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Wei P, Tian K, Liu H, Li K, Alam N, Cheng D, Li M, He X, Guo J, Wang R, Wang W, Bai L, Liu E, Xu B, Li Y, Zhao S. Urotensin II receptor deficiency ameliorates ligation-induced carotid intimal hyperplasia partially through the RhoA-YAP1 pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167170. [PMID: 38631407 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Intimal hyperplasia (IH) is a common pathological feature of vascular proliferative diseases, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty. Urotensin II (UII) and its receptor (UTR) are widely expressed in cardiovascular tissues. However, it remains unclear whether the UII/UTR system is involved in IH. Right unilateral common carotid artery ligation was performed and maintained for 21 days to induce IH in UTR knockout (UTR-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice. Histological analysis revealed that compared with WT mice, UTR-deficient mice exhibited a decreased neointimal area, angiostenosis and intima-media ratio. Immunostaining revealed fewer smooth muscle cells (SMCs), endothelial cells and macrophages in the lesions of UTR-/- mice than in those of WT mice. Protein interaction analysis suggested that the UTR may affect cell proliferation by regulating YAP and its downstream target genes. In vitro experiments revealed that UII can promote the proliferation and migration of SMCs, and western blotting also revealed that UII increased the protein expression of RhoA, CTGF, Cyclin D1 and PCNA and downregulated p-YAP protein expression, while these effects could be partly reversed by urantide. To evaluate the translational value of UTRs in IH management, WT mice were also treated with two doses of urantide, a UTR antagonist, to confirm the benefit of UTR blockade in IH progression. A high dose of urantide (600 μg/kg/day), rather than a low dose (60 μg/kg/day), successfully improved ligation-induced IH compared with that in mice receiving vehicle. The results of the present study suggested that the UII/UTR system may regulate IH partly through the RhoA-YAP signaling pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Male
- Mice
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Movement
- Cell Proliferation
- Hyperplasia/metabolism
- Hyperplasia/pathology
- Ligation
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima/metabolism
- Neointima/pathology
- Neointima/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/genetics
- Signal Transduction
- Tunica Intima/pathology
- Tunica Intima/metabolism
- Urotensins/metabolism
- Urotensins/genetics
- Urotensins/pharmacology
- YAP-Signaling Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Wei
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Kangli Tian
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Haole Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Kexin Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Naqash Alam
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Daxin Cheng
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Xue He
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Weirong Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Liang Bai
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China; Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Baohui Xu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yankui Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Sihai Zhao
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China; Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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2
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Nassour H, Pétrin D, Devost D, Billard E, Sleno R, Hébert TE, Chatenet D. Evidence for heterodimerization and functional interaction of the urotensin II and the angiotensin II type 1 receptors. Cell Signal 2024; 116:111056. [PMID: 38262555 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the observation of synergistic interactions between the urotensinergic and angiotensinergic systems, the interplay between the urotensin II receptor (hUT) and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (hAT1R) in regulating cellular signaling remains incompletely understood. Notably, the putative interaction between hUT and hAT1R could engender reciprocal allosteric modulation of their signaling signatures, defining a unique role for these complexes in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Using a combination of co-immunoprecipitation, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and FlAsH BRET-based conformational biosensors, we first demonstrated the physical interaction between hUT and hAT1R. Next, to analyze how this functional interaction regulated proximal and distal hUT- and hAT1R-associated signaling pathways, we used BRET-based signaling biosensors and western blots to profile pathway-specific signaling in HEK 293 cells expressing hUT, hAT1R or both. We observed that hUT-hAT1R heterodimers triggered distinct signaling outcomes compared to their respective parent receptors alone. Notably, co-transfection of hUT and hAT1R has no impact on hUII-induced Gq activation but significantly reduced the potency and efficacy of Ang II to mediate Gq activation. Interestingly, URP, the second hUT endogenous ligand, produce a distinct signaling signature compared to hUII at hUT-hAT1R. Our results therefore suggest that assembly of hUT with hAT1R might be important for allosteric modulation of outcomes associated with specific hardwired signaling complexes in healthy and disease states. Altogether, our work, which potentially explains the interplay observed in native cells and tissues, validates such complexes as potential targets to promote the design of compounds that can modulate heterodimer function selectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nassour
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Darlaine Pétrin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Dominic Devost
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Etienne Billard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Rory Sleno
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
| | - David Chatenet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, QC, Canada.
