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Liu Y, Lin D, Najam SS, Huang S, Song M, Sirakawin C, Zhao C, Jiang H, Konopka W, Herzig S, Vinnikov IA. Functional redundancy between glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in mature corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons protects from obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2024; 32:1885-1896. [PMID: 39315404 DOI: 10.1002/oby.24116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Here, we aimed to investigate the role of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (GRs and MRs, respectively) in the regulation of energy homeostasis. METHODS We used three mouse models with simultaneous deletion of GRs and MRs in either forebrain neurons, the paraventricular nucleus, or corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons and compared them with wild-type controls or isolated knockout groups. In addition to body weight, food intake, energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, fat/lean mass distribution, and plasma corticosterone levels, we also performed transcriptomic analysis of CRH neurons and assessed their response to melanocortinergic stimulation. RESULTS Similar to global double-knockout models, deletion of GRs and MRs specifically in mature CRH neurons resulted in obesity. Importantly, the latter was accompanied by insulin resistance, but not increased plasma corticosterone levels. Transcriptomic analysis of these neurons revealed upregulation of several genes involved in postsynaptic signal transduction, including the Ptk2b gene, which encodes proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2. Knockout of both nuclear receptors leads to upregulation of Ptk2b in CRH neurons, which results in their diminished responsiveness to melanocortinergic stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate the functional redundancy of GRs and MRs in CRH neurons to maintain energy homeostasis and prevent obesity. Simultaneous targeting of both receptors might represent an unprecedented approach to counteract obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongfa Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Syeda Sadia Najam
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shangyuan Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muyi Song
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaweewan Sirakawin
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Catherine Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixia Jiang
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Witold Konopka
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Metabolism, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Łukasiewicz PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Stephan Herzig
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Unit, Inner Medicine I, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Molecular Metabolic Control, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Ilya A Vinnikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Thompson MD, Percy ME, Cole DEC, Bichet DG, Hauser AS, Gorvin CM. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) gene variants and human genetic disease. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024; 61:317-346. [PMID: 38497103 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2286606] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Genetic variations in the genes encoding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can disrupt receptor structure and function, which can result in human genetic diseases. Disease-causing mutations have been reported in at least 55 GPCRs for more than 66 monogenic diseases in humans. The spectrum of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants includes loss of function variants that decrease receptor signaling on one extreme and gain of function that may result in biased signaling or constitutive activity, originally modeled on prototypical rhodopsin GPCR variants identified in retinitis pigmentosa, on the other. GPCR variants disrupt ligand binding, G protein coupling, accessory protein function, receptor desensitization and receptor recycling. Next generation sequencing has made it possible to identify variants of uncertain significance (VUS). We discuss variants in receptors known to result in disease and in silico strategies for disambiguation of VUS such as sorting intolerant from tolerant and polymorphism phenotyping. Modeling of variants has contributed to drug development and precision medicine, including drugs that target the melanocortin receptor in obesity and interventions that reverse loss of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor from the cell surface in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Activating and inactivating variants of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) gene that are pathogenic in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia have enabled the development of calcimimetics and calcilytics. Next generation sequencing has continued to identify variants in GPCR genes, including orphan receptors, that contribute to human phenotypes and may have therapeutic potential. Variants of the CaSR gene, some encoding an arginine-rich region that promotes receptor phosphorylation and intracellular retention, have been linked to an idiopathic epilepsy syndrome. Agnostic strategies have identified variants of the pyroglutamylated RF amide peptide receptor gene in intellectual disability and G protein-coupled receptor 39 identified in psoriatic arthropathy. Coding variants of the G protein-coupled receptor L1 (GPR37L1) orphan receptor gene have been identified in a rare familial progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The study of the role of GPCR variants in monogenic, Mendelian phenotypes has provided the basis of modeling the significance of more common variants of pharmacogenetic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles D Thompson
- Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maire E Percy
- Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David E C Cole
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel G Bichet
- Department of Physiology and Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexander S Hauser
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline M Gorvin
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
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Strnadová V, Pačesová A, Charvát V, Šmotková Z, Železná B, Kuneš J, Maletínská L. Anorexigenic neuropeptides as anti-obesity and neuroprotective agents: exploring the neuroprotective effects of anorexigenic neuropeptides. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231385. [PMID: 38577975 PMCID: PMC11043025 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231385] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Since 1975, the incidence of obesity has increased to epidemic proportions, and the number of patients with obesity has quadrupled. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing other serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent epidemiologic studies have defined obesity as a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Despite all these serious comorbidities associated with obesity, there is still a lack of effective antiobesity treatment. Promising candidates for the treatment of obesity are anorexigenic neuropeptides, which are peptides produced by neurons in brain areas implicated in food intake regulation, such as the hypothalamus or the brainstem. These peptides efficiently reduce food intake and body weight. Moreover, because of the proven interconnection between obesity and the risk of developing AD, the potential neuroprotective effects of these two agents in animal models of neurodegeneration have been examined. The objective of this review was to explore anorexigenic neuropeptides produced and acting within the brain, emphasizing their potential not only for the treatment of obesity but also for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Strnadová
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Pačesová
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vilém Charvát
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Šmotková
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Železná
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kuneš
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Maletínská
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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4
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Metzger PJ, Zhang A, Carlson BA, Sun H, Cui Z, Li Y, Jahnke MT, Layton DR, Gupta MB, Liu N, Kostenis E, Gavrilova O, Chen M, Weinstein LS. A human obesity-associated MC4R mutation with defective Gq/11α signaling leads to hyperphagia in mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e165418. [PMID: 38175730 PMCID: PMC10869179 DOI: 10.1172/jci165418] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) mutations are the most common cause of human monogenic obesity and are associated with hyperphagia and increased linear growth. While MC4R is known to activate Gsα/cAMP signaling, a substantial proportion of obesity-associated MC4R mutations do not affect MC4R/Gsα signaling. To further explore the role of specific MC4R signaling pathways in the regulation of energy balance, we examined the signaling properties of one such mutant, MC4R (F51L), as well as the metabolic consequences of MC4RF51L mutation in mice. The MC4RF51L mutation produced a specific defect in MC4R/Gq/11α signaling and led to obesity, hyperphagia, and increased linear growth in mice. The ability of a melanocortin agonist to acutely inhibit food intake when delivered to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was lost in MC4RF51L mice, as well as in WT mice in which a specific Gq/11α inhibitor was delivered to the PVN; this provided evidence that a Gsα-independent signaling pathway, namely Gq/11α, significantly contributes to the actions of MC4R on food intake and linear growth. These results suggest that a biased MC4R agonist that primarily activates Gq/11α may be a potential agent to treat obesity with limited untoward cardiovascular and other side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hui Sun
- Metabolic Diseases Branch and
| | - Zhenzhong Cui
- Mouse Metabolism Core Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Naili Liu
- Mouse Metabolism Core Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Molecular, Cellular, and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oksana Gavrilova
- Mouse Metabolism Core Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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5
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Wang S, Downing G, Olsen KF, Sawyer TK, Cone RD, Schwendeman SP. Aqueous remote loading of setmelanotide in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for long-term obesity treatment. J Control Release 2023; 364:589-600. [PMID: 37678438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.015] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Setmelanotide (Imcivree™) was developed as a daily injectable therapeutic peptide for the treatment of rare forms of syndromic obesity, such as POMC deficiency and leptin receptor deficiency. The important option of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) controlled release microspheres has become more attractive for this class of drugs upon the discovery that net positively charged peptides can be remote-loaded rapidly from aqueous peptide solution into blank microspheres at high loading and encapsulation efficiency. Here we sought to remote-load setmelanotide in PLGA microspheres and examine its potential for long-term controlled release and body weight control. The influence of PLGA microsphere porosity was investigated with respect to morphology, drug loading, and in vitro release profiles. Increased density of the microspheres inhibited the progress of encapsulation of the dicationic peptide. A diet-induced obese murine model was then used to determine the pharmacokinetic profile and to evaluate long-term efficacy of an optimal formulation. Remote loaded PLGA formulations encapsulated setmelanotide as high as ∼63% (∼6.3% w/w loading) and exhibited slow and continuous peptide release over ∼6 weeks in vitro largely independent of microsphere porosity. The obtained in vivo release pattern from deconvolution of the pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous microsphere injection was consistent with the in vitro release profile but with a lower initial burst release and overall slightly faster release rate. After a single injection of remote-loaded setmelanotide, continuous long-term inhibition of food intake and body weight control was observed over 17 and 30 days, respectively. The improvement in body weight control over drug-free microsphere vehicle-treated control groups matched the observed PK profile. This study provides the first report of long-acting release formulation for 1-month controlled release of setmelanotide and body weight control in a diet induced obese murine model, and supports the further development of long-acting treatment options for obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Griffin Downing
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Karl F Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Steven P Schwendeman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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6
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Zhang SX, Kim A, Madara JC, Zhu PK, Christenson LF, Lutas A, Kalugin PN, Jin Y, Pal A, Tian L, Lowell BB, Andermann ML. Competition between stochastic neuropeptide signals calibrates the rate of satiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.11.548551. [PMID: 37503012 PMCID: PMC10369917 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.11.548551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
We investigated how transmission of hunger- and satiety-promoting neuropeptides, NPY and αMSH, is integrated at the level of intracellular signaling to control feeding. Receptors for these peptides use the second messenger cAMP, but the messenger's spatiotemporal dynamics and role in energy balance are controversial. We show that AgRP axon stimulation in the paraventricular hypothalamus evokes probabilistic and spatially restricted NPY release that triggers stochastic cAMP decrements in downstream MC4R-expressing neurons (PVH MC4R ). Meanwhile, POMC axon stimulation triggers stochastic, αMSH-dependent cAMP increments. NPY and αMSH competitively control cAMP, as reflected by hunger-state-dependent differences in the amplitude and persistence of cAMP transients evoked by each peptide. During feeding bouts, elevated αMSH release and suppressed NPY release cooperatively sustain elevated cAMP in PVH MC4R neurons, thereby potentiating feeding-related excitatory inputs and promoting satiation across minutes. Our findings highlight how state-dependent integration of opposing, quantal peptidergic events by a common biochemical target calibrates energy intake.
