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Vasconcelos I, von Hafe M, Adão R, Leite-Moreira A, Brás-Silva C. Corticotropin-releasing hormone and obesity: From fetal life to adulthood. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13763. [PMID: 38699883 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is among the most common chronic disorders, worldwide. It is a complex disease that reflects the interactions between environmental influences, multiple genetic allelic variants, and behavioral factors. Recent developments have also shown that biological conditions in utero play an important role in the programming of energy homeostasis systems and might have an impact on obesity and metabolic disease risk. The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family of neuropeptides, as a central element of energy homeostasis, has been evaluated for its role in the pathophysiology of obesity. This review aims to summarize the relevance and effects of the CRH family of peptides in the pathophysiology of obesity spanning from fetal life to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Vasconcelos
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena von Hafe
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Adão
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adelino Leite-Moreira
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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2
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Domin H, Śmiałowska M. The diverse role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its CRF1 and CRF2 receptors under pathophysiological conditions: Insights into stress/anxiety, depression, and brain injury processes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105748. [PMID: 38857667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105748] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF, corticoliberin) is a neuromodulatory peptide activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) in mammals. In addition to its neuroendocrine effects, CRF is essential in regulating many functions under physiological and pathophysiological conditions through CRF1 and CRF2 receptors (CRF1R, CRF2R). This review aims to present selected examples of the diverse and sometimes opposite effects of CRF and its receptor ligands in various pathophysiological states, including stress/anxiety, depression, and processes associated with brain injury. It seems interesting to draw particular attention to the fact that CRF and its receptor ligands exert different effects depending on the brain structures or subregions, likely stemming from the varied distribution of CRFRs in these regions and interactions with other neurotransmitters. CRFR-mediated region-specific effects might also be related to brain site-specific ligand binding and the associated activated signaling pathways. Intriguingly, different types of CRF molecules can also influence the diverse actions of CRF in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Domin
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 12 Smętna Street, Kraków 31-343, Poland.
| | - Maria Śmiałowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 12 Smętna Street, Kraków 31-343, Poland
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3
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Zhu C, Li S. The peripheral corticotropin releasing factor family's role in vasculitis. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 154:107275. [PMID: 38184094 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107275] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor family peptides (CRF peptides) include 4 members, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), Urocortin (UCN1), UCN2 and UCN3. CRF peptides function via the two distinct receptors, CRF1 and CRF2. Among them, CRH/CRF1 has been recognized to influence immunity/inflammation peripherally. Both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of CRH are reported. Likewise, UCNs, peripherally in cardiovascular system have been documented to have both potent protective and harmful effects, with UCN1 acting on both CRF1 & CRF2 and UCN2 & UCN3 on CRF2. We and others also observe protective and detrimental effects of CRF peptides/receptors on vasculature, with the latter of predominantly higher incidence, i.e., they play an important role in the development of vasculitis while in some cases they are found to counteract vascular inflammation. The pro-vasculitis effects of CRH & UCNs include increasing vascular endothelial permeability, interrupting endothelial adherens & tight junctions leading to hyperpermeability, stimulating immune/inflammatory cells to release inflammatory factors, and promoting angiogenesis by VEGF release while the anti-vasculitis effects may be just the opposite, depending on many factors such as different CRF receptor types, species and systemic conditions. Furthermore, CRF peptides' pro-vasculitis effects are found to be likely related to cPLA2 and S1P receptor signal pathway. This minireview will focus on summarizing the peripheral effects of CRF peptides on vasculature participating in the processes of vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue, 101, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue, 101, Nanjing, China.
