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Perisic M, Woolcock K, Hering A, Mendel H, Muttenthaler M. Oxytocin and vasopressin signaling in health and disease. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:361-377. [PMID: 38418338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.010] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurohypophysial peptides are ancient and evolutionarily highly conserved neuropeptides that regulate many crucial physiological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates. The human neurohypophysial oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) signaling system with its four receptors has become an attractive drug target for a variety of diseases, including cancer, pain, cardiovascular indications, and neurological disorders. Despite its promise, drug development faces hurdles, including signaling complexity, selectivity and off-target concerns, translational interspecies differences, and inefficient drug delivery. In this review we dive into the complexity of the OT/VP signaling system in health and disease, provide an overview of relevant pharmacological probes, and discuss the latest trends in therapeutic lead discovery and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Perisic
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrina Woolcock
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anke Hering
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia.
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2
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Lee SH, Kim MA, Sohn YC. Crustacean cardioactive peptide signaling system in the gastropod mollusk Pacific abalone. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 288:111552. [PMID: 37956901 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111552] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) signaling systems have been characterized in a diverse range of protostomes, representatively in arthropods. The cyclic CX5C-type CCAP regulates various biological activities through CCAP receptors (CCAPRs), which are orthologous to neuropeptide S receptors (NPSRs) in deuterostomes. However, the CCAPRs of the lophotrochozoa remain poorly characterized; therefore, the relationship between the CCAP, NPS, and CX4C-type oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) signaling systems is unclear. In this study, we identified a CCAP precursor and two CCAPR isoforms in the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai; Hdh). The Hdh-CCAP precursor was found to harbor three CX5C-type and one CX4C-type CCAPs. The Hdh-CCAPRs displayed homology with protostome CCAPRs and deuterostome NPSRs, having characteristics of the rhodopsin-type G protein-coupled receptors. Phylogenetic analysis showed that lophotrochozoan CCAPRs, including Hdh-CCAPRs, form a monophyletic group distinct from arthropod CCAPRs. Reporter assays demonstrated that all examined Hdh-CCAPs and insect CCAP-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and cAMP accumulation in Hdh-CCAPR-expressing HEK293 cells, whereas none of the CCAP peptides inhibited the forskolin-stimulated cAMP signaling pathway even at micromolar concentrations. In silico ligand-receptor docking models showed that the N-terminal FCN motifs of Hdh-CCAPs are deeply inserted inside the binding pocket of Hdh-CCAPR, forming extensive hydrophobic interactions. In mature Pacific abalone, the transcripts for Hdh-CCAP precursor and Hdh-CCAPR were highly expressed in the neural ganglia compared to the peripheral tissues. Collectively, this study characterized the first CCAP signaling system linked to both Ca2+/PKC and cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathways in gastropod mollusks and gives insights into the evolutional origins of deuterostomian NPS and OT/VP signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyuck Lee
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ae Kim
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; East Coast Life Sciences Institute, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chang Sohn
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Nuti F, Larregola M, Staśkiewicz A, Retzl B, Tomašević N, Macchia L, Street ME, Jewgiński M, Lequin O, Latajka R, Rovero P, Gruber CW, Chorev M, Papini AM. Design, synthesis, conformational analysis, and biological activity of Cα 1-to-Cα 6 1,4- and 4,1-disubstituted 1 H-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl-bridged oxytocin analogues. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2254019. [PMID: 37735942 PMCID: PMC10519257 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2254019] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohypophyseal peptide hormone containing a disulphide-bridged pseudocyclic conformation. The biomedical use of OT peptides is limited amongst others by disadvantageous pharmacokinetic parameters. To increase the stability of OT by replacing the disulphide bridge with the stable and more rigid [1,2,3]triazol-1-yl moiety, we employed the Cu2+-catalysed side chain-to-side chain azide-alkyne 1,3-cycloaddition. Here we report the design, synthesis, conformational analysis, and in vitro pharmacological activity of a homologous series of Cα1-to-Cα6 side chain-to-side chain [1,2,3]triazol-1-yl-containing OT analogues differing in the length of the bridge, location, and orientation of the linking moiety. Exploiting this macrocyclisation approach, it was possible to generate a systematic series of compounds providing interesting insight into the structure-conformation-function relationship of OT. Most analogues were able to adopt similar conformation to endogenous OT in water, namely, a type I β-turn. This approach may in the future generate stabilised pharmacological peptide tools to advance understanding of OT physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nuti
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Maud Larregola
- CNRS, BioCIS, CY Cergy Paris Université, Cergy Pontoise and Paris Saclay Université, Orsay, France
| | - Agnieszka Staśkiewicz
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bernhard Retzl
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenzo Macchia
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria E. Street
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma e Clinica Pediatrica, AOU di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michał Jewgiński
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Olivier Lequin
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Sorbonne Université, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Rafal Latajka
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Chorev
- Laboratory for Translational Research, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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4
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Castro TG, Melle-Franco M, Sousa CEA, Cavaco-Paulo A, Marcos JC. Non-Canonical Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Peptidomimetics: Structure, Function, and Applications. Biomolecules 2023; 13:981. [PMID: 37371561 PMCID: PMC10296201 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060981] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides a fresh overview of non-canonical amino acids and their applications in the design of peptidomimetics. Non-canonical amino acids appear widely distributed in nature and are known to enhance the stability of specific secondary structures and/or biological function. Contrary to the ubiquitous DNA-encoded amino acids, the structure and function of these residues are not fully understood. Here, results from experimental and molecular modelling approaches are gathered to classify several classes of non-canonical amino acids according to their ability to induce specific secondary structures yielding different biological functions and improved stability. Regarding side-chain modifications, symmetrical and asymmetrical α,α-dialkyl glycines, Cα to Cα cyclized amino acids, proline analogues, β-substituted amino acids, and α,β-dehydro amino acids are some of the non-canonical representatives addressed. Backbone modifications were also examined, especially those that result in retro-inverso peptidomimetics and depsipeptides. All this knowledge has an important application in the field of peptidomimetics, which is in continuous progress and promises to deliver new biologically active molecules and new materials in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarsila G. Castro
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (T.G.C.); (A.C.-P.)
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Manuel Melle-Franco
- CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Cristina E. A. Sousa
- BioMark Sensor Research—School of Engineering of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Artur Cavaco-Paulo
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (T.G.C.); (A.C.-P.)
