MRAP deficiency impairs adrenal progenitor cell differentiation and gland zonation.

Melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) is a single transmembrane domain accessory protein and a critical component of the hypothamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. MRAP is highly expressed in the adrenal gland and is essential for adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) receptor expression and function. Human loss-of-function mutations in MRAP cause familial glucocorticoid (GC) deficiency (FGD) type 2 (FGD2), whereby the adrenal gland fails to respond to ACTH and to produce cortisol. In this study, we generated Mrap-null mice to study the function of MRAP in vivo. We found that the vast majority of Mrap-/- mice died at birth but could be rescued by administration of corticosterone to pregnant dams. Surviving Mrap-/- mice developed isolated GC deficiency with normal mineralocorticoid and catecholamine production, recapitulating FGD2. The adrenal glands of adult Mrap-/- mice were small, with grossly impaired adrenal capsular morphology and cortex zonation. Progenitor cell differentiation was significantly impaired, with dysregulation of WNT4/ß-catenin and sonic hedgehog pathways. These data demonstrate the roles of MRAP in both steroidogenesis and the regulation of adrenal cortex zonation. This is the first mouse model of isolated GC deficiency and reveals the role of MRAP in adrenal progenitor cell regulation and cortex zonation.-Novoselova, T. V., Hussain, M., King, P. J., Guasti, L., Metherell, L. A., Charalambous, M., Clark, A. J. L., Chan, L. F. MRAP deficiency impairs adrenal progenitor cell differentiation and gland zonation.

Ligand-specific conformational change of the G-protein-coupled receptor ALX/FPR2 determines proresolving functional responses.

Formyl-peptide receptor type 2 (FPR2), also called ALX (the lipoxin A4 receptor), conveys the proresolving properties of lipoxin A4 and annexin A1 (AnxA1) and the proinflammatory signals elicited by serum amyloid protein A and cathelicidins, among others. We tested here the hypothesis that ALX might exist as homo- or heterodimer with FPR1 or FPR3 (the two other family members) and operate in a ligand-biased fashion. Coimmunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays with transfected HEK293 cells revealed constitutive dimerization of the receptors; significantly, AnxA1, but not serum amyloid protein A, could activate ALX homodimers. A p38/MAPK-activated protein kinase/heat shock protein 27 signaling signature was unveiled after AnxA1 application, leading to generation of IL-10, as measured in vitro (in primary monocytes) and in vivo (after i.p. injection in the mouse). The latter response was absent in mice lacking the ALX ortholog. Using a similar approach, ALX/FPR1 heterodimerization evoked using the panagonist peptide Ac2-26, identified a JNK-mediated proapoptotic path that was confirmed in primary neutrophils. These findings provide a molecular mechanism that accounts for the dual nature of ALX and indicate that agonist binding and dimerization state contribute to the conformational landscape of FPRs.

Mutations in MRAP, encoding a new interacting partner of the ACTH receptor, cause familial glucocorticoid deficiency type 2.

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD), or hereditary unresponsiveness to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH; OMIM 202200), is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from resistance to the action of ACTH on the adrenal cortex, which stimulates glucocorticoid production. Affected individuals are deficient in cortisol and, if untreated, are likely to succumb to hypoglycemia or overwhelming infection in infancy or childhood. Mutations of the ACTH receptor (melanocortin 2 receptor, MC2R) account for approximately 25% of cases of FGD. FGD without mutations of MC2R is called FGD type 2. Using SNP array genotyping, we mapped a locus involved in FGD type 2 to chromosome 21q22.1. We identified mutations in a gene encoding a 19-kDa single-transmembrane domain protein, now known as melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP). We show that MRAP interacts with MC2R and may have a role in the trafficking of MC2R from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface.

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency: a diagnostic challenge during acute illness.

UNLABELLED: Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a heterogeneous condition of isolated glucocorticoid deficiency due to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistance. Patients have adrenal failure with normal electrolytes. We report two Arab children with different forms of FGD, in whom the diagnosis was initially masked by their acute illness and discuss the reasons for the delay in the diagnosis of FGD in both patients. Patient 1 presented at 12 days with Serratia sepsis. She received hydrocortisone for septic shock and needed dexamethasone courses to wean her off ventilation. At 13 weeks, she had normal electrolytes, low cortisol and high ACTH in keeping with FGD. A homozygous missense mutation (T159) in MC2R confirmed the diagnosis of FGD type 1. Patient 2 was admitted at 4.5 years, with an acute exacerbation of chronic asthma. At presentation, he had hypotension, hypoglycaemia and normal electrolytes. He was given IV hydrocortisone to treat his severe asthma, and his lip hyperpigmentation was thought to be central cyanosis. Two weeks later, his lips remained dark, and cortisol was low, with markedly elevated ACTH. Family history revealed a sister aged 22 years with cerebral palsy and a healthy 15-year-old brother, who were both severely pigmented with high ACTH levels. The diagnosis of FGD type 2 was confirmed by identifying a homozygous missense mutation (p.Y59D) in MRAP in the three siblings. CONCLUSIONS: FGD can be easily overlooked during acute illness. In a sick child, paired measurement of serum cortisol with ACTH prior to starting steroid therapy would be useful in making the diagnosis of FGD.

