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Birgül Iyison N, Abboud C, Abboud D, Abdulrahman AO, Bondar AN, Dam J, Georgoussi Z, Giraldo J, Horvat A, Karoussiotis C, Paz-Castro A, Scarpa M, Schihada H, Scholz N, Güvenc Tuna B, Vardjan N. ERNEST COST action overview on the (patho)physiology of GPCRs and orphan GPCRs in the nervous system. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38825750 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16389] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of cell surface receptors that play a critical role in nervous system function by transmitting signals between cells and their environment. They are involved in many, if not all, nervous system processes, and their dysfunction has been linked to various neurological disorders representing important drug targets. This overview emphasises the GPCRs of the nervous system, which are the research focus of the members of ERNEST COST action (CA18133) working group 'Biological roles of signal transduction'. First, the (patho)physiological role of the nervous system GPCRs in the modulation of synapse function is discussed. We then debate the (patho)physiology and pharmacology of opioid, acetylcholine, chemokine, melatonin and adhesion GPCRs in the nervous system. Finally, we address the orphan GPCRs, their implication in the nervous system function and disease, and the challenges that need to be addressed to deorphanize them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necla Birgül Iyison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Bogazici, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Clauda Abboud
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Dayana Abboud
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Magurele, Romania
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute for Computational Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9), Jülich, Germany
| | - Julie Dam
- Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anemari Horvat
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christos Karoussiotis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Alba Paz-Castro
- Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs research group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago, Spain
| | - Miriam Scarpa
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannes Schihada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Scholz
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bilge Güvenc Tuna
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Elkazzaz M, Ahmed A, Abo-Amer YEE, Hydara T, Haikal A, Razek DNAE, Eltayb WA, Wang X, Karpiński TM, Hamza D, Jabbar B, Shamkh IM. In Silico Discovery of GPCRs and GnRHRs as Novel Binding Receptors of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Could Explain Neuroendocrine Disorders in COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091500. [PMID: 36146578 PMCID: PMC9504287 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091500] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the intense research work since the beginning of the pandemic, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is not yet clearly understood. The previous mechanism of COVID-19, based on ACE2 tropism and explained through a single receptor, is insufficient to explain the pathogenesis due to the absence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in most of the affected organs. In the current study, we used the PatchDock server to run a molecular docking study of both the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) and G-protein-coupled-receptor (GPCR) with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were run to analyze the stability of the complexes using the GROMACS package. The docking results showed a high affinity between the spike protein with the GnRHR (−1424.9 kcal/mol) and GPCR (−1451.8 kcal/mol). The results of the MD simulations revealed the significant stability of the spike protein with the GnRHR and GPCR up to 100 ns. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein had strong binding interactions with the GPCRs and GnRHRs, which are highly expressed in the brain, endocrine organs, and olfactory neurons. This study paves the way towards understanding the complex mechanism of neuroendocrine involvement and peripheral organ involvement, may explain the changing symptoms in patients due to new variants, and may lead to the discovery of new drug targets for COVID-19. In vitro studies involving genetic engineering or gene knockdown of the GPCRs and GnRHRs are needed to further investigate the role of these receptors in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Elkazzaz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta 7952567, Egypt
| | - Amr Ahmed
- Director of Tuberculosis Ghubera Mobile Team, Public Health Department, First Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 966-11, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Yousry Esam-Eldin Abo-Amer
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Infectious Diseases Department, Mahala Hepatology Teaching Hospital, El-Mahalla el-Kubra 31951, Egypt
| | - Tamer Hydara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Abdullah Haikal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | | | - Wafa Ali Eltayb
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, Shendi University, Shendi 11111, Nher Anile, Sudan
| | - Xiling Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Biofuels and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao 266000, China
- Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tomasz M. Karpiński
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Wieniawskiego 3, 61-712 Poznań, Poland
| | - Dalia Hamza
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Basit Jabbar
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Israa M. Shamkh
