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Anima B, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Possible role of apelin on the ovarian steroidogenesis and uterine apoptosis of infantile mice: An in vitro study. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 238:106463. [PMID: 38246202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The expression of adipokines is well-known in the ovary and uterus. Recently we have shown that apelin and its receptor, APJ are developmentally regulated in the ovary and uterus of mice with elevation at postnatal day 14 (PND14). However, its role in the ovary and uterus of PND14 has not been investigated. Thus, we aimed to unravel the role of the apelin system (by APJ antagonist, ML221) on ovarian steroid secretion, proliferation, and apoptosis along with its role in uterine apoptosis in PND14 mice by in vitro approaches. The treatment of ML221 decreased estrogen, testosterone, and androstenedione secretion while increasing the progesterone secretion from the infantile ovary. These results suggest that apelin signaling would be important for ovarian estrogen synthesis in infantile mice (PND14). The abundance of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, aromatase, and active caspase3 increased in the infantile ovary after ML221 treatment. The expression of ERs and BCL2 were also down-regulated by ML221 treatment. The decreased BCL2 and increased active caspase3 by ML221 suggest the suppressive role of apelin on ovarian apoptosis. The APJ antagonist treatment also down-regulated the ER expression in the uterus along with increased active caspase3 and decreased BCL2 expression. In conclusion, apelin signaling inhibits the ovarian and uterine apoptosis via estrogen signaling in the ovary and uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borgohain Anima
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram, India.
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Song Q, Wang X, Cao Z, Xin C, Zhang J, Li S. The Apelin/APJ System: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Sepsis. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:313-330. [PMID: 38250143 PMCID: PMC10800090 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s436169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Apelin is the native ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the Apelin/APJ system has positive inotropic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects and regulates fluid homeostasis. The Apelin/APJ system has been demonstrated to play a protective role in sepsis and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis. Better understanding of the mechanisms of the effects of the Apelin/APJ system will aid in the development of novel drugs for the treatment of sepsis. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the physiological role of the Apelin/APJ system and its role in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Song
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Wang
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenhuan Cao
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun Xin
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Suwei Li
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
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Khodadadi H, Salles ÉL, Alptekin A, Mehrabian D, Rutkowski M, Arbab AS, Yeudall WA, Yu JC, Morgan JC, Hess DC, Vaibhav K, Dhandapani KM, Baban B. Inhalant Cannabidiol Inhibits Glioblastoma Progression Through Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:824-834. [PMID: 34918964 PMCID: PMC10589502 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common invasive brain tumor composed of diverse cell types with poor prognosis. The highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and its interaction with tumor cells play important roles in the development, progression, and durability of GBM. Angiogenic and immune factors are two major components of TME of GBM; their interplay is a major determinant of tumor vascularization, immune profile, as well as immune unresponsiveness of GBM. Given the ineffectiveness of current standard therapies (surgery, radiotherapy, and concomitant chemotherapy) in managing patients with GBM, it is necessary to develop new ways of treating these lethal brain tumors. Targeting TME, altering tumor ecosystem may be a viable therapeutic strategy with beneficial effects for patients in their fight against GBM. Materials and Methods: Given the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in a wide spectrum of diseases, including malignancies, we tested, for the first time, whether inhalant CBD can inhibit GBM tumor growth using a well-established orthotopic murine model. Optical imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry were employed to describe the outcomes such as tumor progression, cancer cell signaling pathways, and the TME. Results: Our findings showed that inhalation of CBD was able to not only limit the tumor growth but also to alter the dynamics of TME by repressing P-selectin, apelin, and interleukin (IL)-8, as well as blocking a key immune checkpoint-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). In addition, CBD enhanced the cluster of differentiation (CD) 103 expression, indicating improved antigen presentation, promoted CD8 immune responses, and reduced innate Lymphoid Cells within the tumor. Conclusion: Overall, our novel findings support the possible therapeutic role of inhaled CBD as an effective, relatively safe, and easy to administer treatment adjunct for GBM with significant impacts on the cellular and molecular signaling of TME, warranting further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesam Khodadadi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmet Alptekin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Mehrabian
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Martin Rutkowski
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ali S. Arbab
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - W. Andrew Yeudall
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jack C. Yu
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - John C. Morgan
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Movement Disorders, Program, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - David C. Hess
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Krishnan M. Dhandapani
