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Pałasz A, Worthington JJ, Filipczyk Ł, Saganiak K. Pharmacomodulation of brain neuromedin U signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1728-1736. [PMID: 37496289 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) belongs to a family of multifunctional neuropeptides that modulate the activity of several neural networks of the brain. Acting via metabotropic receptor NMUR2, NMU plays a role in the regulation of multiple systems, including energy homeostasis, stress responses, circadian rhythms, and endocrine signaling. The involvement of NMU signaling in the central regulation of important neurophysiological processes and its disturbances is a potential target for pharmacological modulation. Number of preclinical studies have proven that both modified NMU analogues such as PASR8-NMU or F4R8-NMU and designed NMUR2 agonists, for example, CPN-116, CPN-124 exhibit a distinct pharmacological activity especially when delivered transnasally. Their application can potentially be useful in the more convenient and safe treatment of obesity, eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease-related memory impairment, alcohol addiction, and sleep disturbances. Accumulating findings suggest that pharmacomodulation of the central NMU signaling may be a promising strategy in the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Łukasz Filipczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Karolina Saganiak
- Department of Anatomy, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Botticelli L, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Bonifazi A, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV. The neuromedin U system: Pharmacological implications for the treatment of obesity and binge eating behavior. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106875. [PMID: 37517560 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a bioactive peptide produced in the gut and in the brain, with a role in multiple physiological processes. NMU acts by binding and activating two G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), the NMU receptor 1 (NMU-R1), which is predominantly expressed in the periphery, and the NMU receptor 2 (NMU-R2), mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). In the brain, NMU and NMU-R2 are consistently present in the hypothalamus, commonly recognized as the main "feeding center". Considering its distribution pattern, NMU revealed to be an important neuropeptide involved in the regulation of food intake, with a powerful anorexigenic ability. This has been observed through direct administration of NMU and by studies using genetically modified animals, which revealed an obesity phenotype when the NMU gene is deleted. Thus, the development of NMU analogs or NMU-R2 agonists might represent a promising pharmacological strategy to treat obese individuals. Furthermore, NMU has been demonstrated to influence the non-homeostatic aspect of food intake, playing a potential role in binge eating behavior. This review aims to discuss and summarize the current literature linking the NMU system with obesity and binge eating behavior, focusing on the influence of NMU on food intake and the neuronal mechanisms underlying its anti-obesity properties. Pharmacological strategies to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of NMU will also be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy.
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Sakamoto K, Kittikulsuth W, Miyako E, Steeve A, Ishimura R, Nakagawa S, Ago Y, Nishiyama A. The VIPR2-selective antagonist KS-133 changes macrophage polarization and exerts potent anti-tumor effects as a single agent and in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286651. [PMID: 37405999 PMCID: PMC10321640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that KS-133 is a specific and potent antagonist of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 (VIPR2). We have also shown that vasoactive intestinal peptide-VIPR2 signaling affects the polarity and activation of tumor-associated macrophages, which is another strategy for cancer immunotherapy apart from the activation of effector T cells. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the selective blockade of VIPR2 by KS-133 changes the polarization of macrophages and induces anti-tumor effects. In the presence of KS-133, genetic markers indicative of tumor-aggressive M1-type macrophages were upregulated, and conversely, those of tumor-supportive M2-type macrophages were downregulated. Daily subcutaneous administration of KS-133 tended to suppress the growth of CT26 tumors (murine colorectal cancer-derived cells) implanted subcutaneously in Balb/c mice. To improve the pharmacological efficacy and reduce the number of doses, we examined a nanoformulation of KS-133 using the US Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmaceutical additive surfactant Cremophor® EL. KS-133 nanoparticles (NPs) were approximately 15 nm in size and stable at 4°C after preparation. Meanwhile, KS-133 was gradually released from the NPs as the temperature was increased. Subcutaneous administration of KS-133 NPs once every 3 days had stronger anti-tumor effects than daily subcutaneous administration of KS-133. Furthermore, KS-133 NPs significantly enhanced the pharmacological efficacy of an immune checkpoint-inhibiting anti-PD-1 antibody. A pharmacokinetic study suggested that the enhancement of anti-tumor activity was associated with improvement of the pharmacokinetic profile of KS-133 upon nanoformulation. Our data have revealed that specific blockade of VIPR2 by KS-133 has therapeutic potential for cancer both alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sakamoto
- Research & Development Depertment, Ichimaru Pharcos Company Limited, Motosu, Gifu, Japan
| | - Wararat Kittikulsuth
- Depertment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medcine, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Eijiro Miyako
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Nomi, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Akumwami Steeve
- Depertment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medcine, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Rika Ishimura
- Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Nakagawa
- Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Nishiyama
- Depertment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medcine, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, Japan
