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Kühl T, Georgieva MG, Hübner H, Lazarova M, Vogel M, Haas B, Peeva MI, Balacheva AA, Bogdanov IP, Milella L, Ponticelli M, Garev T, Faraone I, Detcheva R, Minchev B, Petkova-Kirova P, Tancheva L, Kalfin R, Atanasov AG, Antonov L, Pajpanova TI, Kirilov K, Gastreich M, Gmeiner P, Imhof D, Tzvetkov NT. Neurotensin(8-13) analogs as dual NTS1 and NTS2 receptor ligands with enhanced effects on a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115386. [PMID: 37094450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The modulatory interactions between neurotensin (NT) and the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system in the brain suggest that NT may be associated with the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). NT exerts its neurophysiological effects by interactions with the human NT receptors type 1 (hNTS1) and 2 (hNTS2). Therefore, both receptor subtypes are promising targets for the development of novel NT-based analogs for the treatment of PD. In this study, we used a virtually guided molecular modeling approach to predict the activity of NT(8-13) analogs by investigating the docking models of ligands designed for binding to the human NTS1 and NTS2 receptors. The importance of the residues at positions 8 and/or 9 for hNTS1 and hNTS2 receptor binding affinity was experimentally confirmed by radioligand binding assays. Further in vitro ADME profiling and in vivo studies revealed that, compared to the parent peptide NT(8-13), compound 10 exhibited improved stability and BBB permeability combined with a significant enhancement of the motor function and memory in a mouse model of PD. The herein reported NTS1/NTS2 dual-specific NT(8-13) analogs represent an attractive tool for the development of therapeutic strategies against PD and potentially other CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Kühl
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maya G Georgieva
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander- Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Lazarova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Matthias Vogel
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bodo Haas
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martina I Peeva
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Aneliya A Balacheva
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan P Bogdanov
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Luigi Milella
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, V.le dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Ponticelli
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, V.le dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Tsvetomir Garev
- UMBALSM "N. I. Pirogov"-Hospital, 1606 Pette Kyosheta, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Immacolata Faraone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, V.le dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy; Innovative Startup Farmis s.r.l., Via Nicola Vaccaro 40, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Roumyana Detcheva
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Borislav Minchev
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Polina Petkova-Kirova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lyubka Tancheva
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria; Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl St., Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Reni Kalfin
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Atanas G Atanasov
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, 05-552, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Liudmil Antonov
- Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Blvd. Tsarigradsko Chaussee 72, 1784, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tamara I Pajpanova
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Kiril Kirilov
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria; Department of Natural Sciences, New Bulgarian University, 21 Montevideo Str., Sofia, 1618, Bulgaria
| | - Marcus Gastreich
- BioSolveIT GmbH, An der Ziegelei 79, 53757 St. Augustin, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander- Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Imhof
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolay T Tzvetkov
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria.
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Retinal Gene Expression of Selective Genes and Histological Stages of Embryonic and Post-Hatch Chickens (Gallus gallus). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112048. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13112048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chickens are excellent models for the study of retinal development and function. Gene expression at the correct time is crucial to retinal development and function. The present study aimed to investigate retinal gene expression and morphology in locally grown chickens at various developmental stages. RNA was extracted from the retina at the embryonic and post-hatch stages, and the retinal layers were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). RT-PCR and RT-qPCR were used for gene expression analysis of 14 selected genes. The results showed that all the retinal genes were expressed at different developmental stages. However, there were slight noticeable variations in expression patterns. At the morphological level, all retinal layers were well observed, except for the outer plexiform layer that became visible in the fifteen-day chick embryo. The current study provides a baseline for standard retinal gene expression of 14 genes and retinal histological staining. The selected genes have different roles in retinal development and function, and most of these genes are associated with retinal diseases. The results obtained here can be applied to molecular retinal research and retinal diseases with genetic factors in retina animal models or human diseases.
