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Lattanzi R, Fullone MR, De Biase A, Maftei D, Vincenzi M, Miele R. Biochemical characterization of Prokineticin 2 binding to Prokineticin receptor 1 in zebrafish. Neuropeptides 2024; 107:102456. [PMID: 39089191 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102456] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Prokineticin 2 (PK2) binds to prokineticin receptor 1 and prokineticin receptor 2 (PKR1 and PKR2, respectively), two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that can mediate multiple signalling pathways by promoting the elevation of intracellular calcium and cAMP levels, phosphorylation of Akt and activation of ERK and STAT3. This work aims to evidence the conservation of protein sequence and the mechanism of PK2 binding to PKR1 to use the zebrafish model for the identification of new drugs as targets of prokineticin receptors. To this end, we first demonstrated that the zebrafish genes pk2 and pkr1 are phylogenetically related to orthologous mammalian genes by constructing evolutionary trees and performing syntenic analyses. Subsequently, by comparing the amino acid sequences, we showed that the interaction sites with PK2 are conserved in the zPKR1. Using GST pull-down and cross-linking experiments, we demonstrated the crucial role of the N-terminal region of zPKR1 for binding to the PK2. Finally, by expressing zPKR1 in CHO cells, we demonstrated the ability of zPKR1 to induce the activation of ERK and STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Fullone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli" Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio De Biase
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin" Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 32, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli" Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
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Fullone MR, Maftei D, Vincenzi M, Lattanzi R, Miele R. MRAP2a Binds and Modulates Activity and Localisation of Prokineticin Receptor 1 in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7816. [PMID: 39063058 PMCID: PMC11277097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147816] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prokineticin system plays a role in hypothalamic neurons in the control of energy homeostasis. Prokineticin receptors (PKR1 and PKR2), like other G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in the regulation of energy intake and expenditure and are modulated by the accessory membrane protein 2 of the melanocortin receptor (MRAP2). The aim of this work is to characterise the interaction and regulation of the non-melanocortin receptor PKR1 by MRAP2a in zebrafish (zMRAP2a) in order to use zebrafish as a model for the development of drugs targeting accessory proteins that can alter the localisation and activity of GPCRs. To this end, we first showed that zebrafish PKR1 (zPKR1) is able to interact with both zMRAP2a and human MRAP2 (hMRAP2). This interaction occurs between the N-terminal region of zPKR1 and the C-terminal domain of zMRAP2a, which shows high sequence identity with hMRAP2 and a similar propensity for dimer formation. Moreover, we demonstrated that in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, zMRAP2a or hMRAP2 are able to modulate zPKR1 activation induced by zebrafish PK2 (zPK2) resulting in an impaired ERK and STAT3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Fullone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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Lattanzi R, Casella I, Fullone MR, Vincenzi M, Maftei D, Miele R. Mapping the interaction site for β-arrestin-2 in the prokineticin 2 receptor. Cell Signal 2024; 119:111175. [PMID: 38631405 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111175] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a family of cell membrane receptors that couple and activate heterotrimeric G proteins and their associated intracellular signalling processes after ligand binding. Although the carboxyl terminal of the receptors is essential for this action, it can also serve as a docking site for regulatory proteins such as the β-arrestins. Prokineticin receptors (PKR1 and PKR2) are a new class of GPCRs that are able to activate different classes of G proteins and form complexes with β-arrestins after activation by the endogenous agonists PK2. The aim of this work was to define the molecular determinants within PKR2 that are required for β-arrestin-2 binding and to investigate the role of β-arrestin-2 in the signalling pathways induced by PKR2 activation. Our data show that PKR2 binds constitutively to β-arrestin-2 and that this process occurs through the core region of the receptor without being affected by the carboxy-terminal region. Indeed, a PKR2 mutant lacking the carboxy-terminal amino acids retains the ability to bind constitutively to β-arrestin-2, whereas a mutant lacking the third intracellular loop does not. Overall, our data suggest that the C-terminus of PKR2 is critical for the stability of the β-arrestin-2-receptor complex in the presence of PK2 ligand. This leads to the β-arrestin-2 conformational change required to initiate intracellular signalling that ultimately leads to ERK phosphorylation and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - I Casella
