1
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Agoulnik IU, Kaftanovskaya EM, Myhr C, Bathgate RAD, Kocan M, Peng Y, Lindsay RM, DiStefano PS, Agoulnik AI. Engineering a long acting, non-biased relaxin agonist using Protein-in-Protein technology. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116401. [PMID: 38945278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116401] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin plays a critical role in tissue remodeling in a variety of tissues through activation of its cognate receptor, RXFP1. Relaxin's ability to modify extracellular matrices has provided a strong rationale for treating fibrosis in a variety of tissues. Treatment with recombinant relaxin peptides in clinical studies of heart failure has not yet proven useful, likely due to the short half-life of infused peptide. To circumvent this particular pharmacokinetic pitfall we have used a Protein-in-Protein (PiP) antibody technology described previously, to insert a single-chain human relaxin construct into the complementarity-determining region (CDR) of an immunoglobulin G (IgG) backbone, creating a relaxin molecule with a half-life of ∼4-5 days in mice. Relaxin-PiP biologics displaced Europium-labeled human relaxin in RXFP1-expressing cells and demonstrated full agonist activity on both human and mouse RXFP1 receptors. Relaxin-PiPs did not show signal transduction bias, as they activated cAMP in THP-1 cells, and cGMP and pERK signaling in primary human cardiac fibroblasts. In an induced carbon tetrachloride mouse model of liver fibrosis one relaxin-PiP, R2-PiP, caused reduction of liver lesions, ameliorated collagen accumulation in the liver with the corresponding reduction of Collagen1a1 gene expression, and increased cell proliferation in hepatic parenchyma. These relaxin biologics represent a novel approach to the design of a long-acting RXFP1 agonist to probe the clinical utility of relaxin/RXFP1 signaling to treat a variety of human fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina U Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Courtney Myhr
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Martina Kocan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Yingjie Peng
- Scripps Research, 10550 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Ronald M Lindsay
- Zebra Biologics, Inc., 1041 Old Marlboro Road, Concord, MA 01742 USA
| | - Peter S DiStefano
- Zebra Biologics, Inc., 1041 Old Marlboro Road, Concord, MA 01742 USA.
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
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2
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Devasia AG, Shanmugham M, Ramasamy A, Bellanger S, Parry LJ, Leo CH. Therapeutic potential of relaxin or relaxin mimetics in managing cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 229:116507. [PMID: 39182735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116507] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with an escalating global prevalence. Despite the abundance and relative efficacies of current therapeutic approaches, they primarily focus on attaining the intended glycaemic targets, but patients ultimately still suffer from various diabetes-associated complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis. There is a need to explore innovative and effective diabetic treatment strategies that not only address the condition itself but also combat its complications. One promising option is the reproductive hormone relaxin, an endogenous ligand of the RXFP1 receptor. Relaxin is known to exert beneficial actions on the cardiovascular system through its vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Nevertheless, the native relaxin peptide exhibits a short biological half-life, limiting its therapeutic potential. Recently, several relaxin mimetics and innovative delivery technologies have been developed to extend its biological half-life and efficacy. The current review provides a comprehensive landscape of the cardiovascular effects of relaxin, focusing on its potential therapeutic applications in managing complications associated with diabetes. The latest advancements in the development of relaxin mimetics and delivery methods for the treatment of cardiometabolic disorders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun George Devasia
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Meyammai Shanmugham
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore; A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Adaikalavan Ramasamy
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Sophie Bellanger
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Laura J Parry
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design & Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
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3
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Poirier B, Pasquier O, Chenede X, Corbier A, Prigent P, Azam A, Bernard C, Guillotel M, Gillot F, Riva L, Briand V, Ingenito R, Gauzy-Lazo L, Duclos O, Philippo C, Maillere B, Bianchi E, Mallart S, Janiak P, Illiano S. R2R01: A long-acting single-chain peptide agonist of RXFP1 for renal and cardiovascular diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1993-2011. [PMID: 38450758 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16338] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic potential of relaxin for heart failure and renal disease in clinical trials is hampered by the short half-life of serelaxin. Optimization of fatty acid-acetylated single-chain peptide analogues of relaxin culminated in the design and synthesis of R2R01, a potent and selective RXFP1 agonist with subcutaneous bioavailability and extended half-life. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cellular assays and pharmacological models of RXFP1 activation were used to validate the potency and selectivity of R2R01. Increased renal blood flow was used as a translational marker of R2R01 activity. Human mastocytes (LAD2 cells) were used to study potential pseudo-allergic reactions and CD4+ T-cells to study immunogenicity. The pharmacokinetics of R2R01 were characterized in rats and minipigs. KEY RESULTS In vitro, R2R01 had comparable potency and efficacy to relaxin as an agonist for human RXFP1. In vivo, subcutaneous administration of R2R01 increased heart rate and renal blood flow in normotensive and hypertensive rat and did not show evidence of tachyphylaxis. R2R01 also increased nipple length in rats, used as a chronic model of RXFP1 engagement. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that R2R01 has a significantly extended terminal half-life. The in vitro assays with LAD2 cells and CD4+ T-cells showed that R2R01 had low potential for pseudo-allergic and immunogenic reactions, respectively. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS R2R01 is a potent RXFP1 agonist with an extended half-life that increases renal blood flow in various settings including normotensive and hypertensive conditions. The preclinical efficacy and safety data supported clinical development of R2R01 as a potential new therapy for renal and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Poirier
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | | | - Xavier Chenede
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Alain Corbier
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Philippe Prigent
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | | | - Carine Bernard
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Michel Guillotel
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Florence Gillot
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Laurence Riva
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Veronique Briand
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Raffaele Ingenito
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laurence Gauzy-Lazo
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Olivier Duclos
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Mallart
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Philip Janiak
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
| | - Stephane Illiano
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
- Investigative Toxicology, Sanofi R&D, Chilly Mazarin, France
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4
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Granberg KL, Sakamaki S, Fuchigami R, Niwa Y, Fujio M, Kato H, Bergström F, Larsson N, Persson M, Villar IC, Fujita T, Sugikawa E, Althage M, Yano N, Yokoyama Y, Kimura J, Lal M, Mochida H. Identification of Novel Series of Potent and Selective Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1) Agonists. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38502780 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin H2 is a clinically relevant peptide agonist for relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), but a combination of this hormone's short plasma half-life and the need for injectable delivery limits its therapeutic potential. We sought to overcome these limitations through the development of a potent small molecule (SM) RXFP1 agonist. Although two large SM HTS campaigns failed in identifying suitable hit series, we uncovered novel chemical space starting from the only known SM RXFP1 agonist series, represented by ML290. Following a design-make-test-analyze strategy based on improving early dose to man ranking, we discovered compound 42 (AZ7976), a highly selective RXFP1 agonist with sub-nanomolar potency. We used AZ7976, its 10 000-fold less potent enantiomer 43 and recombinant relaxin H2 to evaluate in vivo pharmacology and demonstrate that AZ7976-mediated heart rate increase in rats was a result of RXFP1 agonism. As a result, AZ7976 was selected as lead for continued optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth L Granberg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 43183, Sweden
| | - Shigeki Sakamaki
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Fuchigami
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuki Niwa
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Masakazu Fujio
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Harutoshi Kato
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Fredrik Bergström
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Niklas Larsson
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Mikael Persson
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Inmaculada C Villar
- Regulatory Toxicology & Safety Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Takuya Fujita
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Emiko Sugikawa
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Magnus Althage
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Naoko Yano
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Yoshito Yokoyama
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Junpei Kimura
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
| | - Mark Lal
- Bioscience Renal, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Hideki Mochida
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan
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5
