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Teitelman G. A Controversy Regarding the Identity of the Enzyme That Mediates Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Synthesis in Human Alpha Cells. J Histochem Cytochem 2024:221554241274879. [PMID: 39248433 DOI: 10.1369/00221554241274879] [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: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Processing of proglucagon into glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-2 in intestinal L cells is mediated by the prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) while PC2 is responsible for the synthesis of glucagon in pancreatic alpha cells. While GLP-1 is also produced by alpha cells, the identity of the convertase involved in its synthesis is still unsettled. It also remains to be determined whether all alpha cells produce the incretin. The aims of this study were first, to elucidate the identity of the proconvertase responsible for GLP-1 production in human alpha cells, and second, to ascertain whether the number of glucagon cells expressing GLP-1 increase during diabetes. To answer these questions, sections of pancreas from donors' non-diabetic controls, type 1 and type 2 diabetes were processed for double-labelled immunostaining of glucagon and GLP-1 and of each hormone and either PC1 or PC2. Stained sections were examined by confocal microscopy. It was found that all alpha cells of islets from those three groups expressed GLP-1 and PC2 but not PC1/3. This observation supports the view that PC2 is the convertase involved in GLP-1 synthesis in all human glucagon cells and suggests that the regulation of its activity may have important clinical application in diabetes.
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2
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Otsuka M, Huang J, Tanaka T, Sakata I. Identification of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in mice stomach. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 704:149708. [PMID: 38417346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149708] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone encoded by the pre-proglucagon gene that serves multiple physiological functions, including incretin action. While GLP-1 is primarily synthesized in the L cells of the lower intestine, recent findings indicate its presence in the stomachs of both rats and humans. However, the role of gastric GLP-1 in other species remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify GLP-1-producing cells and examine the localization of GLP-1 production in the mouse stomach. We found that pre-proglucagon mRNA was higher in the corpus than that in the antrum of the stomach. In addition, GLP-1 immunoreactive cells were found in the gastric mucosa, and their cell number was higher in the corpus than that in the antrum. Double immunofluorescence showed that some GLP-1 immunoreactive cells displayed somatostatin immunoreactivity, whereas did not co-localize with ghrelin and gastrin. Moreover, transmembrane G protein-coupled Receptor 5 (TGR5) agonist decreased pre-proglucagon mRNA expression in SG-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and in vivo experiments showed a decrease in its mRNA levels in the gastric corpus but not in the antrum. This study marks the first report of GLP-1 production in the mouse stomach. Our findings suggest that gastric pre-proglucagon mRNA expression is regulated by a distinct mechanism compared to the L cells of the lower intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manami Otsuka
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Jin Huang
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Toru Tanaka
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Saitama, 1-1 Keiyaki dai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Ichiro Sakata
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan; Area of Research Evolutionary Molecular Design, Strategic Research Center, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan.
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3
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Insights into the Role of Glucagon Receptor Signaling in Metabolic Regulation from Pharmacological Inhibition and Tissue-Specific Knockout Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081907. [PMID: 36009454 PMCID: PMC9405517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While glucagon has long been recognized as the primary counter hormone to insulin’s actions, it has recently gained recognition as a metabolic regulator with its effects extending beyond control of glycemia. Recently developed models of tissue-specific glucagon receptor knockouts have advanced our understanding of this hormone, providing novel insight into the role it plays within organs as well as its systemic effects. Studies where the pharmacological blockade of the glucagon receptor has been employed have proved similarly valuable in the study of organ-specific and systemic roles of glucagon signaling. Studies carried out employing these tools demonstrate that glucagon indeed plays a role in regulating glycemia, but also in amino acid and lipid metabolism, systemic endocrine, and paracrine function, and in the response to cardiovascular injury. Here, we briefly review recent progress in our understanding of glucagon’s role made through inhibition of glucagon receptor signaling utilizing glucagon receptor antagonists and tissue specific genetic knockout models.
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4
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Lafferty RA, O’Harte FPM, Irwin N, Gault VA, Flatt PR. Proglucagon-Derived Peptides as Therapeutics. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:689678. [PMID: 34093449 PMCID: PMC8171296 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.689678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Initially discovered as an impurity in insulin preparations, our understanding of the hyperglycaemic hormone glucagon has evolved markedly over subsequent decades. With description of the precursor proglucagon, we now appreciate that glucagon was just the first proglucagon-derived peptide (PGDP) to be characterised. Other bioactive members of the PGDP family include glucagon-like peptides -1 and -2 (GLP-1 and GLP-2), oxyntomodulin (OXM), glicentin and glicentin-related pancreatic peptide (GRPP), with these being produced via tissue-specific processing of proglucagon by the prohormone convertase (PC) enzymes, PC1/3 and PC2. PGDP peptides exert unique physiological effects that influence metabolism and energy regulation, which has witnessed several of them exploited in the form of long-acting, enzymatically resistant analogues for treatment of various pathologies. As such, intramuscular glucagon is well established in rescue of hypoglycaemia, while GLP-2 analogues are indicated in the management of short bowel syndrome. Furthermore, since approval of the first GLP-1 mimetic for the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in 2005, GLP-1 therapeutics have become a mainstay of T2DM management due to multifaceted and sustainable improvements in glycaemia, appetite control and weight loss. More recently, longer-acting PGDP therapeutics have been developed, while newfound benefits on cardioprotection, bone health, renal and liver function and cognition have been uncovered. In the present article, we discuss the physiology of PGDP peptides and their therapeutic applications, with a focus on successful design of analogues including dual and triple PGDP receptor agonists currently in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Victor A. Gault
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
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5
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Brandt SJ, Götz A, Tschöp MH, Müller TD. Gut hormone polyagonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Peptides 2018; 100:190-201. [PMID: 29412819 PMCID: PMC5805859 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chemical derivatives of the gut-derived peptide hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are among the best-in-class pharmacotherapies to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, GLP-1 analogs have modest weight lowering capacity, in the range of 5-10%, and the therapeutic window is hampered by dose-dependent side effects. Over the last few years, a new concept has emerged: combining the beneficial effects of several key metabolic hormones into a single molecular entity. Several unimolecular GLP-1-based polyagonists have shown superior metabolic action compared to GLP-1 monotherapies. In this review article, we highlight the history of polyagonists targeting the receptors for GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, and discuss recent progress in expanding of this concept to now allow targeted delivery of nuclear hormones via GLP-1 and other gut hormones, as a novel approach towards more personalized pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Brandt
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Business Campus Garching, Parkring 13, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Anna Götz
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Business Campus Garching, Parkring 13, 85748 Garching, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Institute for Diabetes und Regeneration, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Business Campus Garching, Parkring 13, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Business Campus Garching, Parkring 13, 85748 Garching, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany; Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Timo D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Business Campus Garching, Parkring 13, 85748 Garching, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
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6
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Suzuki H, Yamamoto T. Localization of amylin-like immunoreactivity in the striped velvet gecko pancreas. Anat Histol Embryol 2018; 47:159-166. [PMID: 29315753 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to investigate the distribution of amylin-like immunoreactive cells in the pancreas of gecko Homopholis fasciata. Four types of endocrine cells were distinguished: insulin immunoreactive (B cells), pancreatic polypeptide immunoreactive (PP cells), glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide immunoreactive (A/PP cells) and somatostatin immunoreactive cells (D cells). Pancreatic islets contained B, A/PP and D cells, whereas extrainsular regions contained B, D and PP cells. In the pancreatic islets, amylin-like immunoreactive cells corresponded to B cells, but not to A/PP or D cells. In the extrainsular regions, amylin-like immunoreactive cells corresponded to either B or PP cells. Amylin secreted from intrainsular B cells may regulate pancreatic hormone secretion in an autocrine and/or a paracrine fashion. On the other hand, amylin secreted from extrainsular PP and B cells, and/or intrainsular B cells may participate in the modulation of calcium homoeostasis in an endocrine fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Suzuki
- Brain Functions and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan.,Department of Biology, University of Teacher Education Fukuoka, Munakata, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - T Yamamoto
- Brain Functions and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
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7
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Stijnen P, Ramos-Molina B, O'Rahilly S, Creemers JWM. PCSK1 Mutations and Human Endocrinopathies: From Obesity to Gastrointestinal Disorders. Endocr Rev 2016; 37:347-71. [PMID: 27187081 DOI: 10.1210/er.2015-1117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prohormone convertase 1/3, encoded by the PCSK1 gene, is a serine endoprotease that is involved in the processing of a variety of proneuropeptides and prohormones. Humans who are homozygous or compound heterozygous for loss-of-function mutations in PCSK1 exhibit a variable and pleiotropic syndrome consisting of some or all of the following: obesity, malabsorptive diarrhea, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, altered thyroid and adrenal function, and impaired regulation of plasma glucose levels in association with elevated circulating proinsulin-to-insulin ratio. Recently, more common variants in the PCSK1 gene have been found to be associated with alterations in body mass index, increased circulating proinsulin levels, and defects in glucose homeostasis. This review provides an overview of the endocrinopathies and other disorders observed in prohormone convertase 1/3-deficient patients, discusses the possible biochemical basis for these manifestations of the disease, and proposes a model whereby certain missense mutations in PCSK1 may result in proteins with a dominant negative action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Stijnen
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology (P.S., B.R.-M., J.W.M.C.), Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; and Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit (S.O.), Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology (P.S., B.R.-M., J.W.M.C.), Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; and Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit (S.O.), Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen O'Rahilly
