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The Duffy antigen receptor is a seven-transmembrane (7TM) protein expressed primarily at the surface of red blood cells and displays strikingly promiscuous binding to multiple inflammatory and homeostatic chemokines. It serves as the basis of the Duffy blood group system in humans and also acts as the primary attachment site for malarial parasite Plasmodium vivax and pore-forming toxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we comprehensively profile transducer coupling of this receptor, discover potential non-canonical signaling pathways, and determine the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure in complex with the chemokine CCL7. The structure reveals a distinct binding mode of chemokines, as reflected by relatively superficial binding and a partially formed orthosteric binding pocket. We also observe a dramatic shortening of TM5 and 6 on the intracellular side, which precludes the formation of the docking site for canonical signal transducers, thereby providing a possible explanation for the distinct pharmacological and functional phenotype of this receptor.
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ß-arrestin plays a key role in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and desensitization. Despite recent structural advances, the mechanisms that govern receptor-ß-arrestin interactions at the plasma membrane of living cells remain elusive. Here, we combine single-molecule microscopy with molecular dynamics simulations to dissect the complex sequence of events involved in ß-arrestin interactions with both receptors and the lipid bilayer. Unexpectedly, our results reveal that ß-arrestin spontaneously inserts into the lipid bilayer and transiently interacts with receptors via lateral diffusion on the plasma membrane. Moreover, they indicate that, following receptor interaction, the plasma membrane stabilizes ß-arrestin in a longer-lived, membrane-bound state, allowing it to diffuse to clathrin-coated pits separately from the activating receptor. These results expand our current understanding of ß-arrestin function at the plasma membrane, revealing a critical role for ß-arrestin preassociation with the lipid bilayer in facilitating its interactions with receptors and subsequent activation.
Assuntos
Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G , Transdução de Sinais , beta-Arrestinas , beta-Arrestinas/metabolismo , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Clatrina/metabolismo , Endocitose , Bicamadas Lipídicas , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Simulação de Dinâmica MolecularRESUMO
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) relay extracellular stimuli into specific cellular functions. Cells express many different GPCRs, but all these GPCRs signal to only a few second messengers such as cAMP. It is largely unknown how cells distinguish between signals triggered by different GPCRs to orchestrate their complex functions. Here, we demonstrate that individual GPCRs signal via receptor-associated independent cAMP nanodomains (RAINs) that constitute self-sufficient, independent cell signaling units. Low concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and isoproterenol exclusively generate highly localized cAMP pools around GLP-1- and ß2-adrenergic receptors, respectively, which are protected from cAMP originating from other receptors and cell compartments. Mapping local cAMP concentrations with engineered GPCR nanorulers reveals gradients over only tens of nanometers that define the size of individual RAINs. The coexistence of many such RAINs allows a single cell to operate thousands of independent cellular signals simultaneously, rather than function as a simple "on/off" switch.
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Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G , Transdução de Sinais , Fenômenos Fisiológicos Celulares , AMP Cíclico , Peptídeo 1 Semelhante ao Glucagon , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2 , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/química , Sistemas do Segundo MensageiroRESUMO
Intricate relationships between endocytosis and cellular signaling, first recognized nearly 40 years ago through the study of tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors, are now known to exist for multiple receptor classes and to affect myriad physiological and developmental processes. This review summarizes our present understanding of how endocytosis orchestrates cellular signaling networks, with an emphasis on mechanistic underpinnings and focusing on two receptor classes-tyrosine kinase and G protein-coupled receptors-that have been investigated in particular detail. Together, these examples provide a useful survey of the current consensus, uncertainties, and controversies in this rapidly advancing area of cell biology.
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Endocitose/fisiologia , Receptores Proteína Tirosina Quinases/metabolismo , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Animais , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Endossomos/metabolismo , Humanos , Lisossomos/metabolismo , Transporte Proteico , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
Current therapies for Alzheimer's disease seek to correct for defective cholinergic transmission by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, these however have limited clinical efficacy. An alternative approach is to directly activate cholinergic receptors responsible for learning and memory. The M1-muscarinic acetylcholine (M1) receptor is the target of choice but has been hampered by adverse effects. Here we aimed to design the drug properties needed for a well-tolerated M1-agonist with the potential to alleviate cognitive loss by taking a stepwise translational approach from atomic structure, cell/tissue-based assays, evaluation in preclinical species, clinical safety testing, and finally establishing activity in memory centers in humans. Through this approach, we rationally designed the optimal properties, including selectivity and partial agonism, into HTL9936-a potential candidate for the treatment of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. More broadly, this demonstrates a strategy for targeting difficult GPCR targets from structure to clinic.
