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Zhang Y, Tan Y, Zhang Z, Cheng X, Duan J, Li Y. Targeting Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor: A Perspective on Small-Molecule Modulators and Their Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2024; 67:16018-16034. [PMID: 39269788 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
TSHR is a member of the glycoprotein hormone receptors, a subfamily of class A G-protein-coupled receptors and plays pivotal roles in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in thyroid growth and hormone production. The aberrant TSHR function has been implicated in several human diseases including Graves' disease and orbitopathy, nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cancer, neurological disorders, and osteoporosis. Consequently, TSHR is recognized as an attractive therapeutic target, and targeting TSHR with small-molecule modulators including agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists offers great potential for drug discovery. In this perspective, we summarize the structures and biological functions of TSHR as well as the recent advances in the development of small-molecule TSHR modulators, highlighting their chemotypes, mode of actions, structure-activity relationships, characterizations, in vitro/in vivo activities, and therapeutic potential. The challenges, new opportunities, and future directions in this area are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Ye Tan
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Zian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute of Advanced Study, Hangzhou 330106, China
| | - Jia Duan
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
- Center for Structure & Function of Drug Targets, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi Li
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Cheng X, Zhang H, Guan S, Zhao Q, Shan Y. Receptor modulators associated with the hypothalamus -pituitary-thyroid axis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1291856. [PMID: 38111381 PMCID: PMC10725963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1291856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis maintains normal metabolic balance and homeostasis in the human body through positive and negative feedback regulation. Its main regulatory mode is the secretion of thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid hormones (TH), and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). By binding to their corresponding receptors, they are involved in the development and progression of several systemic diseases, including digestive, cardiovascular, and central nervous system diseases. The HPT axis-related receptors include thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), thyroid hormone receptor (TR), and thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR). Recently, research on regulators has become popular in the field of biology. Several HPT axis-related receptor modulators have been used for clinical treatment. This study reviews the developments and recent findings on HPT axis-related receptor modulators. This will provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilisation of new modulators of the HPT axis receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbin Cheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation, Changchun Gangheng Electronics Company Limited, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shanshan Guan
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Yaming Shan
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Latif R, Davies TF, Mezei M. Functional Water Channels Within the TSH Receptor: A New Paradigm for TSH Action With Disease Implications. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad146. [PMID: 37767722 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) transmembrane domain (TMD) is found in the plasma membrane and consists of lipids and water molecules. To understand the role of TSHR-associated water molecules, we used molecular dynamic simulations of the TMD and identified a network of putative receptor-associated transmembrane water channels. This result was confirmed with extended simulations of the full-length TSHR with and without TSH ligand binding. While the transport time observed in the simulations via the TSHR protein was slower than via the lipid bilayer itself, we found that significantly more water traversed via the TSHR than via the lipid bilayer, which more than doubled with the binding of TSH. Using rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) and a calcein fluorescence technique, we measured cell volumes after blockade of aquaporins 1 and 4, the major thyroid cell water transporters. TSH showed a dose-dependent ability to influence water transport, and similar effects were observed with stimulating TSHR autoantibodies. Small molecule TSHR agonists, which are allosteric activators of the TMD, also enhanced water transport, illustrating the role of the TMD in this phenomenon. Furthermore, the water channel pathway was also mapped across 2 activation motifs within the TSHR TMD, suggesting how water movement may influence activation of the receptor. In pathophysiological conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism where TSH concentrations are highly variable, this action of TSH may greatly influence water movement in thyroid cells and many other extrathyroidal sites where the TSHR is expressed, thus affecting normal cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Thyroid Research Unit, New York, NY 10468, USA
| | - Terry F Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Thyroid Research Unit, New York, NY 10468, USA
| | - Mihaly Mezei
