Heterodimerization of alpha 2A- and beta 1-adrenergic receptors

J Biol Chem. 2003 Mar 21;278(12):10770-7. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M207968200. Epub 2003 Jan 15.

Abstract

beta- and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors are known to exhibit substantial cross-talk and mutual regulation in tissues where they are expressed together. We have found that the beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)AR) and alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2A)AR) heterodimerize when coexpressed in cells. Immunoprecipitation studies with differentially tagged beta(1)AR and alpha(2A)AR expressed in HEK-293 cells revealed robust co-immunoprecipitation of the two receptors. Moreover, agonist stimulation of alpha(2A)AR was found to induce substantial internalization of coexpressed beta(1)AR, providing further evidence for a physical association between the two receptors in a cellular environment. Ligand binding assays examining displacement of [(3)H]dihydroalprenolol binding to the beta(1)AR by various ligands revealed that beta(1)AR pharmacological properties were significantly altered when the receptor was coexpressed with alpha(2A)AR. Finally, beta(1)AR/alpha(2A)AR heterodimerization was found to be markedly enhanced by a beta(1)AR point mutation (N15A) that blocks N-linked glycosylation of the beta(1)AR as well as by point mutations (N10A/N14A) that block N-linked glycosylation of the alpha(2A)AR. These data reveal an interaction between beta(1)AR and alpha(2A)AR that is regulated by glycosylation and that may play a key role in cross-talk and mutual regulation between these receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dimerization
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Precipitin Tests
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 / physiology
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1 / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1 / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1