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4
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Lui PP, Ainali C, Chu CC, Terranova-Barberio M, Karagiannis P, Tewari A, Safinia N, Sharif-Paghaleh E, Tsoka S, Woszczek G, Di Meglio P, Lombardi G, Young AR, Nestle FO, Ali N. Human skin CD141 + dendritic cells regulate cutaneous immunity via the neuropeptide urocortin 2. iScience 2023; 26:108029. [PMID: 37860766 PMCID: PMC10583083 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin immune homeostasis is a multi-faceted process where dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) are key in orchestrating responses to environmental stressors. We have previously identified CD141+CD14+ DDCs as a skin-resident immunoregulatory population that is vitamin-D3 (VitD3) inducible from monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), termed CD141hi VitD3 moDCs. We demonstrate that CD141+ DDCs and CD141hi VitD3 moDCs share key immunological features including cell surface markers, reduced T cell stimulation, IL-10 production, and a common transcriptomic signature. Bioinformatic analysis identified the neuroactive ligand receptor pathway and the neuropeptide, urocortin 2 (UCN2), as a potential immunoregulatory candidate molecule. Incubation with VitD3 upregulated UCN2 in CD141+ DCs and UVB irradiation induced UCN2 in CD141+ DCs in healthy skin in vivo. Notably, CD141+ DDC generation of suppressive Tregs was dependent upon the UCN2 pathway as in vivo administration of UCN2 reversed skin inflammation in humanized mice. We propose the neuropeptide UCN2 as a novel skin DC-derived immunoregulatory mediator with a potential role in UVB and VitD3-dependent skin immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prudence PokWai Lui
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, London, UK
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Chrysanthi Ainali
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Chung-Ching Chu
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Manuela Terranova-Barberio
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Panagiotis Karagiannis
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Angela Tewari
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Niloufar Safinia
- Institute of Liver Studies, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, James Black Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ehsan Sharif-Paghaleh
- Department of Imaging Chemistry & Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sophia Tsoka
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, King’s College London, Bush House, London, UK
| | - Grzegorz Woszczek
- Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Di Meglio
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Giovanna Lombardi
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Antony R. Young
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Frank O. Nestle
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Niwa Ali
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, London, UK
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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5
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Gao MH, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Guo T, Hammond HK. Effects of Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer on Glucose Disposal in Insulin-Resistant db/db Mice on Metformin. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:732-741. [PMID: 37433214 PMCID: PMC10457654 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.052] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The study was designed to determine whether urocortin 2 (Ucn2) gene transfer is as safe and effective as metformin in insulin-resistant mice. Four groups of insulin-resistant db/db mice and a nondiabetic group were studied: (1) metformin; (2) Ucn2 gene transfer; (3) metformin + Ucn2 gene transfer; (4) saline; and (5) nondiabetic mice. After completion of the 15-week protocol, glucose disposal was quantified, safety assessed, and gene expression documented. Ucn2 gene transfer was superior to metformin, providing reductions in fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin and enhanced glucose tolerance. The combination of metformin + Ucn2 gene transfer provided no better glucose control than Ucn2 gene transfer alone and was not associated with hypoglycemia. Metformin alone, Ucn2 gene transfer alone, and metformin + Ucn2 gene transfer together reduced fatty infiltration of the liver. Serum alanine transaminase concentration was elevated in all db/db groups (vs. nondiabetic controls), but the metformin + Ucn2 gene transfer combined group had the lowest alanine transaminase levels. No group differences in fibrosis were detected. In a hepatoma cell line, activation of AMP kinase showed a rank order of combined metformin + Ucn2 peptide > Ucn2 peptide > metformin. We conclude (1) The combination of metformin + Ucn2 gene transfer does not result in hypoglycemia. (2) Ucn2 gene transfer alone provides superior glucose disposal versus metformin alone. (3) The combination of Ucn2 gene transfer and metformin is safe and has additive effects in reducing serum alanine transaminase concentration, activating AMP kinase activity, and increasing Ucn2 expression, but is no more efficacious than Ucn2 gene transfer alone in reducing hyperglycemia. These data indicate that Ucn2 gene transfer is more effective than metformin in the db/db model of insulin resistance and combined treatment with metformin + Ucn2 gene transfer appears to have favorable effects on liver function and Ucn2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hua Gao
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tracy Guo
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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6
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Flaherty SE, Bezy O, Zheng W, Yan D, Li X, Jagarlapudi S, Albuquerque B, Esquejo RM, Peloquin M, Semache M, Mancini A, Kang L, Drujan D, Breitkopf SB, Griffin JD, Jean Beltran PM, Xue L, Stansfield J, Pashos E, Shakey Q, Pehmøller C, Monetti M, Birnbaum MJ, Fortin JP, Wu Z. Chronic UCN2 treatment desensitizes CRHR2 and improves insulin sensitivity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3953. [PMID: 37402735 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Urocortin 2 (UCN2) acts as a ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2). UCN2 has been reported to improve or worsen insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in vivo. Here we show that acute dosing of UCN2 induces systemic insulin resistance in male mice and skeletal muscle. Inversely, chronic elevation of UCN2 by injection with adenovirus encoding UCN2 resolves metabolic complications, improving glucose tolerance. CRHR2 recruits Gs in response to low concentrations of UCN2, as well as Gi and β-Arrestin at high concentrations of UCN2. Pre-treating cells and skeletal muscle ex vivo with UCN2 leads to internalization of CRHR2, dampened ligand-dependent increases in cAMP, and blunted reductions in insulin signaling. These results provide mechanistic insights into how UCN2 regulates insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and in vivo. Importantly, a working model was derived from these results that unifies the contradictory metabolic effects of UCN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E Flaherty
