1
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Luna-Hernández A, García-Juárez M, Palafox-Moreno J, Téllez-Angulo B, Domínguez-Ordóñez R, Pfaus JG, González-Flores O. Participation of the nitric oxide pathway in lordosis induced by apelin-13 in female rats. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105449. [PMID: 37922678 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the participation of the nitric oxide pathway in facilitating lordosis behavior induced by intrahypothalamic administration of apelin-13 in ovariectomized rats primed with estradiol benzoate (EB). The experiments involved the administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) or a nitric oxide-dependent, soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), and an inhibitor of protein kinase G (KT5823) to the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of EB-primed rats 30 min before infusion of apelin-13 (0.75 μg/μl). This dose of apelin-13 consistently induces lordosis behavior at 30 min, 120 min, and 240 min following infusion. Results showed that injections of either L-NAME or KT5823 significantly reduced the lordosis induced by apelin at 120 and 240 min. However, VMH infusion of ODQ 30 min before apelin-13 infusion reduced but did not significantly inhibit, the lordosis elicited by this peptide at the same time points. We conclude that the nitric oxide pathway in the VMH plays an important role in lordosis induced by apelin-13 in EB-primed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico; Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Marcos García-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Jonathan Palafox-Moreno
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Berenice Téllez-Angulo
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Raymundo Domínguez-Ordóñez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - James G Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico.
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2
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Ye L, Huang Y, Liu X, Zhang X, Cao Y, Kong X, Yuan X, Xu J, Zhu H. Apelin/APJ system protects placental trophoblasts from hypoxia-induced oxidative stress through activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in preeclampsia. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:759-770. [PMID: 37774802 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a placentally induced syndrome with diverse clinical presentation that currently has no cure. Oxidative stress is a potent inducer of placental dysfunction. The apelin receptor (APJ) system is a pleiotropic pathway with a potential for therapeutic targeting in preeclampsia. This study examines the alteration of circulating apelin levels and placental APJ expression in preeclampsia and investigates whether apelin/APJ system can protect placental trophoblast from hypoxia-induced oxidative stress injury through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RESULTS Our results confirmed that maternal apelin concentration was increased in women with preeclampsia, but APJ expression was reduced in the preeclamptic placentas. Apelin-13 treatment not only specifically attenuated CoCl2-induced superoxide production, but also prevented CoCl2-induced reduction of SOD activity and SOD1 expression. In addition, apelin-13 suppressed CoCl2-induced apoptosis by increasing the expression of bcl-2/bax ratio and by decreasing the expression of active caspase-3 in placental trophoblasts. Furthermore, we found that apelin-13 binding APJ activated the PI3K and AKT kinases and inhibition of PI3K kinase significantly blocked the anti-oxidative effects of apelin-13 in placental trophoblasts. CONCLUSIONS Decrease of placental APJ expression is associated with oxidative stress-induced placental dysfunction in preeclampsia, and increased circulating apelin could be a moderately successful marker to differentiate subjects with preeclampsia from healthy pregnant women. Inhibition of superoxide production and caspase-3 cleavage, together with upregulation of SOD activity/expression and bcl-2/bax ratio, could be the potential molecular mechanisms by which apelin-13/APJ protects placental trophoblasts from oxidative stress injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Ye
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yujia Huang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiangju Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaolei Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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3
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Monastero R, Magro D, Venezia M, Pisano C, Balistreri CR. A promising therapeutic peptide and preventive/diagnostic biomarker for age-related diseases: The Elabela/Apela/Toddler peptide. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102076. [PMID: 37776977 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Elabela (ELA), Apela or Toddler peptide is a hormone peptide belonging to the adipokine group and a component of apelinergic system, discovered in 2013-2014. Given its high homology with apelin, the first ligand of APJ receptor, ELA likely mediates similar effects. Increasing evidence shows that ELA has a critical function not only in embryonic development, but also in adulthood, contributing to physiological and pathological conditions, such as the onset of age-related diseases (ARD). However, still little is known about the mechanisms and molecular pathways of ELA, as well as its precise functions in ARD pathophysiology. Here, we report the mechanisms by which ELA/APJ signaling acts in a very complex network of pathways for the maintenance of physiological functions of human tissue and organs, as well as in the onset of some ARD, where it appears to play a central role. Therefore, we describe the possibility to use the ELA/APJ pathway, as novel biomarker (predictive and diagnostic) and target for personalized treatments of ARD. Its potentiality as an optimal peptide candidate for therapeutic ARD treatments is largely described, also detailing potential current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Monastero
- Section of Neurology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele Magro
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marika Venezia
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134, Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogera Pisano
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134, Palermo, Italy.
