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Yotsumoto T, Morozumi N, Nakamura R, Jindo T, Furuya M, Abe Y, Nishimura T, Maeda H, Ogasawara H, Minamitake Y, Kangawa K. Safety assessment of a novel C-type natriuretic peptide derivative and the mechanism of bone- and cartilage-specific toxicity. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218229. [PMID: 31509532 PMCID: PMC6738601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ASB20123, a C-type natriuretic peptide/ghrelin chimeric peptide, was designed as a novel peptide and demonstrated full agonistic activity for natriuretic-peptide receptor B and a significantly longer half-life in plasma compared with the native peptide. We researched the toxicological profile of ASB20123, the correlation between the morphological change of the epiphyseal plate and bone and cartilage toxicity, and biomarkers to detect the toxicity. ASB20123 was systemically administered to male and female rats at daily dose levels of 0.5, 1.5, and 5.0 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. In this study, toxicity was observed as changes related to bone and cartilage tissues, and no other toxicological changes were observed in all animals. Next, ASB20123 was administered to 12-month-old rats with a little epiphyseal plate. The toxic changes related to bone and cartilage tissues were not observed in any animal with a closed epiphyseal plate, indicating that the toxic changes were triggered by the growth-accelerating effect on the bone and cartilage. Furthermore, we searched for the biomarker related to the bone and cartilage toxicity using rats treated with ASB20123 at doses of 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, and 5.0 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. A close correlation between necrosis/fibrosis in the epiphysis and metaphysis and thickness of the epiphyseal plate in the femur was confirmed in this study. A decrease in the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur also was associated with the appearance of bone toxicity. These results indicated that the toxicity of ASB20123 was limited to bone- and cartilage-specific changes, and these changes were triggered by an excessive growth accelerating effect. Furthermore, our data suggested that the thickness of the epiphyseal plate and BMD could be reliable biomarkers to predict bone toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Yotsumoto
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Ryuichi Nakamura
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Jindo
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuyuki Abe
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonari Nishimura
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Maeda
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ogasawara
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Kangawa
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Morozumi N, Yotsumoto T, Yamaki A, Yoshikiyo K, Yoshida S, Nakamura R, Jindo T, Furuya M, Maeda H, Minamitake Y, Kangawa K. ASB20123: A novel C-type natriuretic peptide derivative for treatment of growth failure and dwarfism. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212680. [PMID: 30794654 PMCID: PMC6386482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) are physiological potent positive regulators of endochondral bone growth; therefore, the CNP/NPR-B signaling pathway is one of the most promising therapeutic targets for treating growth failure and dwarfism. In this article, we summarized the pharmacological properties of a novel CNP analog peptide ASB20123 as a therapeutic agent for short stature. ASB20123, one of the CNP/ghrelin chimeric peptides, is composed of CNP(1-22) and human ghrelin(12-28, E17D). Compared to CNP(1-22), ASB20123 showed similar agonist activity for NPR-B and improved biokinetics with a longer plasma half-life in rats. In addition, the distribution of ASB20123 to the cartilage was higher than that of CNP(1-22) after single subcutaneous (sc) injection to mice. These results suggested that the C-terminal part of ghrelin, which has clusters of basic amino acid residues and a BX7B motif, might contribute to the retention of ASB20123 in the extracellular matrix of the growth plate. Multiple sc doses of ASB20123 potently stimulated skeletal growth in rats in a dose-dependent manner, and sc infusion was more effective than bolus injection at the same dose. Our data indicated that high plasma levels of ASB20123 would not necessarily be required for bone growth acceleration. Thus, pharmaceutical formulation approaches for sustained-release dosage forms to allow chronic exposure to ASB20123 might be suitable to ensure drug effectiveness and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takafumi Yotsumoto
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Akira Yamaki
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Yoshikiyo
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Yoshida
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nakamura
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Jindo
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hiroaki Maeda
- Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Kangawa
