1
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Jayakody T, Inoue A, Kannan S, Nakamura G, Kawakami K, Mendis K, Nguyen TB, Li J, Herr DR, Verma CS, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of biased agonism by Gα i/o-biased stapled peptide agonists of the relaxin-3 receptor. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eabl5880. [PMID: 38349968 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abl5880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide relaxin-3 is composed of an A chain and a B chain held together by disulfide bonds, and it modulates functions such as anxiety and food intake by binding to and activating its cognate receptor RXFP3, mainly through the B chain. Biased ligands of RXFP3 would help to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of G proteins and β-arrestins downstream of RXFP3 that lead to such diverse functions. We showed that the i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chains, 14s18 and d(1-7)14s18, were Gαi/o-biased agonists of RXFP3. These peptides did not induce recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3 by GPCR kinases (GRKs), in contrast to relaxin-3, which enabled the GRK2/3-mediated recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3. Relaxin-3 and the previously reported peptide 4 (an i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chain) did not exhibit biased signaling. The staple linker of peptide 4 and parts of both the A chain and B chain of relaxin-3 interacted with extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) of RXFP3, moving it away from the binding pocket, suggesting that unbiased ligands promote a more open conformation of RXFP3. These findings highlight roles for the A chain and the N-terminal residues of the B chain of relaxin-3 in inducing conformational changes in RXFP3, which will help in designing selective biased ligands with improved therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharindunee Jayakody
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | | | - Gaku Nakamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kouki Kawakami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Krishan Mendis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Deron R Herr
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr., Singapore 637551
| | - Gavin S Dawe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Guo Q, Huang M, Li M, Chen J, Cheng S, Ma L, Gao B. Diversity and Evolutionary Analysis of Venom Insulin Derived from Cone Snails. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:34. [PMID: 38251250 PMCID: PMC10819828 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cone snails possess a diverse array of novel peptide toxins, which selectively target ion channels and receptors in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. These numerous novel peptide toxins are a valuable resource for future marine drug development. In this review, we compared and analyzed the sequence diversity, three-dimensional structural variations, and evolutionary aspects of venom insulin derived from different cone snail species. The comparative analysis reveals that there are significant variations in the sequences and three-dimensional structures of venom insulins from cone snails with different feeding habits. Notably, the venom insulin of some piscivorous cone snails exhibits a greater similarity to humans and zebrafish insulins. It is important to emphasize that these venom insulins play a crucial role in the predatory strategies of these cone snails. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to trace the lineage of venom insulin sequences, shedding light on the evolutionary interconnections among cone snails with diverse diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Meiling Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Jiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Shuanghuai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD), School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
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3
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Chen K, Dou X, Eum JH, Harrison RE, Brown MR, Strand MR. Insulin-like peptides and ovary ecdysteroidogenic hormone differentially stimulate physiological processes regulating egg formation in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 163:104028. [PMID: 37913852 PMCID: PMC10842226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes including Aedes aegypti are human disease vectors because females must blood feed to produce and lay eggs. Blood feeding triggers insulin-insulin growth factor signaling (IIS) which regulates several physiological processes required for egg development. A. aegypti encodes 8 insulin-like peptides (ILPs) and one insulin-like receptor (IR) plus ovary ecdysteroidogenic hormone (OEH) that also activates IIS through the OEH receptor (OEHR). In this study, we assessed the expression of A. aegypti ILPs and OEH during a gonadotrophic cycle and produced each that were functionally characterized to further understand their roles in regulating egg formation. All A. aegypti ILPs and OEH were expressed during a gonadotrophic cycle. Five ILPs (1, 3, 4, 7, 8) and OEH were specifically expressed in the head, while antibodies to ILP3 and OEH indicated each was released after blood feeding from ventricular axons that terminate on the anterior midgut. A subset of ILP family members and OEH stimulated nutrient storage in previtellogenic females before blood feeding, whereas most IIS-dependent processes after blood feeding were activated by one or more of the brain-specific ILPs and/or OEH. ILPs and OEH with different biological activities also exhibited differences in IIS as measured by phosphorylation of the IR, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt kinase (AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Altogether, our results provide the first results that compare the functional activities of all ILP family members and OEH produced by an insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Dou
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jai Hoon Eum
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ruby E Harrison
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Mark R Brown
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Michael R Strand
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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4
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Kwantwi LB. The dual and multifaceted role of relaxin-2 in cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:2763-2771. [PMID: 36947362 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The continuous increase in cancer-associated deaths despite the substantial improvement in diagnosis and treatment has sparked discussions on the need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cancer. Although increasing evidence has demonstrated the pivotal role of relaxin-2 in multiple cancers, their role is a double-edged sword with both protumor and antitumor having been reported in various malignant tumors. Considering this dual role, it appears the biological mechanism underpinning the action of relaxin-2 in cancer is not clear and further studies to elucidate their potential as a preventive factor for cancers are of prime importance. Herein, a summarized up-to-date report on the role of relaxin-2 in human cancer including detailed clinical and experimental evidence supporting their tumor-promoting and inhibitory functions in cancer development and progression has been elucidated. Also, signaling pathways and other factors orchestrating the activities of relaxin-2 in the tumor microenvironment has been discussed. Collectively, the evidence from this review has demonstrated the need for further evaluation of the role of relaxin-2 as a diagnostic and or prognostic biomarker for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Boafo Kwantwi
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra, DTD. TDC, 30A Klagon, Com. 19, Tema, Ghana.