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Verdino P, Lee SL, Cooper FN, Cottle SR, Grealish PF, Hu CC, Meyer CM, Lin J, Copeland V, Porter G, Schroeder RL, Thompson TD, Porras LL, Dey A, Zhang HY, Beebe EC, Matkovich SJ, Coskun T, Balciunas AM, Ferrante A, Siegel R, Malherbe L, Bivi N, Paavola CD, Hansen RJ, Abernathy MM, Nwosu SO, Carr MC, Heuer JG, Wang X. Development of a long-acting relaxin analogue, LY3540378, for treatment of chronic heart failure. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36780899 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16055] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic heart failure, a progressive disease with limited treatment options currently available, especially in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), represents an unmet medical need as well as an economic burden. The development of a novel therapeutic to slow or reverse disease progression would be highly impactful to patients and society. Relaxin-2 (relaxin) is a human hormone regulating cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary adaptations during pregnancy. A short-acting recombinant relaxin, Serelaxin, demonstrated short-term heart failure symptom relief and biomarker improvement in acute heart failure trials. Here, we present the development of a long-acting relaxin analogue to be tested in the treatment of chronic heart failure. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH LY3540378 is a long-acting protein therapeutic composed of a human relaxin analogue and a serum albumin-binding VHH domain. KEY RESULTS LY3540378 is a potent agonist of the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) and maintains selectivity against RXFP2/3/4 comparable to native relaxin. The half-life of LY3540378 in preclinical species is extended through high affinity binding of the albumin-binding VHH domain to serum albumin. When tested in a single dose administration, LY3540378 elicited relaxin-mediated pharmacodynamic responses, such as reduced serum osmolality and increased renal blood flow in rats. In an isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse model, treatment with LY3540378 significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and improved isovolumetric relaxation time. In a monkey cardiovascular safety study, there were no adverse observations from administration of LY3540378. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS LY3540378 demonstrated to be a suitable clinical development candidate, and is progressing in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Verdino
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Stacey L Lee
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Fariba N Cooper
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Steven R Cottle
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Patrick F Grealish
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlie C Hu
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Catalina M Meyer
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Joanne Lin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Victoria Copeland
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gina Porter
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Richard L Schroeder
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tyran D Thompson
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Leah L Porras
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Asim Dey
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Hong Y Zhang
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Emily C Beebe
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Scot J Matkovich
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tamer Coskun
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Aldona M Balciunas
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrea Ferrante
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert Siegel
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Laurent Malherbe
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nicoletta Bivi
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Chad D Paavola
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ryan J Hansen
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthew M Abernathy
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sylvia O Nwosu
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Molly C Carr
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Josef G Heuer
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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6
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Characterization of a new potent and long-lasting single chain peptide agonist of RXFP1 in cells and in vivo translational models. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20435. [PMID: 36443381 PMCID: PMC9705314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24716-2] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite beneficial effects in acute heart failure, the full therapeutic potential of recombinant relaxin-2 has been hampered by its short half-life and the need for intravenous administration limiting its use to intensive care units. A multiparametric optimization of the relaxin B-chain led to the identification of single chain lipidated peptide agonists of RXFP1 like SA10SC-RLX with subcutaneous bioavailability and extended half-life. SA10SC-RLX has sub nanomolar activity on cells expressing human RXFP1 and molecular modeling associated with the study of different RXFP1 mutants was used to decipher the mechanism of SA10SC-RLX interaction with RXFP1. Telemetry was performed in rat where SA10SC-RLX was able to engage RXFP1 after subcutaneous administration without tachyphylaxis after repeated dosing. Renal blood flow was then used as a translational model to evaluate RXFP1 activation. SA10SC-RLX increased renal blood flow and decreased renal vascular resistance in rats as reported for relaxin in humans. In conclusion, SA10SC-RLX mimics relaxin activity in in vitro and in vivo models of acute RXFP1 engagement. SA10SC-RLX represents a new class of long-lasting RXFP1 agonist, suitable for once daily subcutaneous administration in patients and potentially paving the way to new treatments for chronic fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases.
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7
