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Borbély É, Pethő G. Drug effects on neuropeptides and their receptors: Big hopes but moderate success in the treatment of chronic pain. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 77:102474. [PMID: 39121555 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuropeptides, including tachykinins, CGRP, and somatostatin, are localized in a peptidergic subgroup of nociceptive primary afferent neurons. Tachykinins and CGRP are pronociceptive, somatostatin is an antinociceptive mediator. Intensive drug research has been performed to develop tachykinin and CGRP antagonists, and somatostatin agonists as analgesics. CGRP receptor antagonists are efficacious and well-tolerated drugs in migraine. Monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or its receptor are used for the prophylactic treatment of migraine. Tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists failed as analgesics but are used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. New, orally active somatostatin 4 receptor agonists are promising drug candidates for treating various pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Borbély
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Str. 6, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Jayawardena BM, Azzi A, Jones CE. Investigating the role of phenylalanine residues for amyloid formation of the neuropeptide neurokinin B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 705:149732. [PMID: 38447390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149732] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) is a tachykinin peptide that has diverse roles in biology, including in human reproductive development. Cellular processing of this peptide is thought to involve formation of a dense core vesicle during transit through the regulated secretory pathway. The ability of NKB to rapidly form an amyloid can contribute to formation of the secretory granule but features that support amyloid formation of NKB are not well understood. NKB contains a diphenylalanine sequence well recognised as an important motif for self-assembly of other peptides including amyloid β. Using mutations of the diphenylalanine motif we show that this motif in NKB is necessary for amyloid formation, and it is the unique combination of aromaticity and hydrophobicity of phenylalanine that is crucial for aggregation. Using disulfide cross-linking we propose that phenylalanine at sequence position 6 is important for stabilising inter-sheet interactions in the NKB amyloid fibril. Although having a highly conserved sequence, the NKB peptide from zebrafish only contains a single phenylalanine and does not fibrillise as extensively as mammalian NKB. Analysis of self-assembly of NKB-like peptides from different species may help in elucidating their biological roles. Taken together, this work shows that mammalian NKB has evolved, within only 10 residues, a sequence optimised for rapid self-assembly, whilst also containing residues for metal-binding, receptor binding and receptor discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawantha M Jayawardena
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, 2751, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annabelle Azzi
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, 2751, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher E Jones
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, 2751, New South Wales, Australia.
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Rodriguez-Zas SL, Nowak RA, Antonson AM, Rund L, Bhamidi S, Gomez AN, Southey BR, Johnson RW. Immune and metabolic challenges induce changes in pain sensation and related pathways in the hypothalamus. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:343-359. [PMID: 38189117 PMCID: PMC11283907 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00134.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic molecular processes participate in the regulation of the neuro-immune-endocrine system, including hormone, metabolite, chemokine circulation, and corresponding physiological and behavioral responses. RNA-sequencing profiles were analyzed to understand the effect of juvenile immune and metabolic distress 100 days after virally elicited maternal immune activation during gestation in pigs. Over 1,300 genes exhibited significant additive or interacting effects of gestational immune activation, juvenile distress, and sex. One-third of these genes presented multiple effects, emphasizing the complex interplay of these factors. Key functional categories enriched among affected genes included sensory perception of pain, steroidogenesis, prolactin, neuropeptide, and inflammatory signaling. These categories underscore the intricate relationship between gestational immune activation during gestation, distress, and the response of hypothalamic pathways to insults. These effects were sex-dependent for many genes, such as Prdm12, Oprd1, Isg20, Prl, Oxt, and Vip. The prevalence of differentially expressed genes annotated to proinflammatory and cell cycle processes suggests potential implications for synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. The gene profiles affected by immune activation, distress, and sex pointed to the action of transcription factors SHOX2, STAT1, and REST. These findings underscore the importance of considering sex and postnatal challenges when studying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and highlight the complexity of the "two-hit" hypothesis in understanding their etiology. Our study furthers the understanding of the intricate molecular responses in the hypothalamus to gestational immune activation and subsequent distress, shedding light on the sex-specific effects and the potential long-lasting consequences on pain perception, neuroendocrine regulation, and inflammatory processes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The interaction of infection during gestation and insults later in life influences the molecular mechanisms in the hypothalamus that participate in pain sensation. The response of the hypothalamic transcriptome varies between sexes and can also affect synapses and immune signals. The findings from this study assist in the identification of agonists or antagonists that can guide pretranslational studies to ameliorate the effects of gestational insults interacting with postnatal challenges on physiological or behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Department of Statistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Romana A Nowak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Adrienne M Antonson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Laurie Rund
