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Zuccaro MV, LeDuc CA, Thaker VV. Updates on Rare Genetic Variants, Genetic Testing, and Gene Therapy in Individuals With Obesity. Curr Obes Rep 2024:10.1007/s13679-024-00567-y. [PMID: 38822963 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-024-00567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to aggregate information on monogenic contributions to obesity in the past five years and to provide guidance for genetic testing in clinical care. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in sequencing technologies, increasing awareness, access to testing, and new treatments have increased the utilization of genetics in clinical care. There is increasing recognition of the prevalence of rare genetic obesity from variants with mean allele frequency < 5% -new variants in known genes as well as identification of novel genes- causing monogenic obesity. While most of these genes are in the leptin melanocortin pathway, those in adipocytes may also contribute. Common variants may contribute either to higher lifetime tendency for weight gain or provide protection from monogenic obesity. While specific genetic mutations are rare, these segregate in individuals with early-onset severe obesity; thus, collectively genetic etiologies are not as rare. Some genetic conditions are amenable to targeted treatment. Research into the discovery of novel genetic causes as well as targeted treatment is growing over time. The utility of therapeutic strategies based on the genetic risk of obesity is an advancing frontier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Zuccaro
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Charles A LeDuc
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1150, St. Nicholas Avenue, NY 10032, United States
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Vidhu V Thaker
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1150, St. Nicholas Avenue, NY 10032, United States.
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, United States.
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, United States.
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2
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Liu H, Liu Z, Wong HK, Xu N, Liu Q, Li Y, Liu Y, Wong H, Burt ME, Jossy SV, Han J, He Y. Therapeutic Strategies Against Metabolic Imbalance in a Male Mouse Model With 5-HT2CR Loss-of-Function. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae063. [PMID: 38815086 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR)-melanocortin pathway plays well-established roles in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight homeostasis. Dysfunctions in this system, such as loss-of-function mutations in the Htr2c gene, can lead to hyperphagia and obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic strategies for ameliorating hyperphagia, hyperglycemia, and obesity associated with a loss-of-function mutation in the Htr2c gene (Htr2cF327L/Y). We demonstrated that reexpressing functional 5-HT2CR solely in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons is sufficient to reduce food intake and body weight in Htr2cF327L/Y mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). In addition, 5-HT2CR expression restores the responsiveness of POMC neurons to lorcaserin, a selective agonist for 5-HT2CR. Similarly, administration of melanotan II, an agonist of the melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), effectively suppresses feeding and weight gain in Htr2cF327L/Y mice. Strikingly, promoting wheel-running activity in Htr2cF327L/Y mice results in a decrease in HFD consumption and improved glucose homeostasis. Together, our findings underscore the crucial role of the melanocortin system in alleviating hyperphagia and obesity related to dysfunctions of the 5-HT2CR, and further suggest that MC4R agonists and lifestyle interventions might hold promise in counteracting hyperphagia, hyperglycemia, and obesity in individuals carrying rare variants of the Htr2c gene.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Hyperphagia/metabolism
- Hyperphagia/genetics
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/metabolism
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/genetics
- Diet, High-Fat
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/metabolism
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/agonists
- alpha-MSH/pharmacology
- alpha-MSH/analogs & derivatives
- Loss of Function Mutation
- Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Eating/drug effects
- Eating/physiology
- Eating/genetics
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Hyperglycemia/metabolism
- Hyperglycemia/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Benzazepines
- Peptides, Cyclic
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Liu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhaoxun Liu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - HueyXian Kelly Wong
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nathan Xu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qingzhuo Liu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongxiang Li
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yao Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - HueyZhong Wong
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Megan E Burt
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanika V Jossy
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junying Han
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang He
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Rajcsanyi LS, Zheng Y, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Seitz J, de Zwaan M, Herzog W, Ehrlich S, Zipfel S, Giel K, Egberts K, Burghardt R, Föcker M, Antel J, Fischer-Posovszky P, Hebebrand J, Hinney A. Unexpected identification of obesity-associated mutations in LEP and MC4R genes in patients with anorexia nervosa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7067. [PMID: 38528040 PMCID: PMC10963783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57517-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations leading to a reduced or loss of function in genes of the leptin-melanocortin system confer a risk for monogenic forms of obesity. Yet, gain of function variants in the melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) gene predispose to a lower BMI. In individuals with reduced body weight, we thus expected mutations leading to an enhanced function in the respective genes, like leptin (LEP) and MC4R. Therefore, we have Sanger sequenced the coding regions of LEP and MC4R in 462 female patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), and 445 healthy-lean controls. In total, we have observed four and eight variants in LEP and MC4R, respectively. Previous studies showed different functional in vitro effects for the detected frameshift and non-synonymous variants: (1) LEP: reduced/loss of function (p.Val94Met), (2) MC4R: gain of function (p.Val103Ile, p.Ile251Leu), reduced or loss of function (p.Thr112Met, p.Ser127Leu, p.Leu211fsX) and without functional in vitro data (p.Val50Leut). In LEP, the variant p.Val94Met was detected in one patient with AN. For MC4R variants, one patient with AN carried the frameshift variant p.Leu211fsX. One patient with AN was heterozygous for two variants at the MC4R (p.Val103Ile and p.Ser127Leu). All other functionally relevant variants were detected in similar frequencies in patients with AN and lean individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Sophie Rajcsanyi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Section for Molecular Genetics of Mental Disorders, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Yiran Zheng
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martina de Zwaan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herzog
- Department of Internal Medicine II, General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center of Excellence in Eating Disorders KOMET, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Giel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center of Excellence in Eating Disorders KOMET, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Egberts
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Burghardt
- Oberberg Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Fasanenkiez, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel Föcker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