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Esteban-Lopez M, Wilson KJ, Myhr C, Kaftanovskaya EM, Henderson MJ, Southall NT, Xu X, Wang A, Hu X, Barnaeva E, Ye W, George ER, Sherrill JT, Ferrer M, Morello R, Agoulnik IU, Marugan JJ, Agoulnik AI. Discovery of small molecule agonists of the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 2. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1183. [PMCID: PMC9636434 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04143-9] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) belongs to the family of class A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and it is the only known target for the insulin-like factor 3 peptide (INSL3). The importance of this ligand-receptor pair in the development of the gubernacular ligament during the transabdominal phase of testicular descent is well established. More recently, RXFP2 has been implicated in maintaining healthy bone formation. In this report, we describe the discovery of a small molecule series of RXFP2 agonists. These compounds are highly potent, efficacious, and selective RXFP2 allosteric agonists that induce gubernacular invagination in mouse embryos, increase mineralization activity in human osteoblasts in vitro, and improve bone trabecular parameters in adult mice. The described RXFP2 agonists are orally bioavailable and display favorable pharmacokinetic properties, which allow for future evaluation of the therapeutic benefits of modulating RXFP2 activation in disease models. Specific small molecule RXFP2 agonists with favorable pharmacokinetic properties induce gubernacular invagination in mouse embryos, increase mineralization activity in human osteoblasts in vitro, and improve bone trabecular parameters in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Esteban-Lopez
- grid.65456.340000 0001 2110 1845Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | - Kenneth J. Wilson
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Courtney Myhr
- grid.65456.340000 0001 2110 1845Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | - Elena M. Kaftanovskaya
- grid.65456.340000 0001 2110 1845Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | - Mark J. Henderson
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Noel T. Southall
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Xin Xu
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Amy Wang
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Xin Hu
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Elena Barnaeva
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Wenjuan Ye
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Emmett R. George
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - John T. Sherrill
- grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Roy Morello
- grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - Irina U. Agoulnik
- grid.65456.340000 0001 2110 1845Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA ,grid.65456.340000 0001 2110 1845Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | - Juan J. Marugan
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- grid.65456.340000 0001 2110 1845Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA ,grid.65456.340000 0001 2110 1845Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
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8
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Wan L, Huang RJ, Luo ZH, Gong JE, Pan A, Manavis J, Yan XX, Xiao B. Reproduction-Associated Hormones and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:3651735. [PMID: 34539776 PMCID: PMC8448607 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3651735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The levels of reproduction-associated hormones in females, such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin, change dramatically during pregnancy and postpartum. Reproduction-associated hormones can affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), thereby regulating mothers' behavior after delivery. In this review, we first briefly introduce the overall functional significance of AHN and the methods commonly used to explore this front. Then, we attempt to reconcile the changes of reproduction-associated hormones during pregnancy. We further update the findings on how reproduction-related hormones influence adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This review is aimed at emphasizing a potential role of AHN in reproduction-related brain plasticity and its neurobiological relevance to motherhood behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Rou-Jie Huang
- Medical Doctor Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jiao-e Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Aihua Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jim Manavis
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia 5000
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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9
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Born JR, Chenniappan VK, Davis DP, Dahlin JL, Marugan JJ, Patnaik S. The Impact of Assay Design on Medicinal Chemistry: Case Studies. SLAS DISCOVERY 2021; 26:1243-1255. [PMID: 34225522 DOI: 10.1177/24725552211026238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Born
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Vinoth Kumar Chenniappan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Danielle P Davis
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jayme L Dahlin
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Juan J Marugan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Samarjit Patnaik
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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10
