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Li X, Zhou H, Ge C, Li K, Chen A, Lu W. Dynamic changes of urotensin II and its receptor during ovarian development of olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 263:110782. [PMID: 35905813 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a kind of fish somatostatins cyclic peptide, which was originally extracted from the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS). The system of UII and UII receptor (UIIR) has been reported to have multiple physiological regulatory functions, such as cardiovascular control, osmoregulation, and lipid metabolism. However, the effect of UII and UIIR on the ovarian development has not been covered. This study investigated the expression pattern of UII and UIIR in the ovarian follicles and explored their impact on ovarian development in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. The results showed that the highest UII and UIIR mRNA levels were observed at stage II and stage III follicles during ovarian development, respectively. In situ hybridization revealed that a strong signal of UII was expressed in the oocyte nuclei of stage II follicles, however, UIIR was found in the follicle cells and oocyte cytoplasm of stage II and stage III follicles. Similarly, immunohistochemistry found positive signal of UII was detected in the oocyte nuclei of stage II follicles. The results from in vitro culture of olive flounder follicles suggested the expression of UII and UIIR mRNA levels significantly increased by 10 IU/ml human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 9 h. Furthermore, the transcriptional expression of UII and UIIR was not statistically significantly changed by 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP). These results firstly suggested that UII and UII receptor may play vital roles in regulating ovarian growth in olive flounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Li
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chunmei Ge
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Kunyu Li
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Aqin Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Weiqun Lu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Cui L, Lv C, Zhang J, Li J, Wang Y. Characterization of four urotensin II receptors (UTS2Rs) in chickens. Peptides 2021; 138:170482. [PMID: 33359825 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II receptor (UTS2R) is suggested to mediate the actions of urotensin II (UTS2) and UTS2-related peptide (URP, also called UTS2B) in mammals. However, the information regarding the gene structure, functionality and tissue expression of UTS2/URP receptor remains largely unknown in non-mammalian vertebrates including birds. In this study, using RACE-PCR, we cloned the full-length cDNAs of four chicken UTS2/URP receptors and designated them as cUTS2R1, cUTS2R2, cUTS2R3 and cUTS2R5 respectively, according to their evolutionary origin. The cloned cUTS2R1, cUTS2R2, cUTS2R3 and cUTS2R5 are predicted to encode 7-transmembrane receptors of 382, 343, 331 and 363 amino acids respectively, which show 50-66 % amino acid sequence identity with human UTS2R. Using cell-based luciferase reporter assays and Western blot, we demonstrated that chicken UTS2Rs expressed in HEK293 cells could be effectively activated by synthetic chicken UTS2-12, UTS2-17 and URP peptides, and their activation can elevate intracellular calcium concentration and activate MAPK/ERK signaling cascade, indicating that the four UTS2Rs are functional and capable of mediating UTS2/URP actions in chickens. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the four receptors are widely, but differentially, expressed in adult chicken tissues, while cUTS2 and cURP are highly expressed in the hindbrain and spinal cord, and moderately/weakly expressed in other tissues examined including the spleen and gonads. Taken together, our data provide first piece of evidence that all four UTS2Rs are functional in an avian species and help to reveal the conserved roles of UTS2R signaling across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cui
- Key laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Can Lv
- Key laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Jiannan Zhang
- Key laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China
| | - Juan Li
- Key laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China; Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China.
| | - Yajun Wang
- Key laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, PR China; Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China.
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Lancien F, Vanegas G, Leprince J, Vaudry H, Le Mével JC. Central and Peripheral Effects of Urotensin II and Urotensin II-Related Peptides on Cardiac Baroreflex Sensitivity in Trout. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:51. [PMID: 28239335 PMCID: PMC5301025 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The baroreflex response is an essential component of the cardiovascular regulation that buffers abrupt changes in blood pressure to maintain homeostasis. Urotensin II (UII) and its receptor UT are present in the brain and in peripheral cardiovascular tissues of fish and mammals. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of UII in these vertebrates provokes hypertension and tachycardia, suggesting that the cardio-inhibitory baroreflex response is impaired. Since nothing is known about the effect of UII on the cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), we decided to clarify the changes in spontaneous BRS using a cross spectral analysis technique of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and R-R interval variabilities after ICV and intra-arterial (IA) injections of trout UII in the unanesthetized trout. We contrasted the effects of UII with those observed for the UII-related peptides (URP), URP1 and URP2. Compared with vehicle-injected trout, ICV injection of UII (5-500 pmol) produced a gradual increase in SBP, a decrease in the R-R interval (reflecting a tachycardia) associated with a dose-dependent reduction of the BRS. The threshold dose for a significant effect on these parameters was 50 pmol (BRS; -55%; 1450 ± 165 ms/kPa vs. 3240 ± 300 ms/kPa; P < 0.05). Only the 500-pmol dose of URP2 caused a significant increase in SBP without changing significantly the R-R interval but reduced the BRS. IA injection of UII (5-500 pmol) caused a dose-dependent elevation of SBP. Contrasting with the ICV effects of UII, the R-R interval increased (reflecting a bradycardia) up to the 50-pmol dose while the BRS remained unchanged (50 pmol; 2530 ± 270 ms/kPa vs. 2600 ± 180 ms/kPa; P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the highest dose of UII reduced the BRS as did the highest dose of URP1. In conclusion, the contrasting effect of low picomolar doses of UII after central and peripheral injection on the BRS suggests that only the central urotensinergic system is involved in the attenuation of the BRS. The limited and quite divergent effects of URP1 and URP2 on the BRS, indicate that the action of UII is specific for this peptide. Further studies are required to elucidate the site(s) and mechanisms of action of UII on the baroreflex pathways. Whether such effects of central UII on the BRS exist in mammals including humans warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Lancien
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1101, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, SFR ScInBioS, Université de Brest, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé Brest, France
| | - Gilmer Vanegas
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1101, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, SFR ScInBioS, Université de Brest, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé Brest, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U982, UA Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Normandie Université Rouen, France
| | - Hubert Vaudry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U982, UA Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Normandie Université Rouen, France
| | - Jean-Claude Le Mével
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1101, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, SFR ScInBioS, Université de Brest, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé Brest, France
