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Dai P, Chen C, Yu J, Ma C, Zhang X. New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G-protein-coupled receptors. Andrology 2024; 12:1253-1271. [PMID: 38225815 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13593] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein-coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G-protein-coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G-protein-coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function. OBJECTIVE Here, we have summarised cutting-edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G-protein-coupled receptors in sperm physiology. RESULTS Emerging studies hint that alterations in G-protein-coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β-arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity. CONCLUSION The present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G-protein-coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G-protein-coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G-protein-coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Jingyan Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chaoye Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
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2
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Glenn NAK, Finlay DB, Carruthers ER, Mountjoy KG, Walker CS, Grimsey NL. RAMP and MRAP accessory proteins have selective effects on expression and signalling of the CB 1, CB 2, GPR18 and GPR55 cannabinoid receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2212-2231. [PMID: 37085333 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16095] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) and melanocortin receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs) modulate expression and signalling of calcitonin and melanocortin GPCRs. Interactions with other GPCRs have also been reported. The cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, and two putative cannabinoid receptors, GPR18 and GPR55, exhibit substantial intracellular expression and there are discrepancies in ligand responsiveness between studies. We investigated whether interactions with RAMPs or MRAPs could explain these phenomena. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Receptors and accessory proteins were co-expressed in HEK-293 cells. Selected receptors were studied at basal expression levels and also with enhanced expression produced by incorporation of a preprolactin signal sequence/peptide (pplss). Cell surface and total expression of receptors and accessory proteins were quantified using immunocytochemistry. Signalling was measured using cAMP (CAMYEL) and G protein dissociation (TRUPATH Gα13) biosensors. KEY RESULTS MRAP2 enhanced surface and total expression of GPR18. Pplss-GPR18 increased detection of cell surface MRAP2. MRAP1α and MRAP2 reduced GPR55 surface and total expression, correlating with reduced constitutive, but not agonist-induced, signalling. GPR55, pplss-CB1 and CB2 reduced detection of MRAP1α at the cell surface. Pplss-CB1 agonist potency was reduced by MRAP2 in Gα13 but not cAMP assays, consistent with MRAP2 reducing pplss-CB1 expression. Some cannabinoid receptors increased RAMP2 or RAMP3 total expression without influencing surface expression. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Mutual influences on expression and/or function for specific accessory protein-receptor pairings raises the strong potential for physiological and disease-relevant consequences. Sequestration and/or hetero-oligomerisation of cannabinoid receptors with accessory proteins is a possible novel mechanism for receptor crosstalk. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- HEK293 Cells
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, Cannabinoid/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor Activity-Modifying Proteins/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel A K Glenn
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Emma R Carruthers
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathleen G Mountjoy
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christopher S Walker
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha L Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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Kurta K, Jeuthe H, Naboulsi R, de Koning DJ, Palaiokostas C. Seasonal and age-related changes in sperm quality of farmed arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). BMC Genomics 2023; 24:519. [PMID: 37667174 PMCID: PMC10478403 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09614-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial variation in male fertility is regularly observed in farmed Arctic charr. However, detailed investigations of its fluctuation during a reproductive season and across years are lacking. Furthermore, information about the effect of underlying genetic factors influencing sperm quality is scarce. The current study focused on seasonal and age-related factors that may affect sperm quality characteristics in males reared in natural and delayed photoperiods. Animals were sampled three times for two consecutive years, and sperm quality parameters were recorded using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Thereafter, high-throughput sequencing technologies were applied, aiming to identify genomic regions related to the variation of sperm quality throughout the reproductive season. RESULTS An across-season variation in the recorded sperm quality parameters was evident. Overall, 29% and 42% of males from the natural and delayed spawning groups had a highly variable total progressive motility. Males at four years of age showed significantly higher sperm motility and velocities during the early October and November recordings compared to the following year when the same animals were five years of age. On the other hand, the opposite was observed regarding sperm concentration during the last sampling. A genome-wide FST scan detected SNP differentiation among males with high and low variability in total progressive motility (PM) on eight chromosomes (FST > 0.17), Genome wide windows with the highest FST contained SNPs in proximity (within 250 kb up- and downstream distance) to 16 genes with sperm quality biological functions in mammalian species. CONCLUSION Our findings provide a detailed view of seasonal, age-related, and genetic effects on sperm quality and can be used to guide decisions on broodstock selection and hatchery management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khrystyna Kurta
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Genetics and genomics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Jeuthe
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
