Calcitonin receptor antibody validation and expression in the rodent brain

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Therapeutics that reduce calcitonin gene-related peptide activity are effective migraine treatments. However, gaps remain in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that link calcitonin gene-related peptide to migraine. The amylin 1 receptor responds potently to calcitonin gene-related peptide, and to the related peptide amylin, but its role in relation to either peptide or to migraine is unclear. We sought to better understand the expression of the amylin 1 receptor protein subunit, the calcitonin receptor, in the rodent brain.

METHODS

We profiled three antibodies for immunodetection of calcitonin receptor, using immunocytochemistry, western blotting, and calcitonin receptor conditional knockout mouse tissue. Selected migraine-relevant rat brain regions were then examined for calcitonin receptor-like immunoreactivity.

RESULTS

All three antibodies detected calcitonin receptor protein but only one (188/10) produced robust immunostaining in rodent brain, under the conditions used. Calcitonin receptor-like immunoreactivity was apparent in the rat brainstem and midbrain including the locus coeruleus, periaqueductal grey and spinal trigeminal nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-calcitonin receptor antibodies require comprehensive profiling to ensure confidence in the detection of calcitonin receptor. Using a validated antibody, calcitonin receptor-like immunoreactivity was detected in several brain regions relevant to migraine. Further research is needed to understand the functional consequences of calcitonin receptor expression for calcitonin gene-related peptide or amylin physiology and pathophysiology.

Strategic Development of an Immunotoxin for the Treatment of Glioblastoma and Other Tumours Expressing the Calcitonin Receptor

New strategies aimed at treatment of glioblastoma are frequently proposed to overcome poor prognosis. Recently, research has focused on glioma stem cells (GSCs), some quiescent, which drive expansion of glioblastoma and provide the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumour hierarchy. Targeting quiescent GSCs is beyond the capability of conventional drugs such as temozolomide. Here, we discuss the proposal that the calcitonin receptor (CT Receptor), expressed in 76–86% of patient biopsies, is expressed by both malignant glioma cells and GSCs. Forty-two percent (42%) of high-grade glioma (HGG; representative of GSCs) cell lines available from one source express CT Receptor protein in cell culture. The pharmacological calcitonin (CT)-response profiles of four of the HGG cell lines were reported, suggesting mutational/splicing inactivation. Alternative splicing, commonly associated with cancer cells, could result in the predominant expression of the insert-positive isoform and explain the atypical pharmacology exhibited by CT non-responders. A role for the CT Receptor as a putative tumour suppressor and/or oncoprotein is discussed. Both CT responders and non-responders were sensitive to immunotoxins based on an anti-CT Receptor antibody conjugated to ribosomal-inactivating proteins. Sensitivity was increased by several logs with the triterpene glycoside SO1861, an endosomal escape enhancer. Under these conditions, the immunotoxins were 250–300 times more potent than an equivalent antibody conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E. Further refinements for improving the penetration of solid tumours are discussed. With this knowledge, a potential strategy for effective targeting of CSCs expressing this receptor is proposed for the treatment of GBM.

Building the case for the calcitonin receptor as a viable target for the treatment of glioblastoma

Researchers are actively seeking novel targeted therapies for the brain tumour glioblastoma (GBM) as the mean survival is less than 15 months. Here we discuss the proposal that the calcitonin receptor (CT Receptor), expressed in 76-86% of patient biopsies, is expressed by both malignant glioma cells and putative glioma stem cells (GSCs), and therefore represents a potential therapeutic target. Forty-two per cent (42%) of high-grade glioma (HGG; representative of GSCs) cell lines express CT Receptor protein. CT Receptors are widely expressed throughout the life cycle of organisms and in some instances promote apoptosis. Which of the common isoforms of the CT Receptor are predominantly expressed is currently unknown, but a functional response to cell stress of the insert-positive isoform is hypothesised. A model for resistant malignancies is one in which chemotherapy plays a direct role in activating quiescent stem cells for replacement of the tumour tissue hierarchy. The putative role that the CT Receptor plays in maintenance of quiescent cancer stem cells is discussed in view of the activation of the Notch-CT Receptor-collagen V axis in quiescent muscle (satellite) stem cells. The pharmacological CT response profiles of four of the HGG cell lines were reported. Both CT responders and non-responders were sensitive to an immunotoxin based on an anti-CT Receptor antibody. The CALCR mRNA exhibits alternative splicing commonly associated with cancer cells, which could result in the atypical pharmacology exhibited by CT non-responders and an explanation of tumour suppression. Due to the inherent instability of CALCR mRNA, analysis of CT Receptor protein in patient samples will lead to improved data for the expression of CT Receptor in GBM and other cancers, and an understanding of the role and activity of the splice variants. This knowledge will aid the effective targeting of this receptor for treatment of GBM.

Expression and activity of the calcitonin receptor family in a sample of primary human high-grade gliomas

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain cancer. With median survival of less than 15 months, identification and validation of new GBM therapeutic targets is of critical importance.

Results

In this study we tested expression and performed pharmacological characterization of the calcitonin receptor (CTR) as well as other members of the calcitonin family of receptors in high-grade glioma (HGG) cell lines derived from individual patient tumours, cultured in defined conditions.

Previous immunohistochemical data demonstrated CTR expression in GBM biopsies and we were able to confirm CALCR (gene encoding CTR) expression. However, as assessed by cAMP accumulation assay, only one of the studied cell lines expressed functional CTR, while the other cell lines have functional CGRP (CLR/RAMP1) receptors. The only CTR-expressing cell line (SB2b) showed modest coupling to the cAMP pathway and no activation of other known CTR signaling pathways, including ERK_1/2 and p38 MAP kinases, and Ca²⁺ mobilization, supportive of low cell surface receptor expression.

