-bound Gαs and Gαi subunits it is concluded that the high and low potency [35S]GTPγS binding stimulation reflected coupling to Gs and Gi proteins, respectively, only Gs coupling being homologously desensitized. Immunoprecipitation of [35S]GTPγS-bound Gαq/11 revealed additional coupling to Gq/11, which also was homologously desensitized. Although Gαq/11 coupling was PTX-insensitive, half of the sauvagine-stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates in the cells was PTX-sensitive, suggesting involvement of Gi in addition to Gq/11 in the stimulation of inositol metabolism. It is concluded that CRFR1 signals through at least two different ways, one leading to Gs- and Gq/11-mediated signaling steps and desensitization and another leading to Gi-mediated signals without being desensitized. Furthermore, the concentrations of the stimulating ligand and GTP and desensitization may be part of a regulatory mechanism determining the actual ratio of the coupling of CRFR1 to different G proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoactive peptide that acts on endothelin A (ETA) and endothelin B (ETB) receptors. Although both receptor subtypes are co-ex- pressed in numerous cells, little is known about their ability to form heterodimers. Here we show that both receptors were co-immunoprecipitated with an ETB- specific antibody using extracts from HEK293 cells stably co-expressing a fusion protein consisting of a myc- tagged ETA receptor and CFP (ETAmyc·CFP) and a fusion protein consisting of an ETB receptor and YFP (ETB·YFP). Co-immunoprecipitation was also observed with extracts from HEK293 cells transiently co-expressing FLAG-tagged ETB and myc-tagged ETA 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 ETAmyc·CFP and ETB·YFP receptors. FRET efficiencies were between 12 and 18% in untreated and antagonist- or ET-l-treated cells, indicating constitutive heterodimerization. Prolonged stimulation (30 min) with the ETB 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 ETAmyc·CFP/ETBflag·YFP receptors revealed a slower sequestration of the ETBflag·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 ETBflag·YFP receptors alone. The data suggest that ETA and ETB 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 ETB-selective stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) increases the water permeability of renal collecting duct principal cells by inducing the fusion of vesicles containing the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) with the plasma membrane (AQP2 shuttle). This event is initiated by activation of vasopressin V2 receptors, followed by an elevation of cAMP and the activation of protein kinase A (PKA). The tethering of PKA to subcellular compartments by protein kinase A anchoring proteins (AKAPs) is a prerequisite for the AQP2 shuttle. During the search for AKAP(s) involved in the shuttle, a new splice variant of AKAP18, AKAP18δ, was identified. AKAP18δ functions as an AKAP in vitro and in vivo. In the kidney, it is mainly expressed in principal cells of the inner medullary collecting duct, closely resembling the distribution of AQP2. It is present in both the soluble and particulate fractions derived from renal inner medullary tissue. Within the particulate fraction, AKAP18δ was identified on the same intracellular vesicles as AQP2 and PKAδ AVP not only recruited AQP2, but also AKAP18δ to the plasma membrane. The elevation of cAMP caused the dissociation of AKAP18δ and PKA. The data suggest that AKAP18δ is involved in the AQP2 shuttle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the solution structure and function of the 'tandem inactivation domain' of the neuronal A-type potassium channel Kv1.4 using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with patch clamping recordings in whole cell configuration and simulations of neuronal spiking behavior. Promotion of rapid inactivation of Kv1.4 crucial for the channel function in short term plasticity.

A highly efficient and simple Fmoc-based preparation of peptide αthioesters is presented. After Fmoc/t-butyl solid-phase synthesis on 2-chlorotrityl resin the C-terminal carboxylic group of the protected peptide is directly converted to the corresponding thioester. The method leads to very high yields, shows a low level of epimerization and can be easily applied also for the preparation of long peptide αthioesters as demonstrated for the 41 amino acid N-terminal fragment of pro-neuropeptide Y (proNPY 1–40). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Native chemical ligation (NCL) at Glu–Cys sites requires carboxyl protection that is compatible with the chemistry used for assembling the peptides. In the case of Fmoc-chemistry our novel BCMACM-group is particularly suitable for NCL because of the good solubility in aqueous solvent systems and mild conditions of photolytic removal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]