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Swan P, Johnson B, le Roux CW, Miras AD. Harnessing the melanocortin system in the control of food intake and glucose homeostasis. Peptides 2024; 179:171255. [PMID: 38834138 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The central and peripheral melanocortin system, comprising of five receptors and their endogenous ligands, is responsible for a wide array of physiological functions such as skin pigmentation, sexual function and development, and inflammation. A growing body of both clinical and pre-clinical research is demonstrating the relevance of this system in metabolic health. Disruption of hypothalamic melanocortin signalling is the most common cause of monogenic obesity in humans. Setmelanotide, an FDA-approved analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that functions by restoring central melanocortin signalling, has proven to be a potent pharmacological tool in the treatment of syndromic obesity. As the first effective therapy targeting the melanocortin system to treat metabolic disorders, its approval has sparked research to further harness the links between these melanocortin receptors and metabolic processes. Here, we outline the structure of the central and peripheral melanocortin system, discuss its critical role in the regulation of food intake, and review promising targets that may hold potential to treat metabolic disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Swan
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Brett Johnson
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Carel W le Roux
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexander D Miras
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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2
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Yao MX, Yu HX, Mo HL, Zhang ZH, Song QC, Liu Q, Yang QY, Wang LX, Li Y. Structural and pharmacological characterization of a medium-chain fatty acid receptor GPR84 in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 153:105126. [PMID: 38160872 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The medium-chain fatty acid receptor GPR84, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, is mainly expressed in macrophages and microglia, and is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses and retinal development in mammals and amphibians. However, structure, tissue distribution, and pharmacology of this receptor have rarely been reported in fish. In this study, we cloned the coding sequence (CDS) of common carp GPR84 (ccGPR84), examined its tissue distribution, and explored its cellular signaling function. The results showed that the CDS of ccGPR84 is 1191 bp and encodes a putative protein with 396 amino acids. Phylogenetic and chromosomal synteny analyses revealed that ccGPR84 was evolutionarily conserved with Cyprinids. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) indicated that ccGPR84 was predominantly expressed in the intestine and spleen. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that nonanoic acid, capric acid (decanoic acid), undecanoic acid and lauric acid could inhibit cAMP signaling pathway and activate MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, while the potencies of these four fatty acids on the two signaling pathways were different. Lauric acid has the highest inhibitory potency on cAMP signaling pathway, followed by undecanoic acid, nonanoic acid, and capric acid. While for MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, nonanoic acid has the highest activation potency, followed by undecanoic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid. These findings lay the foundation for revealing the roles of different medium-chain fatty acids in the inflammatory response of common carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Xing Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hui-Xia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hao-Lin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qing-Chuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Qi-Yuan Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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3
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Hernandez CC, Gimenez LE, Cone RD. Automated Patch Clamp Recordings of GPCR-Gated Ion Channels: Targeting the MC4-R/Kir7.1 Potassium Channel Complex. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2796:229-248. [PMID: 38856905 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3818-7_14] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Automated patch clamp recording is a valuable technique in drug discovery and the study of ion channels. It allows for the precise measurement and manipulation of channel currents, providing insights into their function and modulation by drugs or other compounds. The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) crucial to appetite regulation, energy balance, and body weight. MC4-R signaling is complex and involves interactions with other receptors and neuropeptides in the appetite-regulating circuitry. MC4-Rs, like other GPCRs, are known to modulate ion channels such as Kir7.1, an inward rectifier potassium channel, in response to ligand binding. This modulation is critical for controlling ion flow across the cell membrane, which can influence membrane potential, excitability, and neurotransmission. The MC4-R is the target for the anti-obesity drug Imcivree. However, this drug is known to lack optimal potency and also has side effects. Using high-throughput techniques for studying the MC4-R/Kir7.1 complex allows researchers to rapidly screen many compounds or conditions, aiding the development of drugs that target this system. Additionally, automated patch clamp recording of this receptor-channel complex and its ligands can provide valuable functional and pharmacological insights supporting the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This approach can be generalized to other GPCR-gated ion channel functional complexes, potentially accelerating the pace of research in different fields with the promise to uncover previously unknown aspects of receptor-ion channel interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciria C Hernandez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Center for Chemical Genomics, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Luis E Gimenez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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4
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Rodriguez P, Laskowski LJ, Pallais JP, Bock HA, Cavalco NG, Anderson EI, Calkins MM, Razzoli M, Sham YY, McCorvy JD, Bartolomucci A. Functional profiling of the G protein-coupled receptor C3aR1 reveals ligand-mediated biased agonism. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105549. [PMID: 38072064 PMCID: PMC10796979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are leading druggable targets for several medicines, but many GPCRs are still untapped for their therapeutic potential due to poor understanding of specific signaling properties. The complement C3a receptor 1 (C3aR1) has been extensively studied for its physiological role in C3a-mediated anaphylaxis/inflammation, and in TLQP-21-mediated lipolysis, but direct evidence for the functional relevance of the C3a and TLQP-21 ligands and signal transduction mechanisms are still limited. In addition, C3aR1 G protein coupling specificity is still unclear, and whether endogenous ligands, or drug-like compounds, show ligand-mediated biased agonism is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that C3aR1 couples preferentially to Gi/o/z proteins and can recruit β-arrestins to cause internalization. Furthermore, we showed that in comparison to C3a63-77, TLQP-21 exhibits a preference toward Gi/o-mediated signaling compared to β-arrestin recruitment and internalization. We also show that the purported antagonist SB290157 is a very potent C3aR1 agonist, where antagonism of ligand-stimulated C3aR1 calcium flux is caused by potent β-arrestin-mediated internalization. Finally, ligand-mediated signaling bias impacted cell function as demonstrated by the regulation of calcium influx, lipolysis in adipocytes, phagocytosis in microglia, and degranulation in mast cells. Overall, we characterize C3aR1 as a Gi/o/z-coupled receptor and demonstrate the functional relevance of ligand-mediated signaling bias in key cellular models. Due to C3aR1 and its endogenous ligands being implicated in inflammatory and metabolic diseases, these results are of relevance toward future C3aR1 drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Rodriguez
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lauren J Laskowski
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jean Pierre Pallais
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hailey A Bock
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Natalie G Cavalco
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emilie I Anderson
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maggie M Calkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maria Razzoli
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yuk Y Sham
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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Duarte ACS, da Silva NR, Santos Gonçalves VS, Corgosinho FC, de Carvalho KMB, Horst MA. The Influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms On Body Weight Trajectory After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review. Curr Obes Rep 2023; 12:280-307. [PMID: 37389759 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To conduct a systematic review to summarize the results of studies on this subject and to identify whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are good prognostic markers for body weight trajectory after bariatric surgery. RECENT FINDINGS A considerable number of events can influence the body weight trajectory after bariatric surgery, and in the post-genomic era, genetic factors have been explored. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021240903). SNPs positively associated with poor weight loss after bariatric surgery were rs17702901, rs9939609, rs1360780, rs1126535, rs1137101, rs17782313, rs490683, and rs659366. Alternatively, SNPs rs2229616, rs5282087, rs490683, rs9819506, rs4771122, rs9939609, rs4846567, rs9930506, rs3813929, rs738409, rs696217, rs660339, rs659366, rs6265, rs1801260, and rs2419621 predicted a higher weight loss after bariatric surgery. Six studies performed with a genetic risk score (GRS) model presented significant associations between GRS and outcomes following bariatric surgery. This systematic review shows that, different SNPs and genetic models could be good predictors for body weight trajectory after bariatric surgery. Based on the results of the selected studies for this Systematic Review is possible to select SNPs and metabolic pathways of interest for the GRS construction to predict the outcome of bariatric surgery to be applied in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélia Cristina Stival Duarte
- Nutritional Genomics Research Group, Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil.
