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Wang M, Fu X, Du L, Shi F, Huang Z, Yang L. The Inferential Binding Sites of GCGR for Small Molecules Using Protein Dynamic Conformations and Crystal Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8389. [PMID: 39125959 PMCID: PMC11313378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a class B1 G-protein-coupled receptor that plays a crucial role in maintaining human blood glucose homeostasis and is a significant target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Currently, six small molecules (Bay 27-9955, MK-0893, MK-3577, LY2409021, PF-06291874, and LGD-6972) have been tested or are undergoing clinical trials, but only the binding site of MK-0893 has been resolved. To predict binding sites for other small molecules, we utilized both the crystal structure of the GCGR and MK-0893 complex and dynamic conformations. We docked five small molecules and selected the best conformation based on binding mode, docking score, and binding free energy. We performed MD simulations to verify the binding mode of the selected small molecules. Moreover, when selecting conformations, results of competitive binding were referred to. MD simulation indicated that Bay 27-9955 exhibits moderate binding stability in Pocket 3. MK-3577, LY2409021, and PF-06291874 exhibited highly stable binding to Pocket 2, consistent with experimental results. However, LY2409021 may also bind to Pocket 5. Additionally, LGD-6972 exhibited relatively stable binding in Pocket 5. We also conducted structural modifications of LGD-6972 based on the results of MD simulations and predicted its analogues' bioavailability, providing a reference for the study of GCGR small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (M.W.); (X.F.); (L.D.); (F.S.)
| | - Xulei Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (M.W.); (X.F.); (L.D.); (F.S.)
| | - Limin Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (M.W.); (X.F.); (L.D.); (F.S.)
| | - Fan Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (M.W.); (X.F.); (L.D.); (F.S.)
| | - Zichong Huang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (M.W.); (X.F.); (L.D.); (F.S.)
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Kajani S, Laker RC, Ratkova E, Will S, Rhodes CJ. Hepatic glucagon action: beyond glucose mobilization. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1021-1060. [PMID: 38300523 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon's ability to promote hepatic glucose production has been known for over a century, with initial observations touting this hormone as a diabetogenic agent. However, glucagon receptor agonism [when balanced with an incretin, including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) to dampen glucose excursions] is now being developed as a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of metabolic diseases, like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic disease/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD/MASH), and may also have benefit for obesity and chronic kidney disease. Conventionally regarded as the opposing tag-team partner of the anabolic mediator insulin, glucagon is gradually emerging as more than just a "catabolic hormone." Glucagon action on glucose homeostasis within the liver has been well characterized. However, growing evidence, in part thanks to new and sensitive "omics" technologies, has implicated glucagon as more than just a "glucose liberator." Elucidation of glucagon's capacity to increase fatty acid oxidation while attenuating endogenous lipid synthesis speaks to the dichotomous nature of the hormone. Furthermore, glucagon action is not limited to just glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, as traditionally reported. Glucagon plays key regulatory roles in hepatic amino acid and ketone body metabolism, as well as mitochondrial turnover and function, indicating broader glucagon signaling consequences for metabolic homeostasis mediated by the liver. Here we examine the broadening role of glucagon signaling within the hepatocyte and question the current dogma, to appreciate glucagon as more than just that "catabolic hormone."
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Kajani
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Rhianna C Laker
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Ekaterina Ratkova
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Sarah Will
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Christopher J Rhodes
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
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McFarlin BE, Duffin KL, Konkar A. Incretin and glucagon receptor polypharmacology in chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 326:E747-E766. [PMID: 38477666 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00374.2023] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is a debilitating condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the kidney effects of incretin-based therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), have garnered substantial interest in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. This review delves into the intricate interactions between the kidney, GLP-1RAs, and glucagon, shedding light on their mechanisms of action and potential kidney benefits. Both GLP-1 and glucagon, known for their opposing roles in regulating glucose homeostasis, improve systemic risk factors affecting the kidney, including adiposity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function. Additionally, these hormones and their pharmaceutical mimetics may have a direct impact on the kidney. Clinical studies have provided evidence that incretins, including those incorporating glucagon receptor agonism, are likely to exhibit improved kidney outcomes. Although further research is necessary, receptor polypharmacology holds promise for preserving kidney function through eliciting vasodilatory effects, influencing volume and electrolyte handling, and improving systemic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon E McFarlin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate CenterIndianapolisIndianaUnited States
| | - Kevin L Duffin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate CenterIndianapolisIndianaUnited States
| | - Anish Konkar
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate CenterIndianapolisIndianaUnited States
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Zhang M, Chen T, Lu X, Lan X, Chen Z, Lu S. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): advances in structures, mechanisms, and drug discovery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:88. [PMID: 38594257 PMCID: PMC11004190 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01803-6] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of human membrane proteins and an important class of drug targets, play a role in maintaining numerous physiological processes. Agonist or antagonist, orthosteric effects or allosteric effects, and biased signaling or balanced signaling, characterize the complexity of GPCR dynamic features. In this study, we first review the structural advancements, activation mechanisms, and functional diversity of GPCRs. We then focus on GPCR drug discovery by revealing the detailed drug-target interactions and the underlying mechanisms of orthosteric drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the past five years. Particularly, an up-to-date analysis is performed on available GPCR structures complexed with synthetic small-molecule allosteric modulators to elucidate key receptor-ligand interactions and allosteric mechanisms. Finally, we highlight how the widespread GPCR-druggable allosteric sites can guide structure- or mechanism-based drug design and propose prospects of designing bitopic ligands for the future therapeutic potential of targeting this receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xun Lu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Monfeuga T, Norlin J, Bugge A, Gaalsgaard ED, Prada-Medina CA, Latta M, Veidal SS, Petersen PS, Feigh M, Holst D. Evaluation of long acting GLP1R/GCGR agonist in a DIO and biopsy-confirmed mouse model of NASH suggest a beneficial role of GLP-1/glucagon agonism in NASH patients. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101850. [PMID: 38065435 PMCID: PMC10772820 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101850] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The metabolic benefits of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists on glycemic and weight control are well established as therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Glucagon's ability to increase energy expenditure is well described, and the combination of these mechanisms-of-actions has the potential to further lower hepatic steatosis in metabolic disorders and could therefore be attractive for the treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here, we have investigated the effects of a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist NN1177 on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation in a preclinical mouse model of NASH. Having observed strong effects on body weight loss in a pilot study with NN1177, we hypothesized that direct engagement of the hepatic glucagon receptor (GCGR) would result in a superior effect on steatosis and other liver related parameters as compared to the GLP-1R agonist semaglutide at equal body weight. METHODS Male C57Bl/6 mice were fed a diet high in trans-fat, fructose, and cholesterol (Diet-Induced Obese (DIO)-NASH) for 36 weeks. Following randomization based on the degree of fibrosis at baseline, mice were treated once daily with subcutaneous administration of a vehicle or three different doses of NN1177 or semaglutide for 8 weeks. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry and morphometric analyses. Plasma levels of lipids and liver enzymes were determined, and hepatic gene expression was analyzed by RNA sequencing. RESULTS NN1177 dose-dependently reduced body weight up to 22% compared to vehicle treatment. Plasma levels of ALT, a measure of liver injury, were reduced in all treatment groups with body weight loss. The dual agonist reduced hepatic steatosis to a greater extent than semaglutide at equal body weight loss, as demonstrated by three independent methods. Both the co-agonist and semaglutide significantly decreased histological markers of inflammation such as CD11b and Galectin-3, in addition to markers of hepatic stellate activation (αSMA) and fibrosis (Collagen I). Interestingly, the maximal beneficial effects on above mentioned clinically relevant endpoints of NN1177 treatment on hepatic health appear to be achieved with the middle dose tested. Administering the highest dose resulted in a further reduction of liver fat and accompanied by a massive induction in genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and resulted in exaggerated body weight loss and a downregulation of a module of co-expressed genes involved in steroid hormone biology, bile secretion, and retinol and linoleic acid metabolism that are also downregulated due to NASH itself. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that, in a setting of overnutrition, the liver health benefits of activating the fasting-related metabolic pathways controlled by the glucagon receptor displays a bell-shaped curve. This observation is of interest to the scientific community, due to the high number of ongoing clinical trials attempting to leverage the positive effects of glucagon biology to improve metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Monfeuga
- AI & Digital Research, Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny Norlin
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Anne Bugge
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Cesar A Prada-Medina
- AI & Digital Research, Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, UK
| | - Markus Latta
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Sanne S Veidal
- Gubra A/S, Hørsholm Kongevej 11, B, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Pia S Petersen
- Gubra A/S, Hørsholm Kongevej 11, B, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Michael Feigh
- Gubra A/S, Hørsholm Kongevej 11, B, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Dorte Holst
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark.
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Wang P, Wei R, Cui X, Jiang Z, Yang J, Zu L, Hong T. Fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial fusion are involved in cardiac microvascular endothelial cell protection induced by glucagon receptor antagonism in diabetic mice. J Diabetes 2023; 15:1081-1094. [PMID: 37596940 PMCID: PMC10755618 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) in diabetic cardiomyopathy is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate whether a glucagon receptor (GCGR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) ameliorated diabetic cardiomyopathy and clarify whether and how CMECs participated in the process. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The db/db mice were treated with GCGR mAb or immunoglobulin G (as control) for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function. Immunofluorescent staining was used to determine microvascular density. The proteomic signature in isolated primary CMECs was analyzed by using tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomic analysis. Some target proteins were verified by using western blot. RESULTS Compared with db/m mice, cardiac microvascular density and left ventricular diastolic function were significantly reduced in db/db mice, and this reduction was attenuated by GCGR mAb treatment. A total of 199 differentially expressed proteins were upregulated in db/db mice versus db/m mice and downregulated in GCGR mAb-treated db/db mice versus db/db mice. The enrichment analysis demonstrated that fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial fusion were the key pathways. The changes of the related proteins carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B, optic atrophy type 1, and mitofusin-1 were further verified by using western blot. The levels of these three proteins were upregulated in db/db mice, whereas this upregulation was attenuated by GCGR mAb treatment. CONCLUSION GCGR antagonism has a protective effect on CMECs and cardiac diastolic function in diabetic mice, and this beneficial effect may be mediated via inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial fusion in CMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of EducationBeijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xiaona Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Zongzhe Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Lingyun Zu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of EducationBeijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular MedicinePeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
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Peng J, Yu L, Huang L, Paschoal VA, Chu H, de Souza CO, Varre JV, Oh DY, Kohler JJ, Xiao X, Xu L, Holland WL, Shaul PW, Mineo C. Hepatic sialic acid synthesis modulates glucose homeostasis in both liver and skeletal muscle. Mol Metab 2023; 78:101812. [PMID: 37777009 PMCID: PMC10583174 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sialic acid is a terminal monosaccharide of glycans in glycoproteins and glycolipids, and its derivation from glucose is regulated by the rate-limiting enzyme UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase (GNE). Although the glycans on key endogenous hepatic proteins governing glucose metabolism are sialylated, how sialic acid synthesis and sialylation in the liver influence glucose homeostasis is unknown. Studies were designed to fill this knowledge gap. METHODS To decrease the production of sialic acid and sialylation in hepatocytes, a hepatocyte-specific GNE knockdown mouse model was generated, and systemic glucose metabolism, hepatic insulin signaling and glucagon signaling were evaluated in vivo or in primary hepatocytes. Peripheral insulin sensitivity was also assessed. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which sialylation in the liver influences hepatic insulin signaling and glucagon signaling and peripheral insulin sensitivity were identified. RESULTS Liver GNE deletion in mice caused an impairment of insulin suppression of hepatic glucose production. This was due to a decrease in the sialylation of hepatic insulin receptors (IR) and a decline in IR abundance due to exaggerated degradation through the Eph receptor B4. Hepatic GNE deficiency also caused a blunting of hepatic glucagon receptor (GCGR) function which was related to a decline in its sialylation and affinity for glucagon. An accompanying upregulation of hepatic FGF21 production caused an enhancement of skeletal muscle glucose disposal that led to an overall increase in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION These collective observations reveal that hepatic sialic acid synthesis and sialylation modulate glucose homeostasis in both the liver and skeletal muscle. By interrogating how hepatic sialic acid synthesis influences glucose control mechanisms in the liver, a new metabolic cycle has been identified in which a key constituent of glycans generated from glucose modulates the systemic control of its precursor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Peng
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Liming Yu
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Linzhang Huang
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Vivian A Paschoal
- Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Haiyan Chu
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Camila O de Souza
- Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Joseph V Varre
- Dept. of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, 250 1850 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Da Young Oh
- Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jennifer J Kohler
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xue Xiao
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - William L Holland
- Dept. of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, 250 1850 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Philip W Shaul
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Chieko Mineo
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Dept. of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Cao R, Tian H, Zhang Y, Liu G, Xu H, Rao G, Tian Y, Fu X. Signaling pathways and intervention for therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e283. [PMID: 37303813 PMCID: PMC10248034 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents one of the fastest growing epidemic metabolic disorders worldwide and is a strong contributor for a broad range of comorbidities, including vascular, visual, neurological, kidney, and liver diseases. Moreover, recent data suggest a mutual interplay between T2DM and Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic β cell dysfunction. Pioneering discoveries throughout the past few decades have established notable links between signaling pathways and T2DM pathogenesis and therapy. Importantly, a number of signaling pathways substantially control the advancement of core pathological changes in T2DM, including IR and β cell dysfunction, as well as additional pathogenic disturbances. Accordingly, an improved understanding of these signaling pathways sheds light on tractable targets and strategies for developing and repurposing critical therapies to treat T2DM and its complications. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the history of T2DM and signaling pathways, and offer a systematic update on the role and mechanism of key signaling pathways underlying the onset, development, and progression of T2DM. In this content, we also summarize current therapeutic drugs/agents associated with signaling pathways for the treatment of T2DM and its complications, and discuss some implications and directions to the future of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Cao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuanChina
| | - Huimin Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical School, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical School, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Geng Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuanChina
| | - Haixia Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuanChina
| | - Guocheng Rao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical School, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical School, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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Ajmal N, Bogart MC, Khan P, Max-Harry IM, Nunemaker CS. Emerging Anti-Diabetic Drugs for Beta-Cell Protection in Type 1 Diabetes. Cells 2023; 12:1472. [PMID: 37296593 PMCID: PMC10253164 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that damages beta cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and results in hyperglycemia due to the loss of insulin. Exogenous insulin therapy can save lives but does not halt disease progression. Thus, an effective therapy may require beta-cell restoration and suppression of the autoimmune response. However, currently, there are no treatment options available that can halt T1D. Within the National Clinical Trial (NCT) database, a vast majority of over 3000 trials to treat T1D are devoted to insulin therapy. This review focuses on non-insulin pharmacological therapies. Many investigational new drugs fall under the category of immunomodulators, such as the recently FDA-approved CD-3 monoclonal antibody teplizumab. Four intriguing candidate drugs fall outside the category of immunomodulators, which are the focus of this review. Specifically, we discuss several non-immunomodulators that may have more direct action on beta cells, such as verapamil (a voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker), gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA, a major neurotransmitter with effects on beta cells), tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA, an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone), and volagidemab (a glucagon receptor antagonist). These emerging anti-diabetic drugs are expected to provide promising results in both beta-cell restoration and in suppressing cytokine-derived inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Ajmal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (N.A.); (P.K.); (I.M.M.-H.)
- Translational Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | | | - Palwasha Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (N.A.); (P.K.); (I.M.M.-H.)
- Translational Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Ibiagbani M. Max-Harry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (N.A.); (P.K.); (I.M.M.-H.)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Craig S. Nunemaker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; (N.A.); (P.K.); (I.M.M.-H.)
- Translational Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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10
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Hvid H, Brand CL, Hummelshøj T, Jensen S, Bouman SD, Bowler A, Poulsen BR, Tiainen P, Åkertröm T, Demozay D, Hoeg-Jensen T, Ingvorsen C, Pedersen TÅ, McGuire J, Egebjerg T, Cappelen KA, Eliasen IP, Hansen BF, Hennen S, Stidsen CE, Olsen GS, Roed NK. Preclinical exploration of combined glucagon inhibition and liver-preferential insulin for treatment of diabetes using in vitro assays and rat and mouse models. Diabetologia 2023; 66:376-389. [PMID: 36404376 PMCID: PMC9807490 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-022-05828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Normalisation of blood glucose in individuals with diabetes is recommended to reduce development of diabetic complications. However, risk of severe hypoglycaemia with intensive insulin therapy is a major obstacle that prevents many individuals with diabetes from obtaining the recommended reduction in HbA1c. Inhibition of glucagon receptor signalling and liver-preferential insulin action have been shown individually to have beneficial effects in preclinical models and individuals with diabetes (i.e. improved glycaemic control), but also have effects that are potential safety risks (i.e. alpha cell hyperplasia in response to glucagon receptor antagonists and increased levels of liver triacylglycerols and plasma alanine aminotransferase activity in response to glucagon receptor antagonists and liver-preferential insulin). We hypothesised that a combination of glucagon inhibition and liver-preferential insulin action in a dual-acting molecule would widen the therapeutic window. By correcting two pathogenic mechanisms (dysregulated glucagon signalling and non-physiological distribution of conventional insulin administered s.c.), we hypothesised that lower doses of each component would be required to obtain sufficient reduction of hyperglycaemia, and that the undesirable effects that have previously been observed for monotreatment with glucagon antagonists and liver-preferential insulin could be avoided. METHODS A dual-acting glucagon receptor inhibitor and liver-preferential insulin molecule was designed and tested in rodent models (normal rats, rats with streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia, db/db mice and mice with diet-induced obesity and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia), allowing detailed characterisation of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the dual-acting molecule and relevant control compounds, as well as exploration of how the dual-acting molecule influenced glucagon-induced recovery and spontaneous recovery from acute hypoglycaemia. RESULTS This molecule normalised blood glucose in diabetic models, and was markedly less prone to induce hypoglycaemia than conventional insulin treatment (approximately 4.6-fold less potent under hypoglycaemic conditions than under normoglycaemic conditions). However, compared to treatment with conventional long-acting insulin, this dual-acting molecule also increased triacylglycerol levels in the liver (approximately 60%), plasma alanine aminotransferase levels (approximately twofold) and alpha cell mass (approximately twofold). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION While the dual-acting glucagon receptor inhibitor and liver-preferential insulin molecule showed markedly improved regulation of blood glucose, effects that are potential safety concerns persisted in the pharmacologically relevant dose range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Hvid
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Tina Hummelshøj
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Sanne Jensen
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Andrew Bowler
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
- QC Laboratories, Syntese A/S, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Tiainen
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Damien Demozay
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Jim McGuire
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
- Catalyst Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Egebjerg
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Ina P Eliasen
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Bo F Hansen
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Hennen
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
- Grünethal GmbH, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Grith S Olsen
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Nikolaj K Roed
- Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark.
