1
|
Mou J, Ning XL, Wang XY, Hou SY, Meng FB, Zhou C, Wu JW, Li C, Jia T, Wu X, Wu Y, Chen Y, Li GB. X-ray Structure-Guided Discovery of a Potent Benzimidazole Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitor That Shows Activity in a Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8730-8756. [PMID: 38817193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The secretory glutaminyl cyclase (sQC) and Golgi-resident glutaminyl cyclase (gQC) are responsible for N-terminal protein pyroglutamation and associated with various human diseases. Although several sQC/gQC inhibitors have been reported, only one inhibitor, PQ912, is currently undergoing clinic trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. We report an X-ray crystal structure of sQC complexed with PQ912, revealing that the benzimidazole makes "anchor" interactions with the active site zinc ion and catalytic triad. Structure-guided design and optimization led to a series of new benzimidazole derivatives exhibiting nanomolar inhibition for both sQC and gQC. In a MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model, BI-43 manifested efficacy in mitigating locomotor deficits through reversing dopaminergic neuronal loss, reducing microglia, and decreasing levels of the sQC/gQC substrates, α-synuclein, and CCL2. This study not only offers structural basis and new leads for drug discovery targeting sQC/gQC but also provides evidence supporting sQC/gQC as potential targets for PD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Mou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiang-Li Ning
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin-Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shu-Yan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fan-Bo Meng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jing-Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Jia
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoai Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongping Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guo-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chromogranin A: An Endocrine Factor of Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054986. [PMID: 36902417 PMCID: PMC10002927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054986] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a state of physiological and hormonal changes. One of the endocrine factors involved in these processes is chromogranin A, an acidic protein produced, among others, by the placenta. Although it has been previously linked to pregnancy, no existing articles have ever managed to clarify the role of this protein regarding this subject. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to gather knowledge of chromogranin A's function with reference to gestation and parturition, clarify elusive information, and, most importantly, to formulate hypotheses for the future studies to verify.
Collapse
|
3
|
Fraquelli C, Hauzinger J, Humpel C, Nolano M, Provitera V, Sharma VK, Loh P, Pidsudko Z, Blatsios G, Troger J. Serpinin in the Skin. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010183. [PMID: 35052862 PMCID: PMC8773586 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The serpinins are relatively novel peptides generated by proteolytic processing of chromogranin A and they are comprised of free serpinin, serpinin-RRG and pGlu-serpinin. In this study, the presence and source of these peptides were studied in the skin. By Western blot analysis, a 40 kDa and a 50 kDa protein containing the sequence of serpinin were detected in the trigeminal ganglion and dorsal root ganglia in rats but none in the skin. RP-HPLC followed by EIA revealed that the three serpinins are present in similar, moderate amounts in rat dorsal root ganglia, whereas in the rat skin, free serpinin represents the predominant molecular form. There were abundant serpinin-positive cells in rat dorsal root ganglia and colocalization with substance P was evident. However, much more widespread distribution of the serpinins was found in dorsal root ganglia when compared with substance P. In the skin, serpinin immunoreactivity was found in sensory nerves and showed colocalization with substance P; as well, some was present in autonomic nerves. Thus, although not exclusively, there is evidence that serpinin is a constituent of the sensory innervation of the skin. The serpinins are biologically highly active and might therefore be of functional significance in the skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fraquelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.F.); (J.H.); (G.B.)
| | - Jasmine Hauzinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.F.); (J.H.); (G.B.)
| | - Christian Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimers Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Maria Nolano
- Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.N.); (V.P.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.N.); (V.P.)
| | - Vinay Kumar Sharma
- Section of Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (V.K.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Peng Loh
- Section of Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (V.K.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Zenon Pidsudko
- Department of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Georgios Blatsios
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.F.); (J.H.); (G.B.)
