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Anima B, Mondal P, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Mechanistic study of copper nanoparticle (CuNP) toxicity on the mouse uterus via apelin signaling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:88824-88841. [PMID: 37442930 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28746-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have been widely utilized in various applications. Due to its wider application, humans are at risk of its exposure. It has been reported that the exposure of CuNPs can lead to organ accumulation and affect organ toxicity. Recent study suggested that CuNPs can translocate into the uterus and affect uterine injury in rat, whereas uterine toxicity still remains unclear. The uterus is an important female organ which is required to sustain pregnancy. Thus, uterine structure and physiology are important. Therefore, this study hypothesized that CuNPs might have a toxic effect on the uterine features of mice. In this study, we have investigated the potential effects of CuNPs on the uterus of mice both in vivo and in vitro. In in vivo study, two groups of female mice were exposed to 5 and 50 mg/kg/day via oral exposure. In vivo results showed that CuNP treatment decreases the body weight and uterus weight and changes in antioxidant status with low estrogen and progesterone levels. Furthermore, CuNPs up-regulated the expression of caspase3 and down-regulated the expression of apelin receptor (APJ). Immunolocalization of apelin showed low abundance in the CuNP-treated uterus. These results suggest a poor apelin signaling in the uterus after CuNP treatment. The in vivo findings were further supported by the in vitro studies. Firstly, the uterus was cultured with 5 and 40 μg of CuNPs, and in the second in vitro experiment, the uterus was divided into 4 groups: control, 40 μg of CuNPs, 40 μg of CuNPs with apelin, and 40 μg of CuNPs with apelin receptor antagonist (ML221). In vitro study showed that CuNPs could directly induce the oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as changing antioxidant status in the uterus. The in vitro apelin 13 (APLN 13) treatments alleviated the expression of BCL2 and improved the antioxidant markers in CuNP-treated uterus. These results also provided an evidence of apelin-mediated signaling in the CuNP-treated uterus. In summary, our results present evidence that CuNPs can stimulate apoptotic pathways which may lead to uterine impairment due to weak apelin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borgohain Anima
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796 004, India
| | - Pradip Mondal
- Department of Zoology, Netaji Mahavidyalaya, Hooghly, West Bengal, 712616, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796 004, India.
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Godoy RS, Cober ND, Cook DP, McCourt E, Deng Y, Wang L, Schlosser K, Rowe K, Stewart DJ. Single-cell transcriptomic atlas of lung microvascular regeneration after targeted endothelial cell ablation. eLife 2023; 12:e80900. [PMID: 37078698 PMCID: PMC10181823 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to define the mechanism underlying lung microvascular regeneration in a model of severe acute lung injury (ALI) induced by selective lung endothelial cell ablation. Intratracheal instillation of DT in transgenic mice expressing human diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor targeted to ECs resulted in ablation of >70% of lung ECs, producing severe ALI with near complete resolution by 7 days. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, eight distinct endothelial clusters were resolved, including alveolar aerocytes (aCap) ECs expressing apelin at baseline and general capillary (gCap) ECs expressing the apelin receptor. At 3 days post-injury, a novel gCap EC population emerged characterized by de novo expression of apelin, together with the stem cell marker, protein C receptor. These stem-like cells transitioned at 5 days to proliferative endothelial progenitor-like cells, expressing apelin receptor together with the pro-proliferative transcription factor, Foxm1, and were responsible for the rapid replenishment of all depleted EC populations by 7 days post-injury. Treatment with an apelin receptor antagonist prevented ALI resolution and resulted in excessive mortality, consistent with a central role for apelin signaling in EC regeneration and microvascular repair. The lung has a remarkable capacity for microvasculature EC regeneration which is orchestrated by newly emergent apelin-expressing gCap endothelial stem-like cells that give rise to highly proliferative, apelin receptor-positive endothelial progenitors responsible for the regeneration of the lung microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Soares Godoy
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Nicholas D Cober
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - David P Cook
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | | | - Yupu Deng
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Kenny Schlosser
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Katelynn Rowe
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Duncan J Stewart
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
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Pang B, Jiang YR, Xu JY, Shao DX, Hao LY. Apelin/ELABELA-APJ system in cardiac hypertrophy: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175727. [PMID: 37062502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure is one of the most significant public health problems faced by millions of medical researchers worldwide. And pathological cardiac hypertrophy is considered one of the possible factors of increasing the risk of heart failure. Here, we introduce apelin/ELABELA-APJ system as a novel therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy, bringing about new directions in clinical treatment. Apelin has been proven to regulate cardiac hypertrophy through various pathways. And an increasing number of studies on ELABELA, the newly discovered endogenous ligand, suggest it can alleviate cardiac hypertrophy through mechanisms similar or different to apelin. In this review, we elaborate on the role that apelin/ELABELA-APJ system plays in cardiac hypertrophy and the intricate mechanisms that apelin/ELABELA-APJ affect cardiac hypertrophy. We also illuminate and make comparisons of the newly designed peptides and small molecules as agonists and antagonists for APJ, updating the breakthroughs in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pang
- China Medical University-The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Yin-Ru Jiang
- China Medical University-The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Jia-Yao Xu
- China Medical University-The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Dong-Xue Shao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Li-Ying Hao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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Chen Q, Ying H, Yu Z, Chang L, Chen Z, Chen J, Chang SJ, Qiu Y, Lin X. Apelin Receptor Can Act as a Specific Marker and Promising Therapeutic Target for Infantile Hemangioma. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:566-577.e12. [PMID: 36243122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.09.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Infantile hemangioma (IH), the most common benign tumor in infancy, is generally sensitive to propranolol treatment. However, the challenge remains because resistance or recurrence could occur in some patients, and the mechanism or target of propranolol remains unknown. Therefore, advancement in the drug development is needed. In this study, we explored whether apelin receptor (APJ) can become a candidate target. We found that APJ is expressed only in endothelial cells of IH (HemECs) but not in other vascular anomalies, and its antagonist, ML221, can negatively regulate cellular viability and functions of HemECs. This inhibitory effect could be replicated in a murine hemangioma model. Importantly, in vitro experiments also indicated that ML221 failed to affect the proliferation or angiogenesis of normal endothelial cells or APJ-knockout HemECs. Through analysis of the phosphoantibody microarray data, ML221 was revealed to have an inhibitory effect on HemECs by suppressing the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. These results verified the distinctive expression of APJ in IH and specific inhibition of HemEC activity caused by ML221. In addition, APJ was also detected in propranolol-resistant IH. Collectively, we propose that APJ can act as a specific marker and a promising therapeutic target for IH, which will facilitate further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyi Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanru Ying
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Yu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongan Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shih-Jen Chang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajing Qiu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Lin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Xu Y, Zhu H, Li W, Chen D, Xu Y, Xu A, Ye D. Targeting adipokines in polycystic ovary syndrome and related metabolic disorders: from experimental insights to clinical studies. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108284. [PMID: 36162728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 15% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is the most prevalent endocrine disorder with marked risks for female infertility, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), psychiatric disorders and gynecological cancers. Although the pathophysiology of PCOS remains largely elusive, growing evidence suggests a close link with obesity and its related metabolic disorders. As a highly active endocrine cell population, hypertrophic adipocytes in obesity have disturbed production of a vast array of adipokines, biologically active peptides that exert pleiotropic effects on homeostatic regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. In parallel with their crucial roles in the pathophysiology of obesity-induced metabolic diseases, adipokines have recently been identified as promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies for multiple diseases. Current treatments for PCOS are suboptimal with insufficient alleviation of all symptoms. Novel findings in adipokine-targeted agents may provide important insight into the development of new drugs for PCOS. This Review presents an overview of the current understanding of mechanisms that link PCOS to obesity and highlights emerging evidence of adipose-ovary crosstalk as a pivotal mediator of PCOS pathogenesis. We summarize recent findings of preclinical and clinical studies that reveal the therapeutic potential of adipokine-targeted novel approaches to PCOS and its related metabolic disorders. We also discuss the critical gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed to guide the development of adipokine-based novel therapies for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Metabolic Phenotyping in Model Animals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiqiu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Metabolic Phenotyping in Model Animals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Metabolic Phenotyping in Model Animals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danxia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Metabolic Phenotyping in Model Animals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Dewei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Metabolic Phenotyping in Model Animals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Targeting APLN/APJ restores blood-testis barrier and improves spermatogenesis in murine and human diabetic models. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7335. [PMID: 36443325 PMCID: PMC9705293 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases presenting with systemic pathologies, including reproductive disorders in male diabetic patients. However, the molecular mechanisms that contributing to spermatogenesis dysfunction in diabetic patients have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we perform STRT-seq to examine the transcriptome of diabetic patients' testes at single-cell resolution including all major cell types of the testis. Intriguingly, whereas spermatogenesis appears largely preserved, the gene expression profiles of Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier (BTB) structure are dramatically impaired. Among these deregulate pathways, the Apelin (APLN) peptide/Apelin-receptor (APJ) axis is hyper-activated in diabetic patients' testes. Mechanistically, APLN is produced locally by Sertoli cells upon high glucose treatment, which subsequently suppress the production of carnitine and repress the expression of cell adhesion genes in Sertoli cells. Together, these effects culminate in BTB structural dysfunction. Finally, using the small molecule APLN receptor antagonist, ML221, we show that blocking APLN/APJ significantly ameliorate the BTB damage and, importantly, improve functional spermatogenesis in diabetic db/db mice. We also translate and validate these findings in cultured human testes. Our findings identify the APLN/APJ axis as a promising therapeutic target to improve reproduction capacity in male diabetic patients.
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Portilla-Martínez A, Ortiz-Flores MÁ, Meaney E, Villarreal F, Nájera N, Ceballos G. (-)-Epicatechin Is a Biased Ligand of Apelin Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8962. [PMID: 36012227 PMCID: PMC9409145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(-)-Epicatechin (EC) is part of a large family of biomolecules called flavonoids and is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of EC consumption. Many of these reported effects are exerted by activating the signaling pathways associated with the activation of two specific receptors: the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a transmembrane receptor, and the pregnane X receptor (PXR), which is a nuclear receptor. However, the effects of EC are so diverse that these two receptors cannot describe the complete phenomenon. The apelin receptor or APLNR is classified within the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, and is capable of activating the G protein canonical pathways and the β-arrestin transducer, which participates in the phenomenon of receptor desensitization and internalization. β-arrestin gained interest in selective pharmacology and mediators of the so-called "biased agonism". With molecular dynamics (MD) and in vitro assays, we demonstrate how EC can recruit the β-arrestin in the active conformation of the APLN receptor acting as a biased agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Portilla-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel Ortiz-Flores
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Meaney
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | | | - Nayelli Nájera
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Ceballos
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
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Ashooriha M, Ahmadi R, Ahadi H, Emami S. Application of kojic acid scaffold in the design of non-tyrosinase enzyme inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 100:290-303. [PMID: 35555863 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Kojic acid (KA) is a hydroxypyranone natural metabolite mainly known as tyrosinase inhibitor. Currently, this compound is used as a whitening agent in cosmetics and as an anti-browning agent in food industry. Given the easy-manipulation in different positions of the KA molecule, many investigations have been carried out to find new tyrosinase inhibitors derived from KA. Beside anti-tyrosinase activity, many KA-based compounds have been designed for targeting other enzymes including human neutrophil elastase, catechol-O-methyltransferase, matrix metalloproteinases, monoamine oxidase, human lactate dehydrogenase, endonucleases, D-amino acid oxidase, and receptors such as histamine H3 and apelin (APJ) receptors. This review could help biochemists and medicinal chemists in designing diverse KA-derived enzyme inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ashooriha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Ahmadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamideh Ahadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Emami
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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APJ/apelin: a promising target for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2342-2352. [PMID: 35561966 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity is a noticeable retinal abnormality causing common blindness in children. An uncontrolled retinal vasculature in retinopathy of prematurity inflicts vision loss in numerous children despite the accessibility to a wide range of clinical treatments prescribed for retinopathy of prematurity. Apelin/APJ [class A (rhodopsin-like) G-protein-coupled receptor] signaling regulates retinopathy of prematurity augmented with uncontrolled angiogenesis. Antagonists targeting pathological apelin/APJ-signaling-induced angiogenesis could be effective in attenuating retinopathy of prematurity. The therapeutic proficiency of antagonists in diverse modalities: peptides, bioactive molecules and antibodies, targeting apelin peptides or the APJ receptor is discussed in this review. We hypothesize the antagonists could effectively attenuate the retinal vasculature triggered by apelin/APJ signaling activation governing vision impairment in young children.
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Li C, Cheng H, Adhikari BK, Wang S, Yang N, Liu W, Sun J, Wang Y. The Role of Apelin-APJ System in Diabetes and Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:820002. [PMID: 35355561 PMCID: PMC8959308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.820002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, diabetes and obesity are two main health-threatening metabolic disorders in the world, which increase the risk for many chronic diseases. Apelin, a peptide hormone, exerts its effect by binding with angiotensin II protein J receptor (APJ) and is considered to be linked with diabetes and obesity. Apelin and its receptor are widely present in the body and are involved in many physiological processes, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, homeostasis, endocrine response to stress, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the literatures on the role of the Apelin-APJ system in diabetes and obesity for a better understanding of the mechanism and function of apelin and its receptor in the pathophysiology of diseases that may contribute to the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Binay Kumar Adhikari
- Department of Cardiology, Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shudong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yonggang Wang,
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Xue K, Gao F, Li C, Fang H. Elevated reactivity of Apelin inhibited renal fibrosis induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 711:109021. [PMID: 34464591 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apelin and its receptor angiotensin receptor - like 1 (APJ) are closely related to renal fibrosis, but their specific roles in renal fibrosis are still controversial. In this article, we discussed the role of Apelin/APJ system in renal fibrosis and its mechanism. METHODS Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) rat model was established to induce the environment of renal fibrosis and a competitive antagonist of the APJ receptor ML221 was administered to CIH rats. The rats were divided into Control, CIH and ML221 groups. HE staining was used to detect the inflammatory injury and fibrosis of renal tissue. The expressions of renal fibrosis-related indicators transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Human type I collagen (Col-Ⅰ) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The levels of oxidative stress indexes reactive oxygen species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and inflammation-related indexes Interleukin (IL) -6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. At the same time, the levels of Apelin-13 and AngiotensinII (AngⅡ) were also measured by ELISA. Finally, western blot was used to detect the expression of Apelin pathway and renal fibrosis-related proteins. In addition, at the cellular level, we divided the cells into Control, CIH, Apelin-13 and Apelin-13+ML-221 groups to further verify the specific mechanisms at the cellular level. RESULTS The expression of Apeline-13 and its related pathways was significantly increased after the induction of CIH in rats. However, the degree of renal fibrosis in ML221 group was further significantly increased after inhibiting the expression of Apelin. At the cellular level, CIH model cells treated with Apelin-13 significantly reduced cell proliferation, oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and decreased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, which can be reversed by ML221 administration. CONCLUSION The increased reactivity of Apelin may be one of the protective mechanisms against renal fibrosis induced by CIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Kai Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Chengde Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.
