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Shaughnessy CA, Le K, Myhre VD, Dores RM. Functional characterization of melanocortin 2 receptor (Mc2r) from a lobe-finned fish (Protopterus annectens) and insights into the molecular evolution of melanocortin receptors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 343:114356. [PMID: 37562700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies from our group on melanocortin 2 receptors (Mc2r) from basal families of actinopterygians have served to resolve that Mrap1 dependence and ACTH selectivity are features of even the most basal ray-finned fishes. However, there have been no studies on Mc2r function of the basal sarcopterygians, the lobe-finned fishes, represented by the extant members coelacanths and lungfishes. Here, we offer the first molecular and functional characterization of an Mc2r from a lobe-finned fish, the West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens). Plasmids containing cDNA constructs of lungfish (lf) Mc2r and Mrap1 were expressed in mammalian and zebrafish cell lines. Cells were then stimulated by human ACTH(1-24) and melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), as well as alanine-substituted analogs of hACTH(1-24) targeting residues within the H6F7R8W9 and K15K16R17R18P19 motifs. Activation of lfMc2r was assessed using a cAMP-responsive luciferase reporter gene assay. In these assays, lfMc2r required co-expression with lfMrap1, was selective for ACTH over α-MSH at physiological concentrations of the ligands, and was completely inhibited by multiple-alanine substitutions of the HFRW (A6-9) and KKRRP (A15-19) motifs. Single- and partial-alanine substitutions of the HFRW and KKRRP motifs varied in their impacts on receptor-ligand affinity from having no effect to completely inhibiting lfMc2r activation. This characterization of the Mc2r of a lobe-finned fish fulfills the last major extant vertebrate group for which Mc2r function had yet to be characterized. In doing so, we resolve that all basal bony vertebrate groups exhibit Mc2r function that substantially differs from that of the cartilaginous fishes, indicating that rapid and dramatic shift in Mc2r function occurred between the radiation of cartilaginous fishes and the emergence of bony fishes. We support this interpretation with a molecular clock analysis of the melanocortin receptors, which demonstrates the uniquely high rate of sequence divergence in Mc2r. Much remains to be understood regarding the molecular evolution of Mc2r during the early radiation of vertebrates that resulted in the derived functional characteristics of Mrap1 dependence and exclusive selectivity for ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khoa Le
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Valorie D Myhre
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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2
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Bouyoucos IA, Shaughnessy CA, Gary Anderson W, Dores RM. Molecular and pharmacological analysis of the melanocortin-2 receptor and its accessory proteins Mrap1 and Mrap2 in a Squalomorph shark, the Pacific spiny dogfish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 342:114342. [PMID: 37454980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114342] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal (HPA/I) axis is a conserved vertebrate neuroendocrine mechanism regulating the stress response. The penultimate step of the HPA/I axis is the exclusive activation of the melanocortin-2 receptor (Mc2r) by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), requiring an accessory protein, Mrap1 or Mrap2. Limited data for only three cartilaginous fishes support the hypothesis that Mc2r/Mrap1 function in bony vertebrates is a derived trait. Further, Mc2r/Mrap1 functional properties appear to contrast among cartilaginous fishes (i.e., the holocephalans and elasmobranchs). This study sought to determine whether functional properties of Mc2r/Mrap1 are conserved across elasmobranchs and in contrast to holocephalans. The deduced amino acid sequences of Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi; pd) pdMc2r, pdMrap1, and pdMrap2 were obtained from a de novo transcriptome of the interrenal gland and validated against the S. suckleyi genome. pdMc2r showed high primary sequence similarity with elasmobranch and holocephalan Mc2r except at extracellular domains 1 and 2, and transmembrane domain 5. pdMraps showed similarly high sequence similarity with holocephalan and other elasmobranch Mraps, with all cartilaginous fish Mrap1 orthologs lacking an activation motif. cAMP reporter gene assays demonstrated that pdMc2r requires an Mrap for activation, and can be activated by stingray (sr) ACTH(1-24), srACTH(1-13)NH2 (i.e., α-MSH), and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone at physiological concentrations. However, pdMc2r was three orders of magnitude more sensitive to srACTH(1-24) than srACTH(1-13)NH2. Further, pdMc2r was two orders of magnitude more sensitive to srACTH(1-24) when expressed with pdMrap1 than with pdMrap2. These data suggest that functional properties of pdMc2r/pdMrap1 reflect other elasmobranchs and contrast what is seen in holocephalans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Bouyoucos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada.
| | | | - W Gary Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada
| | - Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA
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3
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Shaughnessy CA, Myhre VD, Hall DJ, McCormick SD, Dores RM. Hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis signaling in Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 339:114290. [PMID: 37088167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal (HPA/HPI) axis is a highly conserved endocrine axis that regulates glucocorticoid production via signaling by corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Once activated by ACTH, Gs protein-coupled melanocortin 2 receptors (Mc2r) present in corticosteroidogenic cells stimulate expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), which initiates steroid biosynthesis. In the present study, we examined the tissue distribution of genes involved in HPI axis signaling and steroidogenesis in the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) and provided the first functional characterization of Mc2r in sturgeon. Mc2r of A. oxyrinchus and the sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) are co-dependent on interaction with the melanocortin receptor accessory protein 1 (Mrap1) and highly selective for human (h) ACTH over other melanocortin ligands. A. oxyrinchus expresses key genes involved in HPI axis signaling in a tissue-specific manner that is indicative of the presence of a complete HPI axis in sturgeon. Importantly, we co-localized mc2r, mrap1, and star mRNA expression to the head kidney, indicating that this is possibly a site of ACTH-mediated corticosteroidogenesis in sturgeon. Our results are discussed in the context of other studies on the HPI axis of basal bony vertebrates, which, when taken together, demonstrate a need to better resolve the evolution of HPI axis signaling in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran A Shaughnessy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States.
