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Pałasz A, Worthington JJ, Filipczyk Ł, Saganiak K. Pharmacomodulation of brain neuromedin U signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1728-1736. [PMID: 37496289 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25234] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) belongs to a family of multifunctional neuropeptides that modulate the activity of several neural networks of the brain. Acting via metabotropic receptor NMUR2, NMU plays a role in the regulation of multiple systems, including energy homeostasis, stress responses, circadian rhythms, and endocrine signaling. The involvement of NMU signaling in the central regulation of important neurophysiological processes and its disturbances is a potential target for pharmacological modulation. Number of preclinical studies have proven that both modified NMU analogues such as PASR8-NMU or F4R8-NMU and designed NMUR2 agonists, for example, CPN-116, CPN-124 exhibit a distinct pharmacological activity especially when delivered transnasally. Their application can potentially be useful in the more convenient and safe treatment of obesity, eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease-related memory impairment, alcohol addiction, and sleep disturbances. Accumulating findings suggest that pharmacomodulation of the central NMU signaling may be a promising strategy in the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Łukasz Filipczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Karolina Saganiak
- Department of Anatomy, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Botticelli L, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Bonifazi A, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV. The neuromedin U system: Pharmacological implications for the treatment of obesity and binge eating behavior. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106875. [PMID: 37517560 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106875] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a bioactive peptide produced in the gut and in the brain, with a role in multiple physiological processes. NMU acts by binding and activating two G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), the NMU receptor 1 (NMU-R1), which is predominantly expressed in the periphery, and the NMU receptor 2 (NMU-R2), mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). In the brain, NMU and NMU-R2 are consistently present in the hypothalamus, commonly recognized as the main "feeding center". Considering its distribution pattern, NMU revealed to be an important neuropeptide involved in the regulation of food intake, with a powerful anorexigenic ability. This has been observed through direct administration of NMU and by studies using genetically modified animals, which revealed an obesity phenotype when the NMU gene is deleted. Thus, the development of NMU analogs or NMU-R2 agonists might represent a promising pharmacological strategy to treat obese individuals. Furthermore, NMU has been demonstrated to influence the non-homeostatic aspect of food intake, playing a potential role in binge eating behavior. This review aims to discuss and summarize the current literature linking the NMU system with obesity and binge eating behavior, focusing on the influence of NMU on food intake and the neuronal mechanisms underlying its anti-obesity properties. Pharmacological strategies to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of NMU will also be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy.
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Sun X, Zeng C, Wang F, Zhang Z, Yang F, Liu ZP, Li K, Zhang GM. Neuromedin S Regulates Steroidogenesis through Maintaining Mitochondrial Morphology and Function via NMUR2 in Goat Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13402. [PMID: 36362185 PMCID: PMC9655409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin S (NMS) plays various roles in reproductive regulation, while the mechanism by which NMS regulates ovarian steroidogenesis remains unclear. In the current study, we confirmed the enhancement role of NMS in steroidogenesis in goat ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). To further explore the specific mechanism, we conducted a knockdown of NMUR2 in GCs followed by treatment with NMS and determined the effects of NMS treatment on mitochondrial morphology and function. The results found that NMS treatment increased the production of estrogen and up-regulated the expression of STAR, CYP11A1, 3BHSD, and CYP19A1, while the effects of NMS treatment were blocked by the knockdown of NMUR2 in goat GCs. Moreover, NMS treatment enhanced the fusion of mitochondria and up-regulated the expression of OPA1, MFN1, and MFN2, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential, the activity of respiratory chain enzymes and ATP production by maintaining a low expression level of mitochondrial unfolded protein response markers. The effects of NMS treatment on mitochondria were reversed by NMUR2 knockdown and NMS cotreatment. The possible mechanism of the results above was revealed by NMS treatment activating the Hippo pathway effector YAP1 and then managing the expression of phosphorylation PPARGC1A (Ser571). Together, these data showed that NMS promoted the fusion of mitochondria and protected mitochondrial function from mitochondrial unfolded protein response possibly via the NMUR2/YAP1/PPARGC1A pathway, thereby affecting the steroidogenesis of goat GCs. By elaborating the potential mechanism of NMS in regulating estrogen production in goat GCs, our results can serve as the mechanism reference for follicular growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Sun
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Cheng Zeng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- College of veterinary medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kang Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guo-Min Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- College of veterinary medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Increased NMUR1 Expression in Mast Cells in the Synovial Membrane of Obese Osteoarthritis Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911237. [PMID: 36232539 PMCID: PMC9570196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Neuromedin U (NMU) and NMU receptors (NMUR1 and NMUR2) are associated with obesity-related disorders and found in mast cells (MCs), which are elevated in osteoarthritis. However, NMU/NMUR expression was not examined in the synovial membrane (SM) or synovial MCs of obese osteoarthritis patients. We compared expression of NMU, NMUR1, NMUR2, and the mast cell (MC) marker, CPA3, in the SM of KOA patients categorized as normal weight (NW; BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 79), overweight (OW; BMI ≥ 25 and <30 kg/m2, n = 87), and obese (OB; ≥30 kg/m2, n = 40). To study NMU/NMUR expression in MCs, we compared the MC-rich fraction (MC-RF), CD88(+) MC-RF, and CD88(−) MC-RF, extracted using magnetic isolation, with the MC-poor fraction (MC-PF). While NMU and NMUR2 expression were comparable, NMUR1 was significantly elevated in OW and OB compared to NW. Moreover, CPA3 levels were significantly greater in OB than NW. NMUR1 and CPA3 expression were significantly higher in both the CD88(+) and CD88(−) MC-RF than MC-PF. Therefore, NMUR1 expression was elevated in the SM of OB KOA patients, and its expression was found in MCs. Further investigation to analyze the NMU/NMUR1 pathway in MC may provide a link between obesity and KOA pathology.