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Dotsenko VV, Guz DD, Tebiev DT, Kindop VK, Aksenov NA, Aksenova IV, Netreba EE. Synthesis and Some Properties of New 5-Hydroxy-2-[(hetarylthio)methyl]-4H-pyran-4-ones. RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s107036322109005x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The reaction of 2-thioxoazines with chlorokojic acid in the presence of KOH in DMF led to the formation of new hybrid molecules containing fragments of kojic acid and azaheterocycle linked by the SCH2 spacer. In silico prediction of bioavailability parameters was carried out, possible protein targets were predicted by the protein ligand docking method.
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Chen L, Zhou T, White T, O’Brien A, Chakraborty S, Liangpunsakul S, Yang Z, Kennedy L, Saxena R, Wu C, Meng F, Huang Q, Francis H, Alpini G, Glaser S. The Apelin-Apelin Receptor Axis Triggers Cholangiocyte Proliferation and Liver Fibrosis During Mouse Models of Cholestasis. Hepatology 2021; 73:2411-2428. [PMID: 32964473 PMCID: PMC9288669 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Apelin (APLN) is the endogenous ligand of its G protein-coupled receptor, apelin receptor (APJ). APLN serum levels are increased in human liver diseases. We evaluated whether the APLN-APJ axis regulates ductular reaction and liver fibrosis during cholestasis. APPROACH AND RESULTS We measured the expression of APLN and APJ and serum APLN levels in human primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) samples. Following bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham surgery, male wild-type (WT) mice were treated with ML221 (APJ antagonist) or saline for 1 week. WT and APLN-/- mice underwent BDL or sham surgery for 1 week. Multidrug resistance gene 2 knockout (Mdr2-/- ) mice were treated with ML221 for 1 week. APLN levels were measured in serum and cholangiocyte supernatants, and cholangiocyte proliferation/senescence and liver inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis were measured in liver tissues. The regulatory mechanisms of APLN-APJ in (1) biliary damage and liver fibrosis were examined in human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBEpiCs) treated with APLN and (2) hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in APLN-treated human HSC lines (HHSteCs). APLN serum levels and biliary expression of APLN and APJ increased in PSC samples. APLN levels were higher in serum and cholangiocyte supernatants from BDL and Mdr2-/- mice. ML221 treatment or APLN-/- reduced BDL-induced and Mdr2-/- -induced cholangiocyte proliferation/senescence, liver inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis. In vitro, APLN induced HIBEpiC proliferation, increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (Nox4) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Pretreatment of HIBEpiCs with ML221, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (Nox4 inhibitor), N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, ROS inhibitor), or PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) reduced APLN-induced cholangiocyte proliferation. Activation of HHSteCs was induced by APLN but reduced by NAC. CONCLUSIONS The APLN-APJ axis induces cholangiocyte proliferation through Nox4/ROS/ERK-dependent signaling and HSC activation through intracellular ROS. Modulation of the APLN-APJ axis may be important for managing cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Chen
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Bryan, TX,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Bryan, TX
| | - Tori White
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Bryan, TX
| | - April O’Brien
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Bryan, TX
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Bryan, TX
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Romil Saxena
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Qiaobing Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Shock and Microcirculation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Heather Francis
- Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Bryan, TX
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14
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He M, Fan M, Liu W, Li Y, Wang G. Design, synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation of novel kojic acid derivatives containing bioactive heterocycle moiety as inhibitors of tyrosinase and antibrowning agents. Food Chem 2021; 362:130241. [PMID: 34118508 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Tyrosinase plays an important role in melanin biosynthesis and enzymatic browning of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. To discover potent tyrosinase inhibitors and antibrowning agents, a series of novel kojic acid derivatives containing bioactive heterocycle moiety (4a-4l) were designed and synthesized. Thereinto, 4d displayed the most potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 3.23 ± 0.26 μM and behaved as a competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 1.96 μM, compared to kojic acid (IC50 = 32.23 ± 2.01 μM). Besides, copper-chelating assay, fluorescence spectrum quenching experiment, ANS-binding fluorescence quenching analysis, and molecular modeling studies indicated that 4d may inhibit tyrosinase activity by chelating with copper ions in the active site of tyrosinase. Furthermore, 4d exhibited low cytotoxic activity and significant antibrowning effects.This study suggests that these compounds may serve as lead molecules for developing novel tyrosinase inhibitors and antibrowning agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Meiyan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yongjun Li
- Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guangcheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
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15
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Fischer C. A patent review of apelin receptor (APJR) modulators (2014-2019). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:251-261. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1731473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Fischer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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16
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Marsault E, Llorens-Cortes C, Iturrioz X, Chun HJ, Lesur O, Oudit GY, Auger-Messier M. The apelinergic system: a perspective on challenges and opportunities in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1455:12-33. [PMID: 31236974 PMCID: PMC6834863 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The apelinergic pathway has been generating increasing interest in the past few years for its potential as a therapeutic target in several conditions associated with the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Indeed, preclinical and, more recently, clinical evidence both point to this G protein-coupled receptor as a target of interest in the treatment of not only cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, or septic shock, but also of additional conditions such as water retention/hyponatremic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and preeclampsia. While it is a peculiar system with its two classes of endogenous ligand, the apelins and Elabela, its intricacies are a matter of continuing investigation to finely pinpoint its potential and how it enables crosstalk between the vasculature and organ systems of interest. In this perspective article, we first review the current knowledge on the role of the apelinergic pathway in the above systems, as well as the associated therapeutic indications and existing pharmacological tools. We also offer a perspective on the challenges and potential ahead to advance the apelinergic system as a target for therapeutic intervention in several key areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Marsault
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Llorens-Cortes
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, INSERM U1050, CNRS UMR7241, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Iturrioz
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, INSERM U1050, CNRS UMR7241, Paris, France
| | - Hyung J. Chun
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Olivier Lesur
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine – Division of Intensive Care Units, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Gavin Y. Oudit
- Department of Medicine, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mannix Auger-Messier
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine – Division of Cardiology, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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17
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Read C, Nyimanu D, Williams TL, Huggins DJ, Sulentic P, Macrae RGC, Yang P, Glen RC, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CVII. Structure and Pharmacology of the Apelin Receptor with a Recommendation that Elabela/Toddler Is a Second Endogenous Peptide Ligand. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 71:467-502. [PMID: 31492821 PMCID: PMC6731456 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.017533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The predicted protein encoded by the APJ gene discovered in 1993 was originally classified as a class A G protein-coupled orphan receptor but was subsequently paired with a novel peptide ligand, apelin-36 in 1998. Substantial research identified a family of shorter peptides activating the apelin receptor, including apelin-17, apelin-13, and [Pyr1]apelin-13, with the latter peptide predominating in human plasma and cardiovascular system. A range of pharmacological tools have been developed, including radiolabeled ligands, analogs with improved plasma stability, peptides, and small molecules including biased agonists and antagonists, leading to the recommendation that the APJ gene be renamed APLNR and encode the apelin receptor protein. Recently, a second endogenous ligand has been identified and called Elabela/Toddler, a 54-amino acid peptide originally identified in the genomes of fish and humans but misclassified as noncoding. This precursor is also able to be cleaved to shorter sequences (32, 21, and 11 amino acids), and all are able to activate the apelin receptor and are blocked by apelin receptor antagonists. This review summarizes the pharmacology of these ligands and the apelin receptor, highlights the emerging physiologic and pathophysiological roles in a number of diseases, and recommends that Elabela/Toddler is a second endogenous peptide ligand of the apelin receptor protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Read
