• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• 제19권5호
• /
• pp.413-420
• /
• 2015

Dexmedetomidine is a sedative and analgesic agent that exerts its effects by selectively agonizing ${\alpha}2$ adrenoceptor. Histamine is a pathophysiological amine that activates G protein-coupled receptors, to induce $Ca^{2+}$ release and subsequent mediate or progress inflammation. Dexmedetomidine has been reported to exert inhibitory effect on inflammation both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, it is unclear that dexmedetomidine modulates histamine-induced signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. This study was carried out to assess how dexmedetomidine modulates histamine-induced $Ca^{2+}$ signaling and regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes encoding interleukin (IL)-6 and -8. To elucidate the regulatory role of dexmedetomidine on histamine signaling, HeLa cells and human salivary gland cells which are endogenously expressed histamine 1 receptor were used. Dexmedetomidine itself did not trigger $Ca^{2+}$ peak or increase in the presence or absence of external $Ca^{2+}$. When cells were stimulated with histamine after pretreatment with various concentrations of dexmedetomidine, we observed inhibited histamine-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ signal in both cell types. Histamine stimulated IL-6 mRNA expression not IL-8 mRNA within 2 hrs, however this effect was attenuated by dexmedetomidine. Collectively, these findings suggest that dexmedetomidine modulates histamine-induced $Ca^{2+}$ signaling and IL-6 expression and will be useful for understanding the antagonistic properties of dexmedetomidine on histamine-induced signaling beyond its sedative effect.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• 제6권3호
• /
• pp.139-142
• /
• 2002

To examine intracellular signaling of human $S1P_3\;(hS1P_3),$ a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor in plasma membrane, $hS1P_3$ DNA was transfected into RH7777 rat hepatoma cell line, and the inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation and activation of MAP kinases by S1P were tested. In $hS1P_3$ transformants, S1P inhibited forskolin-induced activation of adenylyl cyclase activity by about 80% and activated MAP kinases in dose-dependent and pertussis-toxin (PTX) sensitive manners. In oocytes expressing $hS1P_3$ receptor, S1P evoked $Cl^-$ conductance. These data suggested that PTX-sensitive G proteins are involved in $hS1P_3-mediated$ signaling, especially the positive action of S1P in cell proliferation. The potential advantages of rat hepatoma cells for the research of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor are discussed.

• BMB Reports
• /
• 제52권11호
• /
• pp.647-652
• /
• 2019

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is known to play an important role in hormone-associated cancers. G-1, a novel synthetic GPER agonist, has been reported to exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties. However, the chemotherapeutic mechanism of GPER is yet unclear. Here, we evaluated GPER expression in human gastric cancer tissues and cells. We found that G-1 treatment attenuates GPER expression in gastric cancer. GPER expression increased G-1-induced antitumor effects in mouse xenograft model. We analyzed the effects of knockdown/overexpression of GPER on G-1-induced cell death in cancer cells. Increased GPER expression in human gastric cancer cells increased G-1-induced cell death via increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, -9, and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase. Interestingly, during G-1-induced cell death, GPER mRNA and protein expression was attenuated and associated with ER stress-induced expression of PERK, ATF-4, GRP-78, and CHOP. Furthermore, PERK-dependent induction of ER stress activation increased G-1-induced cell death, whereas PERK silencing decreased cell death and increased drug sensitivity. Taken together, the data suggest that the induction of ER stress via GPER expression may increase G-1-induced cell death in gastric cancer cells. These results may contribute to a new paradigm shift in gastric cancer therapy.

• 한국응용약물학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 한국응용약물학회 2008년도 Proceedings of the Convention
• /
• pp.89-99
• /
• 2008

GPCRs are large families of cell surface receptors that transmit signals through conformational changes upon ligand activation and an interaction with the heterotrimeric G-proteins. GPCRs regulate the cell-signaling pathways and participate in the regulation of physiological processes through the G-proteins defined by their ${\alpha}$ subunits. A family of 20 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that provide a large class of tractable drug targets for new anti-inflammatory drugs and, in certain instances, for the treatment of the inflammatory indications such as atherosclerosis, rhinitis, asthma, pulmonary disease and arthritis. In view of the important findings showing that $G{\alpha}_{12}/G{\alpha}_{13}$ regulate the various cellular processes such as actin-stress fiber formation, neurite retraction, platelet aggregation, gene induction, and apoptosis, we became interested in whether, after coupling to the activated GPCRs, the G-proteins and their downstream molecules might be involved in the pathologic processes of chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., liver fibrosis). In this symposium, the possible link of the G-proteins with the pathophysiology will be discussed with the aim of finding potential new drug targets.