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João C. Marcos
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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5
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Anand U, Bandyopadhyay A, Jha NK, Pérez de la Lastra JM, Dey A. Translational aspect in peptide drug discovery and development: An emerging therapeutic candidate. Biofactors 2022; 49:251-269. [PMID: 36326181 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the last two decades, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have been used as the main target for drug development. However, with larger or superficial binding sites, it has been extremely difficult to disrupt PPIs with small molecules. On the other hand, intracellular PPIs cannot be targeted by antibodies that cannot penetrate the cell membrane. Peptides that have a combination of conformational rigidity and flexibility can be used to target difficult binding interfaces with appropriate binding affinity and specificity. Since the introduction of insulin nearly a century ago, more than 80 peptide drugs have been approved to treat a variety of diseases. These include deadly diseases such as cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection. It is also useful against diabetes, chronic pain, and osteoporosis. Today, more research is being done on these drugs as lessons learned from earlier approaches, which are still valid today, complement newer approaches such as peptide display libraries. At the same time, integrated genomics and peptide display libraries are new strategies that open new avenues for peptide drug discovery. The purpose of this review is to examine the problems in elucidating the peptide-protein recognition mechanism. This is important to develop peptide-based interventions that interfere with endogenous protein interactions. New approaches are being developed to improve the binding affinity and specificity of existing approaches and to develop peptide agents as potentially useful drugs. We also highlight the key challenges that must be overcome in peptide drug development to realize their potential and provide an overview of recent trends in peptide drug development. In addition, we take an in-depth look at early efforts in human hormone discovery, smart medicinal chemistry and design, natural peptide drugs, and breakthrough advances in molecular biology and peptide chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - José M Pérez de la Lastra
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, IPNA-CSIC, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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6
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Liu H, Muttenthaler M. High Oxytocin Receptor Expression Linked to Increased Cell Migration and Reduced Survival in Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071595. [PMID: 35884900 PMCID: PMC9313263 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options and high mortality. The oxytocin receptor (OTR) is a class-A G protein-coupled receptor that has been linked to breast cancer, but its role in tumorigenesis and disease progression remains underexplored. OTR expression is highest in tumour-adjacent breast tissue, followed by normal and tumour tissue, indicating a potential role in the tumour microenvironment. OTR levels were higher in migrated MDA-MB-231 cells than in the control parental cells cultured in normal medium; OTR overexpression/knock-down and metastasis biomarker experiments revealed that high OTR expression enhanced metastasis capabilities. These findings align well with data from a murine breast cancer metastasis model, where metastasised tumours had higher OTR expression than the corresponding primary tumours, and high OTR expression also correlates to reduced survival in TNBC patients. OTR agonists/antagonists did not affect MDA-MB-231 cell migration, and pharmacological analysis revealed that the OT/OTR signalling was compromised. High OTR expression enhanced cell migration in an OTR ligand-independent manner, with the underlying mechanism linked to the EGF-mediated ERK1/2-RSK-rpS6 pathway. Taken together, high OTR expression seems to be involved in TNBC metastasis via increasing cell sensitivity to EGF. These results support a potential prognostic biomarker role of OTR and provide new mechanistic insights and opportunities for targeted treatment options for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Liu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3346-2985; Fax: +61-7-3346-2101
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7
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Anapindi KDB, Romanova EV, Checco JW, Sweedler JV. Mass Spectrometry Approaches Empowering Neuropeptide Discovery and Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:662-679. [PMID: 35710134 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of insulin in the early 1900s ushered in the era of research related to peptides acting as hormones and neuromodulators, among other regulatory roles. These essential gene products are found in all organisms, from the most primitive to the most evolved, and carry important biologic information that coordinates complex physiology and behavior; their misregulation has been implicated in a variety of diseases. The evolutionary origins of at least 30 neuropeptide signaling systems have been traced to the common ancestor of protostomes and deuterostomes. With the use of relevant animal models and modern technologies, we can gain mechanistic insight into orthologous and paralogous endogenous peptides and translate that knowledge into medically relevant insights and new treatments. Groundbreaking advances in medicine and basic science influence how signaling peptides are defined today. The precise mechanistic pathways for over 100 endogenous peptides in mammals are now known and have laid the foundation for multiple drug development pipelines. Peptide biologics have become valuable drugs due to their unique specificity and biologic activity, lack of toxic metabolites, and minimal undesirable interactions. This review outlines modern technologies that enable neuropeptide discovery and characterization, and highlights lessons from nature made possible by neuropeptide research in relevant animal models that is being adopted by the pharmaceutical industry. We conclude with a brief overview of approaches/strategies for effective development of peptides as drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuropeptides, an important class of cell-cell signaling molecules, are involved in maintaining a range of physiological functions. Since the discovery of insulin's activity, over 100 bioactive peptides and peptide analogs have been used as therapeutics. Because these are complex molecules not easily predicted from a genome and their activity can change with subtle chemical modifications, mass spectrometry (MS) has significantly empowered peptide discovery and characterization. This review highlights contributions of MS-based research towards the development of therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna D B Anapindi
- Department of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (K.D.B.A., E.V.R., J.V.S.) and Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska (J.W.C.)
| | - Elena V Romanova
- Department of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (K.D.B.A., E.V.R., J.V.S.) and Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska (J.W.C.)
| | - James W Checco
- Department of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (K.D.B.A., E.V.R., J.V.S.) and Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska (J.W.C.)
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (K.D.B.A., E.V.R., J.V.S.) and Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska (J.W.C.)
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8
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Kim YJ, Lee JH, Jung SH, Kim KH, Choi CH, Jo S, Woo DH. An Octopus-Derived Peptide with Antidiuretic Activity in Rats. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:328. [PMID: 35621979 PMCID: PMC9144402 DOI: 10.3390/md20050328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovering new drug candidates with high efficacy and few side effects is a major challenge in new drug development. The two evolutionarily related peptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are known to be associated with a variety of physiological and psychological processes via the association of OXT with three types of AVP receptors. Over decades, many synthetic analogs of these peptides have been designed and tested for therapeutic applications; however, only a few studies of their natural analogs have been performed. In this study, we investigated the bioactivity and usefulness of two natural OXT/AVP analogs that originate from the marine invertebrate Octopus vulgaris, named octopressin (OTP) and cephalotocin (CPT). By measuring the intracellular Ca2+ or cyclic AMP increase in each OXT/AVP receptor subtype-overexpressing cell, we found that CPT, but not OTP, acts as a selective agonist of human AVP type 1b and 2 receptors. This behavior is reminiscent of desmopressin, the most widely prescribed antidiuretic drug in the world. Similar to the case for desmopressin, a single intravenous tail injection of CPT into Sprague-Dawley rats reduced urine output and increased urinary osmolality. In conclusion, we suggest that CPT has a significant antidiuretic effect and that CPT might be beneficial for treating urological conditions such as nocturia, enuresis, and diabetes insipidus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ji Kim
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (Y.-J.K.); (C.-H.C.)
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Jei Ha Lee
- Department of Genetic Resources, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea; (J.H.L.); (S.-H.J.); (K.H.K.)
| | - Seung-Hyun Jung
- Department of Genetic Resources, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea; (J.H.L.); (S.-H.J.); (K.H.K.)
| | - Ki Hyun Kim
- Department of Genetic Resources, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea; (J.H.L.); (S.-H.J.); (K.H.K.)
| | - Chang-Hoon Choi
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (Y.-J.K.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Seonmi Jo
- Department of Genetic Resources, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea; (J.H.L.); (S.-H.J.); (K.H.K.)
| | - Dong Ho Woo
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (Y.-J.K.); (C.-H.C.)
