1. Maximal calcium-activated force (Fmax) and calcium sensitivity were markedly decreased in detergent-skinned fibres from skeletal and cardiac muscle by solutions that mimicked the total milieu changes associated with fatigue and hypoxia. Further experiments determined the relative contribution of each of the individual changes in milieu. 2. Both Ca2+ sensitivity and Fmax of skeletal and cardiac fibres were decreased with increased [H+] or inorganic phosphate (Pi). These effects were greater in cardiac muscle. 3. Decreasing MgATP over the range observed with fatigue and hypoxia (6.8-4.7 mM) had no effect on Fmax or Ca2+ sensitivity of either muscle type. 4. Decreasing phosphocreatine (PCr: 15-1 mM) increased Fmax but had little effect on Ca2+ sensitivity in both muscle types. In cardiac fibres, the effect on Fmax could be mimicked by inhibition of endogenous creatine kinase. 5. ADP (0.7 mM) increased Fmax and Ca2+ sensitivity, while AMP (0.06 mM) slightly increased Fmax but had no effect on Ca2+ sensitivity of either skeletal or cardiac fibres. 6. Creatine (25 mM) had no significant effect on either Ca2+ sensitivity or Fmax of skeletal and cardiac muscle fibres. At higher levels (50 mM), however, creatine depressed Fmax and slightly altered Ca2+ sensitivity. 7. Thiophosphorylation of myosin P light chains (phosphorylatable light chains of myosin) in rabbit psoas fibres had no effect on Ca2+ sensitivity, yet slightly but significantly increased Fmax under fatigue conditions. 8. Reducing the affinity for ATP hydrolysis (by adding ADP, AMP and creatine) over the range calculated for fatigue/hypoxia (60-45 kJ/mol) produced the enhancement in Fmax expected from added ADP and AMP in cardiac but not skeletal muscle, indicating that changes in affinity influence Fmax of skeletal muscle. Reducing affinity produced little change in Ca2+ sensitivity of skeletal muscle. In contrast, the change produced in cardiac muscle was greater than that expected from addition of ADP and AMP; i.e. decreasing affinity increases calcium sensitivity of the heart. 9. Simple summation of all significant changes expected from each constituent altered by fatigue/hypoxia adequately predicted the observed changes in Fmax and Ca2+ sensitivity in both cardiac and skeletal muscle fibres with but one exception (the change in Ca2+ sensitivity of skeletal muscle at pH 7 was slightly overestimated).

At the onset of starvation Escherichia coli undergoes a temporally ordered program of starvation gene expression involving 40-80 genes which some four hours later yields cells possessing an enhanced general resistance. Two classes of genes are induced upon carbon starvation: the cst genes, requiring cyclic AMP, and the pex genes, not requiring this nucleotide for induction. The cst genes are not involved in the development of the resistant state and are concerned with escape from starvation, while the pex gene induction appears to be associated with resistance. Many of the latter are induced in response to a variety of starvation conditions. They include heat shock and oxidation resistance genes, and some utilize minor, stationary-phase-specific sigma factors for induction during starvation. The protective role of stress proteins may be due to their ability to rescue misfolded macromolecules. The starvation promoters can be potentially useful for selective expression of desired genes in metabolically sluggish populations, e.g. in high-density industrial fermentations and in situ bioremediation.

