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Reshetnikova Y, Churnosova M, Stepanov V, Bocharova A, Serebrova V, Trifonova E, Ponomarenko I, Sorokina I, Efremova O, Orlova V, Batlutskaya I, Ponomarenko M, Churnosov V, Eliseeva N, Aristova I, Polonikov A, Reshetnikov E, Churnosov M. Maternal Age at Menarche Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Offspring Birth Weight. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1525. [PMID: 37511900 PMCID: PMC10381708 DOI: 10.3390/life13071525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the association between maternal age at menarche (AAM)-related polymorphisms and offspring birth weight (BW) was studied. The work was performed on a sample of 716 pregnant women and their newborns. All pregnant women underwent genotyping of 50 SNPs of AAM candidate genes. Regression methods (linear and Model-Based Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MB-MDR)) with permutation procedures (the indicator pperm was calculated) were used to identify the correlation between SNPs and newborn weight (transformed BW values were analyzed) and in silico bioinformatic examination was applied to assess the intended functionality of BW-associated loci. Four AAM-related genetic variants were BW-associated including genes such as POMC (rs7589318) (βadditive = 0.202/pperm = 0.015), KDM3B (rs757647) (βrecessive = 0.323/pperm = 0.005), INHBA (rs1079866) (βadditive = 0.110/pperm = 0.014) and NKX2-1 (rs999460) (βrecessive = -0.176/pperm = 0.015). Ten BW-significant models of interSNPs interactions (pperm ≤ 0.001) were identified for 20 polymorphisms. SNPs rs7538038 KISS1, rs713586 RBJ, rs12324955 FTO and rs713586 RBJ-rs12324955 FTO two-locus interaction were included in the largest number of BW-associated models (30% models each). BW-associated AAM-linked 22 SNPs and 350 proxy loci were functionally related to 49 genes relevant to pathways such as the hormone biosynthesis/process and female/male gonad development. In conclusion, maternal AMM-related genes polymorphism is associated with the offspring BW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Reshetnikova
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Maria Churnosova
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Vadim Stepanov
- Research Institute for Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Anna Bocharova
- Research Institute for Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Victoria Serebrova
- Research Institute for Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Trifonova
- Research Institute for Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Irina Ponomarenko
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Inna Sorokina
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Olga Efremova
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Valentina Orlova
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Irina Batlutskaya
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Marina Ponomarenko
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Vladimir Churnosov
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Natalya Eliseeva
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Inna Aristova
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey Polonikov
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
- Department of Biology, Medical Genetics and Ecology and Research Institute for Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology, Kursk State Medical University, 305041 Kursk, Russia
| | - Evgeny Reshetnikov
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail Churnosov
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
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2
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Wu CLS, Cioanca AV, Gelmi MC, Wen L, Di Girolamo N, Zhu L, Natoli R, Conway RM, Petsoglou C, Jager MJ, McCluskey PJ, Madigan MC. The multifunctional human ocular melanocortin system. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101187. [PMID: 37217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Immune privilege in the eye involves physical barriers, immune regulation and secreted proteins that together limit the damaging effects of intraocular immune responses and inflammation. The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) normally circulates in the aqueous humour of the anterior chamber and the vitreous fluid, secreted by iris and ciliary epithelium, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). α-MSH plays an important role in maintaining ocular immune privilege by helping the development of suppressor immune cells and by activating regulatory T-cells. α-MSH functions by binding to and activating melanocortin receptors (MC1R to MC5R) and receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs) that work in concert with antagonists, otherwise known as the melanocortin system. As well as controlling immune responses and inflammation, a broad range of biological functions is increasingly recognised to be orchestrated by the melanocortin system within ocular tissues. This includes maintaining corneal transparency and immune privilege by limiting corneal (lymph)angiogenesis, sustaining corneal epithelial integrity, protecting corneal endothelium and potentially enhancing corneal graft survival, regulating aqueous tear secretion with implications for dry eye disease, facilitating retinal homeostasis via maintaining blood-retinal barriers, providing neuroprotection in the retina, and controlling abnormal new vessel growth in the choroid and retina. The role of melanocortin signalling in uveal melanocyte melanogenesis however remains unclear compared to its established role in skin melanogenesis. The early application of a melanocortin agonist to downregulate systemic inflammation used adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-based repository cortisone injection (RCI), but adverse side effects including hypertension, edema, and weight gain, related to increased adrenal gland corticosteroid production, impacted clinical uptake. Compared to ACTH, melanocortin peptides that target MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and/or