MRAP and MRAP2 are bidirectional regulators of the melanocortin receptor family.

The melanocortin receptor (MCR) family consists of 5 G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R-MC5R) with diverse physiologic roles. MC2R is a critical component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, whereas MC3R and MC4R have an essential role in energy homeostasis. Mutations in MC4R are the single most common cause of monogenic obesity. Investigating the way in which these receptors signal and traffic to the cell membrane is vital in understanding disease processes related to MCR dysfunction. MRAP is an MC2R accessory protein, responsible for adrenal MC2R trafficking and function. Here we identify MRAP2 as a unique homologue of MRAP, expressed in brain and the adrenal gland. We report that MRAP and MRAP2 can interact with all 5 MCRs. This interaction results in MC2R surface expression and signaling. In contrast, MRAP and MRAP2 can reduce MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R responsiveness to [Nle4,D-Phe7]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH). Collectively, our data identify MRAP and MRAP2 as unique bidirectional regulators of the MCR family.

Phenotypic characteristics of familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) type 1 and 2.

CONTEXT: Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder as a result of mutation in genes encoding either the ACTH receptor [melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R)] or its accessory protein [melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP)]. The disorder is known as FGD type 1 and 2, respectively. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the phenotype/genotype relationships between FGD 1 and 2. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Forty patients with missense MC2R mutations and 22 patients with MRAP mutations were included. Forty-four of these patients had been referred for genetic screening and 18 were patients published by other authors. RESULTS: The median age at presentation for FGD type 1 was variable at 2.0 years; range 0.02-16 years, and this was associated with unusually tall stature, mean height SDS + 1.75 +/- 1.53 (mean +/- SD). In contrast, FGD type 2 presented at a much earlier median age (0.08 years; range at birth to 1.6 years) (P < 0.01) and patients were of normal height SDS + 0.12 +/- 1.35 (P < 0.001). No differences in baseline cortisol or ACTH levels were seen between FGD types 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: FGD type 2 appears to present earlier. This may reflect the functional significance of the underlying mutations in that all MRAP mutations are nonsense or splice site mutations that result in abolition of a functional protein, whereas most of the MC2R mutations are missense mutations and give rise to proteins with some residual function. Tall stature is associated with mutations in MC2R but not in MRAP. There were no other significant clinical distinctions between the two.

A novel liver specific isoform of the rat LAR transcript is expressed as a truncated isoform encoded from a 5'UTR located within intron 11.

BACKGROUND: The leukocyte common antigen related receptor (LAR) protein has been shown to modulate the signal transduction of a number of different growth factors, including insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1. Splice variants exhibit differing roles and are expressed according to tissue type and developmental stage. RESULTS: Using 5'RACE, we identified a 5'UTR within intron 11 of the rat LAR gene. We demonstrated that this gives rise to a novel isoform of the LAR transcript encoded from the identified region within intron 11. By priming across the site from exon 11 to exon 15 we show that the novel 5'UTR is not represented in the full-length transcript and thus, it produces a truncated form of the LAR mRNA. We examined the tissue distribution of this novel isoform and found it to be exclusively expressed in liver. We additionally identified a liver specific 150 kDa band with western blotting which we propose may represent the protein product of the novel transcript. Luciferase assays showed the region immediately upstream of the 5'UTR to possesses considerable promoter activity and that this may be conferred by the presence of a number of putative binding sites for liver enriched transcription factors. CONCLUSION: In summary, we describe a novel, liver specific, truncated isoform of the LAR transcript transcribed under the control of an intronic promoter, potentially representing a previously unidentified modulator of hepatic insulin signalling.

Accessory proteins are vital for the functional expression of certain G protein-coupled receptors.

