26RFa, a novel orexigenic neuropeptide, inhibits insulin secretion in the rat pancreas

The 26RFa (QRFP)/GPR103 Neuropeptidergic System: A Key Regulator of Energy and Glucose Metabolism

BACKGROUND

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are strongly associated pathologies, currently considered as a worldwide epidemic problem. Understanding the mechanisms that drive the development of these diseases would enable to develop new therapeutic strategies for their prevention and treatment. Particularly, the role of the brain in energy and glucose homeostasis has been studied for 2 decades. In specific, the hypothalamus contains well-identified neural networks that regulate appetite and potentially also glucose homeostasis. A new concept has thus emerged, suggesting that obesity and diabetes could be due to a dysfunction of the same, still poorly understood, neural networks.

SUMMARY

The neuropeptide 26RFa (also termed QRFP) belongs to the family of RFamide regulatory peptides and has been identified as the endogenous ligand of the human G protein-coupled receptor GPR103 (QRFPR). The primary structure of 26RFa is strongly conserved during vertebrate evolution, suggesting its crucial roles in the control of vital functions. Indeed, the 26RFa/GPR103 peptidergic system is reported to be involved in the control of various neuroendocrine functions, notably the control of energy metabolism in which it plays an important role, both centrally and peripherally, since 26RFa regulates feeding behavior, thermogenesis and lipogenesis. Moreover, 26RFa is reported to control glucose homeostasis both peripherally, where it acts as an incretin, and centrally, where the 26RFa/GPR103 system relays insulin signaling in the brain to control glucose metabolism.

KEY MESSAGES

This review gives a comprehensive overview of the role of the 26RFa/GPR103 system as a key player in the control of energy and glucose metabolism. In a pathophysiological context, this neuropeptidergic system represents a prime therapeutic target whose mechanisms are highly relevant to decipher.

New Peptides as Potential Players in the Crosstalk Between the Brain and Obesity, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases

According to the World Health Organization report published in 2016, 650 million people worldwide suffer from obesity, almost three times more than in 1975. Obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation which may impair health with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke), and some cancers. Despite medical advances, cardiovascular complications are still the leading causes of death arising from obesity. Excessive fat accumulation is caused by the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The pathogenesis of this process is complex and not fully understood, but current research is focused on the role of the complex crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS), neuroendocrine and immune system including the autonomic nervous system, adipose tissue, digestive and cardiovascular systems. Additionally, special attention has been paid to newly discovered substances: neuropeptide 26RFa, preptin, and adropin. It was shown that the above peptides are synthesized both in numerous structures of the CNS and in many peripheral organs and tissues, such as the heart, adipose tissue, and the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, particular attention has been paid to the role of the presented peptides in the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular system diseases. This review summarizes the role of newly investigated peptides in the crosstalk between brain and peripheral organs in the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases.

Two naturally occurring mutations of human GPR103 define distinct G protein selection bias

The neuropeptide 26RFa plays important roles in the regulation of many physiological functions. 26RFa has been recognized as an endogenous ligand for receptor GPR103. In the present study, we demonstrate that GPR103 dually couples to Gαq and Gαi/o proteins. However, two naturally occurring missense mutations were identified from a young male patient. In the first, Y68H, induction of Ca²⁺ mobilization was noted without detection of ERK1/2 activation. In the second, R371W, the potential to activate ERK1/2 signaling was retained but with failure to evoke Ca²⁺ mobilization. Further analysis provides evidence that Gαq, L-type Ca²⁺ channel and PKCβI and βII are involved in the Y68H-mediated signaling pathway, whereas Gαi/o, Gβγ, and PKCζ are implicated in the R371W-induced signaling. Our results demonstrate that two point mutations, Y68H and R371W, affect the equilibrium between the different receptor conformations, leading to alteration of G protein-coupling preferences. Importantly, these findings provide a foundation for future elucidation of GPCR-mediated biased signaling and the physiological implications of their bias.

N-glycosylation of the human neuropeptide QRFP receptor (QRFPR) is essential for ligand binding and receptor activation

The newly identified pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide (QRFP) signaling system has been shown to be implicated in regulating a variety of physiological processes. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are preferentially N-glycosylated on extracellular domains. The human QRFP receptor QRFPR (GPR103) possesses three N-glycosylation consensus sites, two located on the N-terminal domain (N5 and N19) and one on the first extracellular loop (ECL1) (N106); however, to date, their role in QRFPR expression and signaling has not been established. Here, we combined mutants with glutamine substitution of the critical asparagines of the consensus sites with glycosidase PNGase F and N-glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin to study the effect of N-glycosylation in the regulation of QRFPR cell surface expression and signaling. Western blot analysis performed with site-directed mutagenesis revealed that two asparagines at N19 in the N-terminus and N106 in ECL1, but not N5 in the N-terminus, served as sites for N-glycosylation. Treatment with PNGase F and tunicamycin resulted in a reduction in both two-protein species, ~43 kDa and ~85 kDa in size, by 2-4 kDa. Analysis with confocal microscopy and quantitative ELISA showed that N-glycosylation of QRFPR is not essentially required for targeting the cell membrane. However, further binding assay and functional assays demonstrated that removal of N-glycosylation sequons or treatment with tunicamycin led to significant impairments in the interaction of receptor with QRFP26 and downstream signaling. Thus, our findings suggest that for the human QRFP receptor (QRFPR), N-glycosylation is not important for cell surface expression but is a pre-requisite for ligand binding and receptor activation.

