51
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Energy Homeostasis and Obesity: The Therapeutic Role of Anorexigenic and Orexigenic Peptide. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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52
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Lopes-Marques M, Machado AM, Alves LQ, Fonseca MM, Barbosa S, Sinding MHS, Rasmussen MH, Iversen MR, Frost Bertelsen M, Campos PF, da Fonseca R, Ruivo R, Castro LFC. Complete Inactivation of Sebum-Producing Genes Parallels the Loss of Sebaceous Glands in Cetacea. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:1270-1280. [PMID: 30895322 PMCID: PMC6526905 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomes are dynamic biological units, with processes of gene duplication and loss triggering evolutionary novelty. The mammalian skin provides a remarkable case study on the occurrence of adaptive morphological innovations. Skin sebaceous glands (SGs), for instance, emerged in the ancestor of mammals serving pivotal roles, such as lubrication, waterproofing, immunity, and thermoregulation, through the secretion of sebum, a complex mixture of various neutral lipids such as triacylglycerol, free fatty acids, wax esters, cholesterol, and squalene. Remarkably, SGs are absent in a few mammalian lineages, including the iconic Cetacea. We investigated the evolution of the key molecular components responsible for skin sebum production: Dgat2l6, Awat1, Awat2, Elovl3, Mogat3, and Fabp9. We show that all analyzed genes have been rendered nonfunctional in Cetacea species (toothed and baleen whales). Transcriptomic analysis, including a novel skin transcriptome from blue whale, supports gene inactivation. The conserved mutational pattern found in most analyzed genes, indicates that pseudogenization events took place prior to the diversification of modern Cetacea lineages. Genome and skin transcriptome analysis of the common hippopotamus highlighted the convergent loss of a subset of sebum-producing genes, notably Awat1 and Mogat3. Partial loss profiles were also detected in non-Cetacea aquatic mammals, such as the Florida manatee, and in terrestrial mammals displaying specialized skin phenotypes such as the African elephant, white rhinoceros and pig. Our findings reveal a unique landscape of “gene vestiges” in the Cetacea sebum-producing compartment, with limited gene loss observed in other mammalian lineages: suggestive of specific adaptations or specializations of skin lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Lopes-Marques
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - André M Machado
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Q Alves
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Fonseca
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Barbosa
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - Paula F Campos
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, The Bioinformatics Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rute da Fonseca
- Department of Biology, The Bioinformatics Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Macroecology, Evolution, and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raquel Ruivo
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - L Filipe C Castro
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, U. Porto-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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53
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Moscowitz AE, Asif H, Lindenmaier LB, Calzadilla A, Zhang C, Mirsaeidi M. The Importance of Melanocortin Receptors and Their Agonists in Pulmonary Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:145. [PMID: 31316990 PMCID: PMC6610340 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanocortin agonists are ancient neuropeptides that have steroidogenesis and anti-inflammatory properties. They activate melanocortin receptors (MCR), a family of five seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors. MC1R and MC3R are mainly involved in immunomodulatory effects. Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and alpha-Melanocortin stimulating hormone (α-MSH) reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in several pulmonary inflammatory disorders including asthma, sarcoidosis, and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. They have also been shown to reduce fibrogenesis in animal models with pulmonary fibrosis. By understanding the functions of MCR in macrophages, T-helper cell type 1, and T-helper cell type 17, we may uncover the mechanism of action of melanocortin agonists in sarcoidosis. Further translational and clinical research is needed to define the role of ACTH and α-MSH in pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huda Asif
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Andrew Calzadilla
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Chongxu Zhang
- Section of Pulmonary, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Section of Pulmonary, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States
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54
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Yang LK, Zhang ZR, Wen HS, Tao YX. Characterization of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) melanocortin-3 receptor reveals a potential network in regulation of energy homeostasis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 277:90-103. [PMID: 30905760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is known to be involved in regulation of energy homeostasis, regulating feed efficiency and nutrient partitioning in mammals. Its physiological roles in non-mammalian vertebrates, especially economically important aquaculture species, are not well understood. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is the main freshwater aquaculture species in North America. In this study, we characterized the channel catfish MC3R. The mc3r of channel catfish encoded a putative protein (ipMC3R) of 367 amino acids. We transfected HEK293T cells with ipMC3R plasmid for functional studies. Five agonists, including adrenocorticotropin, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), β-MSH, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, and D-Trp8-γ-MSH, were used in the pharmacological studies. Our results showed that ipMC3R bound β-MSH with higher affinity and D-Trp8-γ-MSH with lower affinity compared with human MC3R. All agonists could stimulate ipMC3R and increase intracellular cAMP production with sub-nanomolar potencies. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation could also be triggered by ipMC3R. The ipMC3R exhibited constitutive activities in both cAMP and ERK1/2 pathways, and Agouti-related protein served as an inverse agonist at ipMC3R, potently inhibiting the high basal cAMP level. Moreover, we showed that melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) preferentially modulated ipMC3R in cAMP production rather than ERK1/2 activation. Our study will assist further investigation of the physiological roles of the ipMC3R, especially in energy homeostasis, in channel catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Kun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Zheng-Rui Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai-Shen Wen
- College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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55
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Structure⁻Activity Relationships of the Tetrapeptide Ac-His-Arg-( pI)DPhe-Tic-NH 2 at the Mouse Melanocortin Receptors: Modification at the ( pI)DPhe Position Leads to mMC3R Versus mMC4R Selective Ligands. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24081463. [PMID: 31013889 PMCID: PMC6515519 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The five melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R) are involved in numerous biological pathways, including steroidogenesis, pigmentation, and food intake. In particular, MC3R and MC4R knockout mice suggest that the MC3R and MC4R regulate energy homeostasis in a non-redundant manner. While MC4R-selective agonists have been utilized as appetite modulating agents, the lack of MC3R-selective agonists has impeded progress in modulating this receptor in vivo. In this study, the (pI)DPhe position of the tetrapeptide Ac-His-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Tic-NH2 (an MC3R agonist/MC4R antagonist ligand) was investigated with a library of 12 compounds. The compounds in this library were found to have higher agonist efficacy and potency at the mouse (m) MC3R compared to the MC4R, indicating that the Arg-DPhe motif preferentially activates the mMC3R over the mMC4R. This observation may be used in the design of new MC3R-selective ligands, leading to novel probe and therapeutic lead compounds that will be useful for treating metabolic disorders.
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56
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Yuan XC, Tao YX. Fenoprofen-An Old Drug Rediscovered as a Biased Allosteric Enhancer for Melanocortin Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1066-1074. [PMID: 30168706 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is time-consuming and costly to bring new drugs to market, making it necessary and urgent to exploit existing drugs for new uses. Recently, fenoprofen was demonstrated as an allosteric modulator at melanocortin receptors (MCRs), although the exact mode of action has not been clarified. MCRs regulate multiple functions, including pigmentation, adrenal steroidogenesis, inflammation, energy homeostasis, and exocrine gland secretion. In this study, we showed that fenoprofen failed to displace the orthosteric agonist Nle4-d-Phe7-α-melanocyte stimulating hormone from binding to MC3-5R while possessing positive allosteric modulator activities at these receptors. In addition, fenoprofen induced biased signaling at MC3-5R, as it selectively activated ERK1/2 cascade but not the canonical cAMP signaling. Notably, fenoprofen stimulated biased signaling at MC3-5R, but not at MC1R, hence acting selectively among this highly conserved family of receptors. Moreover, PAM activity and biased signaling induced by fenoprofen were observed not only at wild-type but also at naturally occurring mutant MC3Rs, suggesting that this biased allosteric enhancer action might constitute as novel therapeutic opportunity for obese patients harboring these mutations. Our study might guide novel therapeutic applications for repurposing current drugs or designing new drugs combining allosteric and biased properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 Anhui, China
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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57
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Abstract
This review evaluates published studies regarding alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in ghrelin-elicited feeding and gut motility. We have sought to integrate all available evidences to provide a complete review on the properties of melanocortin receptors (MCR) and the potential clinical treatment of α-MSH after ghrelin-elicited feeding and gut motility. The available studies were grouped into four categories: food intake, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, and colonic transit. As we describe, the literature provides evidence of the ability of ghrelin to increase food intake, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, and colonic transit. α-MSH, which displays high affinity for the MC3 and MC4 receptors, can competitively activate MCRs with agouti-related protein stimulated by ghrelin, and partly attenuates the effect of acyl ghrelin on food intake. Central ghrelin-induced acceleration of gastric emptying is not mediated by MCRs, but the acceleration of the small intestinal transit is at least partly mediated via MCRs in the brain. Similar to fecal pellets and total fecal weight, distal colonic motility and secretion are partly mediated by MCRs in the brain. The interplay between acyl ghrelin and MCRs may provide a new therapeutic avenue to ameliorate anorexia and constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Hao Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Yen Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Taiwan Association for the Study of Small Intestinal Diseases, Guishan, Taiwan, ROC
- Chinese Taipei Society for the Study of Obesity, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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58
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Liao S, Dong J, Xu W, Xi B, Tao Y, Liu B, Xie J. Molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and pharmacological characterization of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) melanocortin-5 receptor. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2019; 45:311-321. [PMID: 30288633 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-018-0563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-5 receptor (MC5R) plays an important role in the regulation of exocrine secretion in mammals. Its function in fish is not well established. In this study, we reported the molecular cloning, tissue expression, and pharmacological characterization of Megalobrama amblycephala MC5R (MamMC5R), as well as the effect of catching stress on its expression. The full-length cDNA of Mammc5r gene was 1237 bp, consisted of a 990-bp open reading frame encoding 329 amino acids. Sequence analyses revealed that the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Mammc5r were highly homologous (> 90%) with MC5Rs of zebrafish, common carp, and goldfish. Tissue expression profile analysis showed that Mammc5r was widely expressed in both central and peripheral tissues, with the highest expression in the brain. Catching stress significantly changed the expression of Mammc5r in the skin, brain, and eye. In the skin, the expression level of Mammc5r was significantly reduced at 1 h and 4 h and increased at 24 h after catching stress. The Mammc5r expression level was rapidly upregulated in the brain and eye at 1 h and then decreased to the level before stress at 4 h and 24 h. With human MC5R (HsaMC5R) as a control, several agonists including α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), and β-MSH in addition to an analogue [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH (NDP-MSH), were used to investigate the binding and signaling properties of MamMC5R. The results revealed that MamMC5R had the highest affinity for NDP-MSH, followed by α- and β-MSH. Taken together, the data suggested that MamMC5R might play a role in stress response in M. amblycephala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengchen Liao
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Jingjing Dong
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Weina Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Bingwen Xi
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China.
| | - Yaxiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Bo Liu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China.
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59
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Wang W, Guo DY, Lin YJ, Tao YX. Melanocortin Regulation of Inflammation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:683. [PMID: 31649620 PMCID: PMC6794349 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSH), collectively known as melanocortins, together with their receptors (melanocortin receptors), are components of an ancient modulatory system. The clinical use of ACTH in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis started in 1949, originally thought that the anti-inflammatory action was through hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid-dependent. Subsequent decades have witnessed extensive attempts in unraveling the physiology and pharmacology of the melanocortin system. It is now known that ACTH, together with α-, β-, and γ-MSHs, also possess glucocorticoid-independent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by activating the melanocortin receptors expressed in the brain or peripheral immune cells. This review will briefly introduce the melanocortin system and highlight the action of melanocortins in the regulation of immune functions from in vitro, in vivo, preclinical, and clinical studies. The potential therapeutic use of melanocortins are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Dong-Yu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Dong-Yu Guo
| | - Yue-Jun Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Ya-Xiong Tao
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Heyder N, Kleinau G, Szczepek M, Kwiatkowski D, Speck D, Soletto L, Cerdá-Reverter JM, Krude H, Kühnen P, Biebermann H, Scheerer P. Signal Transduction and Pathogenic Modifications at the Melanocortin-4 Receptor: A Structural Perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:515. [PMID: 31417496 PMCID: PMC6685040 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) can be endogenously activated by binding of melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), which mediates anorexigenic effects. In contrast, the agouti-related peptide (AgRP) acts as an endogenous inverse agonist and suppresses ligand-independent basal signaling activity (orexigenic effects). Binding of ligands to MC4R leads to the activation of different G-protein subtypes or arrestin and concomitant signaling pathways. This receptor is a key protein in the hypothalamic regulation of food intake and energy expenditure and naturally-occurring inactivating MC4R variants are the most frequent cause of monogenic obesity. In general, obesity is a growing problem on a global scale and is of social, medical, and economic relevance. A significant goal is to develop optimized pharmacological tools targeting MC4R without adverse effects. To date, this has not been achieved because of inter alia non-selective ligands across the five functionally different MCR subtypes (MC1-5R). This motivates further investigation of (i) the three-dimensional MC4R structure, (ii) binding mechanisms of various ligands, and (iii) the molecular transfer process of signal transduction, with the aim of understanding how structural features are linked with functional-physiological aspects. Unfortunately, experimentally elucidated structural information is not yet available for the MC receptors, a group of class A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). We, therefore, generated MC4R homology models and complexes with interacting partners to describe approximate structural properties associated with signaling mechanisms. In addition, molecular insights from pathogenic mutations were incorporated to discriminate more precisely their individual malfunction of the signal transfer mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Heyder
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gunnar Kleinau
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gunnar Kleinau
| | - Michal Szczepek
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis Kwiatkowski
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Speck
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lucia Soletto
- Departamento de Fisiología de Peces y Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Ribera de Cabanes, Spain
| | - José Miguel Cerdá-Reverter
- Departamento de Fisiología de Peces y Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Ribera de Cabanes, Spain
| | - Heiko Krude
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Kühnen
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Scheerer
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Patrick Scheerer
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61
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Todorovic A, Lensing CJ, Holder JR, Scott JW, Sorensen NB, Haskell-Luevano C. Discovery of Melanocortin Ligands via a Double Simultaneous Substitution Strategy Based on the Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2 Template. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2753-2766. [PMID: 29783840 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system regulates an array of diverse physiological functions including pigmentation, feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, cardiovascular regulation, sexual function, and steroidogenesis. Endogenous melanocortin agonist ligands all possess the minimal messaging tetrapeptide sequence His-Phe-Arg-Trp. Based on this endogenous sequence, the Ac-His1-dPhe2-Arg3-Trp4-NH2 tetrapeptide has previously been shown to be a useful scaffold when utilizing traditional positional scanning approaches to modify activity at the various melanocortin receptors (MC1-5R). The study reported herein was undertaken to evaluate a double simultaneous substitution strategy as an approach to further diversify the Ac-His1-dPhe2-Arg3-Trp4-NH2 tetrapeptide with concurrent introduction of natural and unnatural amino acids at positions 1, 2, or 4, as well as an octanoyl residue at the N-terminus. The designed library includes the following combinations: (A) double simultaneous substitution at capping group position (Ac) together with position 1, 2, or 4, (B) double simultaneous substitution at positions 1 and 2, (C) double simultaneous substitution at positions 1 and 4, and (D) double simultaneous substitution at positions 2 and 4. Several lead ligands with unique pharmacologies were discovered in the current study including antagonists targeting the neuronal mMC3R with minimal agonist activity and ligands with selective profiles for the various melanocortin subtypes. The results suggest that the double simultaneous substitution strategy is a suitable approach in altering melanocortin receptor potency or selectivity or converting agonists into antagonists and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Todorovic
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Cody J. Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jerry Ryan Holder
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Joseph W. Scott
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Nicholas B. Sorensen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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62
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Trotta MC, Maisto R, Alessio N, Hermenean A, D'Amico M, Di Filippo C. The Melanocortin MC5R as a New Target for Treatment of High Glucose-Induced Hypertrophy of the Cardiac H9c2 Cells. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1475. [PMID: 30416452 PMCID: PMC6212602 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The study explored the anti-hypertrophic effect of the melanocortin MC5R stimulation in H9c2 cardiac myocytes exposed to high glucose. This has been done by using α-MSH and selective MC5R agonists and assessing the expression of GLUT4 and GLUT1 transporters, miR-133 and urotensin receptor levels as a marker of cardiac hypertrophy. The study shows for the first time an up-regulation of MC5R expression levels in H9c2 cardiomyocytes exposed to high glucose medium (33 mM D-glucose) for 48 h, compared to cells grown in normal glucose medium (5.5 mM D-glucose). Moreover, H9c2 cells exposed to high glucose showed a significant reduction in cell viability (-40%), a significant increase in total protein per cell number (+109%), and an increase of the urotensin receptor expression levels as an evidence of cells hypertrophy. The pharmacological stimulation of MC5R with α-MSH (90 pM)of the high glucose exposed H9c2 cells increased the cell survival (+50,8%) and reduced the total protein per cell number (-28,2%) with respect to high glucose alone, confirming a reduction of the hypertrophic state as per cell area measurement. Similarly, PG-901 (selective agonist, 10-10 M) significantly increased cell viability (+61,0 %) and reduced total protein per cell number (-40,2%), compared to cells exposed to high glucose alone. Interestingly, the MC5R agonist reduced the GLUT1/GLUT4 glucose transporters ratio on the cell membranes exhibited by the hypertrophic H9c2 cells and increased the intracellular PI3K activity, mediated by a decrease of the levels of the miRNA miR-133a. The beneficial effects of MC5R agonism on the cardiac hypertrophy caused by high glucose was also observed also by echocardiographic evaluations of rats made diabetics with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.p.). Therefore, the melanocortin MC5R could be a new target for the treatment of high glucose-induced hypertrophy of the cardiac H9c2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Maisto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Alessio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Clara Di Filippo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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63
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Miller WL. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: A Brief History. Horm Res Paediatr 2018; 89:212-223. [PMID: 29719288 DOI: 10.1159/000487755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is central to homeostasis, stress responses, energy metabolism, and neuropsychiatric function. The history of this complex system involves discovery of the relevant glands (adrenal, pituitary, hypothalamus), hormones (cortisol, corticotropin, corticotropin-releasing hormone), and the receptors for these hormones. The adrenal and pituitary were identified by classical anatomists, but most of this history has taken place rather recently, and has involved complex chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and clinical investigation. The integration of the HPA axis with modern neurology and psychiatry has cemented the role of endocrinology in contemporary studies of behavior.
