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Zarrow J, Alli-Oluwafuyi AM, Youwakim CM, Kim K, Jenkins AN, Suero IC, Jones MR, Mashhadi Z, Mackie K, Waterson AG, Doran AC, Sulikowski GA, Davies SS. Small Molecule Activation of NAPE-PLD Enhances Efferocytosis by Macrophages. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1891-1904. [PMID: 37531659 PMCID: PMC10443532 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
N-Acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine hydrolyzing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) is a zinc metallohydrolase that hydrolyzes N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs) to form N-acyl-ethanolamines (NAEs) and phosphatidic acid. Several lines of evidence suggest that reduced NAPE-PLD activity could contribute to cardiometabolic diseases. For instance, NAPEPLD expression is reduced in human coronary arteries with unstable atherosclerotic lesions, defective efferocytosis is implicated in the enlargement of necrotic cores of these lesions, and NAPE-PLD products such as palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide have been shown to enhance efferocytosis. Thus, enzyme activation mediated by a small molecule may serve as a therapeutic treatment for cardiometabolic diseases. As a proof-of-concept study, we sought to identify small molecule activators of NAPE-PLD. High-throughput screening followed by hit validation and primary lead optimization studies identified a series of benzothiazole phenylsulfonyl-piperidine carboxamides that variably increased activity of both mouse and human NAPE-PLD. From this set of small molecules, two NAPE-PLD activators (VU534 and VU533) were shown to increase efferocytosis by bone-marrow derived macrophages isolated from wild-type mice, while efferocytosis was significantly reduced in Napepld-/- BMDM or after Nape-pld inhibition. Together, these studies demonstrate an essential role for NAPE-PLD in the regulation of efferocytosis and the potential value of NAPE-PLD activators as a strategy to treat cardiometabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah
E. Zarrow
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | | | - Cristina M. Youwakim
- Department
of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Vanderbilt
University Medical Center. Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Kwangho Kim
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Andrew N. Jenkins
- Department
of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham
Young University. Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Isabelle C. Suero
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Margaret R. Jones
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Zahra Mashhadi
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center
and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Alex G. Waterson
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Amanda C. Doran
- Department
of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Vanderbilt
University Medical Center. Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Gary A. Sulikowski
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Sean S. Davies
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
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Abstract
N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) is regarded as the principal enzyme that generates N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), a family of signaling lipids that includes the endocannabinoid anandamide. To investigate the biological function and biosynthesis of NAEs, we sought to develop potent NAPE-PLD inhibitors. To this aim, we utilized a high-throughput screening-compatible NAPE-PLD activity assay, which uses the fluorescence-quenched substrate PED6. This assay conveniently uses membrane fractions of NAPE-PLD overexpressing HEK293T cell lysates, thus avoiding the need for protein purification. Here, we give a detailed description of the NAPE-PLD PED6 fluorescence activity assay, which has increased throughput compared to previous radioactivity- or mass-spectrometry-based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Wouter P F Driever
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Mock ED, Gagestein B, van der Stelt M. Anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines: A class of signaling lipids with therapeutic opportunities. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 89:101194. [PMID: 36150527 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA, anandamide), N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA, synaptamide) and their oxygenated metabolites are a lipid messenger family with numerous functions in health and disease, including inflammation, anxiety and energy metabolism. The NAEs exert their signaling role through activation of various G protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, GPR55, GPR110, GPR119), ion channels (TRPV1) and nuclear receptors (PPAR-α and PPAR-γ) in the brain and periphery. The biological role of the oxygenated NAEs, such as prostamides, hydroxylated anandamide and DHEA derivatives, are less studied. Evidence is accumulating that NAEs and their oxidative metabolites may be aberrantly regulated or are associated with disease severity in obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, neuroinflammation and liver cirrhosis. Here, we comprehensively review NAE biosynthesis and degradation, their metabolism by lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases and cytochrome P450s and the biological functions of these signaling lipids. We discuss the latest findings and therapeutic potential of modulating endogenous NAE levels by inhibition of their degradation, which is currently under clinical evaluation for neuropsychiatric disorders. We also highlight NAE biosynthesis inhibition as an emerging topic with therapeutic opportunities in endocannabinoid and NAE signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Gagestein
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands.