- Aquaculture Center North, Åvägen 17, Kälarne, 844 61, Sweden
| | - Rakan Naboulsi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Tomtebodavägen 18A, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Dirk-Jan de Koning
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Christos Palaiokostas
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
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Zhao M, Zheng Z, Yin Z, Zhang J, Qin J, Wan J, Wang M. Resolvin D2 and its receptor GPR18 in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: A promising biomarker and therapeutic target. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106832. [PMID: 37364787 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of the initiation and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMDs). Anti-inflammation strategies and those that promote inflammation resolution have gradually become potential therapeutic approaches for CVMDs. Resolvin D2 (RvD2), a specialized pro-resolving mediator, exerts anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects through its receptor GPR18, a G protein-coupled receptor. Recently, the RvD2/GPR18 axis has received more attention due to its protective role in CVMDs, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischaemiareperfusion, and diabetes. Here, we introduce basic information about RvD2 and GPR18, summarize their roles in different immune cells, and review the therapeutic potential of the RvD2/GPR18 axis in CVMDs. In summary, RvD2 and its receptor GPR18 play an important role in the occurrence and development of CVMDs and are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zihui Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zheng Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jishou Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Juanjuan Qin
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Healthy Aging, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Menglong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, China.
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5
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Frankowska M, Wydra K, Suder A, Zaniewska M, Gawliński D, Miszkiel J, Furgała-Wojas A, Sałat K, Filip M, Müller CE, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Kotańska M. Novel GPR18 Ligands in Rodent Pharmacological Tests: Effects on Mood, Pain, and Eating Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109046. [PMID: 37240392 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of selective pharmacological tools has limited the full unraveling of G protein-coupled receptor 18 (GPR18) functions. The present study was aimed at discovering the activities of three novel preferential or selective GPR18 ligands, one agonist (PSB-KK-1415) and two antagonists (PSB-CB-5 and PSB-CB-27). We investigated these ligands in several screening tests, considering the relationship between GPR18 and the cannabinoid (CB) receptor system, and the control of endoCB signaling over emotions, food intake, pain sensation, and thermoregulation. We also assessed whether the novel compounds could modulate the subjective effects evoked by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Male mice or rats were pretreated with the GPR18 ligands, and locomotor activity, depression- and anxiety-like symptoms, pain threshold, core temperature, food intake, and THC-vehicle discrimination were measured. Our screening analyses indicated that GPR18 activation partly results in effects that are similar to those of CB receptor activation, considering the impact on emotional behavior, food intake, and pain activity. Thus, the orphan GPR18 may provide a novel therapeutic target for mood, pain, and/or eating disorders, and further investigation is warranted to better discern its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Frankowska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Suder
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zaniewska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Miszkiel
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Furgała-Wojas
- Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Sałat
- Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Christa E Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Chair of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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6
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Meadows AM, Han K, Singh K, Murgia A, McNally BD, West JA, Huffstutler RD, Powell-Wiley TM, Baumer Y, Griffin JL, Sack MN. N-arachidonylglycine is a caloric state-dependent circulating metabolite which regulates human CD4 +T cell responsiveness. iScience 2023; 26:106578. [PMID: 37128607 PMCID: PMC10148119 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Caloric deprivation interventions such as intermittent fasting and caloric restriction ameliorate metabolic and inflammatory disease. As a human model of caloric deprivation, a 24-h fast blunts innate and adaptive immune cell responsiveness relative to the refed state. Isolated serum at these time points confers these same immunomodulatory effects on transformed cell lines. To identify serum mediators orchestrating this, metabolomic and lipidomic analysis was performed on serum extracted after a 24-h fast and re-feeding. Bioinformatic integration with concurrent peripheral blood mononuclear cells RNA-seq analysis implicated key metabolite-sensing GPCRs in fasting-mediated immunomodulation. The putative GPR18 ligand N-arachidonylglycine (NAGly) was elevated during fasting and attenuated CD4+T cell responsiveness via GPR18 MTORC1 signaling. In parallel, NAGly reduced inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cytokines levels in CD4+T cells isolated from obese subjects, identifying a fasting-responsive metabolic intermediate that may contribute to the regulation of nutrient-level dependent inflammation associated with metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. Meadows
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kim Han
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Komudi Singh
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antonio Murgia
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ben D. McNally
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James A. West
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley
- Social Determinants of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Laboratory, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne Baumer
- Social Determinants of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Laboratory, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julian L. Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Rowett Institute, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Foresterhill Campus, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Michael N. Sack