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Begum MN, Mahtarin R, Islam MT, Ahmed S, Konika TK, Mannoor K, Akhteruzzaman S, Qadri F. Molecular investigation of TSHR gene in Bangladeshi congenital hypothyroid patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282553. [PMID: 37561783 PMCID: PMC10414570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The disorder of thyroid gland development or thyroid dysgenesis accounts for 80-85% of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) cases. Mutations in the TSHR gene are mostly associated with thyroid dysgenesis, and prevent or disrupt normal development of the gland. There is limited data available on the genetic spectrum of congenital hypothyroid children in Bangladesh. Thus, an understanding of the molecular aetiology of thyroid dysgenesis is a prerequisite. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of mutations in the TSHR gene on the small molecule thyrogenic drug-binding site of the protein. We identified two nonsynonymous mutations (p.Ser508Leu, p.Glu727Asp) in the exon 10 of the TSHR gene in 21 patients with dysgenesis by sequencing-based analysis. Later, the TSHR368-764 protein was modeled by the I-TASSER server for wild-type and mutant structures. The model proteins were targeted by thyrogenic drugs, MS437 and MS438 to perceive the effect of mutations. The damaging effect in drug-protein complexes of mutants was explored by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The binding affinity of wild-type protein was much higher than the mutant cases for both of the drug ligands (MS437 and MS438). Molecular dynamics simulates the dynamic behavior of wild-type and mutant complexes. MS437-TSHR368-764MT2 and MS438-TSHR368-764MT1 showed stable conformations in biological environments. Finally, Principle Component Analysis revealed structural and energy profile discrepancies. TSHR368-764MT1 exhibited much more variations than TSHR368-764WT and TSHR368-764MT2, emphasizing a more damaging pattern in TSHR368-764MT1. This genetic study might be helpful to explore the mutational impact on drug binding sites of TSHR protein which is important for future drug design and selection for the treatment of congenital hypothyroid children with dysgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mst. Noorjahan Begum
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), ECB Chattar, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Virology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rumana Mahtarin
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), ECB Chattar, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Tarikul Islam
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), ECB Chattar, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sinthyia Ahmed
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnia Kawsar Konika
- Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kaiissar Mannoor
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), ECB Chattar, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharif Akhteruzzaman
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), ECB Chattar, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Mucosal Immunology and Vaccinology, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Shpakov AO. Allosteric Regulation of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: From Diversity of Molecular Mechanisms to Multiple Allosteric Sites and Their Ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6187. [PMID: 37047169 PMCID: PMC10094638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosteric regulation is critical for the functioning of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their signaling pathways. Endogenous allosteric regulators of GPCRs are simple ions, various biomolecules, and protein components of GPCR signaling (G proteins and β-arrestins). The stability and functional activity of GPCR complexes is also due to multicenter allosteric interactions between protomers. The complexity of allosteric effects caused by numerous regulators differing in structure, availability, and mechanisms of action predetermines the multiplicity and different topology of allosteric sites in GPCRs. These sites can be localized in extracellular loops; inside the transmembrane tunnel and in its upper and lower vestibules; in cytoplasmic loops; and on the outer, membrane-contacting surface of the transmembrane domain. They are involved in the regulation of basal and orthosteric agonist-stimulated receptor activity, biased agonism, GPCR-complex formation, and endocytosis. They are targets for a large number of synthetic allosteric regulators and modulators, including those constructed using molecular docking. The review is devoted to the principles and mechanisms of GPCRs allosteric regulation, the multiplicity of allosteric sites and their topology, and the endogenous and synthetic allosteric regulators, including autoantibodies and pepducins. The allosteric regulation of chemokine receptors, proteinase-activated receptors, thyroid-stimulating and luteinizing hormone receptors, and beta-adrenergic receptors are described in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Mezei M, Latif R, Davies TF. Modeling TSH Receptor Dimerization at the Transmembrane Domain. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6759649. [PMID: 36223484 PMCID: PMC9761578 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac168] [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: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical studies have established that the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor (TSHR) undergoes posttranslational modifications including dimerization. Following our earlier simulation of a TSHR-transmembrane domain (TMD) monomer (called TSHR-TMD-TRIO) we have now proceeded with a molecular dynamics simulation (MD) of TSHR-TMD dimerization using this improved membrane-embedded model. The starting structure was the TMD protein with all extracellular and intracellular loops and internal waters, which was placed in the relative orientation of the model originally generated with Brownian dynamics. Furthermore, this model was embedded in a DPPC lipid bilayer further solvated with water and added salt. Data from the MD simulation studies showed that the dimeric subunits stayed in the same relative orientation and distance during the 1000 ns of study. Comparison of representative conformations of the individual monomers when dimerized with the conformations from the monomer simulation showed subtle differences as represented by the backbone root mean square deviations. Differences in the conformations of the ligand-binding sites, suggesting variable affinities for these "hot spots," were also revealed by comparing the docking scores of 46 small-molecule ligands that included known TSHR agonists and antagonists as well as their derivatives. These data add further insight into the tendency of the TSHR-TMD to form dimeric and oligomeric structures and show that the differing conformations influence small-molecule binding sites within the TMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaly Mezei
