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Żabińska M, Wiśniewska K, Węgrzyn G, Pierzynowska K. Exploring the physiological role of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and its associations with human diseases. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107070. [PMID: 38733757 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen is a group of hormones that collaborate with the nervous system to impact the overall well-being of all genders. It influences many processes, including those occurring in the central nervous system, affecting learning and memory, and playing roles in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders. The hormone's action is mediated by specific receptors. Significant roles of classical estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, in various diseases were known since many years, but after identifying a structurally and locationally distinct receptor, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), its role in human physiology and pathophysiology was investigated. This review compiles GPER-related information, highlighting its impact on homeostasis and diseases, while putting special attention on functions and dysfunctions of this receptor in neurobiology and biobehavioral processes. Understanding the receptor modulation possibilities is essential for therapy, as disruptions in receptors can lead to diseases or disorders, irrespective of correct estrogen levels. We conclude that studies on the GPER receptor have the potential to develop therapies that regulate estrogen and positively impact human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Żabińska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Karolina Wiśniewska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Karolina Pierzynowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland.
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Abbas MA, Al-Kabariti AY, Sutton C. Comprehensive understanding of the role of GPER in estrogen receptor-alpha negative breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 241:106523. [PMID: 38636681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) plays a prominent role in facilitating the rapid, non-genomic signaling of estrogens in breast cancer cells. Herein, a comprehensive overview of the role of GPER in ER-ɑ-negative breast cancer is provided. Activation of GPER affected proliferation, metastasis and epithelial mesenchymal transition in ER-ɑ negative breast cancer cells. Clinical studies have demonstrated that GPER positivity was strongly correlated with larger tumor size and advanced clinical stage, suggesting that GPER/ERK signaling may play a role in promoting tumor progression. Strong evidence existed that environmental contaminants like bisphenol A have a carcinogenic potential mediated by GPER activation. The complexity of the cross talk between GPER and other receptors including ER-β, ER-α36, Estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) and androgen receptor has been discussed. The potential utility of small molecules and phytoestrogens targeting GPER, adds valuable insights into its therapeutic potential. This review holds promises in advancing our understanding of GPER role in ER-ɑ-negative breast cancer. Overall, the consequences of GPER activation are still an area of active research and the implication are not entirely clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal A Abbas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan; Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Aya Y Al-Kabariti
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan; Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan.
| | - Chris Sutton
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
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Talia M, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, De Rosis S, Miglietta AM, Capalbo C, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Grande F, Rizzuti B, Occhiuzzi MA, Fortino G, Guzzo A, Greco G, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The G Protein Estrogen Receptor (GPER) is involved in the resistance to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:171. [PMID: 38886784 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03096-7] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cyclin D1-cyclin dependent kinases (CDK)4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy shows remarkable efficacy in the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, resistance to palbociclib frequently arises, highlighting the need to identify new targets toward more comprehensive therapeutic strategies in BC patients. METHODS BC cell lines resistant to palbociclib were generated and used as a model system. Gene silencing techniques and overexpression experiments, real-time PCR, immunoblotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies as well as cell viability, colony and 3D spheroid formation assays served to evaluate the involvement of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the resistance to palbociclib in BC cells. Molecular docking simulations were also performed to investigate the potential interaction of palbociclib with GPER. Furthermore, BC cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from mammary carcinoma, were used to investigate whether GPER signaling may contribute to functional cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment toward palbociclib resistance. Finally, by bioinformatics analyses and k-means clustering on clinical and expression data of large cohorts of BC patients, the clinical significance of novel mediators of palbociclib resistance was explored. RESULTS Dissecting the molecular events that characterize ER-positive BC cells resistant to palbociclib, the down-regulation of ERα along with the up-regulation of GPER were found. To evaluate the molecular events involved in the up-regulation of GPER, we determined that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) interacts with the promoter region of GPER and stimulates its expression toward BC cells resistance to palbociclib treatment. Adding further cues to these data, we ascertained that palbociclib does induce pro-inflammatory transcriptional events via GPER signaling in CAFs. Of note, by performing co-culture assays we demonstrated that GPER contributes to the reduced sensitivity to palbociclib also facilitating the functional interaction between BC cells and main components of the tumor microenvironment named CAFs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide novel insights on the molecular events through which GPER may contribute to palbociclib resistance in BC cells. Additional investigations are warranted in order to assess whether targeting the GPER-mediated interactions between BC cells and CAFs may be useful in more comprehensive therapeutic approaches of BC resistant to palbociclib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | | | - Giancarlo Fortino