The mechanism(s) by which HIV-1 affects neural injury in HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD) remains unknown. To ascertain the role that cellular and viral macrophage products play in HAD neurotoxicity, we explored one potential route for neuronal demise, CXCR4. CXCR4, expressed on lymphocytes and neurons, is both a part of neural development and a co-receptor for HIV-1. Its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), affects neuronal viability. GTP binding protein (G-protein) linked signaling after neuronal exposure to SDF-1alpha, virus-infected monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) secretory products, and virus was determined. In both human and rat neurons, CXCR4 was expressed at high levels. SDF-1alpha/beta was detected predominantly in astrocytes and at low levels in MDM. SDF-1beta/beta was expressed in HAD brain tissue and upregulated in astrocytes exposed to virus infected and/or immune activated MDM conditioned media (fluids). HIV-1-infected MDM secretions, virus and SDF-1beta induced a G inhibitory (Gi) protein-linked decrease in cyclic AMP (cAMP) and increase inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) and intracellular calcium. Such effects were partially blocked by antibodies to CXCR4 or removal of virus from MDM fluids. Changes in G-protein-coupled signaling correlated, but were not directly linked, to increased neuronal synaptic transmission, Caspase 3 activation and apoptosis. These data, taken together, suggest that CXCR4-mediated signal transduction may be a potential mechanism for neuronal dysfunction during HAD.

One of the earliest detectable events during plant-pathogen interaction is a rapid increase in ethylene biosynthesis. This gaseous plant stress hormone may be a signal for plants to activate defense mechanisms against invading pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The effect of ethylene on four plant genes involved in three separate plant defense response pathways was examined; these included (i and ii) genes that encode L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5) and 4-coumarate:CoA ligase [4-coumarate:CoA ligase (AMP-forming), EC 6.2.1.12], enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway, (iii) the gene encoding chalcone synthase, an enzyme of the flavonoid glycoside pathway, and (iv) the genes encoding hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein, a major protein component(s) of plant cell walls. Blot hybridization analysis of mRNA from ethylene-treated carrot roots reveals marked increases in the levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase mRNA, 4-coumarate CoA ligase mRNA, chalcone synthase mRNA, and certain hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein transcripts. The effect of ethylene on hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein mRNA accumulation was different from that of wounding. Ethylene induces two hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein mRNAs (1.8 and 4.0 kilobases), whereas wounding of carrot root leads to accumulation of an additional hydroxyproline-rich mRNA (1.5 kilobases). These results indicate that at least two distinct signals, ethylene and a wound signal, can affect the expression of plant defense-response genes.

GLT-1, GLAST, and EAAC1 are high-affinity, Na(+)-dependent glutamate transporters identified in rat forebrain. The expression of these transporter subtypes was characterized in three preparations: undifferentiated rat cortical astrocyte cultures, astrocytes cocultured with cortical neurons, and astrocyte cultures differentiated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dBcAMP). The undifferentiated astrocyte monocultures expressed only the GLAST subtype. Astrocytes cocultured with neurons developed a stellate morphology and expressed both GLAST and GLT-1; neurons expressed only the EAAC1 transporter, and rare microglia in these cultures expressed GLT-1. Treatment of astrocyte cultures with dBcAMP induced expression of GLT-1 and increased expression of GLAST. These effects of dBcAMP on transporter expression were qualitatively similar to those resulting from coculture with neurons, but immunocytochemistry showed the pattern of transporter expression to be more complex in the coculture preparations. Compared with astrocytes expressing only GLAST, the dBcAMP-treated cultures expressing both GLAST and GLT-1 showed an increase in glutamate uptake Vmax, but no change in the glutamate K(m) and no increased sensitivity to inhibition by dihydrokainate. Pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid and threo-beta-hydroxyaspartic acid caused relatively less inhibition of transport in cultures expressing both GLAST and GLT-1, suggesting a weaker effect at GLT-1 than at GLAST. These studies show that astrocyte expression of glutamate transporter subtypes is influenced by neurons, and that dBcAMP can partially mimic this influence. Manipulation of transporter expression in astrocyte cultures may permit identification of factors regulating the expression and function of GLAST and GLT-1 in their native cell type.