| | - Nara Rubia da Silva
- Nutritional Genomics Research Group, Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia Campos Corgosinho
- Graduate Program in Nutrition and Health. School of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Science. School of Medicine, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Kênia Mara Baiocchi de Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Public Health, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Human Nutrition, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, 70910-900, Brasil
| | - Maria Aderuza Horst
- Nutritional Genomics Research Group, Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Nutrition and Health. School of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil
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Sweeney P, Gimenez LE, Hernandez CC, Cone RD. Targeting the central melanocortin system for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:507-519. [PMID: 37365323 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
A large body of preclinical and clinical data shows that the central melanocortin system is a promising therapeutic target for treating various metabolic disorders such as obesity and cachexia, as well as anorexia nervosa. Setmelanotide, which functions by engaging the central melanocortin circuitry, was approved by the FDA in 2020 for use in certain forms of syndromic obesity. Furthermore, the FDA approvals in 2019 of two peptide drugs targeting melanocortin receptors for the treatment of generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (bremelanotide) and erythropoietic protoporphyria-associated phototoxicity (afamelanotide) demonstrate the safety of this class of peptides. These approvals have also renewed excitement in the development of therapeutics targeting the melanocortin system. Here, we review the anatomy and function of the melanocortin system, discuss progress and challenges in developing melanocortin receptor-based therapeutics, and outline potential metabolic and behavioural disorders that could be addressed using pharmacological agents targeting these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sweeney
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Luis E Gimenez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Literature Science and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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7
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Ji RL, Liu T, Hou ZS, Wen HS, Tao YX. Divergent Pharmacology and Biased Signaling of the Four Melanocortin-4 Receptor Isoforms in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). Biomolecules 2023; 13:1248. [PMID: 37627313 PMCID: PMC10452266 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081248] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is essential for the modulation of energy balance and reproduction in both fish and mammals. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been extensively studied in various fields and provides a unique opportunity to investigate divergent physiological roles of paralogues. Herein we identified four trout mc4r (mc4ra1, mc4ra2, mc4rb1, and mc4rb2) genes. Four trout Mc4rs (omMc4rs) were homologous to those of teleost and mammalian MC4Rs. Multiple sequence alignments, a phylogenetic tree, chromosomal synteny analyses, and pharmacological studies showed that trout mc4r genes may have undergone different evolutionary processes. All four trout Mc4rs bound to two peptide agonists and elevated intracellular cAMP levels dose-dependently. High basal cAMP levels were observed at two omMc4rs, which were decreased by Agouti-related peptide. Only omMc4rb2 was constitutively active in the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Ipsen 5i, ML00253764, and MCL0020 were biased allosteric modulators of omMc4rb1 with selective activation upon ERK1/2 signaling. ML00253764 behaved as an allosteric agonist in Gs-cAMP signaling of omMc4rb2. This study will lay the foundation for future physiological studies of various mc4r paralogs and reveal the evolution of MC4R in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Lei Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (R.-L.J.); (T.L.)
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (R.-L.J.); (T.L.)
| | - Zhi-Shuai Hou
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (R.-L.J.); (T.L.)
| | - Hai-Shen Wen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China;
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (R.-L.J.); (T.L.)
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Schröder SK, Gasterich N, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Lipocalin 2 receptors: facts, fictions, and myths. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1229885. [PMID: 37638032 PMCID: PMC10451079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1229885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human 25-kDa Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was first identified and purified as a protein that in part is associated with gelatinase from neutrophils. This protein shows a high degree of sequence similarity with the deduced sequences of rat α2-microglobulin-related protein and the mouse protein 24p3. Based on its typical lipocalin fold, which consists of an eight-stranded, anti-parallel, symmetrical β-barrel fold structure it was initially thought that LCN2 is a circulating protein functioning as a transporter of small lipophilic molecules. However, studies in Lcn2 null mice have shown that LCN2 has bacteriostatic properties and plays a key role in innate immunity by sequestering bacterial iron siderophores. Numerous reports have further shown that LCN2 is involved in the control of cell differentiation, energy expenditure, cell death, chemotaxis, cell migration, and many other biological processes. In addition, important roles for LCN2 in health and disease have been identified in Lcn2 null mice and multiple molecular pathways required for regulation of Lcn2 expression have been identified. Nevertheless, although six putative receptors for LCN2 have been proposed, there is a fundamental lack in understanding of how these cell-surface receptors transmit and amplify LCN2 to the cell. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge on LCN2 receptors and discuss inconsistencies, misinterpretations and false assumptions in the understanding of these potential LCN2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Natalie Gasterich
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Lazareva J, Brady SM, Yanovski JA. An evaluation of setmelanotide injection for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients with obesity due to Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:667-674. [PMID: 37013719 PMCID: PMC10121918 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2199152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is a rare, multisystemic ciliopathy with an incidence of obesity of 89%. Mutations in genes encoding BBS proteins are linked to reduced leptin sensitivity of hypothalamic POMC neurons and reduced activation of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway due to deficient α-MSH production by hypothalamic POMC neurons. The MC4R pathway is involved in controlling body weight and energy metabolism, and its disruption is linked to hyperphagia and obesity. Setmelanotide is an MC4R agonist that counteracts deficiencies in the MC4R pathway of individuals with BBS. AREAS COVERED Data from clinical trials were reviewed along with information available from setmelanotide's approval for treatment of obesity in people ages ≥6y with a clinical diagnosis of BBS. EXPERT OPINION Setmelanotide is available as a daily injectable that can be used for amelioration of obesity in people with Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Its cost is substantial, which may limit its use, but among those who respond, setmelanotide can reduce body mass dramatically and potentially improve comorbid conditions associated with obesity. Setmelanotide treatment has generally tolerable side effects, primarily injection site reactions and nausea/vomiting that generally improve with continued use; almost all people using setmelanotide experience marked skin darkening due to off-target activation of cutaneous MC1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lazareva
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Section on Growth and Obesity, Maryland, United States
| | - Sheila M. Brady
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Section on Growth and Obesity, Maryland, United States
| | - Jack A. Yanovski
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Section on Growth and Obesity, Maryland, United States
- The National Institutes of Health, Maryland, United States
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10
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Neurotransmitters in Type 2 Diabetes and the Control of Systemic and Central Energy Balance. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030384. [PMID: 36984824 PMCID: PMC10058084 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient signal transduction is important in maintaining the function of the nervous system across tissues. An intact neurotransmission process can regulate energy balance through proper communication between neurons and peripheral organs. This ensures that the right neural circuits are activated in the brain to modulate cellular energy homeostasis and systemic metabolic function. Alterations in neurotransmitters secretion can lead to imbalances in appetite, glucose metabolism, sleep, and thermogenesis. Dysregulation in dietary intake is also associated with disruption in neurotransmission and can trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. In this review, we highlight the various roles of neurotransmitters in regulating energy balance at the systemic level and in the central nervous system. We also address the link between neurotransmission imbalance and the development of T2D as well as perspectives across the fields of neuroscience and metabolism research.