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Antonella Guzzo
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Greco
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Cirillo F, Spinelli A, Talia M, Scordamaglia D, Santolla MF, Grande F, Rizzuti B, Maggiolini M, Gérard C, Lappano R. Estetrol/GPER/SERPINB2 transduction signaling inhibits the motility of triple-negative breast cancer cells. J Transl Med 2024; 22:450. [PMID: 38741146 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05269-6] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estetrol (E4) is a natural estrogen produced by the fetal liver during pregnancy. Due to its favorable safety profile, E4 was recently approved as estrogenic component of a new combined oral contraceptive. E4 is a selective ligand of estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ, but its binding to the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) has not been described to date. Therefore, we aimed to explore E4 action in GPER-positive Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cells. METHODS The potential interaction between E4 and GPER was investigated by molecular modeling and binding assays. The whole transcriptomic modulation triggered by E4 in TNBC cells via GPER was explored through high-throughput RNA sequencing analyses. Gene and protein expression evaluations as well as migration and invasion assays allowed us to explore the involvement of the GPER-mediated induction of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (SERPINB2) in the biological responses triggered by E4 in TNBC cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis was aimed at recognizing the biological significance of SERPINB2 in ER-negative breast cancer patients. RESULTS After the molecular characterization of the E4 binding capacity to GPER, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (SERPINB2) is one of the most up-regulated genes by E4 in a GPER-dependent manner. Worthy, we demonstrated that the GPER-mediated increase of SERPINB2 is engaged in the anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects elicited by E4 in TNBC cells. In accordance with these findings, a correlation between SERPINB2 levels and a good clinical outcome was found in ER-negative breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide new insights into the mechanisms through which E4 can halt migratory and invasive features of TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Céline Gérard
- Mithra Pharmaceutical, Rue Saint-Georges 5, Liège, 4000, Belgium.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Lappano R, Maggiolini M, Mallet C, Jacquot Y. Commentary: harnessing the first peptidic modulator of the estrogen receptor GPER. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1413058. [PMID: 38751778 PMCID: PMC11094232 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1413058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Christophe Mallet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), NEURO-DOL Basics and Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Faculty of Medicine, ANALGESIA Institute, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yves Jacquot
- Faculty of Pharmacy of Paris, Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments (CiTCoM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 8038, INSERM U1268, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Occhiuzzi MA, Ioele G, De Luca M, Rizzuti B, Scordamaglia D, Lappano R, Maggiolini M, Garofalo A, Grande F. Dissecting CYP1A2 Activation by Arylalkanoic Acid Prodrugs toward the Development of Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:435. [PMID: 38203608 PMCID: PMC10779369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010435] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Arylalkane-derived prodrugs of arylacetic acids are a small group of substances that have long been known for their anti-inflammatory action. Despite their ease of synthesis and good potential for the development of new potent and safe anti-inflammatory agents, this group of substances has not received much attention from researchers so far. Therefore, representative arylalkane derivatives were investigated through molecular docking techniques to verify the possible hepatic activation mode toward active metabolites by CYP1A2. In this regard, arylalkanoic acid prodrugs were docked with a crystallographic structure of human CYP1A2, in which the enzyme is co-crystallized with the selective competitive inhibitor α-naphthoflavone BHF. Of note, all the examined compounds proved capable of interacting with the enzyme active site in a manner similar to Nabumetone, thus confirming that a productive metabolic transformation is feasible. On the basis of these findings, it is possible to argue that subtle differences in the way CYP1A2 accommodates the ligands depend on the fine details of their molecular structures. Overall, these data suggest that compounds simply formed by an aromatic moiety bearing an appropriate alkane-derived chain could lead to innovative anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Occhiuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Giuseppina Ioele
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Michele De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Garofalo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy; (M.A.O.); (G.I.); (M.D.L.); (D.S.); (R.L.); (M.M.); (A.G.)