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7
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Willmore L, Minerva AR, Engelhard B, Murugan M, McMannon B, Oak N, Thiberge SY, Peña CJ, Witten IB. Overlapping representations of food and social stimuli in VTA dopamine neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.17.541104. [PMID: 37293057 PMCID: PMC10245666 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.17.541104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA DA ) respond to food and social stimuli and contribute to both forms of motivation. However, it is unclear if the same or different VTA DA neurons encode these different stimuli. To address this question, we performed 2-photon calcium imaging in mice presented with food and conspecifics, and found statistically significant overlap in the populations responsive to both stimuli. Both hunger and opposite-sex social experience further increased the proportion of neurons that respond to both stimuli, implying that modifying motivation for one stimulus affects responses to both stimuli. In addition, single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed significant co-expression of feeding- and social-hormone related genes in individual VTA DA neurons. Taken together, our functional and transcriptional data suggest overlapping VTA DA populations underlie food and social motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Willmore
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
| | - Adelaide R. Minerva
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
| | - Ben Engelhard
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
- Department of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, 3525433, Israel
| | - Malavika Murugan
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
| | - Brenna McMannon
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
| | - Nirja Oak
- Department of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, 3525433, Israel
| | - Stephan Y. Thiberge
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
| | - Catherine J. Peña
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
| | - Ilana B. Witten
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544 USA
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8
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DeMars KM, Ross MR, Starr A, McIntyre JC. Neuronal primary cilia integrate peripheral signals with metabolic drives. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1150232. [PMID: 37064917 PMCID: PMC10090425 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1150232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal primary cilia have recently emerged as important contributors to the central regulation of energy homeostasis. As non-motile, microtubule-based organelles, primary cilia serve as signaling antennae for metabolic status. The impairment of ciliary structure or function can produce ciliopathies for which obesity is a hallmark phenotype and global ablation of cilia induces non-syndromic adiposity in mouse models. This organelle is not only a hub for metabolic signaling, but also for catecholamine neuromodulation that shapes neuronal circuitry in response to sensory input. The objective of this review is to highlight current research investigating the mechanisms of primary cilium-regulated metabolic drives for maintaining energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. DeMars
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Madeleine R. Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Summer Neuroscience Internship Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alana Starr
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jeremy C. McIntyre
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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9
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Goit RK, Taylor AW, Yin Lo AC. The central melanocortin system as a treatment target for obesity and diabetes: A brief overview. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 924:174956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Ciriello J, Moreau JM, Caverson MM, Moranis R. Leptin: A Potential Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity. Front Physiol 2022; 12:767318. [PMID: 35153807 PMCID: PMC8829507 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.767318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a pathophysiological manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is strongly correlated with obesity, as patients with the disease experience weight gain while exhibiting elevated plasma levels of leptin. This study was done to determine whether a relationship may exist between CIH and obesity, and body energy balance and leptin signaling during CIH. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 96 days of CIH or normoxic control conditions, and were assessed for measures of body weight, food and water intake, and food conversion efficiency. At the completion of the study leptin sensitivity, locomotor activity, fat pad mass and plasma leptin levels were determined within each group. Additionally, the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) was isolated and assessed for changes in the expression of proteins associated with leptin receptor signaling. CIH animals were found to have reduced locomotor activity and food conversion efficiency. Additionally, the CIH group had increased food and water intake over the study period and had a higher body weight compared to normoxic controls at the end of the study. Basal plasma concentrations of leptin were significantly elevated in CIH exposed animals. To test whether a resistance to leptin may have occurred in the CIH animals due to the elevated plasma levels of leptin, an acute exogenous (ip) leptin (0.04 mg/kg carrier-free recombinant rat leptin) injection was administered to the normoxic and CIH exposed animals. Leptin injections into the normoxic controls reduced their food intake, whereas CIH animals did not alter their food intake compared to vehicle injected CIH animals. Within ARC, CIH animals had reduced protein expression of the short form of the obese (leptin) receptor (isoform OBR100) and showed a trend toward an elevated protein expression of the long form of obese (leptin) receptor (OBRb). In addition, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) protein expression was reduced, but increased expression of the phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) proteins was observed in the CIH group, with little change in phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3). Taken together, these data suggest that long-term exposure to CIH, as seen in obstructive sleep apnea, may contribute to a state of leptin resistance promoting an increase in body weight.
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11
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Ekraminasab S, Dolatshahi M, Sabahi M, Mardani M, Rashedi S. The Interactions between Adipose Tissue Secretions and Parkinson's disease; The Role of Leptin. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:873-891. [PMID: 34989050 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite by acting on receptors in the hypothalamus, where it modifies food intake to maintain equilibrium with the body energy resources. Leptin and its receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may give neuronal survival signals. The potential of leptin to decrease/increase neuronal damage and neuronal plasticity in Parkinson's diseases (PD) is the subject of this review, which outlines our current knowledge of how leptin acts in the brain. Although leptin-mediated neuroprotective signaling results in neuronal death prevention, it can affect neuroinflammatory cascades and also neuronal plasticity which contribute to PD pathology. Other neuroprotective molecules, such as insulin and erythropoietin, share leptin-related signaling cascades, and therefore constitute a component of the neurotrophic effects mediated by endogenous hormones. With the evidence that leptin dysregulation causes increased neuronal vulnerability to damage in PD, using leptin as a target for therapeutic modification is an appealing and realistic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ekraminasab
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Dolatshahi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadmahdi Sabahi
- NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Neurosurgery Research Group (NRG), Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mahta Mardani
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Rashedi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Caron A, Jane Michael N. New Horizons: Is Obesity a Disorder of Neurotransmission? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e4872-e4886. [PMID: 34117881 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a disease of the nervous system. While some will view this statement as provocative, others will take it as obvious. Whatever our side is, the pharmacology tells us that targeting the nervous system works for promoting weight loss. It works, but at what cost? Is the nervous system a safe target for sustainable treatment of obesity? What have we learned-and unlearned-about the central control of energy balance in the last few years? Herein we provide a thought-provoking exploration of obesity as a disorder of neurotransmission. We discuss the state of knowledge on the brain pathways regulating energy homeostasis that are commonly targeted in anti-obesity therapy and explore how medications affecting neurotransmission such as atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines relate to body weight. Our goal is to provide the endocrine community with a conceptual framework that will help expending our understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity, a disease of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Caron
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Montreal Diabetes Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Natalie Jane Michael
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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13
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Deem JD, Faber CL, Morton GJ. AgRP neurons: Regulators of feeding, energy expenditure, and behavior. FEBS J 2021; 289:2362-2381. [PMID: 34469623 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) that express agouti-related peptide (AgRP) govern a critical aspect of survival: the drive to eat. Equally important to survival is the timing at which food is consumed-seeking or eating food to alleviate hunger in the face of a more pressing threat, like the risk of predation, is clearly maladaptive. To ensure optimal prioritization of behaviors within a given environment, therefore, AgRP neurons must integrate signals of internal need states with contextual environmental cues. In this state-of-the-art review, we highlight recent advances that extend our understanding of AgRP neurons, including the neural circuits they engage to regulate feeding, energy expenditure, and behavior. We also discuss key findings that illustrate how both classical feedback and anticipatory feedforward signals regulate this neuronal population and how the integration of these signals may be disrupted in states of energy excess. Finally, we examine both technical and conceptual challenges facing the field moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Deem
- Department of Medicine, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chelsea L Faber
- Department of Medicine, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Gregory J Morton
- Department of Medicine, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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14
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VTA MC3R neurons control feeding in an activity- and sex-dependent manner in mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108746. [PMID: 34371079 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that the melanocortin and mesolimbic dopamine (DA) systems interact to regulate feeding and body weight. Because melanocortin-3 receptors (MC3R) are highly expressed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), we tested whether VTA neurons expressing these receptors (VTA MC3R neurons) control feeding and body weight in vivo. We also tested whether there were sex differences in the ability of VTA MC3R neurons to control feeding, as MC3R -/- mice show sex-dependent alterations in reward feeding and DA levels, and there are clear sex differences in multiple DA-dependent behaviors and disorders. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) were used to acutely activate and inhibit VTA MC3R neurons and changes in food intake and body weight were measured. Acutely altering the activity of VTA MC3R neurons decreased feeding in an activity- and sex-dependent manner, with acute activation decreasing feeding, but only in females, and acute inhibition decreasing feeding, but only in males. These differences did not appear to be due to sex differences in the number of VTA MC3R neurons, the ability of hM3Dq to activate VTA MC3R neurons, or the proportion of VTA MC3R neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). These studies demonstrate an important role for VTA MC3R neurons in the control of feeding and reveal important sex differences in behavior, whereby opposing changes in neuronal activity in male and female mice cause similar changes in behavior.