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Olivier Bezy
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dong Yan
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiangping Li
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Srinath Jagarlapudi
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bina Albuquerque
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ryan M Esquejo
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Peloquin
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Liya Kang
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Doreen Drujan
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Susanne B Breitkopf
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John D Griffin
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pierre M Jean Beltran
- Machine Learning and Computational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Liang Xue
- Machine Learning and Computational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John Stansfield
- Biostatistics, Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Evanthia Pashos
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Quazi Shakey
- Biomedicine design, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christian Pehmøller
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mara Monetti
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Morris J Birnbaum
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Fortin
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhidan Wu
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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7
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Bhargava A. Unraveling corticotropin-releasing factor family-orchestrated signaling and function in both sexes. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:27-65. [PMID: 37717988 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Stress responses to physical, psychological, environmental, or cellular stressors, has two arms: initiation and recovery. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is primarily responsible for regulating and/or initiating stress responses via, whereas urocortins (UCNs) are involved in the recovery response to stress via feedback inhibition. Stress is a loaded, polysemous word and is experienced in a myriad of ways. Some stressors are good for an individual, in fact essential, whereas other stressors are associated with bad outcomes. Perceived stress, like beauty, lies in the eye of the beholder, and hence the same stressor can result in individual-specific outcomes. In mammals, there are two main biological sexes with reproduction as primary function. Reproduction and nutrition can also be viewed as stressors; based on a body of work from my laboratory, we propose that the functions of all other organs have co-evolved to optimize and facilitate an individual's nutritional and reproductive functions. Hence, sex differences in physiologically relevant outcomes are innate and occur at all levels- molecular, endocrine, immune, and (patho)physiological. CRF and three UCNs are peptide hormones that mediate their physiological effects by binding to two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Expression and function of CRF family of hormones and their receptors is likely to be sexually dimorphic in all organs. In this chapter, based on the large body of work from others and my laboratory, an overview of the CRF family with special emphasis on sex-specific actions of peripherally expressed CRF2 receptor in health and disease is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Bhargava
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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8
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Organ-Specific Glucose Uptake: Does Sex Matter? Cells 2022; 11:cells11142217. [PMID: 35883660 PMCID: PMC9323353 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose uptake by peripheral organs is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels within normal range. Impaired glucose uptake is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome and is characterized by insulin resistance. Male sex is an independent risk factor for the development of T2D. We tested whether sex and diet are independent variables for differential glucose uptake by various organs. Here, in a longitudinal study, we used 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and positron emission tomography (PET) to determine baseline differences in whole-body glucose uptake in young male and female mice on chow and high-fat diets. We report that sex and diet are important independent variables that account for differential glucose uptake in brown fat, skeletal muscle, liver, heart, kidney, and the stomach, but not the brain, lungs, pancreas, small intestine, or perigonadal adipose. Of the seven organs analyzed, two organs, namely brown fat, and the heart had the highest concentrations of FDG, followed by the brain, kidneys, and skeletal muscle on chow diet. Young female mice had 47% greater FDG uptake in the brown fat compared to male mice, whereas skeletal muscle FDG uptake was 49% greater in male mice. The high-fat diet inhibited FDG uptake in brown fat, skeletal muscle, and the heart, three major organs involved in uptake, whereas brain uptake was enhanced in both sexes. These foundational and groundbreaking findings suggest that mechanisms of glucose homeostasis are context- and organ-dependent and highlight the need to study sex-specific outcomes and mechanisms for diseases such as T2D, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
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Heuer JG, Meyer CM, Baker HE, Geiser A, Lucchesi J, Xu D, Hamang M, Martin JA, Hu C, Roth KD, Thirunavukkarasu K, Alsina-Fernandez J, Ma YL. Pharmacological Evaluation of a Pegylated Urocortin-1 Peptide in Experimental Autoimmune Disease Models. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 382:287-298. [PMID: 35688476 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001151] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortin-1 (UCN1) is a member of the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) family of peptides that acts through CRH-receptor 1 (CRHR1) and CRH-receptor 2 (CRHR2). UCN1 can induce adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and downstream glucocorticoids through CRHR1 and promote beneficial metabolic effects through CRHR2. UCN1 has a short half-life and has been shown to improve experimental autoimmune disease. A pegylated UCN1 peptide (PEG-hUCN1) was generated to extend half-life and was tested in multiple experimental autoimmune disease models and in healthy mice to determine effects on corticosterone induction, autoimmune disease, and glucocorticoid induced adverse effects. Cardiovascular effects were also assessed by telemetry. PEG-hUCN1 demonstrated a dose dependent 4-to-6-fold elevation of serum corticosterone and significantly improved autoimmune disease comparable to prednisolone in several experimental models. In healthy mice, PEG-hUCN1 showed less adverse effects compared to corticosterone treatment. PEG-hUCN1 peptide induced an initial 30% reduction in blood pressure that was followed by a gradual and sustained 30% increase in blood pressure at