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64
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Zhu M, Wang M, Chen Y, Zhang C. Pharmacological modulation of two melanocortin-5 receptors by MRAP2 proteins in zebrafish. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 62:JME-18-0104.R2. [PMID: 30400043 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) plays an important role in regulating melanocortin receptors. In zebrafish, MRAP2a and MRAP2b show distinct pharmacological effects on MC4R activity, but how MRAP2 protein regulates other zebrafish melanocortin receptors is barely studied. Zebrafish have two mc5r genes: mc5ra and mc5rb, it is still vague which one is the homologous isoform to the mammalian paralog. Here we utilize synteny and phylogenetic analysis to demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of zebrafish MC5Ra and MC5Rb among different species. We also show that MRAP2a and MRAP2b could interact and regulate surface expression of two MC5R receptors. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) studies suggest that zebrafish MC5Rs could form homo- and hetero- dimers, which are suppressed by co-expression with MRAP2 proteins. In comparison with mammalian MC5R-MRAP2 system and different pharmacological effects of zMRAP2 protein on MC5Rs, zmc5ra is identified as the evolutionary homologous paralog to the mammals and it is regulated by metabolic state in zebrafish brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhu
- M Zhu, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Wang
- M Wang, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- Y Chen, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- C Zhang, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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65
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Rossiter H, Stübiger G, Gröger M, König U, Gruber F, Sukseree S, Mlitz V, Buchberger M, Oskolkova O, Bochkov V, Eckhart L, Tschachler E. Inactivation of autophagy leads to changes in sebaceous gland morphology and function. Exp Dermatol 2018; 27:1142-1151. [PMID: 30033522 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have reported recently that inactivation of the essential autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7) in keratinocytes has little or no impact on morphology and function of the epidermal barrier in experimental animals. When these mice aged, mutant males, (Atg7 ΔKC), developed an oily coat. As the keratin 14 promoter driven cre/LoxP system inactivates floxed Atg7 in all keratin 14 (K14) expressing cells, including sebocytes, we investigated whether the oily hair phenotype was the consequence of changes in function of the skin sebaceous glands. Using an antibody to the GFP-LC3 fusion protein, autophagosomes were detected at the border of sebocyte disintegration in control but not in mutant animals, suggesting that autophagy was (a) active in normal sebaceous glands and (b) was inactivated in the mutant mice. Detailed analysis established that dorsal sebaceous glands were about twice as large in all Atg7 ΔKC mice compared to those of controls (Atg7 F/F), and their rate of sebocyte proliferation was increased. In addition, male mutant mice yielded twice as much lipid per unit hair as age-matched controls. Analysis of sebum lipids by thin layer chromatography revealed a 40% reduction in the proportion of free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol, and a 5-fold increase in the proportion of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). In addition, the most common diester wax species (58-60 carbon atoms) were increased, while shorter species (54-55 carbon atoms) were under-represented in mutant sebum. Our data show that autophagy contributes to sebaceous gland function and to the control of sebum composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidemarie Rossiter
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Stübiger
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Gröger
- Core Facility Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich König
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Gruber
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supawadee Sukseree
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Buchberger
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olga Oskolkova
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valery Bochkov
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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66
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Saleh N, Kleinau G, Heyder N, Clark T, Hildebrand PW, Scheerer P. Binding, Thermodynamics, and Selectivity of a Non-peptide Antagonist to the Melanocortin-4 Receptor. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:560. [PMID: 29910730 PMCID: PMC5992272 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a potential drug target for treatment of obesity, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Crystal structures for MC4R are not yet available, which has hindered successful structure-based drug design. Using microsecond-scale molecular-dynamics simulations, we have investigated selective binding of the non-peptide antagonist MCL0129 to a homology model of human MC4R (hMC4R). This approach revealed that, at the end of a multi-step binding process, MCL0129 spontaneously adopts a binding mode in which it blocks the agonistic-binding site. This binding mode was confirmed in subsequent metadynamics simulations, which gave an affinity for human hMC4R that matches the experimentally determined value. Extending our simulations of MCL0129 binding to hMC1R and hMC3R, we find that receptor subtype selectivity for hMC4R depends on few amino acids located in various structural elements of the receptor. These insights may support rational drug design targeting the melanocortin systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureldin Saleh
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Computational Modelling and Dynamics of Molecular Complexes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gunnar Kleinau
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Heyder
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy Clark
- Computer-Chemie-Centrum, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter W Hildebrand
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Computational Modelling and Dynamics of Molecular Complexes, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Patrick Scheerer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany.,Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
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67
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Tala SR, Singh A, Lensing CJ, Schnell SM, Freeman KT, Rocca JR, Haskell-Luevano C. 1,2,3-Triazole Rings as a Disulfide Bond Mimetic in Chimeric AGRP-Melanocortin Peptides: Design, Synthesis, and Functional Characterization. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1001-1013. [PMID: 29257879 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system is involved in the regulation of complex physiological functions, including energy and weight homeostasis, feeding behavior, inflammation, sexual function, pigmentation, and exocrine gland function. The five melanocortin receptors that belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are regulated by endogenously expressed agonists and antagonists. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of replacing the disulfide bridge in chimeric AGRP-melanocortin peptide Tyr-c[Cys-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Cys]-Tyr-NH2 (1) with 1,2,3-triazole moieties. A series of 1,2,3-triazole-bridged peptidomimetics were designed, synthesized, and pharmacologically evaluated at the mouse melanocortin receptors. The ligands possessed nanomolar to micromolar agonist cAMP signaling potency. A key finding was that the disulfide bond in peptide 1 can be replaced with the monotriazole ring with minimal effect on the functional activity at the melanocortin receptors. The 1,5-disubstituted triazole-bridged peptide 6 showed equipotent functional activity at the mMC3R and modest 5-fold decreased agonist potency at the mMC4R compared to those of 1. Interestingly, the 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted isomers of the triazole ring resulted in different selectivities at the receptor subtypes, indicating subtle structural features that may be exploited in the generation of selective melanocortin ligands. Introducing cyclic and acyclic bis-triazole moieties into chimeric AGRP template 1 generally decreased agonist activity. These results will be useful for the further design of neuronal chemical probes for the melanocortin receptors as well as in other receptor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa R. Tala
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Anamika Singh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Cody J. Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M. Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - James R. Rocca
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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68
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Novoselova TV, Chan LF, Clark AJL. Pathophysiology of melanocortin receptors and their accessory proteins. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 32:93-106. [PMID: 29678289 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors (MCRs) and their accessory proteins (MRAPs) are involved in regulation of a diverse range of endocrine pathways. Genetic variants of these components result in phenotypic variation and disease. The MC1R is expressed in skin and variants in the MC1R gene are associated with ginger hair color. The MC2R mediates the action of ACTH in the adrenal gland to stimulate glucocorticoid production and MC2R mutations result in familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD). MC3R and MC4R are involved in metabolic regulation and their gene variants are associated with severe pediatric obesity, whereas the function of MC5R remains to be fully elucidated. MRAPs have been shown to modulate the function of MCRs and genetic variants in MRAPs are associated with diseases including FGD type 2 and potentially early onset obesity. This review provides an insight into recent advances in MCRs and MRAPs physiology, focusing on the disorders associated with their dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Novoselova
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom.
