Unveiling G-protein coupled receptor kinase-5 inhibitors for chronic degenerative diseases: Multilayered prioritization employing explainable machine learning-driven multi-class QSAR, ligand-based pharmacophore and free energy-inspired molecular simulation.

GRK5 holds a pivotal role in cellular signaling pathways, with its overexpression in cardiomyocytes, neuronal cells, and tumor cells strongly associated with various chronic degenerative diseases, which highlights the urgent need for potential inhibitors. In this study, multiclass classification-based QSAR models were developed using diverse machine learning algorithms. These models were built from curated compounds with experimentally derived GRK5 inhibitory activity. Additionally, a pharmacophore model was constructed using active compounds from the dataset. Among the models, the SVM-based approach proved most effective and was initially used to screen DrugBank compounds within the applicability domain. Compounds showing significant GRK5 inhibitory potential underwent evaluation for key pharmacophoric features. Prospective compounds were subjected to molecular docking to assess binding affinity towards GRK5's key active site amino acid residues. Stability at the binding site was analyzed through 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations. MM-GBSA analysis quantified individual free energy components contributing to the total binding energy with respect to binding site residues. Metadynamics analysis, including PCA, FEL, and PDF, provided crucial insights into conformational changes of both apo and holo forms of GRK5 at defined energy states. The study identifies DB02844 (S-Adenosyl-1,8-Diamino-3-Thiooctane) and DB13155 (Esculin) as promising GRK5 inhibitors, warranting further in vitro and in vivo validation studies.

Targeting GRK5 for Treating Chronic Degenerative Diseases.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors and they are responsible for the transduction of extracellular signals, regulating almost all aspects of mammalian physiology. These receptors are specifically regulated by a family of serine/threonine kinases, called GPCR kinases (GRKs). Given the biological role of GPCRs, it is not surprising that GRKs are also involved in several pathophysiological processes. Particular importance is emerging for GRK5, which is a multifunctional protein, expressed in different cell types, and it has been found located in single or multiple subcellular compartments. For instance, when anchored to the plasma membrane, GRK5 exerts its canonical function, regulating GPCRs. However, under certain conditions (e.g., pro-hypertrophic stimuli), GRK5 translocates to the nucleus of cells where it can interact with non-GPCR-related proteins as well as DNA itself to promote "non-canonical" signaling, including gene transcription. Importantly, due to these actions, several studies have demonstrated that GRK5 has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of chronic-degenerative disorders. This is true in the cardiac cells, tumor cells, and neurons. For this reason, in this review article, we will inform the readers of the most recent evidence that supports the importance of targeting GRK5 to prevent the development or progression of cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases.

Structure of a GRK5-Calmodulin Complex Reveals Molecular Mechanism of GRK Activation and Substrate Targeting.

The phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by GPCR kinases (GRKs) facilitates arrestin binding and receptor desensitization. Although this process can be regulated by Ca2+-binding proteins such as calmodulin (CaM) and recoverin, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we report structural, computational, and biochemical analysis of a CaM complex with GRK5, revealing how CaM shapes GRK5 response to calcium. The CaM N and C domains bind independently to two helical regions at the GRK5 N and C termini to inhibit GPCR phosphorylation, though only the C domain interaction disrupts GRK5 membrane association, thereby facilitating cytoplasmic translocation. The CaM N domain strongly activates GRK5 via ordering of the amphipathic αN-helix of GRK5 and allosteric disruption of kinase-RH domain interaction for phosphorylation of cytoplasmic GRK5 substrates. These results provide a framework for understanding how two functional effects, GRK5 activation and localization, can cooperate under control of CaM for selective substrate targeting by GRK5.

Characterization of a hyperphosphorylated variant of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 expressed in E. coli.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors in humans and regulate numerous physiological processes through the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. GPCR kinases (GRKs) selectively phosphorylate active GPCRs, which promotes arrestin binding, receptor internalization, and initiation of alternative signaling pathways. GRK5 is a representative member of one of three GRK subfamilies that does not need post-translational lipidation or other binding partners to exhibit full activity against GPCRs, rendering it a useful tool for biophysical studies directed at characterizing GRK function. However, recombinant expression of GRK5 has thus far been limited to insect and mammalian systems. Here, we describe the expression of functional GRK5 in E. coli and its purification and biochemical characterization. Bacterially expressed GRK5 is hyperphosphorylated, primarily in regions known to be flexible from prior crystal structures, which slightly decreases its catalytic activity toward receptor substrates. Mutation of a single phosphorylation site, Thr10, restores kinetic parameters to those of GRK5 purified from insect cells. Consequently, bacterial expression will allow for production of GRK5 at a reduced cost and faster pace and would facilitate production of isotopically labeled kinase for NMR studies or for the incorporation of unnatural amino acids.

