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Vafaei Z, Khodagholi F, Nategh M, Nikseresht S, Hashemirad SR, Raise-Abdullahi P, Vafaei AA, Motamedi F. Involvement of relaxin-family peptide-3 receptor (RXFP3) in the ventral dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in spatial and fear memory in rats. Peptides 2024; 178:171244. [PMID: 38788901 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide relaxin-3 and its cognate receptor, relaxin family peptide-3 receptors (RXFP3), have been implicated in modulating learning and memory processes, but their specific roles remain unclear. This study utilized behavioral and molecular approaches to investigate the effects of putatively reversible blockade of RXFP3 in the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) of the hippocampus on spatial and fear memory formation in rats. Male Wistar rats received bilateral vDG cannula implantation and injections of the RXFP3 antagonist, R3(BΔ23-27)R/I5 (400 ng/0.5 μL per side), or vehicle at specific time points before acquisition, consolidation, or retrieval phases of the Morris water maze and passive avoidance learning tasks. RXFP3 inhibition impaired acquisition in the passive avoidance task but not the spatial learning task. However, both memory consolidation and retrieval were disrupted in both tasks following RXFP3 antagonism. Ventral hippocampal levels of the consolidation-related kinase p70-S6 kinase (p70S6K) were reduced RXFP3 blockade. These findings highlight a key role for ventral hippocampal RXFP3 signaling in the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of spatial and emotional memories, extending previous work implicating this neuropeptide system in hippocampal memory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Vafaei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nategh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sara Nikseresht
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Seyed Reza Hashemirad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Motamedi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Thai BS, Chia LY, Nguyen ATN, Qin C, Ritchie RH, Hutchinson DS, Kompa A, White PJ, May LT. Targeting G protein-coupled receptors for heart failure treatment. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2270-2286. [PMID: 37095602 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatment for patients with heart failure include drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors such as β-adrenoceptor antagonists (β-blockers) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (or angiotensin II receptor blockers). However, many patients progress to advanced heart failure with persistent symptoms, despite treatment with available therapeutics that have been shown to reduce mortality and mortality. GPCR targets currently being explored for the development of novel heart failure therapeutics include adenosine receptor, formyl peptide receptor, relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor, vasopressin receptor, endothelin receptor and the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor. Many GPCR drug candidates are limited by insufficient efficacy and/or dose-limiting unwanted effects. Understanding the current challenges hindering successful clinical translation and the potential to overcome existing limitations will facilitate the future development of novel heart failure therapeutics. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bui San Thai
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ling Yeong Chia
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anh T N Nguyen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chengxue Qin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca H Ritchie
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dana S Hutchinson
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Kompa
- Department Medicine and Radiology, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J White
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Navarro-Sánchez M, Gil-Miravet I, Montero-Caballero D, Bathgate RAD, Hossain MA, Castillo-Gómez E, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Modulation of contextual fear acquisition and extinction by acute and chronic relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3) activation in the rat retrosplenial cortex. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116264. [PMID: 38710334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) plays a central role in processing contextual fear conditioning. In addition to corticocortical and thalamocortical projections, the RSC receives subcortical inputs, including a substantial projection from the nucleus incertus in the pontine tegmentum. This GABAergic projection contains the neuropeptide, relaxin-3 (RLN3), which inhibits target neurons via its Gi/o-protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3. To assess this peptidergic system role in contextual fear conditioning, we bilaterally injected the RSC of adult rats with an adeno-associated-virus (AAV), expressing the chimeric RXFP3 agonist R3/I5 or a control AAV, and subjected them to contextual fear conditioning. The R3/I5 injected rats did not display any major differences to control-injected and naïve rats but displayed a significantly delayed extinction. Subsequently, we employed acute bilateral injections of the specific RXFP3 agonist peptide, RXFP3-Analogue 2 (A2), into RSC. While the administration of A2 before each extinction trial had no impact on the extinction process, treatment with A2 before each acquisition trial resulted in delayed extinction. In related anatomical studies, we detected an enrichment of RLN3-immunoreactive nerve fibers in deep layers of the RSC, and a higher level of co-localization of RXFP3 mRNA with vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) mRNA than with vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (vGLUT1) mRNA across the RSC, consistent with an effect of RLN3/RXFP3 signalling on the intrinsic, inhibitory circuits within the RSC. These findings suggest that contextual conditioning processes in the RSC involve, in part, RLN3 afferent modulation of local inhibitory neurons that provides a stronger memory acquisition which, in turn, retards the extinction process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Navarro-Sánchez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Isis Gil-Miravet
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Daniel Montero-Caballero
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Esther Castillo-Gómez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain; CIBERsam-isciii, Red Española de Estrés, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain; CIBERsam-isciii, Red Española de Estrés, Spain.
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4
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Samuel CS, Li Y, Wang Y, Widdop RE. Functional crosstalk between angiotensin receptors (types 1 and 2) and relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1): Implications for the therapeutic targeting of fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2302-2318. [PMID: 36560925 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Class A, rhodopsin-like, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are by far the largest class of GPCRs and are integral membrane proteins used by various cells to convert extracellular signals into intracellular responses. Initially, class A GPCRs were believed to function as monomers, but a growing body of evidence has emerged to suggest that these receptors can function as homodimers and heterodimers and can undergo functional crosstalk to influence the actions of agonists or antagonists acting at each receptor. This review will focus on the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors, as well as the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), each of which have their unique characteristics but have been demonstrated to undergo some level of interaction when appropriately co-expressed, which influences the function of each receptor. In particular, this receptor functional crosstalk will be discussed in the context of fibrosis, the tissue scarring that results from a failed wound-healing response to injury, and which is a hallmark of chronic disease and related organ dysfunction. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yifang Li
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yan Wang
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Somanader DVN, Zhao P, Widdop RE, Samuel CS. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in fibrosis progression and its therapeutic targeting by relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116130. [PMID: 38490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Organ scarring, referred to as fibrosis, results from a failed wound-healing response to chronic tissue injury and is characterised by the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Once established, fibrosis is recognised as a hallmark of stiffened and dysfunctional tissues, hence, various fibrosis-related diseases collectively contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite this, these diseases are ineffectively treated by currently-available medications. The pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, has emerged as the master regulator of fibrosis progression, owing to its ability to promote various factors and processes that facilitate rapid ECM synthesis and deposition, whilst negating ECM degradation. TGF-β1 signal transduction is tightly controlled by canonical (Smad-dependent) and non-canonical (MAP kinase- and Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent) intracellular protein activity, whereas its pro-fibrotic actions can also be facilitated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review outlines the pathological sequence of events and contributing roles of TGF-β1 in the progression of fibrosis, and how the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to tissue repair in acute disease settings, but to fibrosis and related tissue dysfunction in synergy with TGF-β1 in chronic diseases. It also outlines the anti-fibrotic and related signal transduction mechanisms of the hormone, relaxin, that are mediated via its negative modulation of TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but through the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in acute disease settings. Collectively, this highlights that the crosstalk between TGF-β1 signal transduction and the Wnt/β-catenin cascade may provide a therapeutic target that can be exploited to broadly treat and reverse established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidree V N Somanader
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology Program, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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6
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Granberg KL, Sakamaki S, Fuchigami R, Niwa Y, Fujio M, Kato H, Bergström F, Larsson N, Persson M, Villar IC, Fujita T, Sugikawa E, Althage M, Yano N, Yokoyama Y, Kimura J, Lal M, Mochida H. Identification of Novel Series of Potent and Selective Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1) Agonists. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38502780 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin H2 is a clinically relevant peptide agonist for relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), but a combination of this hormone's short plasma half-life and the need for injectable delivery limits its therapeutic potential. We sought to overcome these limitations through the development of a potent small molecule (SM) RXFP1 agonist. Although two large SM HTS campaigns failed in identifying suitable hit series, we uncovered novel chemical space starting from the only known SM RXFP1 agonist series, represented by ML290. Following a design-make-test-analyze strategy based on improving early dose to man ranking, we discovered compound 42 (AZ7976), a highly selective RXFP1 agonist with sub-nanomolar potency. We used AZ7976, its 10 000-fold less potent enantiomer 43 and recombinant relaxin H2 to evaluate in vivo pharmacology and demonstrate that AZ7976-mediated heart rate increase in rats was a result of RXFP1 agonism. As a result, AZ7976 was selected as lead for continued optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth L Granberg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 43183, Sweden
| | - Shigeki Sakamaki
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Fuchigami
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuki Niwa
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Masakazu Fujio
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Harutoshi Kato
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Fredrik Bergström
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Niklas Larsson
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Mikael Persson
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Inmaculada C Villar
- Regulatory Toxicology & Safety Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Takuya Fujita
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Emiko Sugikawa
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Magnus Althage
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Naoko Yano
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Yoshito Yokoyama
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Junpei Kimura
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Mark Lal
- Bioscience Renal, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Hideki Mochida
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
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7
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Jayakody T, Inoue A, Kannan S, Nakamura G, Kawakami K, Mendis K, Nguyen TB, Li J, Herr DR, Verma CS, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of biased agonism by Gα i/o-biased stapled peptide agonists of the relaxin-3 receptor. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eabl5880. [PMID: 38349968 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abl5880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide relaxin-3 is composed of an A chain and a B chain held together by disulfide bonds, and it modulates functions such as anxiety and food intake by binding to and activating its cognate receptor RXFP3, mainly through the B chain. Biased ligands of RXFP3 would help to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of G proteins and β-arrestins downstream of RXFP3 that lead to such diverse functions. We showed that the i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chains, 14s18 and d(1-7)14s18, were Gαi/o-biased agonists of RXFP3. These peptides did not induce recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3 by GPCR kinases (GRKs), in contrast to relaxin-3, which enabled the GRK2/3-mediated recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3. Relaxin-3 and the previously reported peptide 4 (an i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chain) did not exhibit biased signaling. The staple linker of peptide 4 and parts of both the A chain and B chain of relaxin-3 interacted with extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) of RXFP3, moving it away from the binding pocket, suggesting that unbiased ligands promote a more open conformation of RXFP3. These findings highlight roles for the A chain and the N-terminal residues of the B chain of relaxin-3 in inducing conformational changes in RXFP3, which will help in designing selective biased ligands with improved therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharindunee Jayakody
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | | | - Gaku Nakamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kouki Kawakami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Krishan Mendis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Deron R Herr
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr., Singapore 637551
| | - Gavin S Dawe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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8
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Kwantwi LB. The dual and multifaceted role of relaxin-2 in cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:2763-2771. [PMID: 36947362 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The continuous increase in cancer-associated deaths despite the substantial improvement in diagnosis and treatment has sparked discussions on the need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cancer. Although increasing evidence has demonstrated the pivotal role of relaxin-2 in multiple cancers, their role is a double-edged sword with both protumor and antitumor having been reported in various malignant tumors. Considering this dual role, it appears the biological mechanism underpinning the action of relaxin-2 in cancer is not clear and further studies to elucidate their potential as a preventive factor for cancers are of prime importance. Herein, a summarized up-to-date report on the role of relaxin-2 in human cancer including detailed clinical and experimental evidence supporting their tumor-promoting and inhibitory functions in cancer development and progression has been elucidated. Also, signaling pathways and other factors orchestrating the activities of relaxin-2 in the tumor microenvironment has been discussed. Collectively, the evidence from this review has demonstrated the need for further evaluation of the role of relaxin-2 as a diagnostic and or prognostic biomarker for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Boafo Kwantwi
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra, DTD. TDC, 30A Klagon, Com. 19, Tema, Ghana.