Six populations of bone cells (populations 1-6) were obtained by sequential digestion of mouse calvaria with collagenase and trypsin. After release from the tissue, each cell population was cultured for seven days. Parathormone, but not calcitonin, elicited an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP in the cells of populations 4, 5, and 6. In contrast, both hormones elicited increases in cyclic AMP in populations 2 and 3 but had no effect on population 1. When the cells of population 2 were exposed to a Falcontissue culture polystyrene surface for periods of time up to 5 min, many cells adhered. The nonadhering cell population contained a lesser proportion of cells responsive to calcitonin, whereas the adhering population contained a greater proportion responsive to this hormone. Conversely, when the cells of population 2 were exposed to an acid-treated nylon surface, the nonadhering cells contained a larger proportion of those responsive to calcitonin and a smaller proportion responsive to parathormone. When those cells that were enriched for calcitonin responsiveness were examined, we found an increased proportion that exhibited an asymmetric bipolar morphology. These differed from large amorphous, often binucleate, cells which predominated in those populations that responded exclusively to parathormone. These results establish that bone contains at least two types of target cells--one that responds to parathormone but not calcitonin, the other that responds predominantly to calcitonin.

We recently demonstrated that the product of the HERV-W env gene, a retroviral envelope protein also dubbed syncytin, is a highly fusogenic membrane glycoprotein inducing the formation of syncytia on interaction with the type D mammalian retrovirus receptor. In addition, the detection of HERV-W Env protein (Env-W) expression in placental tissue sections led us to propose a role for this fusogenic glycoprotein in placenta formation. To evaluate this hypothesis, we analyzed the involvement of Env-W in the differentiation of primary cultures of human villous cytotrophoblasts that spontaneously differentiate by cell fusion into syncytiotrophoblasts in vitro. First, we observed that HERV-W env mRNA and glycoprotein expression are colinear with primary cytotrophoblast differentiation and with expression of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a marker of syncytiotrophoblast formation. Second, we observed that in vitro stimulation of trophoblast cell fusion and differentiation by cyclic AMP is also associated with a concomitant increase in HERV-W env and hCG mRNA and protein expression. Finally, by using specific antisense oligonucleotides, we demonstrated that inhibition of Env-W protein expression leads to a decrease of trophoblast fusion and differentiation, with the secretion of hCG in culture medium of antisense oligonucleotide-treated cells being decreased by fivefold. Taken together, these results strongly support a direct role for Env-W in human trophoblast cell fusion and differentiation.

Beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (betaARs) are known to differentially regulate cardiomyocyte contraction and growth. We tested the hypothesis that these differences are attributable to spatial compartmentation of the second messenger cAMP. Using a fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based approach, we directly monitored the spatial and temporal distribution of cAMP in adult cardiomyocytes. We developed a new cAMP-FRET sensor (termed HCN2-camps) based on a single cAMP binding domain of the hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel 2 (HCN2). Its cytosolic distribution, high dynamic range, and sensitivity make HCN2-camps particularly well suited to monitor subcellular localization of cardiomyocyte cAMP. We generated HCN2-camps transgenic mice and performed single-cell FRET imaging on freshly isolated cardiomyocytes. Whole-cell superfusion with isoproterenol showed a moderate elevation of cAMP. Application of various phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors revealed stringent control of cAMP through PDE4>PDE2>PDE3. The beta(1)AR-mediated cAMP signals were entirely dependent on PDE4 activity, whereas beta(2)AR-mediated cAMP was under control of multiple PDE isoforms. beta(1)AR subtype-specific stimulation yielded approximately 2-fold greater cAMP responses compared with selective beta(2)-subtype stimulation, even on treatment with the nonselective PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) (DeltaFRET, 17.3+/-1.3% [beta(1)AR] versus 8.8+/-0.4% [beta(2)AR]). Treatment with pertussis toxin to inactivate G(i) did not affect cAMP production. Localized beta(1)AR stimulation generated a cAMP gradient propagating throughout the cell, whereas local beta(2)AR stimulation did not elicit marked cAMP diffusion. Our data reveal that in adult cardiac myocytes, beta(1)ARs induce far-reaching cAMP signals, whereas beta(2)AR-induced cAMP remains locally confined.

