1
|
M JN, Bharadwaj D. The complex web of obesity: from genetics to precision medicine. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38869356 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2024.2365785] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity is a growing public health concern affecting both children and adults. Since it involves both genetic and environmental components, the management of obesity requires both, an understanding of the underlying genetics and changes in lifestyle. The knowledge of obesity genetics will enable the possibility of precision medicine in anti-obesity medications. AREAS COVERED Here, we explore health complications and the prevalence of obesity. We discuss disruptions in energy balance as a symptom of obesity, examining evolutionary theories, its multi-factorial origins, and heritability. Additionally, we discuss monogenic and polygenic obesity, the converging biological pathways, potential pharmacogenomics applications, and existing anti-obesity medications - specifically focussing on the leptin-melanocortin and incretin pathways. Comparisons between childhood and adult obesity genetics are made, along with insights into structural variants, epigenetic changes, and environmental influences on epigenetic signatures. EXPERT OPINION With recent advancements in anti-obesity drugs, genetic studies pinpoint new targets and allow for repurposing existing drugs. This creates opportunities for genotype-informed treatment options. Also, lifestyle interventions can help in the prevention and treatment of obesity by altering the epigenetic signatures. The comparison of genetic architecture in adults and children revealed a significant overlap. However, more robust studies with diverse ethnic representation is required in childhood obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janaki Nair M
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Dwaipayan Bharadwaj
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gan HW, Cerbone M, Dattani MT. Appetite- and Weight-Regulating Neuroendocrine Circuitry in Hypothalamic Obesity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:309-342. [PMID: 38019584 PMCID: PMC11074800 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad033] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Since hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) was first described over 120 years ago by Joseph Babinski and Alfred Fröhlich, advances in molecular genetic laboratory techniques have allowed us to elucidate various components of the intricate neurocircuitry governing appetite and weight regulation connecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, brainstem, adipose tissue, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. On a background of an increasing prevalence of population-level common obesity, the number of survivors of congenital (eg, septo-optic dysplasia, Prader-Willi syndrome) and acquired (eg, central nervous system tumors) hypothalamic disorders is increasing, thanks to earlier diagnosis and management as well as better oncological therapies. Although to date the discovery of several appetite-regulating peptides has led to the development of a range of targeted molecular therapies for monogenic obesity syndromes, outside of these disorders these discoveries have not translated into the development of efficacious treatments for other forms of HyOb. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the neuroendocrine physiology of appetite and weight regulation, and explore our current understanding of the pathophysiology of HyOb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoong-Wei Gan
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Manuela Cerbone
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mehul Tulsidas Dattani
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ericson MD, Freeman KT, Larson CM, Bouchard JL, John K, Lunzer MM, Koerperich ZM, Haskell-Luevano C. Incorporation of Three Extracyclic Arginine Residues into a Melanocortin Macrocyclic Agonist (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Lys(Arg-Arg-Arg-Ac)-DPro]) Decreases Food Intake When Administered Intrathecally or Subcutaneously Compared to a Macrocyclic Ligand Lacking Extracyclic Arginine Residues (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Ala-DPro)]. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1114-1125. [PMID: 38633589 PMCID: PMC11020072 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Of the three Food and Drug Administration-approved melanocortin peptide drugs, two possess a cyclic scaffold, demonstrating that cyclized melanocortin peptides have therapeutic relevance. An extracyclic Arg residue, critical for pharmacological activity in the approved melanocortin cyclic drug setmelanotide, has also been demonstrated to increase the signal when fluorescently labeled cell-penetrating cyclic peptides are incubated with HeLa cells, with the maximal signal observed with three extracyclic Arg amino acids. Herein, a branching Lys residue was substituted into two macrocyclic melanocortin peptide agonists to incorporate 0-3 extracyclic Arg amino acids. Incorporation of the Arg residues resulted in equipotent or increased agonist potency at the mouse melanocortin receptors in vitro, suggesting that these substitutions were tolerated in the macrocyclic scaffolds. Further in vivo evaluation of one parent ligand (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Ala-Pro]) and the three Arg derivative (c[Pro-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Dap-Lys(Ac-Arg-Arg-Arg)-Pro)] demonstrated that the three Arg derivative further decreased food intake compared to the parent macrocycle when the compounds were administered either via intrathecal injection or subcutaneous dosing. This suggests that three extracyclic Arg amino acids may be beneficial in the design of cyclic melanocortin ligands and that in vitro pharmacological profiling may not predict the in vivo efficacy of melanocortin ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Courtney M. Larson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jacob L. Bouchard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kristen John
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mary M. Lunzer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zoe M. Koerperich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Galimova E, Rätsep R, Traks T, Chernov A, Gaysina D, Kingo K, Kõks S. Polymorphisms in corticotrophin-releasing hormone-proopiomalanocortin (CRH-POMC) system genes: Neuroimmune contributions to psoriasis disease. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:2028-2040. [PMID: 37319102 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19257] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin is a target organ and source of the corticotropin-releasing hormone-proopiomelanocortin (CRH-POMC) system, operating as a coordinator and executor of responses to stress. Environmental stress exacerbates and triggers inflammatory skin diseases through modifying the cellular components of the immune system supporting the importance of CRH-POMC system in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this study was to analyse the association of CRH-POMC polymorphisms with psoriasis and evaluate transcript expression of lesional psoriatic and normal skin in RNA-seq data. METHODS Samples of 104 patients with psoriasis and 174 healthy controls were genotyped for 42 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CRH-POMC using Applied Biosystems SNPlex™ method. The transcript quantification was performed using Salmon software v1.3.0. RESULTS This study demonstrated the associations between melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) polymorphisms rs2228479, rs3212369, dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) polymorphisms rs7987802, rs2031526, rs9524501 and psoriasis in the Tatar population. Very strong association was evident for the SNP rs7987802 in the DCT gene (pc = 5.95е-006) in psoriasis patients. Additionally, the haplotype analysis provided AT DCT (rs7992630 and rs7987802) and AGA MC1R (rs3212358, 2228479 and 885479) haplotypes significantly associated (pc ˂ 0.05) with psoriasis in the Tatar population, supporting the involvement of DCT and MC1R to the psoriasis susceptibility. Moreover, MC1R-203 and DCT-201 expression levels were decreased in psoriasis lesional skin compared with healthy control skin. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to identify genetic variants of the MC1R and DCT genes significantly associated with psoriasis in Tatar population. Our results support potential roles of CRH-POMC system genes and DCT in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Galimova
- Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ranno Rätsep
- Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tanel Traks
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alexandr Chernov
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Darya Gaysina
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Külli Kingo
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sulev Kõks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cerdido S, Sánchez-Beltrán J, Lambertos A, Abrisqueta M, Padilla L, Herraiz C, Olivares C, Jiménez-Cervantes C, García-Borrón JC. A Side-by-Side Comparison of Wildtype and Variant Melanocortin 1 Receptor Signaling with Emphasis on Protection against Oxidative Damage to DNA. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14381. [PMID: 37762683 PMCID: PMC10532403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814381] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Common variants of the MC1R gene coding the α-melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor are associated with light skin, poor tanning, blond or red hair, and increased melanoma risk, due to pigment-dependent and -independent effects. This complex phenotype is usually attributed to impaired activation of cAMP signaling. However, several MC1R variants show significant residual coupling to cAMP and efficiently activate mitogenic extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Yet, residual signaling and the key actions of wildtype and variant MC1R have never been assessed under strictly comparable conditions in melanocytic cells of identical genetic background. We devised a strategy based on CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of endogenous MC1R in a human melanoma cell line wildtype for BRAF, NRAS and NF1, followed by reconstitution with epitope-labeled MC1R constructs, and functional analysis of clones expressing comparable levels of wildtype, R151C or D294H MC1R. The proliferation rate, shape, adhesion, motility and sensitivity to oxidative DNA damage were compared. The R151C and D294H RHC variants displayed impaired cAMP signaling, intracellular stability similar to the wildtype, triggered ERK1/2 activation as effectively as the wildtype, and afforded partial protection against oxidative DNA damage, although less efficiently than the wildtype. Therefore, common melanoma-associated MC1R variants display biased signaling and significant genoprotective activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Cerdido
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Sánchez-Beltrán
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Lambertos
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Abrisqueta
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Lidia Padilla
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
| | - Cecilia Herraiz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Conchi Olivares
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Celia Jiménez-Cervantes
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José C. García-Borrón
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (S.C.); (J.S.-B.); (A.L.); (M.A.); (L.P.); (C.H.); (C.O.); (C.J.-C.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB-LAIB, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ericson MD, Freeman KT, LaVoi TM, Donow HM, Santos RG, Giulianotti MA, Pinilla C, Houghten RA, Haskell-Luevano C. The Parallel Structure-Activity Relationship Screening of Three Compounds Identifies the Common Agonist Pharmacophore of Pyrrolidine Bis-Cyclic Guanidine Melanocortin-3 Receptor (MC3R) Small-Molecule Ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10145. [PMID: 37373293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors are involved in numerous physiological pathways, including appetite, skin and hair pigmentation, and steroidogenesis. In particular, the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is involved in fat storage, food intake, and energy homeostasis. Small-molecule ligands developed for the MC3R may serve as therapeutic lead compounds for treating disease states of energy disequilibrium. Herein, three previously reported pyrrolidine bis-cyclic guanidine compounds with five sites for molecular diversity (R1-R5) were subjected to parallel structure-activity relationship studies to identify the common pharmacophore of this scaffold series required for full agonism at the MC3R. The R2, R3, and R5 positions were required for full MC3R efficacy, while truncation of either the R1 or R4 positions in all three compounds resulted in full MC3R agonists. Two additional fragments, featuring molecular weights below 300 Da, were also identified that possessed full agonist efficacy and micromolar potencies at the mMC5R. These SAR experiments may be useful in generating new small-molecule ligands and chemical probes for the melanocortin receptors to help elucidate their roles in vivo and as therapeutic lead compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Travis M LaVoi