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Doença de Alzheimer/tratamento farmacológico , Desenho de Fármacos , Receptor Muscarínico M1/agonistas , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Envelhecimento/patologia , Doença de Alzheimer/complicações , Doença de Alzheimer/diagnóstico por imagem , Doença de Alzheimer/patologia , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Pressão Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Células CHO , Inibidores da Colinesterase/farmacologia , Cricetulus , Cristalização , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Cães , Donepezila/farmacologia , Eletroencefalografia , Feminino , Células HEK293 , Frequência Cardíaca/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Modelos Moleculares , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Degeneração Neural/complicações , Degeneração Neural/patologia , Primatas , Ratos , Receptor Muscarínico M1/química , Transdução de Sinais , Homologia Estrutural de ProteínaRESUMO
Cells relay a plethora of extracellular signals to specific cellular responses by using only a few second messengers, such as cAMP. To explain signaling specificity, cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have been suggested to confine cAMP to distinct cellular compartments. However, measured rates of fast cAMP diffusion and slow PDE activity render cAMP compartmentalization essentially impossible. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that, contrary to earlier data, cAMP at physiological concentrations is predominantly bound to cAMP binding sites and, thus, immobile. Binding and unbinding results in largely reduced cAMP dynamics, which we term "buffered diffusion." With a large fraction of cAMP being buffered, PDEs can create nanometer-size domains of low cAMP concentrations. Using FRET-cAMP nanorulers, we directly map cAMP gradients at the nanoscale around PDE molecules and the areas of resulting downstream activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Our study reveals that spatiotemporal cAMP signaling is under precise control of nanometer-size domains shaped by PDEs that gate activation of downstream effectors.
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Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Diester Fosfórico Hidrolases/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Análise de Célula Única/métodos , Simulação por Computador , AMP Cíclico/química , Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/química , Citoplasma/metabolismo , Transferência Ressonante de Energia de Fluorescência , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Modelos Moleculares , Diester Fosfórico Hidrolases/química , Ligação Proteica , Domínios Proteicos , Proteínas Recombinantes , Análise Espaço-Temporal , Espectrometria de FluorescênciaRESUMO
Directed evolution, artificial selection toward designed objectives, is routinely used to develop new molecular tools and therapeutics. Successful directed molecular evolution campaigns repeatedly test diverse sequences with a designed selective pressure. Unicellular organisms and their viral pathogens are exceptional for this purpose and have been used for decades. However, many desirable targets of directed evolution perform poorly or unnaturally in unicellular backgrounds. Here, we present a system for facile directed evolution in mammalian cells. Using the RNA alphavirus Sindbis as a vector for heredity and diversity, we achieved 24-h selection cycles surpassing 10-3 mutations per base. Selection is achieved through genetically actuated sequences internal to the host cell, thus the system's name: viral evolution of genetically actuating sequences, or "VEGAS." Using VEGAS, we evolve transcription factors, GPCRs, and allosteric nanobodies toward functional signaling endpoints each in less than 1 weeks' time.
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Evolução Molecular Direcionada/métodos , Regulação Alostérica , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Transferência Ressonante de Energia de Fluorescência , Vetores Genéticos/genética , Vetores Genéticos/metabolismo , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Mutação , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/química , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/genética , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Alinhamento de Sequência , Sindbis virus/genética , Anticorpos de Domínio Único/química , Anticorpos de Domínio Único/genética , Anticorpos de Domínio Único/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/química , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismoRESUMO
The CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) balances immunity and tolerance by homeostatic trafficking of immune cells. In cancer, CCR7-mediated trafficking leads to lymph node metastasis, suggesting the receptor as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we present the crystal structure of human CCR7 fused to the protein Sialidase NanA by using data up to 2.1 Å resolution. The structure shows the ligand Cmp2105 bound to an intracellular allosteric binding pocket. A sulfonamide group, characteristic for various chemokine receptor ligands, binds to a patch of conserved residues in the Gi protein binding region between transmembrane helix 7 and helix 8. We demonstrate how structural data can be used in combination with a compound repository and automated thermal stability screening to identify and modulate allosteric chemokine receptor antagonists. We detect both novel (CS-1 and CS-2) and clinically relevant (CXCR1-CXCR2 phase-II antagonist Navarixin) CCR7 modulators with implications for multi-target strategies against cancer.