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Thomas L Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - David J Huggins
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Petra Sulentic
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Robyn G C Macrae
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Peiran Yang
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Robert C Glen
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
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18
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Chen H, Wong CC, Liu D, Go MY, Wu B, Peng S, Kuang M, Wong N, Yu J. APLN promotes hepatocellular carcinoma through activating PI3K/Akt pathway and is a druggable target. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:5246-5260. [PMID: 31410213 PMCID: PMC6691573 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multistep process contributed by the accumulation of molecular alterations. We identified Apelin (APLN) as an outlier gene up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through RNA-Seq and microarray analysis. We aimed to investigate its function, mechanism of action and clinical implication in HCC. Methods: Gene expression and clinical implication of APLN were assessed in multiple human HCC cohorts. Ectopic expression and silencing of APLN were performed to determine its function. The therapeutic potential of APLN and its downstream pathway was investigated using in vitro and in vivo models. Results: APLN overexpression was commonly observed in more than 80% of HCCs and independently predicted poorer survival of patients in three independent HCC cohorts. Apelin up-regulation was mediated by active β-catenin, which binds to the APLN promoter to induce transcription. Ectopic APLN expression in HCC cells promoted cell proliferation, accelerated G1/S progression and inhibited apoptosis, whilst APLN knockdown exerted opposite effects in vitro and inhibited HCC xenograft growth in mice. Mechanistically, APLN activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway via APLN receptor, leading to increased expression of phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β) and cyclin D1. Pharmacological targeting of APLN by ML221 was safe and effective in inhibiting APLN-PI3K/Akt cascade and HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Our findings unraveled an oncogenic role of APLN in HCC, and that targeting of APLN might be a promising for HCC treatment. APLN may serve as an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients.
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Xu G, Li X, Yang D, Wu S, Wu D, Yan M. Bioinformatics Study of RNA Interference on the Effect of HIF-1α on Apelin Expression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells. Curr Bioinform 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1574893614666190109155825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background:
HIF-1α can affect the apelin expression and participates in the
developments in cancers but the mechanism need to be explored further.
Objective:
This paper investigates apelin expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cells and
its regulation by hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) under hypoxic conditions.
Methods:
CoCl2 was used to induce hypoxia in CNE-2 cells for 12h, 24h and 48h. HIF-1α small
interference RNA (siRNA) was transfected into CNE-2 cells using a transient transfection method.
HIF-1α and apelin mRNA levels were detected by real time PCR. Western blot was used to
measure HIF-1α protein expression. The concentration of apelin in cell culture supernatant was
determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
HIF-1α and apelin mRNA levels and protein expression in CNE-2 cells increased
gradually with increased duration of hypoxic exposure and were significantly reduced in HIF-1α
siRNA transfected cells exposed to the same hypoxic conditions.
Conclusion:
Apelin expression is induced by hypoxia and regulated by HIF-1α in CNE-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianming Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shihai Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Maosheng Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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20
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Neelakantan D, Dogra S, Devapatla B, Jaiprasart P, Mukashyaka MC, Janknecht R, Dwivedi SKD, Bhattacharya R, Husain S, Ding K, Woo S. Multifunctional APJ Pathway Promotes Ovarian Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1378-1390. [PMID: 30858172 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
High mortality rates in ovarian cancer are due to late-stage diagnosis when extensive metastases are present, coupled with the eventual development of resistance to standard chemotherapy. There is, thus, an urgent need to identify targetable pathways to curtail this deadly disease. In this study, we show that the apelin receptor, APJ, is a viable target that promotes tumor progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). APJ is specifically overexpressed in tumor tissue, and is elevated in metastatic tissues compared with primary tumors. Importantly, increased APJ expression significantly correlates with decreased median overall survival (OS) by 14.7 months in patients with HGSOC. Using various ovarian cancer model systems, we demonstrate that APJ expression in cancer cells is both necessary and sufficient to increase prometastatic phenotypes in vitro, including proliferation, cell adhesion to various molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM), anoikis resistance, migration, and invasion; and these phenotypes are efficiently inhibited by the APJ inhibitor, ML221. Overexpression of APJ also increases metastasis of ovarian cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, the prometastatic STAT3 pathway is activated downstream of APJ, and in addition to the ERK and AKT pathways, contributes to its aggressive phenotypes. Our findings suggest that the APJ pathway is a novel and viable target, with potential to curb ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. IMPLICATIONS: The APJ pathway is a viable target in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Neelakantan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Samrita Dogra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Bharat Devapatla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Pharavee Jaiprasart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Marie Claire Mukashyaka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Ralf Janknecht
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | | | - Resham Bhattacharya
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Sanam Husain
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Sukyung Woo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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21
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Castan-Laurell I, Masri B, Valet P. The apelin/APJ system as a therapeutic target in metabolic diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:215-225. [PMID: 30570369 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1561871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Apelin, a bioactive peptide, is the endogenous ligand of APJ, a G protein-coupled receptor which is widely expressed in peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system. The apelin/APJ system is involved in the regulation of various physiological functions and is a therapeutic target in different pathologies; the development of APJ agonists and antagonists has thus increased. Area covered: This review focuses on the in vitro and in vivo metabolic effects of apelin in physiological conditions and in the context of metabolic diseases. Expert opinion: In experimental models, novel APJ agonists are efficient in vivo, to treat metabolic diseases and associated complications. However, more clinical trials are necessary to determine whether molecules that target APJ could become an alternative therapeutic strategy in the treatment of metabolic diseases and associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Castan-Laurell
- a Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), INSERM U1048 , Université de Toulouse , Toulouse , France
| | - Bernard Masri
- a Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), INSERM U1048 , Université de Toulouse , Toulouse , France
| | - Philippe Valet
- a Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), INSERM U1048 , Université de Toulouse , Toulouse , France
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22
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Cheng J, Luo X, Huang Z, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system: A potential therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction‐related diseases. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:12149-12160. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Xuling Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
- Department of Pharmacy The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