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cardiovascular Branch, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Corresponding author
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7
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G-Protein Coupled Receptors in Human Sperm: An In Silico Approach to Identify Potential Modulatory Targets. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196503. [PMID: 36235040 PMCID: PMC9571544 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in several physiological processes, and they represent the largest family of drug targets to date. However, the presence and function of these receptors are poorly described in human spermatozoa. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize the GPCRs present in human spermatozoa and perform an in silico analysis to understand their potential role in sperm functions. The human sperm proteome, including proteomic studies in which the criteria used for protein identification was set as <5% FDR and a minimum of 2 peptides match per protein, was crossed with the list of GPCRs retrieved from GLASS and GPCRdb databases. A total of 71 GPCRs were identified in human spermatozoa, of which 7 had selective expression in male tissues (epididymis, seminal vesicles, and testis), and 9 were associated with male infertility defects in mice. Additionally, ADRA2A, AGTR1, AGTR2, FZD3, and GLP1R were already associated with sperm-specific functions such as sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, and motility, representing potential targets to modulate and improve sperm function. Finally, the protein-protein interaction network for the human sperm GPCRs revealed that 24 GPCRs interact with 49 proteins involved in crucial processes for sperm formation, maturation, and fertilization. This approach allowed the identification of 8 relevant GPCRs (ADGRE5, ADGRL2, GLP1R, AGTR2, CELSR2, FZD3, CELSR3, and GABBR1) present in human spermatozoa that can be the subject of further investigation to be used even as potential modulatory targets to treat male infertility or to develop new non-hormonal male contraceptives.
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8
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Miryala SK, Anbarasu A, Ramaiah S. Organ-specific host differential gene expression analysis in systemic candidiasis: A systems biology approach. Microb Pathog 2022; 169:105677. [PMID: 35839997 PMCID: PMC9283004 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients admitted to the hospital with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are at risk for acquiring mycotic infections in particular Candidemia. Candida albicans (C. albicans) constitutes an important component of the human mycobiome and the most common cause of invasive fungal infections. Invasive yeast infections are gaining interest among the scientific community as a consequence of complications associated with severe COVID-19 infections. Early identification and surveillance for Candida infections is critical for decreasing the COVID-19 mortality. Our current study attempted to understand the molecular-level interactions between the human genes in different organs during systematic candidiasis. Our research findings have shed light on the molecular events that occur during Candidiasis in organs such as the kidney, liver, and spleen. The differentially expressed genes (up and down-regulated) in each organ will aid in designing organ-specific therapeutic protocols for systemic candidiasis. We observed organ-specific immune responses such as the development of the acute phase response in the liver; TGF-pathway and genes involved in lymphocyte activation, and leukocyte proliferation in the kidney. We have also observed that in the kidney, filament production, up-regulation of iron acquisition mechanisms, and metabolic adaptability are aided by the late initiation of innate defense mechanisms, which is likely related to the low number of resident immune cells and the sluggish recruitment of new effector cells. Our findings point to major pathways that play essential roles in specific organs during systemic candidiasis. The hub genes discovered in the study can be used to develop novel drugs for clinical management of Candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sravan Kumar Miryala
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudha Ramaiah
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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9
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Lian J, Casari I, Falasca M. Modulatory role of the endocannabinoidome in the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:106025. [PMID: 34883211 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Originating from Eastern Asia, the plant Cannabis sativa has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment. The unwanted psychotropic effects of one of its major components, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, discouraged its therapeutic employment until, recently, the discovery of cannabinoids receptors and their endogenous ligands endocannabinoids reignited the interest. The endocannabinoid system has lately been found to play an important role in the maintenance of human health, both centrally and peripherally. However, the initial idea of the endocannabinoid system structure has been quickly understood to be too simplistic and, as new receptors, mediators, and enzymes have been discovered to participate in a complex relationship, the new, more comprehensive term "expanded endocannabinoid system" or "endocannabinoidome", has taken over. The discovery of other endocannabinoid-like receptors, such as the G protein-coupled receptor 119 and G protein-coupled receptor 55, has opened the way to the development of potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of various metabolic disorders. In addition, recent findings have also provided evidence suggesting the potential therapeutic link between the endocannabinoidome and various inflammatory-based gut diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This review will provide an introduction to the endocannabinoidome, focusing on its modulatory role in the gastrointestinal tract and on the interest generated by the link between gut microbiota, the endocannabinoid system and metabolic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, type-2 diabetes and obesity. In addition, we will look at the potential novel aspects and benefits of drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Lian
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Ilaria Casari
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia.