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5
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Chen Y, Zhou Q, Wang J, Xu Y, Wang Y, Yan J, Wang Y, Zhu Q, Zhao F, Li C, Chen CW, Cai X, Bathgate RAD, Shen C, Eric Xu H, Yang D, Liu H, Wang MW. Ligand recognition mechanism of the human relaxin family peptide receptor 4 (RXFP4). Nat Commun 2023; 14:492. [PMID: 36717591 PMCID: PMC9886975 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36182-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the insulin superfamily regulate pleiotropic biological processes through two types of target-specific but structurally conserved peptides, insulin/insulin-like growth factors and relaxin/insulin-like peptides. The latter bind to the human relaxin family peptide receptors (RXFPs). Here, we report three cryo-electron microscopy structures of RXFP4-Gi protein complexes in the presence of the endogenous ligand insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) or one of the two small molecule agonists, compound 4 and DC591053. The B chain of INSL5 adopts a single α-helix that penetrates into the orthosteric pocket, while the A chain sits above the orthosteric pocket, revealing a peptide-binding mode previously unknown. Together with mutagenesis and functional analyses, the key determinants responsible for the peptidomimetic agonism and subtype selectivity were identified. Our findings not only provide insights into ligand recognition and subtype selectivity among class A G protein-coupled receptors, but also expand the knowledge of signaling mechanisms in the insulin superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Youwei Xu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Genova Biotech (Changzhou) Co., Ltd, Changzhou, 213125, China
| | - Jiahui Yan
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.,The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Genova Biotech (Changzhou) Co., Ltd, Changzhou, 213125, China
| | - Fenghui Zhao
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.,The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Chuan-Wei Chen
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, 572025, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cai
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.,The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Chun Shen
- Genova Biotech (Changzhou) Co., Ltd, Changzhou, 213125, China
| | - H Eric Xu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Dehua Yang
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, 572025, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, 572025, China. .,Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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6
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Deng X. BLOOD INSULIN LEVEL BIOSENSOR FOR ATHLETES. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2023. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202329012022_0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: The pancreas releases insulin to assist the human body in utilizing blood glucose. It regulates metabolism by promoting the absorption of glucose into the blood. Objective: This work aimed to create an electrochemical biosensor based on magnetic graphene nanomaterial to measure insulin levels in athletes’ blood. Method: A magnetic graphene nanocomposite created by graphene oxide (GO) and Fe-Ni bimetallic oxides on a glassy carbon electrode was synthesized using the electrochemical deposition method (GCE). Results: The immediate electrical deposition of Fe-Ni bimetallic oxide nanoparticles with the spherical shape on the GO nanosheet without aggregations was validated by structural characterizations of Fe-Ni/GO/GCE using XRD and SEM. The electrochemical results for insulin determination showed good sensitivity and anti-interference capability. The applicability and accuracy of the proposed electrochemical sensor to detect insulin were explored by blood serum samples from sportsmen. Conclusion: The results assigned acceptable RSD values (3.31% to 4.30%) and confirmed the feasibility of the proposed sensor for detecting athletes’ blood insulin. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Deng
- Henan University of Science and Technology, China
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7
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Moreau F, Kirk NS, Zhang F, Gelfanov V, List EO, Chrudinová M, Venugopal H, Lawrence MC, Jimenez V, Bosch F, Kopchick JJ, DiMarchi RD, Altindis E, Kahn CR. Interaction of a viral insulin-like peptide with the IGF-1 receptor produces a natural antagonist. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6700. [PMID: 36335114 PMCID: PMC9637144 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34391-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphocystis disease virus-1 (LCDV-1) and several other Iridoviridae encode viral insulin/IGF-1 like peptides (VILPs) with high homology to human insulin and IGFs. Here we show that while single-chain (sc) and double-chain (dc) LCDV1-VILPs have very low affinity for the insulin receptor, scLCDV1-VILP has high affinity for IGF1R where it can antagonize human IGF-1 signaling, without altering insulin signaling. Consequently, scLCDV1-VILP inhibits IGF-1 induced cell proliferation and growth hormone/IGF-1 induced growth of mice in vivo. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals that scLCDV1-VILP engages IGF1R in a unique manner, inducing changes in IGF1R conformation that led to separation, rather than juxtaposition, of the transmembrane segments and hence inactivation of the receptor. Thus, scLCDV1-VILP is a natural peptide with specific antagonist properties on IGF1R signaling and may provide a new tool to guide development of hormonal analogues to treat cancers or metabolic disorders sensitive to IGF-1 without affecting glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Moreau
- Section of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas S Kirk
- WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Fa Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Vasily Gelfanov
- Novo Nordisk, Indianapolis Research Center, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Edward O List
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | | | - Hari Venugopal
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- WEHI, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fatima Bosch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - John J Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | | | - Emrah Altindis
- Boston College Biology Department, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - C Ronald Kahn
- Section of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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8
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Xiong X, Blakely A, Kim JH, Menting JG, Schäfer IB, Schubert HL, Agrawal R, Gutmann T, Delaine C, Zhang YW, Artik GO, Merriman A, Eckert D, Lawrence MC, Coskun Ü, Fisher SJ, Forbes BE, Safavi-Hemami H, Hill CP, Chou DHC. Symmetric and asymmetric receptor conformation continuum induced by a new insulin. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:511-519. [PMID: 35289328 PMCID: PMC9248236 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-00981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cone snail venoms contain a wide variety of bioactive peptides, including insulin-like molecules with distinct structural features, binding modes and biochemical properties. Here, we report an active humanized cone snail venom insulin with an elongated A chain and a truncated B chain, and use cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and protein engineering to elucidate its interactions with the human insulin receptor (IR) ectodomain. We reveal how an extended A chain can compensate for deletion of B-chain residues, which are essential for activity of human insulin but also compromise therapeutic utility by delaying dissolution from the site of subcutaneous injection. This finding suggests approaches to developing improved therapeutic insulins. Curiously, the receptor displays a continuum of conformations from the symmetric state to a highly asymmetric low-abundance structure that displays coordination of a single humanized venom insulin using elements from both of the previously characterized site 1 and site 2 interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alan Blakely
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jin Hwan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John G Menting
- WEHI, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ingmar B Schäfer
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidi L Schubert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rahul Agrawal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Theresia Gutmann
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Zentrum München, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carlie Delaine
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yi Wolf Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gizem Olay Artik
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Zentrum München, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Membrane Biochemistry and Lipid Research, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Allanah Merriman
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Debbie Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- WEHI, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ünal Coskun
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Zentrum München, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Membrane Biochemistry and Lipid Research, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Simon J Fisher
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Briony E Forbes
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Christopher P Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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9
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Zeng N, Bao J, Shu T, Shi C, Zhai G, Jin X, He J, Lou Q, Yin Z. Sexual dimorphic effects of igf1 deficiency on metabolism in zebrafish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:879962. [PMID: 35966057 PMCID: PMC9372914 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.879962] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is an essential effector of the growth hormone (GH)/IGF1 axis for somatic growth regulation in mammals. However, its functions have not been thoroughly investigated in zebrafish in vivo. In this study, the igf1-deficient zebrafish model was developed using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. In this study all the results were performed on both male and female animals. The growth of both male and female igf1-deficient zebrafish were reduced. The igf1 deficiency leads to significant complementary up-regulation of transcriptional expression levels of insulin, igf2 and igf3. This suggested that igf2 and igf3 may act with redundant functions. While the upregulation of gh1 expression can only be detected in igf1-deficient females. At the same time, significant growth retardation, fatty liver, reduced activated levels of ribosomal S6 (S6) are seen only in igf1-deficient males. On the other hand, significant hyperglycemia, elevated transcriptional expression levels of phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pepck) and levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), with additional reduced hepatic lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratios can only observed in igf1-deficient females. Impaired glucose uptake has been recorded in the primary cultured hepatocytes from igf1-deficient females, but not males. Intriguingly, exposure to 17beta-estroadiol (E2) can partially ameliorated the defects of fatty liver and activation of AKT/mTOR signaling in igf1-deficient males. Our studies demonstrate the significant functions of IGF1 on somatic regulation in zebrafish, with asymmetric gender-related consequences. Our data thus suggest that the zebrafish IGF1 is preferentially required for the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling in male zebrafish, but glucose uptake in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningmei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiankang Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - TingTing Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, China
| | - Chuang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xia Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangyan He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiyong Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Qiyong Lou,
| | - Zhan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Khanwalker M, Fujita R, Lee J, Wilson E, Ito K, Asano R, Ikebukuro K, LaBelle J, Sode K. Development of a POCT type insulin sensor employing anti-insulin single chain variable fragment based on faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under single frequency measurement. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 200:113901. [PMID: 34968857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To improve glycemic control managed through insulin administration, recent studies have focused on developing hand-held point-of-care testing (POCT) electrochemical biosensors for insulin measurement. Amongst them, anti-insulin IgG-based sensors show promise in detecting insulin with high specificity and sensitivity. However, fabrication of electrochemical sensors with IgG antibodies can prove challenging because of their larger molecular size. To overcome these limitations, this study focuses on utilizing the anti-insulin single chain variable fragment (scFv) as a biosensing molecule with single-frequency faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). By comparing two different immobilization methods, covalent conjugation via succinimidyl ester and non-covalent poly-histidine chelation, we demonstrated effective modification of the electrode surface with anti-insulin scFv, while retaining its specific recognition toward insulin. Sensor performance was confirmed via the concentration-dependent faradaic electrochemical impedance change using potassium ferricyanide as a redox probe. The optimal frequency for measurement was determined to be the peak slope of the calculated impedance correlation with respect to frequency. Based on the identified optimized frequency, we performed single-frequency measurement of insulin within a concentration range of 10 pM-100 nM. This study can aid in developing a future point-of-care sensor which rapidly and sensitively measures insulin across a dynamic range of physiological concentrations, with label-free detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukund Khanwalker
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA
| | - Rinko Fujita
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Jinhee Lee
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA
| | - Ellie Wilson
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA
| | - Kohei Ito
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Asano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ikebukuro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Jeffrey LaBelle
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering Science and Technology, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ, AZ85017, USA
| | - Koji Sode
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA.
