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Sevilla A, Grichnik J. Therapeutic modulation of KIT ligand in melanocytic disorders with implications for mast cell diseases. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15091. [PMID: 38711220 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
KIT ligand and its associated receptor KIT serve as a master regulatory system for both melanocytes and mast cells controlling survival, migration, proliferation and activation. Blockade of this pathway results in cell depletion, while overactivation leads to mastocytosis or melanoma. Expression defects are associated with pigmentary and mast cell disorders. KIT ligand regulation is complex but efficient targeting of this system would be of significant benefit to those suffering from melanocytic or mast cell disorders. Herein, we review the known associations of this pathway with cutaneous diseases and the regulators of this system both in skin and in the more well-studied germ cell system. Exogenous agents modulating this pathway will also be presented. Ultimately, we will review potential therapeutic opportunities to help our patients with melanocytic and mast cell disease processes potentially including vitiligo, hair greying, melasma, urticaria, mastocytosis and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Sevilla
- Department of Dermatology, New York Medical College, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lakeland Regional Health, Lakeland, Florida, USA
| | - James Grichnik
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Luca G, Arato I, Sorci G, Cameron DF, Hansen BC, Baroni T, Donato R, White DGJ, Calafiore R. Sertoli cells for cell transplantation: pre-clinical studies and future perspectives. Andrology 2018; 6:385-395. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction; University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital; Terni Italy
| | - I. Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - G. Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Inter-University Institute of Myology (IIM)
| | - D. F. Cameron
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
| | - B. C. Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
| | - T. Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - R. Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Inter-University Institute of Myology (IIM)
- Centro Universitario per la Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale; Perugia Italy
| | - D. G. J. White
- Robarts Research Institute; University of Western Ontario; London ON Canada
| | - R. Calafiore
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction; University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital; Terni Italy
- Department of Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
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Figueira MI, Cardoso HJ, Correia S, Maia CJ, Socorro S. Hormonal regulation of c-KIT receptor and its ligand: implications for human infertility? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 49:1-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proghi.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kiaris H, Chatzistamou I, Papavassiliou AG, Schally AV. Growth hormone-releasing hormone: not only a neurohormone. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2011; 22:311-7. [PMID: 21530304 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is mostly thought to act by stimulating the production and release of growth hormone from the pituitary. However, this neuropeptide emerges as a rather pleiotropic hormone in view of the identification of various extrapituitary sources for GHRH production, as well as the demonstration of a direct action of GHRH on several tissues other than the pituitary. Non-pituitary GHRH has a wide spectrum of activity, exemplified by its ability to modulate cell proliferation, especially in malignant tissues, to regulate differentiation of some cell types, and to promote healing of skin wounds. These findings extend the role of GHRH and its analogs beyond its accepted regulation of somatotropic activity and indicate new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Athens Medical School, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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Pozsgai E, Schally AV, Zarandi M, Varga JL, Vidaurre I, Bellyei S. The effect of GHRH antagonists on human glioblastomas and their mechanism of action. Int J Cancer 2010; 127:2313-22. [PMID: 20162575 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of new growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists JMR-132 and MIA-602 and their mechanism of action were investigated on 2 human glioblastoma cell lines, DBTRG-05 and U-87MG, in vitro and in vivo. GHRH receptors and their main splice variant, SV1 were found on both cell lines. After treatment with JMR-132 or MIA-602, the cell viability decreased significantly. A major decrease in the levels of phospho-Akt, phospho-GSK3β and phosho-ERK 1/2 was detected at 5 and 10 min following treatment with the GHRH antagonists, whereas elevated levels of phospho-p38 were observed at 24 hr. The expression