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9
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Hossain MA, Praveen P, Noorzi NA, Wu H, Harrison IP, Handley T, Selemidis S, Samuel CS, Bathgate RAD. Development of Novel High-Affinity Antagonists for the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:842-853. [PMID: 37200817 PMCID: PMC10186362 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00053] [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: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
H2 relaxin is a peptide hormone that exerts its biological actions through the G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP1. The numerous important biological functions of H2 relaxin, including potent renal, vasodilatory, cardioprotective, and anti-fibrotic actions, have resulted in considerable interest in its use as a therapeutic for various cardiovascular diseases and other fibrotic indications. Interestingly though, H2 relaxin and RXFP1 have been shown to be overexpressed in prostate cancer, allowing for the downregulation or blocking of relaxin/RXFP1 to decrease prostate tumor growth. These findings suggest the application of an RXFP1 antagonist for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, these therapeutically relevant actions are still poorly understood and have been hindered by the lack of a high-affinity antagonist. In this study, we chemically synthesized three novel H2 relaxin analogues that have complex insulin-like structures with two chains (A and B) and three disulfide bridges. We report here the structure-activity relationship studies on H2 relaxin that resulted in the development of a novel high-affinity RXFP1 antagonist, H2 B-R13HR (∼40 nM), that has only one extra methylene group in the side chain of arginine 13 in the B-chain (ArgB13) of H2 relaxin. Most notably, the synthetic peptide was shown to be active in a mouse model of prostate tumor growth in vivo where it inhibited relaxin-mediated tumor growth. Our compound H2 B-R13HR will be an important research tool to understand relaxin actions through RXFP1 and may be a potential lead compound for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- School
of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University
of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Praveen Praveen
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nurhayati Ahmad Noorzi
- Cardiovascular
Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hongkang Wu
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University
of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian P. Harrison
- Cardiovascular
Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Handley
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School
of
Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora 3083, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Cardiovascular
Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Florey
Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Department
of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University
of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Mita M. Relaxin-like Gonad-Stimulating Peptides in Asteroidea. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050781. [PMID: 37238650 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Starfish relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) is the first identified peptide hormone with gonadotropin-like activity in invertebrates. RGP is a heterodimeric peptide, comprising A and B chains with disulfide cross-linkages. Although RGP had been named a gonad-stimulating substance (GSS), the purified peptide is a member of relaxin-type peptide family. Thus, GSS was renamed as RGP. The cDNA of RGP encodes not only the A and B chains, but also signal and C-peptides. After the rgp gene is translated as a precursor, mature RGP is produced by eliminating the signal and C-peptides. Hitherto, twenty-four RGP orthologs have been identified or predicted from starfish in the orders Valvatida, Forcipulatida, Paxillosida, Spinulosida, and Velatida. The molecular evolution of the RGP family is in good accordance with the phylogenetic taxonomy in Asteroidea. Recently, another relaxin-like peptide with gonadotropin-like activity, RLP2, was found in starfish. RGP is mainly present in the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve rings, but also in the arm tips, the gonoducts, and the coelomocytes. RGP acts on ovarian follicle cells and testicular interstitial cells to induce the production of 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde), a starfish maturation-inducing hormone. RGP-induced 1-MeAde production is accompanied by an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP levels. This suggests that the receptor for RGP (RGPR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Two types of GPCRs, RGPR1 and RGPR2, have been postulated as candidates. Furthermore, 1-MeAde produced by RGP not only induces oocyte maturation, but also induces gamete shedding, possibly by stimulating the secretion of acetylcholine in the ovaries and testes. Thus, RGP plays an important role in starfish reproduction, but its secretion mechanism is still unknown. It has also been revealed that RGP is found in the peripheral adhesive papillae of the brachiolaria arms. However, gonads are not developed in the larvae before metamorphosis. It may be possible to discover new physiological functions of RGP other than gonadotropin-like activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Hatanodai 8-5-1, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
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11
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Sun T, Xu W, Tu B, Wang T, Liu J, Liu K, Luan Y. Engineered Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Overexpressing RXFP1 via CRISPR Activation Ameliorate Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010171. [PMID: 36671033 PMCID: PMC9854730 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and poor response to the first-line treatment of DM-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED), new therapeutic strategies for DMED are needed. Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation is considered a promising treatment modality for DMED but is limited by poor survival and efficacy after transplantation. In this study, we aimed to increase the therapeutic effect of DMED by overexpressing the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats activation (CRISPRa) system in ADSCs. Two lentiviruses carrying the CRISPRa system transfected ADSCs to overexpress RXFP1 (RXFP1-ADSCs). The intracavernous injection of ADSCs was performed in DMED rats induced by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Four weeks after transplantation, we measured erectile function and collected specimens of the corpus cavernosum for follow-up detection. The results showed that ADSCs improved erectile function in diabetic rats, and the RXFP1-ADSCs were more significant. We detected reduced levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrosis together with relative normalization of endothelial and smooth muscle cell function in the penis after ADSC transplantation. RXFP1-ADSCs had more potent efficacy in the above alterations compared to negative control ADSCs due to the high levels of survival and paracrine capacity in RXFP1-ADSCs. The results revealed that RXFP1-ADSC transplantation could partially preserve erectile function in DMED rats associated with the regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, fibrosis and endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction. RXFP1 may be the new target for the genetic modification of ADSCs, which benefits the management of DMED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bocheng Tu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yang Luan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (Y.L.)
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12
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Lv C, Zheng H, Jiang B, Ren Q, Zhang J, Zhang X, Li J, Wang Y. Characterization of relaxin 3 and its receptors in chicken: Evidence for relaxin 3 acting as a novel pituitary hormone. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1010851. [DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1010851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian relaxin (RLN) family peptides binding their receptors (RXFPs) play a variety of roles in many physiological processes, such as reproduction, stress, appetite regulation, and energy balance. In birds, although two relaxin family peptides (RLN3 and INSL5) and four receptors (RXFP1, RXFP2, RXFP2-like, and RXFP3) were predicated, their sequence features, signal properties, tissue distribution, and physiological functions remain largely unknown. In this study, using chickens as the experimental model, we cloned the cDNA of the cRLN3 gene and two receptor (cRXFP1 and cRXFP3) genes. Using cell-based luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrate that cRLN3 is able to activate both cRXFP1 and cRXFP3 for downstream signaling. cRXFP1, rather than cRXFP3, is a cognate receptor for cRLN3, which is different from the mammals. Tissue distribution analyses reveal that cRLN3 is highly expressed in the pituitary with lower abundance in the hypothalamus and ovary of female chicken, together with the detection that cRLN3 co-localizes with pituitary hormone genes LHB/FSHB/GRP/CART and its expression is tightly regulated by hypothalamic factors (GnRH and CRH) and sex steroid hormone (E2). The present study supports that cRLN3 may function as a novel pituitary hormone involving female reproduction.
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13
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Kogkos G, Gkartziou F, Mourtas S, Barlos KK, Klepetsanis P, Barlos K, Antimisiaris SG. Liposomal Entrapment or Chemical Modification of Relaxin2 for Prolongation of Its Stability and Biological Activity. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101362. [PMID: 36291571 PMCID: PMC9599704 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin (RLX) is a protein that is structurally similar to insulin and has interesting biological activities. As with all proteins, preservation of RLX’s structural integrity/biological functionality is problematic. Herein, we investigated two methods for increasing the duration of relaxin-2’s (RLX2) biological activity: synthesis of a palmitoyl RLX2 conjugate (P-RLX2) with the use of a Palmitoyl-l-Glu-OtBu peptide modifier, and encapsulation into liposomes of P-RLX2, RLX2, and its oxidized form (O-RLX2). For liposomal encapsulation thin-film hydration and DRV methods were applied, and different lipid compositions were tested for optimized protein loading. RLX2 and O-RLX2 were quantified by HPLC. The capability of the peptides/conjugate to stimulate transfected cells to produce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was used as a measure of their biological activity. The stability and bioactivity of free and liposomal RLX2 types were monitored for a 30 d period, in buffer (in some cases) and bovine serum (80%) at 37 °C. The results showed that liposome encapsulation substantially increased the RLX2 integrity in buffer; PEGylated liposomes demonstrated a higher protection. Liposome encapsulation also increased the stability of RLX2 and O-RLX2 in serum. Considering the peptide’s biological activity, cAMP production of RLX2 was higher than that of the oxidized form and the P-RLX2 conjugate (which demonstrated a similar activity to O-RLX2 when measured in buffer, but lower when measured in the presence of serum proteins), while liposome encapsulation resulted in a slight decrease of bioactivity initially, but prolonged the peptide bioactivity during incubation in serum. It was concluded that liposome encapsulation of RLX2 and synthetic modification to P-RLX2 can both prolong RLX2 peptide in vitro stability; however, the applied chemical conjugation results in a significant loss of bioactivity (cAMP production), whereas the effect of liposome entrapment on RLX2 activity was significantly lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kogkos
- Lab Pharm Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Foteini Gkartziou
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering, FORTH/ICE-HT, Platani, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Spyridon Mourtas
- Lab Pharm Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Kostas K. Barlos
- Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Laboratories CBL Patras, Ind. Area of Patras, Block 1, 25018 Patras, Greece
| | - Pavlos Klepetsanis
- Lab Pharm Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering, FORTH/ICE-HT, Platani, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Kleomenis Barlos
- Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Laboratories CBL Patras, Ind. Area of Patras, Block 1, 25018 Patras, Greece
| | - Sophia G. Antimisiaris
- Lab Pharm Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering, FORTH/ICE-HT, Platani, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2610962332
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14
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D'Ercole A, Nistri S, Pacini L, Carotenuto A, Santoro F, Papini AM, Bathgate RAD, Bani D, Rovero P. Synthetic short-chain peptide analogues of H1 relaxin lack affinity for the RXFP1 receptor and relaxin-like bioactivity. Clues to a better understanding of relaxin agonist design. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:942178. [PMID: 36034864 PMCID: PMC9402926 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.942178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin (RLX), also available as clinical-grade recombinant protein (serelaxin), holds great promise as a cardiovascular and anti-fibrotic agent but is limited by the pharmacokinetic issues common to all peptide drugs. In this study, by a computational modelling chemistry approach, we have synthesized and tested a set of low molecular weight peptides based on the putative receptor-binding domain of the B chain of human H1 RLX isoform, with the objective to obtain RLX analogues with improved pharmacokinetic features. Some of them were stabilized to induce the appropriate 3-D conformation by intra-chain tri-azolic staples, which should theoretically enhance their resistance to digestive enzymes making them suited for oral administration. Despite these favourable premises, none of these H1 peptides, either linear or stapled, revealed a sufficient affinity to the specific RLX receptor RXFP1. Moreover, none of them was endowed with any RLX-like biological effects in RXFP1-expressing THP-1 human monocytic cells and mouse NIH-3T3-derived myofibroblasts in in vitro culture, in terms of significantly relevant cAMP elevation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which represent two major signal transduction events downstream RXFP1 activation. This was at variance with authentic serelaxin, which induced a clear-cut, significant activation of both these classical RLX signaling pathways. Albeit negative, the results of this study offer additional information about the structural requirements that new peptide therapeutics shall possess to effectively behave as RXFP1 agonists and RLX analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata D'Ercole
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pacini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federica Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Unviversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniele Bani
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Daniele Bani, ; Paolo Rovero,
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Daniele Bani, ; Paolo Rovero,
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15
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Li Y, Ricardo SD, Samuel CS. Enhancing the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapies with an Anti-Fibrotic Agent for the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116035. [PMID: 35682717 PMCID: PMC9181689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1 in 10 members of the general population, placing these patients at an increasingly high risk of kidney failure. Despite the significant burden of CKD on various healthcare systems, there are no effective cures that reverse or even halt its progression. In recent years, human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have been recognised as a novel therapy for CKDs, owing to their well-established immunomodulatory and tissue-reparative properties in preclinical settings, and their promising safety profile that has been demonstrated in patients with CKDs from several clinical trials. However, renal fibrosis (scarring), a hallmark of CKD, has been shown to impair the viability and functionality of BM-MSCs post-transplantation. This has suggested that BM-MSCs might require a pre-treatment or adjunct therapy that can enhance the viability and therapeutic efficacy of these stromal cells in chronic disease settings. To address this, recent studies that have combined BM-MSCs with the anti-fibrotic drug serelaxin (RLX), have demonstrated the enhanced therapeutic potential of this combination therapy in normotensive and hypertensive preclinical models of CKD. In this review, a critical appraisal of the preclinical data available on the anti-fibrotic and renoprotective actions of BM-MSCs or RLX alone and when combined, as a treatment option for normotensive vs. hypertensive CKD, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Li
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
| | - Sharon D. Ricardo
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence: (S.D.R.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (S.D.R.); (C.S.S.)
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16
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Chunduri P, Patel SA, Levick SP. Relaxin/serelaxin for cardiac dysfunction and heart failure in hypertension. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2022; 94:183-211. [PMID: 35659372 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pregnancy related hormone relaxin is produced throughout the reproductive system. However, relaxin also has important cardiovascular effects as part of the adaptation that the cardiovascular system undergoes in response to the extra demands of pregnancy. These effects are primarily mediated by the relaxin family peptide receptor 1, which is one of four known relaxin receptors. The effects of relaxin on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, as well as its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, have led to extensive studies into the potential of relaxin therapy as an approach to treat heart failure. Cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells all possess relaxin family peptide receptor 1, allowing for direct effects of therapeutic relaxin on the heart. Many pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of exogenous relaxin on adverse cardiac remodeling including inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, as well as effects on cardiac contractile function. Despite this, clinical studies have yielded disappointing results for the synthetic seralaxin, even though seralaxin was well tolerated. This article will provide background on relaxin in the context of normal physiology, as well as the role of relaxin in pregnancy-related adaptations of the cardiovascular system. We will also present evidence from pre-clinical animal studies that demonstrate the potential benefits of relaxin therapy, as well as discussing the results from clinical trials. Finally, we will discuss possible reasons for the failure of these clinical trials as well as steps being taken to potentially improve relaxin therapy for heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Chunduri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shrey A Patel
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott P Levick
- Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
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17
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Ivell R, Mamsen LS, Andersen CY, Anand-Ivell R. Expression and Role of INSL3 in the Fetal Testis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:868313. [PMID: 35464060 PMCID: PMC9019166 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.868313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a small peptide hormone of the insulin-relaxin family which is produced and secreted by the fetal Leydig cells in the testes only. It appears to be undetectable in female fetuses. In the human fetus INSL3 synthesis begins immediately following gonadal sex determination at weeks 7 to 8 post coitum and the peptide can be detected in amniotic fluid 1 to 2 weeks later. INSL3 acts through a unique G-protein-coupled receptor, called RelaXin-like Family Peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), which is expressed by the mesenchymal cells of the gubernacular ligament linking the testes to the inguinal wall. The role of INSL3 in the male fetus is to cause a thickening of the gubernaculum which then retains the testes in the inguinal region, while the remainder of the abdominal organs grow away in an antero-dorsal direction. This represents the first phase of testis descent and is followed later in pregnancy by the second inguino-scrotal phase whereby the testes pass into the scrotum through the inguinal canal. INSL3 acts as a significant biomarker for Leydig cell differentiation in the fetus and may be reduced by maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as xenoestrogens or phthalates, leading to cryptorchidism. INSL3 may have other roles within the fetus, but as a Leydig cell biomarker its reduction acts also as a surrogate for anti-androgen action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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18
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Speck D, Kleinau G, Meininghaus M, Erbe A, Einfeldt A, Szczepek M, Scheerer P, Pütter V. Expression and Characterization of Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 Variants. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:826112. [PMID: 35153771 PMCID: PMC8832513 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.826112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) transduce extracellular stimuli into the cell interior and are thus centrally involved in almost all physiological-neuronal processes. This essential function and association with many diseases or pathological conditions explain why GPCRs are one of the priority targets in medical and pharmacological research, including structure determination. Despite enormous experimental efforts over the last decade, both the expression and purification of these membrane proteins remain elusive. This is attributable to specificities of each GPCR subtype and the finding of necessary experimental in vitro conditions, such as expression in heterologous cell systems or with accessory proteins. One of these specific GPCRs is the leucine-rich repeat domain (LRRD) containing GPCR 7 (LGR7), also termed relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1). This receptor is characterized by a large extracellular region of around 400 amino acids constituted by several domains, a rare feature among rhodopsin-like (class A) GPCRs. In the present study, we describe the expression and purification of RXFP1, including the design of various constructs suitable for functional/biophysical studies and structure determination. Based on available sequence information, homology models, and modern biochemical and genetic tools, several receptor variations with different purification tags and fusion proteins were prepared and expressed in Sf9 cells (small-scale), followed by an analytic fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography (F-SEC) to evaluate the constructs. The most promising candidates were expressed and purified on a large-scale, accompanied by ligand binding studies using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) and by determination of signaling capacities. The results may support extended studies on RXFP1 receptor constructs serving as targets for small molecule ligand screening or structural elucidation by protein X-ray crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Speck
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Group Protein X-ray Crystallography & Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gunnar Kleinau
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Group Protein X-ray Crystallography & Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Meininghaus
- Bayer AG, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Antje Erbe
- Bayer AG, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
- NUVISAN ICB GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Einfeldt
- Bayer AG, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
- NUVISAN ICB GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michal Szczepek
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Group Protein X-ray Crystallography & Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Scheerer
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Group Protein X-ray Crystallography & Signal Transduction, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Patrick Scheerer, ; Vera Pütter,
| | - Vera Pütter
- Bayer AG, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
- NUVISAN ICB GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Patrick Scheerer, ; Vera Pütter,
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19
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Samuel CS, Bennett RG. Relaxin as an anti-fibrotic treatment: Perspectives, challenges and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114884. [PMID: 34968489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the scarring and hardening of tissues, which results from a failed immune system-coordinated wound healing response to chronic organ injury and which manifests from the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix components (ECM), primarily collagen. Despite being a hallmark of prolonged tissue damage and related dysfunction, and commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, there are currently no effective cures for its regression. An emerging therapy that meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic treatment, is the recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, relaxin (also referred to as serelaxin, which is bioactive in several other species). This review outlines the broad anti-fibrotic and related organ-protective roles of relaxin, mainly from studies conducted in preclinical models of ageing and fibrotic disease, including its ability to ameliorate several aspects of fibrosis progression and maturation, from immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine secretion, oxidative stress, organ hypertrophy, cell apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, to its ability to facilitate established ECM degradation. Studies that have compared and/or combined these therapeutic effects of relaxin with current standard of care medication have also been discussed, along with the main challenges that have hindered the translation of the anti-fibrotic efficacy of relaxin to the clinic. The review then outlines the future directions as to where scientists and several pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the therapeutic potential of relaxin are working towards, to progress its development as a treatment for human patients suffering from various fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4130, USA.