An FMRFamide Neuropeptide in Cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis: Identification, Characterization, and Potential Function

Neuropeptides are released by neurons that are involved in a wide range of brain functions, such as food intake, metabolism, reproduction, and learning and memory. A full-length cDNA sequence of an FMRFamide gene isolated from the cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis (designated as SpFMRFamide) was cloned. The predicted precursor protein contains one putative signal peptide and four FMRFamide-related peptides. Multiple amino acid and nucleotide sequence alignments showed that it shares 97% similarity with the precursor FMRFamides of Sepiella japonica and Sepia officinalis and shares 93% and 92% similarity with the SpFMRFamide gene of the two cuttlefish species, respectively. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis also suggested that SpFMRFamide and FMRFamides from S. japonica and S. officinalis belong to the same sub-branch. Tissue expression analysis confirmed that SpFMRFamide was widely distributed among tissues and predominantly expressed in the brain at the three development stages. The combined effects of SpFMRFamide+SpGnRH and SpFLRFamide+SpGnRH showed a marked decrease in the level of the total proteins released in the CHO-K1 cells. This is the first report of SpFMRFamide in S. pharaonis and the results may contribute to future studies of neuropeptide evolution or may prove useful for the development of aquaculture methods for this cuttlefish species.

The neuropeptide 26RFa in the human gut and pancreas: potential involvement in glucose homeostasis

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies performed in mice revealed that the neuropeptide 26RFa regulates glucose homeostasis by acting as an incretin and by increasing insulin sensitivity. However, in humans, an association between 26RFa and the regulation of glucose homeostasis is poorly documented. In this study, we have thus investigated in detail the distribution of 26RFa and its receptor, GPR103, in the gut and the pancreas, and determined the response of this peptidergic system to an oral glucose challenge in obese patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Distribution of 26RFa and GPR103 was examined by immunohistochemistry using gut and pancreas tissue sections. Circulating 26RFa was determined using a specific radioimmunoassay in plasma samples collected during an oral glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

26RFa and GPR103 are present all along the gut but are more abundant in the stomach and duodenum. In the stomach, the peptide and its receptor are highly expressed in the gastric glands, whereas in the duodenum, ileum and colon they are present in the enterocytes and the goblet cells. In the pancreatic islets, the 26RFa/GPR103 system is mostly present in the β cells. During an oral glucose tolerance test, plasma 26RFa profile is different between obese patients and healthy volunteers, and we found strong positive correlations between 26RFa blood levels and the BMI, and with various parameters of insulin secretion and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

The present data suggest an involvement of the 26RFa/GPR103 peptidergic system in the control of human glucose homeostasis.

Design, Synthesis, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Functional Evaluation of a Novel Series of 26RFa Peptide Analogues Containing a Mono- or Polyalkyl Guanidino Arginine Derivative

26RFa, the endogenous QRFPR ligand, is implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions such as the regulation of glucose homeostasis and bone mineralization; hence, QRFPR ligands display therapeutic potential. At the molecular level, functional interaction occurs between residues Arg²⁵ of 26RFa and Gln¹²⁵ of QRFPR. We have designed 26RFa_(20-26) analogues incorporating arginine derivatives modified by alkylated substituents. We found that the Arg²⁵ side chain length was necessary to retain the activity of 26RFa_(20-26) and that N-monoalkylation of arginine was accommodated by the QRFPR active site. In particular, [(Me)^ωArg²⁵]26RFa_(20-26) (5b, LV-2186) appeared to be 25-fold more potent than 26RFa_(20-26) and displayed a position in a QRFPR homology model slightly different to that of the unmodified heptapeptide. Other peptides were less potent than 26RFa_(20-26), exhibited partial agonistic activity, or were totally inactive in accordance to different ligand-bound structures. In vivo, [(Me)^ωArg²⁵]26RFa_(20-26) exerted a delayed 26RFa-like hypoglycemic effect. Finally, N-methyl substituted arginine-containing peptides represent lead compounds for further development of QRFPR agonists.

The Arg-Phe-amide peptide 26RFa/glutamine RF-amide peptide and its receptor: IUPHAR Review 24

The RFamide neuropeptide 26RFa was first isolated from the brain of the European green frog on the basis of cross-reactivity with antibodies raised against bovine neuropeptide FF (NPFF). 26RFa and its N-terminally extended form glutamine RF-amide peptide (QRFP) have been identified as cognate ligands of the former orphan receptor GPR103, now renamed glutamine RF-amide peptide receptor (QRFP receptor). The 26RFa/QRFP precursor has been characterized in various mammalian and non-mammalian species. In the brain of mammals, including humans, 26RFa/QRFP mRNA is almost exclusively expressed in hypothalamic nuclei. The 26RFa/QRFP transcript is also present in various organs especially in endocrine glands. While humans express only one QRFP receptor, two isoforms are present in rodents. The QRFP receptor genes are widely expressed in the CNS and in peripheral tissues, notably in bone, heart, kidney, pancreas and testis. Structure-activity relationship studies have led to the identification of low MW peptidergic agonists and antagonists of QRFP receptor. Concurrently, several selective non-peptidic antagonists have been designed from high-throughput screening hit optimization. Consistent with the widespread distribution of QRFP receptor mRNA and 26RFa binding sites, 26RFa/QRFP exerts a large range of biological activities, notably in the control of energy homeostasis, bone formation and nociception that are mediated by QRFP receptor or NPFF2. The present report reviews the current knowledge concerning the 26RFa/QRFP-QRFP receptor system and discusses the potential use of selective QRFP receptor ligands for therapeutic applications.