of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) (PARP), as the downstream executioners of apoptosis were found to be significantly elevated after treatment. Following treatment of the glioblastoma cells with GHRH antagonists, nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and Endonuclease G (Endo G) and the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c (cyt c) were detected, indicating that the cells were undergoing apoptosis. In cells treated with GHRH antagonists, the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential was shown with fluorescence microscopy and JC-1 membrane potential sensitive dye. There were no significant differences between results obtained in DBTRG-05 or U-87MG cell lines. After treatment with MIA-602 and JMR-132, the reduction rate in the growth of DBTRG-05 glioblastoma, xenografted into nude mice, was significant and tumor doubling time was also significantly extended when compared with controls. Our study demonstrates that GHRH antagonists induce apoptosis through key proapoptotic pathways and shows the efficacy of MIA-602 for experimental treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pozsgai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL 33125, USA
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Le Tissier PR, Carmignac DF, Lilley S, Sesay AK, Phelps CJ, Houston P, Mathers K, Magoulas C, Ogden D, Robinson ICAF. Hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) deficiency: targeted ablation of GHRH neurons in mice using a viral ion channel transgene. Mol Endocrinol 2005; 19:1251-62. [PMID: 15661833 DOI: 10.1210/me.2004-0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal and clinical models of GHRH excess suggest that GHRH provides an important trophic drive to pituitary somatotrophs. We have adopted a novel approach to silence or ablate GHRH neurons, using a modified H37A variant of the influenza virus M2 protein ((H37A)M2). In mammalian cells, (H37A)M2 forms a high conductance monovalent cation channel that can be blocked by the antiviral drug rimantadine. Transgenic mice with (H37A)M2 expression targeted to GHRH neurons developed postweaning dwarfism with hypothalamic GHRH transcripts detectable by RT-PCR but not by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, suggesting that expression of (H37A)M2 had silenced or ablated virtually all the GHRH cells. GHRH-M2 mice showed marked anterior pituitary hypoplasia with GH deficiency, although GH cells were still present. GHRH-M2 mice were also deficient in prolactin but not TSH. Acute iv injections of GHRH in GHRH-M2 mice elicited a significant GH response, whereas injections of GHRP-6 did not. Twice daily injections of GHRH (100 microg/d) for 7 d in GHRH-M2 mice doubled their pituitary GH but not PRL contents. Rimantadine treatment failed to restore growth or pituitary GH contents. Our results show the importance of GHRH neurons for GH and prolactin production and normal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Le Tissier
- Division of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
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Emerich DF, Hemendinger R, Halberstadt CR. The testicular-derived Sertoli cell: cellular immunoscience to enable transplantation. Cell Transplant 2004; 12:335-49. [PMID: 12911122 DOI: 10.3727/000000003108746894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a renewed enthusiasm for the potential of cellular transplantation as a therapy for numerous clinical disorders. The revived interest is largely due to the unprecedented success of the "Edmonton protocol," which produced a 100% cure rate for type I diabetics following the transplantation of human islet allografts together with a modified immunosuppressive regimen. While these data provide a clear and unequivocal demonstration that transplantation is a viable treatment strategy, the shortage of suitable donor tissue together with the debilitating consequences of lifelong immunosuppression necessitate a concerted effort to develop novel means to enable transplantation on a widespread basis. This review outlines the use of Sertoli cells to provide local immunoprotection to cografted discordant cells, including those from xenogeneic sources. Sertoli cells are normally found in the testes where one of their functions is to provide local immunologic protection to developing germ cells. Isolated Sertoli cells 1) engraft and self-protect when transplanted into allogeneic and xenogeneic environments, 2) protect cografted allogeneic and xenogeneic cells from immune destruction, 3) protect islet grafts to reverse diabetes in animal models, 4) enable survival and function of cografted foreign dopaminergic neurons in rodent models of Parkinson's disease (PD), and 5) promote regeneration of damaged striatal dopaminergic circuitry in those same PD models. These benefits are discussed in the context of several potential underlying biological mechanisms. While the majority of work to date has focused on Sertoli cells to facilitate transplantation for diabetes and PD, the generalized ability of these unique cells to potently suppress the local immune environment opens additional clinical possibilities.
