Involvement of G protein {beta}{gamma}-subunits in diverse signaling induced by Gi/o-coupled receptors: study using the Xenopus oocyte expression system

Yasuhito Uezono, Muneshige Kaibara, Osamu Murasaki, and Kohtaro Taniyama

Department of Pharmacology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan

Submitted 5 March 2004 ; accepted in final form 13 May 2004


    ABSTRACT
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 GRANTS
 REFERENCES
 
We studied the functions of {beta}{gamma}-subunits of Gi/o protein using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Isoproterenol (ISO) elicited cAMP production and slowly activating Cl currents in oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor and the protein kinase A-dependent Cl channel encoded by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin (DADLE), and baclofen enhanced ISO-induced cAMP levels and CFTR currents in oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR), {delta}-opioid receptor, or GABAB receptor, respectively. 5-HT also enhanced pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) 38-induced cAMP levels and CFTR currents in oocytes expressing PACAP receptor, CFTR and 5-HT1AR. The 5-HT-induced enhancement of Gs-coupled receptor-mediated currents was abrogated by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) and coexpression of G transducin {alpha} (Gt{alpha}). The 5-HT-induced enhancement was further augmented by coexpression of the G{beta}{gamma}-activated form of adenylate cyclase (AC) type II but not AC type III. Thus {beta}{gamma}-subunits of Gi/o protein contribute to the enhancement of Gs-coupled receptor-mediated responses. 5-HT and DADLE did not elicit any currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor alone. They elicited Ca2+-activated Cl currents in oocytes coexpressing these receptors with the G{beta}{gamma}-activated form of phospholipase C (PLC)-{beta}2 but not with PLC-{beta}1. These currents were inhibited by pretreatment with PTX and coexpression of Gt{alpha}, suggesting that {beta}{gamma}-subunits of Gi/o protein activate PLC-{beta}2 and then cause intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Our results indicate that {beta}{gamma}-subunits of Gi/o protein participate in diverse intracellular signals, enhancement of Gs-coupled receptor-mediated responses, and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.

G protein-coupled receptor; cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene; cross talk; electrophysiology


STIMULATION OF G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTORS activates diverse intracellular signaling pathways and a variety of cellular functions that are dependent on the coupling of a set of G protein families, among which Gi/o-coupled receptors are known to activate a variety of effectors (20, 21). Although stimulation of Gi/o-coupled receptors is generally considered to inhibit the accumulation of cAMP in most cells, activation of these receptors, including GABAB receptor (12, 14, 30), dopamine D2 receptor (9), and {alpha}2-adrenoceptor (23), enhance cAMP production mediated by Gs-coupled receptors such as {beta}2-adrenoceptor and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor. Using a protein kinase A-mediated Cl channel encoded by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene as an electrophysiological sensor for cAMP changes, investigators at our laboratory (29) previously demonstrated that activation of GABAB receptors enhances cAMP production induced by Gs-coupled receptors. It has been established that increased Cl current through CFTR is correlated to increased cAMP level in Xenopus oocytes (28).

It is well known that the {beta}{gamma}-subunits of G protein regulate the activities of several types of effectors, including phospholipase C (PLC), adenylate cyclases (AC), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases, G protein-coupled receptor kinases, and some ion channels (4, 20, 25). Although G{beta}{gamma}-subunits are members of all trimeric G proteins, it is generally accepted that high concentrations of free G{beta}{gamma}-subunits in the cells arise from Gi/o proteins, which are abundantly expressed in the cells compared with other G proteins (20, 25). Thus it is important to elucidate whether the G{beta}{gamma}-subunits released from Gi/o proteins regulate the activity of various effectors.

The present study was designed to elucidate the involvement of G{beta}{gamma}-subunits released from Gi/o protein in the diverse intracellular signaling pathways. In particular, we focused on the involvement of cAMP signaling and intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathways. To this end, using an electrophysiological assay as well as a cAMP assay with the Xenopus oocyte expression system, we examined whether a set of cloned Gi/o-coupled receptors regulate such signaling pathways.


