Role of pH-sensing receptors in colitis.

Low pH in the gut is associated with severe inflammation, fibrosis, and colorectal cancer (CRC) and is a hallmark of active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Subsequently, pH-sensing mechanisms are of interest for the understanding of IBD pathophysiology. Tissue hypoxia and acidosis-two contributing factors to disease pathophysiology-are linked to IBD, and understanding their interplay is highly relevant for the development of new therapeutic options. One member of the proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, GPR65 (T-cell death-associated gene 8, TDAG8), was identified as a susceptibility gene for IBD in a large genome-wide association study. In response to acidic extracellular pH, GPR65 induces an anti-inflammatory response, whereas the two other proton-sensing receptors, GPR4 and GPR68 (ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1, OGR1), mediate pro-inflammatory responses. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of these proton-sensing receptors in IBD and IBD-associated fibrosis and cancer, as well as colitis-associated cancer (CAC). We also describe emerging small molecule modulators of these receptors as therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of IBD.

Natural cystatin C fragments inhibit GPR15-mediated HIV and SIV infection without interfering with GPR15L signaling.

GPR15 is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) proposed to play a role in mucosal immunity that also serves as a major entry cofactor for HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). To discover novel endogenous GPR15 ligands, we screened a hemofiltrate (HF)-derived peptide library for inhibitors of GPR15-mediated SIV infection. Our approach identified a C-terminal fragment of cystatin C (CysC95-146) that specifically inhibits GPR15-dependent HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV infection. In contrast, GPR15L, the chemokine ligand of GPR15, failed to inhibit virus infection. We found that cystatin C fragments preventing GPR15-mediated viral entry do not interfere with GPR15L signaling and are generated by proteases activated at sites of inflammation. The antiretroviral activity of CysC95-146 was confirmed in primary CD4+ T cells and is conserved in simian hosts of SIV infection. Thus, we identified a potent endogenous inhibitor of GPR15-mediated HIV and SIV infection that does not interfere with the physiological function of this GPCR.

Molecular characterization of chronic cutaneous wounds reveals subregion- and wound type-specific differential gene expression.

A limited understanding of the pathology underlying chronic wounds has hindered the development of effective diagnostic markers and pharmaceutical interventions. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular composition of various common chronic ulcer types to facilitate drug discovery strategies. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of leg ulcers (LUs), encompassing venous and arterial ulcers, foot ulcers (FUs), pressure ulcers (PUs), and compared them with surgical wound healing complications (WHCs). To explore the pathophysiological mechanisms and identify similarities or differences within wounds, we dissected wounds into distinct subregions, including the wound bed, border, and peri-wound areas, and compared them against intact skin. By correlating histopathology, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we identified unique genes, pathways, and cell type abundance patterns in each wound type and subregion. These correlations aim to aid clinicians in selecting targeted treatment options and informing the design of future preclinical and clinical studies in wound healing. Notably, specific genes, such as PITX1 and UPP1, exhibited exclusive upregulation in LUs and FUs, potentially offering significant benefits to specialists in limb preservation and clinical treatment decisions. In contrast, comparisons between different wound subregions, regardless of wound type, revealed distinct expression profiles. The pleiotropic chemokine-like ligand GPR15L (C10orf99) and transmembrane serine proteases TMPRSS11A/D were significantly upregulated in wound border subregions. Interestingly, WHCs exhibited a nearly identical transcriptome to PUs, indicating clinical relevance. Histological examination revealed blood vessel occlusions with impaired angiogenesis in chronic wounds, alongside elevated expression of genes and immunoreactive markers related to blood vessel and lymphatic epithelial cells in wound bed subregions. Additionally, inflammatory and epithelial markers indicated heightened inflammatory responses in wound bed and border subregions and reduced wound bed epithelialization. In summary, chronic wounds from diverse anatomical sites share common aspects of wound pathophysiology but also exhibit distinct molecular differences. These unique molecular characteristics present promising opportunities for drug discovery and treatment, particularly for patients suffering from chronic wounds. The identified diagnostic markers hold the potential to enhance preclinical and clinical trials in the field of wound healing.

OGR1 (GPR68) and TDAG8 (GPR65) Have Antagonistic Effects in Models of Colonic Inflammation.

