1
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Fraser B, Wilkins A, Whiting S, Liang M, Rebourcet D, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. Development of peptides for targeting cell ablation agents concurrently to the Sertoli and Leydig cell populations of the testes: An approach to non-surgical sterilization. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292198. [PMID: 38574116 PMCID: PMC10994420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The surgical sterilization of cats and dogs has been used to prevent their unwanted breeding for decades. However, this is an expensive and invasive procedure, and often impractical in wider contexts, for example the control of feral populations. A sterilization agent that could be administered in a single injection, would not only eliminate the risks imposed by surgery but also be a much more cost-effective solution to this worldwide problem. In this study, we sought to develop a targeting peptide that would selectively bind to Leydig cells of the testes. Subsequently, after covalently attaching a cell ablation agent, Auristatin, to this peptide we aimed to apply this conjugated product (LH2Auristatin) to adult male mice in vivo, both alone and together with a previously developed Sertoli cell targeting peptide (FSH2Menadione). The application of LH2Auristatin alone resulted in an increase in sperm DNA damage, reduced mean testes weights and mean seminiferous tubule size, along with extensive germ cell apoptosis and a reduction in litter sizes. Together with FSH2Menadione there was also an increase in embryo resorptions. These promising results were observed in around a third of all treated animals. Given this variability, we discuss how these reagents might be modified in order to increase target cell ablation and improve their efficacy as sterilization agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Fraser
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Wilkins
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Whiting
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mingtao Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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2
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Duan J, Xu P, Zhang H, Luan X, Yang J, He X, Mao C, Shen DD, Ji Y, Cheng X, Jiang H, Jiang Y, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Xu HE. Mechanism of hormone and allosteric agonist mediated activation of follicle stimulating hormone receptor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:519. [PMID: 36720854 PMCID: PMC9889800 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is an essential glycoprotein hormone for human reproduction, which functions are mediated by a G protein-coupled receptor, FSHR. Aberrant FSH-FSHR signaling causes infertility and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Here we report cryo-EM structures of FSHR in both inactive and active states, with the active structure bound to FSH and an allosteric agonist compound 21 f. The structures of FSHR are similar to other glycoprotein hormone receptors, highlighting a conserved activation mechanism of hormone-induced receptor activation. Compound 21 f formed extensive interactions with the TMD to directly activate FSHR. Importantly, the unique residue H6157.42 in FSHR plays an essential role in determining FSHR selectivity for various allosteric agonists. Together, our structures provide a molecular basis of FSH and small allosteric agonist-mediated FSHR activation, which could inspire the design of FSHR-targeted drugs for the treatment of infertility and controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Huibing Zhang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Luan
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of medicine, Tsinghua university, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for life science, Tsinghua university, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyou Mao
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan-Dan Shen
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yujie Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.,Lingang Laboratory, 200031, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Lingang Laboratory, 200031, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China. .,School of medicine, Tsinghua university, Beijing, China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Center for life science, Tsinghua university, Beijing, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - H Eric Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Casarini L, Simoni M. Membrane estrogen receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 123:555-585. [PMID: 37717998 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogens are fundamental to support reproductive functions. Beside the well-known FSH membrane receptor (FSHR), a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been found, over the last two decades, in several tissues. It may trigger rapid, non-genomic responses of estradiol, activating proliferative and survival stimuli. The two receptors were co-characterized in the ovary, where they modulate different intracellular signaling cascades, according to the expression level and developmental stage of ovarian follicles. Moreover, they may physically interact to form heteromeric assemblies, suggestive of a new mode of action to regulate FSH-specific signals, and likely determining the follicular fate between atresia and dominance. The knowledge of FSH and estrogen membrane receptors provides a new, deeper level of comprehension of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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4
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Hormone- and antibody-mediated activation of the thyrotropin receptor. Nature 2022; 609:854-859. [PMID: 35940204 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), through activation of its G protein-coupled thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), controls the synthesis of thyroid hormone (TH), an essential metabolic hormone1-3. Aberrant signaling of TSHR by autoantibodies causes Graves' disease and hypothyroidism that affect millions of patients worldwide4. Here we report the active structures of TSHR with TSH and an activating autoantibody M225, both bound to an allosteric agonist ML-1096, as well as an inactivated TSHR structure with inhibitory antibody K1-707. Both TSH and M22 push the extracellular domain (ECD) of TSHR into the upright active conformation. In contrast, K1-70 blocks TSH binding and is incapable of pushing the ECD to the upright conformation. Comparisons of the active and inactivated structures of TSHR with those of the luteinizing hormone-choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) reveal a universal activation mechanism of glycoprotein hormone receptors, in which a conserved 10-residue fragment (P10) from the hinge C-terminal loop mediates ECD interactions with the TSHR transmembrane domain8. One surprisingly feature is that there are over 15 cholesterols surrounding TSHR, supporting its preferential location in lipid rafts9. These structures also highlight a similar ECD-push mechanism for TSH and autoantibody M22 to activate TSHR, thus providing the molecular basis for Graves' disease.
