ABSTRACT
Mechanisms that control mobilization of cytosolic calcium [Ca2+]i are key for regulation of numerous eukaryotic cell functions. One such paradigmatic mechanism involves activation of phospholipase Cß (PLCß) enzymes by G protein ßγ subunits from activated Gαi-Gßγ heterotrimers. Here, we report identification of a master switch to enable this control for PLCß enzymes in living cells. We find that the Gαi-Gßγ-PLCß-Ca2+ signaling module is entirely dependent on the presence of active Gαq. If Gαq is pharmacologically inhibited or genetically ablated, Gßγ can bind to PLCß but does not elicit Ca2+ signals. Removal of an auto-inhibitory linker that occludes the active site of the enzyme is required and sufficient to empower "stand-alone control" of PLCß by Gßγ. This dependence of Gi-Gßγ-Ca2+ on Gαq places an entire signaling branch of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) under hierarchical control of Gq and changes our understanding of how Gi-GPCRs trigger [Ca2+]i via PLCß enzymes.
Subject(s)
GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits/genetics , GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits/genetics , GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits/genetics , Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics , Phospholipase C beta/genetics , Calcium/metabolism , Calcium Signaling/genetics , Cytosol/metabolism , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Protein Binding/genetics , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics , Signal Transduction/geneticsABSTRACT
Enhanced expression of the proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is linked to cell proliferation and migration in many cancer cell types. The role of PAR2 in cancer progression strongly illustrates the need for PAR2-inhibiting compounds. However, to date, potent and selective PAR2 antagonists have not been reported. The natural product teleocidin A2 was characterized against PAR2-activating peptide SLIGKV-NH 2, and trypsin-induced PAR2-dependent intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in tumor and in primary endothelial or epithelial cells. Further biochemical and cell-based studies were conducted to evaluate teleocidin specificity. The antagonizing effect of teleocidin A2 was confirmed in PAR2-dependent cell migration and rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton of human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB 231) breast cancer cells. Teleocidin A2 antagonizes PAR2-dependent intracellular Ca2+ mobilization induced by either SLIGKV-NH 2 or trypsin with IC 50 values from 15 to 25 nmol/L in MDA-MB 231, lung carcinoma cell line, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell. Half maximal inhibition of either PAR1 or P2Y receptor-dependent Ca2+ release is only achieved with 10- to 20-fold higher concentrations of teleocidin A2. In low nanomolar concentrations, teleocidin A2 reverses both SLIGKV-NH 2 and trypsin-mediated PAR2-dependent migration of MDA-MB 231 cells, and has no effect itself on cell migration and no effect on cell viability. Teleocidin A2 further controls PAR2-induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement of MDA-MB 231 cells. Thus, for the first time, the small molecule natural product teleocidin A2 exhibiting PAR2 antagonism in the low nanomolar range with potent antimigratory activity is described.
