1
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Schüß C, Behr V, Beck-Sickinger AG. Illuminating the neuropeptide Y 4 receptor and its ligand pancreatic polypeptide from a structural, functional, and therapeutic perspective. Neuropeptides 2024; 105:102416. [PMID: 38430725 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide Y4 receptor (Y4R), a rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and the hormone pancreatic polypeptide (PP) are members of the neuropeptide Y family consisting of four receptors (Y1R, Y2R, Y4R, Y5R) and three highly homologous peptide ligands (neuropeptide Y, peptide YY, PP). In this family, the Y4R is of particular interest as it is the only subtype with high affinity to PP over NPY. The Y4R, as a mediator of PP signaling, has a pivotal role in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis, offering potential avenues for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity. PP as anorexigenic peptide is released postprandial from the pancreas in response to food intake, induces satiety signals and contributes to hamper excessive food intake. Moreover, this system was also described to be associated with different types of cancer: overexpression of Y4R have been found in human adenocarcinoma cells, while elevated levels of PP are related to the development of pancreatic endocrine tumors. The pharmacological relevance of the Y4R advanced the search for potent and selective ligands for this receptor subtype, which will be significantly progressed through the elucidation of the active state PP-Y4R cryo-EM structure. This review summarizes the development of novel PP-derived ligands, like Obinepitide as dual Y2R/Y4R agonist in clinical trials or UR-AK86c as small hexapeptide agonist with picomolar affinity, as well as the first allosteric modulators that selectively target the Y4R, e.g. VU0506013 as potent Y4R positive allosteric modulator or (S)-VU0637120 as allosteric antagonist. Here, we provide valuable insights into the complex physiological functions of the Y4R and PP and the pharmacological relevance of the system in appetite regulation to open up new avenues for the development of tool compounds for targeted therapies with potential applications in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Schüß
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Germany.
| | - Victoria Behr
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Germany
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2
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Gleixner J, Kopanchuk S, Grätz L, Tahk MJ, Laasfeld T, Veikšina S, Höring C, Gattor AO, Humphrys LJ, Müller C, Archipowa N, Köckenberger J, Heinrich MR, Kutta RJ, Rinken A, Keller M. Illuminating Neuropeptide Y Y 4 Receptor Binding: Fluorescent Cyclic Peptides with Subnanomolar Binding Affinity as Novel Molecular Tools. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1142-1168. [PMID: 38633582 PMCID: PMC11019746 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y4 receptor (Y4R), a member of the family of NPY receptors, is physiologically activated by the linear 36-amino acid peptide pancreatic polypeptide (PP). The Y4R is involved in the regulation of various biological processes, most importantly pancreatic secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and regulation of food intake. So far, Y4R binding affinities have been mostly studied in radiochemical binding assays. Except for a few fluorescently labeled PP derivatives, fluorescence-tagged Y4R ligands with high affinity have not been reported. Here, we introduce differently fluorescence-labeled (Sulfo-Cy5, Cy3B, Py-1, Py-5) Y4R ligands derived from recently reported cyclic hexapeptides showing picomolar Y4R binding affinity. With pKi values of 9.22-9.71 (radioligand competition binding assay), all fluorescent ligands (16-19) showed excellent Y4R affinity. Y4R saturation binding, binding kinetics, and competition binding with reference ligands were studied using different fluorescence-based methods: flow cytometry (Sulfo-Cy5, Cy3B, and Py-1 label), fluorescence anisotropy (Cy3B label), and NanoBRET (Cy3B label) binding assays. These experiments confirmed the high binding affinity to Y4R (equilibrium pKd: 9.02-9.9) and proved the applicability of the probes for fluorescence-based Y4R competition binding studies and imaging techniques such as single-receptor molecule tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Gleixner
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sergei Kopanchuk
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lukas Grätz
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maris-Johanna Tahk
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Laasfeld
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Santa Veikšina
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Carina Höring
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Albert O. Gattor
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura J. Humphrys
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Müller
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nataliya Archipowa
- Institute
of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Preclinical
Medicine, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Köckenberger
- Department
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus R. Heinrich
- Department
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roger Jan Kutta
- Institute
of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ago Rinken
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Max Keller
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
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3
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Calderón JC, Plut E, Keller M, Cabrele C, Reiser O, Gervasio FL, Clark T. Extended Metadynamics Protocol for Binding/Unbinding Free Energies of Peptide Ligands to Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptors. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:205-218. [PMID: 38150388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
A metadynamics protocol is presented to characterize the binding and unbinding of peptide ligands to class A G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The protocol expands on the one previously presented for binding and unbinding small-molecule ligands to class A GPCRs and accounts for the more demanding nature of the peptide binding-unbinding process. It applies to almost all class A GPCRs. Exemplary simulations are described for subtypes Y1R, Y2R, and Y4R of the neuropeptide Y receptor family, vasopressin binding to the vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R), and oxytocin binding to the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Binding free energies and the positions of alternative binding sites are presented and, where possible, compared with the experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline C Calderón