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5
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Haldar S, Agrawal H, Saha S, Straughn AR, Roy P, Kakar SS. Overview of follicle stimulating hormone and its receptors in reproduction and in stem cells and cancer stem cells. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:675-692. [PMID: 35002517 PMCID: PMC8741861 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63721] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and its receptor (FSHR) have been reported to be responsible for several physiological functions and cancers. The responsiveness of stem cells and cancer stem cells towards the FSH-FSHR system make the function of FSH and its receptors more interesting in the context of cancer biology. This review is comprised of comprehensive information on FSH-FSHR signaling in normal physiology, gonadal stem cells, cancer cells, and potential options of utilizing FSH-FSHR system as an anti-cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Haldar
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.,Current address: Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249405
| | - Himanshu Agrawal
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Sarama Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249203, India
| | - Alex R Straughn
- Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Partha Roy
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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6
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Duan J, Xu P, Cheng X, Mao C, Croll T, He X, Shi J, Luan X, Yin W, You E, Liu Q, Zhang S, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Xu HE. Structures of full-length glycoprotein hormone receptor signalling complexes. Nature 2021; 598:688-692. [PMID: 34552239 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03924-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone and chorionic gonadotropin are glycoprotein hormones that are related to follicle-stimulating hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone1,2. Luteinizing hormone and chorionic gonadotropin are essential to human reproduction and are important therapeutic drugs3-6. They activate the same G-protein-coupled receptor, luteinizing hormone-choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), by binding to the large extracellular domain3. Here we report four cryo-electron microscopy structures of LHCGR: two structures of the wild-type receptor in the inactive and active states; and two structures of the constitutively active mutated receptor. The active structures are bound to chorionic gonadotropin and the stimulatory G protein (Gs), and one of the structures also contains Org43553, an allosteric agonist7. The structures reveal a distinct 'push-and-pull' mechanism of receptor activation, in which the extracellular domain is pushed by the bound hormone and pulled by the extended hinge loop next to the transmembrane domain. A highly conserved 10-residue fragment (P10) from the hinge C-terminal loop at the interface between the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain functions as a tethered agonist to induce conformational changes in the transmembrane domain and G-protein coupling. Org43553 binds to a pocket of the transmembrane domain and interacts directly with P10, which further stabilizes the active conformation. Together, these structures provide a common model for understanding the signalling of glycoprotein hormone receptors and a basis for drug discovery for endocrine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Duan
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyu Xu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyou Mao
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China.,MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zheijang Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tristan Croll
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xinheng He
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Luan
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanchao Yin
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Erli You
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiufeng Liu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China. .,MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,Zheijang Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yi Jiang
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - H Eric Xu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Monge-Ochoa B, Montoro L, Gil-Arribas E, Montoya J, Ruiz-Pesini E, López-Pérez MJ, de Castro F, Díez-Sánchez C. Variants Ala307Ala and Ser680Ser of 307 and 680 FSHr polymorphisms negatively influence on assisted reproductive techniques outcome and determine high probability of non-pregnancy in Caucasian patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2769-2779. [PMID: 34346002 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the influence of different genotypes of Ala307Thr and Asn680Ser FSHr polymorphisms on controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) outcome and pregnancy. METHODS This study collected blood and physiological and clinical parameters of 517 Caucasian patients (Statistical power ≥ 80%) that underwent COS treatment. Genotypes of Ala307Thr and Asn680Ser polymorphisms were determined using PCR amplification followed by Bsu36I and BsrI digestion, respectively. RESULTS Ala307Ala and Ser680Ser genotypes associated to worse parameters of COS outcome (preovulatory follicles P = 0.05, in both), justifying their lower pregnancy rate than Non-Ala307Ala, P = 0.01 and Non-Ser680Ser, P = 0.004, respectively or together, (P = 0.003). Within the Non-Ala307Ala group, Thr307Thr genotype showed higher number of fertilized oocytes (P = 0.04) and embryos (P = 0.01) than Non-Thr307Thr, but no influence on pregnancy rate. Ala307Ala and Ser680Ser patients doubled probability of non-pregnancy than Non-Ala307Ala (odds ratio = 2.0) and Non-Ser680Ser (odds ratio = 2.11), respectively. Ala307Ala and Ser680Ser genotypes tend to appear together (P < 0.0001), which increases the probability of non-pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Ala307Ala and Ser680Ser genotypes of 307 and 680 FSHr polymorphisms associate to worse COS outcome than its respective Non-Ala307Ala and Non-Ser680Ser. Within the Non-Ala307Ala genotypes, Thr307Thr, although shows higher Fertilized Oocytes and Embryos, do not influence on pregnancy rate. Ala307Ala and Ser680Ser genotypes double the probability of Non-Pregnancy than their respective Non-Ala307Ala and Non-Ser680Ser genotypes. Furthermore, the strong tendency of these genotypes to appear together worsens the probability of pregnancy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Monge-Ochoa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Montoro
- Unidad de Reproducción Asistida, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julio Montoya
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Raras, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eduardo Ruiz-Pesini
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Raras, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manuel J López-Pérez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Francisco de Castro
- Unidad de Reproducción Asistida, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Díez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
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8
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Abstract
Gonadotropins are glycoprotein sex hormones regulating development and reproduction and bind to specific G protein–coupled receptors expressed in the gonads. Their effects on multiple signaling cascades and intracellular events have recently been characterized using novel technological and scientific tools. The impact of allosteric modulators on gonadotropin signaling, the role of sugars linked to the hormone backbone, the detection of endosomal compartments supporting signaling modules, and the dissection of different effects mediated by these molecules are areas that have advanced significantly in the last decade. The classic view providing the exclusive activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and the steroidogenic pathway by these hormones has been expanded with the addition of novel signaling cascades as determined by high-resolution imaging techniques. These new findings provided new potential therapeutic applications. Despite these improvements, unanswered issues of gonadotropin physiology, such as the intrinsic pro-apoptotic potential to these hormones, the existence of receptors assembled as heteromers, and their expression in extragonadal tissues, remain to be studied. Elucidating these issues is a challenge for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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9