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Piwowarczyk-Nowak A, Pałasz A, Bogus K, Krzystanek M, Błaszczyk I, Worthington JJ, Grajoszek A. Modulatory effect of long-term treatment with escitalopram and clonazepam on the expression of anxiety-related neuropeptides: neuromedin U, neuropeptide S and their receptors in the rat brain. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:9041-9049. [PMID: 35690686 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07578-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newly identified multifunctional peptidergic modulators of stress responses: neuromedin U (NMU) and neuropeptide S (NPS) are involved in the wide spectrum of brain functions. However, there are no reports dealing with potential molecular relationships between the action of diverse anxiolytic or antidepressant drugs and NMU and NPS signaling in the brain. The present work was therefore focused on local expression of the aforementioned stress-related neuropeptides in the rat brain after long-term treatment with escitalopram and clonazepam. METHODS Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into 3 groups: animals injected with saline (control) and experimental individuals treated with escitalopram (at single dose 5 mg/kg daily), and clonazepam (at single dose 0.5 mg/kg). All individuals were sacrificed under anaesthesia and the whole brain excised. Total mRNA was isolated from homogenized samples of amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum and brainstem. Real time-PCR method was used for estimation of related NPS, NPS receptor (NPSR), NMU, NMU and receptor 2 (NMUR2) mRNA expression. The whole brains were also sliced for general immunohistochemical assessment of the neuropeptides expression. RESULTS Chronic administration of clonazepam resulted in an increase of NMU mRNA expression and formation of NMU-expressing fibers in the amygdala, while escitalopram produced a significant decrease in NPSR mRNA level in hypothalamus. Long-term escitalopram administration affects the local expression of examined neuropeptides mRNA in a varied manner depending on the brain structure. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological effects of escitalopram may be connected with local at least partially NPSR-related alterations in the NPS/NMU/NMUR2 gene expression at the level selected rat brain regions. A novel alternative mode of SSRI action can be therefore cautiously proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Piwowarczyk-Nowak
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Bogus
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ziolowa 45/47 Katowice 40- 635, Katowice, Poland
| | - Iwona Błaszczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, Lancaster, UK
| | - Aniela Grajoszek
- Department for Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 4, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
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Piwowarczyk-Nowak A, Pałasz A, Suszka-Świtek A, Della Vecchia A, Grajoszek A, Krzystanek M, Worthington JJ. Escitalopram alters local expression of noncanonical stress-related neuropeptides in the rat brain via NPS receptor signaling. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:637-653. [PMID: 35653031 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00374-z] [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: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a multifunctional regulatory factor that exhibits a potent anxiolytic activity in animal models. However, there are no reports dealing with the potential molecular relationships between the anxiolytic activity of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and NPS signaling, especially in the context of novel stress-related neuropeptides action. The present work therefore focused on gene expression of novel stress neuropeptides in the rat brain after acute treatment with escitalopram and in combination with neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) blockade. METHODS Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into five groups: animals injected with saline (control) and experimental rats treated with escitalopram (at single dose 10 mg/kg daily), escitalopram and SHA-68, a selective NPSR antagonist (at a single dose of 40 mg/kg), SHA-68 alone and corresponding vehicle (solvent SHA-68) control. To measure anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity the open field test was performed. All individuals were killed under anaesthesia and the whole brain was excised. Total mRNA was isolated from homogenized samples of the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem. Real-time PCR was used for estimation of related NPS, NPSR, neuromedin U (NMU), NMU receptor 2 (NMUR2) and nesfatin-1 precursor nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) gene expression. RESULTS Acute escitalopram administration affects the local expression of the examined neuropeptides mRNA in a varied manner depending on brain location. An increase in NPSR and NUCB2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and brainstem was abolished by SHA-68 coadministration, while NMU mRNA expression was upregulated after NPSR blockade in the hippocampus and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacological effects of escitalopram may be connected with local NPSR-related alterations in NPS/NMU/NMUR2 and nesfatin-1 gene expression at the level of selected rat brain regions. A novel alternative mode of SSRI action can be therefore cautiously proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Piwowarczyk-Nowak
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Suszka-Świtek
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 67, Via Roma, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Aniela Grajoszek
- Department for Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 4, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ziolowa 45/47, 40-635, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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Sasaki-Hamada S, Maeno Y, Yabe M, Ishibashi H. Neuromedin U modulates neuronal excitability in rat hippocampal slices. Neuropeptides 2021; 89:102168. [PMID: 34243110 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a neuropeptide that was initially isolated from the porcine spinal cord and later from several species. Although NMU receptors exist in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, the role of NMU in hippocampal synaptic transmission remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that the colocalization ratio of NMU type 1 (NMUR1) or type 2 (NMUR2) receptors was higher with neuronal nuclei (a neuronal marker) than with glial fibrillary acidic protein (an astrocyte marker) in the CA1 region of rats. Moreover, we revealed that the bath application of NMU (1 μM) enhanced extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in rat hippocampal slices (+28.9 ± 1.3%; P < 0.05). After extracellular recordings, we examined the pattern of neuronal activation induced by NMU using c-Fos immunohistochemistry (Fos-IR). Histological analyses revealed that NMU increased Fos-IR in the CA1 region, but reduced the proportion of Fos-IR colocalized with glutamic acid decarboxylase (a GABA neuron marker). These results suggest that the activation of NMU receptors contributes to GABAergic neuronal activity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachie Sasaki-Hamada
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan.