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Innovation, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Godoy RS, Cober ND, Cook DP, McCourt E, Deng Y, Wang L, Schlosser K, Rowe K, Stewart DJ. Single-cell transcriptomic atlas of lung microvascular regeneration after targeted endothelial cell ablation. eLife 2023; 12:e80900. [PMID: 37078698 PMCID: PMC10181823 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to define the mechanism underlying lung microvascular regeneration in a model of severe acute lung injury (ALI) induced by selective lung endothelial cell ablation. Intratracheal instillation of DT in transgenic mice expressing human diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor targeted to ECs resulted in ablation of >70% of lung ECs, producing severe ALI with near complete resolution by 7 days. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, eight distinct endothelial clusters were resolved, including alveolar aerocytes (aCap) ECs expressing apelin at baseline and general capillary (gCap) ECs expressing the apelin receptor. At 3 days post-injury, a novel gCap EC population emerged characterized by de novo expression of apelin, together with the stem cell marker, protein C receptor. These stem-like cells transitioned at 5 days to proliferative endothelial progenitor-like cells, expressing apelin receptor together with the pro-proliferative transcription factor, Foxm1, and were responsible for the rapid replenishment of all depleted EC populations by 7 days post-injury. Treatment with an apelin receptor antagonist prevented ALI resolution and resulted in excessive mortality, consistent with a central role for apelin signaling in EC regeneration and microvascular repair. The lung has a remarkable capacity for microvasculature EC regeneration which is orchestrated by newly emergent apelin-expressing gCap endothelial stem-like cells that give rise to highly proliferative, apelin receptor-positive endothelial progenitors responsible for the regeneration of the lung microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Soares Godoy
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Nicholas D Cober
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - David P Cook
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | | | - Yupu Deng
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Kenny Schlosser
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Katelynn Rowe
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
| | - Duncan J Stewart
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaCanada
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawaCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
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Murali S, Aradhyam GK. Structure-function relationship and physiological role of apelin and its G protein coupled receptor. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:127-143. [PMID: 36919024 PMCID: PMC9995629 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin receptor (APJR) is a class A peptide (apelin) binding G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure, cardiac output, and maintenance of fluid homeostasis. It is activated by a wide range of endogenous peptide isoforms of apelin and elabela. The apelin peptide isoforms contain distinct structural features that aid in ligand recognition and activation of the receptor. Site-directed mutagenesis and structure-based studies have revealed the involvement of extracellular and transmembrane regions of the receptor in binding to the peptide isoforms. The structural features of APJR activation of the receptor as well as mediating G-protein and β-arrestin-mediated signaling are delineated by multiple mutagenesis studies. There is increasing evidence that the structural requirements of APJR to activate G-proteins and β-arrestins are different, leading to biased signaling. APJR also responds to mechanical stimuli in a ligand-independent manner. A multitude of studies has focused on developing both peptide and non-peptide agonists and antagonists specific to APJR. Apelin/elabela-activated APJR orchestrates major signaling pathways such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERKs), protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), and p70S. This review focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of apelin, elabela, APJR, and their interactions involved in the binding and activation of the downstream signaling cascade. We also focus on the diverse signaling profile of APJR and its ligands and their involvement in various physiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashree Murali
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Gopala Krishna Aradhyam
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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Das M, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Postnatal developmental expression of apelin receptor proteins and its role in juvenile mice testis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 224:106178. [PMID: 36108814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The expression of apelin system has been shown in the adult testis of rat and mice. It has also been emphasized that regulation of testicular activity in early stages is important to sustain normal testicular activity in adulthood. Since the expression of apelin receptor (APJ) has been shown in the adult testis, moreover, developmental expression of APJ and its role has not been explored yet. Thus, we have examined the testicular expression of APJ during postnatal stages with special reference to proliferation, apoptosis and hormone secretion in early postnatal stage. Postnatal analysis showed that circulating apelin was lowest at PND1 and maximum at PND42. Among testosterone, estrogen and androstenedione, only circulating testosterone showed a gradual increase from PND1 to PND42. Testicular expression of APJ was also developmenatly regulated from PND1 to PND42, revealing a positive correlation with circulating apelin, testosterone, and androstenedione. Immunohistochemical study showed that APJ was mainly confined to Leydig cells of early postnatal stages, whereas, seminiferous tubules at PND42 showed immunostaining in the round spermatids. APJ inhibition from PND14-PND20 by ML221 suppressed the testicular proliferation, increased apoptosis and increased estrogen secretion. However, expression of AR was down-regulated by ML221 treatment. Furthermore, ML221 decreased the abundance of p-Akt. In vitro study also showed that APJ antagonist, ML221 decreased AR expression. These results suggests that apelin signaling during early developmental stages might be required to stimulate the germ cell proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis. Both in vivo and in vitro study have shown that expression of AR was regulated by apelin signaling. Since the first wave spermatogenesis involves proliferation and apoptosis, therefore, further study would be required to unravel the exact mechanism of apelin mediated regulation of testicular activity during early postnatal stages. In conclusion, the present results are an indicative of apelin mediated signaling during early postnatal stage for regulation of germ cell proliferation, apoptosis and AR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milirani Das
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India.