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Landomiel F, De Pascali F, Raynaud P, Jean-Alphonse F, Yvinec R, Pellissier LP, Bozon V, Bruneau G, Crépieux P, Poupon A, Reiter E. Biased Signaling and Allosteric Modulation at the FSHR. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:148. [PMID: 30930853 PMCID: PMC6425863 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) structure and mechanism of activation has profoundly evolved over the past years. The way drugs targeting this family of receptors are discovered and used has also changed. Ligands appear to bind a growing number of GPCRs in a competitive or allosteric manner to elicit balanced signaling or biased signaling (i.e., differential efficacy in activating or inhibiting selective signaling pathway(s) compared to the reference ligand). These novel concepts and developments transform our understanding of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (FSHR) biology and the way it could be pharmacologically modulated in the future. The FSHR is expressed in somatic cells of the gonads and plays a major role in reproduction. When compared to classical GPCRs, the FSHR exhibits intrinsic peculiarities, such as a very large NH2-terminal extracellular domain that binds a naturally heterogeneous, large heterodimeric glycoprotein, namely FSH. Once activated, the FSHR couples to Gαs and, in some instances, to other Gα subunits. G protein-coupled receptor kinases and β-arrestins are also recruited to this receptor and account for its desensitization, trafficking, and intracellular signaling. Different classes of pharmacological tools capable of biasing FSHR signaling have been reported and open promising prospects both in basic research and for therapeutic applications. Here we provide an updated review of the most salient peculiarities of FSHR signaling and its selective modulation.
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10
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Anderson RC, Newton CL, Anderson RA, Millar RP. Gonadotropins and Their Analogs: Current and Potential Clinical Applications. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:911-937. [PMID: 29982442 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The gonadotropin receptors LH receptor and FSH receptor play a central role in governing reproductive competency/fertility. Gonadotropin hormone analogs have been used clinically for decades in assisted reproductive therapies and in the treatment of various infertility disorders. Though these treatments are effective, the clinical protocols demand multiple injections, and the hormone preparations can lack uniformity and stability. The past two decades have seen a drive to develop chimeric and modified peptide analogs with more desirable pharmacokinetic profiles, with some displaying clinical efficacy, such as corifollitropin alfa, which is now in clinical use. More recently, low-molecular-weight, orally active molecules with activity at gonadotropin receptors have been developed. Some have excellent characteristics in animals and in human studies but have not reached the market-largely as a result of acquisitions by large pharma. Nonetheless, such molecules have the potential to mitigate risks currently associated with gonadotropin-based fertility treatments, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and the demands of injection-based therapies. There is also scope for novel use beyond the current remit of gonadotropin analogs in fertility treatments, including application as novel contraceptives; in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome; in the restoration of function to inactivating mutations of gonadotropin receptors; in the treatment of ovarian and prostate cancers; and in the prevention of bone loss and weight gain in postmenopausal women. Here we review the properties and clinical application of current gonadotropin preparations and their analogs, as well as the development of novel orally active, small-molecule nonpeptide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Claire L Newton
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Abstract
Gonadotropin receptors include the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), both belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily and are essential to reproduction. FSHR is activated by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) while LHCGR is activated by either luteinizing hormone (LH) or choriogonadotropin (CG). Upon ligand binding, gonadotropin receptors undergo conformational changes that lead to the activation of the heterotrimeric G protein, resulting in the production of different second messengers. Gonadotropin receptors can also recruit and bind β-arrestins. This particular class of scaffold proteins were initially identified to mediate GPCRs desensitization and recycling, but it is now well established that β-arrestins can also initiate Gs-independent signaling by assembling signaling modules. Furthermore, new advances in structural biology and biophysical techniques have revealed novel activation mechanisms allowing β-arrestins and G proteins to control signaling in time and space. The ability of different ligands to preferentially elicit G- or β-arrestin-mediated signaling is known as functional selectivity or biased signaling. This new concept has switched the view of pharmacology efficacy from monodimensional to multidimensional. Biased signaling offers the possibility to separate therapeutic benefits of a drug from its adverse effects. The proof of concept that gonadotropin receptors can be subjected to biased signaling is now established. The challenge will now be the design of molecules that can specifically activate beneficial signaling pathway at gonadotropin receptors while reducing or abolishing those leading to side effects. Such strategy could for instance lead to improved treatments for infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Reiter
- PCR, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France -
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12
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Nataraja S, Sriraman V, Palmer S. Allosteric Regulation of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2704-2716. [PMID: 29800292 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) belongs to the leucine-rich repeat family of the G protein-coupled receptor (LGR), which includes the glycoprotein hormone receptors luteinizing hormone receptor, thyrotropin receptor, and other LGRs 4, 5, 6, and 7. FSH is the key regulator of folliculogenesis in females and spermatogenesis in males. FSH elicits its physiological response through its cognate receptor on the cell surface. Binding of the hormone FSH to its receptor FSHR brings about conformational changes in the receptor that are transduced through the transmembrane domain to the intracellular region, where the downstream effector interaction takes place, leading to activation of the downstream signaling cascade. Identification of small molecules that could activate or antagonize FSHR provided interesting tools to study the signal transduction mechanism of the receptor. However, because of the nature of the ligand-receptor interaction of FSH-FSHR, which contains multiple sites in the extracellular binding domain, most of the small-molecule modulators of FSHR are unable to bind to the orthosteric site of the receptors. Rather they modulate receptor activation through allosteric sites in the transmembrane region. This review will discuss allosteric modulation of FSHR primarily through the discovery of small-molecule modulators, focusing on current data on the status of development and the utility of these as tools to better understand signaling mechanisms.