| | - Yoshimichi Maeno
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yabe
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishibashi
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
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Neuromedin U, a Key Molecule in Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084238. [PMID: 33921859 PMCID: PMC8074168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is now a public health concern. The leading cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between ingested and expended calories. The mechanisms of feeding behavior and energy metabolism are regulated by a complex of various kinds of molecules, including anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptides. One of these neuropeptides, neuromedin U (NMU), was isolated in the 1980s, and its specific receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2, were defined in 2000. A series of subsequent studies has revealed many of the physiological roles of the NMU system, including in feeding behavior, energy expenditure, stress responses, circadian rhythmicity, and inflammation. Particularly over the past decades, many reports have indicated that the NMU system plays an essential and direct role in regulating body weight, feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and insulin secretion, which are tightly linked to obesity pathophysiology. Furthermore, another ligand of NMU receptors, NMS (neuromedin S), was identified in 2005. NMS has physiological functions similar to those of NMU. This review summarizes recent observations of the NMU system in relation to the pathophysiology of obesity in both the central nervous systems and the peripheral tissues.
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Zhang W, Sakoda H, Nakazato Y, Islam MN, Pattou F, Kerr-Conte J, Nakazato M. Neuromedin U uses Gαi2 and Gαo to suppress glucose-stimulated Ca2+ signaling and insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250232. [PMID: 33857254 PMCID: PMC8049253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU), a highly conserved peptide in mammals, is involved in a wide variety of physiological processes, including impairment of pancreatic β-cell function via induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ultimately suppressing insulin secretion. NMU has two receptors, NMU receptor 1 (NMUR1) and NMUR2, both of which are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Only NMUR1 is expressed in mouse islets and β cell-derived MIN6-K8 cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying the insulinostatic action mediated by NMUR1 in β cells have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism driving impairment of insulin secretion in β cells by the NMU-NMUR1 axis. Pretreatment with the Gαi/o inhibitor Bordetella pertussis toxin (PTX), but not the Gαq inhibitor YM254890, abolished NMU-induced suppression of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and calcium response in β cells. Knockdown of Gαi2 and Gαo in β cells counteracted NMU-induced suppression of insulin secretion and gene alterations related to mitochondrial fusion (Mfn1, Mfn2), fission (Fis1, Drp1), mitophagy (Pink1, Park2), mitochondrial dynamics (Pgc-1α, Nrf1, and Tfam), ER stress (Chop, Atp2a3, Ryr2, and Itpr2), intracellular ATP level, and mitochondrial membrane potential. NMU decreased forskolin-stimulated intracellular cAMP in both mouse and human islets. We concluded that NMUR1 coupled to PTX-sensitive Gαi2 and Gαo proteins in β cells reduced intracellular Ca2+ influx and cAMP level, thereby causing β-cell dysfunction and impairment. These results highlight a novel signaling mechanism of NMU and provide valuable insights into the further investigation of NMU functions in β-cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sakoda
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakazato
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Md Nurul Islam
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - François Pattou
- UNIV. LILLE, INSERM, CHU LILLE, U1190, Translational Research Laboratory for Diabetes -European Genomics Institute for Diabetes, Lille, France
| | - Julie Kerr-Conte
- UNIV. LILLE, INSERM, CHU LILLE, U1190, Translational Research Laboratory for Diabetes -European Genomics Institute for Diabetes, Lille, France
| | - Masamitsu Nakazato
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- AMED-CREST, Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Tian X, Qin Y, Tian Y, Ge X, Cui J, Han H, Liu L, Yu H. Identification of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease hub genes expressed in the frontal lobe and temporal cortex by weighted co-expression network analysis and construction of a protein-protein interaction. Int J Neurosci 2021; 132:1049-1060. [PMID: 33401985 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1860966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: It is difficult to distinguish cognitive decline due to AD from that sustained by cerebrovascular disease in view of the great overlap. It is uncertain in the molecular biological pathway behind AD and VaD.Objective: Our study aimed to explore the hub molecules and their associations with each other to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the AD and VaD.Methods: We screened the differentially expressed genes of AD and VaD, used weighted gene co-expression network analysis and then constructed a VaD-AD-specific protein-protein interaction network with functional annotation to their related metabolic pathways. Finally, we performed a ROC curve analysis of hub proteins to get an idea about their diagnostic value.Results: In the frontal lobe and temporal cortex, hub genes were identified. With regard to VaD, there were only three hub genes which encoded the neuropeptides, SST, NMU and TAC1. The AUC of these genes were 0.804, 0.768 and 0.779, respectively. One signature was established for these three hub genes with AUC of 0.990. For the identification of AD and VaD, all hub genes were receptors. These genes included SH3GL2, PROK2, TAC3, HTR2A, MET, TF, PTH2R CNR1, CHRM4, PTPN3 and CRH. The AUC of these genes were 0.853, 0.859, 0.796, 0.775, 0.706, 0.677, 0.696, 0.668 and 0.652, respectively. The other signature was built for eleven hub genes with AUC of 0.990.Conclusion: In the frontal lobe and temporal cortex regions, hub genes are used as diagnostic markers, which may provide insight into personalized potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with VaD and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodou Tian