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology (P.S., B.R.-M., J.W.M.C.), Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; and Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit (S.O.), Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - John W M Creemers
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology (P.S., B.R.-M., J.W.M.C.), Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; and Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit (S.O.), Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
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8
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Ramos-Molina B, Martin MG, Lindberg I. PCSK1 Variants and Human Obesity. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 140:47-74. [PMID: 27288825 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PCSK1, encoding prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), was one of the first genes linked to monogenic early-onset obesity. PC1/3 is a protease involved in the biosynthetic processing of a variety of neuropeptides and prohormones in endocrine tissues. PC1/3 activity is essential for the activating cleavage of many peptide hormone precursors implicated in the regulation of food ingestion, glucose homeostasis, and energy homeostasis, for example, proopiomelanocortin, proinsulin, proglucagon, and proghrelin. A large number of genome-wide association studies in a variety of different populations have now firmly established a link between three PCSK1 polymorphisms frequent in the population and increased risk of obesity. Human subjects with PC1/3 deficiency, a rare autosomal-recessive disorder caused by the presence of loss-of-function mutations in both alleles, are obese and display a complex set of endocrinopathies. Increasing numbers of genetic diagnoses of infants with persistent diarrhea has recently led to the finding of many novel PCSK1 mutations. PCSK1-deficient infants experience severe intestinal malabsorption during the first years of life, requiring controlled nutrition; these children then become hyperphagic, with associated obesity. The biochemical characterization of novel loss-of-function PCSK1 mutations has resulted in the discovery of new pathological mechanisms affecting the cell biology of the endocrine cell beyond simple loss of enzyme activity, for example, dominant-negative effects of certain mutants on wild-type PC1/3 protein, and activation of the cellular unfolded protein response by endoplasmic reticulum-retained mutants. A better understanding of these molecular and cellular pathologies may illuminate possible treatments for the complex endocrinopathy of PCSK1 deficiency, including obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ramos-Molina
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M G Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mattel Children's Hospital and the David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - I Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
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9
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Fiori JL, Shin YK, Kim W, Krzysik-Walker SM, González-Mariscal I, Carlson OD, Sanghvi M, Moaddel R, Farhang K, Gadkaree SK, Doyle ME, Pearson KJ, Mattison JA, de Cabo R, Egan JM. Resveratrol prevents β-cell dedifferentiation in nonhuman primates given a high-fat/high-sugar diet. Diabetes 2013; 62:3500-13. [PMID: 23884882 PMCID: PMC3781448 DOI: 10.2337/db13-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Eating a "Westernized" diet high in fat and sugar leads to weight gain and numerous health problems, including the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Rodent studies have shown that resveratrol supplementation reduces blood glucose levels, preserves β-cells in islets of Langerhans, and improves insulin action. Although rodent models are helpful for understanding β-cell biology and certain aspects of T2DM pathology, they fail to reproduce the complexity of the human disease as well as that of nonhuman primates. Rhesus monkeys were fed a standard diet (SD), or a high-fat/high-sugar diet in combination with either placebo (HFS) or resveratrol (HFS+Resv) for 24 months, and pancreata were examined before overt dysglycemia occurred. Increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin resistance occurred in both HFS and HFS+Resv diets compared with SD. Although islet size was unaffected, there was a significant decrease in β-cells and an increase in α-cells containing glucagon and glucagon-like peptide 1 with HFS diets. Islets from HFS+Resv monkeys were morphologically similar to SD. HFS diets also resulted in decreased expression of essential β-cell transcription factors forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), NKX6-1, NKX2-2, and PDX1, which did not occur with resveratrol supplementation. Similar changes were observed in human islets where the effects of resveratrol were mediated through Sirtuin 1. These findings have implications for the management of humans with insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Fiori
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yu-Kyong Shin
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Biochemistry Department, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wook Kim
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Susan M. Krzysik-Walker
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Isabel González-Mariscal
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Olga D. Carlson
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mitesh Sanghvi
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kathleen Farhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shekhar K. Gadkaree
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maire E. Doyle
- Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kevin J. Pearson
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Julie A. Mattison
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Josephine M. Egan
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Corresponding author: Josephine M. Egan,
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Y Donath
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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11
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Yongye AB, Vivoli M, Lindberg I, Appel JR, Houghten RA, Martinez-Mayorga K. Identification of a small molecule that selectively inhibits mouse PC2 over mouse PC1/3: a computational and experimental study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56957. [PMID: 23451118 PMCID: PMC3579927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The calcium-dependent serine endoproteases prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) and prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) play important roles in the homeostatic regulation of blood glucose levels, hence implicated in diabetes mellitus. Specifically, the absence of PC2 has been associated with chronic hypoglycemia. Since there is a reasonably good conservation of the catalytic domain between species translation of inhibitory effects is likely. In fact, similar results have been found using both mouse and human recombinant enzymes. Here, we employed computational structure-based approaches to screen 14,400 compounds from the Maybridge small molecule library towards mouse PC2. Our most remarkable finding was the identification of a potent and selective PC2 inhibitor. Kinetic data showed the compound to be an allosteric inhibitor. The compound identified is one of the few reported selective, small-molecule inhibitors of PC2. In addition, this new PC2 inhibitor is structurally different and of smaller size than those reported previously. This is advantageous for future studies where structural analogues can be built upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin B. Yongye
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St Lucie, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mirella Vivoli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Iris Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jon R. Appel
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St Lucie, Florida, United States of America
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Karina Martinez-Mayorga
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St Lucie, Florida, United States of America
- Instituto de Química, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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12
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Hou X, Xie F, Sweedler JV. Relative quantitation of neuropeptides over a thousand-fold concentration range. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2012; 23:2083-93. [PMID: 22993045 PMCID: PMC3515743 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-012-0481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are essential cell-to-cell signaling molecules that influence diverse regulatory and behavioral functions within biological systems. Differing in their amino acid sequences and post-translational modifications, hundreds of neuropeptides are produced via a series of enzymatic processing steps, and their levels vary with location, time, and physiological condition. Due to their wide range of endogenous concentrations and inherent chemical complexity, using mass spectrometry (MS) to accurately quantify changes in peptide levels can be challenging. Here we evaluate three different MS systems for their ability to accurately measure neuropeptide levels: capillary liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-ion trap (CapLC-ESI-IT) MS, ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time-of-flight (UPLC-LC-ESI-Q-TOF) MS, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS. Specifically, eight sample mixtures composed of five neuropeptide standards, with four technical replicates of each, were labeled with H(4)/D(4)-succinic anhydride, followed by relative peptide quantitation using the three MS platforms. For these samples, the CapLC-ESI-IT MS platform offered the most robust ability to accurately quantify peptides over a concentration range of 1200-fold, although it required larger sample sizes than the other two platforms. Both the UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF MS and the MALDI-TOF MS systems had lower limits of quantification, with the MALDI-TOF having the lowest. By implementing several data acquisition schemes and optimizing the data analysis approaches, we were able to accurately quantify peptides over a three orders of magnitude concentration range using either the UPLC or MALDI-TOF platforms. Overall these results increase our understanding of both the capabilities and limits of using MS-based approaches to measure peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonathan V. Sweedler
- Address reprint requests to: Jonathan V. Sweedler, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Ave, 63-5, Urbana, Il 61801, Ph: 217-244-7359, Fax: 217-265-6290,
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13
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Bednářová A, Kodrík D, Krishnan N. Unique roles of glucagon and glucagon-like peptides: Parallels in understanding the functions of adipokinetic hormones in stress responses in insects. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 164:91-100. [PMID: 23085293 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon is conventionally regarded as a hormone, counter regulatory in function to insulin and plays a critical anti-hypoglycemic role by maintaining glucose homeostasis in both animals and humans. Glucagon performs this function by increasing hepatic glucose output to the blood by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in response to starvation. Additionally it plays a homeostatic role by decreasing glycogenesis and glycolysis in tandem to try and maintain optimal glucose levels. To perform this action, it also increases energy expenditure which is contrary to what one would expect and has actions which are unique and not entirely in agreement with its role in protection from hypoglycemia. Interestingly, glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1 and GLP-2) from the major fragment of proglucagon (in non-mammalian vertebrates, as well as in mammals) may also modulate response to stress in addition to their other physiological actions. These unique modes of action occur in response to psychological, metabolic and other stress situations and mirror the role of adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) in insects which perform a similar function. The findings on the anti-stress roles of glucagon and glucagon-like peptides in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates may throw light on the multiple stress responsive mechanisms which operate in a concerted manner under regulation by AKH in insects thus functioning as a stress responsive hormone while also maintaining organismal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bednářová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Academy of Science, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 370 05-CZ, Czech Republic