Role of Melatonin, Galanin, and RFamide Neuropeptides QRFP26 and QRFP43 in the Neuroendocrine Control of Pancreatic β-Cell Function

Glucose homeostasis is finely regulated by a number of hormones and peptides released mainly from the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and muscle, regulating pancreatic secretion through cellular receptors and their signal transduction cascades. The endocrine function of the pancreas is controlled by islets within the exocrine pancreatic tissue that release hormones like insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide, and ghrelin. Moreover, both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions are regulated by a variety of hormonal and neural mechanisms, such as ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or the inhibitory peptide somatostatin. In this review, we describe the role of neurohormones that have been less characterized compared to others, on the regulation of insulin secretion. In particular, we will focus on melatonin, galanin, and RFamide neuropeptides QRFP26 and QRFP43, which display either insulinotropic or insulinostatic effects. In fact, in addition to other hormones, amino acids, cytokines, and a variety of proteins, brain-derived hormones are now considered as key regulators of glucose homeostasis, representing potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.

The Neuropeptide 26RFa (QRFP) and Its Role in the Regulation of Energy Homeostasis: A Mini-Review

This mini-review deals with the neuropeptide 26RFa (or QRFP) which is a member of the RFamide peptide family discovered simultaneously by three groups in 2003. 26RFa (or its N-extended form 43RFa) was subsequently shown to be the endogenous ligand of the human orphan receptor GPR103. In the brain, 26RFa and GPR103mRNA are primarily expressed in hypothalamic nuclei involved in the control of feeding behavior, and at the periphery, the neuropeptide and its receptor are present in abundance in the gut and the pancreatic islets, suggesting that 26RFa is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. Indeed, 26RFa stimulates food intake when injected centrally, and its orexigenic effect is even more pronounced in obese animals. The expression of 26RFa is up-regulated in the hypothalamus of obese animals, supporting that the 26RFa/GPR103 system may play a role in the development and/or maintenance of the obese status. Recent data indicate that 26RFa is also involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. 26RFa reduces glucose-induced hyperglycemia, increases insulin sensitivity and insulinemia. Furthermore, an oral ingestion of glucose strongly stimulates 26RFa release by the gut, indicating that 26RFa is a novel incretin. Finally, 26RFa is able to prevent pancreatic β cell death and apoptosis. This brief overview reveals that 26RFa is a key neuropeptide in the regulation of energy metabolism. Further fields of research are suggested including the pathophysiological implication of the 26RFa/GPR103 system.

Regulation of the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor gene by pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide in rat hypothalamic 4B cells

Pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide (QRFP), an important regulator of metabolism and energy homeostasis, has orexigenic effects. QRFP acts via a specific receptor, Gpr103. Gpr103 mRNA is expressed in the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In the PVN, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which plays a central role in regulating the stress response and is produced in response to stress, stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the anterior pituitary. We hypothesized that QRFP regulates CRF gene expression directly in the hypothalamus, and thus examined the direct effect of QRFP on the promoter activity and mRNA levels of CRF in hypothalamic cells. To examine these pathways, we used hypothalamic 4B cells, a homologous PVN neuronal cell line. Gpr103a and Gpr103b mRNA, and Gpr103 (a and b) proteins were expressed in the hypothalamic cells. The Gpr103 mRNA and protein levels were increased by QRFP. QRFP also stimulated CRF mRNA levels and CRF promoter activity directly in 4B cells following their transfection with the CRF promoter. The protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways were involved in the QRFP-induced increases in CRF promoter activity. QRFP stimulated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. CREB phosphorylation was inhibited by a PKC inhibitor. PKC-dependent signaling would be upstream of the CREB phosphorylation. Thus, QRFP-dependent pathways are involved in the regulation of CRF gene expression in the hypothalamus.

Molecular cloning, expression analysis and cellular localization of an LFRFamide gene in the cuttlefish Sepiella japonica

Neuropeptides are important regulators of physiological processes in metazoans, such as feeding, reproduction, and heart activities. In this study, an LFRFamide gene was identified from the cuttlefish Sepiella japonica (designated as SjLFRFamide). The full-length sequence of SjLFRFamide cDNA has 841bp, and the open reading frame contains 567bp encoding 188 amino acids, which shared high similarity with precursor SOFaRP2 from Sepia officinalis. The deduced SjLFRFamdie precursor protein contains a signal peptide and four different FLPs (FMRFamide-like peptides): one pentapeptide (TIFRFamide), two hexapeptides (NSLFRFamide and GNLFRFamide) and one heptapeptide (PHTPFRFamide). Multiple sequence alignment showed that SjLFRFamide contains rather conserved mature peptides, which all ended in FRF. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that SjLFRFamide belongs to the LFRFamide subfamily. The tissue distribution analysis through quantitative real-time PCR method showed that SjLFRFamide mRNA is significantly expressed in the brain, and slight trace are detected in female nidamental gland and accessory nidamental gland. In situ hybridization assay of the brain indicated that SjLFRFamide is transcribed in several different functional lobes, suggesting SjLFRFamide might associate with multiple physiological regulations, such as feeding, chromatophore regulation and reproduction. This is the first study describing LFRFamide in S. japonica, which might have great importance for cuttlefish artificial breeding.

