Christoph Klenk

Publications

• 4.53

  Impact points

  The Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor vav2 is a Negative Regulator of PTH-receptor / Gq-signaling.

  Alexander Emami-Nemini, Antje Gohla, Henning Urlaub, Martin J Lohse, Christoph Klenk

  Molecular pharmacology. 05/2012;

  The parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates the endocrine and paracrine effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and related peptides via the activation of phospholipase C-β, adenylyl cyclase, mitogen-activated protein kinases and β-arrestin-ini... [more] The parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates the endocrine and paracrine effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and related peptides via the activation of phospholipase C-β, adenylyl cyclase, mitogen-activated protein kinases and β-arrestin-initiated signaling pathways. It is currently not clear how specificity among these downstream signaling pathways is realized. A possible mechanism involves adaptor proteins that affect receptor/effector coupling. In a proteomic screen with the PTHR C-terminus, we have identified vav2, a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rho GTPases, as a PTHR interacting protein. The core domains of vav2 bound to the intracellular domains of the PTHR independent of receptor activation. In addition, vav2 specifically interacted with activated Gα(q), but not with Gα(s) subunits, and it competed with PTHR for coupling to Gα(q). Consistent with its specific interaction with Gα(q), vav2 impaired G(q)-mediated inositol phosphate generation, but not G(s)-mediated cAMP generation. This inhibition of G(q)-signaling was specific for PTHR-signaling when compared with other G(q)-coupled GPCRs. Moreover, the benefit for PTHR-mediated inositol phosphate generation in the absence of vav2 required the ezrin binding domain of NHERF1. Our results show that a RhoA GEF can specifically interact with a GPCR and thereby modulate its G protein signaling specificity.
• 5.15

  Impact points

  Modification of nonstructural protein 1 of influenza A virus by SUMO1.

  Ke Xu, Christoph Klenk, Bin Liu, Bjoern Keiner, Jinke Cheng, Bo-Jian Zheng, Li Li, Qinglin Han, Chen Wang, Tianxian Li, Ze Chen, Yuelong Shu, Jinhua Liu, Hans-Dieter Klenk, Bing Sun

  Journal of virology. 11/2010; 85(2):1086-98.

  Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is one of the major factors resulting in the efficient infection rate and high level of virulence of influenza A virus. Although consisting of only approximately 230 amino acids, NS1 has the ability to interfere with several systems of the host viral defense. In the pre... [more] Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is one of the major factors resulting in the efficient infection rate and high level of virulence of influenza A virus. Although consisting of only approximately 230 amino acids, NS1 has the ability to interfere with several systems of the host viral defense. In the present study, we demonstrate that NS1 of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A/Duck/Hubei/L-1/2004 (H5N1) virus interacts with human Ubc9, which is the E2 conjugating enzyme for sumoylation, and we show that SUMO1 is conjugated to H5N1 NS1 in both transfected and infected cells. Furthermore, two lysine residues in the C terminus of NS1 were identified as SUMO1 acceptor sites. When the SUMO1 acceptor sites were removed by mutation, NS1 underwent rapid degradation. Studies of different influenza A virus strains of human and avian origin showed that the majority of viruses possess an NS1 protein that is modified by SUMO1, except for the recently emerged swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIV) (H1N1). Interestingly, growth of a sumoylation-deficient WSN virus mutant was retarded compared to that of wild-type virus. Together, these results indicate that sumoylation enhances NS1 stability and thus promotes rapid growth of influenza A virus.
• 5.33

  Impact points

  Formation of a ternary complex among NHERF1, beta-arrestin, and parathyroid hormone receptor.

  Christoph Klenk, Thorsten Vetter, Alexander Zürn, Jean-Pierre Vilardaga, Peter A Friedman, Bin Wang, Martin J Lohse

  The Journal of biological chemistry. 09/2010; 285(39):30355-62.