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4
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Li JA, Rong Y, Mao W, Zhang L, Kuang T, Lou W. Gene expression profiling reveals the genomic changes caused by MLN4924 and the sensitizing effects of NAPEPLD knockdown in pancreatic cancer. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:152-171. [PMID: 34874801 PMCID: PMC8837228 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.2014254] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MLN4924 inhibits the proteolytic degradation of Cullin-Ring E3 ligase (CRL) substrates and exhibits antitumor activity toward various malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. MLN4924 suppresses tumor growth by altering various key regulator proteins; however, its impact on gene expression in tumors remains unknown. In this study, the genomic changes caused by MLN4924 in pancreatic cancer were examined by gene chip analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis. Eleven pathways were significantly altered (5 activated and 6 inhibited), 45 functions were significantly changed (21 activated and 24 inhibited), and the most activated upstream factor was predicted to be TNF. Of 691 differentially expressed genes, NAPEPLD knockdown showed synergism with MLN4924, as determined by real-time quantitative PCR and high content screening. NAPEPLD knockdown enhanced the effect of MLN4924 on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in vitro. In a pancreatic cancer nude mouse model, MLN4924 inhibited tumor growth more significantly in the NAPEPLD knockdown group than in the control group. NAPEPLD expression was higher in pancreatic cancer tissues than in the normal pancreas but was not associated with prognosis. These findings indicate that MLN4924 causes extensive genomic changes in pancreatic cancer cells, and targeting NAPEPLD may increase the efficacy of MLN4924.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ang Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yefei Rong
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weilin Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantao Kuang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Mock ED, Kotsogianni I, Driever WPF, Fonseca CS, Vooijs JM, den Dulk H, van Boeckel CAA, van der Stelt M. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Pyrimidine-4-Carboxamides as Inhibitors of N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine Phospholipase D. J Med Chem 2020; 64:481-515. [PMID: 33382264 PMCID: PMC7816197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D
(NAPE-PLD) is regarded as the main enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis
of N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), a family of bioactive
lipid mediators. Previously, we reported N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-6-((S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)-2-((S)-3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)pyrimidine-4-carboxamide
(1, LEI-401) as the first potent and selective
NAPE-PLD inhibitor that decreased NAEs in the brains of freely moving
mice and modulated emotional behavior [Mock, 2020, 16, 667−67532393901]. Here, we describe the structure–activity
relationship (SAR) of a library of pyrimidine-4-carboxamides as inhibitors
of NAPE-PLD that led to the identification of LEI-401. A high-throughput screening hit was modified at three different
substituents to optimize its potency and lipophilicity. Conformational
restriction of an N-methylphenethylamine group by
replacement with an (S)-3-phenylpiperidine increased
the inhibitory potency 3-fold. Exchange of a morpholine substituent
for an (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine reduced the lipophilicity
and further increased activity by 10-fold, affording LEI-401 as a nanomolar potent inhibitor with drug-like properties. LEI-401 is a suitable pharmacological tool compound to investigate
NAPE-PLD function in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ioli Kotsogianni
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wouter P F Driever
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Carmen S Fonseca
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jelle M Vooijs
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hans den Dulk
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Constant A A van Boeckel
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
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6
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Mammalian enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of N-acylethanolamines. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2017; 1862:1546-1561. [PMID: 28843504 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are ethanolamides of long-chain fatty acids, including palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide and anandamide. In animal tissues, NAEs are biosynthesized from membrane phospholipids. The classical "transacylation-phosphodiesterase" pathway proceeds via N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), which involves the actions of two enzymes, NAPE-generating Ca2+-dependent N-acyltransferase (Ca-NAT) and NAPE-hydrolyzing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). Recent identification of Ca-NAT as Ɛ isoform of cytosolic phospholipase A2 enabled the further molecular biological approaches toward this enzyme. In addition, Ca2+-independent NAPE formation was shown to occur by N-acyltransferase activity of a group of proteins named phospholipase A/acyltransferases (PLAAT)-1-5. The analysis of NAPE-PLD-deficient mice confirmed that NAEs can be produced through multi-step pathways bypassing NAPE-PLD. The NAPE-PLD-independent pathways involved three members of the glycerophosphodiesterase (GDE) family (GDE1, GDE4 and GDE7) as well as α/β-hydrolase domain-containing protein (ABHD)4. In this review article, we will focus on recent progress made and latest insights in the enzymes involved in NAE synthesis and their further characterization.