    MATERIALS AND METHODS
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 GRANTS
 REFERENCES
 
Drugs and chemicals. Isoproterenol (ISO), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), baclofen, gentamicin, pertussis toxin (PTX), sodium pyruvate, and niflumic acid were purchased from Sigma (St. Louis, MO). [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin (DADLE) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) 38 were obtained from Osaka Peptide Institute (Osaka, Japan). All other chemicals used were of analytical grade and were obtained from Nacalai Tesuque (Kyoto, Japan)

Preparation of cRNA. cDNA from the human CFTR gene was provided by Dr. J. R. Riordan (Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ). AC type II was obtained from Dr. R. Reed (The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD), and AC type III was supplied by Dr. K. G. Zinn (California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA). Rat PACAP receptor was obtained from Dr. A. Arimura (Tulane University, New Orleans, LA). Rat 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) and 5-HT2CR, {beta}2-adrenoceptor, and {delta}-opioid receptor were kindly provided by Dr. H. A. Lester (California Institute of Technology). Rat phospholipase C-{beta}1 (PLC-{beta}1) and PLC-{beta}2 were obtained from Dr. S. G. Rhee (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD). GABAB(1b) and GABAB2 receptors were supplied by Dr. N. J. Fraser (GlaxoWellcome Research and Development, Stevenage, UK). Each cRNA was synthesized from the respective linearized cDNA using a T7 or SP6 RNA polymerase kit (Ambion, Austin, TX).

Oocyte preparation and cRNA injection. Immature V and VI stage Xenopus oocytes were enzymatically dissociated as reported previously (28). Isolated oocytes were incubated at 18°C in ND-96 medium (in mM: 96 NaCl, 2 KCl, 1 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, and 5 HEPES, pH 7.4) containing 2.5 mM sodium pyruvate and 50 µg/ml gentamicin. For measurement of CFTR currents induced by stimulation of Gs-coupled receptors, cRNA for CFTR (4 ng) and {beta}2-adrenoceptor (0.1 ng) or PACAP receptor (1 ng) were injected into the oocytes together with or without 5-HT1AR (10 ng), {delta}-opioid receptor (10 ng), GABAB(1b) receptor (10 ng), and GABAB2 receptor (10 ng). In some oocytes, cRNA for 5-HT2CR (1 ng), G transducin {alpha} (Gt{alpha}; 5 ng), AC type II (5 ng), AC type III (5 ng), PLC-{beta}1 (5 ng), or PLC-{beta}2 (25 ng) was injected. The final injection volume was <50 nl in all cases. Oocytes were incubated in ND-96 medium and used 3–8 days after injection.

Electrophysiological recordings. Electrophysiological recordings were performed using the two-electrode voltage-clamp method with a GeneClamp 500 amplifier (Axon Instruments, Foster, CA) at room temperature. Oocytes were clamped at –60 mV and continuously superfused with ND-96 medium in a 0.25-ml chamber at a flow rate of 5 ml/min, and test compounds were added to the superfusion solution. In experiments with niflumic acid, the compound was added 10 min before agonist stimulation and maintained throughout the experiment. Voltage-recording microelectrodes were filled with 3 M KCl and had a tip resistance of 1.0–2.5 M{Omega}. Currents were continuously recorded and stored with Mac Lab software (AD Instruments, Castle Hill, Australia) on a Macintosh computer. The ramp protocol was performed as described previously (28).

cAMP assay. The cellular cAMP level in individual oocytes was measured by conventional radioimmunoassay. Briefly, oocytes were washed three times with ND-96 buffer and preincubated with 1 mM IBMX for 30 min followed by another incubation with varying concentrations of ISO or other test compounds containing 1 mM IBMX and 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin as described previously (31). The reaction was stopped by the addition of 100 mM HCl followed by heating to 95°C for 5 min. The cAMP content of individual oocytes was assayed using a [125I]-labeled cAMP radioimmunoassay kit (Yamasa, Chiba, Japan).

Statistical analysis. Data are expressed as means ± SE. Differences between two groups were examined for statistical significance using a paired t-test. For comparisons between multiple groups, we performed one-way analysis of variance followed by Scheffé’s test. P < 0.05 denoted the presence of a statistically significant difference.


    RESULTS
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 GRANTS
 REFERENCES
 
5-HT enhances ISO-induced CFTR currents. ISO at the concentrations of 10–9–10–4 M elicited slowly activating inward currents in oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2-adrenoceptor and CFTR, but not in noninjected oocytes, as shown previously by Uezono et al. (28). ISO at a concentration of 10–7 M, which corresponds to a 40–50% effective concentration (EC) of the maximal responses, elicited CFTR Cl currents in all oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor and CFTR, regardless of the expression level of 5-HT1AR (Fig. 1). At a concentration of 10–7 M, 5-HT did not elicit any currents in all oocytes that expressed 5-HT1AR alone. Moreover, 5-HT did not elicit any currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR and {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR (Fig. 1). When 5-HT (10–7 M) was applied simultaneously with ISO (10–7 M), the ISO-induced CFTR currents were enhanced in oocytes that expressed {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR (Fig. 1). In noninjected oocytes, no endogenous responses to ISO, 5-HT, or both were noted, even at 10–4 M (data not shown). The 5-HT-induced enhancement was concentration dependent, and the EC50 of 5-HT was 2.9 ± 0.31 x 10–8 M (Fig. 1C and Table 1), which was similar (~1.6 x 10–8 M) to that activated in inward rectifying K+ channels in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR and G protein-activated inward rectifying K+ channels (6).



