Transmembrane domains cellular signaling

The VACM-1 receptor is a membrane-associated protein with a single putative transmembrane domain that binds selectively AVP (XD — 2 nM), but cannot discriminate between VXR and V2R analogues. It is expressed in endothelial and medullary collecting duct cells and upon stimulation by AVP. It induces a mobilization of cytosolic-free Ca2+, decreases cAMP production and inhibits cellular growth via MAPK phosphorylation and p53 expression. The mechanism of action and physiological functions of this new receptor are not well understood, but it seems to participate in the regulation of AVP induced signal transduction pathways or of a yet unidentified peptide. 

All muscarinic receptors are members of the seven transmembrane domain, G protein-coupled receptors, and they are structurally and functionally unrelated to nicotinic ACh receptors. Activation of muscarinic receptors by an agonist triggers the release of an intracellular G-protein complex that can specifically activate one or more signal transduction pathways. Fortunately, the cellular responses elicited by odd- versus even-numbered receptor subtypes can be conveniently distinguished. Activation of Ml, M3, and M5 receptors produces an inosine triphosphate (IP3) mediated release of intracellular calcium, the release of diacylglyc-erol (which can activate protein kinase C), and stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. These receptors are primarily responsible for activating calcium-dependent responses, such as secretion by glands and the contraction of smooth muscle. 

The bradykinin receptor is a member of a family of receptors for which an intracellular interaction with a G-protein is a critical part of the signal transduction pathway following agonist binding. Structurally, these G-protein-coupled receptors extend from beyond the extracellular boundary of the cell membrane into the cytoplasm. The tertiary structure is such that the protein crosses the bilayer of the cell membrane seven times, thus forming three intracellular loops, three extracellular loops, and giving rise to cytoplasmic C-terminal and extra-cellular N-terminal strands. It is generally presumed that the transmembrane domains of these receptors exist as a bundle of helical strands. This assumption is derived primarily from the known structure of the trans-membrane portions of a structurally related protein, bacteriorhodopsin [40]. 

The IFN-y receptor (the type II receptor) displays a more limited cellular distribution than that of the type I receptors (Table 8.5). This receptor is a transmembrane glycoprotein of molecular mass 50 kDa, which appears to function as a homodimer. The extracellular IFN-y binding region consists of approximately 200 amino acid residues folded into two homologous domains. Initiation of signal transduction also requires the presence of a second transmembrane glycoprotein known as AF-1 (accessory factor 1), which associates with the extracellular region of the receptor. 

Fig. 12.4. Example of a two-component pathway in S. cerevisiae. Model of signal transdnction via the SLNl protein. The SLNl protein is a transmembrane protein with two transmembrane elements, which is assumed to exist as a dimer. The sensor domain and the regulator domain are localized on the same protein chain in the SLNl protein. The SLNl protein is activated by an extracellular signal (e.g., decrease in osmolarity). Autophosphorylation takes place on His (H) in the sensor domain and on Asp (D) in the regulator domain. A phosphate transfer takes place from the phosphohisti-dine to the effector protein SSKl. In the unphosphory-lated form, SSKl activates a MAPK pathway, which contains the protein kinase HOGl as a MAPK element. Various cellular reactions are triggered by HOGL If SSKl is phosphorylated in the course of activation of the two-component pathway, stimulation of the MAPK pathway is stopped. According to Swanson et al., (1994).

---