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Vaudry H, Leprince J, Chatenet D, Fournier A, Lambert DG, Le Mével JC, Ohlstein EH, Schwertani A, Tostivint H, Vaudry D. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCII. Urotensin II, urotensin II-related peptide, and their receptor: from structure to function. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:214-58. [PMID: 25535277 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic neuropeptide that was first isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract the hindgut. Subsequently, UII was characterized in tetrapods including humans. Phylogenetic studies and synteny analysis indicate that UII and its paralogous peptide urotensin II-related peptide (URP) belong to the somatostatin/cortistatin superfamily. In mammals, the UII and URP genes are primarily expressed in cholinergic neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. UII and URP mRNAs are also present in various organs notably in the cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems. UII and URP activate a common G protein-coupled receptor, called UT, that exhibits relatively high sequence identity with somatostatin, opioid, and galanin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues including the retina, heart, vascular bed, lung, kidney, adrenal medulla, and skeletal muscle. Structure-activity relationship studies and NMR conformational analysis have led to the rational design of a number of peptidic and nonpeptidic UT agonists and antagonists. Consistent with the wide distribution of UT, UII has now been shown to exert a large array of biologic activities, in particular in the CNS, the cardiovascular system, and the kidney. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning the pleiotropic actions of UII and discusses the possible use of antagonists for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Vaudry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - David Chatenet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Alain Fournier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - David G Lambert
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Jean-Claude Le Mével
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Eliot H Ohlstein
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Adel Schwertani
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Hervé Tostivint
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - David Vaudry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
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Quan FB, Dubessy C, Galant S, Kenigfest NB, Djenoune L, Leprince J, Wyart C, Lihrmann I, Tostivint H. Comparative distribution and in vitro activities of the urotensin II-related peptides URP1 and URP2 in zebrafish: evidence for their colocalization in spinal cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119290. [PMID: 25781313 PMCID: PMC4364556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide initially isolated from teleost fish on the basis of its smooth muscle-contracting activity. Subsequent studies have demonstrated the occurrence of several UII-related peptides (URPs), such that the UII family is now known to include four paralogue genes called UII, URP, URP1 and URP2. These genes probably arose through the two rounds of whole genome duplication that occurred during early vertebrate evolution. URP has been identified both in tetrapods and teleosts. In contrast, URP1 and URP2 have only been observed in ray-finned and cartilaginous fishes, suggesting that both genes were lost in the tetrapod lineage. In the present study, the distribution of urp1 mRNA compared to urp2 mRNA is reported in the central nervous system of zebrafish. In the spinal cord, urp1 and urp2 mRNAs were mainly colocalized in the same cells. These cells were also shown to be GABAergic and express the gene encoding the polycystic kidney disease 2-like 1 (pkd2l1) channel, indicating that they likely correspond to cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons. In the hindbrain, urp1-expressing cells were found in the intermediate reticular formation and the glossopharyngeal-vagal motor nerve nuclei. We also showed that synthetic URP1 and URP2 were able to induce intracellular calcium mobilization in human UII receptor (hUT)-transfected CHO cells with similar potencies (pEC50=7.99 and 7.52, respectively) albeit at slightly lower potencies than human UII and mammalian URP (pEC50=9.44 and 8.61, respectively). The functional redundancy of URP1 and URP2 as well as the colocalization of their mRNAs in the spinal cord suggest the robustness of this peptidic system and its physiological importance in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng B. Quan
- Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, UMR 7221 CNRS, and Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Dubessy
- Inserm, U982, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Sonya Galant
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie et Développement, CNRS UPR 3294, Institut Alfred Fessard, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Natalia B. Kenigfest
- Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, UMR 7221 CNRS, and Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Evolution of Neuronal Interactions, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Lydia Djenoune
- Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, UMR 7221 CNRS, and Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm, U982, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Claire Wyart
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Lihrmann
- Inserm, U982, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Hervé Tostivint
- Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, UMR 7221 CNRS, and Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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6
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Brancaccio D, Merlino F, Limatola A, Yousif AM, Gomez-Monterrey I, Campiglia P, Novellino E, Grieco P, Carotenuto A. An investigation into the origin of the biased agonism associated with the urotensin II receptor activation. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:392-9. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; I-80131 Naples Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; I-80131 Naples Italy
| | - Antonio Limatola
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; I-80131 Naples Italy
| | - Ali Munaim Yousif
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; I-80131 Naples Italy
| | | | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Salerno; I-84084 Fisciano Salerno Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; I-80131 Naples Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; I-80131 Naples Italy
- CIRPEB: Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi University of Naples ‘Federico II’, DFM-Scarl; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging - CNR; 80134 Naples Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; I-80131 Naples Italy
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7
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Generation of BAC transgenic tadpoles enabling live imaging of motoneurons by using the urotensin II-related peptide (ust2b) gene as a driver. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117370. [PMID: 25658845 PMCID: PMC4319907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenopus is an excellent tetrapod model for studying normal and pathological motoneuron ontogeny due to its developmental morpho-physiological advantages. In mammals, the urotensin II-related peptide (UTS2B) gene is primarily expressed in motoneurons of the brainstem and the spinal cord. Here, we show that this expression pattern was conserved in Xenopus and established during the early embryonic development, starting at the early tailbud stage. In late tadpole stage, uts2b mRNA was detected both in the hindbrain and in the spinal cord. Spinal uts2b+ cells were identified as axial motoneurons. In adult, however, the uts2b expression was only detected in the hindbrain. We assessed the ability of the uts2b promoter to drive the expression of a fluorescent reporter in motoneurons by recombineering a green fluorescent protein (GFP) into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone containing the entire X. tropicalis uts2b locus. After injection of this construction in one-cell stage embryos, a transient GFP expression was observed in the spinal cord of about a quarter of the resulting animals from the early tailbud stage and up to juveniles. The GFP expression pattern was globally consistent with that of the endogenous uts2b in the spinal cord but no fluorescence was observed in the brainstem. A combination of histological and electrophysiological approaches was employed to further characterize the GFP+ cells in the larvae. More than 98% of the GFP+ cells expressed choline acetyltransferase, while their projections were co-localized with α-bungarotoxin labeling. When tail myotomes were injected with rhodamine dextran amine crystals, numerous double-stained GFP+ cells were observed. In addition, intracellular electrophysiological recordings of GFP+ neurons revealed locomotion-related rhythmic discharge patterns during fictive swimming. Taken together our results provide evidence that uts2b is an appropriate driver to express reporter genes in larval motoneurons of the Xenopus spinal cord.