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs), including pro-inflammatory ovarian cancer GPR1 (OGR1/GPR68) and anti-inflammatory T cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8/GPR65), are involved in pH sensing and linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). OGR1 and TDAG8 show opposite effects. To determine which effect is predominant or physiologically more relevant, we deleted both receptors in models of intestinal inflammation. Combined Ogr1 and Tdag8 deficiency was assessed in spontaneous and acute murine colitis models. Disease severity was assessed using clinical scores. Colon samples were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and flow cytometry (FACS). In acute colitis, Ogr1-deficient mice showed significantly decreased clinical scores compared with wildtype (WT) mice, while Tdag8-deficient mice and double knockout (KO) mice presented similar scores to WT. In Il-10-spontaneous colitis, Ogr1-deficient mice presented significantly decreased, and Tdag8-deficient mice had increased inflammation. In the Il10-/- × Ogr1-/- × Tdag8-/- triple KO mice, inflammation was significantly decreased compared with Tdag8-/-. Absence of Ogr1 reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in Tdag8-deficient mice. Tdag8-/- had significantly more IFNγ+ T-lymphocytes and IL-23 T-helper cells in the colon compared with WT. The absence of OGR1 significantly alleviates the intestinal damage mediated by the lack of functional TDAG8. Both OGR1 and TDAG8 represent potential new targets for therapeutic intervention.

pH-Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptor OGR1 (GPR68) Expression and Activation Increases in Intestinal Inflammation and Fibrosis.

Local extracellular acidification occurs at sites of inflammation. Proton-sensing ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1, also known as GPR68) responds to decreases in extracellular pH. Our previous studies show a role for OGR1 in the pathogenesis of mucosal inflammation, suggesting a link between tissue pH and immune responses. Additionally, pH-dependent signalling is associated with the progression of intestinal fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate OGR1 expression and OGR1-mediated signalling in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our results show that OGR1 expression significantly increased in patients with IBD compared to non-IBD patients, as demonstrated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Paired samples from non-inflamed and inflamed intestinal areas of IBD patients showed stronger OGR1 IHC staining in inflamed mucosal segments compared to non-inflamed mucosa. IHC of human surgical samples revealed OGR1 expression in macrophages, granulocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. OGR1-dependent inositol phosphate (IP) production was significantly increased in CD14+ monocytes from IBD patients compared to healthy subjects. Primary human and murine fibroblasts exhibited OGR1-dependent IP formation, RhoA activation, F-actin, and stress fibre formation upon an acidic pH shift. OGR1 expression and signalling increases with IBD disease activity, suggesting an active role of OGR1 in the pathogenesis of IBD.

The proton-activated ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) is responsible for renal calcium loss during acidosis.

Hypercalciuria is a common feature during metabolic acidosis and associates to nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. The mechanisms sensing acidosis and inducing increased urinary calcium excretion are still unknown. Here we tested whether mice deficient for proton-activated Ovarian cancer G-protein coupled receptor 1 (OGR1 or Gpr68) have reduced urinary excretion of calcium during chronic metabolic acidosis. In the kidney, OGR1 mRNA was found in cells of the glomerulus, proximal tubule, and interstitium including endothelial cells. Wild type (OGR1+/+) and OGR1 knockout (OGR1-/-) mice were given standard chow without (control) or loaded with ammonium chloride for one or seven days to induce acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, respectively. No differences in responding to the acid load were observed in the knockout mice, except for higher plasma bicarbonate after one day. Bone mineral density, resorption activity of osteoclasts, and urinary deoxypyridinoline were similar between genotypes. During metabolic acidosis the expression levels of key proteins involved in calcium reabsorption, i.e. the sodium/proton exchanger (NHE3), the epithelial calcium-selective channel TRPV5, and the vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein calbindin-D28k were all higher in the knockout mice compared to wild type mice. This is consistent with the previous demonstration that OGR1 reduces NHE3 activity in proximal tubules of mice. Wild-type mice displayed a non-linear positive association between urinary proton and calcium excretion which was lost in the knockout mice. Thus, OGR1 is a pH sensor involved in the hypercalciuria of metabolic acidosis by controlling NHE3 activity in the proximal tubule. Hence, novel drugs modulating OGR1 activity may improve renal calcium handling.