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11
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Mo H, Yu H, Li Y, Ezeorba TPC, Zhang Z, Yao M, Yu J, Xiong D, Liu H, Wang L. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of melanocortin-3 receptor in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2023; 49:155-167. [PMID: 36547499 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-022-01164-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-3-receptor (MC3R) plays an important role in mammals' food intake and energy homeostasis. However, its physiological role in bony fishes, such as grass carp, has not been well understood. This study reports the molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and pharmacological characterization of grass carp melanocortin-3-receptor (ciMC3R). Phylogenetic and chromosomal synteny analyses indicated that ciMC3R was closest to cyprinid fishes in evolution. Quantitative PCR experiments revealed that the mRNA of ciMC3R was highly expressed in the brain of grass carp. The cytological function of ciMC3R was investigated by the co-transfection of pcDNA3.1-ciMC3R and the signal-pathway-specific luciferase into the HEK293T cells. Results revealed that the four agonists, α-MSH, β-MSH, ACTH, and NDP-MSH, potentiate the activation of ciMC3R and further increase the production of cAMP and upregulate the MAPK/ERK signaling, respectively. Our study will provide basic data for exploring the physiological functions of grass carp MC3R, especially in energy homeostasis and food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huixia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Timothy P C Ezeorba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Ihe Nsukka, Nsukka, 41001, Nigeria
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mingxin Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiajia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongmei Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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12
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Venkatesh K, Mishra C, Pradhan SK. Integrative molecular characterization and in silico analyses of caprine MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R genes. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Yuan XC, Tao YX. Ligands for Melanocortin Receptors: Beyond Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones and Adrenocorticotropin. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101407. [PMID: 36291616 PMCID: PMC9599618 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of melanocortins in 1916 has resulted in more than 100 years of research focused on these peptides. Extensive studies have elucidated well-established functions of melanocortins mediated by cell surface receptors, including MSHR (melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor) and ACTHR (adrenocorticotropin receptor). Subsequently, three additional melanocortin receptors (MCRs) were identified. Among these five MCRs, MC3R and MC4R are expressed primarily in the central nervous system, and are therefore referred to as the neural MCRs. Since the central melanocortin system plays important roles in regulating energy homeostasis, targeting neural MCRs is emerging as a therapeutic approach for treating metabolic conditions such as obesity and cachexia. Early efforts modifying endogenous ligands resulted in the development of many potent and selective ligands. This review focuses on the ligands for neural MCRs, including classical ligands (MSH and agouti-related peptide), nonclassical ligands (lipocalin 2, β-defensin, small molecules, and pharmacoperones), and clinically approved ligands (ACTH, setmelanotide, bremelanotide, and several repurposed drugs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Correspondence:
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Melanocortin-5 Receptor: Pharmacology and Its Regulation of Energy Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158727. [PMID: 35955857 PMCID: PMC9369360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most recent melanocortin receptor (MCR) identified, melanocortin-5 receptor (MC5R) has unique tissue expression patterns, pharmacological properties, and physiological functions. Different from the other four MCR subtypes, MC5R is widely distributed in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and is associated with multiple functions. MC5R in sebaceous and preputial glands regulates lipid production and sexual behavior, respectively. MC5R expressed in immune cells is involved in immunomodulation. Among the five MCRs, MC5R is the predominant subtype expressed in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue, tissues critical for energy metabolism. Activated MC5R triggers lipid mobilization in adipocytes and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Therefore, MC5R is a potential target for treating patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus. Melanocortin-2 receptor accessory proteins can modulate the cell surface expression, dimerization, and pharmacology of MC5R. This minireview summarizes the molecular and pharmacological properties of MC5R and highlights the progress made on MC5R in energy metabolism. We poInt. out knowledge gaps that need to be explored in the future.
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Liu Z, Hruby VJ. MC4R biased signalling and the conformational basis of biological function selections. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4125-4136. [PMID: 35818295 PMCID: PMC9344818 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The MC4R, a GPCR, has long been a major target for obesity treatment. As the most well‐studied melanocortin receptor subtype, the evolutionary knowledge pushes the drug development and structure–activity relationship (SAR) moving forward. The past decades have witnessed the evolution of scientists' view on GPCRs gradually from the control of a single canonical signalling pathway via a bilateral ‘active‐inactive’ model to a multi‐state alternative model where the ligands' binding affects the selection of the downstream signalling. This evolution brings the concept of biased signalling and the beginning of the next generation of peptide drug development, with the aim of turning from receptor subtype specificity to signalling pathway selectivity. The determination of the value structures of the MC4R revealed insights into the working mechanism of MC4R activation upon binding of agonists. However, new challenge has risen as we seek to unravel the mystery of MC4R signalling selection. Thus, more biased agonists and ligands with representative biological functions are needed to solve the rest of the puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Abstract
The 5 known melanocortin receptors (MCs) have established physiological roles. With the exception of MC2, these receptors can behave unpredictably, and since they are more widely expressed than their established roles would suggest, it is likely that they have other poorly characterized functions. The aim of this review is to discuss some of the less well-explored aspects of the 4 enigmatic members of this receptor family (MC1,3-5) and describe how these are multifaceted G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors appear to be promiscuous in that they bind several endogenous agonists (products of the proopiomelanocortin [POMC] gene) and antagonists but with inconsistent relative affinities and effects. We propose that this is a result of posttranslational modifications that determine receptor localization within nanodomains. Within each nanodomain there will be a variety of proteins, including ion channels, modifying proteins, and other GPCRs, that can interact with the MCs to alter the availability of receptor at the cell surface as well as the intracellular signaling resulting from receptor activation. Different combinations of interacting proteins and MCs may therefore give rise to the complex and inconsistent functional profiles reported for the MCs. For further progress in understanding this family, improved characterization of tissue-specific functions is required. Current evidence for interactions of these receptors with a range of partners, resulting in modulation of cell signaling, suggests that each should be studied within the full context of their interacting partners. The role of physiological status in determining this context also remains to be characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Laiho
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanne Fiona Murray
- Correspondence: J. F. Murray, PhD, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9DX, UK.
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17
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Kühnen P, Biebermann H, Wiegand S. Pharmacotherapy in Childhood Obesity. Horm Res Paediatr 2022; 95:177-192. [PMID: 34351307 DOI: 10.1159/000518432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing number of obese children and adolescence is a major problem in health-care systems. Currently, the gold standard for the treatment of these patients with obesity is a multicomponent lifestyle intervention. Unfortunately, this strategy is not leading to a substantial and long-lasting weight loss in the majority of patients. This is the reason why there is an urgent need to establish new treatment strategies for children and adolescents with obesity to reduce the risk for the development of any comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes mellitus type 2. SUMMARY In this review, we outline available pharmacological therapeutic options for children and compare the available study data with the outcome of conservative treatment approaches. KEY MESSAGES We discussed, in detail, how knowledge about underlying molecular mechanisms might support the identification of effective antiobesity drugs in the future and in which way this might modulate current treatment strategies to support children and adolescence with obesity to lose body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Center for Social-Pediatric Care/Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Xu J, Wang M, Fu Y, Zhang C, Kuang Z, Bian S, Wan R, Qu S, Zhang C. Reversion of MRAP2 Protein Sequence Generates a Functional Novel Pharmacological Modulator for MC4R Signaling. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060874. [PMID: 35741395 PMCID: PMC9219869 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Reversion of the wild-type protein sequences of single transmembrane melanocortin accessory protein families (MRAP2) in mice and zebrafish created novel functional pharmacological modulators for regulating melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signaling. All of the brand new reversed MRAP2 (rMRAP2) proteins could form proper dimeric topology on the plasma membrane and interact with and affect the ligand-stimulated pharmacological profiles of zebrafish and mouse MC4R signaling in vitro. Abstract As a member of the melanocortin receptor family, melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) plays a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis and feeding behavior, and has been proven as a promising therapeutic target for treating severe obesity syndrome. Numerous studies have demonstrated that central MC4R signaling is significantly affected by melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) in humans, mice and zebrafish. MRAP2 proteins exist as parallel or antiparallel dimers on the plasma membrane, but the structural insight of dual orientations with the pharmacological profiles has not yet been fully studied. Investigation and optimization of the conformational topology of MRAP2 are critical for the development of transmembrane allosteric modulators to treat MC4R-associated disorders. In this study, we synthesized a brand new single transmembrane protein by reversing wild-type mouse and zebrafish MRAP2 sequences and examined their dimerization, interaction and pharmacological activities on mouse and zebrafish MC4R signaling. We showed that the reversed zebrafish MRAPa exhibited an opposite function on modulating zMC4R signaling and the reversed mouse MRAP2 lost the capability for regulating MC4R trafficking but exhibited a novel function for cAMP cascades, despite proper expression and folding. Taken together, our results provided new biochemical insights on the oligomeric states and membrane orientations of MRAP2 proteins, as well as its pharmacological assistance for modulating MC4R signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; (J.X.); (Y.F.); (C.Z.); (Z.K.)
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China;
| | - Yanbin Fu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; (J.X.); (Y.F.); (C.Z.); (Z.K.)
| | - Cong Zhang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; (J.X.); (Y.F.); (C.Z.); (Z.K.)
| | - Zhe Kuang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; (J.X.); (Y.F.); (C.Z.); (Z.K.)
| | - Shan Bian
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China;
| | - Rui Wan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai 200052, China
- Correspondence: (R.W.); (S.Q.); (C.Z.)
| | - Shen Qu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
- Correspondence: (R.W.); (S.Q.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chao Zhang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; (J.X.); (Y.F.); (C.Z.); (Z.K.)