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-independent form of long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses requires presynaptic Ca(2+)-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase. To determine whether this form of LTP might occur at other synapses, we examined cerebellar parallel fibers that, like hippocampal mossy fiber synapses, express high levels of the Ca2+/calmodulin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase I. Repetitive stimulation of parallel fibers caused a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength that was associated with a decrease in paired-pulse facilitation. Blockade of glutamate receptors did not prevent LTP induction, nor did loading of Purkinje cells with a Ca2+ chelator. LTP was occluded by forskolin-induced potentiation and blocked by the protein kinase A inhibitor Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS. These findings suggest that parallel fiber synapses express a form of LTP that is dependent on the activation of a presynaptic adenylyl cyclase and is indistinguishable from LTP at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses.

Agents that elevate intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels promote neuronal survival in a manner independent of neurotrophic factors. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase and dominant-inactive mutants of the protein kinase Akt do not block the survival effects of cAMP, suggesting that another signaling pathway is involved. In this report, we demonstrate that elevation of intracellular cAMP levels in rat cerebellar granule neurons leads to phosphorylation and inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta). The increased phosphorylation of GSK-3beta by protein kinase A (PKA) occurs at serine 9, the same site phosphorylated by Akt. Purified PKA is able to phosphorylate recombinant GSK-3beta in vitro. Inhibitors of GSK-3 block apoptosis in these neurons, and transfection of neurons with a GSK-3beta mutant that cannot be phosphorylated interferes with the prosurvival effects of cAMP. These data suggest that activated PKA directly phosphorylates GSK-3beta and inhibits its apoptotic activity in neurons.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to mediate the effects of exercise on synaptic plasticity and cognitive function, in a process in which energy metabolism probably plays an important role. The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of exercise on rat hippocampal expression of molecules involved in the regulation of energy management and cognitive function, and to determine the role of BDNF in these events. One week of voluntary exercise that enhanced learning and memory performance elevated the expression of molecular systems involved in the metabolism of energy [AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (uMtCK) and uncoupling protein 2] and molecules that work at the interface of energy and synaptic plasticity [BDNF, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and ghrelin]. The levels of BDNF mRNA were associated with the mRNA levels of AMPK, uMtCK, IGF-I and ghrelin. Inhibiting the action of BDNF during exercise abolished an exercise-mediated enhancement in spatial learning and increased the expression of all of the molecular systems studied. BDNF blocking also disrupted the association between learning speed and levels of AMPK, uMtCK, ghrelin and IGF-I mRNAs. These findings suggest that the effects of exercise on synaptic plasticity and cognitive function involve elements of energy metabolism, and that BDNF seems to work at the interface between the two processes as a metabotrophin.

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate cyclic nucleotide levels. Increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling has been associated with PRKAR1A or GNAS mutations and leads to adrenocortical tumors and Cushing syndrome. We investigated the genetic source of Cushing syndrome in individuals with adrenocortical hyperplasia that was not caused by known defects. We performed genome-wide SNP genotyping, including the adrenocortical tumor DNA. The region with the highest probability to harbor a susceptibility gene by loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and other analyses was 2q31-2q35. We identified mutations disrupting the expression of the PDE11A isoform-4 gene (PDE11A) in three kindreds. Tumor tissues showed 2q31-2q35 LOH, decreased protein expression and high cyclic nucleotide levels and cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. PDE11A codes for a dual-specificity PDE that is expressed in adrenal cortex and is partially inhibited by tadalafil and other PDE inhibitors; its germline inactivation is associated with adrenocortical hyperplasia, suggesting another means by which dysregulation of cAMP signaling causes endocrine tumors.