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20
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Lin G, Feng Y, Cai X, Zhou C, Shao L, Chen Y, Chen L, Liu Q, Zhou Q, Bathgate RA, Yang D, Wang MW. High-Throughput Screening Campaign Identified a Potential Small Molecule RXFP3/4 Agonist. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247511. [PMID: 34946593 PMCID: PMC8709172 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 3 (RXFP3) belongs to class A G protein-coupled receptor family. RXFP3 and its endogenous ligand relaxin-3 are mainly expressed in the brain with important roles in the regulation of appetite, energy metabolism, endocrine homeostasis and emotional processing. It is therefore implicated as a potential target for treatment of various central nervous system diseases. Since selective agonists of RXFP3 are restricted to relaxin-3 and its analogs, we conducted a high-throughput screening campaign against 32,021 synthetic and natural product-derived compounds using a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) measurement-based method. Only one compound, WNN0109-C011, was identified following primary screening, secondary screening and dose-response studies. Although displayed agonistic effect in cells overexpressing the human RXFP3, it also showed cross-reactivity with the human RXFP4. This hit compound may provide not only a chemical probe to investigate the function of RXFP3/4, but also a novel scaffold for the development of RXFP3/4 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyao Lin
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
| | - Yang Feng
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
| | - Xiaoqing Cai
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
| | - Caihong Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
| | - Lijun Shao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Y.C.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Linhai Chen
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qing Liu
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Y.C.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Ross A.D. Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Dehua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya 572025, Hainan, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.); (M.-W.W.)
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; (G.L.); (Y.F.); (X.C.); (C.Z.); (L.C.); (Q.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Y.C.); (Q.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya 572025, Hainan, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.); (M.-W.W.)
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21
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García-Díaz C, Gil-Miravet I, Albert-Gasco H, Mañas-Ojeda A, Ros-Bernal F, Castillo-Gómez E, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Relaxin-3 Innervation From the Nucleus Incertus to the Parahippocampal Cortex of the Rat. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:674649. [PMID: 34239421 PMCID: PMC8258164 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.674649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial learning and memory processes depend on anatomical and functional interactions between the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. A key neurophysiological component of these processes is hippocampal theta rhythm, which can be driven from subcortical areas including the pontine nucleus incertus (NI). The NI contains the largest population of neurons that produce and presumably release the neuropeptide, relaxin-3, which acts via the G i/o -protein-coupled receptor, relaxin-family peptide 3 receptor (RXFP3). NI activation induces general arousal including hippocampal theta, and inactivation induces impairment of spatial memory acquisition or retrieval. The primary aim of this study was to map the NI/relaxin-3 innervation of the parahippocampal cortex (PHC), including the medial and lateral entorhinal cortex, endopiriform cortex, perirhinal, postrhinal, and ectorhinal cortex, the amygdalohippocampal transition area and posteromedial cortical amygdala. Retrograde tracer injections were placed in different parts of the medial and lateral entorhinal cortex, which produced prominent retrograde labeling in the ipsilateral NI and some labeling in the contralateral NI. Anterograde tracer injections into the NI and immunostaining for relaxin-3 produced fiber labeling in deep layers of all parahippocampal areas and some dispersed fibers in superficial layers. Double-labeling studies revealed that both hippocampal projecting and calcium-binding protein-positive (presumed GABAergic) neurons received a relaxin-3 NI innervation. Some of these fibers also displayed synaptophysin (Syn) immunoreactivity, consistent with the presence of the peptide at synapses; and relaxin-3-positive fibers containing Syn bouton-like staining were frequently observed in contact with hippocampal-projecting or calcium-binding protein-positive neuronal somata and more distal elements. Finally, in situ hybridization studies revealed that entorhinal neurons in the superficial layers, and to a lesser extent in deep layers, contain RXFP3 mRNA. Together, our data support functional actions of the NI/relaxin-3-parahippocampal innervation on processes related to memory, spatial navigation and contextual analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina García-Díaz
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Isis Gil-Miravet
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Hector Albert-Gasco
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aroa Mañas-Ojeda
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Francisco Ros-Bernal
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Esther Castillo-Gómez
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
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22
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Sassoli C, Nistri S, Chellini F, Bani D. Human Recombinant Relaxin (Serelaxin) as Anti-fibrotic Agent: Pharmacology, Limitations and Actual Perspectives. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:196-208. [PMID: 33687895 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666210309113650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2 hormone; RLX-2; serelaxin) had raised expectations as a new medication for fibrotic diseases. A plethora of in vitro and in vivo studies have offered convincing demonstrations that relaxin promotes remodelling of connective tissue extracellular matrix mediated by inhibition of multiple fibrogenic pathways, especially the downstream signalling of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a major pro-fibrotic cytokine, and the recruitment and activation of myofibroblast, the main fibrosis-generating cells. However, all clinical trials with relaxin in patients with fibrotic diseases gave inconclusive results. In this review, we have summarized the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, highlighting those which can be effectively targeted by relaxin. Then, we have performed a critical reappraisal of the clinical trials performed to-date with relaxin as anti-fibrotic drug, in order to highlight their key points of strength and weakness and to identify some future opportunities for the therapeutic use of relaxin, or its analogues, in fibrotic diseases and pathologic scarring which, in our opinion, deserve to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sassoli
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy & Histology, Research Unit of Human Anatomy. Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy & Histology, Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Flaminia Chellini
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy & Histology, Research Unit of Human Anatomy. Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy & Histology, Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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23
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DeAdder NP, Gillam HJ, Wilson BC. Relaxin peptides reduce cellular damage in cultured brain slices exposed to transient oxygen–glucose deprivation: an effect mediated by nitric oxide. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of treatment with human relaxins on cell death was studied in oxygen- and glucose-deprived brain slices. In addition, involvement of nitric oxide and the relaxin receptor, RXFP3, was studied. Brain slices ( n = 12–18/group) were cultured under standard conditions for two weeks and then exposed to: ( i) an oxygenated balanced salt solution, ( ii) a deoxygenated, glucose-free balanced salt solution (OGD media), or ( iii) OGD media containing 10−7 mol/L H2 relaxin, 10−7 mol/L H2 relaxin with 50 μmol/L L-NIL, 10−7 mol/L H3 relaxin, or 10−7 mol/L H3 relaxin with 50 μmol/L L-NIL. Cell death was assessed using propidium iodide fluorescence. In a separate experiment, 10−5 mol/L R3 B1-22R (an antagonist of RXFP3) was added to both H2 and H3 relaxin treatments. H2 and H3 relaxin treatment reduced cell damage or death in OGD slices and L-NIL partially attenuated the effect of H3 relaxin. Antagonism of RXFP3 blocked the effect of H3 but not H2 relaxin. These data increase our understanding of the role of relaxin ligands and their receptors in protecting tissues throughout the body from ischemia and reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah J. Gillam
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Brian C. Wilson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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Yang K, Liu J, Zhang X, Ren Z, Gao L, Wang Y, Lin W, Ma X, Hao M, Kuang H. H3 Relaxin Alleviates Migration, Apoptosis and Pyroptosis Through P2X7R-Mediated Nucleotide Binding Oligomerization Domain-Like Receptor Protein 3 Inflammasome Activation in Retinopathy Induced by Hyperglycemia. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:603689. [PMID: 33584279 PMCID: PMC7873867 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.603689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: P2X7R excitation-interrelated NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by high glucose contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Relaxin-3 is a bioactive peptide with a structure similar to insulin, which has been reported to be effective in diabetic cardiomyopathy models in vivo and in vitro. However, it is not known whether relaxin-3 has a beneficial impact on DR, and the underlying mechanisms of the effect are also remain unknown. Methods and Results: The retinas of male streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were characterized. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antipyroptotic and anti-migration effects of H3 relaxin by transmission electron microscopy, wound-healing assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry, cytokine assays and western-blot analysis. After H3 relaxin treatment, changes of the ultrastructure and expression of NLRP3 inflammasome related proteins in the retinas of rats were compared with those in the diabetic group. In vitro, H3 relaxin played a beneficial role that decreased cell inflammation, apoptosis, pyroptosis and migration stimulated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Moreover, inhibition of P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasome activation decreased NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated injury that similar to the effects of H3 relaxin. H3 relaxin suppressed the stimulation of apoptosis, pyroptosis and migration of HRMECs in response to AGEs mediated by P2X7R activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusion: Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of H3 relaxin on AGE-induced retinal injury, including migration, apoptosis and pyroptosis, mediated by P2X7R-dependent activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in HRMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelaier Yang
- The Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiannan Liu
- The Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ziqi Ren
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Gao
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjian Lin
- The Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xuefei Ma
- The Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ming Hao
- The Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyu Kuang
- The Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Yoshino O, Ono Y, Honda M, Hattori K, Sato E, Hiraoka T, Ito M, Kobayashi M, Arai K, Katayama H, Tsuchida H, Yamada-Nomoto K, Iwahata S, Fukushi Y, Wada S, Iwase H, Koga K, Osuga Y, Iwaoka M, Unno N. Relaxin-2 May Suppress Endometriosis by Reducing Fibrosis, Scar Formation, and Inflammation. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110467. [PMID: 33142814 PMCID: PMC7693148 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Relaxin (RLX)-2, produced by the corpus luteum and placenta, is known to be potentially effective in fibrotic diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and bladder; however, its effectiveness in endometriosis has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive study on the effect of RLX-2 on endometriosis. We checked the expressions of LGR-7, a primary receptor of RLX-2, in endometriomas using immunohistochemistry. Endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) purified from surgical specimens were used in in vitro experiments. The effects of RLX-2 on ESCs were evaluated by quantitative-PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. Gel contraction assay was used to assess the contraction suppressive effect of RLX-2. The effect of RLX-2 was also examined in the endometriosis mouse model. LGR-7 was expressed in endometriotic lesions. In ESCs, RLX-2 increased the production of cAMP and suppressed the secretion of interleukin-8, an inflammatory cytokine, by 15% and mRNA expression of fibrosis-related molecules, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and collagen-I by approximately 50% (p < 0.05). In the gel contraction assay, RLX-2 significantly suppressed the contraction of ESCs, which was cancelled by removing RLX-2 from the medium or by adding H89, a Protein Kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. In ESCs stimulated with RLX-2, p38 MAPK phosphorylation was significantly suppressed. In the endometriosis mouse model, administration of RLX-2 significantly decreased the area of the endometriotic-like lesion with decreasing fibrotic component compared to non-treated control (p = 0.01). RLX-2 may contribute to the control of endometriotic lesion by suppressing fibrosis, scar formation, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yosuke Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Hokkaido 006-0811, Japan; (Y.O.); (Y.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Masako Honda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Kyoko Hattori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Erina Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Masami Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Kenta Arai
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokai University, Tokyo 259-1292, Japan; (K.A.); (M.I.)