| | - Josef Troger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.F.); (J.H.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-504-27343
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu C, Wang YN, Wu H. Glutaminyl Cyclase, Diseases, and Development of Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6549-6565. [PMID: 34000808 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pyroglutamate (pE) modification, catalyzed mainly by glutaminyl cyclase (QC), is prevalent throughout nature and is particularly important in mammals including humans for the maturation of hormones, peptides, and proteins. In humans, the upregulation of QC is involved in multiple diseases and conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, melanomas, thyroid carcinomas, accelerated atherosclerosis, septic arthritics, etc. This upregulation catalyzes the generation of modified mediators such as pE-amyloid beta (Aß) and pE-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) peptides. Not surprisingly, QC has emerged as a reasonable target for the development of therapeutics to combat these diseases and conditions. In this manuscript the deleterious effects of upregulated QC resulting in disease manifestation are reviewed, along with progress on the development of QC inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yi-Nan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haiqiang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Petrella C, Di Certo MG, Barbato C, Gabanella F, Ralli M, Greco A, Possenti R, Severini C. Neuropeptides in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Update. Curr Alzheimer Res 2019; 16:544-558. [DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190503152555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are small proteins broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system, which act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neuroregulators. Growing evidence has demonstrated the involvement of many neuropeptides in both neurophysiological functions and neuropathological conditions, among which is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The role exerted by neuropeptides in AD is endorsed by the evidence that they are mainly neuroprotective and widely distributed in brain areas responsible for learning and memory processes. Confirming this point, it has been demonstrated that numerous neuropeptide-containing neurons are pathologically altered in brain areas of both AD patients and AD animal models. Furthermore, the levels of various neuropeptides have been found altered in both Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and blood of AD patients, getting insights into their potential role in the pathophysiology of AD and offering the possibility to identify novel additional biomarkers for this pathology. We summarized the available information about brain distribution, neuroprotective and cognitive functions of some neuropeptides involved in AD. The main focus of the current review was directed towards the description of clinical data reporting alterations in neuropeptides content in both AD patients and AD pre-clinical animal models. In particular, we explored the involvement in the AD of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART), Cholecystokinin (CCK), bradykinin and chromogranin/secretogranin family, discussing their potential role as a biomarker or therapeutic target, leaving the dissertation of other neuropeptides to previous reviews.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eissa N, Hussein H, Hendy GN, Bernstein CN, Ghia JE. Chromogranin-A and its derived peptides and their pharmacological effects during intestinal inflammation. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 152:315-326. [PMID: 29656116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is the largest endocrine organ that produces a broad range of active peptides. Mucosal changes during inflammation alter the distribution and products of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) that play a role in immune activation and regulation of gut homeostasis by mediating communication between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) typically have altered expression of chromogranin (CHG)-A (CHGA), a major soluble protein secreted by EECs that functions as a pro-hormone. CHGA gives rise to several bioactive peptides that have direct or indirect effects on intestinal inflammation. In IBD, CHGA and its derived peptides are correlated with the disease activity. In this review we describe the potential immunomodulatory roles of CHGA and its derived peptides and their clinical relevance during the progression of intestinal inflammation. Targeting CHGA and its derived peptides could be of benefit for the diagnosis and clinical management of IBD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nour Eissa
- Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hayam Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Geoffrey N Hendy
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications, McGill University Health Centre-Research Institute, Departments of Medicine, Physiology, and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jean-Eric Ghia
- Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chromogranins: from discovery to current times. Pflugers Arch 2017; 470:143-154. [PMID: 28875377 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery in 1953 of the chromaffin granules as co-storage of catecholamines and ATP was soon followed by identification of a range of uniquely acidic proteins making up the isotonic vesicular storage complex within elements of the diffuse sympathoadrenal system. In the mid-1960s, the enzymatically inactive, major core protein, chromogranin A was shown to be exocytotically discharged from the stimulated adrenal gland in parallel with the co-stored catecholamines and ATP. A prohormone concept was introduced when one of the main storage proteins collectively named granins was identified as the insulin release inhibitory polypeptide pancreastatin. A wide range of granin-derived biologically active peptides have subsequently been identified. Both chromogranin A and chromogranin B give rise to antimicrobial peptides of relevance for combat of pathogens. While two of the chromogranin A-derived peptides, vasostatin-I and pancreastatin, are involved in modulation of calcium and glucose homeostasis, respectively, vasostatin-I and catestatin are important modulators of endothelial permeability, angiogenesis, myocardial contractility, and innate immunity. A physiological role is now evident for the full-length chromogranin A and vasostatin-I as circulating stabilizers of endothelial integrity and in protection against myocardial injury. The high circulating levels of chromogranin A and its fragments in patients suffering from various inflammatory diseases have emerged as challenges for future research and clinical applications.
