The angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) and its octapeptide ligand, angiotensin II (AngII), engage multiple downstream signaling pathways, including those mediated by heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins (G proteins) and those mediated by β-arrestin. Here, we examined AT1R-mediated Gα(q) and β-arrestin signaling with multiple AngII analogs bearing substitutions at position 8, which is critical for binding to the AT1R and its activation of G proteins. Using assays that discriminated between ligand-promoted recruitment of β-arrestin to the AT1R and its resulting conformational rearrangement, we extend the concept of biased signaling to include the analog's propensity to differentially promote conformational changes in β-arrestin, two responses that were differentially affected by distinct G protein-coupled receptor kinases. The efficacy of AngII analogs in activating extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 correlated with the stability of the complexes between β-arrestin and AT1R in endosomes, rather than with the extent of β-arrestin recruitment to the receptor. In vascular smooth muscle cells, the ligand-induced conformational changes in β-arrestin correlated with whether the ligand promoted β-arrestin-dependent migration or proliferation. Our data indicate that biased signaling not only occurs between G protein- and β-arrestin-mediated pathways but also occurred at the level of the AT1R and β-arrestin, such that different AngII analogs selectively engaged distinct β-arrestin conformations, which led to specific signaling events and cell responses.

Background and purpose: d-Opioid receptors (DOP receptors) could represent a novel target in the treatment of depressive disorders. To explore this new field of interest, the development of highly selective DOP receptor agonists is essential. UFP-512 [H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH(CH 2 -COOH)-Bid], was recently shown to behave in vitro as a selective and potent DOP receptor agonist and to promote antidepressant-and anxiolytic-like effects in vivo (Vergura et al., 2007). Here, we have characterized the pharmacological properties of UFP-512 and established a link between desensitization and tolerance. Experimental approach: Studies were performed in the human neuroblastoma SK-N-BE cells to establish i) binding parameters for UFP-512 ii) signalling pathways activated after acute and chronic treatment iii) regulation (phosphorylation and trafficking) of human DOP (hDOP) receptors after sustained activation by UFP-512. In vivo, we studied UFP-512-induced antidepressant-like effects after acute or chronic treatment in the mouse forced swimming test. Key results: In vitro, UFP-512 was a high affinity agonist for DOP receptors. While UFP-512 induced marked phosphorylation of DOP receptors on Ser 363 , we observed a low desensitization of the cAMP pathway, associated with receptor endocytosis and recycling without any reduction on extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 activation. In vivo, acute administration of UFP-512 produced an antidepressant-like effect, without any sign of tolerance after chronic administration. Conclusions and implications: There was a correlation between weak desensitization, significant internalization and recycling of the human DOP receptors and lack of tolerance to UFP-512. This suggests that this compound would be a promising drug prototype for exploring innovative treatments for mood disorders.

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British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 1325; doi:

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