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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Zariñán T, Gutiérrez-Sagal R, Tao YX. Targeting trafficking as a therapeutic avenue for misfolded GPCRs leading to endocrine diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:934685. [PMID: 36093106 PMCID: PMC9452723 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.934685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are plasma membrane proteins associated with an array of functions. Mutations in these receptors lead to a number of genetic diseases, including diseases involving the endocrine system. A particular subset of loss-of-function mutant GPCRs are misfolded receptors unable to traffic to their site of function (i.e. the cell surface plasma membrane). Endocrine disorders in humans caused by GPCR misfolding include, among others, hypo- and hyper-gonadotropic hypogonadism, morbid obesity, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, congenital hypothyroidism, and familial glucocorticoid resistance. Several in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches have been employed to restore function of some misfolded GPCRs linked to endocrine disfunction. The most promising approach is by employing pharmacological chaperones or pharmacoperones, which assist abnormally and incompletely folded proteins to refold correctly and adopt a more stable configuration to pass the scrutiny of the cell's quality control system, thereby correcting misrouting. This review covers the most important aspects that regulate folding and traffic of newly synthesized proteins, as well as the experimental approaches targeted to overcome protein misfolding, with special focus on GPCRs involved in endocrine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), National University of Mexico and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre,
| | - Teresa Zariñán
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), National University of Mexico and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rubén Gutiérrez-Sagal
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), National University of Mexico and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Zariñán T, Jardón-Valadez E. Misfolded G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Endocrine Disease. Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212329. [PMID: 34830210 PMCID: PMC8622668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolding of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) caused by mutations frequently leads to disease due to intracellular trapping of the conformationally abnormal receptor. Several endocrine diseases due to inactivating mutations in GPCRs have been described, including X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, thyroid disorders, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, obesity, familial glucocorticoid deficiency [melanocortin-2 receptor, MC2R (also known as adrenocorticotropin receptor, ACTHR), and reproductive disorders. In these mutant receptors, misfolding leads to endoplasmic reticulum retention, increased intracellular degradation, and deficient trafficking of the abnormal receptor to the cell surface plasma membrane, causing inability of the receptor to interact with agonists and trigger intracellular signaling. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms whereby mutations in GPCRs involved in endocrine function in humans lead to misfolding, decreased plasma membrane expression of the receptor protein, and loss-of-function diseases, and also describe several experimental approaches employed to rescue trafficking and function of the misfolded receptors. Special attention is given to misfolded GPCRs that regulate reproductive function, given the key role played by these particular membrane receptors in sexual development and fertility, and recent reports on promising therapeutic interventions targeting trafficking of these defective proteins to rescue completely or partially their normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
- Correspondence:
| | - Teresa Zariñán
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Eduardo Jardón-Valadez
- Departamento de Recursos de la Tierra, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma, Lerma de Villada 52005, Estado de México, Mexico;
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Tao YX, Conn PM. Pharmacoperones as Novel Therapeutics for Diverse Protein Conformational Diseases. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:697-725. [PMID: 29442594 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00029.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After synthesis, proteins are folded into their native conformations aided by molecular chaperones. Dysfunction in folding caused by genetic mutations in numerous genes causes protein conformational diseases. Membrane proteins are more prone to misfolding due to their more intricate folding than soluble proteins. Misfolded proteins are detected by the cellular quality control systems, especially in the endoplasmic reticulum, and proteins may be retained there for eventual degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system or through autophagy. Some misfolded proteins aggregate, leading to pathologies in numerous neurological diseases. In vitro, modulating mutant protein folding by altering molecular chaperone expression can ameliorate some misfolding. Some small molecules known as chemical chaperones also correct mutant protein misfolding in vitro and in vivo. However, due to their lack of specificity, their potential as therapeutics is limited. Another class of compounds, known as pharmacological chaperones (pharmacoperones), binds with high specificity to misfolded proteins, either as enzyme substrates or receptor ligands, leading to decreased folding energy barriers and correction of the misfolding. Because many of the misfolded proteins are misrouted but do not have defects in function per se, pharmacoperones have promising potential in advancing to the clinic as therapeutics, since correcting routing may ameliorate the underlying mechanism of disease. This review will comprehensively summarize this exciting area of research, surveying the literature from in vitro studies in cell lines to transgenic animal models and clinical trials in several protein misfolding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama ; and Departments of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center , Lubbock, Texas
| | - P Michael Conn
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama ; and Departments of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center , Lubbock, Texas
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Abstract
Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are small molecules that bind to nascent protein targets to facilitate their biogenesis. The ability of PCs to assist in the folding and subsequent forward trafficking of disease-causative protein misfolding mutants has opened new avenues for the treatment of conformational diseases such as cystic fibrosis and lysosomal storage disorders. In this chapter, an overview of the use of PCs for the treatment of conformational disorders is provided. Beyond the therapeutic application of PCs for the treatment of these disorders, pharmacological chaperoning of wild-type integral membrane proteins is discussed. Central to this discussion is the notion that the endoplasmic reticulum is a reservoir of viable but inefficiently processed wild-type protein folding intermediates whose biogenesis can be facilitated by PCs to increase functional pools. To date, the potential therapeutic use of PCs to enhance the biogenesis of wild-type proteins has received little attention. Here the rationale for the development of PCs that target WT proteins is discussed. Also considered is the likelihood that some commonly used therapeutic agents may exert unrecognized pharmacological chaperoning activity on wild-type targets in patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy J Leidenheimer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA.