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Fig. 1. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) enhances isoproterenol-induced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) currents in oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2-adrenoceptor, CFTR, and 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR). Isoproterenol (iso; 10–7 M) and 5-HT were applied for 30 s and 1 min, respectively. A: representative traces of CFTR currents from oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR ({beta}2R) and 5-HT1AR ({beta}2R+5-HT1AR). B: summary of CFTR currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak CFTR current expressed as %isoproterenol (10–7 M)-induced peak currents from each of 6 oocytes. *P < 0.05. C: concentration-response curve of 5-HT on CFTR currents in oocytes expressing {beta}2R and 5-HT1AR. Data are means ± SE.

 

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Table 1. Comparison of EC50 values of 5-HT1A receptor-, {delta}-opioid receptor-, or GABAB receptor-induced enhancement of cAMP production and CFTR currents activated by {beta}2-adrenoceptor in Xenopus oocytes

 
DADLE and baclofen enhance ISO-induced CFTR currents. In oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor and CFTR, as well as {delta}-opioid or GABAB receptors, ISO (10–7 M) elicited CFTR currents in oocytes regardless of expression of {delta}-opioid or GABAB receptor (Fig. 2). DADLE (10–7 M) and baclofen (10–4 M) did not elicit any currents in oocytes expressing {delta}-opioid receptor alone (see Fig. 8) or GABAB receptor alone (data not shown). These compounds also did not elicit any currents in oocytes expressing {delta}-opioid or GABAB receptor and {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR (Fig. 2). When DADLE (10–7 M) or baclofen (10–4 M) was applied simultaneously with ISO (10–7 M), the ISO-induced CFTR currents were enhanced in oocytes that expressed {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and {delta}-opioid or GABAB receptor (Fig. 2), respectively. Baclofen (10–4 M)-induced enhancement was noted in oocytes that expressed {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and a heterodimer of GABAB receptor [GABAB1(b) and GABAB2], but not in oocytes that expressed {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and GABAB1(b) receptor alone or GABAB2 receptor alone (Fig. 2), confirming that functional GABAB receptors need heterodimerization (16).



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Fig. 2. [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin (DADLE) and baclofen enhance isoproterenol-induced CFTR currents in oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2R and {delta}-opioid receptor or GABAB receptor. Isoproterenol (10–7 M) was applied together with DADLE (10–7 M) or baclofen (bac; 10–4 M) as indicated. A, left: representative traces of CFTR currents from oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2R and {delta}-opioid receptor ({beta}2R + {delta}-opioidR); right: summary of CFTR currents. *P < 0.05. B, left: representative traces of CFTR currents from oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2R and GABAB1(b) receptor [{beta}2R + GABAB1(b)R], GABAB2 receptor ({beta}2R + GABAB2R), or GABAB1(b)/GABAB2 receptor [{beta}2R + GABAB1(b)R + GABAB2R]; right: summary of CFTR currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak CFTR currents expressed as %isoproterenol-induced peak currents from each of 6 oocytes. *P < 0.05.

 


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Fig. 8. Involvement of phospholipase C (PLC)-{beta}1 and -{beta}2 in 5-HT- and DADLE-induced inward currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor. 5-HT (10–7 M) and DADLE (10–7 M) were applied for 30 s. A: representative traces of 5-HT-induced Ca2+-activated Cl currents. The currents were measured in oocytes coexpressing 5-HT2CR, 5-HT1AR, or {delta}-opioid receptor ({delta}-opioidR) without (none) or with expression of PLC-{beta}1 (+PLC-{beta}1) or PLC-{beta}2 (+PLC-{beta}2). B: summary of effects of PLC-{beta}1 or -{beta}2 coexpression on Ca2+-activated Cl currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak CFTR currents from each of 6 oocytes. C: current-voltage relationship for Ca2+-activated Cl conductance activated by 5-HT1AR in an oocyte expressing the receptor and PLC-{beta}2. Ramp responses before and after application of 10–7 M 5-HT are shown. The membrane voltage was ramped under voltage clamp from –80 to +80 mV at 500 ms.