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10
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Wang MW, Yang Z, Chen X, Zhou SH, Huang GL, Sun JN, Jiang H, Xu WM, Lin HC, Yu X, Sun JP. Activation of PTH1R alleviates epididymitis and orchitis through Gq and β-arrestin-1 pathways. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2107363118. [PMID: 34740971 PMCID: PMC8609314 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107363118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation in the epididymis and testis contributes significantly to male infertility. Alternative therapeutic avenues treating epididymitis and orchitis are expected since current therapies using antibiotics have limitations associated to side effects and are commonly ineffective for inflammation due to nonbacterial causes. Here, we demonstrated that type 1 parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R) and its endogenous agonists, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein (PTHrP), were mainly expressed in the Leydig cells of testis as well as epididymal epithelial cells. Screening the secretin family G protein-coupled receptor identified that PTH1R in the epididymis and testis was down-regulated in mumps virus (MuV)- or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Remarkably, activation of PTH1R by abaloparatide (ABL), a Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, alleviated MuV- or LPS-induced inflammatory responses in both testis and epididymis and significantly improved sperm functions in both mouse model and human samples. The anti-inflammatory effects of ABL were shown to be regulated mainly through the Gq and β-arrestin-1 pathway downstream of PTH1R as supported by the application of ABL in Gnaq± and Arrb1-/- mouse models. Taken together, our results identified an important immunoregulatory role for PTH1R signaling in the epididymis and testis. Targeting to PTH1R might have a therapeutic effect for the treatment of epididymitis and orchitis or other inflammatory disease in the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhao Yang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shu-Hua Zhou
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ge-Lin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian-Ning Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wen-Ming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Hao-Cheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China;
| | - Xiao Yu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China;
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China;
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100091, China
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11
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Reynoso S, Castillo V, Katkar GD, Lopez-Sanchez I, Taheri S, Espinoza C, Rohena C, Sahoo D, Gagneux P, Ghosh P. GIV/Girdin, a non-receptor modulator for Gαi/s, regulates spatiotemporal signaling during sperm capacitation and is required for male fertility. eLife 2021; 10:69160. [PMID: 34409938 PMCID: PMC8376251 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For a sperm to successfully fertilize an egg, it must first undergo capacitation in the female reproductive tract and later undergo acrosomal reaction (AR) upon encountering an egg surrounded by its vestment. How premature AR is avoided despite rapid surges in signaling cascades during capacitation remains unknown. Using a combination of conditional knockout (cKO) mice and cell-penetrating peptides, we show that GIV (CCDC88A), a guanine nucleotide-exchange modulator (GEM) for trimeric GTPases, is highly expressed in spermatocytes and is required for male fertility. GIV is rapidly phosphoregulated on key tyrosine and serine residues in human and murine spermatozoa. These phosphomodifications enable GIV-GEM to orchestrate two distinct compartmentalized signaling programs in the sperm tail and head; in the tail, GIV enhances PI3K→Akt signals, sperm motility and survival, whereas in the head it inhibits cAMP surge and premature AR. Furthermore, GIV transcripts are downregulated in the testis and semen of infertile men. These findings exemplify the spatiotemporally segregated signaling programs that support sperm capacitation and shed light on a hitherto unforeseen cause of infertility in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sequoyah Reynoso
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Vanessa Castillo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Gajanan Dattatray Katkar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Inmaculada Lopez-Sanchez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Sahar Taheri
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacob's School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Celia Espinoza
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Cristina Rohena
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Debashis Sahoo
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacob's School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Moore's Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Pascal Gagneux
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Moore's Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, United States
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12