- LWL-University Hospital Hamm for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Hamm, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Section for Molecular Genetics of Mental Disorders, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Thompson MD, Percy ME, Cole DEC, Bichet DG, Hauser AS, Gorvin CM. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) gene variants and human genetic disease. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38497103 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2286606] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Genetic variations in the genes encoding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can disrupt receptor structure and function, which can result in human genetic diseases. Disease-causing mutations have been reported in at least 55 GPCRs for more than 66 monogenic diseases in humans. The spectrum of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants includes loss of function variants that decrease receptor signaling on one extreme and gain of function that may result in biased signaling or constitutive activity, originally modeled on prototypical rhodopsin GPCR variants identified in retinitis pigmentosa, on the other. GPCR variants disrupt ligand binding, G protein coupling, accessory protein function, receptor desensitization and receptor recycling. Next generation sequencing has made it possible to identify variants of uncertain significance (VUS). We discuss variants in receptors known to result in disease and in silico strategies for disambiguation of VUS such as sorting intolerant from tolerant and polymorphism phenotyping. Modeling of variants has contributed to drug development and precision medicine, including drugs that target the melanocortin receptor in obesity and interventions that reverse loss of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor from the cell surface in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Activating and inactivating variants of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) gene that are pathogenic in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia have enabled the development of calcimimetics and calcilytics. Next generation sequencing has continued to identify variants in GPCR genes, including orphan receptors, that contribute to human phenotypes and may have therapeutic potential. Variants of the CaSR gene, some encoding an arginine-rich region that promotes receptor phosphorylation and intracellular retention, have been linked to an idiopathic epilepsy syndrome. Agnostic strategies have identified variants of the pyroglutamylated RF amide peptide receptor gene in intellectual disability and G protein-coupled receptor 39 identified in psoriatic arthropathy. Coding variants of the G protein-coupled receptor L1 (GPR37L1) orphan receptor gene have been identified in a rare familial progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The study of the role of GPCR variants in monogenic, Mendelian phenotypes has provided the basis of modeling the significance of more common variants of pharmacogenetic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles D Thompson
- Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maire E Percy
- Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David E C Cole
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel G Bichet
- Department of Physiology and Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexander S Hauser
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline M Gorvin
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
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5
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Knihs VM, Filippin-Monteiro FB. GLP1R (glucagon-like-peptide-1 incretin receptor), diabetes and obesity phenotypes: An in silico approach revealed new pathogenic variants. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2024; 18:102956. [PMID: 38364583 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.102956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor belongs to the B family of G protein-coupled receptors, serving as a binding protein in membranes and is widely expressed in human tissues. Upon stimulation by its agonist, the glucagon-like peptide-1, the receptor plays a role in glucose metabolism, enhancing insulin secretion, and regulating appetite in the hypothalamus. Mutations in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor gene can lead to physiological changes that may explain phenotypic variations in individuals with obesity and diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate missense variants of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor gene. METHODS Data mining was performed on the single nucleotide polymorphism database, retrieving a total of 16,399 variants. Among them, 356 were missense. These 356 variants were analyzed using the PolyPhen-2 and filtered based on allele frequency, resulting in 6 pathogenic variants. RESULTS D344E, A239T, R310Q, R227H, R421P, and R176G were analyzed using four different prediction tools. The D344E and A239T resulted in larger amino acid residues compared to their wild-type counterparts. The D344E showed a slightly destabilized structure, while A239T affected the transmembrane helices. Conversely, the R310Q, R227H, R421P, and R176G resulted in smaller amino acid residues than the wild-type, leading to a loss of positive charge and increased hydrophobicity. Particularly, the R421P, due to the presence of proline, significantly destabilized the α-helix structure and caused severe damage to the receptor. CONCLUSION Elucidating the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor variants and their potentially detrimental effects on receptor functionality can contribute to an understanding of metabolic diseases and the response to available pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Matheus Knihs
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040900, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Branco Filippin-Monteiro
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040900, Brazil.
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Huang L, Deng X, Yang X, Tang Z, Fan S, Zhou Z, Tao M, Liu S. Cloning, distribution, and effects of growth regulation of MC3R and MC4R in red crucian carp ( Carassius auratus red var.). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1310000. [PMID: 38322156 PMCID: PMC10846643 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1310000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R), G protein-coupled receptors, play vital roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis. To understand the functions of mc3r and mc4r in the energy homeostasis of red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var., RCC), we cloned mc3r and mc4r, analyzed the tissue expression and localization of the genes, and investigated the effects of knockout of mc3r (mc3r +/-) and mc4r (mc4r +/-) in RCC. Results The full-length cDNAs of RCC mc3r and mc4r were 1459 base pairs (bp) and 1894 bp, respectively. qRT-PCR indicated that mc3r and mc4r were profusely expressed in the brain, but lower expressed in the periphery tissues. ISH revealed that mc3r and mc4r were located in NPP, NPO, NAPv, NSC, NAT, NRL, NLTl, and NLTp of the brain, suggesting that mc3r and mc4r might regulate many physiological and behavioral aspects in RCC. To further verify the roles of mc3r and mc4r in energy homeostasis, the mc3r+/- and mc4r+/- fish were obtained by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The average body weights, total lengths, body depths, and food intake of mc4r+/- fish were significantly higher than those of mc3r+/- and the normal wild-type (WT) fish, but there was no difference between the mc3r+/- and WT fish, indicating that the RCC phenotype and food intake were mainly influenced by mc4r but not mc3r. Interestingly, mc4r+/- fish displayed more visceral fat mass than mc3r+/- and WT fish, and mc3r+/- fish also exhibited slightly more visceral fat mass compared to WT. RNA-seq of the liver and muscle revealed that a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) differed in WT vs. mc3r+/-, WT vs. mc4r+/-, and mc3r+/- vs. mc4r+/-, mainly related to lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. The KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways such as steroid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, wnt signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway, thereby affecting lipid accumulation and growth. Conclusion In conclusion, these results will assist in the further investigation of the molecular mechanisms in which MC3R and MC4R were involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Metzger PJ, Zhang A, Carlson BA, Sun H, Cui Z, Li Y, Jahnke MT, Layton DR, Gupta MB, Liu N, Kostenis E, Gavrilova O, Chen M, Weinstein LS. A human obesity-associated MC4R mutation with defective Gq/11α signaling leads to hyperphagia in mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e165418. [PMID: 38175730 PMCID: PMC10869179 DOI: 10.1172/jci165418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) mutations are the most common cause of human monogenic obesity and are associated with hyperphagia and increased linear growth. While MC4R is known to activate Gsα/cAMP signaling, a substantial proportion of obesity-associated MC4R mutations do not affect MC4R/Gsα signaling. To further explore the role of specific MC4R signaling pathways in the regulation of energy balance, we examined the signaling properties of one such mutant, MC4R (F51L), as well as the metabolic consequences of MC4RF51L mutation in mice. The MC4RF51L mutation produced a specific defect in MC4R/Gq/11α signaling and led to obesity, hyperphagia, and increased linear growth in mice. The ability of a melanocortin agonist to acutely inhibit food intake when delivered to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was lost in MC4RF51L mice, as well as in WT mice in which a specific Gq/11α inhibitor was delivered to the PVN; this provided evidence that a Gsα-independent signaling pathway, namely Gq/11α, significantly contributes to the actions of MC4R on food intake and linear growth. These results suggest that a biased MC4R agonist that primarily activates Gq/11α may be a potential agent to treat obesity with limited untoward cardiovascular and other side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hui Sun
- Metabolic Diseases Branch and