 
Gi/o-coupled receptor agonists enhance ISO-induced cAMP production. ISO (10–7 M) elevated cAMP production in oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor, but not in the noninjected oocytes or in oocytes not expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor (Fig. 3, AC). 5-HT, DADLE, and baclofen did not elevate cAMP production in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR, {delta}-opioid receptor, and heterodimeric GABAB receptor together with or without {beta}2-adrenoceptor, respectively (Fig. 3, AC). In the oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor together with 5-HT1AR, {delta}-opioid receptor, or heterodimeric GABAB receptor, simultaneous application of 5-HT, DADLE, or baclofen with ISO, but not individual application, enhanced ISO-induced cAMP production (Fig. 3, AC). The EC50 values of 5-HT, DADLE, and baclofen in the enhancement of ISO-induced cAMP production were almost similar to those for the enhancement of ISO-induced CFTR currents (Table 1).



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Fig. 3. Effects of 5-HT, DADLE, and baclofen on isoproterenol-induced cAMP production in oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2-adrenoceptor with 5-HT1AR (A), {delta}-opioid receptor (B), or heterodimeric GABAB receptor (C). Isoproterenol (10–7 M) with or without 5-HT (10–7 M), DADLE (10–7 M), or baclofen (10–4 M) was applied for 10 min as indicated. A: 5-HT enhances isoproterenol-induced cAMP production in oocytes expressing both {beta}2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1AR. B: DADLE enhances isoproterenol-induced cAMP production in oocytes expressing both {beta}2-adrenoceptor and {delta}-opioid receptors. C: baclofen enhances isoproterenol-induced cAMP production in oocytes expressing both {beta}2-adrenoceptor and heterodimeric GABAB receptor. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of cAMP levels in the oocytes. *P < 0.05. n.s., Not significant.

 
5-HT enhances PACAP-induced cAMP production and CFTR currents. We next examined whether cAMP production and CFTR currents activated by another Gs-coupled receptor were also enhanced by Gi/o-coupled receptor activation. PACAP38 (10–7 M), an agonist of PACAP receptor, elicited cAMP production and CFTR currents in oocytes that expressed PACAP receptor and CFTR together with or without 5-HT1AR (Fig. 4, A and B). 5-HT did not elicit cAMP production or any currents in oocytes expressing PACAP-CFTR and 5-HT1AR (Fig. 4). Simultaneous application of 5-HT (10–7 M) and PACAP38 (10–7 M) enhanced the PACAP-induced responses in oocytes expressing PACAP-CFTR and 5-HT1AR (Fig. 4). The EC50 of 5-HT on cAMP production and CFTR currents caused by 10–7 M PACAP38 were 1.4 ± 0.08 x 10–8 M and 2.1 ± 0.14 x 10–8 M, respectively (n = 3 at each concentration as described in Table 1). DADLE (10–7 M) and baclofen (10–4 M) also enhanced CFTR currents induced by PACAP38 (10–7 M) in oocytes expressing PACAP-CFTR and {delta}-opioid receptors or heterodimeric GABAB receptors (235 ± 12 or 248 ± 14% of the currents with 10–7 M ISO alone, respectively; n = 3 at each concentration as described in Table 1).



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Fig. 4. Effects of 5-HT on pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) 38-induced cAMP production and CFTR currents. A: 5-HT enhances PACAP38 (10–7 M)-induced cAMP production in oocytes expressing a combination of PACAP receptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR (PACAPR + 5-HT1AR). PACAP38 (10–7 M) and 5-HT (10–7 M) were applied for 10 min. Data are means ± SE. B: representative traces of CFTR currents from oocytes expressing a combination of PACAP receptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR (PACAPR + 5-HT1AR). C: summary of CFTR currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak CFTR current expressed as %PACAP38-induced peak currents from each of 6 oocytes. *P < 0.05.

 
PTX abrogates 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO- or PACAP38-induced CFTR currents. Signaling pathways through Gi or Go proteins are known to be interrupted by treatment with PTX (9). To determine the G proteins responsible for 5-HT-induced enhancement of CFTR currents, oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR, or oocytes expressing PACAP-CFTR and 5-HT1AR, were pretreated with PTX (2 µg/ml) for 16 h. The concentration and duration used in our experiment were previously reported to almost completely inactivate the Gi/o protein in oocytes (28, 29). ISO (10–7 M) and PACAP38 (10–7 M) elicited CFTR currents of almost the same amplitude in oocytes pretreated with or without PTX (Fig. 5). When 5-HT (10–7 M) was applied simultaneously with ISO or PACAP38, the responses to these substances were enhanced in nontreated oocytes but not in PTX-treated oocytes (Fig. 5). Similar responses were observed in oocytes that expressed {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and {delta}-opioid receptor; treatment with PTX abrogated the enhanced effects of DADLE on the ISO-induced CFTR currents (data not shown).