• 한국생물물리학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 한국생물물리학회 2003년도 정기총회 및 학술발표회
• /
• pp.59-59
• /
• 2003

Serotonin (5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine) exerts multiple effects on central nervous system as well as behaviors such as mood and appetite. The signaling of serotonin is mediated by 7 families of serotonin receptors, designated 5-HT$_1$ to 5-HT$_{7}$. Six families of this receptor are G-protein coupled 7TM receptors, and the third intracellular loop of these receptors is proposed to interact with specific types of G-proteins. To investigate the specific interaction between the third intracellular loop of 5-HT$_{6}$ with G$\square$s, we have constructed a chimera protein that represent the third intracellular loop of 5-HT$_{6}$ within a leucine zipper motifs, In addition an alpha subunit of human G-protein that interact with 5-HT$_{6}$ was cloned into a bacterial expression vector. The two proteins were expressed in E. coli and purified in homogeneity. The interaction of the prepared proteins was examined by ELISA assay. The affinity between the two proteins and effect of insertion mutations were discussed.ussed.d.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제44권7호
• /
• pp.458-467
• /
• 2021

GPR43 (also known as FFAR2 or FFA2) is a G-protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed in immune cells, enteroendocrine cells and adipocytes that recognizes short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, likely to be implicated in innate immunity and host energy homeostasis. Activated GPR43 suppresses the cAMP level and induces Ca²⁺ flux via coupling to Gα_i and Gα_q families, respectively. Additionally, GPR43 is reported to facilitate phosphorylation of ERK through G-protein-dependent pathways and interacts with β-arrestin 2 to inhibit NF-κB signaling. However, other G-protein-dependent and independent signaling pathways involving GPR43 remain to be established. Here, we have demonstrated that GPR43 augments Rho GTPase signaling. Acetate and a synthetic agonist effectively activated RhoA and stabilized YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators through interactions of GPR43 with Gα_q/11 and Gα_12/13. Acetate-induced nuclear accumulation of YAP was blocked by a GPR43-specific inverse agonist. The target genes induced by YAP/TAZ were further regulated by GPR43. Moreover, in THP-1-derived M1-like macrophage cells, the Rho-YAP/TAZ pathway was activated by acetate and a synthetic agonist. Our collective findings suggest that GPR43 acts as a mediator of the Rho-YAP/TAZ pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• 제14권3호
• /
• pp.145-150
• /
• 2010

Adenosine (Ado) is an important mediator of the endogenous defense against ischemia-induced injury in the heart. The action of Ado is mediated by activation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying $K^+$ (GIRK) channels. In turn, GIRK channels are inhibited by reducing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate ($PIP_2$) through Gq protein-coupled receptors (GqPCRs). We previously found that GIRK channels activated by acetylcholine, a muscarinic M2 acetylcholine receptor agonist, are inhibited by GqPCRs in a receptor-specific manner. However, it is not known whether GIRK channels activated by Ado signaling are also regulated by GqPCRs. Presently, this was investigated in mouse atrial myocytes using the patch clamp technique. GIRK channels were activated by $100\;{\mu}M$ Ado. When Ado was repetitively applied at intervals of 5~6 min, the amplitude of second Ado-activated GIRK currents ($I_{K(Ado)}$) was $88.3{\pm}3.7%$ of the first $I_{K(Ado)}$ in the control. Pretreatment of atrial myocytes with phenylephrine, endothelin-1, or bradykinin prior to a second application of Ado reduced the amplitude of the second $I_{K(Ado)}$ to $25.5{\pm}11.6%$, $30.5{\pm}5.6%$, and $96.0{\pm}2.7%$, respectively. The potency of $I_{K(Ado)}$ inhibition by GqPCRs was different with that observed in acetylcholine-activated GIRK currents ($I_{K(ACh)}$) (endothelin-1>phenylephrine>bradykinin). $I_{K(Ado)}$ was almost completely inhibited by $500\;{\mu}M$ of the $PIP_2$ scavenger neomycin, suggesting low $PIP_2$ affinity of $I_{K(Ado)}$. Taken together, these results suggest that the crosstalk between GqPCRs and the Ado-induced signaling pathway is receptor-specific. The differential change in $PIP_2$ affinity of GIRK channels activated by Ado and ACh may underlie, at least in part, their differential responses to GqPCR agonists.

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• 제10권3호
• /
• pp.153-166
• /
• 2012

A variety of ligands differ in their capacity to bind the receptor, elicit gene expression, and modulate physiological responses. Such receptors include Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which recognize various patterns of pathogens and lead to primary innate immune activation against invaders, and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), whose interaction with their cognate ligands activates heterotrimeric G proteins and regulates specific downstream effectors, including immuno-stimulating molecules. Once TLRs are activated, they lead to the expression of hundreds of genes together and bridge the arm of innate and adaptive immune responses. We characterized the gene expression profile of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in RAW 264.7 cells when it bound with its ligand, 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate (KDO), the active part of lipopolysaccharide. In addition, to determine the network communications among the TLR, Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), and GPCR, we tested RAW 264.7 cells with KDO, interferon-${\beta}$, or cAMP analog 8-Br. The ligands were also administered as a pair of double and triple combinations.