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Khan D, Moffett RC, Flatt PR, Tarasov AI. Classical and non-classical islet peptides in the control of β-cell function. Peptides 2022; 150:170715. [PMID: 34958851 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The dual role of the pancreas as both an endocrine and exocrine gland is vital for food digestion and control of nutrient metabolism. The exocrine pancreas secretes enzymes into the small intestine aiding digestion of sugars and fats, whereas the endocrine pancreas secretes a cocktail of hormones into the blood, which is responsible for blood glucose control and regulation of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Classical islet hormones, insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide and somatostatin, interact in an autocrine and paracrine manner, to fine-tube the islet function and insulin secretion to the needs of the body. Recently pancreatic islets have been reported to express a number of non-classical peptide hormones involved in metabolic signalling, whose major production site was believed to reside outside pancreas, e.g. in the small intestine. We highlight the key non-classical islet peptides, and consider their involvement, together with established islet hormones, in regulation of stimulus-secretion coupling as well as proliferation, survival and transdifferentiation of β-cells. We furthermore focus on the paracrine interaction between classical and non-classical islet hormones in the maintenance of β-cell function. Understanding the functional relationships between these islet peptides might help to develop novel, more efficient treatments for diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawood Khan
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - R Charlotte Moffett
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Andrei I Tarasov
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
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Sánchez ML, Coveñas R. The Neurotensinergic System: A Target for Cancer Treatment. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3231-3260. [PMID: 34711154 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211027124328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scientific interest regarding the involvement of peptides in cancer has increased in the last years. In tumor cells the overexpression of peptides and their receptors is known and new therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer have been suggested. The overexpression of the neurotensinergic system has been associated with poor prognosis, tumor size, higher tumor aggressiveness, increased relapse risk and worse sensitivity to chemotherapy agents. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to update the findings regarding the involvement of the neurotensinergic system in cancer to suggest anticancer therapeutic strategies targeting this system. The neurotensin (NT) precursor, NT and its receptors (NTR) and the involvement of the neurotensinergic system in lung, breast, prostate, gastric, colon, liver and pancreatic cancers, glioblastoma, neuroendocrine tumors and B-cell leukemia will be mentioned and discussed as well as the signaling pathways mediated by NT. Some research lines to be developed in the future will be suggested such as: molecules regulating the expression of the NT precursor, influence of the diet in the development of tumors, molecules and signaling pathways activated by NT and antitumor therapeutic strategies targeting the neurotensinergic system. CONCLUSION NT, via the NTR, exerts oncogenic (tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis) and antiapoptotic effects, whereas NTR antagonists inhibit these effects. NTR expression can be used as a diagnostic tool/therapeutic target and the administration of NTR antagonists as antitumor drugs could be a therapeutic strategy to treat tumors overexpressing NTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lisardo Sánchez
- University of Salamanca, Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems (Lab. 14), Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), Salamanca. Spain
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- University of Salamanca, Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems (Lab. 14), Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), Salamanca. Spain
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Neurotensin Regulates Proliferation and Stem Cell Function in the Small Intestine in a Nutrient-Dependent Manner. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:501-516. [PMID: 34560309 PMCID: PMC8688554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are sensitive to dietary alterations and nutrient availability. Neurotensin (NT), a gut peptide localized predominantly to the small bowel and released by fat ingestion, stimulates the growth of intestinal mucosa under basal conditions and during periods of nutrient deprivation, suggesting a possible role for NT on ISC function. METHODS Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5-Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (Lgr5-EGFP) NT wild type (Nt+/+) and Lgr5-EGFP NT knockout (Nt-/-) mice were fed ad libitum or fasted for 48 hours. Small intestine tissue and crypts were examined by gene expression analyses, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and crypt-derived organoid culture. Drosophila expressing NT in midgut enteroendocrine cells were fed a standard diet or low-energy diet and esg-green fluorescent protein+ ISCs were quantified via immunofluorescence. RESULTS Loss of NT impaired crypt cell proliferation and ISC function in a manner dependent on nutrient status. Under nutrient-rich conditions, NT stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 signaling and the expression of genes that promote cell-cycle progression, leading to crypt cell proliferation. Under conditions of nutrient depletion, NT stimulated WNT/β-catenin signaling and promoted an ISC gene signature, leading to enhanced ISC function. NT was required for the induction of WNT/β-catenin signaling and ISC-specific gene expression during nutrient depletion, and loss of NT reduced crypt cell proliferation and impaired ISC function and Lgr5 expression in the intestine during fasting. Conversely, the expression of NT in midgut enteroendocrine cells of Drosophila prevented loss of ISCs during nutrient depletion. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings establish an evolutionarily conserved role for NT in ISC maintenance during nutritional stress. GSE182828.
