Identification of two serine residues essential for agonist-induced 5-HT2A receptor desensitization

Biochemistry. 2003 Sep 16;42(36):10853-62. doi: 10.1021/bi035061z.

Abstract

5-HT(2A) serotonin receptors represent the principal molecular targets for LSD-like hallucinogens and atypical antipsychotic drugs. It has been proposed that a dysregulation of 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and related diseases. A major mechanism for the attenuation of GPCR signaling following agonist activation typically involves the phosphorylation of serine and/or threonine residues by various kinases. Ser/Thr phosphorylation leads to the binding of accessory proteins and the uncoupling of the G proteins, thereby preventing further signaling. The molecular mechanisms by which 5-HT(2A) receptors are desensitized are unknown, and to date, no residues essential for agonist-mediated desensitization have been identified. Thus, we mutated, individually or in groups, all of the 37 serines and threonines in the cytoplasmic domains of the 5-HT(2A) receptor and assessed the effects of these mutations on agonist-mediated desensitization. We discovered that mutation of two residues, S421 in the C-terminal tail and S188 in the second intracellular loop, to alanine resulted in a significant block of agonist-induced desensitization. Intriguingly, a single-nucleotide polymorphism, of unreported frequency, at the S421 locus has been reported (S421F); the S421F mutation, like the S421A mutation, significantly attenuated agonist-mediated desensitization. Taken together, these findings indicate that the process of agonist-mediated desensitization of 5-HT(2A) receptors requires the presence of two nonconserved serine residues located in distinct intracellular loops.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phorbol Esters / chemistry
  • Phorbol Esters / pharmacology
  • Phosphatidylinositols / chemistry
  • Phosphatidylinositols / metabolism
  • Protein Kinase C / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Kinase C / metabolism
  • Quipazine / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A
  • Receptors, Serotonin / chemistry
  • Receptors, Serotonin / genetics
  • Receptors, Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / drug effects
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Serine / genetics
  • Serine / metabolism*
  • Serotonin / pharmacology
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Threonine / genetics
  • Threonine / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Phorbol Esters
  • Phosphatidylinositols
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Threonine
  • Serotonin
  • Serine
  • Quipazine
  • Protein Kinase C