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López-Vallejo F, Martínez-Mayorga K. Furin inhibitors: importance of the positive formal charge and beyond. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:4462-71. [PMID: 22682919 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Furin is the prototype member of the proprotein convertases superfamily. Proprotein convertases are associated with hormonal response, neural degeneration, viral and bacterial activation, and cancer. Several studies over the last decade have examined small molecules, natural products, peptides and peptide derivatives as furin inhibitors. Currently, subnanomolar inhibition of furin is possible. Herein, we report the analysis of 115 furin inhibitors reported in the literature. Analysis of the physicochemical properties of these compounds highlights the dependence of the inhibitory potency with the total formal charge and also shows how the most potent (peptide-based) furin inhibitors have physicochemical properties similar to drugs. In addition, we report docking studies of 26 furin inhibitors using Glide XP. Inspection of binding interactions shows that the two putative binding modes derived from our study are reasonable. Analysis of the binding modes and protein-ligand interaction fingerprints, used here as postdocking procedure, shows that electrostatic interactions predominate on S1, S2 and S4 subsites but are seldom in S3. Our models also show that the benzimidamide group, present in the most active inhibitors, can be accommodated in the S1 subsite. These results are valuable for the design of new furin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian López-Vallejo
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
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15
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Vivoli M, Caulfield TR, Martínez-Mayorga K, Johnson AT, Jiao GS, Lindberg I. Inhibition of prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2 by 2,5-dideoxystreptamine derivatives. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 81:440-54. [PMID: 22169851 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.077040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2 are eukaryotic serine proteases involved in the proteolytic maturation of peptide hormone precursors and are implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we screened 45 compounds obtained by derivatization of a 2,5-dideoxystreptamine scaffold with guanidinyl and aryl substitutions for convertase inhibition. We identified four promising PC1/3 competitive inhibitors and three PC2 inhibitors that exhibited various inhibition mechanisms (competitive, noncompetitive, and mixed), with sub- and low micromolar inhibitory potency against a fluorogenic substrate. Low micromolar concentrations of certain compounds blocked the processing of the physiological substrate proglucagon. The best PC2 inhibitor effectively inhibited glucagon synthesis, a known PC2-mediated process, in a pancreatic cell line; no cytotoxicity was observed. We also identified compounds that were able to stimulate both 87 kDa PC1/3 and PC2 activity, behavior related to the presence of aryl groups on the dideoxystreptamine scaffold. By contrast, inhibitory activity was associated with the presence of guanidinyl groups. Molecular modeling revealed interactions of the PC1/3 inhibitors with the active site that suggest structural modifications to further enhance potency. In support of kinetic data suggesting that PC2 inhibition probably occurs via an allosteric mechanism, we identified several possible allosteric binding sites using computational searches. It is noteworthy that one compound was found to both inhibit PC2 and stimulate PC1/3. Because glucagon acts in functional opposition to insulin in blood glucose homeostasis, blocking glucagon formation and enhancing proinsulin cleavage with a single compound could represent an attractive therapeutic approach in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Vivoli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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16
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Miller LK, Hou X, Rodriguiz RM, Gagnidze K, Sweedler JV, Wetsel WC, Devi LA. Mice deficient in endothelin-converting enzyme-2 exhibit abnormal responses to morphine and altered peptide levels in the spinal cord. J Neurochem 2011; 119:1074-85. [PMID: 21972895 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07513.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence suggests that endothelin-converting enzyme-2 (ECE-2) is a non-classical neuropeptide processing enzyme. Similar to other neuropeptide processing enzymes, ECE-2 exhibits restricted neuroendocrine distribution, intracellular localization, and an acidic pH optimum. However, unlike classical neuropeptide processing enzymes, ECE-2 exhibits a non-classical cleavage site preference for aliphatic and aromatic residues. We previously reported that ECE-2 cleaves a number of neuropeptides at non-classical sites in vitro; however its role in peptide processing in vivo is poorly understood. Given the recognized roles of neuropeptides in pain and opiate responses, we hypothesized that ECE-2 knockout (KO) mice might show altered pain and morphine responses compared with wild-type mice. We find that ECE-2 KO mice show decreased response to a single injection of morphine in hot-plate and tail-flick tests. ECE-2 KO mice also show more rapid development of tolerance with prolonged morphine treatment and fewer signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Peptidomic analyses revealed changes in the levels of a number of spinal cord peptides in ECE-2 KO as compared to wild-type mice. Taken together, our findings suggest a role for ECE-2 in the non-classical processing of spinal cord peptides and morphine responses; however, the precise mechanisms through which ECE-2 influences morphine tolerance and withdrawal remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia K Miller
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York, USA
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17
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Cawley NX, Portela-Gomes G, Lou H, Loh YP. Yapsin 1 immunoreactivity in {alpha}-cells of human pancreatic islets: implications for the processing of human proglucagon by mammalian aspartic proteases. J Endocrinol 2011; 210:181-7. [PMID: 21632904 PMCID: PMC3640344 DOI: 10.1530/joe-11-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Yapsin 1 is an aspartic protease from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and belongs to a class of aspartic proteases that demonstrate specificity for basic amino acids. It is capable of processing prohormone substrates at specific basic residue cleavage sites, similar to that of the prohormone convertases, to generate bioactive peptide hormones. An antibody raised against yapsin 1 was previously shown to immunostain endocrine cells of rat pituitary and brain as well as lysates from bovine pituitary secretory granules demonstrating the existence of yapsin 1-like aspartic proteases in mammalian endocrine tissues, potentially involved in peptide hormone production. Here, we show the specific staining of yapsin 1 immunoreactivity in the α-cells of human pancreatic islets. No staining was observed in the β- or δ-cells, indicating a specificity of the staining for glucagon-producing and not insulin- or somatostatin-producing cells. Purified yapsin 1 was also shown to process proglucagon into glucagon in vitro, demonstrating that the prototypical enzyme of this subclass of enzymes can correctly process proglucagon to glucagon. These findings suggest the existence of a yapsin 1-like enzyme exclusively in the α-cells of the islets of Langerhans in humans, which may play a role in the production of glucagon in that tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh X Cawley
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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18
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Rowzee AM, Cawley NX, Chiorini JA, Di Pasquale G. Glucagon-like peptide-1 gene therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES RESEARCH 2011; 2011:601047. [PMID: 21747830 PMCID: PMC3124282 DOI: 10.1155/2011/601047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a small peptide component of the prohormone, proglucagon, that is produced in the gut. Exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally isolated from the saliva of H. suspectum or Gila monster, is a peptide that shares sequence and functional homology with GLP-1. Both peptides have been demonstrated to stimulate insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon secretion, promote satiety and slow gastric emptying. As such, GLP-1 and Exendin-4 have become attractive pharmaceutical targets as an adjunctive therapy for individuals with type II diabetes mellitus, with several products currently available clinically. Herein we summarize the cell biology leading to GLP-1 production and secretion from intestinal L-cells and the endocrine functions of this peptide and Exendin-4 in humans. Additionally, gene therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and Exendin-4 are discussed with a focus on recent work using the salivary gland as a gene therapy target organ for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Rowzee
- Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD 20892-2190, USA
| | - Niamh X. Cawley
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John A. Chiorini
- Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD 20892-2190, USA
| | - Giovanni Di Pasquale
- Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD 20892-2190, USA
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Zhou J, Cai ZH. Molecular cloning and characterization of prohormone convertase 1 gene in abalone (Haliotis diversicolor supertexta). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 155:331-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Revised: 12/20/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kowalska D, Liu J, Appel JR, Ozawa A, Nefzi A, Mackin RB, Houghten RA, Lindberg I. Synthetic small-molecule prohormone convertase 2 inhibitors. Mol Pharmacol 2008; 75:617-25. [PMID: 19074544 DOI: 10.1124/mol.108.051334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The proprotein convertases are believed to be responsible for the proteolytic maturation of a large number of peptide hormone precursors. Although potent furin inhibitors have been identified, thus far, no small-molecule prohormone convertase 1/3 or prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) inhibitors have been described. After screening 38 small-molecule positional scanning libraries against recombinant mouse PC2, two promising chemical scaffolds were identified: bicyclic guanidines, and pyrrolidine bis-piperazines. A set of individual compounds was designed from each library and tested against PC2. Pyrrolidine bis-piperazines were irreversible, time-dependent inhibitors of PC2, exhibiting noncompetitive inhibition kinetics; the most potent inhibitor exhibited a K(i) value for PC2 of 0.54 microM. In contrast, the most potent bicyclic guanidine inhibitor exhibited a K(i) value of 3.3 microM. Cross-reactivity with other convertases was limited: pyrrolidine bis-piperazines exhibited K(i) values greater than 25 microM for PC1/3 or furin, whereas the K(i) values of bicyclic guanidines for these other convertases were more than 15 microM. We conclude that pyrrolidine bis-piperazines and bicyclic guanidines represent promising initial leads for the optimization of therapeutically active PC2 inhibitors. PC2-specific inhibitors may be useful in the pharmacological blockade of PC2-dependent cleavage events, such as glucagon production in the pancreas and ectopic peptide production in small-cell carcinoma, and to study PC2-dependent proteolytic events, such as opioid peptide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kowalska
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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21
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Transplantation of PC1/3-Expressing alpha-cells improves glucose handling and cold tolerance in leptin-resistant mice. Mol Ther 2008; 17:191-8. [PMID: 18941442 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels owing to insufficient secretion and/or activity of the glucose-lowering hormone insulin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has received much attention as a new treatment for diabetes because of its multiple blood glucose-lowering effects, including glucose-dependent enhancement of insulin secretion, inhibition of gastric emptying, and promotion of the survival and growth of insulin-producing beta-cells. GLP-1, along with GLP-2 and oxyntomodulin, is produced in the intestinal L-cell via processing of proglucagon by prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), while in the pancreatic alpha-cell, coexpression of proglucagon and the alternate enzyme PC2 typically results in differential processing of proglucagon to yield glucagon. We used alginate-encapsulated alpha-cells as a model to evaluate continuous delivery of PC1/3- or PC2-derived proglucagon products. In high fat-fed and db/db mice, PC1/3-, but not PC2-expressing alpha-cells improved glucose handling and transiently lowered fasting glucose levels, suggesting that continuous delivery of PC1/3-derived proglucagon products via cell therapy may be useful for diabetes treatment. In addition, we show that long-term treatment with PC1/3-expressing, but not PC2-expressing, alpha-cells improved cold-induced thermogenesis in db/db mice, demonstrating a previously unappreciated effect of one or more PC1/3-derived alpha-cell products.