MC5R, but not adrenal gland MC2R, induce minimal corticosteroid production with fewer amdverse systemic effects. Pharmacological advances in synthesising MCR-specific targeted peptides provide further opportunities for treating ocular (and systemic) inflammatory diseases. Following from these observations and a renewed clinical and pharmacological interest in the diverse biological roles of the melanocortin system, this review highlights the physiological and disease-related involvement of this system within human eye tissues. We also review the emerging benefits and versatility of melanocortin receptor targeted peptides as non-steroidal alternatives for inflammatory eye diseases such as non-infectious uveitis and dry eye disease, and translational applications in promoting ocular homeostasis, for example, in corneal transplantation and diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Lin Stanley Wu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Optometry, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Adrian V Cioanca
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia
| | - Maria C Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Li Wen
- New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia
| | - R Max Conway
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Constantinos Petsoglou
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Martine J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J McCluskey
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Garnsey MR, Smith AC, Polivkova J, Arons AL, Bai G, Blakemore C, Boehm M, Buzon LM, Campion SN, Cerny M, Chang SC, Coffman K, Farley KA, Fonseca KR, Ford KK, Garren J, Kong JX, Koos MRM, Kung DW, Lian Y, Li MM, Li Q, Martinez-Alsina LA, O'Connor R, Ogilvie K, Omoto K, Raymer B, Reese MR, Ryder T, Samp L, Stevens KA, Widlicka DW, Yang Q, Zhu K, Fortin JP, Sammons MF. Discovery of the Potent and Selective MC4R Antagonist PF-07258669 for the Potential Treatment of Appetite Loss. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3195-3211. [PMID: 36802610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a centrally expressed, class A GPCR that plays a key role in the regulation of appetite and food intake. Deficiencies in MC4R signaling result in hyperphagia and increased body mass in humans. Antagonism of MC4R signaling has the potential to mitigate decreased appetite and body weight loss in the setting of anorexia or cachexia due to underlying disease. Herein, we report on the identification of a series of orally bioavailable, small-molecule MC4R antagonists using a focused hit identification effort and the optimization of these antagonists to provide clinical candidate 23. Introduction of a spirocyclic conformational constraint allowed for simultaneous optimization of MC4R potency and ADME attributes while avoiding the production of hERG active metabolites observed in early series leads. Compound 23 is a potent and selective MC4R antagonist with robust efficacy in an aged rat model of cachexia and has progressed into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron C Smith
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jana Polivkova
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Autumn L Arons
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Guoyun Bai
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Markus Boehm
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Leanne M Buzon
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Sarah N Campion
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Matthew Cerny
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Shiao-Chi Chang
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Karen Coffman
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Kari R Fonseca
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kristen K Ford
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jeonifer Garren
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jimmy X Kong
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Martin R M Koos
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Daniel W Kung
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Yajing Lian
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Monica M Li
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Qifang Li
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | | | - Kevin Ogilvie
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kiyoyuki Omoto
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Brian Raymer
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Matthew R Reese
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Tim Ryder
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Lacey Samp
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | | | - Qingyi Yang
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kaicheng Zhu
- Pfizer, Incorporated, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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4
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Manohar S, Chen GD, Li L, Liu X, Salvi R. Chronic stress induced loudness hyperacusis, sound avoidance and auditory cortex hyperactivity. Hear Res 2023; 431:108726. [PMID: 36905854 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Hyperacusis, a debilitating loudness intolerance disorder, has been linked to chronic stress and adrenal insufficiency. To investigate the role of chronic stress, rats were chronically treated with corticosterone (CORT) stress hormone. Chronic CORT produced behavioral evidence of loudness hyperacusis, sound avoidance hyperacusis, and abnormal temporal integration of loudness. CORT treatment did not disrupt cochlear or brainstem function as reflected by normal distortion product otoacoustic emissions, compound action potentials, acoustic startle reflexex, and auditory brainstem responses. In contrast, the evoked response from the auditory cortex was enhanced up to three fold after CORT treatment. This hyperactivity was associated with a significant increase in glucocorticoid receptors in auditory cortex layers II/III and VI. Basal serum CORT levels remained normal after chronic CORT stress whereas reactive serum CORT levels evoked by acute restraint stress were blunted (reduced) after chronic CORT stress; similar changes were observed after chronic, intense noise stress. Taken together, our results show for the first time that chronic stress can induce hyperacusis and sound avoidance. A model is proposed in which chronic stress creates a subclinical state of adrenal insufficiency that establishes the necessary conditions for inducing hyperacusis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilvelan Manohar