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McAnally D, Siddiquee K, Gomaa A, Szabo A, Vasile S, Maloney PR, Divlianska DB, Peddibhotla S, Morfa CJ, Hershberger P, Falter R, Williamson R, Terry DB, Farjo R, Pinkerton AB, Qi X, Quigley J, Boulton ME, Grant MB, Smith LH. Repurposing antimalarial aminoquinolines and related compounds for treatment of retinal neovascularization. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202436. [PMID: 30208056 PMCID: PMC6135396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascularization is the pathological driver of blinding eye diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and wet age-related macular degeneration. The loss of vision resulting from these diseases significantly impacts the productivity and quality of life of patients, and represents a substantial burden on the health care system. Current standard of care includes biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key mediator of neovascularization. While anti-VGEF therapies have been successful, up to 30% of patients are non-responsive. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic targets, and small molecule inhibitors of angiogenesis to complement existing treatments. Apelin and its receptor have recently been shown to play a key role in both developmental and pathological angiogenesis in the eye. Through a cell-based high-throughput screen, we identified 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs as potent selective antagonists of APJ. The prototypical 4-aminoquinoline, amodiaquine was found to be a selective, non-competitive APJ antagonist that inhibited apelin signaling in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, amodiaquine suppressed both apelin-and VGEF-induced endothelial tube formation. Intravitreal amodaiquine significantly reduced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion volume in the laser-induced CNV mouse model, and showed no signs of ocular toxicity at the highest doses tested. This work firmly establishes APJ as a novel, chemically tractable therapeutic target for the treatment of ocular neovascularization, and that amodiaquine is a potential candidate for repurposing and further toxicological, and pharmacokinetic evaluation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McAnally
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Khandaker Siddiquee
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ahmed Gomaa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Andras Szabo
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stefan Vasile
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Patrick R. Maloney
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Daniela B. Divlianska
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Satyamaheshwar Peddibhotla
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Camilo J. Morfa
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Paul Hershberger
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Falter
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert Williamson
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - David B. Terry
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rafal Farjo
- EyeCRO LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Anthony B. Pinkerton
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaping Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Judith Quigley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Boulton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Maria B. Grant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Layton H. Smith
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
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Podgórska M, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Nowak D. Apelin Effects Migration and Invasion Abilities of Colon Cancer Cells. Cells 2018; 7:cells7080113. [PMID: 30127323 PMCID: PMC6115746 DOI: 10.3390/cells7080113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancer types. Its positive correlation with general obesity has led to increasing amounts of research focusing on the role of adipokines in colon cancer development. Apelin is a peptide released by adipose tissue that could affect many cellular processes connected with carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined the role of apelin in the motility regulation of colon cancer cells. We showed that the effect of four different apelin peptides increased the ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade examined cells trough influencing migratory protrusions formation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Additionally, using confocal microscopy, we noticed that apelin stimulated the proteolytic activity of cancer cells, especially increasing the level of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloprotease. Taken together, apelin increased the movement of colon cancer cells through several possible mechanisms. Moreover, better understanding the process through which apelin regulates cancer development is still necessary to the creation of novel anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Podgórska
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | | | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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25
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Huang Z, He L, Chen Z, Chen L. Targeting drugs to APJ receptor: From signaling to pathophysiological effects. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:61-74. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
- Department of Pharmacy The First Affiliated Hospital, University Of South China Hengyang China
| | - Lu He
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
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26
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Abstract
Apelin is a vasoactive peptide and is an endogenous ligand for APJ receptors, which are widely expressed in blood vessels, heart, and cardiovascular regulatory regions of the brain. A growing body of evidence now demonstrates a regulatory role for the apelin/APJ receptor system in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, thus making it a potential target for cardiovascular drug discovery and development. Indeed, ongoing studies are investigating the potential benefits of apelin and apelin-mimetics for disorders such as heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Apelin causes relaxation of isolated arteries, and systemic administration of apelin typically results in a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and an increase in blood flow. Nonetheless, vasopressor responses and contraction of vascular smooth muscle in response to apelin have also been observed under certain conditions. The goal of the current review is to summarize major findings regarding the apelin/APJ receptor system in blood vessels, with an emphasis on regulation of vascular tone, and to identify areas of investigation that may provide guidance for the development of novel therapeutic agents that target this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amreen Mughal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Stephen T O'Rourke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University Fargo, ND, USA.
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27
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Wysocka MB, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Nowak D. The Role of Apelin in Cardiovascular Diseases, Obesity and Cancer. Front Physiol 2018; 9:557. [PMID: 29875677 PMCID: PMC5974534 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous peptide identified as a ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Apelin belongs to the family of adipokines, which are bioactive mediators released by adipose tissue. Extensive tissue distribution of apelin and its receptor suggests, that it could be involved in many physiological processes including regulation of blood pressure, body fluid homeostasis, endocrine stress response, cardiac contractility, angiogenesis, and energy metabolism. Additionally, this peptide participates in pathological processes, such as heart failure, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. In this article, we review current knowledge about the role of apelin in organ and tissue pathologies. We also summarize the mechanisms by which apelin and its receptor mediate the regulation of physiological and pathological processes. Moreover, we put forward an indication of apelin as a biomarker predicting cardiac diseases and various types of cancer. A better understanding of the function of apelin and its receptor in pathologies might lead to the development of new medical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta B Wysocka
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
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Murza A, Trân K, Bruneau-Cossette L, Lesur O, Auger-Messier M, Lavigne P, Sarret P, Marsault É. Apelins, ELABELA, and their derivatives: Peptidic regulators of the cardiovascular system and beyond. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Murza
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
| | - Kien Trân
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
| | - Laurent Bruneau-Cossette
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
| | - Olivier Lesur
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
| | - Mannix Auger-Messier
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
| | - Pierre Lavigne
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
| | - Éric Marsault
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Université de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke; Sherbrooke Québec J1H 5N4 Canada