| | - L F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - A J L Clark
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
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69
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Sundberg JP, Hordinsky MK, Bergfeld W, Lenzy YM, McMichael AJ, Christiano AM, McGregor T, Stenn KS, Sivamani RK, Pratt CH, King LE. Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation meeting, May 2016: Progress towards the diagnosis, treatment and cure of primary cicatricial alopecias. Exp Dermatol 2018; 27:302-310. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John P. Sundberg
- The Jackson Laboratory; Bar Harbor ME USA
- Department of Dermatology; Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville TN USA
| | | | - Wilma Bergfeld
- Department of Dermatology and Pathology; Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland OH USA
| | | | | | - Angela M. Christiano
- Department of Dermatology; Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons; New York NY USA
| | - Tracy McGregor
- Clinical Genetics; Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville TN USA
| | | | - Raja K. Sivamani
- Department of Dermatology; University of California, Davis; Sacramento CA USA
| | | | - Lloyd E. King
- Department of Dermatology; Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville TN USA
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70
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Gonçalves JPL, Palmer D, Meldal M. MC4R Agonists: Structural Overview on Antiobesity Therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:402-423. [PMID: 29478721 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) regulates adipose tissue formation and energy homeostasis, and is believed to be a monogenic target for novel antiobesity therapeutics. Several research efforts targeting this receptor have identified potent and selective agonists. While viable agonists have been characterized in vitro, undesirable side effects frequently appeared during clinical trials. The most promising candidates have diverse structures, including linear peptides, cyclic peptides, and small molecules. Herein, we present a compilation of potent MC4R agonists and discuss the pivotal structural differences within those molecules that resulted in good selectivity for MC4R over other melanocortins. We provide insight on recent progress in the field and reflect on directions for development of new agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Pereira Lopes Gonçalves
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Daniel Palmer
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Meldal
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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71
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Neuropeptides, Inflammation, and Diabetic Wound Healing: Lessons from Experimental Models and Human Subjects. CONTEMPORARY DIABETES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89869-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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72
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Springer MS, Gatesy J. Evolution of the MC5R gene in placental mammals with evidence for its inactivation in multiple lineages that lack sebaceous glands. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2017; 120:364-374. [PMID: 29277542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
MC5R is one of five melanocortin receptor genes found in placental mammals. MC5R plays an important role in energy homeostasis and is also expressed in the terminal differentiation of sebaceous glands. Among placental mammals there are multiple lineages that either lack or have degenerative sebaceous glands including Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), Hippopotamidae (hippopotamuses), Sirenia (manatees and dugongs), Proboscidea (elephants), Rhinocerotidae (rhinos), and Heterocephalus glaber (naked mole rat). Given the loss or diminution of sebaceous glands in these taxa, we procured MC5R sequences from publicly available genomes and transcriptomes, supplemented by a newly generated sequence for Choeropsis liberiensis (pygmy hippopotamus), to determine if this gene remains intact or is inactivated in association with loss/reduction of sebaceous glands. Our data set includes complete MC5R sequences for 114 placental mammal species including two individuals of Mammuthus primigenius (woolly mammoth) from Oimyakon and Wrangel Island. Complete loss or inactivation of the MC5R gene occurs in multiple placental lineages that have lost sebaceous glands (Cetacea, West Indian manatee, African elephant, white rhinoceros) or are characterized by unusual skin (pangolins, aardvarks). Both M. primigenius individuals share inactivating mutations with the African elephant even though sebaceous glands have been reported in the former. MC5R remains intact in hippopotamuses and the naked mole rat, although slightly elevated dN/dS ratios in these lineages allow for the possibility that the accumulation of inactivating mutations in MC5R may lag behind the relaxation of purifying selection. For Cetacea and Hippopotamidae, the absence of shared inactivating mutations in two different skin genes (MC5R, PSORS1C2) is consistent with the hypothesis that semi-aquatic lifestyles were acquired independently in these clades following divergence from a common ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Springer
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - John Gatesy
- Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA.
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73
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Parker HG, Harris A, Dreger DL, Davis BW, Ostrander EA. The bald and the beautiful: hairlessness in domestic dog breeds. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:rstb.2015.0488. [PMID: 27994129 PMCID: PMC5182420 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An extraordinary amount of genomic variation is contained within the chromosomes of domestic dogs, manifesting as dramatic differences in morphology, behaviour and disease susceptibility. Morphology, in particular, has been a topic of enormous interest as biologists struggle to understand the small window of dog domestication from wolves, and the division of dogs into pure breeding, closed populations termed breeds. Many traits related to morphology, including body size, leg length and skull shape, have been under selection as part of the standard descriptions for the nearly 400 breeds recognized worldwide. Just as important, however, are the minor traits that have undergone selection by fanciers and breeders to define dogs of a particular appearance, such as tail length, ear position, back arch and variation in fur (pelage) growth patterns. In this paper, we both review and present new data for traits associated with pelage including fur length, curl, growth, shedding and even the presence or absence of fur. Finally, we report the discovery of a new gene associated with the absence of coat in the American Hairless Terrier breed.This article is part of the themed issue 'Evo-devo in the genomics era, and the origins of morphological diversity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi G Parker
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexander Harris
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dayna L Dreger
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brian W Davis
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elaine A Ostrander
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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74
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Palmer D, Gonçalves JPL, V Hansen L, Wu B, Hald H, Schoffelen S, Diness F, Le Quement ST, Nielsen TE, Meldal M. Click-Chemistry-Mediated Synthesis of Selective Melanocortin Receptor 4 Agonists. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8716-8730. [PMID: 28972753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) subtype of the melanocortin receptor family is a target for therapeutics to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction. Endogenous MC4R agonists possess a critical pharmacophore (HFRW), and cyclization of peptide agonists often enhances potency. Thus, 17 cyclized peptides were synthesized by solid phase click chemistry to develop novel, potent, selective MC4R agonists. Using cAMP measurements and a transcriptional reporter assay, we observed that several constrained agonists generated by a cycloaddition reaction displayed high selectivity (223- to 467-fold) toward MC4R over MC3R and MC5R receptor subtypes without compromising agonist potency. Significant variation was also observed between the EC50 values for the two assays, with robust levels of reporter expression measured at lower concentrations than those effecting appreciable increases in cAMP levels for the majority of the compounds tested. Collectively, we characterized significant elements that modulate the activity of the core pharmacophore for MC4R and provide a rationale for careful assay selection for agonist screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Palmer
- CECB, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juliana P L Gonçalves
- CECB, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise V Hansen
- CECB, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Boqian Wu
- Aquaporin A/S , Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Hald
- CECB, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- CECB, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Diness
- CECB, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas E Nielsen
- Protein & Peptide Chemistry, Novo Nordisk A/S , Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen , Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive, SG 637551, Singapore
| | - Morten Meldal
- CECB, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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75
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Ericson MD, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Fleming KA, Haskell-Luevano C. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on a Macrocyclic Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP) Scaffold Reveal Agouti Signaling Protein (ASP) Residue Substitutions Maintain Melanocortin-4 Receptor Antagonist Potency and Result in Inverse Agonist Pharmacology at the Melanocortin-5 Receptor. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8103-8114. [PMID: 28813605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin system consists of five reported receptors, agonists from the proopiomelanocortin gene transcript, and two antagonists, agouti-signaling protein (ASP) and agouti-related protein (AGRP). For both ASP and AGRP, the hypothesized Arg-Phe-Phe pharmacophores are on exposed β-hairpin loops. In this study, the Asn and Ala positions of a reported AGRP macrocyclic scaffold (c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Asn-Ala-Phe-DPro]) were explored with 14-compound and 8-compound libraries, respectively, to generate more potent, selective melanocortin receptor antagonists. Substituting diaminopropionic acid (Dap), DDap, and His at the Asn position yielded potent MC4R ligands, while replacing Ala with Ser maintained MC4R potency. Since these substitutions correlate to ASP loop residues, an additional Phe to Ala substitution was synthesized and observed to maintain MC4R potency. Seventeen compounds also possessed inverse agonist activity at the MC5R, the first report of this pharmacology. These findings are useful in developing molecular probes to study negative energy balance conditions and unidentified functions of the MC5R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katlyn A Fleming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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76
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Ericson MD, Lensing CJ, Fleming KA, Schlasner KN, Doering SR, Haskell-Luevano C. Bench-top to clinical therapies: A review of melanocortin ligands from 1954 to 2016. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2414-2435. [PMID: 28363699 PMCID: PMC5600687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the endogenous melanocortin agonists in the 1950s have resulted in sixty years of melanocortin ligand research. Early efforts involved truncations or select modifications of the naturally occurring agonists leading to the development of many potent and selective ligands. With the identification and cloning of the five known melanocortin receptors, many ligands were improved upon through bench-top in vitro assays. Optimization of select properties resulted in ligands adopted as clinical candidates. A summary of every melanocortin ligand is outside the scope of this review. Instead, this review will focus on the following topics: classic melanocortin ligands, selective ligands, small molecule (non-peptide) ligands, ligands with sex-specific effects, bivalent and multivalent ligands, and ligands advanced to clinical trials. Each topic area will be summarized with current references to update the melanocortin field on recent progress. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Melanocortin Receptors - edited by Ya-Xiong Tao.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Cody J Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katlyn A Fleming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katherine N Schlasner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Skye R Doering
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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77
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Taye M, Lee W, Caetano-Anolles K, Dessie T, Hanotte O, Mwai OA, Kemp S, Cho S, Oh SJ, Lee HK, Kim H. Whole genome detection of signature of positive selection in African cattle reveals selection for thermotolerance. Anim Sci J 2017; 88:1889-1901. [PMID: 28748670 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As African indigenous cattle evolved in a hot tropical climate, they have developed an inherent thermotolerance; survival mechanisms include a light-colored and shiny coat, increased sweating, and cellular and molecular mechanisms to cope with high environmental temperature. Here, we report the positive selection signature of genes in African cattle breeds which contribute for their heat tolerance mechanisms. We compared the genomes of five indigenous African cattle breeds with the genomes of four commercial cattle breeds using cross-population composite likelihood ratio (XP-CLR) and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) statistical methods. We identified 296 (XP-EHH) and 327 (XP-CLR) positively selected genes. Gene ontology analysis resulted in 41 biological process terms and six Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Several genes and pathways were found to be involved in oxidative stress response, osmotic stress response, heat shock response, hair and skin properties, sweat gland development and sweating, feed intake and metabolism, and reproduction functions. The genes and pathways identified directly or indirectly contribute to the superior heat tolerance mechanisms in African cattle populations. The result will improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms of heat tolerance in African cattle breeds and opens an avenue for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengistie Taye
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Wonseok Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kelsey Caetano-Anolles
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tadelle Dessie