RF-amide neuropeptides and their receptors in Mammals: Pharmacological properties, drug development and main physiological functions

RF-amide neuropeptides, with their typical Arg-Phe-NH2 signature at their carboxyl C-termini, belong to a lineage of peptides that spans almost the entire life tree. Throughout evolution, RF-amide peptides and their receptors preserved fundamental roles in reproduction and feeding, both in Vertebrates and Invertebrates. The scope of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the RF-amide systems in Mammals from historical aspects to therapeutic opportunities. Taking advantage of the most recent findings in the field, special focus will be given on molecular and pharmacological properties of RF-amide peptides and their receptors as well as on their implication in the control of different physiological functions including feeding, reproduction and pain. Recent progress on the development of drugs that target RF-amide receptors will also be addressed.

[The neuropeptide 26RFa and its role in the regulation of energy metabolism]

The neuropeptide 26RFa, also referred to as QRFP (for pyroglutamilated RFamide peptide), is the latest member of the RFamide peptide family to be discovered. 26RFa and its N-extended form, 43RFa, have been characterized in all vertebrate classes as the endogenous ligands of the human orphan receptor GPR103. In the brain, 26RFa and GPR103mRNA are primarily expressed in hypothalamic nuclei involved in the control of feeding behavior, and in the periphery, the neuropeptide and its receptor are present in abundance in the gut and the pancreatic islets, suggesting that 26RFa is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. Indeed, 26RFa stimulates food intake when centrally injected, and its orexigenic effect is even more pronounced in obese animals. The expression of 26RFa is up-regulated in the hypothalamus of obese animals, supporting the view that 26RFa may play a role in the development and/or maintenance of the obese status. Recent data indicate that 26RFa is also involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. 26RFa reduces glucose-induced hyperglycemia, increases insulin sensitivity and insulinemia. Furthermore, an oral ingestion of glucose strongly stimulates 26RFa release by the gut, indicating that 26RFa is a novel incretin. Finally, 26RFa is able to prevent pancreatic β cell death and apoptosis. In conclusion, this overview of the literature reveals that 26RFa is a key neuropeptide in the regulation of energy metabolism. Further fields of research are suggested including the pathophysiological implication of the 26RFa/GPR103 system.

Effects of direct QRFP-26 administration into the medial hypothalamic area on food intake in rats

The RFamide peptide family comprises a number of biologically active peptides sharing RF motif at their C-terminal end. These peptides are involved in the control of multiple physiological functions including regulation of metabolism and feeding behavior. QRFP-43 as well as its 26-aminoacid residue QRFP-26 are able to cause orexigenic effect when administered to the rodents' cerebral ventricles. QRFPs have been suggested as the endogenous ligands of the previously orphan GPR103 receptors. GPR103 receptors share amino acid identity with other receptors of neuropeptides involved in feeding (NPY, NPFF, galanin). QRFP-26 expressing neurons and binding sites are densely present in the rat medial hypothalamus (MHA), an area directly responsible for the regulation of feeding. QRFP-26 was delivered to the target area by direct intrahypothalamic microinjection, and the consumption of liquid food was measured over a 60 min period. Both doses (100 and 200 ng) significantly increased food intake. Non-specific receptor antagonist BIBP3226 eliminated the orexigenic effect caused by QRFP-26 administration. Effective doses of QRFP-26 did not modify general locomotor activity and behavioral patterns examined in the open-field test. This study is the first reporting feeding modulating effects following direct intrahypothalamic QRFP-26 administration.

Hypothalamic Neuropeptide 26RFa Acts as an Incretin to Regulate Glucose Homeostasis

26RFa is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that promotes food intake. 26RFa is upregulated in obese animal models, and its orexigenic activity is accentuated in rodents fed a high-fat diet, suggesting that this neuropeptide might play a role in the development and maintenance of the obese status. As obesity is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes, we investigated whether 26RFa may be involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. In the current study, we show a moderate positive correlation between plasma 26RFa levels and plasma insulin in patients with diabetes. Plasma 26RFa concentration also increases in response to an oral glucose tolerance test. In addition, we found that 26RFa and its receptor GPR103 are present in human pancreatic β-cells as well as in the gut. In mice, 26RFa attenuates the hyperglycemia induced by a glucose load, potentiates insulin sensitivity, and increases plasma insulin concentrations. Consistent with these data, 26RFa stimulates insulin production by MIN6 insulinoma cells. Finally, we show, using in vivo and in vitro approaches, that a glucose load induces a massive secretion of 26RFa by the small intestine. Altogether, the present data indicate that 26RFa acts as an incretin to regulate glucose homeostasis.

QRFP-26 enhances insulin's effects on glucose uptake in rat skeletal muscle cells

QRFP is expressed in central and peripheral regions important for nutrient intake and metabolism. Central administration of QRFP-26 and QRFP-43 induces a macronutrient specific increase in the intake of high fat diet in male and female rats. Recently, cell culture models have indicated that QRFP-26 and QRFP-43 are involved in glucose and fatty acid uptake in pancreatic islets and adipocytes. Since skeletal muscle is a major consumer of circulating glucose and a primary contributor to whole body metabolism, the current study examined the effects of QRFP-26 and QRFP-43 on insulin-stimulated uptake of glucose in skeletal muscle using L6 myotubes. The current experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that QRFP and its receptors, GPR103a and GPR103b are expressed in L6 myotubes and that QRFP-26 and QRFP-43 affect insulin-stimulated uptake of glucose in L6 myotubes. The results indicate that prepro-QRFP mRNA and GPR103a mRNA are expressed in L6 cells, though GPR103b mRNA was not detected. Using complementary assays, co-incubation with QRFP-26, increased insulin's ability to induce glycogen synthesis and 2-deoxyglucose uptake in L6 cells. These data suggest that QRFP-26, but not QRFP-43, is involved in the metabolic effects of skeletal muscle and may enhance insulin's effects on glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. These data support a role for QRFP as a modulator of nutrient intake in skeletal muscle.