| | - Zhenzhong Cui
- Mouse Metabolism Core Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Naili Liu
- Mouse Metabolism Core Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Molecular, Cellular, and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oksana Gavrilova
- Mouse Metabolism Core Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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8
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Han JC, Rasmussen MC, Forte AR, Schrage SB, Zafar SK, Haqq AM. Management of Monogenic and Syndromic Obesity. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2023; 52:733-750. [PMID: 37919024 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Similar to the general population, lifestyle interventions focused on nutrition and physical activity form the foundation for treating obesity caused by rare genetic disorders. Additional therapies, including metreleptin and setmelanotide, that target defects within the leptin signaling pathway can effectively synergize with lifestyle efforts to treat monogenic disorders of leptin, leptin receptor, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) and syndromic conditions, such as the ciliopathies Bardet-Biedl and Alström syndromes, whose pathophysiological mechanisms also converge on the leptin pathway. Investigational treatments for Prader-Willi syndrome target specific defects caused by reduced expression of paternally derived genes within the chromosome 15q region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan C Han
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Marcus C Rasmussen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison R Forte
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie B Schrage
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah K Zafar
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea M Haqq
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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9
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Heo G, Lee SH, Kim JD, Lee GH, Sim JM, Zhou D, Guo J, Cui XS. GRP78 acts as a cAMP/PKA signaling modulator through the MC4R pathway in porcine embryonic development. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23274. [PMID: 37917004 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301356r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) binds to and stabilizes melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which activates protein kinase A (PKA) by regulating G proteins. GRP78 is primarily used as a marker for endoplasmic reticulum stress; however, its other functions have not been well studied. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the function of GRP78 during porcine embryonic development. The developmental quality of porcine embryos, expression of cell cycle proteins, and function of mitochondria were evaluated by inhibiting the function of GRP78. Porcine oocytes were activated to undergo parthenogenesis, and blastocysts were obtained after 7 days of in vitro culture. GRP78 function was inhibited by adding 20 μM HA15 to the in vitro culture medium. The inhibition in GRP78 function led to a decrease in G proteins release, which subsequently downregulated the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/PKA pathway. Ultimately, inhibition of GRP78 function induced the inhibition of CDK1 and cyclin B expression and disruption of the cell cycle. In addition, inhibition of GRP78 function regulated DRP1 and SIRT1 expression, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. This study provides new insights into the role of GRP78 in porcine embryonic development, particularly its involvement in the regulation of the MC4R pathway and downstream cAMP/PKA signaling. The results suggest that the inhibition of GRP78 function in porcine embryos by HA15 treatment may have negative effects on embryo quality and development. This study also demonstrated that GRP78 plays a crucial role in the functioning of MC4R, which releases the G protein during porcine embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geun Heo
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Hee Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Dam Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Hyun Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Min Sim
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jing Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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10
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Liu R, Friedrich M, Hemmen K, Jansen K, Adolfi MC, Schartl M, Heinze KG. Dimerization of melanocortin 4 receptor controls puberty onset and body size polymorphism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1267590. [PMID: 38027153 PMCID: PMC10667928 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1267590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Xiphophorus fish exhibit a clear phenotypic polymorphism in puberty onset and reproductive strategies of males. In X. nigrensis and X. multilineatus, puberty onset is genetically determined and linked to a melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r) polymorphism of wild-type and mutant alleles on the sex chromosomes. We hypothesized that Mc4r mutant alleles act on wild-type alleles by a dominant negative effect through receptor dimerization, leading to differential intracellular signaling and effector gene activation. Depending on signaling strength, the onset of puberty either occurs early or is delayed. Here, we show by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) that wild-type Xiphophorus Mc4r monomers can form homodimers, but also heterodimers with mutant receptors resulting in compromised signaling which explains the reduced Mc4r signaling in large males. Thus, hetero- vs. homo- dimerization seems to be the key molecular mechanism for the polymorphism in puberty onset and body size in male fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Liu
- Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translation Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mike Friedrich
- Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translation Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Katherina Hemmen
- Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translation Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Jansen
- Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translation Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mateus C. Adolfi
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Katrin G. Heinze
- Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translation Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Wuerzburg, Germany
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11
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Ross RA, Kim A, Das P, Li Y, Choi YK, Thompson AT, Douglas E, Subramanian S, Ramos K, Callahan K, Bolshakov VY, Ressler KJ. Prefrontal cortex melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) mediate food intake behavior in male mice. Physiol Behav 2023; 269:114280. [PMID: 37369302 PMCID: PMC10528493 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) activity in the hypothalamus is crucial for regulation of metabolism and food intake. The peptide ligands for the MC4R are associated with feeding, energy expenditure, and also with complex behaviors that orchestrate energy intake and expenditure, but the downstream neuroanatomical and neurochemical targets associated with these behaviors are elusive. In addition to strong expression in the hypothalamus, the MC4R is highly expressed in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region involved in executive function and decision-making. METHODS Using viral techniques in genetically modified male mice combined with molecular techniques, we identify and define the effects on feeding behavior of a novel population of MC4R expressing neurons in the infralimbic (IL) region of the cortex. RESULTS Here, we describe a novel population of MC4R-expressing neurons in the IL of the mouse prefrontal cortex that are glutamatergic, receive input from melanocortinergic neurons, and project to multiple regions that coordinate appetitive responses to food-related stimuli. The neurons are stimulated by application of MC4R-specific peptidergic agonist, THIQ. Deletion of MC4R from the IL neurons causes increased food intake and body weight gain and impaired executive function in simple food-related behavior tasks. CONCLUSION Together, these data suggest that MC4R neurons of the IL play a critical role in the regulation of food intake in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Ross
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Angela Kim
- Department of Endocrinology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Priyanka Das
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kat Ramos
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Callahan
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vadim Y Bolshakov
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Sweeney P, Gimenez LE, Hernandez CC, Cone RD. Targeting the central melanocortin system for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:507-519. [PMID: 37365323 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
