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Pi M, Agarwal R, Smith MD, Smith JC, Quarles LD. GPRC6A is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Metformin Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis in Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.19.608635. [PMID: 39229180 PMCID: PMC11370357 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.19.608635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanism of metformin actions in treating type 2 diabetes is limited by an incomplete knowledge of the specific protein targets mediating its metabolic effects. Metformin has structural similarities to L-Arginine (2-amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid), which is a ligand for GPRC6A, a Family C G-protein coupled receptor that regulates energy metabolism. Ligand activation of GPRC6A results in lowering of blood glucose and other metabolic changes resembling the therapeutic effect of metformin. In the current study, we tested if metformin activates GPRC6A. We used Alphafold2 to develop a structural model for L-Arginine (L-Arg) binding to the extracellu-lar bilobed venus flytrap domain (VFT) of GPRC6A. We found that metformin docked to the site in the VFT that overlaps the binding site for L-Arg. Metformin resulted in a dose-dependent stimulation of GPRC6A activity in HEK-293 cells transfected with full-length wild-type GPRC6A but not in untransfected control cells. In addition, metformin failed to activate an alternatively spliced GPRC6A isoform lacking the putative binding site in the VFT. More specifically, mutation of the predicted metformin key binding residues Glu170 and Asp303 in the GPRC6A VFT resulted in loss of metformin receptor activation in vitro. The in vivo role of GPRC6A in mediating the effects of metformin was tested in Gprc6a-/- mice. Administration of therapeutic doses of metformin lowered blood glucose levels following a glucose tolerance test in wild-type but not Gprc6a-/- mice. Finally, we EN300, created by adding a carboxymethyl group from L-Arg to the biguanide backbone of metformin. EN300 showed dose-dependent stimulation of GPRC6A activity in vitro with greater potency than L-Arginine, but less than metformin. Thus, we suggest that GPRC6A is a potential molecular target for metformin which may be used to understand the therapeutic actions of metformin and develop novel small molecules to treat T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Departments of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163
| | - Rupesh Agarwal
- University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Micholas Dean Smith
- University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Departments of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163
- Oak Ridge Therapeutic Discovery, LLC, Memphis, Tennessee 38137
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2
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Carlomagno F, Hasenmajer V, Spaziani M, Tenuta M, Sesti F, Tarantino C, Pozza C, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D. Total osteocalcin levels are independently associated with worse testicular function and a higher degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation in Klinefelter syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02390-7. [PMID: 38773059 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of osteocalcin (OCN) in pubertal development, male hypogonadism, and the effect of testosterone (Te) replacement therapy (TRT) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the total OCN (tOCN) concentrations in male patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), a model of adult hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. METHODS This retrospective longitudinal study investigated 254 male patients with KS (47,XXY) between 2007 and 2021 at an academic referral center, categorized as (1) prepubertal, (2) pubertal, and (3) adults. All prepubertal patients were Te-naïve. Adult patients were subcategorized as (1) eugonadal, (2) hypogonadal, and (3) receiving TRT. We also analyzed 18 adult patients with available tOCN levels before and 3 months after TRT commencement. RESULTS The tOCN levels varied throughout the lifespan according to pubertal status, were highest in eugonadal and significantly lower in TRT subjects, correlated with both LH (p = 0.017) and FSH levels (p = 0.004) in adults, and significantly declined after 3 months of TRT (p = 0.006) in the adult KS cohort. HPG-axis hormones levels demonstrated no correlation in prepubertal boys. Adjustment for age and body mass index confirmed previous results and revealed significant inverse correlations with total Te (p = 0.004), calculated free Te (p = 0.016), the Te/LH (p = 0.010), and calculated free Te/LH ratios (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION In KS, a model of male hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, tOCN levels were not associated with gonadal function during normal prepuberty and pubertal development but were associated with worse testicular function and a higher degree of HPG stimulation in adults. TRT acutely reduced tOCN levels in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Carlomagno
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - V Hasenmajer
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Spaziani
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Tenuta
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F Sesti
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - C Tarantino
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - C Pozza
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Endocrine and Andrological Regional Rare Disease Center (Endo-ERN Accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - D Gianfrilli
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Fernandes LM, Lorigo M, Cairrao E. Relationship between Androgens and Vascular and Placental Function during Pre-eclampsia. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1668-1693. [PMID: 38534724 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent a substantial risk to maternal and fetal health. Emerging evidence suggests an association between testosterone and pre-eclampsia (PE), potentially mediated through androgen receptors (AR). Nevertheless, the mechanism driving this association is yet to be elucidated. On the other hand, reports of transgender men's pregnancies offer a limited and insightful opportunity to understand the role of high androgen levels in the development of HDP. In this sense, a literature review was performed from a little over 2 decades (1998-2022) to address the association of testosterone levels with the development of HDP. Furthermore, this review addresses the case of transgender men for the first time. The main in vitro outcomes reveal placenta samples with greater AR mRNA expression. Moreover, ex vivo studies show that testosterone-induced vasorelaxation impairment promotes hypertension. Epidemiological data point to greater testosterone levels in blood samples during PE. Studies with transgender men allow us to infer that exogenous testosterone administration can be considered a risk factor for PE and that the administration of testosterone does not affect fetal development. Overall, all studies analyzed suggested that high testosterone levels are associated with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Fernandes
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Margarida Lorigo
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elisa Cairrao
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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4
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Čonkaš J, Sabol M, Ozretić P. 'Toxic Masculinity': What Is Known about the Role of Androgen Receptors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043766. [PMID: 36835177 PMCID: PMC9965076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the most prevalent cancer in the head and neck region, develops from the mucosal epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract. Its development directly correlates with alcohol and/or tobacco consumption and infection with human papillomavirus. Interestingly, the relative risk for HNSCC is up to five times higher in males, so it is considered that the endocrine microenvironment is another risk factor. A gender-specific risk for HNSCC suggests either the existence of specific risk factors that affect only males or that females have defensive hormonal and metabolic features. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about the role of both nuclear and membrane androgen receptors (nAR and mARs, respectively) in HNSCC. As expected, the significance of nAR is much better known; it was shown that increased nAR expression was observed in HNSCC, while treatment with dihydrotestosterone increased proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSCC cells. For only three out of five currently known mARs-TRPM8, CaV1.2, and OXER1-it was shown either their increased expression in various types of HNSCC or that their increased activity enhanced the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells. The primary treatments for HNSCC are surgery and radiotherapy, but targeted immunotherapies are on the rise. On the other hand, given the evidence of elevated nAR expression in HNSCC, this receptor represents a potential target for antiandrogen therapy. Moreover, there is still plenty of room for further examination of mARs' role in HNSCC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
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5
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Gjorgoska M, Rizner TL. Integration of androgen hormones in endometrial cancer biology. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:639-651. [PMID: 35879182 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is a gynecological pathology that affects the uterine inner lining. In recent years, genomic studies revealed continually evolving mutational landscapes of endometrial tumors that hold great potential for tailoring therapeutic strategies. This review aims to broaden our knowledge of EC biology by focusing on the role of androgen hormones. First, we discuss epidemiological evidence implicating androgens with EC pathogenesis and cover their biosynthesis and metabolism to bioactive 11-oxyandrogens. Next, we explore the endometrial tumor tissue and the altered microbiota as alternative sources of androgens and their 11-oxymetabolites in EC patients. Finally, we discuss the biological significance of androgens' genomic and nongenomic signaling as part of a medley of pathways ultimately deciding the fate of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Gjorgoska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tea Lanisnik Rizner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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6
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He Y, Su J, Gao H, Li J, Feng Z, Yin Y. Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals the Function of GPRC6A in Amino Acid and Lipid Metabolism in Mice. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12090776. [PMID: 36144181 PMCID: PMC9502419 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
GPRC6A is an amino acid sensor in the cytomembrane. Despite substantial evidence for the role of GPRC6A in metabolism, the specific effects and mechanism by which this gene acts on metabolic processes are still unresolved. In this study, serum biochemical parameters related to liver and kidney function and serum amino acid levels were determined in GPRC6A wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. An untargeted serum metabolomics analysis was also conducted for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, to decipher the function of GPRC6A in metabolic processes. GPRC6A was involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, mainly by affecting liver function. A loss of GPRC6A function may perturb bile acid metabolism, thus leading to abnormal unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. GPRC6A KO may lead to excessive protein breakdown under starvation, and the loss of GPRC6A had a significant effect on phenylalanine metabolism-related pathways. Our metabolomics data provide a novel basis for further functional studies of GPRC6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin He
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Canter for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observational and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Changsha 410125, China(
- Animal Nutrition and Human Health Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Jingyun Su
- Animal Nutrition and Human Health Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Hongrui Gao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Canter for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observational and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Changsha 410125, China(
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Animal Nutrition and Human Health Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (Z.F.)
| | - Zemeng Feng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Canter for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observational and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Changsha 410125, China(
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (Z.F.)
