Gangliosides and chondroitin sulfate desensitize and internalize B2 bradykinin receptors

Prolonged or repeated agonist activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) initiates their desensitization and internalization, rendering them unresponsive to agonist activation. We analyzed how gangliosides and chondroitin sulfate affect B2 bradykinin (BK) receptors (B2Rs). Gangliosides and chondroitin sulfate did not stimulate intracellular Ca2+ release from B2R-expressing CHO-K1 cells, but repeated exposure desensitized B2Rs to BK stimulation. Microscopic observation of DsRed-fused B2Rs revealed that several gangliosides and chondroitin sulfate C (CSC) effectively internalized B2Rs. Ganglioside-CSC treatment of B2R mutant-expressing cells failed to desensitize and internalize the mutant receptors. As this mutant lacks the first extracellular domain and cannot activate GPCR kinase (GRK), gangliosides and CSC likely initiate B2R desensitization and endocytosis through GRK-mediated B2R phosphorylation.

► Desensitization and internalization of B2 bradykinin receptor without PLC activation.
► Repeated gangliosides treatment desensitized and internalized B2 bradykinin receptor.
► Chondroitin sulfate C treatment desensitized and internalized B2 bradykinin receptor.
► Gangliosides and chondroitin sulfate likely activate GRK for B2R internalization.