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
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9
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Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Wsol A, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A, Żera T. Complementary Role of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Cardiovascular Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11465. [PMID: 34768894 PMCID: PMC8584236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurons secreting oxytocin (OXY) and vasopressin (AVP) are located mainly in the supraoptic, paraventricular, and suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain. Oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic projections reach several regions of the brain and the spinal cord. Both peptides are released from axons, soma, and dendrites and modulate the excitability of other neuroregulatory pathways. The synthesis and action of OXY and AVP in the peripheral organs (eye, heart, gastrointestinal system) is being investigated. The secretion of OXY and AVP is influenced by changes in body fluid osmolality, blood volume, blood pressure, hypoxia, and stress. Vasopressin interacts with three subtypes of receptors: V1aR, V1bR, and V2R whereas oxytocin activates its own OXTR and V1aR receptors. AVP and OXY receptors are present in several regions of the brain (cortex, hypothalamus, pons, medulla, and cerebellum) and in the peripheral organs (heart, lungs, carotid bodies, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, uterus, thymus). Hypertension, myocardial infarction, and coexisting factors, such as pain and stress, have a significant impact on the secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin and on the expression of their receptors. The inappropriate regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin secretion during ischemia, hypoxia/hypercapnia, inflammation, pain, and stress may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczepanska-Sadowska
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (A.C.-J.); (T.Ż.)
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10
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Wątły J, Miller A, Kozłowski H, Rowińska-Żyrek M. Peptidomimetics - An infinite reservoir of metal binding motifs in metabolically stable and biologically active molecules. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 217:111386. [PMID: 33610030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of metal ions in interactions with therapeutic peptides is inevitable. They are one of the factors able to fine-tune the biological properties of antimicrobial peptides, a promising group of drugs with one large drawback - a problematic metabolic stability. Appropriately chosen, proteolytically stable peptidomimetics seem to be a reasonable solution of the problem, and the use of D-, β-, γ-amino acids, unnatural amino acids, azapeptides, peptoids, cyclopeptides and dehydropeptides is an infinite reservoir of metal binding motifs in metabolically stable, well-designed, biologically active molecules. Below, their specific structural features, metal-chelating abilities and antimicrobial potential are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wątły
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Joliot - Curie 14, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland.
| | - Adriana Miller
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Joliot - Curie 14, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Henryk Kozłowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Joliot - Curie 14, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland; Department of Health Sciences, University of Opole, Katowicka 68, Opole 45-060, Poland
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11
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Dekan Z, Kremsmayr T, Keov P, Godin M, Teakle N, Dürrauer L, Xiang H, Gharib D, Bergmayr C, Hellinger R, Gay M, Vilaseca M, Kurzbach D, Albericio F, Alewood PF, Gruber CW, Muttenthaler M. Nature-inspired dimerization as a strategy to modulate neuropeptide pharmacology exemplified with vasopressin and oxytocin. Chem Sci 2021; 12:4057-4062. [PMID: 34163676 PMCID: PMC8179488 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc05501h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) are cyclic neuropeptides that regulate fundamental physiological functions via four G protein-coupled receptors, V1aR, V1bR, V2R, and OTR. Ligand development remains challenging for these receptors due to complex structure–activity relationships. Here, we investigated dimerization as a strategy for developing ligands with novel pharmacology. We regioselectively synthesised and systematically studied parallel, antiparallel and N- to C-terminal cyclized homo- and heterodimer constructs of VP, OT and dVDAVP (1-deamino-4-valine-8-d-arginine-VP). All disulfide-linked dimers, except for the head-to-tail cyclized constructs, retained nanomolar potency despite the structural implications of dimerization. Our results support a single chain interaction for receptor activation. Dimer orientation had little impact on activity, except for the dVDAVP homodimers, where an antagonist to agonist switch was observed at the V1aR. This study provides novel insights into the structural requirements of VP/OT receptor activation and spotlights dimerization as a strategy to modulate pharmacology, a concept also frequently observed in nature. Structural and pharmacological study of parallel, antiparallel and N- to C-terminal cyclized homo- and heterodimers of vasopressin and oxytocin. This study spotlights dimerization as a strategy to modulate the pharmacology of neuropeptides.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Thomas Kremsmayr
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna Währingerstraße 38 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Mathilde Godin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Ngari Teakle
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Leopold Dürrauer
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna Währingerstraße 38 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Huang Xiang
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Schwarzspanierstraße 17 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Dalia Gharib
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Schwarzspanierstraße 17 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Christian Bergmayr
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Schwarzspanierstraße 17 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Schwarzspanierstraße 17 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Marina Gay
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona C/ Baldiri Reixac 10 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Marta Vilaseca
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona C/ Baldiri Reixac 10 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Dennis Kurzbach
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna Währingerstraße 38 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia.,Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Schwarzspanierstraße 17 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia .,Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna Währingerstraße 38 1090 Vienna Austria
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12
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Toxin-like neuropeptides in the sea anemone Nematostella unravel recruitment from the nervous system to venom. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:27481-27492. [PMID: 33060291 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011120117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis (Anthozoa, Cnidaria) is a powerful model for characterizing the evolution of genes functioning in venom and nervous systems. Although venom has evolved independently numerous times in animals, the evolutionary origin of many toxins remains unknown. In this work, we pinpoint an ancestral gene giving rise to a new toxin and functionally characterize both genes in the same species. Thus, we report a case of protein recruitment from the cnidarian nervous to venom system. The ShK-like1 peptide has a ShKT cysteine motif, is lethal for fish larvae and packaged into nematocysts, the cnidarian venom-producing stinging capsules. Thus, ShK-like1 is a toxic venom component. Its paralog, ShK-like2, is a neuropeptide localized to neurons and is involved in development. Both peptides exhibit similarities in their functional activities: They provoke contraction in Nematostella polyps and are toxic to fish. Because ShK-like2 but not ShK-like1 is conserved throughout sea anemone phylogeny, we conclude that the two paralogs originated due to a Nematostella-specific duplication of a ShK-like2 ancestor, a neuropeptide-encoding gene, followed by diversification and partial functional specialization. ShK-like2 is represented by two gene isoforms controlled by alternative promoters conferring regulatory flexibility throughout development. Additionally, we characterized the expression patterns of four other peptides with structural similarities to studied venom components and revealed their unexpected neuronal localization. Thus, we employed genomics, transcriptomics, and functional approaches to reveal one venom component, five neuropeptides with two different cysteine motifs, and an evolutionary pathway from nervous to venom system in Cnidaria.