| | - Valorie D Myhre
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Daniel J Hall
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, S. O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, Turners Falls, MA, USA
| | - Stephen D McCormick
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, S. O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, Turners Falls, MA, USA; Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
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Mo H, Yu H, Li Y, Ezeorba TPC, Zhang Z, Yao M, Yu J, Xiong D, Liu H, Wang L. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of melanocortin-3 receptor in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2023; 49:155-167. [PMID: 36547499 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-022-01164-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-3-receptor (MC3R) plays an important role in mammals' food intake and energy homeostasis. However, its physiological role in bony fishes, such as grass carp, has not been well understood. This study reports the molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and pharmacological characterization of grass carp melanocortin-3-receptor (ciMC3R). Phylogenetic and chromosomal synteny analyses indicated that ciMC3R was closest to cyprinid fishes in evolution. Quantitative PCR experiments revealed that the mRNA of ciMC3R was highly expressed in the brain of grass carp. The cytological function of ciMC3R was investigated by the co-transfection of pcDNA3.1-ciMC3R and the signal-pathway-specific luciferase into the HEK293T cells. Results revealed that the four agonists, α-MSH, β-MSH, ACTH, and NDP-MSH, potentiate the activation of ciMC3R and further increase the production of cAMP and upregulate the MAPK/ERK signaling, respectively. Our study will provide basic data for exploring the physiological functions of grass carp MC3R, especially in energy homeostasis and food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huixia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Timothy P C Ezeorba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Ihe Nsukka, Nsukka, 41001, Nigeria
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mingxin Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiajia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongmei Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Du YY, Yao MX, Yu HX, Mo HL, Yang QY, Yu JJ, Wang LX, Zhou JS, Li Y. Molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and pharmacologic function of melanocortin-3 receptor in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114149. [PMID: 36336108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114149] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) not only regulates energy homeostasis in animals, but also is an important regulator of inflammation. As one of the most widely farmed freshwater fish, common carp has attracted great interest for its feeding and inflammation regulation. In this study, we cloned the coding sequence (CDS) of common carp Mc3r (ccMc3r), examined its tissue expression profile, and investigated the function of this receptor in mediating downstream signaling pathways. The results showed that the CDS of ccMc3r was 975 bp, encoding a putative protein of 324 amino acids. Homology, phylogeny, and chromosomal synteny analyses revealed that ccMc3r is evolutionarily close to the orthologs of cyprinids. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) indicated that ccMc3r was highly expressed in the brain and intestine. The luciferase reporter systems showed that four ligands, ACTH (1-24), α-MSH, β-MSH, and NDP-MSH, were able to activate the cAMP and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways downstream of ccMc3r with different potencies. For the cAMP signaling pathway, ACTH (1-24) had the highest activation potency; while for the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, β-MSH had the greatest activation effect. In addition, we found that the four agonists were able to inhibit TNF-α-induced NF-κB signaling in approximately the same order of potency as cAMP signaling activation. This study may facilitate future studies on the role of Mc3r in common carp feed efficiency and immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-You Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ming-Xing Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hui-Xia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hao-Lin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qi-Yuan Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jia-Jia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ji-Shu Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Melanocortin-5 Receptor: Pharmacology and Its Regulation of Energy Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158727. [PMID: 35955857 PMCID: PMC9369360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most recent melanocortin receptor (MCR) identified, melanocortin-5 receptor (MC5R) has unique tissue expression patterns, pharmacological properties, and physiological functions. Different from the other four MCR subtypes, MC5R is widely distributed in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and is associated with multiple functions. MC5R in sebaceous and preputial glands regulates lipid production and sexual behavior, respectively. MC5R expressed in immune cells is involved in immunomodulation. Among the five MCRs, MC5R is the predominant subtype expressed in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue, tissues critical for energy metabolism. Activated MC5R triggers lipid mobilization in adipocytes and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Therefore, MC5R is a potential target for treating patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus. Melanocortin-2 receptor accessory proteins can modulate the cell surface expression, dimerization, and pharmacology of MC5R. This minireview summarizes the molecular and pharmacological properties of MC5R and highlights the progress made on MC5R in energy metabolism. We poInt. out knowledge gaps that need to be explored in the future.