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22
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Wideman RD, Covey SD, Webb GC, Drucker DJ, Kieffer TJ. A switch from prohormone convertase (PC)-2 to PC1/3 expression in transplanted alpha-cells is accompanied by differential processing of proglucagon and improved glucose homeostasis in mice. Diabetes 2007; 56:2744-52. [PMID: 17698597 DOI: 10.2337/db07-0563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels by stimulating hepatic glucose production, is produced in alpha-cells via cleavage of proglucagon by prohormone convertase (PC)-2. In the enteroendocrine L-cell, proglucagon is differentially processed by the alternate enzyme PC1/3 to yield glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, GLP-2, and oxyntomodulin, which have blood glucose-lowering effects. We hypothesized that alteration of PC expression in alpha-cells might convert the alpha-cell from a hyperglycemia-promoting cell to one that would improve glucose homeostasis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We compared the effect of transplanting encapsulated PC2-expressing alpha TC-1 cells with PC1/3-expressing alpha TCDeltaPC2 cells in normal mice and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice. RESULTS Transplantation of PC2-expressing alpha-cells increased plasma glucagon levels and caused mild fasting hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and alpha-cell hypoplasia. In contrast, PC1/3-expressing alpha-cells increased plasma GLP-1/GLP-2 levels, improved glucose tolerance, and promoted beta-cell proliferation. In GLP-1R(-/-) mice, the ability of PC1/3-expressing alpha-cells to improve glucose tolerance was attenuated. Transplantation of PC1/3-expressing alpha-cells prevented STZ-induced hyperglycemia by preserving beta-cell area and islet morphology, possibly via stimulating beta-cell replication. However, PC2-expressing alpha-cells neither prevented STZ-induced hyperglycemia nor increased beta-cell proliferation. Transplantation of alpha TCDeltaPC2, but not alpha TC-1 cells, also increased intestinal epithelial proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Expression of PC1/3 rather than PC2 in alpha-cells induces GLP-1 and GLP-2 production and converts the alpha-cell from a hyperglycemia-promoting cell to one that lowers blood glucose levels and promotes islet survival. This suggests that alteration of proglucagon processing in the alpha-cell may be therapeutically useful in the context of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda D Wideman
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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23
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Winzell MS, Brand CL, Wierup N, Sidelmann UG, Sundler F, Nishimura E, Ahrén B. Glucagon receptor antagonism improves islet function in mice with insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet. Diabetologia 2007; 50:1453-62. [PMID: 17479245 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-007-0675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2006] [Accepted: 03/05/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Increased glucagon secretion predicts deterioration of glucose tolerance, and high glucagon levels contribute to hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes. Inhibition of glucagon action may therefore be a potential novel target to reduce hyperglycaemia. Here, we investigated whether chronic treatment with a glucagon receptor antagonist (GRA) improves islet dysfunction in female mice on a high-fat diet (HFD). MATERIALS AND METHODS After 8 weeks of HFD, mice were treated with a small molecule GRA (300 mg/kg, gavage once daily) for up to 30 days. Insulin secretion was studied after oral and intravenous administration of glucose and glucagon secretion after intravenous arginine. Islet morphology was examined and insulin secretion and glucose oxidation were measured in isolated islets. RESULTS Fasting plasma glucose levels were reduced by GRA (6.0 +/- 0.2 vs 7.4 +/- 0.5 mmol/l; p = 0.017). The acute insulin response to intravenous glucose was augmented (1,300 +/- 110 vs 790 +/- 64 pmol/l; p < 0.001). The early insulin response to oral glucose was reduced in mice on HFD + GRA (1,890 +/- 160 vs 3,040 +/- 420 pmol/l; p = 0.012), but glucose excursions were improved. Intravenous arginine significantly increased the acute glucagon response (129 +/- 12 vs 36 +/- 6 ng/l in controls; p < 0.01), notably without affecting plasma glucose. GRA caused a modest increase in alpha cell mass, while beta cell mass was similar to that in mice on HFD + vehicle. Isolated islets displayed improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion after GRA treatment (0.061 +/- 0.007 vs 0.030 +/- 0.004 pmol islet(-1) h(-1) at 16.7 mmol/l glucose; p < 0.001), without affecting islet glucose oxidation. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Chronic glucagon receptor antagonism in HFD-fed mice improves islet sensitivity to glucose and increases insulin secretion, suggesting improvement of key defects underlying impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sörhede Winzell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Division of Medicine, BMC, B11, Lund University, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
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Dunning BE, Gerich JE. The role of alpha-cell dysregulation in fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and therapeutic implications. Endocr Rev 2007; 28:253-83. [PMID: 17409288 DOI: 10.1210/er.2006-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The hyperglycemic activity of pancreatic extracts was encountered some 80 yr ago during efforts to optimize methods for the purification of insulin. The hyperglycemic substance was named "glucagon," and it was subsequently determined that glucagon is a 29-amino acid peptide synthesized and released from pancreatic alpha-cells. This article begins with a brief overview of the discovery of glucagon and the contributions that somatostatin and a sensitive and selective assay for pancreatic (vs. gut) glucagon made to understanding the physiological and pathophysiological roles of glucagon. Studies utilizing these tools to establish the function of glucagon in normal nutrient homeostasis and to document a relative glucagon excess in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and precursors thereof are then discussed. The evidence that glucagon excess contributes to the development and maintenance of fasting hyperglycemia and that failure to suppress glucagon secretion contributes to postprandial hyperglycemia is then reviewed. Although key human studies are emphasized, salient animal studies highlighting the importance of glucagon in normal and defective glucoregulation are also described. The past eight decades of research in this area have led to development of new therapeutic approaches to treating T2DM that have been shown to, or are expected to, improve glycemic control in patients with T2DM in part by improving alpha-cell function or by blocking glucagon action. Accordingly, this review ends with a discussion of the status and therapeutic potential of glucagon receptor antagonists, alpha-cell selective somatostatin agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors. Our overall conclusions are that there is considerable evidence that relative hyperglucagonemia contributes to fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with T2DM, and there are several new and emerging pharmacotherapies that may improve glycemic control in part by ameliorating the hyperglycemic effects of this relative glucagon excess.