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15
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Wang L, Liu Y, Stratigopoulos G, Panigrahi S, Sui L, Zhang Y, Leduc CA, Glover HJ, De Rosa MC, Burnett LC, Williams DJ, Shang L, Goland R, Tsang SH, Wardlaw S, Egli D, Zheng D, Doege CA, Leibel RL. Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins regulate intracellular signaling and neuronal function in patient-specific iPSC-derived neurons. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:146287. [PMID: 33630762 DOI: 10.1172/jci146287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding components of the primary cilium and is characterized by hyperphagic obesity. To investigate the molecular basis of obesity in human BBS, we developed a cellular model of BBS using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC-derived) hypothalamic arcuate-like neurons. BBS mutations BBS1M390R and BBS10C91fsX95 did not affect neuronal differentiation efficiency but caused morphological defects, including impaired neurite outgrowth and longer primary cilia. Single-cell RNA sequencing of BBS1M390R hypothalamic neurons identified several downregulated pathways, including insulin and cAMP signaling and axon guidance. Additional studies demonstrated that BBS1M390R and BBS10C91fsX95 mutations impaired insulin signaling in both human fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons. Overexpression of intact BBS10 fully restored insulin signaling by restoring insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation in BBS10C91fsX95 neurons. Moreover, mutations in BBS1 and BBS10 impaired leptin-mediated p-STAT3 activation in iPSC-derived hypothalamic neurons. Correction of the BBS mutation by CRISPR rescued leptin signaling. POMC expression and neuropeptide production were decreased in BBS1M390R and BBS10C91fsX95 iPSC-derived hypothalamic neurons. In the aggregate, these data provide insights into the anatomic and functional mechanisms by which components of the BBSome in CNS primary cilia mediate effects on energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liheng Wang
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - George Stratigopoulos
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sunil Panigrahi
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lina Sui
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yiying Zhang
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Charles A Leduc
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hannah J Glover
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria Caterina De Rosa
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lisa C Burnett
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Levo Therapeutics, Skokie, Illinois, USA
| | - Damian J Williams
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Linshan Shang
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative and.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sharon Wardlaw
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dieter Egli
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.,New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Claudia A Doege
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative and.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rudolph L Leibel
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Wan ZY, Lin VCL, Hua YG. Pomc Plays an Important Role in Sexual Size Dimorphism in Tilapia. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 23:201-214. [PMID: 33580373 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-020-10015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is common across the animal kingdom. Knowledge of the mechanisms of sexual size dimorphism is limited although it is important in biology and aquaculture. Tilapia is the common name for ~ 100 species of cichlid fish. Some are important aquaculture species and males outgrow females. To gain novel insights into the mechanisms underlying sexual size dimorphism, we analyzed the differences of brain transcriptomes between males and females in Mozambique tilapia and studied the function of the pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene in tilapia and zebrafish. The transcriptome analysis identified 123, 55, and 2706 sex-biased genes at 5, 30, and 90 dph (days post-hatch), respectively, indicating sexual dimorphism of gene expressions in the brain. The expression of Pomc in the tilapia brain was a female-biased at 30, 90, and 120 dph. An analysis of the DNA sequence located upstream of the tilapia Pomc transcriptional start site identified two estrogenic response elements. In vitro luciferase assay of the two elements revealed that β-estradiol significantly enhanced the expression of luciferase activity, suggesting that the expression of Pomc is mediated by estrogen. We knocked out Pomc in zebrafish using Crispr/Cas-9. The Pomc-knockout zebrafish showed faster growth and higher sensitivity to feeding as compared to the wild-type fish. Taken together, our results indicate that Pomc contributes to sexual size dimorphism and suggest that the high estrogen level in females promotes the expression of Pomc and suppresses feeding in female tilapias, which leads to the slower growth of female tilapias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Wan
- Molecular Population Genetics and Breeding Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - V C L Lin
- Molecular Population Genetics and Breeding Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.
| | - Yue Gen Hua
- Molecular Population Genetics and Breeding Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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17
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Demin KA, Taranov AS, Ilyin NP, Lakstygal AM, Volgin AD, de Abreu MS, Strekalova T, Kalueff AV. Understanding neurobehavioral effects of acute and chronic stress in zebrafish. Stress 2021; 24:1-18. [PMID: 32036720 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1724948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a common cause of neuropsychiatric disorders, evoking multiple behavioral, endocrine and neuro-immune deficits. Animal models have been extensively used to understand the mechanisms of stress-related disorders and to develop novel strategies for their treatment. Complementing rodent and clinical studies, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most important model organisms in biomedicine. Rapidly becoming a popular model species in stress neuroscience research, zebrafish are highly sensitive to both acute and chronic stress, and show robust, well-defined behavioral and physiological stress responses. Here, we critically evaluate the utility of zebrafish-based models for studying acute and chronic stress-related CNS pathogenesis, assess the advantages and limitations of these aquatic models, and emphasize their relevance for the development of novel anti-stress therapies. Overall, the zebrafish emerges as a powerful and sensitive model organism for stress research. Although these fish generally display evolutionarily conserved behavioral and physiological responses to stress, zebrafish-specific aspects of neurogenesis, neuroprotection and neuro-immune responses may be particularly interesting to explore further, as they may offer additional insights into stress pathogenesis that complement (rather than merely replicate) rodent findings. Compared to mammals, zebrafish models are also characterized by increased availability of gene-editing tools and higher throughput of drug screening, thus being able to uniquely empower translational research of genetic determinants of stress and resilience, as well as to foster innovative CNS drug discovery and the development of novel anti-stress therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander S Taranov
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Pesochny, Russia
| | - Nikita P Ilyin
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Pesochny, Russia
| | - Anton M Lakstygal
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Pesochny, Russia
| | - Andrey D Volgin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Pesochny, Russia
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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18
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Soret PA, Magusto J, Housset C, Gautheron J. In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Critical Appraisal. J Clin Med 2020; 10:jcm10010036. [PMID: 33374435 PMCID: PMC7794936 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), represents the hepatic manifestation of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Due to the spread of the obesity epidemic, NAFLD is becoming the most common chronic liver disease and one of the principal indications for liver transplantation. However, no pharmacological treatment is currently approved to prevent the outbreak of NASH, which leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Preclinical research is required to improve our knowledge of NAFLD physiopathology and to identify new therapeutic targets. In the present review, we summarize advances in NAFLD preclinical models from cellular models, including new bioengineered platforms, to in vivo models, with a particular focus on genetic and dietary mouse models. We aim to discuss the advantages and limits of these different models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Antoine Soret
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; (P.-A.S.); (J.M.); (C.H.)
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hepatology Department, Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, Saint-Antoine Hospital, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Julie Magusto
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; (P.-A.S.); (J.M.); (C.H.)
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Chantal Housset
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; (P.-A.S.); (J.M.); (C.H.)
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hepatology Department, Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, Saint-Antoine Hospital, 75012 Paris, France
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jérémie Gautheron
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; (P.-A.S.); (J.M.); (C.H.)
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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19
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Adank DN, Lunzer MM, Ericson MD, Koeperich ZM, Wilber SL, Fleming KA, Haskell-Luevano C. Comparative Intracerebroventricular and Intrathecal Administration of a Nanomolar Macrocyclic Melanocortin Receptor Agonist MDE6-5-2c (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Ala-DPro]) Decreases Food Intake in Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3051-3063. [PMID: 32822157 PMCID: PMC7605118 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a critical need to find safe therapeutics to treat an increasingly obese population and diseases associated with an imbalance in energy homeostasis. The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) ligands have long been the focus to help scientists understand energy homeostasis and the regulation of feeding behavior. Herein, we use a nanomolar macrocyclic melanocortin receptor agonist ligand MDE6-5-2c (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Ala-DPro) to examine metabolic and energy hemostasis profiles upon intrathecal (IT) administration directly into the spinal cord as compared to intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration directly into the brain. Overall, central ICV administration of MDE6-5-2c resulted in decreased food intake, in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Comparison of IT versus ICV routes of MDE6-5-2c administration resulted in MDE6-5-2c possessing a longer duration of action on both feeding behavior and RER via IT. The C-peptide, ghrelin, GIP, leptin, IL-6, and resistin plasma hormones and biomarkers were compared using IT versus ICV MDE6-5-2c routes of administration. Plasma resistin levels were decreased upon ICV treatment of MDE6-5-2c, as compared to ICV vehicle control treatment. Intrathecal treatment resulted in significantly decreased inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels compared to ICV administration. Investigation of the nonselective MC3R and MC4R macrocyclic agonist MDE6-5-2c molecule revealed differences in food intake, RER, and plasma biomarker profiles based upon ICV or IT routes of administration and characterize this novel molecular chemotype as a molecular probe to study the melanocortin system in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N. Adank
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Mary M. Lunzer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Mark D. Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Zoe M. Koeperich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Stacey L. Wilber
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Katlyn A. Fleming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
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20
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Berruien NNA, Smith CL. Emerging roles of melanocortin receptor accessory proteins (MRAP and MRAP2) in physiology and pathophysiology. Gene 2020; 757:144949. [PMID: 32679290 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin-2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) has an unusual dual topology and influences the expression, localisation, signalling and internalisation of the melanocortin receptor 2 (MC2); the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) receptor. Mutations in MRAP are associated with familial glucocorticoid deficiency type-2 and evidence is emerging of the importance of MRAP in adrenal development and ACTH signalling. Human MRAP has two functional splice variants: MRAP-α and MRAP-β, unlike MRAP-β, MRAP-α has little expression in brain but is highly expressed in ovary. MRAP2, identified through whole human genome sequence analysis, has approximately 40% sequence homology to MRAP. MRAP2 facilitates MC2 localisation to the cell surface but not ACTH signalling. MRAP and MRAP2 have been found to regulate the surface expression and signalling of all melanocortin receptors (MC1-5). Additionally, MRAP2 moderates the signalling of the G-protein coupled receptors (GCPRs): orexin, prokineticin and GHSR1a; the ghrelin receptor. Whilst MRAP appears to be mainly involved in glucocorticoid synthesis, an important role is emerging for MRAP2 in regulating appetite and energy homeostasis. Transgenic models indicate the importance of MRAP in adrenal gland formation. Like MC3R and MC4R knockout mice, MRAP2 knockout mice have an obese phenotype. In vitro studies indicate that MRAP2 enhances the MC3 and MC4 response to the agonist αMSH, which, like ACTH, is produced through precursor polypeptide proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cleavage. Analysis of cohorts of individuals with obesity have revealed several MRAP2 genetic variants with loss of function mutations which are causative of monogenic hyperphagic obesity with hyperglycaemia and hypertension. MRAP2 may also be associated with female infertility. This review summarises current knowledge of MRAP and MRAP2, their influence on GPCR signalling, and focusses on pathophysiology, particularly familial glucocorticoid deficiency type-2 and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin N A Berruien
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Caroline L Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, UK.