- Correspondence: Mihaly Mezei, PhD, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
- Department of Medicine, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York 10468, USA
| | - Terry F Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
- Department of Medicine, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York 10468, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE Our understanding of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO, A.K.A Graves' orbitopathy, thyroid eye disease) has advanced substantially, since one of us (TJS) wrote the 2010 update on TAO, appearing in this journal. METHODS PubMed was searched for relevant articles. RESULTS Recent insights have resulted from important studies conducted by many different laboratory groups around the World. A clearer understanding of autoimmune diseases in general and TAO specifically emerged from the use of improved research methodologies. Several key concepts have matured over the past decade. Among them, those arising from the refinement of mouse models of TAO, early stage investigation into restoring immune tolerance in Graves' disease, and a hard-won acknowledgement that the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) might play a critical role in the development of TAO, stand out as important. The therapeutic inhibition of IGF-IR has blossomed into an effective and safe medical treatment. Teprotumumab, a β-arrestin biased agonist monoclonal antibody inhibitor of IGF-IR has been studied in two multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated both effectiveness and a promising safety profile in moderate-to-severe, active TAO. Those studies led to the approval by the US FDA of teprotumumab, currently marketed as Tepezza for TAO. We have also learned far more about the putative role that CD34+ fibrocytes and their derivatives, CD34+ orbital fibroblasts, play in TAO. CONCLUSION The past decade has been filled with substantial scientific advances that should provide the necessary springboard for continually accelerating discovery over the next 10 years and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Neag
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Brehm Tower, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - T J Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Brehm Tower, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
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Mezei M, Latif R, Das B, Davies TF. Implications of an Improved Model of the TSH Receptor Transmembrane Domain (TSHR-TMD-TRIO). Endocrinology 2021; 162:6161546. [PMID: 33693584 PMCID: PMC8183494 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor group A family member with 7 transmembrane helices. We generated 3 new models of its entire transmembrane region using a 600 ns molecular simulation. The simulation started from our previously published model, which we have now revised by also modeling the intracellular loops and the C-terminal tail, adding internal waters and embedding it into a lipid bilayer with a water layer and with ions added to complete the system. We have named this model TSHR-TMD-TRIO since 3 representative dominant structures were then extracted from the simulation trajectory and compared with the original model. These structures each showed small but significant changes in the relative positions of the helices. The 3 models were also used as targets to dock a set of small molecules that are known active compounds including a new TSHR antagonist (BT362), which confirmed the appropriateness of the model with some small molecules showing significant preference for one or other of the structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Correspondence: Mihaly Mezei, PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. E-mail:
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bhaskar Das
- Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Long Island University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry F Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Deng T, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Huan Z, Yu C, Zhang X, Wang Y, Xu J. Thyroid-stimulating hormone decreases the risk of osteoporosis by regulating osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. BMC Endocr Disord 2021; 21:49. [PMID: 33726721 PMCID: PMC7968288 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-021-00715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the incidence of secretory osteoporosis has increased, bone loss, osteoporosis and their relationships with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) have received increased attention. In this study, the role of TSH in bone metabolism and its possible underlying mechanisms were investigated. METHODS We analyzed the serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and TSH and the bone mineral density (BMD) levels of 114 men with normal thyroid function. In addition, osteoblasts from rat calvarial samples were treated with different doses of TSH for different lengths of time. The related gene and protein expression levels were investigated. RESULTS A comparison of the BMD between the high-level and low-level serum TSH groups showed that the TSH serum concentration was positively correlated with BMD. TSH at concentrations of 10 mU/mL and 100 mU/mL significantly increased the mRNA levels of ALP, COI1 and Runx2 compared with those of the control (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 activity was enhanced with both increased TSH concentration and increased time. The protein levels of Runx2 and osterix were increased in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS The circulating concentrations of TSH and BMD were positively correlated with normal thyroid function in males. TSH promoted osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in rat primary osteoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Deng
