1
|
Abstract
Trace amines are endogenous compounds classically regarded as comprising β-phenylethyalmine, p-tyramine, tryptamine, p-octopamine, and some of their metabolites. They are also abundant in common foodstuffs and can be produced and degraded by the constitutive microbiota. The ability to use trace amines has arisen at least twice during evolution, with distinct receptor families present in invertebrates and vertebrates. The term "trace amine" was coined to reflect the low tissue levels in mammals; however, invertebrates have relatively high levels where they function like mammalian adrenergic systems, involved in "fight-or-flight" responses. Vertebrates express a family of receptors termed trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs). Humans possess six functional isoforms (TAAR1, TAAR2, TAAR5, TAAR6, TAAR8, and TAAR9), whereas some fish species express over 100. With the exception of TAAR1, TAARs are expressed in olfactory epithelium neurons, where they detect diverse ethological signals including predators, spoiled food, migratory cues, and pheromones. Outside the olfactory system, TAAR1 is the most thoroughly studied and has both central and peripheral roles. In the brain, TAAR1 acts as a rheostat of dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmission and has been identified as a novel therapeutic target for schizophrenia, depression, and addiction. In the periphery, TAAR1 regulates nutrient-induced hormone secretion, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for diabetes and obesity. TAAR1 may also regulate immune responses by regulating leukocyte differentiation and activation. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge of the evolution, physiologic functions, pharmacology, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of trace amines and their receptors in vertebrates and invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul R Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (R.R.G.); Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), Moscow, Russia (R.R.G.); Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, pRED, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (M.C.H.); and Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (M.D.B.)
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (R.R.G.); Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), Moscow, Russia (R.R.G.); Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, pRED, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (M.C.H.); and Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (M.D.B.)
| | - Mark D Berry
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (R.R.G.); Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), Moscow, Russia (R.R.G.); Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, pRED, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (M.C.H.); and Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (M.D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dempsey DR, Nichols DA, Battistini MR, Pemberton O, Ospina SR, Zhang X, Carpenter AM, O'Flynn BG, Leahy JW, Kanwar A, Lewandowski EM, Chen Y, Merkler DJ. Structural and Mechanistic Analysis of Drosophila melanogaster Agmatine N-Acetyltransferase, an Enzyme that Catalyzes the Formation of N-Acetylagmatine. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13432. [PMID: 29044148 PMCID: PMC5647378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13669-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Agmatine N-acetyltransferase (AgmNAT) catalyzes the formation of N-acetylagmatine from acetyl-CoA and agmatine. Herein, we provide evidence that Drosophila melanogaster AgmNAT (CG15766) catalyzes the formation of N-acetylagmatine using an ordered sequential mechanism; acetyl-CoA binds prior to agmatine to generate an AgmNAT•acetyl-CoA•agmatine ternary complex prior to catalysis. Additionally, we solved a crystal structure for the apo form of AgmNAT with an atomic resolution of 2.3 Å, which points towards specific amino acids that may function in catalysis or active site formation. Using the crystal structure, primary sequence alignment, pH-activity profiles, and site-directed mutagenesis, we evaluated a series of active site amino acids in order to assign their functional roles in AgmNAT. More specifically, pH-activity profiles identified at least one catalytically important, ionizable group with an apparent pKa of ~7.5, which corresponds to the general base in catalysis, Glu-34. Moreover, these data led to a proposed chemical mechanism, which is consistent with the structure and our biochemical analysis of AgmNAT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Dempsey
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States.,Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Derek A Nichols
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States.,Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Matthew R Battistini
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States
| | - Orville Pemberton
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States
| | | | - Xiujun Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States
| | - Anne-Marie Carpenter
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States.,University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0216, United States
| | - Brian G O'Flynn
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States
| | - James W Leahy
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States.,Florida Center of Excellence for Drug Discovery and Innovation, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Suite 305, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Ankush Kanwar
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States
| | - Eric M Lewandowski
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States.