The impact of the rs8005161 polymorphism on G protein-coupled receptor GPR65 (TDAG8) pH-associated activation in intestinal inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Tissue inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is associated with a decrease in local pH. The gene encoding G-protein-coupled receptor 65 (GPR65) has recently been reported to be a genetic risk factor for IBD. In response to extracellular acidification, proton activation of GPR65 stimulates cAMP and Rho signalling pathways. We aimed to analyse the clinical and functional relevance of the GPR65 associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8005161. METHODS: 1138 individuals from a mixed cohort of IBD patients and healthy volunteers were genotyped for SNPs associated with GPR65 (rs8005161, rs3742704) and galactosylceramidase (rs1805078) by Taqman SNP assays. 2300 patients from the Swiss IBD Cohort Study (SIBDC) were genotyped for rs8005161 by mass spectrometry based SNP genotyping. IBD patients from the SIBDC carrying rs8005161 TT, CT, CC and non-IBD controls (CC) were recruited for functional studies. Human CD14+ cells were isolated from blood samples and subjected to an extracellular acidic pH shift, cAMP accumulation and RhoA activation were measured. RESULTS: In our mixed cohort, but not in SIBDC patients, the minor variant rs8005161 was significantly associated with UC. In SIBDC patients, we observed a consistent trend in increased disease severity in patients carrying the rs8005161-TT and rs8005161-CT alleles. No significant differences were observed in the pH associated activation of cAMP production between IBD (TT, CT, WT/CC) and non-IBD (WT/CC) genotype carriers upon an acidic extracellular pH shift. However, we observed significantly impaired RhoA activation after an extracellular acidic pH shift in IBD patients, irrespective of the rs8005161 allele. CONCLUSIONS: The T allele of rs8005161 might confer a more severe disease course in IBD patients. Human monocytes from IBD patients showed impaired pH associated RhoA activation upon an acidic pH shift.

SLC2A9 (GLUT9) mediates urate reabsorption in the mouse kidney.

Uric acid (UA) is a metabolite of purine degradation and is involved in gout flairs and kidney stones formation. GLUT9 (SLC2A9) was previously shown to be a urate transporter in vitro. In vivo, humans carrying GLUT9 loss-of-function mutations have familial renal hypouricemia type 2, a condition characterized by hypouricemia, UA renal wasting associated with kidney stones, and an increased propensity to acute renal failure during strenuous exercise. Mice carrying a deletion of GLUT9 in the whole body are hyperuricemic and display a severe nephropathy due to intratubular uric acid precipitation. However, the precise role of GLUT9 in the kidney remains poorly characterized. We developed a mouse model in which GLUT9 was deleted specifically along the whole nephron in a tetracycline-inducible manner (subsequently called kidney-inducible KO or kiKO). The urate/creatinine ratio was increased as early as 4 days after induction of the KO and no GLUT9 protein was visible on kidney extracts. kiKO mice are morphologically identical to their wild-type littermates and had no spontaneous kidney stones. Twenty-four-hour urine collection revealed a major increase of urate urinary excretion rate and of the fractional excretion of urate, with no difference in urate concentration in the plasma. Polyuria was observed, but kiKO mice were still able to concentrate urine after water restriction. KiKO mice displayed lower blood pressure accompanied by an increased heart rate. Overall, these results indicate that GLUT9 is a crucial player in renal handling of urate in vivo and a putative target for uricosuric drugs.

Design and synthesis of potent and orally active GPR4 antagonists with modulatory effects on nociception, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

GPR4, a G-protein coupled receptor, functions as a proton sensor being activated by extracellular acidic pH and has been implicated in playing a key role in acidosis associated with a variety of inflammatory conditions. An orally active GPR4 antagonist 39c was developed, starting from a high throughput screening hit 1. The compound shows potent cellular activity and is efficacious in animal models of angiogenesis, inflammation and pain.

Oxysterols direct immune cell migration via EBI2.

Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2, also known as GPR183) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is required for humoral immune responses; polymorphisms in the receptor have been associated with inflammatory autoimmune diseases. The natural ligand for EBI2 has been unknown. Here we describe the identification of 7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol (also called 7α,25-OHC or 5-cholesten-3ß,7α,25-triol) as a potent and selective agonist of EBI2. Functional activation of human EBI2 by 7α,25-OHC and closely related oxysterols was verified by monitoring second messenger readouts and saturable, high-affinity radioligand binding. Furthermore, we find that 7α,25-OHC and closely related oxysterols act as chemoattractants for immune cells expressing EBI2 by directing cell migration in vitro and in vivo. A critical enzyme required for the generation of 7α,25-OHC is cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H). Similar to EBI2 receptor knockout mice, mice deficient in CH25H fail to position activated B cells within the spleen to the outer follicle and mount a reduced plasma cell response after an immune challenge. This demonstrates that CH25H generates EBI2 biological activity in vivo and indicates that the EBI2-oxysterol signalling pathway has an important role in the adaptive immune response.