the highest dose. Additionally, an adeno-associated viral 8 (AAV8) UCN1 was used to assess adverse effects of chronic elevation of UCN1 in wild type and CRHR2 knockout mice. Chronic UCN1 expression by an AAV8 approach in wild type and CRHR2 knockout mice demonstrated an important role of CRHR2 in countering the adverse metabolic effects of elevated corticosterone from UCN1. Our findings demonstrate that PEG-hUCN1 shows profound effects in treating autoimmune disease with an improved safety profile relative to corticosterone and that CRHR2 activity is important in metabolic regulation. Significance Statement This study reports the generation and characterization of a pegylated UCN1 peptide and the role of CRHR2 in UCN1-induced metabolic effects. The potency/selectivity, pharmacokinetic properties, pharmacodynamic effects and efficacy in four autoimmune models and safety profiles are presented. This pegylated UCN1 shows potential for treating autoimmune diseases with reduced adverse effects compared to corticosterone treatment. Continuous exposure to UCN1 through an AAV8 approach demonstrates some glucocorticoid mediated adverse metabolic effects that are exacerbated in the absence of the CRHR2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef G Heuer
- Biotherapeutic Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | - Catalina M Meyer
- Biotherapeutic Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | - Hana E Baker
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | - Andrea Geiser
- New Therapeutic Modalities, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | - Jonathan Lucchesi
- Biotechnology & Immunology Res, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | - Daniel Xu
- Biotechnology & Immunology Res, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | - Matthew Hamang
- Biotechnology & Immunology Res, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | | | - Charlie Hu
- Biotherapeutic Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | - Kenneth D Roth
- Molecular Pharmacology, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
| | | | | | - Yanfei L Ma
- Biotechnology & Immunology Res, Eli Lilly and Company, United States
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10
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Christoffersen BØ, Sanchez‐Delgado G, John LM, Ryan DH, Raun K, Ravussin E. Beyond appetite regulation: Targeting energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and lean mass preservation for sustainable weight loss. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2022; 30:841-857. [PMID: 35333444 PMCID: PMC9310705 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
New appetite-regulating antiobesity treatments such as semaglutide and agents under investigation such as tirzepatide show promise in achieving weight loss of 15% or more. Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and lean mass preservation are important determinants of weight loss and weight-loss maintenance beyond appetite regulation. This review discusses prior failures in clinical development of weight-loss drugs targeting energy expenditure and explores novel strategies for targeting energy expenditure: mitochondrial proton leak, uncoupling, dynamics, and biogenesis; futile calcium and substrate cycling; leptin for weight maintenance; increased sympathetic nervous system activity; and browning of white fat. Relevant targets for preserving lean mass are also reviewed: growth hormone, activin type II receptor inhibition, and urocortin 2 and 3. We endorse moderate modulation of energy expenditure and preservation of lean mass in combination with efficient appetite reduction as a means of obtaining a significant, safe, and long-lasting weight loss. Furthermore, we suggest that the regulatory guidelines should be revisited to focus more on the quality of weight loss and its maintenance rather than the absolute weight loss. Commitment to this research focus both from a scientific and from a regulatory point of view could signal the beginning of the next era in obesity therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linu Mary John
- Global Obesity and Liver Disease ResearchGlobal Drug DiscoveryNovo Nordisk A/SMåløvDenmark
| | - Donna H. Ryan
- Pennington Biomedical Research CenterLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
| | - Kirsten Raun
- Global Obesity and Liver Disease ResearchGlobal Drug DiscoveryNovo Nordisk A/SMåløvDenmark
| | - Eric Ravussin
- Pennington Biomedical Research CenterLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
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11
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In vivo metabolic effects after acute activation of skeletal muscle G s signaling. Mol Metab 2021; 55:101415. [PMID: 34883278 PMCID: PMC8728399 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The goal of this study was to determine the glucometabolic effects of acute activation of Gs signaling in skeletal muscle (SKM) in vivo and its contribution to whole-body glucose homeostasis. Methods To address this question, we studied mice that express a Gs-coupled designer G protein-coupled receptor (Gs-DREADD or GsD) selectively in skeletal muscle. We also identified two Gs-coupled GPCRs that are endogenously expressed by SKM at relatively high levels (β2-adrenergic receptor and CRF2 receptor) and studied the acute metabolic effects of activating these receptors in vivo by highly selective agonists (clenbuterol and urocortin 2 (UCN2), respectively). Results Acute stimulation of GsD signaling in SKM impaired glucose tolerance in lean and obese mice by decreasing glucose uptake selectively into SKM. The acute metabolic effects following agonist activation of β2-adrenergic and, potentially, CRF2 receptors appear primarily mediated by altered insulin release. Clenbuterol injection improved glucose tolerance by increasing insulin secretion in lean mice. In SKM, clenbuterol stimulated glycogen breakdown. UCN2 injection resulted in decreased glucose tolerance associated with lower plasma insulin levels. The acute metabolic effects of UCN2 were not mediated by SKM Gs signaling. Conclusions Selective activation of Gs signaling in SKM causes an acute increase in blood glucose levels. However, acute in vivo stimulation of endogenous Gs-coupled receptors enriched in SKM has only a limited impact on whole-body glucose homeostasis, most likely due to the fact that these receptors are also expressed by pancreatic islets where they modulate insulin release. A novel mouse model allowed us to study the in vivo metabolic effects of acute activation of Gs signaling in skeletal muscle (SKM). Acute stimulation of this pathway resulted in impaired glucose tolerance in lean and obese mice due to decreased glucose uptake by SKM. Acute treatment of mice with selective β2-adrenergic and CRF2 receptor agonists (both receptors couple to Gs and are enriched in SKM) resulted in complex in vivo metabolic outcomes, primarily due to altered insulin release. Our study provides an excellent example of how different tissue expression patterns of receptors can affect the acute effects of GPCR agonists on whole-body glucose homeostasis Our findings also highlight the importance of studying both acute and chronic effects of GPCR agonist treatment to properly assess translationally relevant metabolic outcomes.