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Jouffre B, Acramel A, Jacquot Y, Daulhac L, Mallet C. GPER involvement in inflammatory pain. Steroids 2023; 200:109311. [PMID: 37734514 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a worldwide refractory health disease that causes major financial and emotional burdens and that is devastating for individuals and society. One primary source of pain is inflammation. Current treatments for inflammatory pain are weakly effective, although they usually replace analgesics, such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which display serious side effects. Emerging evidence indicates that the membrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) may play an important role in the regulation of inflammation and pain. Herein, we focus on the consequences of pharmacological and genetic GPER modulation in different animal models of inflammatory pain. We also provide a brief overview of the putative mechanisms including the direct action of GPER on pain transmission and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Jouffre
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm U1107 Neuro-Dol, Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, Clermont-Ferrand, France; ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alexandre Acramel
- CiTCoM, CNRS - UMR 8038, INSERM U1268, Faculty of Pharmacy of Paris, University Paris Cité, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France; Department of Pharmacy, Institut Curie, 75248 Paris Cedex 06, France
| | - Yves Jacquot
- CiTCoM, CNRS - UMR 8038, INSERM U1268, Faculty of Pharmacy of Paris, University Paris Cité, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France
| | - Laurence Daulhac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm U1107 Neuro-Dol, Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, Clermont-Ferrand, France; ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christophe Mallet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm U1107 Neuro-Dol, Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, Clermont-Ferrand, France; ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Promising Perspectives of the Antiproliferative GPER Inverse Agonist ERα17p in Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040653. [PMID: 36831322 PMCID: PMC9954065 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The estrogen receptor α (ERα) corresponds to a large platform in charge of the recruitment of a panel of molecules, including steroids and related heterocyclic derivatives, oligonucleotides, peptides and proteins. Its 295-311 region is particularly targeted by post-translational modifications, suggesting that it could be crucial for the control of transcription. In addition to anionic phospholipids, the ERα 295-311 fragment interacts with Ca2+-calmodulin, the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), ERα and possibly importins. More recently, we have demonstrated that it is prone to interacting with the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In light of these observations, the pharmacological profile of the corresponding peptide, namely ERα17p, has been explored in breast cancer cells. Remarkably, it exerts apoptosis through GPER and induces a significant decrease (more than 50%) of the size of triple-negative breast tumor xenografts in mice. Herein, we highlight not only the promising therapeutic perspectives in the use of the first peptidic GPER modulator ERα17p, but also the opportunity to modulate GPER for clinical purposes.
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9
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Lappano R, Maggiolini M. Role of the G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Cancer and Stromal Cells: From Functions to Novel Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040626. [PMID: 36831293 PMCID: PMC9954232 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040626] [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: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane signal transducers that regulate a plethora of physiological and pathological processes [...].
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10
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Identification of a human estrogen receptor α tetrapeptidic fragment with dual antiproliferative and anti-nociceptive action. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1326. [PMID: 36693877 PMCID: PMC9873809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28062-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthetic peptide ERα17p (sequence: PLMIKRSKKNSLALSLT), which corresponds to the 295-311 region of the human estrogen receptor α (ERα), induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells. In mice and at low doses, it promotes not only the decrease of the size of xenografted triple-negative human breast tumors, but also anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects. Recently, we have shown that these effects were due to its interaction with the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor GPER. Following modeling studies, the C-terminus of this peptide (sequence: NSLALSLT) remains compacted at the entrance of the GPER ligand-binding pocket, whereas its N-terminus (sequence: PLMI) engulfs in the depth of the same pocket. Thus, we have hypothesized that the PLMI motif could support the pharmacological actions of ERα17p. Here, we show that the PLMI peptide is, indeed, responsible for the GPER-dependent antiproliferative and anti-nociceptive effects of ERα17p. By using different biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that the NSLALSLT part of ERα17p is responsible for aggregation. Overall, the tetrapeptide PLMI, which supports the action of the parent peptide ERα17p, should be considered as a hit for the synthesis of new GPER modulators with dual antiproliferative and anti-nociceptive actions. This study highlights also the interest to modulate GPER for the control of pain.
