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Ericson MD, Freeman KT, Larson CM, Bouchard JL, John K, Lunzer MM, Koerperich ZM, Haskell-Luevano C. Incorporation of Three Extracyclic Arginine Residues into a Melanocortin Macrocyclic Agonist (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Lys(Arg-Arg-Arg-Ac)-DPro]) Decreases Food Intake When Administered Intrathecally or Subcutaneously Compared to a Macrocyclic Ligand Lacking Extracyclic Arginine Residues (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Ala-DPro)]. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1114-1125. [PMID: 38633589 PMCID: PMC11020072 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00011] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Of the three Food and Drug Administration-approved melanocortin peptide drugs, two possess a cyclic scaffold, demonstrating that cyclized melanocortin peptides have therapeutic relevance. An extracyclic Arg residue, critical for pharmacological activity in the approved melanocortin cyclic drug setmelanotide, has also been demonstrated to increase the signal when fluorescently labeled cell-penetrating cyclic peptides are incubated with HeLa cells, with the maximal signal observed with three extracyclic Arg amino acids. Herein, a branching Lys residue was substituted into two macrocyclic melanocortin peptide agonists to incorporate 0-3 extracyclic Arg amino acids. Incorporation of the Arg residues resulted in equipotent or increased agonist potency at the mouse melanocortin receptors in vitro, suggesting that these substitutions were tolerated in the macrocyclic scaffolds. Further in vivo evaluation of one parent ligand (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Ala-Pro]) and the three Arg derivative (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Lys(Ac-Arg-Arg-Arg)-Pro)] demonstrated that the three Arg derivative further decreased food intake compared to the parent macrocycle when the compounds were administered either via intrathecal injection or subcutaneous dosing. This suggests that three extracyclic Arg amino acids may be beneficial in the design of cyclic melanocortin ligands and that in vitro pharmacological profiling may not predict the in vivo efficacy of melanocortin ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Courtney M. Larson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jacob L. Bouchard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kristen John
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mary M. Lunzer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zoe M. Koerperich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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2
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Gimenez LE, Martin C, Yu J, Hollanders C, Hernandez CC, Wu Y, Yao D, Han GW, Dahir NS, Wu L, Van der Poorten O, Lamouroux A, Mannes M, Zhao S, Tourwé D, Stevens RC, Cone RD, Ballet S. Novel Cocrystal Structures of Peptide Antagonists Bound to the Human Melanocortin Receptor 4 Unveil Unexplored Grounds for Structure-Based Drug Design. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2690-2711. [PMID: 38345933 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01822] [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: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) antagonists are actively sought for treating cancer cachexia. We determined the structures of complexes with PG-934 and SBL-MC-31. These peptides differ from SHU9119 by substituting His6 with Pro6 and inserting Gly10 or Arg10. The structures revealed two subpockets at the TM7-TM1-TM2 domains, separated by N2857.36. Two peptide series based on the complexed peptides led to an antagonist activity and selectivity SAR study. Most ligands retained the SHU9119 potency, but several SBL-MC-31-derived peptides significantly enhanced MC4-R selectivity over MC1-R by 60- to 132-fold. We also investigated MC4-R coupling to the K+ channel, Kir7.1. Some peptides activated the channel, whereas others induced channel closure independently of G protein coupling. In cell culture studies, channel activation correlated with increased feeding, while a peptide with Kir7.1 inhibitory activity reduced eating. These results highlight the potential for targeting the MC4-R:Kir7.1 complex for treating positive and restrictive eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Gimenez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Jing Yu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Charlie Hollanders
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Ciria C Hernandez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Deqiang Yao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Gye Won Han
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Naima S Dahir
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Olivier Van der Poorten
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Arthur Lamouroux
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Morgane Mannes
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Raymond C Stevens
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
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Axiak‐Bechtel SM, Leach SB, Newton‐Northup JR, Milner RJ, Fox‐Alvarez SA, Fagman LI, Young KA, Tate DJ, Wright ZM, Chretin JD, Allen JW, Yoshimoto SK, Selting KA, Flesner BK, White CR, Mills T, Aherne M, Bergman PJ, Qi L, Gruber KA, Callahan MF. Safety of TCMCB07, a melanocortin-4 antagonist peptide, in dogs with naturally occurring cachexia. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2344-2355. [PMID: 37897303 PMCID: PMC10658582 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The melanocortin 4 antagonist TCMCB07 is safe and effective in reversing cachexia caused by sepsis or cancer in rodents. The safety and pharmacokinetics of TCMCB07 are demonstrated in healthy beagle dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to investigate the safety, peak plasma concentrations, and potential for efficacy of TCMCB07 in pet dogs with naturally occurring cachexia over a 4-week time period. ANIMALS Fourteen dogs with cachexia of any underlying cause, except cancer of the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract, were eligible for enrollment with informed client consent. METHODS This study was a prospective, 1-armed open-label trial. Physical examination, complete blood count, chemistry panel, and owner-assessed quality of life surveys were checked at weeks 1, 2, and 4. Due to potential for bradycardia and hypotension, Holter monitoring and blood pressure evaluations were scheduled at pre-enrollment and week 4. RESULTS Fourteen dogs completed the trial. Significant changes detected included increased mean body weight (18.6-19.5 kg, P < .02), increased body condition score (median Tufts 5-point thin dog scale score P < .004 and WSAVA muscle condition score P < .02) and increased mean blood urea nitrogen (21.79-30.43 mg dL-1 , P < .004). On quality of life surveys, pet owners perceived their dog appeared to be panting less (P < .002) and that the general health improved (P < .03). Four dogs had a change in coat pigmentation. The peak plasma concentration of TCMCB07 in cachectic dogs was similar to that in healthy beagle dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE TCMCB07 was safe and has potential efficacy in pet dogs with cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacey B. Leach
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | | | - Rowan J. Milner
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Stacey A. Fox‐Alvarez
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Lana I. Fagman
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Kaylee A. Young
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Deborah J. Tate
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | | | - John D. Chretin
- VCA West Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Present address:
VCA Veterinary Specialists of the ValleyWoodland HillsCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Sean K. Yoshimoto
- VCA West Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Present address:
VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kimberly A. Selting
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Present address:
Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Brian K. Flesner
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Present address:
Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Carrie R. White
- VCA Family and Oahu Veterinary Specialty CenterPearl CityHawaiiUSA
| | - Tracy Mills
- VCA Clinical StudiesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael Aherne
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - LeAnn Qi
- TCI Peptide TherapeuticsColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Kenneth A. Gruber
- TCI Peptide TherapeuticsColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research CenterUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Michael F. Callahan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research CenterUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
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Sweeney P, Gimenez LE, Hernandez CC, Cone RD. Targeting the central melanocortin system for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:507-519. [PMID: 37365323 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
A large body of preclinical and clinical data shows that the central melanocortin system is a promising therapeutic target for treating various metabolic disorders such as obesity and cachexia, as well as anorexia nervosa. Setmelanotide, which functions by engaging the central melanocortin circuitry, was approved by the FDA in 2020 for use in certain forms of syndromic obesity. Furthermore, the FDA approvals in 2019 of two peptide drugs targeting melanocortin receptors for the treatment of generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (bremelanotide) and erythropoietic protoporphyria-associated phototoxicity (afamelanotide) demonstrate the safety of this class of peptides. These approvals have also renewed excitement in the development of therapeutics targeting the melanocortin system. Here, we review the anatomy and function of the melanocortin system, discuss progress and challenges in developing melanocortin receptor-based therapeutics, and outline potential metabolic and behavioural disorders that could be addressed using pharmacological agents targeting these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sweeney
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Luis E Gimenez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Literature Science and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Ji RL, Jiang SS, Tao YX. Modulation of Canine Melanocortin-3 and -4 Receptors by Melanocortin-2 Receptor Accessory Protein 1 and 2. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111608. [PMID: 36358958 PMCID: PMC9687446 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural melanocortin receptors (MCRs), melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R), have crucial roles in regulating energy homeostasis. The melanocortin-2 receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs, MRAP1 and MRAP2) have been shown to regulate neural MCRs in a species-specific manner. The potential effects of MRAP1 and MRAP2 on canine neural MCRs have not been investigated before. Herein, we cloned canine (c) MC3R and identified one canine MRAP2 splice variant, MRAP2b, with N-terminal extension of cMRAP2a. Canine MC3R showed higher maximal responses to five agonists than those of human MC3R. We further investigated the modulation of cMRAP1, cMRAP2a, and cMRAP2b, on cMC3R and cMC4R pharmacology. For the cMC3R, all MRAPs had no effect on trafficking; cMRAP1 significantly decreased Bmax whereas cMRAP2a and cMRAP2b significantly increased Bmax. Both MRAP1 and MRAP2a decreased Rmaxs in response to α-MSH and ACTH; MRAP2b only decreased α-MSH-stimulated cAMP generation. For the MC4R, MRAP1 and MRAP2a increased cell surface expression, and MRAP1 and MRAP2a increased Bmaxs. All MRAPs had increased affinities to α-MSH and ACTH. MRAP2a increased ACTH-induced cAMP levels, whereas MRAP2b decreased α-MSH- and ACTH-stimulated cAMP production. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the regulation of neural MCRs by MRAP1 and MRAP2s.
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