A large body of preclinical and clinical data shows that the central melanocortin system is a promising therapeutic target for treating various metabolic disorders such as obesity and cachexia, as well as anorexia nervosa. Setmelanotide, which functions by engaging the central melanocortin circuitry, was approved by the FDA in 2020 for use in certain forms of syndromic obesity. Furthermore, the FDA approvals in 2019 of two peptide drugs targeting melanocortin receptors for the treatment of generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (bremelanotide) and erythropoietic protoporphyria-associated phototoxicity (afamelanotide) demonstrate the safety of this class of peptides. These approvals have also renewed excitement in the development of therapeutics targeting the melanocortin system. Here, we review the anatomy and function of the melanocortin system, discuss progress and challenges in developing melanocortin receptor-based therapeutics, and outline potential metabolic and behavioural disorders that could be addressed using pharmacological agents targeting these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sweeney
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Luis E Gimenez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Literature Science and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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13
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Gong Y, Wu Q, Huang S, Fu Z, Ye J, Liu R, Lin S, Guan W, Yang N, Li JZ, Liang H, Zhou H. Functional Characterization of MC4R Variants in Chinese Morbid Obese Patients and Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300007. [PMID: 37140139 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in MC4R are the most common genetic cause of obesity. In the reported Chinese morbid obesity cohort, 10 out of 59 harbor six MC4R variants, including Y35C, T53I, V103I, R165W, G233S, and C277X, among which V103I has a relatively high frequency, while other five variants are rare in the population. The prevalence of MC4R carriers in Chinese morbid obese patients (body mass index ≥ 45 kg m-2 ) is detected as 16.9% in this study. R165W and C277X are loss-of-function variants. The patient with R165W achieves excess weight loss (%EWL) as high as 20.6% and 50.3% at 1 and 8 months after surgery, respectively. G233S is reported for the first time in Asia obese population. The patient harboring G233S has a %EWL as 23.3% one month postsurgery. It is concluded that morbid obese patients with rare MC4R variants can benefit from metabolic surgery. More importantly, the choice of surgery procedure and MC4R variant should be taken into consideration for personalized treatment. In the future, a larger size cohort, accompanied with regular and longer follow-up, would be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyun Gong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qinyi Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Shushu Huang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Zhenzhen Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jingya Ye
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ruiping Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Shibo Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ningli Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - John Zhong Li
- The Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, Shanghai, 200232, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Hongwen Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, Shanghai, 200232, China
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14
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Wei R, Li D, Jia S, Chen Y, Wang J. MC4R in Central and Peripheral Systems. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300035. [PMID: 37043700 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Obesity has emerged as a critical and urgent health burden during the current global pandemic. Among multiple genetic causes, melanocortin receptor-4 (MC4R), involved in food intake and energy metabolism regulation through various signaling pathways, has been reported to be the lead genetic factor in severe and early onset obesity and hyperphagia disorders. Most previous studies have illustrated the roles of MC4R signaling in energy intake versus expenditure in the central system, while some evidence indicates that MC4R is also expressed in peripheral systems, such as the gut and endocrine organs. However, its physiopathological function remains poorly defined. This review aims to depict the central and peripheral roles of MC4R in energy metabolism and endocrine hormone homeostasis, the diversity of phenotypes, biased downstream signaling caused by distinct MC4R mutations, and current drug development targeting the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Wei
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Danjie Li
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Sheng Jia
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jiqiu Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
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15
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Zhang SX, Kim A, Madara JC, Zhu PK, Christenson LF, Lutas A, Kalugin PN, Jin Y, Pal A, Tian L, Lowell BB, Andermann ML. Competition between stochastic neuropeptide signals calibrates the rate of satiation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3185572. [PMID: 37546985 PMCID: PMC10402269 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3185572/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
We investigated how transmission of hunger- and satiety-promoting neuropeptides, NPY and αMSH, is integrated at the level of intracellular signaling to control feeding. Receptors for these peptides use the second messenger cAMP. How cAMP integrates opposing peptide signals to regulate energy balance, and the in vivo spatiotemporal dynamics of endogenous peptidergic signaling, remain largely unknown. We show that AgRP axon stimulation in the paraventricular hypothalamus evokes probabilistic NPY release that triggers stochastic cAMP decrements in downstream MC4R-expressing neurons (PVHMC4R). Meanwhile, POMC axon stimulation triggers stochastic, αMSH-dependent cAMP increments. Release of either peptide impacts a ~100 μm diameter region, and when these peptide signals overlap, they compete to control cAMP. The competition is reflected by hunger-state-dependent differences in the amplitude and persistence of cAMP transients: hunger peptides are more efficacious in the fasted state, satiety peptides in the fed state. Feeding resolves the competition by simultaneously elevating αMSH release and suppressing NPY release, thereby sustaining elevated cAMP in PVHMC4R neurons. In turn, cAMP potentiates feeding-related excitatory inputs and promotes satiation across minutes. Our findings highlight how biochemical integration of opposing, quantal peptide signals during energy intake orchestrates a gradual transition between stable states of hunger and satiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen X Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Co-corresponding authors
| | - Angela Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Joseph C Madara
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Paula K Zhu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lauren F Christenson
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Andrew Lutas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Present address: Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter N Kalugin
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yihan Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Akash Pal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Bradford B Lowell
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mark L Andermann
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Co-corresponding authors
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16
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Zhang SX, Kim A, Madara JC, Zhu PK, Christenson LF, Lutas A, Kalugin PN, Jin Y, Pal A, Tian L, Lowell BB, Andermann ML. Competition between stochastic neuropeptide signals calibrates the rate of satiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.11.548551. [PMID: 37503012 PMCID: PMC10369917 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.11.548551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
We investigated how transmission of hunger- and satiety-promoting neuropeptides, NPY and αMSH, is integrated at the level of intracellular signaling to control feeding. Receptors for these peptides use the second messenger cAMP, but the messenger's spatiotemporal dynamics and role in energy balance are controversial. We show that AgRP axon stimulation in the paraventricular hypothalamus evokes probabilistic and spatially restricted NPY release that triggers stochastic cAMP decrements in downstream MC4R-expressing neurons (PVH MC4R ). Meanwhile, POMC axon stimulation triggers stochastic, αMSH-dependent cAMP increments. NPY and αMSH competitively control cAMP, as reflected by hunger-state-dependent differences in the amplitude and persistence of cAMP transients evoked by each peptide. During feeding bouts, elevated αMSH release and suppressed NPY release cooperatively sustain elevated cAMP in PVH MC4R neurons, thereby potentiating feeding-related excitatory inputs and promoting satiation across minutes. Our findings highlight how state-dependent integration of opposing, quantal peptidergic events by a common biochemical target calibrates energy intake.