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Morozumi N, Sato S, Yoshida S, Harada Y, Furuya M, Minamitake Y, Kangawa K. Design and evaluation of novel natriuretic peptide derivatives with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Peptides 2017; 97:16-21. [PMID: 28899838 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B), are potent positive regulators of endochondral bone growth, making the CNP pathway one of the most promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of growth failure. However, the administration of exogenous CNP is not fully effective, due to its rapid clearance in vivo. Modification of CNP to potentially druggable derivatives may result in increased resistance to proteolytic degradation, longer plasma half-life (T1/2), and better distribution to target tissues. In the present study, we designed and evaluated CNP/ghrelin chimeric peptides as novel CNP derivatives. We have previously reported that the ghrelin C-terminus increases peptide metabolic stability. Therefore, we combined the 17-membered, internal disulfide ring portion of CNP with the C-terminal portion of ghrelin. The resultant peptide displayed improved biokinetics compared to CNP, with increased metabolic stability and longer plasma T1/2. Repeated subcutaneous administration of the chimeric peptide to mice resulted in a significant acceleration in longitudinal growth, whereas CNP(1-22) did not. These results suggest that the ghrelin C-terminus improves the stability of CNP, and the chimeric peptide may be useful as a novel therapeutic agent for growth failure and short stature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Morozumi
- Asubio Pharma Co, Ltd. 6-4-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Seiji Sato
- Asubio Pharma Co, Ltd. 6-4-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sayaka Yoshida
- Asubio Pharma Co, Ltd. 6-4-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yuriko Harada
- Asubio Pharma Co, Ltd. 6-4-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Mayumi Furuya
- Asubio Pharma Co, Ltd. 6-4-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Minamitake
- Asubio Pharma Co, Ltd. 6-4-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kenji Kangawa
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1, Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan
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Seim I, Jeffery PL, Thomas PB, Walpole CM, Maugham M, Fung JNT, Yap PY, O’Keeffe AJ, Lai J, Whiteside EJ, Herington AC, Chopin LK. Multi-species sequence comparison reveals conservation of ghrelin gene-derived splice variants encoding a truncated ghrelin peptide. Endocrine 2016; 52:609-17. [PMID: 26792793 PMCID: PMC4879156 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0848-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone ghrelin is a potent orexigen produced predominantly in the stomach. It has a number of other biological actions, including roles in appetite stimulation, energy balance, the stimulation of growth hormone release and the regulation of cell proliferation. Recently, several ghrelin gene splice variants have been described. Here, we attempted to identify conserved alternative splicing of the ghrelin gene by cross-species sequence comparisons. We identified a novel human exon 2-deleted variant and provide preliminary evidence that this splice variant and in1-ghrelin encode a C-terminally truncated form of the ghrelin peptide, termed minighrelin. These variants are expressed in humans and mice, demonstrating conservation of alternative splicing spanning 90 million years. Minighrelin appears to have similar actions to full-length ghrelin, as treatment with exogenous minighrelin peptide stimulates appetite and feeding in mice. Forced expression of the exon 2-deleted preproghrelin variant mirrors the effect of the canonical preproghrelin, stimulating cell proliferation and migration in the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. This is the first study to characterise an exon 2-deleted preproghrelin variant and to demonstrate sequence conservation of ghrelin gene-derived splice variants that encode a truncated ghrelin peptide. This adds further impetus for studies into the alternative splicing of the ghrelin gene and the function of novel ghrelin peptides in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Seim
- />Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Penny L. Jeffery
- />Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Patrick B. Thomas
- />Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Carina M. Walpole
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Michelle Maugham
- />Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Jenny N. T. Fung
- />Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Pei-Yi Yap
- />Signal Transduction Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Angela J. O’Keeffe
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - John Lai
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Eliza J. Whiteside
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Adrian C. Herington
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Lisa K. Chopin
- />Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (TRI-IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
- />Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
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