Exome sequencing data failed to account for the discrepancy between functional data and expression on the cell lines that do not respond to calcitonin(s) with no deleterious non-synonymous polymorphisms detected, suggesting that other factors may be at play, such as alternative splicing or rapid constitutive receptor internalisation.

Conclusions

This study shows that GPCR signaling can display significant variation depending on cellular system used, and effects seen in model recombinant cell lines or tumour cell lines are not always reproduced in a more physiologically relevant system and vice versa.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5369-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Calcitonin receptor expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma

Background

Calcitonin expression is a well-established marker for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC); yet the role of calcitonin receptor (CTR), its seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor, remains to be established in C-cells derived thyroid tumors. The aim of this work was to investigate CTR expression in MTC and to correlate such expression with clinicopathological features in order to evaluate its possible role as a prognostic indicator of disease aggressiveness and outcome.

Methods

Calcitonin receptor expression was analyzed in a series of 75 MTCs by immunohistochemistry, and by qPCR mRNA quantification in specimens from four patients. Statistical tests were used to evaluate the correlation between CTR expression and the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of patients and tumors.

Results

Calcitonin receptor expression was detected in 62 out of 75 samples (82.7%), whereas 13 of the 75 samples (17.3%) were completely negative. CTR expression was significantly associated with expression of cytoplasmatic phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 and osteopontin, as well as with wild type RET/RAS genes and absence of tumor stroma, suggesting that CTR expression do not associate with clinicopathological signs of worse prognosis.

Discussion

Calcitonin receptor expression appears to be associated in MTC with more differentiated status of the neoplastic cells.

Dianthin-30 or gelonin versus monomethyl auristatin E, each configured with an anti-calcitonin receptor antibody, are differentially potent in vitro in high-grade glioma cell lines derived from glioblastoma

We have reported that calcitonin receptor (CTR) is widely expressed in biopsies from the lethal brain tumour glioblastoma by malignant glioma and brain tumour-initiating cells (glioma stem cells) using anti-human CTR antibodies. A monoclonal antibody against an epitope within the extracellular domain of CTR was raised (mAb2C4) and chemically conjugated to either plant ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) dianthin-30 or gelonin, or the drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), and purified. In the high-grade glioma cell line (HGG, representing glioma stem cells) SB2b, in the presence of the triterpene glycoside SO1861, the EC50 for mAb2C4:dianthin was 10.0 pM and for mAb2C4:MMAE [antibody drug conjugate (ADC)] 2.5 nM, 250-fold less potent. With the cell line U87MG, in the presence of SO1861, the EC50 for mAb2C4:dianthin was 20 pM, mAb2C4:gelonin, 20 pM, compared to the ADC (6.3 nM), which is >300 less potent. Several other HGG cell lines that express CTR were tested and the efficacies of mAb2C4:RIP (dianthin or gelonin) were similar. Co-administration of the enhancer SO1861 purified from plants enhances lysosomal escape. Enhancement with SO1861 increased potency of the immunotoxin (>3 log values) compared to the ADC (1 log). The uptake of antibody was demonstrated with the fluorescent conjugate mAb2C4:Alexa Fluor 568, and the release of dianthin-30:Alexa Fluor488 into the cytosol following addition of SO1861 supports our model. These data demonstrate that the immunotoxins are highly potent and that CTR is an effective target expressed by a large proportion of HGG cell lines representative of glioma stem cells and isolated from individual patients.

A novel ligand of calcitonin receptor reveals a potential new sensor that modulates programmed cell death

We have discovered that the accumulation of an anti-calcitonin receptor (anti-CTR) antibody conjugated to a fluorophore (mAb2C4:AF568) provides a robust signal for cells undergoing apoptotic programmed cell death (PCD). PCD is an absolute requirement for normal development of metazoan organisms. PCD is a hallmark of common diseases such as cardiovascular disease and tissue rejection in graft versus host pathologies, and chemotherapeutics work by increasing PCD. This robust signal or high fluorescent events were verified by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry in several cell lines and a primary culture in which PCD had been induced. In Jurkat cells, GBM-L2 and MG63 cells, the percentage undergoing PCD that were positive for both mAb2C4:AF568 and annexin V ranged between 70 and >90%. In MG63 cells induced for the preapoptotic cell stress response (PACSR), the normal expression of α-tubulin, a key structural component of the cytoskeleton, and accumulation of mAb2C4:AF568 were mutually exclusive. Our data support a model in which CTR is upregulated during PACSR and recycles to the plasma membrane with apoptosis. In cells committed to apoptosis (α-tubulin negative), there is accumulation of the CTR-ligand mAb2C4:AF568 generating a high fluorescent event. The reagent mAb2C4:AF568 effectively identifies a novel event linked to apoptosis.