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21
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Yang Y, Xu Y. The central melanocortin system and human obesity. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 12:785-797. [PMID: 32976556 PMCID: PMC7816681 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and the associated comorbidities highlight the importance of understanding the regulation of energy homeostasis. The central melanocortin system plays a critical role in controlling body weight balance. Melanocortin neurons sense and integrate the neuronal and hormonal signals, and then send regulatory projections, releasing anorexigenic or orexigenic melanocortin neuropeptides, to downstream neurons to regulate the food intake and energy expenditure. This review summarizes the latest progress in our understanding of the role of the melanocortin pathway in energy homeostasis. We also review the advances in the identification of human genetic variants that cause obesity via mechanisms that affect the central melanocortin system, which have provided rational targets for treatment of genetically susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Qin L, Tiwari AK, Zai CC, Freeman N, Zhai D, Liu F, Stachelscheid H, Mergenthaler P, Kennedy JL, Müller DJ. Regulation of melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) expression by SNP rs17066842 is dependent on glucose concentration. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 37:39-48. [PMID: 32684494 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) gene codes for a G-protein-coupled receptor that is highly expressed in the hypothalamus and involved in the regulation of appetite. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MC4R gene region have been associated with obesity, type 2-diabetes (T2D) and with antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Of these, rs17066842 (G>A) in the MC4R promoter region is the top variant associated with obesity and diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effect of rs17066842 on MC4R expression at various glucose concentrations using reporter gene expression in the SH-SY5Y cell line and regulation of MC4R expression in human cerebral organoids. We observed that higher glucose concentrations significantly reduced MC4R mRNA expression in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, at high glucose concentrations, the luciferase reporter plasmid containing the MC4R promoter insert with the G-allele of rs170066842 showed significantly reduced activity compared to the A-allele carrying plasmid. The immediate early gene product, early growth-response 1 (EGR-1), was identified to bind to the sequence containing the G-allele at rs17066842 but not to the A-allele-containing sequence. Interestingly, in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cerebral organoids, we observed increased MC4R expression in response to high glucose exposure. These opposite observations might suggest that glucose regulation is complex and may be cell-specific. This study provides evidence that rs17066842 regulates MC4R gene expression through binding of EGR-1 and that this process is influenced by glucose concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qin
- Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Molecular Brain Science, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T 1R8, ON, Canada
| | - Arun K Tiwari
- Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Molecular Brain Science, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T 1R8, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Clement C Zai
- Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Molecular Brain Science, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T 1R8, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Natalie Freeman
- Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Molecular Brain Science, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T 1R8, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Dongxu Zhai
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Fang Liu
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Harald Stachelscheid
- Berlin Institute of Health, Stem Cell Core Facility, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-BIH Centrum Therapy and Research 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mergenthaler
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - James L Kennedy
- Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Molecular Brain Science, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T 1R8, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Molecular Brain Science, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T 1R8, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada.
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23
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Venema W, Severi I, Perugini J, Di Mercurio E, Mainardi M, Maffei M, Cinti S, Giordano A. Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Acts on Distinctive Hypothalamic Arcuate Neurons and Promotes Leptin Entry Into and Action on the Mouse Hypothalamus. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:140. [PMID: 32528252 PMCID: PMC7253709 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans and experimental animals, the administration of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) reduces food intake and body weight. To gain further insights into the mechanism(s) underlying its satiety effect, we: (i) evaluated the CNTF-dependent activation of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway in mouse models where neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons can be identified by green fluorescent protein (GFP); and (ii) assessed whether CNTF promotes leptin signaling in hypothalamic feeding centers. Immunohistochemical experiments enabled us to establish that intraperitoneal injection of mouse recombinant CNTF activated the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in a substantial proportion of arcuate nucleus (ARC) NPY neurons (18.68% ± 0.60 in 24-h fasted mice and 25.50% ± 1.17 in fed mice) but exerted a limited effect on POMC neurons (4.15% ± 0.33 in 24-h fasted mice and 2.84% ± 0.45 in fed mice). CNTF-responsive NPY neurons resided in the ventromedial ARC, facing the median eminence (ME), and were surrounded by albumin immunoreactivity, suggesting that they are located outside the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In both normally fed and high-fat diet (HFD) obese animals, CNTF activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in ME β1- and β2-tanycytes, an effect that has been linked to the promotion of leptin entry into the brain. Accordingly, compared to the animals treated with leptin, mice treated with leptin/CNTF showed: (i) a significantly greater leptin content in hypothalamic protein extracts; (ii) a significant increase in phospho-STAT3 (P-STAT3)-positive neurons in the ARC and the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus of normally fed mice; and (iii) a significantly increased number of P-STAT3-positive neurons in the ARC and dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus of HFD obese mice. Collectively, these data suggest that exogenously administered CNTF reduces food intake by exerting a leptin-like action on distinctive NPY ARC neurons and by promoting leptin signaling in hypothalamic feeding centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebe Venema
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ilenia Severi
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Jessica Perugini
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Di Mercurio
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Mainardi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Saverio Cinti
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Obesity, Università Politecnica delle Marche-United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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24
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Michael NJ, Caron A, Lee CE, Castorena CM, Lee S, Zigman JM, Williams KW, Elmquist JK. Melanocortin regulation of histaminergic neurons via perifornical lateral hypothalamic melanocortin 4 receptors. Mol Metab 2020; 35:100956. [PMID: 32244183 PMCID: PMC7082550 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Histaminergic neurons of the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) are wake-promoting and contribute to the regulation of energy homeostasis. Evidence indicates that melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) are expressed within the TMN. However, whether the melanocortin system influences the activity and function of TMN neurons expressing histidine decarboxylase (HDC), the enzyme required for histamine synthesis, remains undefined. METHODS We utilized Hdc-Cre mice in combination with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and in vivo chemogenetic techniques to determine whether HDC neurons receive metabolically relevant information via the melanocortin system. RESULTS We found that subsets of HDC-expressing neurons were excited by melanotan II (MTII), a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. Use of melanocortin receptor selective agonists (THIQ, [D-Trp8]-γ-MSH) and inhibitors of synaptic transmission (TTX, CNQX, AP5) indicated that the effect was mediated specifically by MC4Rs and involved a glutamatergic dependent presynaptic mechanism. MTII enhanced evoked excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSCs) originating from electrical stimulation of the perifornical lateral hypothalamic area (PeFLH), supportive of melanocortin effects on the glutamatergic PeFLH projection to the TMN. Finally, in vivo chemogenetic inhibition of HDC neurons strikingly enhanced the anorexigenic effects of intracerebroventricular administration of MTII, suggesting that MC4R activation of histaminergic neurons may restrain the anorexigenic effects of melanocortin system activation. CONCLUSIONS These experiments identify a functional interaction between the melanocortin and histaminergic systems and suggest that HDC neurons act naturally to restrain the anorexigenic effect of melanocortin system activation. These findings may have implications for the control of arousal and metabolic homeostasis, especially in the context of obesity, in which both processes are subjected to alterations.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Eating/drug effects
- Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials/drug effects
- Histamine/metabolism
- Histidine Decarboxylase/genetics
- Histidine Decarboxylase/metabolism
- Hypothalamic Area, Lateral/cytology
- Hypothalamic Area, Lateral/metabolism
- Locomotion/drug effects
- Male
- Melanocortins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/metabolism
- Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/agonists
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/metabolism
- alpha-MSH/analogs & derivatives
- alpha-MSH/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Michael
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA
| | - Alexandre Caron
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA
| | - Charlotte E Lee
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA
| | - Carlos M Castorena
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA
| | - Syann Lee
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA
| | - Kevin W Williams
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA.
| | - Joel K Elmquist
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA; Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9077, USA.