RFamide peptides 43RFa and 26RFa both promote survival of pancreatic β-cells and human pancreatic islets but exert opposite effects on insulin secretion

RFamide peptides 43RFa and 26RFa have been shown to promote food intake and to exert different peripheral actions through G-protein-coupled receptor 103 (GPR103) binding. Moreover, 26RFa was found to inhibit pancreatic insulin secretion, whereas the role of 43RFa on β-cell function is unknown, as well as the effects of both peptides on β-cell survival. Herein, we investigated the effects of 43RFa and 26RFa on survival and apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells and human pancreatic islets. In addition, we explored the role of these peptides on insulin secretion and the underlying signaling mechanisms. Our results show that in INS-1E β-cells and human pancreatic islets both 43RFa and 26RFa prevented cell death and apoptosis induced by serum starvation, cytokine synergism, and glucolipotoxicity, through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt- and extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2-mediated signaling. Moreover, 43RFa promoted, whereas 26RFa inhibited, glucose- and exendin-4-induced insulin secretion, through Gαs and Gαi/o proteins, respectively. Inhibition of GPR103 expression by small interfering RNA blocked 43RFa insulinotropic effect, but not the insulinostatic action of 26RFa. Finally, 43RFa, but not 26RFa, induced cAMP increase and glucose uptake. In conclusion, because of their survival effects along with the effects on insulin secretion, these findings suggest potential for 43RFa and 26RFa as therapeutic targets in the treatment of diabetes.

Molecular evolution of GPCRs: 26Rfa/GPR103

Neuropeptides possessing the Arg-Phe-NH2 (RFamide) motif at their C-termini (designated as RFamide peptides) have been characterized in a variety of animals. Among these, neuropeptide 26RFa (also termed QRFP) is the latest member of the RFamide peptide family to be discovered in the hypothalamus of vertebrates. The neuropeptide 26RFa/QRFP is a 26-amino acid residue peptide that was originally identified in the frog brain. It has been shown to exert orexigenic activity in mammals and to be a ligand for the previously identified orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR103 (QRFPR). The cDNAs encoding 26RFa/QRFP and QRFPR have now been characterized in representative species of mammals, birds, and fish. Functional studies have shown that, in mammals, the 26RFa/QRFP-QRFPR system may regulate various functions, including food intake, energy homeostasis, bone formation, pituitary hormone secretion, steroidogenesis, nociceptive transmission, and blood pressure. Several biological actions have also been reported in birds and fish. This review summarizes the current state of identification, localization, and understanding of the functions of 26RFaQRFP and its cognate receptor, QRFPR, in vertebrates.

Five novel variants of GPR103 and their expression in different tissues of goose (Anser cygnoides)

GPR103 plays an important role in various tissues, while little information is available about the alternative splicing (AS) of its mRNA. In the present study, we used genomic PCR to identify the partial genomic locus of goose (Anser cygnoides) GPR103 and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)-PCR to identify five GPR103 variants, including the full-length variant (aGPR103-n) and four alternatively spliced variants (aGPR103-va, -vb, -vc and -vd). Sequence analysis showed that aGPR103-va and -vd are less likely to undergo nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, suggesting that they may be translated into truncated proteins. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the five variants are widely distributed in the brain and peripheral tissues of geese and show specific expression patterns. Thus, we here provide the first account of the GPR103 genomic locus and illustrate its transcriptional diversity and widespread distribution in geese.

A novel 26RFa peptide containing both analgesic and anti-inflammatory functions from Chinese tree shrew

26RFa is one of neuroendocrine peptide groups in the RFamide peptide family containing conserved Arg-Phe/Tyr-NH2 motif at their C-terminus. They exert multiple biological functions in vertebrates. A novel 26RFa peptide (TC26RFa) with unique structure is identified from the tree shrew of Tupaia belangeri chinensis in the present study. In structure, different from other 26RFa peptides containing conserved Phe-Arg-Phe-NH2 motif at their C-terminus, there is a Phe-Arg-Tyr-NH2 C-terminus in TC26RFa. It has been found that TC26RFa of intraperitoneal injection exerts strong analgesic activities in several mice models including acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, and thermal pain-induced tail withdrawal. It shows comparable analgesic ability with morphine. In addition, this peptide has been found to inhibit inflammatory factor secretion (including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Furthermore, it stimulates secretion of the anti-inflammatory factor, interleukin-10. In addition to the identification of a novel 26RFa peptide from tree shrew, a new type of function (anti-inflammation) involved in 26RFa peptide is discovered.