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Huang H, Wang W, Tao YX. Pharmacological chaperones for the misfolded melanocortin-4 receptor associated with human obesity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2496-2507. [PMID: 28284973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays a vital role in regulating energy homeostasis. Mutations in the MC4R cause early-onset severe obesity. The majority of loss of function MC4R mutants are retained intracellularly, many of which are not terminally misfolded and can be stabilized and targeted to the plasma membrane by different chaperones. Some of the mutants might be functional once coaxed to the cell surface. Molecular chaperones and chemical chaperones correct the misfolding of some mutant MC4Rs. However, their therapeutic application is very limited due to their non-specific mechanism of action and, for chemical chaperone, high dosage needed to be effective. Several pharmacological chaperones have been identified for the MC4R and Ipsen 5i and Ipsen 17 are the most potent and efficacious. Here we provide a comprehensive review on how different approaches have been applied to rescue misfolded MC4R mutants. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Melanocortin Receptors - edited by Ya-Xiong Tao.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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Conn PM, Spicer TP, Scampavia L, Janovick JA. Assay strategies for identification of therapeutic leads that target protein trafficking. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:498-505. [PMID: 26067100 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Receptors, enzymes, and ion channels are traditional targets of therapeutic development. A common strategy is to target these proteins with agents that either activate or suppress their activity with ligands or substrates that occupy orthosteric sites or have allosteric interactions. An alternative approach involves regulation of protein trafficking. In principle, this approach enables 'rescue' of misfolded and misrouted mutant proteins to restore function, 'shipwrecking' of undesirable proteins by targeting them for destruction, and regulation of levels of partially expressed wild type (WT) proteins at their functional sites of action. Here, we present drug discovery strategies that identify 'pharmacoperones', which are small molecules that serve as molecular templates and cause otherwise misfolded mutant proteins to fold and route correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Michael Conn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Department of Cell Biology/Biochemistry, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - Timothy P Spicer
- Lead Identification Division, Translational Research Institute and Department of Molecular Therapeutics, Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Louis Scampavia
- Lead Identification Division, Translational Research Institute and Department of Molecular Therapeutics, Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Jo Ann Janovick
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Department of Cell Biology/Biochemistry, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Tao YX, Conn PM. Chaperoning G protein-coupled receptors: from cell biology to therapeutics. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:602-47. [PMID: 24661201 PMCID: PMC4105357 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that traverse the plasma membrane seven times (hence, are also called 7TM receptors). The polytopic structure of GPCRs makes the folding of GPCRs difficult and complex. Indeed, many wild-type GPCRs are not folded optimally, and defects in folding are the most common cause of genetic diseases due to GPCR mutations. Both general and receptor-specific molecular chaperones aid the folding of GPCRs. Chemical chaperones have been shown to be able to correct the misfolding in mutant GPCRs, proving to be important tools for studying the structure-function relationship of GPCRs. However, their potential therapeutic value is very limited. Pharmacological chaperones (pharmacoperones) are potentially important novel therapeutics for treating genetic diseases caused by mutations in GPCR genes that resulted in misfolded mutant proteins. Pharmacoperones also increase cell surface expression of wild-type GPCRs; therefore, they could be used to treat diseases that do not harbor mutations in GPCRs. Recent studies have shown that indeed pharmacoperones work in both experimental animals and patients. High-throughput assays have been developed to identify new pharmacoperones that could be used as therapeutics for a number of endocrine and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology (Y.-X.T.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5519; and Departments of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology (P.M.C.), Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430-6252