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25
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Sutton AK, Gonzalez IE, Sadagurski M, Rajala M, Lu C, Allison MB, Adams JM, Myers MG, White MF, Olson DP. Paraventricular, subparaventricular and periventricular hypothalamic IRS4-expressing neurons are required for normal energy balance. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5546. [PMID: 32218485 PMCID: PMC7099088 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62468-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the neural components modulating feeding-related behavior and energy expenditure is crucial to combating obesity and its comorbidities. Neurons within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) are a key component of the satiety response; activation of the PVH decreases feeding and increases energy expenditure, thereby promoting negative energy balance. In contrast, PVH ablation or silencing in both rodents and humans leads to substantial obesity. Recent studies have identified genetically-defined PVH subpopulations that control discrete aspects of energy balance (e.g. oxytocin (OXT), neuronal nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), melanocortin 4-receptor (MC4R), prodynorphin (PDYN)). We previously demonstrated that non-OXT NOS1PVH neurons contribute to PVH-mediated feeding suppression. Here, we identify and characterize a non-OXT, non-NOS1 subpopulation of PVH and peri-PVH neurons expressing insulin-receptor substrate 4 (IRS4PVH) involved in energy balance control. Using Cre-dependent viral tools to activate, trace and silence these neurons, we highlight the sufficiency and necessity of IRS4PVH neurons in normal feeding and energy expenditure regulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IRS4PVH neurons lie within a complex hypothalamic circuitry that engages distinct hindbrain regions and is innervated by discrete upstream hypothalamic sites. Overall, we reveal a requisite role for IRS4PVH neurons in PVH-mediated energy balance which raises the possibility of developing novel approaches targeting IRS4PVH neurons for anti-obesity therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Sutton
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ian E Gonzalez
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Michael Rajala
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chunxia Lu
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Margaret B Allison
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica M Adams
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Martin G Myers
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Morris F White
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David P Olson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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26
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Yu H, Chhabra KH, Thompson Z, Jones GL, Kiran S, Shangguan G, Low MJ. Hypothalamic POMC deficiency increases circulating adiponectin despite obesity. Mol Metab 2020; 35:100957. [PMID: 32244188 PMCID: PMC7082555 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The steep rise in the prevalence of obesity and its related metabolic syndrome have become a major worldwide health concerns. Melanocortin peptides from hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc) POMC neurons induce satiety to limit food intake. Consequently, Arc Pomc-deficient mice (ArcPomc−/−) exhibit hyperphagia and obesity. Previous studies demonstrated that the circulating levels of adiponectin, a protein abundantly produced and secreted by fat cells, negatively correlate with obesity in both rodents and humans. However, we found that ArcPomc−/− mice have increased circulating adiponectin levels despite obesity. Therefore, we investigated the physiological function and underlying mechanisms of hypothalamic POMC in regulating systemic adiponectin levels. Methods Circulating adiponectin was measured in obese ArcPomc−/− mice at ages 4–52 weeks. To determine whether increased adiponectin was a direct result of ArcPomc deficiency or a secondary effect of obesity, we examined plasma adiponectin levels in calorie-restricted mice with or without a history of obesity and in ArcPomc−/− mice before and after genetic restoration of Pomc expression in the hypothalamus. To delineate the mechanisms causing increased adiponectin in ArcPomc−/− mice, we determined sympathetic outflow to adipose tissue by assessing epinephrine, norepinephrine, and tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels and measured the circulating adiponectin in the mice after acute norepinephrine or propranolol treatments. In addition, adiponectin mRNA and protein levels were measured in discrete adipose tissue depots to ascertain which fat depots contributed the most to the high level of adiponectin in the ArcPomc−/− mice. Finally, we generated compound Adiopoq−/−:ArcPomc−/− mice and compared their growth, body composition, and glucose homeostasis to the individual knockout mouse strains and their wild-type controls. Results Obese ArcPomc−/− female mice had unexpectedly increased plasma adiponectin compared to wild-type siblings at all ages greater than 8 weeks. Despite chronic calorie restriction to achieve normal body weights, higher adiponectin levels persisted in the ArcPomc−/− female mice. Genetic restoration of Pomc expression in the Arc or acute treatment of the ArcPomc−/− female mice with melanotan II reduced adiponectin levels to control littermate values. The ArcPomc−/− mice had defective thermogenesis and decreased epinephrine, norepinephrine, and tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels in their fat pads, indicating reduced sympathetic outflow to adipose tissue. Injections of norepinephrine into the ArcPomc−/− female mice reduced circulating adiponectin levels, whereas injections of propranolol significantly increased adiponectin levels. Despite the beneficial effects of adiponectin on metabolism, the deletion of adiponectin alleles in the ArcPomc−/− mice did not exacerbate their metabolic abnormalities. Conclusion In summary, to the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that despite obesity, the ArcPomc−/− mouse model has high circulating adiponectin levels, which demonstrated that increased fat mass is not necessarily correlated with hypoadiponectinemia. Our investigation also found a previously unknown physiological pathway connecting POMC neurons via the sympathetic nervous system to circulating adiponectin, thereby shedding light on the biological regulation of adiponectin. Obese female hypothalamic-specific Pomc-deficient mice have unexpectedly elevated circulating adiponectin. Restoration of Pomc expression in the hypothalamus reduces plasma adiponectin. Low sympathetic output to subcutaneous fat depots in the Pomc-deficient mice contributes to high adiponectin levels. Deletion of adiponectin in hypothalamic-specific Pomc-deficient mice does not alter their metabolic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
| | - Kavaljit H Chhabra
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Zoe Thompson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Graham L Jones
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sylee Kiran
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; School of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary Shangguan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Malcolm J Low
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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27
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Salazar J, Chávez-Castillo M, Rojas J, Ortega A, Nava M, Pérez J, Rojas M, Espinoza C, Chacin M, Herazo Y, Angarita L, Rojas DM, D'Marco L, Bermudez V. Is "Leptin Resistance" Another Key Resistance to Manage Type 2 Diabetes? Curr Diabetes Rev 2020; 16:733-749. [PMID: 31886750 DOI: 10.2174/1573399816666191230111838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although novel pharmacological options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have been observed to modulate the functionality of several key organs in glucose homeostasis, successful regulation of insulin resistance (IR), body weight management, and pharmacological treatment of obesity remain notable problems in endocrinology. Leptin may be a pivotal player in this scenario, as an adipokine which centrally regulates appetite and energy balance. In obesity, excessive caloric intake promotes a low-grade inflammatory response, which leads to dysregulations in lipid storage and adipokine secretion. In turn, these entail alterations in leptin sensitivity, leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier and defects in post-receptor signaling. Furthermore, hypothalamic inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress may increase the expression of molecules which may disrupt leptin signaling. Abundant evidence has linked obesity and leptin resistance, which may precede or occur simultaneously to IR and DM2. Thus, leptin sensitivity may be a potential early therapeutic target that demands further preclinical and clinical research. Modulators of insulin sensitivity have been tested in animal models and small clinical trials with promising results, especially in combination with agents such as amylin and GLP-1 analogs, in particular, due to their central activity in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Salazar
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Mervin Chávez-Castillo
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Joselyn Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Angel Ortega
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Manuel Nava
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - José Pérez
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Milagros Rojas
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | | | - Maricarmen Chacin
- Universidad Simon Bolivar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Yaneth Herazo
- Universidad Simon Bolivar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Lissé Angarita
- Escuela de Nutricion y Dietetica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepcion, Chile
| | - Diana Marcela Rojas
- Escuela de Nutricion y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis D'Marco
- Hospital Clinico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Servicio de Nefrologia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Valmore Bermudez
- Universidad Simon Bolivar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
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28
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Wang M, Chen Y, Zhu M, Xu B, Guo W, Lyu Y, Zhang C. Pharmacological modulation of melanocortin-4 receptor by melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 in Nile tilapia. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 282:113219. [PMID: 31299224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) acts as a member of G-protein coupled receptors and participate in food intake and energy expenditure. Melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) plays a critical role in regulating MC4R signaling in mammals and zebrafish. However, evidence on their interaction in other teleost species remains elusive. Here, we cloned and assessed the evolutionary aspect and pharmacological modulation of MRAP2 on MC4R signaling in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tissue distribution analysis of tmc4r and tmrap2 confirmed their co-expression in the brain region. tMRAP2 protein could form antiparallel homo-dimer and directly interacted with tMC4R in vitro and presence of tMRAP2 led to the reduction of agonist response and surface expression of tMC4R. Overall, our findings provide a comparative overview on the evolutionary conservation, genomic distribution, tissue-specific expression and pharmacological profile of the MC4R and MRAP2 in another non-mammalian teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingxin Xu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxuan Guo
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunsong Lyu
- Beijing No. 12 High School, No. 15 Yize Road, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Chaffin ATB, Fang Y, Larson KR, Mul JD, Ryan KK. Sex-dependent effects of MC4R genotype on HPA axis tone: implications for stress-associated cardiometabolic disease. Stress 2019; 22:571-580. [PMID: 31184537 PMCID: PMC6690797 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1610742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) facilitates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis responses to acute stress in male rodents and is a well known to regulator of energy balance. Mutations in the MC4R is the most common monogenic cause of obesity in humans and has been associated with sex-specific effects, but whether stress regulation by the MC4R is sex-dependent, and whether the MC4R facilitates HPA responses to chronic stress, is unknown. We hypothesized that MC4R-signaling contributes to HPA axis dysregulation and metabolic pathophysiology following chronic stress exposure. We measured changes in energy balance, HPA axis tone, and vascular remodeling during chronic variable stress (CVS) in male and female rats with MC4R loss-of-function. Rats were placed into three groups (n = 9-18/genotype/sex) and half of each group was subjected to CVS for 30 days or were non-stressed littermate controls. All rats underwent an acute restraint stress challenge on Day 30. Rats were euthanized on Day 31, adrenals collected for weight, and descending aortas fixed for morphological indices of vascular pathophysiology. We observed a marked interaction between Mc4r genotype and sex for basal HPA axis tone and acute stress responsivity. MC4R loss-of-function blunted both endpoints in males but exaggerated them in females. Contrary to our hypothesis, Mc4r genotype had no effect on either HPA axis responses or metabolic responses to chronic stress. Heightened stress reactivity of females with MC4R mutations suggests a possible mechanism for the sex-dependent effects associated with this mutation in humans and highlights how stress may differentially regulate metabolism in males and females. Lay summary The hypothalamic melanocortin system is an important regulator of energy balance and stress responses. Here, we report a sex-difference in the stress reactivity of rats with a mutation in this system. Our findings highlight how stress may regulate metabolism differently in males and females and may provide insight into sex-differences associated with this mutation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki T-B Chaffin
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Yanbin Fang
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Karlton R Larson
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Joram D Mul
