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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although it is established that the receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) can interact with a number of GPCRs, little is known about the consequences of these interactions. Here the interaction of RAMPs with the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1 receptor), the human vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/pituitary AC-activating peptide 2 receptor (VPAC2) and the type 1 corticotrophin releasing factor receptor (CRF1) has been examined.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: GPCRs were co-transfected with RAMPs in HEK 293S and CHO-K1 cells. Cell surface expression of RAMPs and GPCRs was examined by elisa. Where there was evidence for interactions, agonist-stimulated cAMP production, Ca2 mobilization and GTP[gamma]S binding to Gs, Gi, G12 and Gq were examined. The ability of CRF to stimulate adrenal corticotrophic hormone release in Ramp2 /- mice was assessed.

KEY RESULTS: The GLP-1 receptor failed to enhance the cell surface expression of any RAMP. VPAC2 enhanced the cell surface expression of all three RAMPs. CRF1 enhanced the cell surface expression of RAMP2; the cell surface expression of CRF1 was also increased. There was no effect on agonist-stimulated cAMP production. However, there was enhanced G-protein coupling in a receptor and agonist-dependent manner. The CRF1: RAMP2 complex resulted in enhanced elevation of intracellular calcium to CRF and urocortin 1 but not sauvagine. In Ramp2 /- mice, there was a loss of responsiveness to CRF.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The VPAC2 and CRF1 receptors interact with RAMPs. This modulates G-protein coupling in an agonist-specific manner. For CRF1, coupling to RAMP2 may be of physiological significance.

Copyright (C) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.