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Mallart S, Ingenito R, Bianchi E, Bresciani A, Esposito S, Gallo M, Magotti P, Monteagudo E, Orsatti L, Roversi D, Santoprete A, Tucci F, Veneziano M, Bartsch R, Boehm C, Brasseur D, Bruneau P, Corbier A, Froissant J, Gauzy-Lazo L, Gervat V, Marguet F, Menguy I, Minoletti C, Nicolas MF, Pasquier O, Poirier B, Raux A, Riva L, Janiak P, Strobel H, Duclos O, Illiano S. Identification of Potent and Long-Acting Single-Chain Peptide Mimetics of Human Relaxin-2 for Cardiovascular Diseases. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2139-2150. [PMID: 33555858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The insulin-like peptide human relaxin-2 was identified as a hormone that, among other biological functions, mediates the hemodynamic changes occurring during pregnancy. Recombinant relaxin-2 (serelaxin) has shown beneficial effects in acute heart failure, but its full therapeutic potential has been hampered by its short half-life and the need for intravenous administration limiting its use to intensive care units. In this study, we report the development of long-acting potent single-chain relaxin peptide mimetics. Modifications in the B-chain of relaxin, such as the introduction of specific mutations and the trimming of the sequence to an optimal size, resulted in potent, structurally simplified peptide agonists of the relaxin receptor Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1) (e.g., 54). Introduction of suitable spacers and fatty acids led to the identification of single-chain lipidated peptide agonists of RXFP1, with sub-nanomolar activity, high subcutaneous bioavailability, extended half-lives, and in vivo efficacy (e.g., 64).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Mallart
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Raffaele Ingenito
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Simone Esposito
- DMPK, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Mariana Gallo
- Structural Biology, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Paola Magotti
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Edith Monteagudo
- DMPK, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Laura Orsatti
- DMPK, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Daniela Roversi
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Alessia Santoprete
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Federica Tucci
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Maria Veneziano
- DMPK, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Régine Bartsch
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Claudius Boehm
- Industrial Affairs, iCMC, Sanofi-Aventis R&D, Industriepark Höchst, Frankfurt 65926, Germany
| | - Denis Brasseur
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Patricia Bruneau
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Alain Corbier
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Jacques Froissant
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Laurence Gauzy-Lazo
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Vincent Gervat
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Frank Marguet
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Isabelle Menguy
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Claire Minoletti
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Marie-Françoise Nicolas
- Preclinical Development Sciences, Sanofi R&D, 13 quai Jules Guesde, Vitry sur Seine 94400, France
| | - Olivier Pasquier
- DMPK France, Sanofi R&D, 3 digue d'Alfortville, Alfortville 94140, France
| | - Bruno Poirier
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Alexandre Raux
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Laurence Riva
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Philip Janiak
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Hartmut Strobel
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina Km 30 600, Pomezia, Rome 00 071, Italy
| | - Olivier Duclos
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
| | - Stephane Illiano
- Cardio-Vascular and metabolism, Sanofi R&D, 1 rue Pierre Brossolette, Chilly Mazarin 91385, France
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11
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Diaz EC, Briggs M, Wen Y, Zhuang G, Wallace SL, Dobberfuhl AD, Kao CS, Chen BC. Characterizing relaxin receptor expression and exploring relaxin's effect on tissue remodeling/fibrosis in the human bladder. BMC Urol 2020; 20:44. [PMID: 32321501 PMCID: PMC7178754 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-020-00607-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Relaxin is an endogenous protein that has been shown to have antifibrotic properties in various organ systems. There has been no characterization of relaxin’s role in the human bladder. Our objective was to characterize relaxin receptor expression in the human bladder and assess relaxin’s effect on tissue remodeling/fibrosis pathways in bladder smooth muscle cells. Methods Relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) and RXFP2 expression was assessed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on primary bladder tissue. Primary human smooth muscle bladder cells were cultured and stimulated with various concentrations of relaxin. Western blot, qRTPCR, ELISA, and zymogram assays were used to analyze fibrosis/tissue remodeling pathway proteins. Results There was universal mRNA transcript detection and protein expression of relaxin receptors in primary bladder specimens. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated RXFP1 and RXFP2 localizing to both urothelial and smooth muscle cell layers of the bladder. 24 h of in vitro relaxin stimulation did not affect mRNA expression of selected proteins in human bladder smooth muscle cells. However, 48 h of in vitro relaxin stimulation resulted in upregulation of active (p = 0.004) and latent (p = 0.027) MMP-2 in cell lysate, and upregulation of active MMP-2 in supernatant (p = 0.04). There was a dose dependent relationship with increasing expression of MMP-2 with increasing relaxin concentration. Relaxin stimulation resulted in decreased levels of active and total TGF-β1 in supernatant and extracellular matrix (p < 0.005 with 100 ng/mL relaxin stimulation). Conclusions In the human bladder, relaxin receptors are expressed at the dome and trigone and localize to the urothelium and smooth muscle cell layers. Stimulation of human bladder SMCs with relaxin in vitro affects expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Diaz
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Grant S-287, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Present Address: Division of Pediatric Urology, Advocate Children's Hospital, 8901 West Golf Road, Suite 301, Des Plaines, IL, 60016, USA.