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Haley M Donow
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Radleigh G Santos
- Department of Mathematics, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
| | - Marc A Giulianotti
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Richard A Houghten
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Komleva PD, Alhalabi G, Izyurov AE, Khotskin NV, Kulikov AV. Effects of the Combination of the C1473G Mutation in the Tph2 Gene and Lethal Yellow Mutations in the Raly-Agouti Locus on Behavior, Brain 5-HT and Melanocortin Systems in Mice. Biomolecules 2023; 13:963. [PMID: 37371543 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is the key and rate-limited enzyme of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis in the brain. The C1473G mutation in the Tph2 gene results in a two-fold decrease in enzyme activity in the mouse brain. The lethal yellow (AY) mutation in the Raly-Agouti locus results in the overexpression of the Agouti gene in the brain and causes obesity and depressive-like behavior in mice. Herein, the possible influences of these mutations and their combination on body mass, behavior, brain 5-HT and melanocortin systems in mice of the B6-1473CC/aa. B6-1473CC/AYa, B6-1473GG/aa are investigated. B6-1473GG/AYa genotypes were studied. The 1473G and AY alleles increase the activity of TPH2 and the expression of the Agouti gene, respectively, but they do not alter 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels or the expression of the genes Tph2, Maoa, Slc6a4, Htr1a, Htr2a, Mc3r and Mc4r in the brain. The 1473G allele attenuates weight gain and depressive-like immobility in the forced swim test, while the AY allele increases body weight gain and depressive-like immobility. The combination of these alleles results in hind limb dystonia in the B6-1473GG/AYa mice. This is the first evidence for the interaction between the C1473G and AY mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Polyna D Komleva
- Department of Psychoneuropharmacology, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ghofran Alhalabi
- Department of Genetic Collections of Neural Disorders, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Arseniy E Izyurov
- Department of Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikita V Khotskin
- Department of Genetic Collections of Neural Disorders, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander V Kulikov
- Department of Genetic Collections of Neural Disorders, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rocha A, Godino-Gimeno A, Rotllant J, Cerdá-Reverter JM. Agouti-Signalling Protein Overexpression Reduces Aggressiveness in Zebrafish. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050712. [PMID: 37237525 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Feeding motivation plays a crucial role in food intake and growth. It closely depends on hunger and satiation, which are controlled by the melanocortin system. Overexpression of the inverse agonist agouti-signalling protein (ASIP) and agouti-related protein (AGRP) leads to enhanced food intake, linear growth, and weight. In zebrafish, overexpression of Agrp leads to the development of obesity, in contrast to the phenotype observed in transgenic zebrafish that overexpress asip1 under the control of a constitutive promoter (asip1-Tg). Previous studies have demonstrated that asip1-Tg zebrafish exhibit larger sizes but do not become obese. These fish display increased feeding motivation, resulting in a higher feeding rate, yet a higher food ration is not essential in order to grow larger than wild-type (WT) fish. This is most likely attributed to their improved intestinal permeability to amino acids and enhanced locomotor activity. A relationship between high feeding motivation and aggression has been previously reported in some other transgenic species showing enhanced growth. This study aims to elucidate whether the hunger observed in asip1-Tg is linked to aggressive behaviour. Dominance and aggressiveness were quantified using dyadic fights and mirror-stimulus tests, in addition to the analysis of basal cortisol levels. The results indicate that asip1-Tg are less aggressive than WT zebrafish in both dyadic fights and mirror-stimulus tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rocha
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Alejandra Godino-Gimeno
- Control of Food Intake Group, Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, 12595 Castellon, Spain
| | - Josep Rotllant
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIM-CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - José Miguel Cerdá-Reverter
- Control of Food Intake Group, Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, 12595 Castellon, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Seki S, Ohura K, Miyazaki T, Naser AA, Takabayashi S, Tsutsumi E, Tokumoto T. The Mc4r gene is responsible for the development of experimentally induced testicular teratomas. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6756. [PMID: 37127675 PMCID: PMC10151343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32784-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Teratomas in mice, composed of different tissue types, are derived from primordial germ cells in the fetal gonads. Previously, we identified a locus responsible for experimental testicular teratoma (ETT) formation on chromosome 18, referred to as ett1. The strongest candidate sequence in the ett1 locus was found to be a missense mutation in the melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r), Mc4rG25S. We established a strain with a point mutation in the Mc4r gene in the ETT-nonsusceptible LT strain, called LT- Mc4rG25S, by genome editing. Surprisingly, highly developed ovarian teratomas (OTs), rather than testicular teratomas, appeared in the LT-Mc4rG25S strain. The results demonstrated that Mc4r is also one of the genes responsible for OT formation and suggested that missense mutations in Mc4r promote teratoma formation in both sexes. In this study, we performed ETT experiments in different host-graft combinations of the LT-Mc4rG25S and LT strains. Furthermore, the expression of MC4R in germ cells in the testis was demonstrated. Expression of Mc4r in testis was also confirmed by RT-PCR. The results demonstrated that MC4R is expressed in germ cells in the testis and that a point mutation in the Mc4r gene is responsible for ETT formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syunsuke Seki
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ohura
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan
| | - Takehiro Miyazaki
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Abdullah An Naser
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1, Handayama, Higashi-Ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Eisei Tsutsumi
- Biological Science Course, Department of Science, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Toshinobu Tokumoto
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan.
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
- Biological Science Course, Department of Science, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Izyurov AE, Plyusnina AV, Kulikova EA, Kulikov AV, Khotskin NV. Lethal Yellow Mutation Causes Anxiety, Obsessive-compulsive Behavior and Affects the Brain Melanocortin System in Males and Females of Mice. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2023; 24:329-338. [PMID: 36941814 DOI: 10.2174/1389203724666230320145556] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain melanocortin system regulates numerous physiological functions and kinds of behavior. The agouti protein inhibits melanocortin receptors in melanocytes. The lethal yellow (AY) mutation puts the Agouti gene under the control of the Raly gene promotor and causes the agouti protein expression in the brain. In the present article, we investigated the effects of the AY mutation on brain mRNA levels of Agouti, Raly, and melanocortin-related genes such as Agrp, Pomc, Mc3r, Mc4r, and their relationship to behavior. METHODS The experiment was performed on 6-month-old males and females of AY/a and a/a (control) mice. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behavior were studied in elevated plus-maze and marble- burying tests. The mRNA levels were quantified by qPCR. RESULTS AY mutation caused anxiety in males and obsessive-compulsive behavior in females. Positive correlation between Agouti and Raly genes mRNA levels were shown in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and frontal cortex in AY/a mice. Reduced RNA concentrations of Mc3r and Mc4r genes were found respectively in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex in AY/a males. The Raly gene expression positively correlates with mRNA concentrations of the Mc3r gene in the hypothalamus and the Mc4r gene in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex. CONCLUSION Possible association of obsessive-compulsive behavior with reduced Raly, Mc3r, or Mc4r gene expression is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arseniy E Izyurov
- Department of Genetic Collections of Neural Disorders, Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexandra V Plyusnina
- Department of Genetic Collections of Neural Disorders, Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elizabeth A Kulikova
- Department of Psychoneuropharmacology, Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander V Kulikov
- Department of Genetic Collections of Neural Disorders, Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikita V Khotskin
- Department of Genetic Collections of Neural Disorders, Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetic Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Leal E, Angotzi AR, Gregório SF, Ortiz-Delgado JB, Rotllant J, Fuentes J, Tafalla C, Cerdá-Reverter JM. Role of the melanocortin system in zebrafish skin physiology. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 130:591-601. [PMID: 36150411 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) acts as both a competitive antagonist and inverse agonist of melanocortin receptors which regulate dorsal-ventral pigmentation patterns in fish. However, the potential role of ASIP in the regulation of additional physiological pathways in the skin is unknown. The skin plays a crucial role in the immune function, acting as a physical limitation against infestation and also as a chemical barrier due to its ability to synthesize and secrete mucus and many immune effector proteins. In this study, the putative role of ASIP in regulating the immune system of skin has been explored using a transgenic zebrafish model overexpressing the asip1 gene (ASIPzf). Initially, the structural changes in skin induced by asip1 overexpression were studied, revealing that the ventral skin of ASIPzf was thinner than that of wild type (WT) animals. A moderate hypertrophy of mucous cells was also found in ASIPzf. Histochemical studies showed that transgenic animals appear to compensate for the lower number of cell layers by modifying the mucus composition and increasing lectin affinity and mucin content in order to maintain or improve protection against microorganism adhesion. ASIPzf also exhibit higher protein concentration under crowding conditions suggesting an increased mucus production under stressful conditions. Exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed that ASIPzf exhibit a faster pro-inflammatory response and increased mucin expression yet severe skin injures and a slight increase in mortality was observed. Electrophysiological measurements show that the ASIP1 genotype exhibits reduced epithelial resistance, an indicator of reduced tissue integrity and barrier function. Overall, not only are ASIP1 animals more prone to infiltration and subsequent infections due to reduced skin epithelial integrity, but also display an increased inflammatory response that can lead to increased skin sensitivity to external infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Leal
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Aquiculture de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, 12595, Castellon, Spain.