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhikun Huan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Chunxiao Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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Latif R, Morshed SA, Ma R, Tokat B, Mezei M, Davies TF. A Gq Biased Small Molecule Active at the TSH Receptor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:372. [PMID: 32676053 PMCID: PMC7333667 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) can lead to G protein and non-G protein initiated signals. By virtue of its structural property, the TSH receptor (TSHR) has a unique ability to engage different G proteins making it highly amenable to selective signaling. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of a novel small molecule agonist to the TSHR which induces primary engagement with Gαq/11. To identify allosteric modulators inducing selective signaling of the TSHR we used a transcriptional-based luciferase assay system with CHO-TSHR cells stably expressing response elements (CRE, NFAT, SRF, or SRE) that were capable of measuring signals emanating from the coupling of Gαs , Gαq/11, Gβγ, and Gα12/13, respectively. Using this system, TSH activated Gαs , Gαq/11, and Gα12/13 but not Gβγ. On screening a library of 50K molecules at 0.1,1.0 and 10 μM, we identified a novel Gq/11 agonist (named MSq1) which activated Gq/11 mediated NFAT-luciferase >4 fold above baseline and had an EC50= 8.3 × 10-9 M with only minor induction of Gαs and cAMP. Furthermore, MSq1 is chemically and structurally distinct from any of the previously reported TSHR agonist molecules. Docking studies using a TSHR transmembrane domain (TMD) model indicated that MSq1 had contact points on helices H1, H2, H3, and H7 in the hydrophobic pocket of the TMD and also with the extracellular loops. On co-treatment with TSH, MSq1 suppressed TSH-induced proliferation of thyrocytes in a dose-dependent manner but lacked the intrinsic ability to influence basal thyrocyte proliferation. This unexpected inhibitory property of MSq1 could be blocked in the presence of a PKC inhibitor resulting in derepressing TSH induced protein kinase A (PKA) signals and resulting in the induction of proliferation. Thus, the inhibitory effect of MSq1 on proliferation resided in its capacity to overtly activate protein kinase C (PKC) which in turn suppressed the proliferative signal induced by activation of the predomiant cAMP-PKA pathway of the TSHR. Treatment of rat thyroid cells (FRTL5) with MSq1 did not show any upregulation of gene expression of the key thyroid specific markers such as thyroglobulin(Tg), thyroid peroxidase (Tpo), sodium iodide symporter (Nis), and the TSH receptor (Tshr) further suggesting lack of involvement of MSq1 and Gαq/11 activation with cellular differentation. In summary, we identified and characterized a novel Gαq/11 agonist molecule acting at the TSHR and which showed a marked anti-proliferative ability. Hence, Gq biased activation of the TSHR is capable of ameliorating the proliferative signals from its orthosteric ligand and may offer a therapeutic option for thyroid growth modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Rauf Latif
| | - Syed A. Morshed
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Risheng Ma
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bengu Tokat
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Terry F. Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Abstract
In humans, the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are synthesized in the thyroid gland in a process that crucially involves the iodoglycoprotein thyroglobulin. The overall structure of thyroglobulin is conserved in all vertebrates. Upon thyroglobulin delivery from thyrocytes to the follicular lumen of the thyroid gland via the secretory pathway, multiple tyrosine residues can become iodinated to form mono-iodotyrosine (MIT) and/or di-iodotyrosine (DIT); however, selective tyrosine residues lead to preferential formation of T4 and T3 at distinct sites. T4 formation involves oxidative coupling between two DIT side chains, and de novo T3 formation involves coupling between an MIT donor and a DIT acceptor. Thyroid hormone synthesis is stimulated by TSH activating its receptor (TSHR), which upregulates the activity of many thyroid gene products involved in hormonogenesis. Additionally, TSH regulates post-translational changes in thyroglobulin that selectively enhance its capacity for T3 formation - this process is important in iodide deficiency and in Graves disease. 167 different mutations, many of which are newly discovered, are now known to exist in TG (encoding human thyroglobulin) that can lead to defective thyroid hormone synthesis, resulting in congenital hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia E Citterio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología/Cátedra de Genética, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Héctor M Targovnik
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología/Cátedra de Genética, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Arvan
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Davies TF, Latif R. Editorial: TSH Receptor and Autoimmunity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:19. [PMID: 30761086 PMCID: PMC6364331 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Morshed SA, Ma R, Latif R, Davies TF. Biased signaling by thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor-specific antibodies determines thyrocyte survival in autoimmunity. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/514/eaah4120. [PMID: 29363585 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aah4120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptor (GPCR). Autoimmune hyperthyroidism, commonly known as Graves' disease (GD), is caused by stimulating autoantibodies to the TSHR. We previously described TSHR-specific antibodies (TSHR-Abs) in GD that recognize linear epitopes in the cleavage region of the TSHR ectodomain (C-TSHR-Abs) and induce thyroid cell apoptosis instead of stimulating the TSHR. We found that C-TSHR-Abs entered the cell through clathrin-mediated endocytosis but did not trigger endosomal maturation and failed to undergo normal vesicular sorting and trafficking. We found that stimulating TSHR-Abs (S-TSHR-Abs) activated Gαs and, to a lesser extent, Gαq but that C-TSHR-Abs failed to activate any of the G proteins normally activated in response to TSH. Furthermore, specific inhibition of G proteins in the presence of S-TSHR-mAbs or TSH resulted in a similar failure of endosomal maturation as that caused by C-TSHR-mAbs. Hence, whereas S-TSHR-mAbs and TSH contributed to normal vesicular trafficking of TSHR through the activation of major G proteins, the C-TSHR-Abs resulted in GRK2- and β-arrestin-1-dependent biased signaling, which is interpreted as a danger signal by the cell. Our observations suggest that the binding of antibodies to different TSHR epitopes may decrease cell survival. Antibody-induced cell injury and the response to cell death amplify the loss of self-tolerance, which most likely helps to perpetuate GPCR-mediated autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed A Morshed
