Transcriptional responses to growth factor and G protein-coupled receptorsin PC12 cells: Comparison of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor subtypes

Transcriptional responses to growth factor and G protein-coupled receptors were compared in PC12 cells using retroviral luciferase reporters. In cells stably expressing alpha(1A)-adrenergic receptors, norepinephrine ac tivate d all five reporters [AP1 (activator protein-1), SRE (serum response elemen t), CRE (cyclic AMP response element), NF kappa B (nuclear factor-kappa B), and NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells)], whereas nerve growth fact or (NGF) and epidermal growth factor activated only AP1 and SRE, Activation of P2Y2 receptors by UTP did not activate any reporters. Protein kinase C inhibition blocked NF kappa B activation by norepinephrine, but potentiated CRE. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibition blocked AP1 activa tion by norepinephrine, but also potentiated CRE, p38 mitogen-activated pro tein kinase inhibition reduced most norepinephrine responses, but nor NGF r esponses. Inhibition of Src eliminated SRE responses to norepinephrine and NGF, and reduced all responses except CRE. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in hibitors markedly potentiated CRE activation by norepinephrine, with only s mall effects on the other responses. Comparison of the three human subtypes showed that the alpha(1A) activated all five reporters, the alpha(1B) show ed smaller effects, and the alpha(1D) was ineffective. Cell differentiation caused by norepinephrine, but not NGF, was reduced by all inhibitors studi ed. These experiments suggest that alpha(1A)-adrenergic receptors activate a wider array of transcriptional responses than do growth factors in PC12 c ells. These responses are not linearly related to second messenger producti on, and different subtypes show different patterns of activation.