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4
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Xu C. Cardiovascular aspects of ELABELA: A potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 151:107193. [PMID: 37433415 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
ELABELA, an early endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ (apelin peptide jejunum, apelin receptor), has been known as an important regulator in cardiovascular homeostasis and may be a novel therapeutic target for multiple cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). At the physiological level, ELABELA exhibits angiogenic and vasorelaxant effects and is essential for heart development. At the pathological level, circulating ELABELA levels may be a novel diagnostic biomarker for various CVDs. ELABELA peripherally displays antihypertensive, vascular-protective, and cardioprotective effects, whereas central administration of ELABELA elevated BP and caused cardiovascular remodeling. This review highlights the physiological and pathological roles of ELABELA in the cardiovascular system. Enhancement of the peripheral ELABELA may be a promising pharmacological therapeutic strategy for CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanming Xu
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330002, Jiangxi, China.
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5
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Chen J, Wang Z, Zhang R, Yin H, Wang P, Wang C, Jiang Y. Heterodimerization of apelin and opioid receptor-like 1 receptors mediates apelin-13-induced G protein biased signaling. Life Sci 2023:121892. [PMID: 37364634 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APJ) and the opioid-related nociceptin receptor 1 (ORL1) are family A G protein-coupled receptors that participate in a variety of physiological processes. The distribution and function of APJ and ORL1 in the nervous system and peripheral tissues are similar; however, the detailed mechanism of how these two receptors modulate signaling and physiological effects remains unclear. Here, we examined whether APJ and ORL1 form dimers, and investigated signal transduction pathways. The endogenous co-expression of APJ and ORL1 in SH-SY5Y cells was confirmed by western blotting and RT-PCR. Bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays, as well as a proximity ligation assay and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, demonstrated that APJ and ORL1 heterodimerize in HEK293 cells. We found that the APJ-ORL1 heterodimer is selectively activated by apelin-13, which causes the dimer to couple to Gαi proteins and reduce the recruitment of GRKs and β-arrestins to the dimer. We showed that the APJ-ORL1 dimer exhibits biased signaling, in which G protein-dependent signaling pathways override β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate that the structural interface of the APJ-ORL1 dimer switches from transmembrane domain TM1/TM2 in the inactive state to TM5 in the active state. We used mutational analysis and BRET assays to identify key residues in TM5 (APJ L2185.55, APJ I2245.61, and ORL1 L2295.52) responsible for the receptor-receptor interaction. These results provide important information on the APJ-ORL1 heterodimer and may assist the design of new drugs targeting biased signaling pathways for treatment of pain and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China; Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
| | - Zhengwen Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Haiyan Yin
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Peixiang Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yunlu Jiang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
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6
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Zhang R, Wu F, Cheng B, Wang C, Bai B, Chen J. Apelin-13 prevents the effects of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion on bEnd.3 cells by inhibiting AKT-mTOR signaling. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:146-156. [PMID: 36573455 PMCID: PMC10041053 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221139186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays works by degrading misfolded proteins and dysfunctional organelles and maintains intracellular homeostasis. Apelin-13 has been investigated as an agent that might protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we examined whether apelin-13 protects cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, important components of the BBB, from I/R injury by regulating autophagy. To mimic I/R injury, the mouse cerebral microvascular endothelia l cell line bEnd 3 undergoes the process of oxygen and glucose deprivation and re feeding in the process of culture. Cell viability was detected using a commercial kit, and cell migration was monitored by in vitro scratch assay. The tight junction (TJ) proteins ZO-1 and occludin; the autophagy markers LC3 II, beclin 1, and p62; and components of the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. To confirm the role of autophagy in OGD/R and the protective effect of apelin-13, we treated the cells with 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a pharmacological inhibitor of autophagy. Our results demonstrated that OGD/R increased autophagic activity but decreased viability, abundance of TJs, and migration. Viability and TJ abundance were further reduced when the OGD/R group was treated with 3-MA. These results indicated that bEnd.3 upregulates autophagy to ameliorate the effects of OGD/R injury on viability and TJs, but that the autophagy induced by OGD/R alone is not sufficient to protect against the effect on cell migration. Treatment of OGD/R samples with apelin-13 markedly increased viability, TJ abundance, and migration, as well as autophagic activity, whereas 3-MA inhibited this increase, suggesting that apelin-13 exerted its protective effects by upregulating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Baohua Cheng
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Bo Bai
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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7