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Rostamzadeh F, Najafipour H, Yeganeh-Hajahmadi M, Joukar S. Opioid receptors mediate inotropic and depressor effects of apelin in rats with 2K1C-induced chronic renovascular hypertension. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 45:187-197. [PMID: 28945940 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apelin receptors (APJ) cross-talk with other G-protein-coupled receptors. However, the role of APJ interaction with opioid receptors (OPR) on the cardiovascular effects of apelin in hypertension is not clear. Renovascular hypertension was induced by placing a Plexiglas clip on the left kidney of rats. After 16 weeks, F13A (an APJ antagonist), naloxone (a general OPR inhibitor), and nor-binaltorphimine dihydrochloride (nor-BNI; a selective inhibitor of KOR) were given prior to injections of apelin at doses of 40 and 60 μg/kg. The arterial systolic/diastolic blood pressure and left ventricular contractility responses were then evaluated. The arterial systolic/diastolic blood pressure in sham and 2K1C rats was 110/71 mm Hg and 171/124 mm Hg, respectively. The hypotensive effects of apelin at both doses were inhibited by F13A and naloxone. Nor-BNI completely inhibited the effects of apelin 40 on arterial pressure, and decreased the effects of 60 μg/kg. KOR inhibition also prevented the compensation for the decrease in the left ventricle +dp/dt max and -dp/dt max caused by apelin 60. The simultaneous inhibition of OPR and APJ reduced arterial pressure and increased cardiac contractility. Findings showed that the OPR, particularly KOR, mediate the inotropic, lusitropic, and depressor effects of apelin. The interaction of the OPR and APJ augments the inotropic and vasodepressor effects of apelin. This interaction may have potential clinical applications in cardiac failure since opioids are currently used in the treatment of myocardial infarction and stroke, and apelin has been introduced as a potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Rostamzadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Najafipour
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Yeganeh-Hajahmadi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences and Department of Physiology and pharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Siyavash Joukar
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology and Department of Physiology and pharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Ishimaru Y, Shibagaki F, Yamamuro A, Yoshioka Y, Maeda S. An apelin receptor antagonist prevents pathological retinal angiogenesis with ischemic retinopathy in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15062. [PMID: 29118394 PMCID: PMC5678128 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15602-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological retinal angiogenesis is caused by the progression of ischemic retinal diseases and can result in retinal detachment and irreversible blindness. This neovascularization is initiated from the retinal veins and their associated capillaries and involves the overgrowth of vascular endothelial cells. Since expression of the apelin receptor (APJ) is restricted to the veins and proliferative endothelial cells during physiological retinal angiogenesis, in the present study, we investigated the effect of APJ inhibition on pathological retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). In vitro experiments revealed that ML221, an APJ antagonist, suppressed cultured-endothelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Intraperitoneal administration of ML221 inhibited pathological angiogenesis but enhanced the recovery of normal vessels into the ischemic regions in the retina of the OIR model mice. ML221 did not affect the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR2) in the retina. APJ was highly expressed in the endothelial cells within abnormal vessels but was only detected in small amounts in morphologically normal vessels. These results suggest that APJ inhibitors selectively prevent pathological retinal angiogenesis and that the drugs targeting APJ may be new a candidate for treating ischemic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ishimaru
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-0101, Japan.
| | - Fumiya Shibagaki
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-0101, Japan
| | - Akiko Yamamuro
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-0101, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshioka
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-0101, Japan
| | - Sadaaki Maeda
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-0101, Japan.
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31
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Wu D, Xie F, Xiao L, Feng F, Huang S, He L, Liu M, Zhou Q, Li L, Chen L. Caveolin-1-Autophagy Pathway Mediated Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Induced by Apelin-13. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:611-618. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2016.3574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Feng Xie
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fen Feng
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shifang Huang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lu He
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Meiqing Liu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Xiong Q, He W, Wang H, Zhou J, Zhang Y, He J, Yang C, Zhang B. Effect of the spinal apelin‑APJ system on the pathogenesis of chronic constriction injury‑induced neuropathic pain in rats. Mol Med Rep 2017. [PMID: 28627589 PMCID: PMC5562064 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is hypothesized to serve a dual function in pain processing. Spinal administration of apelin induces hyperalgesia, while opioid receptors are implicated in the antinociceptive effects of apelin in acute nociceptive models. However, whether the apelin-apelin receptor (APJ) system is involved in neuropathic pain remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact and mechanism of the spinal apelin-APJ system in neuropathic pain. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve produced sustained spinal apelin and APJ upregulation, which was associated with mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia development in the hind-paw plantar surface. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that apelin and APJ were localized to the superficial dorsal horns. In order to further clarify the function of the apelin-APJ system, a single intrathecal administration of ML221, an APJ antagonist, was used; this transiently reduced CCI-induced pain hypersensitivity. However, apelin-13 (the isoform which binds most strongly to APJ) exhibited no effect on the nociceptive response, suggesting an essential role for the spinal apelin-APJ system in neuropathic pain sensitization. The present study demonstrated that a single application of ML221 alleviated mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia 7 days following CCI, in a dose-dependent manner. Intraspinal delivery of ML221, at the onset of and in fully-established neuropathic pain, persistently attenuated CCI-induced pain hypersensitivity, indicating that the apelin-APJ system was involved in initiating and maintaining pain. It was demonstrated, using immunoblotting, that intrathecal ML221 downregulated phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) in the rat spinal cord dorsal horn, suggesting that the effect of apelin on neuropathic pain may be mediated via ERK signaling. The results of the present study suggested that the spinal apelin-APJ system may drive neuropathic pain. Inhibition of APJ may provide novel pharmacological interventions for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Wanyou He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Hanbing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Chengxiang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
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Valencia C, Dujet C, Margathe JF, Iturrioz X, Roux T, Trinquet E, Villa P, Hibert M, Dupuis E, Llorens-Cortes C, Bonnet D. A Time-Resolved FRET Cell-Based Binding Assay for the Apelin Receptor. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:925-931. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christel Valencia
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS; Plateforme de Chimie Biologie Intégrative, PCBIS, UMS3286, Labex MEDALIS; 6700 Strasbourg France
| | - Céline Dujet
- Cisbio Bioassays; Parc Marcel Boiteux; BP 84175 30200 Codolet France
| | - Jean-François Margathe
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS; Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique (LIT), UMR7200, Labex MEDALIS; 6700 Strasbourg France
| | - Xavier Iturrioz
- Neuropeptides Centraux et Régulations Hydrique et cardiovasculaire; UMR 7241/Inserm U1050, CIRB, Collège de France; 11 place Marcelin Berthelot 75231 Paris Cedex 05 France
| | - Thomas Roux
- Cisbio Bioassays; Parc Marcel Boiteux; BP 84175 30200 Codolet France
| | - Eric Trinquet
- Cisbio Bioassays; Parc Marcel Boiteux; BP 84175 30200 Codolet France
| | - Pascal Villa
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS; Plateforme de Chimie Biologie Intégrative, PCBIS, UMS3286, Labex MEDALIS; 6700 Strasbourg France
| | - Marcel Hibert
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS; Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique (LIT), UMR7200, Labex MEDALIS; 6700 Strasbourg France
| | - Elodie Dupuis
- Cisbio Bioassays; Parc Marcel Boiteux; BP 84175 30200 Codolet France
| | - Catherine Llorens-Cortes
- Neuropeptides Centraux et Régulations Hydrique et cardiovasculaire; UMR 7241/Inserm U1050, CIRB, Collège de France; 11 place Marcelin Berthelot 75231 Paris Cedex 05 France
| | - Dominique Bonnet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS; Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique (LIT), UMR7200, Labex MEDALIS; 6700 Strasbourg France
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Apelin/APJ system: A novel promising therapy target for pathological angiogenesis. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 466:78-84. [PMID: 28025030 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Apelin is the endogenous ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Both Apelin and APJ receptor are widely distributed in various tissues such as heart, brain, limbs, retina and liver. Recent research indicates that the Apelin/APJ system plays an important role in pathological angiogenesis which is a progress of new blood branches developing from preexisting vessels via sprouting. In this paper, we review the important role of the Apelin/APJ system in pathological angiogenesis. The Apelin/APJ system promotes angiogenesis in myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, critical limb ischemia, tumor, retinal angiogenesis diseases, cirrhosis, obesity, diabetes and other related diseases. Furthermore, we illustrate the detailed mechanism of pathological angiogenesis induced by the Apelin/APJ system. In conclusion, the Apelin/APJ system would be a promising therapeutic target for angiogenesis-related diseases.