Identification of oncogenic driver mutations by genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 dropout screening.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 dropout screens can identify genes whose knockout affects cell viability. Recent CRISPR screens detected thousands of essential genes required for cellular survival and key cellular processes; however discovering novel lineage-specific genetic dependencies from the many hits still remains a challenge. RESULTS: To assess whether CRISPR-Cas9 dropout screens can help identify cancer dependencies, we screened two human cancer cell lines carrying known and distinct oncogenic mutations using a genome-wide sgRNA library. We found that the gRNA targeting the driver mutation EGFR was one of the highest-ranking candidates in the EGFR-mutant HCC-827 lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Likewise, sgRNAs for NRAS and MAP2K1 (MEK1), a downstream kinase of mutant NRAS, were identified among the top hits in the NRAS-mutant neuroblastoma cell line CHP-212. Depletion of these genes targeted by the sgRNAs strongly correlated with the sensitivity to specific kinase inhibitors of the EGFR or RAS pathway in cell viability assays. In addition, we describe other dependencies such as TBK1 in HCC-827 cells and TRIB2 in CHP-212 cells which merit further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: We show that genome-wide CRISPR dropout screens are suitable for the identification of oncogenic drivers and other essential genes.

Target identification for a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor reveals the receptor GPR39.

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling determines cell fate during development and can drive tumorigenesis. We performed a screen for new compounds that can impinge on Hh signaling downstream of Smoothened (Smo). A series of cyclohexyl-methyl aminopyrimidine chemotype compounds ('CMAPs') were identified that could block pathway signaling in a Smo-independent manner. In addition to inhibiting Hh signaling, the compounds generated inositol phosphates through an unknown GPCR. Correlation of GPCR mRNA expression levels with compound activity across cell lines suggested the target to be the orphan receptor GPR39. RNA interference or cDNA overexpression of GPR39 demonstrated that the receptor is necessary for compound activity. We propose a model in which CMAPs activate GPR39, which signals to the Gli transcription factors and blocks signaling. In addition to the discovery of GPR39 as a new target that impinges on Hh signaling, we report on small-molecule modulators of the receptor that will enable in vitro interrogation of GPR39 signaling in different cellular contexts.

Adhesion GPCR Function in Pulmonary Development and Disease.

Classic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control multiple aspects of pulmonary physiology as demonstrated by loss-of-function experiments in mice and pharmacologic targeting of GPCRs for treatment of several pulmonary diseases. Emerging data demonstrate critical roles for members of the adhesion GPCR (aGPCR) family in pulmonary development, homeostasis, and disease. Although this field is still in its infancy, this chapter will review all available data regarding aGPCRs in pulmonary biology, with a particular focus on the aGPCR for which the most substantial data to date exist: Adgrf5.

The pH-sensing receptor OGR1 improves barrier function of epithelial cells and inhibits migration in an acidic environment.

The pH-sensing receptor ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1; GPR68) is expressed in the gut. Inflammatory bowel disease is typically associated with a decrease in local pH, which may lead to altered epithelial barrier function and subsequent gastrointestinal repair involving epithelial cell adhesion and migration. As the mechanisms underlying the response to pH changes are not well understood, we have investigated OGR1-mediated, pH-dependent signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells. Caco-2 cells stably overexpressing OGR1 were created and validated as tools to study OGR1 signaling. Barrier function, migration, and proliferation were measured using electric cell-substrate impedance-sensing technology. Localization of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens protein 1 and occludin and the rearrangement of cytoskeletal actin were examined by confocal microscopy. Paracellular permeability and protein and gene expression analysis using DNA microarrays were performed on filter-grown Caco-2 monolayers. We report that an acidic pH shift from pH 7.8 to 6.6 improved barrier function and stimulated reorganization of filamentous actin with prominent basal stress fiber formation. Cell migration and proliferation during in vitro wound healing were inhibited. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes related to cytoskeleton remodeling, cell adhesion, and growth factor signaling. We conclude that acidic extracellular pH can have a signaling function and impact the physiology of intestinal epithelial cells. The deconstruction of OGR1-dependent signaling may aid our understanding of mucosal inflammation mechanisms.