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Billard E, Hébert TE, Chatenet D. EXPLORATION OF THE UROCONTRIN A SCAFFOLD YIELDS NEW UROTENSINERGIC SYSTEM ALLOSTERIC MODULATOR AND COMPETITIVE ANTAGONISTS. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115485. [PMID: 36889446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The urotensinergic system, involved in the development and/or progression of numerous pathological conditions, is composed of one G protein-coupled receptor (UT) and two endogenous ligands known as urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP). These two structurally related hormones, which exert common and divergent effects, are thought to play specific biological roles. In recent years, we have characterized an analog termed urocontrin A (UCA), i.e. [Pep4]URP, which is capable of discriminating the effects of UII from URP. Such an action could allow the delineation of the respective functions of these two endogenous ligands. In an effort to define the molecular determinants involved in this behavior and to improve the pharmacological profile of UCA, we introduced modifications from urantide, considered for some time as a lead compound for the development of UT antagonists, into UCA and assessed the binding, contractile activity and G protein signaling of these newly developed compounds. Our results show that UCA and its derivatives exert probe-dependent effects on UT antagonism, and we have further identified [Pen2, Pep4]URP as a Gq biased ligand with an insurmountable antagonism in our aortic ring contraction assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Billard
- INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada.
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Gravina AG, Dallio M, Romeo M, Pellegrino R, Stiuso P, Lama S, Grieco P, Merlino F, Panarese I, Marino FZ, Sangineto M, Romano M, Federico A. The urotensin-II receptor: A marker for staging and steroid outcome prediction in ulcerative colitis. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e13972. [PMID: 36807243 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urotensin-II receptor- (UTR) related pathway exerts a key-role in promoting inflammation. The aim was to assess the relationship between UTR expression and clinical, endoscopic and biochemical severity of ulcerative colitis (UC), exploring its predictivity of intravenous (iv) steroid administration therapeutic outcome. METHODS One-hundred patients with first diagnosis of UC and 44 healthy subjects were enrolled. UTR expression was assessed by qPCR, Western Blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Clinical, endoscopic and histological activity of UC were evaluated by using Truelove and Witts (T&W) severity index, Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES), and Truelove and Richards Index (TRI). The partial and full Mayo scores (PMS and FMS) were assessed to stage the disease. RESULTS The UTR expression, resulted higher in the lesioned mucosa of UC patients in comparison to healthy subjects (p < .0001 all). Direct relationship between UTR (mRNA and protein) expression and disease severity assessment (T&W, PMS, MES and TRI) was highlighted (p < .0001 all). UTR expression resulted also higher in the 72 patients requiring iv steroids administration compared to those who underwent alternative medications, (p < .0001). The 32 steroid-non-responders showed an increased UTR expression (WB, IHC and qPCR from lesioned mucosa), compared to 40 steroid-responders (p: .0002, .0001, p < .0001 respectively). The predictive role of UTR expression (p < .05) on the negative iv steroids administration therapeutic outcome was highlighted and ROC curves identified the thresholds expressing the better predictive performance. CONCLUSIONS UTR represents a promising inflammatory marker related to clinical, endoscopic, and histological disease activity as well as a predictive marker of steroid administration therapeutic outcome in the UC context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcello Dallio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Romeo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pellegrino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Stiuso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Lama
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Iacopo Panarese
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Zito Marino
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Moris Sangineto
- University Center for Research and Treatment of Liver Diseases (C.U.R.E.), Liver Unit, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Marco Romano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Federico