- Correspondence: (R.W.); (S.Q.); (C.Z.)
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Tao YX. Mutations in melanocortin-4 receptor: From fish to men. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:215-257. [PMID: 35595350 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus, is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, including both food intake and energy expenditure. Shortly after the publication in 1997 of the Mc4r knockout phenotypes in mice, including increased food intake and severe obesity, the first mutations in MC4R were reported in humans in 1998. Studies in the subsequent two decades have established MC4R mutation as the most common monogenic form of obesity, especially in early-onset severe obesity. Studies in animals, from fish to mammals, have established the conserved physiological roles of MC4R in all vertebrates in regulating energy balance. Drug targeting MC4R has been recently approved for treating morbid genetic obesity. How the MC4R can be exploited for animal production is highly worthy of active investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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20
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Ji RL, Tao YX. Melanocortin-1 receptor mutations and pigmentation: Insights from large animals. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:179-213. [PMID: 35595349 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed in cutaneous and hair follicle melanocytes, and plays a central role in coat color determination in vertebrates. Numerous MC1R variants have been identified in diverse species. Some of these variants have been associated with specific hair and skin color phenotypes in humans as well as coat color in animals. Gain-of-function mutations of the MC1R gene cause dominant or partially dominant black/dark coat color, and loss-of-function mutations of the MC1R gene cause recessive or partially recessive red/yellow/pale coat color phenotypes. These have been well documented in a large number of mammals, including human, dog, cattle, horse, sheep, pig, and fox. Higher similarities between large mammals and humans makes them better models to understand pathogenesis of human diseases caused by MC1R mutations. High identities in MC1Rs and similar variants identified in both humans and large mammals also provide an opportunity for receptor structure and function study. In this review, we aim to summarize the naturally occurring mutations of MC1R in humans and large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Lei Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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21
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Goit RK, Taylor AW, Yin Lo AC. The central melanocortin system as a treatment target for obesity and diabetes: A brief overview. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 924:174956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Yu HX, Li Y, Song WJ, Wang H, Mo HL, Liu Q, Zhang XM, Jiang ZB, Wang LX. Functional characterization of melanocortin-3 receptor in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2022; 48:241-252. [PMID: 35098384 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-01033-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is an important regulator of energy homeostasis and inflammation in mammals. However, its function in teleost fish needs to be further explored. In this study, we characterized rainbow trout MC3R (rtMC3R), which encoded a putative protein of 331 amino acids. Phylogenetic and chromosomal synteny analyses showed that rtMC3R was closely related to bony fishes. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed that the transcripts of rtMC3R were highly expressed in the brain and muscle. The cellular function of rtMC3R was further verified by the signal-pathway-specific luciferase reporter assays. Four agonists such as α-MSH, β-MSH, ACTH (1-24), and NDP-MSH can active rtMC3R, increasing the production of intracellular cAMP and upregulating MAPK/ERK signals. Moreover, we found that rtMC3R stimulated with α-MSH and NDP-MSH can significantly inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. This research will be helpful for further studies on the function of MC3R in rainbow trout, especially the role of energy metabolism and immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei-Jia Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao-Lin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Xin-Miao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ze-Bin Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Wu L, Yu H, Mo H, Lan X, Pan C, Wang L, Zhao H, Zhou J, Li Y. Functional Characterization of Melanocortin-3 Receptor in a Hibernating Cavefish Onychostoma macrolepis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010038. [PMID: 35011144 PMCID: PMC8749556 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study we isolated and characterized a gene called omMc3r from a hibernating cavefish Onychostoma macrolepis. This gene was confirmed by our study to be involved in the regulation of signal pathways related to energy balance and food efficiency. These results can provide clues for exploring the adaptive mechanisms of fish, especially cavefish, with respect to nutrient-poor conditions. Abstract Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) plays an important role in the energy homeostasis of animals under different nutritional conditions. Onychostoma macrolepis is a hibernating cavefish found in the northern part of the Yangtze River, and its adaptation to a nutrient-poor environment has attracted growing interest. In this study, we characterized the protein structure of Onychostoma macrolepis Mc3r (omMc3r), examined its tissue distribution, and investigated its function in mediating cellular signaling. We showed that the CDS of omMc3r is 978 bp, encoding a putative protein of 325 amino acids. Homology and phylogenetic analyses indicated that omMc3r is evolutionary close to cyprinids. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that omMc3r was highly expressed in the liver and brain. The functions of omMc3r to mediate ligands activating downstream signaling have also been confirmed by using signal pathway-specific reporters. The four agonists α-MSH, β-MSH, NDP-MSH, and ACTH (1–24) can all activate the cAMP and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, albeit with different potency orders. The “primitive” ligand ACTH (1–24) had the highest potency on the cAMP signaling pathway, while the synthetic ligand NDP-MSH had the highest activation effect on the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. This research will lay the foundation for studying the energy regulation mechanism of cavefish in an oligotrophic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Huixia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haolin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xianyong Lan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Chuanying Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lixin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haiyu Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Jishu Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (Y.L.)
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Liu T, Ji RL, Tao YX. Naturally occurring mutations in G protein-coupled receptors associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 234:108044. [PMID: 34822948 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane receptors involved in the regulation of almost all known physiological processes. Dysfunctions of GPCR-mediated signaling have been shown to cause various diseases. The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), two strongly associated disorders, is increasing worldwide, with tremendous economical and health burden. New safer and more efficacious drugs are required for successful weight reduction and T2DM treatment. Multiple GPCRs are involved in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis. Mutations in these GPCRs contribute to the development and progression of obesity and T2DM. Therefore, these receptors can be therapeutic targets for obesity and T2DM. Indeed some of these receptors, such as melanocortin-4 receptor and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, have provided important new drugs for treating obesity and T2DM. This review will focus on the naturally occurring mutations of several GPCRs associated with obesity and T2DM, especially incorporating recent large genomic data and insights from structure-function studies, providing leads for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Ren-Lei Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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Órdenes P, Villar PS, Tarifeño-Saldivia E, Salgado M, Elizondo-Vega R, Araneda RC, García-Robles MA. Lactate activates hypothalamic POMC neurons by intercellular signaling. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21644. [PMID: 34737351 PMCID: PMC8569171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that the activity of hypothalamic POMC neurons can be regulated by glucose via intracellular mechanisms, but its regulation by lactate is poorly understood. In addition to its energetic role, lactate acts as a signaling molecule. In this study, we evaluated the function and location of the lactate receptor, hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1). We used a conditional genetic approach to label POMC neurons and evaluated their sensitivity to lactate using patch-clamp recordings. l-Lactate and 3-chloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid (3Cl-HBA), HCAR1 specific agonist depolarized POMC neurons and the increase in excitability was abolished by pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating the involvement of Gαi/o-protein-coupled receptors. In addition, the depolarization of a subset of POMC neurons was sensitive to α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN), a lactate transporter blocker, suggesting that the depolarization induced by l-lactate can also occur by direct intracellular action. Surprisingly, HCAR1 was not detected in POMC neurons, but instead localized in astrocytes. These results suggest a new lactate-mediated mechanism for astrocyte-neuron intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Órdenes
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - P S Villar
- Department of Biology Bioscience Research Bldg R-1114, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - E Tarifeño-Saldivia
- Gene Expression and Regulation Laboratory, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - M Salgado
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - R Elizondo-Vega
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo C Araneda
- Department of Biology Bioscience Research Bldg R-1114, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - María A García-Robles