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Liu M, Zhang Y, Dong L, Guo Z. Apelin-13 facilitates mitochondria homeostasis via mitophagy to prevent against airway oxidative injury in asthma. Mol Immunol 2023; 153:1-9. [PMID: 36402066 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major mediator in the pathogenesis of allergens-induced asthma. Mitochondria damage and dysfunction is considered to be closely related with oxidative stress. Apelin-13 is a novel multifunctional protein with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in neuroinflammation and ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, its role in mitochondria homeostasis under asthma-associated airway oxidative injury and the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated. A murine model of asthma was established by house dust mite (HDM) allergen sensitization and challenge. The mice were received Apelin-13 protein through intraperitoneal administration before HDM challenge. Airway inflammation, histopathological changes and oxidative stress were examined. The regulatory effects of Apelin-13 on mitochondria function were evaluated using airway epithelial BEAS-2B cells, including mitochondria membrane potential (MMP), mitophagy and the possible signaling pathway. The HDM-challenged mice group exhibited robust inflammation and apoptosis in airway epithelium compared to the control group. The airway impairment in asthmatic mice was partly lessened after Apelin-13 administration. Meanwhile, protein expressions of mitophagy-related markers PINK1, Parkin, Tomm20 and LC3 were significantly increased in the lungs of Apelin-13-treated asthmatic mice. In vitro, Apelin-13 treatment significantly improved MMP levels and reduced ROS production in BEAS-2B cells exposed to HDM, accompanied with the increase of cell viability. Furthermore, Apelin-13 was found to promote the activation of PINK1/Parkin signaling in BEAS-2B cells, thereby increasing mitophagy activity and facilitating mitochondria homeostasis. These results demonstrate that Apelin-13 acts as a regulator of mitochondria homeostasis by driving mitophagy to protect against HDM allergen-induced airway oxidative injury. Apelin-13 may serve as a promising protective agent for treating asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixuan Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200123, China
| | - Yunxuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200123, China.
| | - Zhongliang Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200123, China.
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8
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Das M, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Postnatal developmental expression of apelin receptor proteins and its role in juvenile mice testis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 224:106178. [PMID: 36108814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The expression of apelin system has been shown in the adult testis of rat and mice. It has also been emphasized that regulation of testicular activity in early stages is important to sustain normal testicular activity in adulthood. Since the expression of apelin receptor (APJ) has been shown in the adult testis, moreover, developmental expression of APJ and its role has not been explored yet. Thus, we have examined the testicular expression of APJ during postnatal stages with special reference to proliferation, apoptosis and hormone secretion in early postnatal stage. Postnatal analysis showed that circulating apelin was lowest at PND1 and maximum at PND42. Among testosterone, estrogen and androstenedione, only circulating testosterone showed a gradual increase from PND1 to PND42. Testicular expression of APJ was also developmenatly regulated from PND1 to PND42, revealing a positive correlation with circulating apelin, testosterone, and androstenedione. Immunohistochemical study showed that APJ was mainly confined to Leydig cells of early postnatal stages, whereas, seminiferous tubules at PND42 showed immunostaining in the round spermatids. APJ inhibition from PND14-PND20 by ML221 suppressed the testicular proliferation, increased apoptosis and increased estrogen secretion. However, expression of AR was down-regulated by ML221 treatment. Furthermore, ML221 decreased the abundance of p-Akt. In vitro study also showed that APJ antagonist, ML221 decreased AR expression. These results suggests that apelin signaling during early developmental stages might be required to stimulate the germ cell proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis. Both in vivo and in vitro study have shown that expression of AR was regulated by apelin signaling. Since the first wave spermatogenesis involves proliferation and apoptosis, therefore, further study would be required to unravel the exact mechanism of apelin mediated regulation of testicular activity during early postnatal stages. In conclusion, the present results are an indicative of apelin mediated signaling during early postnatal stage for regulation of germ cell proliferation, apoptosis and AR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milirani Das
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India.
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9
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Protective effects of apelin on gastric mucosa. Tissue Cell 2022; 78:101885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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10
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Design and preparation of N-linked hydroxypyridine-based APJ agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 73:128882. [PMID: 35817293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Agonism of the apelin receptor (APJ) has demonstrated beneficial effects in models of heart failure. We have previously disclosed compounds such as 4, which showed good APJ agonist activity but were metabolized to the mono-demethylated, non-interconverting atropisomer metabolites. Herein, we detail the design and optimization of a novel series of N-linked APJ agonists with good potency, metabolic stability, and rat pharmacokinetic profile, which are unable to undergo the same metabolic mono-demethylation cleavage.