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Nassour H, Hoang TA, Martin RD, Dallagnol JCC, Billard É, Létourneau M, Novellino E, Carotenuto A, Allen BG, Tanny JC, Fournier A, Hébert TE, Chatenet D. Lipidated peptides derived from intracellular loops 2 and 3 of the urotensin II receptor act as biased allosteric ligands. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101057. [PMID: 34389356 PMCID: PMC8424217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the urotensinergic system, composed of one G protein-coupled receptor and two endogenous ligands, has garnered significant attention as a promising new target for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, this system is associated with various biomarkers of cardiovascular dysfunctions and is involved in changes in cardiac contractility, fibrosis and hypertrophy contributing, like the angiotensinergic system, to the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure. Significant investment has been made toward the development of clinically relevant UT ligands for therapeutic intervention, but with little or no success to date. This system therefore remains to be therapeutically exploited. Pepducins and other lipidated peptides have been used as both mechanistic probes and potential therapeutics; therefore, pepducins derived from the human urotensin II receptor might represent unique tools to generate signaling bias and study hUT signaling networks. Two hUT-derived pepducins, derived from the second and the third intracellular loop of the receptor (hUT-Pep2 and [Trp1, Leu2]hUT-Pep3, respectively) were synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. Our results demonstrated that hUT-Pep2 and [Trp1, Leu2]hUT-Pep3 acted as biased ago-allosteric modulators, triggered ERK1/2 phosphorylation and to a lesser extent, IP1 production and stimulated cell proliferation yet were devoid of contractile activity. Interestingly, both hUT-derived pepducins were able to modulate human urotensin II (hUII)- and urotensin II-related peptide (URP)-mediated contraction albeit to different extents. These new derivatives represent unique tools to reveal the intricacies of hUT signaling and also a novel avenue for the design of allosteric ligands selectively targeting hUT signaling potentially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nassour
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Tuan Anh Hoang
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Ryan D Martin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Juliana C C Dallagnol
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Étienne Billard
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Myriam Létourneau
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Bruce G Allen
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jason C Tanny
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Fournier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Billard E, Chatenet D. Insights into the Molecular Determinants Involved in Urocontrin and Urocontrin A Action. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1717-1722. [PMID: 32944139 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, we have identified two allosteric modulators of the urotensinergic system with probe-dependent action, termed Urocontrin (UC) and Urocontrin A (UCA). Such action is atypical and important since it will allow us to understand the specific function of the functionally selective cognate ligands of this system, namely urotensin II and urotensin II-related peptide. Delineating the molecular determinants involved in this particular behavior would represent an important step toward designing small molecules suitable for pharmacologic and/or therapeutic intervention. Hence, we undertook an exploratory research by replacing the Trp4 residue of URP with several para-substituted phenylalanine amino acids in order to get a grasp on the required nature, distance, and orientation of the side chain of this residue for allosteric modulatory action. We found that the position of the second aromatic group is crucial, and we identified two new allosteric modulators: [Trip4]URP and [Phe(pPy-4)4]URP with probe-dependent action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Billard
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7 V 1B7, Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7 V 1B7, Canada
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Zappavigna S, Abate M, Cossu AM, Lusa S, Campani V, Scotti L, Luce A, Yousif AM, Merlino F, Grieco P, De Rosa G, Caraglia M. Urotensin-II-Targeted Liposomes as a New Drug Delivery System towards Prostate and Colon Cancer Cells. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:9293560. [PMID: 31929800 PMCID: PMC6942863 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9293560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin-II (UT-II) and its receptor (UTR) are involved in the occurrence of different epithelial cancers. In particular, UTR was found overexpressed on colon, bladder, and prostate cancer cells. The conjugation of ligands, able to specifically bind receptors that are overexpressed on cancer cells, to liposome surface represents an efficient active targeting strategy to enhance selectivity and efficiency of drug delivery systems. The aim of this study was to develop liposomes conjugated with UT-II (LipoUT) for efficient targeting of cancer cells that overexpress UTR. The liposomes had a mean diameter between 150 nm and 160 nm with a narrow size distribution (PI ≤ 0.1) and a doxo encapsulation efficiency of 96%. Moreover, the conjugation of UT-II to liposomes weakly reduced the zeta potential. We evaluated UTR expression on prostate (DU145, PC3, and LNCaP) and colon (WIDR and LoVo) cancer cells by FACS and western blotting analysis. UTR protein was expressed in all the tested cell lines; the level of expression was higher in WIDR, PC3, and LNCaP cells compared with LoVo and DU145. MTT cell viability assay showed that LipoUT-doxo was more active than Lipo-doxo on the growth inhibition of cells that overexpressed UTR (PC3, LNCaP, and WIDR) while in LoVo and DU145 cell lines, the activity was similar to or lower than that one of Lipo-doxo, respectively. Moreover, we found that cell uptake of Bodipy-labeled liposomes in PC3 and DU145 was higher for LipoUT than the not-armed counterparts but at higher extent in UTR overexpressing PC3 cells (about 2-fold higher), as evaluated by both confocal and FACS. In conclusion, the encapsulation of doxo in UT-II-targeted liposomes potentiated its delivery in UTR-overexpressing cells and could represent a new tool for the targeting of prostate and colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zappavigna