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Gao MH, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Guo T, Xia B, Kim YC, Huu VAN, Skowronska-Krawczyk D, Lantier L, Bhargava R, Hammond HK. Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer Improves Glycemic Control and Reduces Retinopathy and Mortality in Murine Insulin Deficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:220-233. [PMID: 31970200 PMCID: PMC6965520 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes affects 20 million patients worldwide. Insulin is the primary and commonly the sole therapy for type 1 diabetes. However, only a minority of patients attain the targeted glucose control and reduced adverse events. We tested urocortin 2 gene transfer as single-agent therapy for insulin deficiency using two mouse models. Urocortin 2 gene transfer reduced blood glucose for months after a single intravenous injection, through increased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, increased insulin release in response to glucose stimulation, and increased plasma insulin levels before and during euglycemic clamp. The combined increases in both insulin availability and sensitivity resulted in improved glycemic indices-events that were not anticipated in these insulin-deficient models. In addition, urocortin 2 gene transfer reduced ocular manifestations of long-standing insulin deficiency such as vascular leak and improved retinal function. Finally, mortality was reduced by urocortin 2 gene transfer. The mechanisms for these beneficial effects included increased activities of AMP-activated protein kinase and Akt (protein kinase B) in skeletal muscle, increased skeletal muscle glucose uptake, and increased insulin release. These data suggest that urocortin 2 gene transfer may be a viable therapy for new onset type 1 diabetes and might reduce insulin needs in later stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hua Gao
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Tracy Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Bing Xia
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Young Chul Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Viet Anh Nguyen Huu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
| | | | - Louise Lantier
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232-0615, USA
| | - Raag Bhargava
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: A Stress Hormone-Receptor System's Emerging Role in Mediating Sex-Specific Signaling. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040839. [PMID: 32244319 PMCID: PMC7226788 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
No organ in the body is impervious to the effects of stress, and a coordinated response from all organs is essential to deal with stressors. A dysregulated stress response that fails to bring systems back to homeostasis leads to compromised function and ultimately a diseased state. The components of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, an ancient and evolutionarily conserved stress hormone-receptor system, helps both initiate stress responses and bring systems back to homeostasis once the stressors are removed. The mammalian CRF family comprises of four known agonists, CRF and urocortins (UCN1–3), and two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Evolutionarily, precursors of CRF- and urocortin-like peptides and their receptors were involved in osmoregulation/diuretic functions, in addition to nutrient sensing. Both CRF and UCN1 peptide hormones as well as their receptors appeared after a duplication event nearly 400 million years ago. All four agonists and both CRF receptors show sex-specific changes in expression and/or function, and single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with a plethora of human diseases. CRF receptors harbor N-terminal cleavable peptide sequences, conferring biased ligand properties. CRF receptors have the ability to heteromerize with each other as well as with other GPCRs. Taken together, CRF receptors and their agonists due to their versatile functional adaptability mediate nuanced responses and are uniquely positioned to orchestrate sex-specific signaling and function in several tissues.