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstr. 25, Erlangen 91052, Germany
| | - Eva Plut
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93040, Germany
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg D-93040, Germany
| | - Chiara Cabrele
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93040, Germany
| | - Oliver Reiser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93040, Germany
| | | | - Timothy Clark
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstr. 25, Erlangen 91052, Germany
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4
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Gleixner J, Gattor AO, Humphrys LJ, Brunner T, Keller M. [ 3H]UR-JG102-A Radiolabeled Cyclic Peptide with High Affinity and Excellent Selectivity for the Neuropeptide Y Y 4 Receptor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13788-13808. [PMID: 37773891 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The family of human neuropeptide Y receptors (YRs) comprises four subtypes (Y1R, Y2R, Y4R, and Y5R) that are involved in the regulation of numerous physiological processes. Until now, Y4R binding studies have been predominantly performed in hypotonic sodium-free buffers using 125I-labeled derivatives of the endogenous YR agonists pancreatic polypeptide or peptide YY. A few tritium-labeled Y4R ligands have been reported; however, when used in buffers containing sodium at a physiological concentration, their Y4R affinities are insufficient. Based on the cyclic hexapeptide UR-AK86C, we developed a new tritium-labeled Y4R radioligand ([3H]UR-JG102, [3H]20). In sodium-free buffer, [3H]20 exhibits a very low Y4R dissociation constant (Kd 0.012 nM). In sodium-containing buffer (137 mM Na+), the Y4R affinity is lower (Kd 0.11 nM) but still considerably higher compared to previously reported tritiated Y4R ligands. Therefore, [3H]20 represents a useful tool compound for the determination of Y4R binding affinities under physiological-like conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Gleixner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Albert O Gattor
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura J Humphrys
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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5
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Plut E, Calderón JC, Stanojlović V, Gattor AO, Höring C, Humphrys LJ, Konieczny A, Kerres S, Schubert M, Keller M, Cabrele C, Clark T, Reiser O. Stereochemistry-Driven Interactions of α,γ-Peptide Ligands with the Neuropeptide Y Y 4-Receptor. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37440703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled Y4-receptor (Y4R) and its endogenous ligand, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), suppress appetite in response to food intake and, thus, are attractive drug targets for body-weight control. The C-terminus of human PP (hPP), T32-R33-P34-R35-Y36-NH2, penetrates deep into the binding pocket with its tyrosine-amide and di-arginine motif. Here, we present two C-terminally amidated α,γ-hexapeptides (1a/b) with sequence Ac-R31-γ-CBAA32-R33-L34-R35-Y36-NH2, where γ-CBAA is the (1R,2S,3R)-configured 2-(aminomethyl)-3-phenylcyclobutanecarboxyl moiety (1a) or its mirror image (1b). Both peptides bind the Y4R (Ki of 1a/b: 0.66/12 nM) and act as partial agonists (intrinsic activity of 1a/b: 50/39%). Their induced-fit binding poses in the Y4R pocket are unique and build ligand-receptor contacts distinct from those of the C-terminus of the endogenous ligand hPP. We conclude that energetically favorable interactions, although they do not match those of the native ligand hPP, still guarantee high binding affinity (with 1a rivaling hPP) but not the maximum receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Plut
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline C Calderón
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Computer-Chemistry-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vesna Stanojlović
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Albert O Gattor
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Carina Höring
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura J Humphrys
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Adam Konieczny
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Kerres
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mario Schubert
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Chiara Cabrele
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Timothy Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Computer-Chemistry-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Reiser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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6
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Czub N, Pacławski A, Szlęk J, Mendyk A. Do AutoML-Based QSAR Models Fulfill OECD Principles for Regulatory Assessment? A 5-HT1A Receptor Case. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071415. [PMID: 35890310 PMCID: PMC9319483 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The drug discovery and development process requires a lot of time, financial, and workforce resources. Any reduction in these burdens might benefit all stakeholders in the healthcare domain, including patients, government, and companies. One of the critical stages in drug discovery is a selection of molecular structures with a strong affinity to a particular molecular target. The possible solution is the development of predictive models and their application in the screening process, but due to the complexity of the problem, simple and statistical models might not be sufficient for practical application. The manuscript presents the best-in-class predictive model for the serotonin 1A receptor affinity and its validation according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines for regulatory purposes. The model was developed based on a database with close to 9500 molecules by using an automatic machine learning tool (AutoML). The model selection was conducted based on the Akaike information criterion value and 10-fold cross-validation routine, and later good predictive ability was confirmed with an additional external validation dataset with over 700 molecules. Moreover, the multi-start technique was applied to test if an automatic model development procedure results in reliable results.