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. de Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Abate
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. de Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Maria Cossu
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. de Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Molecular and Precision Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Sara Lusa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Campani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorena Scotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Amalia Luce
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. de Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ali Munaim Yousif
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. de Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Molecular and Precision Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
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8
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Nassour H, Iddir M, Chatenet D. Towards Targeting the Urotensinergic System: Overview and Challenges. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:725-734. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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9
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Pereira-Castro J, Brás-Silva C, Fontes-Sousa AP. Novel insights into the role of urotensin II in cardiovascular disease. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:2170-2180. [PMID: 31430542 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide that interacts with a specific receptor called the UT receptor. UII has been implicated in cardiovascular regulation, with promising therapeutic applications based on UT receptor antagonism. The endogenous ligands of the UT receptor: UII and urotensin-related peptide (URP), differentially bind and activate this receptor. Also, the receptor localization is not restricted to the plasma membrane, possibly inducing different physiological responses that could support its inconsistent, but potent, vasoactive activity. These properties could explain the disappointing outcomes in clinical studies, in contrast to the positive preclinical results regarding heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. These aspects should be considered in future investigations to a better comprehension of the role of UII as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pereira-Castro
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, UnIC - Cardiovascular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia, Centro de Investigação Farmacológica e Inovação Medicamentosa (MedInUP), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.
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10
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Gravina AG, Dallio M, Tuccillo C, Martorano M, Abenavoli L, Luzza F, Stiuso P, Lama S, Grieco P, Merlino F, Caraglia M, Loguercio C, Federico A. Urotensin II receptor expression in patients with ulcerative colitis: a pilot study. MINERVA GASTROENTERO 2019; 66:23-28. [PMID: 31293119 DOI: 10.23736/s1121-421x.19.02602-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urotensin II (U-II) is a vasoactive peptide that interacts with a specific receptor named UTR. Recently, our group has demonstrated increased UTR expression in both human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines and adenomatous polyps, as well as in colon carcinoma samples if compared to healthy colon samples of the same patients. We also showed that an UTR agonist induced an increase in colon adenocarcinoma cell growth in vitro, whereas the UTR block with a specific antagonist caused an inhibition of their growth and an inhibition of about 50% of both motility and cell invasion. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with an increased baseline risk for colon cancer compared with the general population, and this risk is mostly attributed to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. This risk increases along with the duration of the disease, as demonstrated by many studies. There are no UTR expression data related to UC, and we therefore evaluated UTR expression in ill colon biopsies and in healthy colon ones of patients with UC and colon biopsies of healthy patients. METHODS We enrolled, prior to informed consent, 11 patients (5 males and 6 females, age range 29-75 years, median age 52 years) with first UC diagnosis compared to 11 healthy controls (6 males and 5 females, age range 30-78 years, median age 55 years). We have therefore sampled inflammatory and healthy tissue in UC patients. We have also taken colic tissue samples in healthy subjects. Evaluation of receptor