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Fig. 5. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) abrogates 5-HT-induced enhancement of isoproterenol- or PACAP38-activated currents. Oocytes were incubated with or without PTX (2 µg/ml) for 16 h before recording. Isoproterenol (10–7 M), PACAP38 (10–7 M), and 5-HT (10–7 M) were applied for 30 s, 30 s, and 1 min, respectively. A: representative traces of CFTR currents from PTX-treated [PTX (+)] and nontreated oocytes [PTX (–)] expressing {beta}2R and 5-HT1AR ({beta}2R + 5-HT1AR) or PACAP receptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR (PACAPR + 5-HT1AR). B: summary of effects of PTX pretreatment on CFTR currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak CFTR currents expressed as %isoproterenol- or %PACAP38-induced peak currents from each of 6 oocytes. *P < 0.05 vs. isoprotenerol alone. #P < 0.05 vs. PACAP38 alone.

 
Gt{alpha} abrogates 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO-induced CFTR currents. To analyze the role of G{beta}{gamma}-subunits in 5-HT-induced enhancement, we investigated the effect of coexpression of Gt{alpha}, a scavenger of {beta}{gamma}-subunits released from G proteins (9, 13), in oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR. When 5-HT (10–7 M) was applied simultaneously with ISO (10–7 M), the 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO-induced currents was suppressed in oocytes coexpressing Gt{alpha} but was still observed in oocytes lacking the expression of Gt{alpha} (Fig. 6). The same results were recorded in oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and {delta}-opioid receptor; the DADLE-induced enhancement of ISO-induced currents was suppressed by coexpression of Gt{alpha} (data not shown).



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Fig. 6. Coexpression of G transducin {alpha} (Gt{alpha}) abrogates 5-HT-induced enhancement of isoproterenol-activated currents. Isoproterenol (10–7 M) and 5-HT (10–7 M) were applied for 30 s and 1 min, respectively. A: representative traces of CFTR currents from oocytes expressing {beta}2R and 5-HT1AR ({beta}2R + 5-HT1AR) and {beta}2R + 5-HT1AR with Gt{alpha} ({beta}2R + 5-HT1AR + Gt{alpha}). B: summary of effects of Gt{alpha} coexpression on CFTR currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak CFTR currents expressed as %isoproterenol-induced peak currents from each of 6 oocytes. *P < 0.05 vs. isoproterenol alone in oocytes lacking Gt{alpha} expression. #P < 0.05 vs. isoproterenol and 5-HT in oocytes lacking Gt{alpha} expression.

 
Effects of AC types II and III on 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO-activated currents. The 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO-activated currents was compared between coexpression of AC types II and III in oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR. Coexpression of the G{beta}{gamma}-subunit-activated form of AC type II (27) further augmented 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO (10–7 M)-activated currents. On the other hand, coexpression of the G{beta}{gamma}-subunit-insensitive form of AC type III did not affect 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO (10–7 M)-mediated responses (Fig. 7). Expression of these AC in oocytes was confirmed by the fact that expression of AC types II and III enhanced CFTR currents induced by forskolin, a direct activator of AC [data not shown and Uezono et al. (28)].



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Fig. 7. Coexpression of adenylate cyclase (AC) type II or III augments 5-HT-induced enhancement of currents caused by isoproterenol. Isoproterenol (10–7 M) and 5-HT (10–7 M) were applied for 30 s and 1 min, respectively. A: representative traces of CFTR currents from oocytes expressing {beta}2R and 5-HT1AR ({beta}2R + 5-HT1AR), {beta}2R + 5-HT1AR and AC type II ({beta}2R + 5-HT1AR + ACII), and {beta}2R + 5-HT1AR and AC type III ({beta}2R + 5-HT1AR + ACIII). B: summary of effects of AC type II or III expression on CFTR currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak CFTR currents expressed as %isoproterenol-induced peak currents from each of 6 oocytes. *P < 0.05 vs. isoproterenol alone in oocytes lacking AC expression. #P < 0.05 vs. isoproterenol and 5-HT in oocytes lacking AC expression.

