Homologous and heterologous phosphorylation of the AT(2) angiotensin receptor by protein kinase C.

The angiotensin AT(2) receptor is an atypical seven transmembrane domain receptor that is coupled to activation of tyrosine phosphatase and inhibition of MAP kinase, and does not undergo agonist-induced internalization. An investigation of the occurrence and nature of AT(2) receptor phosphorylation revealed that phorbol ester-induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in HA-AT(2) receptor-expressing COS-7 cells caused rapid and specific phosphorylation of a single residue (Ser(354)) located in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor. Agonist activation of AT(2) receptors by angiotensin II (Ang II) also caused rapid PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Ser(354) that was prevented by the AT(2) antagonist, PD123177, and by inhibitors of PKC. In cells coexpressing AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, Ang II-induced phosphorylation of the AT(2) receptor was reduced by either PD123177 or the AT(1) receptor antagonist, DuP753, and was abolished by treatment with both antagonists or with PKC inhibitors. These findings indicate that the AT(2) receptor is rapidly phosphorylated via PKC during homologous activation by Ang II, and also undergoes heterologous PKC-dependent phosphorylation during activation of the AT(1) receptor. The latter process may regulate the counteracting effects of AT(2) receptors on growth responses to AT(1) receptor activation.