expression was performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western Blot analysis. The ANOVA Test (P<0.05) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS We found: 1) increased expression of UTR in 11/11 UC patients with ill mucosa biopsies compared to healthy controls in RT-PCR and in Western Blot analysis; 2) increased UTR expression in 11/11 UC patients with ill colon biopsies compared to the results obtained from healthy colon biopsies of the same patients both in RT-PCR and in Western Blot analysis; 3) increased UTR expression in 9/11 UC patients healthy colon biopsy specimens compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS UTR could be considered as an inflammatory UC disease marker because its expression is greater in the mucosa of ill colon than in the healthy colon of the same patients and compared to healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta G Gravina
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy -
| | - Marcello Dallio
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Tuccillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Martorano
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Immacolata Hospital, Sapri, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Grecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Grecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paola Stiuso
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Lama
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmelina Loguercio
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Federico
- Department of Precision Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
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11
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Merlino F, Billard É, Yousif AM, Di Maro S, Brancaccio D, Abate L, Carotenuto A, Bellavita R, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Santicioli P, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Hébert TE, Lubell WD, Chatenet D, Grieco P. Functional Selectivity Revealed by N-Methylation Scanning of Human Urotensin II and Related Peptides. J Med Chem 2019; 62:1455-1467. [PMID: 30615452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In accordance with their common but also divergent physiological actions, human urotensin II (1) and urotensin II-related peptide (2) could stabilize specific urotensin II receptor (UTR) conformations, thereby activating different signaling pathways, a feature referred to as biased agonism or functional selectivity. Sequential N-methylation of the amides in the conserved core sequence of 1, 2, and fragment U-II4-11 (3) shed light on structural requirements involved in their functional selectivity. Thus, 18 N-methylated UTR ligands were synthesized and their biological profiles evaluated using in vitro competition binding assays, ex vivo rat aortic ring bioassays and BRET-based biosensor experiments. Biological activity diverged from that of the parent structures contingent on the location of amide methylation, indicating relevant hydrogen-bond interactions for the function of the endogenous peptides. Conformational analysis of selected N-methyl analogs indicated the importance of specific amide residues of 2 for the distinct pharmacology relative to 1 and 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Étienne Billard
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP) , Université du Québec , 531 Boulevard des Prairies , Ville de Laval , Québec H7V 1B7 , Canada
| | - Ali M Yousif
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Luigi Abate
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | | | - Paolo Santicioli
- Department of Pharmacology , Menarini Ricerche , via Rismondo 12/A , Florence 50131 , Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics , McGill University , Montréal , Québec H3A 1A3 , Canada
| | - William D Lubell
- Département de Chimie , Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Station Centre-ville , Montréal , Québec H3C 3J7 , Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP) , Université du Québec , 531 Boulevard des Prairies , Ville de Laval , Québec H7V 1B7 , Canada
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
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12
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Billard E, Hébert TE, Chatenet D. Discovery of New Allosteric Modulators of the Urotensinergic System through Substitution of the Urotensin II-Related Peptide (URP) Phenylalanine Residue. J Med Chem 2018; 61:8707-8716. [PMID: 30183282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP) are functionally selective, suggesting that these two hormones might play distinct physiological role through different interactions with their cognate receptor UT. Hypothesizing that the Phe3 residue of URP, which is also present in UII, is a key-element of its specific UT activation, we evaluated the impact of its replacement by non-natural amino acids in URP. Each compound was evaluated for its ability to bind UT, induce rat aortic ring contraction, and activate Gq, G12, and β-arrestin 1 signaling pathways. Such modifications impaired contractile efficacy, reflected by a reduced aptitude to activate G12 in URP but not in the truncated but equipotent UII4-11. Moreover, we have identified two structurally different UT modulators: [d-Phe(pI)3]URP and [Bip3]URP, which exert a probe-dependent action against UII and URP. These compounds should help us understand the specific roles of these hormones as well as guide further therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Billard