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Giamouridis D, Gao MH, Lai NC, Guo T, Miyanohara A, Blankesteijn WM, Biessen EAL, Hammond HK. Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer Improves Heart Function in Aged Mice. Mol Ther 2020; 28:180-188. [PMID: 31676153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction increases with aging. We previously reported that urocortin 2 (Ucn2) gene transfer increases heart function in mice with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Here, we test the hypotheses that (1) Ucn2 gene transfer will increase LV function in aged mice and that (2) Ucn2 gene transfer given in early life will prevent age-related LV dysfunction. Nineteen-month-old (treatment study) and 3-month-old (prevention study) mice received Ucn2 gene transfer or saline. LV function was examined 3-4 months (treatment study) or 20 months (prevention study) after Ucn2 gene transfer or saline injection. In both the treatment and prevention strategies, Ucn2 gene transfer increased ejection fraction, reduced LV volume, increased LV peak -dP/dt and peak +dP/dt, and reduced global longitudinal strain. Ucn2 gene transfer-in both treatment and prevention strategies-was associated with higher levels of LV SERCA2a protein, reduced phosphorylation of LV CaMKIIa, and reduced LV α-skeletal actin mRNA expression (reflecting reduced cardiac stress). In conclusion, Ucn2 gene transfer restores normal cardiac function in mice with age-related LV dysfunction and prevents development of LV dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - N Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tracy Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - W Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Erik A L Biessen
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - H Kirk Hammond
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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15
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Kim YC, Truax AD, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Guo T, Hammond HK, Gao MH. Significant alteration of liver metabolites by AAV8.Urocortin 2 gene transfer in mice with insulin resistance. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224428. [PMID: 31790421 PMCID: PMC6886859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is a 38-amino acid peptide of the corticotropin-releasing factor family. Intravenous (IV) delivery of an adeno-associated virus vector serotype 8 encoding Ucn2 (AAV8.Ucn2) increases insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal in mice with insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of Ucn2 on liver metabolome. METHODS Six-week-old C57BL6 mice were divided into normal chow (CHOW)-fed and high fat diet (HFD)-fed groups. The animals received saline, AAV8 encoding no gene (AAV8.Empt) or AAV8.Ucn2 (2x1013 genome copy/kg, IV injection). Livers were isolated from CHOW-fed and HFD-fed mice and analyzed by untargeted metabolomics. Group differences were statistically analyzed. RESULTS In CHOW-fed mice, AAV8.Ucn2 gene transfer (vs. saline) altered the metabolites in glycolysis, pentose phosphate, glycogen synthesis, glycogenolysis, and choline-folate-methionine signaling pathways. In addition, AAV8.Ucn2 gene transfer increased amino acids and peptides, which were associated with reduced protein synthesis. In insulin resistant (HFD-induced) mice, HFD (vs CHOW) altered 448 (112 increased and 336 decreased) metabolites and AAV8.Ucn2 altered 239 metabolites (124 increased and 115 reduced) in multiple pathways. There are 61 metabolites in 5 super pathways showed interactions between diet and AAV8.Ucn2 treatment. Among them, AAV8.Ucn2 gene transfer reversed HFD effects on 13 metabolites. Finally, plasma Ucn2 effects were determined using a 3-group comparison of HFD-fed mice that received AAV8.Ucn2, AAV.Empt or saline, where 18 metabolites that altered by HFD (15 increased and 3 decreased), but restored levels to that seen in CHOW-fed mice by increased plasma Ucn2. CONCLUSIONS Metabolomics study revealed that AAV8.Ucn2 gene transfer, through increased plasma Ucn2, provided counter-HFD effects in restoring hepatic metabolites to normal levels, which could be the underlying mechanisms for Ucn2 effects on increasing glucose disposal and reducing insulin assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Chul Kim
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Agnieszka D. Truax
- Metabolon, Inc, Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Tracy Guo
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Borg ML, Massart J, Schönke M, De Castro Barbosa T, Guo L, Wade M, Alsina-Fernandez J, Miles R, Ryan A, Bauer S, Coskun T, O'Farrell E, Niemeier EM, Chibalin AV, Krook A, Karlsson HK, Brozinick JT, Zierath JR. Modified UCN2 Peptide Acts as an Insulin Sensitizer in Skeletal Muscle of Obese Mice. Diabetes 2019; 68:1403-1414. [PMID: 31010957 DOI: 10.2337/db18-1237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide urocortin 2 (UCN2) and its receptor corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) are highly expressed in skeletal muscle and play a role in regulating energy balance and glucose metabolism. We investigated a modified UCN2 peptide as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity and insulin resistance, with a specific focus on skeletal muscle. High-fat-fed mice (C57BL/6J) were injected daily with a PEGylated UCN2 peptide (compound A) at 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneously for 14 days. Compound A reduced body weight, food intake, whole-body fat mass, and intramuscular triglycerides compared with vehicle-treated controls. Furthermore, whole-body glucose tolerance was improved by compound A treatment, with increased insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and Thr308 in skeletal muscle, concomitant with increased glucose transport into extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius muscle. Mechanistically, this is linked to a direct effect on skeletal muscle because ex vivo exposure of soleus muscle from chow-fed lean mice to compound A increased glucose transport and insulin signaling. Moreover, exposure of GLUT4-Myc-labeled L6 myoblasts to compound A increased GLUT4 trafficking. Our results demonstrate that modified UCN2 peptides may be efficacious in the treatment of type 2 diabetes by acting as an insulin sensitizer in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Borg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Massart
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Milena Schönke
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thais De Castro Barbosa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lili Guo
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Mark Wade
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Rebecca Miles
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Andrew Ryan
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Steve Bauer