Certain G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) fail to be expressed in a functional form at the cell surface. This may be due to the improper folding and maturation of GPCRs which are highly intricate events that need to take place before these integral membrane proteins can be transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they are synthesised, to the plasma membrane which is their site of action. Once at the plasma membrane they act as the recognition elements for a vast range of endogenous ligands including biogenic amines, peptides, glycoproteins, lipids, nucleotides, ions and proteases. The assistance of molecular chaperones has been widely implicated in the trafficking and function of these proteins. Characterisation of certain GPCRs has identified a novel group of membrane proteins collectively named 'accessory proteins' as being important for the expression and function of GPCRs. In this review we will summarise the importance of these accessory proteins for the function of their respective GPCRs. Understanding their roles in GPCR expression would not only give us an insight into these receptors from a cell biological point of view but may also potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutics.

Homozygous nonsense and frameshift mutations of the ACTH receptor in children with familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) are not associated with long-term mineralocorticoid deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by isolated glucocorticoid deficiency with preserved mineralocorticoid secretion. Mutations in the ACTH receptor (MC2R) account for approximately 25% of all FGD cases, but since these are usually missense mutations, a degree of receptor function is frequently retained. A recent report, however, suggested that disturbances in the renin-aldosterone axis were seen in some patients with potentially more severe MC2R mutations. Furthermore, MC2R knock out mice have overt aldosterone deficiency and hyperkalaemia despite preservation of a normal zona glomerulosa. We wished to determine whether a group of patients with severe nonsense mutations of the MC2R exhibited evidence of mineralocorticoid deficiency, thereby challenging the conventional diagnostic feature of FGD which might result in diagnostic misclassification. DESIGN: Clinical review of patients with nonsense MC2R mutations. PATIENTS: Between 1993 and 2008, 164 patients with FGD were screened for mutations in the MC2R. Totally 42 patients (34 families) were found to have mutations in the MC2R. Of these, 6 patients (4 families) were found to have homozygous nonsense or frameshift mutations. RESULTS: Mild disturbances in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis were noted in four out of six patients, ranging from slightly elevated plasma renin levels to low aldosterone levels, although frank mineralocorticoid deficiency or electrolyte disturbance were not found. No patient required fludrocortisone replacement. CONCLUSION: Severe nonsense and frameshift MC2R mutations are not associated with clinically significant mineralocorticoid deficiency and are thus unlikely to require long-term mineralocorticoid replacement.

Epigenetic modification of the renin-angiotensin system in the fetal programming of hypertension.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Lifelong environmental factors (eg, salt intake, obesity, alcohol) and genetic factors clearly contribute to the development of hypertension, but it has also been established that stress in utero may program the later development of the disease. This phenomenon, known as fetal programming can be modeled in a range of experimental animal models. In maternal low protein diet rat models of programming, administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists in early life can prevent development of hypertension, thus implicating the renin-angiotensin system in this process. Here we show that in this model, expression of the AT(1b) angiotensin receptor gene in the adrenal gland is upregulated by the first week of life resulting in increased receptor protein expression consistent with the increased adrenal angiotensin responsiveness observed by others. Furthermore, we show that the proximal promoter of the AT(1b) gene in the adrenal is significantly undermethylated, and that in vitro, AT(1b) gene expression is highly dependent on promoter methylation. These data suggest a link between fetal insults to epigenetic modification of genes and the resultant alteration of gene expression in adult life leading ultimately to the development of hypertension. It seems highly probable that similar influences may be involved in the development of human hypertension.

Phenotypic aspects of growth hormone- and IGF-I-resistant syndromes.

Major advances in the diagnosis and characterisation of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-I resistant disorders have occurred during the past 15 years. With these advances has come the realisation that there is broad phenotypic variation within these diagnostic categories. We discuss the current status of endocrine and molecular evaluation, focussing on the phenotypic characteristics of genetic defects in the GH-IGF-I axis.

Stability and Turnover of the ACTH Receptor Complex.

Glucocorticoid production in mammals is principally regulated by the action of the pituitary hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) acting on its cognate membrane receptor on the zona fasciculata cells of the adrenal cortex. The receptor for ACTH consists of two essential components, a small seven transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptor of the melanocortin receptor subgroup known as the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) and a small single transmembrane domain protein that adopts a antiparallel homodimeric form and which is known as the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP). MRAP is essential for the trafficking of the MC2R to the cell surface as well as being required for receptor responsiveness to ACTH at physiological concentrations-probably by facilitating ACTH binding, but possibly also by supporting G protein interaction with the MC2R. A number of studies have shown that ACTH stimulates the expression of functional receptor at the cell surface and the transcription of both MC2R and MRAP mRNA. However, the time course of these transcriptional effects differs such that MRAP is expressed relatively rapidly whereas MC2R transcription responds much more slowly. Furthermore, recent data suggests that MRAP protein is turned over with a short half-life whereas MC2R has a significantly longer half-life. These findings imply that these two ACTH receptor proteins have distinct trajectories and that it is likely that MRAP-independent MC2R is present at the cell surface. In such a situation newly transcribed and translated MRAP could enable the rapid recruitment of functional receptor at the plasma membrane without the need for new MC2R translation. This may be advantageous in circumstances of significant stress in that the potentially complex and perhaps inefficient process of de novo MC2R translation, folding, post-translational modification and trafficking can be avoided.