- Dipartimento del Farmaco, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M R Fullone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - M Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - D Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - R Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
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Yang J, Shin Y, Kim HJ, Kim HE, Chun JS. Prokineticin 2 is a catabolic regulator of osteoarthritic cartilage destruction in mouse. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:236. [PMID: 38057865 PMCID: PMC10699050 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03206-4] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our preliminary study indicates that the multi-functional protein, prokineticin 2 (Prok2), is upregulated in osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes as a target of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α. This study aims to elucidate the potential roles of Prok2 in OA. METHODS Prok2 expression was assessed through microarray analysis in chondrocytes and confirmed via immunostaining in OA cartilage. Experimental OA was induced through destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Functions of Prok2 were assessed by adenoviral overexpression, intra-articular (IA) injection of recombinant Prok2 (rProk2), and knockdown of Prok2 in joint tissues. We also explored the potential utility of Prok2 as an OA biomarker using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS HIF-2α upregulated Prok2, one of the prokineticin signaling components, in OA chondrocytes of mice and humans. Adenoviral overexpression of Prok2 in chondrocytes and cartilage explants, as well as the application of rProk2, led to an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 and MMP13. Consistently, the overexpression of Prok2 in joint tissues or IA injection of rProk2 exacerbated cartilage destruction and hindpaw mechanical allodynia induced by DMM. However, the knockdown of Prok2 in joint tissues did not significantly affect DMM-induced cartilage destruction. Additionally, despite being a secreted protein, the serum levels of Prok2 in OA mice and human OA patients were found to be below the range detected by ELISA. CONCLUSION The upregulation of Prok2 exacerbates OA cartilage destruction and hindpaw mechanical allodynia. However, its knockdown is not sufficient to inhibit experimental OA and Prok2 is not a potential candidate serum biomarker of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiye Yang
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngnim Shin
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwee-Jin Kim
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Eun Kim
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Soo Chun
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
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Amodeo G, Franchi S, Galimberti G, Riboldi B, Sacerdote P. The Prokineticin System in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Clinical and Preclinical Overview. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2985. [PMID: 38001985 PMCID: PMC10669895 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112985] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBDs clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and characterized by a chronic relapsing-remitting course. Typical gastrointestinal signs and symptoms include diarrhea, GI bleeding, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Moreover, the presence of pain often manifests in the remitting disease phase. As a result, patients report a further reduction in life quality. Despite the scientific advances implemented in the last two decades and the therapies aimed at inducing or maintaining IBDs in a remissive condition, to date, their pathophysiology still remains unknown. In this scenario, the importance of identifying a common and effective therapeutic target for both digestive symptoms and pain remains a priority. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have reported the prokineticin system (PKS) as an emerging therapeutic target for IBDs. PKS alterations are likely to play a role in IBDs at multiple levels, such as in intestinal motility, local inflammation, ulceration processes, localized abdominal and visceral pain, as well as central nervous system sensitization, leading to the development of chronic and widespread pain. This narrative review summarized the evidence about the involvement of the PKS in IBD and discussed its potential as a druggable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Amodeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari “Rodolfo Paoletti”, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.G.); (B.R.); (P.S.)