| | - Yulong Yin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Canter for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observational and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Changsha 410125, China(
- Animal Nutrition and Human Health Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
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7
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Mauvais-Jarvis F, Lange CA, Levin ER. Membrane-Initiated Estrogen, Androgen, and Progesterone Receptor Signaling in Health and Disease. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:720-742. [PMID: 34791092 PMCID: PMC9277649 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rapid effects of steroid hormones were discovered in the early 1950s, but the subject was dominated in the 1970s by discoveries of estradiol and progesterone stimulating protein synthesis. This led to the paradigm that steroid hormones regulate growth, differentiation, and metabolism via binding a receptor in the nucleus. It took 30 years to appreciate not only that some cellular functions arise solely from membrane-localized steroid receptor (SR) actions, but that rapid sex steroid signaling from membrane-localized SRs is a prerequisite for the phosphorylation, nuclear import, and potentiation of the transcriptional activity of nuclear SR counterparts. Here, we provide a review and update on the current state of knowledge of membrane-initiated estrogen (ER), androgen (AR) and progesterone (PR) receptor signaling, the mechanisms of membrane-associated SR potentiation of their nuclear SR homologues, and the importance of this membrane-nuclear SR collaboration in physiology and disease. We also highlight potential clinical implications of pathway-selective modulation of membrane-associated SR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Mauvais-Jarvis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.,Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.,Southeast Louisiana Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, 70119, USA
| | - Carol A Lange
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ellis R Levin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA
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8
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Park D, Kim DY, Byun MR, Hwang H, Ko SH, Baek JH, Baek K. Undercarboxylated, but not Carboxylated, Osteocalcin suppresses TNF-α induced inflammatory signaling pathway in Myoblast. J Endocr Soc 2022; 6:bvac084. [PMID: 35702666 PMCID: PMC9188654 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN) has been considered to be an important endocrine factor, especially to regulate bone and energy metabolism. Even with the mounting evidence showing the consistent inverse correlation of ucOCN levels in chronic inflammatory diseases, however, the mechanism underlying the involvement of ucOCN in the muscular inflammation has not been fully understood. In the present study, we explored 1) the endocrine role of ucOCN in the regulation of inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts and primary myoblasts and the underlying intracellular signaling mechanisms, and 2) whether G protein–coupled receptor family C group 6 member A (GPRC6A) is the ucOCN-sensing receptor associated with the ucOCN-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in myoblasts. ucOCN suppressed the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)–induced expressions of major inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and inhibited the TNF-α–stimulated activities of transcription factors, including NF-κB, in C2C12 and primary myoblasts. Both knockdown and knockout of GPRC6A, by using siRNA or a CRISPR/CAS9 system, respectively, did not reverse the effect of ucOCN on IL-1β expression in myoblasts. Interestingly, TNF-α–induced IL-1β expression was inhibited by knockdown or deletion of GPRC6A itself, regardless of the ucOCN treatment. ucOCN was rapidly internalized into the cytoplasmic region via caveolae-mediated endocytosis, suggesting the presence of new target proteins in the cell membrane and/or in the cytoplasm for interaction with ucOCN in myoblasts. Taken together, these findings indicate that ucOCN suppresses the TNF-α–induced inflammatory signaling pathway in myoblasts. GPRC6A is not a sensing receptor associated with the ucOCN-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danbi Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University , Gangwondo 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University , Daegu 41940, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ran Byun
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyorin Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University , Gangwondo 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hee Ko
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University , Gangwondo 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Baek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghwa Baek
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University , Gangwondo 25457, Republic of Korea
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Reyes-García J, Montaño LM, Carbajal-García A, Wang YX. Sex Hormones and Lung Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:259-321. [PMID: 34019274 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a characteristic marker in numerous lung disorders. Several immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, eosinophils, as well as T and B lymphocytes, synthetize and release cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. Gender differences in the incidence and severity of inflammatory lung ailments including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), lung cancer (LC), and infectious related illnesses have been reported. Moreover, the effects of sex hormones on both androgens and estrogens, such as testosterone (TES) and 17β-estradiol (E2), driving characteristic inflammatory patterns in those lung inflammatory diseases have been investigated. In general, androgens seem to display anti-inflammatory actions, whereas estrogens produce pro-inflammatory effects. For instance, androgens regulate negatively inflammation in asthma by targeting type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and T-helper (Th)-2 cells to attenuate interleukin (IL)-17A-mediated responses and leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis pathway. Estrogens may promote neutrophilic inflammation in subjects with asthma and COPD. Moreover, the activation of estrogen receptors might induce tumorigenesis. In this chapter, we summarize the most recent advances in the functional roles and associated signaling pathways of inflammatory cellular responses in asthma, COPD, PF, LC, and newly occurring COVID-19 disease. We also meticulously deliberate the influence of sex steroids on the development and progress of these common and severe lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Reyes-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Luis M Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abril Carbajal-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yong-Xiao Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
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10
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Pi M, Nishimoto SK, Darryl Quarles L. Explaining Divergent Observations Regarding Osteocalcin/GPRC6A Endocrine Signaling. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6104945. [PMID: 33474566 PMCID: PMC7880225 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A new schema proposes that the bone-derived osteocalcin (Ocn) peptide hormone activates the G-protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A to directly regulate glucose and fat metabolism in liver, muscle, and fat, and to stimulate the release of metabolism-regulating hormones, including insulin, fibroblast growth factor 21, glucagon-like peptide 1, testosterone, and interleukin 6. Ocn/GPRC6A activation has also been implicated in cancer progression. GPRC6A is activated by cations, amino acids, and testosterone. The multiligand specificity, the regulation of energy metabolism in diverse tissues, and the coordinated release of metabolically active hormones make the GPRC6A endocrine networks unique. Recently, the significance of Ocn/GPRCA has been questioned. There is a lack of metabolic abnormalities in newly created genetically engineered Ocn- and Gprc6a-deficient mouse models. There are also paradoxical observations that GPRC6A may function as a tumor suppressor. In addition, discordant published studies have cast doubt on the function of the most prevalent uniquely human GPRC6A-KGKY polymorphism. Explanations for these divergent findings are elusive. We provide evidence that the metabolic susceptibility of genetically engineered Ocn- and Gprc6a-deficient mice is influenced by environmental challenges and genetic differences in mouse strains. In addition, the GPRC6A-KGKY polymorphism appears to be a gain-of-function variant. Finally, alternatively spliced isoforms of GPRC6A may alter ligand specificity and signaling that modulate oncogenic effects. Thus, genetic, post-translational and environmental factors likely account for the variable results regarding the functions of GPRC6A in animal models. Pending additional information, GPRC6A should remain a potential therapeutic target for regulating energy and fat metabolism, hormone production, and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Satoru Kenneth Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Correspondence: L. Darryl Quarles, MD, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA. . Current Affiliation: 965 Court Ave, Suite B226, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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D’Arrigo G, Gianquinto E, Rossetti G, Cruciani G, Lorenzetti S, Spyrakis F. Binding of Androgen- and Estrogen-Like Flavonoids to Their Cognate (Non)Nuclear Receptors: A Comparison by Computational Prediction. Molecules 2021; 26:1613. [PMID: 33799482 PMCID: PMC8001607 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are plant bioactives that are recognized as hormone-like polyphenols because of their similarity to the endogenous sex steroids 17β-estradiol and testosterone, and to their estrogen- and androgen-like activity. Most efforts to verify flavonoid binding to nuclear receptors (NRs) and explain their action have been focused on ERα, while less attention has been paid to other nuclear and non-nuclear membrane androgen and estrogen receptors. Here, we investigate six flavonoids (apigenin, genistein, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin, and resveratrol) that are widely present in fruits and vegetables, and often used as replacement therapy in menopause. We performed comparative computational docking simulations to predict their capability of binding nuclear receptors ERα, ERβ, ERRβ, ERRγ, androgen receptor (AR), and its variant ART877A and membrane receptors for androgens, i.e., ZIP9, GPRC6A, OXER1, TRPM8, and estrogens, i.e., G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER). In agreement with data reported in literature, our results suggest that these flavonoids show a relevant degree of complementarity with both estrogen and androgen NR binding sites, likely triggering genomic-mediated effects. It is noteworthy that reliable protein-ligand complexes and estimated interaction energies were also obtained for some suggested estrogen and androgen membrane receptors, indicating that flavonoids could also exert non-genomic actions. Further investigations are needed to clarify flavonoid multiple genomic and non-genomic effects. Caution in their administration could be necessary, until the safe assumption of these natural molecules that are largely present in food is assured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia D’Arrigo
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (G.D.); (E.G.)
| | - Eleonora Gianquinto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (G.D.); (E.G.)
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9) and Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational Biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Jülich Supercomputing Center (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH, Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (G.D.); (E.G.)
