Novel peptide antagonists of adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors:identification, pharmacological characterization, and interactions with position 74 in receptor activity-modifying protein 1/3

Human adrenomedullin (AM) is a 52-amino acid peptide belonging to the calcitonin peptide family, which also includes calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and AM2. The two AM receptors, AM(1) and AM(2), are calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CL)/receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) (RAMP2 and RAMP3, respectively) heterodimers. CGRP receptors comprise CL/RAMP1. The only human AM receptor antagonist (AM(22-52)) is a truncated form of AM; it has low affinity and is only weakly selective for AM(1) over AM(2) receptors. To develop novel AM receptor antagonists, we explored the importance of different regions of AM in interactions with AM(1), AM(2), and CGRP receptors. AM(22-52) was the framework for generating further AM fragments (AM(26-52) and AM(30-52)), novel AM/alphaCGRP chimeras (C1-C5 and C9), and AM/AM(2) chimeras (C6-C8). cAMP assays were used to screen the antagonists at all receptors to determine their affinity and selectivity. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to investigate the secondary structures of AM and its related peptides. The data indicate that the structures of AM, AM2, and alphaCGRP differ from one another. Our chimeric approach enabled the identification of two nonselective high-affinity antagonists of AM(1), AM(2), and CGRP receptors (C2 and C6), one high-affinity antagonist of AM(2) receptors (C7), and a weak antagonist selective for the CGRP receptor (C5). By use of receptor mutagenesis, we also determined that the C-terminal nine amino acids of AM seem to be responsible for its interaction with Glu74 of RAMP3. We provide new information on the structure-activity relationship of AM, alphaCGRP, and AM2 and how AM interacts with CGRP and AM(2) receptors.

Extracellular loops 1 and 3 and their associated transmembrane regions of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor are needed for CGRP receptor function

The first and third extracellular loops (ECL) of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been implicated in ligand binding and receptor function. This study describes the results of an alanine/leucine scan of ECLs 1 and 3 and loop-associated transmembrane (TM) domains of the secretin-like GPCR calcitonin receptor-like receptor which associates with receptor activity modifying protein 1 to form the CGRP receptor. Leu195Ala, Val198Ala and Ala199Leu at the top of TM2 all reduced aCGRP-mediated cAMP production and internalization; Leu195Ala and Ala199Leu also reduced aCGRP binding. These residues form a hydrophobic cluster within an area defined as the "minor groove" of rhodopsin-like GPCRs. Within ECL1, Ala203Leu and Ala206Leu influenced the ability of aCGRP to stimulate adenylate cyclase. In TM3, His219Ala, Leu220Ala and Leu222Ala have influences on aCGRP binding and cAMP production; they are likely to indirectly influence the binding site for aCGRP as well as having an involvement in signal transduction. On the exofacial surfaces of TMs 6 and 7, a number of residues were identified that reduced cell surface receptor expression, most noticeably Leu351Ala and Glu357Ala in TM6. The residues may contribute to the RAMP1 binding interface. Ile360Ala impaired aCGRP-mediated cAMP production. Ile360 is predicted to be located close to ECL2 and may facilitate receptor activation. Identification of several crucial functional loci gives further insight into the activation mechanism of this complex receptor system and may aid rational drug design.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type 1 receptor (PAC1) gene is suppressed by transglutaminase 2 activation

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) functions as a neuroprotective factor through the PACAP type 1 receptor, PAC1. In a previous work, we demonstrated that nerve growth factor augmented PAC1 gene expression through the activation of Sp1 via the Ras/MAPK pathway. We also observed that PAC1 expression in Neuro2a cells was transiently suppressed during in vitro ischemic conditions, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Because endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is induced by ischemia, we attempted to clarify how ER stress affects the expression of PAC1. Tunicamycin, which induces ER stress, significantly suppressed PAC1 gene expression, and salubrinal, a selective inhibitor of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase signaling pathway of ER stress, blocked the suppression. In luciferase reporter assay, we found that two Sp1 sites were involved in suppression of PAC1 gene expression due to tunicamycin or OGD. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that OGD-induced transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expression was suppressed by salubrinal or cystamine, a TG activity inhibitor. Further, the OGD-induced accumulation of cross-linked Sp1 in nuclei was suppressed by cystamine or salubrinal. Together with cystamine, R283, TG2-specific inhibitor, and siRNA specific for TG2 also ameliorated OGD-induced attenuation of PAC1 gene expression. These results suggest that Sp1 cross-linking might be crucial in negative regulation of PAC1 gene expression due to TG2 in OGD-induced ER stress. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

An Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor in Paramecium is associated with the osmoregulatory system

In the ciliate Paramecium, a variety of well characterized processes are regulated by Ca2+, e.g. exocytosis, endocytosis and ciliary beat. Therefore, among protozoa, Paramecium is considered a model organism for Ca2+ signaling, although the molecular identity of the channels responsible for the Ca2+ signals remains largely unknown. We have cloned - for the first time in a protozoan - the full sequence of the gene encoding a putative inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) receptor from Paramecium tetraurelia cells showing molecular characteristics of higher eukaryotic cells. The homologously expressed Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding domain binds [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3, whereas antibodies unexpectedly localize this protein to the osmoregulatory system. The level of Ins(1,4,5)P3-receptor expression was reduced, as shown on a transcriptional level and by immuno-staining, by decreasing the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ (Paramecium cells rapidly adjust their Ca2+ level to that in the outside medium). Fluorochromes reveal spontaneous fluctuations in cytosolic Ca2+ levels along the osmoregulatory system and these signals change upon activation of caged Ins(1,4,5)P3. Considering the ongoing expulsion of substantial amounts of Ca2+ by the osmoregulatory system, we propose here that Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors serve a new function, i.e. a latent, graded reflux of Ca2+ to fine-tune [Ca2+] homeostasis.

Investigating G protein signalling bias at the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor in yeast

Background and Purpose The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor performs an important role in glycaemic control, stimulating the release of insulin. It is an attractive target for treating type 2 diabetes. Recently, several reports of adverse side effects following prolonged use of GLP-1 receptor therapies have emerged: most likely due to an incomplete understanding of signalling complexities. Experimental Approach We describe the expression of the GLP-1 receptor in a panel of modified yeast strains that couple receptor activation to cell growth via single Gα/yeast chimeras. This assay enables the study of individual ligand-receptor G protein coupling preferences and the quantification of the effect of GLP-1 receptor ligands on G protein selectivity. Key Results The GLP-1 receptor functionally coupled to the chimeras representing the human Gαs, Gαi and Gαq subunits. Calculation of the dissociation constant for a receptor antagonist, exendin-3 revealed no significant difference between the two systems. We obtained previously unobserved differences in G protein signalling bias for clinically relevant therapeutic agents, liraglutide and exenatide; the latter displaying significant bias for the Gαi pathway. We extended the use of the system to investigate small-molecule allosteric compounds and the closely related glucagon receptor. Conclusions and Implications These results provide a better understanding of the molecular events involved in GLP-1 receptor pleiotropic signalling and establish the yeast platform as a robust tool to screen for more selective, efficacious compounds acting at this important class of receptors in the future. © 2014 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The British Pharmacological Society.

Autoantibody from women with preeclampsia induces soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 production via angiotensin type 1 receptor and calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells signaling

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive syndrome that causes substantial maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence indicates that maternal endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia results from increased soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), a circulating antiangiogenic protein. Factors responsible for excessive production of sFlt-1 in preeclampsia have not been identified. We tested the hypothesis that angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor activating autoantibodies, which occur in women with preeclampsia, contribute to increased production of sFlt-1. IgG from women with preeclampsia stimulates the synthesis and secretion of sFlt-1 via AT1 receptor activation in pregnant mice, human placental villous explants, and human trophoblast cells. Using FK506 or short-interfering RNA targeted to the calcineurin catalytic subunit mRNA, we determined that calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells signaling functions downstream of the AT1 receptor to induce sFlt-1 synthesis and secretion by AT1-receptor activating autoantibodies. AT1-receptor activating autoantibody–induced sFlt-1 secretion resulted in inhibition of endothelial cell migration and capillary tube formation in vitro. Overall, our studies demonstrate that an autoantibody from women with preeclampsia induces sFlt-1 production via angiotensin receptor activation and downstream calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells signaling. These autoantibodies represent potentially important targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.