- Chemo and Bioinformatics Lab, Bio Search Research Institution BSRI, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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Förch A, Wallner S, Zeman F, Ettl T, Brochhausen C, Schreml S. Expression of Proton-Sensitive GPR31, GPR151, TASK1 and TASK3 in Common Skin Tumors. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010027. [PMID: 35011589 PMCID: PMC8744809 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channels TASK1 and TASK3, as well as the G-protein-coupled receptors GPR31 and GPR151, are proton-sensitive membrane proteins. They can be activated or inhibited by low extracellular pH (pHe), which is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors. However, the role of these channels in the development of skin tumors is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of TASK1, TASK3, GPR31 and GPR151 in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), nevus cell nevi (NCN), and malignant melanomas (MMs). We performed immunohistochemistry using paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients and found that most skin tumors express TASK1/3 and GPR31/151. The results show that BCCs are often negative for GPR31/151 as well as for TASK1/3, while nearly all SCCs express these markers. MMs and NCN show similar expression patterns. However, some tumors show a decreasing TASK1/3 expression in deeper dermal tumor tissue, while GPCRs were expressed more evenly. The lower frequency of GPR31/151 and TSAK1/3 expression in BCCs when compared to SCCs is a novel histological feature distinguishing these two entities. Moreover, BCCs also show lower expression of GPR31/151 and TASK1/3 as compared to NCN and MMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Förch
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Susanne Wallner
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Florian Zeman
- Center for Clinical Studies, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Tobias Ettl
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Christoph Brochhausen
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Stephan Schreml
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.F.); (S.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Wu M, Li Q, Mai K, Ai Q. Regulation of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 on Inflammatory Gene Induced by LPS in Large Yellow Croaker ( Larimichthys crocea). Front Immunol 2021; 12:703914. [PMID: 34177969 PMCID: PMC8222784 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.703914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4) plays a key role in regulating the inflammatory response in mammals. The present study aimed to investigate the function of large yellow croaker FFAR4 on inflammation. In the present study, ffar4 was widely expressed in 10 tissues of large yellow croaker including gill, head kidney and spleen. Further studies showed that treatment of head kidney macrophages with agonists (TUG891 or GSK137647A) or overexpression of ffar4 reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes induced by LPS, and increased the expression of pparγ. Treatment of macrophages with antagonist AH7614 increased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes induced by LPS, and decreased the mRNA expression of pparγ. In order to verify the immunomodulatory effect of PPARγ, PPARγ was overexpressed in macrophages which significantly reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes il6, il1β, il8, tnfα and cox2. Moreover, results of dual-luciferase assays showed that PPARγ downregulated the transcriptional activity of il6 and il1β promoters. In conclusion, FFAR4 showed anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced inflammation in large yellow croaker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feed (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feed (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Kangsen Mai
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feed (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Qinghui Ai
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feed (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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5
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Klatt W, Wallner S, Brochhausen C, Stolwijk JA, Schreml S. Expression profiles of proton-sensing G-protein coupled receptors in common skin tumors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15327. [PMID: 32948783 PMCID: PMC7501253 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71700-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The proton-sensing GPCRs (pH-GPCRs) GPR4 (GPR19), TDAG8 (GPR65, T-cell death associated gene 8), OGR1 (GPR68, ovarian cancer GPCR1), and G2A (GPR132, G2 accumulation protein) are involved in sensing and transducing changes in extracellular pH (pHe). Extracellular acidification is a central hallmark of solid cancer. pH-GPCR function has been associated with cancer cell proliferation, adhesion, migration and metastasis, as well as with modulation of the immune system. Little is known about the expression levels and role of pH-GPCRs in skin cancer. To better understand the functions of pH-GPCRs in skin cancer in vivo, we examined the expression-profiles of GPR4, TDAG8, OGR1 and G2A in four common skin tumors, i.e. squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant melanoma (MM), compound nevus cell nevi (NCN), basal cell carcinoma (BCC). We performed immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining on paraffin-embedded tissue samples acquired from patients suffering from SCC, MM, NCN or BCC. We show the expression of pH-GPCRs in four common skin cancers. Different expression patterns in the investigated skin cancer types indicate that the different pH-GPCRs may have distinct functions in tumor progression and serve as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wybke Klatt
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Wallner
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Brochhausen
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Judith A Stolwijk
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo- and Biosensors, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Schreml