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11
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Scheen AJ, Lefèbvre PJ. Glucagon, from past to present: a century of intensive research and controversies. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:129-138. [PMID: 36566754 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(22)00349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
2022 corresponds to the 100th anniversary of the discovery of glucagon. This TimeCapsule aims to recall the main steps leading to the discovery, characterisation, and clinical importance of the so-called second pancreatic hormone. We describe the early historical findings in basic research (ie, discovery, purification, structure, α-cell origin, radioimmunoassay, glucagon gene [GCG], and glucagon receptor [GLR]), in which three future Nobel Prize laureates were actively involved. Considered as an anti-insulin hormone, glucagon was rapidly used to treat insulin-induced hypoglycaemic coma episodes in people with type 1 diabetes. A key step in the story of glucagon was the discovery of its role and the role of α cells in the physiology and pathophysiology (ie, paracrinopathy) of type 2 diabetes. This concept led to the design of different strategies targeting glucagon, among which GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists were a major breakthrough, and combination of inhibition of glucagon secretion with stimulation of insulin secretion (both in a glucose-dependent manner). Taking advantage of the glucagon-induced increase in energy metabolism, biased coagonists were developed. Besides the GLP-1 receptor, these coagonists also target the glucagon receptor to further promote weight loss. Thus, the 100-year story of glucagon has most probably not come to an end.
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Affiliation(s)
- André J Scheen
- Division of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders, Department of medicine, CHU Liège, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Pierre J Lefèbvre
- Division of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders, Department of medicine, CHU Liège, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
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12
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Scheen AJ. Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists: New advances for treating type-2 diabetes. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:316-321. [PMID: 36639119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.12.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists currently occupy a privileged place in the management of type-2 diabetes (T2D). Dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP/GLP-1) have been recently developed. Tirzepatide is the most advanced unimolecular dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist to be used as once weekly subcutaneous injection in T2D and recently received approval by the European Medicines Agency. Because of the complementarity of action of the two incretins, tirzepatide showed better dose-dependent (5, 10 and 15mg) efficacy (greater reduction in HbA1c and body weight) than placebo, basal insulin or two GLP-1 analogues (dulaglutide and semaglutide) in the SURPASS program. Its cardiovascular protective effect is currently being assessed versus dulaglutide in the SURPASS-CVOT study. Finally, studies for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT program) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are also ongoing. Gastrointestinal tolerance of tirzepatide appears comparable to that of GLP-1 analogues, except for higher incidence of diarrhea. Other original molecules have been built, including triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonists. The risk/benefit ratio will decide whether dual (or triple) receptor agonists should replace pure GLP-1 receptor agonists for the management of T2D in the near future, with a significant role in the pharmacotherapy of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- André J Scheen
- Division of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Medicine, CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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13
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Pixner T, Stummer N, Schneider AM, Lukas A, Gramlinger K, Julian V, Thivel D, Mörwald K, Mangge H, Dalus C, Aigner E, Furthner D, Weghuber D, Maruszczak K. The relationship between glucose and the liver-alpha cell axis - A systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1061682. [PMID: 36686477 PMCID: PMC9849557 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1061682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Until recently, glucagon was considered a mere antagonist to insulin, protecting the body from hypoglycemia. This notion changed with the discovery of the liver-alpha cell axis (LACA) as a feedback loop. The LACA describes how glucagon secretion and pancreatic alpha cell proliferation are stimulated by circulating amino acids. Glucagon in turn leads to an upregulation of amino acid metabolism and ureagenesis in the liver. Several increasingly common diseases (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity) disrupt this feedback loop. It is important for clinicians and researchers alike to understand the liver-alpha cell axis and the metabolic sequelae of these diseases. While most of previous studies have focused on fasting concentrations of glucagon and amino acids, there is limited knowledge of their dynamics after glucose administration. The authors of this systematic review applied PRISMA guidelines and conducted PubMed searches to provide results of 8078 articles (screened and if relevant, studied in full). This systematic review aims to provide better insight into the LACA and its mediators (amino acids and glucagon), focusing on the relationship between glucose and the LACA in adult and pediatric subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pixner
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nathalie Stummer
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anna Maria Schneider
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas Lukas
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Karin Gramlinger
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
| | - Valérie Julian
- Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Diet and Musculoskeletal Health Team, Human Nutrition Research Center (CRNH), INRA, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Thivel
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Katharina Mörwald
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Harald Mangge
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christopher Dalus
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Elmar Aigner
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- First Department of Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dieter Furthner
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Weghuber
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Maruszczak
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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14
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Wang K, Cui X, Li F, Xia L, Wei T, Liu J, Fu W, Yang J, Hong T, Wei R. Glucagon receptor blockage inhibits β-cell dedifferentiation through FoxO1. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 324:E97-E113. [PMID: 36383639 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00101.2022] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon-secreting pancreatic α-cells play pivotal roles in the development of diabetes. Glucagon promotes insulin secretion from β-cells. However, the long-term effect of glucagon on the function and phenotype of β-cells had remained elusive. In this study, we found that long-term glucagon intervention or glucagon intervention with the presence of palmitic acid downregulated β-cell-specific markers and inhibited insulin secretion in cultured β-cells. These results suggested that glucagon induced β-cell dedifferentiation under pathological conditions. Glucagon blockage by a glucagon receptor (GCGR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) attenuated glucagon-induced β-cell dedifferentiation. In primary islets, GCGR mAb treatment upregulated β-cell-specific markers and increased insulin content, suggesting that blockage of endogenous glucagon-GCGR signaling inhibited β-cell dedifferentiation. To investigate the possible mechanism, we found that glucagon decreased FoxO1 expression. FoxO1 inhibitor mimicked the effect of glucagon, whereas FoxO1 overexpression reversed the glucagon-induced β-cell dedifferentiation. In db/db mice and β-cell lineage-tracing diabetic mice, GCGR mAb lowered glucose level, upregulated plasma insulin level, increased β-cell area, and inhibited β-cell dedifferentiation. In aged β-cell-specific FoxO1 knockout mice (with the blood glucose level elevated as a diabetic model), the glucose-lowering effect of GCGR mAb was attenuated and the plasma insulin level, β-cell area, and β-cell dedifferentiation were not affected by GCGR mAb. Our results proved that glucagon induced β-cell dedifferentiation under pathological conditions, and the effect was partially mediated by FoxO1. Our study reveals a novel cross talk between α- and β-cells and is helpful to understand the pathophysiology of diabetes and discover new targets for diabetes treatment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Glucagon-secreting pancreatic α-cells can interact with β-cells. However, the long-term effect of glucagon on the function and phenotype of β-cells has remained elusive. Our new finding shows that long-term glucagon induces β-cell dedifferentiation in cultured β-cells. FoxO1 inhibitor mimicks whereas glucagon signaling blockage by GCGR mAb reverses the effect of glucagon. In type 2 diabetic mice, GCGR mAb increases β-cell area, improves β-cell function, and inhibits β-cell dedifferentiation, and the effect is partially mediated by FoxO1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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15
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Magkos F, Reeds DN, Mittendorfer B. Evolution of the diagnostic value of "the sugar of the blood": hitting the sweet spot to identify alterations in glucose dynamics. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:7-30. [PMID: 35635320 PMCID: PMC9576168 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00015.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we provide an overview of the evolution of the definition of hyperglycemia during the past century and the alterations in glucose dynamics that cause fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia. We discuss how extensive mechanistic, physiological research into the factors and pathways that regulate the appearance of glucose in the circulation and its uptake and metabolism by tissues and organs has contributed knowledge that has advanced our understanding of different types of hyperglycemia, namely prediabetes and diabetes and their subtypes (impaired fasting plasma glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, combined impaired fasting plasma glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus), their relationships with medical complications, and how to prevent and treat hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Dominic N Reeds
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Bettina Mittendorfer
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Rubin de Celis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Vps37a regulates hepatic glucose production by controlling glucagon receptor localization to endosomes. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1824-1842.e9. [PMID: 36243006 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian energy homeostasis, the glucagon receptor (Gcgr) plays a key role in regulating both glucose and lipid metabolisms. However, the mechanisms by which these distinct signaling arms are differentially regulated remain poorly understood. Using a Cy5-glucagon agonist, we show that the endosomal protein Vps37a uncouples glucose production from lipid usage downstream of Gcgr signaling by altering intracellular receptor localization. Hepatocyte-specific knockdown of Vps37a causes an accumulation of Gcgr in endosomes, resulting in overactivation of the cAMP/PKA/p-Creb signaling pathway to gluconeogenesis without affecting β-oxidation. Shifting the receptor back to the plasma membrane rescues the differential signaling and highlights the importance of the spatiotemporal localization of Gcgr for its metabolic effects. Importantly, since Vps37a knockdown in animals fed with a high-fat diet leads to hyperglycemia, although its overexpression reduces blood glucose levels, these data reveal a contribution of endosomal signaling to metabolic diseases that could be exploited for treatments of type 2 diabetes.