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Yao Qin
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Tian
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Ge
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Hongjuan Han
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Yu
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China.,Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Diseases Risk Assessment, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
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Malendowicz LK, Rucinski M. Neuromedins NMU and NMS: An Updated Overview of Their Functions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:713961. [PMID: 34276571 PMCID: PMC8283259 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.713961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 35 years have passed since the identification of neuromedin U (NMU). Dozens of publications have been devoted to its physiological role in the organism, which have provided insight into its occurrence in the body, its synthesis and mechanism of action at the cellular level. Two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified, with NMUR1 distributed mainly peripherally and NMUR2 predominantly centrally. Recognition of the role of NMU in the control of energy homeostasis of the body has greatly increased interest in this neuromedin. In 2005 a second, structurally related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS) was identified. The expression of NMS is more restricted, it is predominantly found in the central nervous system. In recent years, further peptides related to NMU and NMS have been identified. These are neuromedin U precursor related peptide (NURP) and neuromedin S precursor related peptide (NSRP), which also exert biological effects without acting via NMUR1, or NMUR2. This observation suggests the presence of another, as yet unrecognized receptor. Another unresolved issue within the NMU/NMS system is the differences in the effects of various NMU isoforms on diverse cell lines. It seems that development of highly specific NMUR1 and NMUR2 receptor antagonists would allow for a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action of NMU/NMS and related peptides in the body. They could form the basis for attempts to use such compounds in the treatment of disorders, for example, metabolic disorders, circadian rhythm, stress, etc.
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Ye Y, Liang Z, Xue L. Neuromedin U: potential roles in immunity and inflammation. Immunology 2021; 162:17-29. [PMID: 32888314 PMCID: PMC7730025 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of neuromedin U (NmU) from porcine spinal cord in 1985, this neuropeptide has been subsequently identified in many other species with multiple physiological and pathophysiological roles detected, ranging from smooth muscle contraction, feeding, energy balance to tumorigenesis. Intriguingly, NmU is also emerging to play pro-inflammatory roles involving immune cell activation and cytokine release in a neuron-dependent or neuron-independent manner. The NmU-mediated inflammatory responses have already been observed in worm infection, sepsis, autoimmune arthritis and allergic animal models. In this review, we focus on the roles of NmU in immunity and inflammation by highlighting the interactions between NmU and immune cells, summarizing the signalling mechanism involved in their reactions and discussing its potential contributions to inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ye
- The Respiratory Medicine UnitOxford NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineWest China School of Medicine and West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zongan Liang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineWest China School of Medicine and West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Luzheng Xue
- The Respiratory Medicine UnitOxford NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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The Specificity of Downstream Signaling for A 1 and A 2AR Does Not Depend on the C-Terminus, Despite the Importance of This Domain in Downstream Signaling Strength. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120603. [PMID: 33322210 PMCID: PMC7764039 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts to determine the high-resolution crystal structures for the adenosine receptors (A1R and A2AR) have utilized modifications to the native receptors in order to facilitate receptor crystallization and structure determination. One common modification is a truncation of the unstructured C-terminus, which has been utilized for all the adenosine receptor crystal structures obtained to date. Ligand binding for this truncated receptor has been shown to be similar to full-length receptor for A2AR. However, the C-terminus has been identified as a location for protein-protein interactions that may be critical for the physiological function of these important drug targets. We show that variants with A2AR C-terminal truncations lacked cAMP-linked signaling compared to the full-length receptor constructs transfected into mammalian cells (HEK-293). In addition, we show that in a humanized yeast system, the absence of the full-length C-terminus affected downstream signaling using a yeast MAPK response-based fluorescence assay, though full-length receptors showed native-like G-protein coupling. To further study the G protein coupling, we used this humanized yeast platform to explore coupling to human-yeast G-protein chimeras in a cellular context. Although the C-terminus was essential for Gα protein-associated signaling, chimeras of A1R with a C-terminus of A2AR coupled to the A1R-specific Gα (i.e., Gαi1 versus Gαs). This surprising result suggests that the C-terminus is important in the signaling strength, but not specificity, of the Gα protein interaction. This result has further implications in drug discovery, both in enabling the experimental use of chimeras for ligand design, and in the cautious interpretation of structure-based drug design using truncated receptors.
