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Henriques-Santos BM, Baker D, Zhou N, Snavely T, Sacchettini JC, Pietrantonio PV. Target-based discovery of antagonists of the tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) kinin receptor identifies small molecules that inhibit midgut contractions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38899490 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) target-based approach was applied to identify antagonists of the arthropod-specific tick kinin receptor. These small molecules were expected to reproduce the detrimental phenotypic effects that had been observed in Rhipicephalus microplus females when the kinin receptor was silenced by RNA interference. Rhipicephalus microplus, the southern cattle tick, cattle fever tick, or Asian blue tick, is the vector of pathogenic microorganisms causing the deadly bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The widespread resistance to acaricides in tick populations worldwide emphasizes that exploring novel targets for effective tick control is imperative. RESULTS Fifty-three structural analogs of previously identified tick kinin antagonists were screened in a 'dual-addition' calcium fluorescence assay using a CHO-K1 cell line expressing the tick kinin receptor. Seven molecules were validated as non-cytotoxic antagonists, four of which were partial (SACC-0428764, SACC-0428780, SACC-0428800, and SACC-0428803), and three were full antagonists (SACC-0428799, SACC-0428801, and SACC-0428815). Four of these antagonists (SACC-0428764, SACC-0428780, SACC-0428799, and SACC-0428815) also inhibited the tick midgut contractions induced by the myotropic kinin agonist analog 1728, verifying their antagonistic bioactivity. The small molecules were tested on recombinant human neurokinin (NK) receptors, the one most similar to the invertebrate kinin receptors. Most molecules were inhibitors of the NK1 receptor, except SACC-0412066, a previously identified tick kinin receptor antagonist, which inhibited the NK1 receptor only at the highest concentration tested (25 μm). None of the molecules inhibited the NK3 human receptor. CONCLUSION Molecules identified through this approach could be useful probes for studying the tick kinin signaling system and midgut physiology. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dwight Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nian Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Snavely
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - James C Sacchettini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Hu G, Lin C, He M, Wong AOL. Neurokinin B and reproductive functions: "KNDy neuron" model in mammals and the emerging story in fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 208:94-108. [PMID: 25172151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, neurokinin B (NKB), the gene product of the tachykinin family member TAC3, is known to be a key regulator for episodic release of luteinizing hormone (LH). Its regulatory actions are mediated by a subpopulation of kisspeptin neurons within the arcuate nucleus with co-expression of NKB and dynorphin A (commonly called the "KNDy neurons"). By forming an "autosynaptic feedback loop" within the hypothalamus, the KNDy neurons can modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility and subsequent LH release in the pituitary. NKB regulation of LH secretion has been recently demonstrated in zebrafish, suggesting that the reproductive functions of NKB may be conserved from fish to mammals. Interestingly, the TAC3 genes in fish not only encode the mature peptide of NKB but also a novel tachykinin-like peptide, namely NKB-related peptide (or neurokinin F). Recent studies in zebrafish also reveal that the neuroanatomy of TAC3/kisspeptin system within the fish brain is quite different from that of mammals. In this article, the current ideas of "KNDy neuron" model for GnRH regulation and steroid feedback, other reproductive functions of NKB including its local actions in the gonad and placenta, the revised model of tachykinin evolution from invertebrates to vertebrates, as well as the emerging story of the two TAC3 gene products in fish, NKB and NKB-related peptide, will be reviewed with stress on the areas with interesting questions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfu Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chengyuan Lin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mulan He
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anderson O L Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Scherkenbeck J, Zdobinsky T. Insect neuropeptides: Structures, chemical modifications and potential for insect control. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:4071-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2008] [Revised: 12/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Poels J, Verlinden H, Fichna J, Van Loy T, Franssens V, Studzian K, Janecka A, Nachman RJ, Vanden Broeck J. Functional comparison of two evolutionary conserved insect neurokinin-like receptors. Peptides 2007; 28:103-8. [PMID: 17141920 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2006] [Revised: 06/30/2006] [Accepted: 06/30/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Tachykinins are multifunctional neuropeptides that have been identified in vertebrates as well as invertebrates. The C-terminal FXGXRa-motif constitutes the consensus active core region of invertebrate tachykinins. In Drosophila, two putative G protein-coupled tachykinin receptors have been cloned: DTKR and NKD. This study focuses on the functional characterization of DTKR, the Drosophila ortholog of the stable fly's tachykinin receptor (STKR). Tachykinins containing an alanine residue instead of the highly conserved glycine (FXAXRa) display partial agonism on STKR-mediated Ca(2+)-responses, but not on cAMP-responses. STKR therefore seems to differentiate between a number of tachykinins. Gly- and Ala-containing tachykinins are both encoded in the Drosophila tachykinin precursor, thus raising the question of whether DTKR can also distinguish between these two tachykinin types. DTKR was activated by all Drosophila tachykinins and inhibited by tachykinin antagonists. Ala-containing analogs did not produce the remarkable activation behavior previously observed with STKR, suggesting different mechanisms of discerning ligands and/or activating effector pathways for STKR and DTKR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Poels