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12
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Zhang M, Nie X, Yuan Y, Wang Y, Ma X, Yin J, Bao Y. Osteocalcin Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice through GPRC6A. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:9178616. [PMID: 33531899 PMCID: PMC7834799 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9178616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteocalcin is a bone-derived hormone that plays an important role in the crosstalk between bone and energy metabolism. Previous studies have found that treatment with uncarboxylated osteocalcin can protect mice from high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. Although the G protein-coupled receptor family C group 6 subtype A (GPRC6A) is the putative receptor of osteocalcin, there is no direct evidence showing that GPRC6A mediates the effects of uncarboxylated osteocalcin in alleviating NAFLD in mice. We aimed to figure out this using liver-specific GPRC6A knockout (GPRC6ALKO) mice. Consistent with previous studies, uncarboxylated osteocalcin significantly protected high-fat diet-fed wild-type mice from obesity and NAFLD, while it did not protect high-fat diet-fed GPRC6ALKO mice from NAFLD. Differential mRNA expression of lipogenesis and lipolysis between GPRC6ALKO mice and control mice revealed that GPRC6A mediated the effects of osteocalcin in alleviating NAFLD through inhibiting lipid synthesis and promoting lipolysis. In conclusion, this study found that uncarboxylated osteocalcin alleviates NAFLD in mice through the GPRC6A signaling pathway. Our study suggests that liver GPRC6A may be a potential target for treating NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Xiaomin Nie
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yeqing Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yansu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Xiaojing Ma
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yuqian Bao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai 200233, China
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13
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Acharya A, Agarwal R, Baker M, Baudry J, Bhowmik D, Boehm S, Byler KG, Chen S, Coates L, Cooper C, Demerdash O, Daidone I, Eblen J, Ellingson S, Forli S, Glaser J, Gumbart JC, Gunnels J, Hernandez O, Irle S, Kneller D, Kovalevsky A, Larkin J, Lawrence T, LeGrand S, Liu SH, Mitchell J, Park G, Parks J, Pavlova A, Petridis L, Poole D, Pouchard L, Ramanathan A, Rogers D, Santos-Martins D, Scheinberg A, Sedova A, Shen Y, Smith J, Smith M, Soto C, Tsaris A, Thavappiragasam M, Tillack A, Vermaas J, Vuong V, Yin J, Yoo S, Zahran M, Zanetti-Polzi L. Supercomputer-Based Ensemble Docking Drug Discovery Pipeline with Application to Covid-19. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:5832-5852. [PMID: 33326239 PMCID: PMC7754786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We present a supercomputer-driven pipeline for in silico drug discovery using enhanced sampling molecular dynamics (MD) and ensemble docking. Ensemble docking makes use of MD results by docking compound databases into representative protein binding-site conformations, thus taking into account the dynamic properties of the binding sites. We also describe preliminary results obtained for 24 systems involving eight proteins of the proteome of SARS-CoV-2. The MD involves temperature replica exchange enhanced sampling, making use of massively parallel supercomputing to quickly sample the configurational space of protein drug targets. Using the Summit supercomputer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, more than 1 ms of enhanced sampling MD can be generated per day. We have ensemble docked repurposing databases to 10 configurations of each of the 24 SARS-CoV-2 systems using AutoDock Vina. Comparison to experiment demonstrates remarkably high hit rates for the top scoring tranches of compounds identified by our ensemble approach. We also demonstrate that, using Autodock-GPU on Summit, it is possible to perform exhaustive docking of one billion compounds in under 24 h. Finally, we discuss preliminary results and planned improvements to the pipeline, including the use of quantum mechanical (QM), machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to cluster MD trajectories and rescore docking poses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Acharya
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - R. Agarwal
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - M. Baker
- Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - J. Baudry
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Department of Biological Sciences. 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
| | - D. Bhowmik
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - S. Boehm
- Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - K. G. Byler
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Department of Biological Sciences. 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
| | - S.Y. Chen
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - L. Coates
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - C.J. Cooper
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - O. Demerdash
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - I. Daidone
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, I-67010 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - J.D. Eblen
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - S. Ellingson
- University of Kentucky, Division of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington KY, 40536, USA
| | - S. Forli
- Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - J. Glaser
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - J. C. Gumbart
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - J. Gunnels
- HPC Engineering, Amazon Web Services, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - O. Hernandez
- Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - S. Irle
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - D.W. Kneller
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - A. Kovalevsky
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - J. Larkin
- NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA
| | - T.J. Lawrence
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - S. LeGrand
- NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA
| | - S.-H. Liu
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - J.C. Mitchell
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - G. Park
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - J.M. Parks
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - A. Pavlova
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - L. Petridis
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - D. Poole
- NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA
| | - L. Pouchard
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - A. Ramanathan
- Data Science and Learning Division, Argonne National Lab, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - D. Rogers
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | | | | | - A. Sedova
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Y. Shen
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - J.C. Smith
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - M.D. Smith
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830, USA
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - C. Soto
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - A. Tsaris
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | | | | | - J.V. Vermaas
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - V.Q. Vuong
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J. Yin
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - S. Yoo
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - M. Zahran
- Department of Biological Sciences, New York City College of Technology, The City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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14
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The carboxylation status of osteocalcin has important consequences for its structure and dynamics. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1865:129809. [PMID: 33340588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The carboxylation status of Osteocalcin (Ocn) not only influences formation and structure in bones but also has important endocrine functions affecting energy metabolism and expenditure. In this study, the role of γ-carboxylation of the glutamate residues in the structure-dynamics-function relationship in Ocn is investigated. METHODS Three forms of Ocn, differentially carboxylated at the Glu-17, 21 and 24 residues, along with a mutated form of Ocn carrying Glu/Ala mutations, are modeled and simulated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in the presence of calcium ions. RESULTS Characterization of the global conformational dynamics of Ocn, described in terms of the orientational variations within its 3-helical domain, highlights large structural variations in the non-carboxylated osteocalcin (nOcn). The bi-carboxylated Ocn (bOcn) and tri-carboxylated (tOcn) species, in contrast, display relatively rigid tertiary structures, with the dynamics of most regions strongly correlated. Radial distribution functions calculated for both bOcn and tOcn show long-range ordering of the calcium ion distribution around the carboxylated glutamate (γGlu) residues, likely playing an important role in promoting stability of these Ocns. Additionally, the same calcium ions are observed to coordinate with neighboring γGlu, better shielding their negative charges and in turn stabilizing these systems more than do the singly coordinating calcium ions observed in the case of nOcn. bOcn is also found to exhibit a more helical C-terminal structure, that has been shown to activate its cellular receptor GPRC6A, highlighting the allosteric role of Ocn carboxylation in modulating the stability and binding potential of the active C-terminal. CONCLUSIONS The carboxylation status of Ocn as well and its calcium coordination appear to have a direct influence on Ocn structure and dynamics, possibly leading to the known differences in Ocn biological function. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Modification of Ocn sequence or its carboxylation state may provide the blueprint for developing high-affinity peptides targeting its cellular receptor GPRC6A, with therapeutic potential for treatment of metabolic disorders.
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15
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Singh JP, Dagar M, Dagar G, Kumar S, Rawal S, Sharma RD, Tyagi RK, Bagchi G. Activation of GPR56, a novel adhesion GPCR, is necessary for nuclear androgen receptor signaling in prostate cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226056. [PMID: 32881870 PMCID: PMC7470385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is activated in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) despite low circulating levels of androgen, suggesting that intracellular signaling pathways and non-androgenic factors may contribute to AR activation. Many G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and their ligands are also activated in these cells indicating that they may play a role in development of Prostate Cancer (PCa) and CRPC. Although a cross talk has been suggested between the two pathways, yet, the identity of GPCRs which may play a role in androgen signaling, is not established yet. By using blast analysis of 826 GPCRs, we identified a GPCR, GPCR 205, which exhibited maximum similarity with the ligand binding domain of the AR. We demonstrate that adhesion GPCR 205, also known as GPR56, can be activated by androgens to stimulate the Rho signaling pathway, a pathway that plays an important role in prostate tumor cell metastasis. Testosterone stimulation of GPR56 also activates the cAMP/ Protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, that is necessary for AR signaling. Knocking down the expression of GPR56 using siRNA, disrupts nuclear translocation of AR and transcription of prototypic AR target genes such as PSA. GPR56 expression is higher in all twenty-five prostate tumor patient's samples tested and cells expressing GPR56 exhibit increased proliferation. These findings provide new insights about androgen signaling and identify GPR56 as a possible therapeutic target in advanced prostate cancer patients.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Androgens/metabolism
- Animals
- COS Cells
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Knockdown Techniques
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Prostate/cytology
- Prostate/pathology
- Prostate/surgery
- Prostatectomy
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/surgery
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Testosterone/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Pratibha Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology (AIB), Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram, India
| | - Manisha Dagar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology (AIB), Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram, India
| | - Gunjan Dagar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology (AIB), Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudhir Rawal
- Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi Datta Sharma
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health (AIISH), Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tyagi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Gargi Bagchi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology (AIB), Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram, India
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16
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Singh P, Dutta SR, Song CY, Oh S, Gonzalez FJ, Malik KU. Brain Testosterone-CYP1B1 (Cytochrome P450 1B1) Generated Metabolite 6β-Hydroxytestosterone Promotes Neurogenic Hypertension and Inflammation. Hypertension 2020; 76:1006-1018. [PMID: 32755412 PMCID: PMC7418933 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Previously, we showed that peripheral administration of 6β-hydroxytestosterone, a CYP1B1 (cytochrome P450 1B1)-generated metabolite of testosterone, promotes angiotensin II-induced hypertension in male mice. However, the site of action and the underlying mechanism by which 6β-hydroxytestosterone contributes to angiotensin II-induced hypertension is not known. Angiotensin II increases blood pressure by its central action, and CYP1B1 is expressed in the brain. This study was conducted to determine whether testosterone-CYP1B1 generated metabolite 6β-hydroxytestosterone locally in the brain promotes the effect of systemic angiotensin II to produce hypertension in male mice. Central CYP1B1 knockdown in wild-type (Cyp1b1+/+) mice by intracerebroventricular-adenovirus-GFP (green fluorescence protein)-CYP1B1-short hairpin (sh)RNA attenuated, whereas reconstitution of CYP1B1 by adenovirus-GFP-CYP1B1-DNA in the paraventricular nucleus but not in subfornical organ in Cyp1b1−/− mice restored angiotensin II-induced increase in systolic blood pressure measured by tail-cuff. Intracerebroventricular-testosterone in orchidectomized (Orchi)-Cyp1b1+/+ but not in Orchi-Cyp1b1−/−, and intracerebroventricular-6β-hydroxytestosterone in the Orchi-Cyp1b1−/− mice restored the angiotensin II-induced: (1) increase in mean arterial pressure measured by radiotelemetry, and autonomic imbalance; (2) reactive oxygen species production in the subfornical organ and paraventricular nucleus; (3) activation of microglia and astrocyte, and neuroinflammation in the paraventricular nucleus. The effect of intracerebroventricular-6β-hydroxytestosterone to restore the angiotensin II-induced increase in mean arterial pressure and autonomic imbalance in Orchi-Cyp1b1−/− mice was inhibited by intracerebroventricular-small interfering (si)RNA-androgen receptor (AR) and GPRC6A (G protein-coupled receptor C6A). These data suggest that testosterone-CYP1B1-generated metabolite 6β-hydroxytestosterone, most likely in the paraventricular nucleus via AR and GPRC6A, contributes to angiotensin II-induced hypertension and neuroinflammation in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purnima Singh
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis (P.S., S.R.D., C.Y.S.)
| | - Shubha Ranjan Dutta
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis (P.S., S.R.D., C.Y.S.)
| | - Chi Young Song
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis (P.S., S.R.D., C.Y.S.)
| | | | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD (F.J.G.)