  β-Arrestins are crucial regulators of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, desensitization, and internalization. Despite the long-standing paradigm that agonist-promoted receptor phosphorylation is required for β-arrestin2 recruitment, emerging evidence suggests that phosphorylation-independ... [more] β-Arrestins are crucial regulators of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, desensitization, and internalization. Despite the long-standing paradigm that agonist-promoted receptor phosphorylation is required for β-arrestin2 recruitment, emerging evidence suggests that phosphorylation-independent mechanisms play a role in β-arrestin2 recruitment by GPCRs. Several PDZ proteins are known to interact with GPCRs and serve as cytosolic adaptors to modulate receptor signaling and trafficking. Na(+)/H(+) exchange regulatory factors (NHERFs) exert a major role in GPCR signaling. By combining imaging and biochemical and biophysical methods we investigated the interplay among NHERF1, β-arrestin2, and the parathyroid hormone receptor type 1 (PTHR). We show that NHERF1 and β-arrestin2 can independently bind to the PTHR and form a ternary complex in cultured human embryonic kidney cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells. Although NHERF1 interacts constitutively with the PTHR, β-arrestin2 binding is promoted by receptor activation. NHERF1 interacts directly with β-arrestin2 without using the PTHR as an interface. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies revealed that the kinetics of PTHR and β-arrestin2 interactions were modulated by NHERF1. These findings suggest a model in which NHERF1 may serve as an adaptor, bringing β-arrestin2 into close proximity to the PTHR, thereby facilitating β-arrestin2 recruitment after receptor activation.
• 4.35

  Impact points

  Site-specific, orthogonal labeling of proteins in intact cells with two small biarsenical fluorophores.

  Alexander Zürn, Christoph Klenk, Ulrike Zabel, Susanne Reiner, Martin J Lohse, Carsten Hoffmann

  Bioconjugate chemistry. 05/2010; 21(5):853-9.

  The fusion of fluorescent proteins to proteins of interest has greatly advanced fluorescence microscopy, but is often limited by their large size. Here, we report site-specific, orthogonal labeling of two cellular proteins in intact cells with two small fluorescent dyes: fluorescein arsenical hairpi... [more] The fusion of fluorescent proteins to proteins of interest has greatly advanced fluorescence microscopy, but is often limited by their large size. Here, we report site-specific, orthogonal labeling of two cellular proteins in intact cells with two small fluorescent dyes: fluorescein arsenical hairpin binder, FlAsH, and its red analogue, ReAsH, which bind to tetracysteine motifs. Development of a sequential labeling method to two different motifs, CCPGCC and FLNCCPGCCMEP, allowed site-specific labeling with FlAsH and ReAsH, respectively. Using the cell surface receptor for parathyroid hormone and its cytosolic binding protein, beta-arrestin2, we show their selective visualization in intact cells and analyze their interaction by colocalization and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). We propose that this method may be widely applied to label intracellular proteins and to study their interactions in intact cells with minimal disturbance of their function.
• 5.33

  Impact points

  Agonist-regulated cleavage of the extracellular domain of parathyroid hormone receptor type 1.

  Christoph Klenk, Stefan Schulz, Davide Calebiro, Martin J Lohse

  The Journal of biological chemistry. 03/2010; 285(12):8665-74.

  The receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTHR) is a main regulator of calcium homeostasis and bone maintenance. As a member of class B of G protein-coupled receptors, it harbors a large extracellular domain, which is required for ligand binding. Here, we demonstrate that the PTHR extracellular domain i... [more] The receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTHR) is a main regulator of calcium homeostasis and bone maintenance. As a member of class B of G protein-coupled receptors, it harbors a large extracellular domain, which is required for ligand binding. Here, we demonstrate that the PTHR extracellular domain is cleaved by a protease belonging to the family of extracellular metalloproteinases. We show that the cleavage takes place in a region of the extracellular domain that belongs to an unstructured loop connecting the ligand-binding parts and that the N-terminal 10-kDa fragment is connected to the receptor core by a disulfide bond. Cleaved receptor revealed reduced protein stability compared with noncleaved receptor, suggesting degradation of the whole receptor. In the presence of the agonistic peptides PTH(1-34), PTH(1-14), or PTH(1-31), the processing of the PTHR extracellular domain was inhibited, and receptor protein levels were stabilized. A processed form of the PTHR was also detected in human kidney. These findings suggest a new model of PTHR processing and regulation of its stability.
• 5.33

  Impact points

  G proteins in reverse mode: receptor-mediated GTP release inhibits G protein and effector function.

