Biochemical properties of heterologously expressed and native adenylyl cyclases from the honeybee brain (Apis mellifera L.)

Cyclic AMP is an important intracellular signaling molecule participating e.g. in sensory signal transduction, cardiac myocyte regulation, learning and memory. The formation of cAMP is catalyzed by adenylyl cyclases. A variety of factors can modulate the properties of these enzymes and lead to dynamic changes of the intracellular cAMP concentration. Here we determined the tissue distribution of a recently cloned adenylyl cyclase (AmAC3) in honeybee brain. The protein is present in all neuropils. Intensive immunoreactivity was found in parts of the proto- and deutocerebrum and in the suboesophageal ganglion. Biochemical and pharmacological properties of AmAC3 and of native adenylyl cyclases in subregions of the honeybee brain were examined. Values for half-maximal activation with NKH477 were in the low micromolar range with 10.2 μM for AmAC3 and 3.6-8.1 μM for native enzymes. Biosynthesis of cAMP was specifically blocked by P-site inhibitors. Adenylyl cyclases in antennal lobes and AmAC3 share the inhibitory profile with 2′,5′dd3′ATP > 3′AMP > 2′deoxyadenosine. In addition to P-site inhibitors AmAC3 activity was impaired by Ca2+/calmodulin. The results suggest that AmAC3 is a likely candidate to fulfill an integrative role in sensory, motor and higher-order information processing in the honeybee brain.