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13
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Zhang J, Vardy E, Muise ES, Wang TM, Visconti R, Vadlamudi A, Pinto S, Peier AM. Utilizing Designed Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drug Chemogenetic Tools to Identify Beneficial G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling for Fibrosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 375:357-366. [PMID: 32848074 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis or accumulation of extracellular matrix is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism adopted by an organism as a response to chronic injury. Excessive fibrosis, however, leads to disruption of organ homeostasis and is a common feature of many chronic diseases. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important cell signaling mediators and represent molecular targets for many Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. To identify new targets for fibrosis, we used a synthetic GPCR system named designed receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to probe signaling pathways essential for fibrotic response. We found that upon expression in human lung fibroblasts, activation of Gq- and Gs-DREADDs abrogated the induction of TGFβ-induced fibrosis marker genes. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis identified dysregulation of multiple GPCRs in lung fibroblasts treated with TGFβ To investigate endogenous GPCR modulating TGFβ signaling, we selected 13 GPCRs that signal through Gq or Gs and activated them by using specific agonists. We examined the impact of each agonist and how activation of endogenous GPCR affects TGFβ signaling. Among the agonists examined, prostaglandin receptor agonists demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effect on fibrosis. Together, we have demonstrated that the DREADDs system is a valuable tool to identify beneficial GPCR signaling for fibrosis. This study in fibroblasts has served as a proof of concept and allowed us to further develop in vivo models for fibrosis GPCR discovery. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Fibrosis is the hallmark of many end-stage cardiometabolic diseases, and there is an unmet medical need to discover new antifibrotic therapies, reduce disease progression, and bring clinically meaningful efficacy to patients. Our work utilizes designed receptors exclusively activated by designer drug chemogenetic tools to identify beneficial GPCR signaling for fibrosis, providing new insights into GPCR drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
| | - Eyal Vardy
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
| | - Eric S Muise
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
| | - Tzu-Ming Wang
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
| | - Richard Visconti
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
| | - Ashita Vadlamudi
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
| | - Shirly Pinto
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
| | - Andrea M Peier
- Departments of Cardiometabolic Diseases (J.Z., S.P.), Screening and Compound Profiling (E.V., R.V., A.V., A.M.P.), GpGx (E.S.M.), and Translational Biomarkers (T.-M.W.), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey; and Kallyope Inc., New York, New York (E.V., S.P.)
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14
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Liu H, Gruber CW, Alewood PF, Möller A, Muttenthaler M. The oxytocin receptor signalling system and breast cancer: a critical review. Oncogene 2020; 39:5917-5932. [PMID: 32782397 PMCID: PMC7483001 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is making up one-quarter of all new female cancer cases diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer surgeries, radiation therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapies and targeted therapies have made significant progress and play a dominant role in breast cancer patient management. However, many challenges remain, including resistance to systemic therapies, tumour recurrence and metastasis. The cyclic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) elicits a plethora of biological responses via the oxytocin receptor (OTR) in both the central and peripheral nervous system, including social bonding, stress, maternal behaviour, sexual activity, uterus contraction, milk ejection and cancer. As a typical member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, OTR represents also an intriguing target for cancer therapy. There is emerging evidence that OTR plays a role in breast cancer development and progression, and several breast cancer cell lines express OTR. However, despite supporting evidence that OT lowers breast cancer risks, its mechanistic role in breast cancer development and the related signalling pathways are not fully understood. Here, we review the current knowledge of the OT/OTR signalling system in healthy breast tissue as well as in breast cancer, and discuss OTR as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Liu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Saikia S, Bordoloi M, Sarmah R. Established and In-trial GPCR Families in Clinical Trials: A Review for Target Selection. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:522-539. [PMID: 30394207 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666181105152439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The largest family of drug targets in clinical trials constitute of GPCRs (G-protein coupled receptors) which accounts for about 34% of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved drugs acting on 108 unique GPCRs. Factors such as readily identifiable conserved motif in structures, 127 orphan GPCRs despite various de-orphaning techniques, directed functional antibodies for validation as drug targets, etc. has widened their therapeutic windows. The availability of 44 crystal structures of unique receptors, unexplored non-olfactory GPCRs (encoded by 50% of the human genome) and 205 ligand receptor complexes now present a strong foundation for structure-based drug discovery and design. The growing impact of polypharmacology for complex diseases like schizophrenia, cancer etc. warrants the need for novel targets and considering the undiscriminating and selectivity of GPCRs, they can fulfill this purpose. Again, natural genetic variations within the human genome sometimes delude the therapeutic expectations of some drugs, resulting in medication response differences and ADRs (adverse drug reactions). Around ~30 billion US dollars are dumped annually for poor accounting of ADRs in the US alone. To curb such undesirable reactions, the knowledge of established and currently in clinical trials GPCRs families can offer huge understanding towards the drug designing prospects including "off-target" effects reducing economical resource and time. The druggability of GPCR protein families and critical roles played by them in complex diseases are explained. Class A, class B1, class C and class F are generally established family and GPCRs in phase I (19%), phase II(29%), phase III(52%) studies are also reviewed. From the phase I studies, frizzled receptors accounted for the highest in trial targets, neuropeptides in phase II and melanocortin in phase III studies. Also, the bioapplications for nanoparticles along with future prospects for both nanomedicine and GPCR drug industry are discussed. Further, the use of computational techniques and methods employed for different target validations are also reviewed along with their future potential for the GPCR based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surovi Saikia
- Natural Products Chemistry Group, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat-785006, Assam, India
| | - Manobjyoti Bordoloi
- Natural Products Chemistry Group, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat-785006, Assam, India
| | - Rajeev Sarmah
- Allied Health Sciences, Assam Down Town University, Panikhaiti, Guwahati 781026, Assam, India
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16
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Ting DSJ, Beuerman RW, Dua HS, Lakshminarayanan R, Mohammed I. Strategies in Translating the Therapeutic Potentials of Host Defense Peptides. Front Immunol 2020; 11:983. [PMID: 32528474 PMCID: PMC7256188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The golden era of antibiotics, heralded by the discovery of penicillin, has long been challenged by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Host defense peptides (HDPs), previously known as antimicrobial peptides, are emerging as a group of promising antimicrobial candidates for combatting AMR due to their rapid and unique antimicrobial action. Decades of research have advanced our understanding of the relationship between the physicochemical properties of HDPs and their underlying antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial functions, including immunomodulatory, anti-biofilm, and wound healing properties. However, the mission of translating novel HDP-derived molecules from bench to bedside has yet to be fully accomplished, primarily attributed to their intricate structure-activity relationship, toxicity, instability in host and microbial environment, lack of correlation between in vitro and in vivo efficacies, and dwindling interest from large pharmaceutical companies. Based on our previous experience and the expanding knowledge gleaned from the literature, this review aims to summarize the novel strategies that have been employed to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy, proteolytic stability, and cell selectivity, which are all crucial factors for bench-to-bedside translation of HDP-based treatment. Strategies such as residues substitution with natural and/or unnatural amino acids, hybridization, L-to-D heterochiral isomerization, C- and N-terminal modification, cyclization, incorporation with nanoparticles, and "smart design" using artificial intelligence technology, will be discussed. We also provide an overview of HDP-based treatment that are currently in the development pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Shu Jeng Ting
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger W Beuerman
- Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harminder S Dua
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Imran Mohammed
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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17
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Role of Oxytocin/Vasopressin-Like Peptide and Its Receptor in Vitellogenesis of Mud Crab. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072297. [PMID: 32225106 PMCID: PMC7178253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT)/vasopressin (VP) signaling system is important to the regulation of metabolism, osmoregulation, social behaviours, learning, and memory, while the regulatory mechanism on ovarian development is still unclear in invertebrates. In this study, Spot/vp-like and its receptor (Spot/vpr-like) were identified in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Spot/vp-like transcripts were mainly expressed in the nervous tissues, midgut, gill, hepatopancreas, and ovary, while Spot/vpr-like were widespread in various tissues including the hepatopancreas, ovary, and hemocytes. In situ hybridisation revealed that Spot/vp-like mRNA was mainly detected in 6–9th clusters in the cerebral ganglion, and oocytes and follicular cells in the ovary, while Spot/vpr-like was found to localise in F-cells in the hepatopancreas and oocytes in the ovary. In vitro experiment showed that the mRNA expression level of Spvg in the hepatopancreas, Spvgr in the ovary, and 17β-estradiol (E2) content in culture medium were significantly declined with the administration of synthetic SpOT/VP-like peptide. Besides, after the injection of SpOT/VP-like peptide, it led to the significantly reduced expression of Spvg in the hepatopancreas and subduced E2 content in the haemolymph in the crabs. In brief, SpOT/VP signaling system might inhibit vitellogenesis through neuroendocrine and autocrine/paracrine modes, which may be realised by inhibiting the release of E2.