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Olivier Hanotte
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,The University of Nottingham, School of Life Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Okeyo Ally Mwai
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen Kemp
- The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK.,International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Seoae Cho
- C&K genomics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Jong Oh
- National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Wanju, Korea
| | - Hak-Kyo Lee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, The Animal Molecular Genetics & Breeding Center, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Heebal Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,C&K genomics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
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78
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Sullivan DA, Rocha EM, Aragona P, Clayton JA, Ding J, Golebiowski B, Hampel U, McDermott AM, Schaumberg DA, Srinivasan S, Versura P, Willcox MDP. TFOS DEWS II Sex, Gender, and Hormones Report. Ocul Surf 2017; 15:284-333. [PMID: 28736336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the most compelling features of dry eye disease (DED) is that it occurs more frequently in women than men. In fact, the female sex is a significant risk factor for the development of DED. This sex-related difference in DED prevalence is attributed in large part to the effects of sex steroids (e.g. androgens, estrogens), hypothalamic-pituitary hormones, glucocorticoids, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 and thyroid hormones, as well as to the sex chromosome complement, sex-specific autosomal factors and epigenetics (e.g. microRNAs). In addition to sex, gender also appears to be a risk factor for DED. "Gender" and "sex" are words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. "Gender" refers to a person's self-representation as a man or woman, whereas "sex" distinguishes males and females based on their biological characteristics. Both gender and sex affect DED risk, presentation of the disease, immune responses, pain, care-seeking behaviors, service utilization, and myriad other facets of eye health. Overall, sex, gender and hormones play a major role in the regulation of ocular surface and adnexal tissues, and in the difference in DED prevalence between women and men. The purpose of this Subcommittee report is to review and critique the nature of this role, as well as to recommend areas for future research to advance our understanding of the interrelationships between sex, gender, hormones and DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Sullivan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eduardo M Rocha
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pasquale Aragona
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ocular Surface Diseases Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Sicily, Italy
| | - Janine A Clayton
- National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan Ding
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Blanka Golebiowski
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ulrike Hampel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alison M McDermott
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Debra A Schaumberg
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sruthi Srinivasan
- Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometry, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Piera Versura
- Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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79
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The melanocortin system is a primordial and critical system for survival, involved in a wide variety of physiological functions. It includes melanocortin receptors (MCRs) and melanotropin ligands (MCLs). MCRs are important drug targets that can regulate several key physiological processes. Extensive efforts have been made to develop peptide and peptidomimetics targeting melanocortin receptors including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Most research is focused on developing potent and selective melanotropins. However, developing bioavailable melanotropins remains challenging. Areas covered: Herein, the authors summarize promising strategies for developing bioavailable MCLs by using cyclized N-methylated melanotropins, and using cyclotide and tetrapeptide as templates. They discuss their unique advantages in oral availability and targeting MCRs in the central nervous system or in peripheral tissues. Finally, they discuss the observed differences in thepharmacology of MCRs between in vitro and in vivo tests. Expert opinion: N-methylated cyclized melanotropins have great potential to become bio- available drugs targeting MCRs in the brain, while MCR-grafted cyclotides tend to target MCRs in peripheral tissue. A better understanding of the biased signaling process is a new challenge and opportunity for the future discovery of bioavailable MCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- a Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Arizona , Tucson , AZ USA
| | - Minying Cai
- a Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Arizona , Tucson , AZ USA
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80
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Doering SR, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Haslach EM, Dirain M, Debevec G, Geer P, Santos RG, Giulianotti MA, Pinilla C, Appel JR, Speth RC, Houghten RA, Haskell-Luevano C. Discovery of Mixed Pharmacology Melanocortin-3 Agonists and Melanocortin-4 Receptor Tetrapeptide Antagonist Compounds (TACOs) Based on the Sequence Ac-Xaa 1-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Xaa 4-NH 2. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4342-4357. [PMID: 28453292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The centrally expressed melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R/MC4R) have been studied as possible targets for weight management therapies, with a preponderance of studies focusing on the MC4R. Herein, a novel tetrapeptide scaffold [Ac-Xaa1-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Xaa4-NH2] is reported. The scaffold was derived from results obtained from a MC3R mixture-based positional scanning campaign. From these results, a set of 48 tetrapeptides were designed and pharmacologically characterized at the mouse melanocortin-1, -3, -4, and -5 receptors. This resulted in the serendipitous discovery of nine compounds that were MC3R agonists (EC50 < 1000 nM) and MC4R antagonists (5.7 < pA2 < 7.8). The three most potent MC3R agonists, 18 [Ac-Arg-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Tic-NH2], 1 [Ac-His-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Tic-NH2], and 41 [Ac-Arg-Arg-(pI)DPhe-DNal(2')-NH2] were more potent (EC50 < 73 nM) than the melanocortin tetrapeptide Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2. This template contains a sequentially reversed "Arg-(pI)DPhe" motif with respect to the classical "Phe-Arg" melanocortin signaling motif, which results in pharmacology that is first-in-class for the central melanocortin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye R Doering
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Erica M Haslach
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Marvin Dirain
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Ginamarie Debevec
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Phaedra Geer
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Radleigh G Santos
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Marc A Giulianotti
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jon R Appel
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Richard A Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States.,Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.,Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
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81
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Rodrigues AR, Sousa D, Almeida H, Gouveia AM. Cell surface targeting of the Melanocortin 5 Receptor (MC5R) requires serine-rich terminal motifs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:1217-1226. [PMID: 28396017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The Melanocortin 5 Receptor (MC5R) is a cell surface receptor that belongs to the class of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which comprises an intracellular carboxylic domain, seven transmembrane helices and an extracellular amino terminal. Over the last few years, MC5R has been implicated in the regulation of lipid metabolism in exocrine glands, muscle and even in adipose tissue and its function is quite dependent on its correct cell membrane targeting. In this context, the purpose of this work was to study the role of MC5R N-terminus in the receptor trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane. Analysis of N-terminal deleted forms of MC5R revealed that the first 21 amino acids contain the information responsible for the receptor cell surface expression and the removal of further amino acids interfere with the receptor synthesis. In this setting, several mutant forms of the receptor were created by site directed mutagenesis of the MC5R first 21 amino acids and their presence at the plasma membrane was assessed. We have found that two small motifs, constituted by residues Ser4/Ser5 and Ser17/Glu18, are clearly involved in the correct targeting of MC5R to the cell surface. Fluorescence microscopy analysis has revealed that MC5R constructs with mutations in those residues are mainly retained at the ER/Golgi complex. Furthermore, the homodimerization ability of the receptor is maintained in these mutant forms, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in the regulation of the anterograde transport of MC5R by those N-terminal domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biomedicina-Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - D Sousa
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IPATIMUP, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - H Almeida
- Departamento de Biomedicina-Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A M Gouveia
- Departamento de Biomedicina-Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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82
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Cai M, Hruby VJ. Design of cyclized selective melanotropins. Biopolymers 2017; 106:876-883. [PMID: 27561155 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the development of cyclic peptides for G-protein coupled receptors to enable structure-function knowledge and the design of novel therapeutics. One important property of cyclic peptides is that they tend to be resistant to the digestion, enabling them to survive in the human digestive tract. This trait makes them very important as drug leads or as scaffolds which, in theory, can be engineered to incorporate a peptide domain of medicinal value. This is especially important for delivery of peptides that would be destroyed without such implementation. The melanocortin system is the focus of this article, and includes melanotropin ligands and melanocortin receptors. We examine two strategies to constrain the melanotropin peptide backbone. The first is based on global constraint of peptides by cyclization using various kinds of linkers. In the second approach we describe the use of a natural cyclized template, the cyclotide, to graft the melanotropin phamacophore, -His-Phe-Arg-Trp-, to obtain selective drug leads. In these examples the conserved melanocyte stimulating hormone pharmacophore is examined and the modified peptides were synthesized by solid phase methodology. Biological studies confirmed the production of selective, potent and in some cases orally available ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minying Cai
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85721
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85721
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83
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Ericson MD, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Haskell-Luevano C. A Macrocyclic Agouti-Related Protein/[Nle 4,DPhe 7]α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Chimeric Scaffold Produces Subnanomolar Melanocortin Receptor Ligands. J Med Chem 2017; 60:805-813. [PMID: 28045525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin system consists of five receptor subtypes, endogenous agonists, and naturally occurring antagonists. These receptors and ligands have been implicated in numerous biological pathways including processes linked to obesity and food intake. Herein, a truncation structure-activity relationship study of chimeric agouti-related protein (AGRP)/[Nle4,DPhe7]α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH) ligands is reported. The tetrapeptide His-DPhe-Arg-Trp or tripeptide DPhe-Arg-Trp replaced the Arg-Phe-Phe sequence in the AGRP active loop derivative c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Xxx-Ala-Phe-DPro], where Xxx was the native Asn of AGRP or a diaminopropionic (Dap) acid residue previously shown to increase antagonist potency at the mMC4R. The Phe, Ala, and Dap/Asn residues were successively removed to generate a 14-member library that was assayed for agonist activity at the mouse MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Two compounds possessed nanomolar agonist potency at the mMC4R, c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-DPro] and c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Ala-DPro], and may be further developed to generate novel melanocortin probes and ligands for understanding and treating obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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84
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Singh RK, Kumar P, Mahalingam K. Molecular genetics of human obesity: A comprehensive review. C R Biol 2017; 340:87-108. [PMID: 28089486 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and its related health complications is a major problem worldwide. Hypothalamus and their signalling molecules play a critical role in the intervening and coordination with energy balance and homeostasis. Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual's predisposition to the weight gain and being obese. In the past few years, several genetic variants were identified as monogenic forms of human obesity having success over common polygenic forms. In the context of molecular genetics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) approach and their findings signified a number of genetic variants predisposing to obesity. However, the last couple of years, it has also been noticed that alterations in the environmental and epigenetic factors are one of the key causes of obesity. Hence, this review might be helpful in the current scenario of molecular genetics of human obesity, obesity-related health complications (ORHC), and energy homeostasis. Future work based on the clinical discoveries may play a role in the molecular dissection of genetic approaches to find more obesity-susceptible gene loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Kumar Singh
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, 632014 Vellore, India
| | - Permendra Kumar
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, 632014 Vellore, India
| | - Kulandaivelu Mahalingam
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, 632014 Vellore, India.