Pyroglutamylated RF-amide peptide (QRFP) gene is regulated by metabolic endotoxemia

Pyroglutamylated RF-amide peptide (QRFP) is involved in the regulation of food intake, thermogenesis, adipogenesis, and lipolysis. The expression of QRFP in adipose tissue is reduced in diet-induced obesity, a mouse model in which plasma concentrations of endotoxins are slightly elevated. The present study investigated the role of metabolic endotoxemia (ME) on QRFP gene regulation. Our results uncovered the expression of QRFP in murine macrophages and cell lines. This expression has been found to be decreased in mice with ME. Low doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transiently down-regulated QRFP by 59% in RAW264.7 macrophages but not in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The effect of LPS on QRFP expression in macrophages was dependent on the inhibitor of kB kinase and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon (IFN)-β (TRIF) but not myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88. IFN-β was induced by ME in macrophages. IFN-β sustainably reduced QRFP expression in macrophages (64%) and adipocytes (49%). IFN-γ down-regulated QRFP (74%) in macrophages only. Both IFNs inhibited QRFP secretion from macrophages. LPS-stimulated macrophage-conditioned medium reduced QRFP expression in adipocytes, an effect blocked by IFN-β neutralizing antibody. The effect of IFN-β on QRFP expression was dependent on phosphoinositide 3-kinase, p38 MAPK, and histone deacetylases. The effect of IFN-γ was dependent on MAPK/ERK kinase 1/2 and histone deacetylases. Macrophage-conditioned medium containing increased amounts of QRFP preserved adipogenesis in adipocytes. In conclusion, LPS induces IFN-β release from macrophages, which reduces QRFP expression in both macrophages and adipocytes in an autocrine/paracrine-dependent manner, suggesting QRFP as a potential biomarker in ME.

Identification, localization and function of a novel neuropeptide, 26RFa, and its cognate receptor, GPR103, in the avian hypothalamus

Several neuropeptides possessing the RFamide motif at their C-termini (designated RFamide peptides) have been characterized in the hypothalamus of a variety of vertebrates. Since the discovery of the 26-amino acid RFamide peptide (termed 26RFa) from the frog brain, 26RFa has been shown to exert orexigenic activity in mammals and to be a ligand of the previously identified orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR103. Recently, we have identified 26RFa in the avian brain by molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding the 26RFa precursor and mass spectrometry analysis of the mature peptide. 26RFa-producing neurons are exclusively located in the hypothalamus whereas GPR103 is widely distributed in the avian brain. Furthermore, avian 26RFa stimulates feeding behavior in broiler chicks. This review summarizes the advances in the identification, localization, and functions of 26RFa and its cognate receptor GPR103 in vertebrates and highlights recent progress made in birds.

Rational design of a low molecular weight, stable, potent, and long-lasting GPR103 aza-β3-pseudopeptide agonist

26RFa, a novel RFamide neuropeptide, is the endogenous ligand of the former orphan receptor GPR103. Intracerebroventricular injection of 26RFa and its C-terminal heptapeptide, 26RFa((20-26)), stimulates food intake in rodents. To develop potent, stable ligands of GPR103 with low molecular weight, we have designed a series of aza-β(3)-containing 26RFa((20-26)) analogues for their propensity to establish intramolecular hydrogen bonds, and we have evaluated their ability to increase [Ca(2+)](i) in GPR103-transfected cells. We have identified a compound, [Cmpi(21),aza-β(3)-Hht(23)]26RFa((21-26)), which was 8-fold more potent than 26RFa((20-26)) in mobilizing [Ca(2+)](i). This pseudopeptide was more stable in serum than 26RFa((20-26)) and exerted a longer lasting orexigenic effect in mice. This study constitutes an important step toward the development of 26RFa analogues that could prove useful for the treatment of feeding disorders.

Novel pancreatic beta cell-specific proteins: antibody-based proteomics for identification of new biomarker candidates

Beta cell-specific surface targets are required for non-invasive monitoring of beta cell mass, which could be used for evaluation of new diabetes treatments as well as to help unravel pathogenic mechanisms underlying beta cell dysfunction. By antibody-based proteomics, we have identified and explored a set of islet cell-specific proteins. A search algorithm in the Human Protein Atlas was set up for identification of islet-specific proteins that yielded 27 hits, of which twelve showed a clear membranous expression pattern or had predicted transmembrane regions. The specificity of the identified proteins was investigated by immunohistochemical staining of pancreas sections from diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. No expression of these antigens could be detected in the exocrine pancreas. Colocalization with insulin and glucagon was further determined by confocal microscopy using isolated human islets. All antibodies specifically stained human islets and colocalization analysis revealed that four proteins were exclusively expressed in beta cells. Importantly, these antibodies were negative in sections from subjects with long-standing type 1 diabetes. In the present study, we present four proteins; DGCR2, GBF1, GPR44 and SerpinB10, the expression of which has not previously been described in beta cells.

Pro12Ala PPAR γ2 gene polymorphism in PCOS women: the role of compounds regulating satiety

Five to ten percent of women of reproductive age suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Leptin, NPY, galanin, cholecystokinin (CCK) are involved in the regulation of eating behavior. PPARγ are receptors that are probably involved in hyperandrogenism. This study was designed to assess associations between the Pro12Ala PPARγ2 gene polymorphism and satiety factors in PCOS. Fifty-four PCOS women and 51 healthy women were studied. Leptin, NPY, galanin, CCK levels, and genetic studies to detect Pro12Ala PPARγ2 gene polymorphism were assessed. The leptin levels in the PCOS women carrying Pro12Ala genotype were higher than in those with Pro12Pro and Ala12Ala. The PCOS women had higher leptin and NPY levels and lower galanin levels. Obese PCOS patients had lower CCK levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In the PCOS women, a single Ala allele may have a protective role as far as hyperleptinemia is concerned. The PCOS women may reveal a disrupted central leptin/NPY feedback loop with some shifts in food intake.