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7
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Kwok-Shing Wong M, Dores RM. Analyzing the Hypothalamus/Pituitary/Interrenal axis of the neopterygian fish, Lepisosteus oculatus: Co-localization of MC2R, MC5R, MRAP1, and MRAP2 in interrenal cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 323-324:114043. [PMID: 35447133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114043] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RT-PCR analysis indicated that steroidogenic tissues are located along the length of the kidney of the neopterygian fish, Lepisosteus oculatus (spotted gar; g). However, RT-PCR analysis of the distribution of mc2r mRNA and mrap1 mRNA, critical components of the gar hypothalamus/pituitary/interrenal (HPI) axis, was only associated with the anterior and medial regions of the kidney. Steroidogenic cells were designated as interrenal cells that possess star mRNA (in situ hybridization) and lipid vesicles (histological analysis) within the kidney. RT-PCR also detected mc5r mRNA along the length of the tissues associated with the kidney. In situ hybridization analysis of the putative interrenal cells revealed co-expression of mc2r, and mc5r mRNAs in the same steroidogenic cells. Co-expression of gar Mc2r (gMc2r) and Mrap1 (gMrap1) in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells stimulated with ACTH(1-24) resulted in activation with an EC50 value of 1.0 × 10-11M +/- 4.6 × 10-11); whereas stimulation of CHO cells co-expressed with gar Mc5r (gMc5r) and gMrap1 and stimulated with ACTH(1-24) resulted in an EC50 value that was 3 orders of magnitude lower (2.1 × 10-8 M +/- 3.5 × 10-9). Interesting, when CHO cells were co-transfected with gMc2r, gMc5r, and gMrap1 there was a decline in activation as measured by the Vmax values for CHO cells stimulated with either ACTH(1-24) or α-MSH. These results suggest that some interaction may occur between gMc2r and gMc5r when both receptors are expressed in the same cells. Phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses of vertebrate mc2r and mc5r genes concluded that the two genes are evolving at different rates after duplication from a proposed common ancestral gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, USA.
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Tao YX. Mutations in melanocortin-4 receptor: From fish to men. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:215-257. [PMID: 35595350 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus, is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, including both food intake and energy expenditure. Shortly after the publication in 1997 of the Mc4r knockout phenotypes in mice, including increased food intake and severe obesity, the first mutations in MC4R were reported in humans in 1998. Studies in the subsequent two decades have established MC4R mutation as the most common monogenic form of obesity, especially in early-onset severe obesity. Studies in animals, from fish to mammals, have established the conserved physiological roles of MC4R in all vertebrates in regulating energy balance. Drug targeting MC4R has been recently approved for treating morbid genetic obesity. How the MC4R can be exploited for animal production is highly worthy of active investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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Akat E, Yenmiş M, Pombal MA, Molist P, Megías M, Arman S, Veselỳ M, Anderson R, Ayaz D. Comparison of Vertebrate Skin Structure at Class Level: A Review. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:3543-3608. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Akat
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Melodi Yenmiş
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Manuel A. Pombal
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Pilar Molist
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Manuel Megías
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Sezgi Arman
- Sakarya University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Biology Department Sakarya Turkey
| | - Milan Veselỳ
- Palacky University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology Olomouc Czechia
| | - Rodolfo Anderson
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dinçer Ayaz
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
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Yu HX, Li Y, Song WJ, Wang H, Mo HL, Liu Q, Zhang XM, Jiang ZB, Wang LX. Functional characterization of melanocortin-3 receptor in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2022; 48:241-252. [PMID: 35098384 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-01033-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is an important regulator of energy homeostasis and inflammation in mammals. However, its function in teleost fish needs to be further explored. In this study, we characterized rainbow trout MC3R (rtMC3R), which encoded a putative protein of 331 amino acids. Phylogenetic and chromosomal synteny analyses showed that rtMC3R was closely related to bony fishes. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed that the transcripts of rtMC3R were highly expressed in the brain and muscle. The cellular function of rtMC3R was further verified by the signal-pathway-specific luciferase reporter assays. Four agonists such as α-MSH, β-MSH, ACTH (1-24), and NDP-MSH can active rtMC3R, increasing the production of intracellular cAMP and upregulating MAPK/ERK signals. Moreover, we found that rtMC3R stimulated with α-MSH and NDP-MSH can significantly inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. This research will be helpful for further studies on the function of MC3R in rainbow trout, especially the role of energy metabolism and immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei-Jia Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao-Lin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Xin-Miao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ze-Bin Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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11
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Hoglin BE, Miner M, Dores RM. Pharmacological properties of whale shark (Rhincodon typus) melanocortin-2 receptor and melancortin-5 receptor: Interaction with MRAP1 and MRAP2. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 315:113915. [PMID: 34607718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, the whale shark (ws; Rhincodon typus) melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) co-expressed with wsMRAP1 in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cells could be stimulated in a dose dependent manner by ACTH(1-24) with an EC50 of 2.6 × 10-10 M ± 9.7 × 10-11. When the receptor was expressed alone, stimulation was only observed at [10-6 M]. A comparable increase in sensitivity to stimulation by srDes-Ac-αMSH was also observed when the receptor was co-expressed with wsMRAP1. Furthermore, co-expression with wsMRAP1 significantly increased the trafficking of wsMC2R to the plasma membrane of CHO cells. Surprisingly, co-expression with wsMRAP2 also increased sensitivity to stimulation by ACTH(1-24) and srDes-Ac-αMSH, and increased trafficking of the receptor to the plasma membrane. These observations are in sharp contrast to the response of MC2R orthologs of bony vertebrates which have an obligate requirement for co-expression with MRAP1 for both trafficking to the plasma membrane and activation, whereas, co-expression with MRAP2 increases trafficking, but has minimal effects on activation. In addition, when comparing the activation features of wsMC2R with those of the elephant shark MC2R and red stingray MC2R orthologs, both similarities and differences are observed. The spectrum of features for cartilaginous fish MC2R orthologs will be discussed. A second objective of this study was to determine whether wsMC5R has features in common with wsMC2R in terms of ligand selectivity and interaction with wsMRAP paralogs. While wsMC5R can be activated by either srACTH(1-24) or srDes-Ac-αMSH, and co-expression with wsMRAP1 enhances this activation, wsMRAP1 had no effect on the trafficking of wsMC5R. In addition, co-expression with wsMRAP2 had no positive or negative effect on either ligand sensitivity or trafficking of wsMC5R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne E Hoglin
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Marin Miner
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Robert M Dores
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO 80210, USA.