 
Effects of PLC-{beta}1 and -{beta}2 on responses mediated by 5-HT1AR and {delta}-opioid receptor. Activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors is known to increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in certain types of cells, such as that of Gq-coupled receptors (20, 25). To further elucidate the involvement of G{beta}{gamma}-subunits in Ca2+ mobilization induced by Gi/o-coupled receptors, we expressed PLC-{beta}2, an isotype known to be activated by G{beta}{gamma}-subunits in oocytes. As a control, we expressed Gq-coupled 5-HT2cR, known to elevate [Ca2+]i, which in turn activates Ca2+-activated Cl channels endogenously expressed in Xenopus oocytes (24). Application of 5-HT (10–7 M) elicited Ca2+-activated Cl currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT2CR, as reported previously (24) (Fig. 8). 5-HT and DADLE at concentrations up to 10–3 or 10–5 M, respectively, did not elicit any currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor alone. On the other hand, in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor together with PLC-{beta}2, both 5-HT (10–7 M) and DADLE (10–7 M) elicited inward currents. The current displayed a reversal potential of approximately –25 mV, which is composed of Cl currents, in terms of ramp protocol from –80 to +80 mV [Fig. 8C and Uezono et al. (28)]. Furthermore, the currents elicited by 10–7 M 5-HT in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR and PLC-{beta}2 were significantly inhibited by the Ca2+-activated Cl channel blocker niflumic acid (100 µM) (3), to ~10% [5-HT, 340.1 ± 50.1 nA; 5-HT + niflumic acid, 38.0 ± 5.4 nA (n = 6)], indicating that the currents were elicited through Ca2+-activated Cl channels. When PLC-{beta}1, an isotype insensitive to G{beta}{gamma}-subunits (15), was expressed instead of PLC-{beta}2 together with 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor, neither 5-HT nor DADLE at concentrations up to 10–3 or 10–5 M, respectively, elicited any currents (Fig. 8), although 5-HT (10–7 M) caused significantly greater Cl currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT2cR and PLC-{beta}1 than in those expressing 5-HT2cR alone (Fig. 8), possibly because of Gq{alpha}-mediated activation of PLC-{beta}1. To further investigate the role of G{beta}{gamma}-subunit released from Gi/o proteins, oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor with PLC-{beta}2 were pretreated with PTX or coexpressed with Gt{alpha} as described in Figs. 5 and 6. As expected, the currents caused by 5-HT or DADLE were completely inhibited by PTX pretreatment or suppressed by coexpression of Gt{alpha} (Fig. 9).



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Fig. 9. Pretreatment with PTX and coexpression of Gt{alpha} abrogates 5-HT- or DADLE-induced inward currents. 5-HT (10–7 M) and DADLE (10–7 M) were applied for 30 s. The currents were measured in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR and PLC-{beta}2 (5-HT1AR + PLC-{beta}2) or {delta}-opioid receptor and PLC-{beta}2 ({delta}-opioidR + PLC-{beta}2). A, left: representative traces of inward currents from these oocytes pretreated with 2 µg/ml PTX (+PTX) or without PTX (–PTX) for 16 h; right: representative traces of inward currents from these oocytes coexpressing Gt{alpha} (+Gt{alpha}) or not expressing Gt{alpha} (–Gt{alpha}). B: summary of effects of PTX treatment or Gt{alpha} coexpression on the currents. Each bar represents the mean ± SE of peak Cl currents from each of 6 oocytes.

 

    DISCUSSION
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 GRANTS
 REFERENCES
 
In the present study, we investigated signaling pathways activated by a set of cloned Gi/o-coupled receptors using electrophysiological assays as well as cAMP assay in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. ISO elicited cAMP production and Cl currents through CFTR channels in oocytes expressing a combination of {beta}2-adrenoceptor and CFTR. In oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and Gi/o-coupled receptors such as 5-HT1AR, {delta}-opioid receptor, and GABAB receptors, application of 5-HT, DADLE, or baclofen together with ISO enhanced ISO-induced cAMP production and CFTR currents. CFTR currents and cAMP production elicited by another Gs-coupled receptor, PACAP receptor, were also enhanced by 5-HT in oocytes expressing PACAP receptor and CFTR together with 5-HT1AR. CFTR has been reported to be regulated by several intracellular second messengers, such as cGMP-dependent protein kinases, protein kinase C, or tyrosine kinases, as well as cAMP-dependent protein kinases (26). In our study, because the amplitude of the CFTR currents correlates well to changes in cAMP level in Xenopus oocytes in the present study and previous studies conducted in our laboratory (Table 1 and Refs. 28 and 29), cAMP-dependent protein kinases mostly contributed to the regulation of CFTR in our experimental system. From the results of CFTR currents and cAMP production, we conclude that Gs-coupled receptor-mediated cAMP-dependent cellular processes could be enhanced by simultaneous activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors.