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8
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Bucharles C, Bizet P, Arthaud S, Arabo A, Leprince J, Lefranc B, Cartier D, Anouar Y, Lihrmann I. Concordant localization of functional urotensin II and urotensin II-related peptide binding sites in the rat brain: Atypical occurrence close to the fourth ventricle. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2634-49. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Bucharles
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Patrice Bizet
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Sébastien Arthaud
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Arnaud Arabo
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Faculty of Sciences; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Benjamin Lefranc
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Dorthe Cartier
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Youssef Anouar
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
| | - Isabelle Lihrmann
- Inserm, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
- Normandy University, University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan France
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9
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Tostivint H, Ocampo Daza D, Bergqvist CA, Quan FB, Bougerol M, Lihrmann I, Larhammar D. Molecular evolution of GPCRs: Somatostatin/urotensin II receptors. J Mol Endocrinol 2014; 52:T61-86. [PMID: 24740737 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Somatostatin (SS) and urotensin II (UII) are members of two families of structurally related neuropeptides present in all vertebrates. They exert a large array of biological activities that are mediated by two families of G-protein-coupled receptors called SSTR and UTS2R respectively. It is proposed that the two families of peptides as well as those of their receptors probably derive from a single ancestral ligand-receptor pair. This pair had already been duplicated before the emergence of vertebrates to generate one SS peptide with two receptors and one UII peptide with one receptor. Thereafter, each family expanded in the three whole-genome duplications (1R, 2R, and 3R) that occurred during the evolution of vertebrates, whereupon some local duplications and gene losses occurred. Following the 2R event, the vertebrate ancestor is deduced to have possessed three SS (SS1, SS2, and SS5) and six SSTR (SSTR1-6) genes, on the one hand, and four UII (UII, URP, URP1, and URP2) and five UTS2R (UTS2R1-5) genes, on the other hand. In the teleost lineage, all these have been preserved with the exception of SSTR4. Moreover, several additional genes have been gained through the 3R event, such as SS4 and a second copy of the UII, SSTR2, SSTR3, and SSTR5 genes, and through local duplications, such as SS3. In mammals, all the genes of the SSTR family have been preserved, with the exception of SSTR6. In contrast, for the other families, extensive gene losses occurred, as only the SS1, SS2, UII, and URP genes and one UTS2R gene are still present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Tostivint
- Evolution des Régulations EndocriniennesUMR 7221 CNRS and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FranceDepartment of NeuroscienceScience for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenInserm U982Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation (IRIB), Rouen University, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Daniel Ocampo Daza
- Evolution des Régulations EndocriniennesUMR 7221 CNRS and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FranceDepartment of NeuroscienceScience for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenInserm U982Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation (IRIB), Rouen University, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Christina A Bergqvist
- Evolution des Régulations EndocriniennesUMR 7221 CNRS and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FranceDepartment of NeuroscienceScience for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenInserm U982Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation (IRIB), Rouen University, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Feng B Quan
- Evolution des Régulations EndocriniennesUMR 7221 CNRS and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FranceDepartment of NeuroscienceScience for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenInserm U982Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation (IRIB), Rouen University, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Marion Bougerol
- Evolution des Régulations EndocriniennesUMR 7221 CNRS and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FranceDepartment of NeuroscienceScience for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenInserm U982Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation (IRIB), Rouen University, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Isabelle Lihrmann
- Evolution des Régulations EndocriniennesUMR 7221 CNRS and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FranceDepartment of NeuroscienceScience for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenInserm U982Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation (IRIB), Rouen University, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Dan Larhammar
- Evolution des Régulations EndocriniennesUMR 7221 CNRS and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FranceDepartment of NeuroscienceScience for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenInserm U982Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation (IRIB), Rouen University, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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10
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Brancaccio D, Limatola A, Campiglia P, Gomez-Monterrey I, Novellino E, Grieco P, Carotenuto A. Urantide Conformation and Interaction with the Urotensin-II Receptor. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2013; 347:185-92. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201300269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; Naples Italy
| | - Antonio Limatola
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; Naples Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Salerno; Fisciano Salerno Italy
| | | | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; Naples Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; Naples Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Naples “Federico II”; Naples Italy
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11
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New insight into the binding mode of peptides at urotensin-II receptor by Trp-constrained analogues of P5U and urantide. J Pept Sci 2013; 19:293-300. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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12
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Quan FB, Bougerol M, Rigour F, Kenigfest NB, Tostivint H. Characterization of the true ortholog of the urotensin II-related peptide (URP) gene in teleosts. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 177:205-12. [PMID: 22433941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2011] [Revised: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It has been recently established that the urotensin II (UII) family consists of four distinct paralogs in bony vertebrates, namely UII, and the three UII-related peptides (URPs) called URP, URP1 and URP2. These four peptides are encoded by genes which arose from the two rounds of tetraploidization (2R) which took place early during vertebrate evolution. Up to now, three of them, UII, URP1 and URP2, have been identified in teleosts, while only two, UII and URP, have been reported in tetrapods. The fact that fish URP has not been found in previous studies led to the suggestion that the corresponding gene had been lost in the teleost lineage. In the present study, we show that this view is not correct. A search of the most recent release of the Ensembl genome database led us to identify a novel UII/URP-like gene in teleosts. Using synteny analysis, we demonstrate that this gene corresponds to the true ortholog of the tetrapod URP gene. Molecular cloning of the corresponding cDNA in medaka revealed that URP gene encodes a putative peptide, with the primary structure GEPCFWKYCV. In stickleback, tilapia and takifugu, URP exhibited the same sequence while, in tetraodon, it differed by only one amino acid substitution Gly ↔ Ser. In zebrafish, URP appeared totally divergent at its N-terminus with the structure DDTCFWKYCV. In conclusion, the occurrence of a true URP in teleosts shows that the quartet of UII-related genes which arose from 2R has been integrally preserved in this lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng B Quan
- UMR 7221 CNRS/MNHN Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75231 Paris, France
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13
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Parmentier C, Hameury E, Dubessy C, Quan FB, Habert D, Calas A, Vaudry H, Lihrmann I, Tostivint H. Occurrence of two distinct urotensin II-related peptides in zebrafish provides new insight into the evolutionary history of the urotensin II gene family. Endocrinology 2011; 152:2330-41. [PMID: 21447629 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The urotensin II (UII) family is currently known to consist of two paralogous peptides, namely UII and UII-related peptide (URP). In contrast to UII, which has been identified in all vertebrate classes so far, URP has only been characterized in tetrapods. We report here the occurrence of two distinct URP genes in teleosts, which we have named URP1 and URP2. Synteny analysis revealed that teleost URP1 and URP2 genes and tetrapod URP genes represent three distinct paralog genes that, together with the UII gene, probably arose from the two rounds of tetraploidization, which took place early in vertebrate evolution. The absence of URP in fish indicates that the corresponding gene has been lost in the teleost lineage, whereas it is likely that both the URP1 and URP2 genes have been lost in the tetrapod lineage. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the URP2 gene is mainly expressed in the spinal cord and the brain in adult zebrafish. In situ hybridization experiments showed that in zebrafish embryos, URP2 mRNA-containing cells are located in the floor plate of the neural tube. In adult, URP2-expressing cells occur in close contact with the ventral side of the ependymal canal along the whole spinal cord, whereas in the brain, they are located below the fourth ventricle. These URP-expressing cells may correspond to cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons. In conclusion, our study reveals the occurrence of four distinct UII paralogous systems in vertebrates that may exert distinct functions, both in tetrapods and teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Parmentier
