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Ultra low doses and biological amplification: Approaching Avogadro's number. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105738. [PMID: 34157423 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes evidence establishing that ultra-low doses of diverse chemical agents at concentrations from 10-18 to 10-24 M (e.g., approaching and/or less than 1 atom or molecule of a substance/cell based on Avogadro's constant - 6.022×1023/mole) are capable of engaging receptor and intracellular signaling systems to elicit reproducible effects in a variety of species, from unicellular organisms to humans. Multiple experimental studies have shown that only one or very few molecules are needed to activate a cell and/or entire organism via cascade(s) of amplification mechanisms and processes. For example, ultra-low dose ligand exposure was able to activate both an individual cell, and ~3000 to 25,000 neighboring cells on average, by about 50%. Such activation of cells and whole organisms typically displayed hormetic-biphasic dose responses. These findings indicate that numerous, diverse phylogenetic systems have evolved highly sensitive detection and signaling mechanisms to enhance survival functions, such as defense against infectious agents, responses to diverse types of pheromone communications (e.g., alarm, sexual attraction), and development of several types of cellular protection/resilience processes. This suggests that ultra-low dose effects may be far more common than have been recognized to date. We posit that such findings have important implications for evolutionary theory, ecological and systems biology, and clinical medicine.
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Civciristov S, Halls ML. Signalling in response to sub-picomolar concentrations of active compounds: Pushing the boundaries of GPCR sensitivity. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2382-2401. [PMID: 30801691 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence for ultra-sensitive responses to active compounds at concentrations below picomolar levels by proteins and receptors found in species ranging from bacteria to mammals. We have recently shown that such ultra-sensitivity is also demonstrated by a wide range of prototypical GPCRs, and we have determined the molecular mechanisms behind these responses for three family A GPCRs: the relaxin receptor, RXFP1; the β2 -adrenoceptor; and the M3 muscarinic ACh receptor. Interestingly, there are reports of similar ultra-sensitivity by more than 15 human GPCR families, in addition to other human receptors and channels. These occur through a diverse range of signalling pathways and produce modulation of important physiological processes, including neuronal transmission, chemotaxis, gene transcription, protein/ion uptake and secretion, muscle contraction and relaxation, and phagocytosis. Here, we summarise the accumulating evidence of ultra-sensitive receptor signalling to show that this is a common, though currently underappreciated, property of GPCRs. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srgjan Civciristov
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Ferguson CTJ, Al-Khalaf AA, Isaac RE, Cayre OJ. pH-responsive polymer microcapsules for targeted delivery of biomaterials to the midgut of Drosophila suzukii. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201294. [PMID: 30091982 PMCID: PMC6084892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila suzukii or spotted wing Drosophila is an economically important pest which can have a devastating impact on soft and stone fruit industries. Biological pesticides are being sought as alternatives to synthetic chemicals to control this invasive pest, but many are subject to degradation either in the environment or in the insect gut and as a result require protection. In this study we identified a sharp change in pH of the adult midgut from neutral to acidic (pH <3), which we then exploited to develop poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) microcapsules that respond to the change in midgut pH by dissolution and release of their cargo for uptake into the insect. First, we used labelled solid poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles to show that microcapsules with a diameter less than 15 μm are readily ingested by the adult insect. To encapsulate water-soluble biological species in an aqueous continuous phase, a multiple emulsion template was used as a precursor for the synthesis of pH-responsive P2VP microcapsules with a fluorescent (FITC-dextran) cargo. The water-soluble agent was initially separated from the aqueous continuous phase by an oil barrier, which was subsequently polymerised. The P2VP microcapsules were stable at pH > 6, but underwent rapid dissolution at pH < 4.2. In vivo studies showed that the natural acidity of the midgut of D. suzukii also induced the breakdown of the responsive P2VP microcapsules to release FITC-dextran which was taken up into the body of the insect and accumulated in the renal tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum T. J. Ferguson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Areej A. Al-Khalaf
- College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - R. Elwyn Isaac
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Olivier J. Cayre
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Fodor J, Hull JJ, Köblös G, Jacquin-Joly E, Szlanka T, Fónagy A. Identification and functional characterization of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor isoforms from Mamestra brassicae. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 258:60-69. [PMID: 28579335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In most moth species, including Mamestra brassicae, pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) regulates pheromone production. Generally, PBAN acts directly on the pheromone gland (PG) cells via its specific G protein-coupled receptor (i.e. PBANR) with Ca2+ as a second messenger. In this study, we identified cDNAs encoding three variants (A, B and C) of the M. brassicae PBANR (Mambr-PBANR). The full-length coding sequences were transiently expressed in cultured Trichoplusia ni cells and Sf9 cells for functional characterization. All three isoforms dose-dependently mobilized extracellular Ca2+ in response to PBAN analogs with Mambr-PBANR-C exhibiting the greatest sensitivity. Fluorescent confocal microscopy imaging studies demonstrated binding of a rhodamine red-labeled ligand (RR10CPBAN) to all three Mambr-PBANR isoforms. RR10CPBAN binding did not trigger ligand-induced internalization in cells expressing PBANR-A, but did in cells expressing the PBANR-B and -C isoforms. Furthermore, activation of the PBANR-B and -C isoforms with the 18 amino acid Mambr-pheromonotropin resulted in co-localization with a Drosophila melanogaster arrestin homolog (Kurtz), whereas stimulation with an unrelated peptide had no effect. PCR-based profiling of the three transcripts revealed a basal level of expression throughout development with a dramatic increase in PG transcripts from the day of adult emergence with PBANR-C being the most abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Fodor
