Received for publication January 3, 2007.
Revised February 20, 2007.
Accepted for publication February 20, 2007.

RhoA Prenylation Inhibitor Produces Relaxation of Tonic Smooth Muscle of Internal Anal Sphincter

Abstract

RhoA prenylation is a critical step for the translocation of RhoA to the membrane and its activation in response to agonist-induced sustained contraction of the smooth muscle. However, the effect and role of RhoA prenylation in the spontaneously tonic smooth muscle such as internal anal sphincter (IAS) is not known. Present studies determined RhoA prenylation and its association with the basal tone in the IAS before and after the RhoA prenylation inhibitor, geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor GGTI-297. Western blot analyses of cytosolic and membrane fractions determined the effects of RhoA prenylation inhibition on the cellular distribution of the RhoA. Additional studies were performed to determine the relationship between RhoA prenylation and Rho kinase (ROK) activity. GGTI-297 decreased prenylation of RhoA, decreased ROK activity, and caused a corresponding fall in the IAS tone. These inhibitory effects following RhoA prenylation blockade were demonstrated to be directly on the spontaneously contracted IAS smooth muscle cells. Western blot analysis revealed high levels of RhoA in the IAS smooth muscle cellular membrane in the basal state, and GGTI-297 shifted the RhoA localization to the cytosol. RhoA prenylation may play an important role in the translocation of RhoA to the smooth muscle cell membrane leading to its activation, and for the maintenance of basal tone in the IAS.

Key words: RhoA prenylation, RhoA prenylation ihhibitor GGTI-297, RhoA/ROK, geranylgeranyl transferase, smooth muscle, smooth muscle tone