Combinatorial approach to increase efficacy of Cetuximab, Panitumumab and Trastuzumab by dianthin conjugation and co-application of SO1861

The therapeutic relevance of immunotoxins is based on the conjugation of monoclonal antibodies to toxins. In cancer therapies, the conjugated antibodies not only direct the binding of immunotoxins to cancer-specific receptors and mediate the elimination of tumor cells through the innate immune system, but also increase target cytotoxicity by the intrinsic toxin activity. In the present study, the therapeutic antibodies Cetuximab (anti-EGFR, Erbitux(®)), Panitumumab (anti-EGFR, Vectibix(®)) and Trastuzumab (anti-HER2, Herceptin(®)) were chemically conjugated to the toxin dianthin. In the first instance, recombinant dianthin was characterized by mass spectrometry and its stability was analyzed by circular dichroism. Dianthin showed increased cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells when tested in combination with a glycosylated triterpenoid (SO1861) in a real-time impedance-based cytotoxicity assay. In data obtained by live cell imaging, SO1861 specifically mediated the endo/lysosomal escape of dianthin without disrupting the plasma membrane. The purity of immunotoxins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated in the presence of SO1861 and dianthin-Cetuximab presented a GI50 (50% growth inhibition) of 5.3pM, dianthin-Panitumumab of 1.5pM, and dianthin-Trastuzumab of 23pM. Finally, the specificity of these immunotoxins was validated in a fluorescence-based real-time assay, where their binding to target cells was prevented by preincubation with an excess of label-free unconjugated antibody. Based on these data, we propose the use of dianthin and SO1861 as a new platform technology to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies.

A novel population of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells activated in a rat model of stroke: an analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution in response to ischemia

In a rat model of stroke, the spatio-temporal distribution of α-smooth muscle actin-positive, (αSMA+) cells was investigated in the infarcted hemisphere (ipsilateral) and compared with the contralateral hemisphere. At day 3 postischemia, αSMA+ cells were concentrated in two main loci within the ipsilateral hemisphere (Area A) in the medial corpus callosum and (Area B) midway through the striatum adjacent to the lateral ventricle. By day 7 and further by day 14, fewer αSMA+ cells remained in Areas A and B but a steady increase in the peri-infarct was observed. αSMA+ cells also expressed glial acidic fibrillary protein [GFAP: αSMA+/GFAP+ (29%); αSMA+/GFAP- (71%) phenotypes] and feline leukemia virus C receptor 2 (FLVCR2), but not ED1(microglia) and established markers of pericytes normally located in vascular wall. αSMA+ cells were also located close to the subventricular zones (SVZ) adjacent to Areas A and B. In conclusion, αSMA+ cells have been identified in a spatial and temporal sequence from the SVZ, at intermediate loci and in the vicinity of the peri-infarct. It is hypothesized that novel populations of αSMA+ precursors of pericytes are born on the SVZ, migrate into the peri-infarct region and are incorporated into new vessels of the peri-infarct regions.

Transient expression of the calcitonin receptor by enteric neurons of the embryonic and early post-natal mouse

Calcitonin receptor-immunoreactivity (CTR-ir) was found in enteric neurons of the mouse gastrointestinal tract from embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) to post-natal day 28 (P28). CTR-ir occurred in cell bodies in ganglia of the myenteric plexus extending from the esophagus to the colon and in nerve cells of the submucosal ganglia of the small and large intestines. CTR-ir was also found in vagal nerve trunks and mesenteric nerves. Counts in the ileal myenteric plexus revealed CTR-ir in 80% of neurons. CTR-ir was clearly evident in the cell bodies of enteric neurons by E15.5. The immunoreactivity reached maximum intensity between P1.5 and P12 but was weaker at P18 and barely detectable at P28. The receptor was detected in nerve processes in the intestine for only a brief period around E17.5, when it was present in one to two axonal processes per villus in the small intestine. In late gestation and soon after birth, CTR-ir was also evident in the mucosal epithelium. The perinatal expression of CTR within the ENS suggests that the calcitonin/CTR system may have a role in the maturation of enteric neurons. Signals may reach enteric neurons in milk, which contains high levels of calcitonin.

High dietary taurine reduces apoptosis and atherosclerosis in the left main coronary artery: association with reduced CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein and total plasma homocysteine but not lipidemia

We sought to determine whether taurine could specifically protect against coronary artery disease during an atherogenic diet and whether taurine affects the lipid profile, metabolites of methionine, and endothelial atherogenic systems. Rabbits were fed one of the following diets for 4 weeks: (1) control diet; (2) 0.5% cholesterol+1.0% methionine; or (3) 0.5% cholesterol+1.0% methionine+2.5% taurine. Endothelial function was examined, and the left main coronary artery atherosclerosis was quantified by stereology and semiquantitative immunohistochemistry to determine the endothelial expression of proteins related to the NO, renin-angiotensin, endoplasmic reticulum, and oxidative stress systems, as well as apoptosis. Taurine normalized hyperhomocysteinemia (P<0.05) and significantly reduced hypermethioninemia (P<0.05) but not lipidemia. The intima:media ratio was reduced by 28% (P=0.034), and atherosclerosis was reduced by 64% (P=0.012) and endothelial cell apoptosis by 30% (P<0.01). Endothelial cell CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein was normalized (P<0.05). Taurine failed to improve hyperlipidemia, endothelial function, or endothelial proteins related to the NO, renin-angiotensin, and oxidative stress systems. Taurine reduces left main coronary artery wall pathology associated with decreased plasma total homocysteine, methionine, apoptosis, and normalization of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein. These results elucidate the antiapoptotic and antiatherogenic properties of taurine, possibly via normalization of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in human radial arteries: role of the Kir channel

OBJECTIVE

The radial artery is increasingly used for coronary artery bypass grafts, but its potential for spasm increases postoperative risk. Alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide is a potent antihypertensive peptide. Thus, we set out to determine whether calcitonin gene-related peptide can impair angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in human radial arteries and, if so, to determine its mechanism of action.