Identification of the C3a receptor (C3AR1) as the target of the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 in rodent cells.

TLQP-21, a peptide derived from VGF (non-acronymic) by proteolytic processing, has been shown to modulate energy metabolism, differentiation, and cellular response to stress. Although extensively investigated, the receptor for this endogenous peptide has not previously been described. This study describes the use of a series of studies that show G protein-coupled receptor-mediated biological activity of TLQP-21 signaling in CHO-K1 cells. Unbiased genome-wide sequencing of the transcriptome from responsive CHO-K1 cells identified a prioritized list of possible G protein-coupled receptors bringing about this activity. Further experiments using a series of defined receptor antagonists and siRNAs led to the identification of complement C3a receptor-1 (C3AR1) as a target for TLQP-21 in rodents. We have not been able to demonstrate so far that this finding is translatable to the human receptor. Our results are in line with a large number of physiological observations in rodent models of food intake and metabolic control, where TLQP-21 shows activity. In addition, the sensitivity of TLQP-21 signaling to pertussis toxin is consistent with the known signaling pathway of C3AR1. The binding of TLQP-21 to C3AR1 not only has effects on signaling but also modulates cellular functions, as TLQP-21 was shown to have a role in directing migration of mouse RAW264.7 cells.

Transcriptional regulation and functional characterization of the oxysterol/EBI2 system in primary human macrophages.

Oxysterols such as 7 alpha, 25-dihydroxycholesterol (7α,25-OHC) are natural ligands for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced gene 2 (EBI2, aka GPR183), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) highly expressed in immune cells and required for adaptive immune responses. Activation of EBI2 by specific oxysterols leads to chemotaxis of B cells in lymphoid tissues. While the ligand gradient necessary for this critical process of the adaptive immune response is established by a stromal cells subset here we investigate the involvement of the oxysterol/EBI2 system in the innate immune response. First, we show that primary human macrophages express EBI2 and the enzymes needed for ligand production such as cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H), sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1), and oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1). Furthermore, challenge of monocyte-derived macrophages with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) triggers a strong up-regulation of CH25H and CYP7B1 in comparison to a transient increase in EBI2 expression. Stimulation of EBI2 expressed on macrophages leads to calcium mobilization and to directed cell migration. Supernatants of LPS-stimulated macrophages are able to stimulate EBI2 signaling indicating that an induction of CH25H, CYP27A1, and CYP7B1 results in an enhanced production and release of oxysterols into the cellular environment. This is a study characterizing the oxysterol/EBI2 pathway in primary monocyte-derived macrophages. Given the crucial functional role of macrophages in the innate immune response these results encourage further exploration of a possible link to systemic autoimmunity.

The proton-sensing receptors TDAG8 and GPR4 are differentially expressed in human and mouse oligodendrocytes: Exploring their role in neuroinflammation and multiple sclerosis.

Acidosis is one of the hallmarks of demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). The response to acidic pH is primarily mediated by a family of G protein-coupled proton-sensing receptors: OGR1, GPR4 and TDAG8. These receptors are inactive at alkaline pH, reaching maximal activation at acidic pH. Genome-wide association studies have identified a locus within the TDAG8 gene associated with several autoimmune diseases, including MS. Accordingly, we here found that expression of TDAG8, as opposed to GPR4 or OGR1, is upregulated in MS plaques. This led us to investigate the expression of TDAG8 in oligodendrocytes using mouse and human in vitro and in vivo models. We observed significant upregulation of TDAG8 in human MO3.13 oligodendrocytes during maturation and in response to acidic conditions. However, its deficiency did not impact normal myelination in the mouse CNS, and its expression remained unaltered under demyelinating conditions in mouse organotypic cerebellar slices. Notably, our data revealed no expression of TDAG8 in primary mouse oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), in contrast to its expression in primary human OPCs. Our investigations have revealed substantial species differences in the expression of proton-sensing receptors in oligodendrocytes, highlighting the limitations of the employed experimental models in fully elucidating the role of TDAG8 in myelination and oligodendrocyte biology. Consequently, the study does not furnish robust evidence for the role of TDAG8 in such processes. Nonetheless, our findings tentatively point towards a potential association between TDAG8 and myelination processes in humans, hinting at a potential link between TDAG8 and the pathophysiology of MS and warrants further research.