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Flores A, Alonso-Vega C, Hermann E, Torrico MC, Montaño Villarroel NA, Torrico F, Carlier Y, Truyens C. Monocytes from Uninfected Neonates Born to Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Mothers Display Upregulated Capacity to Produce TNF-α and to Control Infection in Association with Maternally Transferred Antibodies. Pathogens 2023; 12:1103. [PMID: 37764911 PMCID: PMC10536721 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated monocytes/macrophages that produce inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide are crucial for controlling Trypanosoma cruzi infection. We previously showed that uninfected newborns from T. cruzi infected mothers (M+B- newborns) were sensitized to produce higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than newborns from uninfected mothers (M-B- newborns), suggesting that their monocytes were more activated. Thus, we wondered whether these cells might help limit congenital infection. We investigated this possibility by studying the activation status of M+B- cord blood monocytes and their ability to control T. cruzi in vitro infection. We showed that M+B- monocytes have an upregulated capacity to produce the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and a better ability to control T. cruzi infection than M-B- monocytes. Our study also showed that T. cruzi-specific Abs transferred from the mother play a dual role by favoring trypomastigote entry into M+B- monocytes and inhibiting intracellular amastigote multiplication. These results support the possibility that some M+B- fetuses may eliminate the parasite transmitted in utero from their mothers, thus being uninfected at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilcar Flores
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Simon (U.M.S.S.), Cochabamba 2500, Bolivia
| | - Cristina Alonso-Vega
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Simon (U.M.S.S.), Cochabamba 2500, Bolivia
| | - Emmanuel Hermann
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mary-Cruz Torrico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Simon (U.M.S.S.), Cochabamba 2500, Bolivia
| | | | - Faustino Torrico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Simon (U.M.S.S.), Cochabamba 2500, Bolivia
| | - Yves Carlier
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Carine Truyens
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Lattanzi R, Miele R. Special Issue "GPCR: Roles in Cell Development and Disease". Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097943. [PMID: 37175650 PMCID: PMC10178155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We are pleased to present the following Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), entitled "GPCR: Roles in Cell Development and Disease" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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Impellizzeri D, Maftei D, Severini C, Miele R, Balboni G, Siracusa R, Cordaro M, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Lattanzi R. Blocking prokineticin receptors attenuates synovitis and joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:569-580. [PMID: 36988653 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by an interdependent network of proinflammatory molecules such as chemokines. Prokineticin 2 (PK2) is a chemokine-like peptide that modulates nociceptive threshold and immuno-inflammatory processes via two G-protein-linked receptors, prokineticin receptor 1 and 2 (PKR1 and PKR2). In the present study, we investigated the effects of the prokineticin receptor antagonist PC1 on arthritic pain and the inflammatory response in type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. We demonstrated that PC1, administered subcutaneously from day 25 to day 35 after CIA, improved clinical signs of arthritis such as paw edema, pain, and impaired locomotor activity. In CIA mice, PC1 was also able to lower plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, suggesting a role in reducing oxidative damage, as well as joint expression levels of PK2, PKRs, TNFα, IL-1β, CD4, CD8, and NF-kB. These results suggest that blocking PKRs may be a successful strategy to control arthritic pain and pathology development. KEY MESSAGES: PK2/PKRs expression levels strongly increase in the synovium of RA mice. PC1 treatment shows anti-arthritic activity and reduces arthritis-induced pain. PC1 treatment significantly lowers synovial PK2/PKRs levels. PC1 treatment lowers plasma MDA levels and synovial levels of TNFα and IL -1β PC1 treatment is a viable therapeutic option for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Balboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Schirinzi T, Lattanzi R, Maftei D, Grillo P, Zenuni H, Boffa L, Albanese M, Simonetta C, Bovenzi R, Maurizi R, Loccisano L, Vincenzi M, Greco A, Di Girolamo S, Mercuri NB, Passali FM, Severini C. Substance P and Prokineticin-2 are overexpressed in olfactory neurons and play differential roles in persons with persistent post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:302-308. [PMID: 36549578 PMCID: PMC9760596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD) is one of the most complaining and worrying complications of long COVID-19 because of the potential long-term neurological consequences. While causes of OD in the acute phases of the SARS-CoV-2 infection have been figured out, reasons for persistent OD are still unclear. Here we investigated the activity of two inflammatory pathways tightly linked with olfaction pathophysiology, namely Substance P (SP) and Prokineticin-2 (PK2), directly within the olfactory neurons (ONs) of patients to understand mechanisms of persistent post-COVID-19 OD. ONs were collected by non-invasive brushing from ten patients with persistent post-COVID-19 OD and ten healthy controls. Gene expression levels of SP, Neurokinin receptor 1, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), PK2, PK2 receptors type 1 and 2, and Prokineticin-2-long peptide were measured in ONs by Real Time-PCR in both the groups, and correlated with residual olfaction. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed to quantify SP and PK2 proteins. OD patients, compared to controls, exhibited increased levels of both SP and PK2 in ONs, the latter proportional to residual olfaction. This work provided unprecedented, preliminary evidence that both SP and PK2 pathways may have a role in persistent post-COVID-19 OD. Namely, if the sustained activation of SP, lasting months after infection's resolution, might foster chronic inflammation and contribute to hyposmia, the PK2 expression could instead support the smell recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Schirinzi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Grillo