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7
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Sousa-Valente J, Varga A, Torres-Perez JV, Jenes A, Wahba J, Mackie K, Cravatt B, Ueda N, Tsuboi K, Santha P, Jancso G, Tailor H, Avelino A, Nagy I. Inflammation of peripheral tissues and injury to peripheral nerves induce differing effects in the expression of the calcium-sensitive N-arachydonoylethanolamine-synthesizing enzyme and related molecules in rat primary sensory neurons. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:1778-1796. [PMID: 27997038 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration induces the synthesis of N-arachydonoylethanolamine (anandamide) in a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons. N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) is the only known enzyme that synthesizes anandamide in a Ca2+ -dependent manner. NAPE-PLD mRNA as well as anandamide's main targets, the excitatory transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel (TRPV1), the inhibitory cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor, and the main anandamide-hydrolyzing enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), are all expressed by subpopulations of nociceptive primary sensory neurons. Thus, NAPE-PLD, TRPV1, the CB1 receptor, and FAAH could form an autocrine signaling system that could shape the activity of a major subpopulation of nociceptive primary sensory neurons, contributing to the development of pain. Although the expression patterns of TRPV1, the CB1 receptor, and FAAH have been comprehensively elucidated, little is known about NAPE-PLD expression in primary sensory neurons under physiological and pathological conditions. This study shows that NAPE-PLD is expressed by about one-third of primary sensory neurons, the overwhelming majority of which also express nociceptive markers as well as the CB1 receptor, TRPV1, and FAAH. Inflammation of peripheral tissues and injury to peripheral nerves induce differing but concerted changes in the expression pattern of NAPE-PLD, the CB1 receptor, TRPV1, and FAAH. Together these data indicate the existence of the anatomical basis for an autocrine signaling system in a major proportion of nociceptive primary sensory neurons and that alterations in that autocrine signaling by peripheral pathologies could contribute to the development of both inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Sousa-Valente
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Angelika Varga
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center, Debrecen, H-4012, Hungary
| | - Jose Vicente Torres-Perez
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Agnes Jenes
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center, Debrecen, H-4012, Hungary
| | - John Wahba
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Gill Center for Biomedical Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Benjamin Cravatt
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Peter Santha
- Department of Physiology, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabor Jancso
- Department of Physiology, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Hiren Tailor
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - António Avelino
- Departamento de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal.,I3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IBMC Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Istvan Nagy
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
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Stanley CP, Hind WH, Tufarelli C, O'Sullivan SE. Cannabidiol causes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via CB1 activation. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 107:568-78. [PMID: 26092099 PMCID: PMC4540144 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The protective effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been widely shown in preclinical models and have translated into medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. However, the direct vascular effects of CBD in humans are unknown. Methods and results Using wire myography, the vascular effects of CBD were assessed in human mesenteric arteries, and the mechanisms of action probed pharmacologically. CBD-induced intracellular signalling was characterized using human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). CBD caused acute, non-recoverable vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries with an Rmax of ∼40%. This was inhibited by cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) receptor antagonists, desensitization of transient receptor potential channels using capsaicin, removal of the endothelium, and inhibition of potassium efflux. There was no role for cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) receptor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ, the novel endothelial cannabinoid receptor (CBe), or cyclooxygenase. CBD-induced vasorelaxation was blunted in males, and in patients with type 2 diabetes or hypercholesterolemia. In HAECs, CBD significantly reduced phosphorylated JNK, NFκB, p70s6 K and STAT5, and significantly increased phosphorylated CREB, ERK1/2, and Akt levels. CBD also increased phosphorylated eNOS (ser1177), which was correlated with increased levels of ERK1/2 and Akt levels. CB1 receptor antagonism prevented the increase in eNOS phosphorylation. Conclusion This study shows, for the first time, that CBD causes vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via activation of CB1 and TRP channels, and is endothelium- and nitric oxide-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Stanley
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - William H Hind
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Cristina Tufarelli
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Saoirse E O'Sullivan
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