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Ren X, Dong F, Zhuang Y, Wang Y, Ma W. Effect of neuromedin U on allergic airway inflammation in an asthma model. Exp Ther Med 2019; 19:809-816. [PMID: 32010240 PMCID: PMC6966147 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a major inflammatory airway disease with high incidence and mortality rates. The Global Initiative for Asthma released a report called ‘The Global Burden of Asthma’ in 2004. However, the specific pathogenesis of asthma remains unclear. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that neuromedin U (NMU) plays a pleiotropic role in the pathogenesis of asthma. NMU is a highly structurally conserved neuropeptide that was first purified from porcine spinal cord and named for its contractile effect on the rat uterus. NMU amplifies type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2)-driven allergic lung inflammation. The NMU receptors (NMURs), designated as NMUR1 and NMUR2, belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family. NMUR1 has also been found in immune cells, including ILC2s, mast cells and eosinophils. In view of the important roles of NMU in the pathogenesis of asthma, the present review evaluates the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of NMU on asthma and its association with asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Ren
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Fang Dong
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yuerong Zhuang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Wuhua Ma
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
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Osorno T, Arenas O, Ramírez-Suarez NJ, Echeverry FA, Gomez MDP, Nasi E. Light control of G protein signaling pathways by a novel photopigment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205015. [PMID: 30273391 PMCID: PMC6166976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Channelopsins and photo-regulated ion channels make it possible to use light to control electrical activity of cells. This powerful approach has lead to a veritable explosion of applications, though it is limited to changing membrane voltage of the target cells. An enormous potential could be tapped if similar opto-genetic techniques could be extended to the control of chemical signaling pathways. Photopigments from invertebrate photoreceptors are an obvious choice—as they do not bleach upon illumination -however, their functional expression has been problematic. We exploited an unusual opsin, pScop2, recently identified in ciliary photoreceptors of scallop. Phylogenetically, it is closer to vertebrate opsins, and offers the advantage of being a bi-stable photopigment. We inserted its coding sequence and a fluorescent protein reporter into plasmid vectors and demonstrated heterologous expression in various mammalian cell lines. HEK 293 cells were selected as a heterologous system for functional analysis, because wild type cells displayed the largest currents in response to the G-protein activator, GTP-γ-S. A line of HEK cells stably transfected with pScop2 was generated; after reconstitution of the photopigment with retinal, light responses were obtained in some cells, albeit of modest amplitude. In native photoreceptors pScop2 couples to Go; HEK cells express poorly this G-protein, but have a prominent Gq/PLC pathway linked to internal Ca mobilization. To enhance pScop2 competence to tap into this pathway, we swapped its third intracellular loop—important to confer specificity of interaction between 7TMDRs and G-proteins—with that of a Gq-linked opsin which we cloned from microvillar photoreceptors present in the same retina. The chimeric construct was evaluated by a Ca fluorescence assay, and was shown to mediate a robust mobilization of internal calcium in response to illumination. The results project pScop2 as a potentially powerful optogenetic tool to control signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Osorno
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Oscar Arenas
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Fabio A. Echeverry
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María del Pilar Gomez
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Enrico Nasi
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
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Embelin and its derivatives unravel the signaling, proinflammatory and antiatherogenic properties of GPR84 receptor. Pharmacol Res 2018; 131:185-198. [PMID: 29471103 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
GPR84 is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor, expressed on monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils and is significantly upregulated by inflammatory stimuli. The physiological role of GPR84 remains largely unknown. Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) activate the receptor and have been proposed to be its endogenous ligands, although the high concentrations of MCFAs required for receptor activation generally exceed normal physiological levels. We identified the natural product embelin as a highly potent and selective surrogate GPR84 agonist (originally disclosed in patent application WO2007027661A2, 2007) and synthesized close structural analogs with widely varying receptor activities. These tools were used to perform a comprehensive study of GPR84 signaling and function in recombinant cells and in primary human macrophages and neutrophils. Activation of recombinant GPR84 by embelin in HEK293 cells results in Gi/o as well as G12/13-Rho signaling. In human macrophages, GPR84 initiates PTX sensitive Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, PI-3 kinase activation, calcium flux, and release of prostaglandin E2. In addition, GPR84 signaling in macrophages elicits Gi Gβγ-mediated augmentation of intracellular cAMP, rather than the decrease expected from Giα engagement. GPR84 activation drives human neutrophil chemotaxis and primes them for amplification of oxidative burst induced by FMLP and C5A. Loss of GPR84 is associated with attenuated LPS-induced release of proinflammatory mediators IL-6, KC-GROα, VEGF, MIP-2 and NGAL from peritoneal exudates. While initiating numerous proinflammatory activities in macrophages and neutrophils, GPR84 also possesses GPR109A-like antiatherosclerotic properties in macrophages. Macrophage receptor activation leads to upregulation of cholesterol transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 and stimulates reverse cholesterol transport. These data suggest that GPR84 may be a target of therapeutic value and that distinct modes of receptor modulation (inhibition vs. stimulation) may be required for inflammatory and atherosclerotic indications.