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11
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Zhang F, Altindis E, Kahn CR, DiMarchi RD, Gelfanov V. A viral insulin-like peptide is a natural competitive antagonist of the human IGF-1 receptor. Mol Metab 2021; 53:101316. [PMID: 34400347 PMCID: PMC8621328 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Natural sources of molecular diversity remain of utmost importance as a reservoir of proteins and peptides with unique biological functions. We recently identified such a family of viral insulin-like peptides (VILPs). We sought to advance the chemical methods in synthesis to explore the structure-function relationship within these VILPs, and the molecular basis for differential biological activities relative to human IGF-1 and insulin. METHODS Optimized chemical methods in synthesis were established for a set of VILPs and related analogs. These modified forms included the substitution of select VILP chains with those derived from human insulin and IGF-1. Each peptide was assessed in vitro for agonism and antagonism at the human insulin and the human insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). RESULTS We report here that one of these VILPs, lymphocystis disease virus-1 (LCDV1)-VILP, has the unique property to be a potent and full antagonist of the IGF-1R. We demonstrate the coordinated importance of the B- and C-chains of the VILP in regulating this activity. Moreover, mutation of the glycine following the first cysteine in the B-chain of IGF-1 to serine, in concert with substitution to the connecting peptide of LCDV1-VILP, converted native IGF-1 to a high potency antagonist. CONCLUSIONS The results reveal novel aspects in ligand-receptor interactions at the IGF-1 receptor and identify a set of antagonists of potential medicinal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Emrah Altindis
- Boston College Biology Department, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - C Ronald Kahn
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Richard D DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Vasily Gelfanov
- Novo Nordisk Research Center, 5225 Exploration Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46241, USA
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12
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Consorti A, Di Marco I, Sansevero G. Physical Exercise Modulates Brain Physiology Through a Network of Long- and Short-Range Cellular Interactions. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:710303. [PMID: 34489641 PMCID: PMC8417110 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.710303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the effects of sedentary lifestyles have emerged as a critical aspect of modern society. Interestingly, recent evidence demonstrated that physical exercise plays an important role not only in maintaining peripheral health but also in the regulation of central nervous system function. Many studies have shown that physical exercise promotes the release of molecules, involved in neuronal survival, differentiation, plasticity and neurogenesis, from several peripheral organs. Thus, aerobic exercise has emerged as an intriguing tool that, on one hand, could serve as a therapeutic protocol for diseases of the nervous system, and on the other hand, could help to unravel potential molecular targets for pharmacological approaches. In the present review, we will summarize the cellular interactions that mediate the effects of physical exercise on brain health, starting from the factors released in myocytes during muscle contraction to the cellular pathways that regulate higher cognitive functions, in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Consorti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.,NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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13
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Abstract
The pancreatic peptide hormone insulin, first discovered exactly 100 years ago, is essential for glycemic control and is used as a therapeutic for the treatment of type 1 and, increasingly, type 2 diabetes. With a worsening global diabetes epidemic and its significant health budget imposition, there is a great demand for new analogues possessing improved physical and functional properties. However, the chemical synthesis of insulin's intricate 51-amino acid, two-chain, three-disulfide bond structure, together with the poor physicochemical properties of both the individual chains and the hormone itself, has long represented a major challenge to organic chemists. This review provides a timely overview of the past efforts to chemically assemble this fascinating hormone using an array of strategies to enable both correct folding of the two chains and selective formation of disulfide bonds. These methods not only have contributed to general peptide synthesis chemistry and enabled access to the greatly growing numbers of insulin-like and cystine-rich peptides but also, today, enable the production of insulin at the synthetic efficiency levels of recombinant DNA expression methods. They have led to the production of a myriad of novel analogues with optimized structural and functional features and of the feasibility for their industrial manufacture.
