The Pseudo signal peptide of the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2A prevents receptor oligomerization

J Biol Chem. 2012 Aug 3;287(32):27265-74. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.360594. Epub 2012 Jun 11.

Abstract

N-terminal signal peptides mediate the interaction of native proteins with the translocon complex of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and are cleaved off during early protein biogenesis. The corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2a (CRF(2(a))R) possesses an N-terminal pseudo signal peptide, which represents a so far unique domain within the large protein family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In contrast to a conventional signal peptide, the pseudo signal peptide remains uncleaved and consequently forms a hydrophobic extension at the N terminus of the receptor. The functional consequence of the presence of the pseudo signal peptide is not understood. Here, we have analyzed the significance of this domain for receptor dimerization/oligomerization in detail. To this end, we took the CRF(2(a))R and the homologous corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRF(1)R) possessing a conventional cleaved signal peptide and conducted signal peptide exchange experiments. Using single cell and single molecule imaging methods (fluorescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, respectively) as well as biochemical experiments, we obtained two novel findings; we could show that (i) the CRF(2(a))R is expressed exclusively as a monomer, and (ii) the presence of the pseudo signal peptide prevents its oligomerization. Thus, we have identified a novel functional domain within the GPCR protein family, which plays a role in receptor oligomerization and which may be useful to study the functional significance of this process in general.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biopolymers
  • CRF Receptor, Type 1
  • Cell Line
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Protein Sorting Signals*
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Protein Sorting Signals
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • CRF Receptor, Type 1
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone