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Smith A, MacAulay B, Scheufen J, Hudak A, Abizaid A. Chronic Social Defeat Stress Increases Brain Permeability to Ghrelin in Male Mice. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0093-24.2024. [PMID: 38937108 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0093-24.2024] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a stomach-derived hormone that increases feeding and is elevated in response to chronic psychosocial stressors. The effects of ghrelin on feeding are mediated by the binding of ghrelin to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), a receptor located in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic regions important for regulating food intake and metabolic rate. The ability of ghrelin to enter the brain, however, seems to be restricted to circumventricular organs like the median eminence and the brainstem area postrema, whereas ghrelin does not readily enter other GHSR-expressing regions like the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Interestingly, social stressors result in increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and this could therefore facilitate the entry of ghrelin into the brain. To investigate this, we exposed mice to social defeat stress for 21 d and then peripherally injected a Cy5-labelled biologically active ghrelin analog. The results demonstrate that chronically stressed mice exhibit higher Cy5-ghrelin fluorescence in several hypothalamic regions in addition to the ARC, including the hippocampus and midbrain. Furthermore, Cy5-ghrelin injections resulted in increased FOS expression in regions associated with the reward system in chronically stressed mice. Further histologic analyses identified a reduction in the branching of hypothalamic astrocytes in the ARC-median eminence junction, suggesting increased blood-brain barrier permeability. These data support the hypothesis that during metabolically challenging conditions like chronic stress, ghrelin may be more able to cross the blood-brain barrier and diffuse throughout the brain to target GHSR-expressing brain regions away from circumventricular organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S5B6, Canada
| | - Brenna MacAulay
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S5B6, Canada
| | - Jessica Scheufen
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S5B6, Canada
| | - Abagael Hudak
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S5B6, Canada
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S5B6, Canada
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2
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Wilk B, Smailovic H, Sullivan R, Sistermans ER, Butler J, Jago H, Kovacs M, Wisenberg G, Thiessen JD, Prato FS. Myocardial glucose suppression may interfere with the detection of inflammatory cells with FDG-PET as suggested in a canine model of myocardial infarction. EJNMMI Res 2023; 13:90. [PMID: 37823919 PMCID: PMC10570261 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-023-01040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After myocardial infarction, fibrosis and an ongoing dysregulated inflammatory response have been shown to lead to adverse cardiac remodeling. FDG PET is an imaging modality sensitive to inflammation as long as suppression protocols are observed while gadolinium enhanced MRI can be used to determine extracellular volume (ECV), a measure of fibrosis. In patients, glucose suppression is achieved variously through a high fat diet, fasting and injection of heparin. To emulate this process in canines, a heparin injection and lipid infusion are used, leading to similar fatty acids in the blood. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of glucose suppression on the uptake of FDG in the infarcted myocardial tissue and also on the determination of ECV in both the infarcted tissue and in the myocardium remote to the zone of infarction during a long constant infusion of FDG and Gd-DTPA. RESULTS Extracellular volume was affected neither by suppression nor the length of the constant infusion in remote and infarcted tissue. Metabolic rate of glucose in infarcted tissue decreased during and after suppression of glucose uptake by lipid infusion and heparin injection. An increase in fibrosis and inflammatory cells was found in the center of the infarct as compared to remote tissue. CONCLUSION The decrease in the metabolic rate of glucose in the infarcted tissue suggests that inflammatory cells may be affected by glucose suppression through heparin injection and lipid infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wilk
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada.
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Haris Smailovic
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Sullivan
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Erik R Sistermans
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - John Butler
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Hannah Jago
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Michael Kovacs
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gerald Wisenberg
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- MyHealth Centre, Arva, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Thiessen
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Frank S Prato
- Department of Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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3
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Fernandez G, De Francesco PN, Cornejo MP, Cabral A, Aguggia JP, Duque VJ, Sayar N, Cantel S, Burgos JI, Fehrentz JA, Rorato R, Atasoy D, Mecawi AS, Perello M. Ghrelin Action in the PVH of Male Mice: Accessibility, Neuronal Targets, and CRH Neurons Activation. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad154. [PMID: 37823477 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The hormone ghrelin displays several well-characterized functions, including some with pharmaceutical interest. The receptor for ghrelin, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), is expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH), a critical hub for the integration of metabolic, neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral functions. Here, we performed a neuroanatomical and functional characterization of the neuronal types mediating ghrelin actions in the PVH of male mice. We found that fluorescent ghrelin mainly labels PVH neurons immunoreactive for nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), which catalyze the production of nitric oxide [NO]). Centrally injected ghrelin increases c-Fos in NOS1 PVH neurons and NOS1 phosphorylation in the PVH. We also found that a high dose of systemically injected ghrelin increases the ghrelin level in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the periventricular PVH, and induces c-Fos in NOS1 PVH neurons. Such a high dose of systemically injected ghrelin activates a subset of NOS1 PVH neurons, which do not express oxytocin, via an arcuate nucleus-independent mechanism. Finally, we found that pharmacological inhibition of NO production fully abrogates ghrelin-induced increase of calcium concentration in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons of the PVH whereas it partially impairs ghrelin-induced increase of plasma glucocorticoid levels. Thus, plasma ghrelin can directly target a subset of NO-producing neurons of the PVH that is involved in ghrelin-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal neuroendocrine axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gimena Fernandez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - María P Cornejo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Julieta P Aguggia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Victor J Duque
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, CEP: 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Nilufer Sayar
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sonia Cantel
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier cedex 5 34293, France
| | - Juan I Burgos
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares "Dr. Horacio Eugenio Cingolani" (CONICET and National University of La Plata), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier cedex 5 34293, France
| | - Rodrigo Rorato
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, CEP: 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Deniz Atasoy
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - André S Mecawi
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, CEP: 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Uppsala, Uppsala 751 05, Sweden
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4
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Childs M, Chandrabalan A, Hodgson D, Ramachandran R, Luyt LG. Discovery of Ghrelin(1-8) Analogues with Improved Stability and Functional Activity for PET Imaging. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1075-1086. [PMID: 37470019 PMCID: PMC10353549 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The highest affinity ghrelin-based analogue for fluorine-18 positron emission tomography, [Inp1,Dpr3(6-FN),1Nal4,Thr8]ghrelin(1-8) amide (1), has remarkable subnanomolar receptor affinity (IC50 = 0.11 nM) toward the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR). However, initial in vivo PET imaging and biodistribution of [18F]1 in mice demonstrated an unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile with rapid clearance and accumulation in liver and intestinal tissue, prompting concerns about the metabolic stability of this probe. The aims of the present study were to examine the proteolytic stability of ghrelin analogue 1 in the presence of blood and liver enzymes, structurally modify the peptide to improve stability without impeding the strong binding affinity, and measure the presently unknown functional activity of ghrelin(1-8) analogues. The in vitro stability and metabolite formation of 1 in human serum and liver S9 fraction revealed a metabolic soft spot between amino acids Leu5 and Ser6 in the peptide sequence. A focused library of ghrelin(1-8) analogues was synthesized and evaluated in a structure-activity-stability relationship study to further understand the structural importance of the residues at these positions in the context of stability and receptor affinity. The critical nature of l-stereochemistry at position 5 was identified and substitution of Ser6 with l-2,3-diaminopropionic acid led to a novel ligand with substantially improved in vitro stability while maintaining subnanomolar GHSR affinity. Despite the highly modified nature of these analogues compared to human ghrelin, ghrelin(1-8) analogues were found to recruit all G protein subtypes (Gαq/11/13/i1/oB) known to associate with GHSR as well as β-arrestins with low micromolar to nanomolar potencies. The study of these analogues demonstrates the ability to balance desirable ligand properties, including affinity, stability, and potency to produce well-rounded candidate molecules for further in vivo evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina
D. Childs
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Arundhasa Chandrabalan
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology, University
of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Derian Hodgson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Rithwik Ramachandran
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology, University
of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Leonard G. Luyt
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Departments
of Medical Imaging and Oncology, University
of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- London
Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research
Institute, 800 Commissioners
Road East, London, Ontario, N6A 4L6, Canada
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5
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Ghrelin proteolysis increases in plasma of men, but not women, with obesity. Life Sci 2023; 313:121305. [PMID: 36543283 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121305] [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] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Since plasma ghrelin can undergo des-acylation and proteolysis, the aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which an enhancement of these reactions is associated to the decrease of ghrelin in plasma after food intake or in individuals with obesity. MAIN METHODS we performed an intervention cross-sectional study, in which levels of ghrelin, desacyl-ghrelin (DAG), glucose, insulin, ghrelin des-acylation and ghrelin proteolysis were assessed in plasma before and after a test meal in 40 people (n = 21 males) with normal weight (NW, n = 20) or overweight/obesity (OW/OB, n = 20). KEY FINDINGS Preprandial ghrelin and DAG levels were lower, whereas preprandial ghrelin proteolysis was ∼4.6-fold higher in plasma of males with OW/OB. In males, ghrelin proteolysis positively correlated with glycemia. Ghrelin and DAG levels were also lower in females with OW/OB, but preprandial ghrelin proteolysis was not different between females with NW or OW/OB. Ghrelin and DAG levels decreased postprandially in males and females, independently of BMI, and ghrelin proteolysis increased postprandially ∼2 folds only in individuals with NW. Ghrelin des-acylation remained unaffected by BMI or feeding status in both sexes. SIGNIFICANCE Current study shows that ghrelin proteolysis increases in males with obesity as well as after meal in lean individuals. Therefore, ghrelin proteolysis may be an important checkpoint and, consequently, a putative pharmacological target to control circulating ghrelin levels in humans.
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6
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Isokawa M. Ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) acylates ghrelin in the hippocampus. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 118:369-392. [PMID: 35180934 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is an appetite-stimulating peptide hormone and produced in the stomach. Serine 3 on ghrelin must be acylated by the lipid transferase known as Ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) in order for the peptide to become physiologically-active and bind to the cognate receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR1a). GHSR1a has been known to be expressed in the feeding center of the hypothalamus. However, the interest in GHSR1a increased dramatically among researchers in various biomedical fields when GHSR1a mRNA was found wide-spread in the brain including the hippocampus. Current understanding is that GHSR1a has multifaceted functions beyond the regulation of metabolism. In the blood, a nonacylated form of ghrelin (des-acyl ghrelin) exists in far greater amounts. Des-acyl ghrelin can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but it cannot bind to GHSR1a in the brain. Thus, the identification of the source for acyl ghrelin in the brain became the critical and urgent quest. Here, we discuss the presence of GOAT in the hippocampus and its ability to acylate ghrelin locally within the hippocampus. We will show that GOAT is localized specifically at the base of the dentate granule cell layer in the rat and wild-type mouse, but not in the GHSR1a knockout mouse. This evidence points the possibility that the expression of GHSR1a may be a prerequisite for the synthesis of GOAT in the hippocampus. We will also show that: (1) the activation of GHSR1a by acyl ghrelin upregulates the cAMP and CREB phosphorylation, (2) amplifies the NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission by phosphorylating GluN1 subunit at Ser896/897, and (3) activates Fyn kinase and induces GluN2B phosphorylation at Tyr1336. In summary, GOAT is a critical molecule that acts as the master switch in the initiation of ghrelin-induced hippocampal synapse and neuron plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Isokawa
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, United States.
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7
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Bergmann R, Chollet C, Els-Heindl S, Ullrich M, Berndt N, Pietzsch J, Máthé D, Bachmann M, Beck-Sickinger AG. Development of a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist for positron emission tomography. Oncotarget 2021; 12:450-474. [PMID: 33747360 PMCID: PMC7939532 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging of Ghrelin receptors in vivo provides unique potential to gain deeper understanding on Ghrelin and its receptors in health and disease, in particular, in cancer. Ghrelin, an octanoylated 28-mer peptide hormone activates the constitutively active growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a) with nanomolar activity. We developed novel compounds, derived from the potent inverse agonist K-(D-1-Nal)-FwLL-NH2 but structurally varied by lysine conjugation with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA), palmitic acid and/or diethylene glycol (PEG2) to allow radiolabeling and improve pharmacokinetics, respectively. All compounds were tested for receptor binding, potency and efficacy in vitro, for biodistribution and -kinetics in rats and in preclinical prostate cancer models on mice. Radiolabeling with Cu-64 and Ga-68 was successfully achieved. The Cu-64- or Ga-68-NODAGA-NH-K-K-(D-1-NaI)-F-w-L-L-NH2 radiotracer were specifically accumulated by the GHS-R1a in xenotransplanted human prostate tumor models (PC-3, DU-145) in mice. The tumors were clearly delineated by PET. The radiotracer uptake was also partially blocked by K-(D-1-Nal)-FwLL-NH2 in stomach and thyroid. The presence of the GHS-R1a was also confirmed by immunohistology. In the arterial rat blood plasma, only the original compounds were found. The Cu-64 or Ga-68-NODAGA-NH-K-K-(D-1-NaI)-F-w-L-L-NH2 radiolabeled inverse agonists turned out to be potent and safe. Due to their easy synthesis, high affinity, medium potency, metabolic stability, and the suitable pharmacokinetic profiles, they are excellent tools for imaging and quantitation of GHS-R1a expression in normal and cancer tissues by PET. These compounds can be used as novel biomarkers of the Ghrelin system in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Bergmann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Constance Chollet
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sylvia Els-Heindl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Berndt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Domokos Máthé
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany.,Tumor Immunology, University Cancer Center, Carl Gustav Carus Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases, Carl Gustav Carus Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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8
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Regional Differences in the Ghrelin-Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor Signalling System in Human Heart Disease. CJC Open 2020; 3:182-194. [PMID: 33644732 PMCID: PMC7893201 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hormone ghrelin and its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) are expressed in myocardium. GHSR binding activates signalling pathways coupled to cardiomyocyte survival and contractility. These properties have made the ghrelin-GHSR axis a candidate for a biomarker of cardiac function. The dynamics of ghrelin-GHSR are altered significantly in late stages of heart failure (HF) and cardiomyopathy, when left ventricular (LV) function is failing. We examined the relationship of GHSR with ghrelin in cardiac tissue from patients with valvular disease with no detectable changes in LV function. Methods Biopsy samples from the left ventricle and left atrium were obtained from 25 patients with valvular disease (of whom 13 also had coronary artery disease) and preserved LV ejection fraction, and compared to control samples obtained via autopsy. Using quantitative confocal fluorescence microscopy, levels of GHSR were determined using [Dpr3(n-octanoyl),Lys19(sulfo-Cy5)]ghrelin(1-19), and immunofluorescence determined ghrelin, the heart failure marker natriuretic peptide type-B (BNP), and contractility marker sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase pump (SERCA2a). Results A positive correlation between GHSR and ghrelin was apparent in only diseased tissue. Ghrelin and BNP significantly correlated in the left ventricle and strongly colocalized to the same intracellular compartment in diseased and control tissue. GHSR, ghrelin, and BNP all strongly and significantly correlated with SERCA2a in the left ventricle of diseased tissue only. Conclusions Our results suggest that the dynamics of the myocardial ghrelin-GHSR axis is altered in cardiovascular disease in the absence of measurable changes in heart function, and might accompany a regional shift in endocrine programming.
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9
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Childs MD, Luyt LG. A Decade's Progress in the Development of Molecular Imaging Agents Targeting the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor. Mol Imaging 2020; 19:1536012120952623. [PMID: 33104445 PMCID: PMC8865914 DOI: 10.1177/1536012120952623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR), also called the ghrelin receptor, is a G protein-coupled receptor known to play an important metabolic role in the regulation of various physiological processes, including energy expenditure, growth hormone secretion, and cell proliferation. This receptor has been implicated in numerous health issues including obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, type II diabetes, and regulation of body weight in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, and there has been growing interest in studying its mechanism of behavior to unlock further applications of GHSR-targeted therapeutics. In addition, the GHSR is expressed in various types of cancer including prostate, breast, and testicular cancers, while aberrant expression has been reported in cardiac disease. Targeted molecular imaging of the GHSR could provide insights into its role in biological processes related to these disease states. Over the past decade, imaging probes targeting this receptor have been discovered for the imaging modalities PET, SPECT, and optical imaging. High-affinity analogues of ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the GHSR, as well as small molecule inhibitors have been developed and evaluated both in vitro and in pre-clinical models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular imaging agents targeting the GHSR reported to the end of 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina D Childs
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonard G Luyt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Barrile F, M'Kadmi C, De Francesco PN, Cabral A, García Romero G, Mustafá ER, Cantel S, Damian M, Mary S, Denoyelle S, Banères JL, Marie J, Raingo J, Fehrentz JA, Perelló M. Development of a novel fluorescent ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor based on the N-Terminal Leap2 region. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 498:110573. [PMID: 31499133 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) was recently recognized as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), which also is a receptor for the hormone ghrelin. LEAP2 blocks ghrelin-induced activation of GHSR and inhibits GHSR constitutive activity. Since fluorescence-based imaging and pharmacological analyses to investigate the biology of GHSR require reliable probes, we developed a novel fluorescent GHSR ligand based on the N-terminal LEAP2 sequence, hereafter named F-LEAP2. In vitro, F-LEAP2 displayed binding affinity and inverse agonism to GHSR similar to LEAP2. In a heterologous expression system, F-LEAP2 labeling was specifically observed in the surface of GHSR-expressing cells, in contrast to fluorescent ghrelin labeling that was mainly observed inside the GHSR-expressing cells. In mice, centrally-injected F-LEAP2 reduced ghrelin-induced food intake, in a similar fashion to LEAP2, and specifically labeled cells in GHSR-expressing brain areas. Thus, F-LEAP2 represents a valuable tool to study the biology of GHSR in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Barrile
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Céline M'Kadmi
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe García Romero
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilio R Mustafá
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sonia Cantel
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France
| | - Marjorie Damian
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Mary
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France
| | - Séverine Denoyelle
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Louis Banères
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France
| | - Jacky Marie
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France
| | - Jesica Raingo
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34093, Montpellier, France.
| | - Mario Perelló
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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11
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Gortan Cappellari G, Barazzoni R. Ghrelin forms in the modulation of energy balance and metabolism. Eat Weight Disord 2019; 24:997-1013. [PMID: 30353455 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-0599-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a gastric hormone circulating in acylated (AG) and unacylated (UnAG) forms. This narrative review aims at presenting current emerging knowledge on the impact of ghrelin forms on energy balance and metabolism. AG represents ~ 10% of total plasma ghrelin, has an appetite-stimulating effect and is the only form for which a receptor has been identified. Moreover, other metabolic AG-induced effects have been reported, including the modulation of glucose homeostasis with stimulation of liver gluconeogenesis, the increase of fat mass and the improvement of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. On the other hand, UnAG has no orexigenic effects, however recent reports have shown that it is directly involved in the modulation of skeletal muscle energy metabolism by improving a cluster of interlinked functions including mitochondrial redox activities, tissue inflammation and insulin signalling and action. These findings are in agreement with human studies which show that UnAG circulating levels are positively associated with insulin sensitivity both in metabolic syndrome patients and in a large cohort from the general population. Moreover, ghrelin acylation is regulated by a nutrient sensor mechanism, specifically set on fatty acids availability. These recent findings consistently point towards a novel independent role of UnAG as a regulator of muscle metabolic pathways maintaining energy status and tissue anabolism. While a specific receptor for UnAG still needs to be identified, recent evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that the modulation of ghrelin-related molecular pathways, including those involved in its acylation, may be a potential novel target in the treatment of metabolic derangements in disease states characterized by metabolic and nutritional complications.Level of evidence Level V, narrative review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Gortan Cappellari
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Rocco Barazzoni
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Trieste, Italy.
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12
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Perello M, Cabral A, Cornejo MP, De Francesco PN, Fernandez G, Uriarte M. Brain accessibility delineates the central effects of circulating ghrelin. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12677. [PMID: 30582239 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract that acts via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. In the central nervous system, ghrelin signalling is able to recruit different neuronal targets that regulate the behavioural, neuroendocrine, metabolic and autonomic effects of the hormone. Notably, several studies using radioactive or fluorescent variants of ghrelin have found that the accessibility of circulating ghrelin into the mouse brain is both strikingly low and restricted to some specific brain areas. A variety of studies addressing central effects of systemically injected ghrelin in mice have also provided indirect evidence that the accessibility of plasma ghrelin into the brain is limited. Here, we review these previous observations and discuss the putative pathways that would allow plasma ghrelin to gain access into the brain together with their physiological implications. Additionally, we discuss some potential features regarding the accessibility of plasma ghrelin into the human brain based on the observations reported by studies that investigate the consequences of ghrelin administration to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Perello
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María P Cornejo
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gimena Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maia Uriarte
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Sullivan R, Randhawa VK, Stokes A, Wu D, Lalonde T, Kiaii B, Luyt L, Wisenberg G, Dhanvantari S. Dynamics of the Ghrelin/Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor System in the Human Heart Before and After Cardiac Transplantation. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:748-762. [PMID: 30937420 PMCID: PMC6438351 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the early preclinical detection of left ventricular dysfunction is difficult because biomarkers are not specific for the cardiomyopathic process. The underlying molecular mechanisms leading to heart failure remain elusive, highlighting the need for identification of cardiac-specific markers. The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and its ligand ghrelin are present in cardiac tissue and are known to contribute to myocardial energetics. Here, we examined tissue ghrelin-GHSR levels as specific markers of cardiac dysfunction in patients who underwent cardiac transplantation. Samples of cardiac tissue were obtained from 10 patients undergoing cardiac transplant at the time of organ harvesting and during serial posttransplant biopsies. Quantitative fluorescence microscopy using a fluorescent ghrelin analog was used to measure levels of GHSR, and immunofluorescence was used to measure levels of ghrelin, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and tissue markers of cardiomyocyte contractility and growth. GHSR and ghrelin expression levels were highly variable in the explanted heart, less in the grafted heart biopsies. GHSR and ghrelin were strongly positively correlated, and both markers were negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction. Ghrelin had stronger positive correlations than BNP with the signaling markers for contractility and growth. These data suggest that GHSR-ghrelin have potential use as an integrated marker of cardiac dysfunction. Interestingly, tissue ghrelin appeared to be a more sensitive indicator than BNP to the biochemical processes that are characteristic of heart failure. This work allows for further use of ghrelin-GHSR to interrogate cardiac-specific biochemical mechanisms in preclinical stages of heart failure (HF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sullivan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Varinder K Randhawa
- Cardiac Imaging Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Stokes
- Metabolism and Diabetes, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek Wu
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyler Lalonde
- Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bob Kiaii
- Cardiac Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonard Luyt
- Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gerald Wisenberg
- Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Metabolism and Diabetes, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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14
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De Luca SN, Sominsky L, Soch A, Wang H, Ziko I, Rank MM, Spencer SJ. Conditional microglial depletion in rats leads to reversible anorexia and weight loss by disrupting gustatory circuitry. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 77:77-91. [PMID: 30578932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are highly sensitive to dietary influence, becoming activated acutely and long-term by high fat diet. However, their role in regulating satiety and feeding in healthy individuals remains unclear. Here we show that microglia are essential for the normal regulation of satiety and metabolism in rats. Short-term microglial depletion in a Cx3cr1-Dtr rat led to a dramatic weight loss that was largely accounted for by an acute reduction in food intake. This weight loss and anorexia were not likely due to a sickness response since the rats did not display peripheral or central inflammation, withdrawal, anxiety-like behavior, or nausea-associated pica. Hormonal and hypothalamic anatomical changes were largely compensatory to the suppressed food intake, which occurred in association with disruption of the gustatory circuitry at the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Thus, microglia are important in supporting normal feeding behaviors and weight, and regulating preference for palatable food. Inhibiting this circuitry is able to over-ride strong compensatory drives to eat, providing a potential target for satiety control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone N De Luca
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3138, Australia
| | - Luba Sominsky
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3138, Australia
| | - Alita Soch
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3138, Australia
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3138, Australia
| | - Ilvana Ziko
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3138, Australia
| | - Michelle M Rank
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3138, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3138, Australia.
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15
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Franco Machado J, Silva RD, Melo R, G Correia JD. Less Exploited GPCRs in Precision Medicine: Targets for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics. Molecules 2018; 24:E49. [PMID: 30583594 PMCID: PMC6337414 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine relies on individually tailored therapeutic intervention taking into account individual variability. It is strongly dependent on the availability of target-specific drugs and/or imaging agents that recognize molecular targets and patient-specific disease mechanisms. The most sensitive molecular imaging modalities, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), rely on the interaction between an imaging radioprobe and a target. Moreover, the use of target-specific molecular tools for both diagnostics and therapy, theranostic agents, represent an established methodology in nuclear medicine that is assuming an increasingly important role in precision medicine. The design of innovative imaging and/or theranostic agents is key for further accomplishments in the field. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), apart from being highly relevant drug targets, have also been largely exploited as molecular targets for non-invasive imaging and/or systemic radiotherapy of various diseases. Herein, we will discuss recent efforts towards the development of innovative imaging and/or theranostic agents targeting selected emergent GPCRs, namely the Frizzled receptor (FZD), Ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), and Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR). The pharmacological and clinical relevance will be highlighted, giving particular attention to the studies on the synthesis and characterization of targeted molecular imaging agents, biological evaluation, and potential clinical applications in oncology and non-oncology diseases. Whenever relevant, supporting computational studies will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Franco Machado
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Rúben D Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - Rita Melo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology; Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, Polo I, 1ºandar, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João D G Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
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16
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Abbas A, Yu L, Lalonde T, Wu D, Thiessen JD, Luyt LG, Dhanvantari S. Development and Characterization of an 18F-labeled Ghrelin Peptidomimetic for Imaging the Cardiac Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor. Mol Imaging 2018; 17:1536012118809587. [PMID: 30394854 PMCID: PMC6236854 DOI: 10.1177/1536012118809587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
One-third of patients with heart disease develop heart failure, which is diagnosed
through imaging and detection of circulating biomarkers. Imaging strategies reveal
morphologic and functional changes but fall short of detecting molecular abnormalities
that can lead to heart failure, and circulating biomarkers are not cardiac specific. Thus,
there is critical need for biomarkers that are endogenous to myocardial tissues. The
cardiac growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a), which binds the hormone ghrelin,
is a potential biomarker for heart failure. We have synthesized and characterized a novel
ghrelin peptidomimetic tracer, an 18F-labeled analogue of G-7039, for positron
emission tomography (PET) imaging of cardiac GHSR1a. In vitro analysis showed enhanced
serum stability compared to natural ghrelin and significantly increased cellular uptake in
GHSR1a-expressing OVCAR cells. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that tissue uptake
of the tracer was independent of circulating ghrelin levels, and there was negligible
cardiac uptake and high uptake in the liver, intestines, and kidneys. Specificity of
tracer uptake was assessed using ghsr −/− mice; both static and dynamic PET imaging revealed no difference in cardiac
uptake, and there was no significant correlation between cardiac standardized uptake
values and GHSR1a expression. Our study lays the groundwork for further refinement of
peptidomimetic PET tracers targeting cardiac GHSR1a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abbas
- 1 Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lihai Yu
- 2 Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyler Lalonde
- 2 Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek Wu
- 3 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Thiessen
- 1 Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,4 Imaging Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonard G Luyt
- 2 Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,4 Imaging Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,5 Department of oncology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- 1 Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,3 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,4 Imaging Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,6 Metabolism/Diabetes, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Cornejo MP, Barrile F, De Francesco PN, Portiansky EL, Reynaldo M, Perello M. Ghrelin Recruits Specific Subsets of Dopamine and GABA Neurons of Different Ventral Tegmental Area Sub-nuclei. Neuroscience 2018; 392:107-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Evidence Supporting a Role for the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier Transporting Circulating Ghrelin into the Brain. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4120-4134. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1362-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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19
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Charron CL, McFarland MS, Dhanvantari S, Luyt LG. Development of a [ 68Ga]-ghrelin analogue for PET imaging of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:1761-1767. [PMID: 30429981 DOI: 10.1039/c8md00210j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The ghrelin receptor is a member of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) family and is present at low concentrations in tissues such as the brain, kidney, cardiovascular system, and prostate. The ghrelin receptor plays an important role in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration associated with the progression of many cancers, including prostate, breast, ovarian, testicular, and intestinal carcinomas. Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand, is a 28 amino acid peptide (IC50 = 3.1 nM) known to have poor in vivo stability. Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of [Dpr3(octanoyl),Lys19(Ga-DOTA)]ghrelin(1-19). This new ghrelin analogue has a binding affinity (IC50 = 5.9 nM) comparable to that of natural ghrelin. Preliminary in vivo evaluation shows higher uptake of [Dpr3(octanoyl),Lys19(68Ga-DOTA)]ghrelin(1-19) in HT1080/GHSR-1a xenografts than the non-transfected HT1080 xenografts in NOD-SCID mice, although considerable uptake is observed in the kidneys. This is the first example of ghrelin receptor PET imaging in a xenograft model using a peptide derived directly from the endogenous ligand and serves as motivation for developing more effective ghrelin-based radiopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Charron
- Department of Chemistry , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada .
| | - M S McFarland
- Department of Chemistry , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada .
| | - S Dhanvantari
- Lawson Health Research Institute , 268 Grosvenor Street , London , Ontario N6A 4V2 , Canada.,Departments of Medical Biophysics , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada
| | - L G Luyt
- Department of Chemistry , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada . .,Department of Oncology , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada.,London Regional Cancer Program , Lawson Health Research Institute , 800 Commissioners Road East , London , Ontario N6A 5W9 , Canada
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20
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Murrell E, Kovacs MS, Luyt LG. A Compact and Synthetically Accessible Fluorine-18 Labelled Cyclooctyne Prosthetic Group for Labelling of Biomolecules by Copper-Free Click Chemistry. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1625-1628. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Murrell
- Department of Chemistry; University of Western Ontario; 1151 Richmond Street London ON N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Michael S. Kovacs
- Lawson Health Research Institute; 268 Grosvenor Street London ON N6A 4V2 Canada
- Departments of Medical Imaging and Medical Biophysics; University of Western Ontario; 1151 Richmond Street London ON N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Leonard G. Luyt
- Department of Chemistry; University of Western Ontario; 1151 Richmond Street London ON N6A 5B7 Canada
- Department of Oncology; University of Western Ontario; 1151 Richmond Street London ON N6A 5B7 Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program; Lawson Health Research Institute; 790 Commissioners Road East London ON N6A 4L6 Canada
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21
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Cornejo MP, De Francesco PN, García Romero G, Portiansky EL, Zigman JM, Reynaldo M, Perello M. Ghrelin receptor signaling targets segregated clusters of neurons within the nucleus of the solitary tract. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 223:3133-3147. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Lalonde T, Shepherd TG, Dhanvantari S, Luyt LG. Stapled ghrelin peptides as fluorescent imaging probes. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Lalonde
- Department of Chemistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Trevor G. Shepherd
- London Regional Cancer Program; London Ontario N6A 4L6 Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute; London Ontario N6A 4V2 Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Western Ontario; London Canada
- Department of Pathology; University of Western Ontario; London Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; University of Western Ontario; London Canada
| | - Leonard G. Luyt
- Department of Chemistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program; London Ontario N6A 4L6 Canada
- Department of Oncology; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada
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23
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Fernandez G, Cabral A, Andreoli MF, Labarthe A, M'Kadmi C, Ramos JG, Marie J, Fehrentz JA, Epelbaum J, Tolle V, Perello M. Evidence Supporting a Role for Constitutive Ghrelin Receptor Signaling in Fasting-Induced Hyperphagia in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1021-1034. [PMID: 29300858 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a potent orexigenic peptide hormone that acts through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), a G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in the hypothalamus. In vitro studies have shown that GHSR displays a high constitutive activity, whose physiological relevance is uncertain. As GHSR gene expression in the hypothalamus is known to increase in fasting conditions, we tested the hypothesis that constitutive GHSR activity at the hypothalamic level drives the fasting-induced hyperphagia. We found that refed wild-type (WT) mice displayed a robust hyperphagia that continued for 5 days after refeeding and changed their food intake daily pattern. Fasted WT mice showed an increase in plasma ghrelin levels, as well as in GHSR expression levels and ghrelin binding sites in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. When fasting-refeeding responses were evaluated in ghrelin- or GHSR-deficient mice, only the latter displayed an ∼15% smaller hyperphagia, compared with WT mice. Finally, fasting-induced hyperphagia of WT mice was significantly smaller in mice centrally treated with the GHSR inverse agonist K-(D-1-Nal)-FwLL-NH2, compared with mice treated with vehicle, whereas it was unaffected in mice centrally treated with the GHSR antagonists D-Lys3-growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 or JMV2959. Taken together, genetic models and pharmacological results support the notion that constitutive GHSR activity modulates the magnitude of the compensatory hyperphagia triggered by fasting. Thus, the hypothalamic GHSR signaling system could affect the set point of daily food intake, independently of plasma ghrelin levels, in situations of negative energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gimena Fernandez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council, Scientific Research Commission of the Province of Buenos Aires and National University of La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council, Scientific Research Commission of the Province of Buenos Aires and National University of La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Andreoli
- School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, National University of Litoral and Institute of Environmental Health, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Alexandra Labarthe
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique_S894 INSERM Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Céline M'Kadmi
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 5247 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Montpellier-École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, National University of Litoral and Institute of Environmental Health, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jacky Marie
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 5247 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Montpellier-École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 5247 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Montpellier-École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Jacques Epelbaum
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique_S894 INSERM Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 7179 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle France, Brunoy, France
| | - Virginie Tolle
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique_S894 INSERM Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council, Scientific Research Commission of the Province of Buenos Aires and National University of La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Sullivan R, McGirr R, Hu S, Tan A, Wu D, Charron C, Lalonde T, Arany E, Chakrabarti S, Luyt L, Dhanvantari S. Changes in the Cardiac GHSR1a-Ghrelin System Correlate With Myocardial Dysfunction in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Mice. J Endocr Soc 2017; 2:178-189. [PMID: 29450407 PMCID: PMC5799831 DOI: 10.1210/js.2017-00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a), are present in cardiac tissue. Activation of GHSR1a by ghrelin promotes cardiomyocyte contractility and survival, and changes in myocardial GHSR1a and circulating ghrelin track with end-stage heart failure, leading to the hypothesis that GHSR1a is a biomarker for heart failure. We hypothesized that GHSR1a could also be a biomarker for diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). We used two models of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DCM: group 1, adult mice treated with 35 mg/kg STZ for 3 days; and group 2, neonatal mice treated with 70 mg/kg STZ at days 2 and 5 after birth. In group 1, mild fasting hyperglycemia (11 mM) was first detected 8 weeks after the last injection, and in group 2, severe fasting hyperglycemia (20 mM) was first detected 1 to 3 weeks after the last injection. In group 1, left ventricular function was slightly impaired as measured by echocardiography, and Western blot analysis showed a significant decrease in myocardial GHSR1a. In group 2, GHSR1a levels were also decreased as assessed by Cy5-ghrelin(1–19) fluorescence microscopy, and there was a significant negative correlation between GHSR1a levels and glucose tolerance. There were significant positive correlations between GHSR1a and ghrelin and between GHSR1a and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), a marker for contractility, but not between GHSR1a and B-type natriuretic peptide, a marker for heart failure. We conclude that the subclinical stage of DCM is accompanied by alterations in the myocardial ghrelin-GHSR1a system, suggesting the possibility of a biomarker for DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sullivan
- Imaging Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Rebecca McGirr
- Imaging Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Shirley Hu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Alice Tan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Derek Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Carlie Charron
- Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Tyler Lalonde
- Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Edith Arany
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Subrata Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Leonard Luyt
- Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada.,Departments of Oncology and Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 4L6, Canada.,London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Imaging Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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25
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Murtuza MI, Isokawa M. Endogenous ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) acylates local ghrelin in the hippocampus. J Neurochem 2017; 144:58-67. [PMID: 29063591 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is an appetite-stimulating peptide. Serine 3 on ghrelin must be acylated by octanoate via the enzyme ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) for the peptide to bind and activate the cognate receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR1a). Interest in GHSR1a increased dramatically when GHSR1a mRNA was demonstrated to be widespread in the brain, including the cortex and hippocampus, indicating that it has multifaceted functions beyond the regulation of metabolism. However, the source of octanoylated ghrelin for GHSR1a in the brain, outside of the hypothalamus, is not well understood. Here, we report the presence of GOAT and its ability to acylate non-octanoylated ghrelin in the hippocampus. GOAT immunoreactivity is aggregated at the base of the dentate granule cell layer in the rat and wild-type mouse. This immunoreactivity was not affected by the pharmacological inhibition of GHSR1a or the metabolic state-dependent fluctuation of systemic ghrelin levels. However, it was absent in the GHSR1a knockout mouse hippocampus, pointing the possibility that the expression of GHSR1a may be a prerequisite for the production of GOAT. Application of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated non-octanoylated ghrelin in live hippocampal slice culture (but not in fixed culture or in the presence of GOAT inhibitors) mimicked the binding profile of FITC-conjugated octanoylated ghrelin, suggesting that extracellularly applied non-octanoylated ghrelin was acylated by endogenous GOAT in the live hippocampus while GOAT being mobilized out of neurons. Our results will advance the understanding for the role of endogenous GOAT in the hippocampus and facilitate the search for the source of ghrelin that is intrinsic to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad I Murtuza
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Masako Isokawa
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
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26
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Berrout L, Isokawa M. Ghrelin upregulates the phosphorylation of the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor by activating GHSR1a and Fyn in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res 2017; 1678:20-26. [PMID: 28993142 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin and its receptor GHSR1a have been shown to exert numerous physiological functions in the brain, in addition to the well-established orexigenic role in the hypothalamus. Earlier work indicated that ghrelin stimulated the phosphorylation of the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and enhanced synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. In the present study, we report that the exogenous application of ghrelin increased GluN2B phosphorylation. This increase was independent of GluN2B subunit activity or NMDAR channel activity. However, it depended on the activation of GHSR1a and Fyn as it was blocked by D-Lys3-GHRP-6 and PP2, respectively. Inhibitors for G-protein-regulated second messengers, such as Rp-cAMP, H89, TBB, ryanodine, and thapsigargin, unexpectedly enhanced GluN2B phosphorylation, suggesting that cAMP, PKA, casein kinase II, and cytosolic calcium signaling may oppose to the effect of ghrelin on the phosphorylation of GluN2B. Our findings suggest that 1) GluN2B is likely a molecular target of ghrelin and GHSR1a-driven signaling cascades, and 2) the ghrelin-mediated phosphorylation of GluN2B depends on Fyn activation under complex negative regulation by other second messengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Berrout
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1W University Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
| | - Masako Isokawa
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1W University Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78520, United States.