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Ligantes , Receptores CCR7/metabolismo , Regulação Alostérica , Sítios de Ligação , Cristalografia por Raios X , Humanos , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Neuraminidase/genética , Neuraminidase/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína , Receptores CCR2/química , Receptores CCR2/metabolismo , Receptores CCR7/antagonistas & inibidores , Receptores CCR7/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/biossíntese , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/química , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Heterotrimetic G proteins consist of four subfamilies (Gs, Gi/o, Gq/11, and G12/13) that mediate signaling via G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), principally by receptors binding Gα C termini. G-protein-coupling profiles govern GPCR-induced cellular responses, yet receptor sequence selectivity determinants remain elusive. Here, we systematically quantified ligand-induced interactions between 148 GPCRs and all 11 unique Gα subunit C termini. For each receptor, we probed chimeric Gα subunit activation via a transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) shedding response in HEK293 cells lacking endogenous Gq/11 and G12/13 proteins, and complemented G-protein-coupling profiles through a NanoBiT-G-protein dissociation assay. Interrogation of the dataset identified sequence-based coupling specificity features, inside and outside the transmembrane domain, which we used to develop a coupling predictor that outperforms previous methods. We used the predictor to engineer designer GPCRs selectively coupled to G12. This dataset of fine-tuned signaling mechanisms for diverse GPCRs is a valuable resource for research in GPCR signaling.
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Proteínas Heterotriméricas de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismo , Modelos Biológicos , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Feminino , Células HEK293 , Proteínas Heterotriméricas de Ligação ao GTP/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Células PC-3 , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/genéticaRESUMO
To form protrusions like neurites, cells must coordinate their induction and growth. The first requires cytoskeletal rearrangements at the plasma membrane (PM), the second requires directed material delivery from cell's insides. We find that the Gαo-subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins localizes dually to PM and Golgi across phyla and cell types. The PM pool of Gαo induces, and the Golgi pool feeds, the growing protrusions by stimulated trafficking. Golgi-residing KDELR binds and activates monomeric Gαo, atypically for G protein-coupled receptors that normally act on heterotrimeric G proteins. Through multidimensional screenings identifying > 250 Gαo interactors, we pinpoint several basic cellular activities, including vesicular trafficking, as being regulated by Gαo. We further find small Golgi-residing GTPases Rab1 and Rab3 as direct effectors of Gαo. This KDELR â Gαo â Rab1/3 signaling axis is conserved from insects to mammals and controls material delivery from Golgi to PM in various cells and tissues.
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Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Extensões da Superfície Celular/metabolismo , Subunidades alfa Gi-Go de Proteínas de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismo , Complexo de Golgi/metabolismo , Animais , Linhagem Celular , Drosophila , Feminino , GTP Fosfo-Hidrolases/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Neuritos/metabolismo , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Receptores de Peptídeos/metabolismo , Técnicas do Sistema de Duplo-Híbrido , Proteínas rab1 de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismo , Proteínas rab3 de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismoRESUMO
3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mediates the effects of sympathetic stimulation on the rate and strength of cardiac contraction. Beyond this pivotal role, in cardiac myocytes cAMP also orchestrates a diverse array of reactions to various stimuli. To ensure specificity of response, the cAMP signaling pathway is intricately organized into multiple, spatially confined, subcellular domains, each governing a distinct cellular function. In this review, we describe the molecular components of the cAMP signalling pathway, how they organized are inside the intracellular space and how they achieve exquisite regulation of signalling within nanometer-size domains. We delineate the key experimental findings that lead to the current model of compartmentalised cAMP signaling and we offer an overview of our present understanding of how cAMP nanodomains are structured and regulated within cardiac myocytes. Furthermore, we discuss how compartmentalized cAMP signaling is affected in cardiac disease and consider the potential therapeutic opportunities arising from understanding such organization. By exploiting the nuances of compartmentalized cAMP signaling, novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for managing cardiac conditions may emerge. Finally, we highlight the unresolved questions and hurdles that must be addressed to translate these insights into interventions that may benefit patients.
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Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) catalyze the conversion of ATP to the ubiquitous second messenger cAMP. Mammals possess nine isoforms of transmembrane ACs, dubbed AC1-9, that serve as major effector enzymes of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The transmembrane ACs display varying expression patterns across tissues, giving the potential for them to have a wide array of physiological roles. Cells express multiple AC isoforms, implying that ACs have redundant functions. Furthermore, all transmembrane ACs are activated by Gαs, so it was long assumed that all ACs are activated by Gαs-coupled GPCRs. AC isoforms partition to different microdomains of the plasma membrane and form prearranged signaling complexes with specific GPCRs that contribute to cAMP signaling compartments. This compartmentation allows for a diversity of cellular and physiological responses by enabling unique signaling events to be triggered by different pools of cAMP. Isoform-specific pharmacological activators or inhibitors are lacking for most ACs, making knockdown and overexpression the primary tools for examining the physiological roles of a given isoform. Much progress has been made in understanding the physiological effects mediated through individual transmembrane ACs. GPCR-AC-cAMP signaling pathways play significant roles in regulating functions of every cell and tissue, so understanding each AC isoform's role holds potential for uncovering new approaches for treating a vast array of pathophysiological conditions.