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Perry RA, Craig SL, Gault VA, Flatt PR, Irwin N. A novel neurotensin/xenin fusion peptide enhances β-cell function and exhibits antidiabetic efficacy in high-fat fed mice. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211275. [PMID: 34370015 PMCID: PMC8390788 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin and xenin possess antidiabetic potential, mediated in part through augmentation of incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), action. In the present study, fragment peptides of neurotensin and xenin, acetyl-neurotensin and xenin-8-Gln, were fused together to create Ac-NT/XN-8-Gln. Following assessment of enzymatic stability, effects of Ac-NT/XN-8-Gln on in vitro β-cell function were studied. Subchronic antidiabetic efficacy of Ac-NT/XN-8-Gln alone, and in combination with the clinically approved GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4, was assessed in high-fat fed (HFF) mice. Ac-NT/XN-8-Gln was highly resistant to plasma enzyme degradation and induced dose-dependent insulin-releasing actions (P<0.05 to P<0.01) in BRIN-BD11 β-cells and isolated mouse islets. Ac-NT/XN-8-Gln augmented (P<0.001) the insulinotropic actions of GIP, while possessing independent β-cell proliferative (P<0.001) and anti-apoptotic (P<0.01) actions. Twice daily treatment of HFF mice with Ac-NT/XN-8-Gln for 32 days improved glycaemic control and circulating insulin, with benefits significantly enhanced by combined exendin-4 treatment. This was reflected by reduced body fat mass (P<0.001), improved circulating lipid profile (P<0.01) and reduced HbA1c concentrations (P<0.01) in the combined treatment group. Following an oral glucose challenge, glucose levels were markedly decreased (P<0.05) only in combination treatment group and superior to exendin-4 alone, with similar observations made in response to glucose plus GIP injection. The combined treatment group also presented with improved insulin sensitivity, decreased pancreatic insulin content as well as increased islet and β-cell areas. These data reveal that Ac-NT/XN-8-Gln is a biologically active neurotensin/xenin fusion peptide that displays prominent antidiabetic efficacy when administered together with exendin-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele A. Perry
- Ulster University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Diabetes Research Group, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, U.K
| | - Sarah. L. Craig
- Ulster University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Diabetes Research Group, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, U.K
| | - Victor A. Gault
- Ulster University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Diabetes Research Group, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, U.K
| | - Peter R. Flatt
- Ulster University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Diabetes Research Group, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, U.K
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Ulster University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Diabetes Research Group, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, U.K
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Kyriatzis G, Bernard A, Bôle A, Pflieger G, Chalas P, Masse M, Lécorché P, Jacquot G, Ferhat L, Khrestchatisky M. Neurotensin receptor 2 is induced in astrocytes and brain endothelial cells in relation to neuroinflammation following pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats. Glia 2021; 69:2618-2643. [PMID: 34310753 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) acts as a primary neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the CNS and has been involved in a number of CNS pathologies including epilepsy. NT mediates its central and peripheral effects by interacting with the NTSR1, NTSR2, and Sort1/NTSR3 receptor subtypes. To date, little is known about the precise expression of the NT receptors in brain neural cells and their regulation in pathology. In the present work, we studied the cellular distribution of the NTSR2 protein in the rat hippocampus and questioned whether its expression was modulated in conditions of neuroinflammation using a model of temporal lobe epilepsy induced by pilocarpine. This model is characterized by a rapid and intense inflammatory reaction with reactive gliosis in the hippocampus. We show that NTSR2 protein is expressed in hippocampal astrocytes and its expression increases together with astrocyte reactivity following induction of status epilepticus. NTSR2 immunoreactivity is also increased in astrocytes proximal to blood vessels and their end-feet, and in endothelial cells. Proinflammatory factors such as IL1β and LPS induced NTSR2 mRNA and protein in cultured astroglial cells. Antagonizing NTSR2 with SR142948A decreased NTSR2 expression as well as astroglial reactivity. Together, our results suggest that NTSR2 is implicated in astroglial and gliovascular inflammation and that targeting the NTSR2 receptor may open new avenues in the regulation of neuroinflammation in CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Kyriatzis