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Li Y, Wang X, Lu L, Wang M, Zhai Y, Tai X, Dilimulati D, Lei X, Xu J, Zhang C, Fu Y, Qu S, Li Q, Zhang C. Identification of novel GPCR partners of the central melanocortin signaling. Mol Metab 2021; 53:101317. [PMID: 34400348 PMCID: PMC8458986 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Homo- or heterodimerization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) generally affects the normal functioning of these receptors and mediates the responses to a variety of physiological stimuli in vivo. It is well known that melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) are key regulators of appetite and energy homeostasis in the central nervous system. However, the GPCR partners of MC3R and MC4R are not well understood. Our objective is to analyze single cell RNA-seq datasets of the hypothalamus to explore and identify novel GPCR partners of MC3R and MC4R and examine the pharmacological effect on the downstream signal transduction and membrane translocation of melanocortin receptors. METHODS We conducted an integrative analysis of multiple single cell RNA-seq datasets to reveal the expression pattern and correlation of GPCR families in the mouse hypothalamus. The emerging GPCRs with important metabolic functions were selected for cloning and co-immunoprecipitation validation. The positive GPCR partners were then tested for the pharmacological activation, competitive binding assay and surface translocation ELISA experiments. RESULTS Based on the expression pattern of GPCRs and their function enrichment results, we narrowed down the range of potential GPCR interaction with MC3R and MC4R for further confirmation. Co-immunoprecipitation assay verified 23 and 32 novel GPCR partners that interacted with MC3R and MC4R in vitro. The presence of these GPCR partners exhibited different effects in the physiological regulation and signal transduction of MC3R and MC4R. CONCLUSIONS This work represented the first large-scale screen for the functional GPCR complex of central melanocortin receptors and defined a composite metabolic regulatory GPCR network of the hypothalamic nucleuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaozhu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liumei Lu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolu Tai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Diliqingna Dilimulati
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Lei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbin Fu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Qu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Rahmani B, Ghashghayi E, Zendehdel M, Khodadadi M, Hamidi B. The Crosstalk Between Brain Mediators Regulating Food Intake Behavior in Birds: A Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Brouwers B, de Oliveira EM, Marti-Solano M, Monteiro FBF, Laurin SA, Keogh JM, Henning E, Bounds R, Daly CA, Houston S, Ayinampudi V, Wasiluk N, Clarke D, Plouffe B, Bouvier M, Babu MM, Farooqi IS, Mokrosiński J. Human MC4R variants affect endocytosis, trafficking and dimerization revealing multiple cellular mechanisms involved in weight regulation. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108862. [PMID: 33761344 PMCID: PMC7994375 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) plays a pivotal role in energy homeostasis. We used human MC4R mutations associated with an increased or decreased risk of obesity to dissect mechanisms that regulate MC4R function. Most obesity-associated mutations impair trafficking to the plasma membrane (PM), whereas obesity-protecting mutations either accelerate recycling to the PM or decrease internalization, resulting in enhanced signaling. MC4R mutations that do not affect canonical Gαs protein-mediated signaling, previously considered to be non-pathogenic, nonetheless disrupt agonist-induced internalization, β-arrestin recruitment, and/or coupling to Gαs, establishing their causal role in severe obesity. Structural mapping reveals ligand-accessible sites by which MC4R couples to effectors and residues involved in the homodimerization of MC4R, which is disrupted by multiple obesity-associated mutations. Human genetic studies reveal that endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, and homodimerization regulate MC4R function to a level that is physiologically relevant, supporting the development of chaperones, agonists, and allosteric modulators of MC4R for weight loss therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Brouwers
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Edson Mendes de Oliveira
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | | | - Fabiola B F Monteiro
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Suli-Anne Laurin
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Julia M Keogh
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Elana Henning
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Rebecca Bounds
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Carole A Daly
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Shane Houston
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Vikram Ayinampudi
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Natalia Wasiluk
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - David Clarke
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Bianca Plouffe
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - M Madan Babu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; Department of Structural Biology and Center for Data Driven Discovery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - I Sadaf Farooqi
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Jacek Mokrosiński
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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Wang M, Pi L, Lei X, Li L, Xu J, Kuang Z, Zhang C, Li L, Zhang C. Functional Characterization of the Internal Symmetry of MRAP2 Antiparallel Homodimer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:750797. [PMID: 34759891 PMCID: PMC8572914 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.750797] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors are defined as a series of vital pharmaceutical targets to regulate neuronal appetite and maintain controllable body weight for mammals and teleosts. Melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) functions as an essential accessory player that modulates the surface translocation and binding to a variety of endogenous or synthetic hormones of central melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) signaling. MRAP2 is a single-transmembrane protein and could form a functional symmetric antiparallel homodimer topology. Here, we inverted the N-terminal, transmembrane, and C-terminal domains and generated six distinct conformational variants of the mouse MRAP2 to explore the functional orientations and the internal symmetry of MRAP2 dimers. These remolded MRAP2 mutants showed proper assembly of the antiparallel homodimer and binding to the MC4R, but slightly altered the regulatory profile on the surface expression and the ligand-stimulated cAMP cascades of MC4R. This study elucidated the importance of the orientation of each domain of the single-transmembrane protein and revealed the pharmacological properties of the internal symmetry of the antiparallel homodimer for MRAP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyu Pi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Lei
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Kuang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, ZiBo Central Hospital Affiliated of Binzhou Medical University, Zibo, China
- *Correspondence: Liang Li, ; Chao Zhang,
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Liang Li, ; Chao Zhang,
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Yang LK, Hou ZS, Tao YX. Biased signaling in naturally occurring mutations of G protein-coupled receptors associated with diverse human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:165973. [PMID: 32949766 PMCID: PMC7722056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in transmitting a variety of extracellular signals into the cells and regulate diverse physiological functions. Naturally occurring mutations that result in dysfunctions of GPCRs have been known as the causes of numerous diseases. Significant progresses have been made in elucidating the pathophysiology of diseases caused by mutations. The multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as G protein-dependent and β-arrestin-dependent signaling, in conjunction with recent advances on biased agonism, have broadened the view on the molecular mechanism of disease pathogenesis. This review aims to briefly discuss biased agonism of GPCRs (biased ligands and biased receptors), summarize the naturally occurring GPCR mutations that cause biased signaling, and propose the potential pathophysiological relevance of biased mutant GPCRs associated with various endocrine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Kun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Zhi-Shuai Hou
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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31
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Xiao X, Bi M, Jiao Q, Chen X, Du X, Jiang H. A new understanding of GHSR1a--independent of ghrelin activation. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 64:101187. [PMID: 33007437 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, is a functional receptor of ghrelin. The expression levels and activities of GHSR1a are affected by various factors. In past years, it has been found that the ghrelin-GHSR1a system can perform biological functions such as anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-oxidative stress. In addition to mediating the effect of ghrelin, GHSR1a also has abnormally high constitutive activity; that is, it can still transmit intracellular signals without activation of the ghrelin ligand. This constitutive activity affects brain functions, growth and development of the body; therefore, it has profound impacts on neurodegenerative diseases and some other age-related diseases. In addition, GHSR1a can also form homodimers or heterodimers with other GPCRs, affecting the release of neurotransmitters, appetite regulation, cell proliferation and insulin release. Therefore, further understanding of the constitutive activities and dimerization of GHSR1a will enable us to better clarify the characteristics of GHSR1a and provide more therapeutic targets for drug development. Here, we focus on the roles of GHSR1a in various biological functions and provide a comprehensive summary of the current research on GHSR1a to provide broader therapeutic prospects for age-related disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mingxia Bi
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Jiao
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xixun Du
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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32
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Yang LK, Tao YX. Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis of the DRYxxI Motif and Intracellular Loop 2 of Human Melanocortin-4 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207611. [PMID: 33076233 PMCID: PMC7589821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, which has been extensively studied in obesity pathogenesis due to its critical role in regulating energy homeostasis. Both the Gs-cAMP and ERK1/2 cascades are known as important intracellular signaling pathways initiated by the MC4R. The DRYxxI motif at the end of transmembrane domain 3 and the intracellular loop 2 (ICL2) are thought to be crucial for receptor function in several GPCRs. To study the functions of this domain in MC4R, we performed alanine-scanning mutagenesis on seventeen residues. We showed that one residue was critical for receptor cell surface expression. Eight residues were important for ligand binding. Mutations of three residues impaired Gs-cAMP signaling without changing the binding properties. Investigation on constitutive activities of all the mutants in the cAMP pathway revealed that six residues were involved in constraining the receptor in inactive states and five residues were important for receptor activation in the absence of an agonist. In addition, mutations of four residues impaired the ligand-stimulated ERK1/2 signaling pathway without affecting the binding properties. We also showed that some mutants were biased to the Gs-cAMP or ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In summary, we demonstrated that the DRYxxI motif and ICL2 were important for MC4R function.