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Pharmacological chaperoning: a primer on mechanism and pharmacology. Pharmacol Res 2014; 83:10-9. [PMID: 24530489 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Approximately forty percent of diseases are attributable to protein misfolding, including those for which genetic mutation produces misfolding mutants. Intriguingly, many of these mutants are not terminally misfolded since native-like folding, and subsequent trafficking to functional locations, can be induced by target-specific, small molecules variably termed pharmacological chaperones, pharmacoperones, or pharmacochaperones (PCs). PC targets include enzymes, receptors, transporters, and ion channels, revealing the breadth of proteins that can be engaged by ligand-assisted folding. The purpose of this review is to provide an integrated primer of the diverse mechanisms and pharmacology of PCs. In this regard, we examine the structural mechanisms that underlie PC rescue of misfolding mutants, including the ability of PCs to act as surrogates for defective intramolecular interactions and, at the intermolecular level, overcome oligomerization deficiencies and dominant negative effects, as well as influence the subunit stoichiometry of heteropentameric receptors. Not surprisingly, PC-mediated structural correction of misfolding mutants normalizes interactions with molecular chaperones that participate in protein quality control and forward-trafficking. A variety of small molecules have proven to be efficacious PCs and the advantages and disadvantages of employing orthostatic antagonists, active-site inhibitors, orthostatic agonists, and allosteric modulator PCs are considered. Also examined is the possibility that several therapeutic agents may have unrecognized activity as PCs, and this chaperoning activity may mediate/contribute to therapeutic action and/or account for adverse effects. Lastly, we explore evidence that pharmacological chaperoning exploits intrinsic ligand-assisted folding mechanisms. Given the widespread applicability of PC rescue of mutants associated with protein folding disorders, both in vitro and in vivo, the therapeutic potential of PCs is vast. This is most evident in the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders, cystic fibrosis, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, for which proof of principle in humans has been demonstrated.
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Zariñán T, Dias JA, Conn PM. Mutations in G protein-coupled receptors that impact receptor trafficking and reproductive function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:411-423. [PMID: 23806559 PMCID: PMC3844050 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large superfamily of integral cell surface plasma membrane proteins that play key roles in transducing extracellular signals, including sensory stimuli, hormones, neurotransmitters, or paracrine factors into the intracellular environment through the activation of one or more heterotrimeric G proteins. Structural alterations provoked by mutations or variations in the genes coding for GPCRs may lead to misfolding, altered plasma membrane expression of the receptor protein and frequently to disease. A number of GPCRs regulate reproductive function at different levels; these receptors include the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) and the gonadotropin receptors (follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone receptor), which regulate the function of the pituitary-gonadal axis. Loss-of-function mutations in these receptors may lead to hypogonadotropic or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, which encompass a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes. In this review we describe mutations that provoke misfolding and failure of these receptors to traffick from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. We also discuss some aspects related to the therapeutic potential of some target-specific drugs that selectively bind to and rescue function of misfolded mutant GnRHR and gonadotropin receptors, and that represent potentially valuable strategies to treat diseases caused by inactivating mutations of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Division of Reproductive Health, Research Center in Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Teresa Zariñán
- Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, UMAE Hospital de Ginecobstetricia "Luis Castelazo Ayala", Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | - James A Dias
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - P Michael Conn
- Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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SUZUKI Y. Emerging novel concept of chaperone therapies for protein misfolding diseases. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2014; 90:145-62. [PMID: 24814990 PMCID: PMC4104511 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.90.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Chaperone therapy is a newly developed molecular therapeutic approach to protein misfolding diseases. Among them we found unstable mutant enzyme proteins in a few lysosomal diseases, resulting in rapid intracellular degradation and loss of function. Active-site binding low molecular competitive inhibitors (chemical chaperones) paradoxically stabilized and enhanced the enzyme activity in somatic cells by correction of the misfolding of enzyme protein. They reached the brain through the blood-brain barrier after oral administration, and corrected pathophysiology of the disease. In addition to these inhibitory chaperones, non-competitive chaperones without inhibitory bioactivity are being developed. Furthermore molecular chaperone therapy utilizing the heat shock protein and other chaperone proteins induced by small molecules has been experimentally tried to handle abnormally accumulated proteins as a new approach particularly to neurodegenerative diseases. These three types of chaperones are promising candidates for various types of diseases, genetic or non-genetic, and neurological or non-neurological, in addition to lysosomal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki SUZUKI
- Special Visiting Scientist, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.
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