| | - Mason Briggs
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Grant S-287, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yan Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Guobing Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Shannon L Wallace
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Amy D Dobberfuhl
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Grant S-287, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Chia-Sui Kao
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm L235, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Bertha C Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm A370, MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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12
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Chen TY, Li X, Hung CH, Bahudhanapati H, Tan J, Kass DJ, Zhang Y. The relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1): An emerging player in human health and disease. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1194. [PMID: 32100955 PMCID: PMC7196478 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relaxin/relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) signaling is important for both normal physiology and disease. Strong preclinical evidence supports relaxin as a potent antifibrotic molecule. However, relaxin‐based therapy failed in clinical trial in patients with systemic sclerosis. We and others have discovered that aberrant expression of RXFP1 may contribute to the abnormal relaxin/RXFP1 signaling in different diseases. Reduced RXFP1 expression and alternative splicing transcripts with potential functional consequences have been observed in fibrotic tissues. A relative decrease in RXFP1 expression in fibrotic tissues—specifically lung and skin—may explain a potential insensitivity to relaxin. In addition, receptor dimerization also plays important roles in relaxin/RXFP1 signaling. Methods This review describes the tissue specific expression, characteristics of the splicing variants, and homo/heterodimerization of RXFP1 in both normal physiological function and human diseases. We discuss the potential implications of these molecular features for developing therapeutics to restore relaxin/RXFP1 signaling and to harness relaxin's potential antifibrotic effects. Results Relaxin/RXFP1 signaling is important in both normal physiology and in human diseases. Reduced expression of RXFP1 in fibrotic lung and skin tissues surrenders both relaxin/RXFP1 signaling and their responsiveness to exogenous relaxin treatments. Alternative splicing and receptor dimerization are also important in regulating relaxin/RXFP1 signaling. Conclusions Understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive aberrant expression of RXFP1 in disease and the functional roles of alternative splicing and receptor dimerization will provide insight into therapeutic targets that may restore the relaxin responsiveness of fibrotic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yun Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ching-Hsia Hung
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Harinath Bahudhanapati
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jiangning Tan
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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13
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Kaftanovskaya EM, Ng HH, Soula M, Rivas B, Myhr C, Ho BA, Cervantes BA, Shupe TD, Devarasetty M, Hu X, Xu X, Patnaik S, Wilson KJ, Barnaeva E, Ferrer M, Southall NT, Marugan JJ, Bishop CE, Agoulnik IU, Agoulnik AI. Therapeutic effects of a small molecule agonist of the relaxin receptor ML290 in liver fibrosis. FASEB J 2019; 33:12435-12446. [PMID: 31419161 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901046r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is an underlying cause of cirrhosis and hepatic failure resulting in end stage liver disease with limited pharmacological options. The beneficial effects of relaxin peptide treatment were demonstrated in clinically relevant animal models of liver fibrosis. However, the use of relaxin is problematic because of a short half-life. The aim of this study was to test the therapeutic effects of recently identified small molecule agonists of the human relaxin receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1). The lead compound of this series, ML290, was selected based on its effects on the expression of fibrosis-related genes in primary human stellate cells. RNA sequencing analysis of TGF-β1-activated LX-2 cells showed that ML290 treatment primarily affected extracellular matrix remodeling and cytokine signaling, with expression profiles indicating an antifibrotic effect of ML290. ML290 treatment in human liver organoids with LPS-induced fibrotic phenotype resulted in a significant reduction of type I collagen. The pharmacokinetics of ML290 in mice demonstrated its high stability in vivo, as evidenced by the sustained concentrations of compound in the liver. In mice expressing human RXFP1 gene treated with carbon tetrachloride, ML290 significantly reduced collagen content, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and cell proliferation around portal ducts. In conclusion, ML290 demonstrated antifibrotic effects in liver fibrosis.-Kaftanovskaya, E. M., Ng, H. H., Soula, M., Rivas, B., Myhr, C., Ho, B. A., Cervantes, B. A., Shupe, T. D., Devarasetty, M., Hu, X., Xu, X., Patnaik, S., Wilson, K. J., Barnaeva, E., Ferrer, M., Southall, N. T., Marugan, J. J., Bishop, C. E., Agoulnik, I. U., Agoulnik, A. I. Therapeutic effects of a small molecule agonist of the relaxin receptor ML290 in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hooi Hooi Ng
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mariluz Soula
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Bryan Rivas
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Courtney Myhr
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brian A Ho
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Briana A Cervantes
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas D Shupe
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mahesh Devarasetty
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xin Hu
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Samarjit Patnaik
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth J Wilson
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elena Barnaeva
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Noel T Southall
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Juan J Marugan
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Colin E Bishop
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Irina U Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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14