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13
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Zariñán T, Jardón-Valadez E, Gutiérrez-Sagal R, Dias JA. Structure-Function Relationships of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:707. [PMID: 30555414 PMCID: PMC6281744 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) plays a crucial role in reproduction. This structurally complex receptor is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily of membrane receptors. As with the other structurally similar glycoprotein hormone receptors (the thyroid-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone-chorionic gonadotropin hormone receptors), the FSHR is characterized by an extensive extracellular domain, where binding to FSH occurs, linked to the signal specificity subdomain or hinge region. This region is involved in ligand-stimulated receptor activation whereas the seven transmembrane domain is associated with receptor activation and transmission of the activation process to the intracellular loops comprised of amino acid sequences, which predicate coupling to effectors, interaction with adapter proteins, and triggering of downstream intracellular signaling. In this review, we describe the most important structural features of the FSHR intimately involved in regulation of FSHR function, including trafficking, dimerization, and oligomerization, ligand binding, agonist-stimulated activation, and signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
| | - Teresa Zariñán
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Jardón-Valadez
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Lerma, Lerma, Mexico
| | - Rubén Gutiérrez-Sagal
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - James A. Dias
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, NY, United States
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14
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Kim HS, Lee SH. Expression of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Subunit Genes in Mouse Testis. Dev Reprod 2017; 21:327-333. [PMID: 29082348 PMCID: PMC5651699 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2017.21.3.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins are heterodimers consisting an alpha chain (Cgα) and a beta chain.
Interestingly, presence of complicated LH-β transcripts in rat testis was
accidently found; testicular LH-β transcripts were confined in seminiferous
tubules to spermatids, and the translated products were localized in the
elongated spermatids. We hypothesized that mouse testis has potential to produce
the tissue specific LH-β with similar structure to the rat testicular forms. To
verify our hypothesis, we examined the adult mouse (ICR) testis using RT-PCR and
immunohistochemistry. The PCR revealed the presence of the identical products in
the reactions for three LH subunit types. The expected product sizes for mouse
Cgα and LH-β known as pituitary type were 224 bp and 503 bp, respectively. The
testicular type LH-β products were produced by a primer set based on the rat
sequences, with unexpected size of 800 bp. Sequencing revealed that the proximal
and distal parts (2-82 and 661- 773 bp, respectively) were homologous to rat
testicular LH-β cDNA, and middle part (83-660 bp) was a unique mouse-specific
region. Both Cgα and LH-β positive signals were in the round and elongated
spermatids and mature sperms, and the LH-β signals were more intense. In
conclusion, our study demonstrated that the presence and localization of the LH
subunits in mouse testis. Further studies will be needed to understand the
precise structure and function of mouse testicular LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Soo Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016,
Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Life Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016,
Korea
- Corresponding Author : Sung-Ho Lee, Ph.D.,
Department of Life Science, Sangmyung University, Hongjmoon-2 gil 20,
Jongrho-Gu, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea. Tel: +82-2-2287-5139, Fax:
+82-2-2287-0070, E-mail:
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15
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Tamburino L, La Vignera S, Tomaselli V, Condorelli RA, Mongioì LM, Calogero AE. Impact of the FSHB gene -211G/T polymorphism on male gonadal function. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:671-676. [PMID: 28281143 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0896-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The FSHB gene -211G/T polymorphism has been reported to modulate gene expression and to cause inter-individual differences in FSH serum levels in men. This study was undertaken to assess the functional relevance of this polymorphism on gonadotropin and total testosterone serum levels and sperm parameters in men from Eastern Sicily (Italy). METHODS To accomplish this, 200 men with abnormal conventional sperm parameters or normozoospermia (according to the parameters of WHO 2010) were genotyped by TaqMan Assay. RESULTS The frequency of FSHB -211 T allele was significantly higher (p < 0.005) in patients with altered conventional sperm parameters (18.9% of chromosomes) compared to that observed in men with normozoospermia (10.9% of chromosomes). Decreasing serum levels of FSH and LH were observed across the three FSHB -211 genotype subgroups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, the FSHB -211G/T polymorphism showed a total testosterone downward trend that became more evident in men with the TT genotype compared to subjects with the GG genotype (p = 0.05). Furthermore, we found a trend towards decreased sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm forward motility and testicular volume in men with GT and TT genotypes. CONCLUSIONS These findings showed that the FSHB -211 G/T polymorphism modulates male gonadal function with a clear influence on hormonal levels and sperm parameters. CAPSULE The present study was undertaken to evaluate the distribution of the FSHB -211 G/T in men with normal or abnormal sperm parameters from Southern Italy to assess its functional relevance on the serum levels of reproductive hormones and on sperm parameters in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Tamburino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Via S. Sofia 78, Bldg 4, Rm 2C17, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Via S. Sofia 78, Bldg 4, Rm 2C17, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - V Tomaselli
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Catania, Via Vittorio Emanuele 49, 95100, Catania, Italy