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Risheng Ma
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Terry F Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA
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14
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Citterio CE, Veluswamy B, Morgan SJ, Galton VA, Banga JP, Atkins S, Morishita Y, Neumann S, Latif R, Gershengorn MC, Smith TJ, Arvan P. De novo triiodothyronine formation from thyrocytes activated by thyroid-stimulating hormone. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:15434-15444. [PMID: 28743746 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.784447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The thyroid gland secretes primarily tetraiodothyronine (T4), and some triiodothyronine (T3). Under normal physiological circumstances, only one-fifth of circulating T3 is directly released by the thyroid, but in states of hyperactivation of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors (TSHRs), patients develop a syndrome of relative T3 toxicosis. Thyroidal T4 production results from iodination of thyroglobulin (TG) at residues Tyr5 and Tyr130, whereas thyroidal T3 production may originate in several different ways. In this study, the data demonstrate that within the carboxyl-terminal portion of mouse TG, T3 is formed de novo independently of deiodination from T4 We found that upon iodination in vitro, de novo T3 formation in TG was decreased in mice lacking TSHRs. Conversely, de novo T3 that can be formed upon iodination of TG secreted from PCCL3 (rat thyrocyte) cells was augmented from cells previously exposed to increased TSH, a TSHR agonist, a cAMP analog, or a TSHR-stimulating antibody. We present data suggesting that TSH-stimulated TG phosphorylation contributes to enhanced de novo T3 formation. These effects were reversed within a few days after removal of the hyperstimulating conditions. Indeed, direct exposure of PCCL3 cells to human serum from two patients with Graves' disease, but not control sera, led to secretion of TG with an increased intrinsic ability to form T3 upon in vitro iodination. Furthermore, TG secreted from human thyrocyte cultures hyperstimulated with TSH also showed an increased intrinsic ability to form T3 Our data support the hypothesis that TG processing in the secretory pathway of TSHR-hyperstimulated thyrocytes alters the structure of the iodination substrate in a way that enhances de novo T3 formation, contributing to the relative T3 toxicosis of Graves' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia E Citterio
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.,the Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología/Cátedra de Genética, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.,the CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), C1120AAR Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Balaji Veluswamy
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
| | - Sarah J Morgan
- the National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology (LERB), Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Valerie A Galton
- the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756
| | - J Paul Banga
- the Department of Molecular Ophthalmology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Stephen Atkins
- the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, and
| | - Yoshiaki Morishita
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
| | - Susanne Neumann
- the National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology (LERB), Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Rauf Latif
- the Thyroid Research Unit, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10468
| | - Marvin C Gershengorn
- the National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology (LERB), Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Terry J Smith
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.,the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, and
| | - Peter Arvan
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105,
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15
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Baliram R, Latif R, Zaidi M, Davies TF. Expanding the Role of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in Skeletal Physiology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:252. [PMID: 29042858 PMCID: PMC5632520 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dogma that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) solely regulates the production of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland has hampered research on its wider physiological roles. The action of pituitary TSH on the skeleton has now been well described; in particular, its action on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. It has also been recently discovered that the bone marrow microenvironment acts as an endocrine circuit with bone marrow-resident macrophages capable of producing a novel TSH-β subunit variant (TSH-βv), which may modulate skeletal physiology. Interestingly, the production of this TSH-βv is positively regulated by T3 accentuating such modulation in the presence of thyroid overactivity. Furthermore, a number of small molecule ligands acting as TSH agonists, which allosterically modulate the TSH receptor have been identified and may have similar modulatory influences on bone cells suggesting therapeutic potential. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of TSH, TSH-β, TSH-βv, and small molecule agonists in bone physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumarie Baliram