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7
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Müller C, Gleixner J, Tahk MJ, Kopanchuk S, Laasfeld T, Weinhart M, Schollmeyer D, Betschart MU, Lüdeke S, Koch P, Rinken A, Keller M. Structure-Based Design of High-Affinity Fluorescent Probes for the Neuropeptide Y Y 1 Receptor. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4832-4853. [PMID: 35263541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The recent crystallization of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (Y1R) in complex with the argininamide-type Y1R selective antagonist UR-MK299 (2) opened up a new approach toward structure-based design of nonpeptidic Y1R ligands. We designed novel fluorescent probes showing excellent Y1R selectivity and, in contrast to previously described fluorescent Y1R ligands, considerably higher (∼100-fold) binding affinity. This was achieved through the attachment of different fluorescent dyes to the diphenylacetyl moiety in 2 via an amine-functionalized linker. The fluorescent ligands exhibited picomolar Y1R binding affinities (pKi values of 9.36-9.95) and proved to be Y1R antagonists, as validated in a Fura-2 calcium assay. The versatile applicability of the probes as tool compounds was demonstrated by flow cytometry- and fluorescence anisotropy-based Y1R binding studies (saturation and competition binding and association and dissociation kinetics) as well as by widefield and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy of live tumor cells, revealing that fluorescence was mainly localized at the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Müller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Gleixner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maris-Johanna Tahk
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sergei Kopanchuk
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Laasfeld
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Michael Weinhart
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Schollmeyer
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, Düsbergweg 10-14, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin U Betschart
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Lüdeke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pierre Koch
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ago Rinken
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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8
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Fischer TF, Beck-Sickinger AG. Chemerin - exploring a versatile adipokine. Biol Chem 2022; 403:625-642. [PMID: 35040613 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chemerin is a small chemotactic protein and a key player in initiating the early immune response. As an adipokine, chemerin is also involved in energy homeostasis and the regulation of reproductive functions. Secreted as inactive prochemerin, it relies on proteolytic activation by serine proteases to exert biological activity. Chemerin binds to three distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), namely chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1, recently named chemerin1), G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPR1, recently named chemerin2), and CC-motif chemokine receptor-like 2 (CCRL2). Only CMKLR1 displays conventional G protein signaling, while GPR1 only recruits arrestin in response to ligand stimulation, and no CCRL2-mediated signaling events have been described to date. However, GPR1 undergoes constitutive endocytosis, making this receptor perfectly adapted as decoy receptor. Here, we discuss expression pattern, activation, and receptor binding of chemerin. Moreover, we review the current literature regarding the involvement of chemerin in cancer and several obesity-related diseases, as well as recent developments in therapeutic targeting of the chemerin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias F Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Brüderstraße 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
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9
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Konieczny A, Conrad M, Ertl FJ, Gleixner J, Gattor AO, Grätz L, Schmidt MF, Neu E, Horn AHC, Wifling D, Gmeiner P, Clark T, Sticht H, Keller M. N-Terminus to Arginine Side-Chain Cyclization of Linear Peptidic Neuropeptide Y Y 4 Receptor Ligands Results in Picomolar Binding Constants. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16746-16769. [PMID: 34748345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The family of neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors comprises four subtypes (Y1R, Y2R, Y4R, Y5R), which are addressed by at least three endogenous peptides, i.e., NPY, peptide YY, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), the latter showing a preference for Y4R. A series of cyclic oligopeptidic Y4R ligands were prepared by applying a novel approach, i.e., N-terminus to arginine side-chain cyclization. Most peptides acted as Y4R partial agonists, showing up to 60-fold higher Y4R affinity compared to the linear precursor peptides. Two cyclic hexapeptides (18, 24) showed higher Y4R potency (Ca2+ aequorin assay) and, with pKi values >10, also higher Y4R affinity compared to human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP). Compounds such as 18 and 24, exhibiting considerably lower molecular weight and considerably more pronounced Y4R selectivity than PP and previously described dimeric peptidic ligands with high Y4R affinity, represent promising leads for the preparation of labeled tool compounds and might support the development of drug-like Y4R ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Konieczny