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14
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Irwin DM. Evolution of the Insulin Gene: Changes in Gene Number, Sequence, and Processing. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:649255. [PMID: 33868177 PMCID: PMC8051583 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.649255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin has not only made major contributions to the field of clinical medicine but has also played central roles in the advancement of fundamental molecular biology, including evolution. Insulin is essential for the health of vertebrate species, yet its function has been modified in species-specific manners. With the advent of genome sequencing, large numbers of insulin coding sequences have been identified in genomes of diverse vertebrates and have revealed unexpected changes in the numbers of genes within genomes and in their sequence that likely impact biological function. The presence of multiple insulin genes within a genome potentially allows specialization of an insulin gene. Discovery of changes in proteolytic processing suggests that the typical two-chain hormone structure is not necessary for all of inulin's biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: David M. Irwin,
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15
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Levy T, Sagi A. The "IAG-Switch"-A Key Controlling Element in Decapod Crustacean Sex Differentiation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:651. [PMID: 33013714 PMCID: PMC7511715 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgenic gland (AG)-a unique crustacean endocrine organ that secretes factors such as the insulin-like androgenic gland (IAG) hormone-is a key player in crustacean sex differentiation processes. IAG expression induces masculinization, while the absence of the AG or a deficiency in IAG expression results in feminization. Therefore, by virtue of its universal role as a master regulator of crustacean sexual development, the IAG hormone may be regarded as the sexual "IAG-switch." The switch functions within an endocrine axis governed by neuropeptides secreted from the eyestalks, and interacts downstream with specific insulin receptors at its target organs. In recent years, IAG hormones have been found-and sequenced-in dozens of decapod crustacean species, including crabs, prawns, crayfish and shrimps, bearing different types of reproductive strategies-from gonochorism, through hermaphroditism and intersexuality, to parthenogenesis. The IAG-switch has thus been the focus of efforts to manipulate sex developmental processes in crustaceans. Most sex manipulations were performed using AG ablation or knock-down of the IAG gene in males in order to sex reverse them into "neo-females," or using AG implantation/injecting AG extracts or cells into females to produce "neo-males." These manipulations have highlighted the striking crustacean sexual plasticity in different species and have permitted the manifestation of either maleness or femaleness without altering the genotype of the animals. Furthermore, these sex manipulations have not only facilitated fundamental studies of crustacean sexual mechanisms, but have also enabled the development of the first IAG-switch-based monosex population biotechnologies, primarily for aquaculture but also for pest control. Here, we review the crustacean IAG-switch, a unique crustacean endocrine mechanism, from the early discoveries of the AG and the IAG hormone to recent IAG-switch-based manipulations. Moreover, we discuss this unique early pancrustacean insulin-based sexual differentiation control mechanism in contrast to the extensively studied mechanisms in vertebrates, which are based on sex steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Levy
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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16
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Tavares RS, Escada-Rebelo S, Sousa MI, Silva A, Ramalho-Santos J, Amaral S. Can Antidiabetic Drugs Improve Male Reproductive (Dys)Function Associated with Diabetes? Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:4191-4222. [PMID: 30381064 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181101111404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The alarming increase in the number of diabetic patients worldwide raises concerns regarding the impact of the disease on global health, not to mention on social and economic aspects. Furthermore, the association of this complex metabolic disorder with male reproductive impairment is worrying, mainly due to the increasing chances that young individuals, at the apex of their reproductive window, could be affected by the disease, further contributing to the disturbing decline in male fertility worldwide. The cornerstone of diabetes management is glycemic control, proven to be effective in avoiding, minimizing or preventing the appearance or development of disease-related complications. Nonetheless, the possible impact of these therapeutic interventions on male reproductive function is essentially unexplored. To address this issue, we have made a critical assessment of the literature on the effects of several antidiabetic drugs on male reproductive function. While the crucial role of insulin is clear, as shown by the recovery of reproductive impairments in insulin-deficient individuals after treatment, the same clearly does not apply to other antidiabetic strategies. In fact, there is an abundance of controversial reports, possibly related to the various study designs, experimental models and compounds used, which include biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones/glitazones, bile acid sequestrants, amylin mimetics, as well as sodiumglucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), α-glucosidase inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors. These aspects constitute the focus of the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Tavares
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - S Escada-Rebelo
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M I Sousa
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Silva
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J Ramalho-Santos
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - S Amaral
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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17
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Sinopidis X, Mourelatou R, Kostopoulou E, Karvela A, Rojas-Gil AP, Tsekoura E, Georgiou G, Spiliotis BE. Novel combined insulin-like 3 variations of a single nucleotide in cryptorchidism. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2019; 32:987-994. [PMID: 31444964 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2018-0547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Insulin-like 3 hormone (INSL3) is involved in the process of testicular descent, and has been thoroughly studied in cryptorchidism. However, INSL3 allelic variations found in the human genome were heterozygous and only a few of them were found exclusively in patients with cryptorchidism. Under this perspective, we aimed to study the presence of INSL3 allelic variations in a cohort of patients with cryptorchidism and to estimate their potential consequences. Methods Blood samples were collected from 46 male patients with non-syndromic cryptorchidism and from 43 age-matched controls. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for exons 1 and 2 of the INSL3 gene in all subjects. Sequencing analysis was carried out on the PCR products. All data were grouped according to testicular location. Results Seven variations of a single nucleotide (SNVs) were identified both in patients with cryptorchidism and in controls: rs2286663 (c.27G > A), rs1047233 (c.126A > G) and rs6523 (c.178A > G) at exon 1, rs74531687 (c.191-30C > T) at the intron, rs121912556 (c.305G > A) at exon 2 and rs17750642 (c.*101C > A) and rs1003887 (c.*263G > A) at the untranslated region (UTR). The allelic variants rs74531687 and rs121912556 were found for the first time in the Greek population. The novel homozygotic combination of the three allelic variants rs1047233-rs6523-rs1003887 seemed to present a stronger correlation with more severe forms of cryptorchidism. Conclusions The combination of specific INSL3 SNVs rather than the existence of each one of them alone may offer a new insight into the involvement of allelic variants in phenotypic variability and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenophon Sinopidis
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Patras, Greece
| | - Roza Mourelatou
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Laboratory of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Kostopoulou
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Laboratory of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Alexia Karvela
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Laboratory of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Andrea-Paola Rojas-Gil
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Laboratory of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Efstathia Tsekoura
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Laboratory of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Bessie E Spiliotis
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Laboratory of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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18