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85
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Ghaddhab C, Vuissoz JM, Deladoëy J. From Bioinactive ACTH to ACTH Antagonist: The Clinical Perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:17. [PMID: 28228747 PMCID: PMC5296294 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a pituitary hormone derived from a larger peptide, the proopiomelanocortin (POMC), as are the MSHs (α-MSH, β-MSH, and γ-MSH) and the β-LPH-related polypeptides (Figure 1A). ACTH drives adrenal steroidogenesis and growth of the adrenal gland. ACTH is a 39 amino acid polypeptide that binds and activates its cognate receptor [melanocortin receptor 2 (MC2R)] through the two regions H6F7R8W9 and K15K16R17R18P19. Most POMC-derived polypeptides contain the H6F7R8W9 sequence that is conserved through evolution. This explains the difficulties in developing selective agonists or antagonists to the MCRs. In this review, we will discuss the clinical aspects of the role of ACTH in physiology and disease, and potential clinical use of selective ACTH antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiraz Ghaddhab
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Vuissoz
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johnny Deladoëy
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Johnny Deladoëy,
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86
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Navarro M. The Role of the Melanocortin System in Drug and Alcohol Abuse. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 136:121-150. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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87
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Maron LG, Piñeros MA, Kochian LV, McCouch SR. Redefining 'stress resistance genes', and why it matters. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2016; 67:5588-5591. [PMID: 27702993 PMCID: PMC5066486 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erw323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lyza G Maron
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Breeding and Genetics section, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Miguel A Piñeros
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Leon V Kochian
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA Current address: Global Institute for Food Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Susan R McCouch
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Breeding and Genetics section, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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88
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Enriori PJ, Chen W, Garcia-Rudaz MC, Grayson BE, Evans AE, Comstock SM, Gebhardt U, Müller HL, Reinehr T, Henry BA, Brown RD, Bruce CR, Simonds SE, Litwak SA, McGee SL, Luquet S, Martinez S, Jastroch M, Tschöp MH, Watt MJ, Clarke IJ, Roth CL, Grove KL, Cowley MA. α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone promotes muscle glucose uptake via melanocortin 5 receptors. Mol Metab 2016; 5:807-822. [PMID: 27688995 PMCID: PMC5034615 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Central melanocortin pathways are well-established regulators of energy balance. However, scant data exist about the role of systemic melanocortin peptides. We set out to determine if peripheral α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) plays a role in glucose homeostasis and tested the hypothesis that the pituitary is able to sense a physiological increase in circulating glucose and responds by secreting α-MSH. Methods We established glucose-stimulated α-MSH secretion using humans, non-human primates, and mouse models. Continuous α-MSH infusions were performed during glucose tolerance tests and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps to evaluate the systemic effect of α-MSH in glucose regulation. Complementary ex vivo and in vitro techniques were employed to delineate the direct action of α-MSH via the melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R)–PKA axis in skeletal muscles. Combined treatment of non-selective/selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor and α-MSH was adopted to restore glucose tolerance in obese mice. Results Here we demonstrate that pituitary secretion of α-MSH is increased by glucose. Peripheral α-MSH increases temperature in skeletal muscles, acts directly on soleus and gastrocnemius muscles to significantly increase glucose uptake, and enhances whole-body glucose clearance via the activation of muscle MC5R and protein kinase A. These actions are absent in obese mice, accompanied by a blunting of α-MSH-induced cAMP levels in skeletal muscles of obese mice. Both selective and non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibition restores α-MSH induced skeletal muscle glucose uptake and improves glucose disposal in obese mice. Conclusion These data describe a novel endocrine circuit that modulates glucose homeostasis by pituitary α-MSH, which increases muscle glucose uptake and thermogenesis through the activation of a MC5R-PKA-pathway, which is disrupted in obesity. Glucose stimulates α-MSH release from the pituitary. Systemic α-MSH drives glucose disposal and thermogenesis in skeletal muscles. α-MSH acts on MC5R expressed on skeletal muscles and activate cAMP-PKA pathway. The combined treatment of nonselective or selective PDE 4 inhibitor and α-MSH ameliorates glucose intolerance in obese mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo J Enriori
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Weiyi Chen
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Maria C Garcia-Rudaz
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | | | - Anne E Evans
- Division Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Sarah M Comstock
- Division Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Ursel Gebhardt
- Department of Pediatrics, Vestische Children Hospital Datteln, University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Hermann L Müller
- Department of Pediatrics, Vestische Children Hospital Datteln, University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinehr
- Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum Oldenburg GmbH, Germany
| | - Belinda A Henry
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Russell D Brown
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Clinton R Bruce
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Stephanie E Simonds
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Sara A Litwak
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Sean L McGee
- Metabolic Research Unit, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Vic, Australia
| | - Serge Luquet
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Martinez
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS UMR 8251, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Martin Jastroch
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg & Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität, München, Germany
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg & Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität, München, Germany
| | - Matthew J Watt
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Iain J Clarke
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Christian L Roth
- Division of Endocrinology, Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, WA, USA
| | - Kevin L Grove
- Division Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael A Cowley
- Biomedical Discovery Institute/Department of Physiology, Monash University, Vic, Australia.