  Leif G Hommers, Christoph Klenk, Christian Dees, Moritz Bünemann

  The Journal of biological chemistry. 03/2010; 285(11):8227-33.

  Active G protein-coupled receptors activate heterotrimeric Galphabetagamma proteins by catalyzing the exchange of GDP by GTP at the Galpha subunit. A paradoxical attenuation of G protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) upon stimulation of native cells with high concentrations... [more] Active G protein-coupled receptors activate heterotrimeric Galphabetagamma proteins by catalyzing the exchange of GDP by GTP at the Galpha subunit. A paradoxical attenuation of G protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) upon stimulation of native cells with high concentrations of agonist is known. However, a deactivation of activated G proteins by active receptors has not been experimentally studied in intact cells. We monitored GIRK currents and G(o) protein activation by means of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in parallel. The results suggested that GIRK currents were paradoxically attenuated due to an inactivation of G(o) proteins by active alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptors. To study the mechanisms, G protein activation and receptor-G protein interactions were analyzed as a function of nucleotide type and nucleotide concentrations by means of FRET, while controlling intracellular nucleotides upon permeabilization of the cell membrane. Results suggested a receptor-catalyzed dissociation of GTP from activated heterotrimeric Galphabetagamma. Consequently, nucleotide-free G proteins were sequestrated in heterotrimeric conformation at the active receptor, thus attenuating downstream signaling in an agonist-dependent manner.
• 3.54

  Impact points

  Immunohistochemical identification of the PTHR1 parathyroid hormone receptor in normal and neoplastic human tissues.

  Amelie Lupp, Christoph Klenk, Christoph Röcken, Matthias Evert, Christian Mawrin, Stefan Schulz

  European journal of endocrinology / European Federation of Endocrine Societies. 02/2010; 162(5):979-86.

  Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a crucial regulator of calcium homoeostasis in humans. Although it is well known that PTH acts primarily on kidney and bone, the precise cellular and subcellular sites of PTH action have not been visualised in human tissues. We developed and characterised a novel anti-pe... [more] Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a crucial regulator of calcium homoeostasis in humans. Although it is well known that PTH acts primarily on kidney and bone, the precise cellular and subcellular sites of PTH action have not been visualised in human tissues. We developed and characterised a novel anti-peptide antibody to the carboxy-terminal region of the human PTH receptor type 1 (PTHR1). Specificity of the antiserum was demonstrated by i) detection of a broad band migrating at M(r) 85,000-95,000 in western blots of membranes from human kidney and PTHR1-transfected cells; ii) cell surface staining of PTHR1-transfected cells; iii) translocation of PTHR1 receptor immunostaining after agonist exposure; and iv) abolition of tissue immunostaining by preadsorption of the antibody with its immunising peptide. The distribution of PTHR1 receptors was investigated in 320 human tumours and their tissues of origin. In the kidney, PTHR1 receptors were predominantly detected at the basolateral plasma membrane of epithelial cells in the proximal and distal tubules but not in the thin limbs of Henle, collecting ducts or glomeruli. In bone, PTHR1 receptors were detected as discrete plasma membrane staining of osteocytes and osteoblasts, whereas osteoclasts remained unstained. In addition, PTHR1 was found in the gut and in a number of neoplastic tissues including colorectal carcinoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma and osteosarcoma. This is the first localisation of PTHR1 receptors in human tissues at the cellular level. The overexpression of PTHR1 receptors may provide a molecular basis for efficient targeting of human tumours with radiolabelled PTH analogues.

• Effects of parathyroid hormone on the structure and complexation of parathyroid hormone receptor 1

  Christoph Klenk

  01/2010

  Degree: Ph.D.