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, MNHN, 7 Rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
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14
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Bruzzone F, Cervetto C, Mazzotta M, Bianchini P, Ronzitti E, Leprince J, Diaspro A, Maura G, Vallarino M, Vaudry H, Marcoli M. Urotensin II receptor and acetylcholine release from mouse cervical spinal cord nerve terminals. Neuroscience 2010; 170:67-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.06.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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15
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Vaudry H, Do Rego JC, Le Mevel JC, Chatenet D, Tostivint H, Fournier A, Tonon MC, Pelletier G, Conlon JM, Leprince J. Urotensin II, from fish to human. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1200:53-66. [PMID: 20633133 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic peptide urotensin II (UII) was originally isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract intestinal smooth muscle. The UII peptide has subsequently been isolated from frog brain and, later on, the pre-proUII cDNA has been characterized in mammals, including humans. A UII paralog called urotensin II-related peptide (URP) has been identified in the rat brain. The UII and URP genes originate from the same ancestral gene as the somatostatin and cortistatin genes. In the central nervous system (CNS) of tetrapods, UII is expressed primarily in motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. The biological actions of UII and URP are mediated through a G protein-coupled receptor, termed UT, that exhibits high sequence similarity with the somatostatin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the CNS and in peripheral organs. Consistent with the broad distribution of UT, UII and URP exert a large array of behavioral effects and regulate endocrine, cardiovascular, renal, and immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Vaudry
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroendocrinology, INSERM U413, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP 23), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
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16
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Grieco P, Carotenuto A, Campiglia P, Gomez-Monterrey I, Auriemma L, Sala M, Marcozzi C, d’Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Brancaccio D, Rovero P, Santicioli P, Meini S, Maggi CA, Novellino E. New Insight into the Binding Mode of Peptide Ligands at Urotensin-II Receptor: Structure−Activity Relationships Study on P5U and Urantide. J Med Chem 2009; 52:3927-40. [DOI: 10.1021/jm900148c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Isabel Gomez-Monterrey
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Luigia Auriemma
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Marina Sala
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Cristina Marcozzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Roberta d’Emmanuele di Villa Bianca
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Paolo Santicioli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Stefania Meini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Carlo A. Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Chimica e Biologia dei Peptidi e Proteine, Department di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Firenze, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples “Federico II”, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, Menarini Ricerche, Via Rismpondo 12/A, I-50131 Florence, Italy,
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17
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Dubessy C, Cartier D, Lectez B, Bucharles C, Chartrel N, Montero-Hadjadje M, Bizet P, Chatenet D, Tostivint H, Scalbert E, Leprince J, Vaudry H, Jégou S, Lihrmann I. Characterization of urotensin II, distribution of urotensin II, urotensin II-related peptide and UT receptor mRNAs in mouse: evidence of urotensin II at the neuromuscular junction. J Neurochem 2008; 107:361-74. [PMID: 18710417 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05624.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) and UII-related peptide (URP) are paralog neuropeptides whose existence and distribution in mouse have not yet been investigated. In this study, we showed by HPLC/RIA analysis that the UII-immunoreactive molecule in the mouse brain corresponds to a new UII(17) isoform. Moreover, calcium mobilization assays indicated that UII(17) and URP were equally potent in stimulating UII receptor (UT receptor). Quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analysis revealed that in the CNS UII and URP mRNAs were predominantly expressed in brainstem and spinal motoneurons. Besides, they were differentially expressed in the medial vestibular nucleus, locus coeruleus and the ventral medulla. In periphery, both mRNAs were expressed in skeletal muscle, testis, vagina, stomach, and gall bladder, whereas only URP mRNA could be detected in the seminal vesicle, heart, colon, and thymus. By contrast, the UT receptor mRNA was widely expressed, and notably, very high amounts of transcript occurred in skeletal muscle and prostate. In the biceps femoris muscle, UII-like immunoreactivity was shown to coexist with synaptophysin in muscle motor end plate regions. Altogether these results suggest that (i) UII and URP may have many redundant biological effects, especially at the neuromuscular junction; (ii) URP may more specifically participate to autonomic, cardiovascular and reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Dubessy
- Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, EA4310, INSERM U413, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP 23), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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18
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do Rego JC, Leprince J, Scalbert E, Vaudry H, Costentin J. Behavioral actions of urotensin-II. Peptides 2008; 29:838-44. [PMID: 18294732 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2007] [Revised: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 12/21/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin-II (U-II) and urotensin-II-related peptide (URP) have been identified as the endogenous ligands of the orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR14 now renamed UT. The occurrence of U-II and URP in the central nervous system, and the widespread distribution of UT in the brain suggest that U-II and URP may play various behavioral activities. Studies conducted in rodents have shown that central administration of U-II stimulates locomotion, provokes anxiety- and depressive-like states, enhances feeding activity and increases the duration of paradoxical sleep episodes. These observations indicate that, besides the endocrine/paracrine activities of U-II and URP on cardiovascular and kidney functions, these peptides may act as neurotransmitters and/or neuromodulators to regulate various neurobiological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude do Rego
- CNRS FRE 2735, Laboratoire de Neuropsychopharmacologie Expérimentale, Institut Fédératif de Recherches Multidisciplinaires sur les Peptides 23, UFR de Médecine et Pharmacie, 22 Boulevard Gambetta, Rouen 76183, France.
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19
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Parmentier C, Hameury E, Lihrmann I, Taxi J, Hardin-Pouzet H, Vaudry H, Calas A, Tostivint H. Comparative distribution of the mRNAs encoding urotensin I and urotensin II in zebrafish. Peptides 2008; 29:820-9. [PMID: 18403048 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2007] [Revised: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neural neurosecretory system of fishes produces two biologically active neuropeptides, i.e. the corticotropin-releasing hormone paralog urotensin I (UI) and the somatostatin-related peptide urotensin II (UII). In zebrafish, we have recently characterized two UII variants termed UIIalpha and UIIbeta. In the present study, we have investigated the distribution of UI, UIIalpha and UIIbeta mRNAs in different organs by quantitative RT-PCR analysis and the cellular localization of the three mRNAs in the spinal cord by in situ hybridization (ISH) histochemistry. The data show that the UI gene is mainly expressed in the caudal portion of the spinal cord and, to a lesser extent, in the brain, while the UIIalpha and the UIIbeta genes are exclusively expressed throughout the spinal cord. Single-ISH labeling revealed that UI, UIIalpha and UIIbeta mRNAs occur in large cells, called Dahlgren cells, located in the ventral part of the caudal spinal cord. Double-ISH staining showed that UI, UIIalpha and UIIbeta mRNAs occur mainly in distinct cells, even though a few cells were found to co-express the UI and UII genes. The differential expression of UI, UIIalpha and UIIbeta genes may contribute to the adaptation of Dahlgren cell activity during development and/or in various physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Parmentier
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie des Signaux Intercellulaires, UMR 7101, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 75252 Paris, France.