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - J Joe Hull
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ, USA
| | - Gabriella Köblös
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1022 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly
- INRA iEES-Paris, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Route de Saint-Cyr, Cedex 78026 Versailles, France
| | - Tamás Szlanka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adrien Fónagy
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1022 Budapest, Hungary
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Shen Z, Jiang X, Yan L, Chen Y, Wang W, Shi Y, Shi L, Liu D, Zhou N. Structural basis for the interaction of diapause hormone with its receptor in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. FASEB J 2018; 32:1338-1353. [PMID: 29101222 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700931r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Diapause hormone (DH) is a 24-aa amidated neuropeptide that elicits the embryonic diapause of the silkworm, Bombyx mori ( Bommo), via sensitive and selective interaction with its receptor, Bommo DH receptor ( Bommo-DHR). Previous studies of the structure-activity relationship of Bommo-DH were all based on an in vivo diapause-induction bioassay, which has provided little information on the structure of Bommo-DHR or its iteration with DH. Here, to unveil the interaction of Bommo-DH with its receptor, N-terminally truncated analogs and alanine-scanning mutants of Bommo-DH were chemically synthesized and functionally evaluated by using a Cy5.5-labeled Bommo-DH competitive binding assay and Bommo-DHR-based functional assays, including cAMP assay and Ca2+ mobilization assay. Our study demonstrates that the C-terminal residues of Arg23 and Leu24 of Bommo-DH are essential for the binding and activation of Bommo-DHR, and that Trp19 and Phe20 also contribute to the functional activity of Bommo-DH. In contrast, when Gly21 or Pro22 were replaced with alanine, both mutants exhibited binding and signaling activities that were indistinguishable from the wild-type peptide. Furthermore, our homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, together with experimental validations, have identified the residues of Glu89, Phe172, Phe194, and Tyr299 in Bommo-DHR that are critically involved in the interaction with Bommo-DH. These results may deepen our understanding of the interactions of class-A GPCRs with their peptidic ligands, particularly those between pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide/DH family neuropeptides and their cognate receptors.-Shen, Z., Jiang, X., Yan, L., Chen, Y., Wang, W., Shi, Y., Shi, L., Liu, D., Zhou, N. Structural basis for the interaction of diapause hormone with its receptor in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangfei Shen
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Yan
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangen Shi
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongxiang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology III, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Naiming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Shiomi K, Takasu Y, Kunii M, Tsuchiya R, Mukaida M, Kobayashi M, Sezutsu H, Ichida Takahama M, Mizoguchi A. Disruption of diapause induction by TALEN-based gene mutagenesis in relation to a unique neuropeptide signaling pathway in Bombyx. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15566. [PMID: 26497859 PMCID: PMC4620438 DOI: 10.1038/srep15566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect neuropeptide family FXPRLa, which carries the Phe-Xaa-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH2 sequence at the C-terminus, is involved in many physiological processes. Although ligand-receptor interactions in FXPRLa signaling have been examined using in vitro assays, the correlation between these interactions and in vivo physiological function is unclear. Diapause in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is thought to be elicited by diapause hormone (DH, an FXPRLa) signaling, which consists of interactions between DH and DH receptor (DHR). Here, we performed transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-based mutagenesis of the Bombyx DH-PBAN and DHR genes and isolated the null mutants of these genes in a bivoltine strain. All mutant silkworms were fully viable and showed no abnormalities in the developmental timing of ecdysis or metamorphosis. However, female adults oviposited non-diapause eggs despite diapause-inducing temperature and photoperiod conditions. Therefore, we conclude that DH signaling is essential for diapause induction and consists of highly sensitive and specific interactions between DH and DHR selected during ligand-receptor coevolution in Bombyx mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiro Shiomi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Yoko Takasu
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba 305-8634, Japan
| | - Masayo Kunii
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Ryoma Tsuchiya
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Moeka Mukaida
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masakazu Kobayashi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba 305-8634, Japan
| | | | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
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