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17
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Botha R, Kumar SS, Grimsey NL, Mountjoy KG. A unique melanocortin-4-receptor signaling profile for obesity-associated constitutively active variants. J Mol Endocrinol 2023; 71:e230008. [PMID: 37040537 PMCID: PMC10304906 DOI: 10.1530/jme-23-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis. Studies on obesogenic human MC4R (hMC4R) variants have not yet revealed how hMC4R maintains body weight. Here, we identified a signaling profile for obesogenic constitutively active H76R and L250Q hMC4R variants transfected in HEK293 cells that included constitutive activity for adenylyl cyclase (AC), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element (CRE)-driven transcription, and calcium mobilization but not phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) activity. Importantly, the signaling profile included impaired α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced CRE-driven transcription but not impaired α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced AC, calcium, or pERK1/2. This profile was not observed for transfected H158R, a constitutively active hMC4R variant associated with overweight but not obesity. We concluded that there is potential for α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced CRE-driven transcription in HEK293 cells transfected with obesogenic hMC4R variants to be the key predictive tool for determining whether they exhibit loss of function. Furthermore, in vivo, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced hMC4R CRE-driven transcription may be key for maintaining body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikus Botha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shree S Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha L Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathleen G Mountjoy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
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18
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Faccioli N, Poitou C, Clément K, Dubern B. Current Treatments for Patients with Genetic Obesity. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2023; 15:108-119. [PMID: 37191347 PMCID: PMC10234057 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2023.2023-3-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity derives from impaired central control of body weight, implying interaction between environment and an individual genetic predisposition. Genetic obesities, including monogenic and syndromic obesities, are rare and complex neuro-endocrine pathologies where the genetic contribution is predominant. Severe and early-onset obesity with eating disorders associated with frequent comorbidities make these diseases challenging. Their current estimated prevalence of 5-10% in severely obese children is probably underestimated due to the limited access to genetic diagnosis. A central alteration of hypothalamic regulation of weight implies that the leptin-melanocortin pathway is responsible for the symptoms. The management of genetic obesity has so far been only based, above all, on lifestyle intervention, especially regarding nutrition and physical activity. New therapeutic options have emerged in the last years for these patients, raising great hope to manage their complex situation and improve quality of life. Implementation of genetic diagnosis in clinical practice is thus of paramount importance to allow individualized care. This review describes the current clinical management of genetic obesity and the evidence on which it is based. Some insights will also be provided into new therapies under evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Faccioli
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Pediatric Nutrition and Gastroenterology, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition and Obesity: Systemic Approaches, NutriOmics, Research Unit, Paris, France
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases (PRADORT, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Other Rare Forms of Obesity with Eating Behavior Disorders), Paris, France
| | - Christine Poitou
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition and Obesity: Systemic Approaches, NutriOmics, Research Unit, Paris, France
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases (PRADORT, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Other Rare Forms of Obesity with Eating Behavior Disorders), Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Nutrition Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Karine Clément
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition and Obesity: Systemic Approaches, NutriOmics, Research Unit, Paris, France
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases (PRADORT, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Other Rare Forms of Obesity with Eating Behavior Disorders), Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Nutrition Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Béatrice Dubern
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Pediatric Nutrition and Gastroenterology, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition and Obesity: Systemic Approaches, NutriOmics, Research Unit, Paris, France
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases (PRADORT, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Other Rare Forms of Obesity with Eating Behavior Disorders), Paris, France
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19
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Jamaluddin A, Gorvin CM. RISING STARS: Targeting G protein-coupled receptors to regulate energy homeostasis. J Mol Endocrinol 2023; 70:e230014. [PMID: 36943057 PMCID: PMC10160555 DOI: 10.1530/jme-23-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have a critical role in energy homeostasis, contributing to food intake, energy expenditure and glycaemic control. Dysregulation of energy expenditure can lead to metabolic syndrome (abdominal obesity, elevated plasma triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and glucose, and high blood pressure), which is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular complications. As the prevalence of these chronic diseases continues to rise worldwide, there is an increased need to understand the molecular mechanisms by which energy expenditure is regulated to facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies to treat and prevent these conditions. In recent years, drugs targeting GPCRs have been the focus of efforts to improve treatments for type-2 diabetes and obesity, with GLP-1R agonists a particular success. In this review, we focus on nine GPCRs with roles in energy homeostasis that are current and emerging targets to treat obesity and diabetes. We discuss findings from pre-clinical models and clinical trials of drugs targeting these receptors and challenges that must be overcome before these drugs can be routinely used in clinics. We also describe new insights into how these receptors signal, including how accessory proteins, biased signalling, and complex spatial signalling could provide unique opportunities to develop more efficacious therapies with fewer side effects. Finally, we describe how combined therapies, in which multiple GPCRs are targeted, may improve clinical outcomes and reduce off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqfan Jamaluddin
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR) and Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (CEDAM), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Caroline M Gorvin
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR) and Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (CEDAM), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Birmingham, UK
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20
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Agarwal M, Sharma A, Kagoo R A, Bhargava A. Interactions between genes altered during cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in zebrafish revealed using induced network modules analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6257. [PMID: 37069190 PMCID: PMC10110561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
As the manufacturing and development of new synthetic compounds increase to keep pace with the expanding global demand, adverse health effects due to these compounds are emerging as critical public health concerns. Zebrafish have become a prominent model organism to study toxicology due to their genomic similarity to humans, optical clarity, well-defined developmental stages, short generation time, and cost-effective maintenance. It also provides a shorter time frame for in vivo toxicology evaluation compared to the mammalian experimental systems. Here, we used meta-analysis to examine the alteration in genes during cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in zebrafish, caused by chemical exposure of any kind. First, we searched the literature comprehensively for genes that are altered during neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity followed by meta-analysis using ConsensusPathDB. Since constant communication between the heart and the brain is an important physiological phenomenon, we also analyzed interactions among genes altered simultaneously during cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity using induced network modules analysis in ConsensusPathDB. We observed inflammation and regeneration as the major pathways involved in cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. A large number of intermediate genes and input genes anchored in these pathways are molecular regulators of cell cycle progression and cell death and are implicated in tumor manifestation. We propose potential predictive biomarkers for neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity and the major pathways potentially implicated in the manifestation of a particular toxicity phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manusmriti Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Telangana, 502284, India
| | - Ankush Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Telangana, 502284, India
| | - Andrea Kagoo R
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Telangana, 502284, India
| | - Anamika Bhargava
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Telangana, 502284, India.