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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Xu Y. Targeting Lysophosphatidic Acid in Cancer: The Issues in Moving from Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1523. [PMID: 31658655 PMCID: PMC6826372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the clear demonstration of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)'s pathological roles in cancer in the mid-1990s, more than 1000 papers relating LPA to various types of cancer were published. Through these studies, LPA was established as a target for cancer. Although LPA-related inhibitors entered clinical trials for fibrosis, the concept of targeting LPA is yet to be moved to clinical cancer treatment. The major challenges that we are facing in moving LPA application from bench to bedside include the intrinsic and complicated metabolic, functional, and signaling properties of LPA, as well as technical issues, which are discussed in this review. Potential strategies and perspectives to improve the translational progress are suggested. Despite these challenges, we are optimistic that LPA blockage, particularly in combination with other agents, is on the horizon to be incorporated into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut Street R2-E380, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Nassios A, Wallner S, Haferkamp S, Klingelhöffer C, Brochhausen C, Schreml S. Expression of proton-sensing G-protein-coupled receptors in selected skin tumors. Exp Dermatol 2018; 28:66-71. [PMID: 30339292 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, there are four known proton-sensing G-Protein-coupled receptors (pH-GPCRs): GPR4 (GPR19), TDAG8 (GPR65, T-cell death-associated gene 8), OGR1 (GPR68, ovarian cancer GPCR1) and G2A (GPR132, G2 accumulation protein). They are known to be involved in sensing changes of extracellular proton concentrations in the acidic microenvironment of tumors, which leads to altered cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, immune cell function and inflammation. However, little is known about the expression of pH-GPCRs in the skin and especially skin cancers. AIM We studied the expression of pH-GPCRs in selected skin cancers, that is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS). METHODS We did immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to analyse the expression of GPR4, TDAG8, OGR1 and G2A using paraffin-embedded tissue samples (n = 4, exceptions: PDS GPR4/GPR65 n = 5, AFX GPR132 n = 3) from patients suffering from MCC, DFSP, AFX and PDS. RESULTS (a) GPR4 was expressed on all AFX and PDS specimens. All AFX and MCC showed a positive expression of G2A. All PDS exhibited a strong positive expression of G2A. (b) MCCs neither expressed GPR4 nor TDAG8. All DFSP showed no expression of TDAG8. (c) For any other combination of GPCR and skin disease, we found positive/negative mixed results. CONCLUSIONS These are the first results on pH-GPCRs in selected skin cancers. We provide evidence that these GPCRs are differentially expressed on the various types of skin cancers and that they can potentially be addressed as a therapeutic target in extensive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Nassios
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Wallner
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haferkamp
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Klingelhöffer
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Stephan Schreml
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Weiß KT, Fante M, Köhl G, Schreml J, Haubner F, Kreutz M, Haverkampf S, Berneburg M, Schreml S. Proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors as regulators of cell proliferation and migration during tumor growth and wound healing. Exp Dermatol 2018; 26:127-132. [PMID: 27623507 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of pH is a feature of both tumor growth and tissue repair. In tumors, microenvironmental changes, like in lactate metabolism, lead to altered intra- and extracellular pH (pHi , pHe ) and vice versa. In wounds, barrier disruption results in extensive variations in pHe on the wound surface. It is known that altered extracellular proton concentrations have a major impact on cell turnover and migration as well as on the metabolic activity of cells involved in tumor spread and wound closure. The proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) GPR4, GPR65 (TDAG8), GPR68 (OGR1) and GPR132 (G2A) are activated via a decrease in pHe and transduce this signal to molecular intracellular pathways. Based on the current knowledge, we speculate on the role of proton-sensing GPCRs in wound healing and on their potential as mechanistic linkers of tumor growth and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina T Weiß
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Fante
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Köhl
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia Schreml
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Haubner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marina Kreutz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Haverkampf
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Schreml
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Im DS. FFA4 (GPR120) as a fatty acid sensor involved in appetite control, insulin sensitivity and inflammation regulation. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 64:92-108. [PMID: 28887275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Unsaturated long-chain fatty acids have been suggested to be beneficial in the context of cardiovascular disorders based in epidemiologic studies conducted in Greenland and Mediterranean. DHA and EPA are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are plentiful in fish oil, and oleic acid is an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, rich in olive oil. Dietary intake of these unsaturated long-chain fatty acids have been associated with insulin sensitivity and weight loss, which contrasts with the impairment of insulin sensitivity and weight gain associated with high intakes of saturated long-chain fatty acids. The recent discovery that free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4, also known as GPR120) acts as a sensor for unsaturated long-chain fatty acids started to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial functions played by these unsaturated long-chain fatty acids in various physiological processes, which include the secretions of gastrointestinal peptide hormones and glucose homeostasis. In this review, the physiological roles and therapeutic significance of FFA4 in appetite control, insulin sensitization, and inflammation reduction are discussed in relation to obesity and type 2 diabetes from pharmacological viewpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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Park SJ, Im DS. Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Modulators and Drug Discovery. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2017; 25:80-90. [PMID: 28035084 PMCID: PMC5207465 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2016.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Initial discovery on sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) as an intracellular second messenger was faced unexpectedly with roles of S1P as a first messenger, which subsequently resulted in cloning of its G protein-coupled receptors, S1P1–5. The molecular identification of S1P receptors opened up a new avenue for pathophysiological research on this lipid mediator. Cellular and molecular in vitro studies and in vivo studies on gene deficient mice have elucidated cellular signaling pathways and the pathophysiological meanings of S1P receptors. Another unexpected finding that fingolimod (FTY720) modulates S1P receptors accelerated drug discovery in this field. Fingolimod was approved as a first-in-class, orally active drug for relapsing multiple sclerosis in 2010, and its applications in other disease conditions are currently under clinical trials. In addition, more selective S1P receptor modulators with better pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer side effects are under development. Some of them are being clinically tested in the contexts of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, liver failure, renal failure, acute stroke, and transplant rejection. In this review, the authors discuss the state of the art regarding the status of drug discovery efforts targeting S1P receptors and place emphasis on potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jin Park
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA) and College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Soon Im
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA) and College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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11
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Im DS. Functions of omega-3 fatty acids and FFA4 (GPR120) in macrophages. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 785:36-43. [PMID: 25987421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which are plentiful in fish oil, have been known for decades to be beneficial functional nutrients in different disease states. GPR120 is a G protein-coupled receptor for long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, including n-3 PUFAs, and was recently renamed free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4). Studies on FFA4-deficient mice and the development of specific pharmacological tools have started to unravel the functions of FFA4 associated with the actions of n-3 PUFAs in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related diseases. Here, the state of the art regarding the roles and functions of FFA4 and n-3 PUFA in macrophages are reviewed from the pharmacological perspective. In particular, the functions of n-3 PUFA on the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes of macrophages in different organs, such as, adipose tissues and liver, are discussed along with future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA) and College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea.
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Im DS. Intercellular Lipid Mediators and GPCR Drug Discovery. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 21:411-22. [PMID: 24404331 PMCID: PMC3879912 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2013.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are the largest superfamily of receptors responsible for signaling between cells and tissues, and because they play important physiological roles in homeostasis, they are major drug targets. New technologies have been developed for the identification of new ligands, new GPCR functions, and for drug discovery purposes. In particular, intercellular lipid mediators, such as, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1-phosphate have attracted much attention for drug discovery and this has resulted in the development of fingolimod (FTY-720) and AM095. The discovery of new intercellular lipid mediators and their GPCRs are discussed from the perspective of drug development. Lipid GPCRs for lysophospholipids, including lysophosphatidylserine, lysophosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylcholine, free fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives, and other lipid mediators are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA) and College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
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Im DS. New intercellular lipid mediators and their GPCRs: An update. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2009; 89:53-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2009.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2008] [Revised: 01/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Harrold JA, Halford JCG. Orphan G-protein-coupled receptors : strategies for identifying ligands and potential for use in eating disorders. Drugs R D 2007; 8:287-99. [PMID: 17767394 DOI: 10.2165/00126839-200708050-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key regulators of intercellular interactions, participating in almost every physiological response. They exert their effects by being activated by a variety of endogenous ligands. Traditionally, these ligands were identified first, providing tools to characterise the receptors. However, since the late 1980s, homology screening approaches have allowed the GPCRs to be found first, and in turn used as orphan targets to identify their ligands. Over the last decade this method has led to the identification of 12 novel neuropeptide families. Interestingly, four of these deorphanised GPCR systems, melanin-concentrating hormone, ghrelin, orexin and neuropeptide B/neuropeptide W, have been found to play a role in the control of energy balance. This article reviews the role of these GPCR systems in the control of food intake and energy expenditure, and discusses their potential use in therapies directed at eating disorders. As obesity has reached epidemic proportions across the developed world, pharmacotherapy has focused on this condition. However, difficulties in weight control also characterise disorders of binge eating such as bulimia and binge-eating disorder. Consequently, hypophagic treatments may be of potential benefit in normal, overweight or obese individuals displaying aberrant (out of control) eating behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne A Harrold