METHODS

Radial arteries were placed in organ bath chambers and preincubated with 10(-9) to 10(-7) mol/L alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide for 20 minutes before initiating an angiotensin II dose response curve (10(-10)-10(-6) mol/L).

RESULTS

Calcitonin gene-related peptide, 10(-7), 10(-8), 3 x 10(-9), and 10(-9) mol/L, reduced angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction to 30.5% +/- 7.2% (P < .001), 32.2% +/- 11.7% (P < .001), 62.6% +/- 8.4% (P < .001), and 77.6% +/- 6.7% (P < .01), respectively, compared with control (normalized to 100%). Calcitonin gene-related peptide also significantly decreased basal vascular tension in human radial arteries (P < .05 in all cases). N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 4-aminopyridine, charybdotoxin, and apamin had no effect on calcitonin gene-related peptide relaxation, but Ba(2+) impaired the effects of alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

Alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide dose dependently impaired angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in human radial arteries, independent of nitric oxide and all potassium channels except the barium-sensitive Kir channel. Thus, calcitonin gene-related peptide is an endogenous inhibitor of angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in the human radial artery.

Calcitonin receptor immunoreactivity associated with specific cell types in diseased radial and internal mammary arteries

AIMS

To determine and quantify calcitonin receptor (CTR) immunoreactivity associated with specific cell types within, and associated with, the endothelial layers, neo-intima, media and vasa vasorum of diseased radial and internal mammary arteries.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry and anti-CTR antibodies were used to identify positive cells within remnants of diseased human radial (n = 3) and internal mammary arteries (n = 4) that remained after bypass surgery. Three cell types expressed CTR, including endothelial cells, fibroblast-like cells within the neo-intima, and cellular structures aligned with the smooth muscle cells of the media. Other smaller cells within the surrounding parenchyma of the vasa vasorum of diseased vessels and blood-borne cells were also immunoreactive. Immunoquantification of CTR expression (Intensity x Proportional Area) in the endothelium (P < 0.05), neo-intima (P < 0.02) and media (P < 0.03) established a significant statistical correlation (Students' two-tailed t-test) with the ratio of intimal/media thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased immunoreactivity developed using anti-CTR antibodies was associated with specific cell types in the endothelial layers, neo-intima, media and vasa vasorum of diseased regions of radial and internal mammary arteries, in which there was an increased intimal/media ratio. Furthermore, CTR+, blood-borne cells present in the vessels of diseased regions suggest recruitment into these surrounding tissues.

Amylin in the periphery II: An updated mini-review

Amylin is a polypeptide that is cosecreted with insulin from the β cells of the pancreas. Therefore, in states of diabetes in which the β-cell mass is largely depleted or dysfunctional, insulin and amylin secretion are also lost or dysregulated.While the soluble monomeric form of amylin acts as a hormone that alters physiological responses related to feeding and acts as a specific growth factor, there has been renewed interest in the less-soluble oligomeric and insoluble polymeric forms of human (also monkey and cat) amylin that may contribute to the establishment of a pathophysiological pathway to overt diabetes. With this discovery has grown the hope of minimizing, with appropriate therapy, these toxic forms to preserve the functional β-cell mass. Human β cells may also be more vulnerable to these forms and one risk factor, a higher fat diet, may promote toxic forms. The generation and utilities of transgenic rodent models, which express enhanced levels of human amylin, have been accompanied by strategies that may lead to the reduction of toxic forms and associated risk factors.The successful definition and faithful expression of the physiological receptors (and complexes) for amylin that may differ for each target organ is an important development in the field of amylin research generally. Besides the heuristic value for the understanding of the molecular biology of receptors, the opportunity to screen and identify nonpeptide analogues that bind the physiological receptors has important implications for biomedicine and clinical practice in relation to treatments for diabetic complications, bone diseases, and eating disorders. In particular, in their capacities to mimic the effects of amylin as a growth factor, amylin analogues may prove useful in the stimulation of β-cell mass (in conjunction with other factors), reduce the activity of the osteoclast population, and stimulate the regeneration of proximal tubules following toxic insult (and thus avoid the development of renal insufficiency).

Improved islet morphology after blockade of the renin- angiotensin system in the ZDF rat

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has an important role in the endocrine pancreas. Although angiotensin II has significant effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis, the contribution of the RAS to changes in islet structure and function associated with type 2 diabetes is yet to be defined. This study examined the specific effects of RAS blockade on islet structure and function in diabetes. Thirty-six male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, 10 weeks of age, were randomized to receive the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril (8 mg/l in drinking water; n = 12), irbesartan (15 mg/kg via gavage; n = 12), or no treatment (n = 12) for 10 weeks. Results were compared with lean littermates (ZL) (n = 12) studied concurrently. ZDF rats had increased intra-islet expression of components of the RAS correlating with increased intraislet fibrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Disordered islet architecture, seen in ZDF rats, was attenuated after treatment with perindopril or irbesartan. Islet fibrogenesis was also diminished, as measured by picrosirius staining and expression of collagens I and IV. Gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 was increased in the ZDF pancreas (ZL, 1.0 +/- 0.1; ZDF, 2.0 +/- 0.3; P < 0.05) and reduced after blockade of the RAS (ZDF + P, 1.3 +/- 0.2; ZDF + I, 1.5 +/- 0.1; vs. ZDF, both P < 0.05). Improvements in structural parameters were also associated with functional improvements in first-phase insulin secretion. These findings provide a possible mechanism for the reduced incidence of new-onset diabetes that has been observed in clinical trials of RAS blockade.

