1
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Thompson EJ, Wood CT, Hornik CP. Pediatric Pharmacology for the Primary Care Provider: Advances and Limitations. Pediatrics 2024; 154:e2023064158. [PMID: 38841764 PMCID: PMC11211696 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite >1 in 5 children taking prescription drugs in the United States, off-label drug use is common. To increase the study of drugs in children, regulatory bodies have enacted legislation to incentivize and require pediatric drug studies. As a result of this legislation, novel trial approaches, and an increase in personnel with pediatric expertise, there have been numerous advancements in pediatric drug development. With this review, we aim to highlight developments in pediatric pharmacology over the past 6 years for the most common disease processes that may be treated pharmacologically by the pediatric primary care provider. Using information extracted from label changes between 2018 and 2023, the published literature, and Clinicaltrials.gov, we discuss advances across multiple therapeutic areas relevant to the pediatric primary care provider, including asthma, obesity and related disorders, mental health disorders, infections, and dermatologic conditions. We highlight instances in which new drugs have been developed on the basis of a deeper mechanistic understanding of illness and instances in which labels have been expanded in older drugs on the basis of newly available data. We then consider additional factors that affect pediatric drug use, including cost and nonpharmacologic therapies. Although there is work to be done, efforts focused on pediatric-specific drug development will increase the availability of evidence-based, labeled guidance for commonly prescribed drugs and improve outcomes through the safe and effective use of drugs in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Thompson
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Christoph P. Hornik
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
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2
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Orlandi P, Banchi M, Vaglini F, Carli M, Aringhieri S, Bandini A, Pardini C, Viaggi C, Lai M, Alì G, Ottani A, Vandini E, Guidi P, Bernardeschi M, La Rocca V, Francia G, Fontanini G, Pistello M, Frenzilli G, Giuliani D, Scarselli M, Bocci G. Melanocortin receptor 4 as a new target in melanoma therapy: Anticancer activity of the inhibitor ML00253764 alone and in association with B-raf inhibitor vemurafenib. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115952. [PMID: 38036189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study is to investigate in vitro and in vivo MC4R as a novel target in melanoma using the selective antagonist ML00253764 (ML) alone and in combination with vemurafenib, a B-rafV600E inhibitor. The human melanoma B-raf mutated A-2058 and WM 266-4 cell lines were used. An MC4R null A-2058 cell line was generated using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. MC4R protein expression was analysed by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Proliferation and apoptotic assays were performed with ML00253764, whereas the synergism with vemurafenib was evaluated by the combination index (CI) and Loewe methods. ERK1/2 phosphorylation and BCL-XL expression were quantified by western blot. In vivo experiments were performed in Athymic Nude-Foxn1nu male mice, injecting subcutaneously melanoma cells, and treating animals with ML, vemurafenib and their concomitant combination. Comet and cytome assays were performed. Our results show that human melanoma cell lines A-2058 and WM 266-4, and melanoma human tissue, express functional MC4R receptors on their surface. MC4R receptors on melanoma cells can be inhibited by the selective antagonist ML, causing antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity through the inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and a reduction of BCL-XL. The concomitant combination of vemurafenib and ML caused a synergistic effect on melanoma cells in vitro and inhibited in vivo tumor growth in a preclinical model, without causing mouse weight loss or genotoxicity. Our original research contributes to the landscape of pharmacological treatments for melanoma, providing MC4R antagonists as drugs that can be added to established therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Orlandi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Banchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Vaglini
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Carli
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Aringhieri
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arianna Bandini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla Pardini
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Viaggi
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Lai
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Greta Alì
- Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica, Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ottani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia e Medicina Molecolare, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vandini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia e Medicina Molecolare, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Guidi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Veronica La Rocca
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Francia
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Gabriella Fontanini
- Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica, Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giada Frenzilli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia e Medicina Molecolare, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Bocci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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3
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Fajardo CM, Cerda A, Bortolin RH, de Oliveira R, Stefani TIM, Dos Santos MA, Braga AA, Dorea EL, Bernik MMS, Bastos GM, Sampaio MF, Damasceno NRT, Verlengia R, de Oliveira MRM, Hirata MH, Hirata RDC. Influence of polymorphisms in IRS1, IRS2, MC3R, and MC4R on metabolic and inflammatory status and food intake in Brazilian adults: An exploratory pilot study. Nutr Res 2023; 119:21-32. [PMID: 37716291 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphisms in genes of leptin-melanocortin and insulin pathways have been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in IRS1, IRS2, MC3R, and MC4R influence metabolic and inflammatory markers and food intake composition in Brazilian subjects. This exploratory pilot study included 358 adult subjects. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were obtained through interview and access to medical records. The variants IRS1 rs2943634 A˃C, IRS2 rs1865434 C>T, MC3R rs3746619 C>A, and MC4R rs17782313 T>C were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Food intake composition was assessed in a group of subjects with obesity (n = 84) before and after a short-term nutritional counseling program (9 weeks). MC4R rs17782313 was associated with increased risk of obesity (P = .034). Multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted by covariates indicated associations of IRS2 rs1865434 with reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and resistin, MC3R rs3746619 with high glycated hemoglobin, and IRS1 rs2943634 and MC4R rs17782313 with increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P < .05). Energy intake and carbohydrate and total fat intakes were reduced after the diet-oriented program (P < .05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed associations of IRS2 rs1865434 with high basal fiber intake, IRS1 rs2943634 with low postprogram carbohydrate intake, and MC4R rs17782313 with low postprogram total fat and saturated fatty acid intakes (P < .05). Although significant associations did not survive correction for multiple comparisons using the Benjamini-Hochberg method in this exploratory study, polymorphisms in IRS1, IRS2, MC3R, and MC4R influence metabolic and inflammatory status in Brazilian adults. IRS1 and MC4R variants may influence carbohydrate, total fat, and saturated fatty acid intakes in response to a diet-oriented program in subjects with obesity.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Humans
- Pilot Projects
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Brazil
- Obesity/genetics
- Obesity/metabolism
- Eating
- Carbohydrates
- Fatty Acids
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/metabolism
- Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins/genetics
- Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins/metabolism
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Moreno Fajardo
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Cerda
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, CEMT-BIOREN, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Raul Hernandes Bortolin
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Raquel de Oliveira
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Tamires Invencioni Moraes Stefani
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marina Aparecida Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Aécio Assunção Braga
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Egídio Lima Dorea
- Medical Clinic Division, University Hospital, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Gisele Medeiros Bastos
- Laboratory of Molecular Research in Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology Dante Pazzanese, Sao Paulo 04012-909, Brazil; Hospital Beneficiencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01323-001, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ferraz Sampaio
- Hospital Beneficiencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01323-001, Brazil; Medical Clinic Division, Institute of Cardiology Dante Pazzanese, Sao Paulo 04012-909, Brazil
| | | | - Rozangela Verlengia
- Research Laboratory in Human Performance, Methodist University of Piracicaba, Piracicaba 13400-901, Brazil
| | | | - Mario Hiroyuki Hirata
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rosario Dominguez Crespo Hirata
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
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4
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Muratspahić E, Aslanoglou D, White AM, Draxler C, Kozisek X, Farooq Z, Craik DJ, McCormick PJ, Durek T, Gruber CW. Development of Melanocortin 4 Receptor Agonists by Exploiting Animal-Derived Macrocyclic, Disulfide-Rich Peptide Scaffolds. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1373-1381. [PMID: 37854631 PMCID: PMC10580383 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors are among the most widely studied classes of drug targets. A major challenge in this field is to develop ligands that will selectively modulate a single receptor subtype to overcome the disadvantages of undesired "off target" effects caused by lack of target and thus signaling specificity. In the current study, we explored ligand design for the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) since it is an attractive target for developing antiobesity drugs. Endogenously, the receptor is activated by peptide ligands, i.e., three melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-MSH, β-MSH, and γ-MSH) and by adrenocorticotropic hormone. Therefore, we utilized a peptide drug design approach, utilizing "molecular grafting" of pharmacophore peptide sequence motifs onto a stable nature-derived peptide scaffold. Specifically, protegrin-4-like-peptide-1 (Pr4LP1) and arenicin-1-like-peptide-1 (Ar3LP1) fully activated MC4R in a functional cAMP assay with potencies of 3.7 and 1.0 nM, respectively. In a nanoluciferase complementation assay with less signal amplification, the designed peptides fully recruited mini-Gs with subnanomolar and nanomolar potencies. Interestingly, these novel peptide MC4R ligands recruited β-arrestin-2 with ∼2-fold greater efficacies and ∼20-fold increased potencies as compared to the endogenous α-MSH. The peptides were inactive at related MC1R and MC3R in a cAMP accumulation assay. These findings highlight the applicability of animal-derived disulfide-rich scaffolds to design pathway and subtype selective MC4R pharmacological probes. In the future, this approach could be exploited to develop functionally selective ligands that could offer safer and more effective obesity drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Despoina Aslanoglou
- Department
of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Andrew M. White
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Claudia Draxler
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Xaver Kozisek
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zara Farooq
- Department
of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Peter J. McCormick
- Department
of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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5
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Sadee W. Ligand-Free Signaling of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Genetics. Molecules 2023; 28:6375. [PMID: 37687205 PMCID: PMC10489045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous sensors and regulators of cellular functions. Each GPCR exists in complex aggregates with multiple resting and active conformations. Designed to detect weak stimuli, GPCRs can also activate spontaneously, resulting in basal ligand-free signaling. Agonists trigger a cascade of events leading to an activated agonist-receptor G-protein complex with high agonist affinity. However, the ensuing signaling process can further remodel the receptor complex to reduce agonist affinity, causing rapid ligand dissociation. The acutely activated ligand-free receptor can continue signaling, as proposed for rhodopsin and μ opioid receptors, resulting in robust receptor activation at low agonist occupancy with enhanced agonist potency. Continued receptor stimulation can further modify the receptor complex, regulating sustained ligand-free signaling-proposed to play a role in opioid dependence. Basal, acutely agonist-triggered, and sustained elevated ligand-free signaling could each have distinct functions, reflecting multi-state conformations of GPCRs. This review addresses basal and stimulus-activated ligand-free signaling, its regulation, genetic factors, and pharmacological implications, focusing on opioid and serotonin receptors, and the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). The hypothesis is proposed that ligand-free signaling of 5-HT2A receptors mediate therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs. Research avenues are suggested to close the gaps in our knowledge of ligand-free GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Sadee