Despite its importance in terms of energy homeostasis, the role of AMP-activated protein kinase in adipose tissue remains controversial. Initial studies have described an anti-lipolytic role for AMP-activated protein kinase, whereas more recent studies have suggested the converse. Thus we have addressed the role of AMP-activated protein kinase in adipose tissue by modulating AMP-activated protein kinase activity in primary rodent adipocytes using pharmacological activators or by adenoviral expression of dominant negative or constitutively active forms of the kinase. We then studied the effects of AMP-activated protein kinase activity modulation on lipolytic mechanisms. Finally, we analyzed the consequences of a genetic deletion of AMP-activated protein kinase in mouse adipocytes. AMP-activated protein kinase activity in adipocytes is represented mainly by the alpha(1) isoform and is induced by all of the stimuli that increase cAMP in adipocytes, including fasting. When AMP-activated protein kinase activity is increased by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-riboside, phenformin, or by the expression of a constitutively active form, isoproterenol-induced lipolysis is strongly reduced. Conversely, when AMP-activated protein kinase activity is decreased either by a dominant negative form or in AMP-activated protein kinase alpha(1) knock-out mice, lipolysis is increased. We present data suggesting that AMP-activated protein kinase acts on hormone-sensitive lipase by blocking its translocation to the lipid droplet. We conclude that, in mature adipocytes, AMP-activated protein kinase activation has a clear anti-lipolytic effect.

The G-protein-coupled central cannabinoid receptor (CB1) has been shown to be functionally associated with several biological responses including inhibition of adenylate cyclase, modulation of ion channels and induction of the immediate-early gene Krox-24. Using stably transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary cells expressing human CB1 we show here that cannabinoid treatment induces both phosphorylation and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, and that these effects are inhibited by SR 141716A, a selective CB1 antagonist. The two p42 and p44 kDa MAP kinases are activated in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The rank order of potency for the activation of MAP kinases with various cannabinoid agonists is CP-55940>> delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol>> WIN 55212.2, in agreement with the pharmacological profile of CB1. The activation of MAP kinases is blocked by pertussis toxin but not by treatment with hydrolysis-resistant cyclic AMP analogues. This suggests that the signal transduction pathway between CB1 and MAP kinases involves a pertussis-toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein and is independent of cyclic AMP metabolism. This coupling of CB1 subtype and mitogenic signal pathway, also observed in the human astrocytoma cell line U373 MG, may explain the mechanism of action underlying cannabinoid-induced Krox-24 induction.

Binding of dsDNA by cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) triggers formation of the metazoan second messenger c[G(2',5')pA(3',5')p], which binds the signaling protein STING with subsequent activation of the interferon (IFN) pathway. We show that human hSTING(H232) adopts a "closed" conformation upon binding c[G(2',5')pA(3',5')p] and its linkage isomer c[G(2',5')pA(2',5')p], as does mouse mSting(R231) on binding c[G(2',5')pA(3',5')p], c[G(3',5')pA(3',5')p] and the antiviral agent DMXAA, leading to similar "closed" conformations. Comparing hSTING to mSting, 2',5'-linkage-containing cGAMP isomers were more specific triggers of the IFN pathway compared to the all-3',5'-linkage isomer. Guided by structural information, we identified a unique point mutation (S162A) placed within the cyclic-dinucleotide-binding site of hSTING that rendered it sensitive to the otherwise mouse-specific drug DMXAA, a conclusion validated by binding studies. Our structural and functional analysis highlights the unexpected versatility of STING in the recognition of natural and synthetic ligands within a small-molecule pocket created by the dimerization of STING.

