Distinct beta-subunits are present in hybrid insulin-like-growth-factor-1 receptors in the central nervous system

Previous work suggests the existence of different isoforms of the insulin-like-growth-factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor in various tissues. In the present study we provide support for the concept that heterogeneous IGF-1 receptors exist in the brain and that part of the heterogeneity is derived from IGF-1 receptor hybrids formed from different beta-subunits. IGF-1 receptors were extracted from adult-rat forebrain synaptosomes and partially purified by wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) chromatography. Hormone-binding studies in this preparation demonstrate the presence of receptors for IGF-1 and insulin. An antibody, a-RIR, specific for the rat insulin receptor was used to remove insulin receptors from the WGA extract. Studies with the immunodepleted material demonstrated two proteins of 92 and 99 kDa that are phosphorylated on tyrosine during incubation with low concentrations of IGF-1. Both proteins bound with high affinity and specificity to IGF-1 immobilized on agarose, and each underwent phosphorylation when the agarose beads were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP and MnCl2. Two-dimensional phosphopeptide maps after exhaustive trypsin treatment of the two proteins showed significant differences in their structure as well as differences from the phosphopeptide map for the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor. The relationship of the two proteins to the IGF-1 receptor was further probed by an antibody (a-HF) raised against a specific sequence in the beta-subunit of the human IGF-1 receptor, and a polyclonal antibody raised against the liver insulin receptor (L1) which cross-reacts with the IGF-1 receptor. Both antibodies immunoprecipitated the two phosphorylated proteins. However, reduction of the receptors to form receptor dimers or monomers showed that a-HF precipitated only the 99 kDa protein, whereas L1 precipitated primarily the 92 kDa protein. In conclusion, the brain IGF-1 receptor apparently has two structurally different beta-subunits, one of 92 kDa and a second of 99 kDa. Interestingly, at least a portion of the IGF-1 receptor population has both isoforms in the same receptor.