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Kleberg K, Hassing HA, Hansen HS. Classical endocannabinoid-like compounds and their regulation by nutrients. Biofactors 2014; 40:363-72. [PMID: 24677570 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid-like compounds are structurally related to the true endocannabinoids but do not contain highly unsaturated fatty acids, and they do not bind the cannabinoid receptors. The classical endocannabinoid-like compounds include N-acylethanolamines and 2-monoacylglycerols, and their structural resemblance to the endocannabinoids makes them players in the endocannabinoid system, where they can interfere with the actions of the true endocannabinoids, because they in several cases engage the same synthesizing and degrading enzymes. In addition they have pharmacological actions of their own, which are particularly interesting in a nutritional and metabolic context. Exogenously supplied oleoylethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and linoleoylethanolamide have anorexic effects, and the endogenous formation of these N-acylethanolamines in the small intestine may serve an important role in regulating food intake, through signaling via PPARα and the vagus nerve to the brain appetite center. A chronic high-fat diet will decrease intestinal levels of these anorectic N-acylethanolamines and this may contribute to the hyperphagic effect of high-fat diet; 2-monoacylglycerols mediate endocrine responses in the small intestine; probably trough activation of GPR119 on enteroendocrine cells, and diet-derived 2-monoacylglycerols, for example, 2-oleoylglycerol and 2-palmitoylglycerol might be important for intestinal fat sensing. Whether these 2-monoacylglycerols have signaling functions in other tissues is unclear at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Kleberg
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Rahman IAS, Tsuboi K, Uyama T, Ueda N. New players in the fatty acyl ethanolamide metabolism. Pharmacol Res 2014; 86:1-10. [PMID: 24747663 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acyl ethanolamides represent a class of endogenous bioactive lipid molecules and are generally referred to as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). NAEs include palmitoylethanolamide (anti-inflammatory and analgesic substance), oleoylethanolamide (anorexic substance), and anandamide (endocannabinoid). The endogenous levels of NAEs are mainly regulated by enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis and degradation. In mammalian tissues, the major biosynthetic pathway starts from glycerophospholipids and is composed of two enzyme reactions. The first step is N-acylation of ethanolamine phospholipids catalyzed by Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and the second step is the release of NAEs from N-acylated ethanolamine phospholipids by N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE)-hydrolyzing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). As for the degradation of NAEs, fatty acid amide hydrolase plays the central role. However, recent studies strongly suggest the involvement of other enzymes in the NAE metabolism. These enzymes include members of the HRAS-like suppressor family (also called phospholipase A/acyltransferase family), which were originally discovered as tumor suppressors but can function as Ca(2+)-independent NAPE-forming N-acyltransferases; multiple enzymes involved in the NAPE-PLD-independent multi-step pathways to generate NAE from NAPE, which came to light by the analysis of NAPE-PLD-deficient mice; and a lysosomal NAE-hydrolyzing acid amidase as a second NAE hydrolase. These newly recognized enzymes may become the targets for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Here, we focus on recent enzymological findings in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iffat Ara Sonia Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Toru Uyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
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11
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Varga A, Jenes A, Marczylo TH, Sousa-Valente J, Chen J, Austin J, Selvarajah S, Piscitelli F, Andreou AP, Taylor AH, Kyle F, Yaqoob M, Brain S, White JPM, Csernoch L, Di Marzo V, Buluwela L, Nagy I. Anandamide produced by Ca(2+)-insensitive enzymes induces excitation in primary sensory neurons. Pflugers Arch 2013; 466:1421-35. [PMID: 24114173 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous lipid agent N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), among other effects, has been shown to be involved in nociceptive processing both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Anandamide is thought to be synthesised by several enzymatic pathways both in a Ca(2+)-sensitive and Ca(2+)-insensitive manner, and rat primary sensory neurons produce anandamide. Here, we show for the first time, that cultured rat primary sensory neurons express at least four of the five known Ca(2+)-insensitive enzymes implicated in the synthesis of anandamide, and that application of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-arachidonoyl, the common substrate of the anandamide-synthesising pathways, results in anandamide production which is not changed by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+). We also show that anandamide, which has been synthesised in primary sensory neurons following the application of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-arachidonoyl induces a transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel-mediated excitatory effect that is not inhibited by concomitant activation of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor. Finally, we show that sub-populations of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel-expressing primary sensory neurons also express some of the putative Ca(2+)-insensitive anandamide-synthesising enzymes. Together, these findings indicate that anandamide synthesised by primary sensory neuron via a Ca(2+)-insensitive manner has an excitatory rather than an inhibitory role in primary sensory neurons and that excitation is mediated predominantly through autocrine signalling. Regulation of the activity of the Ca(2+)-insensitive anandamide-synthesising enzymes in these neurons may be capable of regulating the activity of these cells, with potential relevance to controlling nociceptive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Varga