| | - R A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Via S. Sofia 78, Bldg 4, Rm 2C17, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - L M Mongioì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Via S. Sofia 78, Bldg 4, Rm 2C17, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Via S. Sofia 78, Bldg 4, Rm 2C17, 95123, Catania, Italy
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16
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Crépieux P, Poupon A, Maurel MC, Reiter E. Novel pathways in gonadotropin receptor signaling and biased agonism. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2011; 12:259-74. [PMID: 21526415 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-011-9176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins play a central role in the control of male and female reproduction. Selective agonists and antagonists of gonadotropin receptors would be of great interest for the treatment of infertility or as non steroidal contraceptive. However, to date, only native hormones are being used in assisted reproduction technologies as there is no pharmacological agent available to manipulate gonadotropin receptors. Over the last decade, there has been a growing perception of the complexity associated with gonadotropin receptors' cellular signaling. It is now clear that the Gs/cAMP/PKA pathway is not the sole mechanism that must be taken into account in order to understand these hormones' biological actions. In parallel, consistent with the emerging paradigm of biased agonism, several examples of ligand-mediated selective signaling pathway activation by gonadotropin receptors have been reported. Small molecule ligands, modulating antibodies interacting with the hormones and glycosylation variants of the native glycoproteins have all demonstrated their potential to trigger such selective signaling. Altogether, the available data and emerging concepts give rise to intriguing opportunities towards a more efficient control of reproductive function and associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- BIOS group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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17
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Freamat M, Sower SA. Functional divergence of glycoprotein hormone receptors. Integr Comp Biol 2010; 50:110-23. [PMID: 21558192 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icq045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Two lamprey glycoprotein hormone receptors (lGpH-R I and II) highly similar with gnathostome GpH-Rs were cloned from sea lamprey testes and thyroid, respectively. Vertebrate glycoprotein protein receptors have a large extracellular domain (ED) containing a leu rich domain (LRD) linked to a rhodopsin-like transmembrane domain (TMD) through a highly divergent linker region (signal specificity domain, SSD or 'hinge' region) and a third major segment, the intracellular domain. To determine the potential roles of the different domains in the activation of the receptor following ligand-receptor binding, functional assays were performed on lGpH-R I/rat luteinizing hormone (LH)-R domain swapped chimeric receptors. These results show that the functional roles of the lamprey glycoprotein-receptor I (lGpH-R I) domains are conserved compared with its Gnathostome homologs. The ability of different glycoprotein hormones to activate chimeric lamprey/rat receptors suggests that the selectivity of the GpH-Rs in respect to their ligands is not controlled exclusively by a single domain but is the result of specific interactions between domains. We hypothesize that these interactions were refined during millions of years of co-evolution of the receptors with their cognate ligands under particular intramolecular, intermolecular and physiological constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihael Freamat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular and Comparative Endocrinology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
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18
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Meduri G, Bachelot A, Cocca MP, Vasseur C, Rodien P, Kuttenn F, Touraine P, Misrahi M. Molecular pathology of the FSH receptor: new insights into FSH physiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 282:130-42. [PMID: 18248882 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2007.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Manipulations of mouse genome have helped to elucidate gonadotrophin function but important differences subsist between rodent and human reproduction. Studies of patients with mutations of gonadotrophins or gonadotrophin receptors genes allow understanding their physiological effects in humans. The correlation of the clinical phenotypes of patients with in vitro studies of the mutated receptor residual function and histological and immunohistological studies of the ovarian biopsies permits to understand which stages of follicular development are under FSH control. Total FSH receptor (FSHR) inactivation causes infertility with an early block of follicular maturation remarkably associated with abundant small follicles as in prepubertal ovaries and demonstrates the absolute requirement of FSH for follicular development starting from the primary stage. Partial FSHR inactivation, characterized by normal-sized ovaries, can sustain follicular development up to the early antral stages but incremental levels of FSH stimulation seem to be required for antral follicular growth before selection. These findings contrast with the traditional view of an initial gonadotrophin-independent follicular growth prior to the preantral-early antral stages. The presence of numerous reserve follicles in the ovaries of these patients may permit a future treatment of their infertility. The study of reduced FSHbeta or FSHR activity in genetically modified male mice models and in men suggests a minor impact of the FSHR on masculine fertility. Further studies on patients with a demonstrated total FSHbeta or FSHR inactivation are required to elucidate reported differences in spermatogenesis impairment. Finally, the studies of mutations of gonadotrophins and their receptors demonstrate differences in gonadotrophin function between genetically modified rodents and humans which suggest prudence in extrapolating observations in rodents to human reproduction. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can infrequently arise spontaneously during pregnancy, but most often it is an iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation treatments with ovulation drugs for in vitro fertilization. The first genetic cause of familial recurrent spontaneous OHSS was identified as a broadening specificity of the FSHR for hCG due to naturally occurring heterozygous mutations located unexpectedly in the transmembrane domain of the FSHR. Broadening specificity of a G protein-coupled receptor is extremely rare. These observations led to the identification of the etiology of this previously unexplained syndrome and permitted to conceive novel models of FSHR activation. Susceptibility to iatrogenic OHSS or its clinical severity may be associated with FSHR polymorphisms with slightly different activities in vivo as suggested by several studies. The study of larger cohorts is needed to evaluate the clinical impact of these observations in the management of patients undergoing IVF protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Meduri