ACTH signalling and adrenal development: lessons from mouse models.

The melanocortin-2-receptor (MC2R), also known as the ACTH receptor, is a critical component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The importance of MC2R in adrenal physiology is exemplified by the condition familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD), a potentially fatal disease characterised by isolated cortisol deficiency. MC2R mutations cause ~25% of cases. The discovery of a MC2R accessory protein MRAP, mutations of which account for ~20% of FGD, has provided insight into MC2R trafficking and signalling. MRAP is a single transmembrane domain accessory protein highly expressed in the adrenal gland and essential for MC2R expression and function. Mouse models helped elucidate the action of ACTH. The Mc2r-knockout (Mc2r - / - ) mice was the first mouse model developed to have adrenal insufficiency with deficiencies in glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and catecholamines. We recently reported the generation of the Mrap - / - mice which better mimics the human FGD phenotype with isolated glucocorticoid deficiency alone. The adrenal glands of adult Mrap - / - mice were grossly dysmorphic with a thickened capsule, deranged zonation and deranged WNT4/beta-catenin and sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway signalling. Collectively, these mouse models of FGD highlight the importance of ACTH and MRAP in adrenal progenitor cell regulation, cortex maintenance and zonation.

Mechanisms of adrenocorticotropin-induced activation of extracellularly regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the human H295R adrenal cell line.

The role of ACTH in stimulating or inhibiting growth of adrenal cells has been a subject of some controversy. Reports that ACTH may stimulate ERK/MAPK in Y1 cells have suggested a role for cAMP in this process. In attempting to extend this work, the ACTH responses in the human H295R cell line have been studied. This cell line makes only a very modest cAMP response to ACTH, yet the ERK1/2 response is highly reproducible and immediate but not prolonged. It is minimally reduced by the protein kinase A inhibitor, H89, but unaffected by protein kinase C and calcium inhibitors. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor or other tyrosine kinase receptor transactivation was without effect, as was inhibition of c-Src activity or c-Src phosphorylation. The most effective inhibitor of this pathway was dansylcadaverine, an inhibitor of receptor internalization. These findings imply that ACTH-induced ERK1/2 activation in H295R cells is dependent on a mechanism distinct from that by which most G protein-coupled receptors activate ERK1/2 but that nevertheless seems to depend on receptor internalization.

The melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein exists as a homodimer and is essential for the function of the melanocortin 2 receptor in the mouse y1 cell line.

The ACTH receptor [melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R)] gene produces a functional receptor only when transfected into cells of adrenocortical origin, implying that it may require an adrenal-specific accessory factor. Recently we showed that the MC2R accessory protein (MRAP) is essential for the cell surface expression of the MC2R in such models. Using RNA interference (RNAi) technology, we have further explored the action of MRAP in the functioning of the MC2R in Y1 mouse adrenocortical cells that endogenously express MRAP and MC2R. We created stable cell lines expressing mouse MRAP short hairpin RNA (shRNAs) by transfecting cells with an expression vector containing the MRAP small interfering RNA sequence. The knockdown of MRAP resulted in a reduction in MC2R signaling. The overexpression of a mouse MRAP-Flag construct did not restore the expression of MRAP due to its degradation by the mouse shRNAs. The introduction of human MRAP that is resistant to silencing by mouse MRAP shRNAs resulted in the rescue of the MC2R signaling. MRAP migrates on SDS-PAGE with markedly lower mobility than predicted for a 14.1-kDa protein. Coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectroscopy suggests that MRAP exists as a homodimer that is resistant to dissociation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and reducing agents.

A novel variant of familial glucocorticoid deficiency prevalent among the Irish Traveler population.