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17
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Acharya A, Agarwal R, Baker M, Baudry J, Bhowmik D, Boehm S, Byler KG, Coates L, Chen SY, Cooper CJ, Demerdash O, Daidone I, Eblen JD, Ellingson S, Forli S, Glaser J, Gumbart JC, Gunnels J, Hernandez O, Irle S, Larkin J, Lawrence TJ, LeGrand S, Liu SH, Mitchell JC, Park G, Parks JM, Pavlova A, Petridis L, Poole D, Pouchard L, Ramanathan A, Rogers D, Santos-Martins D, Scheinberg A, Sedova A, Shen S, Smith JC, Smith MD, Soto C, Tsaris A, Thavappiragasam M, Tillack AF, Vermaas JV, Vuong VQ, Yin J, Yoo S, Zahran M, Zanetti-Polzi L. Supercomputer-Based Ensemble Docking Drug Discovery Pipeline with Application to Covid-19. CHEMRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR CHEMISTRY 2020:12725465. [PMID: 33200117 PMCID: PMC7668744 DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv.12725465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We present a supercomputer-driven pipeline for in-silico drug discovery using enhanced sampling molecular dynamics (MD) and ensemble docking. We also describe preliminary results obtained for 23 systems involving eight protein targets of the proteome of SARS CoV-2. THe MD performed is temperature replica-exchange enhanced sampling, making use of the massively parallel supercomputing on the SUMMIT supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, with which more than 1ms of enhanced sampling MD can be generated per day. We have ensemble docked repurposing databases to ten configurations of each of the 23 SARS CoV-2 systems using AutoDock Vina. We also demonstrate that using Autodock-GPU on SUMMIT, it is possible to perform exhaustive docking of one billion compounds in under 24 hours. Finally, we discuss preliminary results and planned improvements to the pipeline, including the use of quantum mechanical (QM), machine learning, and AI methods to cluster MD trajectories and rescore docking poses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Acharya
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - R Agarwal
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - M Baker
- Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - J Baudry
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Department of Biological Sciences. 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899
| | - D Bhowmik
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
| | - S Boehm
- Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - K G Byler
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Department of Biological Sciences. 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899
| | - L Coates
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
| | - S Y Chen
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973
| | - C J Cooper
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - O Demerdash
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - I Daidone
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, I-67010 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - J D Eblen
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - S Ellingson
- University of Kentucky, Division of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington KY, 40536
| | - S Forli
- Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037
| | - J Glaser
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - J C Gumbart
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - J Gunnels
- HPC Engineering, Amazon Web Services, Seattle, WA 98121
| | - O Hernandez
- Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - S Irle
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - J Larkin
- NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95051
| | - T J Lawrence
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - S LeGrand
- NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95051
| | - S-H Liu
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - J C Mitchell
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - G Park
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973
| | - J M Parks
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - A Pavlova
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - L Petridis
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - D Poole
- NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95051
| | - L Pouchard
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973
| | - A Ramanathan
- Data Science and Learning Division, Argonne National Lab, Lemont, IL 60439
| | - D Rogers
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | | | | | - A Sedova
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - S Shen
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - J C Smith
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - M D Smith
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37830
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg. 1311 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - C Soto
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973
| | - A Tsaris
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | | | | | - J V Vermaas
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - V Q Vuong
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - J Yin
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - S Yoo
- Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973
| | - M Zahran
- Department of Biological Sciences, New York City College of Technology, The City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn, NY 11201
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Pi M, Xu F, Ye R, Nishimoto SK, Kesterson RA, Williams RW, Lu L, Quarles LD. Humanized GPRC6A KGKY is a gain-of-function polymorphism in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11143. [PMID: 32636482 PMCID: PMC7341878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
GPRC6A is proposed to regulate energy metabolism in mice, but in humans a KGKY polymorphism in the third intracellular loop (ICL3) is proposed to result in intracellular retention and loss-of-function. To test physiological importance of this human polymorphism in vivo, we performed targeted genomic humanization of mice by using CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9) system to replace the RKLP sequence in the ICL3 of the GPRC6A mouse gene with the uniquely human KGKY sequence to create Gprc6a-KGKY-knockin mice. Knock-in of a human KGKY sequence resulted in a reduction in basal blood glucose levels and increased circulating serum insulin and FGF-21 concentrations. Gprc6a-KGKY-knockin mice demonstrated improved glucose tolerance, despite impaired insulin sensitivity and enhanced pyruvate-mediated gluconeogenesis. Liver transcriptome analysis of Gprc6a-KGKY-knockin mice identified alterations in glucose, glycogen and fat metabolism pathways. Thus, the uniquely human GPRC6A-KGKY variant appears to be a gain-of-function polymorphism that positively regulates energy metabolism in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Ruisong Ye
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Satoru K Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Robert A Kesterson
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 720 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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19
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Carbajal-García A, Reyes-García J, Casas-Hernández MF, Flores-Soto E, Díaz-Hernández V, Solís-Chagoyán H, Sommer B, Montaño LM. Testosterone augments β 2 adrenergic receptor genomic transcription increasing salbutamol relaxation in airway smooth muscle. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 510:110801. [PMID: 32278021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Androgens in asthmatic men may be linked to asthma severity, acting via nongenomic and genomic effects. This ailment affects boys more than girls during infancy, and this proportion reverses in puberty. Plasmatic androgen concentration in young men increases at this age and might be related to lower asthma symptoms. Nongenomic actions occur in a brief period and are independent of the androgen receptor (AR), while genomic effects depend on AR, take hours-days and are modified by transcription or protein synthesis inhibitors. Guinea pig tracheas chronic incubation with testosterone (TES, 40 nM, 48 h) potentiates salbutamol-induced relaxation, an effect that was reversed by flutamide, not observed when tissues were pre-incubated with TES-bovine serum albumin (TES-BSA) nor when tissues were preincubated with TES for 15-60 min. In tracheal myocytes, TES chronic incubation increases salbutamol-induced K+ currents (IK+), an effect that was also reversed by flutamide, actinomycin D and cycloheximide and not seen with TES-BSA. The increment in IK+ was blocked by 4-aminopyridine and iberiotoxin, indicating that delayed rectifier K+ and high-conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channels were involved in the TES potentiation effect. Immunofluorescence studies showed that chronic TES augmented the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) expression in ASM and this finding was corroborated by q-PCR and Western blot assays. β2-AR affinity for salbutamol after TES incubation was increased. In conclusion, chronic exposure to physiological TES concentration of the guinea pig ASM promotes β2-AR upregulation favoring β2 adrenergic responses and probably limiting the severity of the asthmatic exacerbations in teenage boys and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abril Carbajal-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Jorge Reyes-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - María F Casas-Hernández
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Edgar Flores-Soto
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Verónica Díaz-Hernández
- Departamento de Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Héctor Solís-Chagoyán
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, CDMX, México
| | - Bettina Sommer
- Departamento de Investigación en Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, CDMX, México
| | - Luis M Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México.
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Pi M, Xu F, Ye R, Nishimoto SK, Williams RW, Lu L, Darryl Quarles L. Role of GPRC6A in Regulating Hepatic Energy Metabolism in Mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7216. [PMID: 32350388 PMCID: PMC7190669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
GPRC6A is a widely expressed G-protein coupled receptor that regulates energy metabolism. Global deletion of Gprc6a in mice is reported to result in a metabolic syndrome-like phenotype and conditional deletion of Gprc6a in pancreatic β-cell and skeletal muscle respectively impair insulin secretion and glucose uptake. In the current study, we explore the hepatic functions of GPRC6A by conditionally deleting Gprc6a in hepatocytes by cross breeding Alb-Cre and Gprc6aflox/flox mice to obtain Gprc6aLiver-cko mice. Gprc6aLiver-cko mice on a normal diet showed excessive hepatic fat accumulation and glycogen depletion. These mice also exhibit impaired glucose and pyruvate tolerance, but normal insulin sensitivity. Decreased circulating FGF-21 levels and FGF-21 message expression in the liver were found in Gprc6aLiver-cko mice. Hepatic transcriptome analysis identified alterations in multiple pathways regulating glucose, fat and glycogen metabolism in Gprc6aLiver-cko mice. Taken together, our studies suggest that GPRC6A directly regulates hepatic metabolism as well as regulates the production and release of FGF-21 to control systemic energy homeostasis. GPRC6A's unique regulation of β-cell, skeletal muscle and hepatic function may represent a new therapeutic target for treating disordered energy metabolism metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, , University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19S Manassas St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19S Manassas St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Ruisong Ye
- Department of Medicine, , University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19S Manassas St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Satoru K Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19S Manassas St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19S Manassas St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19S Manassas St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, , University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19S Manassas St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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21
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Jørgensen CV, Bräuner‐Osborne H. Pharmacology and physiological function of the orphan GPRC6A receptor. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 126 Suppl 6:77-87. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christinna V. Jørgensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Hans Bräuner‐Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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Lorigo M, Mariana M, Lemos MC, Cairrao E. Vascular mechanisms of testosterone: The non-genomic point of view. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 196:105496. [PMID: 31655180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) is the predominant endogenous androgen in the bloodstream. At the vascular level, T presents genomic and non-genomic effects, and both effects may overlap. The genomic actions assume that androgens can freely cross the plasma membrane of target cells and bind to nuclear androgen receptors, inducing gene transcription and protein synthesis. The non-genomic effects have a more rapid onset and may be related to the interaction with protein/receptor/ion channels of the plasma membrane. The key T effect at the vascular level is vasorelaxation, which is primarily due to its rapid effect. Thus, the main purpose of this review is to discuss the T non-genomic effects at the vascular level and the molecular pathways involved in its vasodilator effect observed in in vivo and in vitro studies. In this sense, the nuclear receptor activation, the influence of vascular endothelium and the activation or inhibition of ion channels (potassium and calcium channels, respectively) will be reviewed regarding all the data that corroborated or not. Moreover, this review also provides a brief update on the association of T with the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, namely metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension. In summary, in this paper we consider the non-genomic vascular mode of action of androgen in physiological conditions and the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Lorigo
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Melissa Mariana
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Elisa Cairrao
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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A high throughput zebrafish chemical screen reveals ALK5 and non-canonical androgen signalling as modulators of the pkd2 -/- phenotype. Sci Rep 2020; 10:72. [PMID: 31919453 PMCID: PMC6952374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56995-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common monogenic cause of end-stage renal failure in humans and results from germline mutations in PKD1 or PKD2. Despite the recent approval of tolvaptan, safer and more effective alternative drugs are clearly needed to slow disease progression. As a first step in drug discovery, we conducted an unbiased chemical screen on zebrafish pkd2 mutant embryos using two publicly available compound libraries (Spectrum, PKIS) totalling 2,367 compounds to identify novel treatments for ADPKD. Using dorsal tail curvature as the assay readout, three major chemical classes (steroids, coumarins, flavonoids) were identified from the Spectrum library as the most promising candidates to be tested on human PKD1 cystic cells. Amongst these were an androgen, 5α−androstane 3,17-dione, detected as the strongest enhancer of the pkd2 phenotype but whose effect was found to be independent of the canonical androgen receptor pathway. From the PKIS library, we identified several ALK5 kinase inhibitors as strong suppressors of the pkd2 tail phenotype and in vitro cyst expansion. In summary, our results identify ALK5 and non-canonical androgen receptors as potential therapeutic targets for further evaluation in drug development for ADPKD.