Perturbation of the interactions of calmodulin with GRK5 using a natural product chemical probe.

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) are responsible for initiating desensitization of activated GPCRs. GRK5 is potently inhibited by the calcium-sensing protein calmodulin (CaM), which leads to nuclear translocation of GRK5 and promotion of cardiac hypertrophy. Herein, we report the architecture of the Ca2+·CaM-GRK5 complex determined by small-angle X-ray scattering and negative-stain electron microscopy. Ca2+·CaM binds primarily to the small lobe of the kinase domain of GRK5 near elements critical for receptor interaction and membrane association, thereby inhibiting receptor phosphorylation while activating the kinase for phosphorylation of soluble substrates. To define the role of each lobe of Ca2+·CaM, we utilized the natural product malbrancheamide as a chemical probe to show that the C-terminal lobe of Ca2+·CaM regulates membrane binding while the N-terminal lobe regulates receptor phosphorylation and kinase domain activation. In cells, malbrancheamide attenuated GRK5 nuclear translocation and effectively blocked the hypertrophic response, demonstrating the utility of this natural product and its derivatives in probing Ca2+·CaM-dependent hypertrophy.

The Amino-Terminal Domain of GRK5 Inhibits Cardiac Hypertrophy through the Regulation of Calcium-Calmodulin Dependent Transcription Factors.

We have recently demonstrated that the amino-terminal domain of G protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) type 5, (GRK5-NT) inhibits NFκB activity in cardiac cells leading to a significant amelioration of LVH. Since GRK5-NT is known to bind calmodulin, this study aimed to evaluate the functional role of GRK5-NT in the regulation of calcium-calmodulin-dependent transcription factors. We found that the overexpression of GRK5-NT in cardiomyoblasts significantly reduced the activation and the nuclear translocation of NFAT and its cofactor GATA-4 in response to phenylephrine (PE). These results were confirmed in vivo in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), in which intramyocardial adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of GRK5-NT reduced both wall thickness and ventricular mass by modulating NFAT and GATA-4 activity. To further verify in vitro the contribution of calmodulin in linking GRK5-NT to the NFAT/GATA-4 pathway, we examined the effects of a mutant of GRK5 (GRK5-NTPB), which is not able to bind calmodulin. When compared to GRK5-NT, GRK5-NTPB did not modify PE-induced NFAT and GATA-4 activation. In conclusion, this study identifies a double effect of GRK5-NT in the inhibition of LVH that is based on the regulation of multiple transcription factors through means of different mechanisms and proposes the amino-terminal sequence of GRK5 as a useful prototype for therapeutic purposes.

Navigating the conformational landscape of G protein-coupled receptor kinases during allosteric activation.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential for transferring extracellular signals into carefully choreographed intracellular responses controlling diverse aspects of cell physiology. The duration of GPCR-mediated signaling is primarily regulated via GPCR kinase (GRK)-mediated phosphorylation of activated receptors. Although many GRK structures have been reported, the mechanisms underlying GRK activation are not well-understood, in part because it is unknown how these structures map to the conformational landscape available to this enzyme family. Unlike most other AGC kinases, GRKs rely on their interaction with GPCRs for activation and not phosphorylation. Here, we used principal component analysis of available GRK and protein kinase A crystal structures to identify their dominant domain motions and to provide a framework that helps evaluate how close each GRK structure is to being a catalytically competent state. Our results indicated that disruption of an interface formed between the large lobe of the kinase domain and the regulator of G protein signaling homology domain (RHD) is highly correlated with establishment of the active conformation. By introducing point mutations in the GRK5 RHD-kinase domain interface, we show with both in silico and in vitro experiments that perturbation of this interface leads to higher phosphorylation activity. Navigation of the conformational landscape defined by this bioinformatics-based study is likely common to all GPCR-activated GRKs.

Structural and Functional Analysis of a ß2-Adrenergic Receptor Complex with GRK5.

The phosphorylation of agonist-occupied G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by GPCR kinases (GRKs) functions to turn off G-protein signaling and turn on arrestin-mediated signaling. While a structural understanding of GPCR/G-protein and GPCR/arrestin complexes has emerged in recent years, the molecular architecture of a GPCR/GRK complex remains poorly defined. We used a comprehensive integrated approach of cross-linking, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (MS), electron microscopy, mutagenesis, molecular dynamics simulations, and computational docking to analyze GRK5 interaction with the ß2-adrenergic receptor (ß2AR). These studies revealed a dynamic mechanism of complex formation that involves large conformational changes in the GRK5 RH/catalytic domain interface upon receptor binding. These changes facilitate contacts between intracellular loops 2 and 3 and the C terminus of the ß2AR with the GRK5 RH bundle subdomain, membrane-binding surface, and kinase catalytic cleft, respectively. These studies significantly contribute to our understanding of the mechanism by which GRKs regulate the function of activated GPCRs. PAPERCLIP.

Categorical complexities of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in individuals is associated with genetic variations in ADORA2A and GRK5 genes.

In the erythrocytes, malaria parasite entry and infection is mediated through complex membrane sorting and signaling processes. We investigated the effects of single-locus and multilocus interactions to test the hypothesis that the members of the GPCR family genes, adenosine A2a receptor (ADORA2A) and G-protein coupled receptor kinase5 (GRK5), may contribute to the pathogenesis of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) independently or through complex interactions. In a case-control study of adults, individuals affected by Pf malaria (complicated n=168; uncomplicated n=282) and healthy controls (n=450) were tested for their association to four known SNPs in GRK5 (rs2230345, rs2275036, rs4752307 and rs11198918) and two in ADORA2A (rs9624472 and rs5751876) genes with malaria susceptibility, using techniques of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms and direct DNA sequencing. Single-locus analysis showed significant association of 2 SNPs; rs5751876 (OR=3.2(2.0-5.2); p=0.0006) of ADORA2A and rs2230345 (OR=0.3(0.2-0.5); p=0.0006) of GRK5 with malaria. The mean of the serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in patients with variant GG (p=0.006) of rs9624472 in ADORA2A gene compared to AA and AG genotypes in complicated Pf malaria cases, with the G allele also showing increased risk for malaria (OR=1.3(1.1-1.6); p=0.017). Analyses of predicted haplotypes of the two ADORA2A and the four GRK5 SNPs have identified the haplotypes that conferred risk as well as resistance to malaria with statistical significance. Molecular docking analysis of evolutionary rs2230345 SNP indicated a stable activity of GRK5 for the mutant allele compared to the wild type. Further, generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction to test the contribution of individual effects of the six polymorphisms and higher-order interactions to risk of symptoms/clinical complications of malaria suggested a best six-locus model showing statistical significance. The study provides evidence for the role of ADORA2A and GRK5 that might influence the etiology of malaria infection.

Atomic Structure of GRK5 Reveals Distinct Structural Features Novel for G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinases.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are members of the protein kinase A, G, and C families (AGC) and play a central role in mediating G protein-coupled receptor phosphorylation and desensitization. One member of the family, GRK5, has been implicated in several human pathologies, including heart failure, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer disease. To gain mechanistic insight into GRK5 function, we determined a crystal structure of full-length human GRK5 at 1.8 Å resolution. GRK5 in complex with the ATP analog 5'-adenylyl ß,γ-imidodiphosphate or the nucleoside sangivamycin crystallized as a monomer. The C-terminal tail (C-tail) of AGC kinase domains is a highly conserved feature that is divided into three segments as follows: the C-lobe tether, the active-site tether (AST), and the N-lobe tether (NLT). This domain is fully resolved in GRK5 and reveals novel interactions with the nucleotide and N-lobe. Similar to other AGC kinases, the GRK5 AST is an integral part of the nucleotide-binding pocket, a feature not observed in other GRKs. The AST also mediates contact between the kinase N- and C-lobes facilitating closure of the kinase domain. The GRK5 NLT is largely displaced from its previously observed position in other GRKs. Moreover, although the autophosphorylation sites in the NLT are >20 Å away from the catalytic cleft, they are capable of rapid cis-autophosphorylation suggesting high mobility of this region. In summary, we provide a snapshot of GRK5 in a partially closed state, where structural elements of the kinase domain C-tail are aligned to form novel interactions to the nucleotide and N-lobe not previously observed in other GRKs.