| | - A R Angotzi
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Aquiculture de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, 12595, Castellon, Spain
| | - S F Gregório
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - J B Ortiz-Delgado
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía-ICMAN, CSIC Campus Universitario Río San Pedro, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - J Rotllant
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), CSIC, 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - J Fuentes
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - C Tafalla
- Animal Health Research Center (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Valdeolmos, 28130, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Cerdá-Reverter
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Aquiculture de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, 12595, Castellon, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ericson MD, Larson CM, Freeman KT, Nicke L, Geyer A, Haskell-Luevano C. Incorporation of Indoylated Phenylalanine Yields a Sub-Micromolar Selective Melanocortin-4 Receptor Antagonist Tetrapeptide. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:27656-27663. [PMID: 35967074 PMCID: PMC9366794 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin family is involved in many physiological functions, including pigmentation, steroidogenesis, and appetite. The centrally expressed melanocortin-3 and melanocortin-4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R) possess overlapping but distinct roles in energy homeostasis. Herein, the third and fourth positions of a tetrapeptide lead compound [Ac-Arg-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Tic-NH2], previously reported to possess MC3R agonist and MC4R antagonist activities, were substituted with indoylated phenylalanine (Wsf/Wrf) residues in an attempt to generate receptor subtype selective compounds. At the third position, d-amino acids were required for melanocortin agonist activity, while both l- and d-residues resulted in MC4R antagonist activity. These results indicate that l-indoylated phenylalanine residues at the third position of the scaffold can generate MC4R over MC3R selective antagonist ligands, resulting in a substitution pattern that may be exploited for novel MC4R ligands that can be used to probe the in vivo activity of the MC4R without involvement of the MC3R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Ericson
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Courtney M. Larson
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Lennart Nicke
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 4, Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Armin Geyer
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 4, Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Melanocortin-5 Receptor: Pharmacology and Its Regulation of Energy Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158727. [PMID: 35955857 PMCID: PMC9369360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most recent melanocortin receptor (MCR) identified, melanocortin-5 receptor (MC5R) has unique tissue expression patterns, pharmacological properties, and physiological functions. Different from the other four MCR subtypes, MC5R is widely distributed in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and is associated with multiple functions. MC5R in sebaceous and preputial glands regulates lipid production and sexual behavior, respectively. MC5R expressed in immune cells is involved in immunomodulation. Among the five MCRs, MC5R is the predominant subtype expressed in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue, tissues critical for energy metabolism. Activated MC5R triggers lipid mobilization in adipocytes and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Therefore, MC5R is a potential target for treating patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus. Melanocortin-2 receptor accessory proteins can modulate the cell surface expression, dimerization, and pharmacology of MC5R. This minireview summarizes the molecular and pharmacological properties of MC5R and highlights the progress made on MC5R in energy metabolism. We poInt. out knowledge gaps that need to be explored in the future.
Collapse
|
14
|
London E, Stratakis CA. The regulation of PKA signaling in obesity and in the maintenance of metabolic health. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 237:108113. [PMID: 35051439 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) system represents a primary cell-signaling pathway throughout systems and across species. PKA facilitates the actions of hormones, neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules that bind G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) to modulate cAMP levels. Through its control of synaptic events, exocytosis, transcriptional regulation, and more, PKA signaling regulates cellular metabolism and emotional and stress responses making it integral in the maintenance and dysregulation of energy homeostasis. Neural PKA signaling is regulated by afferent and peripheral efferent signals that link specific neural cell populations to the regulation of metabolic processes in adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, adrenal, skeletal muscle, and gut. Mouse models have provided invaluable information on the roles for PKA subunits in brain and key metabolic organs. While limited, human studies infer differential regulation of the PKA system in obese compared to lean individuals. Variants identified in PKA subunit genes cause Cushing syndrome that is characterized by metabolic dysregulation associated with endogenous glucocorticoid excess. Under healthy physiologic conditions, the PKA system is exquisitely regulated by stimuli that activate GPCRs to alter intracellular cAMP concentrations, and by PKA cellular localization and holoenzyme stability. Adenylate cyclase activity generates cAMP while phosphodiesterase-mediated cAMP degradation to AMP decreases cAMP levels downstream of GPCRs. Chronic perturbations in PKA signaling appear to be capable of resetting PKA regulation at several levels; in addition, sex differences in PKA signaling regulation, while not well understood, impact the physiologic consequences of metabolic dysregulation and obesity. This review explores the roles for PKA signaling in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated co-morbidities through neural-peripheral crosstalk and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway targets that hold therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edra London
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, USA.
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, USA; Human Genetics & Precision Medicine, IMBB, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, Greece; Research Institute, ELPEN, SA, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has tripled over the past four decades, imposing an enormous burden on people's health. Polygenic (or common) obesity and rare, severe, early-onset monogenic obesity are often polarized as distinct diseases. However, gene discovery studies for both forms of obesity show that they have shared genetic and biological underpinnings, pointing to a key role for the brain in the control of body weight. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with increasing sample sizes and advances in sequencing technology are the main drivers behind a recent flurry of new discoveries. However, it is the post-GWAS, cross-disciplinary collaborations, which combine new omics technologies and analytical approaches, that have started to facilitate translation of genetic loci into meaningful biology and new avenues for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J. F. Loos
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XNovo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Giles S. H. Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Large-scale integration of the plasma proteome with genetics and disease. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1712-1721. [PMID: 34857953 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00978-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The plasma proteome can help bridge the gap between the genome and diseases. Here we describe genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of plasma protein levels measured with 4,907 aptamers in 35,559 Icelanders. We found 18,084 associations between sequence variants and levels of proteins in plasma (protein quantitative trait loci; pQTL), of which 19% were with rare variants (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 1%). We tested plasma protein levels for association with 373 diseases and other traits and identified 257,490 associations. We integrated pQTL and genetic associations with diseases and other traits and found that 12% of 45,334 lead associations in the GWAS Catalog are with variants in high linkage disequilibrium with pQTL. We identified 938 genes encoding potential drug targets with variants that influence levels of possible biomarkers. Combining proteomics, genomics and transcriptomics, we provide a valuable resource that can be used to improve understanding of disease pathogenesis and to assist with drug discovery and development.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yoo H, Lee HR, Kim KH, Kim MA, Bang S, Kang YH, Kim WH, Song Y, Chang SE. CRTC3, a sensor and key regulator for melanogenesis, as a tunable therapeutic target for pigmentary disorders. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:9918-9936. [PMID: 34815795 PMCID: PMC8581419 DOI: 10.7150/thno.66378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although CREB phosphorylation is known to be essential in UVB/cAMP-stimulated melanogenesis, CREB null mice did not show identifiable pigmentation phenotypes. Here, we show that CREB-regulated transcription co-activator 3 (CRTC3) quantitatively regulates and orchestrates melanogenesis by directly targeting microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and regulating the expression of most key melanogenesis-related genes. Methods: We analyzed CRTC3-null, KRT14-SCF transgenic, and their crossover mice. The molecular basis of CRTC3 effects on pigmentation was investigated by histology, melanin/tyrosinase assay, immunoblotting, shRNA, promoter assay, qRT-PCR, and subcellular localization. These analyses were carried out in primary cultured melanocytes, mouse cell lines, normal human cells, co-cultures, and ex vivo human skin. CRTC/CREB activity screening was performed to identify candidate agents for the regulation of melanogenesis. Results: The coat and skin color of CRTC3-null mice was paler due to a reduction in melanin deposition. Melanogenesis-related genes were reduced in CRTC3-deficient cultured melanocytes and tail skin of CRTC3-null mice. Notably, basal levels of MITF present in CRTC3-null mice were sufficient for melanocytic differentiation/survival. Thus CRTC3-null mice showed a comparable number of epidermal melanocytes compared to control mice. Stem cell factor (SCF) introduction by crossing with KRT14-SCF mice increased epidermal melanocytes and melanin deposition in control and CRTC3-null mice, but the skin color remained still light on the CRTC3-null background. Furthermore, we identified the therapeutic potential of altiratinib to inhibit melanogenesis in human melanocytes and human skin effectively and safely. Conclusion: CRTC3 appears to be a key sensor for melanogenesis and can be used as a reversible and tunable tool for selectively regulating melanogenesis without affecting melanocyte integrity. Thus, CRTC3 can also serve as a screening tool for the discovery of ideal melanogenesis-modulating small molecules.