  Supervisor: Prof. Martin Lohse
• 14.61

  Impact points

  Blocking them all: beta-arrestins inhibit cellular signaling.

  Martin J Lohse, Christoph Klenk

  Molecular cell. 10/2008; 31(5):619-21.

  beta-arrestins are scaffold proteins that link G protein-coupled receptors to multiple "nonclassical" signaling pathways. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Mo et al. (2008) show that beta-arrestin1 also switches off signaling through the STAT1 transcription factor, thereby inhibiting interf... [more] beta-arrestins are scaffold proteins that link G protein-coupled receptors to multiple "nonclassical" signaling pathways. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Mo et al. (2008) show that beta-arrestin1 also switches off signaling through the STAT1 transcription factor, thereby inhibiting interferon-induced antiviral responses.
• 5.33

  Impact points

  SUMO-1 controls the protein stability and the biological function of phosducin.

  Christoph Klenk, Jan Humrich, Ursula Quitterer, Martin J Lohse

  The Journal of biological chemistry. 04/2006; 281(13):8357-64.

  Phosducin regulates Gbetagamma-stimulated signaling by binding to Gbetagamma subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Control of phosducin activity by phosphorylation is well established. However, little is known about other mechanisms that may control phosducin activity. Here we report that phosducin... [more] Phosducin regulates Gbetagamma-stimulated signaling by binding to Gbetagamma subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Control of phosducin activity by phosphorylation is well established. However, little is known about other mechanisms that may control phosducin activity. Here we report that phosducin is regulated at the posttranslational level by modification with the small ubiquitin-related modifier, SUMO. We demonstrate modification with SUMO for phosducin in vitro expressed in cells and for native phosducin purified from retina and the heart. A consensus motif for SUMOylation was identified in phosducin at amino acid positions 32-35. Mutation of the conserved lysine 33 to arginine in this motif abolished SUMOylation of phosducin, indicating that SUMO is attached to lysine 33 of phosducin. In transfected cells the steady-state levels of the K33R mutant protein were much lower compared with wild-type phosducin. The investigation of the stability of wild-type phosducin and of phosducinK33R showed a decreased protein stability of the SUMOylation-deficient mutant. The decreased protein stability correlated with increased ubiquitinylation of the SUMOylation-deficient mutant. These findings indicate that SUMOylation protects phosducin from proteasomal degradation. SUMOylation of phosducin decreased its ability to bind Gbetagamma. PhlP, a closely related member of the phosducin family, was not a target for SUMOylation, but its SUMOylation can be achieved by a single amino acid insertion in the conserved N terminus of PhlP. Together, these findings show that phosducin is a previously unrecognized target of SUMO modification and that SUMOylation controls phosducin stability in cells as well as its functional properties.

• Posttranslational Modification of Phosducin by SUMO1

  Christoph Klenk

  01/2006

  Degree: M.D.

  Supervisor: Prof. Martin Lohse
• 3.04

  Impact points

  Regulation of fusion activity by the cytoplasmic domain of a paramyxovirus F protein.

  S Tong, M Li, A Vincent, R W Compans, E. Fritsch, R Beier, C Klenk, M Ohuchi, H D Klenk

  Virology. 10/2002; 301(2):322-333.

  SER virus is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Rubulavirus, which has been isolated from pigs. It is very closely related to SV5 virus serologically, in protein profile, and in nucleotide sequence. However, unlike SV5, SER induces minimal syncytium formation in infected CV-1 or BHK cells... [more] SER virus is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Rubulavirus, which has been isolated from pigs. It is very closely related to SV5 virus serologically, in protein profile, and in nucleotide sequence. However, unlike SV5, SER induces minimal syncytium formation in infected CV-1 or BHK cells. Fluorescence transfer experiments between labeled erythrocytes and infected MDBK cells revealed that SER also induces hemifusion and pore formation with reduced efficiency. The virion polypeptide profiles of SER and SV5 are very similar, except that the SER F1 subunit shows an apparent molecular weight that is about 2 kDa higher than that of SV5. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed the SER F (551 aa) to be longer than SV5 F (529 aa) by 22 residues in the cytoplasmic tail (CT) domain. The HN and M gene sequences of the viruses were found to be very similar. The SER F showed minimal fusion activity when coexpressed with either SV5 or SER HN. In contrast, SV5 F was highly fusogenic when coexpressed with either HN protein, indicating that the restricted fusion capacity of SER virus is a property of its F protein. Truncation in the CT of SER F by 22 residues completely rescued its ability to cause syncytium formation, whereas other truncations rescued syncytium formation partially. These results demonstrate that an elongated CT of a paramyxovirus F protein suppresses its membrane fusion activity.