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Adenilil Ciclases/metabolismo , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologia , Animais , Humanos , Mamíferos/metabolismo , Isoformas de Proteínas/metabolismo , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismoRESUMO
Louis Pasteur once famously said 'in the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind'. Much of chance is being in the right place at the right time. This is particularly true in the crowded molecular environment of the cell where being in the right place is often more important than timing. Although Brownian motion argues that enzymes will eventually bump into substrates, this probability is greatly enhanced if both molecules reside in the same subcellular compartment. However, activation of cell signaling enzymes often requires the transmission of chemical signals from extracellular stimuli to intracellular sites of action. This review highlights new developments in our understanding of cAMP generation and the 3D utilization of this second messenger inside cells.
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AMP Cíclico , Transdução de Sinais , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologiaRESUMO
Neurohypophysial peptides are ancient and evolutionarily highly conserved neuropeptides that regulate many crucial physiological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates. The human neurohypophysial oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) signaling system with its four receptors has become an attractive drug target for a variety of diseases, including cancer, pain, cardiovascular indications, and neurological disorders. Despite its promise, drug development faces hurdles, including signaling complexity, selectivity and off-target concerns, translational interspecies differences, and inefficient drug delivery. In this review we dive into the complexity of the OT/VP signaling system in health and disease, provide an overview of relevant pharmacological probes, and discuss the latest trends in therapeutic lead discovery and drug development.
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Ocitocina , Vasopressinas , Animais , Humanos , Receptores de VasopressinasRESUMO
Mechanical forces influence different cell types in our bodies. Among the earliest forces experienced in mammals is blood movement in the vascular system. Blood flow starts at the embryonic stage and ceases when the heart stops. Blood flow exposes endothelial cells (ECs) that line all blood vessels to hemodynamic forces. ECs detect these mechanical forces (mechanosensing) through mechanosensors, thus triggering physiological responses such as changes in vascular diameter. In this review, we focus on endothelial mechanosensing and on how different ion channels, receptors, and membrane structures detect forces and mediate intricate mechanotransduction responses. We further highlight that these responses often reflect collaborative efforts involving several mechanosensors and mechanotransducers. We close with a consideration of current knowledge regarding the dysregulation of endothelial mechanosensing during disease. Because hemodynamic disruptions are hallmarks of cardiovascular disease, studying endothelial mechanosensing holds great promise for advancing our understanding of vascular physiology and pathophysiology.
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Endotélio Vascular , Mecanotransdução Celular , Animais , Humanos , Endotélio Vascular/fisiologia , Mecanotransdução Celular/fisiologia , Células Endoteliais/metabolismo , Estresse Mecânico , Canais Iônicos/metabolismo , Mamíferos/metabolismoRESUMO
Cell-surface receptors mediate communication between cells and their environment. Lateral membrane organization and dynamic receptor cluster formation are fundamental in signal transduction and cell signaling. However, it is not yet fully understood how receptor clustering modulates a wide variety of physiologically relevant processes. Recent growing evidence indicates that biological responses triggered by membrane receptors can be modulated even in the absence of the natural receptor ligand. We review the most recent findings on how ligand-independent receptor clustering can regulate transmembrane signaling. We discuss the latest technologies to control receptor assembly, such as DNA nanotechnology, optogenetics, and optochemistry, focusing on the biological relevance and unraveling of ligand-independent signaling.
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Receptores de Superfície Celular , Transdução de Sinais , Ligantes , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologia , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Receptores de Superfície Celular/metabolismo , Análise por ConglomeradosRESUMO
Fatty acids are metabolized and synthesized as energy substrates during biological responses. Long- and medium-chain fatty acids derived mainly from dietary triglycerides, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbial fermentation of the otherwise indigestible dietary fiber, constitute the major sources of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the metabolic network. Recently, increasing evidence indicates that FFAs serve not only as energy sources but also as natural ligands for a group of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) termed free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), essentially intertwining metabolism and immunity in multiple ways, such as via inflammation regulation and secretion of peptide hormones. To date, several FFARs that are activated by the FFAs of various chain lengths have been identified and characterized. In particular, FFAR1 (GPR40) and FFAR4 (GPR120) are activated by long-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, while FFAR3 (GPR41) and FFAR2 (GPR43) are activated by SCFAs, mainly acetate, butyrate, and propionate. In this review, we discuss the recent reports on the key physiological functions of the FFAR-mediated signaling transduction pathways in the regulation of metabolism and immune responses. We also attempt to reveal future research opportunities for developing therapeutics for metabolic and immune disorders.