Crystal Structure of G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase 5 in Complex with a Rationally Designed Inhibitor.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) regulate cell signaling by initiating the desensitization of active G protein-coupled receptors. The two most widely expressed GRKs (GRK2 and GRK5) play a role in cardiovascular disease and thus represent important targets for the development of novel therapeutic drugs. In the course of a GRK2 structure-based drug design campaign, one inhibitor (CCG215022) exhibited nanomolar IC50 values against both GRK2 and GRK5 and good selectivity against other closely related kinases such as GRK1 and PKA. Treatment of murine cardiomyocytes with CCG215022 resulted in significantly increased contractility at 20-fold lower concentrations than paroxetine, an inhibitor with more modest selectivity for GRK2. A 2.4 Å crystal structure of the GRK5·CCG215022 complex was determined and revealed that the inhibitor binds in the active site similarly to its parent compound GSK180736A. As designed, its 2-pyridylmethyl amide side chain occupies the hydrophobic subsite of the active site where it forms three additional hydrogen bonds, including one with the catalytic lysine. The overall conformation of the GRK5 kinase domain is similar to that of a previously determined structure of GRK6 in what is proposed to be its active state, but the C-terminal region of the enzyme adopts a distinct conformation. The kinetic properties of site-directed mutants in this region are consistent with the hypothesis that this novel C-terminal structure is representative of the membrane-bound conformation of the enzyme.

The regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) regulates plasma membrane localization and function.

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) phosphorylate activated GPCRs at the plasma membrane (PM). Here GRK5/GRK4 chimeras and point mutations in GRK5 identify a short sequence within the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain in GRK5 that is critical for GRK5 PM localization. This region of the RGS domain of GRK5 coincides with a region of GRK6 and GRK1 shown to form a hydrophobic dimeric interface (HDI) in crystal structures. Coimmunoprecipitation (coIP) and acceptor photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays show that expressed GRK5 self-associates in cells, whereas GRK5-M165E/F166E (GRK5-EE), containing hydrophilic mutations in the HDI region of the RGS domain, displays greatly decreased coIP interactions. Both forcing dimerization of GRK5-EE, via fusion to leucine zipper motifs, and appending an extra C-terminal membrane-binding region to GRK5-EE (GRK5-EE-CT) recover PM localization. In addition, GRK5-EE displays a decreased ability to inhibit PAR1-induced calcium release compared with GRK5 wild type (wt). In contrast, PM-localized GRK5-EE-CaaX (appending a C-terminal prenylation and polybasic motif from K-ras) or GRK5-EE-CT shows comparable ability to GRK5 wt to inhibit PAR1-induced calcium release. The results suggest a novel model in which GRK5 dimerization is important for its plasma membrane localization and function.

Unveiling the membrane-binding properties of N-terminal and C-terminal regions of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 by combined optical spectroscopies.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) is thought to associate with membranes in part via N- and C-terminal segments that are typically disordered in available high-resolution crystal structures. Herein we investigate the interactions of these regions with model cell membrane using combined sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found that both regions associate with POPC lipid bilayers but adopt different structures when doing so: GRK5 residues 2-31 (GRK5(2-31)) was in random coil whereas GRK5(546-565) was partially helical. When the subphase for the GRK5(2-31) peptide was changed to 40% TFE/60% 10 mM phosphate pH 7.4 buffer, a large change in the SFG amide I signal indicated that GRK5(2-31) became partially helical. By inspecting the membrane behavior of two different segments of GRK5(2-31), namely, GRK5(2-24) and GRK5(25-31), we found that residues 25-31 are responsible for membrane binding, whereas the helical character is imparted by residues 2-24. With SFG, we deduced that the orientation angle of the helical segment of GRK5(2-31) is 46 ± 1° relative to the surface normal in 40% TFE/60% 10 mM phosphate pH = 7.4 buffer but increases to 78 ± 11° with higher ionic strength. We also investigated the effect of PIP2 in the model membrane and concluded that the POPC:PIP2 (9:1) lipid bilayer did not change the behavior of either peptide compared to a pure POPC lipid bilayer. With ATR-FTIR, we also found that Ca(2+)·calmodulin is able to extract both peptides from the POPC lipid bilayer, consistent with the role of this protein in disrupting GRK5 interactions with the plasma membrane in cells.