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18
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Lu B, Chen J, Xu G, Grayson TB, Jing G, Jo S, Shalev A. Alpha Cell Thioredoxin-interacting Protein Deletion Improves Diabetes-associated Hyperglycemia and Hyperglucagonemia. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac133. [PMID: 35957590 PMCID: PMC10233251 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) has emerged as a key factor in pancreatic beta cell biology, and its upregulation by glucose and diabetes contributes to the impairment in functional beta cell mass and glucose homeostasis. In addition, beta cell deletion of TXNIP protects against diabetes in different mouse models. However, while TXNIP is ubiquitously expressed, its role in pancreatic alpha cells has remained elusive. We generated an alpha cell TXNIP knockout (aTKO) mouse and assessed the effects on glucose homeostasis. While no significant changes were observed on regular chow, after a 30-week high-fat diet, aTKO animals showed improvement in glucose tolerance and lower blood glucose levels compared to their control littermates. Moreover, in the context of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, aTKO mice showed significantly lower blood glucose levels compared to controls. While serum insulin levels were reduced in both control and aTKO mice, STZ-induced diabetes significantly increased glucagon levels in control mice, but this effect was blunted in aTKO mice. Moreover, glucagon secretion from aTKO islets was >2-fold lower than from control islets, while insulin secretion was unchanged in aTKO islets. At the same time, no change in alpha cell or beta cell numbers or mass was observed, and glucagon and insulin expression and content were comparable in isolated islets from aTKO and control mice. Thus together the current studies suggest that downregulation of alpha cell TXNIP is associated with reduced glucagon secretion and that this may contribute to the glucose-lowering effects observed in diabetic aTKO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lu
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Junqin Chen
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Guanlan Xu
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Truman B Grayson
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gu Jing
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - SeongHo Jo
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Anath Shalev
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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19
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Richter MM, Galsgaard KD, Elmelund E, Knop FK, Suppli MP, Holst JJ, Winther-Sørensen M, Kjeldsen SA, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. The Liver-α-Cell Axis in Health and in Disease. Diabetes 2022; 71:1852-1861. [PMID: 35657688 PMCID: PMC9862287 DOI: 10.2337/dbi22-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon and insulin are the main regulators of blood glucose. While the actions of insulin are extensively mapped, less is known about glucagon. Besides glucagon's role in glucose homeostasis, there are additional links between the pancreatic α-cells and the hepatocytes, often collectively referred to as the liver-α-cell axis, that may be of importance for health and disease. Thus, glucagon receptor antagonism (pharmacological or genetic), which disrupts the liver-α-cell axis, results not only in lower fasting glucose but also in reduced amino acid turnover and dyslipidemia. Here, we review the actions of glucagon on glucose homeostasis, amino acid catabolism, and lipid metabolism in the context of the liver-α-cell axis. The concept of glucagon resistance is also discussed, and we argue that the various elements of the liver-α-cell axis may be differentially affected in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This conceptual rethinking of glucagon biology may explain why patients with type 2 diabetes have hyperglucagonemia and how NAFLD disrupts the liver-α-cell axis, compromising the normal glucagon-mediated enhancement of substrate-induced amino acid turnover and possibly fatty acid β-oxidation. In contrast to amino acid catabolism, glucagon-induced glucose production may not be affected by NAFLD, explaining the diabetogenic effect of NAFLD-associated hyperglucagonemia. Consideration of the liver-α-cell axis is essential to understanding the complex pathophysiology underlying diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M. Richter
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Diagnostic Center, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine D. Galsgaard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emilie Elmelund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Filip K. Knop
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Malte P. Suppli
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Jens J. Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Winther-Sørensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sasha A.S. Kjeldsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Diagnostic Center, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Bispebjerg, Denmark
- Corresponding author: Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen,
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20
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Glucagon-receptor-antagonism-mediated β-cell regeneration as an effective anti-diabetic therapy. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110872. [PMID: 35649369 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110872] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic disease with potentially severe complications, and β-cell deficiency underlies this disease. Despite active research, no therapy to date has been able to induce β-cell regeneration in humans. Here, we discover the β-cell regenerative effects of glucagon receptor antibody (anti-GcgR). Treatment with anti-GcgR in mouse models of β-cell deficiency leads to reversal of hyperglycemia, increase in plasma insulin levels, and restoration of β-cell mass. We demonstrate that both β-cell proliferation and α- to β-cell transdifferentiation contribute to anti-GcgR-induced β-cell regeneration. Interestingly, anti-GcgR-induced α-cell hyperplasia can be uncoupled from β-cell regeneration after antibody clearance from the body. Importantly, we are able to show that anti-GcgR-induced β-cell regeneration is also observed in non-human primates. Furthermore, anti-GcgR and anti-CD3 combination therapy reverses diabetes and increases β-cell mass in a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes.
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21
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Zhang J, Pivovarova-Ramich O, Kabisch S, Markova M, Hornemann S, Sucher S, Rohn S, Machann J, Pfeiffer AFH. High Protein Diets Improve Liver Fat and Insulin Sensitivity by Prandial but Not Fasting Glucagon Secretion in Type 2 Diabetes. Front Nutr 2022; 9:808346. [PMID: 35662921 PMCID: PMC9160603 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.808346] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon (GCGN) plays a key role in glucose and amino acid (AA) metabolism by increasing hepatic glucose output. AA strongly stimulate GCGN secretion which regulates hepatic AA degradation by ureagenesis. Although increased fasting GCGN levels cause hyperglycemia GCGN has beneficial actions by stimulating hepatic lipolysis and improving insulin sensitivity through alanine induced activation of AMPK. Indeed, stimulating prandial GCGN secretion by isocaloric high protein diets (HPDs) strongly reduces intrahepatic lipids (IHLs) and improves glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the role of GCGN and circulating AAs in metabolic improvements in 31 patients with T2DM consuming HPD was investigated. Six weeks HPD strongly coordinated GCGN and AA levels with IHL and insulin sensitivity as shown by significant correlations compared to baseline. Reduction of IHL during the intervention by 42% significantly improved insulin sensitivity [homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) or hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps] but not fasting GCGN or AA levels. By contrast, GCGN secretion in mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTTs) decreased depending on IHL reduction together with a selective reduction of GCGN-regulated alanine levels indicating greater GCGN sensitivity. HPD aligned glucose metabolism with GCGN actions. Meal stimulated, but not fasting GCGN, was related to reduced liver fat and improved insulin sensitivity. This supports the concept of GCGN-induced hepatic lipolysis and alanine- and ureagenesis-induced activation of AMPK by HPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiudan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jiudan Zhang,
| | - Olga Pivovarova-Ramich
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kabisch
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Mariya Markova
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Silke Hornemann
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Sucher
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sascha Rohn
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Process Sciences, Institute of Food Technology and Food Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Machann
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Section on Experimental Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas F. H. Pfeiffer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Andreas F. H. Pfeiffer,
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22
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Mao X, Chen H, Lin AZ, Kim S, Burczynski ME, Na E, Halasz G, Sleeman MW, Murphy AJ, Okamoto H, Cheng X. Glutaminase 2 knockdown reduces hyperammonemia and associated lethality of urea cycle disorder mouse model. J Inherit Metab Dis 2022; 45:470-480. [PMID: 34988999 PMCID: PMC9302672 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins in the cells and tissues, are of fundamental importance for cell survival, maintenance, and proliferation. The liver plays a critical role in amino acid metabolism and detoxication of byproducts such as ammonia. Urea cycle disorders with hyperammonemia remain difficult to treat and eventually necessitate liver transplantation. In this study, ornithine transcarbamylase deficient (Otcspf-ash ) mouse model was used to test whether knockdown of a key glutamine metabolism enzyme glutaminase 2 (GLS2, gene name: Gls2) or glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1, gene name: Glud1) could rescue the hyperammonemia and associated lethality induced by a high protein diet. We found that reduced hepatic expression of Gls2 but not Glud1 by AAV8-mediated delivery of a short hairpin RNA in Otcspf-ash mice diminished hyperammonemia and reduced lethality. Knockdown of Gls2 but not Glud1 in Otcspf-ash mice exhibited reduced body weight loss and increased plasma glutamine concentration. These data suggest that Gls2 hepatic knockdown could potentially help alleviate risk for hyperammonemia and other clinical manifestations of patients suffering from defects in the urea cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Mao
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
| | - Helen Chen
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Sun Kim
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Erqian Na
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
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23
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Dahlén AD, Dashi G, Maslov I, Attwood MM, Jonsson J, Trukhan V, Schiöth HB. Trends in Antidiabetic Drug Discovery: FDA Approved Drugs, New Drugs in Clinical Trials and Global Sales. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:807548. [PMID: 35126141 PMCID: PMC8807560 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.807548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to be a substantial medical problem due to its increasing global prevalence and because chronic hyperglycemic states are closely linked with obesity, liver disease and several cardiovascular diseases. Since the early discovery of insulin, numerous antihyperglycemic drug therapies to treat diabetes have been approved, and also discontinued, by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To provide an up-to-date account of the current trends of antidiabetic pharmaceuticals, this review offers a comprehensive analysis of the main classes of antihyperglycemic compounds and their mechanisms: insulin types, biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides (glinides), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs), thiazolidinediones (TZD), incretin-dependent therapies, sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and combinations thereof. The number of therapeutic alternatives to treat T2DM are increasing and now there are nearly 60 drugs approved by the FDA. Beyond this there are nearly 100 additional antidiabetic agents being evaluated in clinical trials. In addition to the standard treatments of insulin therapy and metformin, there are new drug combinations, e.g., containing metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors, that have gained substantial use during the last decade. Furthermore, there are several interesting alternatives, such as lobeglitazone, efpeglenatide and tirzepatide, in ongoing clinical trials. Modern drugs, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, DPP4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors have gained popularity on the pharmaceutical market, while less expensive over the counter alternatives are increasing in developing economies. The large heterogeneity of T2DM is also creating a push towards more personalized and accessible treatments. We describe several interesting alternatives in ongoing clinical trials, which may help to achieve this in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia D. Dahlén
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giovanna Dashi
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivan Maslov
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Misty M. Attwood
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Jonsson
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Trukhan
- Russia Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Russia Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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24
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Conceição-Furber E, Coskun T, Sloop KW, Samms RJ. Is Glucagon Receptor Activation the Thermogenic Solution for Treating Obesity? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:868037. [PMID: 35547006 PMCID: PMC9081793 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.868037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge of obesity therapy is to sustain clinically relevant weight loss over time. Achieving this goal likely requires both reducing daily caloric intake and increasing caloric expenditure. Over the past decade, advances in pharmaceutical engineering of ligands targeting G protein-coupled receptors have led to the development of highly effective anorectic agents. These include mono-agonists of the GLP-1R and dual GIPR/GLP-1R co-agonists that have demonstrated substantial weight loss in experimental models and in humans. By contrast, currently, there are no medicines available that effectively augment metabolic rate to promote weight loss. Here, we present evidence indicating that activation of the GCGR may provide a solution to this unmet therapeutic need. In adult humans, GCGR agonism increases energy expenditure to a magnitude sufficient for inducing a negative energy balance. In preclinical studies, the glucagon-GCGR system affects key metabolically relevant organs (including the liver and white and brown adipose tissue) to boost whole-body thermogenic capacity and protect from obesity. Further, activation of the GCGR has been shown to augment both the magnitude and duration of weight loss that is achieved by either selective GLP-1R or dual GIPR/GLP-1R agonism in rodents. Based on the accumulation of such findings, we propose that the thermogenic activity of GCGR agonism will also complement other anti-obesity agents that lower body weight by suppressing appetite.