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12
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Wu L, Yu H, Mo H, Lan X, Pan C, Wang L, Zhao H, Zhou J, Li Y. Functional Characterization of Melanocortin-3 Receptor in a Hibernating Cavefish Onychostoma macrolepis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010038. [PMID: 35011144 PMCID: PMC8749556 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study we isolated and characterized a gene called omMc3r from a hibernating cavefish Onychostoma macrolepis. This gene was confirmed by our study to be involved in the regulation of signal pathways related to energy balance and food efficiency. These results can provide clues for exploring the adaptive mechanisms of fish, especially cavefish, with respect to nutrient-poor conditions. Abstract Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) plays an important role in the energy homeostasis of animals under different nutritional conditions. Onychostoma macrolepis is a hibernating cavefish found in the northern part of the Yangtze River, and its adaptation to a nutrient-poor environment has attracted growing interest. In this study, we characterized the protein structure of Onychostoma macrolepis Mc3r (omMc3r), examined its tissue distribution, and investigated its function in mediating cellular signaling. We showed that the CDS of omMc3r is 978 bp, encoding a putative protein of 325 amino acids. Homology and phylogenetic analyses indicated that omMc3r is evolutionary close to cyprinids. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that omMc3r was highly expressed in the liver and brain. The functions of omMc3r to mediate ligands activating downstream signaling have also been confirmed by using signal pathway-specific reporters. The four agonists α-MSH, β-MSH, NDP-MSH, and ACTH (1–24) can all activate the cAMP and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, albeit with different potency orders. The “primitive” ligand ACTH (1–24) had the highest potency on the cAMP signaling pathway, while the synthetic ligand NDP-MSH had the highest activation effect on the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. This research will lay the foundation for studying the energy regulation mechanism of cavefish in an oligotrophic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Huixia Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haolin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xianyong Lan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Chuanying Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lixin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haiyu Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Jishu Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (L.W.); (H.Y.); (H.M.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (Y.L.)
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Ji RL, Huang L, Wang Y, Liu T, Fan SY, Tao M, Tao YX. Topmouth culter melanocortin-3 receptor: regulation by two isoforms of melanocortin-2 receptor accessory protein 2. Endocr Connect 2021; 10:1489-1501. [PMID: 34678761 PMCID: PMC8630771 DOI: 10.1530/ec-21-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is a regulator of energy homeostasis, and interaction of MC3R and melanocortin-2 receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) plays a critical role in MC3R signaling of mammals. However, the physiological roles of MC3R in teleosts are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR was used to measure gene expression. Radioligand binding assay was used to study the binding properties of topmouth culter MC3R (caMC3R). Intracellular cAMP generation was determined by RIA, and caMC3R expression was quantified with flow cytometry. We showed that culter mc3r had higher expression in the CNS. All agonists could bind and stimulate caMC3R to increase dose dependently intracellular cAMP accumulation. Compared to human MC3R, culter MC3R showed higher constitutive activity, higher efficacies, and Rmax to alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), des-α-MSH, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Both caMRAP2a and caMRAP2b markedly decreased caMC3R basal cAMP production. However, only caMRAP2a significantly decreased cell surface expression, Bmax, and Rmax of caMC3R. Expression analysis suggested that MRAP2a and MRAP2b might be more important in regulating MC3R/MC4R signaling during larval period, and reduced mc3r, mc4r, and pomc expression might be primarily involved in modulation of MC3R/MC4R in adults. These data indicated that the cloned caMC3R was a functional receptor. MRAP2a and MRAP2b had different effects on expression and signaling of caMC3R. In addition, expression analysis suggested that MRAP2s, receptors, and hormones might play different roles in regulating culter development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Lei Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Lu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yin Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Si-Yu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Tao or Y-X Tao: or
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Tao or Y-X Tao: or
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Ancient fishes and the functional evolution of the corticosteroid stress response in vertebrates. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 260:111024. [PMID: 34237466 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine mechanism underlying stress responses in vertebrates is hypothesized to be highly conserved and evolutionarily ancient. Indeed, elements of this mechanism, from the brain to steroidogenic tissue, are present in all vertebrate groups; yet, evidence of the function and even identity of some elements of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal (HPA/I) axis is equivocal among the most basal vertebrates. The purpose of this review is to discuss the functional evolution of the HPA/I axis in vertebrates with a focus on our understanding of this neuroendocrine mechanism in the most ancient vertebrates: the agnathan (i.e., hagfish and lamprey) and chondrichthyan fishes (i.e., sharks, rays, and chimeras). A review of the current literature presents evidence of a conserved HPA/I axis in jawed vertebrates (i.e., gnathostomes); yet, available data in jawless (i.e., agnathan) and chondrichthyan fishes are limited. Neuroendocrine regulation of corticosteroidogenesis in agnathans and chondrichthyans appears to function through similar pathways as in bony fishes and tetrapods; however, key elements have yet to be identified and the involvement of melanotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the stress axis in these ancient fishes warrants further investigation. Further, the identities of physiological glucocorticoids are uncertain in hagfishes, chondrichthyans, and even coelacanths. Resolving these and other knowledge gaps in the stress response of ancient fishes will be significant for advancing knowledge of the evolutionary origins of the vertebrate stress response.