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology and Hormonology, AP-HP, University Paris Sud 11, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94275, France
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19
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Zariñán T, Pasapera AM, Casas-González P, Dias JA. Multiple facets of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor function. Endocrine 2007; 32:251-63. [PMID: 18246451 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-008-9041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Revised: 01/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. This gonadotropin plays an essential role in reproduction. Its receptor (FSHR) belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), specifically the family of rhodopsin-like receptors. Agonist binding to the FSHR triggers the rapid activation of multiple signaling cascades, mainly the cAMP-adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A cascade, that impact diverse biological effects of FSH in the gonads. As in other G protein-coupled receptors, the several cytoplasmic domains of the FSHR are involved in signal transduction and termination of the FSH signal. Here we summarize some recent information on the signaling cascades activated by FSH as well as on the role of the intracytoplasmic domains of the FSHR in coupling to membrane and cytosolic proteins linked to key biological functions regulated by the FSH-FSHR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Hospital de Ginecobstetricia "Luis Castelazo Ayala", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Apartado Postal 99-065, Unidad Independencia, C.P. 10101 Mexico, D.F., Mexico.
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20
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Roy S, Setlur S, Gadkari RA, Krishnamurthy HN, Dighe RR. Translational fusion of two beta-subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin results in production of a novel antagonist of the hormone. Endocrinology 2007; 148:3977-86. [PMID: 17478554 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The strategy of translationally fusing the alpha- and beta-subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) into a single-chain molecule has been used to produce novel analogs of hCG. Previously we reported expression of a biologically active single-chain analog hCGalphabeta expressed using Pichia expression system. Using the same expression system, another analog, in which the alpha-subunit was replaced with the second beta-subunit, was expressed (hCGbetabeta) and purified. hCGbetabeta could bind to LH receptor with an affinity three times lower than that of hCG but failed to elicit any response. However, it could inhibit response to the hormone in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it inhibited response to hCG in vivo indicating the antagonistic nature of the analog. However, it was unable to inhibit human FSH binding or response to human FSH, indicating the specificity of the effect. Characterization of hCGalphabeta and hCGbetabeta using immunological tools showed alterations in the conformation of some of the epitopes, whereas others were unaltered. Unlike hCG, hCGbetabeta interacts with two LH receptor molecules. These studies demonstrate that the presence of the second beta-subunit in the single-chain molecule generated a structure that can be recognized by the receptor. However, due to the absence of alpha-subunit, the molecule is unable to elicit response. The strategy of fusing two beta-subunits of glycoprotein hormones can be used to produce antagonists of these hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satarupa Roy
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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21
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Sanders J, Chirgadze DY, Sanders P, Baker S, Sullivan A, Bhardwaja A, Bolton J, Reeve M, Nakatake N, Evans M, Richards T, Powell M, Miguel RN, Blundell TL, Furmaniak J, Smith BR. Crystal structure of the TSH receptor in complex with a thyroid-stimulating autoantibody. Thyroid 2007; 17:395-410. [PMID: 17542669 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2007.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze interactions between the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and a thyroid-stimulating human monoclonal autoantibody (M22) at the molecular level. DESIGN A complex of part of the TSHR extracellular domain (amino acids 1-260; TSHR260) bound to M22 Fab was prepared and purified. Crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis were obtained and the structure solved at 2.55 A resolution. MAIN OUTCOME TSHR260 comprises of a curved helical tube and M22 Fab clasps its concave surface at 90 degrees to the tube length axis. The interface buried in the complex is large (2,500 A(2)) and an extensive network of ionic, polar, and hydrophobic bonding is involved in the interaction. There is virtually no movement in the atoms of M22 residues on the binding interface compared to unbound M22 consistent with "lock and key" binding. Mutation of residues showing strong interactions in the structure influenced M22 activity, indicating that the binding detail observed in the complex reflects interactions of M22 with intact, functionally active TSHR. The receptor-binding arrangements of the autoantibody are very similar to those reported for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) binding to the FSH receptor (amino acids 1-268) and consequently to those of TSH itself. CONCLUSIONS It is remarkable that the thyroid-stimulating autoantibody shows almost identical receptor-binding features to TSH although the structures and origins of these two ligands are very different. Furthermore, our structure of the TSHR and its complex with M22 provide foundations for developing new strategies to understand and control both glycoprotein hormone receptor activation and the autoimmune response to the TSHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Sanders