Degradation, receptor binding, insulin secreting and antihyperglycaemic actions of palmitate-derivatised native and Ala8-substituted GLP-1 analogues

The hormone glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide (GLP-1) is released in response to ingested nutrients and acts to promote glucose-dependent insulin secretion ensuring efficient postprandial glucose homeostasis. Unfortunately, the beneficial actions of GLP-1 which give this hormone many of the desirable properties of an antidiabetic drug are short lived due to degradation by dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV) and rapid clearance by renal filtration. In this study we have attempted to extend GLP-1 action through the attachment of palmitoyl moieties to the E-amino group in the side chain of the LyS26 residue and to combine this modification with substitutions of the Ala 8 residue, namely Val or amino-butyric acid (Abu). In contrast to native GLP-1, which was rapidly degraded, [Lys(pal) 26]GLP-1, [Abu8,Lys(pal)26]GLP-1 and [Val8,Lys-(pal)26]GLP-1 all exhibited profound stability during 12 h incubations with DPP IV and human plasma. Receptor binding affinity and the ability to increase cyclic AMP in the clonal β-cell line BRIN-BD11 were decreased by 86- to 167-fold and 15- to 62-fold, respectively compared with native GLP-1. However, insulin secretory potency tested using BRIN-BD11 cells was similar, or in the case of [Val8,Lys(pal)26]GLP-1 enhanced. Furthermore, when administered in vivo together with glucose to diabetic (ob/ob) mice, [Lys(pal)26]GLP-1, [Abu8,Lys(pal) 26]GLP-1 and [Val8,Lys(pal) 26]GLP-1 did not demonstrate acute glucose-lowering or insulinotropic activity as observed with native GLP-1. These studies support the potential usefulness of fatty acid linked analogues of GLP-1 but indicate the importance of chain length for peptide kinetics and bioavailability. Copyright © by Walter de Gruyter.

Differential impact of amino acid substitutions on critical residues of the human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor involved in peptide activity and small-molecule allosterys

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor that has a critical role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, principally through the regulation of insulin secretion. The receptor systemis highly complex, able to be activated by both endogenous [GLP-1(1-36)NH2, GLP-1(1-37), GLP-1(7-36)NH2, GLP-1(7-37), oxyntomodulin], and exogenous (exendin-4) peptides in addition to small-molecule allosteric agonists (compound 2 [6,7-dichloro-2-methylsulfonyl-3-tertbutylaminoquinoxaline], BETP [4-(3-benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-ethylsulfinyl-6-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine]). Furthermore, the GLP-1R is subject to single-nucleotide polymorphic variance, resulting in amino acid changes in the receptor protein. In this study, we investigated two polymorphic variants previously reported to impact peptidemediated receptor activity (M149) and small-molecule allostery (C333). These residues were mutated to a series of alternate amino acids, and their functionality was monitored across physiologically significant signaling pathways, including cAMP, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 phosphorylation, and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, in addition to peptide binding and cell-surface expression. We observed that residue 149 is highly sensitive to mutation, with almost all peptide responses significantly attenuated at mutated receptors. However, most reductions in activity were able to be restored by the small-molecule allosteric agonist compound 2. Conversely, mutation of residue 333 had little impact on peptide-mediated receptor activation, but this activity could not be modulated by compound 2 to the same extent as that observed at the wild-type receptor. These results provide insight into the importance of residues 149 and 333 in peptide function and highlight the complexities of allosteric modulation within this receptor system.