TGF-beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1), also known as MAPKK kinase-7 (MAP3K7), is a candidate effector of multiple circuits in cardiac biology and disease. Here, we show that inhibition of TAK1 in mice by a cardiac-specific dominant-negative mutation evokes electrophysiological and biochemical properties reminiscent of human Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, arising from mutations in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), most notably, accelerated atrioventricular conduction and impaired AMPK activation. To test conclusively the biochemical connection from TAK1 to AMPK suggested by this phenotype, we disrupted TAK1 in mouse embryos and embryonic fibroblasts by Cre-mediated recombination. In TAK1-null embryos, the activating phosphorylation of AMPK at T172 was blocked, accompanied by defective AMPK activity. However, loss of endogenous TAK1 causes midgestation lethality, with defective yolk sac and intraembryonic vasculature. To preclude confounding lethal defects, we acutely ablated floxed TAK1 in culture by viral delivery of Cre. In culture, endogenous TAK1 was activated by oligomycin, the antidiabetic drug metformin, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR), and ischemia, well established triggers of AMPK activity. Loss of TAK1 in culture blocked T172 phosphorylation induced by all three agents, interfered with AMPK activation, impaired phosphorylation of the endogenous AMPK substrate acetyl CoA carboxylase, and also interfered with activation of the AMPK kinase LKB1. Thus, by disrupting the endogenous TAK1 locus, we prove a pivotal role for TAK1 in the LKB1/AMPK signaling axis, an essential governor of cell metabolism.

The catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) is an enormous, 470-kDa protein serine/threonine kinase that has homology with members of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase superfamily. This protein contributes to the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by assembling broken ends of DNA molecules in combination with the DNA-binding factors Ku70 and Ku80. It may also serve as a molecular scaffold for recruiting DNA repair factors to DNA strand breaks. This study attempts to better define the role of protein kinase activity in the repair of DNA DSBs. We constructed a contiguous 14-kb human DNA-PKcs cDNA and demonstrated that it can complement the DNA DSB repair defects of two mutant cell lines known to be deficient in DNA-PKcs (M059J and V3). We then created deletion and site-directed mutations within the conserved PI 3-kinase domain of the DNA-PKcs gene to test the importance of protein kinase activity for DSB rejoining. These DNA-PKcs mutant constructs are able to express the protein but fail to complement the DNA DSB or V(D)J recombination defects of DNA-PKcs mutant cells. These results indicate that the protein kinase activity of DNA-PKcs is essential for the rejoining of DNA DSBs in mammalian cells. We have also determined a model structure for the DNA-PKcs kinase domain based on comparisons to the crystallographic structure of a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. This structure gives some insight into which amino acid residues are crucial for the kinase activity in DNA-PKcs.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of hospital-associated and, more recently, community-associated infections caused by highly virulent methicillin-resistant strains (CA-MRSA). S. aureus survival in the human host is largely defined by the ability to evade attacks by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other mechanisms of innate host defence. Here we show that AMPs induce resistance mechanisms in CA-MRSA via the aps AMP sensor/regulator system, including (i) the d-alanylation of teichoic acids, (ii) the incorporation of lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol in the bacterial membrane and a concomitant increase in lysine biosynthesis, and (iii) putative AMP transport systems such as the vraFG transporter, for which we demonstrate a function in AMP resistance. In contrast to the aps system of S. epidermidis, induction of the aps response in S. aureus was AMP-selective due to structural differences in the AMP binding loop of the ApsS sensor protein. Finally, using a murine infection model, we demonstrate the importance of the aps regulatory system in S. aureus infection. This study shows that while significant interspecies differences exist in the AMP-aps interaction, the AMP sensor system aps is functional and efficient in promoting resistance to a variety of AMPs in a clinically relevant strain of the important human pathogen S. aureus.

An increasing amount of information on the action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) at the molecular level has not yet been translated into a comprehensive understanding of effects in bacteria. Although some biophysical attributes of AMPs have been correlated with macroscopic features, the physiological relevance of other properties has not yet been addressed. Pertinent and surprising conclusions have therefore been left unstated. Strong membrane-binding and micromolar therapeutic concentrations of AMPs indicate that membrane-bound concentrations may be reached that are higher than intuitively expected, triggering disruptive effects on bacteria.