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20
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Brailoiu E, Jiang X, Brailoiu GC, Yang J, Chang JK, Wang H, Dun NJ. State-dependent calcium mobilization by urotensin-II in cultured human endothelial cells. Peptides 2008; 29:721-6. [PMID: 18314227 PMCID: PMC2387077 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2007] [Revised: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human endothelial cells express urotensin-II (U-II) as well as its receptor GPR14. Using microfluorimetric techniques, the effect of human U-II on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) loaded with Fura-2 was evaluated in static or flow conditions. Under the static state, U-II (100 nM) abolished spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations, which occurred in a population of cultured HAEC. Similarly, U-II reduced thrombin-, but not ATP-induced calcium responses, suggesting that the peptide does not alter the Gq/11/IP3 pathway; rather, it modifies the coupling between protease-activated receptors and Gq/11/IP3. Under the flow condition, U-II (1, 10 and 100 nM) produced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i, which was subjected to desensitization. The result demonstrates a state-dependent effect of U-II in cultured HAEC, which may explain the variable responses to U-II under different experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Brailoiu
- Department of Pharmacology, 3420 N. Broad Street, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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21
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Sugo T, Mori M. Another ligand fishing for G protein-coupled receptor 14. Discovery of urotensin II-related peptide in the rat brain. Peptides 2008; 29:809-12. [PMID: 17628210 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Revised: 05/31/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII), which was originally isolated from the teleost urophysis, was identified as an endogenous ligand for orphan G protein-coupled receptor 14 (GPR14). The structure of mammalian UII was confirmed by isolation from spinal cord in porcine, or was easily predicted from the sequence of prepro-UII in human. For rat and mouse, however, only the tentative sequences of UII peptides have been demonstrated because the typical processing sites are absent from the amino-terminal region of the mature peptides. Isolation of UII-like immunoreactivity in rat brain revealed the presence of a novel peptide, designated urotensin II-related peptide (URP). URP binds and activates the human and rat urotensin II receptors (GPR14) and has a hypotensive effect when administrated to anesthetized rats. Based on the DNA sequences of the cloned prepro-URP gene, the amino acid sequences of mature URP for mouse and human are identical to that for rat URP. These results suggest that URP is the endogenous and functional ligand for urotensin II receptor in the rat and mouse, and possibly in the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Sugo
- Frontier Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 10 Wadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-4293, Japan.
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22
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Leprince J, Chatenet D, Dubessy C, Fournier A, Pfeiffer B, Scalbert E, Renard P, Pacaud P, Oulyadi H, Ségalas-Milazzo I, Guilhaudis L, Davoust D, Tonon MC, Vaudry H. Structure-activity relationships of urotensin II and URP. Peptides 2008; 29:658-73. [PMID: 17931747 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2007] [Revised: 08/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/16/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (U-II) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP) are the endogenous ligands for the orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR14 now renamed UT. At the periphery, U-II and/or URP exert a wide range of biological effects on cardiovascular tissues, airway smooth muscles, kidney and endocrine glands, while central administration of U-II elicits various behavioral and cardiovascular responses. There is also evidence that U-II and/or URP may be involved in a number of pathological conditions including heart failure, atherosclerosis, renal dysfunction and diabetes. Because of the potential involvement of the urotensinergic system in various physiopathological processes, there is need for the rational design of potent and selective ligands for the UT receptor. Structure-activity relationship studies have shown that the minimal sequence required to retain full biological activity is the conserved U-II(4-11) domain, in particular the Cys5 and Cys10 residues involved in the disulfide bridge, and the Phe6, Lys8 and Tyr9 residues. Free alpha-amino group and C-terminal COOH group are not necessary for the biological activity, and modifications of these radicals may even increase the stability of the analogs. Punctual substitution of native amino acids, notably Phe6 and Trp7, by particular residues generates analogs with antagonistic properties. These studies, which provide crucial information regarding the structural and conformational requirements for ligand-receptor interactions, will be of considerable importance for the design of novel UT ligands with increased selectivity, potency and stability, that may eventually lead to the development of innovative drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm U413, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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23
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Vaudry H. Biologically active peptides urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP), and to their cognate receptor (UT). Editorial. Peptides 2008; 29:647-8. [PMID: 18314224 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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24
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Desrues L, Lefebvre T, Diallo M, Gandolfo P, Leprince J, Chatenet D, Vaudry H, Tonon MC, Castel H. Effect of GABA A receptor activation on UT-coupled signaling pathways in rat cortical astrocytes. Peptides 2008; 29:727-34. [PMID: 18355946 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Revised: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 01/25/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cultured rat cortical astrocytes express two types of urotensin II (UII) binding sites: a high affinity site corresponding to the UT (GPR14) receptor and a low affinity site that has not been fully characterized. Activation of the high affinity site in astroglial cells stimulates polyphosphoinositide (PIP) turnover and provokes an increase in intracellular calcium concentration. We have hypothesized that the existence of distinct affinity sites for UII in rat cortical astrocytes could be accounted for by a possible cross-talk between UT and the ligand-gated ion channel GABA(A) receptor (GABA A R). Exposure of cultured astrocytes to UII provoked a bell-shaped increase in cAMP production, with an EC50 stimulating value of 0.83+/-0.04 pM, that was totally blocked in the presence of the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536. In contrast, UII was found to inhibit forskolin-induced cAMP formation. In the presence of the specific PKA inhibitor H89, UII provoked a sustained stimulation of cAMP formation. Inhibition of PKA by H89 strongly reduced the stimulatory effect of UII on PIP metabolism. GABA and the GABA A R agonist isoguvacine provoked a marked inhibition of UII-induced cAMP synthesis and a significant reduction of UII-evoked PIP turnover. These data suggest that functional interaction between UT and GABA(A)R negatively regulates coupling of UT to the classical PLC/IP(3) signaling cascade as well as to the adenylyl cyclase/PKA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Desrues
- INSERM U413, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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25
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Tölle M, van der Giet M. Cardiorenovascular effects of urotensin II and the relevance of the UT receptor. Peptides 2008; 29:743-63. [PMID: 17935830 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2007] [Revised: 07/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (U-II) is a vasoactive peptide with many potent effects in the cardiorenovascular system. U-II activates a G-protein-coupled receptor termed UT. UT and U-II are highly expressed in the cardiovascular and renal system. Patients with various cardiovascular diseases show high U-II plasma levels. It was demonstrated that elevated U-II plasma levels and increased UT expression seem to play a role in heart failure, end-stage renal disease and atherosclerosis. U-II induces potent changes in vascular tone regulation. In addition, U-II stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Currently several pharmaceutical companies are developing compounds to control the U-II/UT system. There are preclinical and some clinical studies showing potential benefits of inhibiting U-II function in renal disease, heart failure, and diabetes. This article will review both pre- and clinical data concerning cardiorenovascular effects of U-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Tölle
- Med. Klinik IV-Nephrology, Charite-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany.