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Zhang W, Sakoda H, Miura A, Shimizu K, Mori K, Miyazato M, Takayama K, Hayashi Y, Nakazato M. Neuromedin U suppresses glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:677-683. [PMID: 28864416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.08.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU), a highly conserved peptide in mammals, is implicated in energy homeostasis and glycemic control, and may also be involved in the regulation of adipoinsular axis function. However, the role of NMU in regulating insulin secretion has not been clearly established. In this study, we investigated the role of NMU in the regulation of insulin secretion both in vitro and in vivo. We found that NMU and NMU receptor (NMUR) 1 were expressed in mouse islets and β cell-derived MIN6-K8 cells. In mice, NMU suppressed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an NMUR1 agonist inhibited GSIS in both MIN6-K8 cells and mice islets. Moreover, NMU attenuated intracellular Ca2+ influx in MIN6-K8 cells, potentially causing a decrease in insulin secretion. siNmu-transfected MIN6-K8 cells showed elevated GSIS. Treatment with anti-NMU IgG increased GSIS in isolated mouse pancreatic islets. These results suggested that NMU can act directly on β cells through NMUR1 in an autocrine or paracrine fashion to suppress insulin secretion. Collectively, our results highlight the crucial role of NMU in suppressing pancreatic insulin secretion, and may improve our understanding of glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sakoda
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Ayako Miura
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Koichiro Shimizu
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Kenji Mori
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Mikiya Miyazato
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Kentaro Takayama
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hayashi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakazato
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan; AMED-CREST, Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
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Lin TY, Huang WL, Lee WY, Luo CW. Identifying a Neuromedin U Receptor 2 Splice Variant and Determining Its Roles in the Regulation of Signaling and Tumorigenesis In Vitro. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136836. [PMID: 26317338 PMCID: PMC4552561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) activates two G protein-coupled receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2; this signaling not only controls many physiological responses but also promotes tumorigenesis in diverse tissues. We recently identified a novel truncated NMUR2 derived by alternative splicing, namely NMUR2S, from human ovarian cancer cDNA. Sequence analysis, cell surface ELISA and immunocytochemical staining using 293T cells indicated that NMUR2S can be expressed well on the cell surface as a six-transmembrane protein. Receptor pull-down and fluorescent resonance energy transfer assays demonstrated that NMUR1, NMUR2 and this newly discovered NMUR2S can not only form homomeric complexes but also heteromeric complexes with each other. Although not activated by NMU itself, functional assay in combination with receptor quantification and radio-ligand binding in 293T cells indicated that NMUR2S does not alter the translocation and stability of NMUR1 or NMUR2, but rather effectively dampens their signaling by blocking their NMU binding capability through receptor heterodimerization. We further demonstrated that NMU signaling is significantly up-regulated in human ovarian cancers, whereas expression of NMUR2S can block endogenous NMU signaling and further lead to suppression of proliferation in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. In contrast, in monocytic THP-1 cells that express comparable levels of NMUR1 and NMUR2S, depletion of NMUR2S restored both the signaling and effect of NMU. Thus, these results not only reveal the presence of previously uncharacterized heteromeric relationships among NMU receptors but also provide NMUR2S as a potential therapeutic target for the future treatment of NMU signaling-mediated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Lin
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lin Huang
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Lee
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Luo
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Martinez VG, O'Driscoll L. Neuromedin U: a multifunctional neuropeptide with pleiotropic roles. Clin Chem 2015; 61:471-82. [PMID: 25605682 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2014.231753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromedin U (NmU) belongs to the neuromedin family, comprising a series of neuropeptides involved in the gut-brain axis and including neuromedins B and C (bombesin-like), K (neurokinin B), L (neurokinin A or neurotensin), N, S, and U. CONTENT Although initially isolated from porcine spinal cord on the basis of their ability to induce uterine smooth muscle contraction, these peptides have now been found to be expressed in several different tissues and have been ascribed numerous functions, from appetite regulation and energy balance control to muscle contraction and tumor progression. NmU has been detected in several species to date, particularly in mammals (pig, rat, rabbit, dog, guinea pig, human), but also in amphibian, avian, and fish species. The NmU sequence is highly conserved across different species, indicating that this peptide is ancient and plays an important biological role. Here, we summarize the main structural and functional characteristics of NmU and describe its many roles, highlighting the jack-of-all-trades nature of this neuropeptide. SUMMARY NmU involvement in key processes has outlined the possibility that this neuropeptide could be a novel target for the treatment of obesity and cancer, among other disorders. Although the potential for NmU as a therapeutic target is obvious, the multiple functions of this molecule should be taken into account when designing an approach to targeting NmU and/or its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa G Martinez
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lorraine O'Driscoll
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Chimeric Yeast G-Protein α Subunit Harboring a 37-Residue C-Terminal Gustducin-Specific Sequence Is Functional inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2014; 76:512-6. [DOI: 10.1271/bbb.110820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Alexander SPH, Benson HE, Faccenda E, Pawson AJ, Sharman JL, Spedding M, Peters JA, Harmar AJ. The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: G protein-coupled receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 170:1459-581. [PMID: 24517644 PMCID: PMC3892287 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. G protein-coupled receptors are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen PH Alexander
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical SchoolNottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Helen E Benson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Elena Faccenda