- b Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam , The Netherlands
- c Metabolism and Reward Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Karen K Ryan
- a Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California , Davis , CA , USA
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30
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Relationship of α-MSH and AgRP axons to the perikarya of melanocortin-4 receptor neurons. Brain Res 2019; 1717:136-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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31
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Chowen JA, Frago LM, Fernández-Alfonso MS. Physiological and pathophysiological roles of hypothalamic astrocytes in metabolism. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12671. [PMID: 30561077 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of glial cells, including astrocytes, in metabolic control has received increasing attention in recent years. Although the original interest in these macroglial cells was a result of astrogliosis being observed in the hypothalamus of diet-induced obese subjects, studies have also focused on how they participate in the physiological control of appetite and energy expenditure. Astrocytes express receptors for numerous hormones, growth factors and neuropeptides. Some functions of astrocytes include transport of nutrients and hormones from the circulation to the brain, storage of glycogen, participation in glucose sensing, synaptic plasticity, uptake and metabolism of neurotransmitters, release of substances to modify neurotransmission, and cytokine production, amongst others. In the hypothalamus, these physiological glial functions impact on neuronal circuits that control systemic metabolism to modify their outputs. The initial response of astrocytes to poor dietary habits and obesity involves activation of neuroprotective mechanisms but, with chronic exposure to these situations, hypothalamic astrocytes participate in the development of some of the damaging secondary effects. The present review discusses not only some of the physiological functions of hypothalamic astrocytes in metabolism, but also their role in the secondary complications of obesity, such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular affectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura M Frago
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Soledad Fernández-Alfonso
- Instituto Pluridisciplinar UCM y Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Derkach K, Zakharova I, Zorina I, Bakhtyukov A, Romanova I, Bayunova L, Shpakov A. The evidence of metabolic-improving effect of metformin in Ay/a mice with genetically-induced melanocortin obesity and the contribution of hypothalamic mechanisms to this effect. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213779. [PMID: 30870482 PMCID: PMC6417728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In diet-induced obesity, metformin (MF) has weight-lowering effect and improves glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. However, there is no information on the efficiency of MF and the mechanisms of its action in melanocortin-type obesity. We studied the effect of the 10-day treatment with MF at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day on the food intake and the metabolic and hormonal parameters in female C57Bl/6J (genotype Ay/a) agouti-mice with melanocortin-type obesity, and the influence of MF on the hypothalamic signaling in obese animals at the most effective metabolic dose (600 mg/kg/day). MF treatment led to a decrease in food intake, the body and fat weights, the plasma levels of glucose, insulin and leptin, all increased in agouti-mice, to an improvement of the lipid profile and glucose sensitivity, and to a reduced fatty liver degeneration. In the hypothalamus of obese agouti-mice, the leptin and insulin content was reduced and the expression of the genes encoding leptin receptor (LepR), MC3- and MC4-melanocortin receptors and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), the precursor of anorexigenic melanocortin peptides, was increased. The activities of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and the transcriptional factor STAT3 were increased, while Akt-kinase activity did not change from control C57Bl/6J (a/a) mice. In the hypothalamus of MF-treated agouti-mice (10 days, 600 mg/kg/day), the leptin and insulin content was restored, Akt-kinase activity was increased, and the activities of AMPK and STAT3 were reduced and did not differ from control mice. In the hypothalamus of MF-treated agouti-mice, the Pomc gene expression was six times higher than in control, while the gene expression for orexigenic neuropeptide Y was decreased by 39%. Thus, we first showed that MF treatment leads to an improvement of metabolic parameters and a decrease of hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinaemia in genetically-induced melanocortin obesity, and the specific changes in the hypothalamic signaling makes a significant contribution to this effect of MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Derkach
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Neurochemistry, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Zakharova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Neurochemistry, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Inna Zorina
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Neurochemistry, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey Bakhtyukov
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Neurochemistry, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Romanova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Neurochemistry, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Liubov Bayunova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Neurochemistry, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Shpakov
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Neurochemistry, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
This review evaluates published studies regarding alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in ghrelin-elicited feeding and gut motility. We have sought to integrate all available evidences to provide a complete review on the properties of melanocortin receptors (MCR) and the potential clinical treatment of α-MSH after ghrelin-elicited feeding and gut motility. The available studies were grouped into four categories: food intake, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, and colonic transit. As we describe, the literature provides evidence of the ability of ghrelin to increase food intake, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, and colonic transit. α-MSH, which displays high affinity for the MC3 and MC4 receptors, can competitively activate MCRs with agouti-related protein stimulated by ghrelin, and partly attenuates the effect of acyl ghrelin on food intake. Central ghrelin-induced acceleration of gastric emptying is not mediated by MCRs, but the acceleration of the small intestinal transit is at least partly mediated via MCRs in the brain. Similar to fecal pellets and total fecal weight, distal colonic motility and secretion are partly mediated by MCRs in the brain. The interplay between acyl ghrelin and MCRs may provide a new therapeutic avenue to ameliorate anorexia and constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Hao Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Yen Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Taiwan Association for the Study of Small Intestinal Diseases, Guishan, Taiwan, ROC
- Chinese Taipei Society for the Study of Obesity, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Ahmadi F, Zendehdel M, Babapour V, Panahi N. CRF1/CRF2 and MC3/MC4 Receptors Affect Glutamate- Induced Food Intake in Neonatal Meat-Type Chicken. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2018-0821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Saba J, Carniglia L, Ramírez D, Turati J, Imsen M, Durand D, Lasaga M, Caruso C. Melanocortin 4 receptor activation protects striatal neurons and glial cells from 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 94:41-51. [PMID: 30529228 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a melanocortin which exerts potent anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) are abundantly expressed in the brain and we previously demonstrated that [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH), an α-MSH analogue, increased expression of brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). We hypothesized that melanocortins could affect striatal cell survival through BDNF and PPAR-γ. First, we determined the expression of these factors in the striatum. Acute intraperitoneal administration (0.5 mg/kg) of α-MSH increased the levels of BDNF mRNA in rat striatum but not in rat cerebral cortex. Also, protein expression of PPAR-γ and MC4R was increased by acute treatment with α-MSH in striatum but not in cortex. No changes were observed by 48 h treatment. Next, we evaluated melanocortins effect on neuron and glial survival. 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), which is known to induce striatal degeneration, was used to induce cell death in the rat striatal cell line ST14A expressing mutant human huntingtin (Q120) or in ST14A cells expressing normal human huntingtin (Q15), in primary cultured astrocytes, and in BV2 cells. NDP-MSH protected Q15 cells, astrocytes and BV2 cells from death by 3-NP whereas it did not fully protect Q120 cells. Protection of Q15 cells and astrocytes was blocked by a MC4R specific inhibitor (JKC-363) and a PPAR-γ antagonist (GW9662). The BDNF receptor antagonist (ANA-12) abolished NDP-MSH protective effect in astrocytes but not in Q15 cells. We demonstrate for the first time that melanocortins, acting through PPAR-γ and BDNF, protect neurons and glial cells from 3-NP toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Saba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lila Carniglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Delia Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Turati
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Imsen
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Durand
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Caruso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Girardet C, Marks DL, Butler AA. Melanocortin-3 Receptors Expressed on Agouti-Related Peptide Neurons Inhibit Feeding Behavior in Female Mice. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2018; 26:1849-1855. [PMID: 30426710 PMCID: PMC7294842 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activation of hypothalamic agouti-related peptide expressing (AgRP)+ve neurons during energy deficit is a negative valence signal, rapidly activating food-seeking behaviors. This study examined the roles of melanocortin-3 receptors (MC3Rs) coexpressed in a subpopulation of AgRP+ve neurons. METHODS AgRP-MC3R mice expressing MC3Rs selectively in AgRP+ve neurons were generated by crossing AgRP-IRES-Cre mice with LoxTBMc3r mice containing a "loxP-STOP-loxP" sequence in the 5' untranslated region. Body weight, body composition, and feeding behavior were assessed during ad libitum and time-restricted feeding conditions. RESULTS In females, food intake of AgRP-IRES-Cre+ve (n = 7) or AgRP-IRES-Cre-ve (n = 9) mice was not significantly different; these mice were therefore pooled to form the "control" group. Female AgRP-MC3R mice exhibited lower food intake (25.4 ± 2.4 kJ/12 h; n = 6) compared with controls (35.3 ± 1.8 kJ/12 h; n = 16) and LoxTBMc3r mice (32.1 ± 2.1 kJ/12 h; n = 9) in the active phase during the dark period. Food intake during the rest phase (lights on) when mice consume less food (9-10 kJ) was normal between genotypes. Body weight and composition of AgRP-MC3R and LoxTBMc3r mice were similar, suggesting compensatory mechanisms for reduced calorie intake. Remarkably, AgRP-MC3R mice continued to consume less food during refeeding after fasting and time-restricted feeding. CONCLUSIONS MC3Rs expressed on AgRP+ve neurons appear to exert a strong inhibitory signal on hypothalamic networks governing feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemence Girardet
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Daniel L. Marks
- Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code L481 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Andrew A. Butler
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Bruschetta G, Kim JD, Diano S, Chan LF. Overexpression of melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) in adult paraventricular MC4R neurons regulates energy intake and expenditure. Mol Metab 2018; 18:79-87. [PMID: 30352741 PMCID: PMC6308034 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) has a critical role in energy homeostasis. Although MRAP2 has been shown to regulates a number of GPCRs involved in metabolism, the key neurons responsible for the phenotype of gross obesity in MRAP2 deficient animals are unclear. Furthermore, to date, all the murine MRAP2 models involve the prenatal deletion of MRAP2. Methods To target Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), we performed stereotaxic surgery using AAV to selectively overexpress MRAP2 postnatally in adult Mc4r-cre mice. We assessed energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, core body temperature, and response to MC3R/MC4R agonist MTII. Results Mc4r-crePVN-MRAP2 female mice on a standard chow diet had less age-related weight gain and improved glucose/insulin profile compared to control Mc4r-crePVN-GFP mice. These changes were associated with a reduction in food intake and increased energy expenditure. In contrast, Mc4r-crePVN-MRAP2 male mice showed no improvement on a chow diet, but improvement of energy and glucose metabolism was observed following high fat diet (HFD) feeding. In addition, an increase in core body temperature was found in both females fed on standard chow diet and males fed on HFD. Mc4r-crePVN-MRAP2 female and male mice showed increased neuronal activation in the PVN compared to controls, with further increase in neuronal activation post MTII treatment in females. Conclusions Our data indicate a site-specific role for MRAP2 in PVN MC4R-expressing neurons in potentiating MC4R neuronal activation at baseline conditions in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Postnatal overexpression of MRAP2 regulates energy balance, thermogenesis and glucose metabolism. Overexpression of MRAP2 in MC4R expressing neurons increases PVN neuronal activation. There is a sex difference in extent of metabolic protection, with a more marked lean phenotype in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bruschetta
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jung Dae Kim
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Sabrina Diano