The RFamide neuropeptide 26RFa and its role in the control of neuroendocrine functions

Identification of novel neuropeptides and their cognate G protein-coupled receptors is essential for a better understanding of neuroendocrine regulations. The RFamide peptides represent a family of regulatory peptides that all possess the Arg-Phe-NH2 motif at their C-terminus. In mammals, seven RFamide peptides encoded by five distinct genes have been characterized. The present review focuses on 26RFa (or QRFP) which is the latest member identified in this family. 26RFa is present in all vertebrate phyla and its C-terminal domain (KGGFXFRF-NH2), which is responsible for its biological activity, has been fully conserved during evolution. 26RFa is the cognate ligand of the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR103 that is also present from fish to human. In all vertebrate species studied so far, 26RFa-expressing neurons show a discrete localization in the hypothalamus, suggesting important neuroendocrine activities for this RFamide peptide. Indeed, 26RFa plays a crucial role in the control of feeding behavior in mammals, birds and fish. In addition, 26RFa up-regulates the gonadotropic axis in mammals and fish. Finally, evidence that the 26RFa/GPR103 system regulates steroidogenesis, bone formation, nociceptive transmission and arterial blood pressure has also been reported. Thus, 26RFa appears to act as a key neuropeptide in vertebrates controlling vital neuroendocrine functions. The pathophysiological implication of the 26RFa/GPR103 system in human is totally unknown and some fields of investigation are proposed.

Structure-activity relationships of a series of analogues of the RFamide-related peptide 26RFa

26RFa is a new member of the RFamide peptide family that has been identified as the endogenous ligand of the orphan GPCR GPR103. As the C-terminal heptapeptide (26RFa((20-26))) mimics the action of the native peptide on food intake and gonadotropin secretion in rodents, we have synthesized a series of analogues of 26RFa((20-26)) and measured their potency to induce [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization in Gα(16)-hGPR103-transfected CHO cells. Systematic replacement of each residue by an alanine (Ala scan) and its D-enantiomer (D scan) showed that the last three C-terminal residues were very sensitive to the substitutions while position 23 tolerated rather well both modifications. Most importantly, replacement of Ser(23) by a norvaline led to an analogue, [Nva(23)]26RFa((20-26)), that was 3-fold more potent than the native heptapeptide. These new pharmacological data, by providing the first information regarding the structure-activity relationships of 26RFa analogues, should prove useful for the rational design of potent GPR103 receptor ligands with potential therapeutic application.

GPR103b functions in the peripheral regulation of adipogenesis

The activation of G protein-coupled receptor 103 (GPR103) by its endogenous peptidic ligands, QRFPs, is involved in the central regulation of feeding by increasing food intake, body weight, and fat mass after intracerebroventricular injection in mice. However, the role of GPR103 in regulating peripheral metabolic pathways has not yet been explored. The present study aimed to investigate the role of GPR103 in adipogenesis and lipid metabolism using 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. Our results show that differentiated 3T3-L1 cells expressed the GPR103b subtype mRNA and protein, as well as QRFP mRNA. QRFP-43 and -26 induced an increase in triglyceride accumulation of 50 and 41%, respectively, and elicited a dose-dependent increase in fatty acid uptake, by up to approximately 60% at the highest concentration, in 3T3-L1-differentiated cells. QRFP-43 and -26 inhibited isoproterenol (ISO)-induced lipolysis in a dose-dependent manner, with IC(50)s of 2.3 +/- 1.2 and 1.1 +/- 1.0 nm, respectively. The expression of genes involved in lipid uptake (FATP1, CD36, LPL, ACSL1, PPAR-gamma, and C/EBP-alpha), was increased by 2- to 3-fold after treatment with QRFP. The effects of QRFP on ISO-induced lipolysis and fatty acid uptake were abolished when GPR103b was silenced. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, the expression of GPR103b in epididymal fat pads was elevated by 16-fold whereas that of QRFP was reduced by 46% compared to lean mice. Furthermore, QRFP was bioactive in omental adipocytes from obese individuals, inhibiting ISO-induced lipolysis in these cells. Our results suggest that GPR103b and QRFP work in an autocrine/paracrine manner to regulate adipogenesis.

Identification, localization, and function of a novel avian hypothalamic neuropeptide, 26RFa, and its cognate receptor, G protein-coupled receptor-103

Several neuropeptides with the C-terminal RFamide sequence have been identified in the hypothalamus of a variety of vertebrates. Among the RFamide peptide groups, however, only LPXRFamide peptides, including gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, have been characterized in the avian brain. In the present study, we sought for the presence of other RFamide peptides in the avian hypothalamus. We identified a cDNA encoding an RFamide peptide orthologous to 26RFa (also referred to as QRFP) in the hypothalamus of the Japanese quail. The deduced quail 26RFa precursor consisted of 120-amino-acid residues, encoding one RFamide peptide with 27 amino acids. This RFamide peptide was flanked at the N terminus by a dibasic amino acid cleavage site and at the C terminus by a glycine amidation signal. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated specific expression of quail 26RFa mRNA in the diencephalon including the hypothalamus. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of a peptide exhibiting the mass of mature 26RFa, indicating that the peptide is actually produced from the precursor in the diencephalon. 26RFa-producing cell bodies were localized in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus in the brain. Synthetic 26RFa increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in HEK293T cells transfected with the chicken G protein-coupled receptor GPR103. Intracerebroventricular injection of 26RFa in broiler chicks stimulated feeding behavior. These data provide the first evidence for the occurrence of the peptide 26RFa in the avian hypothalamus and indicate that this peptide exerts orexigenic activity.