| | - David J Merkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grancara S, Martinis P, Manente S, García-Argáez AN, Tempera G, Bragadin M, Dalla Via L, Agostinelli E, Toninello A. Bidirectional fluxes of spermine across the mitochondrial membrane. Amino Acids 2013; 46:671-9. [PMID: 24043461 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The polyamine spermine is transported into the mitochondrial matrix by an electrophoretic mechanism having as driving force the negative electrical membrane potential (ΔΨ). The presence of phosphate increases spermine uptake by reducing ΔpH and enhancing ΔΨ. The transport system is a specific uniporter constituted by a protein channel exhibiting two asymmetric energy barriers with the spermine binding site located in the energy well between the two barriers. Although spermine transport is electrophoretic in origin, its accumulation does not follow the Nernst equation for the presence of an efflux pathway. Spermine efflux may be induced by different agents, such as FCCP, antimycin A and mersalyl, able to completely or partially reduce the ΔΨ value and, consequently, suppress or weaken the force necessary to maintain spermine in the matrix. However this efflux may also take place in normal conditions when the electrophoretic accumulation of the polycationic polyamine induces a sufficient drop in ΔΨ able to trigger the efflux pathway. The release of the polyamine is most probably electroneutral in origin and can take place in exchange with protons or in symport with phosphate anion. The activity of both the uptake and efflux pathways induces a continuous cycling of spermine across the mitochondrial membrane, the rate of which may be prominent in imposing the concentrations of spermine in the inner and outer compartment. Thus, this event has a significant role on mitochondrial permeability transition modulation and consequently on the triggering of intrinsic apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Grancara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Viale U. Bassi 58 B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Piletz JE, Aricioglu F, Cheng JT, Fairbanks CA, Gilad VH, Haenisch B, Halaris A, Hong S, Lee JE, Li J, Liu P, Molderings GJ, Rodrigues ALS, Satriano J, Seong GJ, Wilcox G, Wu N, Gilad GM. Agmatine: clinical applications after 100 years in translation. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:880-93. [PMID: 23769988 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) has been known as a natural product for over 100 years, but its biosynthesis in humans was left unexplored owing to long-standing controversy. Only recently has the demonstration of agmatine biosynthesis in mammals revived research, indicating its exceptional modulatory action at multiple molecular targets, including neurotransmitter systems, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and polyamine metabolism, thus providing bases for broad therapeutic applications. This timely review, a concerted effort by 16 independent research groups, draws attention to the substantial preclinical and initial clinical evidence, and highlights challenges and opportunities, for the use of agmatine in treating a spectrum of complex diseases with unmet therapeutic needs, including diabetes mellitus, neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases, opioid addiction, mood disorders, cognitive disorders and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John E Piletz
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Molderings GJ, Haenisch B. Agmatine (decarboxylated l-arginine): Physiological role and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 133:351-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
6
|
Tassoni A, Bagni N, Ferri M, Franceschetti M, Khomutov A, Marques MP, Fiuza SM, Simonian AR, Serafini-Fracassini D. Helianthus tuberosus and polyamine research: past and recent applications of a classical growth model. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2010; 48:496-505. [PMID: 20172735 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2010.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2009] [Revised: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The earliest studies concerning polyamines (PAs) in plants were performed by using in vitro cultured explants of Helianthus tuberosus dormant tuber. This parenchyma tissue was particularly useful due to its susceptibility to several growth substances, including PAs. During tuber dormancy, PA levels are too low to sustain cell division; thus Helianthus represents a natural PA-deficient model. When cultivated in vitro in the presence of auxins, Helianthus tuber dormant parenchyma cells at the G(0) stage start to divide synchronously acquiring meristematic characteristics. The requirement for auxins to induce cell division can be substituted by aliphatic PAs such as putrescine, spermidine or spermine. Cylinders or slices of explanted homogeneous tuber parenchyma were cultured in liquid medium for short-term studies on the cell cycle, or on solid agar medium for long-term experiments. Morphological and physiological modifications of synchronously dividing cells were studied during the different phases of the cell cycle in relation to PAs biosynthesis and oxidation. Long-term experiments led to the identification of the PAs as plant growth regulators, as the sole nitrogen source, as tuber storage substances and as essential factors for morphogenetic processes and cell homeostasis. More recently this system was used to study the effects on plant cell proliferation of platinum- or palladium-derived drugs (cisplatin and platinum or palladium bi-substituted spermine) that are used in human cancer cell lines as antiproliferative and cytotoxic agents. Cisplatin was the most active both in cell proliferation inhibition and on PA metabolism. Similar experiments were performed using three agmatine analogous. Different effects of these compounds were observed on cell proliferation, free PA levels and enzyme activities, leading to a hypothesis of a correlation between their chemical structure and the agmatine metabolism in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Tassoni
- Department of Experimental Evolutionary Biology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Polyamines: fundamental characters in chemistry and biology. Amino Acids 2009; 38:393-403. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
8
|
Agmatine transport in brain mitochondria: a different mechanism from that in liver mitochondria. Amino Acids 2009; 38:423-30. [PMID: 19997762 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The diamine agmatine (AGM), exhibiting two positive charges at physiological pH, is transported into rat brain mitochondria (RBM) by an electrophoretic mechanism, requiring high membrane potential values and exhibiting a marked non-ohmic force-flux relationship. The mechanism of this transport apparently resembles that observed in rat liver mitochondria (RLM), but there are several characteristics that strongly suggest the presence of a different transporter of agmatine in RBM. In this type of mitochondria, the extent of initial binding and total accumulation is higher and lower, respectively, than that in liver; saturation kinetics and the flux-voltage relationship also exhibit different trends, whereas idazoxan and putrescine, ineffective in RLM, act as inhibitors. The characteristics of agmatine uptake in RBM lead to the conclusion that its transporter is a channel with two asymmetric energy barriers, showing some characteristics similar to those of the imidazoline receptor I(2) and the sharing with the polyamine transporter.
Collapse
|