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Li F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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Eerola K, Virtanen S, Vähätalo L, Ailanen L, Cai M, Hruby V, Savontaus M, Savontaus E. Hypothalamic γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone gene delivery reduces fat mass in male mice. J Endocrinol 2018; 239:19–31. [PMID: 30307151 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
γ-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (γ-MSH) is an endogenous agonist of the melanocortin 3-receptor (MC3R). Genetic disruption of MC3Rs increases adiposity and blunts responses to fasting, suggesting that increased MC3R signaling could be physiologically beneficial in the long term. Interestingly, several studies have concluded that activation of MC3Rs is orexigenic in the short term. Therefore, we aimed to examine the short- and long-term effects of γ-MSH in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) on energy homeostasis and hypothesized that the effect of MC3R agonism is dependent on the state of energy balance and nutrition. Lentiviral gene delivery was used to induce a continuous expression of γ-Msh only in the ARC of male C57Bl/6N mice. Parameters of body energy homeostasis were monitored as food was changed from chow (6 weeks) to Western diet (13 weeks) and back to chow (7 weeks). The γ-MSH treatment decreased the fat mass to lean mass ratio on chow, but the effect was attenuated on Western diet. After the switch back to chow, an enhanced loss in weight (−15% vs −6%) and fat mass (−37% vs −12%) and reduced cumulative food intake were observed in γ-MSH-treated animals. Fasting-induced feeding was increased on chow diet only; however, voluntary running wheel activity on Western diet was increased. The γ-MSH treatment also modulated the expression of key neuropeptides in the ARC favoring weight loss. We have shown that a chronic treatment intended to target ARC MC3Rs modulates energy balance in nutritional state-dependent manner. Enhancement of diet-induced weight loss could be beneficial in treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Eerola
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - S Virtanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - L Vähätalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - L Ailanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Drug Research Doctoral Program, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - M Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - V Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - M Savontaus
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - E Savontaus
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Rasool S, Geetha T, Broderick TL, Babu JR. High Fat With High Sucrose Diet Leads to Obesity and Induces Myodegeneration. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1054. [PMID: 30258366 PMCID: PMC6143817 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle utilizes both free fatty acids (FFAs) and glucose that circulate in the blood stream. When blood glucose levels acutely increase, insulin stimulates muscle glucose uptake, oxidation, and glycogen synthesis. Under these conditions, skeletal muscle preferentially oxidizes glucose while the oxidation of fatty acids (FAs) oxidation is reciprocally decreased. In metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance, such as diabetes and obesity, both glucose uptake, and utilization muscle are significantly reduced causing FA oxidation to provide the majority of ATP for metabolic processes and contraction. Although the causes of this metabolic inflexibility or disrupted "glucose-fatty acid cycle" are largely unknown, a diet high in fat and sugar (HFS) may be a contributing factor. This metabolic inflexibility observed in models of obesity or with HFS feeding is detrimental because high rates of FA oxidation in skeletal muscle can lead to the buildup of toxic metabolites of fat metabolism and the accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which further exacerbate the insulin resistance. Further, HFS leads to skeletal muscle atrophy with a decrease in myofibrillar proteins and phenotypically characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength. Overactivation of ubiquitin proteasome pathway, oxidative stress, myonuclear apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction are some of the mechanisms involved in muscle atrophy induced by obesity or in mice fed with HFS. In this review, we will discuss how HFS diet negatively impacts the various physiological and metabolic mechanisms in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Rasool
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Thangiah Geetha
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Tom L Broderick
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Exercise Metabolism, Department of Physiology, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Jeganathan R Babu
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Schwabl P, Reiberger T. Animal models of portal hypertension. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:1019-1030. [PMID: 30055295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases ultimately lead to cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PHT). Indeed, PHT is a major cause of severe complications, while medical treatment is limited to non-selective beta blockers. Sophisticated animal models are needed to investigate novel treatment options for different etiologies of liver disease, effective anti-fibrotic agents as well as vasoactive drugs against PHT. In this review, we present some of the most common animal models of liver disease and PHT - including pre-hepatic, intra-hepatic and post-hepatic PHT in rodents. Methodology for induction, considerations for disease etiology, advantages and limitations and practical issues of these animal models are discussed. The appropriate and sensible use of animal models in preclinical research supporting the 3R concept of replacement, reduction and refinement is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Königshofer
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Brusilovskaya
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Schwabl
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Reiberger
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Lensing CJ, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Speth RC, Zarth AT, Haskell-Luevano C. Developing a Biased Unmatched Bivalent Ligand (BUmBL) Design Strategy to Target the GPCR Homodimer Allosteric Signaling (cAMP over β-Arrestin 2 Recruitment) Within the Melanocortin Receptors. J Med Chem 2018; 62:144-158. [PMID: 29669202 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the functional relevance of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) homodimerization has been limited by the insufficient tools to assess asymmetric signaling occurring within dimers comprised of the same receptor type. We present unmatched bivalent ligands (UmBLs) to study the asymmetric function of melanocortin homodimers. UmBLs contain one agonist and one antagonist pharmacophore designed to target a melanocortin homodimer such that one receptor is occupied by an agonist and the other receptor by an antagonist pharmacophore. First-in-class biased UmBLs (BUmBLs) targeting the human melanocortin-4 receptor (hMC4R) were discovered. The BUmBLs displayed biased agonism by potently stimulating cAMP signaling (EC50 ∼ 2-6 nM) but minimally activating the β-arrestin recruitment pathway (≤55% maximum signal at 10 μM). To our knowledge, we report the first single-compound strategy to pharmacologically target melanocortin receptor allosteric signaling that occurs between homodimers that can be applied straightforwardly in vitro and in vivo to other GPCR systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy , Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale , Florida 33328-2018 , United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology , Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. 20057 , United States
| | - Adam T Zarth
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States.,Masonic Cancer Center , University of Minnesota , 2231 Sixth Street SE, 2-210 CCRB , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
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Novoselova TV, Chan LF, Clark AJL. Pathophysiology of melanocortin receptors and their accessory proteins. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 32:93-106. [PMID: 29678289 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors (MCRs) and their accessory proteins (MRAPs) are involved in regulation of a diverse range of endocrine pathways. Genetic variants of these components result in phenotypic variation and disease. The MC1R is expressed in skin and variants in the MC1R gene are associated with ginger hair color. The MC2R mediates the action of ACTH in the adrenal gland to stimulate glucocorticoid production and MC2R mutations result in familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD). MC3R and MC4R are involved in metabolic regulation and their gene variants are associated with severe pediatric obesity, whereas the function of MC5R remains to be fully elucidated. MRAPs have been shown to modulate the function of MCRs and genetic variants in MRAPs are associated with diseases including FGD type 2 and potentially early onset obesity. This review provides an insight into recent advances in MCRs and MRAPs physiology, focusing on the disorders associated with their dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Novoselova
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom.
| | - L F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - A J L Clark
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
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Dezfuli G, Gillis RA, Tatge JE, Duncan KR, Dretchen KL, Jackson PG, Verbalis JG, Sahibzada N. Subdiaphragmatic Vagotomy With Pyloroplasty Ameliorates the Obesity Caused by Genetic Deletion of the Melanocortin 4 Receptor in the Mouse. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:104. [PMID: 29545738 PMCID: PMC5838008 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that abolishing vagal nerve activity will reverse the obesity phenotype of melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (Mc4r−/−). Subjects/Methods: In two separate studies, we examined the efficacy of bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) with pyloroplasty in the prevention and treatment of obesity in Mc4r−/− mice. Results: In the first study, SDV prevented >20% increase in body weight (BW) associated with this genotype. This was correlated with a transient reduction in overall food intake (FI) in the preventative arm of the study. Initially, SDV mice had reduced weekly FI; however, FI normalized to that of controls and baseline FI within the 8-week study period. In the second study, the severe obesity that is characteristic of the adult Mc4r−/− genotype was significantly improved by SDV with a magnitude of 30% loss in excess BW over a 4-week period. Consistent with the first preventative study, within the treatment arm, SDV mice also demonstrated a transient reduction in FI relative to control and baseline levels that normalized over subsequent weeks. In addition to the accompanying loss in weight, mice subjected to SDV showed a decrease in respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and an increase in locomotor activity (LA). Analysis of the white fat-pad deposits of these mice showed that they were significantly less than the control groups. Conclusions: Altogether, our data demonstrates that SDV both prevents gain in BW and causes weight loss in severely obese Mc4r−/− mice. Moreover, it suggests that an important aspect of weight reduction for this type of monogenic obesity involves loss of signaling in vagal motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaul Dezfuli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Richard A Gillis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jaclyn E Tatge
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kimbell R Duncan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kenneth L Dretchen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Patrick G Jackson
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joseph G Verbalis
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Niaz Sahibzada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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Adank DN, Lunzer MM, Lensing CJ, Wilber SL, Gancarz AM, Haskell-Luevano C. Comparative in Vivo Investigation of Intrathecal and Intracerebroventricular Administration with Melanocortin Ligands MTII and AGRP into Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:320-327. [PMID: 28968061 PMCID: PMC5821609 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Central administration of melanocortin ligands has been used as a critical technique to study energy homeostasis. While intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection is the most commonly used method during these investigations, intrathecal (IT) injection can be equally efficacious for the central delivery of ligands. Importantly, intrathecal administration can optimize exploration of melanocortin receptors in the spinal cord. Herein, we investigate comparative IT and ICV administration of two melanocortin ligands, the synthetic MTII (Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) MC4R agonist and agouti-related peptide [AGRP(87-132)] MC4R inverse agonist/antagonist, on the same batch of age-matched mice in TSE metabolic cages undergoing a nocturnal satiated paradigm. To our knowledge, this is the first study to test how central administration of these ligands directly to the spinal cord affects energy homeostasis. Results showed, as expected, that MTII IT administration caused a decrease in food and water intake and an overall negative energy balance without affecting activity. As anticipated, IT administration of AGRP caused weight gain, increase of food/water intake, and increase respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Unexpectantly, the prolonged activity of AGRP was notably shorter (2 days) compared to mice given ICV injections of the same concentrations in previous studies (7 days or more).1-4 It appears that IT administration results in a more sensitive response that may be a good approach for testing synthetic compound potency values ranging in nanomolar to high micromolar in vitro EC50 values. Indeed, our investigation reveals that the spine influences a different melanocortin response compared to the brain for the AGRP ligand. This study indicates that IT administration can be a useful technique for future metabolic studies using melanocortin ligands and highlights the importance of exploring the role of melanocortin receptors in the spinal cord.