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25
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Jia Y, Liu Y, Feng L, Sun S, Sun G. Role of Glucagon and Its Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:928016. [PMID: 35784565 PMCID: PMC9243425 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.928016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Various theories for the hormonal basis of diabetes have been proposed and debated over the past few decades. Insulin insufficiency was previously regarded as the only hormone deficiency directly leading to metabolic disorders associated with diabetes. Although glucagon and its receptor are ignored in this framework, an increasing number of studies have shown that they play essential roles in the development and progression of diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of glucagon are still not clear. In this review, recent research on the mechanisms by which glucagon and its receptor contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes as well as correlations between GCGR mutation rates in populations and the occurrence of diabetes are summarized. Furthermore, we summarize how recent research clearly establishes glucagon as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunbo Jia
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Linlin Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Siyu Sun, ; Guangwei Sun,
| | - Guangwei Sun
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Siyu Sun, ; Guangwei Sun,
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26
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Rhyu J, Yu R. Newly discovered endocrine functions of the liver. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1611-1628. [PMID: 34904032 PMCID: PMC8637678 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver, the largest solid visceral organ of the body, has numerous endocrine functions, such as direct hormone and hepatokine production, hormone metabolism, synthesis of binding proteins, and processing and redistribution of metabolic fuels. In the last 10 years, many new endocrine functions of the liver have been discovered. Advances in the classical endocrine functions include delineation of mechanisms of liver production of endocrine hormones [including 25-hydroxyvitamin D, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and angiotensinogen], hepatic metabolism of hormones (including thyroid hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1, and steroid hormones), and actions of specific binding proteins to glucocorticoids, sex steroids, and thyroid hormones. These studies have furthered insight into cirrhosis-associated endocrinopathies, such as hypogonadism, osteoporosis, IGF-1 deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, alterations in glucose and lipid homeostasis, and controversially relative adrenal insufficiency. Several novel endocrine functions of the liver have also been unraveled, elucidating the liver’s key negative feedback regulatory role in the pancreatic α cell-liver axis, which regulates pancreatic α cell mass, glucagon secretion, and circulating amino acid levels. Betatrophin and other hepatokines, such as fetuin-A and fibroblast growth factor 21, have also been discovered to play important endocrine roles in modulating insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and body weight. It is expected that more endocrine functions of the liver will be revealed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Rhyu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Run Yu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
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27
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Martínez MS, Manzano A, Olivar LC, Nava M, Salazar J, D’Marco L, Ortiz R, Chacín M, Guerrero-Wyss M, Cabrera de Bravo M, Cano C, Bermúdez V, Angarita L. The Role of the α Cell in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes: A World beyond the Mirror. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9504. [PMID: 34502413 PMCID: PMC8431704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic metabolic disorders, and insulin has been placed at the epicentre of its pathophysiological basis. However, the involvement of impaired alpha (α) cell function has been recognized as playing an essential role in several diseases, since hyperglucagonemia has been evidenced in both Type 1 and T2DM. This phenomenon has been attributed to intra-islet defects, like modifications in pancreatic α cell mass or dysfunction in glucagon's secretion. Emerging evidence has shown that chronic hyperglycaemia provokes changes in the Langerhans' islets cytoarchitecture, including α cell hyperplasia, pancreatic beta (β) cell dedifferentiation into glucagon-positive producing cells, and loss of paracrine and endocrine regulation due to β cell mass loss. Other abnormalities like α cell insulin resistance, sensor machinery dysfunction, or paradoxical ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) opening have also been linked to glucagon hypersecretion. Recent clinical trials in phases 1 or 2 have shown new molecules with glucagon-antagonist properties with considerable effectiveness and acceptable safety profiles. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) have been shown to decrease glucagon secretion in T2DM, and their possible therapeutic role in T1DM means they are attractive as an insulin-adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sofía Martínez
- MedStar Health Internal Medicine, Georgetown University Affiliated, Baltimore, MD 21218-2829, USA;
| | - Alexander Manzano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4002, Venezuela; (A.M.); (L.C.O.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Luis Carlos Olivar
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4002, Venezuela; (A.M.); (L.C.O.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Manuel Nava
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4002, Venezuela; (A.M.); (L.C.O.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Juan Salazar
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4002, Venezuela; (A.M.); (L.C.O.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Luis D’Marco
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Rina Ortiz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Ciudad de Cuenca, Azuay 010105, Ecuador;
| | - Maricarmen Chacín
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080022, Colombia; (M.C.); (V.B.)
| | - Marion Guerrero-Wyss
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias Para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | | | - Clímaco Cano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4002, Venezuela; (A.M.); (L.C.O.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080022, Colombia; (M.C.); (V.B.)
| | - Lisse Angarita
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepción 4260000, Chile
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28
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Acreman S, Zhang Q. Regulation of α-cell glucagon secretion: The role of second messengers. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2021; 8:7-18. [PMID: 35620162 PMCID: PMC9128566 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdtm.2021.06.001] [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: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon is a potent glucose‐elevating hormone that is secreted by pancreatic α‐cells. While well‐controlled glucagon secretion plays an important role in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis and preventing hypoglycaemia, it is increasingly apparent that defects in the regulation of glucagon secretion contribute to impaired counter‐regulation and hyperglycaemia in diabetes. It has therefore been proposed that pharmacological interventions targeting glucagon secretion/signalling can have great potential in improving glycaemic control of patients with diabetes. However, despite decades of research, a consensus on the precise mechanisms of glucose regulation of glucagon secretion is yet to be reached. Second messengers are a group of small intracellular molecules that relay extracellular signals to the intracellular signalling cascade, modulating cellular functions. There is a growing body of evidence that second messengers, such as cAMP and Ca2+, play critical roles in α‐cell glucose‐sensing and glucagon secretion. In this review, we discuss the impact of second messengers on α‐cell electrical activity, intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and cell exocytosis. We highlight the possibility that the interaction between different second messengers may play a key role in the glucose‐regulation of glucagon secretion.
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29
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Mizera M, Latek D. Ligand-Receptor Interactions and Machine Learning in GCGR and GLP-1R Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084060. [PMID: 33920024 PMCID: PMC8071054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The large amount of data that has been collected so far for G protein-coupled receptors requires machine learning (ML) approaches to fully exploit its potential. Our previous ML model based on gradient boosting used for prediction of drug affinity and selectivity for a receptor subtype was compared with explicit information on ligand-receptor interactions from induced-fit docking. Both methods have proved their usefulness in drug response predictions. Yet, their successful combination still requires allosteric/orthosteric assignment of ligands from datasets. Our ligand datasets included activities of two members of the secretin receptor family: GCGR and GLP-1R. Simultaneous activation of two or three receptors of this family by dual or triple agonists is not a typical kind of information included in compound databases. A precise allosteric/orthosteric ligand assignment requires a continuous update based on new structural and biological data. This data incompleteness remains the main obstacle for current ML methods applied to class B GPCR drug discovery. Even so, for these two class B receptors, our ligand-based ML model demonstrated high accuracy (5-fold cross-validation Q2 > 0.63 and Q2 > 0.67 for GLP-1R and GCGR, respectively). In addition, we performed a ligand annotation using recent cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallographic data on small-molecule complexes of GCGR and GLP-1R. As a result, we assigned GLP-1R and GCGR actives deposited in ChEMBL to four small-molecule binding sites occupied by positive and negative allosteric modulators and a full agonist. Annotated compounds were added to our recently released repository of GPCR data.