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11
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A network map of apelin-mediated signaling. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 16:137-143. [PMID: 33797707 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00614-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APLNR) is a class A (rhodopsin-like) G-protein coupled receptor with a wide distribution throughout the human body. Activation of the apelin/APLNR system regulates AMPK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/ERK1/2 mediated signaling pathways. APLNR activation orchestrates several downstream signaling cascades, which play diverse roles in physiological effects, including effects upon vasoconstriction, heart muscle contractility, energy metabolism regulation, and fluid homeostasis angiogenesis. We consolidated a network map of the APLNR signaling map owing to its biomedical importance. The curation of literature data pertaining to the APLNR system was performed manually by the NetPath criteria. The described apelin receptor signaling map comprises 35 activation/inhibition events, 38 catalysis events, 4 molecular associations, 62 gene regulation events, 113 protein expression types, and 4 protein translocation events. The APLNR signaling pathway map data is made freely accessible through the WikiPathways Database ( https://www.wikipathways.org/index.php/Pathway:WP5067 ).
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12
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Jiang Y, Yan M, Wang C, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhang R, Wan L, Ji B, Dong B, Wang H, Chen J. The Effects of Apelin and Elabela Ligands on Apelin Receptor Distinct Signaling Profiles. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:630548. [PMID: 33746758 PMCID: PMC7970304 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.630548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin and Elabela are endogenous peptide ligands for Apelin receptor (APJ), a widely expressed G protein-coupled receptor. They constitute a spatiotemporal dual ligand system to control APJ signal transduction and function. We investigated the effects of Apelin-13, pGlu1-apelin-13, Apelin-17, Apelin-36, Elabela-21 and Elabela-32 peptides on APJ signal transduction. Whether different ligands are biased to different APJ mediated signal transduction pathways was studied. We observed the different changes of G protein dependent and β-arrestin dependent signaling pathways after APJ was activated by six peptide ligands. We demonstrated that stimulation with APJ ligands resulted in dose-dependent increases in both G protein dependent [cyclic AMP (cAMP), Ca2+ mobilization, and the early phase extracellular related kinase (ERK) activation] and β-arrestin dependent [GRKs, β-arrestin 1, β-arrestin 2, and β2 subunit of the clathrin adaptor AP2] signaling pathways. However, the ligands exhibited distinct signaling profiles. Elabela-32 showed a >1000-fold bias to the β-statin-dependent signaling pathway. These data provide that Apelin-17 was biased toward β-arrestin dependent signaling. Eabela-21 and pGlu1-Apelin-13 exhibited very distinct activities on the G protein dependent pathway. The activity profiles of these ligands could be valuable for the development of drugs with high selectivity for specific APJ downstream signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlu Jiang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University in Colleges of Shandong, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Maocai Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University in Colleges of Shandong, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qinqin Wang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University in Colleges of Shandong, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University in Colleges of Shandong, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University in Colleges of Shandong, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Bingyuan Ji
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University in Colleges of Shandong, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Bo Dong
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Huiyun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University in Colleges of Shandong, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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13
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Cai X, Wang H, Wang M, Wang D, Zhang Z, Wei R, Gao X, Zhang R, Wang C, Chen J. A novel phosphorylation site on orexin receptor 1 regulating orexinA-induced GRK2-biased signaling. Cell Signal 2020; 75:109743. [PMID: 32827691 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug discovery efforts targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have succeeded in developing multiple medications for treating various human diseases including cancer, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory disorders. These medications are broadly classified as either agonists or antagonists that respectively promote or inhibit receptor activation by endogenous stimuli. However, there has been a growing appreciation that GPCR biased signaling between G protein- and β-arrestin-dependent signaling in particular is a promising method for improving drug efficacy and therapy. Orexin receptor 1 (OX1R), a member of the GPCRs, is an important drug target in the central nervous system. In this study, we identified a novel regulatory phosphorylation site (Ser-262) on OX1R that abolished its capability to interact with GRK2, but did not affect its interaction with G proteins, GRK5, or β-arrestin1/2 activation, indicating that Ser-262 is a key amino acid for OX1R internalization that contributes to induction of GRK2-dependent biased signaling via orexin A. Our findings could potentially lead to the development of new drug targets for the prevention and treatment of insomnia, narcolepsy, and substance abuse, with fewer side effects than existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, PR China