Collapse
|
8
|
Troger J, Theurl M, Kirchmair R, Pasqua T, Tota B, Angelone T, Cerra MC, Nowosielski Y, Mätzler R, Troger J, Gayen JR, Trudeau V, Corti A, Helle KB. Granin-derived peptides. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 154:37-61. [PMID: 28442394 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The granin family comprises altogether 7 different proteins originating from the diffuse neuroendocrine system and elements of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The family is dominated by three uniquely acidic members, namely chromogranin A (CgA), chromogranin B (CgB) and secretogranin II (SgII). Since the late 1980s it has become evident that these proteins are proteolytically processed, intragranularly and/or extracellularly into a range of biologically active peptides; a number of them with regulatory properties of physiological and/or pathophysiological significance. The aim of this comprehensive overview is to provide an up-to-date insight into the distribution and properties of the well established granin-derived peptides and their putative roles in homeostatic regulations. Hence, focus is directed to peptides derived from the three main granins, e.g. to the chromogranin A derived vasostatins, betagranins, pancreastatin and catestatins, the chromogranin B-derived secretolytin and the secretogranin II-derived secretoneurin (SN). In addition, the distribution and properties of the chromogranin A-derived peptides prochromacin, chromofungin, WE14, parastatin, GE-25 and serpinins, the CgB-peptide PE-11 and the SgII-peptides EM66 and manserin will also be commented on. Finally, the opposing effects of the CgA-derived vasostatin-I and catestatin and the SgII-derived peptide SN on the integrity of the vasculature, myocardial contractility, angiogenesis in wound healing, inflammatory conditions and tumors will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Troger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Markus Theurl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Kirchmair
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teresa Pasqua
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Bruno Tota
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria C Cerra
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Yvonne Nowosielski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphaela Mätzler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jasmin Troger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Vance Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelo Corti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Karen B Helle
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Imbrogno S, Mazza R, Pugliese C, Filice M, Angelone T, Loh YP, Tota B, Cerra MC. The Chromogranin A-derived sympathomimetic serpinin depresses myocardial performance in teleost and amphibian hearts. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 240:1-9. [PMID: 27633326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA) is an acidic protein co-stored with catecholamines, hormones and neuropeptides in the secretory granules of endocrine, neuronal and other cell types (including cardiomyocytes). Proteolytic cleavage in the C terminus of CgA generates a 2.9kDa peptide named serpinin (Serp; Ala26Leu) that can be modified at its N terminus to form a pyroglutamate residue (pGlu-Serp). In the rat heart, both peptides increase contractility and relaxation through a β-adrenergic-like action mechanism. Accordingly, Serp and pGlu-Serp were proposed as novel myocardial sympatho-adrenergic modulators in mammals. On a comparative basis, here we report the actions of Serp and pGlu-Serp on myocardial contractility in three poikilotherm vertebrate species: the eel (Anguilla anguilla), the goldfish (Carassius auratus) and the frog (Rana esculenta). Using isolated working heart preparations, we show that pGlu-Serp reduces stroke volume in all species tested, while Serp reduces contractility in the frog heart, but is uneffective in eel and goldfish hearts. In the goldfish and frog hearts, pGlu-Serp activates the Nitric Oxide/cGMP pathway involving Endothelin-1 B receptors (frog) and β3 adrenergic receptors (goldfish). pGlu-Serp-treated hearts from goldfish and frog show increased cGMP content. Moreover, the exposure of the frog heart to pGlu-Serp is accompanied by an increased expression of activated eNOS and Akt. In conclusion, this first report showing that pGlu-Serp inhibits mechanical cardiac performance in teleost and amphibians supports an evolutionary role of the CgA system, and particularly its serpinin component, in the sympatho-adrenergic control of the vertebrate heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Imbrogno
- Dept. of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (B.E.S.T.), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy.