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26
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Marco J, Egido EM, Hernández R, Silvestre RA. Evidence for endogenous urotensin-II as an inhibitor of insulin secretion. Study in the perfused rat pancreas. Peptides 2008; 29:852-8. [PMID: 17931748 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2007] [Revised: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the perfused rat pancreas, infusion of urotensin-II (UII), a somatostatin-like peptide, inhibits glucose-induced insulin secretion. We have resorted to specific antagonists of the UII receptor (UT), palosuran and urantide, to investigate whether endogenous UII also behaves as an inhibitor of beta-cell secretion. The insulinostatic effect of UII was counteracted by palosuran and by urantide but not by a somatostatin-receptor antagonist (cyclo-somatostatin). Furthermore, the insulinostatic effect of somatostatin was not reversed by palosuran. These results suggest that UII and somatostatin blocked beta-cell secretion via distinct receptors. Finally, in the absence of exogenous UII, both palosuran and urantide potentiated glucose-induced insulin release, thus supporting the concept that endogenous UII is an insulinostatic peptide. By virtue of their insulinotropic effect, UT antagonists may be considered potential drugs for treating the impaired insulin secretion characteristic of type 2 diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Marco
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro and Department of Physiology, Medical School, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, San Martín de Porres 4, 28035 Madrid, Spain.
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27
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Chatenet D, Dubessy C, Boularan C, Scalbert E, Pfeiffer B, Renard P, Lihrmann I, Pacaud P, Tonon MC, Vaudry H, Leprince J. Structure-activity relationships of a novel series of urotensin II analogues: identification of a urotensin II antagonist. J Med Chem 2007; 49:7234-8. [PMID: 17125276 DOI: 10.1021/jm0602110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (U-II) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide which has been identified as the endogenous ligand for the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR14 now renamed UT receptor. As the C-terminal cyclic hexapeptide of U-II (U-II(4-11), H-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val-OH) possesses full biological activity, we have synthesized a series of U-II(4-11) analogues and measured their binding affinity on hGPR14-transfected CHO cells and their contractile activity on de-endothelialized rat aortic rings. The data indicate that a free amino group and a functionalized side-chain at the N-terminal extremity of the peptide are not required for biological activity. In addition, the minimal chemical requirement at position 9 of U-II(4-11) is the presence of an aromatic moiety. Most importantly, replacement of the Phe6 residue by cyclohexyl-Ala (Cha) led to an analogue, [Cha6]U-II(4-11), that was devoid of agonistic activity but was able to dose-dependently suppress the vasoconstrictor effect of U-II on rat aortic rings. These new pharmacological data, by providing further information regarding the structure-activity relationships of U-II analogues, should prove useful for the rational design of potent and nonpeptidic UT receptor agonists and antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chatenet
- INSERM U413, Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuroendocrinology, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP 23), University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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28
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Castel H, Diallo M, Chatenet D, Leprince J, Desrues L, Schouft MT, Fontaine M, Dubessy C, Lihrmann I, Scalbert E, Malagon M, Vaudry H, Tonon MC, Gandolfo P. Biochemical and functional characterization of high-affinity urotensin II receptors in rat cortical astrocytes. J Neurochem 2006; 99:582-95. [PMID: 16942596 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04130.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The urotensin II (UII) gene is primarily expressed in the central nervous system, but the functions of UII in the brain remain elusive. Here, we show that cultured rat astrocytes constitutively express the UII receptor (UT). Saturation and competition experiments performed with iodinated rat UII ([(125)I]rUII) revealed the presence of high- and low-affinity binding sites on astrocytes. Human UII (hUII) and the two highly active agonists hUII(4-11) and [3-iodo-Tyr9]hUII(4-11) were also very potent in displacing [(125)I]rUII from its binding sites, whereas the non-cyclic analogue [Ser5,10]hUII(4-11) and somatostatin-14 could only displace [(125)I]rUII binding at micromolar concentrations. Reciprocally, rUII failed to compete with [(125)I-Tyr0,D-Trp8]somatostatin-14 binding on astrocytes. Exposure of cultured astrocytes to rUII stimulated [(3)H]inositol incorporation and increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in a dose-dependent manner. The stimulatory effect of rUII on polyphosphoinositide turnover was abolished by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, but only reduced by 56% by pertussis toxin. The GTP analogue Gpp(NH)p caused its own biphasic displacement of [(125)I]rUII binding and provoked an affinity shift of the competition curve of rUII. Pertussis toxin shifted the competition curve towards a single lower affinity state. Taken together, these data demonstrate that rat astrocytes express high- and low-affinity UII binding sites coupled to G proteins, the high-affinity receptor exhibiting the same pharmacological and functional characteristics as UT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Castel
- INSERM, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, European Institute for Peptide Research, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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29
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Jégou S, Cartier D, Dubessy C, Gonzalez BJ, Chatenet D, Tostivint H, Scalbert E, LePrince J, Vaudry H, Lihrmann I. Localization of the urotensin II receptor in the rat central nervous system. J Comp Neurol 2006; 495:21-36. [PMID: 16432902 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The vasoactive peptide urotensin II (UII) is primarily expressed in motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. Intracerebroventricular injection of UII provokes various behavioral, cardiovascular, motor, and endocrine responses in the rat, but the distribution of the UII receptor in the central nervous system (CNS) has not yet been determined. In the present study, we have investigated the localization of UII receptor (GPR14) mRNA and UII binding sites in the rat CNS. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the highest density of GPR14 mRNA occurred in the pontine nuclei. In situ hybridization histochemistry showed that the GPR14 gene is widely expressed in the brain and spinal cord. In particular, a strong hybridization signal was observed in the olfactory system, hippocampus, olfactory and medial amygdala, hypothalamus, epithalamus, several tegmental nuclei, locus coeruleus, pontine nuclei, motor nuclei, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, inferior olive, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Autoradiographic labeling of brain slices with radioiodinated UII showed the presence of UII-binding sites in the lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial amygdaloid nucleus, anteroventral thalamus, anterior pretectal nucleus, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, pontine nuclei, geniculate nuclei, parabigeminal nucleus, dorsal endopiriform nucleus, and cerebellar cortex. Intense expression of the GPR14 gene in some hypothalamic nuclei (supraoptic, paraventricular, ventromedian, and arcuate nuclei), in limbic structures (amygdala and hippocampus), in medullary nuclei (solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus), and in motor control regions (cerebral and cerebellar cortex, substantia nigra, pontine nuclei) provides the anatomical substrate for the central effects of UII on behavioral, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and motor functions. The occurrence of GPR14 mRNA in cranial and spinal motoneurons is consistent with the reported autocrine/paracrine action of UII on motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Jégou
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U-413, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP23), University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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30
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Egginger JG, Camus A, Calas A. Urotensin-II expression in the mouse spinal cord. J Chem Neuroanat 2005; 31:146-54. [PMID: 16361078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2005.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2005] [Revised: 10/24/2005] [Accepted: 10/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin-II (UII), a 12 amino acid peptide, was discovered in the teleost fish neurosecretory cells located in the caudal portion of the spinal cord and which project to a neurohemal gland called the urophysis. The distribution of UII and of its prepro-UII mRNA is not limited to fish and was found for example in the rat spinal cord. In view of the potential interest of obtaining transgenic mice, we have therefore characterized the distribution of mouse pro-UII mRNA and UII immunoreactivity, by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in the mouse spinal cord. A population of UII-like immunoreactive cell bodies was located in the ventral horn of the different segments. These cells displayed all the features of motoneurons, as confirmed by a double immunohistochemical labelling showing the co-occurrence of UII and vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and by electron microscope immunocytochemistry. Retrograde labelling of motoneurons innervating the bulbocavernosus penile muscle showed that some of them contained UII. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that pro-UII mRNA was located in some ventral horn neuronal perikarya. The pro-UII mRNA-containing cell bodies possessed the same motoneuron characteristics, confirming the results of the immunohistochemical studies and showing that the gene of mouse UII is expressed in a subpopulation of motoneurons in the spinal cord. Our results support the assumption that UII peptide characterized as endocrine in fish is also expressed within mammalian motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann-Günther Egginger
- CNRS UMR 7101, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Case Courrier 002, 7 quai Saint-Bernard, 75252 Cedex 05, Paris, France.