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Arterburn JB, Prossnitz ER. G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor GPER: Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Applications. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:295-320. [PMID: 36662583 PMCID: PMC10153636 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031122-121944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The actions of estrogens and related estrogenic molecules are complex and multifaceted in both sexes. A wide array of natural, synthetic, and therapeutic molecules target pathways that produce and respond to estrogens. Multiple receptors promulgate these responses, including the classical estrogen receptors of the nuclear hormone receptor family (estrogen receptors α and β), which function largely as ligand-activated transcription factors, and the 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor, GPER, which activates a diverse array of signaling pathways. The pharmacology and functional roles of GPER in physiology and disease reveal important roles in responses to both natural and synthetic estrogenic compounds in numerous physiological systems. These functions have implications in the treatment of myriad disease states, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. This review focuses on the complex pharmacology of GPER and summarizes major physiological functions of GPER and the therapeutic implications and ongoing applications of GPER-targeted compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B Arterburn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA;
| | - Eric R Prossnitz
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA;
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism, and Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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12
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Rizzuti B. Molecular simulations of proteins: From simplified physical interactions to complex biological phenomena. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140757. [PMID: 35051666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulation is the most popular computational technique for investigating the structural and dynamical behaviour of proteins, in search of the molecular basis of their function. Far from being a completely settled field of research, simulations are still evolving to best capture the essential features of the atomic interactions that govern a protein's inner motions. Modern force fields are becoming increasingly accurate in providing a physical description adequate to this purpose, and allow us to model complex biological systems under fairly realistic conditions. Furthermore, the use of accelerated sampling techniques is improving our access to the observation of progressively larger molecular structures, longer time scales, and more hidden functional events. In this review, the basic principles of molecular dynamics simulations and a number of key applications in the area of protein science are summarized, and some of the most important results are discussed. Examples include the study of the structure, dynamics and binding properties of 'difficult' targets, such as intrinsically disordered proteins and membrane receptors, and the investigation of challenging phenomena like hydration-driven processes and protein aggregation. The findings described provide an overall picture of the current state of this research field, and indicate new perspectives on the road ahead to the upcoming future of molecular simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Torres-López L, Olivas-Aguirre M, Villatoro-Gómez K, Dobrovinskaya O. The G-Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor Agonist G-1 Inhibits Proliferation and Causes Apoptosis in Leukemia Cell Lines of T Lineage. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:811479. [PMID: 35237599 PMCID: PMC8882838 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.811479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates non-genomic action of estrogen. Due to its differential expression in some tumors as compared to the original healthy tissues, the GPER has been proposed as a therapeutic target. Accordingly, the non-steroidal GPER agonist G-1, which has often demonstrated marked cytotoxicity in experimental models, has been suggested as a novel anticancer agent for several sensitive tumors. We recently revealed that cell lines derived from acute T-cell (query) lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) express the GPER. Here, we address the question whether G-1 is cytotoxic to T-ALL. We have shown that G-1 causes an early rise of intracellular Ca2+, arrests the cell cycle in G2/M, reduces viability, and provokes apoptosis in T-ALL cell lines. Importantly, G-1 caused destabilization and depolymerization of microtubules. We assume that it is a disturbance of the cytoskeleton that causes G-1 cytotoxic and cytostatic effects in our model. The observed cytotoxic effects, apparently, were not triggered by the interaction of G-1 with the GPER as pre-incubation with the highly selective GPER antagonist G-36 was ineffective in preventing the cytotoxicity of G-1. However, G-36 prevented the intracellular Ca2+ rise provoked by G-1. Finally, G-1 showed only a moderate negative effect on the activation of non-leukemic CD4+ lymphocytes. We suggest G-1 as a potential antileukemic drug.