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27
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Charron CL, Hou J, McFarland MS, Dhanvantari S, Kovacs MS, Luyt LG. Structure–Activity Study of Ghrelin(1–8) Resulting in High Affinity Fluorine-Bearing Ligands for the Ghrelin Receptor. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7256-7266. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlie L. Charron
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Jinqiang Hou
- London
Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 790 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario N6A 4L6, Canada
| | - Mark S. McFarland
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Imaging
Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department
of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond
Street, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kovacs
- Imaging
Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department
of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond
Street, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Leonard G. Luyt
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
- London
Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 790 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario N6A 4L6, Canada
- Departments
of Oncology and Medical Imaging, University of Western Ontario, 1151
Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
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28
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Charron CL, Hickey JL, Nsiama TK, Cruickshank DR, Turnbull WL, Luyt LG. Molecular imaging probes derived from natural peptides. Nat Prod Rep 2017; 33:761-800. [PMID: 26911790 DOI: 10.1039/c5np00083a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to the end of 2015.Peptides are naturally occurring compounds that play an important role in all living systems and are responsible for a range of essential functions. Peptide receptors have been implicated in disease states such as oncology, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, natural peptides have been exploited as diagnostic and therapeutic agents due to the unique target specificity for their endogenous receptors. This review discusses a variety of natural peptides highlighting their discovery, endogenous receptors, as well as their derivatization to create molecular imaging agents, with an emphasis on the design of radiolabelled peptides. This review also highlights methods for discovering new and novel peptides when knowledge of specific targets and endogenous ligands are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Charron
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
| | - J L Hickey
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
| | - T K Nsiama
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - D R Cruickshank
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
| | - W L Turnbull
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
| | - L G Luyt
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. and Departments of Oncology and Medical Imaging, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada and London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
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29
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Cabral A, Cornejo MP, Fernandez G, De Francesco PN, Garcia-Romero G, Uriarte M, Zigman JM, Portiansky E, Reynaldo M, Perello M. Circulating Ghrelin Acts on GABA Neurons of the Area Postrema and Mediates Gastric Emptying in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2017; 158:1436-1449. [PMID: 28204197 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is known to act on the area postrema (AP), a sensory circumventricular organ located in the medulla oblongata that regulates a variety of important physiological functions. However, the neuronal targets of ghrelin in the AP and their potential role are currently unknown. In this study, we used wild-type and genetically modified mice to gain insights into the neurons of the AP expressing the ghrelin receptor [growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR)] and their role. We show that circulating ghrelin mainly accesses the AP but not to the adjacent nucleus of the solitary tract. Also, we show that both peripheral administration of ghrelin and fasting induce an increase of c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, in GHSR-expressing neurons of the AP, and that GHSR expression is necessary for the fasting-induced activation of AP neurons. Additionally, we show that ghrelin-sensitive neurons of the AP are mainly γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic, and that an intact AP is required for ghrelin-induced gastric emptying. Overall, we show that the capacity of circulating ghrelin to acutely induce gastric emptying in mice requires the integrity of the AP, which contains a population of GABA neurons that are a target of plasma ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Cabral
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María P Cornejo
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gimena Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Romero
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maia Uriarte
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jeffrey M Zigman
- Divisions of Hypothalamic Research and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Enrique Portiansky
- Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mirta Reynaldo
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas-Provincia de Buenas Aires, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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30
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Clarifying the Ghrelin System's Ability to Regulate Feeding Behaviours Despite Enigmatic Spatial Separation of the GHSR and Its Endogenous Ligand. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040859. [PMID: 28422060 PMCID: PMC5412441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a hormone predominantly produced in and secreted from the stomach. Ghrelin is involved in many physiological processes including feeding, the stress response, and in modulating learning, memory and motivational processes. Ghrelin does this by binding to its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), a receptor found in relatively high concentrations in hypothalamic and mesolimbic brain regions. While the feeding and metabolic effects of ghrelin can be explained by the effects of this hormone on regions of the brain that have a more permeable blood brain barrier (BBB), ghrelin produced within the periphery demonstrates a limited ability to reach extrahypothalamic regions where GHSRs are expressed. Therefore, one of the most pressing unanswered questions plaguing ghrelin research is how GHSRs, distributed in brain regions protected by the BBB, are activated despite ghrelin’s predominant peripheral production and poor ability to transverse the BBB. This manuscript will describe how peripheral ghrelin activates central GHSRs to encourage feeding, and how central ghrelin synthesis and ghrelin independent activation of GHSRs may also contribute to the modulation of feeding behaviours.
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31
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Sominsky L, Ziko I, Nguyen TX, Andrews ZB, Spencer SJ. Early life disruption to the ghrelin system with over-eating is resolved in adulthood in male rats. Neuropharmacology 2017; 113:21-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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32
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Lufrano D, Trejo SA, Llovera RE, Salgueiro M, Fernandez G, Martínez Damonte V, González Flecha FL, Raingo J, Ermácora MR, Perelló M. Ghrelin binding to serum albumin and its biological impact. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 436:130-40. [PMID: 27431015 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is an octanoylated peptide hormone that plays a key role in the regulation of the body weight and glucose homeostasis. In plasma, ghrelin circulates bound to larger proteins whose identities are partially established. Here, we used size exclusion chromatography, mass spectrometry and isothermal titration microcalorimetry to show that ghrelin interacts with serum albumin. Furthermore, we found that such interaction displays an estimated dissociation constant (KD) in the micromolar range and involves albumin fatty-acid binding sites as well as the octanoyl moiety of ghrelin. Notably, albumin-ghrelin interaction reduces the spontaneous deacylation of the hormone. Both in vitro experiments-assessing ghrelin ability to inhibit calcium channels-and in vivo studies-evaluating ghrelin orexigenic effects-indicate that the binding to albumin affects the bioactivity of the hormone. In conclusion, our results suggest that ghrelin binds to serum albumin and that this interaction impacts on the biological activity of the hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lufrano
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Conicet, Argentina
| | - Sebastián A Trejo
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Conicet, Argentina; Servei de Proteòmica i Biologia Estructural, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramiro E Llovera
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Conicet, Argentina
| | - Mariano Salgueiro
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
| | - Gimena Fernandez
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Conicet, Argentina
| | | | - F Luis González Flecha
- Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica Raingo
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Conicet, Argentina
| | - Mario R Ermácora
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Conicet, Argentina; Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
| | - Mario Perelló
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Conicet, Argentina.