Receptor for activated C Kinase 1 protein binds to and activates the human estrogen receptor α

The classical concept of estrogen receptor (ER) activation is that steroid passes the cell membrane, binds to its specific protein receptor in the cell's cytoplasm and the steroid-receptor complex travels to the nucleus where it activates responsive genes. This basic idea has been challenged by results of experiments demonstrating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) activation of the ER in the complete absence of estrogen suggesting at least one other mechanism of ER activation not involving steroid. One explanation is that activation of the cell surface IGF-1 receptor leads to synthesis of an intracellular protein(s) able to bind to and stimulate the ER. Based on results using the two-hybrid system, coimmunoprecipitation and transfection-luciferase assays, we herein show that one of these proteins could well be receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK-1). Using the human ER type α (ER-α) as bait, a cloned complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) library from IGF-1 treated human breast cancer MCF-7 cells was screened for ER-α - protein interactions. Many positive clones were obtained which contained the RACK-1 cDNA sequence. Coimmunoprecipitation of in-vitro translation products of the ER-α and RACK-1 confirmed the interaction between the two proteins. Transfection studies using the estrogen response element spliced to a luciferase reporter gene revealed that constitutive RACK-1 expression was able to powerfully stimulate ER-α activity under estrogen-free conditions. This effect could be enhanced by 17β-estradiol (E2) and blocked by tamoxifen, an E2 antagonist. These results show that RACK-1 is able to activate the ER-α in the absence of E2, although together with the latter, enhanced effects occur. Since RACK-1 gene expression is stimulated by IGF-1, it is distinctly possible that RACK-1 is the mediator of the stimulatory effects of IGF-1 on ER-α. © 2014 JMS.

A hydrogen-bonded polar network in the core of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is a fulcrum for biased agonism:lessons from class B crystal structuress

The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor is a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is a key target for treatments for type II diabetes and obesity. This receptor, like other class B GPCRs, displays biased agonism, though the physiologic significance of this is yet to be elucidated. Previous work has implicated R2.60190 , N3.43240 , Q7.49394 , and H6.52363 as key residues involved in peptide-mediated biased agonism, with R2.60190 , N3.43240 , and Q7.49394 predicted to form a polar interaction network. In this study, we used novel insight gained from recent crystal structures of the transmembrane domains of the glucagon and corticotropin releasing factor 1 (CRF1) receptors to develop improved models of the GLP-1 receptor that predict additional key molecular interactions with these amino acids. We have introduced E6.53364 A, N3.43240 Q, Q7.49493N, and N3.43240 Q/Q7.49 Q/Q7.49493N mutations to probe the role of predicted H-bonding and charge-charge interactions in driving cAMP, calcium, or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. A polar interaction between E6.53364 and R2.60190 was predicted to be important for GLP-1- and exendin-4-, but not oxyntomodulin-mediated cAMP formation and also ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, Q7.49394 , but not R2.60190 /E6.53364 was critical for calcium mobilization for all three peptides. Mutation of N3.43240 and Q7.49394 had differential effects on individual peptides, providing evidence for molecular differences in activation transition. Collectively, this work expands our understanding of peptide-mediated signaling from the GLP-1 receptor and the key role that the central polar network plays in these events.

The extracellular surface of the GLP-1 receptor is a molecular trigger for biased agonism

Ligand-directed signal bias offers opportunities for sculpting molecular events, with the promise of better, safer therapeutics. Critical to the exploitation of signal bias is an understanding of the molecular events coupling ligand binding to intracellular signaling. Activation of class B G protein-coupled receptors is driven by interaction of the peptide N terminus with the receptor core. To understand how this drives signaling, we have used advanced analytical methods that enable separation of effects on pathway-specific signaling from those that modify agonist affinity and mapped the functional consequence of receptor modification onto three-dimensional models of a receptor-ligand complex. This yields molecular insights into the initiation of receptor activation and the mechanistic basis for biased agonism. Our data reveal that peptide agonists can engage different elements of the receptor extracellular face to achieve effector coupling and biased signaling providing a foundation for rational design of biased agonists.