CONTEXT: Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by distinct clinical, biochemical, and genetic abnormalities. The prevalence of FGD is unknown, with the likelihood that cases remain undiagnosed. We noted a significant proportion of our FGD cases are Irish Travelers. Irish Travelers are an endogamous nomadic group ethnically and genetically distinct from Roma gypsies. AIMS: The objective of the study was to describe the clinical features and assess the prevalence of FGD amongst Irish Travelers in the Republic of Ireland and describe their phenotype. METHODS: Diagnosis of FGD was based on clinical features, high ACTH, and low cortisol concentrations with normal renin and aldosterone concentrations and exclusion of other causes of adrenal failure. Data from the Republic of Ireland Census 2006 were used. RESULTS: We identified 21 cases of FGD, generating an overall prevalence of one in 201,898. We report nine Irish Travelers (five females) with FGD related to a new gene negative for melanocortin-2 receptor and melanocortin-2 receptor accessory protein mutations. Of a total population of 22,557 Travelers, this yields a disease prevalence of one in 2506 with a carrier frequency of one in 25 in this group and represents a prevalence of one in 665 and a carrier frequency of one in 13 in the 4- to 15-yr Traveler age group. All nine children had a later onset of FGD due to the fact that their initial investigations revealed normal cortisol (422-575 nmol/liter) and ACTH (<34 ng/liter) concentrations. CONCLUSION: We report a high prevalence of FGD among Irish Travelers. Their subtle phenotype and initial normal biochemistry may delay the early diagnosis of FGD.

Interaction of the melanocortin 2 receptor with nucleoporin 50: evidence for a novel pathway between a G-protein-coupled receptor and the nucleus.

The adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) receptor (melanocortin 2 receptor, or MC2R) is the smallest G-protein-coupled receptor that, when activated by the peptide hormone ACTH, stimulates cAMP production and adrenal steroidogenesis. Receptor expression is dependent on a specific membrane trafficking process involving an accessory protein (melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein, or MRAP) and other unidentified components. In an attempt to discover novel receptor interacting proteins, the C-terminal tail of the MC2R was used to screen a mouse adrenal Y6 cell cDNA library using the bacterial two-hybrid system. This identified the nucleoporin Nup 50 (Npap60) as the major full-length interacting protein. Interaction was confirmed by a GST pulldown assay and by coimmunoprecipitation in human H295R cells (which express both proteins endogenously). Deletion analysis identified the region between residues 143 and 466 in Nup50 as being required for interaction with the MC2R. Stimulation of H295R cells with ACTH (10(-6) M) was followed by a gradual translocation of the Nup50-MC2R complex from the membrane to the nucleus after 30 min. This time course is most consistent with MC2R internalization dynamics and may suggest a novel role for Nup50.

Adrenocorticotropin resistance syndromes.

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) and triple A syndrome belong to a rare group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) insensitivity. Unlike triple A syndrome which presents a range of clinical features, FGD is solely characterized by glucocorticoid deficiency. ACTH regulates steroid biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex by exerting its effects via the ACTH receptor (melanocortin- 2 receptor, MC2R). In FGD, mutations in the MC2R account for only approximately 25% of cases (FGD type 1). The inability to express a functional MC2R in non-adrenal cell lines had implied the presence of an adrenal specific accessory factor(s), essential for MC2R expression. More recently, this factor was identified as melanocortin receptor accessory protein (MRAP). Mutations in MRAP account for 20% of cases (FGD type 2). Like the receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) and receptor transporter proteins (RTPs), which are well-characterized accessory proteins for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), MRAP is a small single transmembrane domain protein. MRAP is essential for the functional expression of the MC2R. About 55% of FGD cases have no identifiable gene defect, implying the involvement of additional genes. This chapter briefly describes the clinical and biochemical features of ACTH resistance syndromes. However, we will focus on the recent progress made towards understanding the molecular defect underlying these conditions, in particular the interaction of MC2R and MRAP.

AT1 receptor blocker-insensitive mutant AT1A angiotensin receptors reveal the presence of G protein-independent signaling in C9 cells.

Although mutant receptors are highly useful to dissect the signal transduction pathways of receptors, they are difficult to study in physiological target tissues, due to the presence of endogenous receptors. To study AT(1) angiotensin receptors in their physiological environment, we constructed a mutant receptor, which differs only from the AT(1A) receptor in its reduced affinity for candesartan, a biphenylimidazole antagonist. We have determined that the conserved S109Y substitution of the rat AT(1A) receptor eliminates its candesartan binding, without exerting any major effect on its angiotensin II and peptide angiotensin receptor antagonist binding, internalization kinetics, beta-arrestin binding, and potency or efficacy of the inositol phosphate response. To demonstrate the usefulness of this mutant receptor in signal transduction studies, we combined it with substitution of the highly conserved DRY sequence with AAY, which abolishes G protein activation. In rat C9 hepatocytes the S109Y receptor caused ERK activation with the same mechanism as the endogenous AT(1) receptor. After combination with the DRY/AAY mutation G protein-independent ERK activation was detected demonstrating that this approach can be used to study the angiotensin II-stimulated signaling pathways in cells endogenously expressing AT(1) receptors.