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33
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López Soto EJ, Agosti F, Cabral A, Mustafa ER, Damonte VM, Gandini MA, Rodríguez S, Castrogiovanni D, Felix R, Perelló M, Raingo J. Constitutive and ghrelin-dependent GHSR1a activation impairs CaV2.1 and CaV2.2 currents in hypothalamic neurons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 146:205-19. [PMID: 26283199 PMCID: PMC4555474 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201511383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Constitutive and ligand-dependent GHSR1a activity attenuates CaV2 current and hypothalamic GABA release through distinct mechanisms and signaling pathways. The growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR1a) has the highest known constitutive activity of any G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR). GHSR1a mediates the action of the hormone ghrelin, and its activation increases transcriptional and electrical activity in hypothalamic neurons. Although GHSR1a is present at GABAergic presynaptic terminals, its effect on neurotransmitter release remains unclear. The activities of the voltage-gated calcium channels, CaV2.1 and CaV2.2, which mediate neurotransmitter release at presynaptic terminals, are modulated by many GPCRs. Here, we show that both constitutive and agonist-dependent GHSR1a activity elicit a strong impairment of CaV2.1 and CaV2.2 currents in rat and mouse hypothalamic neurons and in a heterologous expression system. Constitutive GHSR1a activity reduces CaV2 currents by a Gi/o-dependent mechanism that involves persistent reduction in channel density at the plasma membrane, whereas ghrelin-dependent GHSR1a inhibition is reversible and involves altered CaV2 gating via a Gq-dependent pathway. Thus, GHSR1a differentially inhibits CaV2 channels by Gi/o or Gq protein pathways depending on its mode of activation. Moreover, we present evidence suggesting that GHSR1a-mediated inhibition of CaV2 attenuates GABA release in hypothalamic neurons, a mechanism that could contribute to neuronal activation through the disinhibition of postsynaptic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Javier López Soto
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francina Agosti
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilio Roman Mustafa
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Martínez Damonte
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Alejandra Gandini
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, 07000 México D.F., México
| | - Silvia Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Castrogiovanni
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Felix
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, 07000 México D.F., México
| | - Mario Perelló
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica Raingo
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE), B1904CMA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Schellekens H, De Francesco PN, Kandil D, Theeuwes WF, McCarthy T, van Oeffelen WEPA, Perelló M, Giblin L, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Ghrelin's Orexigenic Effect Is Modulated via a Serotonin 2C Receptor Interaction. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1186-97. [PMID: 25727097 DOI: 10.1021/cn500318q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the intricate pathways that modulate appetite and subsequent food intake is of particular importance considering the rise in the incidence of obesity across the globe. The serotonergic system, specifically the 5-HT2C receptor, has been shown to be of critical importance in the regulation of appetite and satiety. The GHS-R1a receptor is another key receptor that is well-known for its role in the homeostatic control of food intake and energy balance. We recently showed compelling evidence for an interaction between the GHS-R1a receptor and the 5-HT2C receptor in an in vitro cell line system heterologously expressing both receptors. Here, we investigated this interaction further. First, we show that the GHS-R1a/5-HT2C dimer-induced attenuation of calcium signaling is not due to coupling to GαS, as no increase in cAMP signaling is observed. Next, flow cytometry fluorescence resonance energy transfer (fcFRET) is used to further demonstrate the direct interaction between the GHS-R1a receptor and 5-HT2C receptor. In addition, we demonstrate colocalized expression of the 5-HT2C and GHS-R1a receptor in cultured primary hypothalamic and hippocampal rat neurons, supporting the biological relevance of a physiological interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that when 5-HT2C receptor signaling is blocked ghrelin's orexigenic effect is potentiated in vivo. In contrast, the specific 5-HT2C receptor agonist lorcaserin, recently approved for the treatment of obesity, attenuates ghrelin-induced food intake. This underscores the biological significance of our in vitro findings of 5-HT2C receptor-mediated attenuation of GHS-R1a receptor activity. Together, this study demonstrates, for the first time, that the GHS-R1a/5-HT2C receptor interaction translates into a biologically significant modulation of ghrelin's orexigenic effect. This data highlights the potential development of a combined GHS-R1a and 5-HT2C receptor treatment strategy in weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo N. De Francesco
- Laboratory
of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, La Plata, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Mario Perelló
- Laboratory
of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Linda Giblin
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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The cardiovascular action of hexarelin. JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC CARDIOLOGY : JGC 2014; 11:253-8. [PMID: 25278975 PMCID: PMC4178518 DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hexarelin, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide, can bind to and activate the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the brain similar to its natural analog ghrelin. However, the peripheral distribution of GHSR in the heart and blood vessels suggests that hexarelin might have direct cardiovascular actions beyond growth hormone release and neuroendocrine effects. Furthermore, the non-GHSR CD36 had been demonstrated to be a specific cardiac receptor for hexarelin and to mediate its cardioprotective effects. When compared with ghrelin, hexarelin is chemically more stable and functionally more potent. Therefore, it may be a promising therapeutic agent for some cardiovascular conditions. In this concise review, we discuss the current evidence for the cardiovascular action of hexarelin.