A review of FMRFamide- and RFamide-like peptides in metazoa

Neuropeptides are a diverse class of signalling molecules that are widely employed as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in animals, both invertebrate and vertebrate. However, despite their fundamental importance to animal physiology and behaviour, they are much less well understood than the small molecule neurotransmitters. The neuropeptides are classified into families according to similarities in their peptide sequence; and on this basis, the FMRFamide and RFamide-like peptides, first discovered in molluscs, are an example of a family that is conserved throughout the animal phyla. In this review, the literature on these neuropeptides has been consolidated with a particular emphasis on allowing a comparison between data sets in phyla as diverse as coelenterates and mammals. The intention is that this focus on the structure and functional aspects of FMRFamide and RFamide-like neuropeptides will inform understanding of conserved principles and distinct properties of signalling across the animal phyla.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the first non-mammalian 26RFa/QRFP orthologue in Goldfish, Carassius auratus

In this study, we used data mining approach to predict 26RFa/QRFP precursors from fish, amphibian, reptile and avian species and subsequently cloned a 26RFa/QRFP precursor cDNA from goldfish brain based on the predicted sequences information. The goldfish 26RFa/QRFP precursor cDNA encoded a propeptide of 168 amino acids (aa) with predicted signal peptide of 30 aa at N-terminal and putative mature peptides, including 26RFa (26 aa) and 7RFa (7 aa) located at the C-terminal. Multiple sequence alignment showed almost all of the 26RFa/QRFP mature peptides possessed KGGFXFRF-amide motifs (X=G, S, A or N) at their C-terminus, and the last three residues FRF were fully conserved across vertebrates, indicating that the evolutionary pressure has exerted to conserve several C-terminal amino acid residues among the known and predicted 26RFa/QRFP precursors. Real-time PCR revealed that 26RFa/QRFP gene was expressed abundantly in goldfish hypothalamus, optic tectum-thalamus and testis. The regulation of goldfish hypothalamic 26RFa/QRFP gene expression by negative energy balance and putative role of goldfish 26RFa/QRFP in the control of luteinizing hormone (LH) release were studied. Hypothalamic 26RFa/QRFP gene expression was pronouncedly increased at 4 days after food deprivation. Furthermore, intraperitoneal (IP) injection of synthesized goldfish 26RFa/QRFP at a dose of 1 microg/g bodyweight significantly increased serum LH levels at 1h. However, LH levels were not significantly changed by IP injection of goldfish 26RFa/QRFP at lower dosage or at other time points (3 and 6 h), or by incubation of goldfish primary cell cultures. These results suggested that goldfish 26RFa/QRFP shared some similar features with its mammalian counterparts and partly exerted the regulatory function in energy homeostasis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis as observed in mammalian species.

P518/Qrfp sequence polymorphisms in SAMP6 osteopenic mouse

Mice lacking GPR103A expression display osteopenia. Analysis of mouse quantitative trait loci literature associated with bone mineral density suggested GPR103A ligand P518/Qrfp (chromosome 2qB) as a candidate osteoporosis gene. Promoter and coding regions of mouse P518/Qrfp were sequenced from genomic DNA obtained from the osteoporosis-prone strain SAMP6 and control strains SAMR1, A/J, AKR/J, BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, and DBA/2J. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in only SAMP6 genomic DNA, g.-1773 T-->C, g.110 A-->G (N37S), g.188 G-->A (R63K), and g.135 T-->C (H45H). The promoter SNP generated a novel neuron-restrictive silencing factor binding site, a repressor that decreases gene expression in nonneuronal tissues. TaqMan analysis demonstrated fivefold lower P518/Qrfp liver expression in SAMP6 versus SAMR1 or C57BL/6J control strains. Tissue distribution of human, mouse, and rat P518/Qrfp and its receptors showed expression in bone and spinal cord. A direct role for P518/Qrfp function in maintaining bone mineral density is suggested.

G-protein-coupled receptors and islet function-implications for treatment of type 2 diabetes

Islet function is regulated by a number of different signals. A main signal is generated by glucose, which stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion. The glucose effects are modulated by many factors, including hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients. Several of these factors signal through guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCR). Examples of islet GPCR are GPR40 and GPR119, which are GPCR with fatty acids as ligands, the receptors for the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), the receptors for the islet hormones glucagon and somatostatin, the receptors for the classical neurotransmittors acetylcholine (ACh; M(3) muscarinic receptors) and noradrenaline (beta(2)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors) and for the neuropeptides pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP; PAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptors), cholecystokinin (CCK(A) receptors) and neuropeptide Y (NPY Y1 receptors). Other islet GPCR are the cannabinoid receptor (CB(1) receptors), the vasopressin receptors (V1(B) receptors) and the purinergic receptors (P(2Y) receptors). The islet GPCR couple mainly to adenylate cyclase and to phospholipase C (PLC). Since important pharmacological strategies for treatment of type 2 diabetes are stimulation of insulin secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion, islet GPCR are potential drug targets. This review summarizes knowledge on islet GPCR.