Collapse
|
18
|
Anello M, Daverio MS, Rodríguez SS, Romero SR, Renieri C, Vidal Rioja L, Di Rocco F. The ASIP gene in the llama (Lama glama): Alternative transcripts, expression and relation with color phenotypes. Gene 2021; 809:146018. [PMID: 34655720 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Agouti gene (ASIP) is one of the most important genes for coat color determination in mammals. It has a complex structure with several promoters and alternative non-coding first exons that are transcribed into mRNAs with different 5'UTR. These mRNA isoforms regulate the temporal and spatial expression of the gene, producing diverse pigmentation patterns. Here, we studied ASIP transcriptional variants and their expression in the skin of llamas with different coat color phenotypes. We also described the ASIP locus, including promoter usage and the splicing events that originate each transcript variant. Using 5'RACE-PCR we isolated seven ASIP transcripts with alternative 5'UTR, where exons 1A, 1A', 1C, 1D, and a novel non-coding exon 1A" were identified. Additionally, new alternative spliced forms were found. The diversity of ASIP 5'UTRs is originated by a complex pattern of alternative promoter usage, multiple transcription start sites and splicing events that include exon skipping and alternative 3' splicing site selection. We found that ASIP was highly expressed in llamas with white and brown phenotypes while black animals presented very low expression. The main responsible for this difference was a fusion transcript between ASIP and NCOA6 genes, which was present in the skin of white and brown llamas but not in the black ones. The rest of ASIP transcripts presented very low expression in the skin, indicating that the main regulation point for ASIP gene expression is at the transcriptional level. Nevertheless, the characteristics of the 5'UTRs sequences suggest that alternative transcripts could be regulated differently at the protein synthesis level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Anello
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M S Daverio
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cátedra de Biología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S S Rodríguez
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S R Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Agricultura Familiar- Región NOA (IPAF NOA) INTA - Posta de Hornillos, Maimara, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - C Renieri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Marche, Italia
| | - L Vidal Rioja
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Di Rocco
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ericson MD, Doering SR, Larson CM, Freeman KT, LaVoi TM, Donow HM, Santos RG, Cho RH, Koerperich ZM, Giulianotti MA, Pinilla C, Houghten RA, Haskell-Luevano C. Functional Mixture-Based Positional Scan Identifies a Library of Antagonist Tetrapeptide Sequences (LAtTeS) with Nanomolar Potency for the Melanocortin-4 Receptor and Equipotent with the Endogenous AGRP(86-132) Antagonist. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14860-14875. [PMID: 34592820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in appetite. Agonist ligands that stimulate the MC4R decrease appetite, while antagonist compounds increase food consumption. Herein, a functional mixture-based positional scan identified novel MC4R antagonist sequences. Mixtures comprising a library of 12,960,000 tetrapeptides were screened in the presence and absence of the NDP-MSH agonist. These results led to the synthesis of 48 individual tetrapeptides, of which 40 were screened for functional activity at the melanocortin receptors. Thirteen compounds were found to possess nanomolar antagonist potency at the MC4R, with the general tetrapeptide sequence Ac-Aromatic-Basic-Aromatic-Basic-NH2. The most notable results include the identification of tetrapeptide 48 [COR1-25, Ac-DPhe(pI)-Arg-Nal(2')-Arg-NH2], an equipotent MC4R antagonist to agouti-related protein [AGRP(86-132)], more potent than miniAGRP(87-120), and possessing 15-fold selectivity for the MC4R versus the MC3R. These tetrapeptides may serve as leads for novel appetite-inducing therapies to treat states of negative energy balance, such as cachexia and anorexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Skye R Doering
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Courtney M Larson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Travis M LaVoi
- Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Haley M Donow
- Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Radleigh G Santos
- Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314, United States
| | - Rachel H Cho
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zoe M Koerperich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Marc A Giulianotti
- Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Richard A Houghten
- Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Deem JD, Faber CL, Morton GJ. AgRP neurons: Regulators of feeding, energy expenditure, and behavior. FEBS J 2021; 289:2362-2381. [PMID: 34469623 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) that express agouti-related peptide (AgRP) govern a critical aspect of survival: the drive to eat. Equally important to survival is the timing at which food is consumed-seeking or eating food to alleviate hunger in the face of a more pressing threat, like the risk of predation, is clearly maladaptive. To ensure optimal prioritization of behaviors within a given environment, therefore, AgRP neurons must integrate signals of internal need states with contextual environmental cues. In this state-of-the-art review, we highlight recent advances that extend our understanding of AgRP neurons, including the neural circuits they engage to regulate feeding, energy expenditure, and behavior. We also discuss key findings that illustrate how both classical feedback and anticipatory feedforward signals regulate this neuronal population and how the integration of these signals may be disrupted in states of energy excess. Finally, we examine both technical and conceptual challenges facing the field moving forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Deem
- Department of Medicine, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chelsea L Faber
- Department of Medicine, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Gregory J Morton
- Department of Medicine, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yeo GSH, Chao DHM, Siegert AM, Koerperich ZM, Ericson MD, Simonds SE, Larson CM, Luquet S, Clarke I, Sharma S, Clément K, Cowley MA, Haskell-Luevano C, Van Der Ploeg L, Adan RAH. The melanocortin pathway and energy homeostasis: From discovery to obesity therapy. Mol Metab 2021; 48:101206. [PMID: 33684608 PMCID: PMC8050006 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Over the past 20 years, insights from human and mouse genetics have illuminated the central role of the brain leptin-melanocortin pathway in controlling mammalian food intake, with genetic disruption resulting in extreme obesity, and more subtle polymorphic variations influencing the population distribution of body weight. At the end of 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved setmelanotide, a melanocortin 4 receptor agonist, for use in individuals with severe obesity due to either pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency. Scope of review Herein, we chart the melanocortin pathway's history, explore its pharmacology, genetics, and physiology, and describe how a neuropeptidergic circuit became an important druggable obesity target. Major conclusions Unravelling the genetics of the subset of severe obesity has revealed the importance of the melanocortin pathway in appetitive control; coupling this with studying the molecular pharmacology of compounds that bind melanocortin receptors has brought a new obesity drug to the market. This process provides a drug discovery template for complex disorders, which for setmelanotide took 25 years to transform from a single gene into an approved drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giles S H Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Anna-Maria Siegert
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Zoe M Koerperich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA 55455.
| | - Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA 55455.
| | - Stephanie E Simonds
- Metabolism, Diabetes, and Obesity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Courtney M Larson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA 55455.
| | - Serge Luquet
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, France.
| | - Iain Clarke
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | | | - Karine Clément
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Nutrition Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition and Obesity: Systemic Approaches (NutriOmics) Research Unit, Paris, France.
| | - Michael A Cowley
- Metabolism, Diabetes, and Obesity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA 55455.
| | | | - Roger A H Adan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMCU Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Naser AA, Miyazaki T, Wang J, Takabayashi S, Pachoensuk T, Tokumoto T. MC4R mutant mice develop ovarian teratomas. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3483. [PMID: 33568756 PMCID: PMC7876032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83001-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Teratomas in mice, composed of different tissue types, are derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the foetal gonads. The strongest candidate gene in the testicular teratoma locus (Ter) responsible for testicular teratoma formation was identified as mutation in Dnd1, Dnd1R178*. However, the phenotype of mice with a mutated Dnd1 gene was germ cell loss. This suggests that other genes are involved in teratoma formation. Testicular teratomas can also be induced experimentally (experimentally testicular teratomas: ETTs) in 129/Sv mice by transplanting E12.5 foetal testes into adult testes. Previously, we mapped the ett1 locus, which is the locus responsible for ETT formation on chromosome 18. By exome sequence analysis of the 129 and LTXBJ (LT) strains, we identified a missense mutation in the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene among 8 genes in the ett1 region. The missense mutation causes a substitution of glycine 25 by serine. Thus, this gene is a candidate for ETT formation. We established the LT-ett1 congenic strain, which introduced the locus responsible for ETT formation genetically into the genomes of a testicular teratoma non-susceptible strain. In this study, we crossed LT-ett1 and a previously established LT-Ter strain to establish the double congenic strain LT-Ter-ett1. Also, we established a strain with a point mutation in the MC4R gene of the LT strain by genome editing, LT-MC4RG25S. Furthermore, double genetically modified strain LT-Ter-MC4RG25S was established to address the relation between Ter and MC4R. Surprisingly, highly developed ovarian teratomas (OTs), instead of testicular teratomas, appeared not only in the LT-Ter-MC4RG25S and LT-MC4RG25S strains but also in the LT-ett1 and LT-Ter-ett1 strains. The incidence of OT formation was high in double genetically modified strains. The results demonstrated that MC4R is one of the genes responsible for OT formation. It was suggested that the effect of the missense mutation in MC4R on teratoma formation was promoted by abnormal germ cell formation by the mutation in DND1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah An Naser
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Takehiro Miyazaki
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1, Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Theeranukul Pachoensuk
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Toshinobu Tokumoto
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ericson MD, Haslach EM, Schnell SM, Freeman KT, Xiang ZM, Portillo FP, Speth R, Litherland SA, Haskell-Luevano C. Discovery of Molecular Interactions of the Human Melanocortin-4 Receptor (hMC4R) Asp189 (D189) Amino Acid with the Endogenous G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Antagonist Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP) Provides Insights to AGRP's Inverse Agonist Pharmacology at the hMC4R. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:542-556. [PMID: 33470098 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors (MCRs) are important for numerous biological pathways, including feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. In addition to endogenous peptide agonists, this receptor family has two naturally occurring endogenous antagonists, agouti and agouti-related protein (AGRP). At the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), the AGRP ligand functions as an endogenous inverse agonist in the absence of agonist and as a competitive antagonist in the presence of agonist. At the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R), AGRP functions solely as a competitive antagonist in the presence of agonist. The molecular interactions that differentiate AGRP's inverse agonist activity at the MC4R have remained elusive until the findings reported herein. Upon the basis of homology molecular modeling approaches, we previously postulated a unique interaction between the D189 position of the hMC4R and Asn114 of AGRP. To further test this hypothesis, six D189 mutant hMC4Rs (D189A, D189E, D189N, D189Q, D189S, and D189K) were generated and pharmacologically characterized resulting in the discovery of differences in inverse agonist activity of AGRP and an 11 macrocyclic compound library. These data support the hypothesized interaction between the hMC4R D189 position and Asn114 residue of AGRP and define critical ligand-receptor molecular interactions responsible for the inverse agonist activity of AGRP at the hMC4R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Erica M. Haslach
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Sathya M. Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zhimin M. Xiang
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Frederico P. Portillo
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Robert Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, United States
- College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Sally A. Litherland
- Translational Research, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, Orlando, Florida 32804, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Godino-Gimeno A, Sánchez E, Guillot R, Rocha A, Angotzi AR, Leal E, Rotllant J, Cerdá-Reverter JM. Growth Performance After Agouti-Signaling Protein 1 ( Asip1) Overexpression in Transgenic Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2020; 17:373-381. [PMID: 33112719 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2020.1932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system is a key structure in the regulation of energy balance. Overexpression of inverse agonists, agouti-signaling protein (ASIP), and agouti-related protein (AGRP) results in increased food intake, linear growth, and body weight. ASIP regulates dorsal-ventral pigment polarity through melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and overexpression induces obesity in mice by binding to central MC4R. Asip1 overexpression in transgenic zebrafish (asip1-Tg) enhances growth, yet experiments show fish overexpressing Asip1 do not develop obesity even under severe feeding regimes. Asip1-Tg fish do not need to eat more to grow larger and faster; thus, increased food efficiency can be observed. In addition, asip1-Tg fish reared at high density are able to grow far more than wild-type (WT) fish reared at low density, although asip1-Tg fish seem to be more sensitive to crowding stress than WT fish, thus making the melanocortin system a target for sustainable aquaculture, especially as the U.S. Food and Drug Association has recently approved transgenic fish trading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Godino-Gimeno
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Castellon, Spain
| | - Elisa Sánchez
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Castellon, Spain
| | - Raúl Guillot
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Castellon, Spain
| | - Ana Rocha
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Matosinhos, Portugal.,MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Anna Rita Angotzi
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Castellon, Spain
| | - Esther Leal
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Castellon, Spain
| | - Josep Rotllant
- Department of Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, IIM-CSIC, Vigo, Spain
| | - José Miguel Cerdá-Reverter
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Castellon, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
London E, Bloyd M, Stratakis CA. PKA functions in metabolism and resistance to obesity: lessons from mouse and human studies. J Endocrinol 2020; 246:R51-R64. [PMID: 32485681 PMCID: PMC7385994 DOI: 10.1530/joe-20-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Both direct and indirect evidence demonstrate a central role for the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling pathway in the regulation of energy balance and metabolism across multiple systems. However, the ubiquitous pattern of PKA expression across cell types poses a challenge in pinpointing its tissue-specific regulatory functions and further characterizing its many downstream effects in certain organs or cells. Mouse models of PKA deficiency and over-expression and studies in living cells have helped clarify PKA function in adipose tissue (AT), liver, adrenal, pancreas, and specific brain nuclei, as they pertain to energy balance and metabolic dysregulation. Limited studies in humans suggest differential regulation of PKA in AT of obese compared to lean individuals and an overall dysregulation of PKA signaling in obesity. Despite its complexity, under normal physiologic conditions, the PKA system is tightly regulated by changes in cAMP concentrations upstream via adenylate cyclase and downstream by phosphodiesterase-mediated cAMP degradation to AMP and by changes in PKA holoenzyme stability. Adjustments in the PKA system appear to be important to the development and maintenance of the obese state and its associated metabolic perturbations. In this review we discuss the important role of PKA in obesity and its involvement in resistance to obesity, through studies in humans and in mouse models, with a focus on the regulation of PKA in energy expenditure, intake behavior, and lipid and glucose metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edra London
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
| | - Michelle Bloyd
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
| | - Constantine A. Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang L, Yin SJ, Zheng X, Chen X, Wang Q, Park YD, Qian GY, Si YX. Screening and analysis of agouti signaling protein interaction partners in Pelodiscus sinensis suggests a role in lipid metabolism. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 157:695-705. [PMID: 31794826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.11.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Agouti signaling protein (ASP) is a secreted paracrine protein that has been widely reported to function in melanogenesis and obesity and could potentially be a core protein that regulates the color and fatty phenotype of P. sinensis. In this study, we screened out interacting proteins of ASP by combined co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (CoIP-MS), yeast two hybrid (Y2H) analysis, and computational predictions. We performed docking of ASP with its well-known receptor melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) to predict the binding capacity and to screen out actual ASP interacting proteins, CoIP-MS was performed where identified 32 proteins that could bind with ASP and Y2H confirmed seven proteins binding with ASP directly. CoIP-MS and Y2H screening results including PPI prediction revealed that vitronectin (VTN), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), apolipoprotein B (APOB), and filamin B (FLNB) were the key interacting proteins of ASP. VTN, APOA1, and APOB are functional proteins in lipid metabolism and various skin disorders, suggesting ASP may function in lipid metabolism through these partners. This study provided protein-protein interaction information of ASP, and the results will promote further research into the diverse roles of ASP, as well as its binding partners, and their function in different strains of P. sinensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, PR China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, PR China
| | - Shang-Jun Yin
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Zheng
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, PR China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, PR China
| | - Yong-Doo Park
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, PR China; Skin Diseases Research Center, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing 314006, PR China; Department of Dermatology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea
| | - Guo-Ying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, PR China.