There is a large body of functional data that supports the existence of subcellular compartmentation of the components of cyclic AMP action in the heart. Data from isolated perfused hearts and from purified ventricular myocytes imply a fixed and hormone-specific spatial relationship amongst components of cyclic AMP synthesis, response, and degradation. Available data demonstrate that within a cardiac myocyte, not all cyclic AMP gains access to all cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), that not all PKA interacts with all possible cellular substrates of PKA, and that only a subset of the myocyte's phosphodiesterases (PDEs) may degrade cyclic AMP after a given synthetic stimulus. Molecular mechanisms contributing to compartmentation are being discovered: localization of receptors, G proteins, and adenylyl cyclases in caveolar versus noncaveolar regions of the sarcolemma; localization of PKA by A-kinase anchoring proteins; localization of PKA substrates, PDE isoforms, and phosphoprotein phosphatases in discrete subcellular regions; and differential regulation of multiple isoforms of adenylyl cyclase, phosphoprotein phosphatase, and PDE in distinct subcellular compartments.

The cyclic AMP receptor protein-cAMP complex (CRP-cAMP) binds at a variety of distances upstream of several E. coli promoters and activates transcription. We have constructed a model system in which a consensus CRP binding site is placed at different distances upstream of the melR promoter. CRP-cAMP activates transcription from melR when bound at a number of positions, all of which lie on the same face of the DNA helix. The two distances at which transcription is strongly activated correspond exactly to those at which CRP-cAMP binds upstream of the well-studied galP1 and lac promoters. Footprinting of the synthetic promoters reveals that RNA polymerase makes identical contacts with their -10 regions even though CRP-cAMP binds at a different distance in each case. Kinetic analysis in vitro indicates that CRP-cAMP activates transcription from these promoters in similar but distinct ways. A model is proposed to explain this two-position activation.

Human platelets generate diglyceride within 5 s of exposure to thrombin. Production of diglyceride is transient. 15 s after the addition of thrombin, the levels of diglyceride have increased up to 30-fold, but decrease thereafter. Prior incubation of platelets with 2 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP prevents both the generation of diglyceride and the secretion of serotonin. Acetylsalicylic acid (100 microgram/ml), which completely inhibits prostaglandin endoperoxide synthesis, does not block diglyceride production and serotonin secretion induced by thrombin. Based on studies examining the incorporation of [3H]arachidonic acid into diglyceride of prelabeled platelets exposed to thrombin, it is concluded that neither phosphatidic acid nor triglyceride is the source of the diglyceride. Phosphatidylinositol appears to be the most likely source, both because its loss of radiolabel is sizable and rapid enough to account for the appearance of radiolabel in diglyceride, and because a phosphatidylinositol-specific phosphodiesterase, described in this report, exists in platelets. The phosphatidylinositol-phosphodiesterase, which produces diglyceride and inositol phosphate, requires Ca+2 and shows optimal activity at pH 7. The enzyme does not act upon phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidylserine.

Cyclic AMP is an important second messenger in the coordinated regulation of cellular metabolism. Its effects are mediated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), which is assembled from two regulatory (R) and two catalytic (C) subunits. In mice there are four R genes (encoding RI alpha, RI beta, RII alpha, and RII beta) and two C gene (encoding C alpha and C beta), expressed in tissue-specific patterns. The RII beta isoform is abundant in brown and white adipose tissue and brain, with limited expression elsewhere. To elucidate its functions, we generated RII beta knockout mice. Here we report that mutants appear healthy but have markedly diminished white adipose tissue despite normal food intake. They are protected against developing diet-induced obesity and fatty livers. Mutant brown adipose tissue exhibits a compensatory increase in RI alpha, which almost entirely replaces lost RII beta, generating an isoform switch. The holoenzyme from mutant adipose tissue binds cAMP more avidly and is more easily activated than wild-type enzyme. This causes induction of uncoupling protein and elevations of metabolic rate and body temperature, contributing to the lean phenotype. Our results demonstrate a role for the RII beta holoenzyme in regulating energy balance and adiposity.