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30
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Yang B, Gelfanov VM, Perez-Tilve D, DuBois B, Rohlfs R, Levy J, Douros JD, Finan B, Mayer JP, DiMarchi RD. Optimization of Truncated Glucagon Peptides to Achieve Selective, High Potency, Full Antagonists. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4697-4708. [PMID: 33821647 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antagonism of glucagon's biological action is a proven strategy for decreasing glucose in diabetic animals and patients. To achieve full, potent, and selective suppression, we chemically optimized N-terminally truncated glucagon fragments for the identification and establishment of the minimum sequence peptide, [Glu9]glucagon(6-29) amide (11) as a full antagonist in cellular signaling and receptor binding (IC50 = 36 nM). Substitution of Phe6 with l-3-phenyllactic acid (Pla) produced [Pla6, Glu9]glucagon(6-29) amide (21), resulting in a 3-fold improvement in receptor binding (IC50 = 12 nM) and enhanced antagonist potency. Further substitution of Glu9 and Asn28 with aspartic acid yielded [Pla6, Asp28]glucagon amide (26), which demonstrated a further increase in inhibitory potency (IC50 = 9 nM), and improved aqueous solubility. Peptide 26 and a palmitoylated analogue, [Pla6, Lys10(γGluγGlu-C16), Asp28]glucagon(6-29) amide (31), displayed sustained duration in vivo action that successfully reversed glucagon-induced glucose elevation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States.,Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Vasily M Gelfanov
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States.,Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Diego Perez-Tilve
- Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Barent DuBois
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Rebecca Rohlfs
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Jay Levy
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Jonathan D Douros
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Brian Finan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - John P Mayer
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Richard D DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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31
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Bai X, Jia J, Kang Q, Fu Y, Zhou Y, Zhong Y, Zhang C, Li M. Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Analysis Reveal Remodeling of Lipid Metabolism and Amino Acid Metabolism in Glucagon Receptor-Deficient Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:605979. [PMID: 33520988 PMCID: PMC7841139 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.605979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is activated by glucagon and is essential for glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism of animals. GCGR blockade has been demonstrated to induce hypoglycemia, hyperaminoacidemia, hyperglucagonemia, decreased adiposity, hepatosteatosis, and pancreatic α cells hyperplasia in organisms. However, the mechanism of how GCGR regulates these physiological functions is not yet very clear. In our previous study, we revealed that GCGR regulated metabolic network at transcriptional level by RNA-seq using GCGR mutant zebrafish (gcgr -/-). Here, we further performed whole-organism metabolomics and lipidomics profiling on wild-type and gcgr -/- zebrafish to study the changes of metabolites. We found 107 significantly different metabolites from metabolomics analysis and 87 significantly different lipids from lipidomics analysis. Chemical substance classification and pathway analysis integrated with transcriptomics data both revealed that amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism were remodeled in gcgr-deficient zebrafish. Similar to other studies, our study showed that gcgr -/- zebrafish exhibited decreased ureagenesis and impaired cholesterol metabolism. More interestingly, we found that the glycerophospholipid metabolism was disrupted, the arachidonic acid metabolism was up-regulated, and the tryptophan metabolism pathway was down-regulated in gcgr -/- zebrafish. Based on the omics data, we further validated our findings by revealing that gcgr -/- zebrafish exhibited dampened melatonin diel rhythmicity and increased locomotor activity. These global omics data provide us a better understanding about the role of GCGR in regulating metabolic network and new insight into GCGR physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanxuan Bai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Jia
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qi Kang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - You Zhou
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Yingbin Zhong
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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32
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Grover A, Sharma K, Gautam S, Gautam S, Gulati M, Singh SK. Diabetes and Its Complications: Therapies Available, Anticipated and Aspired. Curr Diabetes Rev 2021; 17:397-420. [PMID: 33143627 DOI: 10.2174/1573399816666201103144231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, diabetes ranks among the ten leading causes of mortality. Prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly in low and middle income countries. It is a progressive disease leading to serious co-morbidities, which results in increased cost of treatment and over-all health system of the country. Pathophysiological alterations in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) progressed from a simple disturbance in the functioning of the pancreas to triumvirate to ominous octet to egregious eleven to dirty dozen model. Due to complex interplay of multiple hormones in T2D, there may be multifaceted approach in its management. The 'long-term secondary complications' in uncontrolled diabetes may affect almost every organ of the body, and finally may lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Available therapies are inconsistent in maintaining long term glycemic control and their long term use may be associated with adverse effects. There is need for newer drugs, not only for glycemic control but also for prevention or mitigation of secondary microvascular and macrovascular complications. Increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes has contributed to the development of novel treatments. Several new agents like Glucagon Like Peptide - 1 (GLP-1) agonists, Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, amylin analogues, Sodium-Glucose transport -2 (SGLT- 2) inhibitors and dual Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists are available or will be available soon, thus extending the range of therapy for T2D, thereby preventing its long term complications. The article discusses the pathophysiology of diabetes along with its comorbidities, with a focus on existing and novel upcoming antidiabetic drugs which are under investigation. It also dives deep to deliberate upon the novel therapies that are in various stages of development. Adding new options with new mechanisms of action to the treatment armamentarium of diabetes may eventually help improve outcomes and reduce its economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Grover
- Ipca Laboratories, Mumbai - 400063, India
| | - Komal Sharma
- Bhupal Nobles' Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Udaipur, India
| | - Suresh Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry, Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur, India
| | - Srishti Gautam
- Ravinder Nath Tagore Medical College and Maharana Bhupal Govt. Hospital, Udaipur, India
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab- 144411, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab- 144411, India
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Abstract
Diabetes is on the rise across the globe affecting more than 463 million people and crucially increasing morbidities of diabetes-associated diseases. Urgent and immense actions are needed to improve diabetes prevention and treatment. Regarding the correlation of diabetes with many associated diseases, inhibition of the disease progression is more crucial than controlling symptoms. Currently, anti-diabetic drugs are accompanied by undesirable side-effects and target confined types of biomolecules. Thus, extensive research is demanding to identify novel disease mechanisms and molecular targets as probable candidates for effective treatment of diabetes. This review discusses the conventional molecule targets that have been applied for their therapeutic rationale in treatment of diabetes. Further, the emerging and prospective molecular targets for the future focus of library screenings are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadipanah
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Zeng Z, Huang SY, Sun T. Pharmacogenomic Studies of Current Antidiabetic Agents and Potential New Drug Targets for Precision Medicine of Diabetes. Diabetes Ther 2020; 11:2521-2538. [PMID: 32930968 PMCID: PMC7548012 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-020-00922-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a major threat to people's health and has become a burden worldwide. Current drugs for diabetes have limitations, such as different drug responses among individuals, failure to achieve glycemic control, and adverse effects. Exploring more effective therapeutic strategies for patients with diabetes is crucial. Currently pharmacogenomics has provided potential for individualized drug therapy based on genetic and genomic information of patients, and has made precision medicine possible. Responses and adverse effects to antidiabetic drugs are significantly associated with gene polymorphisms in patients. Many new targets for diabetes also have been discovered and developed, and even entered clinical trial phases. This review summarizes pharmacogenomic evidence of some current antidiabetic agents applied in clinical settings, and highlights potential drugs with new targets for diabetes, which represent a more effective treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zeng
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Shi-Ying Huang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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Lang S, Wei R, Wei T, Gu L, Feng J, Yan H, Yang J, Hong T. Glucagon receptor antagonism promotes the production of gut proglucagon-derived peptides in diabetic mice. Peptides 2020; 131:170349. [PMID: 32561493 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon is an essential regulator of glucose homeostasis, particularly in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Blocking the glucagon receptor (GCGR) in diabetic animals and humans has been shown to alleviate hyperglycemia and increase circulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. However, the origin of the upregulated GLP-1 remains to be clarified. Here, we administered high-fat diet + streptozotocin-induced T2D mice and diabetic db/db mice with REMD 2.59, a fully competitive antagonistic human GCGR monoclonal antibody (mAb) for 12 weeks. GCGR mAb treatment decreased fasting blood glucose levels and increased plasma GLP-1 levels in the T2D mice. In addition, GCGR mAb upregulated preproglucagon gene expression and the contents of gut proglucagon-derived peptides, particularly GLP-1, in the small intestine and colon. Notably, T2D mice treated with GCGR mAb displayed a higher L-cell density in the small intestine and colon, which was associated with increased numbers of LK-cells coexpressing GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and reduced L-cell apoptosis. Furthermore, GCGR mAb treatment upregulated GLP-1 production in the pancreas, which was detected at lower levels than in the intestine. Collectively, these results suggest that GCGR mAb can increase intestinal GLP-1 production and L-cell number by enhancing LK-cell expansion and inhibiting L-cell apoptosis in T2D.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Blood Glucose/metabolism
- Colon/drug effects
- Colon/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/etiology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Fasting/metabolism
- Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide/genetics
- Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/genetics
- Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/metabolism
- Humans
- Intestine, Small/drug effects
- Intestine, Small/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pancreas/drug effects
- Pancreas/metabolism
- Proglucagon/genetics
- Proglucagon/metabolism
- Receptors, Glucagon/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Glucagon/genetics
- Receptors, Glucagon/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Streptozocin/administration & dosage
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tianjiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liangbiao Gu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jin Feng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hai Yan
- REMD Biotherapeutics, Camarillo, CA 93012, USA; Beijing Cosci-REMD, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
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Identification of an Anti-diabetic, Orally Available Small Molecule that Regulates TXNIP Expression and Glucagon Action. Cell Metab 2020; 32:353-365.e8. [PMID: 32726606 PMCID: PMC7501995 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia, loss of functional islet beta cell mass, deficiency of glucose-lowering insulin, and persistent alpha cell secretion of gluconeogenic glucagon. Still, no therapies that target these underlying processes are available. We therefore performed high-throughput screening of 300,000 compounds and extensive medicinal chemistry optimization and here report the discovery of SRI-37330, an orally bioavailable, non-toxic small molecule, which effectively rescued mice from streptozotocin- and obesity-induced (db/db) diabetes. Interestingly, in rat cells and in mouse and human islets, SRI-37330 inhibited expression and signaling of thioredoxin-interacting protein, which we have previously found to be elevated in diabetes and to have detrimental effects on islet function. In addition, SRI-37330 treatment inhibited glucagon secretion and function, reduced hepatic glucose production, and reversed hepatic steatosis. Thus, these studies describe a newly designed chemical compound that, compared to currently available therapies, may provide a distinct and effective approach to treating diabetes.
