Phosphorylation of GRK2 by PKA augments GRK2-mediated phosphorylation, internalization, and desensitization of VPAC2 receptors in smooth muscle

The smooth muscle of the gut expresses mainly G(s) protein-coupled vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide receptors (VPAC(2) receptors), which belong to the secretin family of G protein-coupled receptors. The extent to which PKA and G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) participate in homologous desensitization varies greatly among the secretin family of receptors. The present study identified the novel role of PKA in homologous desensitization of VPAC(2) receptors via the phosphorylation of GRK2 at Ser(685). VIP induced phosphorylation of GRK2 in a concentration-dependent fashion, and the phosphorylation was abolished by blockade of PKA with cell-permeable myristoylated protein kinase inhibitor (PKI) or in cells expressing PKA phosphorylation-site deficient GRK2(S685A). Phosphorylation of GRK2 increased its activity and binding to G beta gamma. VIP-induced phosphorylation of VPAC(2) receptors was abolished in muscle cells expressing kinase-deficient GRK2(K220R) and attenuated in cells expressing GRK2( S685A) or by PKI. VPAC(2) receptor internalization (determined from residual I-125-labeled VIP binding and receptor biotinylation after a 30-min exposure to VIP) was blocked in cells expressing GRK2(K220R) and attenuated in cells expressing GRK2(S685A) or by PKI. Finally, VPAC(2) receptor degradation (determined from residual I-125-labeled VIP binding and receptor expression after a prolonged exposure to VIP) and functional VPAC(2) receptor desensitization (determined from the decrease in adenylyl cyclase activity and cAMP formation after a 30-min exposure to VIP) were abolished in cells expressing GRK2(K220R) and attenuated in cells expressing GRK2(S685A). These results demonstrate that in gastric smooth muscle VPAC(2) receptor phosphorylation is mediated by GRK2. Phosphorylation of GRK2 by PKA enhances GRK2 activity and its ability to induce VPAC(2) receptor phosphorylation, internalization, desensitization, and degradation.