Signal transduction pathways activated by insulin-like peptide 5 at the relaxin family peptide RXFP4 receptor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is a two-chain, three-disulfide-bonded peptide of the insulin/relaxin superfamily, uniquely expressed in enteroendocrine L-cells of the colon. It is the cognate ligand of relaxin family peptide RXFP4 receptor that is mainly expressed in the colorectum and enteric nervous system. This study identifies new signalling pathways activated by INSL5 acting on RXFP4 receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH INSL5/RXFP4 receptor signalling was investigated using AlphaScreen (R) proximity assays. Recruitment of G alpha(i/o) proteins by RXFP4 receptors was determined by rescue of Pertussis toxin (PTX)-inhibited cAMP and ERK1/2 responses following transient transfection of PTX-insensitive G alpha(i/o) C351I mutants. Cell proliferation was studied with bromodeoxyuridine. RXFP4 receptor interactions with beta-arrestins, GPCR kinase 2 (GRK2), KRas and Rab5a was assessed with real-time BRET. Gene expression was investigated using real-time quantitative PCR. Insulin release was measured using HTRF and intracellular Ca2+ flux monitored in a Flexstation (R) using Fluo-4-AM. KEY RESULTS INSL5 inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation and increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, Akt Ser(473), Akt Thr(308) and S6 ribosomal protein. cAMP and ERK1/2 responses were abolished by PTX and rescued by mG(alpha oA), mG(alpha oB) and mG alpha(i2) and to a lesser extent mG alpha(i1) and mG alpha(i3.) RXFP4 receptors interacted with GRK2 and beta-arrestins, moved towards Rab5a and away from KRas, indicating internalisation following receptor activation. INSL5 inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and Ca2+ mobilisation in MIN6 insulinoma cells and forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in NCI-H716 enteroendocrine cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Knowledge of signalling pathways activated by INSL5 at RXFP4 receptors is essential for understanding the biological roles of this novel gut hormone.