| | - R Mazza
- Dept. of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (B.E.S.T.), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - C Pugliese
- Dept. of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (B.E.S.T.), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - M Filice
- Dept. of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (B.E.S.T.), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - T Angelone
- Dept. of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (B.E.S.T.), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Y P Loh
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - B Tota
- Dept. of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (B.E.S.T.), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - M C Cerra
- Dept. of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (B.E.S.T.), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pasqua T, Tota B, Penna C, Corti A, Cerra MC, Loh Y P, Angelone T. pGlu-serpinin protects the normotensive and hypertensive heart from ischemic injury. J Endocrinol 2015; 227:167-178. [PMID: 26400960 PMCID: PMC4651656 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Serpinin peptides derive from proteolytic cleavage of Chromogranin-A at C-terminus. Serpinin and the more potent pyroglutaminated-serpinin (pGlu-Serp) are positive cardiac β-adrenergic-like modulators, acting through β1-AR/AC/cAMP/PKA pathway. Because in some conditions this pathway and/or other pro-survival pathways, activated by other Chromogranin-A fragments, may cross-talk and may be protective, here we explored whether pGlu-Serp cardioprotects against ischemia/reperfusion injury under normotensive and hypertensive conditions. In the latter condition, cardioprotection is often blunted because of the limitations on pro-survival Reperfusion Injury Salvage Kinases (RISK) pathway activation. The effects of pGlu-Serp were evaluated on infarct size (IS) and cardiac function by using the isolated and Langendorff perfused heart of normotensive (Wistar Kyoto, WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats exposed to ischemic pre-conditioning (PreC) and post-conditioning (PostC). In both WKY and SHR rat, pGlu-Serp induced mild cardioprotection in both PreC and PostC. pGlu-Serp administered at the reperfusion (Serp-PostC) significantly reduced IS, being more protective in SHR than in WKY. Conversely, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDevP) post-ischemic recovery was greater in WKY than in SHR. pGlu-Serp-PostC reduced contracture in both strains. Co-infusion with specific RISK inhibitors (PI3K/Akt, MitoKATP channels and PKC) blocked the pGlu-Serp-PostC protective effects. To show direct effect on cardiomyocytes, we pre-treated H9c2 cells with pGlu-Serp, which were thus protected against hypoxia/reoxygenation. These results suggest pGlu-Serp as a potential modulatory agent implicated in the protective processes that can limit infarct size and overcome the hypertension-induced failure of PostC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Pasqua
- Dept of Biology, Ecology, and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - B Tota
- Dept of Biology, Ecology, and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - C Penna
- Dept of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Molecular Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - M C Cerra
- Dept of Biology, Ecology, and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - P Loh Y
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md 20892, USA
| | - T Angelone
- Dept of Biology, Ecology, and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Raymer B, Ebner D. Small molecule and peptide therapies for chronic heart failure: a patent review (2011 - 2014). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2015; 25:1175-90. [PMID: 26173447 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2015.1061997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the long-term inability of the heart to meet circulatory demands under normal conditions. Effects of CHF can include increased blood volume, increased vascular resistance and compromised contractility leading to fluid retention, dyspnea and fatigue. Current standard of care for chronic systolic heart failure is directed towards managing hypoperfusion through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems. Treatment may also involve reversal of maladaptive cardiac remodeling and prevention of life-threatening arrhythmias. AREAS COVERED This review highlights small molecule and peptidic agents for the treatment of CHF with patents published between 2011 and 2014. Targets are subdivided into inotropic agents, ventricular remodeling, diuretics and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. EXPERT OPINION CHF represents a large, unmet medical need where improved therapies are needed. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system pathway continues to be a major source of new therapies for CHF with new inotropic therapies emerging. Promising initial clinical results for a few approaches combined with the expectation of additional clinical results in the near future make this an exciting time in the pursuit of new treatments for CHF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Raymer
- a Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Endocrine Diseases Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development , Cambridge, MA, USA +1 617 551 3414 ; +1 617 551 3082 ;
| | - David Ebner