Stimulation of Gi/o-coupled receptors is generally considered to inhibit cAMP accumulation in most cells. On the other hand, stimulation of Gi/o-coupled receptors, including GABAB receptor, dopamine D2 receptor, or {alpha}2 adrenoceptor, has been shown to enhance cAMP production induced by Gs-coupled receptors such as {beta}2-adrenoceptor and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor (9, 12, 23, 30). Some Gi/o-coupled receptors, including opioid receptor, {alpha}2-adrenoceptor, muscarinic M4 receptor, and cannabinoid CB1 receptor, are coupled not only to Gi/o protein but also to Gs protein and are known to stimulate cAMP production (5, 7, 8, 11). We have shown in this study that 5-HT-induced enhancement of ISO- and PACAP38-mediated responses was abrogated by pretreatment with PTX in oocytes expressing CFTR, {beta}2-adrenoceptor, or PACAP receptor together with 5-HT1AR. Because PTX interrupts signaling pathways from Gi/o-coupled receptors to Gi/o proteins without affecting Gs protein-mediated responses (9), we conclude that Gi/o proteins, but not Gs proteins, are involved in such enhancement.

Because {beta}{gamma}-subunits of G protein regulate the activities of several types of effectors, including PLC, AC, and some ion channels (4, 20), we investigated whether the {beta}{gamma}-subunits of Gi/o protein contribute to the enhancement of responses mediated by Gs-coupled receptors. Gt{alpha} has been shown to inhibit downstream signaling through G{beta}{gamma}-subunits by sequestering free {beta}{gamma}-subunits (9). We previously demonstrated that Gi/o-coupled cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors activated inward rectifying K+ channels through G{beta}{gamma}-subunits by showing that these effects were inhibited by coexpression of Gt{alpha} (13). Our results also showed that coexpression of Gt{alpha} prevented 5-HT-induced enhancement of CFTR currents caused by ISO, suggesting that G{beta}{gamma}-subunits released by Gi/o-coupled receptor stimulation caused the enhancement of Gs-coupled receptor-mediated cAMP production. cAMP is produced by activation of AC, and to date, eight types of AC genes have been cloned, each of which is differentially regulated by Gs{alpha}, G{beta}{gamma}, Ca2+/calmodulin, protein kinase C, and [Ca2+]i (27). The {beta}{gamma}-subunits are known to activate AC types II and IV, but not AC type III, in the presence of activated Gs{alpha} (19, 27). In agreement with these reports, our results showed that enhancement of 5-HT-induced CFTR currents was augmented by coexpression of AC type II, but not AC type III, in oocytes expressing {beta}2-adrenoceptor-CFTR and 5-HT1AR. Thus {beta}{gamma}-subunits released by activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors contribute to the enhancement of Gs-coupled receptor-mediated responses, presumably by the activation of AC type II or IV present in oocytes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors enhance the cAMP production induced by Gs-coupled receptors through G{beta}{gamma}-subunits released from PTX-sensitive Gi/o proteins.

We also have demonstrated that {beta}{gamma}-subunits released by activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors appear to be involved in another signaling pathway, the Ca2+ mobilization signaling pathway. We have clearly shown that 5-HT or DADLE elicited Ca2+-activated Cl currents in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor together with PLC-{beta}2. It has been shown that G{beta}{gamma}-subunits activate PLC-{beta}2, but not PLC-{beta}1, in cotransfection assays with COS-7 cells (15). As such, substitution of PLC-{beta}1 for PLC-{beta}2 in the coexpression did not elicit Ca2+-activated Cl currents induced by 5-HT or DADLE in oocytes expressing 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor, respectively. In Xenopus oocytes, G{beta}{gamma}-subunit-sensitive PLC-{beta}-like proteins, namely, PLC-{beta}X, were present (10). Accordingly, G{beta}{gamma} liberated by activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors may increase [Ca2+]i through activation of endogenously expressed PLC-{beta}X in oocytes. In fact, 5-HT elicited Ca2+-activated Cl currents without additional expression of PLC-{beta}2 or -{beta}3 in oocytes expressing cloned 5-HT1A receptor in the vector, which was designed to overexpress the receptor in oocytes (22). However, we found it necessary to express PLC-{beta}2 to elicit Gi/o-coupled receptor-mediated Ca2+-activated Cl currents, including 5-HT1AR, {delta}-opioid receptor, cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, and functional GABAB receptors (present study and unpublished observations). The reason for the differences between the results of other investigators and ours is not known at present. It could be the expression levels of cell surface receptors in Xenopus oocytes; extremely overexpressed receptors may liberate G{beta}{gamma}-subunits sufficiently to activate endogenous PLC-{beta}X.