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Anne Bernard
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Angélique Bôle
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Guillaume Pflieger
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Petros Chalas
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Maxime Masse
- VECT-HORUS, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille Cedex, France
| | | | | | - Lotfi Ferhat
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Michel Khrestchatisky
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Marseille Cedex, France
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Shirenova SD, Khlebnikova NN, Krupina NA. Long-Term Social Isolation Reduces Expression of the BDNF Precursor and Prolyl Endopeptidase in the Rat Brain. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:704-715. [PMID: 34225593 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921060080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress is a risk factor for the development of behavioral and cognitive disorders in humans and animals. Such stressful situations include social isolation in early postnatal ontogenesis. Behavioral and cognitive impairments associated with neuroplastic changes in brain structures. We have found that after ten weeks of social isolation, male Wistar rats show behavioral abnormalities and cognitive deficit, accompanied by an increase in the relative expression of gene encoding serine protease prolyl endopeptidase (PREP, EC 3.4.21.26) in the brain frontal cortex. The present study aimed to assess synaptophysin (SYP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF), and PREP expression using Western blot in the brain structures - the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and striatum of the rats subjected to prolonged social isolation compared with group-housed animals. Twenty Wistar rats were used for this study (10 males and 10 females). Experimental animals (5 males and 5 females) were kept one per cage for nine months, starting from the age of one month. Ten-month-old socially isolated rats showed memory deficit in passive avoidance paradigm and Morris Water Maze and reactivity to novelty reduction. We used monoclonal antibodies for the Western blot analysis of the expression of SYP, proBDNF, and PREP in the rat brain structures. Social isolation caused a proBDNF expression reduction in the frontal cortex in females and a reduction in PREP expression in the striatum in males. These data suppose that neurotrophic factors and PREP are involved in the mechanisms of behavioral and cognitive impairments observed in the rats subjected to prolonged social isolation with an early life onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie D Shirenova
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 125315, Russia.
| | - Nadezhda N Khlebnikova
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 125315, Russia
| | - Nataliya A Krupina
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 125315, Russia
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Neurotensins and their therapeutic potential: research field study. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1779-1803. [PMID: 33032465 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural tridecapeptide neurotensin has been emerged as a promising therapeutic scaffold for the treatment of neurological diseases and cancer. In this work, we aimed to identify the top 100 most cited original research papers as well as recent key studies related to neurotensins. The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched and the retrieved research articles were analyzed by using the VOSviewer software. The most cited original articles were published between 1973 and 2013. The top-cited article was by Carraway and Leeman reporting the discovery of neurotensin in 1973. The highly cited terms were associated with hypotension and angiotensin-converting-enzyme. The conducted analysis reveals the therapeutic potentials of neurotensin, and further impactful research toward its clinical development is warrantied.