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Hu H, He L, Li L, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system as a therapeutic target in diabetes and its complications. Mol Genet Metab 2016; 119:20-7. [PMID: 27650065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled receptor APJ and its endogenous ligand apelin are widely expressed in many peripheral tissues and central nervous system, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscles and hypothalamus. Apelin/APJ system, involved in numerous physiological functions like angiogenesis, fluid homeostasis and energy metabolism regulation, is notably implicated in the development of different pathologies such as diabetes and its complications. Increasing evidence suggests that apelin regulates insulin sensitivity, stimulates glucose utilization and enhances brown adipogenesis in different tissues associated with diabetes. Moreover, apelin is also involved in the regulation of diabetic complications via binding to APJ receptor. Apelin improves diabetes-induced kidney hypertrophia, normalizes obesity-associated cardiac hypertrophy and negatively promotes retinal angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview about the role of apelin/APJ system in different tissues related with diabetes. Furthermore, we describe the pathogenesis of diabetic complications associated with apelin/APJ system. Finally, agonists and antagonists targeted to APJ receptor are described in the literature. Thus, we highlight apelin/APJ system as a novel therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention in treating diabetes and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoliang Hu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lu He
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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36
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Apelin-36 is protective against N-methyl-D-aspartic-acid-induced retinal ganglion cell death in the mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 791:213-220. [PMID: 27590359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma is caused at least in part by a large Ca2+ influx through N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. Apelin is a peptide originally found in the tissue extracts of bovine stomach. Recent studies have been shown that apelin protects against the ischemic-reperfused injury in the brain. We examined whether apelin had protective effects on the NMDA-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death using B6.Cg-TgN(Thy1-CFP)23Jrs/J transgenic mice, which express the enhanced cyan fluorescent protein in RGCs in the retina, in vivo. The mice were anesthetized by ketamine and xylazine, and NMDA (40 nmol/eye) was intravitreally injected. We evaluated the effects of apelin-13, [Glp1]-apelin-13, a potent agonist of apelin receptor, and apelin-36 on the NMDA-induced retinal ganglion cell death. NMDA-induced retinal ganglion cell loss was clearly seen 7 days after NMDA injection. Intravitreal apelin-36 (0.33 nmol/eye), but not apelin-13 (1 nmol/eye) nor [Glp1]-apelin-13 (1 nmol/eye), simultaneously injected with NMDA significantly reduced the cell loss. The protective effect of apelin-36 was not reduced by ML221 (0.1 nmol/eye; 5-[(4-Nitrobenzoyl)oxy]-2-[(2-pyrimidinylthio)methyl]-4H-pyran-4-one), an apelin receptor antagonist, GF109203X (0.03 nmol/eye), a protein kinase C inhibitor, U0126 (0.2 nmol/eye), a MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, LY294002 (0.1 nmol/eye), a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, Akti 1/2 (0.05 nmol/eye), an Akt inhibitor, or 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (0.2 nmol/eye), a casein kinase-2 inhibitor. In addition, human apelin-36 did not affect the kainic-acid (20 nmol/eye)-induced ganglion cell death. The present study suggests that apelin-36 protects against the NMDA-induced ganglion cell death independently of the activation of apelin receptor in the murine retina in vivo.
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Zhou Q, Cao J, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system: A novel therapeutic target for oxidative stress-related inflammatory diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2016; 37:1159-69. [PMID: 27035220 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin, the endogenous ligand of APJ which is a member of G protein-coupled receptors, has been shown to be expressed in a variety of tissues in vivo and to exert significant biological effects. Studies have indicated that the apelin/APJ system is involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological functions and pathological processes, and that it is associated with cardiovascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure and myocardial injury), diabetes with microvascular complications, ischemia reperfusion injury, tumors, pre-eclampsia, as well as others. The occurrence of these diseases is closely related to endothelial dysfunction and the local inflammatory response; however, the occurrence of oxidative stress is related to vascular injury, due to the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can lead to vascular damage and a series of inflammatory reactions. Therefore, this review summarizes the association between apelin/APJ, oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases. In addition, drugs targeting the apelin/APJ system are recommended, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-related inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Jiangang Cao
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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Huang S, Chen L, Lu L, Li L. The apelin-APJ axis: A novel potential therapeutic target for organ fibrosis. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 456:81-88. [PMID: 26944568 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Apelin, an endogenous ligand of the G-protein-coupled receptor APJ, is expressed in a diverse number of organs. The apelin-APJ axis helps to control the processes of pathological and physiological fibrosis, including renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of apelin-APJ in organ fibrosis remains controversial due to conflicting study results. The apelin-APJ axis is a detrimental mechanism which promotes liver fibrosis mainly via up-regulation the expression of collagen-II and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ). On the contrary, the apelin-APJ axis is beneficial for renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis. The apelin-APJ axis alleviates renal fibrosis by restraining the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). In addition, the apelin-APJ axis attenuates cardiac fibrosis through multiple pathways. Furthermore, the apelin-APJ axis has beneficial effects on experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which suggest the apelin-APJ axis potentially alleviates pulmonary fibrosis. In this article, we review the controversies associated with apelin-APJ in organ fibrosis and introduce the drugs that target apelin-APJ. We conclude that future studies should place more emphasis on the relationship among apelin isoforms, APJ receptor subtypes and organ fibrosis. The apelin-APJ axis will be a potential therapeutic target and those drugs targeted for apelin-APJ may constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifang Huang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Liqun Lu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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Narayanan S, Harris DL, Maitra R, Runyon SP. Regulation of the Apelinergic System and Its Potential in Cardiovascular Disease: Peptides and Small Molecules as Tools for Discovery. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7913-27. [PMID: 26102594 PMCID: PMC5436499 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Apelin peptides and the apelin receptor represent a relatively new therapeutic axis for the potential treatment of cardiovascular disease. Several reports suggest apelin receptor activation with apelin peptides results in cardioprotection as noted through positive ionotropy, angiogenesis, reduction of mean arterial blood pressure, and apoptosis. Considering the potential therapeutic benefit attainable through modulation of the apelinergic system, research is expanding to develop novel therapies that limit the inherent rapid degradation of endogenous apelin peptides and produce metabolically stable small molecule agonists and antagonists to more rigorously interrogate the apelin receptor system. This review details the structure-activity relationships for chemically modified apelin peptides and recent disclosures of small molecule agonists and antagonists and summarizes the peer reviewed and patented literature. Development of metabolically stable ligands of apelin receptor and their effects in various models over the coming years will hopefully lead to establishment of this receptor as a validated target for cardiovascular indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanju Narayanan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Danni L. Harris
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Scott P. Runyon
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
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He L, Xu J, Chen L, Li L. Apelin/APJ signaling in hypoxia-related diseases. Clin Chim Acta 2015; 451:191-8. [PMID: 26436483 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2015.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The regulatory peptide apelin is the endogenous ligand for the orphan G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Apelin and APJ exist in a variety of tissues, with special status in the heart, lung and tumors. Consequently, the apelin/APJ system exerts a broad range of activities that affect multiple organ systems. Accumulating evidence indicates that the expressions of apelin and APJ are significantly augmented by hypoxia through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling pathway. Increased apelin promotes cellular proliferation, migration and survival, therefore regulating angiogenesis. In addition, the pre-administration of exogenous apelin is involved in the occurrence and development of hypoxia-induced pathological diseases. The purpose of this article is to review the properties of the apelin/APJ system, which is affected by hypoxic conditions, and the regulation of apelin/APJ signaling in hypoxia-associated disorders. Thus, the apelin/APJ system may be a potential therapeutic target in hypoxia-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu He
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Jin Xu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China.