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Acramel A, Jacquot Y. Deciphering of a Putative GPER Recognition Domain in ERα and ERα36. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:943343. [PMID: 35846328 PMCID: PMC9279910 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.943343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Acramel
- CiTCoM laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8038, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1268, Faculty of Pharmacy of Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Pharmacy, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Yves Jacquot
- CiTCoM laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8038, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1268, Faculty of Pharmacy of Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Yves Jacquot,
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Yang S, Yin Z, Zhu G. A review of the functions of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 in vascular and neurological aging. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174363. [PMID: 34297966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174363] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging-related diseases, especially vascular and neurological disorders cause huge economic burden. How to delay vascular and neurological aging is one of the insurmountable questions. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) has been extensively investigated in recent years due to its multiple biological responses. In this review, the function of GPER in aging-related diseases represented by vascular diseases, and neurological disorders were discussed. Apart from that, activation of GPER was also found to renovate the aging brain characterized by memory decline, but in a manner different from another two nuclear estrogen receptors estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. This salutary effect would be better clarified from the aspects of synaptic inputs and transmission. Furthermore, we carefully described molecular mechanisms underpinning GPER-mediated effects. This review would update our understanding of GPER in the aging process. Targeting GPER may represent a promising strategy in the aging-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China.
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Rocca C, Grande F, Granieri MC, Colombo B, De Bartolo A, Giordano F, Rago V, Amodio N, Tota B, Cerra MC, Rizzuti B, Corti A, Angelone T, Pasqua T. The chromogranin A 1-373 fragment reveals how a single change in the protein sequence exerts strong cardioregulatory effects by engaging neuropilin-1. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13570. [PMID: 33073482 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Chromogranin A (CgA), a 439-residue long protein, is an important cardiovascular regulator and a precursor of various bioactive fragments. Under stressful/pathological conditions, CgA cleavage generates the CgA1-373 proangiogenic fragment. The present work investigated the possibility that human CgA1-373 influences the mammalian cardiac performance, evaluating the role of its C-terminal sequence. METHODS Haemodynamic assessment was performed on an ex vivo Langendorff rat heart model, while mechanistic studies were performed using perfused hearts, H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in silico. RESULTS On the ex vivo heart, CgA1-373 elicited direct dose-dependent negative inotropism and vasodilation, while CgA1-372 , a fragment lacking the C-terminal R373 residue, was ineffective. Antibodies against the PGPQLR373 C-terminal sequence abrogated the CgA1-373 -dependent cardiac and coronary modulation. Ex vivo studies showed that CgA1-373 -dependent effects were mediated by endothelium, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptor, Akt/NO/Erk1,2 pathways, nitric oxide (NO) production and S-nitrosylation. In vitro experiments on H9c2 cardiomyocytes indicated that CgA1-373 also induced eNOS activation directly on the cardiomyocyte component by NRP1 targeting and NO involvement and provided beneficial action against isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy, by reducing the increase in cell surface area and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) release. Molecular docking and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations strongly supported the hypothesis that the C-terminal R373 residue of CgA1-373 directly interacts with NRP1. CONCLUSION These results suggest that CgA1-373 is a new cardioregulatory hormone and that the removal of R373 represents a critical switch for turning "off" its cardioregulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Rocca
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho‐Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Analytical Chemistry Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Granieri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho‐Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Division of Experimental Oncology Vita‐Salute San Raffaele University–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Anna De Bartolo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho‐Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro Catanzaro Italy
| | - Bruno Tota
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho‐Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
- Laboratory of Organ and System Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Cerra
- Laboratory of Organ and System Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR‐NANOTEC Licryl‐UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal Department of Physics University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology Vita‐Salute San Raffaele University–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho‐Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Research (INRC) Bologna Italy
| | - Teresa Pasqua
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho‐Physiology Department of Biology, E. and E.S. University of Calabria Rende Italy
- "Fondazione Umberto Veronesi" Milan Italy