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Khan D, Moffet CR, Flatt PR, Kelly C. Role of islet peptides in beta cell regulation and type 2 diabetes therapy. Peptides 2018; 100:212-218. [PMID: 29412821 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The endocrine pancreas is composed of islets of Langerhans, which secrete a variety of peptide hormones critical for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Insulin is the primary regulator of glucose and its secretion from beta-cells is tightly regulated in response to physiological demands. Direct cell-cell communication within islets is essential for glucose-induced insulin secretion. Emerging data suggest that islet connectivity is also important in the regulating the release of other islet hormones including glucagon and somatostatin. Autocrine and paracrine signals exerted by secreted peptides within the islet also play a key role. A great deal of attention has focused on classical islet peptides, namely insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. Recently, it has become clear that islets also synthesise and secrete a range of non-classical peptides, which regulate beta-cell function and insulin release. The current review summarises the roles of islet cell connectivity and islet peptide-driven autocrine and paracrine signalling in beta-cell function and survival. The potential to harness the paracrine effects of non-classical islet peptides for the treatment of type 2 diabetes is also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawood Khan
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, C-TRIC Building, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, L/Derry, BT47 6SB, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Charlotte R Moffet
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Catriona Kelly
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, C-TRIC Building, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, L/Derry, BT47 6SB, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Khan D, Vasu S, Moffett RC, Gault VA, Flatt PR, Irwin N. Locally produced xenin and the neurotensinergic system in pancreatic islet function and β-cell survival. Biol Chem 2017; 399:79-92. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractModulation of neuropeptide receptors is important for pancreatic β-cell function. Here, islet distribution and effects of the neurotensin (NT) receptor modulators, xenin and NT, was examined. Xenin, but not NT, significantly improved glucose disposal and insulin secretion, in mice. However, both peptides stimulated insulin secretion from rodent β-cells at 5.6 mmglucose, with xenin having similar insulinotropic actions at 16.7 mmglucose. In contrast, NT inhibited glucose-induced insulin secretion. Similar observations were made in human 1.1B4 β-cells and isolated mouse islets. Interestingly, similar xenin levels were recorded in pancreatic and small intestinal tissue. Arginine and glucose stimulated xenin release from islets. Streptozotocin treatment decreased and hydrocortisone treatment increased β-cell mass in mice. Xenin co-localisation with glucagon was increased by streptozotocin, but unaltered in hydrocortisone mice. This corresponded to elevated plasma xenin levels in streptozotocin mice. In addition, co-localisation of xenin with insulin was increased by hydrocortisone, and decreased by streptozotocin. Furtherin vitroinvestigations revealed that xenin and NT protected β-cells against streptozotocin-induced cytotoxicity. Xenin augmented rodent and human β-cell proliferation, whereas NT displayed proliferative actions only in human β-cells. These data highlight the involvement of NT signalling pathways for the possible modulation of β-cell function.
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Montén C, Gudjonsdottir AH, Browaldh L, Arnell H, Nilsson S, Agardh D, Naluai ÅT. Genes involved in muscle contractility and nutrient signaling pathways within celiac disease risk loci show differential mRNA expression. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2015; 16:44. [PMID: 26123480 PMCID: PMC4630939 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-015-0190-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Risk gene variants for celiac disease, identified in genome-wide linkage and association studies, might influence molecular pathways important for disease development. The aim was to examine expression levels of potential risk genes close to these variants in the small intestine and peripheral blood and also to test if the non-coding variants affect nearby gene expression levels in children with celiac disease. Methods Intestinal biopsy and peripheral blood RNA was isolated from 167 children with celiac disease, 61 with potential celiac disease and 174 disease controls. Transcript levels for 88 target genes, selected from celiac disease risk loci, were analyzed in biopsies of a smaller sample subset by qPCR. Differentially expressed genes (3 from the pilot and 8 previously identified) were further validated in the larger sample collection (n = 402) of both tissues and correlated to nearby celiac disease risk variants. Results All genes were significantly down- or up-regulated in the intestinal mucosa of celiac disease children, NTS being most down-regulated (Fold change 3.6, p < 0.001). In contrast, PPP1R12B isoform C was up-regulated in the celiac disease mucosa (Fold change 1.9, p < 0.001). Allele specific expression of GLS (rs6741418, p = 0.009), INSR (rs7254060, p = 0.003) and NCALD (rs652008, p = 0.005) was also detected in the biopsies. Two genes (APPL2 and NCALD) were differentially expressed in peripheral blood but no allele specific expression was observed in this tissue. Conclusion The differential expression of NTS and PPP1R12B indicate a potential role for smooth muscle contractility and cell proliferation in celiac disease, whereas other genes like GLS, NCALD and INSR suggests involvement of nutrient signaling and energy homeostasis in celiac disease pathogenesis. A disturbance in any of these pathways might contribute to development of childhood celiac disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-015-0190-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Montén