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Aether Therapeutics Inc., Austin, TX 78756, USA
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6
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Li M, Zhang J, Yang G, Zhang J, Han M, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Effects of Anterior Pituitary Adenomas' Hormones on Glucose Metabolism and Its Clinical Implications. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2023; 16:409-424. [PMID: 36816815 PMCID: PMC9937076 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s397445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas have recently become more common and their incidence is increasing yearly. Functional pituitary tumors commonly secrete prolactin, growth hormones, and adrenocorticotropic hormones, which cause diseases such as prolactinoma, acromegaly, and Cushing's disease, but rarely secrete luteinizing, follicle-stimulating, thyroid-stimulating, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones. In addition to the typical clinical manifestations of functional pituitary tumors caused by excessive hormone levels, some pituitary tumors are also accompanied by abnormal glucose metabolism. The effects of these seven hormones on glucose metabolism are important for the treatment of diabetes secondary to pituitary tumors. This review focuses on the effects of hormones on glucose metabolism, providing important clues for the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guimei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minmin Han
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yi Zhang, Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Yunfeng Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- Yunfeng Liu, Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18703416196, Email
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7
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Setmelanotide in obesity: a profile of its use. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-022-00929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Induction of Accelerated Aging in a Mouse Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091418. [PMID: 35563724 PMCID: PMC9102583 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the global increase of the elderly population, the improvement of the treatment for various aging-related diseases and the extension of a healthy lifespan have become some of the most important current medical issues. In order to understand the developmental mechanisms of aging and aging-related disorders, animal models are essential to conduct relevant studies. Among them, mice have become one of the most prevalently used model animals for aging-related studies due to their high similarity to humans in terms of genetic background and physiological structure, as well as their short lifespan and ease of reproduction. This review will discuss some of the common and emerging mouse models of accelerated aging and related chronic diseases in recent years, with the aim of serving as a reference for future application in fundamental and translational research.
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9
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Ke W, Reed JN, Yang C, Higgason N, Rayyan L, Wählby C, Carpenter AE, Civelek M, O’Rourke EJ. Genes in human obesity loci are causal obesity genes in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009736. [PMID: 34492009 PMCID: PMC8462697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Given the disease's heavy burden on patients and the healthcare system, there has been increased interest in identifying pharmacological targets for the treatment and prevention of obesity. Towards this end, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of human genetic variants associated with obesity. The next challenge is to experimentally define which of these variants are causally linked to obesity, and could therefore become targets for the treatment or prevention of obesity. Here we employ high-throughput in vivo RNAi screening to test for causality 293 C. elegans orthologs of human obesity-candidate genes reported in GWAS. We RNAi screened these 293 genes in C. elegans subject to two different feeding regimens: (1) regular diet, and (2) high-fructose diet, which we developed and present here as an invertebrate model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). We report 14 genes that promote obesity and 3 genes that prevent DIO when silenced in C. elegans. Further, we show that knock-down of the 3 DIO genes not only prevents excessive fat accumulation in primary and ectopic fat depots but also improves the health and extends the lifespan of C. elegans overconsuming fructose. Importantly, the direction of the association between expression variants in these loci and obesity in mice and humans matches the phenotypic outcome of the loss-of-function of the C. elegans ortholog genes, supporting the notion that some of these genes would be causally linked to obesity across phylogeny. Therefore, in addition to defining causality for several genes so far merely correlated with obesity, this study demonstrates the value of model systems compatible with in vivo high-throughput genetic screening to causally link GWAS gene candidates to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfan Ke
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jordan N. Reed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Chenyu Yang
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Noel Higgason
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Leila Rayyan
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carolina Wählby
- Department of Information Technology and SciLifeLab, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne E. Carpenter
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mete Civelek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Public Health Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Eyleen J. O’Rourke
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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