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Wang X, Zhang L, Feng M, Xu Z, Cheng Z, Qian L. ELA-11 protects the heart against oxidative stress injury induced apoptosis through ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:873614. [PMID: 36160397 PMCID: PMC9492932 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.873614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence revealed that apoptosis and oxidative stress injury were associated with the pathophysiology of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial injury. ELABELA (ELA) is a newly identified peptide with 32 amino acids, can reduce hypertension with exogenous infusion. However, the effect of 11-residue furn-cleaved fragment (ELA-11) is still unclear. We first administrated ELA-11 in DOX-injured mice and measured the cardiac function and investigated the effect of ELA-11 in vivo. We found that ELA-11 alleviated heart injury induced by DOX and inhibited cardiac tissues from apoptosis. In vitro, ELA-11 regulated the sensitivity towards apoptosis induced by oxidative stress with DOX treatment through PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. Similarly, ELA-11 inhibited oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-injured cardiomyocytes. Moreover, ELA-11 protected cardiomyocyte by interacting with Apelin receptor (APJ) by using 4-oxo-6-((pyrimidin-2-ylthio) methyl)-4H-pyran-3-yl 4-nitrobenzoate (ML221). Hence, our results indicated a protective role of ELA-11 in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in DOX-induced myocardial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Wang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengwen Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongqing Xu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijie Cheng
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zijie Cheng, ; Lingmei Qian,
| | - Lingmei Qian
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zijie Cheng, ; Lingmei Qian,
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Zhang Y, Feng J, Shao S, Mu Q, Liu J, Zeng C, Zhang X. Correlation between apelin and VEGF levels in retinopathy of prematurity: a matched case-control study. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:342. [PMID: 35953806 PMCID: PMC9373384 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although several clinical studies have analysed the relationship between the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and apelin-13 in venous blood and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), no definitive conclusions have been reached. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between apelin-13 levels and VEGF levels and ROP. Methods Differences in plasma apelin-13 and VEGF levels were analysed in two groups of infants born with birth weight < 1500 g and gestational age < 32 weeks at Peking University People’ s Hospital. One group comprised infants diagnosed with ROP and the other group was a control group comprising infants without ROP. Results Apelin-13 levels were significantly lower in the ROP group than in the control group, while VEGF levels showed the opposite result (both P < 0.001). Infants with severe ROP had lower apelin-13 levels and higher VEGF levels than with mild ROP (both P < 0.05).The receiver operating characteristic curve for apelin-13 level as the indicator of ROP showed that a cut-off value of 119.6 pg/mL yielded a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 63.6%, while for VEGF level, the cut-off value of 84.3 pg/mL exhibited a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 66.7%. Conclusions Plasma apelin-13 and VEGF levels at 4–6 weeks of age may play a role in assisting the diagnosis of ROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuming Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Mu
- Department of Central Laboratory & Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaomei Zeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.