The proton-activated receptor GPR4 modulates glucose homeostasis by increasing insulin sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: The proton-activated G protein-coupled receptor GPR4 is expressed in many tissues including white adipose tissue. GPR4 is activated by extracellular protons in the physiological pH range (i.e. pH 7.7 - 6.8) and is coupled to the production of cAMP. METHODS: We examined mice lacking GPR4 and examined glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in young and aged mice as well as in mice fed with a high fat diet. Expression profiles of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in white adipose tissue, liver and skeletal muscle was assessed. RESULTS: Here we show that mice lacking GPR4 have an improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and increased insulin sensitivity. Insulin levels were comparable but leptin levels were increased in GPR4 KO mice. Gpr4-/- showed altered expression of PPARa, IL-6, IL-10, TNFa, and TGF-1b in skeletal muscle, white adipose tissue, and liver. High fat diet abolished the differences in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity between Gpr4+/+ and Gpr4-/- mice. In contrast, in aged mice (12 months old), the positive effect of GPR4 deficiency on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity was maintained. Liver and adipose tissue showed no major differences in the mRNA expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors between aged mice of both genotypes. CONCLUSION: Thus, GPR4 deficiency improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The effect may involve an altered balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in insulin target tissues.

The proton-activated G protein coupled receptor OGR1 acutely regulates the activity of epithelial proton transport proteins.

The Ovarian cancer G protein-coupled Receptor 1 (OGR1; GPR68) is proton-sensitive in the pH range of 6.8 - 7.8. However, its physiological function is not defined to date. OGR1 signals via inositol trisphosphate and intracellular calcium, albeit downstream events are unclear. To elucidate OGR1 function further, we transfected HEK293 cells with active OGR1 receptor or a mutant lacking 5 histidine residues (H5Phe-OGR1). An acute switch of extracellular pH from 8 to 7.1 (10 nmol/l vs 90 nmol/l protons) stimulated NHE and H(+)-ATPase activity in OGR1-transfected cells, but not in H5Phe-OGR1-transfected cells. ZnCl(2) and CuCl(2) that both inhibit OGR1 reduced the stimulatory effect. The activity was blocked by chelerythrine, whereas the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD 098059 had no inhibitory effect. OGR1 activation increased intracellular calcium in transfected HEK293 cells. We next isolated proximal tubules from kidneys of wild-type and OGR1-deficient mice and measured the effect of extracellular pH on NHE activity in vitro. Deletion of OGR1 affected the pH-dependent proton extrusion, however, in the opposite direction as expected from cell culture experiments. Upregulated expression of the pH-sensitive kinase Pyk2 in OGR1 KO mouse proximal tubule cells may compensate for the loss of OGR1. Thus, we present the first evidence that OGR1 modulates the activity of two major plasma membrane proton transport systems. OGR1 may be involved in the regulation of plasma membrane transport proteins and intra- and/or extracellular pH.

Regulation of pulmonary surfactant by the adhesion GPCR GPR116/ADGRF5 requires a tethered agonist-mediated activation mechanism.

The mechanistic details of the tethered agonist mode of activation for the adhesion GPCR ADGRF5/GPR116 have not been completely deciphered. We set out to investigate the physiological importance of autocatalytic cleavage upstream of the agonistic peptide sequence, an event necessary for NTF displacement and subsequent receptor activation. To examine this hypothesis, we characterized tethered agonist-mediated activation of GPR116 in vitro and in vivo. A knock-in mouse expressing a non-cleavable GPR116 mutant phenocopies the pulmonary phenotype of GPR116 knock-out mice, demonstrating that tethered agonist-mediated receptor activation is indispensable for function in vivo. Using site-directed mutagenesis and species-swapping approaches, we identified key conserved amino acids for GPR116 activation in the tethered agonist sequence and in extracellular loops 2/3 (ECL2/3). We further highlight residues in transmembrane 7 (TM7) that mediate stronger signaling in mouse versus human GPR116 and recapitulate these findings in a model supporting tethered agonist:ECL2 interactions for GPR116 activation.