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Tamer Coskun
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Elizabeth O'Farrell
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Evan M Niemeier
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Alexander V Chibalin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Krook
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan K Karlsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph T Brozinick
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Juleen R Zierath
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kim YC, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Guo T, Xia B, Fu Z, Gao MH, Hammond HK. Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer Reduces the Adverse Effects of a Western Diet on Cardiac Function in Mice. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:693-701. [PMID: 30648430 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of heart failure. It has been previously demonstrated in mice that a single injection of adeno-associated virus 8 encoding urocortin 2 (AAV8.UCn2) increases glucose disposal in models of insulin resistance and improves the function of the failing heart. The present study tested the hypothesis that UCn2 gene transfer would reduce diabetes-related left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Eight-week-old C57BL6 male mice were fed a Western diet (WD; 45% fat, 35% carbohydrate) for 40 weeks. At week 30, they received saline or AAV8.UCn2 (2 × 1013 genome copies/kg) via intravenous injection. Ten weeks after gene transfer, fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and cardiac function were measured via echocardiography and in vivo measurement of LV contractile function, and the results were compared to those of mice fed normal chow (NC; 10% fat; 70% carbohydrate). The contents of key LV signaling proteins were also measured to probe mechanisms. WD increased 12 h fasting glucose (WD: 190 ± 11 mg/dL, n = 8; NC: 105 ± 12 mg/dL, n = 7; p = 0.0004). WD tended to reduce LV peak +dP/dt (p = 0.08) and LV peak -dP/dt (p = 0.05). LV ejection fraction was unchanged. Among WD-fed mice, UCn2 gene transfer reduced 12 h fasting glucose (WD-UCn2: 149 ± 6 mg/dL, n = 8; WD-Saline: 190 ± 11 mg/dL, n = 8; p = 0.012), increased LV peak +dP/dt (p < 0.001) and LV peak -dP/dt (p = 0.013), and reduced Tau (p < 0.02), indicating beneficial effects on systolic and diastolic LV function. In addition, among WD-fed mice, UCn2 gene transfer increased LV ejection fraction (p < 0.005) and the velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (p = 0.0005). Finally, a reduction was seen in fatty infiltration of the liver in WD-fed mice that had received UCn2 gene transfer. LV samples from WD-UCn2 mice showed increased phosphorylation of the protein kinase A catalytic domain (p = 0.03). In conclusion, UCn2 gene transfer increased LV systolic and diastolic function and reduced blood glucose in mice with diabetes-related LV dysfunction, indicating that UCn2 gene transfer may be of potential therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Chul Kim
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - N Chin Lai
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Tracy Guo
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Bing Xia
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Zhenxing Fu
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - H Kirk Hammond
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
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Paruthiyil S, Hagiwara SI, Kundassery K, Bhargava A. Sexually dimorphic metabolic responses mediated by CRF 2 receptor during nutritional stress in mice. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:49. [PMID: 30400826 PMCID: PMC6218963 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress is a major contributor in the development of metabolic syndrome and associated diseases, such as diabetes. High-fat diet (HFD) and sex are known modifiers of metabolic parameters. Peptide hormones corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortins (UCN) mediate stress responses via activation and feedback to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. UCN3 is a marker of pancreatic β-cell differentiation, and UCN2 is known to ameliorate glucose levels in mice rendered diabetic with HFD. CRF receptor 2 (CRF2) is the only known cognate receptor for UCN2/3. Here, we ascertained the role of CRF2 in glucose clearance, insulin sensitivity, and other parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in a mouse model of nutritional stress. METHODS Wild-type (WT) and Crhr2-/- (null) mice of both sexes were fed either normal chow diet or HFD. After 8 weeks, blood glucose levels in response to glucose and insulin challenge were determined. Change in body and fat mass, plasma insulin, and lipid profile were assessed. Histological evaluation of liver sections was performed. RESULTS Here, we show that genotype (Crhr2), sex, and diet were all independent variables in the regulation of blood glucose levels, body and fat mass gain/redistribution, and insulin resistance. Surprisingly, CRF2-deficient mice (Crhr2-/-) male mice showed similarly impaired glucose clearance on HFD and chow. HFD-fed female Crhr2-/- mice redistributed their fat depots that were distinct from wild-type females and male mice on either diet. Blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were elevated significantly in male Crhr2-/- mice; female Crhr2-/- mice were protected. Male, but not female Crhr2-/- mice developed peripheral insulin resistance. HFD, but not chow-fed wild-type male mice developed hepatic macrovesicular steatosis. In contrast, livers of Crhr2-/- male mice showed microvesicular steatosis on either diet, whereas livers of female mice on this 8-week HFD regimen did not develop steatosis. CONCLUSIONS CRF2 receptor dysregulation is a sexually dimorphic risk factor in development of pre-diabetic and metabolic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreenivasan Paruthiyil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for reproductive Sciences, and the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., HSE1645, Box 0556, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0556, USA
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hagiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for reproductive Sciences, and the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., HSE1645, Box 0556, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0556, USA
| | - Keshav Kundassery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for reproductive Sciences, and the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., HSE1645, Box 0556, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0556, USA
| | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for reproductive Sciences, and the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., HSE1645, Box 0556, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0556, USA.