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Russo V, Chen R, Armamento-Villareal R. Hypogonadism, Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Bone Health: A Narrative Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:607240. [PMID: 33537005 PMCID: PMC7848021 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.607240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the complications from chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in men is the high prevalence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). Both T2DM and hypogonadism are associated with impaired bone health and increased fracture risk but whether the combination results in even worse bone disease than either one alone is not well-studied. It is possible that having both conditions predisposes men to an even greater risk for fracture than either one alone. Given the common occurrence of HH or hypogonadism in general in T2DM, a significant number of men could be at risk. To date, there is very little information on the bone health men with both hypogonadism and T2DM. Insulin resistance, which is the primary defect in T2DM, is associated with low testosterone (T) levels in men and may play a role in the bidirectional relationship between these two conditions, which together may portend a worse outcome for bone. The present manuscript aims to review the available evidences on the effect of the combination of hypogonadism and T2DM on bone health and metabolic profile, highlights the possible metabolic role of the skeleton, and examines the pathways involved in the interplay between bone, insulin resistance, and gonadal steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Russo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rui Chen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Reina Armamento-Villareal
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Reina Armamento-Villareal,
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25
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Carbajal-García A, Reyes-García J, Montaño LM. Androgen Effects on the Adrenergic System of the Vascular, Airway, and Cardiac Myocytes and Their Relevance in Pathological Processes. Int J Endocrinol 2020; 2020:8849641. [PMID: 33273918 PMCID: PMC7676939 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8849641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Androgen signaling comprises nongenomic and genomic pathways. Nongenomic actions are not related to the binding of the androgen receptor (AR) and occur rapidly. The genomic effects implicate the binding to a cytosolic AR, leading to protein synthesis. Both events are independent of each other. Genomic effects have been associated with different pathologies such as vascular ischemia, hypertension, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Catecholamines play a crucial role in regulating vascular smooth muscle (VSM), airway smooth muscle (ASM), and cardiac muscle (CM) function and tone. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is an updated analysis of the role of androgens in the adrenergic system of vascular, airway, and cardiac myocytes. Body. Testosterone (T) favors vasoconstriction, and its concentration fluctuation during life stages can affect the vascular tone and might contribute to the development of hypertension. In the VSM, T increases α1-adrenergic receptors (α 1-ARs) and decreases adenylyl cyclase expression, favoring high blood pressure and hypertension. Androgens have also been associated with asthma. During puberty, girls are more susceptible to present asthma symptoms than boys because of the increment in the plasmatic concentrations of T in young men. In the ASM, β 2-ARs are responsible for the bronchodilator effect, and T augments the expression of β 2-ARs evoking an increase in the relaxing response to salbutamol. The levels of T are also associated with an increment in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. In the CM, activation of α 1A-ARs and β 2-ARs increases the ionotropic activity, leading to the development of contraction, and T upregulates the expression of both receptors and improves the myocardial performance. CONCLUSIONS Androgens play an essential role in the adrenergic system of vascular, airway, and cardiac myocytes, favoring either a state of health or disease. While the use of androgens as a therapeutic tool for treating asthma symptoms or heart disease is proposed, the vascular system is warmly affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abril Carbajal-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Jorge Reyes-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Luis M. Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico
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Montaño LM, Flores-Soto E, Sommer B, Solís-Chagoyán H, Perusquía M. Androgens are effective bronchodilators with anti-inflammatory properties: A potential alternative for asthma therapy. Steroids 2020; 153:108509. [PMID: 31586608 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Changes in plasma androgen levels in asthmatic men may be linked to asthma severity, seemingly acting through nongenomic and genomic effects. Nongenomic effects include rapid relaxation of carbachol or antigenic challenge pre-contracted guinea pig airway smooth muscle (ASM) in vitro: testosterone (TES) blocks l-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channels, stored operated Ca2+ channels, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and promotes prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis. In ASM at rest, TES lowers basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration and tension, maintaining a proper airway patency keeping steady smooth muscle tension and basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration at rest. Moreover, the bronchospasm in sensitized guinea-pigs was ablated by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor of steroids, TES and its metabolites 5α- and 5β-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). On the other hand, genomic effects related to androgens' anti-inflammatory properties in asthma have been recently studied. Briefly, TES negatively regulates type 2 immune response sustained by CD4+ Th2 and group 2 innate lymphoid cells, diminishing allergic airway inflammation in males. Also, novel findings establish that TES decreases interleukin (IL)-17A protein expression produced by CD4+ Th17 cells and therefore neutrophilic airway inflammation. Clearly, DHEA, TES or its 5β-reduced metabolite that possesses minimal androgenic effect, might have potential therapeutic capacities in the treatment of severe asthma via mechanisms distinct from corticosteroid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Edgar Flores-Soto
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Bettina Sommer
- Departamento de Investigación en Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Héctor Solís-Chagoyán
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Mercedes Perusquía
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico.
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SHBG141-161 Domain-Peptide Stimulates GPRC6A-Mediated Response in Leydig and β-Langerhans cell lines. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19432. [PMID: 31857654 PMCID: PMC6923452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55941-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
GPRC6A is acknowledged as a major regulator of energy metabolism and male fertility through the action of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN), representing a possible therapeutic target. We recently showed that the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) binds to GPRC6A through the likely involvement of the 141-161 domain. To confirm this model, here we investigated the possible binding and agonist activity of SHBG(141-161) domain-peptide (SHBG141-161) on GPRC6A. The binding of SHBG141-161 to GPRC6A and downstream dissociation from Gαi(GDP) protein was computationally modelled. SHBG141-161 was obtained by solid-phase synthesis, characterized by circular dichroism (CD) and the receptor binding was assessed by displacement of ucOCN on HEK-293 cells transfected with GPRC6A gene. Agonist activity of SHBG141-161 was assessed on Leydig MA-10 and Langerhans β-TC6 cell lines through the GPRC6A-mediated release of testosterone (T) and insulin. SHBG141-161 was predicted to bind to GPRC6A and to reduce the affinity for Gαi(GDP) at computational level. Conformational properties and binding to GPRC6A of the synthetic SHBG141-161 were confirmed by CD and displacement experiments. SHBG141-161 stimulated cell secretion of T and insulin, with dose dependency from 10-13 to 10-11M for T release (respectively P = 0,041 10-13M; P = 0,032 10-12M; P = 0,008 10-11M vs basal) and for 10-12 to 10-10M for insulin (respectively P = 0,041 10-12M; P = 0,007 10-11M; P = 0,047 10-10M; P = 0,045 vs basal). Blockade with anti GPRC6A IgG abolished the response to SHBG141-161, suggesting agonist specificity. SHBG141-161 showed stimulating activity on GPRC6A, representing a template peptide with possible therapeutic use for metabolic and endocrine disorders.