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
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12
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Ueda N, Tsuboi K, Uyama T. Metabolism of endocannabinoids and related N-acylethanolamines: canonical and alternative pathways. FEBS J 2013; 280:1874-94. [PMID: 23425575 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Two arachidonic acid derivatives, arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are considered to be physiologically important endocannabinoids. In the known metabolic pathway in mammals, anandamide and other bioactive N-acylethanolamines, such as palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide, are biosynthesized from glycerophospholipids by a combination of Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D, and are degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase. However, recent studies have shown the involvement of other enzymes and pathways, which include the members of the tumor suppressor HRASLS family (the phospholipase A/acyltransferase family) functioning as Ca(2+)-independent N-acyltransferases, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipaseD-independent multistep pathways via N-acylated lysophospholipid, and N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase, a lysosomal enzyme that preferentially hydrolyzes palmitoylethanolamide. Although their physiological significance is poorly understood, these new enzymes/pathways may serve as novel targets for the development of therapeutic drugs. For example, selective N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase inhibitors are expected to be new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In this minireview, we focus on advances in the understanding of these enzymes/pathways. In addition, recent findings on 2-arachidonoylglycerol metabolism are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan.
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13
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Tai T, Tsuboi K, Uyama T, Masuda K, Cravatt BF, Houchi H, Ueda N. Endogenous molecules stimulating N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA). ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:379-85. [PMID: 22860206 DOI: 10.1021/cn300007s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) plays the central role in the degradation of bioactive N-acylethanolamines such as the endocannabinoid arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) in brain and peripheral tissues. A lysosomal enzyme referred to as N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) catalyzes the same reaction with preference to palmitoylethanolamide, an endogenous analgesic and neuroprotective substance, and is therefore expected as a potential target of therapeutic drugs. In the in vitro assays thus far performed, the maximal activity of NAAA was achieved in the presence of both nonionic detergent (Triton X-100 or Nonidet P-40) and the SH reagent dithiothreitol. However, endogenous molecules that might substitute for these synthetic compounds remain poorly understood. Here, we examined stimulatory effects of endogenous phospholipids and thiol compounds on recombinant NAAA. Among different phospholipids tested, choline- or ethanolamine-containing phospholipids showed potent effects, and 1 mM phosphatidylcholine increased NAAA activity by 6.6-fold. Concerning endogenous thiol compounds, dihydrolipoic acid at 0.1-1 mM was the most active, causing 8.5-9.0-fold stimulation. These results suggest that endogenous phospholipids and dihydrolipoic acid may contribute in keeping NAAA active in lysosomes. Even in the presence of phosphatidylcholine and dihydrolipoic acid, however, the preferential hydrolysis of palmitoylethanolamide was unaltered. We also investigated a possible compensatory induction of NAAA mRNA in brain and other tissues of FAAH-deficient mice. However, NAAA expression levels in all the tissues examined were not significantly altered from those in wild-type mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Tai
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
- Department
of Pharmacy, Kagawa University Hospital, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793,
Japan
| | - Kazuhito Tsuboi
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
| | - Toru Uyama
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
| | - Kim Masuda
- Department of Chemical
Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
92037, United States
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical
Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
92037, United States
| | - Hitoshi Houchi
- Department
of Pharmacy, Kagawa University Hospital, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793,
Japan
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department
of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa
761-0793, Japan
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14
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Abstract
Cannabis sativa has been used since antiquity to treat many ailments, including eating disorders. The primary psychoactive constituent of this plant, Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is an FDA approved medication to treat nausea and emesis caused by cancer chemotherapeutic agents as well as to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients suffering from cachexia. The effects of THC are mediated through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which promotes a positive energy balance through stimulation of appetite as well as shifting homeostatic mechanisms toward energy storage. Here we discuss the physiological function of the ECS in energy balance and the therapeutic potential of targeting this system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Correspondence to: Aron H. Lichtman, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298.