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Conrad
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstraße 17, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian J Ertl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Gleixner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Albert O Gattor
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Grätz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Schmidt
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eduard Neu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Computer-Chemistry-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstraße 25, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anselm H C Horn
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstraße 17, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Wifling
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Timothy Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Computer-Chemistry-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstraße 25, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstraße 17, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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10
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Fischer TF, Schoeder CT, Zellmann T, Stichel J, Meiler J, Beck-Sickinger AG. Cyclic Analogues of the Chemerin C-Terminus Mimic a Loop Conformation Essential for Activating the Chemokine-like Receptor 1. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3048-3058. [PMID: 33705662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) is a promising target for treating autoinflammatory diseases, cancer, and reproductive disorders. However, the interaction between CMKLR1 and its protein-ligand chemerin remains uncharacterized, and no drugs targeting this interaction have passed clinical trials. Here, we identify the binding mode of chemerin-9, the C-terminus of chemerin, at the receptor by combining complementary mutagenesis with structure-based modeling. Incorporating our experimental data, we present a detailed model of this binding site, including experimentally confirmed pairwise interactions for the most critical ligand residues: Chemerin-9 residue F8 binds to a hydrophobic pocket in CMKLR1 formed by the extracellular loop (ECL) 2, while F6 interacts with Y2.68, suggesting a turn-like structure. On the basis of this model, we created the first cyclic peptide with nanomolar activity, confirming the overall binding conformation. This constrained agonist mimics the loop conformation adopted by the natural ligand and can serve as a lead compound for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias F Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Clara T Schoeder
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee37212, United States
| | - Tristan Zellmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Stichel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens Meiler
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee37212, United States.,Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Schüß C, Vu O, Schubert M, Du Y, Mishra NM, Tough IR, Stichel J, Weaver CD, Emmitte KA, Cox HM, Meiler J, Beck-Sickinger AG. Highly Selective Y 4 Receptor Antagonist Binds in an Allosteric Binding Pocket. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2801-2814. [PMID: 33595306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human neuropeptide Y receptors (Y1R, Y2R, Y4R, and Y5R) belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors and play an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy metabolism. We identified and characterized the first selective Y4R allosteric antagonist (S)-VU0637120, an important step toward validating Y receptors as therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases. To obtain insight into the antagonistic mechanism of (S)-VU0637120, we conducted a variety of in vitro, ex vivo, and in silico studies. These studies revealed that (S)-VU0637120 selectively inhibits native Y4R function and binds in an allosteric site located below the binding pocket of the endogenous ligand pancreatic polypeptide in the core of the Y4R transmembrane domains. Taken together, our studies provide a first-of-its-kind tool for probing Y4R function and improve the general understanding of allosteric modulation, ultimately contributing to the rational development of allosteric modulators for peptide-activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Schüß
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Oanh Vu
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Mario Schubert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Nigam M Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Iain R Tough
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London SE1 1UL, U.K
| | - Jan Stichel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - C David Weaver
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Kyle A Emmitte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Helen M Cox
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London SE1 1UL, U.K
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States.,Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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