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21
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Fernández E, McCarthy CI, Cerviño RH, Rodríguez SS, Yaneff A, Hernández J, Garrido V, Di Rocco F, Raingo J. Functional alterations of two novel MC4R mutations found in Argentinian pediatric patients with early onset obesity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 559:111777. [PMID: 36210601 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) are the most common cause of monogenic obesity, a severe type of early-onset obesity. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of MC4R mutations in a cohort of 97 Argentinian children with early-onset obesity. We found two novel mutations (p.V52E and p.G233S) and estimated a prevalence of 2.1%. We investigated the pathogenicity of mutations in HEK293T cells expressing wild-type or mutant MC4R and found that both mutants exhibited reduced plasma membrane expression and altered agonist-induced cAMP responses, with no changes in basal activity. Besides, MC4R G233S mutant demonstrated an altered agonist-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels type 2.2. Results using a Gαs protein inhibitor suggest that the G233S mutation could be recruiting a different G-protein signaling pathway. The identification of new mutations in MC4R and characterization of their functional impact provide tools for the diagnosis and treatment of monogenic obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Fernández
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Clara Inés McCarthy
- Laboratorio de Electrofisiología, IMBICE, CONICET, UNLP y CIC-PBA, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ramiro Hector Cerviño
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA, UBA, CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Silvia Susana Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Electrofisiología, IMBICE, CONICET, UNLP y CIC-PBA, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Agustín Yaneff
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA, UBA, CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Julieta Hernández
- Servicio de Nutrición del Hospital de Niños "Sor María Ludovica" de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Verónica Garrido
- Servicio de Nutrición del Hospital de Niños "Sor María Ludovica" de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Florencia Di Rocco
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Jesica Raingo
- Laboratorio de Electrofisiología, IMBICE, CONICET, UNLP y CIC-PBA, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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22
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Reynaud S, Laurin SA, Ciolek J, Barbe P, Van Baelen AC, Susset M, Blondel F, Ghazarian M, Boeri J, Vanden Driessche M, Upert G, Mourier G, Kessler P, Konnert L, Beroud R, Keck M, Servent D, Bouvier M, Gilles N. From a Cone Snail Toxin to a Competitive MC4R Antagonist. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12084-12094. [PMID: 36063022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) plays a role in energy homeostasis and represents a target for treating energy balance disorders. For decades, synthetic ligands have been derived from MC4R endogenous agonists and antagonists, such as setmelanotide used to treat rare forms of genetic obesity. Recently, animal venoms have demonstrated their capacity to provide melanocortin ligands with toxins from a scorpion and a spider. Here, we described a cone snail toxin, N-CTX-Ltg1a, with a nanomolar affinity for hMC4R but unrelated to any known toxins or melanocortin ligands. We then derived from the conotoxin the linear peptide HT1-0, a competitive antagonist of Gs, G15, and β-arrestin2 pathways with a low nanomolar affinity for hMC4R. Similar to endogenous ligands, HT1-0 needs hydrophobic and basic residues to bind hMC4R. Altogether, it represents the first venom-derived peptide of high affinity on MC4R and paves the way for the development of new MC4R antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Reynaud
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Suli-Anne Laurin
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Justyna Ciolek
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Peggy Barbe
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Van Baelen
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Michaël Susset
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Florian Blondel
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Marine Ghazarian
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Julia Boeri
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Margot Vanden Driessche
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Grégory Upert
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Gilles Mourier
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Pascal Kessler
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Laure Konnert
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Rémy Beroud
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Mathilde Keck
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Denis Servent
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gilles
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
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23
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Ni Z, Wang Y, Shi C, Zhang X, Gong H, Dong Y. Islet MC4R Regulates PC1/3 to Improve Insulin Secretion in T2DM Mice via the cAMP and β-arrestin-1 Pathways. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:6164-6178. [PMID: 35900711 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in energy balance regulation and insulin secretion. It has been demonstrated that in the pancreas, it is expressed in islet α and β cells, wherein it is significantly correlated with insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. However, the molecular mechanism by which it regulates islet function is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, our aim was to clarify the signaling and target genes involved in the regulation of insulin and GLP-1 secretion by islet MC4R. The results obtained showed that in islet cells, the expression of prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), which is correlated with islet GLP-1 and insulin secretion, increased significantly under the action of the MC4R agonist, NDP-α-MSH, but decreased under the action of the MC4R antagonist, AgRP. Additionally, we observed that to exert their regulatory functions in the islets, cAMP and β-arrestin-1 acted as important signaling mediators of MC4R, and compared with control islets, the cAMP, PKA, and β-arrestin-1 levels corresponding to NDP-α-MSH-treated islets were significantly elevated; however, in AgRP-treated islets, their levels decreased significantly. Islets treated with the PKA inhibitor, H89, and the ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, also showed significant decreases in PC1/3 expression level, indicating that the cAMP and β-arrestin-1 pathways are significantly correlated with PC1/3 expression. These findings suggest that islet MC4R possibly affects PC1/3 expression via the cAMP and β-arrestin-1 pathways to regulate GLP-1 and insulin secretion. These results provide a new theoretical basis for targeting the molecular mechanism of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaizhong Ni
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, 221018, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, 221018, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cong Shi
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, 221018, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinping Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi coal Central Hospital, 030006, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hao Gong
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, 221018, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuwei Dong
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, 221018, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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24
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Yan Y, Chi S, Liu G, Huang Y, Pan D, Jiang X. The c.612A>G mutation of MC4R affects constitutive activity and signaling in domestic goats. Anim Genet 2022; 53:665-675. [PMID: 35727803 DOI: 10.1111/age.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