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Yang Z, Liu D, Guan R, Li X, Wang Y, Sheng B. Potential genes and pathways associated with heterotopic ossification derived from analyses of gene expression profiles. J Orthop Surg Res 2021; 16:499. [PMID: 34389038 PMCID: PMC8364104 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterotopic ossification (HO) represents pathological lesions that refer to the development of heterotopic bone in extraskeletal tissues around joints. This study investigates the genetic characteristics of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from HO tissues and explores the potential pathways involved in this ailment. Methods Gene expression profiles (GSE94683) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including 9 normal specimens and 7 HO specimens, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Then, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed for further analysis. Results In total, 275 DEGs were differentially expressed, of which 153 were upregulated and 122 were downregulated. In the biological process (BP) category, the majority of DEGs, including EFNB3, UNC5C, TMEFF2, PTH2, KIT, FGF13, and WISP3, were intensively enriched in aspects of cell signal transmission, including axon guidance, negative regulation of cell migration, peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation, and cell-cell signaling. Moreover, KEGG analysis indicated that the majority of DEGs, including EFNB3, UNC5C, FGF13, MAPK10, DDIT3, KIT, COL4A4, and DKK2, were primarily involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. Ten hub genes were identified, including CX3CL1, CXCL1, ADAMTS3, ADAMTS16, ADAMTSL2, ADAMTSL3, ADAMTSL5, PENK, GPR18, and CALB2. Conclusions This study presented novel insight into the pathogenesis of HO. Ten hub genes and most of the DEGs intensively involved in enrichment analyses may be new candidate targets for the prevention and treatment of HO in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyu Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, No. 61 Jiefang West Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Emergency Center, No. 90 Pingchuan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Delong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, No. 61 Jiefang West Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Emergency Center, No. 90 Pingchuan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Guan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, No. 61 Jiefang West Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, No. 61 Jiefang West Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, No. 61 Jiefang West Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Sheng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, No. 61 Jiefang West Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China. .,Hunan Emergency Center, No. 90 Pingchuan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Corral-Vazquez C, Blanco J, Aiese Cigliano R, Sarrate Z, Rivera-Egea R, Vidal F, Garrido N, Daub C, Anton E. The RNA content of human sperm reflects prior events in spermatogenesis and potential post-fertilization effects. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6265603. [PMID: 33950245 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome analyses using high-throughput methodologies allow a deeper understanding of biological functions in different cell types/tissues. The present study provides an RNA-seq profiling of human sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs (messenger and long non-coding RNAs) in a well-characterized population of fertile individuals. Sperm RNA was extracted from twelve ejaculate samples under strict quality controls. Poly(A)-transcripts were sequenced and aligned to the human genome. mRNAs and lncRNAs were classified according to their mean expression values (FPKM: Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads) and integrity. Gene Ontology analysis of the Expressed and Highly Expressed mRNAs showed an involvement in diverse reproduction processes, while the Ubiquitously Expressed and Highly Stable mRNAs were mainly involved in spermatogenesis. Transcription factor enrichment analyses revealed that the Highly Expressed and Ubiquitously Expressed sperm mRNAs were primarily regulated by zinc-fingers and spermatogenesis-related proteins. Regarding the Expressed lncRNAs, only one-third of their potential targets corresponded to Expressed mRNAs and were enriched in cell-cycle regulation processes. The remaining two-thirds were absent in sperm and were enriched in embryogenesis-related processes. A significant amount of post-testicular sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs was also detected. Even though our study is solely directed to the poly-A fraction of sperm transcripts, results indicate that both sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs constitute a footprint of previous spermatogenesis events and are configured to affect the first stages of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Corral-Vazquez
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - J Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | - Z Sarrate
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - R Rivera-Egea
- IVIRMA Valencia, IVI Foundation, Laboratorio de Andrología, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Vidal
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - N Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - C Daub
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - E Anton
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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14
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Paland N, Pechkovsky A, Aswad M, Hamza H, Popov T, Shahar E, Louria-Hayon I. The Immunopathology of COVID-19 and the Cannabis Paradigm. Front Immunol 2021; 12:631233. [PMID: 33643316 PMCID: PMC7907157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.631233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 caused by the novel RNA betacoronavirus SARS-CoV2 has first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and since then developed into a worldwide pandemic with >99 million people afflicted and >2.1 million fatal outcomes as of 24th January 2021. SARS-CoV2 targets the lower respiratory tract system leading to pneumonia with fever, cough, and dyspnea. Most patients develop only mild symptoms. However, a certain percentage develop severe symptoms with dyspnea, hypoxia, and lung involvement which can further progress to a critical stage where respiratory support due to respiratory failure is required. Most of the COVID-19 symptoms are related to hyperinflammation as seen in