| | - Yue-Xiu Si
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ntawubizi M, Raes K, De Smet S. Genetic parameter estimates for plasma oxidative status traits in slaughter pigs. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5677520. [PMID: 31837222 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of sex and to estimate genetic parameters for several traits related to plasma oxidative status in slaughter pigs, i.e., ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), concentrations of α-tocopherol and malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Blood samples were collected at slaughter from 477 Piétrain × (Landrace × Large White intercross) pigs of 2 performance test stations. Heritabilities (±SE) of plasma oxidative status traits as well as their phenotypic and additive genetic correlations with animal performance traits were estimated with multiple-trait REML animal models using VCE software. Results displayed no significant difference between barrows and gilts for FRAP and α-tocopherol in plasma. However, gilts had a significantly higher concentration of MDA and lower GPx activity compared with barrows. Heritability estimates were high for GPx (0.55 ± 0.05), and medium to low for α-tocopherol (0.30 ± 0.06), FRAP (0.22 ± 0.05), and MDA (0.15 ± 0.04). Estimated additive genetic and phenotypic correlations between these four traits were generally low, except for a negative additive genetic correlation between FRAP and GPx of -0.45 (±0.23). Additive genetic correlations between plasma oxidative status traits and animal performance traits were also generally absent or low with maximum values of ~0.3. Parameter estimates in this study have to be interpreted with caution because of the small size of the dataset. Nevertheless, it may be concluded that there is considerable additive genetic variance for plasma oxidative status traits in slaughter pigs. More research is warranted on the genetic determination of oxidative stress in farm animals and its relevance in breeding programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ntawubizi
- Department of Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Nyagatare, Rwanda
| | - Katleen Raes
- Research Unit VEG-i-TEC, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Campus Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Smet
- Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ferreira MS, Alves PC, Callahan CM, Giska I, Farelo L, Jenny H, Mills LS, Hackländer K, Good JM, Melo‐Ferreira J. Transcriptomic regulation of seasonal coat color change in hares. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:1180-1192. [PMID: 32076506 PMCID: PMC7029059 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Color molts from summer brown to winter white coats have evolved in several species to maintain camouflage year-round in environments with seasonal snow. Despite the eco-evolutionary relevance of this key phenological adaptation, its molecular regulation has only recently begun to be addressed. Here, we analyze skin transcription changes during the autumn molt of the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) and integrate the results with an established model of gene regulation across the spring molt of the closely related snowshoe hare (L. americanus). We quantified differences in gene expression among three stages of molt progression-"brown" (early molt), "intermediate," and "white" (late molt). We found 632 differentially expressed genes, with a major pulse of expression early in the molt, followed by a milder one in late molt. The functional makeup of differentially expressed genes anchored the sampled molt stages to the developmental timeline of the hair growth cycle, associating anagen to early molt and the transition to catagen to late molt. The progression of color change was characterized by differential expression of genes involved in pigmentation, circadian, and behavioral regulation. We found significant overlap between differentially expressed genes across the seasonal molts of mountain and snowshoe hares, particularly at molt onset, suggesting conservatism of gene regulation across species and seasons. However, some discrepancies suggest seasonal differences in melanocyte differentiation and the integration of nutritional cues. Our established regulatory model of seasonal coat color molt provides an important mechanistic context to study the functional architecture and evolution of this crucial seasonal adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda S. Ferreira
- CIBIOCentro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos GenéticosInBIO Laboratório AssociadoUniversidade do PortoVairãoPortugal
- Departamento de BiologiaFaculdade de Ciências da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Paulo C. Alves
- CIBIOCentro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos GenéticosInBIO Laboratório AssociadoUniversidade do PortoVairãoPortugal
- Departamento de BiologiaFaculdade de Ciências da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Wildlife Biology ProgramUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | | | - Iwona Giska
- CIBIOCentro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos GenéticosInBIO Laboratório AssociadoUniversidade do PortoVairãoPortugal
| | - Liliana Farelo
- CIBIOCentro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos GenéticosInBIO Laboratório AssociadoUniversidade do PortoVairãoPortugal
| | - Hannes Jenny
- Amt für Jagd und Fischerei GraubündenChurSwitzerland
| | - L. Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology ProgramUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
- Office of Research and Creative ScholarshipUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | - Klaus Hackländer
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementBOKU—University of Natural Resources and Life SciencesViennaAustria
| | - Jeffrey M. Good
- Wildlife Biology ProgramUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | - José Melo‐Ferreira
- CIBIOCentro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos GenéticosInBIO Laboratório AssociadoUniversidade do PortoVairãoPortugal
- Departamento de BiologiaFaculdade de Ciências da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Koerperich ZM, Ericson MD, Freeman KT, Speth RC, Pogozheva ID, Mosberg HI, Haskell-Luevano C. Incorporation of Agouti-Related Protein (AgRP) Human Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AgRP-Derived Macrocyclic Scaffold c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Asn-Ala-Phe-dPro] Decreases Melanocortin-4 Receptor Antagonist Potency and Results in the Discovery of Melanocortin-5 Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2020; 63:2194-2208. [PMID: 31845801 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While the melanocortin receptors (MCRs) are known to be involved in numerous biological pathways, the potential roles of the MC5R have not been clearly elucidated in humans. Agouti-related protein (AgRP), an MC3R/MC4R antagonist and MC4R inverse agonist, contains an exposed β-hairpin loop composed of six residues (Arg-Phe-Phe-Asn-Ala-Phe) that is imperative for binding and function. Within this active loop of AgRP, four human missense polymorphisms were deposited into the NIH Variation Viewer database. These polymorphisms, Arg111Cys, Arg111His, Phe112Tyr, and Ala115Val (AgRP full-length numbering), were incorporated into the peptide macrocycles c[Pro1-Arg2-Phe3-Phe4-Xaa5-Ala6-Phe7-dPro8], where Xaa was Dap5 or Asn5, to explore the functional effects of these naturally occurring substitutions in a simplified AgRP scaffold. All peptides lowered potency at least 10-fold in a cAMP accumulation assay compared to the parent sequences at the MC4Rs. Compounds MDE 6-82-3c, ZMK 2-82, MDE 6-82-1c, ZMK 2-85, and ZMK 2-112 are also the first AgRP-based chemotypes that antagonize the MC5R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe M Koerperich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, United States.,College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Irina D Pogozheva
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Henry I Mosberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bertozzi TM, Ferguson-Smith AC. Metastable epialleles and their contribution to epigenetic inheritance in mammals. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 97:93-105. [PMID: 31551132 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Many epigenetic differences between individuals are driven by genetic variation. Mammalian metastable epialleles are unusual in that they show variable DNA methylation states between genetically identical individuals. The occurrence of such states across generations has resulted in their consideration by many as strong evidence for epigenetic inheritance in mammals, with the classic Avy and AxinFu mouse models - each products of repeat element insertions - being the most widely accepted examples. Equally, there has been interest in exploring their use as epigenetic biosensors given their susceptibility to environmental compromise. Here we review the classic murine metastable epialleles as well as more recently identified candidates, with the aim of providing a more holistic understanding of their biology. We consider the extent to which epigenetic inheritance occurs at metastable epialleles and explore the limited mechanistic insights into the establishment of their variable epigenetic states. We discuss their environmental modulation and their potential relevance in genome regulation. In light of recent whole-genome screens for novel metastable epialleles, we point out the need to reassess their biological relevance in multi-generational studies and we highlight their value as a model to study repeat element silencing as well as the mechanisms and consequences of mammalian epigenetic stochasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa M Bertozzi
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cal L, Suarez‐Bregua P, Braasch I, Irion U, Kelsh R, Cerdá‐Reverter JM, Rotllant J. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the melanocortin 1 receptor cause disruption of dorso‐ventral countershading in teleost fish. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 32:817-828. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cal
- Department of Biotechnology & Aquaculture, FishBioTech Lab. Institute of Marine Research (IIM‐CSIC) Vigo Spain
| | - Paula Suarez‐Bregua
- Department of Biotechnology & Aquaculture, FishBioTech Lab. Institute of Marine Research (IIM‐CSIC) Vigo Spain
| | - Ingo Braasch
- Department of Integrative Biology, Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - Uwe Irion
- Max‐Planck‐Institute of Developmental Biology Tübingen Germany
| | - Robert Kelsh
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Regenerative Medicine University of Bath Bath UK
| | - Jose Miguel Cerdá‐Reverter
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology Institute of Aquaculture from Torre la Sal (IATS‐CSIC) Castellon Spain
| | - Josep Rotllant
- Department of Biotechnology & Aquaculture, FishBioTech Lab. Institute of Marine Research (IIM‐CSIC) Vigo Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Robic A, Morisson M, Leroux S, Gourichon D, Vignal A, Thebault N, Fillon V, Minvielle F, Bed’Hom B, Zerjal T, Pitel F. Two new structural mutations in the 5' region of the ASIP gene cause diluted feather color phenotypes in Japanese quail. Genet Sel Evol 2019; 51:12. [PMID: 30987584 PMCID: PMC6466734 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-019-0458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In quail, two feather colour phenotypes i.e. fawn-2/beige and yellow are associated with the ASIP locus. The aim of our study was to characterize the structural modifications within this locus that explain the yellow mutation (large deletion) and the fawn-2/beige mutation (assumed to be caused by a different structural modification). RESULTS For the yellow phenotype, we identified a complex mutation that involves a 141,162-bp long deletion. For the fawn-2/beige phenotype, we identified a 71-kb tandem duplication that comprises one unchanged copy of ASIP and one copy present in the ITCH-ASIP fusion gene, which leads to a transcript coding for a normal ASIP protein. Although this agrees with previous reports that reported an increased level of ASIP transcripts in the skin of mutant animals, we show that in the skin from fawn-2/beige embryos, this level is higher than expected with a simple duplication of the ASIP gene. Thus, we hypothesize that the 5' region of the ITCH-ASIP fusion gene leads to a higher transcription level than the 5' region of the ASIP gene. CONCLUSIONS We were able to conclude that the fawn-2 and beige phenotypes are caused by the same allele at the ASIP locus. Both of the associated mutations fawn-2/beige and yellow lead to the formation of a fusion gene, which encodes a transcript for the ASIP protein. In both cases, transcription of ASIP depends on the promoter of a different gene, which includes alternative up-regulating sequences. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that the loss of the 5' region of the ASIP gene itself has additional impacts, especially for the fawn-2/beige mutation. In addition, in several other species including mammals, the existence of other dominant gain-of-function structural modifications that are localized upstream of the ASIP coding sequences has been reported, which supports our hypothesis that repressors in the 5' region of ASIP are absent in the fawn-2/beige mutant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annie Robic