- Laboratory for Developmental Physiology, Genomics and Proteomics, Catholic University Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Fichna J, Gach K, Piestrzeniewicz M, Burgeon E, Poels J, Broeck JV, Janecka A. Functional Characterization of Opioid Receptor Ligands by Aequorin Luminescence-Based Calcium Assay. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006; 317:1150-4. [PMID: 16497786 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.105.099986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A functional assay, based on aequorin-derived luminescence triggered by receptor-mediated changes in intracellular calcium levels, was used to examine relative potency and efficacy of the mu-opioid agonists endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, morphiceptin, and their position 3-substituted analogs, as well as the delta-agonist deltorphin-II. The results of the aequorin assay, performed on recombinant cell lines, were compared with those obtained in the functional assay on isolated tissue preparations (guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens). A range of nine opioid peptide ligands produced a similar rank order of potency for the mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonists in both functional assays. The highest potency at the mu-receptor was observed for endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, and [D-1-Nal3]morphiceptin, whereas deltorphin-II was the most potent delta-receptor agonist. In the aequorin assay, the mu- and delta-agonist-triggered luminescence was inhibited by the opioid antagonists naloxone and naltrindole, respectively. We can conclude that the use of the aequorin assay for new mu- and delta-receptor-selective opioid analogs gives pharmacologically relevant data and allows high-throughput compound screening, which does not involve radioactivity or animal tissues. This is the first study that validates the application of this assay in the screening of opioid analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Fichna
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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Structure, Function and Mode of Action of Select Arthropod Neuropeptides. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1572-5995(06)80026-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Predel R, Neupert S, Roth S, Derst C, Nässel DR. Tachykinin-related peptide precursors in two cockroach species. FEBS J 2005; 272:3365-75. [PMID: 15978042 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04752.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tachykinins and tachykinin-related peptides (TKRPs) play major roles in signaling in the nervous system and intestine of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Here we have identified cDNAs encoding precursors of multiple TKRPs from the cockroaches Leucophaea maderae and Periplaneta americana. All nine LemTKRPs that had been chemically isolated in earlier experiments could be identified on the precursor of L. maderae. Four previously unidentified LemTKRPs were found in addition on the precursor. The P. americana cDNA displayed an open reading frame very similar to that of L. maderae with 13 different TKRPs. MALDI-TOF mass spectra from tissues of both species confirms the presence of all the TKRPs encoded on the precursor plus two additional peptides that are cleavage products of the N-terminally extended TKRPs. A tissue-specific distribution of TKRPs was observed in earlier experiments at isolation from brain and midgut of L. maderae. Our data do not suggest a differential gene expression but a different efficacy in processing of LemTKRP-2 and Lem/PeaTKRP-3 in the brain and intestine, respectively. This results in a gut-specific accumulation of these extended peptides, whereas in the brain their cleavage products, LemTKRP-1 and LemTKRP-3(11-19), are most abundant. Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated the occurrence of the different TKRPs in single glomeruli of the tritocerebrum and in cells of the optical lobe.
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Claeys I, Poels J, Simonet G, Franssens V, Van Loy T, Van Hiel MB, Breugelmans B, Vanden Broeck J. Insect Neuropeptide and Peptide Hormone Receptors: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. VITAMINS & HORMONES 2005; 73:217-82. [PMID: 16399412 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(05)73007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Peptides form a very versatile class of extracellular messenger molecules that function as chemical communication signals between the cells of an organism. Molecular diversity is created at different levels of the peptide synthesis scheme. Peptide messengers exert their biological functions via specific signal-transducing membrane receptors. The evolutionary origin of several peptide precursor and receptor gene families precedes the divergence of the important animal Phyla. In this chapter, current knowledge is reviewed with respect to the analysis of peptide receptors from insects, incorporating many recent data that result from the sequencing of different insect genomes. Therefore, detailed information is provided on six different peptide receptor families belonging to two distinct receptor categories (i.e., the heptahelical and the single transmembrane receptors). In addition, the remaining problems, the emerging concepts, and the future prospects in this area of research are discussed.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Drosophila/genetics
- Drosophila/physiology
- Drosophila Proteins/genetics
- Drosophila Proteins/physiology
- Forecasting
- Frizzled Receptors/genetics
- Frizzled Receptors/physiology
- Insecta/genetics
- Insecta/physiology
- Invertebrate Hormones/genetics
- Invertebrate Hormones/physiology
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/physiology
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/physiology
- Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone/physiology
- Receptors, Guanylate Cyclase-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, Guanylate Cyclase-Coupled/physiology
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/physiology
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Peptide/physiology
- Receptors, Tachykinin/genetics
- Receptors, Tachykinin/physiology
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Claeys
- Laboratory for Developmental Physiology, Genomics and Proteomics Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute K.U.Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Yu Y, Jawa A, Pan W, Kastin AJ. Effects of peptides, with emphasis on feeding, pain, and behavior A 5-year (1999-2003) review of publications in Peptides. Peptides 2004; 25:2257-89. [PMID: 15572212 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2004] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Novel effects of naturally occurring peptides are continuing to be discovered, and their mechanisms of actions as well as interactions with other substances, organs, and systems have been elucidated. Synthetic analogs may have actions similar or antagonistic to the endogenous peptides, and both the native peptides and analogs have potential as drugs or drug targets. The journal Peptides publishes many leading articles on the structure-activity relationship of peptides as well as outstanding reviews on some families of peptides. Complementary to the reviews, here we extract information from the original papers published during the past five years in Peptides (1999-2003) to summarize the effects of different classes of peptides, their modulation by other chemicals and various pathophysiological states, and the mechanisms by which the effects are exerted. Special attention is given to peptides related to feeding, pain, and other behaviors. By presenting in condensed form the effects of peptides which are essential for systems biology, we hope that this summary of existing knowledge will encourage additional novel research to be presented in Peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Yu
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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