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Mallet C, Boudieu L, Lamoine S, Coudert C, Jacquot Y, Eschalier A. The Antitumor Peptide ERα17p Exerts Anti-Hyperalgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Actions Through GPER in Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:578250. [PMID: 33815268 PMCID: PMC8011567 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.578250] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent inflammation and persistent pain are major medical, social and economic burdens. As such, related pharmacotherapy needs to be continuously improved. The peptide ERα17p, which originates from a part of the hinge region/AF2 domain of the human estrogen receptor α (ERα), exerts anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer cells through a mechanism involving the hepta-transmembrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). It is able to decrease the size of xenografted human breast tumors, in mice. As GPER has been reported to participate in pain and inflammation, we were interested in exploring the potential of ERα17p in this respect. We observed that the peptide promoted anti-hyperalgesic effects from 2.5 mg/kg in a chronic mice model of paw inflammation induced by the pro-inflammatory complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). This action was abrogated by the specific GPER antagonist G-15, leading to the conclusion that a GPER-dependent mechanism was involved. A systemic administration of a Cy5-labeled version of the peptide allowed its detection in both, the spinal cord and brain. However, ERα17p-induced anti-hyperalgesia was detected at the supraspinal level, exclusively. In the second part of the study, we have assessed the anti-inflammatory action of ERα17p in mice using a carrageenan-evoked hind-paw inflammation model. A systemic administration of ERα17p at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg was responsible for reduced paw swelling. Overall, our work strongly suggests that GPER inverse agonists, including ERα17p, could be used to control hyperalgesia and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Mallet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, NEURO-DOL Basics & Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- *Correspondence: Christophe Mallet,
| | - Ludivine Boudieu
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, NEURO-DOL Basics & Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sylvain Lamoine
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, NEURO-DOL Basics & Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Catherine Coudert
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, NEURO-DOL Basics & Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yves Jacquot
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, CiTCoM, CNRS UMR 8038, INSERM U1268, Paris, France
| | - Alain Eschalier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, NEURO-DOL Basics & Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- ANALGESIA Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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GPER1 and microRNA: Two Players in Breast Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010098. [PMID: 33374170 PMCID: PMC7795792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. However, the molecular pathogenesis of breast cancer remains poorly defined due to its heterogeneity. Several studies have reported that G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (GPER1) plays a crucial role in breast cancer progression, by binding to estrogens or synthetic agonists, like G-1, thus modulating genes involved in diverse biological events, such as cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and metastasis. In addition, it has been established that the dysregulation of short sequences of non-coding RNA, named microRNAs (miRNAs), is involved in various pathophysiological conditions, including breast cancer. Recent evidence has indicated that estrogens may regulate miRNA expression and therefore modulate the levels of their target genes, not only through the classical estrogen receptors (ERs), but also activating GPER1 signalling, hence suggesting an alternative molecular pathway involved in breast tumor progression. Here, the current knowledge about GPER1 and miRNA action in breast cancer is recapitulated, reporting recent evidence on the liaison of these two players in triggering breast tumorogenic effects. Elucidating the role of GPER1 and miRNAs in breast cancer might provide new tools for innovative approaches in anti-cancer therapy.
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Grande F, Occhiuzzi MA, Lappano R, Cirillo F, Guzzi R, Garofalo A, Jacquot Y, Maggiolini M, Rizzuti B. Computational Approaches for the Discovery of GPER Targeting Compounds. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:517. [PMID: 32849301 PMCID: PMC7417359 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens exert a panel of biological activities mainly through the estrogen receptors α and β, which belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Diverse studies have shown that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER, previously known as GPR30) also mediates the multifaceted effects of estrogens in numerous pathophysiological events, including neurodegenerative, immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders and the progression of different types of cancer. In particular, GPER is implicated in hormone-sensitive tumors, albeit diverse issues remain to be deeply investigated. As such, this receptor may represent an appealing target for therapeutics in different diseases. The yet unavailable complete GPER crystallographic structure, and its relatively low sequence similarity with the other members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, hamper the possibility to discover compounds able to modulate GPER activity. Consequently, a reliable molecular model of this receptor is required for the design of suitable ligands. To date, convergent approaches involving structure-based drug design and virtual ligand screening have led to the identification of several GPER selective ligands, thus providing important information regarding its mode of action and function. In this survey, we summarize results obtained through computer-aided techniques devoted to the assessment of GPER ligands toward their usefulness in innovative treatments of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria A. Occhiuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rita Guzzi
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonio Garofalo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Yves Jacquot
- Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments (CiTCoM), CNRS UMR 8038, INSERM U1268, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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Talia M, De Francesco EM, Rigiracciolo DC, Muoio MG, Muglia L, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Sims AH, Lappano R. The G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Expression Correlates with Pro-Metastatic Pathways in ER-Negative Breast Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030622. [PMID: 32143514 PMCID: PMC7140398 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, formerly known as GPR30) is a seven-transmembrane receptor that mediates estrogen signals in both normal and malignant cells. In particular, GPER has been involved in the activation of diverse signaling pathways toward transcriptional and biological responses that characterize the progression of breast cancer (BC). In this context, a correlation between GPER expression and worse clinical-pathological features of BC has been suggested, although controversial data have also been reported. In order to better assess the biological significance of GPER in the aggressive estrogen receptor (ER)-negative BC, we performed a bioinformatics analysis using the information provided by The Invasive Breast Cancer Cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) datasets. Gene expression correlation and the statistical analysis were carried out with R studio base functions and the tidyverse package. Pathway enrichment analysis was evaluated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway on the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) website, whereas gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed with the R package phenoTest. The survival analysis was determined with the R package survivALL. Analyzing the expression data of more than 2500 primary BC, we ascertained that GPER levels are associated with pro-migratory and metastatic genes belonging to cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and focal adhesion (FA) signaling pathways. Thereafter, evaluating the disease-free interval (DFI) in ER-negative BC patients, we found that the subjects expressing high GPER levels exhibited a shorter DFI in respect to those exhibiting low GPER levels. Overall, our results may pave the way to further dissect the network triggered by GPER in the breast malignancies lacking ER toward a better assessment of its prognostic significance and the action elicited in mediating the aggressive features of the aforementioned BC subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Maria Grazia Muoio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
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Interaction of the Anti-Proliferative GPER Inverse Agonist ERα17p with the Breast Cancer Cell Plasma Membrane: From Biophysics to Biology. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020447. [PMID: 32075246 PMCID: PMC7072814 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The peptide ERα17p, which corresponds to the 295-311 fragment of the hinge/AF2 domains of the human estrogen receptor α (ERα), exerts apoptosis in breast cancer cells through a mechanism involving the G protein-coupled estrogen-dependent receptor GPER. Besides this receptor-mediated mechanism, we have detected a direct interaction (Kd value in the micromolar range) of this peptide with lipid vesicles mimicking the plasma membrane of eukaryotes. The reversible and not reversible pools of interacting peptide may correspond to soluble and aggregated membrane-interacting peptide populations, respectively. By using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we have shown that the interaction of the peptide with this membrane model was associated with its folding into β sheet. A slight leakage of the 5(6)-fluorescein was also observed, indicating lipid bilayer permeability. When the peptide was incubated with living breast cancer cells at the active concentration of 10 μM, aggregates were detected at the plasma membrane under the form of spheres. This insoluble pool of peptide, which seems to result from a fibrillation process, is internalized in micrometric vacuoles under the form of fibrils, without evidence of cytotoxicity, at least at the microscopic level. This study provides new information on the interaction of ERα17p with breast cancer cell membranes as well as on its mechanism of action, with respect to direct membrane effects.
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Luo J, Liu D. Does GPER Really Function as a G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor in vivo? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:148. [PMID: 32296387 PMCID: PMC7137379 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen can elicit pleiotropic cellular responses via a diversity of estrogen receptors (ERs)-mediated genomic and rapid non-genomic mechanisms. Unlike the genomic responses, where the classical nuclear ERα and ERβ act as transcriptional factors following estrogen binding to regulate gene transcription in estrogen target tissues, the non-genomic cellular responses to estrogen are believed to start at the plasma membrane, leading to rapid activation of second messengers-triggered cytoplasmic signal transduction cascades. The recently acknowledged ER, GPR30 or GPER, was discovered in human breast cancer cells two decades ago and subsequently in many other cells. Since its discovery, it has been claimed that estrogen, ER antagonist fulvestrant, as well as some estrogenic compounds can directly bind to GPER, and therefore initiate the non-genomic cellular responses. Various recently developed genetic tools as well as chemical ligands greatly facilitated research aimed at determining the physiological roles of GPER in different tissues. However, there is still lack of evidence that GPER plays a significant role in mediating endogenous estrogen action in vivo. This review summarizes current knowledge about GPER, including its tissue expression and cellular localization, with emphasis on the research findings elucidating its role in health and disease. Understanding the role of GPER in estrogen signaling will provide opportunities for the development of new therapeutic strategies to strengthen the benefits of estrogen while limiting the potential side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Dongmin Liu
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