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Yang Y, Chen M, Qiu Y, Li X, Huang Y, Zhang W. The Apelin/APLNR system modulates tumor immune response by reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Gene X 2022; 834:146564. [PMID: 35598689 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the Apelin receptor (APLNR), a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, which is widely distributed in human tissue. The Apelin/APLNR system is involved in regulating several physiological and pathological processes. The Apelin expression is increased in a variety of cancer and the Apelin/APLNR system could regulate the development of tumors through mediating autophagy, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and other biological processes to regulate tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The Apelin/APLNR system also participates in immune response and immune regulation through PI3K-Akt, ERK-MAPK, and other signal pathways. The latest research points out that there is a negative regulatory relationship between APLNR and immune checkpoint PD-L1. In this review, we outline the significance of the Apelin/APLNR signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and its immune regulation. These endeavors provide new insights into the translational application of Apelin/APLNR in cancer and may contribute to the promotion of more effective treatments for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Meilin Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Yanbing Qiu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China.
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10
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Luo J, Zhao Q, Li Z, Chen L. Multiple roles of apelin/APJ system in eye diseases. Peptides 2022; 152:170767. [PMID: 35181348 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170767] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor (APJ), and they compose apelin/APJ system. Apelin/APJ system is widely distributed in tissues and plays pleiotropic roles. Attractively, more emphasis has recently been placed on the effects of apelin/APJ system in eye diseases, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). In this review, we elaborated the roles of apelin/APJ system in the pathophysiological processes of eye. Concretely, apelin/APJ system induces retinal gliosis and angiogenesis. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are involved in apelin/APJ system-triggered ROP progress. Apelin/APJ system mediates DR-induced retinopathy. Apelin/APJ system maintains retinal functions and health by protecting Müller cells from apoptosis. Apelin/APJ system suppresses the NMDA-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss to protect optic nerve damage. Overall, apelin/APJ system is a potential therapeutic target for eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshun Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiyue Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
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11
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APJ/apelin: a promising target for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2342-2352. [PMID: 35561966 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity is a noticeable retinal abnormality causing common blindness in children. An uncontrolled retinal vasculature in retinopathy of prematurity inflicts vision loss in numerous children despite the accessibility to a wide range of clinical treatments prescribed for retinopathy of prematurity. Apelin/APJ [class A (rhodopsin-like) G-protein-coupled receptor] signaling regulates retinopathy of prematurity augmented with uncontrolled angiogenesis. Antagonists targeting pathological apelin/APJ-signaling-induced angiogenesis could be effective in attenuating retinopathy of prematurity. The therapeutic proficiency of antagonists in diverse modalities: peptides, bioactive molecules and antibodies, targeting apelin peptides or the APJ receptor is discussed in this review. We hypothesize the antagonists could effectively attenuate the retinal vasculature triggered by apelin/APJ signaling activation governing vision impairment in young children.
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Wolf J, Schlecht A, Rosmus DD, Boneva S, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Lange C. Comparative transcriptome analysis of human and murine choroidal neovascularization identifies fibroblast growth factor inducible-14 as phylogenetically conserved mediator of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166340. [PMID: 35032596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visual outcome of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration has significantly improved during the last years following the introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. However, about one third of patients show persistent exudation and decreasing visual acuity despite recurrent anti-VEGF treatment, which implies a role of other, still unknown proangiogenic mediators. METHODS The present study applied transcriptional profiling of human and mouse (C57BL/6J wildtype) choroidal neovascularization (CNV) membranes each with reference to healthy control tissue to identify yet unrecognized mediators of CNV formation. Key factors were further investigated by immunohistochemistry as well as by intravitreal inhibition experiments and