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33
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Yang Z, Liang XF, Li GL, Tao YX. Biased signaling in fish melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs): Divergent pharmacology of four ligands on spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) MC4Rs. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 515:110929. [PMID: 32615281 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays a critical role in the regulation of energy homeostasis in both mammals and fish. Several fish MC4Rs recently characterized have high constitutive activities, potentially associated with food intake and growth rate. In the present study, we systematically investigated the effects of four human MC4R (hMC4R) antagonists, including agouti-related peptide (AgRP), Ipsen 5i, ML00253764, and MCL0020, on the cAMP and ERK1/2 signaling of two fish MC4Rs: spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) MC4R (saMC4R) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) MC4R (ciMC4R), with hMC4R as a control. We showed that both saMC4R and ciMC4R were constitutively active with significantly increased basal cAMP levels. AgRP acted as an inverse agonist in cAMP signaling pathway in both fish MC4Rs whereas MCL0020 functioned as an inverse agonist for ciMC4R but a weak neutral antagonist for saMC4R. Ipsen 5i and MCL0020 behaved as neutral allosteric modulators in the cAMP signaling of fish MC4Rs. The saMC4R and ciMC4R had similar basal pERK1/2 levels as hMC4R and the pERK1/2 levels of the two fish MC4Rs were significantly increased upon stimulation with all four ligands. In summary, our studies demonstrated the existence of biased signaling in fish MC4R. We also showed dramatic pharmacological differences of human and fish MC4Rs with synthetic ligands. Our data provided novel insights and led to a better understanding of fish MC4R pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, United States
| | - Xu-Fang Liang
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Freshwater Aquaculture, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Guang-Li Li
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, United States.
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Structural Complexity and Plasticity of Signaling Regulation at the Melanocortin-4 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165728. [PMID: 32785054 PMCID: PMC7460885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), essential for regulation of appetite and metabolism. Pathogenic inactivating MC4R mutations are the most frequent cause of monogenic obesity, a growing medical and socioeconomic problem worldwide. The MC4R mediates either ligand-independent or ligand-dependent signaling. Agonists such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) induce anorexigenic effects, in contrast to the endogenous inverse agonist agouti-related peptide (AgRP), which causes orexigenic effects by suppressing high basal signaling activity. Agonist action triggers the binding of different subtypes of G proteins and arrestins, leading to concomitant induction of diverse intracellular signaling cascades. An increasing number of experimental studies have unraveled molecular properties and mechanisms of MC4R signal transduction related to physiological and pathophysiological aspects. In addition, the MC4R crystal structure was recently determined at 2.75 Å resolution in an inactive state bound with a peptide antagonist. Underpinned by structural homology models of MC4R complexes simulating a presumably active-state conformation compared to the structure of the inactive state, we here briefly summarize the current understanding and key players involved in the MC4R switching process between different activity states. Finally, these perspectives highlight the complexity and plasticity in MC4R signaling regulation and identify gaps in our current knowledge.
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Wachira J. Morphological Alterations of CAD Cells Overexpressing AKT1. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:1354-1358. [PMID: 36237516 PMCID: PMC9555227 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620017821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
CAD cells are neuronal cells used in studies of cell differentiation and in cellular models of neuropathology. When cultured in differentiation medium, CAD cells exhibit characteristics of mature neurons including the generation of action potential. In addition to being a central signaling kinase in cell survival, AKT1 plays important roles in the nervous system including neuroplasticity and this study examined the localization of exogenous AKT1 in CAD cells. Neuropeptides modulate many signal transduction pathways and melacortins are implicated in regulating growth factor signal transduction pathways, including the PI3K/AKT pathway. AKT1-DsReD was transfected into CAD cells that were stably expressing melanocortin 3-receptor-GFP (MC3R-GFP), a G-protein coupled receptor. The cells were imaged with confocal microscopy to determine the fluorescent protein localization patterns. AKT1-DsRed was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Further, expression of exogenous AKT1 in these cell lines led to morphological changes reminiscent of apoptosis. As expected, MC3R-GFP localized to the plasma membrane but it internalized upon cell stimulation with the cognate ligand. In limited areas of the plasma membrane, AKT1-DsRed and MC3R-GFP were colocalized. In conclusion, quantitative studies to understand the role of relative levels of AKT1 in determining cell survival are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wachira
- Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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36
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Kühnen P, Wiegand S, Biebermann H. Pharmacological treatment strategies for patients with monogenic obesity. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2020; 33:/j/jpem.ahead-of-print/jpem-2020-0129/jpem-2020-0129.xml. [PMID: 32619193 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2020-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The leptin melanocortin signaling pathway is playing a pivotal role for body weight regulation. Genetic defects within this cascade are leading to severe hyperphagia and early onset obesity. In most cases, due to persistent hyperphagia the affected patients are not able to stabilize body weight for a longer period of time with conservative treatment strategies based on lifestyle interventions. Therefore, it is of importance to implement alternative treatment options for these patients. This review provides an overview about the published pharmacological treatment attempts in respect to monogenic forms of obesity and summarizes recent research progress about the role of MC4R signaling and POMC derivatives for body weight regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Center for Social-Pediatric Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Münzberg H, Singh P, Heymsfield SB, Yu S, Morrison CD. Recent advances in understanding the role of leptin in energy homeostasis. F1000Res 2020; 9. [PMID: 32518627 PMCID: PMC7255681 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.24260.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The hormone leptin plays a critical role in energy homeostasis, although our overall understanding of acutely changing leptin levels still needs improvement. Several developments allow a fresh look at recent and early data on leptin action. This review highlights select recent publications that are relevant for understanding the role played by dynamic changes in circulating leptin levels. We further discuss the relevance for our current understanding of leptin signaling in central neuronal feeding and energy expenditure circuits and highlight cohesive and discrepant findings that need to be addressed in future studies to understand how leptin couples with physiological adaptations of food intake and energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Münzberg
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Louisiana, USA
| | - Prachi Singh
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Louisiana, USA
| | - Steven B Heymsfield
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sangho Yu
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christopher D Morrison
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Louisiana, USA
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Sharma S, Thibodeau S, Lytton J. Signal pathway analysis of selected obesity-associated melanocortin-4 receptor class V mutants. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165835. [PMID: 32423884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in humans are the single most common cause of rare monogenic 1severe obesity, and polymorphisms in this gene are also associated with obesity in the general population. The MC4R is a G-protein coupled receptor, and in vitro analysis suggests that MC4R can signal through several different G-protein subtypes. In vivo studies show complex outcomes, with different G-proteins in different cells responsible for different physiological responses linked to obesity. There is an emerging consensus that Gαq-linked signals in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus are essential for normal satiety and the control of feeding behavior. Many MC4R mutations have been analyzed for the molecular defect underlying their association with obesity, which has revealed a group - referred to as class V mutants - with no measurable change in receptor function. However, Gαq-linked signaling leading to Ca2+ release has only been examined for a few MC4R mutations. In this study, we have examined seven MC4R class V mutants, as well as two other well-characterized signal-defective mutants as controls, with respect to G-protein signaling coupled to cAMP production, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and Ca2+ release. These data confirm, with one exception (E308K), the expected pattern of cAMP and MAPK signaling for wild type and mutant MC4R. Our results also demonstrate normal MSH-induced Ca2+ signals for wild type as well as all the class V mutants, but not the signal-defective controls. Thus, the means by which class V MC4R mutations lead to obesity remains an open question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Stephanie Thibodeau
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Jonathan Lytton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