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18
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Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A, Wsol A. The role of oxytocin and vasopressin in the pathophysiology of heart failure in pregnancy and in fetal and neonatal life. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H639-H651. [PMID: 32056469 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00484.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy and early life create specific psychosomatic challenges for the mother and child, such as changes in hemodynamics, resetting of the water-electrolyte balance, hypoxia, pain, and stress, that all play an important role in the regulation of the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. Both of these hormones regulate the water-electrolyte balance and cardiovascular functions, maturation of the cardiovascular system, and cardiovascular responses to stress. These aspects may be of particular importance in a state of emergency, such as hypertension in the mother or severe heart failure in the child. In this review, we draw attention to a broad spectrum of actions exerted by oxytocin and vasopressin in the pregnant mother and the offspring during early life. To this end, we discuss the following topics: 1) regulation of the secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin and expression of their receptors in the pregnant mother and child, 2) direct and indirect effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on the cardiovascular system in the healthy mother and fetus, and 3) positive and negative consequences of altered secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin in the mother with cardiovascular pathology and in the progeny with heart failure. The present survey provides evidence that moderate stimulation of the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors plays a beneficial role in the healthy pregnant mother and fetus; however, under pathophysiological conditions the inappropriate action of these hormones exerts several negative effects on the cardiovascular system of the mother and progeny and may potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Szczepanska-Sadowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Wsol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Lagunes-Merino O, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Caba M, Carro-Juárez M, García-Orduña F, Saavedra-Vélez M, Puga-Olguín A, de Jesús Rovirosa-Hernández M. Acute effect of an infusion of Montanoa tomentosa on despair-like behavior and activation of oxytocin hypothalamic cells in Wistar rats. J Tradit Complement Med 2020; 10:45-51. [PMID: 31956557 PMCID: PMC6957806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim In Mexican traditional medicine, Montanoa tomentosa (Mt) has been used as a remedy for reproductive impairments and mood swings. In pre-clinical research, both the extract and some of its active metabolites have produced oxytocinergic-like effects on female reproductive organs; however, there are no detailed studies of its effects on mood swing and brain structures. The aim of this study, was to analyze the behavioral effects of acute administration of a Mt infusion on male rats, during the Open Field (OFT) and Forced Swim (FST) Tests, and their association with the activation of oxytocin (OXT) cells, indicated by Fos protein (Fos/OXT) in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON). Experimental procedure 52 adult male Wistar rats were assigned to two conditions; with FST (n = 8), or without (n = 5). Each integrated condition included four groups [Control, Vehicle, Fluoxetine (Flx; 10 mg/kg), and Mt (50 mg/kg), p.o.]. Results and conclusion Mt and Flx treatment produced an anti-despair-like effect on the FST, but no significant changes in locomotor activity. Also, the Mt infusion -but not Flx-significantly increased the number of Fos/OXT cells in the PVN and SON, regardless of the condition, compared to the control and vehicle groups. These results show that Mt, but not Flx, produces an anti-despair-like effect that could be associated with the activation of OXT cells in PVN and SON. This study thus contributes to our knowledge of the pharmacological activity of Mt infusions, which could be a natural antidepressant agent with future clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Lagunes-Merino
- Doctorado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, 91190, Mexico
| | | | - Mario Caba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, 91190, Mexico
| | - Miguel Carro-Juárez
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, 90000, Mexico
| | | | | | - Abraham Puga-Olguín
- Doctorado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, 91190, Mexico
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20
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Abstract
The origin of the oxytocin (OT)/vasopressin (VP) signaling system is thought to date back more than 600million years. OT/VP-like peptides have been identified in numerous invertebrate phyla including molluscs, annelids, nematodes and insects. However, to date we only have a limited understanding of the biological role(s) of this GPCR-mediated signaling system in insects. This chapter presents the current knowledge of OT/VP-like neuropeptide signaling in insects by providing a brief overview of insect OT/VP-like neuropeptides, their genetic and structural commonalities, and their experimentally tested and proposed functions. Despite their widespread occurrence across insect orders these peptides (and their endogenous receptors) appear to be absent in common insect model species, such as flies and bees. We therefore explain the known functionalities of this signaling system in three different insect model systems: beetles, locusts, and ants. Additionally, we review the phylogenetic distribution of the OT/VP signaling system in arthropods as obtained from extensive genome/transcriptome mining. Finally, we discuss the unique challenges in the development of selective OT/VP ligands for human receptors and share our perspective on the possible application of insect- and other non-mammalian-derived OT/VP-like peptide ligands in pharmacology.