| | - Huannan Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, 276800, PR China
| | - Maochang Wang
- Shouguang Agricultural Development Group Co., Ltd,Shouguang, Shandong, 262700, PR China
| | - Dexiu Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, PR China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, 276800, PR China
| | - Ruotong Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, PR China
| | - Xiang Gao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, PR China
| | - Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, PR China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, PR China; Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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14
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Yan J, Wang A, Cao J, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system: an emerging therapeutic target for respiratory diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2919-2930. [PMID: 32128601 PMCID: PMC11105096 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03461-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor APJ. It is extensively expressed in many tissues such as heart, liver, and kidney, especially in lung tissue. A growing body of evidence suggests that apelin/APJ system is closely related to the development of respiratory diseases. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the role of apelin/APJ system in respiratory diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary embolism (PE), acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pulmonary edema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In detail, apelin/APJ system attenuates PAH by activating AMPK-KLF2-eNOS-NO signaling and miR424/503-FGF axis. Also, apelin protects against ALI/ARDS by reducing mitochondrial ROS-triggered oxidative damage, mitochondria apoptosis, and inflammatory responses induced by the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome. Apelin/APJ system also prevents the occurrence of pulmonary edema via activating AKT-NOS3-NO pathway. Moreover, apelin/APJ system accelerates NSCLC cells' proliferation and migration via triggering ERK1/2-cyclin D1 and PAK1-cofilin signaling, respectively. Additionally, apelin/APJ system may act as a predictor in the development of OSAS and PE. Considering the pleiotropic actions of apelin/APJ system, targeting apelin/APJ system may be a potent therapeutic avenue for respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialong Yan
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiping Wang
- Institute of Clinical Research, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421002, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangang Cao
- Institute of Clinical Research, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421002, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Seyedabadi M, Ghahremani MH, Albert PR. Biased signaling of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs): Molecular determinants of GPCR/transducer selectivity and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 200:148-178. [PMID: 31075355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) convey signals across membranes via interaction with G proteins. Originally, an individual GPCR was thought to signal through one G protein family, comprising cognate G proteins that mediate canonical receptor signaling. However, several deviations from canonical signaling pathways for GPCRs have been described. It is now clear that GPCRs can engage with multiple G proteins and the line between cognate and non-cognate signaling is increasingly blurred. Furthermore, GPCRs couple to non-G protein transducers, including β-arrestins or other scaffold proteins, to initiate additional signaling cascades. Receptor/transducer selectivity is dictated by agonist-induced receptor conformations as well as by collateral factors. In particular, ligands stabilize distinct receptor conformations to preferentially activate certain pathways, designated 'biased signaling'. In this regard, receptor sequence alignment and mutagenesis have helped to identify key receptor domains for receptor/transducer specificity. Furthermore, molecular structures of GPCRs bound to different ligands or transducers have provided detailed insights into mechanisms of coupling selectivity. However, receptor dimerization, compartmentalization, and trafficking, receptor-transducer-effector stoichiometry, and ligand residence and exposure times can each affect GPCR coupling. Extrinsic factors including cell type or assay conditions can also influence receptor signaling. Understanding these factors may lead to the development of improved biased ligands with the potential to enhance therapeutic benefit, while minimizing adverse effects. In this review, evidence for ligand-specific GPCR signaling toward different transducers or pathways is elaborated. Furthermore, molecular determinants of biased signaling toward these pathways and relevant examples of the potential clinical benefits and pitfalls of biased ligands are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Seyedabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Education Development Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Paul R Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Neuroscience, University of Ottawa, Canada.