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36
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Callaghan B, Furness JB. Novel and Conventional Receptors for Ghrelin, Desacyl-Ghrelin, and Pharmacologically Related Compounds. Pharmacol Rev 2014; 66:984-1001. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.113.008433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Cabral A, Valdivia S, Fernandez G, Reynaldo M, Perello M. Divergent neuronal circuitries underlying acute orexigenic effects of peripheral or central ghrelin: critical role of brain accessibility. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:542-54. [PMID: 24888783 PMCID: PMC4108543 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is an octanoylated peptide hormone that potently and rapidly increases food intake. The orexigenic action of ghrelin involves the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), which is accessible to plasma ghrelin and expresses high levels of the ghrelin receptor. Local administration of ghrelin in a variety of other brain nuclei also increases food intake. It is currently unclear, however, whether these non-ARC ghrelin brain targets are impacted by physiological increases of plasma ghrelin. Thus, the present study aimed to clarify which ghrelin brain targets participate in the short-term orexigenic actions of ghrelin. First, c-Fos induction into mouse brains centrally or peripherally treated with ghrelin was analysed. It was confirmed that peripherally administered ghrelin dose-dependently increases food intake and mainly activates c-Fos in ARC neurones. By contrast, centrally administered ghrelin activates c-Fos in a larger number of brain nuclei. To determine which nuclei are directly accessible to ghrelin, mice were centrally or peripherally injected with a fluorescent ghrelin tracer. It was found that peripherally injected tracer mainly accesses the ARC, whereas centrally injected tracer reaches most brain areas known to express ghrelin receptors. Subsequently, the effects of ghrelin were tested in ARC-ablated mice and it was found that these mice failed to increase food intake in response to peripherally administered ghrelin but fully responded to centrally administered ghrelin. ARC-ablated mice showed patterns of ghrelin-induced c-Fos expression similar to those seen in control mice with the exception of the ARC, where no c-Fos was found. Thus, peripheral ghrelin mainly accesses the ARC, which is required for the orexigenic effects of the hormone. Central ghrelin accesses a variety of nuclei, which can mediate the orexigenic effects of the hormone, even in the absence of an intact ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Cabral
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA)], La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Spring Valdivia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA)], La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gimena Fernandez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA)], La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mirta Reynaldo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA)], La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA)], La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Douglas GAF, McGirr R, Charlton CL, Kagan DB, Hoffman LM, Luyt LG, Dhanvantari S. Characterization of a far-red analog of ghrelin for imaging GHS-R in P19-derived cardiomyocytes. Peptides 2014; 54:81-8. [PMID: 24468548 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin and its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), are expressed in the heart, and may function to promote cardiomyocyte survival, differentiation and contractility. Previously, we had generated a truncated analog of ghrelin conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate for the purposes of determining GHS-R expression in situ. We now report the generation and characterization of a far-red ghrelin analog, [Dpr(3)(octanoyl), Lys(19)(Cy5)]ghrelin (1-19), and show that it can be used to image changes in GHS-R in developing cardiomyocytes. We also generated the des-acyl analog, des-acyl [Lys(19)(Cy5)]ghrelin (1-19) and characterized its binding to mouse heart sections. Receptor binding affinity of Cy5-ghrelin as measured in HEK293 cells overexpressing GHS-R1a was within an order of magnitude of that of fluorescein-ghrelin and native human ghrelin, while the des-acyl Cy5-ghrelin did not bind GHS-R1a. Live cell imaging in HEK293/GHS-R1a cells showed cell surface labeling that was displaced by excess ghrelin. Interestingly, Cy5-ghrelin, but not the des-acyl analog, showed concentration-dependent binding in mouse heart tissue sections. We then used Cy5-ghrelin to track GHS-R expression in P19-derived cardiomyocytes. Live cell imaging at different time points after DMSO-induced differentiation showed that GHS-R expression preceded that of the differentiation marker aMHC and tracked with the contractility marker SERCA 2a. Our far-red analog of ghrelin adds to the tools we are developing to map GHS-R in developing and diseased cardiac tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A F Douglas
- Departments of Pathology, Chemistry, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology, Western University, Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Rebecca McGirr
- Departments of Pathology, Chemistry, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology, Western University, Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Carlie L Charlton
- Departments of Pathology, Chemistry, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology, Western University, Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Dov B Kagan
- Departments of Pathology, Chemistry, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology, Western University, Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Lisa M Hoffman
- Departments of Pathology, Chemistry, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology, Western University, Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Leonard G Luyt
- Departments of Pathology, Chemistry, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology, Western University, Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Departments of Pathology, Chemistry, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology, Western University, Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada.
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Sridharan R, Zuber J, Connelly SM, Mathew E, Dumont ME. Fluorescent approaches for understanding interactions of ligands with G protein coupled receptors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2014; 1838:15-33. [PMID: 24055822 PMCID: PMC3926105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors are responsible for a wide variety of signaling responses in diverse cell types. Despite major advances in the determination of structures of this class of receptors, the underlying mechanisms by which binding of different types of ligands specifically elicits particular signaling responses remain unclear. The use of fluorescence spectroscopy can provide important information about the process of ligand binding and ligand dependent conformational changes in receptors, especially kinetic aspects of these processes that can be difficult to extract from X-ray structures. We present an overview of the extensive array of fluorescent ligands that have been used in studies of G protein coupled receptors and describe spectroscopic approaches for assaying binding and probing the environment of receptor-bound ligands with particular attention to examples involving yeast pheromone receptors. In addition, we discuss the use of fluorescence spectroscopy for detecting and characterizing conformational changes in receptors induced by the binding of ligands. Such studies have provided strong evidence for diversity of receptor conformations elicited by different ligands, consistent with the idea that GPCRs are not simple on and off switches. This diversity of states constitutes an underlying mechanistic basis for biased agonism, the observation that different stimuli can produce different responses from a single receptor. It is likely that continued technical advances will allow fluorescence spectroscopy to play an important role in continued probing of structural transitions in G protein coupled receptors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Structural and biophysical characterisation of membrane protein-ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashri Sridharan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jeffrey Zuber
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Sara M. Connelly
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Elizabeth Mathew
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Mark E. Dumont
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
- Department of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 777, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
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40
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Cabral A, Fernandez G, Perello M. Analysis of brain nuclei accessible to ghrelin present in the cerebrospinal fluid. Neuroscience 2013; 253:406-15. [PMID: 24042041 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a stomach-derived peptide hormone that acts in the brain to regulate many important physiological functions. Ghrelin receptor, named the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), is present in many brain areas with or without obvious direct access to ghrelin circulating in the bloodstream. Ghrelin is also present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but the brain targets of CSF ghrelin are unclear. Here, we studied which brain areas are accessible to ghrelin present in the CSF. For this purpose, we centrally injected mice with fluorescein-labeled ghrelin (F-ghrelin) peptide tracer and then systematically mapped the distribution of F-ghrelin signal through the brain. Our results indicated that centrally injected F-ghrelin labels neurons in most of the brain areas where GHSR is present. Also, we detected F-ghrelin uptake in the ependymal cells of both wild-type and GHSR-null mice. We conclude that CSF ghrelin is able to reach most of brain areas expressing GHSR. Also, we propose that the accessibility of CSF ghrelin to the brain parenchyma occurs through the ependymal cells in a GHSR-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cabral
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), Argentina
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41
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Lu C, McFarland MS, Nesbitt RL, Williams AK, Chan S, Gomez-Lemus J, Autran-Gomez AM, Al-Zahrani A, Chin JL, Izawa JI, Luyt LG, Lewis JD. Ghrelin receptor as a novel imaging target for prostatic neoplasms. Prostate 2012; 72:825-33. [PMID: 21919027 DOI: 10.1002/pros.21484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghrelin is a natural growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that is co-expressed with its receptor GHSR in human prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Imaging probes that target receptors for ghrelin may delineate PCas from benign disease. The specificity of a novel ghrelin-imaging probe for PCa over normal tissue or benign disease was assessed. METHODS A fluorescein-bearing ghrelin analogue was synthesized (fluorescein-ghrelin(1-18)), and its application for imaging was evaluated in a panel of PCa cell lines and human prostate tissue. Prostate core biopsy samples were collected from fresh surgery specimens of 13 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Ghrelin probe signal was detected and quantified in each sample using a hapten amplification technique and associated with pathological features. RESULTS The ghrelin probe was taken up by GHSR-expressing LNCaP and PC-3 cells, and not in BPH cells that express low levels of GHSR. Binding was blocked by competition with excess unlabeled probe. The ghrelin probe signal was 4.7 times higher in PCa compared to benign hyperplasia tissue (P = 0.0027) and normal tissue (P = 0.0093). Furthermore, while the ghrelin probe signal was 1.9-fold higher in PIN compared to benign hyperplasia (P = 0.0022) and normal tissue (P = 0.0047), there was no significant difference in the signal of benign hyperplasia compared to normal tissue. CONCLUSION The imaging probe fluorescein-ghrelin(1-18) is specific for PCa, and did not associate significantly with benign hyperplasia or normal prostate tissue. This data suggests that ghrelin analogues may be useful as molecular imaging probes for prostatic neoplasms in both localized and metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lu
- Translational Prostate Cancer Research Group, London Regional Cancer Program, London, Ontario, Canada
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