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21
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Duerrauer L, Muratspahić E, Gattringer J, Keov P, Mendel HC, Pfleger KDG, Muttenthaler M, Gruber CW. I8-arachnotocin-an arthropod-derived G protein-biased ligand of the human vasopressin V 2 receptor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19295. [PMID: 31848378 PMCID: PMC6917733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) and their G protein-coupled receptors OTR, V1aR, V1bR, and V2R form an important and widely-distributed neuroendocrine signaling system. In mammals, this signaling system regulates water homeostasis, blood pressure, reproduction, as well as social behaviors such as pair bonding, trust and aggression. There exists high demand for ligands with differing pharmacological profiles to study the physiological and pathological functions of the individual receptor subtypes. Here, we present the pharmacological characterization of an arthropod (Metaseiulus occidentalis) OT/VP-like nonapeptide across the human OT/VP receptors. I8-arachnotocin is a full agonist with respect to second messenger signaling at human V2R (EC50 34 nM) and V1bR (EC50 1.2 µM), a partial agonist at OTR (EC50 790 nM), and a competitive antagonist at V1aR [pA2 6.25 (558 nM)]. Intriguingly, I8-arachnotocin activated the Gαs pathway of V2R without recruiting either β-arrestin-1 or β-arrestin-2. I8-arachnotocin might thus be a novel pharmacological tool to study the (patho)physiological relevance of β-arrestin-1 or -2 recruitment to the V2R. These findings furthermore highlight arthropods as a novel, vast and untapped source for the discovery of novel pharmacological probes and potential drug leads targeting neurohormone receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Duerrauer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Gattringer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen C Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin D G Pfleger
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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22
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Targeting the Oxytocin System: New Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:22-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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23
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Mustoe A, Taylor JH, French JA. Oxytocin structure and function in New World monkeys: from pharmacology to behavior. Integr Zool 2018; 13:634-654. [PMID: 29436774 PMCID: PMC6089668 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a hypothalamic nonapeptide that mediates a host of physiological and behavioral processes including reproductive physiology and social attachments. While the OT sequence structure is highly conserved among mammals, New World monkeys (NWMs) represent an unusual "hot spot" in OT structure variability among mammals. At least 6 distinct OT ligand variants among NWMs exist, yet it is currently unclear whether these evolved structural changes result in meaningful functional consequences. NWMs offer a new area to explore how these modifications to OT and its canonical G-protein coupled OT receptor (OTR) may mediate specific cellular, physiological and behavioral outcomes. In this review, we highlight relationships between OT ligand and OTR structural variability, specifically examining coevolution between OT ligands, OTRs, and physiological and behavioral phenotypes across NWMs. We consider whether these evolved modifications to the OT structure alter pharmacological profiles at human and marmoset OTRs, including changes to receptor binding, intracellular signaling and receptor internalization. Finally, we evaluate whether exogenous manipulation using OT variants in marmoset monkeys differentially enhance or impair behavioral processes involved in social relationships between pairmates, opposite-sex strangers, and parents and their offspring. Overall, it appears that changes to OT ligands in NWMs result in important changes ranging from cellular signaling to broad measures of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaryn Mustoe
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jack H Taylor
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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24
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Taylor JH, Schulte NA, French JA, Toews ML. Binding Characteristics of Two Oxytocin Variants and Vasopressin at Oxytocin Receptors from Four Primate Species with Different Social Behavior Patterns. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 367:101-107. [PMID: 30068728 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.250852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A clade of New World monkeys (NWMs) exhibits considerable diversity in both oxytocin (OT) ligand and oxytocin receptor (OTR) structure. Most notable is the variant Pro8-OT, with proline instead of leucine at the eighth position, resulting in a rigid bend in the peptide backbone. A higher proportion of species that express Pro8-OT also engage in biparental care and social monogamy. When marmosets (genus Callithrix), a biparental and monogamous Pro8-OT NWM species, are administered the ancestral Leu8-OT, there is no change in social behavior compared with saline treatment. However, when Pro8-OT is administered, marmosets' sociosexual and prosocial behaviors are altered. The studies here tested the hypothesis that OTR binding affinities and OT-induced intracellular Ca2+ potencies would favor the native OT ligand in OTRs from four primate species, each representing a unique combination of ancestral lineage, breeding system, and native OT ligand: humans (Leu8-OT, monogamous, apes), macaques (Leu8-OT, nonmonogamous, Old World monkey), marmosets (Pro8-OT, monogamous, NWM), and titi monkeys (Leu8-OT, monogamous, NWM). OTRs were expressed in immortalized Chinese hamster ovary cells and tested for intact-cell binding affinities for Pro8-OT, Leu8-OT, and arginine vasopressin (AVP), as well as intracellular Ca2+ signaling after stimulation with Pro8-OT, Leu8-OT, and AVP. Contrary to our hypothesis, Pro8-OT bound at modestly higher affinities and stimulated calcium signaling at modestly higher potencies compared with Leu8-OT in all four primate OTRs. Thus, differences downstream from a ligand-receptor binding event are more likely to explain the different behavioral responses to these two ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H Taylor
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
| | - Nancy A Schulte
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
| | - Myron L Toews
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
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25
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Discovery of peptide probes to modulate oxytocin-type receptors of insects. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10020. [PMID: 29968789 PMCID: PMC6030093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28380-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin/vasopressin signalling system is conserved across the animal kingdom. In insects, the role of oxytocin-type (inotocin) neuropeptides has only been studied in locusts, beetles and ants, but their physiology continues to be poorly understood. One reason for this knowledge deficit is the lack of available research tools to complement functional genomics efforts. Consequently, ligands to probe insect inotocin receptors are essential. In this study, we sought to identify novel agonists and antagonists of the inotocin receptor from the representative model species Tribolium castaneum and Lasius niger. Drawing upon known ligands of the human receptors, we examined the pharmacology of the plant-derived cyclotide kalata B7 and the synthetic oxytocin analogue atosiban. Kalata B7 is a weak partial agonist of both inotocin receptors. This is the first reported direct interaction of cyclotides with an insect receptor, an observation that may explain their presumed role in herbivore defence. Furthermore, we discovered atosiban is an antagonist of the Tribolium receptor, which may provide a useful probe to investigate the functionality of inotocin signalling in beetles and related insect species. Our findings will enable further examination of insect inotocin receptor pharmacology and physiology, and may trigger studies to comprehend the interaction of plant cyclotides and insects.
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26
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Search of vasopressin analogs with antiproliferative activity on small-cell lung cancer: drug design based on two different approaches. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:879-894. [PMID: 29589487 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Development of compounds with therapeutic application requires the interaction of different disciplines. Several tumors express vasopressin (AVP; arginine vasopressin) receptors with contrasting effects depending on receptor subtype. Desmopressin (dDAVP) is an AVP-selective analog with antiproliferative properties. In this work, an evolutionary approach and a rational strategy were applied in order to design novel AVP analogs. RESULTS We designed two novel analogs; dDInotocin (dDINT, insect analog), and [V4Q5]dDAVP, and demonstrated the importance of the dDAVP conformational loop for its antiproliferative activity. [V4Q5] dDAVP showed major cytostatic effect on lung cancer cells than dDAVP and its cytostatic effect was abolished by V2R blockade. CONCLUSION Combination of these strategies could provide the basis for future studies for the development of improved compounds with potential therapeutic applications.