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, 137 Cary Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Guang-Di Chen
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, 137 Cary Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Li Li
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, 137 Cary Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Xiaopeng Liu
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, 137 Cary Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Richard Salvi
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, 137 Cary Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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5
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Wufuer D, Aierken H, Liang Z, Zheng JP, Li L. Association between comorbid asthma and depression and depression-related gene SNPs. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2022.100496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Serum kisspeptin and proopiomelanocortin in cystic fibrosis: a single study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17669. [PMID: 36271282 PMCID: PMC9586927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21851-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The determination of hormonal biomarkers is of increasing interest in many diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Hormones that have not been estimated and described so far in CF include kisspeptin (KISS) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC), which are involved in the regulation of many processes, including appetite and fertility. Therefore, the aim of our study was to estimate the level of KISS and POMC in sera from CF patients and to determine the correlation between these hormones and clinical parameters. For this purpose, we estimated the levels of KISS and POMC in 38 CF patients and 16 healthy participants with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found significantly reduced levels of KISS and POMC in people with CF compared to healthy subjects (1.76 ± 0.46 vs. 2.27 ± 0.56 ng/mL, p < 0.05 and 6.25 ± 4.36 vs. 14.74 ± 6.24 ng/mL, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the level of both hormones was negatively correlated with age. The hormones studied did not correlate with the results of spirometry and each other. Thus, decreased KISS and POMC levels may be associated with lower body weight and delayed puberty in patients with CF.
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Feng LL, Dai YW, Lu XJ, Lu JF, Yang GJ, Zhang H, Zhang L, Chen J. Two ACTH analogs exert differential effects on monocytes/macrophages function regulation in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 315:113796. [PMID: 33901496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a bioactive peptide of the family of melanocortins, is generated from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). So far, the research on the specific functions of ACTH in the immune system of teleosts is limited. We determined two complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of POMC in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), termed PaPOMC-A and PaPOMC-B. PaPOMCs transcripts occurred in all examined tissues, and their expression in immune tissues changed following experimental infection with Vibrio anguillarum. PaACTH-B, but not PaACTH-A, suppressed the phagocytosis of monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ). Two isoforms of PaACTH increased the bactericidal capacity of MO/MФ. PaACTH-A increased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, while PaACTH-B decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in MO/MФ. Compared with PaACTH-B treatment, the PaACTH-A treatment improved survival rate and reduced the bacterial load in V. anguillarum-infected ayu through interleukin (IL)-10. Our results indicate that the two PaACTH isoforms exert different effects in the host defense against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - You-Wu Dai
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xin-Jiang Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), China.
| | - Jian-Fei Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
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Study of LEP, MRAP2 and POMC genes as potential causes of severe obesity in Brazilian patients. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:1399-1408. [PMID: 32578125 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-00946-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Monogenic forms of obesity are caused by single-gene variants which affect the energy homeostasis by increasing food intake and decreasing energy expenditure. Most of these variants result from disruption of the leptin-melanocortin signaling, which can cause severe early-onset obesity and hyperphagia. These mutation have been identified in genes encoding essential proteins to this pathway, including leptin (LEP), melanocortin 2 receptor accessory proteins 2 (MRAP2) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of LEP, MRAP2 and POMC rare variants in severely obese adults, who developed obesity during childhood. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study screening rare variants of these genes in patients from Brazil. METHODS A total of 122 Brazilian severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) were screened for the coding regions of LEP, MRAP2 and POMC by Sanger sequencing. All patients are candidates to the bariatric surgery. Clinical characteristics were described in patients with novel and/or potentially pathogenic variants. RESULTS Sixteen different variants were identified in these genes, of which two were novel. Among them, one previous variant with potentially deleterious effect in MRAP2 (p.Arg125Cys) was found. In addition, two heterozygous mutations in POMC (p.Phe87Leu and p.Arg90Leu) were predicted to impair protein function. We also observed a POMC homozygous 9 bp insertion (p.Gly99_Ala100insSerSerGly) in three patients. No pathogenic variant was observed in LEP. CONCLUSION Our study described for the first time the prevalence of rare potentially pathogenic MRAP2 and POMC variants in a cohort of Brazilian severely obese adults. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Yardman-Frank JM, Fisher DE. Skin pigmentation and its control: From ultraviolet radiation to stem cells. Exp Dermatol 2020; 30:560-571. [PMID: 33320376 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the light of substantial discoveries in epithelial and hair pigmentation pathophysiology, this review summarizes the current understanding of skin pigmentation mechanisms. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells, and their key regulating transcription factor is the melanocyte-specific microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (m-MITF). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a unique modulator of skin pigmentation influencing tanning pathways. The delayed tanning pathway occurs as UVB produces keratinocyte DNA damage, causing p53-mediated expression of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene that is processed to release α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). α-MSH stimulates the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, leading to m-MITF expression and melanogenesis. POMC cleavage also releases β-endorphin, which creates a neuroendocrine pathway that promotes UV-seeking behaviours. Mutations along the tanning pathway can affect pigmentation and increase the risk of skin malignancies. MC1R variants have received considerable attention, yet the allele is highly polymorphic with varied phenotypes. Vitiligo presents with depigmented skin lesions due to autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. UVB phototherapy stimulates melanocyte stem cells in the hair bulge to undergo differentiation and upwards migration resulting in perifollicular repigmentation of vitiliginous lesions, which is under sophisticated signalling control. Melanocyte stem cells, normally quiescent, undergo cyclic activation/differentiation and downward migration with the hair cycle, providing pigment to hair follicles. Physiological hair greying results from progressive loss of melanocyte stem cells and can be accelerated by acute stress-induced, sympathetic driven hyperproliferation of the melanocyte stem cells. Ultimately, by reviewing the pathways governing epithelial and follicular pigmentation, numerous areas of future research and potential points of intervention are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David E Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Fukuoka H, Shichi H, Yamamoto M, Takahashi Y. The Mechanisms Underlying Autonomous Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Secretion in Cushing's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239132. [PMID: 33266265 PMCID: PMC7730156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing’s disease caused due to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (ACTHomas) leads to hypercortisolemia, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Autonomous ACTH secretion is attributed to the impaired glucocorticoid negative feedback (glucocorticoid resistance) response. Interestingly, other conditions, such as ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) and non-neoplastic hypercortisolemia (NNH, also known as pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome) also exhibit glucocorticoid resistance. Therefore, to differentiate between these conditions, several dynamic tests, including those with desmopressin (DDAVP), corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), and Dex/CRH have been developed. In normal pituitary corticotrophs, ACTH synthesis and secretion are regulated mainly by CRH and glucocorticoids, which are the ACTH secretion-stimulating and -suppressing factors, respectively. These factors regulate ACTH synthesis and secretion through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. Conversely, glucocorticoid negative feedback is impaired in ACTHomas, which could be due to the overexpression of 11β-HSD2, HSP90, or TR4, or loss of expression of CABLES1 or nuclear BRG1 proteins. Genetic analysis has indicated the involvement of several genes in the etiology of ACTHomas, including USP8, USP48, BRAF, and TP53. However, the association between glucocorticoid resistance and these genes remains unclear. Here, we review the clinical aspects and molecular mechanisms of ACTHomas and compare them to those of other related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-382-5861; Fax: +81-78-382-2080
| | - Hiroki Shichi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.T.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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Rau AR, King CM, Hentges ST. Disruption of GABA or glutamate release from POMC neurons in the adult mouse does not affect metabolic end points. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R592-R601. [PMID: 32936679 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00180.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons contribute to the regulation of many physiological processes; the majority of which have been attributed to the release of peptides produced from the POMC prohormone such as α-MSH, which plays key roles in food intake and metabolism. However, it is now clear that POMC neurons also release amino acid transmitters that likely contribute to the overall function of POMC cells. Recent work indicates that constitutive deletion of these transmitters can affect metabolic phenotypes, but also that the expression of GABAergic or glutamatergic markers changes throughout development. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the release of glutamate or GABA from POMC neurons in the adult mouse contributes notably to energy balance regulation. Disturbed release of glutamate or GABA specifically from POMC neurons in adult mice was achieved using a tamoxifen-inducible Cre construct (Pomc-CreERT2) expressed in mice also carrying floxed versions of Slc17a6 (vGlut2) or Gad1 and Gad2, encoding the vesicular glutamate transporter type 2 and GAD67 and GAD65 proteins, respectively. All mice in the experiments received tamoxifen injections, but control mice lacked the tamoxifen-inducible Cre sequence. Body weight was unchanged in Gad1- and Gad2- or vGlut2-deleted female and male mice. Additionally, no significant differences in glucose tolerance or refeeding after an overnight fast were observed. These data collectively suggest that the release of GABA or glutamate from POMC neurons in adult mice does not significantly contribute to the metabolic parameters tested here. In light of prior work, the data also suggest that amino acid transmitter release from POMC cells may contribute to separate functions in the adult versus the developing mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Rau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Connie M King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Shane T Hentges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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12
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Löw K, Roulin A, Kunz S. A proopiomelanocortin-derived peptide sequence enhances plasma stability of peptide drugs. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2840-2866. [PMID: 32506501 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive peptide drugs hold promise for therapeutic application due to their high potency and selectivity but display short plasma half-life. Examination of selected naturally occurring peptide hormones derived from proteolytic cleavage of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor lead to the identification of significant plasma-stabilizing properties of a 12-amino acid serine-rich orphan sequence NSSSSGSSGAGQ in human γ3-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) that is homologous to previously discovered NSn GGH (n = 4-24) sequences in owls. Notably, transfer of this sequence to des-acetyl-α-MSH and the therapeutically relevant peptide hormones neurotensin and glucagon-like peptide-1 likewise enhance their plasma stability without affecting receptor signaling. The stabilizing effect of the sequence module is independent of plasma components, suggesting a direct effect in cis. This natural sequence module may provide a possible strategy to enhance plasma stability, complementing existing methods of chemical modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Löw
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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13
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Molecular evolution of the proopiomelanocortin system in Barn owl species. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231163. [PMID: 32369484 PMCID: PMC7199972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Examination of genetic polymorphisms in outbred wild-living species provides insights into the evolution of complex systems. In higher vertebrates, the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor gives rise to α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), which are involved in numerous physiological aspects. Genetic defects in POMC are linked to metabolic disorders in humans and animals. In the present study, we undertook an evolutionary genetic approach complemented with biochemistry to investigate the functional consequences of genetic polymorphisms in the POMC system of free-living outbred barn owl species (family Tytonidae) at the molecular level. Our phylogenetic studies revealed a striking correlation between a loss-of-function H9P mutation in the β-MSH receptor-binding motif and an extension of a poly-serine stretch in γ3-MSH to ≥7 residues that arose in the barn owl group 6–8 MYA ago. We found that extension of the poly-serine stretches in the γ-MSH locus affects POMC precursor processing, increasing γ3-MSH production at the expense of γ2-MSH and resulting in an overall reduction of γ-MSH signaling, which may be part of a negative feedback mechanism. Extension of the γ3-MSH poly-serine stretches ≥7 further markedly increases peptide hormone stability in plasma, which is conserved in humans, and is likely relevant to its endocrine function. In sum, our phylogenetic analysis of POMC in wild living owls uncovered a H9P β-MSH mutation subsequent to serine extension in γ3-MSH to 7 residues, which was then followed by further serine extension. The linked MSH mutations highlight the genetic plasticity enabled by the modular design of the POMC gene.
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Nuclear Receptors as Regulators of Pituitary Corticotroph Pro-Opiomelanocortin Transcription. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040900. [PMID: 32272677 PMCID: PMC7226830 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis plays a critical role in adaptive stress responses and maintaining organism homeostasis. The pituitary corticotroph is the central player in the HPA axis and is regulated by a plethora of hormonal and stress related factors that synergistically interact to activate and temper pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription, to either increase or decrease adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production and secretion as needed. Nuclear receptors are a family of highly conserved transcription factors that can also be induced by various physiologic signals, and they mediate their responses via multiple targets to regulate metabolism and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the modulatory roles of nuclear receptors on pituitary corticotroph cell POMC transcription, describe the unique and complex role these factors play in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) regulation and discuss potential therapeutic targets in disease states.