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31
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Do-Rego JC, Chatenet D, Orta MH, Naudin B, Le Cudennec C, Leprince J, Scalbert E, Vaudry H, Costentin J. Behavioral effects of urotensin-II centrally administered in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 183:103-17. [PMID: 16160878 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin-II (U-II) receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of U-II causes hypertension and bradycardia and stimulates prolactin and thyrotropin secretion. However, the behavioral effects of centrally administered U-II have received little attention. In the present study, we tested the effects of i.c.v. injections of U-II on behavioral, metabolic, and endocrine responses in mice. Administration of graded doses of U-II (1-10,000 ng/mouse) provoked: (1) a dose-dependent reduction in the number of head dips in the hole-board test; (2) a dose-dependent reduction in the number of entries in the white chamber in the black-and-white compartment test, and in the number of entries in the central platform and open arms in the plus-maze test; and (3) a dose-dependent increase in the duration of immobility in the forced-swimming test and tail suspension test. Intracerebroventricular injection of U-II also caused an increase in: food intake at doses of 100 and 1,000 ng/mouse, water intake at doses of 100-10,000 ng/mouse, and horizontal locomotion activity at a dose of 10,000 ng/mouse. Whatever was the dose, the central administration of U-II had no effect on body temperature, nociception, apomorphine-induced penile erection and climbing behavior, and stress-induced plasma corticosterone level. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the central injection of U-II at doses of 1-10,000 ng/mouse induces anxiogenic- and depressant-like effects in mouse. These data suggest that U-II may be involved in some aspects of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Do-Rego
- Institut Fédératif de Recherches Multidisciplinaires sur les Peptides (IFRMP 23), Laboratoire de Neuropsychopharmacologie Experimentale, CNRS FRE 2735, UFR de Medecine et Pharmacie, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France.
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32
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Abstract
Urotensin II (U-II) is the most potent vasoconstrictor known, even more potent than endothelin-1. It was first isolated from the fish spinal cord and has been recognized as a hormone in the neurosecretory system of teleost fish for over 30 years. After the identification of U-II in humans and the orphan human G-protein-coupled receptor 14 as the urotensin II receptor, UT, many studies have shown that U-II may play an important role in cardiovascular regulation. Human urotensin II (hU-II) is an 11 amino acid cyclic peptide, generated by proteolytic cleavage from a precursor prohormone. It is expressed in the central nervous system as well as other tissues, such as kidney, spleen, small intestine, thymus, prostate, pituitary, and adrenal gland and circulates in human plasma. The plasma U-II level is elevated in renal failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension and portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis. The effect of U-II on the vascular system is variable, depending on species, vascular bed and calibre of the vessel. The net effect on vascular tone is a balance between endothelium-independent vasoconstriction and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. U-II is also a neuropeptide and may play a role in tumour development. The development of UT receptor antagonists may provide a useful research tool as well as a novel treatment for cardiorenal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok Leung Ong
- Department of Medicine and the Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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33
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Pelletier G, Lihrmann I, Dubessy C, Luu-The V, Vaudry H, Labrie F. Androgenic down-regulation of urotensin II precursor, urotensin II-related peptide precursor and androgen receptor mRNA in the mouse spinal cord. Neuroscience 2005; 132:689-96. [PMID: 15837130 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We had previously shown that in rat spinal cord motoneurons urotensin II (UII) precursor mRNA was down-regulated by androgens. Very recently, a gene encoding the precursor of a UII analog, termed UII-related peptide (URP), has been identified. Using in situ hybridization, we studied the localization of UII and URP precursor as well as androgen receptor (AR) mRNA in the male mouse thoracic spinal cord. We also evaluated the androgenic regulation of the two peptide precursor and AR mRNA expression in the ventral horn of the mouse thoracic spinal cord. The results revealed that URP precursor mRNA was localized in motoneurons and that the vast majority of the motoneurons expressed both peptide precursor as well as AR mRNA. Seven-day castration induced an increase in UII and URP precursor and AR mRNA levels. Short term (3-24 h) administration of dihydrotestosterone to castrated animals restored the three protein mRNA levels to the levels observed in intact animals. These results suggest that in the ventral horn of the mouse spinal cord both UII and URP precursor and AR mRNA are expressed by the same neurons and that circulating androgens are exerting a down-regulation of the three protein mRNA expression, possibly by a direct action on motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pelletier
- Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, Canada GIV 4G2.