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Lee SN, Peng B, Desjardins R, Pintar JE, Day R, Lindberg I. Strain-specific steroidal control of pituitary function. J Endocrinol 2007; 192:515-25. [PMID: 17332521 PMCID: PMC4727746 DOI: 10.1677/joe-06-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that 7B2 null mice on the 129/SvEvTac (129) genetic background die at 5 weeks of age with hypercorticosteronemia due to a Cushing's-like disease unless they are rescued by adrenalectomy; however, 7B2 nulls on the C57BL/6NTac (B6) background remain healthy, with normal steroid levels. Since background exerts such a profound influence on the phenotype of this mutation, we have evaluated whether these two different mouse strains respond differently to high circulating steroids by chronically treating wild-type 129 and B6 mice with the synthetic steroid dexamethasone (Dex). Dex treatment decreased the dopamine content of the neurointermediate lobes (NIL) of 129 mice, leading to NIL enlargement and increased total D(2)R mRNA in the 129, but not the B6, NIL. Despite the decrease in this inhibitory transmitter, Dex-treated 129 mice exhibited reduced circulating alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) along with reduced POMC-derived peptides compared with controls, possibly due to reduced POMC content in the NIL. In contrast, Dex-treated B6 mice showed lowered cellular ACTH, unchanged alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin, and increased circulating alpha-MSH, most likely due to increased cleavage of NIL ACTH by increased PC2. Dex-treated 129 mice exhibited hyperinsulinemia and lowered blood glucose, whereas Dex-treated B6 mice showed slightly increased glucose levels despite their considerably increased insulin levels. Taken together, our results suggest that the endocrinological response of 129 mice to chronic Dex treatment is very different from that of B6 mice. These strain-dependent differences in steroid sensitivity must be taken into account when comparing different lines of transgenic or knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Nam Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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Sloop KW, Michael MD, Moyers JS. Glucagon as a target for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2007; 9:593-600. [PMID: 15948676 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.9.3.593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon is the key counter-regulatory hormone that opposes the action of insulin. In states of relative hypoglycaemia, glucagon acts to increase blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis to achieve euglycaemia. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by inappropriate regulation of hepatic glucose production, which is due, at least in part, to an imbalance in the bihormonal relationship between plasma levels of glucagon and insulin. The glucose-lowering effects of glucagon peptide antagonists and antiglucagon neutralising antibodies first demonstrated the potential of glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonism as a treatment for hyperglycaemia. In recent years, the development of GCGR antisense oligonucleotides and small molecular weight GCGR antagonists have been pursued as possible therapeutic agents to target glucagon action as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle W Sloop
- Endocrine Discovery, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, USA.
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Buchanan CM, Malik AS, Cooper GJS. Direct visualisation of peptide hormones in cultured pancreatic islet alpha- and beta-cells by intact-cell mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2007; 21:3452-3458. [PMID: 17918213 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The application of intact-cell mass spectrometry (ICM) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry to achieve direct protein-profiling of bacterial species is now well established. However, this methodology has not to our knowledge been applied to the analysis of mammalian cells in routine culture. Here, we describe a novel application of ICM by which we have identified proteins in intact cells from two lines representative of pancreatic islet alpha- and beta-cells. Adherent alphaTC1 clone 9 and betaTC6 F7 cells were harvested into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) using enzyme-free dissociation buffer before 1 microL of cell suspension was spotted onto MALDI plates. Cells were overlaid with sinapinic acid then washed with pure water before application of a final coat of sinapinic acid. Data in the 2000-20,000 m/z range were acquired in linear mode on a Voyager DE-Pro mass spectrometer. The proteins which ionised were composed in large part of peptide hormones (e.g. insulin and glucagon) known to be packaged into the secretory granules of the beta- and alpha-cells respectively. However, in addition to visualising the peptides expected to be associated with these cells, a mass consistent with oxyntomodulin was identified in the cultured alpha-cells, a finding not previously reported to our knowledge. In summary, this paper describes, for the first time, a rapid and direct method useful for identifying secretory products in intact endocrine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Buchanan
- School of Biological Sciences and Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92-019, Auckland, New Zealand
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Park SG, Kang YS, Kim JY, Lee CS, Ko YG, Lee WJ, Lee KU, Yeom YI, Kim S. Hormonal activity of AIMP1/p43 for glucose homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:14913-8. [PMID: 17001013 PMCID: PMC1595450 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0602045103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMP1/p43 is known as a cytokine working in the control of angiogenesis, inflammation, and wound healing. Here we report its enrichment in pancreatic alpha cells and glucagon-like hormonal activity. AIMP1 is secreted from the pancreas upon glucose starvation. Exogenous infusion of AIMP1 increased plasma levels of glucose, glucagon, and fatty acid, and AIMP1-deficient mice showed reduced plasma glucose levels compared with the wild-type mice under fasting conditions. Thus, AIMP1 plays a glucagon-like role in glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Gyu Park
- *National Creative Research Initiatives Center for ARS Network, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Young Sun Kang
- *National Creative Research Initiatives Center for ARS Network, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- *National Creative Research Initiatives Center for ARS Network, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Chang Seok Lee
- Division of Life Sciences and Graduate School of Biotechnology, Korea University, 1, 5-ga, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Korea
| | - Young Gyu Ko
- Division of Life Sciences and Graduate School of Biotechnology, Korea University, 1, 5-ga, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Korea
| | - Woo Je Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Korea; and
| | - Ki-Up Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Korea; and
| | - Young Il Yeom
- Genome Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejon 305-333, Korea
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- *National Creative Research Initiatives Center for ARS Network, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
- Genome Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejon 305-333, Korea
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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29
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Ugleholdt R, Poulsen MLH, Holst PJ, Irminger JC, Orskov C, Pedersen J, Rosenkilde MM, Zhu X, Steiner DF, Holst JJ. Prohormone convertase 1/3 is essential for processing of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide precursor. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:11050-7. [PMID: 16476726 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m601203200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiology of the incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and their role in type 2 diabetes currently attract great interest. Recently we reported an essential role for prohormone convertase (PC) 1/3 in the cleavage of intestinal proglucagon, resulting in formation of GLP-1, as demonstrated in PC1/3-deficient mice. However, little is known about the endoproteolytic processing of the GIP precursor. This study investigates the processing of proGIP in PC1/3 and PC2 null mice and in cell lines using adenovirus-mediated overexpression. Supporting a role for PC1/3 in proGIP processing, we found co-localization of GIP and PC1/3 but not PC2 in intestinal sections by immunohistochemistry, and analysis of intestinal extracts from PC1/3-deficient animals demonstrated severely impaired processing to GIP, whereas processing to GIP was unaltered in PC2-deficient mice. Accordingly, overexpression of preproGIP in the neuroendocrine AtT-20 cell line that expresses high levels of endogenous PC1/3 and negligible levels of PC2 resulted in production of GIP. Similar results were obtained after co-expression of preproGIP and PC1/3 in GH4 cells that express no PC2 and only low levels of PC1/3. In addition, studies in GH4 cells and the alpha-TC1.9 cell line, expressing PC2 but not PC1/3, indicate that PC2 can mediate processing to GIP but also to other fragments not found in intestinal extracts. Taken together, our data indicate that PC1/3 is essential and sufficient for the production of the intestinal incretin hormone GIP, whereas PC2, although capable of cleaving proGIP, does not participate in intestinal proGIP processing and is not found in intestinal GIP-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Ugleholdt
- Department of Medical Physiology, the Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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30
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Dallas-Yang Q, Shen X, Strowski M, Brady E, Saperstein R, Gibson RE, Szalkowski D, Qureshi SA, Candelore MR, Fenyk-Melody JE, Parmee ER, Zhang BB, Jiang G. Hepatic glucagon receptor binding and glucose-lowering in vivo by peptidyl and non-peptidyl glucagon receptor antagonists. Eur J Pharmacol 2005; 501:225-34. [PMID: 15464082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2004] [Revised: 08/05/2004] [Accepted: 08/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon receptor antagonists have been actively pursued as potential therapeutics for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Peptidyl and non-peptidyl glucagon receptor antagonists have been shown to block glucagon-induced blood glucose elevation in both animals and humans. How the antagonists and the glucagon receptor interact in vivo has not been reported and is the subject of the current study. Using (125)I-labeled glucagon as a radiotracer, we developed an in vivo glucagon receptor occupancy assay in mice expressing a human glucagon receptor in place of the endogenous mouse glucagon receptor (hGCGR mice). Using this assay, we first showed that the glucagon receptor is expressed predominantly in liver, to a much lesser extent in kidney, and is below detection in several other tissues/organs in the mice. We subsequently showed that, at 2 mg/kg body weight (mg/pk) dosed intraperitoneally (i.p.), peptidyl glucagon receptor antagonist des-His-glucagon binds to approximately 78% of the hepatic glucagon receptor and blocks an exogenous glucagon-induced blood glucose elevation in the mice. Finally, we also showed that, at 10 and 30 mg/kg dosed orally (p.o.), compound A, a non-peptidyl small molecule glucagon receptor antagonist, occupied 65-70% of the hepatic glucagon receptor, and significantly diminished exogenous glucagon-induced blood glucose elevation in the mice. At 3 mg/kg, however, compound A occupied only approximately 39% of the hepatic glucagon receptor and did not affect exogenous glucagon-induced blood glucose elevation in the mice. Taken together, the results confirmed previous reports that glucagon receptors are present predominantly in the liver, and provide the first direct evidence that peptidyl and non-peptidyl glucagon receptor antagonists bind to the hepatic glucagon receptor in vivo, and that at least 60% receptor occupancy correlates with the glucose lowering efficacy by the antagonists in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Dallas-Yang