Membrane orientation and binding determinants of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 as assessed by combined vibrational spectroscopic studies.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins involved in a wide variety of biological processes in eukaryotic cells, and are targeted by a large fraction of marketed drugs. GPCR kinases (GRKs) play important roles in feedback regulation of GPCRs, such as of ß-adrenergic receptors in the heart, where GRK2 and GRK5 are the major isoforms expressed. Membrane targeting is essential for GRK function in cells. Whereas GRK2 is recruited to the membrane by heterotrimeric Gßγ subunits, the mechanism of membrane binding by GRK5 is not fully understood. It has been proposed that GRK5 is constitutively associated with membranes through elements located at its N-terminus, its C-terminus, or both. The membrane orientation of GRK5 is also a matter of speculation. In this work, we combined sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to help determine the membrane orientation of GRK5 and a C-terminally truncated mutant (GRK51-531) on membrane lipid bilayers. It was found that GRK5 and GRK51-531 adopt a similar orientation on model cell membranes in the presence of PIP2 that is similar to that predicted for GRK2 in prior studies. Mutation of the N-terminal membrane binding site of GRK5 did not eliminate membrane binding, but prevented observation of this discrete orientation. The C-terminus of GRK5 does not have substantial impact on either membrane binding or orientation in this model system. Thus, the C-terminus of GRK5 may drive membrane binding in cells via interactions with other proteins at the plasma membrane or bind in an unstructured manner to negatively charged membranes.

Grk5l controls heart development by limiting mTOR signaling during symmetry breaking.

The correct asymmetric placement of inner organs is termed situs solitus and is determined early during development. Failure in symmetry breaking results in conditions ranging from randomized organ arrangement to a complete mirror image, often accompanied by severe congenital heart defects (CHDs). We found that the zebrafish homolog of mammalian G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) employs noncanonical, receptor-independent functions to secure symmetry breaking. Knockdown of GRK5's closest homolog in zebrafish embryos, Grk5l, is sufficient to randomize cardiac looping and left-right asymmetry. Mechanistically, we found that loss of GRK5 increases mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity. This causes elongation of motile cilia in the organ of laterality, a consequence that is known to be sufficient to trigger aberrant organ arrangement. By fine-tuning mTORC1, GRK5 thus serves an unanticipated function during early development, besides its well-characterized role in the adult heart. These findings could implicate GRK5 as a susceptibility allele for certain cases of CHD.

Distinct structural features of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) regulate its nuclear localization and DNA-binding ability.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) act to desensitize G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In addition to this role at the plasma membrane, a nuclear function for GRK5, a member of the GRK4 subfamily of GRKs, has been reported. GRK5 phosphorylates and promotes the nuclear export of the histone deacetylase, HDAC5. Here we demonstrate that the possession of a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) is a common feature of GRK4 subfamily members (GRKs 4, 5 and 6). However, the location of the NLS and the ability of these GRKs to bind DNA in vitro are different. The NLSs of GRK5 and 6 bind DNA in vitro, whilst the NLS of GRK4 does not. Using mutants of GRK5 we identify the regions of GRK5 required for DNA-binding in vitro and nuclear localization in cells. The DNA-binding ability of GRK5 requires both the NLS and an N-terminal calmodulin (CaM)-binding site. A functional nuclear export sequence (NES), required for CaM-dependent nuclear export of the kinase, is also identified. Based on our observations we propose a model to explain how nuclear localization of GRK5 may be regulated. Notably, the nuclear localization of GRK5 and 6 is differentially regulated. These results suggest subfamily specific nuclear functions for the GRK4 subfamily members. Identification of GRK specific small molecule inhibitors of nuclear localization and/or function for the GRK4 subfamily may thus be an achievable goal.

A new synthetic protein, TAT-RH, inhibits tumor growth through the regulation of NFkappaB activity.