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27
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Muttenthaler M, Andersson Å, Vetter I, Menon R, Busnelli M, Ragnarsson L, Bergmayr C, Arrowsmith S, Deuis JR, Chiu HS, Palpant NJ, O'Brien M, Smith TJ, Wray S, Neumann ID, Gruber CW, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. Subtle modifications to oxytocin produce ligands that retain potency and improved selectivity across species. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/508/eaan3398. [PMID: 29208680 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aan3398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin mediate various physiological functions that are important for osmoregulation, reproduction, cardiovascular function, social behavior, memory, and learning through four G protein-coupled receptors that are also implicated in high-profile disorders. Targeting these receptors is challenging because of the difficulty in obtaining ligands that retain selectivity across rodents and humans for translational studies. We identified a selective and more stable oxytocin receptor (OTR) agonist by subtly modifying the pharmacophore framework of human oxytocin and vasopressin. [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH displayed similar potency to oxytocin but improved selectivity for OTR, an effect that was retained in mice. Centrally infused [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH potently reversed social fear in mice, confirming that this action was mediated by OTR and not by V1a or V1b vasopressin receptors. In addition, [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH produced a more regular contraction pattern than did oxytocin in a preclinical labor induction and augmentation model using myometrial strips from cesarean sections. [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH had no activity in human cardiomyocytes, indicating a potentially improved safety profile and therapeutic window compared to those of clinically used oxytocin. In conclusion, [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH is a novel probe for validating OTR as a therapeutic target in various biological systems and is a promising new lead for therapeutic development. Our medicinal chemistry approach may also be applicable to other peptidergic signaling systems with similar selectivity issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. .,Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Åsa Andersson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4104, Australia
| | - Rohit Menon
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marta Busnelli
- CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christian Bergmayr
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Arrowsmith
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Han Sheng Chiu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nathan J Palpant
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Margaret O'Brien
- National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Terry J Smith
- National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Susan Wray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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28
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Taylor JH, Intorre AA, French JA. Vasopressin and Oxytocin Reduce Food Sharing Behavior in Male, but Not Female Marmosets in Family Groups. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:181. [PMID: 28798724 PMCID: PMC5529352 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is critical for lactation and maternal care, but OT and the related nonapeptide vasopressin are important for caregiving behaviors in fathers and alloparents as well. This experiment tested the effects of vasopressin and OT on food sharing in marmoset families. We treated caregivers (parents, siblings) with intranasal vasopressin, OT, or saline, and then paired them with the youngest marmoset in the family. Caregivers were given preferred food, and then observed for food sharing and aggressive behavior with young marmosets. OT reduced food sharing from male alloparents to youngest siblings, and fathers that received vasopressin refused to share food with their youngest offspring more often than when treated with OT. Vasopressin increased aggressive vocalizations directed toward potential food recipients in all classes of caregivers. These results indicate that vasopressin and OT do not always enhance prosocial behavior: modulation of food sharing depends on both sex and parental status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H. Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
- Callitrichid Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Allison A. Intorre
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
- Callitrichid Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
- Callitrichid Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
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29
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Di Giglio MG, Muttenthaler M, Harpsøe K, Liutkeviciute Z, Keov P, Eder T, Rattei T, Arrowsmith S, Wray S, Marek A, Elbert T, Alewood PF, Gloriam DE, Gruber CW. Development of a human vasopressin V 1a-receptor antagonist from an evolutionary-related insect neuropeptide. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41002. [PMID: 28145450 PMCID: PMC5286520 DOI: 10.1038/srep41002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterisation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) relies on the availability of a toolbox of ligands that selectively modulate different functional states of the receptors. To uncover such molecules, we explored a unique strategy for ligand discovery that takes advantage of the evolutionary conservation of the 600-million-year-old oxytocin/vasopressin signalling system. We isolated the insect oxytocin/vasopressin orthologue inotocin from the black garden ant (Lasius niger), identified and cloned its cognate receptor and determined its pharmacological properties on the insect and human oxytocin/vasopressin receptors. Subsequently, we identified a functional dichotomy: inotocin activated the insect inotocin and the human vasopressin V1b receptors, but inhibited the human V1aR. Replacement of Arg8 of inotocin by D-Arg8 led to a potent, stable and competitive V1aR-antagonist ([D-Arg8]-inotocin) with a 3,000-fold binding selectivity for the human V1aR over the other three subtypes, OTR, V1bR and V2R. The Arg8/D-Arg8 ligand-pair was further investigated to gain novel insights into the oxytocin/vasopressin peptide-receptor interaction, which led to the identification of key residues of the receptors that are important for ligand functionality and selectivity. These observations could play an important role for development of oxytocin/vasopressin receptor modulators that would enable clear distinction of the physiological and pathological responses of the individual receptor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Di Giglio
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kasper Harpsøe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zita Liutkeviciute
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thomas Eder
- IST Austria (Institute of Science and Technology), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
- CUBE-Division of Computational Systems Biology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rattei
- CUBE-Division of Computational Systems Biology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Arrowsmith
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Wray
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Ales Marek
- Laboratory of Radioisotopes, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Elbert
- Laboratory of Radioisotopes, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - David E. Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072 Brisbane, Australia
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30
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Global map of oxytocin/vasopressin-like neuropeptide signalling in insects. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39177. [PMID: 27958372 PMCID: PMC5153645 DOI: 10.1038/srep39177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin mediate a range of physiological functions that are important for osmoregulation, reproduction, social behaviour, memory and learning. The origin of this signalling system is thought to date back ~600 million years. Oxytocin/vasopressin-like peptides have been identified in several invertebrate species and they appear to be functionally related across the entire animal kingdom. There is little information available about the biology of this peptide G protein-coupled receptor signalling system in insects. Recently over 200 insect genome/transcriptome datasets were released allowing investigation of the molecular structure and phylogenetic distribution of the insect oxytocin/vasopressin orthologue – inotocin peptides and their receptors. The signalling system is present in early arthropods and representatives of some early-diverging lineages. However, Trichoptera, Lepidoptera, Siphonaptera, Mecoptera and Diptera, lack the presence of inotocin genes, which suggests the peptide-receptor system was probably lost in their common ancestor ~280 million-years-ago. In addition we detected several losses of the inotocin signalling system in Hemiptera (white flies, scale insects and aphids), and the complete absence in spiders (Chelicerata). This unique insight into evolutionarily patterns and sequence diversity of neuroendocrine hormones will provide opportunities to elucidate the physiology of the inotocin signalling system in one of the largest group of animals.
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31
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Qvit N, Rubin SJS, Urban TJ, Mochly-Rosen D, Gross ER. Peptidomimetic therapeutics: scientific approaches and opportunities. Drug Discov Today 2016; 22:454-462. [PMID: 27856346 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural endogenously occurring peptides exhibit desirable medicinal properties, but are often limited in application by rapid proteolysis and inadequate membrane permeability. However, editing naturally occurring peptide sequences to develop peptidomimetic analogs created a promising class of therapeutics that can augment or inhibit molecular interactions. Here, we discuss a variety of chemical modifications, including l to d isomerization, cyclization, and unnatural amino acid substitution, as well as design strategies, such as attachment to cell-penetrating peptides, which are used to develop peptidomimetics. We also provide examples of approved peptidomimetics and discuss several compounds in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Qvit
- Stanford University, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Samuel J S Rubin
- Stanford University, Immunology Program, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Travis J Urban
- Stanford University, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford University, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daria Mochly-Rosen
- Stanford University, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eric R Gross
- Stanford University, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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32