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Ramos DM, Abdulmalik S, Arul MR, Rudraiah S, Laurencin CT, Mazzocca AD, Kumbar SG. Insulin immobilized PCL-cellulose acetate micro-nanostructured fibrous scaffolds for tendon tissue engineering. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2019; 30:1205-1215. [PMID: 30956516 PMCID: PMC6448803 DOI: 10.1002/pat.4553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Use of growth factors as biochemical molecules to elicit cellular differentiation is a common strategy in tissue engineering. However, limitations associated with growth factors, such as short half-life, high effective physiological doses, and high costs, have prompted the search for growth factor alternatives, such as growth factor mimics and other proteins. This work explores the use of insulin protein as a biochemical factor to aid in tendon healing and differentiation of cells on a biomimetic electrospun micro-nanostructured scaffold. Dose response studies were conducted using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in basal media supplemented with varied insulin concentrations. A dose of 100-ng/mL insulin showed increased expression of tendon markers. Synthetic-natural blends of various ratios of polycaprolactone (PCL) and cellulose acetate (CA) were used to fabricate micro-nanofibers to balance physicochemical properties of the scaffolds in terms of mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, and insulin delivery. A 75:25 ratio of PCL:CA was found to be optimal in promoting cellular attachment and insulin immobilization. Insulin insulin deliveryimmobilized fiber matrices also showed increased expression of tendon phenotypic markers by MSCs similar to findings with insulin supplemented media, indicating preservation of insulin bioactivity. Insulin functionalized scaffolds may have potential applications in tendon healing and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy M. Ramos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Sama Abdulmalik
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Michael R. Arul
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Swetha Rudraiah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Saint Joseph, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Cato T. Laurencin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Augustus D. Mazzocca
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Sangamesh G. Kumbar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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19
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Disotuar MM, Petersen ME, Nogueira JM, Kay MS, Chou DHC. Synthesis of hydrophobic insulin-based peptides using a helping hand strategy. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:1703-1708. [PMID: 29947407 DOI: 10.1039/c8ob01212a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of solid-phase peptide synthesis in the 1960s improved the chemical synthesis of both the A- and B-chains of insulin and insulin analogs. However, the subsequent elaboration of the synthetic peptides to generate active hormones continues to be difficult and complex due in part to the hydrophobicity of the A-chain. Over the past decade, several groups have developed different methods to enhance A-chain solubility. Two of the most popular methods are use of isoacyl dipeptides, and the attachment of an A-chain C-terminal pentalysine tag with a base-labile 4-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid linker. These methods have proven effective but can be limited in scope depending on the peptide sequence of a specific insulin. Herein we describe an auxiliary approach to enhance the solubility of insulin-based peptides by incorporating a tri-lysine tag attached to a cleavable Fmoc-Ddae-OH linker. Incorporation of this linker, or "helping hand", on the N-terminus greatly improved the solubility of chicken insulin A-chain, which is analogous to human insulin, and allowed for coupling of the insulin A- and B-chain via directed disulfide bond formation. After formation of the insulin heterodimer, the linker and tag could be easily removed using a hydrazine buffer (pH 7.5) to obtain an overall 12.6% yield based on A-chain. This strategy offers an efficient method to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic insulin-based peptides as well as other traditionally difficult peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Disotuar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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20
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Ahorukomeye P, Disotuar MM, Gajewiak J, Karanth S, Watkins M, Robinson SD, Flórez Salcedo P, Smith NA, Smith BJ, Schlegel A, Forbes BE, Olivera B, Hung-Chieh Chou D, Safavi-Hemami H. Fish-hunting cone snail venoms are a rich source of minimized ligands of the vertebrate insulin receptor. eLife 2019; 8:41574. [PMID: 30747102 PMCID: PMC6372279 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The fish-hunting marine cone snail Conus geographus uses a specialized venom insulin to induce hypoglycemic shock in its prey. We recently showed that this venom insulin, Con-Ins G1, has unique characteristics relevant to the design of new insulin therapeutics. Here, we show that fish-hunting cone snails provide a rich source of minimized ligands of the vertebrate insulin receptor. Insulins from C. geographus, Conus tulipa and Conus kinoshitai exhibit diverse sequences, yet all bind to and activate the human insulin receptor. Molecular dynamics reveal unique modes of action that are distinct from any other insulins known in nature. When tested in zebrafish and mice, venom insulins significantly lower blood glucose in the streptozotocin-induced model of diabetes. Our findings suggest that cone snails have evolved diverse strategies to activate the vertebrate insulin receptor and provide unique insight into the design of novel drugs for the treatment of diabetes. Insulin is a hormone critical for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in humans. When the insulin system becomes faulty, blood sugar levels become too high, which can lead to diabetes. At the moment, the only effective treatment for one of the major types of diabetes are daily insulin injections. However, designing fast-acting insulin drugs has remained a challenge. Insulin molecules form clusters (so-called hexamers) that first have to dissolve in the body to activate the insulin receptor, which plays a key role in regulating the blood sugar levels throughout the body. This can take time and can therefore delay the blood-sugar control. In 2015, researchers discovered that the fish-hunting cone snail Conus geographus uses a specific type of insulin to capture its prey – fish. The cone snail releases insulin into the surrounding water and then engulfs its victim with its mouth. This induces dangerously low blood sugar levels in the fish and so makes them an easy target. Unlike the human version, the snail insulin does not cluster, and despite structural differences, can bind to the human insulin receptor. Now, Ahorukomeye, Disotuar et al. – including some of the authors involved in the previous study – wanted to find out whether other fish-hunting cone snails also make insulins and if they differed from the one previously discovered in C. geographus. The insulin molecules were extracted and analyzed, and the results showed that the three cone snail species had different versions of insulin – but none of them formed clusters. Ahorukomeye, Disotuar et al. further revealed that the snail insulins could bind to the human insulin receptors and could also reverse high blood sugar levels in fish and mouse models of the disease. This research may help guide future studies looking into developing fast-acting insulin drugs for diabetic patients. A next step will be to fully understand how snail insulins can be active at the human receptor without forming clusters. Cone snails solved this problem millions of years ago and by understanding how they have done this, researchers are hoping to redesign current diabetic therapeutics. Since the snail insulins do not form clusters and should act faster than currently available insulin drugs, they may lead to better or new diabetes treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ahorukomeye
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Maria M Disotuar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Santhosh Karanth
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Maren Watkins
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Paula Flórez Salcedo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Nicholas A Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brian J Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amnon Schlegel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Briony E Forbes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Baldomero Olivera
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
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21