multiplex protein assays in the laser-induced CNV mouse model. FINDINGS Transcriptional profiles of CNV membranes were characterized by enhanced activation of blood vessel development, cytoskeletal organization, and cytokine production, with angiogenesis and wound healing processes predominating in humans and activation of immune processes in mice. Besides several species-specific factors, 95 phylogenetically conserved CNV-associated genes were detected, among which fibroblast growth factor inducible-14 (FN14), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, was identified as a key player of CNV formation. Blocking the pathway by intravitreal injection of a FN14 decoy receptor modulated the cytokine profile - most notably IL-6 - and led to a significant reduction of CNV size in vivo. INTERPRETATION This study characterizes the transcriptome of human and mouse CNV membranes in an unprejudiced manner and identifies FN14 as a phylogenetically conserved mediator of CNV formation and a promising new therapeutic target for neovascular AMD. FUNDING This study was funded by the Helmut Ecker Foundation and the Volker Homann Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Institute of Anatomy, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
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13
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Luo J, Liu W, Feng F, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system: A novel therapeutic target for locomotor system diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 906:174286. [PMID: 34174264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Apelin/APJ system is widely expressed in abundant tissues, especially bone, joint and muscle tissue. This review focus on the effects of apelin/APJ system on locomotor system. An increasing number of evidence suggests that apelin/APJ system plays a crucial role in many physiological and pathological processes of locomotor system. Physiologically, apelin/APJ system promotes bone formation, muscle metabolism and skeletal muscle production. Pathologically, apelin/APJ system exacerbates osteoarthritis pathogenesis, whereas it alleviates osteoporosis. Besides, the level of apelin expression is regulated by different training modes, including continuous aerobic exercise, high-intensity interval training and resistance exercises. More importantly, exercise-induced apelin may be a potent pharmacological agent for the treatment of diseases and the regulation of physiological processes. Considering the pleiotropic effects of apelin on locomotor system, apelin/APJ system may be an important therapeutic target for locomotor system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshun Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Fen Feng
- School of Medicine, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, 422000, China.
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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14
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Das M, Annie L, Derkach KV, Shpakov AO, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Expression and localization of apelin and its receptor in the testes of diabetic mice and its possible role in steroidogenesis. Cytokine 2021; 144:155554. [PMID: 33962842 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a metabolic disorder with severe hyperglycemia, one of the complications of which is testicular dysfunctions, androgen deficiency and decreased male fertility. In the diabetic testes, the expression and signaling pathways of leptin and a number of other adipokines are significantly changed. However, there is no information on the localization and expression of adipokine, apelin and its receptor (APJ) in the diabetic testes, although there is information on the involvement of apelin in the regulation of reproductive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and localization of apelin and APJ in the testes of mice with streptozotocin-induced T1DM and to estimate the effects of agonist (apelin-13) and antagonist (ML221) of APJ on the testosterone production by diabetic testis explants in the in vitro conditions. We first detected the expression of apelin and its receptor in the mouse testes, and showed an increased intratesticular expression of apelin and APJ along with the reduced testosterone secretion in T1DM. Using imunohistochemical approach, we showed that apelin and APJ are localized in the Leydig and germ cells, and in diabetes, the amount of these proteins was significantly higher than in the control mice. The diabetic testes had a decrease in germ cell proliferation (the reduced PCNA and GCNA levels) and an increase in apoptosis (the increased active caspase-3 and decreased BCL2 levels). These results suggest an involvement of apelin and APJ in T1DM-induced testicular pathogenesis. Treatment of the cultured testis explants with ML221 significantly increased the testosterone secretion, whereas apelin-13 was ineffective. Thus, hyperapelinemia in the testes can significantly contribute to testicular pathogenesis in T1DM, and pharmacological inhibition of apelin receptors can improve testicular steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milirani Das
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India
| | | | - Kira V Derkach
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander O Shpakov
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India.