Cholecystokinin-1 receptor antagonists:5-hydroxy-5-aryl-pyrrol-2-ones as anticancer agents

A new class of 5-arylated 5-hydroxypyrrolones was derived from mucochloric acid in 2 synthetic steps and the chemical structure was confirmed additionally by X-ray analysis. Using a radiolabelled binding assay, potent CCK1 selective ligands were identified (CCK1: 12 nM) and the antagonism was confirmed by using isolated tissue preparations. A series of isobutyl derivatives displayed unsurmountable CCK antagonistic properties and in vitro excellent inhibition of proliferation was obtained in cholecystokinin related cancer cell lines in the nanomolar range. Finally, using xenograft studies in nude mice, two selected pyrrolone derivatives, X = H and X = F a fluorinated analogue (PNB-028), showed a strong inhibition of tumour growth in a chemo-resistant colon cancer-(MAC 16) and a human pancreatic cell line (MIAPACA) at 50 mg kg-1 by oral administration.

Targeting androgen receptor activation function-1 with EPI to overcome resistance mechanisms in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Financial support: This research was supported by grants to MDS from the NCI (2R01CA105304), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP79308) and the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Prostate Cancer Research Program (E81XWH-11-1-0551). Research by IJM’s group was supported by the Chief Scientist’s Office of the Scottish Government (ETM-258 and -382). We are grateful to Country Meadows Senior Men’s Golf Charity Classic for financial support of this research.

A critical review of both the synthesis approach and the receptor profile of the 8-chloro-1-(2′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-N-piperidin-1-yl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydrobenzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide and analogue derivatives

We thank European Commission (project “PET BRAIN: Mapping the brain with PET radiolabeled cannabinoid CB1 ligands”; FP7-People-2009-IAPP; Grant Agreement N.25142).

Type 1 ryanodine receptor interactions

Excitation-contraction coupling is an essential part of skeletal muscle contraction. It encompasses the sensing of depolarisation of the plasma membrane coupled with the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The channel responsible for this release is called the Ryanodine receptor (RyR), and forms a hub of interacting proteins which work in concert to regulate the release of Ca2+ through this channel. The aim of this work was to characterise possible novel interactions with a proline-rich region of the RyR1, to characterise a monoclonal antibody (mAb VF1c) raised against a junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum protein postulated to interact with RyR1, and to characterise the protein recognised by this antibody in models of skeletal muscle disease such as Duchenne Muscular dystrophy (DMD) and sarcopenia. These experiments were performed using cell culture, protein purification via immunoprecipitation, affinity purification, low pressure chromatography and western blotting techniques. It was found that the RyR1 complex isolated from rat skeletal muscle co-purifies with the Growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (GRB2), very possibly via an interaction between the proline rich region of RyR1 and one of the SH3 domains located on the GRB2 protein. It was also found that Pleiotrophin and Phospholipase Cγ1, suggested interactors of the proline rich region of RyR1, did not co-purify with the RyR1 complex. Characterisation of mAb VF1c determined that this monoclonal antibody interacts with junctophilin 1, and binds to this protein between the region of 369-460, as determined by western blotting of JPH1 fragments expressed in yeast. It was also found that JPH1 and JPH2 are differentially regulated in different muscles of rabbit, where the highest amount of both proteins was found in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. JPH1 and 2 levels were also examined in three rodent models of disease: the mdx mouse (a model of DMD), chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-treated rat, and aged and adult mice, a model of sarcopenia. In the EDL and soleus muscle of CIH treated rats, no difference in either JPH1 or JPH2 abundance was detected in either muscle. An examination of JPH1 and 2 expression in mdx and wild type controls diaphragm, vastus lateralis, soleus and gastrocnemius muscle found no major differences in JPH1 abundance, while JPH2 was decreased in mdx gastrocnemius compared to wild type. In a mouse model of sarcopenia, JPH1 abundance was found to be increased in aged soleus but not in aged quadriceps, while in exercised quadriceps, JPH2 abundance was decreased compared to unexercised controls. Taken together, these results have implications for the regulation of RyR1 and JPH1 and 2 in skeletal muscle in both physiological and pathological states, and provide a newly characterised antibody to expand the field of JPH1 research.