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MESH Headings
- Agouti-Related Protein/administration & dosage
- Animals
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Catheters, Indwelling
- Cross-Over Studies
- Eating/drug effects
- Homeostasis/drug effects
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Injections, Spinal
- Male
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Peptide Fragments/administration & dosage
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/agonists
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/metabolism
- Time Factors
- alpha-MSH/administration & dosage
- alpha-MSH/analogs & derivatives
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N. Adank
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Mary M. Lunzer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Cody J. Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Stacey L. Wilber
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Amy M. Gancarz
- Department of Psychology, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA 93311, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
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45
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Inokuchi JI, Inamori KI, Kabayama K, Nagafuku M, Uemura S, Go S, Suzuki A, Ohno I, Kanoh H, Shishido F. Biology of GM3 Ganglioside. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 156:151-195. [PMID: 29747813 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the successful molecular cloning in 1998 of GM3 synthase (GM3S, ST3GAL5), the enzyme responsible for initiating biosynthesis of all complex gangliosides, the efforts of our research group have been focused on clarifying the physiological and pathological implications of gangliosides, particularly GM3. We have identified isoforms of GM3S proteins having distinctive lengths of N-terminal cytoplasmic tails, and found that these cytoplasmic tails define subcellular localization, stability, and in vivo activity of GM3S isoforms. Our studies of the molecular pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, focused on interaction between insulin receptor and GM3 in membrane microdomains, led to a novel concept: type 2 diabetes and certain other lifestyle-related diseases are membrane microdomain disorders resulting from aberrant expression of gangliosides. This concept has enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiological roles of GM3 and related gangliosides in various diseases involving chronic inflammation, such as insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and T-cell function and immune disorders (e.g., allergic asthma). We also demonstrated an essential role of GM3 in murine and human auditory systems; a common pathological feature of GM3S deficiency is deafness. This is the first direct link reported between gangliosides and auditory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ichi Inokuchi
- Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Kei-Ichiro Inamori
- Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | | | - Masakazu Nagafuku
- Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uemura
- Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shinji Go
- Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akemi Suzuki
- Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Isao Ohno
- Center for Medical Education, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kanoh
- Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Fumi Shishido
- Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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46
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Al-Najim W, le Roux CW, Docherty NG. Integrated insights into the role of alpha-melanocyte stimulatory hormone in the control of food intake and glycaemia. Peptides 2018; 100:243-248. [PMID: 29412826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.12.003] [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: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Identifying peptide hormones with multipotent actions on both weight and glycaemia can have a significant impact on therapeutic options in the treatment of obesity and diabetes. This has been exemplified by recent advances involving pharmacological exploitation of glucagon-like peptide 1 biology. Herein, we summarise evidence supporting the potential candidacy in this light of alpha-melanocyte stimulatory hormone, an endogenous peptide hormone and a breakdown product of the neuropeptide pro-opiomelanocortin. We reference its well described central actions in the control of food intake and moreover highlight new data pointing to an important role for this peptide hormone in the periphery, in relation to glycaemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werd Al-Najim
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland; Investigative Science, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Carel W le Roux
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Gastrosurgical Research and Education, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Investigative Science, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Neil G Docherty
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Gastrosurgical Research and Education, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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47
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Do K, Laing BT, Landry T, Bunner W, Mersaud N, Matsubara T, Li P, Yuan Y, Lu Q, Huang H. The effects of exercise on hypothalamic neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease mouse model. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190205. [PMID: 29293568 PMCID: PMC5749759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. In this study, we characterized and examined the early metabolic changes in the triple transgenic mouse AD model (3xtg-AD), and their relationship with the hypothalamus, a key regulator of metabolism in the central nervous system. We observed that the 3xtg-AD model exhibited significantly higher oxygen consumption as well as food intake before reported amyloid plaque formation, indicating that metabolic abnormalities occurred at early onset in the 3xtg-AD model compared with their counterparts. Analysis of gene expression in the hypothalamus indicated increased mRNA expression of inflammation- and apoptosis-related genes, as well as decreased gene expression of Agouti-related protein (AgRP) and Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) at 12 weeks of age. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and NPY-expressing neurons decreased at 24 weeks in the 3xtg-AD model. Four weeks of voluntary exercise were sufficient to reverse the gene expression of inflammation and apoptotic markers in the hypothalamus, six weeks of exercise improved glucose metabolism, moreover, 8 weeks of voluntary exercise training attenuated apoptosis and augmented POMC and NPY-expressing neuronal populations in the hypothalamus compared to the control group. Our results indicated that early onset of metabolic abnormalities may contribute to the pathology of AD, which is associated with increased inflammation as well as decreased neuronal population and key neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, early intervention by voluntary exercise normalized hypothalamic inflammation and neurodegeneration as well as glucose metabolism in the 3xtg-AD model. The data, taken as a whole, suggests a hypothalamic-mediated mechanism where exercise prevents the progression of dementia and of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Do
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brenton Thomas Laing
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Taylor Landry
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Wyatt Bunner
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Naderi Mersaud
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tomoko Matsubara
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Peixin Li
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Qun Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hu Huang
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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48
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El-Sabrout K, Soliman F. Association of single-nucleotide polymorphism of melanocortin gene with feed intake in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2017; 102:564-567. [PMID: 28990229 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the association of two parts of melanocortin gene (MC4R-1, MC4R-2) and feed intake for V-line rabbits. V-line rabbits were grouped into high and low daily feed intake during the period from 30 to 63 days of age in order to identify MC4R SNPs useful for association study with feed intake. DNA from blood samples of each group was extracted to amplify the MC4R gene. The purified PCR products were sequenced in those had the highest and lowest feed intake. Alignment of sequence data from each group revealed that there is a variation detected in MC4R-1 at nucleotide 35 (T-G) (sense mutation) and another variation was detected in MC4R-2 gene at nucleotide 19 (T-C) (sense mutation) for high feed intake rabbits. These sense mutations lead to transform some amino acids and cause a significant change of the MC4R function. The results of average daily feed intake (ADFI) indicated that group (1) had significantly higher feed intake than group (2) of V-line rabbits. The detected mutations and the analysis of daily feed intake means revealed a significant association between MC4R polymorphism and feed intake in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- K El-Sabrout
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture (El-Shatby), University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - F Soliman
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture (El-Shatby), University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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49
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Carvajal F, Lerma-Cabrera JM, Alcaraz-Iborra M, Navarro M, Thiele TE, Cubero I. Nucleus Accumbens MC4-R Stimulation Reduces Food and Ethanol Intake in Adult Rats Regardless of Binge-Like Ethanol Exposure during Adolescence. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:167. [PMID: 28936166 PMCID: PMC5594710 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin (MC) system regulates feeding and ethanol consumption. Recent evidence shows that melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) stimulation within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) elicits anorectic responses and reduces ethanol consumption and ethanol palatability in adult rats. Ethanol exposure during adolescence causes long-lasting changes in neural pathways critically involved in neurobehavioral responses to ethanol. In this regard, binge-like ethanol exposure during adolescence reduces basal alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and alters the levels of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) in hypothalamic and limbic areas. Given the protective role of MC against excessive ethanol consumption, disturbances in the MC system induced by binge-like ethanol exposure during adolescence might contribute to excessive ethanol consumption during adulthood. In the present study, we evaluated whether binge-like ethanol exposure during adolescence leads to elevated ethanol intake and/or eating disturbance during adulthood. Toward that aim, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ethanol (3 g/kg i.p.; BEP group) or saline (SP group) for 14 days (PND 25 to PND 38). On PND73, all the groups were given access to 20% ethanol on an intermittent schedule. Our results showed that adult rats given intermittent access (IAE) to 20% ethanol achieved high spontaneous ethanol intake that was not significantly enhanced by binge-like ethanol pretreatment during adolescence. However, BEP group exhibited an increase in food intake without a parallel increase in body weight (BW) relative to SP group suggesting caloric efficiency disturbance. Additionally, we evaluated whether binge-like ethanol exposure during adolescence alters the expected reduction in feeding and ethanol consumption following NAc shell administration of a selective MC4-R agonist in adult rats showing high rates of ethanol consumption. For that, animals in each pretreatment condition (SP and BEP) were divided into three subgroups and given bilateral NAc infusions of the selective MC4-R agonist cyclo(NH-CH2-CH2-CO-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Glu)-NH2 (0, 0.75 or 1.5 μg). Results revealed that MC4-R stimulation within the NAc reduced feeding and ethanol intake in high ethanol-drinking adult rats, regardless of previous binge-like ethanol exposure during adolescence, which adds new evidence regarding the dual ability of MC compounds to control excessive ethanol and food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Carvajal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - José M Lerma-Cabrera
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de ChileSantiago, Chile.,Department of Psychology, University of OviedoOviedo, Spain
| | | | - Montserrat Navarro
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Todd E Thiele
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Inmaculada Cubero
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de ChileSantiago, Chile.,Department of Psychology, University of AlmeriaAlmeria, Spain
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50
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Kokare DM, Kyzar EJ, Zhang H, Sakharkar AJ, Pandey SC. Adolescent Alcohol Exposure-Induced Changes in Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone and Neuropeptide Y Pathways via Histone Acetylation in the Brain During Adulthood. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:758-768. [PMID: 28575455 PMCID: PMC5581492 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure causes long-lasting alterations in brain epigenetic mechanisms. Melanocortin and neuropeptide Y signaling interact and are affected by ethanol exposure in the brain. Here, the persistent effects of adolescent intermittent ethanol on alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, melanocortin 4 receptor, and neuropeptide Y expression and their regulation by histone acetylation mechanisms were investigated in adulthood. Methods Male rats were exposed to adolescent intermittent ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) or volume-matched adolescent intermittent saline from postnatal days 28 to 41 and allowed to grow to postnatal day 92. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured by the elevated plus-maze test. Brain regions from adult rats were used to examine changes in alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, melanocortin 4 receptor, and neuropeptide Y expression and the histone acetylation status of their promoters. Results Adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed adult rats displayed anxiety-like behaviors and showed increased pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels in the hypothalamus and increased melanocortin 4 receptor mRNA levels in both the amygdala and hypothalamus compared with adolescent intermittent saline-exposed adult rats. The alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone and melanocortin 4 receptor protein levels were increased in the central and medial nucleus of the amygdala, paraventricular nucleus, and arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed compared with adolescent intermittent saline-exposed adult rats. Neuropeptide Y protein levels were decreased in the central and medial nucleus of the amygdala of adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed compared with adolescent intermittent saline-exposed adult rats. Histone H3K9/14 acetylation was decreased in the neuropeptide Y promoter in the amygdala but increased in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene promoter in the amygdala and the melanocortin 4 receptor and pro-opiomelanocortin promoters in the hypothalamus of adolescent intermittent ethanol-exposed adult rats compared with controls. Conclusions Increased melanocortin and decreased neuropeptide Y activity due to changes in histone acetylation in emotional brain circuitry may play a role in adolescent intermittent ethanol-induced anxiety phenotypes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Evan J Kyzar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Huaibo Zhang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry (Dr Kokare, Mr Kyzar, and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey), and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (Dr Pandey), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (Mr Kyzar and Drs Zhang, Sakharkar, and Pandey)
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