Novel hexad repeats conserved in a putative transporter with restricted expression in cell types associated with growth, calcium exchange and homeostasis

A transport protein is described with 12 transmembrane spans. Within the cytoplasmic amino-terminal domain, several novel hexad repeats are conserved in human, mouse, rat and pig, four to six of which had the canonical form PS_S_H(+). In the carboxyl-terminal domain, a polyglutamate sequence (5-8) is conserved. Restricted expression of the transporter was identified in acidophil cells of the adult pituitary that secrete growth hormone and prolactin. In the fetus, expression was restricted to osteoclasts, chondrocytes, thyroid, pituitary, central nervous system, eye, liver and heart. In particular, expression was found in structures associated with rapid calcium exchange including the retina, cardiomyocytes and in the intraplacental yolk sac that expresses calcitropic molecules. Furthermore, expression found in osteoclasts and kidney, within the distal portions of nephrons and collecting ducts, was consistent with a role in calcium homeostasis. In human pituitary, four mRNA transcripts, and in mouse kidney, three mRNA transcripts were expressed. In developing mouse kidney, the amount of each transcript varied that suggested the multiple transcripts might be differentially expressed in different physiological states. We propose that the transporter is specific for a calcium-chelator complex and is important for growth and calcium metabolism.

Amylin in the periphery

Amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) is a peptide synthesized principally in the beta-cells of the pancreatic islets together with insulin and has actions as a hormone, growth factor, and modifier of behavior. As a hormone, amylin acts to modify gastric motility, renal resorption, and has metabolic actions. It is postulated that the principal function of amylin as a hormone is the activation of physiological processes associated with feeding. As a growth factor, amylin acts on bone cells, renal proximal tubular cells, and islet beta-cells. Amylin has important targets in the brain that mediate its actions in the modification of behavior, including thirst and satiety. In man, amylin can form islet amyloid deposits, an event linked to the reduction of b-cell mass and loss of signal-secretion coupling. Recent evidence has defined a new role for monomeric amylin as a growth factor and regulator of beta-cell mass that is postulated to be a key factor in pathophysiological processes that result in overt diabetes.

Calcitonin receptor isoforms expressed in the developing rat kidney

BACKGROUND

Development in the metanephric-kidney transition period involves the precise expression of paracrine and autocrine events in an ordered spatio-temporal manner. Expression of these molecular events is tightly controlled and includes positive and negative growth factors and cognate receptors within close proximity in developing structures in the expanding renal cortex and medulla. The expression of calcitonin receptor (CTR) isoforms C1a and C1b in this context has not previously been described. Our current study also explored the relationship between the expression of CTR isoforms and amylin binding sites.

METHODS

Techniques included immunohistochemistry with novel antibodies that detect CTR isoforms, real time PCR for the quantification of CTR isoforms, Western blot and in vitro autoradiography, on tissues from embryo day 18 to postnatal day 30.

RESULTS

The CTR C1a isoform is expressed in the ureteric ducts of the metanephros and both isoforms are expressed in the developing distal convoluted tubules, ascending limbs of the loop of Henle and collecting ducts in the postnatal rat kidney. There was a 60-fold excess of C1a versus C1b isoforms. An apparent molecular weight of 63 kD was found. In vitro autoradiography demonstrated that while amylin binding sites were predominantly in the cortex, CTR expression was largely localized in the medulla in an earlier event, followed by cortical expression.

CONCLUSIONS

CTR C1a protein expression has been identified in the ureteric ducts in the metanephros and both isoforms expressed in the distal portions of the developing nephrons and collecting ducts. Since amylin binding sites have been localized on the proximal tubules of the cortex, it is unlikely that amylin receptors can be represented by modification of CTR affinity with receptor activity modifying proteins in the kidney.

Nephrin expression in the post-natal developing kidney in normotensive and hypertensive rats

Nephrin is a slit diaphragm protein and its expression in the developing kidney is largely unknown. In this study, we explored the expression of nephrin in the developmental kidney in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats at different time points, from day 5 after birth to adulthood. Real time RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to assess and quantify gene and protein expression of nephrin in the kidney. SHR had hypertension at week 10 and albuminuria at week 20. Nephrin expression in both SHR and WKY increased from day 5 to adulthood. Furthermore, both gene and protein expression of nephrin were significantly lower in SHR after birth when compared to WKY at the same age. These findings suggest that both in normotensive and hypertensive rats, nephrin expression increased from birth to the adult age and that down-regulation of nephrin in SHR evident from the early developmental kidney to adulthood may contribute to the development of albuminuria in adult SHR.

Calcitropic gene expression suggests a role for the intraplacental yolk sac in maternal-fetal calcium exchange

The expression of calcitropic genes and proteins was localized within murine placenta during late gestation (the time frame of active calcium transfer) with an analysis of several gene-deletion mouse models by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), the PTH/PTHrP receptor, calcium receptor, calbindin-D(9k), Ca(2+)-ATPase, and vitamin D receptor were all highly expressed in a localized structure of the murine placenta, the intraplacental yolk sac, compared with trophoblasts. In the PTHrP gene-deleted or Pthrp-null placenta in which placental calcium transfer is decreased, calbindin-D(9k) expression was downregulated in the intraplacental yolk sac but not in the trophoblasts. These observations indicated that the intraplacental yolk sac contains calcium transfer and calcium-sensing capability and that it is a probable route of maternal-fetal calcium exchange in the mouse.