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Ethanolic Extract of Hippocampus abdominalis Exerts Anti-Melanogenic Effects in B16F10 Melanoma Cells and Zebrafish Larvae by Activating the ERK Signaling Pathway. COSMETICS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The big belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis), a well-known ingredient of traditional medicine, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, and anti-thrombotic properties, and also increases male fertility. This study demonstrates that the ethanolic extract of dried H. abdominalis (EEHA) has anti-melanogenic effects in B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae. EEHA significantly reduced the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells without causing cytotoxicity. At a concentration of 200 µg/mL, EEHA had significant anti-melanogenic activity in zebrafish larvae, accompanied by a severe reduction in the heart rate (118 ± 17 heartbeats/min) compared to that of the untreated group (185 ± 8 heartbeats/min), indicating that EEHA induces cardiotoxicity at high concentrations. Below 100 µg/mL, EEHA significantly reduced melanogenesis in zebrafish larvae in the presence or absence of α-MSH, while the heart rate remained unaltered. Additionally, EEHA downregulated the release of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in B16F10 melanoma cells, which inhibited microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), leading to the inhibition of tyrosinase activity. EEHA also increased the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK). The ERK inhibitor PD98059 interfered with the anti-melanogenic activity of EEHA in B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae, indicating that the ERK signaling pathway might regulate the anti-melanogenic properties of EEHA. Altogether, we conclude that EEHA represses the cAMP–CREB–MITF axis, which consequently inhibits tyrosinase-mediated melanogenesis. We propose that at low concentrations, EEHA can serve as a promising anti-melanogenic agent that could be used to prepare whitening cosmetics and for treating melanogenic disorders.
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16
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Wang L, De Solis AJ, Goffer Y, Birkenbach KE, Engle SE, Tanis R, Levenson JM, Li X, Rausch R, Purohit M, Lee JY, Tan J, De Rosa MC, Doege CA, Aaron HL, Martins GJ, Brüning JC, Egli D, Costa R, Berbari N, Leibel RL, Stratigopoulos G. Ciliary gene RPGRIP1L is required for hypothalamic arcuate neuron development. JCI Insight 2019; 4:e123337. [PMID: 30728336 PMCID: PMC6413800 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.123337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intronic polymorphisms in the α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase gene (FTO) that are highly associated with increased body weight have been implicated in the transcriptional control of a nearby ciliary gene, retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator-interacting protein-1 like (RPGRIP1L). Previous studies have shown that congenital Rpgrip1l hypomorphism in murine proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) neurons causes obesity by increasing food intake. Here, we show by congenital and adult-onset Rpgrip1l deletion in Pomc-expressing neurons that the hyperphagia and obesity are likely due to neurodevelopmental effects that are characterized by a reduction in the Pomc/Neuropeptide Y (Npy) neuronal number ratio and marked increases in arcuate hypothalamic-paraventricular hypothalamic (ARH-PVH) axonal projections. Biallelic RPGRIP1L mutations result in fewer cilia-positive human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC-derived) neurons and blunted responses to Sonic Hedgehog (SHH). Isogenic human ARH-like embryonic stem cell-derived (ESc-derived) neurons homozygous for the obesity-risk alleles at rs8050136 or rs1421085 have decreased RPGRIP1L expression and have lower numbers of POMC neurons. RPGRIP1L overexpression increases POMC cell number. These findings suggest that apparently functional intronic polymorphisms affect hypothalamic RPGRIP1L expression and impact development of POMC neurons and their derivatives, leading to hyperphagia and increased adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liheng Wang
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alain J. De Solis
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yossef Goffer
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center & Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Birkenbach
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center & Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Staci E. Engle
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ross Tanis
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jacob M. Levenson
- University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Xueting Li
- Institute of Human Nutrition graduate program, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard Rausch
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center & Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Manika Purohit
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jen-Yi Lee
- Cancer Research Laboratory Molecular Imaging Center, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, USA
| | - Jerica Tan
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria Caterina De Rosa
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Claudia A. Doege
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Holly L. Aaron
- Cancer Research Laboratory Molecular Imaging Center, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, USA
| | | | - Jens C. Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dieter Egli
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center & Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rui Costa
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicolas Berbari
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Rudolph L. Leibel
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center & Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - George Stratigopoulos