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Henri Zenuni
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Boffa
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Albanese
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Simonetta
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bovenzi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Maurizi
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Loccisano
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Girolamo
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B. Mercuri
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco M. Passali
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
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Miele R, Lattanzi R. Special Issue "G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Receptor Activation and Selectivity". LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010166. [PMID: 36676115 PMCID: PMC9865106 DOI: 10.3390/life13010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Welcome to the Special Issue of Life entitled "G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Molecular Mechanisms in Receptor Activation and Selectivity" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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Schirinzi T, Maftei D, Passali FM, Grillo P, Zenuni H, Mascioli D, Maurizi R, Loccisano L, Vincenzi M, Rinaldi AM, Ralli M, Di Girolamo S, Stefani A, Lattanzi R, Severini C, Mercuri NB. Olfactory Neuron Prokineticin-2 as a Potential Target in Parkinson's Disease. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:196-204. [PMID: 36218142 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to outline the dynamics of prokineticin-2 pathway in relation to clinical-pathological features of Parkinson's disease by examining olfactory neurons of patients. METHODS Thirty-eight patients (26 de novo, newly diagnosed) and 31 sex/age-matched healthy controls underwent noninvasive mucosa brushing for olfactory neurons collection, and standard clinical assessment. Gene expression levels of prokineticin-2, prokineticin-2 receptors type 1 and 2, and prokineticin-2-long peptide were measured in olfactory neurons by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); moreover, the prokineticin-2 protein and α-synuclein species (total and oligomeric) were quantified by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Prokineticin-2 expression was significantly increased in Parkinson's disease. De novo patients had higher prokineticin-2 levels, directly correlated with Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III motor score. In addition, oligomeric α-synuclein was higher in Parkinson's disease and directly correlated with prokineticin-2 protein levels. Total α-synuclein did not differ between patients and controls. INTERPRETATION Prokineticin-2 is a chemokine showing neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Parkinson's disease, but translational proof of its role in patients is still lacking. Here, we used olfactory neurons as the ideal tissue to analyze molecular stages of neurodegeneration in vivo, providing unprecedented evidence that the prokineticin-2 pathway is activated in patients with Parkinson's disease. Specifically, prokineticin-2 expression in olfactory neurons was higher at early disease stages, proportional to motor severity, and associated with oligomeric α-synuclein accumulation. These data, consistently with preclinical findings, support prokineticin-2 as a candidate target in Parkinson's disease, and validate reliability of olfactory neurons to reflect pathological changes of the disease. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:196-204.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Schirinzi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer,", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco M Passali
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Grillo
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Henri Zenuni
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Mascioli
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Maurizi
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Loccisano
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer,", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Rinaldi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Girolamo
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stefani
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer,", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,European Centre for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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12