- Metabolic Disorders-Diabetes, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
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31
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Dey A, Lipkind GM, Rouillé Y, Norrbom C, Stein J, Zhang C, Carroll R, Steiner DF. Significance of prohormone convertase 2, PC2, mediated initial cleavage at the proglucagon interdomain site, Lys70-Arg71, to generate glucagon. Endocrinology 2005; 146:713-27. [PMID: 15528303 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-1118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To define the biological significance of the initial cleavage at the proglucagon (PG) interdomain site, K70-R71 downward arrow, we created two interdomain mutants, K70Q-R71Q and R71A. Cotransfection studies in GH4C1 cells show significant amounts of glucagon production by PC2 along with some glicentin, glicentin-related polypeptide-glucagon (GRPP-glucagon) and oxyntomodulin from wild-type PG. In contrast, a larger peptide, PG 33-158, and low amounts of GRPP-glucagon are predominantly generated from interdomain mutants. HPLC analysis shows a 5-fold increase in glucagon production by PC2 from wild-type PG and a corresponding 4-fold lower accumulation and secretion of unprocessed precursor relative to interdomain mutants. PC2 generates significant levels of glucagon from a glicentin (PG 1-69) expression plasmid, whereas PC1/3 produces only modest amounts of oxyntomodulin. Employing a major PG fragment (PG 72-158) expression plasmid, we show that PC1/3 predominantly generates glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, whereas PC2 produces only N-terminally extended GLP-1. Surprisingly, production of GLP-1 and GLP-2 by PC1/3 from interdomain mutants, compared with wild-type PG, is not significantly impaired. In addition to PC2 and PC1/3, PC5/6A and furin are also able to cleave the sites, K70-R71 downward arrow and R107-X-R-R110 downward arrow in PG. We show a much greater ability of furin to cleave the monobasic site, R77 downward arrow, than at the dibasic site, R124-R125 downward arrow, which is also weakly processed by PC5/6A, indicating overlapping specificities of these two convertases mainly with PC1/3. We propose here a trimer-like model of the spatial organization of the hormonal sequences within the PG molecule in which the accessibility to prohormone convertase action of most cleavage sites is restricted with the exception of the interdomain site, K70-R71, which is maximally accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunangsu Dey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uni-versity of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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32
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Portela-Gomes GM, Hacker GW, Weitgasser R. Neuroendocrine cell markers for pancreatic islets and tumors. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2004; 12:183-92. [PMID: 15551729 DOI: 10.1097/00129039-200409000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The authors review the application of a variety of neuroendocrine cell markers to identify pancreatic islet cells and tumors. In the past, several empiric histochemical techniques had been used to demonstrate neuroendocrine cells, particularly the Grimelius argyrophilic stain. The development of immunohistochemistry made it possible to demonstrate specific cell products such as regulatory peptides, thus allowing the classification of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with a view to clinical symptoms. However, it is not always possible to visualize regulatory peptides in these tumors. It is therefore important to use broad-spectrum neuroendocrine cell markers to identify the neuroendocrine nature. These markers are proteins localized in the secretory granules (core- or membrane-related), in the cytosol, or in the cellular membrane. The markers most commonly used in routine histopathology are the secretory granule proteins chromogranin A and synaptophysin and the cytosolic enzyme neuronspecific enolase. Other new markers (e.g., synaptic vesicle protein 2) are of general diagnostic value. Region-specific antibodies to chromogranin A can be valuable in differentiating between benign and malignant neuroendocrine tumors. Some markers may be related to the functioning characteristics of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, such as prohormone convertases. In addition, markers giving further complementary information have been identified, such as five somatostatin receptor subtypes, the expression of which varies markedly in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Antibodies against all somatostatin receptor subtypes are now commercially available, and immunohistochemical investigation of its expression should be routinely applied when considering treatment with somatostatin analogs.
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Webb GC, Dey A, Wang J, Stein J, Milewski M, Steiner DF. Altered proglucagon processing in an alpha-cell line derived from prohormone convertase 2 null mouse islets. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:31068-75. [PMID: 15143067 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m404110200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoproteolytic processing of proproteins in the secretory pathway depends on the expression of selected members of a family of subtilisin-like endoproteases known as the prohormone convertases (PCs). The main PC family members expressed in mammalian neuroendocrine cells are PC2 and PC1/3. The differential processing of proglucagon in pancreatic alpha-cells and intestinal L cells leads to production of distinct hormonal products with opposing physiological effects from the same precursor. Here we describe the establishment and characterization of a novel alpha-cell line (alphaTC-DeltaPC2) derived from PC2 homozygous null animals. The alphaTC-DeltaPC2 cells are shown to be similar to the well characterized alphaTC1-6 cell line in both morphology and overall gene expression. However, the absence of PC2 activity in alphaTC-DeltaPC2 leads to a complete block in the production of mature glucagon. Surprisingly, alphaTC-DeltaPC2 cells are able to efficiently cleave the interdomain site in proglucagon (KR 70-71). Further analysis reveals that alphaTC-DeltaPC2 cells, unlike alphaTC1-6 cells, express low levels of PC1/3 that lead to the generation of glicentin as well as low amounts of oxyntomodulin, GLP-1, truncated GLP-1, and N-terminally extended GLP-2. We conclude that alphaTC-DeltaPC2 cells provide additional evidence for PC2 as the major convertase in alpha-cells leading to mature glucagon production and provide a robust model for further analysis of the mechanisms of proprotein processing by the prohormone convertases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene C Webb
- Department of Medicine, Committee on Genetics, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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Abstract
As a counterregulatory hormone for insulin, glucagon plays a critical role in maintaining glucose homeostasis in vivo in both animals and humans. To increase blood glucose, glucagon promotes hepatic glucose output by increasing glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis and by decreasing glycogenesis and glycolysis in a concerted fashion via multiple mechanisms. Compared with healthy subjects, diabetic patients and animals have abnormal secretion of not only insulin but also glucagon. Hyperglucagonemia and altered insulin-to-glucagon ratios play important roles in initiating and maintaining pathological hyperglycemic states. Not surprisingly, glucagon and glucagon receptor have been pursued extensively in recent years as potential targets for the therapeutic treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Jiang
- Department of Metabolic Disorders and Molecular Endocrinology, Merck Research Laboratory, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA
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35
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Bonic A, Mackin RB. Expression, purification, and PC1-mediated processing of human proglucagon, glicentin, and major proglucagon fragment. Protein Expr Purif 2003; 28:15-24. [PMID: 12651102 DOI: 10.1016/s1046-5928(02)00653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To examine the cleavage specificity of different members of the furin/propeptide convertase (PC) family of enzymes, we have selected proglucagon (PG) as a model substrate. PG was selected because it is subject to differential processing in vivo. PG is thought to be cleaved initially at an interdomain site to produce glicentin and the major proglucagon fragment (MPGF). These intermediates are subsequently cleaved, most likely by the convertases PC2 and PC1, respectively. To determine the exact sites within PG that are cleaved by PC1 and PC2, we attempted to produce milligram quantities of human PG, glicentin, and MPGF for use in an in vitro conversion assay. A methionine residue was added to the N-terminus of each protein to initiate translation. Purification was achieved using cation exchange and reversed-phase chromatography, and the integrity of the methionylated proteins was confirmed by both electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. The combined expression and purification scheme is fast, efficient, and results in milligram quantities of > or =95% pure proglucagon, > or =95% pure MPGF, and > or =93% pure glicentin. These prohormones are cleaved by PC1 to produce product peptides consistent with the processing of PG observed in vivo, and should therefore be suitable for further analysis of the post-translational processing of PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anela Bonic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178-0405, USA
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36
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Abstract
Islets of Langerhans account for 2 g of endocrine tissue in the pancreas, comprising approximately one million islets, with each containing 1000 endocrine cells. The major hormone secreted from the islets is insulin, which regulates blood glucose, the main fuel of the body. Islets also secrete glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide and all are involved in the paracrine mechanism. Islet cells can be stained immunohistochemically for the general endocrine markers, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase and Leu7. Beta islet cells are well equipped with glucose transporter 2, which binds to glucose and regulates diffusion of glucose through the beta cell membrane. As all four islet hormones are initially synthesized as prohormones, all islet cells are equipped with prohormone convertase 1/3 and 2. In addition, islet cells also contain zinc-containing matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, metallothionein, cyclin-dependent kinases and insulin-like growth factors, and many more hormones, peptides and enzymes. Thus, islets not only secrete insulin and other pancreatic hormones but are a complex organ whose major function is glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Tomita
- Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
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37
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Steiner DF. The Prohormone Convertases and Precursor Processing in Protein Biosynthesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s1874-6047(02)80008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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38
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39