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Møller CL, Kjøbsted R, Enriori PJ, Jensen TE, Garcia-Rudaz C, Litwak SA, Raun K, Wojtaszewski J, Wulff BS, Cowley MA. α-MSH Stimulates Glucose Uptake in Mouse Muscle and Phosphorylates Rab-GTPase-Activating Protein TBC1D1 Independently of AMPK. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157027. [PMID: 27467141 PMCID: PMC4965092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system includes five G-protein coupled receptors (family A) defined as MC1R-MC5R, which are stimulated by endogenous agonists derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC). The melanocortin system has been intensely studied for its central actions in body weight and energy expenditure regulation, which are mainly mediated by MC4R. The pituitary gland is the source of various POMC-derived hormones released to the circulation, which raises the possibility that there may be actions of the melanocortins on peripheral energy homeostasis. In this study, we examined the molecular signaling pathway involved in α-MSH-stimulated glucose uptake in differentiated L6 myotubes and mouse muscle explants. In order to examine the involvement of AMPK, we investigate α-MSH stimulation in both wild type and AMPK deficient mice. We found that α-MSH significantly induces phosphorylation of TBC1 domain (TBC1D) family member 1 (S237 and T596), which is independent of upstream PKA and AMPK. We find no evidence to support that α-MSH-stimulated glucose uptake involves TBC1D4 phosphorylation (T642 and S704) or GLUT4 translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rasmus Kjøbsted
- Section of Molecular Physiology, August Krogh Centre, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pablo J. Enriori
- Monash Obesity & Diabetes Institute, Metabolic Neurophysiology Laboratory, Monash University, 3168 Clayton, Australia
| | - Thomas Elbenhardt Jensen
- Section of Molecular Physiology, August Krogh Centre, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilia Garcia-Rudaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Centenary Hospital for Women, Youth and Children and Australian National University, 2605 Canberra, Australia
| | - Sara A. Litwak
- Monash Obesity & Diabetes Institute, Metabolic Neurophysiology Laboratory, Monash University, 3168 Clayton, Australia
| | - Kirsten Raun
- Incretin and Obesity Biology, Novo Nordisk A/S, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Wojtaszewski
- Section of Molecular Physiology, August Krogh Centre, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Michael A. Cowley
- Monash Obesity & Diabetes Institute, Metabolic Neurophysiology Laboratory, Monash University, 3168 Clayton, Australia
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90
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Todorovic A, Ericson MD, Palusak RD, Sorensen NB, Wood MS, Xiang Z, Haskell-Luevano C. Comparative Functional Alanine Positional Scanning of the α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone and NDP-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Demonstrates Differential Structure-Activity Relationships at the Mouse Melanocortin Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:984-94. [PMID: 27135265 PMCID: PMC5596636 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system has been implicated in the regulation of various physiological functions including melanogenesis, steroidogenesis, energy homeostasis, and feeding behavior. Five melanocortin receptors have been identified to date and belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Post-translational modification of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) prohormone leads to the biosynthesis of the endogenous melanocortin agonists, including α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), β-MSH, γ-MSH, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). All the melanocortin agonists derived from the POMC prohormone contain a His-Phe-Arg-Trp tetrapeptide sequence that has been implicated in eliciting the pharmacological responses at the melanocortin receptors. Herein, an alanine (Ala) positional scan is reported for the endogenous α-MSH ligand and the synthetic, more potent, NDP-MSH peptide (Ac-Ser(1)-Tyr(2)-Ser(3)-Nle(4)-Glu(5)-His(6)-DPhe(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Gly(10)-Lys(11)-Pro(12)-Val(13)-NH2) at the cloned mouse melanocortin receptors to test the assumption that the structure-activity relationships of one ligand would apply to the other. Several residues outside of the postulated pharmacophore altered potency at the melanocortin receptors, most notably the 1560-, 37-, and 15-fold potency loss when the Glu(5) position of α-MSH was substituted with Ala at the mMC1R, mMC3R, and mMC4R, respectively. Importantly, the altered potencies due to Ala substitutions in α-MSH did not necessarily correlate with equivalent Ala substitutions in NDP-MSH, indicating that structural modifications and corresponding biological activities in one of these melanocortin ligands may not be predictive for the other agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Todorovic
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Mark D. Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ryan D. Palusak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Nicholas B. Sorensen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Michael S. Wood
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Zhimin Xiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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91
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Dores RM, Liang L, Davis P, Thomas AL, Petko B. 60 YEARS OF POMC: Melanocortin receptors: evolution of ligand selectivity for melanocortin peptides. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:T119-33. [PMID: 26792827 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of the melanocortin receptors (MCRs) is linked to the evolution of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs), and their common precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). The origin of the MCRs and POMC appears to be grounded in the early radiation of the ancestral protochordates. During the genome duplications that have occurred during the evolution of the chordates, the organization plan for POMC was established, and features that have been retained include, the high conservation of the amino acid sequences of α-MSH and ACTH, and the presence of the HFRW MCR activation motif in all of the melanocortin peptides (i.e. ACTH, α-MSH, β-MSH, γ-MSH, and δ-MSH). For the MCRs, the chordate genome duplication events resulted in the proliferation of paralogous receptor genes, and a divergence in ligand selectivity. While most gnathostome MCRs can be activated by either ACTH or the MSHs, teleost and tetrapod MC2R orthologs can only be activated by ACTH. The appearance of the accessory protein, MRAP1, paralleled the emergence of teleost and tetrapods MC2R ligand selectivity, and the dependence of these orthologs on MRAP1 for trafficking to the plasma membrane. The accessory protein, MRAP2, does not affect MC2R ligand selectivity, but does influence the functionality of MC4R orthologs. In this regard, the roles that these accessory proteins may play in the physiology of the five MCRs (i.e. MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Liang Liang
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Perry Davis
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexa L Thomas
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Bogdana Petko
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
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92
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Anderson EJP, Çakir I, Carrington SJ, Cone RD, Ghamari-Langroudi M, Gillyard T, Gimenez LE, Litt MJ. 60 YEARS OF POMC: Regulation of feeding and energy homeostasis by α-MSH. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:T157-74. [PMID: 26939593 PMCID: PMC5027135 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin peptides derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) were originally understood in terms of the biological actions of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on pigmentation and adrenocorticotrophic hormone on adrenocortical glucocorticoid production. However, the discovery of POMC mRNA and melanocortin peptides in the CNS generated activities directed at understanding the direct biological actions of melanocortins in the brain. Ultimately, discovery of unique melanocortin receptors expressed in the CNS, the melanocortin-3 (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 (MC4R) receptors, led to the development of pharmacological tools and genetic models leading to the demonstration that the central melanocortin system plays a critical role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Indeed, mutations in MC4R are now known to be the most common cause of early onset syndromic obesity, accounting for 2-5% of all cases. This review discusses the history of these discoveries, as well as the latest work attempting to understand the molecular and cellular basis of regulation of feeding and energy homeostasis by the predominant melanocortin peptide in the CNS, α-MSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J P Anderson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Isin Çakir
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sheridan J Carrington
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Roger D Cone
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Masoud Ghamari-Langroudi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Taneisha Gillyard
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Meharry Medical CollegeDepartment of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Luis E Gimenez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael J Litt
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BiophysicsVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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93
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Cai M, Hruby VJ. The Melanocortin Receptor System: A Target for Multiple Degenerative Diseases. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2016; 17:488-96. [PMID: 26916163 DOI: 10.2174/1389203717666160226145330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin receptor system consists of five closely related G-protein coupled receptors (MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R). These receptors are involved in many of the key biological functions for multicellular animals, including human beings. The natural agonist ligands for these receptors are derived by processing of a primordial animal gene product, proopiomelanocortin (POMC). The ligand for the MC2R is ACTH (Adrenal Corticotropic Hormone), a larger processed peptide from POMC. The natural ligands for the other 4 melanocortin receptors are smaller peptides including α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and related peptides from POMC (β-MSH and γ-MSH). They all contain the sequence His-Phe-Arg-Trp that is conserved throughout evolution. Thus, there has been considerable difficulty in developing highly selective ligands for the MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. In this brief review, we discuss the various approaches that have been taken to design agonist and antagonist analogues and derivatives of the POMC peptides that are selective for the MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R receptors, via peptide, nonpeptide and peptidomimetic derivatives and analogues and their differential interactions with receptors that may help account for these selectivities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Koenig U, Fobker M, Lengauer B, Brandstetter M, Resch GP, Gröger M, Plenz G, Pammer J, Barresi C, Hartmann C, Rossiter H. Autophagy facilitates secretion and protects against degeneration of the Harderian gland. Autophagy 2016; 11:298-313. [PMID: 25484081 PMCID: PMC4502725 DOI: 10.4161/15548627.2014.978221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial derived Harderian gland consists of 2 types of secretory cells. The more numerous type A cells are responsible for the secretion of lipid droplets, while type B cells produce dark granules of multilamellar bodies. The process of autophagy is constitutively active in the Harderian gland, as confirmed by our analysis of LC3 processing in GFP-LC3 transgenic mice. This process is compromised by epithelial deletion of Atg7. Morphologically, the Atg7 mutant glands are hypotrophic and degenerated, with highly vacuolated cells and pyknotic nuclei. The mutant glands accumulate lipid droplets coated with PLIN2 (perilipin 2) and contain deposits of cholesterol, ubiquitinated proteins, SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1) positive aggregates and other metabolic products such as porphyrin. Immunofluorescence stainings show that distinct cells strongly aggregate both proteins and lipids. Electron microscopy of the Harderian glands reveals that its organized structure is compromised, and the presence of large intracellular lipid droplets and heterologous aggregates. We attribute the occurrence of large vacuoles to a malfunction in the formation of multilamellar bodies found in the less abundant type B Harderian gland cells. This defect causes the formation of large tertiary lysosomes of heterologous content and is accompanied by the generation of tight lamellar stacks of endoplasmic reticulum in a pseudo-crystalline form. To test the hypothesis that lipid and protein accumulation is the cause for the degeneration in autophagy-deficient Harderian glands, epithelial cells were treated with a combination of the proteasome inhibitor and free fatty acids, to induce aggregation of misfolded proteins and lipid accumulation, respectively. The results show that lipid accumulation indeed enhanced the toxicity of misfolded proteins and that this was even more pronounced in autophagy-deficient cells. Thus, we conclude autophagy controls protein and lipid catabolism and anabolism to facilitate bulk production of secretory vesicles of the Harderian gland.