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP) , Université du Québec , Ville de Laval , Québec H7V 1B7 , Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics , McGill University , Montréal , Québec H3A 1A3 , Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP) , Université du Québec , Ville de Laval , Québec H7V 1B7 , Canada
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13
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Billard É, Iddir M, Nassour H, Lee-Gosselin L, Poujol de Molliens M, Chatenet D. New directions for urotensin II receptor ligands. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Étienne Billard
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec; Ville de Laval Québec H7V 1B7 Canada
| | - Mustapha Iddir
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec; Ville de Laval Québec H7V 1B7 Canada
| | - Hassan Nassour
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec; Ville de Laval Québec H7V 1B7 Canada
| | - Laura Lee-Gosselin
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec; Ville de Laval Québec H7V 1B7 Canada
| | - Mathilde Poujol de Molliens
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec; Ville de Laval Québec H7V 1B7 Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec; Ville de Laval Québec H7V 1B7 Canada
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14
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Yousif AM, Ingangi V, Merlino F, Brancaccio D, Minopoli M, Bellavita R, Novellino E, Carriero MV, Carotenuto A, Grieco P. Urokinase receptor derived peptides as potent inhibitors of the formyl peptide receptor type 1-triggered cell migration. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 143:348-360. [PMID: 29202399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The receptor for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) is a widely recognized master regulator of cell migration. We and others have previously documented that the uPAR(84-95) sequence, interacts with the formyl peptide receptors (FPR)s, henceforth inducing cell migration of several cell lines, including leukocytes, and the synthetic shorter peptide (Ser88-Arg-Ser-Arg-Tyr92, SRSRY) retains chemotactic activity in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we have developed the head-to-tail cyclic analog [SRSRY], a new potent and stable inhibitor of monocyte trafficking. This prompted us to develop novel cyclic and linear analogs of [SRSRY] with the aim to broaden the knowledge about structure-activity relationships of peptide [SRSRY]. Herein we report their synthesis, effects on cell migration, conformational and docking analyses which served to envisage a new pharmacophore model for inhibitors of FPR1-triggered cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Munaim Yousif
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy; Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, United States
| | - Vincenzo Ingangi
- Department of Experimental Oncology IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" I-80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Michele Minopoli
- Department of Experimental Oncology IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" I-80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Carriero
- Department of Experimental Oncology IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" I-80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi (CIRPEB) University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM-Scarl, Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging - CNR Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
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15
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Billard E, Létourneau M, Hébert TE, Chatenet D. Insight into the role of urotensin II-related peptide tyrosine residue in UT activation. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 144:100-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Haensele E, Mele N, Miljak M, Read CM, Whitley DC, Banting L, Delépée C, Sopkova-de Oliveira Santos J, Lepailleur A, Bureau R, Essex JW, Clark T. Conformation and Dynamics of Human Urotensin II and Urotensin Related Peptide in Aqueous Solution. J Chem Inf Model 2017; 57:298-310. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.6b00706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nawel Mele
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Marija Miljak
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Carla Delépée
- Normandie
Université, CS 14032 Caen Cedex 5, France, Centre d’Etudes
et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN, EA 4258,
FR CNRS 3038 INC3M SF 4206 ICORE), UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Caen Basse−Normandie (UNICAEN), F-14032 Caen, France
| | - Jana Sopkova-de Oliveira Santos
- Normandie
Université, CS 14032 Caen Cedex 5, France, Centre d’Etudes
et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN, EA 4258,
FR CNRS 3038 INC3M SF 4206 ICORE), UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Caen Basse−Normandie (UNICAEN), F-14032 Caen, France
| | - Alban Lepailleur
- Normandie
Université, CS 14032 Caen Cedex 5, France, Centre d’Etudes