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15
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Kelly RF, Lamont KT, Somers S, Hacking D, Lacerda L, Thomas P, Opie LH, Lecour S. Ethanolamine is a novel STAT-3 dependent cardioprotective agent. Basic Res Cardiol 2010; 105:763-70. [PMID: 20938668 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-010-0125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ethanolamine is a biogenic amine found naturally in the body as part of membrane lipids and as a metabolite of the cardioprotective substances, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and anandamide. In the brain, ethanolamine, formed from the breakdown of anandamide protects against ischaemic apoptosis. However, the effects of ethanolamine in the heart are unknown. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) is a critical prosurvival factor in ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Therefore, we investigated whether ethanolamine protects the heart via activation of STAT-3. Isolated hearts from wildtype or cardiomyocyte specific STAT-3 knockout (K/O) mice were pre-treated with ethanolamine (Etn) (0.3 mmol/L) before I/R insult. In vivo rat hearts were subjected to 30 min ischaemia/2 h reperfusion in the presence or absence of 5 mg/kg S1P and/or the FAAH inhibitor, URB597. Infarct size was measured at the end of each protocol by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Pre-treatment with ethanolamine decreased infarct size in isolated mouse or rat hearts subjected to I/R but this infarct sparing effect was lost in cardiomyocyte specific STAT-3 deficient mice. Pre-treatment with ethanolamine increased nuclear phosphorylated STAT-3 [control 0.75 ± 0.08 vs. Etn 1.50 ± 0.09 arbitrary units; P < 0.05]. Our findings suggest a novel cardioprotective role for ethanolamine against I/R injury via activation of STAT-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roisin F Kelly
- Hatter Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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16
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Ueda N, Tsuboi K, Uyama T. Enzymological studies on the biosynthesis of N-acylethanolamines. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2010; 1801:1274-85. [PMID: 20736084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ethanolamides of different long-chain fatty acids constitute a class of endogenous lipid molecules generally called N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). They contain N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), N-palmitoylethanolamine, and N-oleoylethanolamine, which receive considerable attention because of their actions as an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand (endocannabinoid), an anti-inflammatory substance, and an appetite-suppressing substance, respectively. Identification of their biosynthetic routes in animal tissues and molecular characterization of the enzymes involved are essential for better understanding of physiological importance of NAEs as well as development of enzyme inhibitors as possible therapeutic drugs. In the classical "transacylation-phosphodiesterase pathway", NAEs are formed from glycerophospholipids via N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), an unusual derivative of phosphatidylethanolamine with a third acyl chain attached to the amino group, by sequential catalyses by Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and NAPE-hydrolyzing phospholipase D. However, recent studies reveal that NAE-generating pathways are more complex than presumed before. In this review article, we will focus on recent findings regarding mammalian enzymes that are involved or might be involved in the biosynthesis of NAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
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17
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Buznikov G, Nikitina L, Bezuglov V, Francisco M, Boysen G, Obispo-Peak I, Peterson R, Weiss E, Schuel H, Temple B, Morrow A, Lauder J. A putative 'pre-nervous' endocannabinoid system in early echinoderm development. Dev Neurosci 2010; 32:1-18. [PMID: 19907129 PMCID: PMC2866581 DOI: 10.1159/000235758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryos and larvae of sea urchins (Lytechinus variegatus, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Dendraster excentricus), and starfish (Pisaster ochraceus) were investigated for the presence of a functional endocannabinoid system. Anandamide (arachidonoyl ethanolamide, AEA), was measured in early L. variegatus embryos by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. AEA showed a strong developmental dynamic, increasing more than 5-fold between the 8-16 cell and mid-blastula 2 stage. 'Perturb-and-rescue' experiments in different sea urchin species and starfish showed that AEA blocked transition of embryos from the blastula to the gastrula stage, but had no effect on cleavage divisions, even at high doses. The non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonist, CP55940, had similar effects, but unlike AEA, also blocked cleavage divisions. CB1 antagonists, AEA transport inhibitors, and the cation channel transient membrane potential receptor V1 (TrpV1) agonist, arachidonoyl vanillic acid (arvanil), as well as arachidonoyl serotonin and dopamine (AA-5-HT, AA-DA) acted as rescue substances, partially or totally preventing abnormal embryonic phenotypes elicited by AEA or CP55940. Radioligand binding of [(3)H]CP55940 to membrane preparations from embryos/larvae failed to show significant binding, consistent with the lack of CB receptor orthologs in the sea urchin genome. However, when binding was conducted on whole cell lysates, a small amount of [(3)H]CP55940 binding was