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adam J Pawson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Joanna L Sharman
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | | - John A Peters
- Neuroscience Division, Medical Education Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of DundeeDundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Anthony J Harmar
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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Caltabiano G, Gonzalez A, Cordomí A, Campillo M, Pardo L. The Role of Hydrophobic Amino Acids in the Structure and Function of the Rhodopsin Family of G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Methods Enzymol 2013; 520:99-115. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-391861-1.00005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
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23
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van Rijn RM, Harvey JH, Brissett DI, DeFriel JN, Whistler JL. Novel screening assay for the selective detection of G-protein-coupled receptor heteromer signaling. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012; 344:179-88. [PMID: 23097213 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.112.198655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) make up more than 25% of all prescribed medicines. The ability of GPCRs to form heteromers with unique signaling properties suggests an entirely new and unexplored pool of drug targets. However, current in vitro assays are ill equipped to detect heteromer-selective compounds. We have successfully adapted an approach, using fusion proteins of GPCRs and chimeric G proteins, to create an in vitro screening assay (in human embryonic kidney cells) in which only activated heteromers are detectable. Here we show that this assay can demonstrate heteromer-selective G-protein bias as well as measure transinhibition. Using this assay, we reveal that the δ-opioid receptor agonist ADL5859, which is currently in clinical trials, has a 10-fold higher potency against δ-opioid receptor homomers than δ/μ-opioid receptor heteromers (pEC(50) = 6.7 ± 0.1 versus 5.8 ± 0.2). The assay enables the screening of large compound libraries to identify heteromer-selective compounds that could then be used in vivo to determine the functional role of heteromers and develop potential therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M van Rijn
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 5858 Horton Street, Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
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Yanagida K, Ishii S. Non-Edg family LPA receptors: the cutting edge of LPA research. J Biochem 2011; 150:223-32. [PMID: 21746769 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvr087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator with diverse physiological and pathological actions on many types of cells. Originally, LPA was thought to elicit its biological functions through three subtypes of endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) family G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1, LPA2 and LPA3) until our group identified a fourth subtype, LPA4. The discovery of this receptor, which is structurally distinct from the Edg family LPA receptors, led to the identification of two additional LPA receptors, LPA5 and LPA6, homologous to LPA4. These 'non-Edg family' LPA receptors now provide a new framework for understanding the diverse functions of LPA, including vascular development, platelet activation and hair growth. In this review, we summarize the identification, intracellular signalling and biological functions of this novel cluster of LPA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Yanagida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033
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25
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Milligan G. Orthologue selectivity and ligand bias: translating the pharmacology of GPR35. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2011; 32:317-25. [PMID: 21392828 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
GPR35 is a poorly characterized G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Two endogenously produced ligands have been suggested as activators of GPR35, although the relevance of these remains unclear. Recently, a series of surrogate agonist ligands and the first antagonists of GPR35 have been identified. However, marked differences in the potency of agonists at species orthologues of GPR35 have been noted, and this presents substantial challenges in translating the pharmacology at the cloned human receptor to ex vivo and in vivo studies of the physiological function of this receptor in animal models. Currently identified agonists will probably not display high selectivity for GPR35. By contrast, comparisons of the potency of ligands at species orthologues of GPR35 have provided insight into the nature of the ligand binding pocket and could result in the identification of more potent and selective ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Milligan
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G128QQ, UK.
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Activation of neuromedin U type 1 receptor inhibits L-type Ca2+ channel currents via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent protein kinase C epsilon pathway in mouse hippocampal neurons. Cell Signal 2010; 22:1660-8. [PMID: 20599609 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2010.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) plays very important roles in the central nervous system. However, to date, any role of NMU in hippocampal neurons and the relevant mechanisms still remain unknown. In the present study, we report that NMU selectively inhibits L-type high-voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (HVGCC) in mouse hippocampal neurons, in which NMU type 1 receptor (NMUR1), but not NMUR2, is endogenously expressed. In wild type mice, NMU (0.1 microM) reversibly inhibited HVGCC barium currents (I(Ba)) by approximately 28%, while in NMUR1(-/-) mice NMU had no significant effects. Intracellular infusion of GDP-beta-S or a selective antibody raised against the G(o)alpha, as well as pretreatment of the neurons with pertussis toxin, blocked the inhibitory effects of NMU, indicating the involvement of G(o)-protein. This NMUR1-mediated effect did not display the characteristics of a direct interaction between G-protein betagamma subunit (G(betagamma)) and L-type HVGCC, but was abolished by dialyzing cells with QEHA peptide or an antibody to the G(beta). The classical and novel protein kinase C (PKC) antagonist calphostin C, as well as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, abolished NMU responses, whereas the classical PKC antagonist Gö6976 had no such effects. Cells dialyzed with a PKC epsilon isoform (PKCepsilon) specific inhibitor peptide, GAVSLLPT, abolished NMU responses. In contrast, in cells dialyzed with an inactive PKCepsilon control scramble peptide, LSGTLPAV, no significant effects were observed. In summary, these results suggest that NMU inhibits L-type HVGCC via activation of NMUR1 and downstream G(betagamma), PI3K, and a novel PKCepsilon signaling pathway.