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16
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Abstract
Apelin and apela (ELABELA/ELA/Toddler) are two peptide ligands for a class A G-protein-coupled receptor named the apelin receptor (AR/APJ/APLNR). Ligand-AR interactions have been implicated in regulation of the adipoinsular axis, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system alongside pathological processes. Each ligand may be processed into a variety of bioactive isoforms endogenously, with apelin ranging from 13 to 55 amino acids and apela from 11 to 32, typically being cleaved C-terminal to dibasic proprotein convertase cleavage sites. The C-terminal region of the respective precursor protein is retained and is responsible for receptor binding and subsequent activation. Interestingly, both apelin and apela exhibit isoform-dependent variability in potency and efficacy under various physiological and pathological conditions, but most studies focus on a single isoform. Biophysical behavior and structural properties of apelin and apela isoforms show strong correlations with functional studies, with key motifs now well determined for apelin. Unlike its ligands, the AR has been relatively difficult to characterize by biophysical techniques, with most characterization to date being focused on effects of mutagenesis. This situation may improve following a recently reported AR crystal structure, but there are still barriers to overcome in terms of comprehensive biophysical study. In this review, we summarize the three components of the apelinergic system in terms of structure-function correlation, with a particular focus on isoform-dependent properties, underlining the potential for regulation of the system through multiple endogenous ligands and isoforms, isoform-dependent pharmacological properties, and biological membrane-mediated receptor interaction. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:407-450, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsoo Shin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Calem Kenward
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jan K Rainey
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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17
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O’Carroll AM, Salih S, Griffiths PR, Bijabhai A, Knepper MA, Lolait SJ. Expression and functional implications of the renal apelinergic system in rodents. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183094. [PMID: 28817612 PMCID: PMC5560558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin binds to the G protein-coupled apelin receptor (APJ; gene name aplnr) to modulate diverse physiological systems including cardiovascular function, and hydromineral and metabolic balance. Recently a second endogenous ligand for APJ, named apela, has been discovered. We confirm that apela activates signal transduction pathways (ERK activation) in cells expressing the cloned rat APJ. Previous studies suggest that exogenous apela is diuretic, attributable wholly or in part to an action on renal APJ. Thus far the cellular distribution of apela in the kidney has not been reported. We have utilized in situ hybridization histochemistry to reveal strong apela labelling in the inner medulla (IM), with lower levels observed in the inner stripe of the outer medulla (ISOM), of rat and mouse kidneys. This contrasts with renal aplnr expression where the converse is apparent, with intense labelling in the ISOM (consistent with vasa recta labelling) and low-moderate hybridization in the IM, in addition to labelling of glomeruli. Apelin is found in sparsely distributed cells amongst more prevalent aplnr-labelled cells in extra-tubular regions of the medulla. This expression profile is supported by RNA-Seq data that shows that apela, but not apelin or aplnr, is highly expressed in microdissected rat kidney tubules. If endogenous tubular apela promotes diuresis in the kidney it could conceivably do this by interacting with APJ in vasculature, or via an unknown receptor in the tubules. The comparative distribution of apela, apelin and aplnr in the rodent kidney lays the foundation for future work on how the renal apelinergic system interacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie O’Carroll
- Bristol Medical School, HW-LINE, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Sabrine Salih
- Bristol Medical School, HW-LINE, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Philip R. Griffiths
- Bristol Medical School, HW-LINE, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Aarifah Bijabhai
- Bristol Medical School, HW-LINE, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A. Knepper
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. Lolait
- Bristol Medical School, HW-LINE, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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18
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Dual-agonist occupancy of orexin receptor 1 and cholecystokinin A receptor heterodimers decreases G-protein–dependent signaling and migration in the human colon cancer cell line HT-29. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:1153-1164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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19
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Cai X, Bai B, Zhang R, Wang C, Chen J. Apelin receptor homodimer-oligomers revealed by single-molecule imaging and novel G protein-dependent signaling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40335. [PMID: 28091541 PMCID: PMC5238433 DOI: 10.1038/srep40335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APJ) belongs to family A of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and is a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for heart failure, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. There is evidence APJ heterodimerizes with other GPCRs; however, the existence of APJ homodimers and oligomers remains to be investigated. Here, we measured APJ monomer-homodimer-oligomer interconversion by monitoring APJ dynamically on cells and compared their proportions, spatial arrangement, and mobility using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, resonance energy transfer, and proximity biotinylation. In cells with <0.3 receptor particles/μm2, approximately 60% of APJ molecules were present as dimers or oligomers. APJ dimers were present on the cell surface in a dynamic equilibrium with constant formation and dissociation of receptor complexes. Furthermore, we applied interference peptides and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to confirm APJ homo-dimer and explore the dimer-interfaces. Peptides corresponding to transmembrane domain (TMD)1, 2, 3, and 4, but not TMD5, 6, and 7, disrupted APJ dimerization. APJ mutants in TMD1 and TMD2 also decreased bioluminescence resonance energy transfer of APJ dimer. APJ dimerization resulted in novel functional characteristics, such as a distinct G-protein binding profile and cell responses after agonist stimulation. Thus, dimerization may serve as a unique mechanism for fine-tuning APJ-mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cai
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China.,Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067 P.R. China
| | - Bo Bai
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067 P.R. China
| | - Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067 P.R. China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067 P.R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067 P.R. China.,Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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