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Giamouridis D, Gao MH, Lai NC, Tan Z, Kim YC, Guo T, Miyanohara A, Blankesteijn WM, Biessen E, Hammond HK. Effects of Urocortin 2 Versus Urocortin 3 Gene Transfer on Left Ventricular Function and Glucose Disposal. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2018; 3:249-264. [PMID: 30062211 PMCID: PMC6059348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UCn2 and UCn3 peptides have recently been infused to treat patients with heart failure (HF) but are limited by their short half-lives. A 1-time intravenous injection of virus vectors encoding UCn2 or UCn3 provided sustained increases in plasma concentrations of the peptides. This was associated with increases in both systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function, mediated by increased LV SERCA2a expression and Ca2+ handling. UCn2, but not UCn3, gene transfer reduced fasting glucose and increased glucose disposal. These findings support UCn2 and UCn3 gene transfer as potential treatments for HF and indicate that UCn2 may be an optimal selection in patients with diabetes and HF.
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Key Words
- AAV, adeno-associated virus
- CO, cardiac output
- CRF, corticotropin-releasing factor
- CRHR, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor
- CaMKII, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II
- EDD, end-diastolic diameter
- EF, ejection fraction
- ESD, end-systolic diameter
- ESPVR, end-systolic pressure-volume relationship
- HF, heart failure
- IP, intraperitoneal
- IV, intravenous
- LV, left ventricle/ventricular
- PKA, protein kinase A
- RYR2, ryanodine receptor 2
- SERCA2a, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase
- Tau, time constant of left ventricular pressure decline
- UCn2, urocortin 2
- UCn3, urocortin 3
- VCFc, velocity of circumferential fiber shortening corrected for heart rate
- adeno-associated virus
- cAMP, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate
- contractile function
- diastolic function
- gc, genome copies
- gene therapy
- insulin sensitivity
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Zhen Tan
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Young Chul Kim
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Tracy Guo
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - W. Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Biessen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
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20
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Hasdemir B, Mahajan S, Oses-Prieto J, Chand S, Woolley M, Burlingame A, Grammatopoulos DK, Bhargava A. Actin cytoskeleton-dependent regulation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor heteromers. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:2386-2399. [PMID: 28701349 PMCID: PMC5576902 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-11-0778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A physical interaction is shown between CRF1R and CRF2R, two class B G protein–coupled receptors that mediate stress and immune responses. Trafficking of CRF2R but not CRF1R is actin dependent, and coexpression of the two receptors alters actin-independent trafficking. Receptor cross-talk alters agonist binding and signaling. Stress responses are highly nuanced and variable, but how this diversity is achieved by modulating receptor function is largely unknown. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRFRs), class B G protein–coupled receptors, are pivotal in mediating stress responses. Here we show that the two known CRFRs interact to form heteromeric complexes in HEK293 cells coexpressing both CRFRs and in vivo in mouse pancreas. Coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of both CRF1R and CRF2βR, along with actin in these heteromeric complexes. Inhibition of actin filament polymerization prevented the transport of CRF2βR to the cell surface but had no effect on CRF1R. Transport of CRF1R when coexpressed with CRF2βR became actin dependent. Simultaneous stimulation of cells coexpressing CRF1R+CRF2βR with their respective high-affinity agonists, CRF+urocortin2, resulted in approximately twofold increases in peak Ca2+ responses, whereas stimulation with urocortin1 that binds both receptors with 10-fold higher affinity did not. The ability of CRFRs to form heteromeric complexes in association with regulatory proteins is one mechanism to achieve diverse and nuanced function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Hasdemir
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Shilpi Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Juan Oses-Prieto
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Shreya Chand
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Michael Woolley
- Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Alma Burlingame
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Dimitris K Grammatopoulos
- Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Aditi Bhargava
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 .,Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
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