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Cherif--Feildel M, Berthelin CH, Rivière G, Favrel P, Kellner K. Data for evolutive analysis of insulin related peptides in bilaterian species. Data Brief 2019; 22:546-550. [PMID: 30627605 PMCID: PMC6321970 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In bilaterian species, the amino acid sequence conservation between Insulin related peptides is relatively low except for the cysteine residues involved in the disulphide bonds. In the A chain, the conserved cystein residues are included in a signature motif. Investigating the variations in this motif would give insight into the phylogenetic history of the family. The table presented in this paper contains a large set of insulin-related peptides in bilateral phylogenetic groups (deuterostomian, ecdysozoan, lophotrochozoan). NCBI databases in silico wide screening combined with bibliographic researches provided a framework for identifying and categorising the structural characteristics of these insulin related peptides. The dataset includes NCBI IDs of each sequence with hyperlinks to FASTA format. Moreover, the structural type (α, β or γ), the A chain motif, the total number of cysteins, the C peptide cleavage mode and the potential additional domains (D or E) are specified for each sequence. The data are associated with the research article "Molecular evolution and functional characterisation of insulin-related peptides in molluscs: contributions of Crassostrea gigas genomic and transcriptomic-wide screening" [1]. The table presented here can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/w4gr8zcpk5.4#file-21c0f6a5-a3e3-4a15-86e0-e5a696458866.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kristell Kellner
- Normandy University, Caen, France. University of Caen Normandie, Unity Biology of Organisms and Aquatic Ecosystems (BOREA), MNHN, Sorbonne University, UCN, CNRS, IRD, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France
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22
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Kunalan S, Othman I, Syed Hassan S, Hodgson WC. Proteomic Characterization of Two Medically Important Malaysian Snake Venoms, Calloselasma rhodostoma (Malayan Pit Viper) and Ophiophagus hannah (King Cobra). Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110434. [PMID: 30373186 PMCID: PMC6266455 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calloselasma rhodostoma (CR) and Ophiophagus hannah (OH) are two medically important snakes found in Malaysia. While some studies have described the biological properties of these venoms, feeding and environmental conditions also influence the concentration and distribution of snake venom toxins, resulting in variations in venom composition. Therefore, a combined proteomic approach using shotgun and gel filtration chromatography, analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry, was used to examine the composition of venoms from these Malaysian snakes. The analysis revealed 114 proteins (15 toxin families) and 176 proteins (20 toxin families) in Malaysian Calloselasma rhodostoma and Ophiophagus hannah species, respectively. Flavin monoamine oxidase, phospholipase A2, phosphodiesterase, snake venom metalloproteinase, and serine protease toxin families were identified in both venoms. Aminopeptidase, glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase along with ankyrin repeats were identified for the first time in CR venom, and insulin, c-type lectins/snaclecs, hepatocyte growth factor, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor together with tumor necrosis factor were identified in OH venom for the first time. Our combined proteomic approach has identified a comprehensive arsenal of toxins in CR and OH venoms. These data may be utilized for improved antivenom production, understanding pathological effects of envenoming, and the discovery of biologically active peptides with medical and/or biotechnological value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugita Kunalan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Sharifah Syed Hassan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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23
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Siposova K, Sedlak E, Kozar T, Nemergut M, Musatov A. Dual effect of non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 on insulin amyloid formation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 173:709-718. [PMID: 30384267 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy, Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay, circular dichroism spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and molecular modeling techniques have been employed to investigate the amyloid aggregation of insulin in the presence of non-ionic detergent, Triton X-100 (TX-100). In contrast to recently described inhibition of lysozyme amyloid formation by non-ionic detergents (Siposova, 2017), the amyloid aggregation of insulin in the presence of sub-micellar TX-100 concentration exhibits two dissimilar phases. The first, inhibition phase, is observed at the protein to detergent molar ratio of 1:0.1 to 1:1. During this phase, the insulin amyloid fibril formation is inhibited by TX-100 up to ∼60%. The second, "morphological" phase, is observed at increasing detergent concentration, corresponding to protein:detergent molar ratio of ∼1:1 - 1:10. Under these conditions a significant increase of the steady-state ThT fluorescence intensities and a dramatically changed morphology of the insulin fibrils were observed. Increasing of the detergent concentration above the CMC led to complete inhibition of amyloidogenesis. Analysis of the experimental and molecular modeling results suggests an existence of up to six TX-100 binding sites within dimer of insulin with different binding energy. The physiological relevance of the results is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Siposova
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01, Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Erik Sedlak
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, TIP - P.J. Safarik University, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Tibor Kozar
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, TIP - P.J. Safarik University, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia; Laboratory of Information Technologies, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Joliot-Curie 6, 141980, Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Michal Nemergut
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Andrey Musatov
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01, Kosice, Slovakia
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24
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Haugaard-Kedström LM, Lee HS, Jones MV, Song A, Rathod V, Hossain MA, Bathgate RAD, Rosengren KJ. Binding conformation and determinants of a single-chain peptide antagonist at the relaxin-3 receptor RXFP3. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15765-15776. [PMID: 30131342 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide relaxin-3 and its receptor relaxin family peptide receptor-3 (RXFP3) play key roles in modulating behavior such as memory and learning, food intake, and reward seeking. A linear relaxin-3 antagonist (R3 B1-22R) based on a modified and truncated relaxin-3 B-chain was recently developed. R3 B1-22R is unstructured in solution; thus, the binding conformation and determinants of receptor binding are unclear. Here, we have designed, chemically synthesized, and pharmacologically characterized more than 60 analogues of R3 B1-22R to develop an extensive understanding of its structure-activity relationships. We show that the key driver for affinity is the nonnative C-terminal Arg23 Additional contributors to binding include amino acid residues that are important also for relaxin-3 binding, including Arg12, Ile15, and Ile19 Intriguingly, amino acid residues that are not exposed in native relaxin-3, including Phe14 and Ala17, also interact with RXFP3. We show that R3 B1-22R has a propensity to form a helical structure, and modifications that support a helical conformation are functionally well-tolerated, whereas helix breakers such as proline residues disrupt binding. These data suggest that the peptide adopts a helical conformation, like relaxin-3, upon binding to RXFP3, but that its smaller size allows it to penetrate deeper into the orthosteric binding site, creating more extensive contacts with the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Haugaard-Kedström
- From the Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark, and
| | - Han Siean Lee
- From the Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Maryon V Jones
- From the Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Angela Song
- From the Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Vishaal Rathod
- From the Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | - Ross A D Bathgate
- the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- From the Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia,
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25
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Fue M, Miki Y, Takagi K, Hashimoto C, Yaegashi N, Suzuki T, Ito K. Relaxin 2/RXFP1 Signaling Induces Cell Invasion via the β-Catenin Pathway in Endometrial Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082438. [PMID: 30126180 PMCID: PMC6121407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin is known to play an important role in animal pregnancies, including those of humans. It is suggested that relaxin induces aggressive cell growth and invasiveness in several types of cancer, including endometrial cancer. However, the mechanisms of relaxin remain largely unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of relaxin 2 (RLN2), the major circulating relaxin in humans, on human endometrial carcinoma cell lines. RLN2 treatment induced invasion in HEC-1B and Ishikawa cells. RLN2-induced cell invasion was significantly decreased by transfection of relaxin receptor 1 (RXFP1) siRNAs. The β-catenin inhibitor, XAV939, also significantly inhibited the RLN2-induced cell invasions. Both a decrease of cadherin expression and an increase of β-catenin phosphorylation were observed in response to the RLN2 treatment in HEC-1B and Ishikawa cells. We then examined RLN2 and RXFP1 expression in 80 human endometrioid endometrial carcinoma tissues. RLN2 immunoreactivity was detected in the human endometrial carcinoma cells and had a correlative tendency with histological grade and RXFP1. These results suggest that adherens junctions in cancer cells are weakened by the breakdown of the cadherin/catenin complex, which is induced by β-catenin phosphorylation via RLN2/RXFP1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misaki Fue