As a key gene for balancing energy and regulating feeding behavior, MC4R is relevant to the growth of ruminants. In this presentation, a highly conserved c.612A>G site in the coding sequence (CDS) of MC4R has been selected during a selective sweep analysis of 35 Yiling goats and 20 other wild goats. This site mutation results in an amino acid change from Ile to Met. The genotyping analysis of the c.612A>G site revealed that the A allele was the dominant allele in the domestic goat populations, while the wild goat individuals only had the G allele. For a better understanding of the biological significance of this site, we examined the protein localization and signal detection to explain the function of the two MC4R receptors. The results showed that both the M204 and I204 receptors can normally localize on the membrane. When stimulating the M204 type without α-MSH, it was defective at the level of basal cAMP and decreased significantly against the I204 type. In contrast, the signaling capacity of the M204 receptor was also lower than that of I204 under the stimulation of α-MSH. In the ERK1/2 pathway, stimulating MC4R with NDP-α-MSH, both the M204 and I204 receptors had normal pERK1/2 levels. These results indicate that the p.I204M mutation may change the function by damaging the constitutive activity and signaling, and thus may regulate goats' appetite. This study has potential application for rearing domestic goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Yan
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaxuan Chi
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongjie Huang
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongmei Pan
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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25
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Detecting genetic epistasis by differential departure from independence. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:911-924. [PMID: 35606612 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01893-3] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Countering prior beliefs that epistasis is rare, genomics advancements suggest the other way. Current practice often filters out genomic loci with low variant counts before detecting epistasis. We argue that this practice is far from optimal because it can throw away strong epistatic patterns. Instead, we present the compensated Sharma-Song test to infer genetic epistasis in genome-wide association studies by differential departure from independence. The test does not require a minimum number of replicates for each variant. We also introduce algorithms to simulate epistatic patterns that differentially depart from independence. Using two simulators, the test performed comparably to the original Sharma-Song test when variant frequencies at a locus are marginally uniform; encouragingly, it has a marked advantage over alternatives when variant frequencies are marginally nonuniform. The test further revealed uniquely clean epistatic variants associated with chicken abdominal fat content that are not prioritized by other methods. Genes involved in most numbers of inferred epistasis between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) belong to pathways known for obesity regulation; many top SNPs are located on chromosome 20 and in intergenic regions. Measuring differential departure from independence, the compensated Sharma-Song test offers a practical choice for studying epistasis robust to nonuniform genetic variant frequencies.
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26
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Tao YX. Mutations in melanocortin-4 receptor: From fish to men. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:215-257. [PMID: 35595350 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus, is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, including both food intake and energy expenditure. Shortly after the publication in 1997 of the Mc4r knockout phenotypes in mice, including increased food intake and severe obesity, the first mutations in MC4R were reported in humans in 1998. Studies in the subsequent two decades have established MC4R mutation as the most common monogenic form of obesity, especially in early-onset severe obesity. Studies in animals, from fish to mammals, have established the conserved physiological roles of MC4R in all vertebrates in regulating energy balance. Drug targeting MC4R has been recently approved for treating morbid genetic obesity. How the MC4R can be exploited for animal production is highly worthy of active investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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27
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Farooqi IS. Monogenic Obesity Syndromes Provide Insights Into the Hypothalamic Regulation of Appetite and Associated Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:856-859. [PMID: 35369984 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal circuits within the hypothalamus play a critical role in the homeostatic regulation of body weight. By disrupting the development or function of these circuits, human monogenic disorders cause hyperphagia (increased food intake), neuroendocrine abnormalities, impaired sympathetic nervous system activation, and obesity. Some genetic disorders also cause maladaptive behaviors such as anxiety, autism, emotional lability, and aggression, highlighting the role of the specific molecules expressed by these hypothalamic neurons in the regulation of innate behaviors that are essential to survival. These findings inform understanding of a wide range of clinical disorders and highlight the challenges associated with targeting these hypothalamic pathways for weight loss therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Sadaf Farooqi
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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28
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Fatima MT, Ahmed I, Fakhro KA, Akil ASA. Melanocortin-4 receptor complexity in energy homeostasis,obesity and drug development strategies. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:583-598. [PMID: 34882941 PMCID: PMC9302617 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) has been critically investigated for the past two decades, and novel findings regarding MC4R signalling and its potential exploitation in weight loss therapy have lately been emphasized. An association between MC4R and obesity is well established, with disease-causing mutations affecting 1% to 6% of obese patients. More than 200 MC4R variants have been reported, although conflicting results as to their effects have been found in different cohorts. Most notably, some MC4R gain-of-function variants seem to rescue obesity and related complications via specific pathways such as beta-arrestin (ß-arrestin) recruitment. Broadly speaking, however, dysfunctional MC4R dysregulates satiety and induces hyperphagia. The picture at the mechanistic level is complicated as, in addition to the canonical G stimulatory pathway, the ß-arrestin signalling pathway and ions (particularly calcium) seem to interact with MC4R signalling to contribute to or alleviate obesity pathogenesis. Thus, the overall complexity of the MC4R signalling spectra has broadened considerably, indicating there is great potential for the development of new drugs to manage obesity and its related complications. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone is the major endogenous MC4R agonist, but structure-based ligand discovery studies have identified possible superior and selective agonists that can improve MC4R function. However, some of these agonists characterized in vitro and in vivo confer adverse effects in patients, as demonstrated in clinical trials. In this review, we provide a comprehensive insight into the genetics, function and regulation of MC4R and its contribution to obesity. We also outline new approaches in drug development and emerging drug candidates to treat obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munazza Tamkeen Fatima
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Medicine DivisionResearch Branch, Sidra MedicineDohaQatar
| | - Ikhlak Ahmed
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Medicine DivisionResearch Branch, Sidra MedicineDohaQatar
| | - Khalid Adnan Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Medicine DivisionResearch Branch, Sidra MedicineDohaQatar
- Department of Genetic MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineDohaQatar
- College of Health and Life SciencesHamad Bin Khalifa UniversityDohaQatar
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29