cytokine release syndrome and it is believed that fatalities are due to a COVID-19 related cytokine storm. Treatments with anti-inflammatory or anti-viral drugs are still in clinical trials or could not reduce mortality. This makes it necessary to develop novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Recently, the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids, the unique active compounds of the cannabis plant, has been discovered in the area of immunology. Phytocannabinoids are a group of terpenophenolic compounds which biological functions are conveyed by their interactions with the endocannabinoid system in humans. Here, we explore the anti-inflammatory function of cannabinoids in relation to inflammatory events that happen during severe COVID-19 disease, and how cannabinoids might help to prevent the progression from mild to severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Paland
- Medical Cannabis Research and Innovation Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Antonina Pechkovsky
- Medical Cannabis Research and Innovation Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Miran Aswad
- Medical Cannabis Research and Innovation Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Haya Hamza
- Medical Cannabis Research and Innovation Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tania Popov
- Medical Cannabis Research and Innovation Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eduardo Shahar
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Igal Louria-Hayon
- Medical Cannabis Research and Innovation Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam (CRIR), Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Hematology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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15
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Schoeder CT, Mahardhika AB, Drabczyńska A, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Müller CE. Discovery of Tricyclic Xanthines as Agonists of the Cannabinoid-Activated Orphan G-Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR18. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2024-2031. [PMID: 33062188 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR18 is a rhodopsin-like orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is activated by the natural cannabinoid (CB) Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is highly expressed in immune cells and represents a promising new drug target. However, THC is much more potent in activating CB receptors than GPR18, and several other proposed lipidic agonists for GPR18 have not been independently confirmed. Herein we describe the first non-lipid-like agonists for GPR18 based on a tricyclic xanthine-derived scaffold, along with initial structure-activity relationships. PSB-KD107 (5) and PSB-KD477 (16) displayed significantly higher potency and efficacy than THC, determined in a GPR18-dependent β-arrestin recruitment assay, and were found to be selective versus the CB-sensitive receptors CB1, CB2, and GPR55. Structure-activity relationships were steep, and indole substitution was crucial for biological activity. These first selective agonists, which are structurally distinct from the lipidic agonist(s), will allow target validation studies and may eventually contribute to the deorphanization of GPR18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara T. Schoeder
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andhika B. Mahardhika
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Drabczyńska
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany
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16
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Morales P, Lago-Fernandez A, Hurst DP, Sotudeh N, Brailoiu E, Reggio PH, Abood ME, Jagerovic N. Therapeutic Exploitation of GPR18: Beyond the Cannabinoids? J Med Chem 2020; 63:14216-14227. [PMID: 32914978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
GPR18 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that belongs to the orphan class A family. Even though it shares low sequence homology with the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R, a growing body of research suggests its relationship with the endocannabinoid system, not only because it is able to recognize cannabinoid ligands but also because of its expression and ability to heteromerize with CBRs. In this review, we aim to analyze the biological relevance, reported modulators, and structural features of GPR18. In order to guide future drug design in this field, highlights from molecular modeling of GPR18 will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Lago-Fernandez
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dow P Hurst
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, United States
| | - Noori Sotudeh
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, United States
| | - Eugen Brailoiu
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Patricia H Reggio
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, United States
| | - Mary E Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Devlin DJ, Agrawal Zaneveld S, Nozawa K, Han X, Moye AR, Liang Q, Harnish JM, Matzuk MM, Chen R. Knockout of mouse receptor accessory protein 6 leads to sperm function and morphology defects†. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:1234-1247. [PMID: 32101290 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor accessory protein 6 (REEP6) is a member of the REEP/Ypt-interacting protein family that we recently identified as essential for normal endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and protein trafficking in the retina of mice and humans. Interestingly, in addition to the loss of REEP6 in our knockout (KO) mouse model recapitulating the retinal degeneration of humans with REEP6 mutations causing retinitis pigmentosa (RP), we also found that male mice are sterile. Herein, we characterize the infertility caused by loss of Reep6. Expression of both Reep6 mRNA transcripts is present in the testis; however, isoform 1 becomes overexpressed during spermiogenesis. In vitro fertilization assays reveal that Reep6 KO spermatozoa are able to bind the zona pellucida but are only able to fertilize oocytes lacking the zona pellucida. Although spermatogenesis appears normal in KO mice, cauda epididymal spermatozoa have severe motility defects and variable morphological abnormalities, including bent or absent tails. Immunofluorescent staining reveals that REEP6 expression first appears in stage IV tubules within step 15 spermatids, and REEP6 localizes to the connecting piece, midpiece, and annulus of mature spermatozoa. These data reveal an important role for REEP6 in sperm motility and morphology and is the first reported function for a REEP protein in reproductive processes. Additionally, this work identifies a new gene potentially responsible for human infertility and has implications for patients with RP harboring mutations in REEP6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius J Devlin
- Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology & Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Smriti Agrawal Zaneveld
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Reproductive Medical Center, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Abigail R Moye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingnan Liang
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Michael Harnish
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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18
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Maiole F, Tedeschi G, Candiani S, Maragliano L, Benfenati F, Zullo L. Synapsins are expressed at neuronal and non-neuronal locations in Octopus vulgaris. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15430. [PMID: 31659209 PMCID: PMC6817820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51899-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapsins are a family of phosphoproteins fundamental to the regulation of neurotransmitter release. They are typically neuron-specific, although recent evidence pointed to their expression in non-neuronal cells where they play a role in exocytosis and vesicle trafficking. In this work, we characterized synapsin transcripts in the invertebrate mollusk Octopus vulgaris and present evidence of their expression not only in the brain but also in male and female reproductive organs. We identified three synapsin isoforms phylogenetically correlated to that of other invertebrates and with a modular structure characteristic of mammalian synapsins with a central, highly conserved C domain, important for the protein functions, and less conserved A, B and E domains. Our molecular modeling analysis further provided a solid background for predicting synapsin functional binding to ATP, actin filaments and secretory vesicles. Interestingly, we found that synapsin expression in ovary and testis increased during sexual maturation in cells with a known secretory role, potentially matching the occurrence of a secretion process. This might indicate that its secretory role has evolved across animals according to cell activity in spite of cell identity. We believe that this study may yield insights into the convergent evolution of ubiquitously expressed proteins between vertebrates and invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Maiole
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics & Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Tedeschi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics, University of California, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA
| | - Simona Candiani
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics & Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.,IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics & Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.,IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Letizia Zullo
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics & Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy. .,IRCSS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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Menezes EB, Velho ALC, Santos F, Dinh T, Kaya A, Topper E, Moura AA, Memili E. Uncovering sperm metabolome to discover biomarkers for bull fertility. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:714. [PMID: 31533629 PMCID: PMC6749656 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6074-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Subfertility decreases the efficiency of the cattle industry because artificial insemination employs spermatozoa from a single bull to inseminate thousands of cows. Variation in bull fertility has been demonstrated even among those animals exhibiting normal sperm numbers, motility, and morphology. Despite advances in research, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the causes of low fertility in some bulls have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the metabolic profile of bull spermatozoa using non-targeted metabolomics. Statistical analysis and bioinformatic tools were employed to evaluate the metabolic profiles high and low fertility groups. Metabolic pathways associated with the sperm metabolome were also reported. Results A total of 22 distinct metabolites were detected in spermatozoa from bulls with high fertility (HF) or low fertility (LF) phenotype. The major metabolite classes of bovine sperm were organic acids/derivatives and fatty acids/conjugates. We demonstrated that the abundance ratios of five sperm metabolites were statistically different between HF and LF groups including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), carbamate, benzoic acid, lactic acid, and palmitic acid. Metabolites with different abundances in HF and LF bulls had also VIP scores of greater than 1.5 and AUC- ROC curves of more than 80%. In addition, four metabolic pathways associated with differential metabolites namely alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, and pyruvate metabolism were also explored. Conclusions This is the first study aimed at ascertaining the metabolome of spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility phenotype using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We identified five metabolites in the two groups of sires and such molecules can be used, in the future, as key indicators of bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Menezes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - A L C Velho