| | - Lanfang Li
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China.
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41
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Yang P, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Apelin, Elabela/Toddler, and biased agonists as novel therapeutic agents in the cardiovascular system. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:560-7. [PMID: 26143239 PMCID: PMC4577653 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Apelin and its G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) have emerged as a key signalling pathway in the cardiovascular system. The peptide is a potent inotropic agent and vasodilator. Remarkably, a peptide, Elabela/Toddler, that has little sequence similarity to apelin, has been proposed as a second endogenous apelin receptor ligand and is encoded by a gene from a region of the genome previously classified as 'non-coding'. Apelin is downregulated in pulmonary arterial hypertension and heart failure. To replace the missing endogenous peptide, 'biased' apelin agonists have been designed that preferentially activate G protein pathways, resulting in reduced β-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalisation, with the additional benefit of attenuating detrimental β-arrestin signalling. Proof-of-concept studies support the clinical potential for apelin receptor biased agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Yang
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Level 6 Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Level 6 Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Level 6 Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Chaves-Almagro C, Castan-Laurell I, Dray C, Knauf C, Valet P, Masri B. Apelin receptors: From signaling to antidiabetic strategy. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 763:149-59. [PMID: 26007641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor APJ and its cognate ligand, apelin, are widely expressed throughout human body. They are implicated in different key physiological processes such as angiogenesis, cardiovascular functions, fluid homeostasis and energy metabolism regulation. On the other hand, this couple ligand-receptor is also involved in the development and progression of different pathologies including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Recently, a new endogenous peptidic ligand of APJ, named Elabela/Toddler, has been identified and shown to play a crucial role in embryonic development. Whereas nothing is yet known regarding Elabela/Toddler functions in adulthood, apelin has been extensively described as a beneficial adipokine regarding to glucose and lipid metabolism and is endowed with anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties. Indeed, there is a growing body of evidence supporting apelin signaling as a novel promising therapeutic target for metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes). In this review, we provide an overview of the pharmacological properties of APJ and its endogenous ligands. We also report the activity of peptidic and non-peptidic agonists and antagonists targeting APJ described in the literature. Finally, we highlight the important role of this signaling pathway in the control of energy metabolism at the peripheral level and in the central nervous system in both physiological conditions and during obesity or diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chaves-Almagro
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC) - INSERM U1048, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - I Castan-Laurell
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC) - INSERM U1048, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - C Dray
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC) - INSERM U1048, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - C Knauf
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC) - INSERM U1048, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - P Valet
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC) - INSERM U1048, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - B Masri
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC) - INSERM U1048, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
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43
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Wu D, He L, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system: a promising therapy target for hypertension. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:6691-703. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Margathe JF, Iturrioz X, Alvear-Perez R, Marsol C, Riché S, Chabane H, Tounsi N, Kuhry M, Heissler D, Hibert M, Llorens-Cortes C, Bonnet D. Structure-activity relationship studies toward the discovery of selective apelin receptor agonists. J Med Chem 2014; 57:2908-19. [PMID: 24625069 DOI: 10.1021/jm401789v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Apelin is the endogenous ligand for the previously orphaned G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Apelin and its receptor are widely distributed in the brain, heart, and vasculature, and are emerging as an important regulator of body fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular functions. To further progress in the pharmacology and the physiological role of the apelin receptor, the development of small, bioavailable agonists and antagonists of the apelin receptor, is crucial. In this context, E339-3D6 (1) was described as the first nonpeptidic apelin receptor agonist. We show here that 1 is actually a mixture of polymethylated species, and we describe an alternative and versatile solid-phase approach that allows access to highly pure 27, the major component of 1. This approach was also applied to prepare a series of derivatives in order to identify the crucial structural determinants required for the ligand to maintain its affinity for the apelin receptor as well as its capacity to promote apelin receptor signaling and internalization. The study of the structure-activity relationships led to the identification of ligands 19, 21, and 38, which display an increased affinity compared to that of 27. The latter and 19 behave as full agonists with regard to cAMP production and apelin receptor internalization, whereas 21 is a biased agonist toward cAMP production. Interestingly, the three ligands display a much higher stability in mouse plasma (T1/2 > 10 h) than the endogenous apelin-17 peptide 2 (T1/2 < 4 min).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Margathe
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Labex Medalis, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
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Karpinich NO, Caron KM. Apelin signaling: new G protein-coupled receptor pathway in lymphatic vascular development. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2014; 34:239-41. [PMID: 24431421 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.302905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie O Karpinich
- From the Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology (N.O.K., K.M.C.) and Genetics (K.M.C.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
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O'Carroll AM, Lolait SJ, Harris LE, Pope GR. The apelin receptor APJ: journey from an orphan to a multifaceted regulator of homeostasis. J Endocrinol 2013; 219:R13-35. [PMID: 23943882 DOI: 10.1530/joe-13-0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APJ; gene symbol APLNR) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor gene family. Neural gene expression patterns of APJ, and its cognate ligand apelin, in the brain implicate the apelinergic system in the regulation of a number of physiological processes. APJ and apelin are highly expressed in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system, which regulates fluid homeostasis, in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which controls the neuroendocrine response to stress, and in the forebrain and lower brainstem regions, which are involved in cardiovascular function. Recently, apelin, synthesised and secreted by adipocytes, has been described as a beneficial adipokine related to obesity, and there is growing awareness of a potential role for apelin and APJ in glucose and energy metabolism. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, expression pattern and regulation of apelin and its receptor, as well as the main second messengers and signalling proteins activated by apelin. We also highlight the physiological and pathological roles that support this system as a novel therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention in treating conditions related to altered water balance, stress-induced disorders such as anxiety and depression, and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie O'Carroll
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
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Pinkerton AB, et al. EA. ChemInform Abstract: Discovery of 4-Oxo-6-((pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methyl)-4H-pyran-3-yl 4-Nitrobenzoate (I) (ML221) as a Functional Antagonist of the Apelin (APJ) Receptor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/chin.201312157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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