- a Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Endocrine Diseases Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development , Cambridge, MA, USA +1 617 551 3414 ; +1 617 551 3082 ;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tota B, Angelone T, Cerra MC. The surging role of Chromogranin A in cardiovascular homeostasis. Front Chem 2014; 2:64. [PMID: 25177680 PMCID: PMC4132265 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Together with Chromogranin B and Secretogranins, Chromogranin A (CGA) is stored in secretory (chromaffin) granules of the diffuse neuroendocrine system and released with noradrenalin and adrenalin. Co-stored within the granule together with neuropeptideY, cardiac natriuretic peptide hormones, several prohormones and their proteolytic enzymes, CGA is a multifunctional protein and a major marker of the sympatho-adrenal neuroendocrine activity. Due to its partial processing to several biologically active peptides, CGA appears an important pro-hormone implicated in relevant modulatory actions on endocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems through both direct and indirect sympatho-adrenergic interactions. As a part of this scenario, we here illustrate the emerging role exerted by the full-length CGA and its three derived fragments, i.e., Vasostatin 1, catestatin and serpinin, in the control of circulatory homeostasis with particular emphasis on their cardio-vascular actions under both physiological and physio-pathological conditions. The Vasostatin 1- and catestatin-induced cardiodepressive influences are achieved through anti-beta-adrenergic-NO-cGMP signaling, while serpinin acts like beta1-adrenergic agonist through AD-cAMP-independent NO signaling. On the whole, these actions contribute to widen our knowledge regarding the sympatho-chromaffin control of the cardiovascular system and its highly integrated “whip-brake” networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Tota
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Maria C Cerra
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pasqua T, Corti A, Gentile S, Pochini L, Bianco M, Metz-Boutigue MH, Cerra MC, Tota B, Angelone T. Full-length human chromogranin-A cardioactivity: myocardial, coronary, and stimulus-induced processing evidence in normotensive and hypertensive male rat hearts. Endocrinology 2013; 154:3353-65. [PMID: 23751870 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Plasma chromogranin-A (CgA) concentrations correlate with severe cardiovascular diseases, whereas CgA-derived vasostatin-I and catestatin elicit cardiosuppression via an antiadrenergic/nitric oxide-cGMP mediated mechanism. Whether these phenomena are related is unknown. We here investigated whether and to what extent full-length CgA directly influences heart performance and may be subjected to stimulus-elicited intracardiac processing. Using normotensive and hypertensive rats, we evaluated the following: 1) direct myocardial and coronary effects of full-length CgA; 2) the signal-transduction pathway involved in its action mechanism; and 3) CgA intracardiac processing after β-adrenergic [isoproterenol (Iso)]- and endothelin-1(ET-1)-dependent stimulation. The study was performed by using a Langendorff perfusion apparatus, Western blotting, affinity chromatography, and ELISA. We found that CgA (1-4 nM) dilated coronaries and induced negative inotropism and lusitropism, which disappeared at higher concentrations (10-16 nM). In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), negative inotropism and lusitropism were more potent than in young normotensive rats. We found that perfusion itself, Iso-, and endothelin-1 stimulation induced intracardiac CgA processing in low-molecular-weight fragments in young, Wistar Kyoto, and SHR rats. In young normotensive and adult hypertensive rats, CgA increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and cGMP levels. Analysis of the perfusate from both Wistar rats and SHRs of untreated and treated (Iso) hearts revealed CgA absence. In conclusion, in normotensive and hypertensive rats, we evidenced the following: 1) full-length CgA directly affects myocardial and coronary function by AkT/nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase G pathway; and 2) the heart generates intracardiac CgA fragments in response to hemodynamic and excitatory challenges. For the first time at the cardiovascular level, our data provide a conceptual link between systemic and intracardiac actions of full-length CgA and its fragments, expanding the knowledge on the sympathochromaffin/CgA axis under normal and physiopathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Pasqua
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Loh YP, Koshimizu H, Cawley NX, Tota B. Serpinins: role in granule biogenesis, inhibition of cell death and cardiac function. Curr Med Chem 2013; 19:4086-92. [PMID: 22834799 DOI: 10.2174/092986712802429957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Serpinins are a family of peptides derived from proteolytic cleavage of the penultimate and the last pair of basic residues at the C-terminus of Chromogranin A. Three forms of naturally occurring serpinin have been found in AtT-20 pituitary cells and rat heart. They are serpinin, pyrogutaminated (pGlu) -serpinin and a C-terminally extended form, serpinin-RRG. In addition pGlu-serpinin has been found in brain, primarily in neurites and nerve terminals and shown to have protective effects against oxidative stress on neurons and pituitary cells. Serpinin has also been demonstrated to regulate granule biogenesis in endocrine cells by up-regulating the protease inhibitor, protease nexin-1 transcription via a cAMP-PKA-sp1 pathway. This leads to inhibition of granule protein degradation in the Golgi complex which in turn promotes granule formation. More recently, pGlu-serpinin has been demonstrated to enhance both myocardial contractility (inotropy) and relaxation (lusitropy). In the Langendorff perfused rat heart, pGlu-serpinin showed a concentration-dependent positive inotropic effect exerted through a cAMP-PKA dependent pathway. In conclusion, the serpinin peptides have profound effects at many levels that affect the endocrine and nervous systems and cardiac function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y P Loh