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center & Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Harno E, Gali Ramamoorthy T, Coll AP, White A. POMC: The Physiological Power of Hormone Processing. Physiol Rev 2019; 98:2381-2430. [PMID: 30156493 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00024.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is the archetypal polypeptide precursor of hormones and neuropeptides. In this review, we examine the variability in the individual peptides produced in different tissues and the impact of the simultaneous presence of their precursors or fragments. We also discuss the problems inherent in accurately measuring which of the precursors and their derived peptides are present in biological samples. We address how not being able to measure all the combinations of precursors and fragments quantitatively has affected our understanding of the pathophysiology associated with POMC processing. To understand how different ratios of peptides arise, we describe the role of the pro-hormone convertases (PCs) and their tissue specificities and consider the cellular processing pathways which enable regulated secretion of different peptides that play crucial roles in integrating a range of vital physiological functions. In the pituitary, correct processing of POMC peptides is essential to maintain the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and this processing can be disrupted in POMC-expressing tumors. In hypothalamic neurons expressing POMC, abnormalities in processing critically impact on the regulation of appetite, energy homeostasis, and body composition. More work is needed to understand whether expression of the POMC gene in a tissue equates to release of bioactive peptides. We suggest that this comprehensive view of POMC processing, with a focus on gaining a better understanding of the combination of peptides produced and their relative bioactivity, is a necessity for all involved in studying this fascinating physiological regulatory phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Harno
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Thanuja Gali Ramamoorthy
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Anthony P Coll
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Anne White
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
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da Fonseca ACP, Mastronardi C, Johar A, Arcos-Burgos M, Paz-Filho G. Genetics of non-syndromic childhood obesity and the use of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. J Diabetes Complications 2017; 31:1549-1561. [PMID: 28735903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem associated with the development of several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The elevated prevalence of obesity is mostly due to inadequate diet and lifestyle, but it is also influenced by genetic factors. OBJECTIVES To review recent advances in the field of the genetics of obesity. We summarize the list of genes associated with the rare non-syndromic forms of obesity, and explain their function. Furthermore, we discuss the technologies that are available for the genetic diagnosis of obesity. RESULTS Several studies reported that single gene variants cause Mendelian forms of obesity, determined by mutations of major effect in single genes. Rare, non-syndromic forms of obesity are a result of loss-of-function mutations in genes that act on the development and function of the hypothalamus or the leptin-melanocortin pathway. These variants disrupt enzymes and receptors that play a role in energy homeostasis, resulting in severe early-onset obesity and endocrine dysfunctions. Different approaches and technologies have been used to understand the genetic background of obesity. Currently, whole genome and whole exome sequencing are important diagnostic tools to identify new genes and variants associated with severe obesity, but other approaches are also useful at individual or population levels, such as linkage analysis, candidate gene sequencing, chromosomal microarray analysis, and genome-wide association studies. CONCLUSIONS The understanding of the genetic causes of obesity and the usefulness and limitations of the genetic diagnostic approaches can contribute to the development of new personalized therapeutic targets against obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudio Mastronardi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Angad Johar
- Department of Genome Sciences, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Australia.
| | | | - Gilberto Paz-Filho
- Department of Genome Sciences, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Australia.
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Gupta R, Ma Y, Wang M, Whim MD. AgRP-Expressing Adrenal Chromaffin Cells Are Involved in the Sympathetic Response to Fasting. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2572-2584. [PMID: 28531318 PMCID: PMC5551550 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fasting evokes a homeostatic response that maintains circulating levels of energy-rich metabolites and increases the drive to eat. Centrally, this reflex activates a small population of hypothalamic neurons that are characterized by the expression of AgRP, a neuropeptide with an extremely restricted distribution. Apart from the hypothalamus, the only other site with substantial expression is the adrenal gland, but there is disagreement about which cells synthesize AgRP. Using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we show AgRP is present in the mouse adrenal medulla and is expressed by neuroendocrine chromaffin cells that also synthesize the catecholamines and neuropeptide Y. Short-term fasting led to an increase in adrenal AgRP expression. Because AgRP can act as an antagonist at MC3/4 receptors, we tested whether melanotan II, an MC3/4 receptor agonist, could regulate pre- and postsynaptic signaling within the adrenal medulla. Melanotan II decreased the paired-pulse ratio of evoked synaptic currents recorded in chromaffin cells; this effect was blocked by exogenous AgRP. In contrast, neither melanotan II nor AgRP altered the optogenetically evoked release of catecholamines from isolated chromaffin cells. These results are consistent with the idea that AgRP regulates the strength of the sympathetic input by modulation of presynaptic MC3/4 receptors located on preganglionic neurons. We conclude that a small population of neuroendocrine cells in the adrenal medulla, and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, express AgRP and neuropeptide Y and are functionally involved in the systemic response to fasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Gupta
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Yunbing Ma
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Manqi Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Matthew D. Whim
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
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20