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15
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Tong M, Yu X, Shao J, Shao Z, Li W, Lin W. Automated measuring method based on Machine learning for optomotor response in mice. Neurocomputing 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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16
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Masoumi J, Jafarzadeh A, Khorramdelazad H, Abbasloui M, Abdolalizadeh J, Jamali N. Role of Apelin/APJ axis in cancer development and progression. Adv Med Sci 2020; 65:202-213. [PMID: 32087570 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous peptide, which is expressed in a vast board of organs such as the brain, placenta, heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, testis, prostate and adipose tissues. The apelin receptor, called angiotensin-like-receptor 1 (APJ), is also expressed in the brain, spleen, placenta, heart, liver, intestine, prostate, thymus, testis, ovary, lungs, kidneys, stomach, and adipose tissue. The apelin/APJ axis is involved in a number of physiological and pathological processes. The apelin expression is increased in various kinds of cancer and the apelin/APJ axis plays a key role in the development of tumors through enhancing angiogenesis, metastasis, cell proliferation and also through the development of cancer stem cells and drug resistance. The apelin also stops the apoptosis of cancer cells. The apelin/APJ axis was considered in this review as an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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17
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Fischer C. A patent review of apelin receptor (APJR) modulators (2014-2019). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:251-261. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1731473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Fischer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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18
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Aouiss A, Anka Idrissi D, Kabine M, Zaid Y. Update of inflammatory proliferative retinopathy: Ischemia, hypoxia and angiogenesis. Curr Res Transl Med 2019; 67:62-71. [PMID: 30685380 DOI: 10.1016/j.retram.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) present two examples of proliferative retinopathy, characterized by the same stages of progression; ischemia of the retinal vessels, leads to hypoxia and to correct the problem there is the setting up of uncontrolled angiogenesis, which subsequently causes blindness or even detachment of the retina. The difference is the following; that DR initiated by the metabolic complications that are due to hyperglycemia, and ROP is induced by overexposure of the neonatal retina to oxygen. In this review, we will demonstrate the physiopathological mechanism of the two forms of proliferative retinopathy DR and ROP, in particular the role of the CD40/CD40L axis and IL-1 on vascular complications and onset of inflammation of the retina, the implications of their effects on the onset of pathogenic angiogenesis, thus understanding the link between platelets and retinal ischemia. In addition, what are the therapeutic targets that could slow its progression?
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aouiss
- Laboratory of Health and Environment, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, University of Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - D Anka Idrissi
- Laboratory of Health and Environment, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, University of Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - M Kabine
- Laboratory of Health and Environment, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, University of Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Y Zaid
- Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, H1T1C8, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Cheng J, Luo X, Huang Z, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system: A potential therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction‐related diseases. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:12149-12160. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Xuling Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
- Department of Pharmacy The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China Hengyang China
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20
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GPCR structure and function relationship: identification of a biased apelin receptor mutant. Biochem J 2018; 475:3813-3826. [PMID: 30409826 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biased ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) may have improved therapeutic benefits and safety profiles. However, the molecular mechanism of GPCR biased signaling remains largely unknown. Using apelin receptor (APJ) as a model, we systematically investigated the potential effects of amino acid residues around the orthosteric binding site on biased signaling. We discovered that a single residue mutation I109A (I1093.32) in the transmembrane domain 3 (TM3) located in the deep ligand-binding pocket was sufficient to convert a balanced APJ into a G protein signaling biased receptor. APJ I109A mutant receptor retained full capabilities in ligand binding and G protein activation, but was defective in GRK recruitment, β-arrestin recruitment, and downstream receptor-mediated ERK activation. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, we proposed a molecular mechanism for biased signaling of I109A mutant receptor. We postulate that due to the extra space created by I109A mutation, the phenyl group of the last residue (Phe-13) of apelin rotates down and initiates a cascade of conformational changes in TM3. Phe-13 formed a new cluster of hydrophobic interactions with the sidechains of residues in TM3, including F1103.33 and M1133.36, which stabilizes the mutant receptor in a conformation favoring biased signaling. Interruption of these stabilizing interactions by double mutation F110A/I109A or M113A/I109A largely restored the β-arrestin-mediated signaling. Taken together, we describe herein the discovery of a biased APJ mutant receptor and provide detailed molecular insights into APJ signaling selectivity, facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutics targeting APJ.
