Enhanced cAMP accumulation by the human thyrotropin receptor variant with the Pro52Thr substitution in the extracellular domain.

Recently, a naturally occurring variant of the human thyrotropin receptor with a Pro52Thr substitution in the N-terminal extracellular domain of the receptor has been identified. To determine the functional significance of this substitution, cDNAs of wild-type and variant thyrotropin receptors were stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The Pro52Thr substitution did not affect synthesis and membrane localization of the receptor, as evidenced by 125I-thyrotropin binding analysis to intact cells. The variant receptor and the wild-type receptor were expressed in equivalent numbers and displayed identical binding affinity for thyrotropin. Strikingly, thyrotropin increased cAMP accumulation to a much greater extent in cells expressing the variant receptor as compared to the wild-type receptor-expressing cells. Basal and cholera toxin-stimulated or forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels were not different. It is concluded that the Pro52Thr substitution in the N-terminal region of the human thyrotropin receptor produces a receptor protein with enhanced coupling to cAMP production. This naturally occurring hyperactive thyrotropin receptor may participate in hyperthyroidism of patients with Graves' disease.