- FIRS Laboratories, RSR Ltd., Llanishen, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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22
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Puett D, Li Y, DeMars G, Angelova K, Fanelli F. A functional transmembrane complex: the luteinizing hormone receptor with bound ligand and G protein. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 260-262:126-36. [PMID: 17059864 PMCID: PMC1866297 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2006.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2006] [Accepted: 05/11/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) is one of eight members in a cluster of the rhodopsin family of the large G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily that contains some 800-900 genes in the human genome. LHR, along with its paralogons, follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, form one of the three classes in this cluster; the two other classes contain the relaxin-binding GPCRs and orphan GPCRs. These GPCRs are characterized by a relatively large ectodomain (ECD) containing leucine-rich-repeats (LRRs); in the class of glycoprotein hormone receptors, the LRR region is capped by N-terminal and C-terminal cysteine-rich regions. Binding of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or luteinizing hormone to the LHR-ECD triggers a conformational change of the transmembrane region of the receptor facilitating binding and activation of Gs, followed by effector enzyme activation and subsequent intracellular signaling. Viewing LHR as a transmembrane anchoring protein that sequentially binds hCG and Gs to give the hCG-LHR-Gs complex, numerous interactions and conformational changes must be considered. There is, unfortunately, a paucity of structural data on LHR, but crystal structures exist for hCG, the homologous FSH-FSHR-ECD (N-terminal fragment) complex, rhodopsin (in the inactive state), an active form of Galphas (transducin), and the betagamma heterodimer. Using a combined experimental (site-directed mutagenesis followed by characterization in transfected cells) and computational (homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations) approach, good working models are being developed for the protein-protein interaction faces and, in some cases, the ensuing conformational changes induced by complex formation. hCG binding to the LHR-ECD appears to involve several LRRs; LHR activation can be described in terms of disrupting a network of H-bonds in the cytosolic halves of helices 1-3, 6, and 7; and binding of LHR to Gs involves, in large part, intracellular loop 2 binding, presumably to Gsalpha at its C-terminus. Major gaps exist in our understanding at the molecular level of the six-polypeptide chain complex, hCG-LHR-Gs, but considerable progress has been made in the past few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Puett
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Building, University of Georgia, 120 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602-7229, USA.
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Fan QR, Hendrickson WA. Assembly and structural characterization of an authentic complex between human follicle stimulating hormone and a hormone-binding ectodomain of its receptor. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 260-262:73-82. [PMID: 17045735 PMCID: PMC2012943 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2005] [Accepted: 12/22/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is secreted from the pituitary gland to regulate reproduction in vertebrates. FSH signals through a G-protein coupled receptor (FSHR) on the target cell surface. We describe here the strategy to produce a soluble FSH-FSHR complex that involves the co-secretion of a truncated FSHR ectodomain (FSHR(HB)) and a covalently linked FSHalphabeta heterodimer from baculovirus-infected insect cells. FSH binds to FSHR(HB) with a high affinity comparable to that for the full-length receptor. The crystal structure of the FSH-FSHR(HB) complex provides explanations for the high affinity and specificity of FSH interaction with FSHR, and it shows an unexpected dimerization of these complexes. Here we also compare the crystal structure with theoretical models of the FSH-FSHR-binding mode. We conclude that the FSH-FSHR(HB) structure gives an authentic representation of FSH binding to intact FSHR.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Baculoviridae
- Chorionic Gonadotropin/chemistry
- Chromatography, Gel
- Crystallization
- Dimerization
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/analysis
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/chemistry
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/metabolism
- Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit/analysis
- Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit/chemistry
- Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Glycosylation
- Humans
- Models, Molecular
- Protein Structure, Quaternary
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, FSH/analysis
- Receptors, FSH/chemistry
- Receptors, FSH/metabolism
- Solubility
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing R. Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
| | - Wayne A. Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
- * Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 212 305 3456; Fax: 212-305-7379. Email address: (W. A. Hendrickson)
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24
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Gadkari RA, Sandhya S, Sowdhamini R, Dighe RR. The antigen binding sites of various hCG monoclonal antibodies show homology to different domains of LH receptor. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 260-262:23-32. [PMID: 17045394 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2006.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 07/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The common feature of receptors and antibodies against the ligand is that both display very specific, high affinity binding towards the ligand. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that the paratope of antibodies may exhibit homology with distinct domains of the receptor. By locating the hormone epitopes and determining the structure of the paratopes, it should be possible to identify the contact points between the ligand and the receptor. This hypothesis has been tested using hCG monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing different epitopes and having different effects on hormone binding and response. The beta subunit and heterodimer specific antibodies inhibited both hormone binding and response, while the alpha subunit specific antibodies inhibited response without affecting binding. The single chain fragment variables (ScFvs) produced from these antibodies also retained the properties of the parent antibodies. The amino acid sequences of the ScFvs exhibited homology to different regions of the receptor; the beta subunit specific antibody being homologous to the concave surface of the leucine rich repeats (LRR) of the receptor, particularly the concave surface of the LRRs, while the heterodimer specific antibody showed homology to the hinge region. The alpha subunit specific antibody showed homology to the transmembrane domain of the receptor. The exact locations of the epitopes of the monoclonal antibodies in the hormone molecule have also been identified. The data presented here also support the model of glycoprotein hormone-receptor interaction in which the hormone binds to the extracellular domain through the beta subunit and then the alpha subunit is brought in contact with the transmembrane domain leading to signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali A Gadkari