et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN, EA 4258,
FR CNRS 3038 INC3M SF 4206 ICORE), UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Caen Basse−Normandie (UNICAEN), F-14032 Caen, France
| | - Ronan Bureau
- Normandie
Université, CS 14032 Caen Cedex 5, France, Centre d’Etudes
et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN, EA 4258,
FR CNRS 3038 INC3M SF 4206 ICORE), UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Caen Basse−Normandie (UNICAEN), F-14032 Caen, France
| | - Jonathan W. Essex
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Clark
- Computer-Chemie-Centrum
and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstraße 25, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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17
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Pacifico S, Kerckhoffs A, Fallow AJ, Foreman RE, Guerrini R, McDonald J, Lambert DG, Jamieson AG. Urotensin-II peptidomimetic incorporating a non-reducible 1,5-triazole disulfide bond reveals a pseudo-irreversible covalent binding mechanism to the urotensin G-protein coupled receptor. Org Biomol Chem 2017; 15:4704-4710. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ob00959c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
New high affinity peptidomimetic ligands have been developed that provided new insight into the mechanism of binding of U-II peptide with the urotensin-II receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA
- University of Ferrara
- Ferrara
- Italy
| | - Aidan Kerckhoffs
- School of Chemistry
- Joseph Black Building. University Avenue
- Glasgow
- UK
| | | | | | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA
- University of Ferrara
- Ferrara
- Italy
| | - John McDonald
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
- Division of Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Management
- Leicester
- UK
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
- Division of Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Management
- Leicester
- UK
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18
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Merlino F, Yousif AM, Billard É, Dufour-Gallant J, Turcotte S, Grieco P, Chatenet D, Lubell WD. Urotensin II((4-11)) Azasulfuryl Peptides: Synthesis and Biological Activity. J Med Chem 2016; 59:4740-52. [PMID: 27140209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic azasulfuryl (As) peptide analogs of the urotensin II (UII, 1, H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-c[Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH) fragment 4-11 were synthesized to explore the influences of backbone structure on biological activity. N-Aminosulfamides were inserted as surrogates of the Trp(7) and Lys(8) residues in the biologically relevant Trp-Lys-Tyr triad. A combination of solution- and solid-phase methods were used to prepare novel UII((4-11)) analogs 6-11 by routes featuring alkylation of azasulfuryl-glycine tripeptide precursors to install various side chains. The pharmacological profiles of derivatives 6-11 were tested in vitro using a competitive binding assay and ex vivo using a rat aortic ring bioassay. Although the analogs exhibited weak affinity for the urotensin II receptor (UT) without agonistic activity, azasulfuryl-UII((4-11)) derivatives 7-9 reduced up to 50% of the effects of UII and urotensin II-related peptide (URP) without affecting their potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Merlino
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ali M Yousif
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Étienne Billard
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Quebéc , Ville de Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Julien Dufour-Gallant
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Stéphane Turcotte
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Quebéc , Ville de Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - William D Lubell
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
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19
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Merlino F, Brancaccio D, Yousif AM, Piras L, Campiglia P, Gomez-Monterrey I, Santicioli P, Meini S, Maggi CA, Novellino E, Carotenuto A, Grieco P. Structure-Activity Study of the Peptides P5U and Urantide by the Development of Analogues Containing Uncoded Amino Acids at Position 9. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:1856-64. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Ali M. Yousif
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Linda Piras
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Salerno; 84084 Fisciano Italy
| | - Isabel Gomez-Monterrey
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Paolo Santicioli
- Department of Pharmacology; Menarini Ricerche; via Rismondo 12A 50131 Florence Italy
| | - Stefania Meini
- Department of Pharmacology; Menarini Ricerche; via Rismondo 12A 50131 Florence Italy
| | - Carlo A. Maggi
- Department of Pharmacology; Menarini Ricerche; via Rismondo 12A 50131 Florence Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi (CIRPEB); University of Naples “Federico II” and DFM-Scarl; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging-CNR; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Naples Italy
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