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Thomas P. Membrane Androgen Receptors Unrelated to Nuclear Steroid Receptors. Endocrinology 2019; 160:772-781. [PMID: 30753403 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Rapid (nongenomic) membrane-initiated androgen actions have been described in nuclear androgen receptor-null cells. Four distinct proteins have been proposed as membrane androgen receptors (mARs) or sensors. Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a calcium channel that acts as a pain receptor and mediates androgen- and menthol-induced increases in calcium levels and survival of prostate cancer cells. Testosterone (T) directly interacts with TRPM8, but extensive androgen receptor binding studies to confirm its role as an mAR are lacking. Oxoeicosanoid receptor 1 (OXER1) is highly expressed in prostate cancer tissues, and its major ligand, 5-oxoeicosatretraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE), is a potent inducer of prostate cancer cell proliferation and survival. T competes for 5-oxo-ETE binding to OXER1 and antagonizes 5-oxo-ETE-mediated inhibition of cAMP production. However, OXER1 does not meet a traditional criterion for its designation as an mAR because T treatment alone does not alter cAMP signaling. GPRC6A is a class C G protein-coupled receptor activated by l-α-amino acids and is modulated by calcium. Although there has been controversy over the proposed role of T as a GPRC6A ligand, androgen induction of GPRC6A signaling has recently been confirmed by several researchers. ZIP9 belongs to the zinc transporter ZIP (SLC39A) family and displays specific T binding characteristic of an mAR. ZIP9 mediates androgen-dependent intracellular signaling and apoptosis of breast and prostate cancer cells through activation of G proteins. Androgen-signaling functions of ZIP9 have been confirmed in other cells, but the overall importance of ZIP9 in androgen physiology remains unclear. Here, the current status of these four proteins as mARs or sensors is critically reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thomas
- University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas
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Usselman CW, Yarovinsky TO, Steele FE, Leone CA, Taylor HS, Bender JR, Stachenfeld NS. Androgens drive microvascular endothelial dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: role of the endothelin B receptor. J Physiol 2019; 597:2853-2865. [PMID: 30847930 DOI: 10.1113/jp277756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex syndrome with cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS is also associated with high androgens, increases the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction in women. Due to the complexity of PCOS, had it has been challenging to isolate specific causes of the cardiovascular dysfunction. Our measure of cardiovascular dysfunction (endothelial dysfunction) was most profound in lean women with PCOS. The endothelin-1-induced vasodilation in these PCOS subject, was dependent on the ETB R but was not NO-dependent. We also demonstrated oestrogen administration improved endothelial function in lean and obese women with PCOS likely because oestrogen increased NO availability. Our studies indicate a primary role for androgens in cardiovascular dysfunction in PCOS. ABSTRACT Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an indicator of endothelial injury and dysfunction and is elevated in women with androgen excess polycystic ovary syndrome (AE-PCOS). The endothelin B receptor (ETB R) subtype mediates vasodilatation, but is blunted in women with PCOS. We hypothesized that androgen drives endothelial dysfunction in AE-PCOS women and oestradiol (EE) administration reverses these effects. We assessed microvascular endothelial function in women with (7 lean and 7 obese) and without AE-PCOS (controls, 6 lean, 7 obese). Only obese AE-PCOS women were insulin resistant (IR). We evaluated cutaneous vascular conductance (%CVCmax ) with laser Doppler flowmetry during low dose intradermal microdialysis ET-1 perfusions (1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 pmol) with either lactated Ringer solution alone, or with ETB R (BQ-788), or nitric oxide (NO) inhibition (l-NAME). Log[ET-1]-%maxCVC dose-response curves demonstrated reduced vasodilatory responses to ET-1 in lean AE-PCOS (logED50 , 0.59 ± 0.08) versus lean controls (logED50 , 0.49 ± 0.09, P < 0.05), but not compared to obese AE-PCOS (logED50 , 0.65 ± 0.09). ETB R inhibition decreased ET-1-induced vasodilatation in AE-PCOS women (logED50 , 0.64 ± 0. 22, P < 0.05). This was mechanistically observed at the cellular level, with ET-1-induced, DAF-FM-measurable endothelial cell NO production, which was abrogated by dihydrotestosterone in an androgen receptor-dependent manner. EE augmented the cutaneous vasodilating response to ET-1(logED50 0.29 ± 0.21, 0.47 ± 0.09, P < 0.05 for lean and obese, respectively). Androgens drive endothelial dysfunction in lean and obese AE-PCOS. We propose that the attenuated ET-1-induced vasodilatation in AE-PCOS is a consequence of androgen receptor-mediated, suppressed ETB R-stimulated NO production, and is reversed with EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte W Usselman
- John B. Pierce Laboratory, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Timur O Yarovinsky
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frances E Steele
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cheryl A Leone
- John B. Pierce Laboratory, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Bender
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- John B. Pierce Laboratory, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Ye R, Pi M, Nooh MM, Bahout SW, Quarles LD. Human GPRC6A Mediates Testosterone-Induced Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and mTORC1 Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 95:563-572. [PMID: 30894404 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.115014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor family C group 6 member A (GPRC6A) is activated by testosterone and modulates prostate cancer progression. Most humans have a GPRC6A variant that contains a recently evolved KGKY insertion/deletion in the third intracellular loop (ICL3) (designated as GPRC6AICL3_KGKY) that replaces the ancestral KGRKLP sequence (GPRC6AICL3_RKLP) present in all other species. In vitro assays purport that human GPRC6AICL3_KGKY is retained intracellularly and lacks function. These findings contrast with ligand-dependent activation and coupling to mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling of endogenous human GPRC6AICL3_KGKY in PC-3 cells. To understand these discrepant results, we expressed mouse (mGPRC6AICL3_KGRKLP), human (hGPRC6AICL3_KGKY), and humanized mouse (mGPRC6AICL3_KGKY) GPRC6A into human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Our results demonstrate that mGPRC6AICL3_KGRKLP acts as a classic G protein-coupled receptor, which is expressed at the cell membrane and internalizes in response to ligand activation by testosterone. In contrast, hGPRC6AICL3_KGKY and humanized mouse mGPRC6AICL3_KGKY are retained intracellularly in ligand naive cells, yet exhibit β-arrestin-dependent signaling responses, mitogen-activated protein kinase [i.e., extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)], and p70S6 kinase phosphorylation in response to testosterone, indicating that hGPRC6AICL3_KGKY is functional. Indeed, testosterone stimulates time- and dose-dependent activation of ERK, protein kinase B, and mTORC1 signaling in wild-type PC-3 cells that express endogenous GPRC6AICL3_KGKY In addition, testosterone stimulates GPRC6A-dependent cell proliferation in wild-type PC-3 cells and inhibits autophagy by activating mTORC1 effectors eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 and Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1. Testosterone activation of GPRC6A has the obligate requirement for calcium in the incubation media. In contrast, in GPRC6A-deficient cells, the effect of testosterone to activate downstream signaling is abolished, indicating that human GPRC6A is required for mediating the effects of testosterone on cell proliferation and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisong Ye
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - Min Pi
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - Mohammed M Nooh
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - Suleiman W Bahout
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
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Wilkenfeld SR, Lin C, Frigo DE. Communication between genomic and non-genomic signaling events coordinate steroid hormone actions. Steroids 2018; 133:2-7. [PMID: 29155216 PMCID: PMC5864526 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones are lipophilic molecules produced in one cell that can travel great distances within the body to elicit biological effects in another cell. In the canonical pathway, steroid hormone binding to a nuclear receptor (NR), often in the cytoplasm, causes the receptor to undergo a conformational change and translocate to the nucleus, where it interacts with specific sequences of DNA to regulate transcription. In addition to the classical genomic mechanism of action, alternate mechanisms of steroid activity have emerged that involve rapid, non-genomic signaling. The distinction between these two major mechanisms of action lies in the subcellular location of the initiating steroid hormone action. Importantly, the mechanisms of action are not exclusive, in that each can affect the activity of the other. Here, we describe the different types of genomic and non-genomic steroid hormone signaling mechanisms and how they can influence one another to ultimately regulate biology. Further, we discuss the approaches being used to study the non-genomic signaling events and address important caveats to be considered when designing new experiments. Thus, this minireview can serve as an introduction to the diverse signaling mechanisms of steroid hormones and offers initial, experimental guidance to those entering the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandi R Wilkenfeld
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chenchu Lin
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel E Frigo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Molecular Medicine Program, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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Abstract
New insights into G protein coupled receptor regulation of glucose metabolism by β-cells, skeletal muscle and liver hepatocytes identify GPRC6A as a potential therapeutic target for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Activating GPRC6A with a small molecule drug represents a potential paradigm-shifting opportunity to make significant strides in regulating glucose homeostasis by simultaneously correcting multiple metabolic derangements that underlie T2D, including abnormalities in β-cell proliferation and insulin secretion and peripheral insulin resistance. Using a computational, structure-based high-throughput screening approach, we identified novel tri-phenyl compounds predicted to bind to the venus fly trap (VFT) and 7-transmembrane (7-TM) domains of GPRC6A. Experimental testing found that these compounds dose-dependently stimulated GPRC6A signaling in a heterologous cell expression system. Additional chemical modifications and functional analysis identified one tri-phenyl lead compound, DJ-V-159 that demonstrated the greatest potency in stimulating insulin secretion in β-cells and lowering serum glucose in wild-type mice. Collectively, these studies show that GPRC6A is a “druggable” target for developing chemical probes to treat T2DM.