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Hammad MM, Abu-Farha M, Hebbar P, Cherian P, Al Khairi I, Melhem M, Alkayal F, Alsmadi O, Thanaraj TA, Al-Mulla F, Abubaker J. MC4R Variant rs17782313 Associates With Increased Levels of DNAJC27, Ghrelin, and Visfatin and Correlates With Obesity and Hypertension in a Kuwaiti Cohort. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:437. [PMID: 32733386 PMCID: PMC7358550 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), a notable component of the melanocortin system, regulates appetite, body weight, and energy homeostasis. Genome-wide association studies have identified several MC4R variants associated with adiposity; of these, rs17782313, which is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and overeating behavior, is of particular interest. Another gene associated with increased adiposity in global genome-wide association studies is DNAJC27, a heat shock protein known to be elevated in obesity. The detailed mechanisms underlying the role of MC4R variants in the biological pathways underlying metabolic disorders are not well-understood. To address this, we assessed variations of rs17782313 in a cohort of 282 Arab individuals from Kuwait, who are deeply phenotyped for anthropometric and metabolic traits and various biomarkers, including DNAJC27. Association tests showed that the rs17782313_C allele was associated with BMI and DNAJC27 levels. Increased levels of DNAJC27 reduced the MC4R-mediated formation of cAMP in MC4R ACTOne stable cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated an association between the rs17782313 variant near MC4R and increased BMI and DNAJC27 levels and established a link between increased DNAJC27 levels and lower cAMP levels. We propose that regulation of MC4R activity by DNAJC27 enhances appetite through its effect on cAMP, thereby regulating obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M. Hammad
- Research Division, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Mohamed Abu-Farha
- Research Division, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Prashantha Hebbar
- Research Division, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Preethi Cherian
- Research Division, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Irina Al Khairi
- Research Division, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Motasem Melhem
- Research Division, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fadi Alkayal
- Research Division, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Thangavel Alphonse Thanaraj
- Research Division, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- *Correspondence: Thangavel Alphonse Thanaraj
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Research Division, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Fahd Al-Mulla
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Research Division, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Jehad Abubaker
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Link R, Veiksina S, Tahk MJ, Laasfeld T, Paiste P, Kopanchuk S, Rinken A. The constitutive activity of melanocortin-4 receptors in cAMP pathway is allosterically modulated by zinc and copper ions. J Neurochem 2019; 153:346-361. [PMID: 31792980 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4 R) are unique among G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as they have endogenous ligands that can exhibit inverse agonistic properties in the case of elevated basal activity. It is known that the constitutive activity of GPCRs strongly affects the ligand-dependent physiological responses, but little is known about these regulatory mechanisms. Since several metal ions have been shown to be important modulators of the signal transduction of GPCRs, we hypothesized that metal ions regulate the basal activity of MC4 Rs. Implementation of a fluorescence anisotropy assay and novel redshifted fluorescent peptides enabled kinetic characterization of ligand binding to MC4 R expressed on budded baculoviruses. We show that Ca2+ is required for high-affinity ligand binding, but Zn2+ and Cu2+ in the presence of Ca2+ behave as negative allosteric modulators of ligand binding to MC4 R. FRET-based cAMP biosensor was used to measure the activation of MC4 R stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells. At low micromolar concentrations, Zn2+ caused MC4 R-dependent activation of the cAMP pathway, whereas Cu2+ reduced the activity of MC4 R even below the basal level. These findings indicate that at physiologically relevant concentrations can Zn2+ and Cu2+ function as MC4 R agonists or inverse agonists, respectively. This means that depending on the level of constitutive activity induced by Zn2+ ions, the pharmacological effect of orthosteric ligands of MC4 R can be switched from a partial to an inverse agonist. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. More information about the Open Science badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reet Link
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Santa Veiksina
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Tõnis Laasfeld
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Päärn Paiste
- Department of Geology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Ago Rinken
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Rao YZ, Chen R, Zhang Y, Tao YX. Orange-spotted grouper melanocortin-4 receptor: Modulation of signaling by MRAP2. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 284:113234. [PMID: 31398355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) and melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) play important roles in the melanocortin system, and interaction of MC4R and MRAP2 is suggested to play pivotal role in energy balance of vertebrates. Orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is a widely cultured marine fish with high economic value in Asia. To explore potential interaction between grouper MC4R and MRAP2, herein we cloned grouper mc4r and mrap2. Grouper mc4r consisted of a 981 bp ORF encoding a putative protein of 327 amino acids, while the grouper mrap2 consisted of a 696 bp ORF encoding a putative protein of 232 amino acids. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the grouper MC4R and MRAP2 were highly homologous at amino acid levels to several teleost MC4Rs and MRAP2s, respectively. qRT-PCR results showed that both mc4r and mrap2 were expressed primarily in the central nervous system. In the periphery, these genes were expressed more widely in male fish. The cloned grouper MC4R was functional, exhibiting high constitutive activity in cAMP pathway, capable of binding to three peptide agonists and increasing intracellular cAMP production dose-dependently. MRAP2 significantly decreased basal and agonist-stimulated cAMP signaling. MRAP2 also increased basal ERK1/2 activation but decreased ligand-induced stimulation when expressed at high levels. These data will facilitate future investigation of these molecules in regulating diverse physiological processes in orange-spotted grouper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Zhu Rao
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, Life Science and Technology School, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, Guangdong, China; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Rong Chen
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, Life Science and Technology School, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266373, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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Gillyard T, Fowler K, Williams SY, Cone RD. Obesity-associated mutant melanocortin-4 receptors with normal Gα s coupling frequently exhibit other discoverable pharmacological and biochemical defects. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12795. [PMID: 31529534 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) are the most common cause of early syndromic obesity known. Most of these mutations result in a loss of protein expression, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone binding, receptor trafficking or coupling to the stimulatory G-protein, Gαs . However, approximately 26% of the obesity-associated mutations characterised to date exhibit none of these pharmacological defects. In the present study, we investigated seven of these apparently normal mutant MC4R in more detail and found that the majority (five of the seven) exhibit marked defects including defective binding of another endogenous melanocortin ligand, defective glycosylation, and defective recruitment of β-arrestin. These data provide support for two hypotheses: (i) that the majority of these rare, obesity-associated mutations are likely defective and causative of obesity and (ii) that β-arrestin recruitment is a valuable marker of normal MC4R function. Recent work has demonstrated a statistical correlation between the efficacy of β-arrestin recruitment to the MC4R and body mass index; however, the data reported here demonstrate both decreased and increased β-arrestin signalling in obesity-associated MC4R mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taneisha Gillyard
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katelyn Fowler
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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43
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Sharma S, Garfield AS, Shah B, Kleyn P, Ichetovkin I, Moeller IH, Mowrey WR, Van der Ploeg LHT. Current Mechanistic and Pharmacodynamic Understanding of Melanocortin-4 Receptor Activation. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24101892. [PMID: 31100979 PMCID: PMC6572030 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work we summarize our understanding of melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) pathway activation, aiming to define a safe and effective therapeutic targeting strategy for the MC4R. Delineation of cellular MC4R pathways has provided evidence for distinct MC4R signaling events characterized by unique receptor activation kinetics. While these studies remain narrow in scope, and have largely been explored with peptidic agonists, the results provide a possible correlation between distinct ligand groups and differential MC4R activation kinetics. In addition, when a set of small-molecule and peptide MC4R agonists are compared, evidence of biased signaling has been reported. The results of such mechanistic studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bhavik Shah
- Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA 02116, USA.