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Tokyo 259-1292, Japan;
| | - Hiroyoshi Tsuchida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Kaori Yamada-Nomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Shunsuke Iwahata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Yoshiyuki Fukushi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Hokkaido 006-0811, Japan; (Y.O.); (Y.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Shinichiro Wada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Hokkaido 006-0811, Japan; (Y.O.); (Y.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Haruko Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (K.K.); (Y.O.)
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (K.K.); (Y.O.)
| | - Michio Iwaoka
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokai University, Tokyo 259-1292, Japan; (K.A.); (M.I.)
| | - Nobuya Unno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
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Zhu C, Luo W, Li Z, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhao S, Jiao X, Qin Y. New theca-cell marker insulin-like factor 3 is associated with premature ovarian insufficiency. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:455-462. [PMID: 33041054 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize circulating insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in different stages of ovarian insufficiency and its role in the evaluation of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University-based center for reproductive medicine. PATIENT(S) A total of 145 women, including 48 patients with POI (25 IU/L < follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] ≤40 IU/L), 49 with biochemical POI (bPOI) (10 IU/L < FSH ≤25 IU/L) and 48 age-matched control women with normal ovarian reserve (FSH <10 IU/L), retrospectively included from the reproductive hospital affiliated with Shandong University between 2017 and 2019. INTERVENTION(S) Levels of INSL3 in the serum and follicular fluid assayed with a commercial radioimmunoassay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Level of INSL3 in serum and follicular fluid among control women and patients with bPOI and POI, its association with different ovarian reserve markers, and its predictive value for bPOI and POI. RESULT(S) The serum INSL3 level continuously declined with the progress of ovarian insufficiency. It showed strong negative association with FSH (-0.655) and luteinizing hormone (-0.433), but positively correlated with antimüllerian hormone (0.617), inhibin B (0.400), antral follicle count (0.630), and testosterone (0.180). Additionally, the circulating INSL3 served as a good predictor for bPOI and POI. No statistically significant difference of INSL3 levels in follicular fluid was observed between bPOI patients and control women. CONCLUSION(S) For the first time our study has revealed an INSL3 deficiency in women with POI, indicating that circulating INSL3 could serve as a promising theca-cell specific marker for POI. Future research on the role of INSL3 in modulating follicular development, steroidogenesis, and POI pathogenesis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendi Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiruo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Lin GY, Lin L, Cai XQ, Dai AT, Zhu Y, Li J, Liu Q, Yang DH, Bathgate RAD, Wang MW. High-throughput screening campaign identifies a small molecule agonist of the relaxin family peptide receptor 4. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1328-1336. [PMID: 32235863 PMCID: PMC7608467 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 4 (RXFP4) is a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), and insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is its endogenous ligand. Although the precise physiological role of INSL5/RXFP4 remains elusive, a number of studies have suggested it to be a potential therapeutic target for obesity and other metabolic disorders. Since selective agonists of RXFP4 are scarcely available and peptidic analogs of INSL5 are hard to make, we conducted a high-throughput screening campaign against 52,000 synthetic and natural compounds targeting RXFP4. Of the 109 initial hits discovered, only 3 compounds were confirmed in secondary screening, with JK0621-D008 displaying the best agonism at human RXFP4. Its S-configuration stereoisomer (JK1) was subsequently isolated and validated by a series of bioassays, demonstrating a consistent agonistic effect in cells overexpressing RXFP4. This scaffold may provide a valuable tool to further explore the biological functions of RXFP4.
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28
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Panagidis A, Kostopoulou E, Rojas Gil AP, Sinopidis X, Kourea H, Skiadopoulos S, Georgiou G, Spiliotis BE. Correlation between insulin-like peptide 3 and appendix testis length in congenital cryptorchidism. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1283-1289. [PMID: 32668093 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM The appendix testis (AT) is a vestigial remnant of Müller's paramesonephric duct. Insulin-like 3 hormone (INSL3) is produced in the Leydig cells of the testis. We investigated the possible correlation between AT length and plasma INSL3 concentrations in patients with congenital cryptorchidism (CCO) and patients with hydrocele, who served as controls. METHODS A total of 40 patients with CCO and 34 patients with hydrocele and orthotopic testes were investigated. Sixteen patients presented high cryptorchidism and 24 low cryptorchidism. During surgery, AT was identified in 34 patients with CCO (high cryptorchidism:15, low cryptorchidism:19) and 28 controls. Plasma INSL3 levels were measured with a spectrophotometry enzyme immunoassay Elisa sandwich technique. RESULTS AT was present in 85.0% of the boys with CCO and 82.4% of the controls. A significant positive correlation was found between the AT length and INSL3 concentrations in CCO patients. CONCLUSIONS A longer AT may reflect better testicular function in boys with CCO, since it is correlated with higher INSL3 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Panagidis
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Karamandaneion General Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Kostopoulou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Andrea Paola Rojas Gil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
| | - Xenophon Sinopidis
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Helen Kourea
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Spyros Skiadopoulos
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Karamandaneion General Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Bessie E Spiliotis
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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29
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D'Ercole A, Sabatino G, Pacini L, Impresari E, Capecchi I, Papini AM, Rovero P. On‐resin microwave‐assisted copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition of H1‐relaxin B single chain ‘stapled’ analogues. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata D'Ercole
- Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry ‘Ugo Schiff’University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- FIS Fabbrica Italiana Sintetici S.p.A Vicenza Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sabatino
- Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry ‘Ugo Schiff’University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CNR‐IC Istituto di Cristallografia Catania Italy
| | | | - Elisa Impresari
- Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences and NutraceuticsUniversity of Florence Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Ilaria Capecchi
- Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences and NutraceuticsUniversity of Florence Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry ‘Ugo Schiff’University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CNR‐IC Istituto di Cristallografia Catania Italy
- PeptLab@UCP and Laboratory of Chemical Biology EA4505CY Cergy Paris University Cergy‐Pontoise France
| | - Paolo Rovero
- CNR‐IC Istituto di Cristallografia Catania Italy
- Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences and NutraceuticsUniversity of Florence Sesto Fiorentino Italy
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30
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Díaz-Rodríguez SM, López-López D, Herrero-Turrión MJ, Gómez-Nieto R, Canal-Alonso A, Lopéz DE. Inferior Colliculus Transcriptome After Status Epilepticus in the Genetically Audiogenic Seizure-Prone Hamster GASH/Sal. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:508. [PMID: 32528245 PMCID: PMC7264424 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The Genetic Audiogenic Seizure Hamster from Salamanca (GASH/Sal), an animal model of reflex epilepsy, exhibits generalized tonic–clonic seizures in response to loud sound with the epileptogenic focus localized in the inferior colliculus (IC). Ictal events in seizure-prone strains cause gene deregulation in the epileptogenic focus, which can provide insights into the epileptogenic mechanisms. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the expression profile of key genes in the IC of the GASH/Sal after the status epilepticus. For such purpose, we used RNA-Seq to perform a comparative study between the IC transcriptome of GASH/Sal and that of control hamsters both subjected to loud sound stimulation. After filtering for normalization and gene selection, a total of 36 genes were declared differentially expressed from the RNA-seq analysis in the IC. A set of differentially expressed genes were validated by RT-qPCR showing significant differentially expression between GASH/Sal hamsters and Syrian control hamsters. The confirmed differentially expressed genes were classified on ontological categories associated with epileptogenic events similar to those produced by generalized tonic seizures in humans. Subsequently, based on the result of metabolomics, we found the interleukin-4 and 13-signaling, and nucleoside transport as presumably altered routes in the GASH/Sal model. This research suggests that seizures in GASH/Sal hamsters are generated by multiple molecular substrates, which activate biological processes, molecular processes, cellular components and metabolic pathways associated with epileptogenic events similar to those produced by tonic seizures in humans. Therefore, our study supports the use of the GASH/Sal as a valuable animal model for epilepsy research, toward establishing correlations with human epilepsy and searching new biomarkers of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Díaz-Rodríguez
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Cellular Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Daniel López-López
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel J Herrero-Turrión
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Neurological Tissue Bank INCYL (BTN-INCYL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gómez-Nieto
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Cellular Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Angel Canal-Alonso
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,BISITE Research Group, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Dolores E Lopéz
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Cellular Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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31