observed at the pluteus stage that was displaced by the CB2 antagonist, SR144528. Since AEA is known to bind with high affinity to TrpV1 and to certain G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the ability of arvanil, AA-5-HT and AA-DA to rescue embryos from AEA teratogenesis suggests that in sea urchins AEA and other endocannabinoids may utilize both Trp and GPCR orthologs. This possibility was explored using bioinformatic and phylogenetic tools to identify candidate orthologs in the S. purpuratus sea urchin genome. Candidate TrpA1 and TrpV1 orthologs were identified. The TrpA1 ortholog fell within a monophyletic clade, including both vertebrate and invertebrate orthologs, whereas the TrpV1 orthologs fell within two distinct TrpV-like invertebrate clades. One of the sea urchin TrpV orthologs was more closely related to the vertebrate epithelial calcium channels (TrpV5-6 family) than to the vertebrate TrpV1-4 family, as determined using profile-hidden Markov model (HMM) searches. Candidate dopamine and adrenergic GPCR orthologs were identified in the sea urchin genome, but no cannabinoid GPCRs were found, consistent with earlier studies. Candidate dopamine D(1), D(2) or alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor orthologs were identified as potential progenitors to the vertebrate cannabinoid receptors using HMM searches, depending on whether the multiple sequence alignment of CB receptor sequences consisted only of urochordate and cephalochordate sequences or also included vertebrate sequences.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/metabolism
- Arachidonic Acids/pharmacology
- Chromatography, Liquid
- Computational Biology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Endocannabinoids
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Nerve Net/drug effects
- Nerve Net/embryology
- Nerve Net/metabolism
- Phylogeny
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides/metabolism
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides/pharmacology
- Radioligand Assay
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Sea Urchins/drug effects
- Sea Urchins/embryology
- Sea Urchins/metabolism
- Starfish/drug effects
- Starfish/embryology
- Starfish/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- G.A. Buznikov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, (UNCSM)
| | - L.A. Nikitina
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, (UNCSM)
| | - V.V. Bezuglov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - G. Boysen
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Center of Environmental Health and Susceptibility, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA
| | | | - R.E. Peterson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, (UNCSM)
- Confocal Imaging Core, Neuroscience Center, UNCSM
| | - E.R. Weiss
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, (UNCSM)
| | - H. Schuel
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y., USA
| | - B.R.S Temple
- R.L. Juliano Structural Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA
| | - A.L. Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry and Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine (UNCSM)
| | - J.M. Lauder
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, (UNCSM)
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18
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Ueda N, Tsuboi K, Uyama T. N-acylethanolamine metabolism with special reference to N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA). Prog Lipid Res 2010; 49:299-315. [PMID: 20152858 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) constitute a class of bioactive lipid molecules present in animal and plant tissues. Among the NAEs, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), N-palmitoylethanolamine, and N-oleoylethanolamine attract much attention due to cannabimimetic activity as an endocannabinoid, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and anorexic activity, respectively. In mammalian tissues, NAEs are formed from glycerophospholipids through the phosphodiesterase-transacylation pathway consisting of Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D. Recent studies revealed the presence of alternative pathways and enzymes responsible for the NAE formation. As for the degradation of NAEs, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which hydrolyzes NAEs to fatty acids and ethanolamine, plays a central role. However, a lysosomal enzyme referred to as NAE-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) also catalyzes the same reaction and may be a new target for the development of therapeutic drugs. In this article we discuss recent progress in the studies on the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of NAEs with special reference to NAAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa, Japan
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19
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Petersen G, Pedersen AH, Pickering DS, Begtrup M, Hansen HS. Effect of synthetic and natural phospholipids on N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D activity. Chem Phys Lipids 2009; 162:53-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2009.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Revised: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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20
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Abstract