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Pi M, Kapoor K, Ye R, Smith JC, Baudry J, Quarles LD. GPCR6A Is a Molecular Target for the Natural Products Gallate and EGCG in Green Tea. Mol Nutr Food Res 2018; 62:e1700770. [PMID: 29468843 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE The molecular mechanisms whereby gallates in green tea exert metabolic effects are poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS We found that GPRC6A, a multi-ligand-sensing G-protein-coupled receptor that regulates energy metabolism, sex hormone production, and prostate cancer progression, is a target for gallates. Sodium gallate (SG), gallic acid (GA) > ethyl gallate (EG) > octyl gallate (OG) dose dependently activated ERK in HEK-293 cells transfected with GPRC6A but not in non-transfected controls. SG also stimulated insulin secretion in β-cells isolated from wild-type mice similar to the endogenous GPRC6A ligands, osteocalcin (Ocn) and testosterone (T). Side-chain additions to create OG resulted in loss of GPRC6A agonist activity. Another component of green tea, epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), dose-dependently inhibited Ocn activation of GPRC6A in HEK-293 cells transfected with GPRC6A and blocked the effect of Ocn in stimulating glucose production in CH10T1/2 cells. Using structural models of the venus fly trap (VFT) and 7-transmembrane (7-TM) domains of GPRC6A, calculations suggest that l-amino acids and GA bind to the VFT, whereas EGCG is calculated to bind to sites in both the VFT and 7-TM. CONCLUSION GA and EGCG have offsetting agonist and antagonist effects on GPRC6A that may account for the variable metabolic effect of green tea consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Karan Kapoor
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Ruisong Ye
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Jerome Baudry
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Leigh D Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
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Alevizopoulos K, Dimas K, Papadopoulou N, Schmidt EM, Tsapara A, Alkahtani S, Honisch S, Prousis KC, Alarifi S, Calogeropoulou T, Lang F, Stournaras C. Functional characterization and anti-cancer action of the clinical phase II cardiac Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor istaroxime: in vitro and in vivo properties and cross talk with the membrane androgen receptor. Oncotarget 2017; 7:24415-28. [PMID: 27027435 PMCID: PMC5029711 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase) is a validated pharmacological target for the treatment of various cardiac conditions. Recent published data with Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitors suggest a potent anti-cancer action of these agents in multiple indications. In the present study, we focus on istaroxime, a Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor that has shown favorable safety and efficacy properties in cardiac phase II clinical trials. Our experiments in 22 cancer cell lines and in prostate tumors in vivo proved the strong anti-cancer action of this compound. Istaroxime induced apoptosis, affected the key proliferative and apoptotic mediators c-Myc and caspase-3 and modified actin cystoskeleton dynamics and RhoA activity in prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, istaroxime was capable of binding to mAR, a membrane receptor mediating rapid, non-genomic actions of steroids in prostate and other cells. These results support a multi-level action of Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitors in cancer cells and collectively validate istaroxime as a strong re-purposing candidate for further cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Dimas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Natalia Papadopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eva-Maria Schmidt
- Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna Tsapara
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabina Honisch
- Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kyriakos C Prousis
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Saud Alarifi
- Department of Zoology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Florian Lang
- Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christos Stournaras
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Tangseefa P, Martin SK, Fitter S, Baldock PA, Proud CG, Zannettino ACW. Osteocalcin-dependent regulation of glucose metabolism and fertility: Skeletal implications for the development of insulin resistance. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:3769-3783. [PMID: 28834550 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The skeleton has recently emerged as a critical insulin target tissue that regulates whole body glucose metabolism and male reproductive function. While our understanding of these new regulatory axes remains in its infancy, the bone-specific protein, osteocalcin, has been shown to be centrally involved. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin acts as a secretagogue in a feed-forward loop to stimulate pancreatic β-cell proliferation and insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote testosterone production. Importantly, dysregulation of insulin signaling in bone causes a reduction in serum osteocalcin levels that is associated with elevated blood glucose and reduced serum insulin levels, suggesting that the skeleton may play a significant role in the development of diet-induced insulin resistance. Insulin signaling is negatively regulated by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) which becomes hyper-activated in response to nutrient overload. Loss- and gain-of function models suggest that mTORC1 function in bone is essential for normal skeletal development; however, the role of this complex in the regulation of glucose metabolism remains to be determined. This review highlights our current understanding of the role played by osteocalcin in the skeletal regulation of glucose metabolism and fertility. In particular, it examines data emerging from transgenic mouse models which have revealed a pancreas-bone-testis regulatory axis and discusses recent human studies which seek to corroborate findings from mouse models with clinical observations. Moreover, we review recent studies which suggest dysregulation of insulin signaling in bone leads to the development of insulin resistance and discuss the potential role of mTORC1 signaling in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawanrat Tangseefa
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Cancer Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sally K Martin
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Cancer Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen Fitter
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Cancer Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul A Baldock
- Skeletal Metabolism Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Andrew C W Zannettino
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Cancer Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Abstract
The principle steroidal androgens are testosterone and its metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5α-reductase. Through the classic pathway with androgens crossing the plasma membrane and binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or via mechanisms independent of the ligand-dependent transactivation function of nuclear receptors, testosterone induces genomic and non-genomic effects respectively. AR is widely distributed in several tissues, including vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Androgens are essential for many developmental and physiological processes, especially in male reproductive tissues. It is now clear that androgens have multiple actions besides sex differentiation and sexual maturation and that many physiological systems are influenced by androgens, including regulation of cardiovascular function [nitric oxide (NO) release, Ca2+ mobilization, vascular apoptosis, hypertrophy, calcification, senescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation]. This review focuses on evidence indicating that interplay between genomic and non-genomic actions of testosterone may influence cardiovascular function.
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37
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Ye R, Pi M, Cox JV, Nishimoto SK, Quarles LD. CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of GPRC6A suppresses prostate cancer tumorigenesis in a human xenograft model. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:90. [PMID: 28659174 PMCID: PMC5490090 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background GPRC6A is implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, but its role remains uncertain because of a purported tolerant gene variant created by substitution of a K..Y polymorphism in the 3rd intracellular loop (IL) that evolved in the majority of humans and replaces the ancestral RKLP present in 40% of humans of African descent and all other species. Methods We determined whether the K..Y polymorphism is present in human-derived prostate cancer cell lines by sequencing the region of the 3rd IL and assessed the cellular localization of a “humanized” mouse GPRC6A containing the K..Y sequence by immunofluorescence. We assessed functions of GPRC6A in PC-3 cells expressing endogenous GPRC6A and in GPRC6A-deficient PC-3 cells created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The effect of GPRC6A on basal and ligand stimulated cell proliferation and migration was evaluated in vitro in wild-type and PC-3-deficient cell lines. The effect of editing GPRC6A on prostate cancer growth and progression in vivo was assessed in a Xenograft mouse model implanted with wild-type and PC-3 deficient cells and treated with the GPRC6A ligand osteocalcin. Results We found that all of the human prostate cancer cell lines tested endogenously express the “K..Y” polymorphism in the 3rd IL. Comparison of mouse wild-type GPRC6A with a “humanized” mouse GPRC6A construct created by replacing the “RKLP” with the “K..Y” sequence, found that both receptors were predominantly expressed on the cell surface. The transfected “humanized” GPRC6A receptor, however, preferentially activated mTOR compared to ERK signaling in HEK-293 cells. In contrast, in PC-3 cells expressing the endogenous GPRC6A with the “K..Y” polymorphism, the ligand osteocalcin stimulated ERK, AKT and mTOR phosphorylation, promoted cell proliferation and migration, and upregulated genes regulating testosterone biosynthesis. Targeting GPRC6A in PC-3 cells by CRISPR/Cas9 significantly blocked these responses in vitro. In addition, GPRC6A deficient PC-3 xenografts exhibited significantly less growth and were resistant to osteocalcin-induced prostate cancer progression compared to control PC-3 cells expressing GPRC6A. Conclusions Human GPRC6A is a functional osteocalcin and testosterone sensing receptor that promotes prostate cancer progression. GPRC6A may contribute to racial disparities in prostate cancer, and is a potential therapeutic target to develop antagonists to treat prostate cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-017-0561-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisong Ye
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - John V Cox
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Satoru K Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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Badawi JK, Bosch R, Djurhuus JC, Hanna-Mitchell AT. Is testosterone important in LUT function in men and women? ICI-RS 2015. Neurourol Urodyn 2017; 36:859-862. [PMID: 28444714 DOI: 10.1002/nau.23041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM This review article is a collaborative report based upon the Authors' presentations and Group discussion on the role of testosterone (T) in the male and female lower urinary tract (LUT) which took place at the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society's (ICI-RS) annual meeting, in Bristol, UK (September 8-10, 2015). METHODS It comprises overviews and opinions on both the current state of knowledge of the role of T in LUT function and dysfunction in both sexes. RESULTS Results from animal studies suggest that T treatment may be beneficial for disorders of the LUT in women including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The need for clinical studies to evaluate the effect of T treatment in peri- and post-menopausal women, taking into account the type of applied androgen, the application form, timing and dosage, is especially emphasized. In males, findings on the impact of T on the male external urethral sphincter underscores that there is still much to learn about its role in male LUT physiology. The important topic of the use of T therapy in the treatment of enuresis in the young, both sexes, is also discussed. The importance of understanding the steroidogenic pathways linking T with estradiol is discussed as being of paramount importance in researching the unique actions of T in the LUT. CONCLUSION The overall conclusion is that further research into the role of T in LUT function and dysfunction across genders and age groups (young to old) is extremely important. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:859-862, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Katrin Badawi
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty of the Ruprechts-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ruud Bosch
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Park YE, Musson DS, Naot D, Cornish J. Cell–cell communication in bone development and whole-body homeostasis and pharmacological avenues for bone disorders. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 34:21-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Thomas P, Pang Y, Dong J. Membrane androgen receptor characteristics of human ZIP9 (SLC39A) zinc transporter in prostate cancer cells: Androgen-specific activation and involvement of an inhibitory G protein in zinc and MAP kinase signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 447:23-34. [PMID: 28219737 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Characteristics of novel human membrane androgen receptor (mAR), ZIP9 (SLC39A9), were investigated in ZIP9-transfected PC-3 cells (PC3-ZIP9). Ligand blot analysis showed plasma membrane [3H]-T binding corresponds to the position of ZIP9 on Western blots which suggests ZIP9 can bind [3H]-T alone, without a protein partner. Progesterone antagonized testosterone actions, blocking increases in zinc, Erk phosphorylation and apoptosis, further evidence that ZIP9 is specifically activated by androgens. Pre-treatment with GTPγS and pertussis toxin decreased plasma membrane [3H]-T binding and blocked testosterone-induced increases in Erk phosphorylation and intracellular zinc, indicating ZIP9 is coupled to an inhibitory G protein (Gi) that mediates both MAP kinase and zinc signaling. Testosterone treatment of nuclei and mitochondria which express ZIP9 decreased their zinc contents, suggesting ZIP9 also regulates free zinc through releasing it from these intracellular organelles. The results show ZIP9 is a specific Gi coupled-mAR mediating testosterone-induced MAP kinase and zinc signaling in PC3-ZIP9 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thomas
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA.