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Dores RM, Chapa E. Hypothesis and Theory: Evaluating the Co-Evolution of the Melanocortin-2 Receptor and the Accessory Protein MRAP1. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:747843. [PMID: 34790168 PMCID: PMC8591103 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.747843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors (MCRs) and the MRAP accessory proteins belong to distinct gene families that are unique to the chordates. During the radiation of the chordates, the melancortin-2 receptor paralog (MC2R) and the MRAP1 paralog (melanocortin-2 receptor accessory protein 1) have co-evolved to form a heterodimer interaction that can influence the ligand selectivity and trafficking properties of MC2R. This apparently spontaneous interaction may have begun with the ancestral gnathostomes and has persisted in both the cartilaginous fishes and the bony vertebrates. The ramifications of this interaction had profound effects on the hypothalamus/anterior pituitary/adrenal-interrenal axis of bony vertebrates resulting in MC2R orthologs that are exclusively selective for the anterior pituitary hormone, ACTH, and that are dependent on MRAP1 for trafficking to the plasma membrane. The functional motifs within the MRAP1 sequence and their potential contact sites with MC2R are discussed. The ramifications of the MC2R/MRAP1 interaction for cartilaginous fishes are also discussed, but currently the effects of this interaction on the hypothalamus/pituitary/interrenal axis is less clear. The cartilaginous fish MC2R orthologs have apparently retained the ability to be activated by either ACTH or MSH-sized ligands, and the effect of MRAP1 on trafficking varies by species. In this regard, the possible origin of the dichotomy between cartilaginous fish and bony vertebrate MC2R orthologs with respect to ligand selectivity and trafficking properties is discussed in light of the evolution of functional amino acid motifs within MRAP1.
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16
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Dores RM, Oberer N, Hoglin B, Thomas A, Faught E, Vijayan MM. Evaluating interactions between the melanocortin-5 receptor, MRAP1, and ACTH(1-24): A phylogenetic study. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 294:113476. [PMID: 32243958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) and the melanocortin-5 receptor (MC5R) are found on the same chromosome in most vertebrate genomes, and for the species analyzed in this study, MC2R and MC5R are co-expressed in glucocorticoid-producing cells that also express the accessory protein MRAP1. Since MRAP1 affects the ligand sensitivity of MC2R orthologs, this study tested the hypothesis that co-expression of MC5R with MRAP1 would also affect the ligand sensitivity of MC5R. The hypothesis was confirmed for stingray, rainbow trout, and chicken, MC5R orthologs. However, elephant shark MC5R was not affected in the same way by co-expression of MRAP1. It appears that, for some MC5R orthologs (i.e., stingray, rainbow trout, and chicken), a docking site for the R/KKRRP motif of ACTH(1-24) may become exposed on the receptor following co-expression with MRAP1. However, for elephant shark MC5R co-expression with MRAP1 may not affect engagement ACTH(1-24). Hence during the radiation of the chordates, the interaction between MRAP1 and MC5R has diverged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Dores
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Natalie Oberer
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Brianne Hoglin
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Alexa Thomas
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Erin Faught
- University of Calgary, Department of Biological Sciences, Calgary, Canada
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Hoglin BE, Miner M, Dores RM. Pharmacological properties of whale shark (Rhincodon typus) melanocortin-2 receptor and melancortin-5 receptor: Interaction with MRAP1 and MRAP2. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 293:113463. [PMID: 32213301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, the whale shark (ws; Rhincodon typus) melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) co-expressed with wsMRAP1 in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cells could be stimulated in a dose dependent manner by ACTH(1-24) with an EC50 of 2.6 × 10-10 M ± 9.7 × 10-11. When the receptor was expressed alone, stimulation was only observed at [10-6 M]. A comparable increase in sensitivity to stimulation by srDes-Ac-αMSH was also observed when the receptor was co-expressed with wsMRAP1. In addition, co-expression with wsMRAP1 significantly increased the trafficking of wsMC2R to the plasma membrane of CHO cells. Surprisingly, co-expression with wsMRAP2 also increased sensitivity to stimulation by ACTH(1-24) and srDes-Ac-αMSH, and increased trafficking of the receptor to the plasma membrane. These observations are in sharp contrast to the response of MC2R orthologs of bony vertebrates which have an obligate requirement for co-expression with MRAP1 for both trafficking to the plasma membrane and activation, and while co-expression with MRAP2 increases trafficking, it has minimal effects on activation. In addition, when comparing the activation features of wsMC2R with those of the elephant shark MC2R and red stingray MC2R orthologs, both similarities and differences are observed. The spectrum of features for cartilaginous fish MC2R orthologs will be discussed. A second objective of this study was to determine whether wsMC5R has features in common with wsMC2R in terms of ligand selectivity and interaction with wsMRAP paralogs. While wsMC5R can be activated by either srACTH(1-24) or srDes-Ac-αMSH, and co-expression with wsMRAP1 enhances this activation, wsMRAP1 had no effect on the trafficking of wsMC5R. Co-expression with wsMRAP2 had no positive or negative effect on either ligand sensitivity or trafficking of wsMC5R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne E Hoglin
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Marin Miner
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Robert M Dores
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO 80210, USA.