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Mireille Morisson
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Sophie Leroux
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Alain Vignal
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Noémie Thebault
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Valérie Fillon
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Francis Minvielle
- GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Bertrand Bed’Hom
- GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Tatiana Zerjal
- GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Frédérique Pitel
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fleming KA, Freeman KT, Powers MD, Santos RG, Debevec G, Giulianotti MA, Houghten RA, Doering SR, Pinilla C, Haskell-Luevano C. Discovery of Polypharmacological Melanocortin-3 and -4 Receptor Probes and Identification of a 100-Fold Selective nM MC3R Agonist versus a μM MC4R Partial Agonist. J Med Chem 2019; 62:2738-2749. [PMID: 30741545 PMCID: PMC6463894 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The centrally expressed melanocortin-3 and melanocortin-4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R, respectively) are established targets to treat diseases of positive- and negative-energy homeostasis. We previously reported [ Doering , S. R. ; J. Med. Chem. 2017 , 60 , 4342 - 4357 ] mixture-based positional scanning approaches to identify dual MC3R agonist and MC4R antagonist tetrapeptides. Herein, 46 tetrapeptides were chosen for MC3R agonist screening selectivity profiles, synthesized, and pharmacologically characterized at the mouse melanocortin-1, -3, -4, and -5 receptors. Substitutions to the tetrapeptide template were selected solely based on MC3R agonist potency from the mixture-based screen. This study resulted in the discovery of compound 42 (Ac-Val-Gln-(pI)DPhe-DTic-NH2), a full MC3R agonist that is 100-fold selective for the MC3R over the μM MC4R partial agonist pharmacology. This compound represents a first-in-class MC3R selective agonist. This ligand will serve as a useful in vivo molecular probe for the investigation of the roles of the MC3R and MC4R in diseases of dysregulated energy homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katlyn A. Fleming
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mike D. Powers
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Radleigh G. Santos
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Ginamarie Debevec
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Marc A. Giulianotti
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Richard A. Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Skye R. Doering
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- To whom correspondence about the use of positional scanning libraries should be addressed at at Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cal L, Suarez-Bregua P, Comesaña P, Owen J, Braasch I, Kelsh R, Cerdá-Reverter JM, Rotllant J. Countershading in zebrafish results from an Asip1 controlled dorsoventral gradient of pigment cell differentiation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3449. [PMID: 30837630 PMCID: PMC6401153 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40251-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dorso-ventral (DV) countershading is a highly-conserved pigmentary adaptation in vertebrates. In mammals, spatially regulated expression of agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) generates the difference in shading by driving a switch between the production of chemically-distinct melanins in melanocytes in dorsal and ventral regions. In contrast, fish countershading seemed to result from a patterned DV distribution of differently-coloured cell-types (chromatophores). Despite the cellular differences in the basis for counter-shading, previous observations suggested that Agouti signaling likely played a role in this patterning process in fish. To test the hypotheses that Agouti regulated counter-shading in fish, and that this depended upon spatial regulation of the numbers of each chromatophore type, we engineered asip1 homozygous knockout mutant zebrafish. We show that loss-of-function asip1 mutants lose DV countershading, and that this results from changed numbers of multiple pigment cell-types in the skin and on scales. Our findings identify asip1 as key in the establishment of DV countershading in fish, but show that the cellular mechanism for translating a conserved signaling gradient into a conserved pigmentary phenotype has been radically altered in the course of evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cal
- Deparment of Biotechnology and Aquaculture. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, IIM-CSIC, Vigo, 36208, Spain
| | - Paula Suarez-Bregua
- Deparment of Biotechnology and Aquaculture. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, IIM-CSIC, Vigo, 36208, Spain
| | - Pilar Comesaña
- Deparment of Biotechnology and Aquaculture. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, IIM-CSIC, Vigo, 36208, Spain
| | - Jennifer Owen
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry and Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Ingo Braasch
- Department of Integrative Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Robert Kelsh
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry and Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Josep Rotllant
- Deparment of Biotechnology and Aquaculture. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, IIM-CSIC, Vigo, 36208, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ericson MD, Koerperich ZM, Freeman KT, Fleming KA, Haskell-Luevano C. Arg-Phe-Phe d-Amino Acid Stereochemistry Scan in the Macrocyclic Agouti-Related Protein Antagonist Scaffold c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Xxx-Ala-Phe-DPro] Results in Unanticipated Melanocortin-1 Receptor Agonist Profiles. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:3015-3023. [PMID: 29924583 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-3 and melanocortin-4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R), endogenous agonists derived from the proopiomelanocortin gene transcript, and naturally occurring antagonists agouti and agouti-related protein (AGRP) have been linked to biological pathways associated with energy homeostasis. The active tripeptide sequence of AGRP, Arg111-Phe112-Phe113, is located on a hypothesized β-hairpin loop. Herein, stereochemical modifications of the Arg-Phe-Phe sequence were examined in the octapeptide AGRP-derived macrocyclic scaffold c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Xxx-Ala-Phe-DPro], where Xxx was Asn or diaminopropionic acid (Dap). Macrocyclic peptides were synthesized with one, two, or three residues of the Arg-Phe-Phe sequence substituted with the corresponding d-isomer(s), generating a 14 compound library. While l-to-d inversions of the Arg-Phe-Phe sequence in a 20-residue AGRP-derived ligand previously resulted in agonist activity at the MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, only the MC1R was consistently stimulated by the macrocyclic ligands in the present study, with varying ligand potencies and efficacies observed at the MC1R. A general trend of increased MC4R antagonist potency was observed for Dap-containing compounds, while MC5R inverse agonist activity was observed for select ligands. It was observed that stereochemical modification of the Arg-Phe-Phe active tripeptide sequence was insufficient to convert melanocortin antagonist into agonists. Overall, these observations are important in the design of melanocortin ligands possessing potent and selective agonist and antagonist activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 United States
| | - Zoe M. Koerperich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 United States
| | - Katlyn A. Fleming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Todorovic A, Lensing CJ, Holder JR, Scott JW, Sorensen NB, Haskell-Luevano C. Discovery of Melanocortin Ligands via a Double Simultaneous Substitution Strategy Based on the Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2 Template. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2753-2766. [PMID: 29783840 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system regulates an array of diverse physiological functions including pigmentation, feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, cardiovascular regulation, sexual function, and steroidogenesis. Endogenous melanocortin agonist ligands all possess the minimal messaging tetrapeptide sequence His-Phe-Arg-Trp. Based on this endogenous sequence, the Ac-His1-dPhe2-Arg3-Trp4-NH2 tetrapeptide has previously been shown to be a useful scaffold when utilizing traditional positional scanning approaches to modify activity at the various melanocortin receptors (MC1-5R). The study reported herein was undertaken to evaluate a double simultaneous substitution strategy as an approach to further diversify the Ac-His1-dPhe2-Arg3-Trp4-NH2 tetrapeptide with concurrent introduction of natural and unnatural amino acids at positions 1, 2, or 4, as well as an octanoyl residue at the N-terminus. The designed library includes the following combinations: (A) double simultaneous substitution at capping group position (Ac) together with position 1, 2, or 4, (B) double simultaneous substitution at positions 1 and 2, (C) double simultaneous substitution at positions 1 and 4, and (D) double simultaneous substitution at positions 2 and 4. Several lead ligands with unique pharmacologies were discovered in the current study including antagonists targeting the neuronal mMC3R with minimal agonist activity and ligands with selective profiles for the various melanocortin subtypes. The results suggest that the double simultaneous substitution strategy is a suitable approach in altering melanocortin receptor potency or selectivity or converting agonists into antagonists and vice versa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Todorovic
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Cody J. Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jerry Ryan Holder
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Joseph W. Scott
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Nicholas B. Sorensen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fleming KA, Freeman KT, Ericson MD, Haskell-Luevano C. Synergistic Multiresidue Substitutions of a Macrocyclic c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Asn-Ala-Phe-dPro] Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP) Scaffold Yield Potent and >600-Fold MC4R versus MC3R Selective Melanocortin Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2018; 61:7729-7740. [PMID: 30035543 PMCID: PMC6174881 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antagonist ligands of the melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R, MC4R), including agouti-related protein (AGRP), are postulated to be targets for the treatment of diseases of negative energy balance. Previous studies reported the macrocyclic MC3R/MC4R antagonist c[Pro1-Arg2-Phe3-Phe4-Asn5-Ala6-Phe7-dPro8], which is 250-fold less potent at the mouse (m) mMC3R and 3-fold less potent at the mMC4R than AGRP. Previous studies explored the structure-activity relationships around individual positions in this template. Herein, a multiresidue substitution strategy is utilized, combining the lead sequence with hPhe4, Dap5, Arg5, Ser6, and Nle7 substitutions previously reported. Two compounds from this study (16, 20) contain an hPhe4/Ser6/Nle7 substitution pattern, are 3-6-fold more potent than AGRP at the mMC4R and are 600-800-fold selective for the mMC4R over the mMC3R. Another lead compound (21), possessing the hPhe4/Arg5 substitutions, is only 5-fold less potent than AGRP at the mMC3R and is equipotent to AGRP at the mMC4R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katlyn A. Fleming