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Li M, Arimura A. Neuropeptides of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/growth hormone-releasing hormone/secretin family in testis. Endocrine 2003. [PMID: 12721498 DOI: 10.1385/endo: 20: 3: 201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian testicular development and the maintenance of spermatogenesis are hormone-dependent processes that are controlled by the pituitary gonadotropins and testosterone. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of many neuropeptides and their receptors in the testis, suggesting that these peptides operate as local regulators of testicular germ cell development and function. Among these testicular neuropeptides, the peptides that belong to the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) family, particularly growth hormone-releasing hormone and secretin, appear to show some unique common features in terms of intratesticular localization and the time of expression during the spermatogenic cycle. However, their precise physiologic roles and mechanisms of action remain unknown. This review analyzes the available information on the functional interactions among the testicular cells that appear to be mediated by locally produced neuropeptides, with a special emphasis on the peptides of the PACAP family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Li M, Arimura A. Neuropeptides of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/growth hormone-releasing hormone/secretin family in testis. Endocrine 2003; 20:201-14. [PMID: 12721498 DOI: 10.1385/endo:20:3:201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2002] [Revised: 11/25/2002] [Accepted: 12/09/2002] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian testicular development and the maintenance of spermatogenesis are hormone-dependent processes that are controlled by the pituitary gonadotropins and testosterone. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of many neuropeptides and their receptors in the testis, suggesting that these peptides operate as local regulators of testicular germ cell development and function. Among these testicular neuropeptides, the peptides that belong to the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) family, particularly growth hormone-releasing hormone and secretin, appear to show some unique common features in terms of intratesticular localization and the time of expression during the spermatogenic cycle. However, their precise physiologic roles and mechanisms of action remain unknown. This review analyzes the available information on the functional interactions among the testicular cells that appear to be mediated by locally produced neuropeptides, with a special emphasis on the peptides of the PACAP family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Moretti C, Mencacci C, Frajese GV, Cerilli M, Frajese G. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in the reproductive system. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2002; 13:428-35. [PMID: 12431839 DOI: 10.1016/s1043-2760(02)00632-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are both members of the glucagon superfamily that, with gonadotropins, act at central and peripheral levels as paracrine and autocrine coregulators of reproductive function. GHRH and PACAP are ancient peptides. Their original forms (both 27 amino acids long) were encoded by a single ancestral gene, several duplications of which led to the genes that encode the neuropeptides of the glucagon superfamily. In the male and female reproductive tracts, GHRH and PACAP interact with a subset of G protein-coupled receptors that are structurally similar to the PACAP receptor and variants of the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor, and share several biological actions. These are related mainly to the modulation of cAMP-dependent and other signal transduction pathways in several cells of the pituitary-gonadal axis. The recent discovery that antagonists of GHRH and PACAP suppress the growth of human cancer cell lines that are derived from reproductive tissues indicates the potential importance of these peptides as local regulators of cell division, cell cycle arrest, differentiation and cell death.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Evolution, Molecular
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genital Neoplasms, Female/physiopathology
- Genital Neoplasms, Male/physiopathology
- Gonads/physiology
- Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Humans
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiology
- Male
- Mammals
- Neuropeptides/genetics
- Neuropeptides/metabolism
- Neurotransmitter Agents/genetics
- Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism
- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/genetics
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/metabolism
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone/metabolism
- Reproduction/genetics
- Reproduction/physiology
- Signal Transduction/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanzo Moretti
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Tor Vergata, Via di Tor Vergata 135, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Steinmetz R, Zeng P, King DW, Walvoord E, Pescovitz OH. Peptides derived from pro-growth hormone-releasing hormone activate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in GH3 pituitary cells. Endocrine 2001; 15:119-27. [PMID: 11572318 DOI: 10.1385/endo:15:1:119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Posttranslational processing of the pro-growth hormone-releasing hormone (proGHRH) peptide can result in the formation of at least two peptide products: GHRH and the C-terminal peptide, GHRH-related peptide (GHRH-RP). While cyclic adenosine monophosphate transduces many of the actions of GHRH, other pathways also have been implicated in its actions. The aims of this study were to examine and characterize the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways by GHRH, and GHRH-RP in pituitary-derived GH3 cells, as well as the activation of the transcription factors that serve as substrates for these kinases. GHRH rapidly increased p44/p42 MAPK activity in GH3 cells in a protein kinase A-dependent and a protein kinase C-independent manner and stimulated the activation of the transcription factor Elk-1. By contrast, GHRH-RP and p75-92NH2 had no effect on p44/p42 MAPK phosphorylation in these cells. Additionally, we determined that all three peptides, GHRH, GHRH-RP, and p75-92NH2, rapidly and specifically increase phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and stimulate the activation of the nuclear factor CHOP. These are the first studies to demonstrate the activation of Elk-1 by GHRH and the activation of p38 MAPK and CHOP by GHRH, GHRH-RP, and p75-92NH2. We conclude that members of the GHRH family of peptides differentially activate multiple intracellular signaling pathways and suggest that the biologic actions of GHRH may be far more diverse than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Steinmetz
- Section of Pediatric Endocrinology/Diabetology, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Physiology and Biophysics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
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