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Neuromedin U regulates food intake of Siberian sturgeon through the modulation of central and peripheral appetite factors. Br J Nutr 2023; 129:904-918. [PMID: 35658963 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522001696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) has a critical function on the regulation of food intake in mammals, while the information is little in teleost. To investigate the function of NMU on appetite regulation of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), this study first cloned nmu cDNA sequence that encoded 154 amino acids including NMU-25 peptide. Besides, the results showed that nmu mRNA was widely distributed in various tissues especially in the hypothalamus and telencephalon. The results of nutritional status (pre-feeding and post-feeding, fasting and re-feeding) experiments showed that nmu mRNA expression was significantly decreased at 1 and 3 h after feeding in different brain regions. Similarly, after feeding, the expression of nmu significantly decreased in peripheral tissues. Moreover, nmu expression in the hypothalamus was significantly increased after fasting 1 d, but decreased after fasting 17 d, which was significantly reversed after re-feeding. However, other brain regions like telencephalon and peripheral tissues like oesophagus, intestinum valvula and liver have different change patterns. Further study showed that acute i.c.v. and i.p. injection of NMU and chronic i.p. injection of NMU significantly reduced the food intake in a dose-dependent mode. In addition, the expressions of several critical appetite factors (nmu, aplein, cart, cck, ghrelin, npy, nucb2, pyy and ucn3) were significantly affected by acute NMU-25 administration in the hypothalamus, intestinum valvula and liver. These results indicate that NMU-25 has the anorexigenic function on food intake by affecting different appetite factors in Siberian sturgeon, which provides a foundation for further exploring the appetite regulation networks in fish.
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Nanoformulation of the K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory peptide KS-58 suppresses colorectal and pancreatic cancer-derived tumors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:518. [PMID: 36627374 PMCID: PMC9832047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27825-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Single amino acid mutations of Ras occur in 30% of human cancers. In particular, K-Ras(G12D) has been detected in the majority of intractable colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Although efforts to target K-Ras(G12D) are currently underway, no effective drugs are available. We previously found that the K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory bicyclic peptide KS-58 exhibits antitumor activity against syngeneic colon and orthotopic grafted pancreatic tumors; however, pristine KS-58 is difficult to handle because of low water solubility and it requires frequent administration to obtain sufficient antitumor activity. In this study, we used a nanoformulation of KS-58 prepared with the highly biocompatible surfactant Cremophor® EL (CrEL) to improve water solubility and reduce the dosing frequency. Nanoformulations of KS-58 with CrEL dramatically improved its water solubility and increased its stability. Weekly intravenous administration of KS-58 nanoparticles (NPs) suppressed the growth of CT26 and PANC-1 cell-derived tumors in vivo, and fluorescent bioimaging indicated that the NP-encapsulated near-infrared fluorescent probe indocyanine green selectively accumulated in the tumor and was safely excreted through the kidneys following intravenous injection. Histopathological analysis of CT26 tumors and Western blotting of PANC-1 tumors revealed that KS-58 NPs reduced ERK phosphorylation, a downstream signal of K-Ras(G12D). Our results suggest that KS-58 NPs represent a novel therapeutic agent for treating colorectal and pancreatic cancers.
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Therapeutic peptides: Historical perspectives, current development trends, and future directions. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:2700-2707. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 957] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Nishizawa N, Kanematsu-Yamaki Y, Funata M, Nagai H, Shimizu A, Fujita H, Sakamoto J, Takekawa S, Asami T. A potent neuromedin U receptor 2-selective alkylated peptide. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:4626-4629. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Kovalainen M. Neuromedin peptides-Potential for anti-obesity drug candidates? Peptides 2017; 94:106-107. [PMID: 28483480 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miia Kovalainen
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, South-Australia 5095, Australia; Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland.
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Kanematsu-Yamaki Y, Nishizawa N, Kaisho T, Nagai H, Mochida T, Asakawa T, Inooka H, Dote K, Fujita H, Matsumiya K, Hirabayashi H, Sakamoto J, Ohtaki T, Takekawa S, Asami T. Potent Body Weight-Lowering Effect of a Neuromedin U Receptor 2-selective PEGylated Peptide. J Med Chem 2017; 60:6089-6097. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kanematsu-Yamaki
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishizawa
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kaisho
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagai
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Taisuke Mochida
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Tomoko Asakawa
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inooka
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Katsuko Dote
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hisashi Fujita
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kouta Matsumiya
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hideki Hirabayashi
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Junichi Sakamoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ohtaki
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Shiro Takekawa
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Taiji Asami
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Fujisawa, 251-8555, Japan
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