- Kissileff Laboratory for the Study of Human Ingestive Behaviour, School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Lim SM, Im DS. Effects of Proton on Lysolipid-induced Actions in OGR1-subfamily GPCRs. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2007. [DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2007.15.1.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Abstract
This paper describes a virtual screening methodology that generates a ranked list of high-binding small molecule ligands for orphan G protein-coupled receptors (oGPCRs), circumventing the requirement for receptor three-dimensional structure determination. Features representing the receptor are based only on physicochemical properties of primary amino acid sequence, and ligand features use the two-dimensional atomic connection topology and atomic properties. An experimental screen comprised nearly 2 million hypothetical oGPCR-ligand complexes, from which it was observed that the top 1.96% predicted affinity scores corresponded to "highly active" ligands against orphan receptors. Results representing predicted high-scoring novel ligands for many oGPCRs are presented here. Validation of the method was carried out in several ways: (1) A random permutation of the structure-activity relationship of the training data was carried out; by comparing test statistic values of the randomized and nonshuffled data, we conclude that the value obtained with nonshuffled data is unlikely to have been encountered by chance. (2) Biological activities linked to the compounds with high cross-target binding affinity were analyzed using computed log-odds from a structure-based program. This information was correlated with literature citations where GPCR-related pathways or processes were linked to the bioactivity in question. (3) Anecdotal, out-of-sample predictions for nicotinic targets and known ligands were performed, with good accuracy in the low-to-high "active" binding range. (4) An out-of-sample consistency check using the commercial antipsychotic drug olanzapine produced "active" to "highly-active" predicted affinities for all oGPCRs in our study, an observation that is consistent with documented findings of cross-target affinity of this compound for many different GPCRs. It is suggested that this virtual screening approach may be used in support of the functional characterization of oGPCRs by identifying potential cognate ligands. Ultimately, this approach may have implications for pharmaceutical therapies to modulate the activity of faulty or disease-related cellular signaling pathways. In addition to application to cell surface receptors, this approach is a generalized strategy for discovery of small molecules that may bind intracellular enzymes and involve protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel R Bock
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0412, USA
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Abstract
Recently, two different chemicals have been matched as ligands with the same G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Double-pairing of OGR1 family GPCRs with proton and lysolipid raises several questions. First, whether both are the real ligands for the GPCRs. Second, whether modulation of a GPCR by two chemicals could be possible. Third, one of the chemicals is proton. Proton-sensing not only is a new action mode of GPCR activation, but also it could be generalized in other GPCRs. In this review, I would like to summarize the issue and discuss questions with pharmacological criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Research Institute of Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea.
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Migeotte I, Riboldi E, Franssen JD, Grégoire F, Loison C, Wittamer V, Detheux M, Robberecht P, Costagliola S, Vassart G, Sozzani S, Parmentier M, Communi D. Identification and characterization of an endogenous chemotactic ligand specific for FPRL2. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 201:83-93. [PMID: 15623572 PMCID: PMC2212760 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20041277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Chemotaxis of dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes is a key step in the initiation of an adequate immune response. Formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and FPR-like receptor (FPRL)1, two G protein-coupled receptors belonging to the FPR family, play an essential role in host defense mechanisms against bacterial infection and in the regulation of inflammatory reactions. FPRL2, the third member of this structural family of chemoattractant receptors, is characterized by its specific expression on monocytes and DCs. Here, we present the isolation from a spleen extract and the functional characterization of F2L, a novel chemoattractant peptide acting specifically through FPRL2. F2L is an acetylated amino-terminal peptide derived from the cleavage of the human heme-binding protein, an intracellular tetrapyrolle-binding protein. The peptide binds and activates FPRL2 in the low nanomolar range, which triggers intracellular calcium release, inhibition of cAMP accumulation, and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases through the G(i) class of heterotrimeric G proteins. When tested on monocytes and monocyte-derived DCs, F2L promotes calcium mobilization and chemotaxis. Therefore, F2L appears as a new natural chemoattractant peptide for DCs and monocytes, and the first potent and specific agonist of FPRL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Migeotte