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Yun S, Reyes-Alcaraz A, Lee YN, Yong HJ, Choi J, Ham BJ, Sohn JW, Kim DH, Son GH, Kim H, Kwon SG, Kim DS, Kim BC, Hwang JI, Seong JY. Spexin-Based Galanin Receptor Type 2 Agonist for Comorbid Mood Disorders and Abnormal Body Weight. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:391. [PMID: 31057364 PMCID: PMC6482256 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the established comorbidity between mood disorders and abnormal eating behaviors, the underlying molecular mechanism and therapeutics remain to be resolved. Here, we show that a spexin-based galanin receptor type 2 agonist (SG2A) simultaneously normalized mood behaviors and body weight in corticosterone pellet-implanted (CORTI) mice, which are underweight and exhibit signs of anhedonia, increased anxiety, and depression. Administration of SG2A into the lateral ventricle produced antidepressive and anxiolytic effects in CORTI mice. Additionally, SG2A led to a recovery of body weight in CORTI mice while it induced significant weight loss in normal mice. In Pavlovian fear-conditioned mice, SG2A decreased contextual and auditory fear memory consolidation but accelerated the extinction of acquired fear memory without altering innate fear and recognition memory. The main action sites of SG2A in the brain may include serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus for mood control, and proopiomelanocortin/corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the hypothalamus for appetite and body weight control. Furthermore, intranasal administration of SG2A exerted the same anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects and decreased food intake and body weight in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, these results indicate that SG2A holds promise as a clinical treatment for patients with comorbid mood disorders and abnormal appetite/body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongsik Yun
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Yoo-Na Lee
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Yong
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeewon Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Kim
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gi Hoon Son
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Jong-Ik Hwang
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Young Seong
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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46
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Yuan XC, Tao YX. Fenoprofen-An Old Drug Rediscovered as a Biased Allosteric Enhancer for Melanocortin Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1066-1074. [PMID: 30168706 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is time-consuming and costly to bring new drugs to market, making it necessary and urgent to exploit existing drugs for new uses. Recently, fenoprofen was demonstrated as an allosteric modulator at melanocortin receptors (MCRs), although the exact mode of action has not been clarified. MCRs regulate multiple functions, including pigmentation, adrenal steroidogenesis, inflammation, energy homeostasis, and exocrine gland secretion. In this study, we showed that fenoprofen failed to displace the orthosteric agonist Nle4-d-Phe7-α-melanocyte stimulating hormone from binding to MC3-5R while possessing positive allosteric modulator activities at these receptors. In addition, fenoprofen induced biased signaling at MC3-5R, as it selectively activated ERK1/2 cascade but not the canonical cAMP signaling. Notably, fenoprofen stimulated biased signaling at MC3-5R, but not at MC1R, hence acting selectively among this highly conserved family of receptors. Moreover, PAM activity and biased signaling induced by fenoprofen were observed not only at wild-type but also at naturally occurring mutant MC3Rs, suggesting that this biased allosteric enhancer action might constitute as novel therapeutic opportunity for obese patients harboring these mutations. Our study might guide novel therapeutic applications for repurposing current drugs or designing new drugs combining allosteric and biased properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 Anhui, China
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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Kühnen P, Krude H, Biebermann H. Melanocortin-4 Receptor Signalling: Importance for Weight Regulation and Obesity Treatment. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:136-148. [PMID: 30642682 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) - embedded in the leptin-melanocortin pathway - is activated by proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived neuropeptides such as α- and β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and plays an important role in hypothalamic body-weight regulation. Accordingly, MC4R is a potential drug target to combat obesity. Previous attempts to develop MC4R agonists failed due to ineffectiveness or severe adverse events. Recently, a new generation of MC4R ligands was developed. Specifically, setmelanotide was found to be effective by inducing biased signalling of the MC4R and thereby reducing feelings of hunger and leading to substantial weight loss in patients with POMC or leptin receptor deficiency. This new potential pharmacological treatment option could be beneficial for further groups of obese patients with defects in the leptin-melanocortin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Heiko Krude
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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48
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Wang W, Guo DY, Lin YJ, Tao YX. Melanocortin Regulation of Inflammation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:683. [PMID: 31649620 PMCID: PMC6794349 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSH), collectively known as melanocortins, together with their receptors (melanocortin receptors), are components of an ancient modulatory system. The clinical use of ACTH in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis started in 1949, originally thought that the anti-inflammatory action was through hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid-dependent. Subsequent decades have witnessed extensive attempts in unraveling the physiology and pharmacology of the melanocortin system. It is now known that ACTH, together with α-, β-, and γ-MSHs, also possess glucocorticoid-independent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by activating the melanocortin receptors expressed in the brain or peripheral immune cells. This review will briefly introduce the melanocortin system and highlight the action of melanocortins in the regulation of immune functions from in vitro, in vivo, preclinical, and clinical studies. The potential therapeutic use of melanocortins are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Dong-Yu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Dong-Yu Guo
| | - Yue-Jun Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Ya-Xiong Tao
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Heyder N, Kleinau G, Szczepek M, Kwiatkowski D, Speck D, Soletto L, Cerdá-Reverter JM, Krude H, Kühnen P, Biebermann H, Scheerer P. Signal Transduction and Pathogenic Modifications at the Melanocortin-4 Receptor: A Structural Perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:515. [PMID: 31417496 PMCID: PMC6685040 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) can be endogenously activated by binding of melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), which mediates anorexigenic effects. In contrast, the agouti-related peptide (AgRP) acts as an endogenous inverse agonist and suppresses ligand-independent basal signaling activity (orexigenic effects). Binding of ligands to MC4R leads to the activation of different G-protein subtypes or arrestin and concomitant signaling pathways. This receptor is a key protein in the hypothalamic regulation of food intake and energy expenditure and naturally-occurring inactivating MC4R variants are the most frequent cause of monogenic obesity. In general, obesity is a growing problem on a global scale and is of social, medical, and economic relevance. A significant goal is to develop optimized pharmacological tools targeting MC4R without adverse effects. To date, this has not been achieved because of inter alia non-selective ligands across the five functionally different MCR subtypes (MC1-5R). This motivates further investigation of (i) the three-dimensional MC4R structure, (ii) binding mechanisms of various ligands, and (iii) the molecular transfer process of signal transduction, with the aim of understanding how structural features are linked with functional-physiological aspects. Unfortunately, experimentally elucidated structural information is not yet available for the MC receptors, a group of class A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). We, therefore, generated MC4R homology models and complexes with interacting partners to describe approximate structural properties associated with signaling mechanisms. In addition, molecular insights from pathogenic mutations were incorporated to discriminate more precisely their individual malfunction of the signal transfer mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Heyder
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gunnar Kleinau
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gunnar Kleinau
| | - Michal Szczepek
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis Kwiatkowski
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Speck
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lucia Soletto
- Departamento de Fisiología de Peces y Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Ribera de Cabanes, Spain
| | - José Miguel Cerdá-Reverter
- Departamento de Fisiología de Peces y Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Ribera de Cabanes, Spain
| | - Heiko Krude
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Kühnen
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Scheerer
- Group Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Patrick Scheerer
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Patruno S, Garrido-Mesa J, Romano M, Perretti M, Montero-Melendez T. Ligand Bias and Its Association With Pro-resolving Actions of Melanocortin Drugs. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:919. [PMID: 30154720 PMCID: PMC6102781 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Resolution Pharmacology identifies drugs developed on the biology of the resolution phase of inflammation, the complex molecular and cellular network of events that ensure the tight temporal and spatial control on the inflammatory response. As such, new anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving drugs could derive from pro-resolving mediators and receptors. To implement faithful screening programs, however, it is important to rely on predictive signaling pathway relevant for the ultimate bio-action of interest. Herein we performed an analysis with four prototypical melanocortin receptor (MC1,3,4,5) agonists. The choice fell on the natural agonist αMSH, the small molecule BMS-470539, and the synthetic derivatives [D-Trp8]-γMSH and [Nle4,D-Phe7]-αMSH. We used human macrophages and quantified the effect of the four agonists on inhibition of cytokine release and promotion of efferocytosis. All agonists (1–10 μM) significantly inhibited cytokine release by LPS-stimulated cells whereas [D-Trp8]-γMSH was the most effective in inducing efferocytosis (∼60% increase). To study the signaling profile, we monitored cAMP accumulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and constructed biased plots that revealed a marked biased profile of [D-Trp8]-γMSH toward phospho-ERK1/2. Correlation matrix analysis of all data pointed at phospho-ERK1/2 at any receptor as the most prominent pathway to attain pro-phagocytic actions, and MC1 receptor as the most relevant to drive anti-cytokine effects. In conclusion, the present study highlights the need to associate single-target signaling data with relevant functional outcomes. In this manner, we would increase our chances to optimize drug discovery programs during the early target validation and hit-to-lead phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Patruno
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Jose Garrido-Mesa
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Romano
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Perretti
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for inflammation and Therapeutic Innovation, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trinidad Montero-Melendez
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for inflammation and Therapeutic Innovation, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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