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D. Ericson
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translation Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Swope VB, Abdel-Malek ZA. MC1R: Front and Center in the Bright Side of Dark Eumelanin and DNA Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2667. [PMID: 30205559 PMCID: PMC6163888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin, the pigment produced by specialized cells, melanocytes, is responsible for skin and hair color. Skin pigmentation is an important protective mechanism against the DNA damaging and mutagenic effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV). It is acknowledged that exposure to UV is the main etiological environmental factor for all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. DNA repair capacity is another major factor that determines the risk for skin cancer. Human melanocytes synthesize eumelanin, the dark brown form of melanin, as well as pheomelanin, which is reddish-yellow in color. The relative rates of eumelanin and pheomelanin synthesis by melanocytes determine skin color and the sensitivity of skin to the drastic effects of solar UV. Understanding the complex regulation of melanocyte function and how it responds to solar UV has a huge impact on developing novel photoprotective strategies to prevent skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the most fatal form, which originates from melanocytes. This review provides an overview of the known differences in the photoprotective effects of eumelanin versus pheomelanin, how these two forms of melanin are regulated genetically and biochemically, and their impact on the DNA damaging effects of UV exposure. Additionally, this review briefly discusses the role of paracrine factors, focusing on α-melanocortin (α-melanocyte stimulating hormone; α-MSH), in regulating melanogenesis and the response of melanocytes to UV, and describes a chemoprevention strategy based on targeting the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) by analogs of its physiological agonist α-MSH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viki B Swope
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Zalfa A Abdel-Malek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fleming KA, Ericson MD, Freeman KT, Adank DN, Lunzer MM, Wilber SL, Haskell-Luevano C. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of a Macrocyclic AGRP-Mimetic Scaffold c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Asn-Ala-Phe-DPro] Yield Potent and Selective Melanocortin-4 Receptor Antagonists and Melanocortin-5 Receptor Inverse Agonists That Increase Food Intake in Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1141-1151. [PMID: 29363944 PMCID: PMC5955836 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system has five receptors, and antagonists of the central melanocortin receptors (MC3R, MC4R) are postulated to be viable therapeutics for disorders of negative energy balance such as anorexia, cachexia, and failure to thrive. Agouti-related protein (AGRP) is an antagonist of the MC3R and an antagonist/inverse agonist of the MC4R. Biophysical NMR-based structural studies have demonstrated that the active sequence of this hormone, Arg-Phe-Phe, is located on an exposed β-hairpin loop. It has previously been demonstrated that the macrocyclic octapeptide scaffold c[Pro1-Arg2-Phe3-Phe4-Asn5-Ala6-Phe7-DPro8] is 16-fold less potent than AGRP at the mouse MC4R (mMC4R). Herein it was hypothesized that the Phe7 position may be substituted to produce more potent and/or selective melanocortin receptor antagonist ligands based on this template. A 10-membered library was synthesized that substituted small (Gly), polar (Ser), acidic (Asp), basic (Lys), aliphatic (Leu, Nle, and Cha), and aromatic (Trp, Tyr, hPhe) amino acids to explore potential modifications at the Phe7 position. The most potent mMC4R antagonist contained a Nle7 substitution, was equipotent to the lead ligand 200-fold selective for the mMC4R over the mMC3R, and caused a significant increase in food intake when injected intrathecally into male mice. Three compounds possessed sigmoidal dose-response inverse agonist curves at the mMC5R, while the remaining seven decreased cAMP production from basal levels at a concentration of 100 μM. These findings will add to the knowledge base toward the development of potent and selective probes to study the role of the melanocortin system in diseases of negative energy balance and can be useful in the design of molecular probes to examine the physiological functions of the mMC5R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katlyn A. Fleming
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D. Ericson
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Danielle N. Adank
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mary M. Lunzer
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Stacey L. Wilber
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Novoselova TV, Chan LF, Clark AJL. Pathophysiology of melanocortin receptors and their accessory proteins. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 32:93-106. [PMID: 29678289 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors (MCRs) and their accessory proteins (MRAPs) are involved in regulation of a diverse range of endocrine pathways. Genetic variants of these components result in phenotypic variation and disease. The MC1R is expressed in skin and variants in the MC1R gene are associated with ginger hair color. The MC2R mediates the action of ACTH in the adrenal gland to stimulate glucocorticoid production and MC2R mutations result in familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD). MC3R and MC4R are involved in metabolic regulation and their gene variants are associated with severe pediatric obesity, whereas the function of MC5R remains to be fully elucidated. MRAPs have been shown to modulate the function of MCRs and genetic variants in MRAPs are associated with diseases including FGD type 2 and potentially early onset obesity. This review provides an insight into recent advances in MCRs and MRAPs physiology, focusing on the disorders associated with their dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T V Novoselova
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom.
| | - L F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - A J L Clark
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Chartehouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kansal RG, McCravy MS, Basham JH, Earl JA, McMurray SL, Starner CJ, Whitt MA, Albritton LM. Inhibition of melanocortin 1 receptor slows melanoma growth, reduces tumor heterogeneity and increases survival. Oncotarget 2018; 7:26331-45. [PMID: 27028866 PMCID: PMC5041983 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma risk is increased in patients with mutations of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) yet the basis for the increased risk remains unknown. Here we report in vivo evidence supporting a critical role for MC1R in regulating melanoma tumor growth and determining overall survival time. Inhibition of MC1R by its physiologically relevant competitive inhibitor, agouti signaling protein (ASIP), reduced melanin synthesis and morphological heterogeneity in murine B16-F10 melanoma cells. In the lungs of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, mCherry-marked, ASIP-secreting lung tumors inhibited MC1R on neighboring tumors lacking ASIP in a dose dependent manner as evidenced by a proportional loss of pigment in tumors from mice injected with 1:1, 3:1 and 4:1 mixtures of parental B16-F10 to ASIP-expressing tumor cells. ASIP-expressing B16-F10 cells formed poorly pigmented tumors in vivo that correlated with a 20% longer median survival than those bearing parental B16-F10 tumors (p=0.0005). Mice injected with 1:1 mixtures also showed survival benefit (p=0.0054), whereas injection of a 4:1 mixture showed no significant difference in survival. The longer survival time of mice bearing ASIP-expressing tumors correlated with a significantly slower growth rate than parental B16-F10 tumors as judged by quantification of numbers of tumors and total tumor load (p=0.0325), as well as a more homogeneous size and morphology of ASIP-expressing lung tumors. We conclude that MC1R plays an important role in regulating melanoma growth and morphology. Persistent inhibition of MC1R provided a significant survival advantage resulting in part from slower tumor growth, establishing MC1R as a compelling new molecular target for metastatic melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita G Kansal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Matthew S McCravy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jacob H Basham
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Joshua A Earl
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Stacy L McMurray
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Chelsey J Starner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Michael A Whitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Lorraine M Albritton
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
Cal L, Megías M, Cerdá-Reverter JM, Postlethwait JH, Braasch I, Rotllant J. BAC Recombineering of the Agouti Loci from Spotted Gar and Zebrafish Reveals the Evolutionary Ancestry of Dorsal-Ventral Pigment Asymmetry in Fish. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2017; 328:697-708. [PMID: 28544213 PMCID: PMC5653409 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dorsoventral pigment patterning, characterized by a light ventrum and a dark dorsum, is one of the most widespread chromatic adaptations in vertebrate body coloration. In mammals, this countershading depends on differential expression of agouti-signaling protein (ASIP), which drives a switch of synthesis of one type of melanin to another within melanocytes. Teleost fish share countershading, but the pattern results from a differential distribution of multiple types of chromatophores, with black-brown melanophores most abundant in the dorsal body and reflective iridophores most abundant in the ventral body. We previously showed that Asip1 (a fish ortholog of mammalian ASIP) plays a role in patterning melanophores. This observation leads to the surprising hypothesis that agouti may control an evolutionarily conserved pigment pattern by regulating different mechanisms in mammals and fish. To test this hypothesis, we compared two ray-finned fishes: the teleost zebrafish and the nonteleost spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). By examining the endogenous pattern of asip1 expression in gar, we demonstrate a dorsoventral-graded distribution of asip1 expression that is highest ventrally, similar to teleosts. Additionally, in the first reported experiments to generate zebrafish transgenic lines carrying a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) from spotted gar, we show that both transgenic zebrafish lines embryos replicate the endogenous asip1 expression pattern in adult zebrafish, showing that BAC transgenes from both species contain all of the regulatory elements required for regular asip1 expression within adult ray-finned fishes. These experiments provide evidence that the mechanism leading to an environmentally important pigment pattern was likely in place before the origin of teleosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, CSIC. Vigo, 36208, Spain
| | - Manuel Megías
- Neurolam Group, Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, 36310-Vigo, Spain
| | | | | | - Ingo Braasch
- Department of Integrative Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Josep Rotllant