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire, Université Libre de Bruxelles Campus Erasme, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Targeting the endothelial cells that line tumor infiltrating blood vessels is a new anticancer strategy that has gained widespread support from biologists and clinicians. Here we highlight different approaches currently being used to target tumor endothelium and discuss new avenues for intervention that have been opened through the recent identification of tumor endothelial markers (TEMs). RECENT FINDINGS The ability of Avastin to prolong survival in a Phase III clinical trial of human colorectal cancer has established the validity of the anti-angiogenic approach. However, realization of the full potential of a vascular targeting strategy may require the exploitation of molecules which are highly restricted in expression to tumor endothelium. Here we explore the potential of TEMs as new targets for cancer therapy. Current knowledge of these markers and their relation to other family members in the context of tumor angiogenesis is discussed. In particular, we highlight those molecules which, by virtue of their structure, cell-surface location and expression pattern, appear to hold promise as targets for future drug development. The identification of TEM8 as the anthrax toxin receptor and the successful targeting of this receptor in preclinical tumor models make this molecule a particularly attractive candidate for future vascular targeting studies. SUMMARY Technological advances in cellular fractionation and genomics enabled the identification of several markers preferentially expressed on human tumor endothelium. Studies of these TEMs are expected to aid in our understanding of angiogenesis and could lead to the development of new imaging and diagnostic agents for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Nanda
- Program in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Kotarsky K, Nilsson NE, Olde B, Owman C. Progress in Methodology Improved Reporter Gene Assays Used to Identify Ligands Acting on Orphan Seven-Transmembrane Receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 93:249-58. [PMID: 14675457 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0773.2003.pto930601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors play a central role in physiology by facilitating cell communication through recognition of a wide range of ligands. Even more important, they represent important drug targets. Unfortunately, for many of these receptors the endogenous ligands, and hence their functions, remain to be identified. These receptors are referred to as "orphan" receptors. A pre-requisite for the identification of ligands activating orphan receptors is powerful assay systems. Until now, reporter gene assays have not been in common use in this process. Here, we summarize our development of improved reporter gene assays. We optimized reporter gene assays in respect of (i) the promoter region of the construct, (ii) the reporter enzyme used, (iii) and the assay procedure. Furthermore, an unique fluorescence-based clone selection step was introduced, allowing rapid selection of the most sensitive reporter cell clones when establishing stable reporter cell lines. Mathematical formulae are provided to enable a simple and reliable comparison between different cell lines, when tested with a compound of interest. The resulting reporter cell lines responded in a very sensitive way to the stimulation of various test receptors. The reporter system was termed HighTRACE (high-throughput reporter assay with clone election). Its high assay quality makes it suitable as a primary screening tool. Ligands for two recently unknown 7TM receptors were identified using the HighTRACE system i.e., two cell surface free fatty acid receptors, GPR40 (FFA1R) and GPR43 (FFA2R). The identification was accomplished using a reverse pharmacology approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Kotarsky
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, S-221 84 Lund, Sweden
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Abstract
Successful sequencing of the human genome has opened a new era in the life sciences and has greatly accelerated biomedical research. Among various research endeavors benefiting from established genomic information, one of the most fruitful areas is the research on orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Many intercellular mediators, including peptides, lipids, and other small molecules, have found their GPCRs in the plasma membrane, e.g., relaxin and tyramine. In the past 14 months, more than one dozen papers have been published reporting the finding of intercellular lipid mediators acting on rhodopsin family GPCRs. This review focuses primarily on intercellular lipid mediators and their recently discovered GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, San 30, Chang-Jun-dong, Keum-Jung-gu, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea.
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Wittamer V, Franssen JD, Vulcano M, Mirjolet JF, Le Poul E, Migeotte I, Brézillon S, Tyldesley R, Blanpain C, Detheux M, Mantovani A, Sozzani S, Vassart G, Parmentier M, Communi D. Specific recruitment of antigen-presenting cells by chemerin, a novel processed ligand from human inflammatory fluids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 198:977-85. [PMID: 14530373 PMCID: PMC2194212 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 665] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that play key roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. ChemR23 is an orphan G protein–coupled receptor related to chemokine receptors, which is expressed specifically in these cell types. Here we present the characterization of chemerin, a novel chemoattractant protein, which acts through ChemR23 and is abundant in a diverse set of human inflammatory fluids. Chemerin is secreted as a precursor of low biological activity, which upon proteolytic cleavage of its COOH-terminal domain, is converted into a potent and highly specific agonist of ChemR23, the chemerin receptor. Activation of chemerin receptor results in intracellular calcium release, inhibition of cAMP accumulation, and phosphorylation of p42–p44 MAP kinases, through the Gi class of heterotrimeric G proteins. Chemerin is structurally and evolutionary related to the cathelicidin precursors (antibacterial peptides), cystatins (cysteine protease inhibitors), and kininogens. Chemerin was shown to promote calcium mobilization and chemotaxis of immature DCs and macrophages in a ChemR23-dependent manner. Therefore, chemerin appears as a potent chemoattractant protein of a novel class, which requires proteolytic activation and is specific for APCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Wittamer
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire, ULB Campus Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium
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