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18
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Kobayashi Y. New perspectives on GPCRs: GPCR heterodimer formation (melanocortin receptor) and GPCR on primary cilia (melanin concentrating hormone receptor). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 293:113474. [PMID: 32240710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
GPCRs are the largest family of receptors accounting for about 30% of the current drug targets. However, it is difficult to fully elucidate the mechanisms regulating intracellular GPCR signal regulation. It is thus important to consider and investigate GPCRs with respect to endogenous situations. Our group has been investigating GPCRs involved in body color (teleost and amphibian) and eating (vertebrate). Here, I review two independent GPCR systems (heterodimer formation and primary ciliated GPCR) that can be breakthroughs in GPCR research. In teleosts, MCRs form heterodimers, which significantly reduce their affinity for acetylated ligands. In mammals, MCHR1 is localized in the ciliary membrane and shortens the length of the primary cilia through a unique signal from the ciliary membrane. Considering these two new GPCR concepts is expected to advance the overall view of the GPCR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan.
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19
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Hoglin BE, Ferguson A, Pahlavan S, Dores RM. Evidence for diversity in the activation of the melanocortin 2 receptor: A study on gar, elephant shark and stingray MC2Rs. Peptides 2020; 124:170209. [PMID: 31778725 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) is a critical component of the HPI and HPA axes of cartilaginous fishes, teleosts and tetrapods. Studies on teleost and tetrapod orthologs suggest two contact sites between ACTH and the receptor involving the following motifs on ACTH: H6F7R8W9 and K15K16R17R18P19. Using spotted gar (g) MC2R as a representative bony fish MC2R ortholog, we found that activation of gMC2R in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells was diminished following stimulation of the transfected cells with hACTH(1-24) analogs substituted with alanine at either the H6F7R8W9 or K15K16R17R18P19 motifs compared to stimulation with hACTH(1-24). This observation suggests two ligand contact sites necessary for activation of the gMC2R. The same experiments were done with elephant shark (es) MC2R, however only the H6F7R8W9 analogs blocked activation, pointing to a single contact on esMC2R. Conversely, the red stingray (sr) MC2R activation was blocked by both the H6F7R8W9 and K15K16R17R18P19 alanine-substituted analogs. Together these results build a picture of the evolution of the ligand and receptor interaction between ACTH and MC2R orthologs of different taxa. These results will be discussed in light of the parallel evolution of MC2R orthologs in cartilaginous fishes and bony vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne E Hoglin
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, Colorado, 80210, USA
| | - Amanda Ferguson
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, Colorado, 80210, USA
| | - Sheila Pahlavan
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, Colorado, 80210, USA
| | - Robert M Dores
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, Colorado, 80210, USA.
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Yang LK, Zhang ZR, Wen HS, Tao YX. Characterization of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) melanocortin-3 receptor reveals a potential network in regulation of energy homeostasis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 277:90-103. [PMID: 30905760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is known to be involved in regulation of energy homeostasis, regulating feed efficiency and nutrient partitioning in mammals. Its physiological roles in non-mammalian vertebrates, especially economically important aquaculture species, are not well understood. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is the main freshwater aquaculture species in North America. In this study, we characterized the channel catfish MC3R. The mc3r of channel catfish encoded a putative protein (ipMC3R) of 367 amino acids. We transfected HEK293T cells with ipMC3R plasmid for functional studies. Five agonists, including adrenocorticotropin, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), β-MSH, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, and D-Trp8-γ-MSH, were used in the pharmacological studies. Our results showed that ipMC3R bound β-MSH with higher affinity and D-Trp8-γ-MSH with lower affinity compared with human MC3R. All agonists could stimulate ipMC3R and increase intracellular cAMP production with sub-nanomolar potencies. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation could also be triggered by ipMC3R. The ipMC3R exhibited constitutive activities in both cAMP and ERK1/2 pathways, and Agouti-related protein served as an inverse agonist at ipMC3R, potently inhibiting the high basal cAMP level. Moreover, we showed that melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) preferentially modulated ipMC3R in cAMP production rather than ERK1/2 activation. Our study will assist further investigation of the physiological roles of the ipMC3R, especially in energy homeostasis, in channel catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Kun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Zheng-Rui Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai-Shen Wen
- College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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Awruch CA, Somoza GM, Baldock C. Chondrichthyan research in South America: Endocrinology overview and research trends over 50 years (1967-2016) compared to the rest of the world. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:118-133. [PMID: 29913167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating the activity of cells and organs among vertebrates, including the class Chondrichthyes. Accordingly, Chondrichthyan endocrinology publications have been steadily increasing in the global literature. However, while interest in South American Chondrichthyan research has been growing over the last 50 years, the field of endocrinology related to Chondrichthyans has been limited. Understanding the trajectory of a scientific discipline assists researchers and stakeholders in making decisions regarding which research areas require further attention. Further, visualisation techniques based on bibliometric analysis of scientific publications assist in understanding fluctuations in the trends of specific research fields over time. In this study, Chondrichthyan research publications over time were analysed by creating visualisation maps using VOSviewer bibliometric software. Trends in South America Chondrichthyan research with an emphasis on endocrinology were explored over a 50-year period (1967-2016). These trends were compared with Chondrichthyans research worldwide for the more recent 15-year period (2002-2016). The number of South America Chondrichthyan scientific publications increased from six during the 1967-1981 period to 112 in 2016. However, only eight papers were found published in the area of Chondrichthyan endocrinology research. Fisheries, reproduction and taxonomy were the dominate research areas in South America over the 50 years. For the more recent 15 years, South American publications comprised 11% of the total literature published globally. While South America research outputs fluctuated closely with global research trends, differences appeared when comparing areas of growth. This study describes the trends in Chondrichthyan research literature globally and more specifically in South America. Although South American countries may never contribute to the same scale as the wider international scientific community, the future of Chondrichthyans would strongly benefit from the contributions of the many diverse research groups around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Awruch
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; CESIMAR (Centro Para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos) - CENPAT - CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut U9120ACD, Argentina.