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Valkovic AL, Bathgate RA, Samuel CS, Kocan M. Understanding relaxin signalling at the cellular level. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:24-33. [PMID: 30592984 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin mediates many biological actions including anti-fibrotic, vasodilatory, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and organ protective effects across a range of tissues. At the cellular level, relaxin binds to the G protein-coupled receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) to activate a variety of downstream signal transduction pathways. This signalling cascade is complex and also varies in diverse cellular backgrounds. Moreover, RXFP1 signalling shows crosstalk with other receptors to mediate some of its physiological functions. This review summarises known signalling pathways induced by acute versus chronic treatment with relaxin across a range of cell types, it describes RXFP1 crosstalk with other receptors, signalling pathways activated by other ligands targeting RXFP1, and it also outlines physiological relevance of RXFP1 signalling outputs. Comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of relaxin actions in fibrosis, vasodilation, as well as organ protection, will further support relaxin's clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Valkovic
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ross Ad Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Martina Kocan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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Ng HH, Esteban-Lopez M, Agoulnik AI. Targeting the relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 and 2 with small molecule compounds. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:40-44. [PMID: 30590098 PMCID: PMC6451876 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin has beneficial roles in several organs through its action on its cognate G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP1. Relaxin administration is limited to intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or spinal injection. Another drawback of peptide-based therapy is the short half-life, which requires continuous delivery of the drug to achieve efficient concentration in target organs. The discovery of a non-peptide small molecule agonist of RXFP1, ML290, provides an alternative to the natural ligand. This review summarizes the development of ML290 and its potential future therapeutic applications in various diseases, including liver fibrosis and cardiovascular diseases. We also discuss the development of small molecule agonists targeting the insulin-like 3 receptor, RXFP2, and propose the potential use of these small molecules in the context of bone and muscle remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooi Hooi Ng
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Maria Esteban-Lopez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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16
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Martin B, Romero G, Salama G. Cardioprotective actions of relaxin. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:45-53. [PMID: 30625345 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin is a hormone of pregnancy first discovered for its ability to induce ligament relaxation in nonpregnant guinea pig and is important for softening of the birth canal during parturition, decidualization, implantation, nipple development and increased maternal renal perfusion, glomerular filtration, and cardiac output. Subsequently, relaxin has been shown to exert multiple beneficial cardiovascular effects during pathological events such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and myocardial infarction, including suppression of arrhythmia and inflammation, and reversal of fibrosis. Despite extensive studies, the mechanisms underlying relaxin's effects are not well understood. Relaxin signals primarily through its G protein coupled receptor, the relaxin family peptide receptor-1, to activate multiple signaling pathways and this review summarizes our understanding of these pathways as they relate to the cardioprotective actions of relaxin, focusing on relaxin's anti-fibrotic, anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory properties. Further, this review includes a brief overview of relaxin in clinical trials for heart failure and progress in the development of relaxin mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Martin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Guillermo Romero
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Guy Salama
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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17
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Recent developments in relaxin mimetics as therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 45:42-48. [PMID: 31048209 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for almost 50% of all deaths globally. Vascular endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis are critical in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Relaxin, an insulin-like peptide, is known to have beneficial actions in the cardiovascular system through its vasoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects. However, relaxin has several limitations of peptide-based drugs such as poor oral bioavailability, laborious, and expensive to synthesize. This review will focus on recent developments in relaxin mimetics, their pharmacology, associated signalling mechanisms, and their therapeutic potential for the management and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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18
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Bathgate RA, Kocan M, Scott DJ, Hossain MA, Good SV, Yegorov S, Bogerd J, Gooley PR. The relaxin receptor as a therapeutic target – perspectives from evolution and drug targeting. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 187:114-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Bennett RG. Targeting the Relaxin Pathway for Liver Disease Treatment. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL. HEPATOLOGY 2018; 6:80-87. [PMID: 31360529 PMCID: PMC6662909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a progressive disease with few treatment options outside of transplantation. Relaxin is a member of the insulin/relaxin superfamily of peptide hormones. Originally known for its roles in pregnancy, relaxin promotes reproductive tissue remodelling and regulates vascular changes, including increased arterial compliance and reduced vascular resistance. Outside of pregnancy, relaxin plays a major role in the protection of organs from excess extracellular matrix accumulation, as demonstrated by the relaxin-null mouse, which develops widespread fibrosis with ageing. Relaxin reduces scarring due to excess collagen deposition by inhibiting collagen production while simultaneously promoting its degradation and can reduce established fibrosis in several animal models of extracellular matrix-associated disease, including liver fibrosis. Treatment with relaxin reduces the myofibroblastic phenotype of activated hepatic stellate cells, the major hepatic collagen-producing cell in fibrosis and cirrhosis. Relaxin also has haemodynamic effects, including vasodilation, and can reduce portal hypertension associated with cirrhosis. In this review, a brief overview of hepatic fibrosis and the role of the hepatic stellate cell will be presented, followed by an introduction to relaxin and its actions. The use of relaxin to treat preclinical models of fibrotic diseases, including liver diseases, will also be discussed. Finally, the completed, current, and ongoing clinical trials of relaxin in human disease will be described, followed by the limitations and future directions for the use of relaxin for disease treatment.
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