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Program on Developmental Neuroscience, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 49, Room 5A22, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tota B, Gentile S, Pasqua T, Bassino E, Koshimizu H, Cawley NX, Cerra MC, Loh YP, Angelone T. The novel chromogranin A-derived serpinin and pyroglutaminated serpinin peptides are positive cardiac β-adrenergic-like inotropes. FASEB J 2012; 26:2888-98. [PMID: 22459152 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-201111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Three forms of serpinin peptides, serpinin (Ala26Leu), pyroglutaminated (pGlu)-serpinin (pGlu23Leu), and serpinin-Arg-Arg-Gly (Ala29Gly), are derived from cleavage at pairs of basic residues in the highly conserved C terminus of chromogranin A (CgA). Serpinin induces PN-1 expression in neuroendocrine cells to up-regulate granule biogenesis via a cAMP-protein kinase A-Sp1 pathway, while pGlu-serpinin inhibits cell death. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that serpinin peptides are produced in the heart and act as novel β-adrenergic-like cardiac modulators. We detected serpinin peptides in the rat heart by HPLC and ELISA methods. The peptides included predominantly Ala29Gly and pGlu-serpinin and a small amount of serpinin. Using the Langendorff perfused rat heart to evaluate the hemodynamic changes, we found that serpinin and pGlu-serpinin exert dose-dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects at 11-165 nM, within the first 5 min after administration. The pGlu-serpinin-induced contractility is more potent than that of serpinin, starting from 1 nM. Using the isolated rat papillary muscle preparation to measure contractility in terms of tension development and muscle length, we further corroborated the pGlu-serpinin-induced positive inotropism. Ala29Gly was unable to affect myocardial performance. Both pGlu-serpinin and serpinin act through a β1-adrenergic receptor/adenylate cyclase/cAMP/PKA pathway, indicating that, contrary to the β-blocking profile of the other CgA-derived cardiosuppressive peptides, vasostatin-1 and catestatin, these two C-terminal peptides act as β-adrenergic-like agonists. In cardiac tissue extracts, pGlu-serpinin increased intracellular cAMP levels and phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLN)Ser16, ERK1/2, and GSK-3β. Serpinin and pGlu-serpinin peptides emerge as novel β-adrenergic inotropic and lusitropic modulators, suggesting that CgA and the other derived cardioactive peptides can play a key role in how the myocardium orchestrates its complex response to sympathochromaffin stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Tota
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Loh YP, Cheng Y, Mahata SK, Corti A, Tota B. Chromogranin A and derived peptides in health and disease. J Mol Neurosci 2012; 48:347-56. [PMID: 22388654 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-012-9728-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA) is a member of the granins, a family of acidic proteins found in abundance in (neuro)endocrine cells (e.g., in chromaffin cells) and in some tumors. Like other granins, CgA has a granulogenic role in secretory granule biogenesis and is stored in these organelles. CgA is partially processed differentially in various cell types to yield biologically active peptides, such as vasostatin, pancreastatin, catestatin, and serpinins. In this review, we describe the roles of CgA and several of its derived peptides. CgA, which is elevated in the blood of cancer patients, inhibits angiogenesis and exerts protective effects on the endothelial barrier function in tumors, thus affecting response to chemotherapy. Recent studies indicate that the serpinins promote cell survival and myocardial contractility and relaxation. Other peptides such as pancreastatin were found to have significant effects on inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose up-take, induction of glycogenolysis in hepatocytes, and inhibition of lipogenesis. In contrast, catestatin has opposite effects to that of pancreastatin in glucose metabolism and lipogenesis. Catestatin appears to also play a significant role in cardiac function, blood pressure regulation, and mutations in the catestatin domain of the CgA gene are associated with hypertension in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Peng Loh
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Program on Developmental Neuroscience, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cellular Mechanisms for the Biogenesis and Transport of Synaptic and Dense-Core Vesicles. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 299:27-115. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394310-1.00002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|