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - F Santos
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - T Dinh
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - A Kaya
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - E Topper
- Alta Genetic Inc., Watertown, WI, USA
| | - A A Moura
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - E Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
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Müller CE. [Progress in cannabis research from a pharmaceutical chemist's point of view]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 62:818-824. [PMID: 31161229 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-02964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Preparations of hemp, Cannabis sativa, have been used for thousands of years as recreational and therapeutic drugs. The most important constituents are the psychoactive (-)-trans-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a partial agonist at cannabinoid (CB) receptors CB1 and CB2, and the non-psychoactive pleiotropic cannabidiol (CBD). Both compounds are highly lipophilic, like the endogenous CB receptor agonists, the arachidonic acid derivatives anandamide and arachidonoyl glycerol. The CB receptors belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, and the first X‑ray crystal structures of both CB receptors subtypes have recently been obtained, which will facilitate the rational design of novel synthetic ligands. Besides the already largely established indications such as chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced vomiting, multiple sclerosis-associated spasms, and cachexia, there is preliminary evidence for several further cannabinoid effects, which will have to be confirmed by clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa E Müller
- Pharmazeutisches Institut, Pharmazeutische Chemie I, Universität Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Deutschland. .,Pharma-Zentrum Bonn (PZB), Universität Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland.
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21
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Insel PA, Sriram K, Gorr MW, Wiley SZ, Michkov A, Salmerón C, Chinn AM. GPCRomics: An Approach to Discover GPCR Drug Targets. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:378-387. [PMID: 31078319 PMCID: PMC6604616 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targets for ∼35% of approved drugs but only ∼15% of the ∼800 human GPCRs are currently such targets. GPCRomics, the use of unbiased, hypothesis-generating methods [e.g., RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq)], with tissues and cell types to identify and quantify GPCR expression, has led to the discovery of previously unrecognized GPCRs that contribute to functional responses and pathophysiology and that may be therapeutic targets. The combination of GPCR expression data with validation studies (e.g., signaling and functional activities) provides opportunities for the discovery of disease-relevant GPCR targets and therapeutics. Here, we review insights from GPCRomic approaches, gaps in knowledge, and future directions by which GPCRomics can advance GPCR biology and the discovery of new GPCR-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Insel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Krishna Sriram
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Matthew W Gorr
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shu Z Wiley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexander Michkov
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Cristina Salmerón
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amy M Chinn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Kekäläinen J, Evans JP. Gamete-mediated mate choice: towards a more inclusive view of sexual selection. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20180836. [PMID: 30051836 PMCID: PMC6083266 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
'Sperm competition'-where ejaculates from two or more males compete for fertilization-and 'cryptic female choice'-where females bias this contest to suit their reproductive interests-are now part of the everyday lexicon of sexual selection. Yet the physiological processes that underlie these post-ejaculatory episodes of sexual selection remain largely enigmatic. In this review, we focus on a range of post-ejaculatory cellular- and molecular-level processes, known to be fundamental for fertilization across most (if not all) sexually reproducing species, and point to their putative role in facilitating sexual selection at the level of the cells and gametes, called 'gamete-mediated mate choice' (GMMC). In this way, we collate accumulated evidence for GMMC across different mating systems, and emphasize the evolutionary significance of such non-random interactions among gametes. Our overall aim in this review is to build a more inclusive view of sexual selection by showing that mate choice often acts in more nuanced ways than has traditionally been assumed. We also aim to bridge the conceptual divide between proximal mechanisms of reproduction, and adaptive explanations for patterns of non-random sperm-egg interactions that are emerging across an increasingly diverse array of taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jonathan P Evans
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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