| | - Gustavo M Somoza
- IIB-INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires B7130IWA. Argentina
| | - Clive Baldock
- Research Division, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7004, Australia
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Barney E, Dores MR, McAvoy D, Davis P, Racareanu RC, Iki A, Hyodo S, Dores RM. Elephant shark melanocortin receptors: Novel interactions with MRAP1 and implication for the HPI axis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 272:42-51. [PMID: 30468718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The presence of Mrap1 and Mrap2 orthologs in the genome of the elephant shark (es), a cartilaginous fish, presented an opportunity to evaluate the potential interactions between these accessory proteins and melanocortin receptors of a cartilaginous fish. RT-PCR analysis indicated that Mrap1 mRNA was present in interrenal, brain, and pituitary tissue with mRNA for Mc2R, Mc3R, Mc4R, and Mc5r. Co-expression of esMrap1 cDNA with esMc2r cDNA or esMc5r cDNA in CHO cells increased sensitivity to stimulation with ACTH(1-24) 10 fold and 100 fold, respectfully, but had no effect on sensitivity to stimulation with DesAc-αMSH [i.e., ACTH(1-13)NH2] for either receptor, and had no effect on the ligand sensitivity of either esMc3r or esMc4r. Fluorescence image analysis indicated co-localization of esMrap1/esMc2r, and esMrap1/esMc5r on the plasma membrane; however, cell surface ELISA analysis indicated that co-expression with esMrap1 had no effect, positive or negative, on the trafficking of either esMc2r or esMc5r to the plasma membrane. RT-PCR analysis also indicated that Mrap2 mRNA, as well as, mRNAs for Mc2r, Mc3r, Mc4r, and Mc5r could be detected in brain tissue, however no Mrap2 mRNA was detected in interrenal tissue. Co-expression of esMrap2 in CHO cells with, respectively, esMc2r, esMc4r, or esMc5r had no effect on ligand sensitivity. However, co-expression of esMrap2 with esMc3r did lower sensitivity to stimulation by DesAc-αMSH 10 fold. These observations are discussed in the context of the parallel evolution of melanocortin receptors and their accessory proteins, and the hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal axis and the hypothalamus/pituitary/interrenal axis in bony vertebrates and cartilaginous fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Barney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Michael R Dores
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hampstead, NY, USA
| | - Danielle McAvoy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Perry Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Ayuko Iki
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Susumu Hyodo
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
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23
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Dores RM, Scuba-Gray M, McNally B, Davis P, Takahashi A. Evaluating the interactions between red stingray (Dasyatis akajei) melanocortin receptors and elephant shark (Callorhinchus milii) MRAP1 and MRAP2 following stimulation with either stingray ACTH(1-24) or stingray Des-Acetyl-αMSH: A pharmacological study in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018. [PMID: 29524525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies on bony vertebrate MC2R orthologs (i.e., ray finned fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) have shown that these MC2R orthologs have an obligatory requirement for interaction with bony vertebrate MRAP1 orthologs to a) allow for the trafficking of the MC2R ortholog to the plasma membrane; and b) to allow activation by ACTH, but not by any MSH-sized ligand. In addition, previous studies have found that co-expression of teleost and mammalian MC4R orthologs with corresponding MRAP2 has positive effects on sensitivity to stimulation by αMSH or ACTH. MRAP1 and MRAP2 paralogs have been detected in the genome of a cartilaginous fish (elephant shark), yet two cartilaginous fish MC2R orthologs (elephant shark and red stingray) do not apparently require MRAP1 for trafficking to the plasma membrane when expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, and both orthologs can be activated by either ACTH or MSH-sized ligands. This study was done to determine whether sensitivity to stimulation by ACTH(1-24) or Des-Acetyl-αMSH is affected when stingray (sr) MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R or MC5R were co-expressed in CHO cells with either elephant shark (es) MRAP1 or esMRAP2. The results indicated that co-expression with heterologous MRAP1 increased the sensitivity of all five stingray melanocortin receptors for srACTH(1-24), but had not statistically significant effect on stimulation by srDes-Acetyl-αMSH for any of the stingray melanocortin receptors. Conversely, co-expression with esMRAP2 only enhanced sensitivity for srDes-Acetyl-αMSH for srMC4R, but had no effect on the other stingray orthologs, and there was no increase in sensitivity for srACTH(1-24) for any of the stingray melanocortin receptors. It appears then that some stingray melanocortin receptors have retained the ability to interact with a cartilaginous MRAP1 paralog. These results are discussed with reference to radiation of MRAP-related accessory proteins in cartilaginous fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
| | | | - Bridgette McNally
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Perry Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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24
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Soengas JL, Cerdá-Reverter JM, Delgado MJ. Central regulation of food intake in fish: an evolutionary perspective. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 60:R171-R199. [PMID: 29467140 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that central regulation of food intake is well conserved along the vertebrate lineage, at least between teleost fish and mammals. However, several differences arise in the comparison between both groups. In this review, we describe similarities and differences between teleost fish and mammals on an evolutionary perspective. We focussed on the existing knowledge of specific fish features conditioning food intake, anatomical homologies and analogies between both groups as well as the main signalling pathways of neuroendocrine and metabolic nature involved in the homeostatic and hedonic central regulation of food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Soengas
- Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da SaúdeLaboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - José Miguel Cerdá-Reverter
- Departamento de Fisiología de Peces y BiotecnologíaInstituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Castellón, Spain
| | - María Jesús Delgado
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II)Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Thomas AL, Maekawa F, Kawashima T, Sakamoto H, Sakamoto T, Davis P, Dores RM. Analyzing the effects of co-expression of chick (Gallus gallus) melanocortin receptors with either chick MRAP1 or MRAP2 in CHO cells on sensitivity to ACTH(1-24) or ACTH(1-13)NH 2: Implications for the avian HPA axis and avian melanocortin circuits in the hypothalamus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 256:50-56. [PMID: 28888694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In order to better understand the roles that melanocortin receptors (cMCRs) and melanocortin-2 receptor accessory proteins (cMRAP1 and cMRAP2) play in the HPA axis and hypothalamus, adrenal gland and hypothalamus mRNA from 1day-old white leghorn chicks (Gallus gallus), were analyzed by real-time PCR. mRNA was also made for kidney, ovary, and liver. Mrap1 mRNA could be detected in adrenal tissue, but not in any of the other tissues, and mrap2 mRNA was also detected in the adrenal gland. Finally, all five melanocortin receptors mRNAs could be detected in the adrenal gland; mc2r and mc5r mRNAs were the most abundant. To evaluate any potential interactions between MRAP1 and the MCRs that may occur in adrenal cells, individual chick mcr cDNA constructs were transiently expressed in CHO cells either in the presence or absence of a chick mrap1 cDNA, and the transfected cells were stimulated with hACTH(1-24) at concentrations ranging from 10-13M to 10-6M. As expected, MC2R required co-expression with MRAP1 for functional expression; whereas, co-expression of cMC3R with cMRAP1 had no statistically significant effect on sensitivity to hACTH(1-24). However, co-expression of MC4R and MC5R with MRAP1, increased sensitivity for ACTH(1-24) by approximately 35 fold and 365 fold, respectively. However, co-expressing of cMRAP2 with these melanocortin receptors had no effect on sensitivity to hACTH(1-24). Since the real-time PCR analysis detected mrap2 mRNA and mc4r mRNA in the hypothalamus, the interaction between cMC4R and cMRAP2 with respect to sensitivity to ACTH(1-13)NH2 stimulation was also evaluated. However, no effect, either positive or negative, was observed. Finally, the highest levels of mc5r mRNA were detected in liver cells. This observation raises the possibility that in one-day old chicks, activation of the HPA axis may also involve a physiological response from liver cells.
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26
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Takahashi A, Davis P, Reinick C, Mizusawa K, Sakamoto T, Dores RM. Data for amino acid alignment of Japanese stingray melanocortin receptors with other gnathostome melanocortin receptor sequences, and the ligand selectivity of Japanese stingray melanocortin receptors. Data Brief 2016; 7:1670-7. [PMID: 27408924 PMCID: PMC4927774 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This article contains structure and pharmacological characteristics of melanocortin receptors (MCRs) related to research published in “Characterization of melanocortin receptors from stingray Dasyatis akajei, a cartilaginous fish” (Takahashi et al., 2016) [1]. The amino acid sequences of the stingray, D. akajei, MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R were aligned with the corresponding melanocortin receptor sequences from the elephant shark, Callorhinchus milii, the dogfish, Squalus acanthias, the goldfish, Carassius auratus, and the mouse, Mus musculus. These alignments provide the basis for phylogenetic analysis of these gnathostome melanocortin receptor sequences. In addition, the Japanese stingray melanocortin receptors were separately expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, and stimulated with stingray ACTH, α-MSH, β-MSH, γ-MSH, δ-MSH, and β-endorphin. The dose response curves reveal the order of ligand selectivity for each stingray MCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Takahashi
- School of Marine Biosciences, Kitasato Universtiy, Sagaminara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Perry Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Christina Reinick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Kanta Mizusawa
- School of Marine Biosciences, Kitasato Universtiy, Sagaminara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi 701-4303, Japan
| | - Robert M Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
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27
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Dores RM. Hypothesis and Theory: Revisiting Views on the Co-evolution of the Melanocortin Receptors and the Accessory Proteins, MRAP1 and MRAP2. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:79. [PMID: 27445982 PMCID: PMC4923161 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the melanocortin receptors (MCRs) is closely associated with the evolution of the melanocortin-2 receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs). Recent annotation of the elephant shark genome project revealed the sequence of a putative MRAP1 ortholog. The presence of this sequence in the genome of a cartilaginous fish raises the possibility that the mrap1 and mrap2 genes in the genomes of gnathostome vertebrates were the result of the chordate 2R genome duplication event. The presence of a putative MRAP1 ortholog in a cartilaginous fish genome is perplexing. Recent studies on melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) in the genomes of the elephant shark and the Japanese stingray indicate that these MC2R orthologs can be functionally expressed in CHO cells without co-expression of an exogenous mrap1 cDNA. The novel ligand selectivity of these cartilaginous fish MC2R orthologs is discussed. Finally, the origin of the mc2r and mc5r genes is reevaluated. The distinctive primary sequence conservation of MC2R and MC5R is discussed in light of the physiological roles of these two MCR paralogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Dores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- *Correspondence: Robert M. Dores,
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