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21
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McAnally D, Siddiquee K, Gomaa A, Szabo A, Vasile S, Maloney PR, Divlianska DB, Peddibhotla S, Morfa CJ, Hershberger P, Falter R, Williamson R, Terry DB, Farjo R, Pinkerton AB, Qi X, Quigley J, Boulton ME, Grant MB, Smith LH. Repurposing antimalarial aminoquinolines and related compounds for treatment of retinal neovascularization. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202436. [PMID: 30208056 PMCID: PMC6135396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascularization is the pathological driver of blinding eye diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and wet age-related macular degeneration. The loss of vision resulting from these diseases significantly impacts the productivity and quality of life of patients, and represents a substantial burden on the health care system. Current standard of care includes biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key mediator of neovascularization. While anti-VGEF therapies have been successful, up to 30% of patients are non-responsive. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic targets, and small molecule inhibitors of angiogenesis to complement existing treatments. Apelin and its receptor have recently been shown to play a key role in both developmental and pathological angiogenesis in the eye. Through a cell-based high-throughput screen, we identified 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs as potent selective antagonists of APJ. The prototypical 4-aminoquinoline, amodiaquine was found to be a selective, non-competitive APJ antagonist that inhibited apelin signaling in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, amodiaquine suppressed both apelin-and VGEF-induced endothelial tube formation. Intravitreal amodaiquine significantly reduced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion volume in the laser-induced CNV mouse model, and showed no signs of ocular toxicity at the highest doses tested. This work firmly establishes APJ as a novel, chemically tractable therapeutic target for the treatment of ocular neovascularization, and that amodiaquine is a potential candidate for repurposing and further toxicological, and pharmacokinetic evaluation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McAnally
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Khandaker Siddiquee
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ahmed Gomaa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Andras Szabo
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stefan Vasile
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Patrick R. Maloney
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Daniela B. Divlianska
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Satyamaheshwar Peddibhotla
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Camilo J. Morfa
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Paul Hershberger
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Falter
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert Williamson
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - David B. Terry
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rafal Farjo
- EyeCRO LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Anthony B. Pinkerton
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaping Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Judith Quigley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Boulton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Maria B. Grant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Layton H. Smith
- Cardiovascular Pathobiology Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
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22
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Huang Z, He L, Chen Z, Chen L. Targeting drugs to APJ receptor: From signaling to pathophysiological effects. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:61-74. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
- Department of Pharmacy The First Affiliated Hospital, University Of South China Hengyang China
| | - Lu He
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drugs Study, University of South China Hengyang China
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23
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Wen Y, Chen R, Zhu C, Qiao H, Liu Y, Ji H, Miao J, Chen L, Liu X, Yang Y. MiR-503 suppresses hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells by targeting Apelin. Peptides 2018; 105:58-65. [PMID: 29800588 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are of great importance in the process of endogenous blood vessel repair to maintain endothelial integrity and have been applied in a wide range of models of ischemic diseases. MicroRNAs represent a class of non-protein coding endogenous RNAs with 19-24 nucleotides in length and serve an important role in multiple physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis. It has been reported that miR-503 reduces angiogenesis in tumorigenesis. However, to our knowledge, the precise role of miR-503 in the regulation of EPCs remains unclear. In the current study, we found that the expression of miR-503 was decreased in mouse bone marrow derived EPCs under the hypoxic condition. Importantly, upregulation of miR-503 suppressed the proliferation, migration and capillary-like tube formation of EPCs induced by hypoxia. Furthermore, a dual luciferase reporter assay showed that Apelin, an endogenous ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor APJ, was a direct target of miR-503 and overexpression of miR-503 significantly inhibited the protein level of Apelin in EPCs. Moreover, hypoxia treatment enhanced the expression of Apelin in EPCs. Meanwhile ectopic expression of Apelin promoted cellular proliferation, migration and tube formation of EPCs in vitro. In summary, our results indicate that miR-503 regulates proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of EPCs by targeting Apelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wen
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Chunhua Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Huimin Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Jiangyong Miao
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Linyu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China; Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000 Hebei, PR China.
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24
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Abstract
Apelin is a vasoactive peptide and is an endogenous ligand for APJ receptors, which are widely expressed in blood vessels, heart, and cardiovascular regulatory regions of the brain. A growing body of evidence now demonstrates a regulatory role for the apelin/APJ receptor system in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, thus making it a potential target for cardiovascular drug discovery and development. Indeed, ongoing studies are investigating the potential benefits of apelin and apelin-mimetics for disorders such as heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Apelin causes relaxation of isolated arteries, and systemic administration of apelin typically results in a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and an increase in blood flow. Nonetheless, vasopressor responses and contraction of vascular smooth muscle in response to apelin have also been observed under certain conditions. The goal of the current review is to summarize major findings regarding the apelin/APJ receptor system in blood vessels, with an emphasis on regulation of vascular tone, and to identify areas of investigation that may provide guidance for the development of novel therapeutic agents that target this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amreen Mughal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Stephen T O'Rourke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University Fargo, ND, USA.
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