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Hampel U, Chinnery HR, Garreis F, Paulsen F, de Iongh R, Bui BV, Nguyen C, Parry L, Huei Leo C. Ocular Phenotype of Relaxin Gene Knockout (Rln -/-) Mice. Curr Eye Res 2020; 45:1211-1221. [PMID: 32141786 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1737714] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To test if relaxin deficiency affects ocular structure and function we investigated expression of relaxin (Rln) and RXFP receptors (Rxfp1, Rxfp2), and compared ocular phenotypes in relaxin gene knockout (Rln-/- ) and wild type (Rln+/+ ) mice. Materials and Methods: Rln, Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 mRNA expression was detected in ocular tissues of Rln+/+ mice using RT-PCR. The eyes of 11 Rln-/- and 5 Rln+/+ male mice were investigated. Corneal and retinal thickness was assessed using optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure was measured using a rebound tonometer. Retinal, choroidal and sclera morphology and thickness were evaluated histologically. Eyes were collected and fixed for immunofluorescence staining or used for RNA extraction to evaluate mRNA expression using real-time PCR. Results: Rln mRNA was expressed only in the retina, whereas Rxfp1 transcripts were detected in the retina, cornea and sclera/choroid. Rxfp2 was only present in the cornea. None of these genes were expressed in the lacrimal gland, eyelid or lens. Intraocular pressure was higher and central cornea of Rln-/- mice was significantly thicker and had significantly larger endothelial cells and a lower endothelial cell density than Rln+/+ mice. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated no significant difference in AQP3 and AQP5 staining in the cornea or other regions between wildtype and Rln-/- mice. mRNA expression of Aqp4 was significantly higher in Rln-/- than in Rln+/+ corneas, whereas Col1a2, Mmp9, Timp1 and Timp2 were significantly decreased. Expression of Aqp1, Aqp4, Aqp5, Vim and Tjp1 was significantly decreased in Rln-/- compared to Rln+/+ uvea. No significant differences in these genes were detected in the retina. Retinal, choroidal and scleral thicknesses were not different and morphology appeared normal. Conclusion: The findings indicate that loss of Rln affects expression of several genes in the uvea and cornea and results in thicker corneas with altered endothelial cells. Many of the gene changes suggest alterations in extracellular matrix and fluid transport between cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Hampel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz, Germany.,Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) , Erlangen, Germany
| | - Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Australia
| | - Fabian Garreis
- Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) , Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) , Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Topographic Anatomy and Operative Surgery, Sechenov University , Moscow, Russia
| | - Robb de Iongh
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne , Parkville, Australia
| | - Bang V Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Australia
| | - Christine Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Australia
| | - Laura Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Australia
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Australia.,Science & Math, Singapore University of Technology & Design , Singapore
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32
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Wolf VL, Phillips TL, Taylor EB, Sasser JM, Ryan MJ. Human recombinant relaxin-2 does not attenuate hypertension or renal injury but exacerbates vascular dysfunction in a female mouse model of SLE. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H234-H242. [PMID: 31125285 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00174.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women of reproductive age and increases their risk for developing hypertension, vascular, and renal disease. Relaxin has potential beneficial therapeutic effects in cardiovascular disease through direct actions on the vasculature. The potential therapeutic benefit of relaxin on SLE-associated cardiovascular and renal risk factors like hypertension has not previously been tested. We hypothesized that relaxin would attenuate hypertension, renal injury, and vascular dysfunction in an established female mouse model of SLE (NZBWF1 mice). Serelaxin (human recombinant relaxin-2, 0.5 mg·kg-1·day-1) or vehicle was administered via osmotic mini-pump for 4 wk in female control (NZW) or SLE mice between 28 and 31 wk of age. Serelaxin treatment increased uterine weights in both groups, suggesting that the Serelaxin was bioactive. Mean arterial pressure, measured by carotid artery catheter, was significantly increased in vehicle-treated SLE mice compared with vehicle-treated controls, but was not changed by Serelaxin treatment. Albumin excretion rate, measured by ELISA, was similar between vehicle- and Serelaxin-treated SLE mice and between vehicle- and Serelaxin-treated control mice. Wire myography was performed using isolated carotid arteries to assess endothelial-independent and -dependent vasodilation, and data confirm that SLE mice have impaired endothelium-independent and -dependent relaxation compared with control mice. Serelaxin treatment did not affect endothelium-independent vasodilation, but exacerbated the endothelium-dependent dysfunction. These data suggest that, contrary to our hypothesis, Serelaxin infusion does not attenuate hypertension, renal injury, or vascular dysfunction in SLE, but worsens underlying vascular endothelial dysfunction in this experimental model of SLE. These data do not support the use of human recombinant relaxin-2 as an antihypertensive in the SLE patient population. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Relaxin is a peptide hormone commonly known for its role in pregnancy and for its use in recent clinical trials for the treatment of heart failure. Evidence suggests that relaxin has immunomodulatory effects; however, the potential therapeutic impact of relaxin in chronic immune mediated disease is unclear. This study tests whether recombinant human relaxin (Serelaxin) attenuates the progression of autoimmunity, and the associated cardiovascular consequences, in an experimental model of systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Wolf
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Taylor L Phillips
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Erin B Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Jennifer M Sasser
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Michael J Ryan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi.,GV (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi
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33
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Ayers K, Kumar R, Robevska G, Bruell S, Bell K, Malik MA, Bathgate RA, Sinclair A. Familial bilateral cryptorchidism is caused by recessive variants in RXFP2. J Med Genet 2019; 56:727-733. [PMID: 31167797 PMCID: PMC6860408 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Cryptorchidism or failure of testicular descent is the most common genitourinary birth defect in males. While both the insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and its receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), have been demonstrated to control testicular descent in mice, their link to human cryptorchidism is weak, with no clear cause–effect demonstrated. Objective To identify the genetic cause of a case of familial cryptorchidism. Methods We recruited a family in which four boys had isolated bilateral cryptorchidism. A fourth-degree consanguineous union in the family was reported. Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the four affected boys and their parents, and variants that segregated with the disorder and had a link to testis development/descent were analysed. Functional analysis of a RXFP2 variant in cell culture included receptor localisation, ligand binding and cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway activation. Results Genomic analysis revealed a homozygous missense variant in the RXFP2 gene (c.1496G>A .p.Gly499Glu) in all four affected boys and heterozygous in both parents. No other variant with a link to testis biology was found. The RXFP2 variant is rare in genomic databases and predicted to be damaging. It has not been previously reported. Functional analysis demonstrated that the variant protein had poor cell surface expression and failed to bind INSL3 or respond to the ligand with cAMP signalling. Conclusion This is the first reported genomic analysis of a family with multiple individuals affected with cryptorchidism. It demonstrates that recessive variants in the RXFP2 gene underlie familial cryptorchidism and solidifies the link between this gene and testicular descent in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Ayers
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gorjana Robevska
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shoni Bruell
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Bell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Muneer A Malik
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ross A Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Mita M, Nakamura K, Tsutsui K, Katayama H. Interaction of starfish gonadotropin with its receptor: Effect of chimeric relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptides. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 276:30-36. [PMID: 30796897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) of starfish Patiria (Asterina) pectinifera is the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin for final gamete maturation. Recently, we found three orthologs of RGP in the class Asteroida; PpeRGP in P. pectinifera, AamRGP in Asterias amurensis, and AjaRGP in Aphelasterias japonica. In this study, nine kinds of RGP derivatives with exchanged each A- and B-chain were synthesized chemically to analyze the interaction of RGP with its receptor. Among these RGP derivatives, PpeRGP and its chimeric RGPs with B-chains from AamRGP or AjaRGP could induce oocyte maturation and ovulation in P. pectinifera ovaries. In contrast, other RGP derivatives were failed to induce spawning in P. pectinifera ovaries. Circular dichroism spectra of PpeRGP were similar to those of chimeric RGPs with the B-chains from AamRGP or AjaRGP. Furthermore, the predicted three-dimensional structure models of the B-chains from RGP derivatives have almost the same conformation. These findings suggest that the B-chain of PpeRGP is involved in binding to its receptor. Thus, it is likely that the A-chain of AamRGP or AjaRGP disturbs the binding of the PpeRGP B-chain to its receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2, Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
| | - Keitaro Nakamura
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2, Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Wakamatsucho 2-2, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
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35