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Furuta M, Zhou A, Webb G, Carroll R, Ravazzola M, Orci L, Steiner DF. Severe defect in proglucagon processing in islet A-cells of prohormone convertase 2 null mice. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:27197-202. [PMID: 11356850 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m103362200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice homozygous for a deletion in the gene encoding prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) are generally healthy but have mild hypoglycemia and flat glucose-tolerance curves. Their islets show marked alpha (A)-cell hyperplasia, suggesting a possible defect in glucagon processing (Furuta, M., Yano, H., Zhou, A., Rouille, Y., Holst, J., Carroll, R., Ravazzola, M., Orci, L., Furuta, H., and Steiner, D. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 6646-6651). In this report we have examined the biosynthesis and processing of proglucagon in isolated islets from these mice via pulse-chase labeling and find that proglucagon undergoes essentially no processing in chase periods up to 8 h in duration. Only a small percent of cleavage at the sensitive interdomain site (residues 71 and 72) appears to occur. These observations thus conclusively demonstrate the essentiality of PC2 for the production of glucagon in the islet A-cells. Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies indicate the presence of large amounts of proglucagon in atypical appearing secretory granules in the hyperplastic and hypertrophic A-cells, along with morphological evidence of high rates of proglucagon secretion in PC2 null islets. These findings provide strong evidence that active glucagon is required to maintain normal blood glucose levels, counterbalancing the action of insulin at all times.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Furuta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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40
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Hwang JR, Siekhaus DE, Fuller RS, Taghert PH, Lindberg I. Interaction of Drosophila melanogaster prohormone convertase 2 and 7B2. Insect cell-specific processing and secretion. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:17886-93. [PMID: 10749852 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m000032200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The prohormone convertases (PCs) are an evolutionarily ancient group of proteases required for the maturation of neuropeptide and peptide hormone precursors. In Drosophila melanogaster, the homolog of prohormone convertase 2, dPC2 (amontillado), is required for normal hatching behavior, and immunoblotting data indicate that flies express 80- and 75-kDa forms of this protein. Because mouse PC2 (mPC2) requires 7B2, a helper protein for productive maturation, we searched the fly data base for the 7B2 signature motif PPNPCP and identified an expressed sequence tag clone encoding the entire open reading frame for this protein. dPC2 and d7B2 cDNAs were subcloned into expression vectors for transfection into HEK-293 cells; mPC2 and rat 7B2 were used as controls. Although active mPC2 was detected in medium in the presence of either d7B2 or r7B2, dPC2 showed no proteolytic activity upon coexpression of either d7B2 or r7B2. Labeling experiments showed that dPC2 was synthesized but not secreted from HEK-293 cells. However, when dPC2 and either d7B2 or r7B2 were coexpressed in Drosophila S2 cells, abundant immunoreactive dPC2 was secreted into the medium, coincident with the appearance of PC2 activity. Expression and secretion of dPC2 enzyme activity thus appears to require insect cell-specific posttranslational processing events. The significant differences in the cell biology of the insect and mammalian enzymes, with 7B2 absolutely required for secretion of dPC2 and zymogen conversion occurring intracellularly in the case of dPC2 but not mPC2, support the idea that the Drosophila enzyme has specific requirements for maturation and secretion that can be met only in insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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41
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Tomita T. Immunocytochemical Localization of Prohormone Convertase 1/3 and 2 in Thyroid C-Cells and Medullary Thyroid Carcinomas. Endocr Pathol 2000; 11:165-172. [PMID: 12114822 DOI: 10.1385/ep:11:2:165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prohormone convertases (PCs) are the key enzymes in the regulated pathways for the post-translational processing of peptide hormones and are involved in converting larger prohormones to smaller, biologically active hormones. Immunolocalization of PC1/3 and PC2 was performed with thyroid C-cells from normal thyroid glands and medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs); thyroid C-cells were not consistently positive for PCs, whereas MTCs were consistently positive for PCs. Positive staining for PCs included tumor cell nests adjacent to the main MTCs in cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Procalcitonin was originally detected in MTCs and a large amount of procalcitonin was present together with abundant PCs in MTCs. Thus, immunocytochemical staining for PCs may be another characteristic of MTCs.
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42
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Muller L, Lindberg I. The cell biology of the prohormone convertases PC1 and PC2. PROGRESS IN NUCLEIC ACID RESEARCH AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1999; 63:69-108. [PMID: 10506829 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6603(08)60720-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mature peptide hormones and neuropeptides are typically synthesized from much larger precursors and require several posttranslational processing steps--including proteolytic cleavage--for the formation of the bioactive species. The subtilisin-related proteolytic enzymes that accomplish neuroendocrine-specific cleavages are known as prohormone convertases 1 and 2 (PC1 and PC2). The cell biology of these proteases within the regulated secretory pathway of neuroendocrine cells is complex, and they are themselves initially synthesized as inactive precursor molecules. ProPC1 propeptide cleavage occurs rapidly in the endoplasmic reticulum, yet its major site of action on prohormones takes place later in the secretory pathway. PC1 undergoes an interesting carboxyl terminal processing event whose function appears to be to activate the enzyme. ProPC2, on the other hand, exhibits comparatively long initial folding times and exits the endoplasmic reticulum without propeptide cleavage, in association with the neuroendocrine-specific protein 7B2. Once the proPC2/7B2 complex arrives at the trans-Golgi network, 7B2 is internally cleaved into two domains, the 21-kDa fragment and a carboxy-terminal 31 residue peptide. PC2 propeptide removal occurs in the maturing secretory granule, most likely through autocatalysis, and 7B2 association does not appear to be directly required for this cleavage event. However, if proPC2 has not encountered 7B2 intracellularly, it cannot generate a catalytically active mature species. The molecular mechanism behind the intriguing intracellular association of 7B2 and proPC2 is still unknown, but may involve conformational rearrangement or stabilization of a proPC2 conformer mediated by a 36-residue internal segment of 21-kDa 7B2.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Muller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112, USA
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43
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Damholt AB, Buchan AM, Holst JJ, Kofod H. Proglucagon processing profile in canine L cells expressing endogenous prohormone convertase 1/3 and prohormone convertase 2. Endocrinology 1999; 140:4800-8. [PMID: 10499540 DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.10.7068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The tissue-specific differential processing of proglucagon (Pg) yields glucagon in pancreatic A cells and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), GLP-2, and glicentin in intestinal L cells. It has been suggested that the difference in Pg cleavage in A and L cells is due to the presence of distinct prohormone convertases (PC) in the two cell types, PC1/3 in the L cell and PC2 in the A cell. PC2 has been shown to cleave the N-terminal part of Pg, being essential for glucagon formation and PC1/3 to cleave the C-terminal part of Pg, leading to the formation of GLP-1. However, some of the cleavage sites in Pg have not proven to be substrates exclusively for either PC2 or PC1/3, and the cleavage profile of Pg in a primary cultured L cell has not yet been correlated with the actual presence of PC2 and PC1/3 in the L cell. We demonstrate here the presence of PC1/3, PC2, and the PC2 chaperone 7b2, in L cells using light immunohistochemistry on sections from canine ileum and on a canine intestinal cell culture enriched for L cells. Analysis of the cultured L cells, using gel chromatography and RIA, confirms the classical intestinal cleavage profile of Pg, resulting in mainly glicentin, oxyntomodulin, GLP-1-(7-37), and GLP-2. Despite the presence of 7b2 and mature PC2, as demonstrated by Western blot, absolute minimal amounts of glucagon were detected. These data show that the presence of intracellular PC2 and 7b2 in a primary cell possessing Pg does not have to lead to the formation of glucagon. This formation must then require an additional element to occur, or alternatively, the results could be explained by a canine specific organization of PC2 and Pg into separate compartments, which would prevent interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Damholt
- Beta Cell Biology, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Allé, Bagsvaerd, Denmark
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44
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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45
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Westphal CH, Muller L, Zhou A, Zhu X, Bonner-Weir S, Schambelan M, Steiner DF, Lindberg I, Leder P. The neuroendocrine protein 7B2 is required for peptide hormone processing in vivo and provides a novel mechanism for pituitary Cushing's disease. Cell 1999; 96:689-700. [PMID: 10089884 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)80579-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine protein 7B2 has been implicated in activation of prohormone convertase 2 (PC2), an important neuroendocrine precursor processing endoprotease. To test this hypothesis, we created a null mutation in 7B2 employing a novel transposon-facilitated technique and compared the phenotypes of 7B2 and PC2 nulls. 7B2 null mice have no demonstrable PC2 activity, are deficient in processing islet hormones, and display hypoglycemia, hyperproinsulinemia, and hypoglucagonemia. In contrast to the PC2 null phenotype, these mice show markedly elevated circulating ACTH and corticosterone levels, with adrenocortical expansion. They die before 9 weeks of severe Cushing's syndrome arising from pituitary intermediate lobe ACTH hypersecretion. We conclude that 7B2 is indeed required for activation of PC2 in vivo but has additional important functions in regulating pituitary hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Westphal
- Department of Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts 02115, USA
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46
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Abstract
The majority of peptide hormones and neuropeptides are synthesized as precursors, which are cleaved in a sequence-specific and tissue-specific manner to yield the biologically active peptides. There has been considerable progress in the past ten years in understanding the nature and mechanism of action of the prohormone convertases that cleave these prohormones. Evidence from knockout technology and clinical examples of gene mutations has provided functional information on disruption of prohormone cleavage and the bioactivity of prohormones. There are specific examples of the clinical relevance of circulating prohormones, such as adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) precursors and proinsulin. The central issues that still remain are: (1) What is the relative importance of each of the different processing pathways and processing enzymes in regulating hormone action? (2) How do the serum concentrations of prohormones compare with the mature hormone levels? (3) What are the biological consequences of prohormones in the circulation?