BACKGROUND: Based on its role in angiogenesis and apoptosis, the inhibition of NFkappaB activity is considered an effective treatment for cancer, hampered by the lack of selective and safe inhibitors. We recently demonstrated that the RH domain of GRK5 (GRK5-RH) inhibits NFkappaB, thus we evaluated its effects on cancer growth. METHODS: The role of GRK5-RH on tumor growth was assessed in a human cancer cell line (KAT-4). RH overexpression was induced by adenovirus mediated gene transfer; alternatively we administered a synthetic protein reproducing the RH domain of GRK5 (TAT-RH), actively transported into the cells. RESULTS: In vitro, adenovirus mediated GRK5-RH overexpression (AdGRK5-NT) in human tumor cells (KAT-4) induces IkappaB accumulation and inhibits NFkappaB transcriptional activity leading to apoptotic events. In BALB/c nude mice harboring KAT-4 induced neoplasias, intra-tumor delivery of AdGRK5-NT reduces in a dose-dependent fashion tumor growth, with the highest doses completely inhibiting it. This phenomenon is paralleled by a decrease of NFkappaB activity, an increase of IkappaB levels and apoptotic events. To move towards a pharmacological setup, we synthesized the TAT-RH protein. In cultured KAT-4 cells, different dosages of TAT-RH reduced cell survival and increased apoptosis. In BALB/c mice, the anti-proliferative effects of TAT-RH appear to be dose-dependent and highest dose completely inhibits tumor growth. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that GRK5-RH inhibition of NFkappaB is a novel and effective anti-tumoral strategy and TAT-RH could be an useful tool in the fighting of cancer.

Reciprocal regulation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 by cross-phosphorylation: effects on catalysis.

Signaling by the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRbeta) is diminished when the PDGFRbeta is phosphorylated on seryl residues by G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5), but mechanisms for GRK5 activation by the PDGFRbeta remain obscure. We therefore tested whether the PDGFRbeta is able to tyrosine-phosphorylate and thereby activate GRK5. Purified GRK5 was tyrosine-phosphorylated by the wild-type PDGFRbeta to a stoichiometry of 0.8 mol phosphate/mol GRK5, an extent approximately 5 times greater than observed with a Y857F PDGFRbeta mutant that fails to phosphorylate exogenous substrates but autophosphorylates and activates Src normally. The degree of PDGFRbeta-mediated phosphorylation of GRK5 correlated with GRK5 activity, as assessed by seryl phosphorylation of the PDGFRbeta in purified protein preparations, in intact cells expressing a tyrosine-to-phenylalanine GRK5 mutant, and in GRK5 peptide phosphorylation assays. However, tyrosyl phosphorylation of GRK5 was not necessary for GRK5-mediated phosphorylation of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor, even though beta(2)-adrenergic receptor activation promoted tyrosyl phosphorylation of GRK5 in smooth muscle cells. Phosphorylation of the PDGFRbeta by GRK5 in smooth muscle cells or in purified protein preparations reduced PDGFRbeta-mediated peptide phosphorylation. In contrast, phosphorylation of GRK5 by the PDGFRbeta enhanced the V(max) of GRK5-mediated peptide phosphorylation, by 3.4-fold, without altering the GRK5 K(M) for peptide. We conclude that GRK5 tyrosyl phosphorylation is required for the activation of GRK5 by the PDGFRbeta, but not by the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor, and that by activating GRK5, the PDGFRbeta triggers its own desensitization.

The G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 inhibits NFkappaB transcriptional activity by inducing nuclear accumulation of IkappaB alpha.

G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases, GRKs, are known as serine/threonine kinases that regulate GPCR signaling, but recent findings propose functions for these kinases besides receptor desensitization. Indeed, GRK5 can translocate to the nucleus by means of a nuclear localization sequence, suggesting that this kinase regulates transcription events in the nucleus. To evaluate the effect of GRK5-IkappaB alpha interaction on NFkappaB signaling, we induced the overexpression and the knockdown of GRK5 in cell cultures. GRK5 overexpression causes nuclear accumulation of IkappaB alpha, leading to the inhibition of NFkappaB transcriptional activity. Opposite results are achieved by GRK5 knockdown through siRNA. A physical interaction between GRK5 and IkappaB alpha, rather than phosphorylative events, appears as the underlying mechanism. We identify the regulator of gene protein signaling homology domain of GRK5 (RH) and the N-terminal domain of IkappaB alpha as the regions involved in such interaction. To confirm the biological relevance of this mechanism of regulation for NFkappaB, we evaluated the effects of GRK5-RH on NFkappaB-dependent phenotypes. In particular, GRK5-RH overexpression impairs apoptosis protection and cytokine production in vitro and inflammation and tissue regeneration in vivo. Our results reveal an unexpected role for GRK5 in the regulation of NFkappaB transcription activity. Placing these findings in perspective, this mechanism may represent a therapeutic target for all those conditions involving excessive NFkappaB activity.