- Diabetes & Celiac Disease Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, CRC, 91:10, 202 05, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Audur H Gudjonsdottir
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Lars Browaldh
- Department of Clinical Science & Education, Karolinska Institute Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Arnell
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Daniel Agardh
- Diabetes & Celiac Disease Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, CRC, 91:10, 202 05, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Åsa Torinsson Naluai
- Department of Medical & Clinical Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Sakumoto R, Hayashi KG, Saito S, Kanahara H, Kizaki K, Iga K. Comparison of the global gene expression profiles in the bovine endometrium between summer and autumn. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:297-303. [PMID: 25994242 PMCID: PMC4547987 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress compromises fertility during summer in dairy and beef cows by causing nutritional, physiological and reproductive damages. To examine the difference in endometrial conditions in cows between summer and autumn, gene expression profiles were compared using a 15 K bovine oligo DNA microarray. The trial was conducted in the summer (early in September) and autumn (mid-November) seasons of two consecutive years (2013–2014) in Morioka, Japan. Endometrial samples were collected from the cows using a biopsy technique. The expressions of 268 genes were significantly higher in the endometrium collected in summer than those collected in autumn, whereas the expressions of 369 genes were lower (P<0.05 or lower). Messenger RNA expressions of glycoprotein 2 (GP2), neurotensin (NTS),E-cadherin (CDH1) and heat shock 105kDa/110kDa protein 1 (HSPH1) were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Transcripts of
GP2 and NTS were more abundant in the endometrium from summer than in the endometrium from autumn (P < 0.05). In contrast, the mRNA expressions of CDH1 were lower (P < 0.05) and those of HSPH1 tended to be low (P = 0.09) in the endometrium from summer. Immunohistochemical staining showed that GP2, NTS and HSPH1 were expressed in the endometrial epithelial or glandular epithelial cells. The serum concentrations of NTS collected from the cows in summer were higher than those collected from cows in autumn (P < 0.05). Collectively, the different gene expression profiles may contribute to functional differences in the endometrium between summer and autumn, and the increases in GP2 and NTS may have a relationship with the endometrial deficiency that causes infertility of cows in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Sakumoto
- Animal Physiology Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
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Lee HK, Zhang L, Smith MD, Walewska A, Vellore NA, Baron R, McIntosh JM, White HS, Olivera BM, Bulaj G. A marine analgesic peptide, Contulakin-G, and neurotensin are distinct agonists for neurotensin receptors: uncovering structural determinants of desensitization properties. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:11. [PMID: 25713532 PMCID: PMC4322620 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin receptors have been studied as molecular targets for the treatment of pain, schizophrenia, addiction, or cancer. Neurotensin (NT) and Contulakin-G, a glycopeptide isolated from a predatory cone snail Conus geographus, share a sequence similarity at the C-terminus, which is critical for activation of neurotensin receptors. Both peptides are potent analgesics, although affinity and agonist potency of Contulakin-G toward neurotensin receptors are significantly lower, as compared to those for NT. In this work, we show that the weaker agonist properties of Contulakin-G result in inducing significantly less desensitization of neurotensin receptors and preserving their cell-surface density. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies suggested that both glycosylation and charged amino acid residues in Contulakin-G or NT played important roles in desensitizing neurotensin receptors. Computational modeling studies of human neurotensin receptor NTS1 and Contulakin-G confirmed the role of glycosylation in weakening interactions with the receptors. Based on available SAR data, we designed, synthesized, and characterized an analog of Contulakin-G in which the glycosylated amino acid residue, Gal-GalNAc-Thr10, was replaced by memantine-Glu10 residue. This analog exhibited comparable agonist potency and weaker desensitization properties as compared to that of Contulakin-G, while producing analgesia in the animal model of acute pain following systemic administration. We discuss our study in the context of feasibility and safety of developing NT therapeutic agents with improved penetration across the blood-brain barrier. Our work supports engineering peptide-based agonists with diverse abilities to desensitize G-protein coupled receptors and further emphasizes opportunities for conotoxins as novel pharmacological tools and drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Kyoung Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Skaggs Research Institute, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Liuyin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Skaggs Research Institute, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Misty D Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aleksandra Walewska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Skaggs Research Institute, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA ; Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk Gdansk, Poland
| | - Nadeem A Vellore
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Skaggs Research Institute, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Riccardo Baron
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Skaggs Research Institute, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Skaggs Research Institute, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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