Interaction of the renal amylin and renin-angiotensin systems in animal models of diabetes and hypertension

The range of known actions of amylin are reviewed together with the proposal that an important role for amylin may be the hormonal integration of diverse physiological systems activated with feeding. Major targets for the action of amylin are found within the kidney. Components of the amylin system (AS) have been shown to influence the activity of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and vice versa, in normal, hypertensive and diabetic models. For instance, amylin injected into humans and rats elicits a rapid rise in plasma renin activity. Furthermore, in two models of hypertension (the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the model with subtotal nephrectomy (STNx)), the density of amylin-binding sites in the renal cortex associated with the proximal tubules, was associated with elevation of blood pressure. In normotensive controls and in the STNx model, but not in the SHR model, treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduced blood pressure and the density of amylin binding in the renal cortex. In Sprague-Dawley rats, angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion was associated with increased density of amylin-binding sites as well as elevated blood pressure. Thus, there appears to be a direct relationship between the activity of Ang II and the binding sites for amylin in the renal cortex. From these studies it has been postulated that the activation of the AS in the kidney may play a role in the genesis and/or development of hypertension in certain contexts. The transient expression of amylin mRNA has been detected perinatally, using in situ hybridization, in the subnephrogenic zone of the metanephros and is associated with proximal tubules of the developing nephron. These cells situated close to the glomeruli, represent a subset of brush border epithelial cells. Amylin immunoreactivity (IR) is also found in these cells and colocalizes with angiotensinogen IR. Thus a second important role for amylin is described in which it plays a role as a growth factor in the developing kidney and in renal regrowth in the adult kidney. In a model of IDDM (streptozotocin diabetes), amylin and angiotensinogen IR are both restricted to a subset of brush border epithelial cells close to glomeruli which, in the developing kidney, expressed amylin mRNA. Thus in this IDDM model, we hypothesize that amylin mRNA transcription which is normally downregulated in the adult, is upregulated in this subset of these brush border epithelial cells, and that it stimulates the activity of a local RAS by an intracellular mechanism, leading to the biosynthesis of Ang II. It remains to be determined that if amylin is playing a role in stimulating local Ang II production at these sites, this provides a mechanism for activation of TGF-beta, ultimately leading to interstitial fibrosis.

Amylin: physiological roles in the kidney and a hypothesis for its role in hypertension

1. There are high-affinity binding sites for amylin in the renal cortex associated with proximal tubules. These appear to represent seven transmembrane (heptatopic) receptors that are known to form ternary complexes with G-proteins and activate second messenger systems. 2. Amylin stimulates sodium/water reabsorption from the basolateral side of the proximal tubules and plays a role in sodium homeostasis. 3. The transient expression of amylin-like mRNA has been detected perinatally, using in situ hybridization, in the subnephrogenic zone of the metanephros and is associated with proximal tubules of the developing nephron. There it is thought to play a role as a growth factor for brush border epithelial cells in the developing kidney and in renal regrowth in the adult kidney. 4. In two models of hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and one created surgically by subtotal nephrectomy, renal amylin receptors are activated. In the SHR, activation precedes the rise in blood pressure and suggests that activation of the amylin system may be an important event in the development of hypertension.

Amylin as a growth factor during fetal and postnatal development of the rat kidney

We have previously reported that amylin has mitogenic actions on tubular epithelial cells isolated from mature rat kidney and cultured in vitro. In experiments using in situ hybridization, we have demonstrated that amylin mRNA can be detected transiently in rat metanephros from embryo day 17 (E17) to postnatal day 3 (PN3). These transcripts are localized in the sub-nephrogenic zone. RT-PCR was performed using oligonucleotide primers for rat amylin and mRNA extracted from fetal body (E19), PN1 and PN5 metanephroi, and adult rat kidney. These results corroborate the finding, using in situ hybridization, that there is a window of expression of rat amylin in the developing kidney in the perinatal period. During this period tubular elongation is evident and amylin peptide, detected by immunohistochemical staining, is found associated with developing tubules. Some of these tubules also express a brush border glycoprotein, detected by immunohistochemical staining. Amylin acts as a mitogen with primary cultures of proximal tubular epithelial cells from PN4 renal cortex. An amylin antagonist inhibited this mitogenic action suggesting that this was mediated by amylin receptors as previously described. We suggest that amylin peptide is biosynthesized in the developing proximal tubules, acts in an autocrine fashion to promote the proliferation and differentiation of brush border epithelial cells and hence plays an important role as a growth factor in the development of the kidney.

Renal amylin binding in normotensive and hypertensive rats: effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition with perindopril

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition with perindopril on the binding density of [125I]-rat amylin in the renal cortex in normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats, renally ablated hypertensive rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

DESIGN

Sprague-Dawley rats, renally ablated hypertensive rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats were administered either the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril or no treatment.

METHODS

The density of [125I]-rat amylin binding was measured in the renal cortex using autoradiography in vitro. The systolic blood pressure was measured by indirect tail-cuff plethysmography. The plasma renin activity was measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The density of [125I]-amylin binding was reduced by approximately 50% in Sprague-Dawley and subtotally nephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats after treatment with perindopril. These changes were associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure and an increase in plasma renin activity. In contrast, amylin binding in the perindopril-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats was not reduced, despite the prevention of a rise in systolic blood pressure and an increase in plasma renin activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide further evidence for the hypothesis that there is an association among renal amylin binding, the renin-angiotensin system and blood pressure for rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. In contrast, the lack of an effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on renal amylin binding for rats of the spontaneously hypertensive rat strain is consistent with previous findings that the changes in amylin binding in rats of this strain are not linked directly to the prevailing systemic blood pressure but may be associated with a developmental abnormality in the kidney of these rats.