• Posttranslationale Modifikation von Phosducin durch den small ubiquitin-related modifier "SUMO"

  Johann Christoph Klenk

  Journal of Biological Chemistry.

  Die Rezeptor vermittelte Aktivierung heterotrimerer G-Proteine ist einer der bedeutendsten Signaltransduktionsmechanismen in vielen Organismen. Die Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Rezeptoren und Agonisten macht eine effektive Kontrolle des einzelnen Signals unumgänglich. Das zytosolische Protein Phosduci... [more] Die Rezeptor vermittelte Aktivierung heterotrimerer G-Proteine ist einer der bedeutendsten Signaltransduktionsmechanismen in vielen Organismen. Die Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Rezeptoren und Agonisten macht eine effektive Kontrolle des einzelnen Signals unumgänglich. Das zytosolische Protein Phosducin bindet beta-gamma-Untereinheiten aktivierter G-Proteine und hemmt damit sowohl Gbeta-gamma-vermittelte Effekte als auch Galpha-vermittelte Effekte. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde neben der bekannten 33 kDa Form von Phosducin eine weitere 47 kDa große Form in der Retina und im Herz identifiziert. Hierbei handelte es sich um Phosducin, welches mit dem small ubiquitin-related modifier, SUMO, modifiziert war. Weiterhin wurde sowohl in vitro als auch in zellulären Sytemen gezeigt, dass Phosducin mit einem Molekül SUMO an Lysin 33 modifiziert wird. Durch punktgerichtete Mutation dieser Modifikationsstelle wurde eine SUMOylierungs-defiziente Phosducin-Mutante generiert. Diese Mutante unterliegt einem gesteigerten Turnover im Vergleich zu Wildtyp-Phosducin, welcher auf die verstärke Ubiquitinierung und dem damit verbundenen proteasomalen Abbau der Mutante zurückzuführen war. Dies demonstriert, dass SUMOylierung von Phosducin protektive Wirkung auf dieses Protein hat. Darüberhinaus behindert die SUMOylierung von Phosducin dessen Bindung an Gbeta-gamma-Untereinheiten heterotrimerer G-Proteine. Diese Beobachtungen erlauben den Schluss, dass SUMOylierung neben der Phosphorylierung ein neuer und wichtiger Mechanismus ist, über den die Verfügbarkeit von Phosducin als G-Protein-Regulator kontrolliert wird. Receptor-mediated activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins is one of the most important signalling mechanisms in many organisms. The variety of different receptors and ligands require a tight control of the individual signalling processes. The cytosolic protein Phosducin has been show to tightly bind to Gbeta-gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins thereby attenuating Gbeta-gamma and G-alpha mediated signals. In the present study a previously unknown 47 kDa high molecular isoform of 33 kDa protein phosducin was identified in the retina and the heart. This isoform was shown to be phosducin modified with the small ubiquitin-related modifier SUMO. Further experiments in vitro and in cells revealed that phosducin is modified with SUMO at lysine 33. Mutation of lysine 33 abolished SUMOylation of phosducin. Compared to wild-type phosducin the SUMOylation-deficient mutant of phosducin revealed reduced steady state protein levels and increased ubiquitination. This suggests that SUMOylation is protecting phosducin from ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Moreover, SUMOylation of phosducin decreased its ability to bind to Gbeta-gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Together, these findings show that phosducin is a previously unrecognized target of SUMO modification, and that SUMOylation controls phosducin stability in cells as well as its functional properties.