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Gao L, Liu Y, Wang Y, Chen W, Yang K, Li J, Lv B, Zhang X, Chi J, Liu N, Yin X, Zhang X. H2 relaxin ameliorates angiotensin II-induced endothelial dysfunction through inhibition of excessive mitochondrial fission. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 512:799-805. [PMID: 30928096 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The physiological function of endothelial cells plays an important role in maintaining normal cardiovascular function. Endothelial dysfunction induced by AngII (angiotensin II) is the pathological mechanism of occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Human recombinant relaxin-2 (H2 relaxin), which has protective effect on cardiovascular functions, ameliorates damage to endothelial cells induced by angiotensin II (AngII) treatment. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we researched the mechanisms of H2 relaxin inhibiting AngII-induced endothelial dysfunction from the protective effect of H2 relaxin on endothelial function though inhibiting excessive mitochondrial fission. Here, we found that H2 relaxin increased eNOS, SOD1 expression, inhibited excessive mitochondrial fission and decreased ROS level in HUVECs treated with AngII. However, overexpression of fission protein 1 (Fis1) prevented H2 relaxin from protecting against AngII-induced low eNOS, SOD1 expression, excessive mitochondrial fission and increased ROS level in HUVECs. Our study indicated that excessive mitochondrial fission could be a target for H2 relaxin to treat endothelial dysfunction in angiocardiopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Kelaier Yang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bo Lv
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jinyu Chi
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xinhua Yin
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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36
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Thanasupawat T, Glogowska A, Nivedita-Krishnan S, Wilson B, Klonisch T, Hombach-Klonisch S. Emerging roles for the relaxin/RXFP1 system in cancer therapy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:85-93. [PMID: 30763603 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A role for the hormone relaxin in cancer was described well before the receptor was identified. Relaxin predominantly increases the growth and invasive potential in cancers of different origins. However, relaxin was also shown to promote cell differentiation and to act in a dose-and time-dependent manner in different cancer cell models used. Following the discovery of the relaxin like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) as the cellular receptor for RLN1 and RLN2, research has focussed on the ligand interaction with the large extracellular domain of RXFP1 and resulting molecular signaling mechanisms. RXFP1 activation mediates anti-apoptotic functions, angiogenesis and chemoresistance in cancer cells. This minireview summarizes the known biological functions of RXFP1 activation in different cancer entities in-vitro and in-vivo and outlines possible mechanisms to therapeutically address the relaxin-RXFP1 system in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatchawan Thanasupawat
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Aleksandra Glogowska
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sai Nivedita-Krishnan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Brian Wilson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Thomas Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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Praveen P, Kocan M, Valkovic A, Bathgate R, Hossain MA. Single chain peptide agonists of relaxin receptors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:34-39. [PMID: 30641102 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There are seven human relaxin family peptides that have two chains (A and B) and three disulfide bonds. The target receptors for four of these peptides are known as relaxin family peptide receptors, RXFP1-RXFP4. Detailed structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of relaxin family peptides have been reported over the years and have led to the design of new analogs with agonistic and antagonistic properties. This review briefly summarizes the SAR of human relaxin 2 (H2 relaxin) and human relaxin 3 (H3 relaxin) leading to the design and development of single-B-chain only agonists, B7-33 and peptide 5. The physiological functions of these new peptides agonists in cellular and animal models are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Praveen
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, VIC, Australia
| | - Martina Kocan
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Valkovic
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, VIC, Australia
| | - Ross Bathgate
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, VIC, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, VIC, Australia; School of Chemistry and Bio21, University of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Ng HH, Esteban-Lopez M, Agoulnik AI. Targeting the relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 and 2 with small molecule compounds. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:40-44. [PMID: 30590098 PMCID: PMC6451876 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin has beneficial roles in several organs through its action on its cognate G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP1. Relaxin administration is limited to intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or spinal injection. Another drawback of peptide-based therapy is the short half-life, which requires continuous delivery of the drug to achieve efficient concentration in target organs. The discovery of a non-peptide small molecule agonist of RXFP1, ML290, provides an alternative to the natural ligand. This review summarizes the development of ML290 and its potential future therapeutic applications in various diseases, including liver fibrosis and cardiovascular diseases. We also discuss the development of small molecule agonists targeting the insulin-like 3 receptor, RXFP2, and propose the potential use of these small molecules in the context of bone and muscle remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooi Hooi Ng
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Maria Esteban-Lopez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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Recent developments in relaxin mimetics as therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 45:42-48. [PMID: 31048209 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for almost 50% of all deaths globally. Vascular endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis are critical in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Relaxin, an insulin-like peptide, is known to have beneficial actions in the cardiovascular system through its vasoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects. However, relaxin has several limitations of peptide-based drugs such as poor oral bioavailability, laborious, and expensive to synthesize. This review will focus on recent developments in relaxin mimetics, their pharmacology, associated signalling mechanisms, and their therapeutic potential for the management and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Mita M. Starfish Gonadotropic Hormone: From Gamete-Shedding Substance to Relaxin-Like Gonad-Stimulating Peptide. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:182. [PMID: 30967842 PMCID: PMC6442644 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of a gonadotropic substance in an invertebrate hot-water extract of radial nerve cords from starfish Asterias forbesi that induced the shedding of gametes when injected into the coelomic cavity in a ripe individual occurred in 1959. The active substance was named gamete-shedding substance (GSS) or radial nerve factor. GSS is the primary mediator of oocyte maturation and ovulation in starfish. However, the effect of GSS is indirect. Resumption of meiosis in immature oocytes and release from the ovary are induced by a second mediator, maturation-inducing hormone, identified as 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde) in starfish. The role of GSS is to induce 1-MeAde production by ovarian follicle cells. Thus, GSS was redesignated as gonad-stimulating substance (also GSS). Although GSS has been characterized biochemically as a peptide hormone, identification of the chemical structure had to wait until 2009. Fifty years after the initial finding, GSS was purified from the radial nerve cords of starfish Patiria pectinifera (P. pectinifera). The purified hormone was a heterodimer composed of A- and B-chains, with disulfide cross-linkages. Based on its cysteine motif, GSS is classified as a member of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/relaxin superfamily. More specifically, phylogenetic sequence analysis revealed that P. pectinifera GSS is a member of the relaxin-type peptide family. Therefore, GSS in starfish has been redesignated as relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP). Subsequently, orthologs of P. pectinifera RGP have been identified in other starfish species, including Asterias amurensis (A. amurensis), and Aphelasterias japonica (A. japonica).
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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KUMAR GSNAVEEN, NAGARAJA CS, NAGARAJA R, JAYASHANKAR MR, KUMAR MASUNIL. Ovine relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) gene polymorphism – no association with cryptorchidism. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v89i3.88035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The polymorphism in ovine relaxin family peptide receptor 2 gene and the relevance of earlier established human and mice cryptorchidism associated SNP’s in Mandya and Hassan Sheep was studied. Genomic DNA was extracted from 60 cryptorchid and 80 normal unrelated sheep. Two sets of primers were designed to amplify exon 8 and exon 12–13 regions of ovine RXFP2 gene. SSCP revealed no polymorphism at exon 8, exon 12 and exon 13 of ovine RXFP2 indicating absence of T222P in exon 8 and D294G in exon 12 as reported in human and mice cryptorchids respectively. A novel SNP (KF527573.1, 171T>A) in intron12 of ovine RXFP2 was observed. The sheep population studied was in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium for the genotypes of the SNP. The distribution of genotypes was significantly different for Hassan and Mandya sheep breeds. However, the SNP in both the breeds studied was not associated with the cryptorchid phenotype.
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Yagi H, Kageyama K, Kinoshita N, Niioka K, Yamagata S, Ito E, Daimon M. Relaxin-3 regulates corticotropin-releasing factor gene expression in cultured rat hypothalamic 4B cells. Neurosci Lett 2019; 692:137-142. [PMID: 30412752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.11.009] [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: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The ancestral insulin/relaxin peptide superfamily member relaxin-3 is an important regulator of food intake and behaviors related to anxiety and motivation. Relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) and RXFP3 are expressed in the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is produced in the PVN in response to stressors and promotes adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary. We hypothesized that relaxin-3 directly regulates Crf expression in the hypothalamus and investigated its effect on Crf expression in cultured hypothalamic 4B cells. Relaxin-3 increased Crf mRNA levels and stimulated Crf promoter activity. Both protein kinase A and C pathways contributed to relaxin-3-induced Crf promoter activity. Rxfp1 and Rxfp3 mRNA and their proteins were expressed in cultured hypothalamic 4B cells. Relaxin-3 decreased Rxfp1 mRNA and protein levels and increased Rxfp3 mRNA and protein levels. These results suggested that the action of relaxin-3 in cultured hypothalamic 4B cells may be regulated through both RXFP1 and RXFP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Yagi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kageyama
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan.