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Sreelaya Bhamidi
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Andrea N Gomez
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Bruce R Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Rodney W Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
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Yi J, Ma Y, Ruan J, You S, Ma J, Yu H, Zhao J, Zhang K, Yang Q, Jin L, Zeng G, Sun D. The invisible Threat: Assessing the reproductive and transgenerational impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on fish. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108432. [PMID: 38219542 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), emerging as pervasive environmental pollutants, present multifaceted threats to diverse ecosystems. This review critically examines the ability of MNPs to traverse biological barriers in fish, leading to their accumulation in gonadal tissues and subsequent reproductive toxicity. A focal concern is the potential transgenerational harm, where offspring not directly exposed to MNPs exhibit toxic effects. Characterized by extensive specific surface areas and marked surface hydrophobicity, MNPs readily adsorb and concentrate other environmental contaminants, potentially intensifying reproductive and transgenerational toxicity. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide profound insights into the repercussions of MNPs on fish reproductive health and progeny, highlighting the intricate interplay between MNPs and other pollutants. We delve into the mechanisms of MNPs-induced reproductive toxicity, including gonadal histopathologic alterations, oxidative stress, and disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The review also underscores the urgency for future research to explore the size-specific toxic dynamics of MNPs and the long-term implications of chronic exposure. Understanding these aspects is crucial for assessing the ecological risks posed by MNPs and formulating strategies to safeguard aquatic life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yi
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yilei Ma
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Si You
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Guoming Zeng
- Intelligent Construction Technology Application Service Center, School of Architecture and Engineering, Chongqing City Vocational College, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Da Sun
- State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Nguyen DH, Duque V, Phillips N, Mecawi AS, Cunningham JT. Spatial transcriptomics reveal basal sex differences in supraoptic nucleus gene expression of adult rats related to cell signaling and ribosomal pathways. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:71. [PMID: 37858270 PMCID: PMC10585758 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00554-3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus contains magnocellular neurosecretory cells that secrete the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin. Sex differences in SON gene expression have been relatively unexplored. Our study used spatially resolved transcriptomics to visualize gene expression profiles in the SON of adult male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) Sprague-Dawley rats using Visium Spatial Gene Expression (10x Genomics). METHODS Briefly, 10-μm coronal sections (~ 4 × 4 mm) containing the SON were collected from each rat and processed using Visium slides and recommended protocols. Data were analyzed using 10x Genomics' Space Ranger and Loupe Browser applications and other bioinformatic tools. Two unique differential expression (DE) analysis methods, Loupe Browser and DESeq2, were used. RESULTS Loupe Browser DE analysis of the SON identified 116 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) common to both sexes (e.g., Avp and Oxt), 31 significant DEGs unique to the males, and 73 significant DEGs unique to the females. DESeq2 analysis revealed 183 significant DEGs between the two groups. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and pathway analyses using significant genes identified via Loupe Browser revealed GO terms and pathways related to (1) neurohypophyseal hormone activity, regulation of peptide hormone secretion, and regulation of ion transport for the significant genes common to both males and females, (2) Gi signaling/G-protein mediated events for the significant genes unique to males, and (3) potassium ion transport/voltage-gated potassium channels for the significant genes unique to females, as some examples. GO/pathway analyses using significant genes identified via DESeq2 comparing female vs. male groups revealed GO terms/pathways related to ribosomal structure/function. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified additional sex differences in canonical pathways (e.g., 'Mitochondrial Dysfunction', 'Oxidative Phosphorylation') and upstream regulators (e.g., CSF3, NFKB complex, TNF, GRIN3A). CONCLUSION There was little overlap in the IPA results for the two different DE methods. These results suggest sex differences in SON gene expression that are associated with cell signaling and ribosomal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianna H Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Victor Duque
- Department of Biophysics, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicole Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - André Souza Mecawi
- Department of Biophysics, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J Thomas Cunningham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
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