In animal tissues anandamide and other bioactive N-acylethanolamines are principally produced from glycerophospholipids through the transacylation-phosphodiesterase pathway consisting of two enzymatic reactions. The first reaction is the generation of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) by transferring an acyl group esterified at sn-1 position of glycerophospholipid to the amino group of phosphatidylethanolamine. This reaction is catalyzed by Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase. The discovery of Ca(2+)-independent N-acyltransferase revealed the existence of plural enzymes which are capable of catalyzing this reaction. The second reaction is the release of N-acylethanolamine from NAPE catalyzed by NAPE-hydrolyzing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). The enzyme belongs to the metallo-beta-lactamase family and specifically hydrolyzes NAPEs. Recent studies, including analysis of NAPE-PLD-deficient mice, led to the discovery of NAPE-PLD-independent pathways for the anandamide biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Okamoto
- The Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
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21
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Hansen HS, Diep TA. N-acylethanolamines, anandamide and food intake. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 78:553-60. [PMID: 19413995 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anandamide and the other N-acylethanolamines, e.g. oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and linoleoylethanolamide (LEA), may be formed by several enzymatic pathways from their precursors, which are the N-acylated ethanolamine phospholipids. The exact enzymatic pathways involved in their biosynthesis in specific tissues are not clarified. It has been suggested that endogenous anandamide could stimulate food intake by activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and/or in the intestinal tissue. On the other hand, endogenous OEA and PEA have been suggested to inhibit food intake by acting on receptors in the intestine. At present, there is no clear role for endogenous anandamide in controlling food intake via cannabinoid receptors, neither centrally nor in the gastrointestinal tract. However, OEA, PEA and perhaps also LEA may be involved in regulation of food intake by selective prolongation of feeding latency and post-meal interval. These N-acylethanolamines seem to be formed locally in the intestine, where they can activate PPARalpha located in close proximity to their site of synthesis. The rapid onset of OEA response and its reliance on an intact vagus nerve suggests that activation of PPARalpha does not result in formation of a transcription-dependent signal but must rely on an unidentified non-genomic signal that translates to activation of vagal afferents. Whether GPR119, TRPV1 and/or intestinal ceramide levels also contribute to the anorectic and weight-reducing effect of exogenous OEA is less clear. Prolonged intake of dietary fat (45 energy%) may promote over-consumption of food by decreasing the endogenous levels of OEA, PEA and LEA in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald S Hansen
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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22
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Alexander SPH, Kendall DA. The life cycle of the endocannabinoids: formation and inactivation. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2009; 1:3-35. [PMID: 21104378 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-88955-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we summarise the current thinking about the nature of endocannabinoids. In describing the life cycle of these agents, we highlight the synthetic and catabolic enzymes suggested to be involved. For each of these, we provide a systematic analysis of information on sequence, subcellular and cellular distribution, as well as physiological and pharmacological substrates, enhancers and inhibitors, together with brief descriptions of the impact of manipulating enzyme levels through genetic mechanisms (dealt with in more detail in the chapter "Genetic Models of the Endocannabinoid System" by Monory and Lutz, this volume). In addition, we describe experiments investigating the stimulation of endocannabinoid synthesis and release in intact cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P H Alexander
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
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23
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Biology of endocannabinoid synthesis system. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2008; 89:112-9. [PMID: 19126434 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2008] [Revised: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors) exert diverse physiological and pathophysiological functions in animal tissues. N-Arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are two representative endocannabinoids. Both the compounds are arachidonic acid-containing lipid molecules generated from membrane glycerophospholipids, but their biosynthetic pathways are totally different. Anandamide is principally formed together with other N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) in a two-step pathway, which is composed of Ca(2+)-dependent N-acyltransferase and N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). cDNA cloning of NAPE-PLD and subsequent analysis of its gene-disrupted mice led to the discovery of alternative pathways comprising multiple enzymes. As for the 2-AG biosynthesis, recent results, including cDNA cloning of diacylglycerol lipase and analyses of phospholipase Cbeta-deficient mice, demonstrated that these two enzymes are responsible for the in vivo formation of 2-AG functioning as a retrograde messenger in synapses. In this review article, we will focus on recent progress in the studies on the enzymes responsible for the endocannabinoid biosyntheses.
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