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Key Words
- Atg12, autophagy related 12
- Atg7, autophagy related 7
- BCA, bicinchoninic acid assay
- BODIPY, boron-dipyrromethene fluorescent dye
- BSA, bovine serum albumin
- Cre, Cre recombinase
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- ER, edoplasmic reticulum
- FC, free cholesterol
- GFP, green fluorescent protein
- HaGl, Harderian gland
- Harderian gland
- KLICK, keratosis lineariz with ichthyosis congenita and sclerosing keratoderma
- KRT14, Keratin 14
- LD, Lipid drops
- LSM, laser scanning microscope
- MAP1LC3A/B (LC3), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 α/β
- MG132
- MG312, synthetic peptide Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-al
- ORO, oil red O
- PARP, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PLIN2, perilipin 2
- RFU, relative fluorecent units
- SQSTM1, sequestosome 1/p62
- SQSTM1/p62
- TBS-T, Tris buffered saline with Tween 20
- TLC, thin layer chromatography
- UV, ultraviolet
- aggregates
- aggresome
- autophagy
- cholesterol
- degenerative diseases
- f, floxed
- keratinocytes
- lipotoxicity
- lysosome
- multilamellar bodies
- palmitate
- perilipin 2/adipophilin
- proteasome inhibitor
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Koenig
- a Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology ; Medical University of Vienna ; Vienna , Austria
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95
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Complex disease and phenotype mapping in the domestic dog. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10460. [PMID: 26795439 PMCID: PMC4735900 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The domestic dog is becoming an increasingly valuable model species in medical genetics, showing particular promise to advance our understanding of cancer and orthopaedic disease. Here we undertake the largest canine genome-wide association study to date, with a panel of over 4,200 dogs genotyped at 180,000 markers, to accelerate mapping efforts. For complex diseases, we identify loci significantly associated with hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, lymphoma, mast cell tumour and granulomatous colitis; for morphological traits, we report three novel quantitative trait loci that influence body size and one that influences fur length and shedding. Using simulation studies, we show that modestly larger sample sizes and denser marker sets will be sufficient to identify most moderate- to large-effect complex disease loci. This proposed design will enable efficient mapping of canine complex diseases, most of which have human homologues, using far fewer samples than required in human studies. The domestic dog is an important model organism for our understanding of cancer and other diseases. Here the authors conduct a genome-wide association study across multiple breeds and identify novel loci significantly associated with several complex diseases and morphological traits.
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96
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Mutations in Melanocortin-3 Receptor Gene and Human Obesity. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 140:97-129. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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97
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Ericson MD, Schnell SM, Freeman KT, Haskell-Luevano C. A fragment of the Escherichia coli ClpB heat-shock protein is a micromolar melanocortin 1 receptor agonist. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:5306-8. [PMID: 26433448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin system consists of five receptor subtypes (MC1-5R), endogenous agonists derived from the proopiomelanocortin gene transcript, and the antagonists agouti and agouti-related protein. The Escherichia coli heat shock protein ClpB has previously been described as an antigen mimetic to the endogenous melanocortin agonist α-MSH. Herein, we investigated if a fragment of the ClpB protein could directly signal through the melanocortin receptors. We synthesized a complementary fragment of the ClpB protein that partially aligned with α-MSH. Pharmacological assessment of this fragment resulted in no antagonist activity at the MC3R or the MC4R and no agonist activity at the MC4R. Partial receptor activation was observed for the MC3R and MC5R at 100 μM concentrations. This fragment was shown to be a full micromolar MC1R agonist and may serve as a template for future research into selective MC1R ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Cai M, Marelli UK, Bao J, Beck JG, Opperer F, Rechenmacher F, McLeod KR, Zingsheim MR, Doedens L, Kessler H, Hruby VJ. Systematic Backbone Conformational Constraints on a Cyclic Melanotropin Ligand Leads to Highly Selective Ligands for Multiple Melanocortin Receptors. J Med Chem 2015. [PMID: 26218460 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human melanocortin receptors (hMCRs) have been challenging targets to develop ligands that are explicitly selective for each of their subtypes. To modulate the conformational preferences of the melanocortin ligands and improve the biofunctional agonist/antagonist activities and selectivities, we have applied a backbone N-methylation approach on Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Nal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (Ac-Nle(4)-c[Asp(5),D-Nal(2')(7),Lys(10)]-NH2), a nonselective cyclic peptide antagonist at hMC3R and hMC4R and an agonist at hMC1R and hMC5R. Systematic N-methylated derivatives of Ac-Nle(4)-c[Asp(5),D-Nal(2')(7),Lys(10)]-NH2, with all possible backbone N-methylation combinations, have been synthesized and examined for their binding and functional activities toward melanocortin receptor subtypes 1, 3, 4, and 5 (hMCRs). Several N-methylated analogues are selective and potent agonists or antagonists for hMC1R or hMC5R or have selective antagonist activity for hMC3R. The selective hMC1R ligands show strong binding for human melanoma cells. We have also discovered the first universal antagonist (compound 19) for all subtypes of hMCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minying Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Udaya Kiran Marelli
- Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) and Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), Department Chemie, Technische Universität München , 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Jennifer Bao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Johannes G Beck
- Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) and Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), Department Chemie, Technische Universität München , 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Florian Opperer
- Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) and Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), Department Chemie, Technische Universität München , 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Florian Rechenmacher
- Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) and Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), Department Chemie, Technische Universität München , 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Kaitlyn R McLeod
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Morgan R Zingsheim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Lucas Doedens
- Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) and Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), Department Chemie, Technische Universität München , 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Horst Kessler
- Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) and Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), Department Chemie, Technische Universität München , 85747 Garching, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University , 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are melanocortin receptors (MCR1-5) expressed in the endometrium? SUMMARY ANSWER MCR1-5 are expressed in endometrium to varying degrees, with MC2R, MC3R and MC5R being the most abundant and the majority of expression being observed in glandular epithelium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Women with Addison's disease who were being administered synthetic ACTH reported menstrual complications as a side effect. There is no previous literature on expression of the melanocortin receptors within the endometrium, and therefore whether ACTH may directly affect the endometrial vasculature. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Endometrial biopsies were taken from hysterectomy specimens in control women without endometrial pathology (n = 4 for each of proliferative and late-secretory phases). Biopsies were formalin fixed and embedded in paraffin wax. Decidual samples (n = 7) were cultured in a range of concentrations of synthetic ACTH for 3 days before being formalin fixed and embedded in paraffin wax. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial paraffin embedded sections were immunostained for MCR1-5 and assessed using a modified quickscore with luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, stromal cells, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells all being assessed separately. Cultured decidual biopsy paraffin embedded sections were immunostained for H-caldesmon and the number of layers of vascular smooth muscle cells surrounding the vessel assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All five melanocortin receptors were shown to be immunolocalised to the endometrium, with MC5R, MC2R and MC3R being the most abundant and limited immunostaining being observed for MC1R and MC4R. Treatment of decidual biopsies with synthetic adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) resulted in loss of vascular integrity. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an observational study and does not definitively demonstrate a link between synthetic ACTH administration and menstrual complications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study to demonstrate widespread expression of melanocortin receptors within the endometrium. Further study is required to determine the role of this hormone family in endometrial function. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The work was part funded by MRC grant G09000001. The authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia M Lantang
- Reproductive and Vascular Biology Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barbara A Innes
- Reproductive and Vascular Biology Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Earn H Gan
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simon H Pearce
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gendie E Lash
- Reproductive and Vascular Biology Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Jackson DS, Ramachandrappa S, Clark AJ, Chan LF. Melanocortin receptor accessory proteins in adrenal disease and obesity. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:213. [PMID: 26113808 PMCID: PMC4461818 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanocortin receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs) are regulators of the melanocortin receptor family. MRAP is an essential accessory factor for the functional expression of the MC2R/ACTH receptor. The importance of MRAP in adrenal gland physiology is demonstrated by the clinical condition familial glucocorticoid deficiency type 2. The role of its paralog melanocortin-2-receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2), which is predominantly expressed in the hypothalamus including the paraventricular nucleus, has recently been linked to mammalian obesity. Whole body deletion and targeted brain specific deletion of the Mrap2 gene result in severe obesity in mice. Interestingly, Mrap2 complete knockout (KO) mice have increased body weight without detectable changes to food intake or energy expenditure. Rare heterozygous variants of MRAP2 have been found in humans with severe, early-onset obesity. In vitro data have shown that Mrap2 interaction with the melanocortin-4-receptor (Mc4r) affects receptor signaling. However, the mechanism by which Mrap2 regulates body weight in vivo is not fully understood and differences between the phenotypes of Mrap2 and Mc4r KO mice may point toward Mc4r independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Jackson
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Shwetha Ramachandrappa
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Adrian J Clark
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Li F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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