Increased density of renal amylin binding sites in experimental hypertension

High-affinity binding sites for the pancreatic beta-cell hormone amylin have been reported in the kidney, and it has been postulated that these sites may be involved in the genesis of hypertension. In the present study, we have used in vivo injection of 125I-amylin and in vitro autoradiographic techniques to assess renal amylin binding in both a genetic and a surgically induced model of hypertension. In the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) at 6 weeks of age, before the rise in systolic blood pressure, there was a 36% increase in density of amylin binding compared with their normotensive counterpart, the Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY). In SHR, there was a further increase in the density of amylin binding (to 53% greater) as the systolic blood pressure rose between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Histological examination of kidneys from SHR at 12 weeks of age revealed staining for a brush border glycoprotein, normally restricted to the proximal tubules, extending from the urinary pole into half of the epithelial lining of the glomerular capsule. In contrast to WKY, these cells also bound 125I-amylin with high density in SHR. In a rat model of renal ablation and hypertension, systolic blood pressure correlated with the density of 125I-amylin binding in the renal cortex (r=.54, P=.003, n=28). The changes in amylin binding reported here suggest a possible role for this peptide and/or activation of its receptor in the genesis as well as the maintenance of hypertension.

Amylin stimulates proximal tubular sodium transport and cell proliferation in the rat kidney

In autoradiographic studies in anesthetized rats, 125I-labeled amylin binding was associated with proximal convoluted tubules but not distal tubules, interstitium, or glomeruli in the renal cortex. Split-drop micropuncture experiments showed that perfusion of the peritubular capillaries with amylin (10(-9) M) stimulated proximal tubular fluid absorption by 28%. This effect was inhibited by luminal addition of ethylisopropylamiloride, indicating mediation by a brush-border Na+/H+ exchanger. Intravenous infusion of an amylin binding antagonist, AC-187, reduced proximal fluid reabsorption (22%) in anesthetized rats, indicating a role for endogenous amylin in salt homeostasis. In primary cultures of rat proximal tubule cells, amylin (10(-7) M) stimulated proliferation with a potency equal to epidermal growth factor. Peptide antagonists (AC-187, AC-413, and AC-512) of the amylin binding sites in the renal cortex blocked the mitogenic action of amylin. We conclude that amylin acts on renal proximal tubules to promote sodium and water reabsorption and cell proliferation. These novel actions may have implications for the development of hypertension for example in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity in which hyperamylinemia has been observed.

Amylin binding in rat renal cortex, stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, and activation of plasma renin

125I-labeled rat amylin binds to specific sites in the cortex of rat kidney, which can be distinguished from those for 125I-labeled salmon calcitonin (sCT) and 125I-labeled rat alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha-CGRP) on the basis of regional distribution. These sites have a high affinity (approximately 1 nM) for amylin, and 125I-amylin binding is potently inhibited by the peptide antagonists AC413 and sCT-(8-32), whereas CGRP-(8-37) is a poor inhibitor of binding. Furthermore, incubation with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) inhibits 125I-amylin binding by > 90%, indicating that binding is dependent on coupling to G proteins. In renal cortex, amylin stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity three- to fourfold, and this was inhibited by AC413 and sCT-(8-32) but not by CGRP-(8-37). Amylin activated plasma renin twofold, and this was blunted by prior administration of AC413 but not CGRP-(8-37). We speculate that amylin may play an important role in renal physiology and that in states of hyperamylinemia, as found in obesity and the insulin resistance syndrome, this peptide may be involved in the genesis and development of hypertension.

In vitro autoradiographic localization of amylin binding sites in rat brain

Amylin is a recently discovered 37 amino acid peptide which is co-secreted from the pancreas with insulin and acts to modulate carbohydrate metabolism. Recently, high-affinity binding sites for [125I]rat amylin have been identified in the rat central nervous system. These sites also have high affinity for the structurally related peptides calcitonin gene-related peptide and salmon calcitonin. In the present study we have used in vitro autoradiography to map the distribution of these [125I]rat amylin binding sites in rat brain. High to moderate levels of binding were present in mid-caudal accumbens nucleus, fundus striati and parts of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and substantia inominata. This binding extended caudally into parts of the amygdalostriatal transition zone and the central and medial amygdaloid nuclei. High to moderate levels of binding also occurred in much of the hypothalamus including the medial preoptic, dorsomedial hypothalamic and medial tuberal nuclei as well as the ventrolateral subnucleus of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. Other regions of high level binding included the subfornical organ, the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis, area postrema, locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe and caudal parts of the nucleus of the solitary tract. The subfornical organ, vascular organ of the lamina terminalis and area postrema, which display some of the highest binding densities, lack a patent blood-brain barrier and thus could be responsive to blood-borne amylin. In conclusion we have mapped, in detail, the distribution of amylin binding sites in rat brain. The location of binding is consistent with potential roles for these sites in appetite, fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, autonomic function and regulation of mood.

Site-directed mutagenesis reveals the importance of conserved charged residues for the transport activity of the PheP permease of Escherichia coli

Site-directed mutagenesis has been used to identify a number of charged residues essential for the transport activity of the PheP protein. These residues are highly conserved in the cluster of amino acid transporters. However, some other conserved residues and a number of aromatic residues have been shown not to be essential for transport activity.