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34
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Chartrel N, Leprince J, Dujardin C, Chatenet D, Tollemer H, Baroncini M, Balment RJ, Beauvillain JC, Vaudry H. Biochemical characterization and immunohistochemical localization of urotensin II in the human brainstem and spinal cord. J Neurochem 2004; 91:110-8. [PMID: 15379892 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.02698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The human urotensin II (UII) precursor encompasses several potential cleavage sites and thus, processing of pro-UII may generate various forms of mature UII including the peptides of 11 (UII11), 16 (UII16) and 19 (UII19) residues. Until now, the native form of human UII had not been characterized. Here, we show that the major UII peptide occurring in the human spinal cord corresponds to UII11. In contrast, neither the UII16 nor the UII19 forms could be detected. In 50% of the brainstem and in all the spinal cord extracts analysed, a second minor UII-immunoreactive peptide was resolved. Immunohistochemical labelling of the cervical segment of the human spinal cord revealed that the UII-immunoreactive material was confined to a subset of ventral horn motoneurones. These data provide the first evidence that in the human, the UII precursor, expressed in motoneurones, is processed at the tribasic KKR93 cleavage site to generate a mature form of UII of 11 amino acids. The absence of N-terminally elongated forms of UII of 16 and 19 residues indicates that pro-UII is not cleaved at the R85 or K88 monobasic sites. Finally, the minor UII-immunoreactive peptide detected in several tissue extracts might correspond to an extended form of UII resulting from the processing of the UII precursor at the basic RK50 or RK66 doublets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Chartrel
- Institut Fédératif de Recherches Multidisciplinaires sur les Peptides, Laboratoire de Neuroendocrinologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Université de Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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35
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Lancien F, Leprince J, Mimassi N, Mabin D, Vaudry H, Le Mével JC. Central effects of native urotensin II on motor activity, ventilatory movements, and heart rate in the trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Brain Res 2004; 1023:167-74. [PMID: 15374742 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) has been originally isolated from fish urophysis. However, in fish as in mammals, UII is also produced in brain neurons. Although UII binding sites are widely distributed in the fish central nervous system (CNS), little is known regarding its central activities. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of synthetic trout UII on the duration of motor activity (ACT; evidenced by bursts of activity on the trace of the ventilatory signal), ventilatory frequency (VF), ventilatory amplitude (VA), and heart rate (HR) in unanesthesized trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. ICV injection of very low doses of UII (1 and 5 pmol) produced a dose-dependent increase of ACT without affecting VF, VA, or HR. At a higher dose (50 pmol), UII stimulated ACT as well as VF, VA, and HR. ICV injection of trout angiotensin II (5 pmol) did not affect ACT, VF, and VA, but provoked a robust increase in HR. These data provide the first evidence that central administration of UII stimulates motor activity in a nonmammalian vertebrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Lancien
- Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, INSERM U650, EA 2218, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest Cedex 3 29238, France
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36
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Watson AMD, May CN. Urotensin II, a novel peptide in central and peripheral cardiovascular control. Peptides 2004; 25:1759-66. [PMID: 15476943 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2004] [Accepted: 04/15/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a peptide that was originally isolated and characterized in fish. Interest in its effects in mammals increased with the identification of its receptor, G-protein coupled receptor 14, and its localization in humans. UII and its receptor have a wide distribution, including brain and spinal cord as well as heart, kidney and liver, implying that UII has important physiological actions. Recent studies suggest that UII may play an important role in the central nervous system. In conscious sheep, intracerebroventricular administration of UII induced large, prolonged increases in plasma epinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cardiac output and arterial pressure. Potent chronotropic and inotropic actions accompanied this, as well as peripheral vasodilatation. Administered intravenously, UII is an extremely potent vasoconstrictor in anesthetized monkeys, but reduces pressure in conscious and anesthetized rats, and causes a transient increase in conscious sheep, however vasomotor responses vary depending on species and vessel type. UII is elevated in conditions such as essential hypertension and heart failure suggesting a role in pathology. The results of studies with UII to date, together with its possible role in disease, emphasize the importance of examining the central and peripheral roles of UII in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M D Watson
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
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37
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Pozzi P, Bendotti C, Simeoni S, Piccioni F, Guerini V, Marron TU, Martini L, Poletti A. Androgen 5-alpha-reductase type 2 is highly expressed and active in rat spinal cord motor neurones. J Neuroendocrinol 2003; 15:882-7. [PMID: 12899683 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2826.2003.01074.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord motoneurones express high levels of androgen receptor. However, in responsive tissue, the effects of testosterone is often mediated by the more potent androgenic derivative 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This compound is formed in androgen target cells by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Two isoforms of the 5-alpha-reductase, with limited degree of homology, have been cloned, type 1 and type 2. The low affinity-constitutive type 1 isoenzyme is widely distributed in the body; the high affinity-androgen regulated 5-alpha-reductase type 2 is confined to androgen-dependent structures and shows a peculiar pH optimum at acidic values. We have previously shown that high levels of 5-alpha-reductase activity are detectable in rat spinal cord. Here, using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we show that both isoforms are expressed in the whole spinal cord of the rat. The enzymatic pH optimum measured in immortalized spinal cord motoneurones (NSC34) is typical of the type 2 isoenzyme. Using in situ hybridization technique, we found that 5-alpha-reductase type 2 is confined to the motoneuronal cells of the anterior horns of the rat spinal cord, the cells that also are known to express high levels of androgen receptor. Because of the close association of androgen receptor and 5-alpha alpha-reductase type 2, motoneuronal cells should be considered as target cells for androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pozzi
- Institute of Endocrinology, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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38
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Behm DJ, Harrison SM, Ao Z, Maniscalco K, Pickering SJ, Grau EV, Woods TN, Coatney RW, Doe CPA, Willette RN, Johns DG, Douglas SA. Deletion of the UT receptor gene results in the selective loss of urotensin-II contractile activity in aortae isolated from UT receptor knockout mice. Br J Pharmacol 2003; 139:464-72. [PMID: 12770952 PMCID: PMC1573852 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
1 Urotensin-II (U-II) is among the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictors identified and may play a role in the aetiology of essential hypertension. Currently, only one mouse U-II receptor (UT) gene has been cloned. It is postulated that this protein is solely responsible for mediating U-II-induced vasoconstriction. 2 This hypothesis has been investigated in the present study, which assessed basal haemodynamics and vascular reactivity to hU-II in wild-type (UT((+/+))) and UT receptor knockout (UT((-/-))) mice. 3 Basal left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes/pressures, stroke volumes, mean arterial blood pressures, heart rates, cardiac outputs and ejection fractions in UT((+/+)) mice and in UT((-/-)) mice were similar. 4 Relative to UT((+/+)) mouse isolated thoracic aorta, where hU-II was a potent spasmogen (pEC(50)=8.26+/-0.08) that evoked relatively little vasoconstriction (17+/-2% 60 mM KCl), vessels isolated from UT((-/-)) mice did not respond to hU-II. However, in contrast, the superior mesenteric artery isolated from both the genotypes did not contract in the presence of hU-II. Reactivity to unrelated vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine, endothelin-1, KCl) and endothelium-dependent/independent vasodilator agents (carbachol, sodium nitroprusside) was similar in the aorta and superior mesenteric arteries isolated from both the genotypes. 5 The present study is the first to directly link hU-II-induced vasoconstriction with the UT receptor. Deletion of the UT receptor gene results in loss of hU-II contractile action with no 'nonspecific' alterations in vascular reactivity. However, as might be predicted based on the limited contractile efficacy recorded in vitro, the contribution that hU-II and its receptor make to basal systemic haemodynamics appears to be negligible in this species.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiology
- Body Weight
- Gene Targeting
- Genotype
- Hemodynamics
- Humans
- In Vitro Techniques
- Male
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/drug effects
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Urotensins/metabolism
- Urotensins/pharmacology
- Urotensins/physiology
- Vasoconstriction/drug effects
- Vasoconstriction/physiology
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
- Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Behm
- Department of Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular and Urogenital Diseases Center of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0939, USA.
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