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Wilson
- Endocrine Sciences Research Group, and Departments of Medicine and Child Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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47
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Johanning K, Juliano MA, Juliano L, Lazure C, Lamango NS, Steiner DF, Lindberg I. Specificity of prohormone convertase 2 on proenkephalin and proenkephalin-related substrates. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:22672-80. [PMID: 9712897 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.35.22672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central and peripheral nervous systems, the neuropeptide precursor proenkephalin must be endoproteolytically cleaved by enzymes known as prohormone convertases 1 and 2 (PC1 and PC2) to generate opioid-active enkephalins. In this study, we have investigated the specificity of recombinant mouse PC2 for proenkephalin-related internally quenched (IQ) peptides, for methylcoumarin amide-based fluorogenic peptides, and for recombinant rat proenkephalin. IQ peptides exhibited specificity constants (kcat/Km) between 9.4 x 10(4) M-1 s-1 (Abz-Val-Pro-Arg-Met-Glu-Lys-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Gln-EDDnp+ ++; where Abz is ortho-aminobenzoic acid and EDDnp is N-(2, 4-dinitrophenyl)ethylenediamine)) and 0.24 x 10(4) M-1 s-1 (Abz-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Arg-Arg-Val-Gly-Arg-Pro-Glu-EDDnp), with the peptide B to Met-enk-Arg-Phe cleavage preferred (Met-enk is met-enkephalin). Fluorogenic substrates with P1, P2, and P4 basic amino acids were hydrolyzed with specificity constants ranging between 2.0 x 10(3) M-1 s-1 (Ac-Orn-Ser-Lys-Arg-MCA; where MCA is methylcoumarin amide) and 1.8 x 10(4) M-1 s-1 (<Glu-Arg-Thr-Lys-Arg-MCA; where <Glu is pyroglutamic acid). Substrates containing only a single basic residue were not appreciably hydrolyzed, and substrates lacking a P4 Arg exhibited kcat of less than 0.05 s-1. Substitution of ornithine for Lys at the P4 position did not significantly affect the kcat but increased the Km 2-fold. Data from both sets of fluorogenic substrates supported the contribution of a P4 Arg to PC2 preference. Analysis of proenkephalin reaction products using immunoblotting and gel permeation chromatography demonstrated that PC2 can directly cleave proenkephalin and that the generation of small opioid peptides from intermediates is mediated almost entirely by PC2 rather than by PC1. These results are in accord with the analysis of PC2 knock-out brains, in which the amounts of three mature enkephalins were depleted by more than three-quarters.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Johanning
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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Zhou A, Martin S, Lipkind G, LaMendola J, Steiner DF. Regulatory roles of the P domain of the subtilisin-like prohormone convertases. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:11107-14. [PMID: 9556596 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.18.11107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A unique feature of the eukaryotic subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs) is the presence of an additional highly conserved sequence of approximately 150 residues (P domain) located immediately downstream of the catalytic domain. To study the function of this region, which is required for the production of enzymatically active convertases, we have expressed and characterized various P domain-related mutants and chimeras in HEK293 cells and alpha-TC1-6 cells. In a series of C-terminal truncations of PC3 (also known as PC1 or SPC3), PC3-Thr594 was identified as the shortest active form, thereby defining the functional C-terminal boundary of the P domain. Substitutions at Thr594 and nearby sites indicated that residues 592-594 are crucial for activity. Chimeric SPC proteins with interchanged P domains demonstrated dramatic changes in several properties. Compared with truncated wild-type PC3 (PC3-Asp616), both PC3/PC2Pd and PC3/FurPd had elevated activity on several synthetic substrates as well as reduced calcium ion dependence, whereas Fur/PC2Pd was only slightly decreased in activity as compared with truncated furin (Fur-Glu583). Of the three active SPC chimeras tested, all had more alkaline pH optima. When PC3/PC2Pd was expressed in alpha-TC1-6 cells, it accelerated the processing of proglucagon into glicentin and major proglucagon fragment and cleaved major proglucagon fragment to release GLP-1 and tGLP-1, similar to wild-type PC3. Thus, P domain exchanges generated fully active chimeric proteases in several instances but not in all (e.g. PC2/PC3Pd was inactive). The observed property changes indicate a role for the P domain in regulating the stability, calcium dependence, and pH dependence of the convertases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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49
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Abstract
The major endoproteolytic processing enzymes of the secretory pathway are the subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs). Furin (SPC1) has emerged as one of the major processing enzymes of the constitutive secretory pathway and its localization in the trans-Golgi network and mechanism of autoactivation have been studied in considerable detail. Recent gene disruption experiments and the study of naturally-occurring mutations underscore the importance of PC2 (prohormones convertase 2, or SPC2) and PC1/PC3 (prohormone convertase 1/3, or SPC3) in the processing of a wide variety of hormone and neuropeptide precursors. The role of Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) in the removal of carboxy-terminal basic residues exposed by the endoproteases was shown to be necessary for efficient endoproteolytic processing of proinsulin and several other protein precursors. Many biologically active peptides are also amidated after their proteolytic processing by peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) and recent X-ray studies of the peptidyl alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase component of PAM have shed new light on the role of copper in the mechanism of this reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Steiner
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 1028, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Rouillé Y, Kantengwa S, Irminger JC, Halban PA. Role of the prohormone convertase PC3 in the processing of proglucagon to glucagon-like peptide 1. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:32810-6. [PMID: 9407057 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.52.32810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Proglucagon is processed differentially in pancreatic alpha-cells and intestinal endocrine L cells to release either glucagon or glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36amide) (tGLP-1), two peptide hormones with opposing biological actions. Previous studies have demonstrated that the prohormone convertase PC2 is responsible for the processing of proglucagon to glucagon, and have suggested that the related endoprotease PC3 is involved in the formation of tGLP-1. To understand better the biosynthetic pathway of tGLP-1, proglucagon processing was studied in the mouse pituitary cell line AtT-20, a cell line that mimics the intestinal pathway of proglucagon processing and in the rat insulinoma cell line INS-1. In both of these cell lines, proglucagon was initially cleaved to glicentin and the major proglucagon fragment (MPGF) at the interdomain site Lys70-Arg71. In both cell lines, MPGF was cleaved successively at the monobasic site Arg77 and then at the dibasic site Arg109-Arg110, thus releasing tGLP-1, the cleavages being less extensive in INS-1 cells. Glicentin was completely processed to glucagon in INS-1 cells, but was partially converted to oxyntomodulin and very low levels of glucagon in AtT-20 cells in the face of generation of tGLP-1. Adenovirus-mediated co-expression of PC3 and proglucagon in GH4C1 cells (normally expressing no PC2 or PC3) resulted in the formation of tGLP-1, glicentin, and oxyntomodulin, but no glucagon. When expressed in alphaTC1-6 (transformed pancreatic alpha-cells) or in rat primary pancreatic alpha-cells in culture, PC3 converted MPGF to tGLP-1. Finally, GLP-1-(1-37) was cleaved to tGLP-1 in vitro by purified recombinant PC3. Taken together, these results indicate that PC3 has the same specificity as the convertase that is responsible for the processing of proglucagon to tGLP-1, glicentin and oxyntomodulin in the intestinal L cell, and it is concluded that this enzyme is thus able to act alone in this processing pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Rouillé
- Laboratoires de Recherche Louis Jeantet, Centre Médical Universitaire, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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