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Ramkumarie Baliram,
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mone Zaidi
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Terry F. Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Kleinau G, Worth CL, Kreuchwig A, Biebermann H, Marcinkowski P, Scheerer P, Krause G. Structural-Functional Features of the Thyrotropin Receptor: A Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptor at Work. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:86. [PMID: 28484426 PMCID: PMC5401882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a member of the glycoprotein hormone receptors, a sub-group of class A G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). TSHR and its endogenous ligand thyrotropin (TSH) are of essential importance for growth and function of the thyroid gland and proper function of the TSH/TSHR system is pivotal for production and release of thyroid hormones. This receptor is also important with respect to pathophysiology, such as autoimmune (including ophthalmopathy) or non-autoimmune thyroid dysfunctions and cancer development. Pharmacological interventions directly targeting the TSHR should provide benefits to disease treatment compared to currently available therapies of dysfunctions associated with the TSHR or the thyroid gland. Upon TSHR activation, the molecular events conveying conformational changes from the extra- to the intracellular side of the cell across the membrane comprise reception, conversion, and amplification of the signal. These steps are highly dependent on structural features of this receptor and its intermolecular interaction partners, e.g., TSH, antibodies, small molecules, G-proteins, or arrestin. For better understanding of signal transduction, pathogenic mechanisms such as autoantibody action and mutational modifications or for developing new pharmacological strategies, it is essential to combine available structural data with functional information to generate homology models of the entire receptor. Although so far these insights are fragmental, in the past few decades essential contributions have been made to investigate in-depth the involved determinants, such as by structure determination via X-ray crystallography. This review summarizes available knowledge (as of December 2016) concerning the TSHR protein structure, associated functional aspects, and based on these insights we suggest several receptor complex models. Moreover, distinct TSHR properties will be highlighted in comparison to other class A GPCRs to understand the molecular activation mechanisms of this receptor comprehensively. Finally, limitations of current knowledge and lack of information are discussed highlighting the need for intensified efforts toward TSHR structure elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Kleinau
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Group Protein X-Ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Annika Kreuchwig
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Patrick Scheerer
- Group Protein X-Ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Krause
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gerd Krause,
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Latif R, Realubit RB, Karan C, Mezei M, Davies TF. TSH Receptor Signaling Abrogation by a Novel Small Molecule. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:130. [PMID: 27729899 PMCID: PMC5037132 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological activation of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is caused by thyroid-stimulating antibodies in patients with Graves' disease (GD) or by somatic and rare genomic mutations that enhance constitutive activation of the receptor influencing both G protein and non-G protein signaling. Potential selective small molecule antagonists represent novel therapeutic compounds for abrogation of such abnormal TSHR signaling. In this study, we describe the identification and in vitro characterization of a novel small molecule antagonist by high-throughput screening (HTS). The identification of the TSHR antagonist was performed using a transcription-based TSH-inhibition bioassay. TSHR-expressing CHO cells, which also expressed a luciferase-tagged CRE response element, were optimized using bovine TSH as the activator, in a 384 well plate format, which had a Z score of 0.3-0.6. Using this HTS assay, we screened a diverse library of ~80,000 compounds at a final concentration of 16.7 μM. The selection criteria for a positive hit were based on a mean signal threshold of ≥50% inhibition of control TSH stimulation. The screening resulted in 450 positive hits giving a hit ratio of 0.56%. A secondary confirmation screen against TSH and forskolin - a post receptor activator of adenylyl cyclase - confirmed one TSHR-specific candidate antagonist molecule (named VA-K-14). This lead molecule had an IC50 of 12.3 μM and a unique chemical structure. A parallel analysis for cell viability indicated that the lead inhibitor was non-cytotoxic at its effective concentrations. In silico docking studies performed using a TSHR transmembrane model showed the hydrophobic contact locations and the possible mode of inhibition of TSHR signaling. Furthermore, this molecule was capable of inhibiting TSHR stimulation by GD patient sera and monoclonal-stimulating TSHR antibodies. In conclusion, we report the identification of a novel small molecule TSHR inhibitor, which has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic antagonist for abrogation of TSHR signaling by TSHR autoantibodies in GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- *Correspondence: Rauf Latif,
| | - Ronald B. Realubit
- Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Karan
- Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry F. Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Latif R, Lau Z, Cheung P, Felsenfeld DP, Davies TF. The "TSH Receptor Glo Assay" - A High-Throughput Detection System for Thyroid Stimulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:3. [PMID: 26858688 PMCID: PMC4729884 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify novel small molecules against the TSH receptor, we developed a sensitive transcription-based luciferase high-throughput screening (HTS) system named the TSHR-Glo Assay (TSHR-Glo). METHODS This assay uses double-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the human TSHR and a cAMP-response element (CRE) construct fused to an improved luciferase reporter gene. RESULTS The assay was highly responsive toward TSH in a dose-dependent manner with a TSH sensitivity of 10(-10)M (10 ± 1.12 μU/ml) and thyroid-stimulating antibodies, a hallmark of Graves' disease, could also be detected. The assay was validated against the standard indicator of HTS performance - the Z-factor (Z') - producing a score of 0.895. Using the TSHR-Glo assay, we screened 48,224 compounds from a diverse chemical library in duplicate plates at a fixed dose of 17 μM. Twenty molecules with the greatest activity out of 62 molecules that were identified by this technique were subsequently screened against the parent luciferase stable cell line in order to eliminate false positive stimulators. CONCLUSION Using this approach, we were able to identify specific agonists against the TSH receptor leading to the characterization of several TSH agonist molecules. Hence, the TSHR-Glo assay was a one-step cell-based HTS assay, which was successful in the discovery of novel small molecular agonists and for the detection of stimulating antibodies to the TSH receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- *Correspondence: Rauf Latif,
| | - Zerlina Lau
- Integrated Screening Core, Experimental Therapeutics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pamela Cheung
- Integrated Screening Core, Experimental Therapeutics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dan P. Felsenfeld
- Integrated Screening Core, Experimental Therapeutics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry F. Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Tong GX, Mody K, Wang Z, Hamele-Bena D, Nikiforova MN, Nikiforov YE. Mutations of TSHR and TP53 Genes in an Aggressive Clear Cell Follicular Carcinoma of the Thyroid. Endocr Pathol 2015; 26:315-9. [PMID: 26260781 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-015-9388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clear cell follicular carcinoma is a rare type of thyroid cancer and some with aggressive biological behavior. The cytoplasmic clearing of the neoplastic cells has been attributed to the accumulation of various substances, such as glycogen, lipid, mucin, and thyroglobulin, or distension of mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the characteristic appearance of the cell cytoplasm and the biological behavior remain unknown. We report here a case of aggressive clear cell follicular carcinoma of the thyroid with molecular profile using targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) that presented as a metastatic tumor in a woman with a history of breast carcinoma. The NGS data revealed the coexisting of a well-characterized loss-of-function TP53 R248Q mutation and a putative gain-of-function mutation of TSHR L272V, which was suggested by the overexpression of thyroglobulin and SLC5A5 (NIS) genes in this tumor. TP53 mutations are usually related with dedifferentiation, progression, and metastasis of thyroid carcinomas. Identification of TP53 R248Q in this tumor correlated with its aggressive clinical behavior. Gain-of-function mutation of TSHR can overstimulate the thyroid follicular cells as the elevated level of TSH does and might have contributed to the development of clear cell morphology in this tumor. This report represents the first case of clear cell follicular carcinoma of the thyroid with NGS analysis and more molecular characterization is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and provide more prognosis-relevant information for this uncommon variant of thyroid carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Xia Tong
- Department of Pathology, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, New York, NY, 10305, USA.
| | - Kokila Mody
- Department of Pathology, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, New York, NY, 10305, USA
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pathology, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, New York, NY, 10305, USA
| | - Diane Hamele-Bena
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Marina N Nikiforova
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3477 Euler Way, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yuri E Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3477 Euler Way, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Banga JP, Moshkelgosha S, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U, Eckstein A. Modeling Graves' Orbitopathy in Experimental Graves' Disease. Horm Metab Res 2015; 47:797-803. [PMID: 26287396 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1555956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Graves' orbitopathy (GO), also known as thyroid eye disease is an inflammatory disease of the orbital tissue of the eye that arises as a consequence of autoimmune thyroid disease. The central feature of the disease is the production of antibodies to the thyrotropin hormone receptor (TSHR) that modulate the function of the receptor leading to autoimmune hyperthyroidism and GO. Over the years, all viable preclinical models of Graves' disease have been incomplete and singularly failed to progress in the treatment of orbital complications. A new mouse model of GO based upon immunogenic presentation of human TSHR A-subunit plasmid by close field electroporation is shown to lead to induction of prolonged functional antibodies to TSHR resulting in chronic disease with subsequent progression to GO. The stable preclinical GO model exhibited pathologies reminiscent of human disease characterized by orbital remodeling by inflammation and adipogenesis. Inflammatory lesions characterized by CD3+ T cells and macrophages were localized in the orbital muscle tissue. This was accompanied by extensive adipogenesis of orbital fat in some immune animals. Surprisingly, other signs of orbital involvement were reminiscent of eyelid inflammation involving chemosis, with dilated and congested orbital blood vessels. More recently, the model is replicated in the author's independent laboratories. The pre-clinical model will provide the basis to study the pathogenic and regulatory roles of immune T and B cells and their subpopulations to understand the initiation, pathophysiology, and progression of GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Banga