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Fridmanis D, Roga A, Klovins J. ACTH Receptor (MC2R) Specificity: What Do We Know About Underlying Molecular Mechanisms? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:13. [PMID: 28220105 PMCID: PMC5292628 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coincidentally, the release of this Research Topic in Frontiers in Endocrinology takes place 25 years after the discovery of the adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor (ACTHR) by Mountjoy and colleagues. In subsequent years, following the discovery of other types of mammalian melanocortin receptors (MCRs), ACTHR also became known as melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R). At present, five types of MCRs have been reported, all of which share significant sequence similarity at the amino acid level, and all of which specifically bind melanocortins (MCs)-a group of biologically active peptides generated by proteolysis of the proopiomelanocortin precursor. All MCs share an identical -H-F-R-W- pharmacophore sequence. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are the most extensively studied MCs and are derived from the same region. Essentially, α-MSH is formed from the first 13 amino acid residues of ACTH. ACTHR is unique among MCRs because it binds one sole ligand-ACTH, which makes it a very attractive research object for molecular pharmacologists. However, much research has failed, and functional studies of this receptor are lagging behind other MCRs. The reason for these difficulties has already been outlined by Mountjoy and colleagues in their publication on ACTHR coding sequence discovery where the Cloudman S91 melanoma cell line was used for receptor expression because it was a "more sensitive assay system." Subsequent work showed that ACTHR could be successfully expressed only in endogenous MCR-expressing cell lines, since in other cell lines it is retained within the endoplasmic reticulum. The resolution of this methodological problem came in 2005 with the discovery of melanocortin receptor accessory protein, which is required for the formation of functionally active ACTHR. The decade that followed this discovery was filled with exciting research that provided insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of ACTHR. The purpose of this review is to summarize the advances in this fascinating research field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ance Roga
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Klovins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
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21
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Clark AJ, Forfar R, Hussain M, Jerman J, McIver E, Taylor D, Chan L. ACTH Antagonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:101. [PMID: 27547198 PMCID: PMC4974254 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) acts via a highly selective receptor that is a member of the melanocortin receptor subfamily of type 1 G protein-coupled receptors. The ACTH receptor, also known as the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), is unusual in that it is absolutely dependent on a small accessory protein, melanocortin receptor accessory protein (MRAP) for cell surface expression and function. ACTH is the only known naturally occurring agonist for this receptor. This lack of redundancy and high degree of ligand specificity suggests that antagonism of this receptor could provide a useful therapeutic aid and a potential investigational tool. Clinical situations in which this could be useful include (1) Cushing's disease and ectopic ACTH syndrome - especially while preparing for definitive treatment of a causative tumor, or in refractory cases, or (2) congenital adrenal hyperplasia - as an adjunct to glucocorticoid replacement. A case for antagonism in other clinical situations in which there is ACTH excess can also be made. In this article, we will explore the scientific and clinical case for an ACTH antagonist, and will review the evidence for existing and recently described peptides and modified peptides in this role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian John Clark
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Forfar
- Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, MRC Technology, Stevenage, UK
| | - Mashal Hussain
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jeff Jerman
- Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, MRC Technology, Stevenage, UK
| | - Ed McIver
- Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, MRC Technology, Stevenage, UK
| | - Debra Taylor
- Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, MRC Technology, Stevenage, UK
| | - Li Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Clark AJL, Lowry P. 60 YEARS OF POMC: POMC: the consummate peptide hormone precursor. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:E1-2. [PMID: 27273100 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J L Clark
- Centre for EndocrinologyWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Philip Lowry
- Emeritus Professor School of Biological SciencesThe University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Gallo-Payet N. 60 YEARS OF POMC: Adrenal and extra-adrenal functions of ACTH. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:T135-56. [PMID: 26793988 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a pivotal role in homeostasis and stress response and is thus the major component of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. After a brief summary of ACTH production from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and on ACTH receptor properties, the first part of the review covers the role of ACTH in steroidogenesis and steroid secretion. We highlight the mechanisms explaining the differential acute vs chronic effects of ACTH on aldosterone and glucocorticoid secretion. The second part summarizes the effects of ACTH on adrenal growth, addressing its role as either a mitogenic or a differentiating factor. We then review the mechanisms involved in steroid secretion, from the classical Cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger system to various signaling cascades. We also consider how the interaction between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton may trigger activation of signaling platforms potentially stimulating or repressing the steroidogenic potency of ACTH. Finally, we consider the extra-adrenal actions of ACTH, in particular its role in differentiation in a variety of cell types, in addition to its known lipolytic effects on adipocytes. In each section, we endeavor to correlate basic mechanisms of ACTH function with the pathological consequences of ACTH signaling deficiency and of overproduction of ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gallo-Payet
- Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of Medicine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of Medicine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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