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Mitchell JD, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Emerging pharmacology and physiology of neuromedin U and the structurally related peptide neuromedin S. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 158:87-103. [PMID: 19519756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) has been paired with the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) NMU(1) (formerly designated as the orphan GPR66 or FM-3) and NMU(2) (FM-4 or hTGR-1). Recently, a structurally related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS), which shares an amidated C-terminal heptapeptide motif, has been identified in both rat and human, and has been proposed as a second ligand for these receptors. Messenger RNA encoding NMU receptor subtypes shows differential expression: NMU(1) is predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, whereas NMU(2) is abundant within the brain and spinal cord. NMU peptide parallels receptor distribution with highest expression in the gastrointestinal tract and specific structures within the brain, reflecting its major role in the regulation of energy balance. The NMU knockout mouse has an obese phenotype and, in agreement, the Arg165Trp amino acid variant of NMU-25 in humans, which is functionally inactive, co-segregated with childhood-onset obesity. Emerging physiological roles for NMU include vasoconstriction mediated predominantly via NMU(1) with nociception and bone remodelling via NMU(2). The NMU system has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of septic shock and cancers including bladder carcinoma and acute myeloid leukaemia. Intriguingly, NMS is more potent at NMU(2) receptors in vivo where it has similar central actions in suppression of feeding and regulation of circadian rhythms to NMU. Taken together with its vascular actions, NMU may be a functional link between energy balance and the cardiovascular system and may provide a future target for therapies directed against the disorders that comprise metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Mitchell
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Level 6 Centre for Clinical Investigation, Cambridge, UK
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McGuinness D, Malikzay A, Visconti R, Lin K, Bayne M, Monsma F, Lunn CA. Characterizing cannabinoid CB2 receptor ligands using DiscoveRx PathHunter beta-arrestin assay. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 14:49-58. [PMID: 19171920 DOI: 10.1177/1087057108327329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The authors have characterized a set of cannabinoid CB(2) receptor ligands, including triaryl bis sulfone inverse agonists, in a cell-based receptor/beta-arrestin interaction assay (DiscoveRx PathHunter). The results were compared with results using a competitive ligand binding assay, and with effects on forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels (PerkinElmer LANCE). The authors show good correlation between the 3 assay systems tested, with the beta-arrestin protein complementation assay exhibiting a more robust signal than the cAMP assay for cannabinoid CB(2) agonists. Further assay validation shows that DiscoveRx PathHunter HEK293 CB(2) beta-arrestin assay can be carried out from cryopreserved cell suspensions, eliminating variations caused by the need for multiple cell pools during live cell screening campaigns. These results, and the authors' results evaluating a test set of random library compounds, validate the use of ligand-induced interaction between the human cannabinoid CB(2) receptor and beta-arrestin as an appropriate and valuable screening platform for compounds specific for the cannabinoid CB(2) receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra McGuinness
- New Lead Discovery, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
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29
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Yanagida K, Masago K, Nakanishi H, Kihara Y, Hamano F, Tajima Y, Taguchi R, Shimizu T, Ishii S. Identification and characterization of a novel lysophosphatidic acid receptor, p2y5/LPA6. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:17731-41. [PMID: 19386608 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m808506200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
p2y5 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor that is closely related to the fourth lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor, LPA4. Here we report that p2y5 is a novel LPA receptor coupling to the G13-Rho signaling pathway. "LPA receptor-null" RH7777 and B103 cells exogenously expressing p2y5 showed [3H]LPA binding, LPA-induced [35S]guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate binding, Rho-dependent alternation of cellular morphology, and Gs/13 chimeric protein-mediated cAMP accumulation. LPA-induced contraction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was suppressed by small interfering RNA knockdown of endogenously expressed p2y5. We also found that 2-acyl-LPA had higher activity to p2y5 than 1-acyl-LPA. A recent study has suggested that p2y5 is an LPA receptor essential for human hair growth. We confirmed that p2y5 is a functional LPA receptor and propose to designate this receptor LPA6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Yanagida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Univerfsity of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Wang CJ, Hsu SH, Hung WT, Luo CW. Establishment of a chimeric reporting system for the universal detection and high-throughput screening of G protein-coupled receptors. Biosens Bioelectron 2009; 24:2298-304. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2008.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2008] [Revised: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mitchell JD, Maguire JJ, Kuc RE, Davenport AP. Expression and vasoconstrictor function of anorexigenic peptides neuromedin U-25 and S in the human cardiovascular system. Cardiovasc Res 2008; 81:353-61. [PMID: 18987052 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvn302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Neuromedin U-25 (NMU-25), a brain-gut peptide with anorexigenic actions, was paired with the G-protein-coupled receptors NMU1 and NMU2 in 2000. NMU-25 elicited a potent hypertensive effect in rats but little is known about its cardiovascular effects in humans. We examined the hypothesis that NMU fulfils the criteria for controlling vascular reactivity within the human cardiovascular system. METHODS AND RESULTS The radioligand [125I]-NMU-25 demonstrated specific, saturable, and high affinity (K(D) = 0.26 +/- 0.06 nM) binding in the human left ventricle and coronary artery, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that mRNA encoding NMU1 predominated in these tissues. NMU-25-like immunoreactivity was detected in human plasma, left ventricle, coronary artery, saphenous vein, and epicardial adipose tissue, and both NMU-25 and a related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS), were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography in the left ventricle. NMU receptor and peptide were localized to endothelial cells, with the receptor also present on vascular smooth muscle cells. NMU-25 was a potent vasoconstrictor of isolated rings of human coronary and mammary artery and saphenous vein. Compared with NMU-25, NMS had a significantly reduced maximum response in saphenous vein, and the Arg165Trp variant of NMU-25, associated with childhood-onset obesity, was without effect. NMU-25 precursor mRNA was upregulated in the left ventricle from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and ischaemic heart disease. CONCLUSION We have detected the expression of both NMU receptor and peptide in human cardiovascular tissues and have shown that NMU-25 and NMS act as potent vasoconstrictors in human vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Mitchell
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB22QQ, UK.
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