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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25
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Hagemann IS, Narzinski KD, Floyd DH, Baranski TJ. Random mutagenesis of the complement factor 5a (C5a) receptor N terminus provides a structural constraint for C5a docking. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:36783-92. [PMID: 17023413 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m607686200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The N terminus of G protein-coupled receptors has been implicated in binding to peptide hormones. We have used random saturation mutagenesis to identify essential residues in the N terminus of the human complement factor 5a receptor (C5aR). In a library of N-terminal mutant C5aR molecules screened for activation by C5a, residues 24-30 of the C5aR showed a marked propensity to mutate to cysteine, most likely indicating that sulfhydryl groups at these positions are appropriately situated to form disulfide interactions with the unpaired Cys(27) of human C5a. This presumptive spatial constraint allowed the ligand to be computationally docked to the receptor to form a model of the C5a/C5aR interaction. When the N-terminal mutant C5aR library was rescreened with C5a C27R, a ligand incapable of disulfide interactions, no individual position in the N terminus was essential for receptor signaling. However, the region 19-29 was relatively highly conserved in the functional mutants, further demonstrating that this region of the C5aR makes a productive physiologic interaction with the C5a ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Hagemann
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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26
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Garone LM, Ammannati E, Brush TS, Fischer DJ, Tos EG, Luo J, Altobello KL, Ciampolillo C, Ihley TM, Kurosawa E, Tiebout A, McKenna S. Biological properties of a novel follicle-stimulating hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin chimeric gonadotropin. Endocrinology 2006; 147:4205-12. [PMID: 16794004 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-0354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A chimeric recombinant human gonadotropin, termed C3, demonstrates both follitropic and lutropic bioactivities. The alpha-subunit construct for C3 is comprised of the recombinant wild-type human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit. The beta-subunit DNA construct for C3 encodes residues 1-145 from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-beta with the exceptions that FSH beta amino acid 88 (D) is substituted for hCG beta amino acid 94 (R) and FSH beta amino acids 95-108 (TVRGLGPSYCSFGE) are substituted for hCG beta amino acids 101-114 (GGPKDHPLTCDDPR). C3 is a potent FSH and LH agonist able to bind and to signal through FSH and LH receptors in vitro. In in vivo bioassays optimized to quantify each type of activity, C3 was found to have lutropin and follitropin potencies at levels similar to those of recombinant human LH and recombinant human FSH, respectively. In immature rats, C3 was sufficient to support the maturation of normal ovarian follicles. Moreover, a significant portion of follicles matured by C3 ruptured in response to an ovulatory hCG stimulus and gave rise to morphologically normal oocytes. Furthermore, a low dose of C3 promoted weight gain in the rodent uterus, suggesting it also supported preparation for implantation without histological evidence of excessive luteinization of the ovary. In summary, the biological properties of C3 indicate that its chimeric nature has resulted in a fully functional, dual-acting human gonadotropin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Garone
- Serono Research Institute, Inc., One Technology Place, Rockland Massachusetts 02370, USA.
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27
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Leung MYK, Steinbach PJ, Bear D, Baxendale V, Fechner PY, Rennert OM, Chan WY. Biological effect of a novel mutation in the third leucine-rich repeat of human luteinizing hormone receptor. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:2493-503. [PMID: 16709601 DOI: 10.1210/me.2005-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel heterozygous mutation A340T leading to the substitution of Phe for the conserved amino acid Ile114 was identified by nucleotide sequencing of the human LH/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (hLHR) of a patient with Leydig cell hypoplasia. This mutation is located in the third leucine-rich repeat in the ectodomain of the hLHR. In vitro expression studies demonstrated that this mutation results in reduced ligand binding and signal transduction of the receptor. Studies of hLHR constructs in which various amino acids were substituted for the conserved Ile114 showed that receptor activity is sensitive to changes in size, shape, and charge of the side chain. A homology model of the wild-type hLHR ectodomain was made, illustrating the packing of conserved hydrophobic side chains in the protein core. Substitution of Ile114 by Phe might disrupt intermolecular contacts between hormone and receptor. This mutation might also affect an LHR-dimer interaction. Thus, the I114F mutation reduces ligand binding and signal transduction by the hLHR, and it is partially responsible for Leydig cell hypoplasia in the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yiu-Kwong Leung
- Laboratory of Clinical Genomics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 49, Room 2A08, 49 Convent Drive, MSC 4429, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4429, USA
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