We have further demonstrated that 5-HT1AR- and {delta}-opioid receptor-mediated Ca2+-activated Cl currents were suppressed by pretreatment with PTX and by coexpression of Gt{alpha}. These findings suggest that {beta}{gamma}-subunits released by activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors could activate PLC-{beta}2 and then stimulate intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. A recent study (34) in Xenopus oocytes showed that G{beta}{gamma}-subunits caused direct activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors in addition to activation of PLC-{beta}, and both pathways consequently increased [Ca2+]i. However, it may be less likely that G{beta}{gamma}-subunits liberated by 5-HT1AR or {delta}-opioid receptor stimulation directly activated IP3 receptors to increase in [Ca2+]i in our experimental condition, because exogenously expressed PLC-{beta}2 was required to elicit Ca2+-activated Cl currents. Nonetheless, further detailed studies are necessary to clarify the involvement of this novel signaling pathway in Gi/o-coupled receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in the Xenopus oocyte and also in the mammalian cell expression systems.

The present study demonstrates that the {beta}{gamma}-subunits released from Gi/o proteins participate in diverse signal pathways such as enhancement of the Gs-coupled receptor-mediated cAMP system and mobilization of [Ca2+]i, provided that a set of particular effectors, such as AC type II or PLC-{beta}2, is present in the cells. The number of G protein subunits identified to date includes 27 subunits of G{alpha}, 5 of G{beta}, and 14 of G{gamma} (1). As expected, various combinations of G{beta} and G{gamma} are possible, and they appear to lead to a diversity of cellular functions. Using the G{beta} and G{gamma} subunit reconstitution assay, investigators in several studies have examined cellular functions mediated by particular combinations of G{beta}{gamma}-subunits. For instance, the G{beta}1{gamma}2 subunit activates, but the G{beta}5{gamma}2 subunit inhibits, AC type II (2); the G{beta}5{gamma}2 subunit activates PLC-{beta}1 and PLC-{beta}2 (18); and all combinations of G{beta}1–5{gamma}2 except G{beta}5{gamma}2 activate AC type II and inhibit AC type I (19, 20). The present study demonstrates that G{beta}{gamma}-subunits released by activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors activate both AC type II and PLC-{beta}2. Because our experiments were performed with the Xenopus oocyte expression system without expression of any G protein subunits, the expressed Gi/o-coupled receptors in oocytes used endogenously expressed G proteins. Thus the combination of G{beta} and G{gamma} subunits responsible for such signaling pathways remains to be elucidated. Further studies are necessary to determine the combinations of G{beta} and G{gamma} that are responsible for cellular signaling pathways activated by Gi/o-coupled receptors.

Previous studies reported that some Gi/o-coupled receptor-mediated effects were diverse and closely correlated to biological and biomedical effects. Analgesic µ-opioid receptors couple to Gi/o proteins to inhibit AC activity, but they stimulate AC activity under certain circumstances. In a study measuring paw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimuli in Sprague-Dawley rats, Khasar et al. (17) reported that preadministration of the µ-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) attenuated hyperalgesia induced by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an agonist of Gs-coupled PGE2 receptors. On the other hand, postadministration of DAMGO just after PGE2 administration enhanced PGE2-induced hyperalgesia. Khasar et al. concluded that the DAMGO-induced enhancement was mediated by G{beta}{gamma} from Gi/o-coupled µ-opioid receptors and activated PGE2 receptors. Yao et al. (32) showed that ethanol consumption in the rat could be mediated by activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinases by synergistic stimulation of G{beta}{gamma}-subunits released from Gi/o-coupled dopamine type 2 receptors and activation of Gs-coupled adenosine type 2 receptors, both of which were induced by having the rats drink ethanol. In another study at the same laboratory, Yao et al. (33) reported that some addictive effects caused by activation of {delta}-opioid or cannabinoid CB1 receptors were possibly due to enhanced activation of cAMP-dependent kinases by a synergy of such Gi/o-coupled {delta}-opioid or CB1 receptors with adenosine type 2 receptors. Yao and coworkers proposed that drugs that target G{beta}{gamma}-subunits or the synergy of several Gi/o-coupled receptors with adenosine type 2 receptors might prevent or attenuate excessive drinking of ethanol and the addictive effects of ethanol and other drugs (32, 33). The present results and further experimental studies should clarify the roles of G{beta}{gamma}-subunits in such physiological phenomena.

In conclusion, using a set of cloned Gi/o-coupled receptors, we have demonstrated that G{beta}{gamma}-subunits liberated by activation of Gi/o-coupled receptors are involved in diverse signaling pathways such as enhancement of cAMP pathways and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.


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 ABSTRACT
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
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This work was supported in part by grants from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, and Culture of Japan (to Y. Uezono, M. Kaibara, and K. Taniyama) and the Naito Foundation (to Y. Uezono).


    FOOTNOTES
 

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: Y. Uezono, Dept. of Pharmacology, Nagasaki Univ. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan (E-mail: uezonoy{at}alpha.med.nagasaki-u.ac.jp)

The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. The article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.


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