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French JA, Taylor JH, Mustoe AC, Cavanaugh J. Neuropeptide diversity and the regulation of social behavior in New World primates. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 42:18-39. [PMID: 27020799 PMCID: PMC5030117 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are important hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate peripheral physiology, and have emerged as important modulators of brain function, particularly in the social realm. OT structure and the genes that ultimately determine structure are highly conserved among diverse eutherian mammals, but recent discoveries have identified surprising variability in OT and peptide structure in New World monkeys (NWM), with five new OT variants identified to date. This review explores these new findings in light of comparative OT/AVP ligand evolution, documents coevolutionary changes in the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors (OTR and V1aR), and highlights the distribution of neuropeptidergic neurons and receptors in the primate brain. Finally, the behavioral consequences of OT and AVP in regulating NWM sociality are summarized, demonstrating important neuromodulatory effects of these compounds and OT ligand-specific influences in certain social domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A French
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Jack H Taylor
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Aaryn C Mustoe
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Jon Cavanaugh
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
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33
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Ren D, Lu G, Moriyama H, Mustoe AC, Harrison EB, French JA. Genetic diversity in oxytocin ligands and receptors in New World monkeys. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125775. [PMID: 25938568 PMCID: PMC4418824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is an important neurohypophyseal hormone that influences wide spectrum of reproductive and social processes. Eutherian mammals possess a highly conserved sequence of OXT (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly). However, in this study, we sequenced the coding region for OXT in 22 species covering all New World monkeys (NWM) genera and clades, and characterize five OXT variants, including consensus mammalian Leu8-OXT, major variant Pro8-OXT, and three previously unreported variants: Ala8-OXT, Thr8-OXT, and Phe2-OXT. Pro8-OXT shows clear structural and physicochemical differences from Leu8-OXT. We report multiple predicted amino acid substitutions in the G protein-coupled OXT receptor (OXTR), especially in the critical N-terminus, which is crucial for OXT recognition and binding. Genera with same Pro8-OXT tend to cluster together on a phylogenetic tree based on OXTR sequence, and we demonstrate significant coevolution between OXT and OXTR. NWM species are characterized by high incidence of social monogamy, and we document an association between OXTR phylogeny and social monogamy. Our results demonstrate remarkable genetic diversity in the NWM OXT/OXTR system, which can provide a foundation for molecular, pharmacological, and behavioral studies of the role of OXT signaling in regulating complex social phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongren Ren
- Callitrichid Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
- Key Laboratory for Animal Biotechnology of Jiangxi Province and Ministry of Agriculture of China, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, China
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Guoqing Lu
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
| | - Hideaki Moriyama
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Aaryn C. Mustoe
- Callitrichid Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
| | - Emily B. Harrison
- Callitrichid Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A. French
- Callitrichid Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, United States of America
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Mollica A, Costante R, Stefanucci A, Novellino E. Cyclotides: a natural combinatorial peptide library or a bioactive sequence player? J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2014; 30:575-80. [PMID: 25244541 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2014.954108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this perspective review, we focalized our attention on the application of cyclotides in drug discovery. To date, two principal approaches have been explored since now: (i) the use of cyclotides as scaffold in which bioactive peptides can be grafted to improve stability, oral bioactivity and binding to GPCRs; (ii) their application as natural peptides library. For these reasons, cyclotides probably represent today a step further in the development of new tools in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio" , Chieti , Italy
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MUW resarcher of the month. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2014; 126:555-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00508-014-0615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Koehbach J, Gruber CW. From ethnopharmacology to drug design. Commun Integr Biol 2014; 6:e27583. [PMID: 24567782 DOI: 10.4161/cib.27583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature's diversity is one of the biggest resources of therapeutic lead compounds. Traditionally-used herbal remedies harbor a variety of bioactive compounds providing researchers with starting points for drug development. Ethnopharmacological investigations of uterotonic plant preparations identified a class of circular and disulfide-rich peptides, called cyclotides, to exhibit strong uterine contractions. In humans one of the physiological regulators of the myometrial contractility is the nonapeptide oxytocin acting on its cognate G protein-coupled receptors. They are considered to represent one of the most promising drug targets with ~30% of all currently marketed drugs acting on these transmembrane receptors. Based on observed similarities regarding the activity and structure of plant cyclotides with human oxytocin we analyzed the pharmacological principle of their action and identified the oxytocin and vasopressin 1a receptors as molecular targets of cyclotides from the Rubiaceae plant Oldenlandia affinis. Using a synthetic approach, the sequence of the native cyclotide kalata B7 was used to design oxytocin-like nonapeptides with nanomolar affinity and selectivity for the oxytocin receptor. This provides formal proof for the use of cyclotides as templates in peptide ligand design. At a more general level, mining of naturally-occurring peptides is a promising tool for the identification and the design of novel G protein-coupled receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Koehbach
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria
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Oxytocic plant cyclotides as templates for peptide G protein-coupled receptor ligand design. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:21183-8. [PMID: 24248349 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1311183110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant peptides comprising a circular backbone and three conserved disulfide bonds that confer them with exceptional stability. They were originally discovered in Oldenlandia affinis based on their use in traditional African medicine to accelerate labor. Recently, cyclotides have been identified in numerous plant species of the coffee, violet, cucurbit, pea, potato, and grass families. Their unique structural topology, high stability, and tolerance to sequence variation make them promising templates for the development of peptide-based pharmaceuticals. However, the mechanisms underlying their biological activities remain largely unknown; specifically, a receptor for a native cyclotide has not been reported hitherto. Using bioactivity-guided fractionation of an herbal peptide extract known to indigenous healers as "kalata-kalata," the cyclotide kalata B7 was found to induce strong contractility on human uterine smooth muscle cells. Radioligand displacement and second messenger-based reporter assays confirmed the oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptors, members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, as molecular targets for this cyclotide. Furthermore, we show that cyclotides can serve as templates for the design of selective G protein-coupled receptor ligands by generating an oxytocin-like peptide with nanomolar affinity. This nonapeptide elicited dose-dependent contractions on human myometrium. These observations provide a proof of concept for the development of cyclotide-based peptide ligands.
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Abstract
New findings • What is the topic of this review? This article describes the discovery and function of invertebrate oxytocin and vasopressin neuropeptides. • What advances does it highlight? The novel discovery of oxytocin-like peptides in arthropods is described. An up-to date overview is gven of the functional role (physiology and behaviour) of oxytocin and vasopressin signalling. The application of natural peptides for drug development is discussed. Neuropeptides and regulatory peptide hormones control many developmental, physiological and behavioural processes in animals, including humans. The nonapeptides oxytocin and arginine vasopressin are produced and released by the pituitary gland and have actions on many organs and tissues. Receptive cells possess particular receptors to which the peptides bind as ligands, leading to activation of G-protein-coupled receptors, hence cellular responses. In humans and other mammalian species, oxytocin and vasopressin mediate a range of peripheral and central physiological functions that are important for osmoregulation, reproduction, complex social behaviours, memory and learning. The origin of the oxytocin/vasopressin signalling system is thought to date back more than 600 million years. All vertebrate oxytocin- and vasopressin-like peptides have presumably evolved from the ancestral nonapeptide vasotocin by gene duplication and today are present in vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Oxytocin- and vasopressin-like peptides have been identified in several invertebrate species, including molluscs, annelids, nematodes and arthropods. Members of this peptide family share high sequence similarity, and it is possible that they are functionally related across the entire animal kingdom. However, it is evident that not all animals express oxytocin/vasopressin neuropeptides and that there is little information available about the biology and physiology of this signalling system of invertebrates and, in particular, of insects, which represent more than half of all known living organisms. This report describes the discovery of novel oxytocin- and vasopressin-like peptides in arthropods and summarizes the status quo of the functional relevance of this neuropeptide signalling system in invertebrates, which will have beneficial implications for the design of selective and potent ligands to human oxytocin and vasopressin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian W Gruber
- C. W. Gruber: Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
The design and development of selective ligands for the human OT (oxytocin) and AVP (arginine vasopressin) receptors is a big challenge since the different receptor subtypes and their native peptide ligands display great similarity. Detailed understanding of the mechanism of OT's interaction with its receptor is important and may assist in the ligand- or structure-based design of selective and potent ligands. In the present article, we compared 69 OT- and OT-like receptor sequences with regards to their molecular evolution and diversity, utilized an in silico approach to map the common ligand interaction sites of recently published G-protein-coupled receptor structures to a model of the human OTR (OT receptor) and compared these interacting residues within a selection of different OTR sequences. Our analysis suggests the existence of a binding site for OT peptides within the common transmembrane core region of the receptor, but it appears extremely difficult to identify receptor or ligand residues that could explain the selectivity of OT to its receptors. We remain confident that the presented evolutionary overview and modelling approach will aid interpretation of forthcoming OTR crystal structures.
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