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Lattanzi R, Miele R. Non-Peptide Agonists and Antagonists of the Prokineticin Receptors. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:6323-6332. [PMID: 36547092 PMCID: PMC9776816 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44120431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The prokineticin family comprises a group of secreted peptides that can be classified as chemokines based on their structural features and chemotactic and immunomodulatory functions. Prokineticins (PKs) bind with high affinity to two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1) and prokineticin receptor 2 (PKR2) are involved in a variety of physiological functions such as angiogenesis and neurogenesis, hematopoiesis, the control of hypothalamic hormone secretion, the regulation of circadian rhythm and the modulation of complex behaviors such as feeding and drinking. Dysregulation of the system leads to an inflammatory process that is the substrate for many pathological conditions such as cancer, pain, neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The use of PKR's antagonists reduces PK2/PKRs upregulation triggered by various inflammatory processes, suggesting that a pharmacological blockade of PKRs may be a successful strategy to treat inflammatory/neuroinflammatory diseases, at least in rodents. Under certain circumstances, the PK system exhibits protective/neuroprotective effects, so PKR agonists have also been developed to modulate the prokineticin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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13
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Fullone MR, Maftei D, Vincenzi M, Lattanzi R, Miele R. Arginine 125 Is an Essential Residue for the Function of MRAP2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9853. [PMID: 36077245 PMCID: PMC9456287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MRAP2 is a small simple transmembrane protein arranged in a double antiparallel topology on the plasma membrane. It is expressed in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, where it interacts with various G protein-coupled receptors, such as the prokineticin receptors, and regulates energy expenditure and appetite. The aim of this work was to analyze the functional role of the specific arginine residue at position 125 of MRAP2, which affects protein conformation, dimer formation, and PKR2 binding. Results obtained with the MRAP2 mutants R125H and R125C, which are found in human patients with extreme obesity, and mouse MRAP2, in which arginine 125 is normally replaced by histidine, were compared with those obtained with human MRAP2. Understanding the mechanism by which MRAP2 regulates G protein-coupled receptors helps in elucidating the metabolic pathways involved in metabolic dysfunction and in developing new drugs as specific targets of the MRAP2-PKR2 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Fullone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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14
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Anosmin 1 N-terminal domains modulate prokineticin receptor 2 activation by prokineticin 2. Cell Signal 2022; 98:110417. [PMID: 35878754 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110417] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The X-linked form of Kallmann syndrome (KS), characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia, is due to mutations in the ANOS1 gene that encodes for the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein anosmin 1. Prokineticins (PKs) exert their biological functions through the activation of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) prokineticin receptor 1 and 2 (PKR1, 2), and mutations in the PK2 and PKR2 genes are involved in the pathogenesis of KS. We have previously shown interaction between PKR2 and anosmin 1 in vitro. In the current report we present evidence of the modulation of PK2/PKR2 activity by anosmin 1, since this protein is able to enhance the activation of the ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) pathway elicited by PK2 through PKR2. We also show that the N-terminal region of anosmin 1, capable of binding to the PK2-binding domain of PKR2, seems to be responsible for this effect. The whey acidic protein domain (WAP) is necessary for this modulatory activity, although data from GST pull-down (glutathione-S-transferase) and analysis of the N267K mutation in the fibronectin type III domain 1 (FnIII.1) suggest the cysteine-rich (CR) and the FnIII.1 domains could assist the WAP domain both in the binding to PKR2 and in the modulation of the activation of the receptor by PK2. Our data support the idea of a modulatory role of anosmin 1 in the biological effects controlled by the PK2/PKR2 system.
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15
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Fullone MR, Maftei D, Vincenzi M, Lattanzi R, Miele R. Identification of Regions Involved in the Physical Interaction between Melanocortin Receptor Accessory Protein 2 and Prokineticin Receptor 2. Biomolecules 2022; 12:474. [PMID: 35327666 PMCID: PMC8946000 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocortin Receptor Accessory Protein 2 (MRAP2) modulates the trafficking and signal transduction of several G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in the control of energy homeostasis, such as Prokineticin receptors (PKRs). They bind the endogenous ligand prokineticin 2 (PK2), a novel adipokine that has an anorexic effect and modulates thermoregulation and energy homeostasis. In the present work, we used biochemical techniques to analyze the mechanism of interaction of MRAP2 with PKR2 and we identified the specific amino acid regions involved in the complex formation. Our results indicate that MRAP2 likely binds to the N-terminal region of PKR2, preventing glycosylation and consequently the correct receptor localization. We also identified a C-terminal region of MRAP2 that is critical for the interaction with PKR2. Consequently, we analyzed the role of the prokineticin transduction system in the regulation of MRAP2 expression in tissues involved in the control of food intake: at the central level, in hypothalamic explants, and at the peripheral level, in adipocytes. We demonstrated the modulation of MRAP2 expression by the prokineticin transduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Fullone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (M.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (M.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (M.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Rossella Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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