| | - Noriko Kinoshita
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Kanako Niioka
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamagata
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Etsuro Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Makoto Daimon
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
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Hoare BL, Bruell S, Sethi A, Gooley PR, Lew MJ, Hossain MA, Inoue A, Scott DJ, Bathgate RAD. Multi-Component Mechanism of H2 Relaxin Binding to RXFP1 through NanoBRET Kinetic Analysis. iScience 2018; 11:93-113. [PMID: 30594862 PMCID: PMC6309025 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone H2 relaxin has demonstrated promise as a therapeutic, but mimetic development has been hindered by the poorly understood relaxin receptor RXFP1 activation mechanism. H2 relaxin is hypothesized to bind to two distinct ECD sites, which reorientates the N-terminal LDLa module to activate the transmembrane domain. Here we provide evidence for this model in live cells by measuring bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) between nanoluciferase-tagged RXFP1 constructs and fluorescently labeled H2 relaxin (NanoBRET). Additionally, we validate these results using the related RXFP2 receptor and chimeras with an inserted RXFP1-binding domain utilizing NanoBRET and nuclear magnetic resonance studies on recombinant proteins. We therefore provide evidence for the multi-component molecular mechanism of H2 relaxin binding to RXFP1 on the full-length receptor in cells. Also, we show the utility of NanoBRET real-time binding kinetics to reveal subtle binding complexities, which may be overlooked in traditional equilibrium binding assays. NanoBRET was used to assess relaxin binding kinetics to its receptor RXFP1 Binding on wild-type and mutant RXFP1 demonstrated a multi-component mechanism This binding mode was validated using RXFP2/RXFP1 chimeras and protein NMR studies NanoBRET binding can reveal subtle GPCR binding modes to aid drug development
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley L Hoare
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Shoni Bruell
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashish Sethi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Bio21 Molecular and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul R Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Bio21 Molecular and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael J Lew
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mohammed A Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Daniel J Scott
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Valkovic AL, Leckey MB, Whitehead AR, Hossain MA, Inoue A, Kocan M, Bathgate RAD. Real-time examination of cAMP activity at relaxin family peptide receptors using a BRET-based biosensor. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2018; 6:e00432. [PMID: 30263124 PMCID: PMC6153321 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin family peptide (RXFPs) 1-4 receptors modulate the activity of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to produce a range of physiological functions. RXFP1 and RXFP2 increase cAMP via Gαs, whereas RXFP3 and RXFP4 inhibit cAMP via Gαi/o. RXFP1 also shows a delayed increase in cAMP downstream of Gαi3. In this study we have assessed whether the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based biosensor CAMYEL (cAMP sensor using YFP-Epac-Rluc), which allows real-time measurement of cAMP activity in live cells, will aid in understanding ligand- and cell-specific RXFP signaling. CAMYEL detected concentration-dependent changes in cAMP activity at RXFP1-4 in recombinant cell lines, using a variety of ligands with potencies comparable to those seen in conventional cAMP assays. We used RXFP2 and RXFP3 antagonists to demonstrate that CAMYEL detects dynamic changes in cAMP by reversing cAMP activation or inhibition respectively, with real-time addition of antagonist after agonist stimulation. To demonstrate the utility of CAMYEL to detect cAMP activation in native cells expressing low levels of RXFP receptor, we cloned CAMYEL into a lentiviral vector and transduced THP-1 cells, which express low levels of RXFP1. THP-1 CAMYEL cells demonstrated robust cAMP activation in response to relaxin. However, the CAMYEL assay was unable to detect the Gαi3-mediated phase of RXFP1 cAMP activation in PTX-treated THP-1 cells or HEK293A cells with knockout of Gαs. Our data demonstrate that cytoplasmically-expressed CAMYEL efficiently detects real-time cAMP activation by Gαs or inhibition by Gαi/o but may not detect cAMP generated in specific intracellular compartments such as that generated by Gαi3 upon RXFP1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L. Valkovic
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Miranda B. Leckey
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Alice R. Whitehead
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mohammed A. Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesTohoku UniversityAobaMiyagiJapan
| | - Martina Kocan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Ivell R, Anand-Ivell R. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major regulator of female reproductive physiology. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:639-651. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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Boccalini G, Sassoli C, Bani D, Nistri S. Relaxin induces up-regulation of ADAM10 metalloprotease in RXFP1-expressing cells by PI3K/AKT signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 472:80-86. [PMID: 29180109 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
ADAM10 metalloprotease is required for activation of Notch-1, a transmembrane receptor regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, whose intracellular proteolytic fragment NICD mediates some key cardiovascular effects of the hormone relaxin (RLX). This study demonstrates the involvement of ADAM10 and PI3K/Akt signaling in mediating RLX-induced Notch-1 activation. H9c2 cardiomyocytes and NIH3T3 fibroblasts were incubated with human RLX-2 (17 nmol/l, 24 h) in presence or absence of the PI3K or Akt inhibitors wortmannin (WT, 100 nmol/l) and triciribine (TCN, 1 μmol/l). Cyclohexanedione-inactivated RLX (iRLX) served as negative control. RLX significantly increased Akt phosphorylation, ADAM10 and NICD expression, which were abolished by WT or TCN and did not occur with iRLX. These findings highlight a new receptor-specific signal transduction pathway of RLX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Boccalini
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Sassoli
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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Lian X, Beer-Hammer S, König GM, Kostenis E, Nürnberg B, Gollasch M. RXFP1 Receptor Activation by Relaxin-2 Induces Vascular Relaxation in Mice via a Gα i2-Protein/PI3Kß/γ/Nitric Oxide-Coupled Pathway. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1234. [PMID: 30233409 PMCID: PMC6131674 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Relaxins are small peptide hormones, which are novel candidate molecules that play important roles in cardiometablic syndrome. Relaxins are structurally related to the insulin hormone superfamily, which provide vasodilatory effects by activation of G-protein-coupled relaxin receptors (RXFPs) and stimulation of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) generation. Recently, relaxin could be demonstrated to activate Gi proteins and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways in cultured endothelial cells in vitro. However, the contribution of the Gi-PI3K pathway and their individual components in relaxin-dependent relaxation of intact arteries remains elusive. Methods: We used Gαi2- (Gnai2-/-) and Gαi3-deficient (Gnai3-/-) mice, pharmacological tools and wire myography to study G-protein-coupled signaling pathways involved in relaxation of mouse isolated mesenteric arteries by relaxins. Human relaxin-1, relaxin-2, and relaxin-3 were tested. Results: Relaxin-2 (∼50% relaxation at 10-11 M) was the most potent vasodilatory relaxin in mouse mesenteric arteries, compared to relaxin-1 and relaxin-3. The vasodilatory effects of relaxin-2 were inhibited by removal of the endothelium or treatment of the vessels with N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor) or simazine (RXFP1 inhibitor). The vasodilatory effects of relaxin-2 were absent in arteries of mice treated with pertussis toxin (PTX). They were also absent in arteries isolated from Gnai2-/- mice, but not from Gnai3-/- mice. The effects were not affected by FR900359 (Gαq protein inhibitor) or PI-103 (PI3Kα inhibitor), but inhibited by TGX-221 (PI3Kβ inhibitor) or AS-252424 (PI3Kγ inhibitor). Simazine did not influence the anti-contractile effect of perivascular adipose tissue. Conclusion: Our data indicate that relaxin-2 produces endothelium- and NO-dependent relaxation of mouse mesenteric arteries by activation of RXFP1 coupled to Gi2-PI3K-eNOS pathway. Targeting vasodilatory Gi-protein-coupled RXFP1 pathways may provide promising opportunities for drug discovery in endothelial dysfunction and cardiometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Lian
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - University Medicine Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Beer-Hammer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, and Interfaculty Center of Pharmacogenomics and Drug Research (ICePhA), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gabriele M König
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd Nürnberg
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, and Interfaculty Center of Pharmacogenomics and Drug Research (ICePhA), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - University Medicine Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Medical Clinic for Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
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Wong LLL, Scott DJ, Hossain MA, Kaas Q, Rosengren KJ, Bathgate RAD. Distinct but overlapping binding sites of agonist and antagonist at the relaxin family peptide 3 (RXFP3) receptor. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15777-15789. [PMID: 30131340 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The relaxin-3 neuropeptide activates the relaxin family peptide 3 (RXFP3) receptor to modulate stress, appetite, and cognition. RXFP3 shows promise as a target for treating neurological disorders, but realization of its clinical potential requires development of smaller RXFP3-specific drugs that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Designing such drugs is challenging and requires structural knowledge of agonist- and antagonist-binding modes. Here, we used structure-activity data for relaxin-3 and a peptide RXFP3 antagonist termed R3 B1-22R to guide receptor mutagenesis and develop models of their binding modes. RXFP3 residues were alanine-substituted individually and in combination and tested in cell-based binding and functional assays to refine models of agonist and antagonist binding to active- and inactive-state homology models of RXFP3, respectively. These models suggested that both agonists and antagonists interact with RXFP3 via similar residues in their B-chain central helix. The models further suggested that the B-chain Trp27 inserts into the binding pocket of RXFP3 and interacts with Trp138 and Lys271, the latter through a salt bridge with the C-terminal carboxyl group of Trp27 in relaxin-3. R3 B1-22R, which does not contain Trp27, used a non-native Arg23 residue to form cation-π and salt-bridge interactions with Trp138 and Glu141 in RXFP3, explaining a key contribution of Arg23 to affinity. Overall, relaxin-3 and R3 B1-22R appear to share similar binding residues but may differ in binding modes, leading to active and inactive RXFP3 conformational states, respectively. These mechanistic insights may assist structure-based drug design of smaller relaxin-3 mimetics to manage neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel James Scott
- From the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- From the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia and
| | | | - K Johan Rosengren
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- From the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
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Jelinic M, Marshall SA, Leo CH, Parry LJ, Tare M. From pregnancy to cardiovascular disease: Lessons from relaxin-deficient animals to understand relaxin actions in the vascular system. Microcirculation 2018; 26:e12464. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jelinic
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology; La Trobe University; Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Sarah A. Marshall
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; School of Clinical Sciences; Monash University; Clayton VIC Australia
| | - Chen H. Leo
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
- Science and Maths Cluster; Singapore University of Technology & Design; Singapore Singapore
| | - Laura J. Parry
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Marianne Tare
- Department of Physiology; Monash University; Melbourne VIC Australia
- Monash Rural Health; Monash University; Melbourne VIC Australia
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50
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Bathgate RA, Kocan M, Scott DJ, Hossain MA, Good SV, Yegorov S, Bogerd J, Gooley PR. The relaxin receptor as a therapeutic target – perspectives from evolution and drug targeting. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 187:114-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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