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37
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Wang L, Zhu L, Meister J, Bone DBJ, Pydi SP, Rossi M, Wess J. Use of DREADD Technology to Identify Novel Targets for Antidiabetic Drugs. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 61:421-440. [PMID: 32746768 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-030220-121042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form a superfamily of plasma membrane receptors that couple to four major families of heterotrimeric G proteins, Gs, Gi, Gq, and G12. GPCRs represent excellent targets for drug therapy. Since the individual GPCRs are expressed by many different cell types, the in vivo metabolic roles of a specific GPCR expressed by a distinct cell type are not well understood. The development of designer GPCRs known as DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by a designer drug) that selectively couple to distinct classes of heterotrimeric G proteins has greatly facilitated studies in this area. This review focuses on the use of DREADD technology to explore the physiological and pathophysiological roles of distinct GPCR/G protein cascades in several metabolically important cell types. The novel insights gained from these studies should stimulate the development of GPCR-based treatments for major metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Lu Zhu
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Jaroslawna Meister
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Derek B J Bone
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Sai P Pydi
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Mario Rossi
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Jürgen Wess
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
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38
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Johansson KS, Sonne DP, Knop FK, Christensen MB. What is on the horizon for type 2 diabetes pharmacotherapy? – An overview of the antidiabetic drug development pipeline. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1253-1265. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1791078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Sebastian Johansson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Peick Sonne
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Filip Krag Knop
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Bring Christensen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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39
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Cheng C, Jabri S, Taoka BM, Sinz CJ. Small molecule glucagon receptor antagonists: an updated patent review (2015–2019). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:509-526. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1769600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Cheng
- Merck & Co., Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA (MSD)
| | - Salman Jabri
- Merck & Co., Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA (MSD)
| | - Brandon M Taoka
- Merck & Co., Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA (MSD)
| | - Christopher J Sinz
- Merck & Co., Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA (MSD)
- Current Address: Maze Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
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40
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Abstract
Glucagon and its partner insulin are dually linked in both their secretion from islet cells and their action in the liver. Glucagon signaling increases hepatic glucose output, and hyperglucagonemia is partly responsible for the hyperglycemia in diabetes, making glucagon an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Interrupting glucagon signaling lowers blood glucose but also results in hyperglucagonemia and α-cell hyperplasia. Investigation of the mechanism for α-cell proliferation led to the description of a conserved liver-α-cell axis where glucagon is a critical regulator of amino acid homeostasis. In return, amino acids regulate α-cell function and proliferation. New evidence suggests that dysfunction of the axis in humans may result in the hyperglucagonemia observed in diabetes. This discussion outlines important but often overlooked roles for glucagon that extend beyond glycemia and supports a new role for α-cells as amino acid sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Danielle Dean
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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41
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Patil M, Deshmukh NJ, Patel M, Sangle GV. Glucagon-based therapy: Past, present and future. Peptides 2020; 127:170296. [PMID: 32147318 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabesity and its related cardio-hepato-renal complications are of absolute concern globally. Last decade has witnessed a growing interest in the scientific community in investigating novel pharmaco-therapies employing the pancreatic hormone, glucagon. Canonically, this polypeptide hormone is known for its use in rescue treatment for hypoglycaemic shocks owing to its involvement in the counter-regulatory feedback mechanism. However, substantial studies in the recent past elucidated the pleiotropic effects of glucagon in diabesity and related complications like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, the dual nature of this peptide has sparked the search for drugs that can modify glucagon signalling to combat hypoglycaemia or diabesity. Thus far, researchers have explored various pharmacological approaches to utilise this peptide in imminent modern therapies. The research endeavours in this segment led to explorations of stable glucagon formulations/analogues, glucagon receptor antagonism, glucagon receptor agonism, and incretin poly-agonism as new strategies for the management of hypoglycaemia or diabesity. This 'three-dimensional' research on glucagon resulted in the discovery of various drug candidates that proficiently modify glucagon signalling. Currently, several emerging glucagon-based therapies are under pre-clinical and clinical development. We sought to summarise the recent progress to comprehend glucagon-mediated pleiotropic effects, provide an overview of drug candidates currently being developed and future perspectives in this research domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Patil
- Diabetes Research Lab, New Drug Discovery, Wockhardt Research Centre, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nitin J Deshmukh
- Diabetes Research Lab, New Drug Discovery, Wockhardt Research Centre, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahesh Patel
- Diabetes Research Lab, New Drug Discovery, Wockhardt Research Centre, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India; New Drug Discovery, Wockhardt Research Centre, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ganesh V Sangle
- Diabetes Research Lab, New Drug Discovery, Wockhardt Research Centre, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.
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Lang S, Yang J, Yang K, Gu L, Cui X, Wei T, Liu J, Le Y, Wang H, Wei R, Hong T. Glucagon receptor antagonist upregulates circulating GLP-1 level by promoting intestinal L-cell proliferation and GLP-1 production in type 2 diabetes. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2020; 8:8/1/e001025. [PMID: 32139602 PMCID: PMC7059498 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucagon receptor (GCGR) blockage improves glycemic control and increases circulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level in diabetic animals and humans. The elevated GLP-1 has been reported to be involved in the hypoglycemic effect of GCGR blockage. However, the source of this elevation remains to be clarified. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS REMD 2.59, a human GCGR monoclonal antibody (mAb), was administrated for 12 weeks in db/db mice and high-fat diet+streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic (T2D) mice. Blood glucose, glucose tolerance and plasma GLP-1 were evaluated during the treatment. The gut length, epithelial area, and L-cell number and proliferation were detected after the mice were sacrificed. Cell proliferation and GLP-1 production were measured in mouse L-cell line GLUTag cells, and primary mouse and human enterocytes. Moreover, GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) antagonist or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor was used in GLUTag cells to determine the involved signaling pathways. RESULTS Treatment with the GCGR mAb lowered blood glucose level, improved glucose tolerance and elevated plasma GLP-1 level in both db/db and HFD/STZ-induced T2D mice. Besides, the treatment promoted L-cell proliferation and LK-cell expansion, and increased the gut length, epithelial area and L-cell number in these two T2D mice. Similarly, our in vitro study showed that the GCGR mAb promoted L-cell proliferation and increased GLP-1 production in GLUTag cells, and primary mouse and human enterocytes. Furthermore, either GLP-1R antagonist or PKA inhibitor diminished the effects of GCGR mAb on L-cell proliferation and GLP-1 production. CONCLUSIONS The elevated circulating GLP-1 level by GCGR mAb is mainly due to intestinal L-cell proliferation and GLP-1 production, which may be mediated via GLP-1R/PKA signaling pathways. Therefore, GCGR mAb represents a promising strategy to improve glycemic control and restore the impaired GLP-1 production in T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liangbiao Gu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyi Le
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haining Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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43
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Knerr PJ, Mowery SA, Finan B, Perez-Tilve D, Tschöp MH, DiMarchi RD. Selection and progression of unimolecular agonists at the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors as drug candidates. Peptides 2020; 125:170225. [PMID: 31786282 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The continued global growth in the prevalence of obesity coupled with the limited number of efficacious and safe treatment options elevates the importance of innovative pharmaceutical approaches. Combinatorial strategies that harness the metabolic benefits of multiple hormonal mechanisms have emerged at the preclinical and more recently clinical stages of drug development. A priority has been anti-obesity unimolecular peptides that function as balanced, high potency poly-agonists at two or all the cellular receptors for the endocrine hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon. This report reviews recent progress in this area, with emphasis on what the initial clinical results demonstrate and what remains to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Knerr
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Brian Finan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Diego Perez-Tilve
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Garching, Germany
| | - Richard D DiMarchi
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Zebrafish Glucagon Receptor Mutant Reveals Its Regulated Metabolic Network. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030724. [PMID: 31979106 PMCID: PMC7037442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates the activity of glucagon. Disruption of GCGR results in many metabolic alterations, including increased glucose tolerance, decreased adiposity, hypoglycemia, and pancreatic α-cell hyperplasia. To better understand the global transcriptomic changes resulting from GCGR deficiency, we performed whole-organism RNA sequencing analysis in wild type and gcgr-deficient zebrafish. We found that the expression of 1645 genes changes more than two-fold among mutants. Most of these genes are related to metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. Genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation, amino acid catabolism, and ureagenesis are often downregulated. Among gcrgr-deficient zebrafish, we experimentally confirmed increases in lipid accumulation in the liver and whole-body glucose uptake, as well as a modest decrease in total amino acid content. These results provide new information about the global metabolic network that GCGR signaling regulates in addition to a better understanding of the receptor’s physiological functions.