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Curtis D. Weighted burden analysis in 200,000 exome-sequenced subjects characterises rare variant effects on BMI. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:782-792. [PMID: 35067685 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-01053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A number of genes have been identified in which rare variants can cause obesity. Here we analyse a sample of exome sequenced subjects from UK Biobank using BMI as a phenotype with the aims of identifying genes in which rare, functional variants influence BMI and characterising the effects of different categories of variant. METHODS There were 199,807 exome sequenced subjects for whom BMI was recorded. Weighted burden analysis of rare, functional variants was carried out, incorporating population principal components and sex as covariates. For selected genes, additional analyses were carried out to clarify the contribution of different categories of variant. Statistical significance was summarised as the signed log 10 of the p value (SLP), given a positive sign if the weighted burden score was positively correlated with BMI. RESULTS Two genes were exome-wide significant, MC4R (SLP = 15.79) and PCSK1 (SLP = 6.61). In MC4R, disruptive variants were associated with an increase in BMI of 2.72 units and probably damaging nonsynonymous variants with an increase of 2.02 units. In PCSK1, disruptive variants were associated with a BMI increase of 2.29 and protein-altering variants with an increase of 0.34. Results for other genes were not formally significant after correction for multiple testing, although SIRT1, ZBED6 and NPC2 were noted to be of potential interest. CONCLUSION Because the UK Biobank consists of a self-selected sample of relatively healthy volunteers, the effect sizes noted may be underestimates. The results demonstrate the effects of very rare variants on BMI and suggest that other genes and variants will be definitively implicated when the sequence data for additional subjects becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Curtis
- UCL Genetics Institute, UCL, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
- Centre for Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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Goit RK, Taylor AW, Yin Lo AC. The central melanocortin system as a treatment target for obesity and diabetes: A brief overview. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 924:174956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Szalanczy AM, Key CCC, Woods LCS. Genetic variation in satiety signaling and hypothalamic inflammation: merging fields for the study of obesity. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 101:108928. [PMID: 34936921 PMCID: PMC8959400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although obesity has been a longstanding health crisis, the genetic architecture of the disease remains poorly understood. Genome-wide association studies have identified many genomic loci associated with obesity, with genes being enriched in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus. This points to the role of the central nervous system (CNS) in predisposition to obesity, and we emphasize here several key genes along the satiety signaling pathway involved in genetic susceptibility. Interest has also risen regarding the chronic, low-grade obesity-associated inflammation, with a growing concern toward inflammation in the hypothalamus as a precursor to obesity. Recent studies have found that genetic variation in inflammatory genes play a role in obesity susceptibility, and we highlight here several key genes. Despite the interest in the genetic variants of these pathways individually, there is a lack of research that investigates the relationship between the two. Understanding the interplay between genetic variation in obesity genes enriched in the CNS and inflammation genes will advance our understanding of obesity etiology and heterogeneity, improve genetic risk prediction analyses, and highlight new drug targets for the treatment of obesity. Additionally, this increased knowledge will assist in physician's ability to develop personalized nutrition and medication strategies for combating the obesity epidemic. Though it often seems to present universally, obesity is a highly individual disease, and there remains a need in the field to develop methods to treat at the individual level.
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Molecular profiling of melanocortin 4 receptor variants and agouti-related peptide interactions in morbid obese phenotype: a novel paradigm from molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Translational advances of melanocortin drugs: Integrating biology, chemistry and genetics. Semin Immunol 2022; 59:101603. [PMID: 35341670 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin receptors have emerged as important targets with a very unusual versatility, as their widespread distribution on multiple tissues (e.g. skin, adrenal glands, brain, immune cells, exocrine glands) together with the variety of physiological processes they control (pigmentation, cortisol release, satiety mechanism, inflammation, secretions), place this family of receptors as genuine therapeutic targets for many disorders. This review focuses in the journey of the development of melanocortin receptors as therapeutic targets from the discovery of their existence in the early 1990 s to the approval of the first few drugs of this class. Two major areas of development characterise the current state of melanocortin drug development: their role in obesity, recently culminated with the approval of setmelanotide, and their potential for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or fibrosis. The pro-resolving nature of these drugs offers the advantage of acting by mimicking the way our body naturally resolves inflammation, expecting fewer side effects and a more balanced (i.e. non-immunosuppressive) response from them. Here we also review the approaches followed for the design and development of novel compounds, the importance of the GPCR nature of these receptors in the process of drug development, therapeutic value, current challenges and successes, and the potential for the implementation of precision medicine approaches through the incorporation of genetics advances.
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Lindberg I, Fricker LD. Obesity, POMC, and POMC-processing Enzymes: Surprising Results From Animal Models. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6333651. [PMID: 34333593 PMCID: PMC8489426 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) are well-established neuropeptides and peptide hormones that perform multiple functions, including regulation of body weight. In humans and some animals, these peptides include α- and β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). In certain rodent species, no β-MSH is produced from POMC because of a change in the cleavage site. Enzymes that convert POMC into MSH include prohormone convertases (PCs), carboxypeptidases (CPs), and peptidyl-α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). Humans and mice with inactivating mutations in either PC1/3 or carboxypeptidase E (CPE) are obese, which was assumed to result from defective processing of POMC into MSH. However, recent studies have shown that selective loss of either PC1/3 or CPE in POMC-expressing cells does not cause obesity. These findings suggest that defects in POMC processing cannot alone account for the obesity observed in global PC1/3 or CPE mutants. We propose that obesity in animals lacking PC1/3 or CPE activity depends, at least in part, on deficient processing of peptides in non-POMC-expressing cells either in the brain and/or the periphery. Genetic background may also contribute to the manifestation of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
- Correspondence: I. Lindberg, PhD, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Lloyd D Fricker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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El Fessikh M, Belghiti H, Elkarhat Z, Guerinech H, Dakka N, El Baghdadi J. Identification of p.Met215Ile mutation of the MC4R gene in a Moroccan woman with obesity. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e05059. [PMID: 34815872 PMCID: PMC8593808 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening the MC4R gene showed one rare mutation p.Met215Ile in a Moroccan patient with morbid obesity, which leads to a change in the protein structure. The analysis of MC4R variants may be useful for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem El Fessikh
- Genetics UnitMilitary Hospital Mohammed VRabatMorocco
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, and Genomic Center of Human PathologiesFaculty of SciencesMohammed V University in RabatRabatMorocco
| | - Hakim Belghiti
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Hygiene and Collectivity Medicine WardMilitary Hospital Mohammed VRabatMorocco
| | - Zouhair Elkarhat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human GeneticsPasteur Institute of CasablancaCasablancaMorocco
| | - Hassania Guerinech
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Hygiene and Collectivity Medicine WardMilitary Hospital Mohammed VRabatMorocco
| | - Nadia Dakka
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, and Genomic Center of Human PathologiesFaculty of SciencesMohammed V University in RabatRabatMorocco
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Farooqi S. Putting a brake on hunger. Science 2021; 372:792-793. [PMID: 34016769 DOI: 10.1126/science.abi8942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Farooqi
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Box 289, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
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