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Ácidos Graxos não Esterificados/metabolismo , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Animais , Humanos , Receptores de Superfície Celular/metabolismo , Receptores de Superfície Celular/fisiologia , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/fisiologiaRESUMO
G protein-coupled receptors are the largest and pharmacologically most important receptor family and are involved in the regulation of most cell functions. Most of them reside exclusively at the cell surface, from where they signal via heterotrimeric G proteins to control the production of second messengers such as cAMP and IP3 as well as the activity of several ion channels. However, they may also internalize upon agonist stimulation or constitutively reside in various intracellular locations. Recent evidence indicates that their function differs depending on their precise cellular localization. This is because the signals they produce, notably cAMP and Ca2+, are mostly bound to cell proteins that significantly reduce their mobility, allowing the generation of steep concentration gradients. As a result, signals generated by the receptors remain confined to nanometer-sized domains. We propose that such nanometer-sized domains represent the basic signaling units in a cell and a new type of target for drug development.
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Desenvolvimento de Medicamentos , Transdução de Sinais , Humanos , Membrana CelularRESUMO
While the existence and functional role of class C G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) dimers is well established, there is still a lack of consensus regarding class A and B GPCR multimerization. This lack of consensus is largely due to the inherent challenges of demonstrating the presence of multimeric receptor complexes in a physiologically relevant cellular context. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a class A GPCR that is a promising target of anticancer therapy. Here, we investigated the potential of CXCR4 to form multimeric complexes with other GPCRs and characterized the relative size of the complexes in a live-cell environment. Using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, we identified the ß2 adrenergic receptor (ß2AR) as an interaction partner. To investigate the molecular scale details of CXCR4-ß2AR interactions, we used a time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy method called pulsed-interleaved excitation fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (PIE-FCCS). PIE-FCCS can resolve membrane protein density, diffusion, and multimerization state in live cells at physiological expression levels. We probed CXCR4 and ß2AR homo- and heteromultimerization in model cell lines and found that CXCR4 assembles into multimeric complexes larger than dimers in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and in HCC4006 human lung cancer cells. We also found that ß2AR associates with CXCR4 multimers in MDA-MB-231 and HCC4006 cells to a higher degree than in COS-7 and CHO cells and in a ligand-dependent manner. These results suggest that CXCR4-ß2AR heteromers are present in human cancer cells and that GPCR multimerization is significantly affected by the plasma membrane environment.
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Neoplasias , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2 , Receptores CXCR4 , Transdução de Sinais , Animais , Cricetinae , Humanos , Células CHO , Cricetulus , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Receptores CXCR4/metabolismo , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/metabolismo , Multimerização ProteicaRESUMO
The class F of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) consists of ten Frizzleds (FZD1-10) and Smoothened (SMO). FZDs bind and are activated by secreted lipoglycoproteins of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) family and SMO is indirectly activated by the Hedgehog (Hh) family of morphogens acting on the transmembrane protein Patched (PTCH). The advance of our understanding of FZDs and SMO as dynamic transmembrane receptors and molecular machines, which emerged during the past 14 years since the first class F GPCR IUPHAR nomenclature report, justifies an update. This article focuses on the advances in molecular pharmacology and structural biology providing new mechanistic insight into ligand recognition, receptor activation mechanisms, signal initiation and signal specification. Furthermore, class F GPCRs continue to develop as drug targets, and novel technologies and tools such as genetically encoded biosensors and CRISP/Cas9 edited cell systems have contributed to refined functional analysis of these receptors. Also, advances in crystal structure analysis and cryogenic electron microscopy contribute to a rapid development of our knowledge about structure-function relationships providing a great starting point for drug development. Despite the progress questions and challenges remain to fully understand the complexity of the WNT/FZD and Hh/SMO signaling systems. Significance Statement The recent years of research have brought about substantial functional and structural insight into mechanisms of activation of Frizzleds and Smoothened. While the advance furthers our mechanistic understanding of ligand recognition, receptor activation, signal specification and initiation, broader opportunities emerge that allow targeting class F GPCRs for therapy and regenerative medicine employing both biologics and small molecule compounds.