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, CSIC. Vigo, 36208, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ericson MD, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Fleming KA, Haskell-Luevano C. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on a Macrocyclic Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP) Scaffold Reveal Agouti Signaling Protein (ASP) Residue Substitutions Maintain Melanocortin-4 Receptor Antagonist Potency and Result in Inverse Agonist Pharmacology at the Melanocortin-5 Receptor. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8103-8114. [PMID: 28813605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin system consists of five reported receptors, agonists from the proopiomelanocortin gene transcript, and two antagonists, agouti-signaling protein (ASP) and agouti-related protein (AGRP). For both ASP and AGRP, the hypothesized Arg-Phe-Phe pharmacophores are on exposed β-hairpin loops. In this study, the Asn and Ala positions of a reported AGRP macrocyclic scaffold (c[Pro-Arg-Phe-Phe-Asn-Ala-Phe-DPro]) were explored with 14-compound and 8-compound libraries, respectively, to generate more potent, selective melanocortin receptor antagonists. Substituting diaminopropionic acid (Dap), DDap, and His at the Asn position yielded potent MC4R ligands, while replacing Ala with Ser maintained MC4R potency. Since these substitutions correlate to ASP loop residues, an additional Phe to Ala substitution was synthesized and observed to maintain MC4R potency. Seventeen compounds also possessed inverse agonist activity at the MC5R, the first report of this pharmacology. These findings are useful in developing molecular probes to study negative energy balance conditions and unidentified functions of the MC5R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katlyn A Fleming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ericson MD, Lensing CJ, Fleming KA, Schlasner KN, Doering SR, Haskell-Luevano C. Bench-top to clinical therapies: A review of melanocortin ligands from 1954 to 2016. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2414-2435. [PMID: 28363699 PMCID: PMC5600687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the endogenous melanocortin agonists in the 1950s have resulted in sixty years of melanocortin ligand research. Early efforts involved truncations or select modifications of the naturally occurring agonists leading to the development of many potent and selective ligands. With the identification and cloning of the five known melanocortin receptors, many ligands were improved upon through bench-top in vitro assays. Optimization of select properties resulted in ligands adopted as clinical candidates. A summary of every melanocortin ligand is outside the scope of this review. Instead, this review will focus on the following topics: classic melanocortin ligands, selective ligands, small molecule (non-peptide) ligands, ligands with sex-specific effects, bivalent and multivalent ligands, and ligands advanced to clinical trials. Each topic area will be summarized with current references to update the melanocortin field on recent progress. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Melanocortin Receptors - edited by Ya-Xiong Tao.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Ericson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Cody J Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katlyn A Fleming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katherine N Schlasner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Skye R Doering
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cal L, Suarez-Bregua P, Cerdá-Reverter JM, Braasch I, Rotllant J. Fish pigmentation and the melanocortin system. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2017; 211:26-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
47
|
Doering SR, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Haslach EM, Dirain M, Debevec G, Geer P, Santos RG, Giulianotti MA, Pinilla C, Appel JR, Speth RC, Houghten RA, Haskell-Luevano C. Discovery of Mixed Pharmacology Melanocortin-3 Agonists and Melanocortin-4 Receptor Tetrapeptide Antagonist Compounds (TACOs) Based on the Sequence Ac-Xaa 1-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Xaa 4-NH 2. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4342-4357. [PMID: 28453292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The centrally expressed melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R/MC4R) have been studied as possible targets for weight management therapies, with a preponderance of studies focusing on the MC4R. Herein, a novel tetrapeptide scaffold [Ac-Xaa1-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Xaa4-NH2] is reported. The scaffold was derived from results obtained from a MC3R mixture-based positional scanning campaign. From these results, a set of 48 tetrapeptides were designed and pharmacologically characterized at the mouse melanocortin-1, -3, -4, and -5 receptors. This resulted in the serendipitous discovery of nine compounds that were MC3R agonists (EC50 < 1000 nM) and MC4R antagonists (5.7 < pA2 < 7.8). The three most potent MC3R agonists, 18 [Ac-Arg-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Tic-NH2], 1 [Ac-His-Arg-(pI)DPhe-Tic-NH2], and 41 [Ac-Arg-Arg-(pI)DPhe-DNal(2')-NH2] were more potent (EC50 < 73 nM) than the melanocortin tetrapeptide Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2. This template contains a sequentially reversed "Arg-(pI)DPhe" motif with respect to the classical "Phe-Arg" melanocortin signaling motif, which results in pharmacology that is first-in-class for the central melanocortin receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Skye R Doering
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Erica M Haslach
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Marvin Dirain
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Ginamarie Debevec
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Phaedra Geer
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Radleigh G Santos
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Marc A Giulianotti
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jon R Appel
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Richard A Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, United States.,Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies , San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.,Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Obesity is a global epidemic that contributes to a number of health complications including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies to treat obesity are urgently needed. Research over the past two decades has increased substantially our knowledge of central and peripheral mechanisms underlying homeostatic energy balance. Homeostatic mechanisms involve multiple components including neuronal circuits, some originating in hypothalamus and brain stem, as well as peripherally-derived satiety, hunger and adiposity signals that modulate neural activity and regulate eating behavior. Dysregulation of one or more of these homeostatic components results in obesity. Coincident with obesity, reward mechanisms that regulate hedonic aspects of food intake override the homeostatic regulation of eating. In addition to functional interactions between homeostatic and reward systems in the regulation of food intake, homeostatic signals have the ability to alter vulnerability to drug abuse. Regarding the treatment of obesity, pharmacological monotherapies primarily focus on a single protein target. FDA-approved monotherapy options include phentermine (Adipex-P®), orlistat (Xenical®), lorcaserin (Belviq®) and liraglutide (Saxenda®). However, monotherapies have limited efficacy, in part due to the recruitment of alternate and counter-regulatory pathways. Consequently, a multi-target approach may provide greater benefit. Recently, two combination products have been approved by the FDA to treat obesity, including phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia®) and naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave®). The current review provides an overview of homeostatic and reward mechanisms that regulate energy balance, potential therapeutic targets for obesity and current treatment options, including some candidate therapeutics in clinical development. Finally, challenges in anti-obesity drug development are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Narayanaswami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Linda P Dwoskin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Takashima S, Ikejima K, Arai K, Yokokawa J, Kon K, Yamashina S, Watanabe S. Glycine prevents metabolic steatohepatitis in diabetic KK-Ay mice through modulation of hepatic innate immunity. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 311:G1105-G1113. [PMID: 27659424 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00465.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Strategies for prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis remain to be established. We evaluated the effect of glycine on metabolic steatohepatitis in genetically obese, diabetic KK-Ay mice. Male KK-Ay mice were fed a diet containing 5% glycine for 4 wk, and liver pathology was evaluated. Hepatic mRNA levels for lipid-regulating molecules, cytokines/chemokines, and macrophage M1/M2 markers were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Hepatic expression of natural killer (NK) T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Body weight gain was significantly blunted and development of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were remarkably prevented in mice fed the glycine-containing diet compared with controls. Indeed, hepatic induction levels of molecules related to lipogenesis were largely blunted in the glycine diet-fed mice. Elevations of hepatic mRNA levels for TNFα and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 were also remarkably blunted in the glycine diet-fed mice. Furthermore, suppression of hepatic NK T cells was reversed in glycine diet-fed KK-Ay mice, and basal hepatic expression levels of NK T cell-derived cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, were increased. Moreover, hepatic mRNA levels of arginase-1, a marker of macrophage M2 transformation, were significantly increased in glycine diet-fed mice. In addition, dietary glycine improved glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia in KK-Ay mice. These observations clearly indicate that glycine prevents maturity-onset obesity and metabolic steatohepatitis in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice. The underlying mechanisms most likely include normalization of hepatic innate immune responses involving NK T cells and M2 transformation of Kupffer cells. It is proposed that glycine is a promising immunonutrient for prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome-related nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Takashima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Ikejima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Arai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Yokokawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Kon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunhei Yamashina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumio Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wolf Horrell EM, Boulanger MC, D’Orazio JA. Melanocortin 1 Receptor: Structure, Function, and Regulation. Front Genet 2016; 7:95. [PMID: 27303435 PMCID: PMC4885833 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a melanocytic Gs protein coupled receptor that regulates skin pigmentation, UV responses, and melanoma risk. It is a highly polymorphic gene, and loss of function correlates with a fair, UV-sensitive, and melanoma-prone phenotype due to defective epidermal melanization and sub-optimal DNA repair. MC1R signaling, achieved through adenylyl cyclase activation and generation of the second messenger cAMP, is hormonally controlled by the positive agonist melanocortin, the negative agonist agouti signaling protein, and the neutral antagonist β-defensin 3. Activation of cAMP signaling up-regulates melanin production and deposition in the epidermis which functions to limit UV penetration into the skin and enhances nucleotide excision repair (NER), the genomic stability pathway responsible for clearing UV photolesions from DNA to avoid mutagenesis. Herein we review MC1R structure and function and summarize our laboratory's findings on the molecular mechanisms by which MC1R signaling impacts NER.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Wolf Horrell
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
| | - Mary C. Boulanger
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
| | - John A. D’Orazio
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Physiology, and Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|