• 한국정보컨버전스학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 한국정보컨버전스학회 2008년도 International conference on information convergence
• /
• pp.39-42
• /
• 2008

G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR) family is a cell membrane protein, and plays an important role in a signaling mechanism which transmits external signals through cell membranes into cells. Now, it is estimated that there may be about 800-1000 GPCRs in a human genome. But, GPCRs each are known to have various complex control mechanisms and very unique signaling mechanisms. GPCRs are involved in maintaining homeostasis of various human systems including an endocrine system or a neural system and thus, disorders in activity control of GPCRs are thought to be the major source of cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders, degenerative disorders, carcinogenesis and the like. As more than 60% of currently marketed therapeutic agents target GPCRs, the GPCR field has been actively explored in the pharmaceutical industry. Structural features, and class and subfamily of GPCRs are well known by function, and accordingly, the most fundamental work in studies identifying the previous GPCRs is to classify the GPCRs with given protein sequences. Studies for classifying previously identified GPCRs more easily with mathematical models have been mainly going on. Considering that secondary sequences of proteins, namely, secondary binding structures of amino acids constituting proteins are closely related to functions, the present paper does not place the focus on primary sequences of proteins as previously practiced, but instead, proposes a method to transform primary sequences into secondary structures and compare the secondary structures, and then detect an unknown GPCR assumed to have a same function in databases of previously identified GPCRs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• 제55권1호
• /
• pp.21-30
• /
• 2003

서 론 : MUC genes의 증가와 배상세포의 증식 기전에 성장인자(growth factor)인 상피세포 성장인자 및 수용체(epidermal growth factor receptor; EGFR)가 배상세포의 증식이나 이형성에 관여한다. EGFR의 ligands 중의 한 종류인 heparin binding EGF(HB-EGF)는 세포막에 존재하는 pro-heparin binding EGF(pro-HB-EGF)로부터 유리된다. HB-EGF의 유리는 G-protein과 연관이 있다. 따라서, 본 연구는 그람 음성세균의 lipopolysaccande(LPS)에 의한 기도 점액 과생성의 기전을 밝히고, 기도점액 과분비에서 EGFR과 G-protein의 연관성을 밝혀 기도 점액 과분비 기전을 밝히고자 한다. 연구방법 : NCI-H292 세포배양에서 LPS단독 투여 또는TGF-${\alpha}$와 병합 투여한 후 MUC5AC의 당단백질을 ELISA법으로 측정하였다. LPS에 의한 MUC5AC 당단백질의 생성 기전을 밝히기 위해서 heterotrimeric G-protein 억제제인 mastoparan을 투여하고 TNF-${\alpha}$와 MUC5AC를 ELISA법으로 각각 측정하였다. MUC5AC의 생성에서 G-protein과 EGFR의 연관성을 확인하기 위하여 EGFR이 항상 발현되어 있고 MUC5AC를 분비할 수 있는 NCI-H292 세포에 G-protein 자극제인 mastoparan-7로 자극한 후 MUC5AC의 생성을 측정하였다. G-protein이 활성화하여 metalloproteinase가 세포막에 있는 HB-EGF를 유리하여 EGFR이 활성화하여 MUC5AC가 생성여부를 확인하기 위하여 ADAM10으로 NCI-H292세포에 자극하여 MUC5AC의 생성을 측정하였다. MUC5AC 생성이 EGFR과 연관성을 확인하기 위하여 특이 EGFR tyrosine kinase 억제제인 AG1478과 중화 polyclonal EGF 항체를 전처치 후 MUC5AC를 측정하였다. 결 과 : LPS의 자극에 의한 MUC5AC의 생성은 LPS 농도에 유의하게 증가 되지 않았으나, EGFR의 ligand인 TGF-${\alpha}$를 동시 투여한 경우는 LPS의 농도에 비례하여 유의하게 증가하였다. LPS의 자극은 TNF-${\alpha}$의 생성을 유의하게 증가시켰으며, G-protein 억제제인 mastoparan을 전처치한 경우는 TNF-${\alpha}$가 유의하게 감소 되었다. LPS 자극 전에 TNF-${\alpha}$ antibody, AG1478 또는 mastoparan을 전처치한 경우는 MUC5AC의 생성이 유의하게 억제되었다. MUC5AC의 생생에서 G-protein과 EGFR의 연관성에 대한 실험에서 MUC5AC의 생성이 mastoparan-7의 농도에 따라 유의하게 증가되었으며, EGF의 중화항체를 사용한 경우는 MUC5AC의 생성이 감소되었다. 또한 Matrix metalloproteinase인 ADAM10의 농도에 비례하여 MUC5AC의 생성을 증가시켰다. 결 론 : LPS에 의한 MUC5AC의 분비는 LPS가 TNF-${\alpha}$를 생성시키고, TNF-${\alpha}$가 EGFR의 발현을 유도하여 MUC5AC가 분비되었다. 또한 MUC5AC의 생성에 있어서 G-protein의 활성은 matrix metalloproteinase에 의하여 EGFR의 ligand 인 HB-EGF가 유리되어 EGFR의 transacti vation으로 MUC5AC가 생성되는 것으로 사료된다.