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, The Rayne Institute, London, UK
| | - S Moshkelgosha
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, The Rayne Institute, London, UK
| | | | - A Eckstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Abstract
The availability of human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the TSHR has enabled major advances in our understanding of how TSHR autoantibodies interact with the receptor. These advances include determination of the crystal structures of the TSHR LRD in complex with a stimulating autoantibody (M22) and with a blocking type autoantibody (K1-70). The high affinity of MAbs for the TSHR makes them particularly suitable for use as ligands in assays for patient serum TSHR autoantibodies. Also, M22 and K1-70 are effective at low concentrations in vivo as TSHR agonists and antagonists respectively. K1-70 has important potential in the treatment of the hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy. Small molecule TSHR antagonists described to date do not appear to have the potency and/or specificity shown by K1-70. New models of the TSHR ECD in complex with various ligands have been built. These models suggest that initial binding of TSH to the TSHR causes a conformational change in the hormone. This opens a positively charged pocket in receptor-bound TSH which attracts the negatively charged sulphated tyrosine 385 on the hinge region of the receptor. The ensuing movement of the receptor's hinge region may then cause activation. Similar activation mechanisms seem to take place in the case of FSH and the FSHR and LH and the LHR. However, stimulating TSHR autoantibodies do not appear to activate the TSHR in the same way as TSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Furmaniak
- FIRS Laboratories, RSR Ltd, Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK
| | - J Sanders
- FIRS Laboratories, RSR Ltd, Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK
| | - R Núñez Miguel
- FIRS Laboratories, RSR Ltd, Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK
| | - B Rees Smith
- FIRS Laboratories, RSR Ltd, Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK
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Davies TF, Latif R. Targeting the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor with small molecule ligands and antibodies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:835-47. [PMID: 25768836 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1018181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is the essential molecule for thyroid growth and thyroid hormone production. Since it is also a key autoantigen in Graves' disease and is involved in thyroid cancer pathophysiology, the targeting of the TSHR offers a logical model for disease control. AREAS COVERED We review the structure and function of the TSHR and the progress in both small molecule ligands and TSHR antibodies for their therapeutic potential. EXPERT OPINION Stabilization of a preferential conformation for the TSHR by allosteric ligands and TSHR antibodies with selective modulation of the signaling pathways is now possible. These tools may be the next generation of therapeutics for controlling the pathophysiological consequences mediated by the effects of the TSHR in the thyroid and other extrathyroidal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry F Davies
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Thyroid Research Unit , 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, NY 10029 , USA +1 212 241 7975 ; +1 212 428 6748 ;
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Nataraja SG, Yu HN, Palmer SS. Discovery and Development of Small Molecule Allosteric Modulators of Glycoprotein Hormone Receptors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:142. [PMID: 26441832 PMCID: PMC4568768 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are heterodimeric proteins with a common α-subunit and hormone-specific β-subunit. These hormones are dominant regulators of reproduction and metabolic processes. Receptors for the glycoprotein hormones belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor are primarily expressed in somatic cells in ovary and testis to promote egg and sperm production in women and men, respectively. TSH receptor is expressed in thyroid cells and regulates the secretion of T3 and T4. Glycoprotein hormones bind to the large extracellular domain of the receptor and cause a conformational change in the receptor that leads to activation of more than one intracellular signaling pathway. Several small molecules have been described to activate/inhibit glycoprotein hormone receptors through allosteric sites of the receptor. Small molecule allosteric modulators have the potential to be administered orally to patients, thus improving the convenience of treatment. It has been a challenge to develop a small molecule allosteric agonist for glycoprotein hormones that can mimic the agonistic effects of the large natural ligand to activate similar signaling pathways. However, in the past few years, there have been several promising reports describing distinct chemical series with improved potency in preclinical models. In parallel, proposal of new structural model for FSHR and in silico docking studies of small molecule ligands to glycoprotein hormone receptors provide a giant leap on the understanding of the mechanism of action of the natural ligands and new chemical entities on the receptors. This review will focus on the current status of small molecule allosteric modulators of glycoprotein hormone receptors, their effects on common signaling pathways in cells, their utility for clinical application as demonstrated in preclinical models, and use of these molecules as novel tools to dissect the molecular signaling pathways of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj G. Nataraja
- TocopheRx Inc., Burlington, MA, USA
- *Correspondence: Selvaraj G. Nataraja, TocopheRx Inc., 15 New England Executive Park, Suite 1087, Burlington, MA 01803, USA,
| | - Henry N. Yu
- TocopheRx Inc., Burlington, MA, USA
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute Inc., Billerica, MA, USA
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