Regulation of expression of the Escherichia coli K-12 mtr gene by TyrR protein and Trp repressor

The Escherichia coli K-12 mtr gene, which encodes a tryptophan-specific permease, was cloned, and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The precise location of the mtr gene at 69 min on the E. coli chromosome was determined. The mtr gene product was identified as a 414-amino-acid residue protein with a calculated molecular weight of 44,332. The protein is very hydrophobic, consistent with its presumed location spanning the cytoplasmic membrane. The initiation sites of transcription and translation were identified. Construction of an mtr-lacZ transcriptional fusion facilitated investigation of the molecular basis of mtr regulation. The TyrR protein in association with phenylalanine or tyrosine is responsible for the activation of mtr expression, whereas the Trp repressor in conjunction with tryptophan serves to repress expression of this gene. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that sequences in the mtr regulatory region homologous to TyrR protein and to Trp repressor-binding sites were involved in the activation and repression of mtr expression, respectively. Sequences homologous to sigma 70- and sigma 54-dependent promoters were identified upstream of the transcription start point of mtr. It was determined that transcription of mtr occurs only via a sigma 70-dependent promoter.

Cloning and sequencing of the pheP gene, which encodes the phenylalanine-specific transport system of Escherichia coli

The phenylalanine-specific permease gene (pheP) of Escherichia coli has been cloned and sequenced. The gene was isolated on a 6-kb Sau3AI fragment from a chromosomal library, and its presence was verified by complementation of a mutant lacking the functional phenylalanine-specific permease. Subcloning from this fragment localized the pheP gene on a 2.7-kb HindIII-HindII fragment. The nucleotide sequence of this 2.7-kb region was determined. An open reading frame was identified which extends from a putative start point of translation (GTG at position 636) to a termination signal (TAA at position 2010). The assignment of the GTG as the initiation codon was verified by site-directed mutagenesis of the initiation codon and by introducing a chain termination mutation into the pheP-lacZ fusion construct. A single initiation site of transcription 30 bp upstream of the start point of translation was identified by the primer extension analysis. The pheP structural gene consists of 1,374 nucleotides specifying a protein of 458 amino acid residues. The PheP protein is very hydrophobic (71% nonpolar residues). A topological model predicted from the sequence analysis defines 12 transmembrane segments. This protein is highly homologous with the AroP (general aromatic transport) system of E. coli (59.6% identity) and to a lesser extent with the yeast permeases CAN1 (arginine), PUT4 (proline), and HIP1 (histidine) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

A new family of integral membrane proteins involved in transport of aromatic amino acids in Escherichia coli

The nucleotide sequence of tnaB of the tryptophanase operon of Escherichia coli is presented. TnaB is a tryptophan-specific permease that is homologous to Mtr, a second tryptophan-specific permease, and to TyrP, a tyrosine-specific permease. Each member of this family appears to contain 11 membrane-spanning domains.

DNA sequence of the gene (tyrP) encoding the tyrosine-specific transport system of Escherichia coli

The nucleotide sequence of 1,947 bases of DNA containing the tyrP structural gene was determined, and an open reading frame of 1,260 nucleotides was identified. The putative structural gene encodes an extremely hydrophobic protein which comprises 404 amino acids, 70% of which are nonpolar, and which has a molecular weight of 43,261.

The cloning and over-expression of PABA synthase in E. coli

Both the genes encoding E. coli p-aminobenzoic acid synthase have been cloned and an overproducing strain has been obtained. The partial purification of the large subunit is described. The kinetic properties of the cloned enzyme, while similar to those reported for the B. subtilis enzyme, show some differences to those reported for the S. griseus enzyme.

Cloning of the tyrP gene and further characterization of the tyrosine-specific transport system in Escherichia coli K-12

The tyrP gene which codes for a component of the tyrosine-specific transport system of Escherichia coli has been cloned on a 2.8-kilobase insert into plasmid pBR322. Transposon mutagenesis, using Tn1000, indicates that the tyrP+ gene is at least 1.1 kilobase in length. Labeling of the tyrP protein in maxicells with [35S]methionine indicates an apparent molecular weight of ca. 24,500. Sedimentation analysis reveals that the tyrP protein is associated with the cell membrane and is not free in the cytoplasm or periplasm. Strains with many copies of the tyrP+ gene show an enhanced uptake of tyrosine, but the expression of the system is still modulated by tyrosine and phenylalanine in the presence of the tyrR+ regulator protein. Accumulated radioactive tyrosine is rapidly effluxed by the addition either of energy uncouplers or of excess nonradioactive tyrosine, indicating that the transport system is energized by the proton motive force and that the internal pool is readily exchangeable. The effect of increasing expression of the tyrP gene on the steady-state level of tyrosine accumulated by cells indicates that although the transport system may be dependent on the proton motive force to drive uptake, the system never reaches thermodynamic equilibrium with it.

Functions in outer and inner membranes of Escherichia coli for ferrichrome transport

Mutants of the fhuA gene of Escherichia coli K-12, which encodes a receptor protein in the outer membrane, took up ferrichrome after exposure to pronase, whereas fhuB mutants remained transport negative. The latter finding supports our previous proposal that fhuB mutants are defective in a function that residues in the cytoplasmic membrane. Cells remained completely viable after treatment with pronase, although they became sensitive to the antibiotic actinomycin.