| | - Yefei Pang
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
| | - Jing Dong
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
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Lee GT, Han CS, Kwon YS, Patel R, Modi PK, Kwon SJ, Faiena I, Patel N, Singer EA, Ahn HJ, Kim WJ, Kim IY. Intracrine androgen biosynthesis in renal cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:937-943. [PMID: 28253524 PMCID: PMC5379152 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal genitourinary cancers. The presence of androgen receptor (AR) in RCC has recently been shown to be associated with higher tumour stage irrespective of gender. Because the clinical context of androgens in female RCC patients is similar to that of prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy, mechanisms underlying the emergence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) may be at play in AR-positive RCC cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that AR-positive RCC has intratumoral steroidogenesis and that anti-androgen therapy may result in tumour suppression. METHODS Mice were injected with an AR-positive RCC cell line. When tumours became palpable, surgical castration was performed and tumour volume was measured. Using ELISA, the levels of intracellular testosterone and dihydrotesterone were measured in AR-positive human RCC cell lines. Lastly, male mice containing xenografts were treated with enzalutamide or abiraterone acetate (AA) for 3 weeks to measure tumour volume. RESULTS We first observed in vivo that castration retards the growth of AR-positive RCC tumour xenograft in mice. Next, AR-positive human RCC cell lines and tissues were found to have elevated levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and express key enzymes required for intracellular androgen biosynthesis. A mouse xenograft study with AR-positive RCC cell line using the commonly used anti-androgen therapies showed significant tumour suppression (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Intracrine androgen biosynthesis is a potential source of androgen in AR-positive RCC and that the androgen signaling axis is a potential target of intervention in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geun Taek Lee
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Christopher S Han
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Young Suk Kwon
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Rutveej Patel
- Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Parth K Modi
- Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Seok Joo Kwon
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Izak Faiena
- Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Neal Patel
- Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Eric A Singer
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Han-Jong Ahn
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Isaac Y Kim
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
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Pi M, Nishimoto SK, Quarles LD. GPRC6A: Jack of all metabolism (or master of none). Mol Metab 2016; 6:185-193. [PMID: 28180060 PMCID: PMC5279936 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background GPRC6A, a widely expressed G-protein coupled receptor, is proposed to be a master regulator of complex endocrine networks and metabolic processes. GPRC6A is activated by multiple ligands, including osteocalcin (Ocn), testosterone (T), basic amino acids, and various cations. Scope of Review We review the controversy surrounding GPRC6A functions. In mice, GPRC6A is proposed to integrate metabolic functions through the coordinated secretion of hormones, including insulin, GLP-1, T, and IL-6, and direct effects of this receptor to control glucose and fat metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscle, and fat. Loss-of-GPRC6A results in metabolic syndrome (MetS), and activation of GPRC6A stimulates proliferation of β-cells, increases peripheral insulin sensitivity, and protects against high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic abnormalities in most mouse models. Bone, cardiovascular, immune, and skin functions of GPRC6A have also been identified in mice. Expression of GPRC6A is increased in prostate cancer (PCa) cells, and inhibition of GPRC6A attenuates PCa progression in mouse models. The function of GPRC6A in humans, however, is not clear. During evolution, a unique polymorphism of GPRC6A emerged mainly in humans of Asian and European decent that has been proposed to alter membrane trafficking and function. In contrast, the ancestral allele found in all other species is retained in 1%, 15%, and 40% of people of Asian, European and African descent, respectively, suggesting GPRC6A gene variants may contribute to the racial disparities in the risk of developing MetS and PCa. Major Conclusions If the regulatory functions of GPRC6A identified in mice translate to humans, and polymorphisms in GPRC6A are found to predict racial disparities in human diseases, GPRC6A may be a new gene target to predict, prevent, and treat MetS, PCa, and other disorders impacted by GPRC6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Satoru Kenneth Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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Levin ER, Hammes SR. Nuclear receptors outside the nucleus: extranuclear signalling by steroid receptors. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2016; 17:783-797. [PMID: 27729652 PMCID: PMC5649368 DOI: 10.1038/nrm.2016.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormone receptors mediate numerous crucial biological processes and are classically thought to function as transcriptional regulators in the nucleus. However, it has been known for more than 50 years that steroids evoke rapid responses in many organs that cannot be explained by gene regulation. Mounting evidence indicates that most steroid receptors in fact exist in extranuclear cellular pools, including at the plasma membrane. This latter pool, when engaged by a steroid ligand, rapidly activates signals that affect various aspects of cellular biology. Research into the mechanisms of signalling instigated by extranuclear steroid receptor pools and how this extranuclear signalling is integrated with responses elicited by nuclear receptor pools provides novel understanding of steroid hormone signalling and its roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis R. Levin
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry, University of California,
Irvine and the Long Beach VA Medical Center, California 90822, USA
| | - Stephen R. Hammes
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Rochester,
Rochester, New York 14642, USA
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De Toni L, Guidolin D, De Filippis V, Tescari S, Strapazzon G, Santa Rocca M, Ferlin A, Plebani M, Foresta C. Osteocalcin and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Compete on a Specific Binding Site of GPRC6A. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4473-4486. [PMID: 27673554 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The undercarboxylated form of osteocalcin (ucOC) regulates male fertility and energy metabolism, acting through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPRC)6A, thus forming a new pancreas-bone-testis axis. Recently, GPRC6A has also been suggested to mediate the nongenomic responses of free testosterone (T). However, these data did not consider the physiological scenario, where circulating T is mainly bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and only a small percentage circulates freely in the blood. Here, by the use of computational modelling, we document the existence of similar structural moieties between ucOC and SHBG that are predicted to bind to GPRC6A at docking analysis. This hypothesis of competition was assessed by binding experiments on human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with human GPRC6A gene. Unliganded SHBG specifically bound the membrane of human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with GPRC6A and was displaced by ucOC when coincubated at 100-fold molar excess. Furthermore, specific downstream Erk1/2 phosphorylation after stimulation of GPRC6A with ucOC was significantly blunted by 100-fold molar excess of unliganded SHBG. Intriguingly previous incubation with unliganded SHBG, followed by incubation with T, induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Neither binding nor stimulating activities were shown for SHBG saturated with T. Experiments on mutation constructs of GPRC6A strengthened the hypothesis of a common binding site of ucOC and SHBG. Given the role of GPRC6A on energy metabolism, these data agree with epidemiological association between SHBG levels and insulin sensitivity, suggest GPRC6A as a likely SHBG receptor, and add bases for the possible regulation of androgen activity in a nonsteroidal manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Simone Tescari
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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Pi M, Kapoor K, Ye R, Nishimoto SK, Smith JC, Baudry J, Quarles LD. Evidence for Osteocalcin Binding and Activation of GPRC6A in β-Cells. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1866-80. [PMID: 27007074 PMCID: PMC4870875 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The possibility that G protein-coupled receptor family C member A (GPRC6A) is the osteocalcin (Ocn)-sensing G protein-coupled receptor that directly regulates pancreatic β-cell functions is controversial. In the current study, we found that Ocn and an Ocn-derived C-terminal hexapeptide directly activate GPRC6A-dependent ERK signaling in vitro. Computational models probe the structural basis of Ocn binding to GPRC6A and predict that the C-terminal hexapeptide docks to the extracellular side of the transmembrane domain of GPRC6A. Consistent with the modeling, mutations in the computationally identified binding pocket of GPRC6A reduced Ocn and C-terminal hexapeptide activation of this receptor. In addition, selective deletion of Gprc6a in β-cells (Gprc6a(β)(-cell-cko)) by crossing Gprc6a(flox/flox) mice with Ins2-Cre mice resulted in reduced pancreatic weight, islet number, insulin protein content, and insulin message expression. Both islet size and β-cell proliferation were reduced in Gprc6a(β)(-cell-cko) compared with control mice. Gprc6a(β)(-cell-cko) exhibited abnormal glucose tolerance, but normal insulin sensitivity. Islets isolated from Gprc6a(β)(-cell-cko) mice showed reduced insulin simulation index in response to Ocn. These data establish the structural basis for Ocn direct activation of GPRC6A and confirm a role for GPRC6A in regulating β-cell proliferation and insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., R.Y., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.K.N.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Karan Kapoor
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., R.Y., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.K.N.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Ruisong Ye
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., R.Y., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.K.N.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Satoru Kenneth Nishimoto
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., R.Y., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.K.N.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., R.Y., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.K.N.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Jerome Baudry
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., R.Y., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.K.N.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Leigh Darryl Quarles
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., R.Y., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.K.N.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
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De Toni L, Di Nisio A, Speltra E, Rocca MS, Ghezzi M, Zuccarello D, Turiaco N, Ferlin A, Foresta C. Polymorphism rs2274911 of GPRC6A as a Novel Risk Factor for Testis Failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:953-61. [PMID: 26735260 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2015-3967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The G protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A is an emerging effector with multiple endocrine roles, including stimulation of T production from the testis. Recently, two men with an inactivating mutation (F464Y) of GPRC6A have been identified, and they showed primary testicular failure and deranged spermatogenesis. Furthermore, one of them also reported cryptorchidism at birth. In addition, a polymorphism (rs2274911, Pro91Ser) in GPRC6A is associated with prostate cancer, a typical androgen-sensitive cancer. OBJECTIVE To study the possible association between rs2274911 polymorphism and male fertility and/or cryptorchidism. Design, Patients, Settings: A total of 611 subjects, including 343 infertile patients, 197 normozoospermic controls, and 71 cryptorchid newborns, were retrospectively selected. METHODS Sequencing analysis for rs2274911 polymorphism and F464Y mutation, and serum levels of FSH, LH, and T were assessed. In vitro functional studies for rs2274911 and F464Y were also performed. RESULTS Homozygous subjects for the risk allele A of rs2274911 had a 4.60-fold increased risk of oligozoospermia and 3.52-fold increased risk of cryptorchidism. A significant trend for increased levels of LH in the GA and AA genotypes, compared with GG homozygotes, was detected in men with azoospermia/cryptozoospermia (P for trend = .027), further supporting an association with primary testicular failure. The mutation F464Y was found in one cryptorchid child (one in 71; 1.41%). Functional studies showed that the A allele of rs2274911 and the F464Y substitution were associated with lower exposition of the receptor on the cell membrane and a reduced downstream phosphorylation of ERK1/2 with respect to wild type. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that GPRC6A inactivation or sub-function contributes to reduced exposure to androgens, leading to cryptorchidism during fetal life and/or low sperm production in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Elena Speltra
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Ghezzi
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Zuccarello
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Nunzio Turiaco
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., A.D.N., E.S., M.S.R., M.G., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Clinical Genetics Unit (D.Z.), Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; and Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences (N.T.), University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
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