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Gilon P. The Role of α-Cells in Islet Function and Glucose Homeostasis in Health and Type 2 Diabetes. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:1367-1394. [PMID: 31954131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic α-cells are the major source of glucagon, a hormone that counteracts the hypoglycemic action of insulin and strongly contributes to the correction of acute hypoglycemia. The mechanisms by which glucose controls glucagon secretion are hotly debated, and it is still unclear to what extent this control results from a direct action of glucose on α-cells or is indirectly mediated by β- and/or δ-cells. Besides its hyperglycemic action, glucagon has many other effects, in particular on lipid and amino acid metabolism. Counterintuitively, glucagon seems also required for an optimal insulin secretion in response to glucose by acting on its cognate receptor and, even more importantly, on GLP-1 receptors. Patients with diabetes mellitus display two main alterations of glucagon secretion: a relative hyperglucagonemia that aggravates hyperglycemia, and an impaired glucagon response to hypoglycemia. Under metabolic stress states, such as diabetes, pancreatic α-cells also secrete GLP-1, a glucose-lowering hormone, whereas the gut can produce glucagon. The contribution of extrapancreatic glucagon to the abnormal glucose homeostasis is unclear. Here, I review the possible mechanisms of control of glucagon secretion and the role of α-cells on islet function in healthy state. I discuss the possible causes of the abnormal glucagonemia in diabetes, with particular emphasis on type 2 diabetes, and I briefly comment the current antidiabetic therapies affecting α-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Gilon
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pole of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Avenue Hippocrate 55 (B1.55.06), Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.
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46
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Belete TM. A Recent Achievement In the Discovery and Development of Novel Targets for the Treatment of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Exp Pharmacol 2020; 12:1-15. [PMID: 32021494 PMCID: PMC6959499 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s226113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder. Impaired insulin secretion, enhanced hepatic glucose production, and suppressed peripheral glucose use are the main defects responsible for developing the disease. Besides, the pathophysiology of T2DM also includes enhanced glucagon secretion, decreased incretin secretion, increased renal glucose reabsorption, and adipocyte, and brain insulin resistance. The increasing prevalence of T2DM in the world beseeches an urgent need for better treatment options. The antidiabetic drugs focus on control of blood glucose concentration, but the future treatment goal is to delay disease progression and treatment failure, which causes poorer glycemic regulation. Recent treatment approaches target on several novel pathophysiological defects present in T2DM. Some of the promising novel targets being under clinical development include those that increase insulin sensitization (antagonists of glucocorticoids receptor), decreasing hepatic glucose production (glucagon receptor antagonist, inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase). This review summarizes studies that are available on novel targets being studied to treat T2DM with an emphasis on the small molecule drug design. The experience gathered from earlier studies and knowledge of T2DM pathways can guide the anti-diabetic drug development toward the discovery of drugs essential to treat T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafere Mulaw Belete
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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47
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Pettus JH, D'Alessio D, Frias JP, Vajda EG, Pipkin JD, Rosenstock J, Williamson G, Zangmeister MA, Zhi L, Marschke KB. Efficacy and Safety of the Glucagon Receptor Antagonist RVT-1502 in Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Metformin Monotherapy: A 12-Week Dose-Ranging Study. Diabetes Care 2020; 43:161-168. [PMID: 31694861 DOI: 10.2337/dc19-1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate the safety and efficacy of RVT-1502, a novel oral glucagon receptor antagonist, in subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, subjects with type 2 diabetes (n = 166) on a stable dose of metformin were randomized (1:1:1:1) to placebo or RVT-1502 5, 10, or 15 mg once daily for 12 weeks. The primary end point was change from baseline in HbA1c for each dose of RVT-1502 compared with placebo. Secondary end points included change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and safety assessments. RESULTS Over 12 weeks, RVT-1502 significantly reduced HbA1c relative to placebo by 0.74%, 0.76%, and 1.05% in the 5-, 10-, and 15-mg groups (P < 0.001), respectively, and FPG decreased by 2.1, 2.2, and 2.6 mmol/L (P < 0.001). The proportions of subjects achieving an HbA1c <7.0% were 19.5%, 39.5%, 39.5%, and 45.0% with placebo and RVT-1502 5, 10, and 15 mg (P ≤ 0.02 vs. placebo). The frequency of hypoglycemia was low, and no episodes were severe. Mild increases in mean aminotransferase levels remaining below the upper limit of normal were observed with RVT-1502 but were reversible and did not appear to be dose related, with no other liver parameter changes. Weight and lipid changes were similar between RVT-1502 and placebo. RVT-1502-associated mild increases in blood pressure were not dose related or consistent across time. CONCLUSIONS Glucagon receptor antagonism with RVT-1502 significantly lowers HbA1c and FPG, with a safety profile that supports further clinical development with longer-duration studies (NCT02851849).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eric G Vajda
- Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, San Diego, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lin Zhi
- Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, San Diego, CA
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48
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Grandl G, Novikoff A, DiMarchi R, Tschöp MH, Müller TD. Gut Peptide Agonism in the Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes. Compr Physiol 2019; 10:99-124. [PMID: 31853954 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a global healthcare challenge that gives rise to devastating diseases such as the metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes (T2D), and a variety of cardiovascular diseases. The escalating prevalence of obesity has led to an increased interest in pharmacological options to counteract excess weight gain. Gastrointestinal hormones such as glucagon, amylin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are well recognized for influencing food intake and satiety, but the therapeutic potential of these native peptides is overall limited by a short half-life and an often dose-dependent appearance of unwanted effects. Recent clinical success of chemically optimized GLP-1 mimetics with improved pharmacokinetics and sustained action has propelled pharmacological interest in using bioengineered gut hormones to treat obesity and diabetes. In this article, we summarize the basic biology and signaling mechanisms of selected gut peptides and discuss how they regulate systemic energy and glucose metabolism. Subsequently, we focus on the design and evaluation of unimolecular drugs that combine the beneficial effects of selected gut hormones into a single entity to optimize the beneficial impact on systems metabolism. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:99-124, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Grandl
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Aaron Novikoff
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Richard DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Timo D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, Tübingen, Germany
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49
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Spolitu S, Okamoto H, Dai W, Zadroga JA, Wittchen ES, Gromada J, Ozcan L. Hepatic Glucagon Signaling Regulates PCSK9 and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol. Circ Res 2019; 124:38-51. [PMID: 30582457 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.313648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Glucagon is a key hormone that regulates the adaptive metabolic responses to fasting. In addition to maintaining glucose homeostasis, glucagon participates in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism; however, the molecular pathways underlying this effect are incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the role of hepatic Gcgr (glucagon receptor) signaling in plasma cholesterol regulation and identify its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS We show that Gcgr signaling plays an essential role in LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) homeostasis through regulating the PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) levels. Silencing of hepatic Gcgr or inhibition of glucagon action increased hepatic and plasma PCSK9 and resulted in lower LDLR (LDL receptor) protein and increased plasma LDL-C. Conversely, treatment of wild-type (WT) mice with glucagon lowered LDL-C levels, whereas this response was abrogated in Pcsk9-/- and Ldlr-/- mice. Our gain- and loss-of-function studies identified Epac2 (exchange protein activated by cAMP-2) and Rap1 (Ras-related protein-1) as the downstream mediators of glucagon's action on PCSK9 homeostasis. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that glucagon affected the half-life of PCSK9 protein without changing the level of its mRNA, indicating that Gcgr signaling regulates PCSK9 degradation. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel insights into the molecular interplay between hepatic glucagon signaling and lipid metabolism and describe a new posttranscriptional mechanism of PCSK9 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Spolitu
- From the Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York (S.S., W.D., J.A.Z., L.O.)
| | - Haruka Okamoto
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Tarrytown, NY (H.O., J.G.)
| | - Wen Dai
- From the Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York (S.S., W.D., J.A.Z., L.O.)
| | - John A Zadroga
- From the Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York (S.S., W.D., J.A.Z., L.O.)
| | - Erika S Wittchen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (E.S.W.)
| | - Jesper Gromada
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Tarrytown, NY (H.O., J.G.)
| | - Lale Ozcan
- From the Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York (S.S., W.D., J.A.Z., L.O.)
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50
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Xu G, Gaul MD, Song F, Du F, Liang Y, DesJarlais RL, DiLoreto K, Shook B, Rentzeperis D, Santulli R, Eckardt A, Demarest K. Discovery of potent and orally bioavailable indazole-based glucagon receptor antagonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:126668. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.126668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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