- Department of Disaster Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Miki
- Department of Disaster Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Takagi
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Chiaki Hashimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Ito
- Department of Disaster Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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26
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Zaykov AN, Gelfanov VM, Liu F, DiMarchi RD. Synthesis and Characterization of the R27S Genetic Variant of Insulin-like Peptide 5. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:852-859. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N. Zaykov
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis; 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
| | - Vasily M. Gelfanov
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis; 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle; 530 Fairview Avenue N. #5000 Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Richard D. DiMarchi
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis; 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
- Department of Chemistry; Indiana University; 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington IN 47405 USA
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xu
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Linyi , Yishui, China
| | - Q Yu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Linyi , Yishui, China
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28
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Glidden MD, Yang Y, Smith NA, Phillips NB, Carr K, Wickramasinghe NP, Ismail-Beigi F, Lawrence MC, Smith BJ, Weiss MA. Solution structure of an ultra-stable single-chain insulin analog connects protein dynamics to a novel mechanism of receptor binding. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:69-88. [PMID: 29114034 PMCID: PMC5766920 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.808667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Domain-minimized insulin receptors (IRs) have enabled crystallographic analysis of insulin-bound "micro-receptors." In such structures, the C-terminal segment of the insulin B chain inserts between conserved IR domains, unmasking an invariant receptor-binding surface that spans both insulin A and B chains. This "open" conformation not only rationalizes the inactivity of single-chain insulin (SCI) analogs (in which the A and B chains are directly linked), but also suggests that connecting (C) domains of sufficient length will bind the IR. Here, we report the high-resolution solution structure and dynamics of such an active SCI. The hormone's closed-to-open transition is foreshadowed by segmental flexibility in the native state as probed by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and multiple conformer simulations of crystallographic protomers as described in the companion article. We propose a model of the SCI's IR-bound state based on molecular-dynamics simulations of a micro-receptor complex. In this model, a loop defined by the SCI's B and C domains encircles the C-terminal segment of the IR α-subunit. This binding mode predicts a conformational transition between an ultra-stable closed state (in the free hormone) and an active open state (on receptor binding). Optimization of this switch within an ultra-stable SCI promises to circumvent insulin's complex global cold chain. The analog's biphasic activity, which serendipitously resembles current premixed formulations of soluble insulin and microcrystalline suspension, may be of particular utility in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Glidden
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Yanwu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nicholas A Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Nelson B Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Kelley Carr
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | | | - Faramarz Ismail-Beigi
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Brian J Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
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29
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Tavares RS, Escada-Rebelo S, Silva AF, Sousa MI, Ramalho-Santos J, Amaral S. Antidiabetic therapies and male reproductive function: where do we stand? Reproduction 2018; 155:R13-R37. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus has been increasing at alarming rates in recent years, thus jeopardizing human health worldwide. Several antidiabetic drugs have been introduced in the market to manage glycemic levels, and proven effective in avoiding, minimizing or preventing the appearance or development of diabetes mellitus-related complications. However, and despite the established association between such pathology and male reproductive dysfunction, the influence of these therapeutic interventions on such topics have been scarcely explored. Importantly, this pathology may contribute toward the global decline in male fertility, giving the increasing preponderance of diabetes mellitus in young men at their reproductive age. Therefore, it is mandatory that the reproductive health of diabetic individuals is maintained during the antidiabetic treatment. With this in mind, we have gathered the available information and made a critical analysis regarding the effects of several antidiabetic drugs on male reproductive function. Unlike insulin, which has a clear and fundamental role on male reproductive function, the other antidiabetic therapies' effects at this level seem incoherent. In fact, studies are highly controversial possibly due to the different experimental study approaches, which, in our opinion, suggests caution when it comes to prescribing such drugs to young diabetic patients. Overall, much is still to be determined and further studies are needed to clarify the safety of these antidiabetic strategies on male reproductive system. Aspects such as the effects of insulin levels variations, consequent of insulin therapy, as well as what will be the impact of the side effect hypoglycemia, common to several therapeutic strategies discussed, on the male reproductive system are still to be addressed.
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30
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de Ávila C, Chometton S, Lenglos C, Calvez J, Gundlach AL, Timofeeva E. Differential effects of relaxin-3 and a selective relaxin-3 receptor agonist on food and water intake and hypothalamic neuronal activity in rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 336:135-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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31
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Amouzadeh Tabrizi M, Shamsipur M, Saber R, Sarkar S, Besharati M. An electrochemical aptamer-based assay for femtomolar determination of insulin using a screen printed electrode modified with mesoporous carbon and 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonate. Mikrochim Acta 2017; 185:59. [PMID: 29594593 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-017-2570-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The authors describe an electrochemical method for aptamer-based determination of insulin at femtomolar concentrations. The surface of a screen printed electrode was modified with ordered mesoporous carbon that was chemically modified with 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonate (TPS). The amino-terminated aptamer was then covalently linked to TPS via reactive sulfonyl chloride groups. Subsequently, the redox probe Methylene Blue (MB) was interacted into the aptamer. The MB-modified binds to insulin and this results in the release of MB and a decreased signal as obtained by differential pulse voltammetry, best at a working voltage of -0.3 V (versus silver pseudo-reference electrode). Insulin can be quantified by this method in the 1.0 fM to 10.0 pM concentration range, with a 0.18 fM limit of detection (at 3σ/slope). The assay was applied to the determination of insulin in spiked human serum samples. The method is highly sensitive, selective, stable, and has a wide analytical range. Graphical abstract The surface of a screen printed electrode was modified with ordered mesoporous carbon-1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonate. The amino-terminated aptamer was then linked to the 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonate. Then, the Methylene Blue was interacted into the aptamer. The modified electrode was applied to the determination of insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Amouzadeh Tabrizi
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 6714967346, Kermanshah, Iran.
- Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 1419733131, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Shamsipur
- Department of Chemistry, Razi University, P.O. Box 6714967346, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Reza Saber
- Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 1419733131, Tehran, Iran
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 1417755469, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Sarkar
- Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 1419733131, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Besharati
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and center of excellence in phylogeny living organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 41556455, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial technology and products (MTP) research center, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1417466191, Tehran, Iran
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32
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Glidden MD, Aldabbagh K, Phillips NB, Carr K, Chen YS, Whittaker J, Phillips M, Wickramasinghe NP, Rege N, Swain M, Peng Y, Yang Y, Lawrence MC, Yee VC, Ismail-Beigi F, Weiss MA. An ultra-stable single-chain insulin analog resists thermal inactivation and exhibits biological signaling duration equivalent to the native protein. J Biol Chem 2017; 293:47-68. [PMID: 29114035 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.808626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermal degradation of insulin complicates its delivery and use. Previous efforts to engineer ultra-stable analogs were confounded by prolonged cellular signaling in vivo, of unclear safety and complicating mealtime therapy. We therefore sought an ultra-stable analog whose potency and duration of action on intravenous bolus injection in diabetic rats are indistinguishable from wild-type (WT) insulin. Here, we describe the structure, function, and stability of such an analog, a 57-residue single-chain insulin (SCI) with multiple acidic substitutions. Cell-based studies revealed native-like signaling properties with negligible mitogenic activity. Its crystal structure, determined as a novel zinc-free hexamer at 2.8 Å, revealed a native insulin fold with incomplete or absent electron density in the C domain; complementary NMR studies are described in the accompanying article. The stability of the analog (ΔGU 5.0(±0.1) kcal/mol at 25 °C) was greater than that of WT insulin (3.3(±0.1) kcal/mol). On gentle agitation, the SCI retained full activity for >140 days at 45 °C and >48 h at 75 °C. These findings indicate that marked resistance to thermal inactivation in vitro is compatible with native duration of activity in vivo Further, whereas WT insulin forms large and heterogeneous aggregates above the standard 0.6 mm pharmaceutical strength, perturbing the pharmacokinetic properties of concentrated formulations, dynamic light scattering, and size-exclusion chromatography revealed only limited SCI self-assembly and aggregation in the concentration range 1-7 mm Such a combination of favorable biophysical and biological properties suggests that SCIs could provide a global therapeutic platform without a cold chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Glidden
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Khadijah Aldabbagh
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nelson B Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Kelley Carr
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Jonathan Whittaker
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Manijeh Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | | | - Nischay Rege
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Mamuni Swain
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Yi Peng
- Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Yanwu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Vivien C Yee
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Faramarz Ismail-Beigi
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
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A Comprehensive Survey of the Roles of Highly Disordered Proteins in Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102010. [PMID: 28934129 PMCID: PMC5666700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and progressive disease that is strongly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) related to either insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. Among the various molecular events and players implicated in the manifestation and development of diabetes mellitus, proteins play several important roles. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database has information on 34 human proteins experimentally shown to be related to the T2DM pathogenesis. It is known that many proteins associated with different human maladies are intrinsically disordered as a whole, or contain intrinsically disordered regions. The presented study shows that T2DM is not an exception to this rule, and many proteins known to be associated with pathogenesis of this malady are intrinsically disordered. The multiparametric bioinformatics analysis utilizing several computational tools for the intrinsic disorder characterization revealed that IRS1, IRS2, IRS4, MAFA, PDX1, ADIPO, PIK3R2, PIK3R5, SoCS1, and SoCS3 are expected to be highly disordered, whereas VDCC, SoCS2, SoCS4, JNK9, PRKCZ, PRKCE, insulin, GCK, JNK8, JNK10, PYK, INSR, TNF-α, MAPK3, and Kir6.2 are classified as moderately disordered proteins, and GLUT2, GLUT4, mTOR, SUR1, MAPK1, IKKA, PRKCD, PIK3CB, and PIK3CA are predicted as mostly ordered. More focused computational analyses and intensive literature mining were conducted for a set of highly disordered proteins related to T2DM. The resulting work represents a comprehensive survey describing the major biological functions of these proteins and functional roles of their intrinsically disordered regions, which are frequently engaged in protein–protein interactions, and contain sites of various posttranslational modifications (PTMs). It is also shown that intrinsic disorder-associated PTMs may play important roles in controlling the functions of these proteins. Consideration of the T2DM proteins from the perspective of intrinsic disorder provides useful information that can potentially lead to future experimental studies that may uncover latent and novel pathways associated with the disease.
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Hossain MA, Wade JD. Novel Methods for the Chemical Synthesis of Insulin Superfamily Peptides and of Analogues Containing Disulfide Isosteres. Acc Chem Res 2017; 50:2116-2127. [PMID: 28829564 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.7b00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The insulin superfamily of peptides is ubiquitous within vertebrates and invertebrates and is characterized by the presence of a set of three disulfide bonds in a unique disposition. With the exception of insulin-like growth factors I and II, which are single chain peptides, the remaining 8 members of the human insulin superfamily are two-chain peptides containing one intramolecular and two intermolecular disulfide bridges. These structural features have long made the chemical synthesis of the peptides a considerable challenge, in particular, including their correct disulfide bond pairing and formation. However, they have also afforded the opportunity to develop modern solid phase synthesis methods for the preparation of such peptides that incorporate novel or improved chemical methods for the controlled introduction of both disulfide bonds and their surrogates, both during and after peptide chain assembly. In turn, this has enabled a detailed probing of the structure and function relationship of this small but complex superfamily of peptides. After initially using and subsequently identifying significant limitations of the approach of simultaneous random chain combination and oxidative folding, our laboratory undertook to develop robust chemical synthesis strategies in concert with orthogonal cysteine S-protecting groups and corresponding regioselective disulfide bond formation. These have included the separate synthesis of each of the two chains or of the two chains linked by an artificial C-peptide that is removed following postoxidative folding. These, in turn, have enabled an increased ease of acquisition in a good yield of not only members of human insulin superfamily but other insulin-like peptides. Importantly, these successful methods have enabled, for the first time, a detailed analysis of the role that the disulfide bonds play in the structure and function of such peptides. This was achieved by selective removal of the disulfide bonds or by the judicious insertion of disulfide isosteres that possess structurally subtle variations in bond length, hydrophobicity, and angle. These include lactam, dicarba, and cystathionine, each of which has required modifications to the peptide synthesis protocols for their successful placement within the peptides. Together, these synthesis improvements and the novel chemical developments of cysteine/cystine analogues have greatly aided in the development of novel insulin-like peptide (INSL) analogues, principally with intra-A-chain disulfide isosteres, possessing not only improved functional properties such as increased receptor selectivity but also, with one important and unexpected exception, greater in vivo half-lives due to stability against disulfide reductases. Such analogues greatly will aid further biochemical and pharmacological analyses to delineate the structure-function relationships of INSLs and also future potential drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health and School
of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - John D. Wade
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health and School
of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Liu F, Li P, Gelfanov V, Mayer J, DiMarchi R. Synthetic Advances in Insulin-like Peptides Enable Novel Bioactivity. Acc Chem Res 2017; 50:1855-1865. [PMID: 28771323 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.7b00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Insulin is a miraculous hormone that has served a seminal role in the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes for nearly a century. Insulin resides within in a superfamily of structurally related peptides that are distinguished by three invariant disulfide bonds that anchor the three-dimensional conformation of the hormone. The additional family members include the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and the relaxin-related set of peptides that includes the so-called insulin-like peptides. Advances in peptide chemistry and rDNA-based synthesis have enabled the preparation of multiple insulin analogues. The translation of these methods from insulin to related peptides has presented unique challenges that pertain to differing biophysical properties and unique amino acid compositions. This Account presents a historical context for the advances in the chemical synthesis of insulin and the related peptides, with division into two general categories where disulfide bond formation is facilitated by native conformational folding or alternatively orthogonal chemical reactivity. The inherent differences in biophysical properties of insulin-like peptides, and in particular within synthetic intermediates, have constituted a central limitation to achieving high yield synthesis of properly folded peptides. Various synthetic approaches have been advanced in the past decade to successfully address this challenge. The use of chemical ligation and metastable amide bond surrogates are two of the more important synthetic advances in the preparation of high quality synthetic precursors to high potency peptides. The discovery and application of biomimetic connecting peptides simplifies proper disulfide formation and the subsequent traceless removal by chemical methods dramatically simplifies the total synthesis of virtually any two-chain insulin-like peptide. We report the application of these higher synthetic yield methodologies to the preparation of insulin-like peptides in support of exploratory in vivo studies requiring a large quantity of peptide. Tangentially, we demonstrate the use of these methods to study the relative importance of the IGF-1 connecting peptide to its biological activity. We report the translation of these finding in search of an insulin analog that might be comparably enhanced by a suitable connecting peptide for interaction with the insulin receptor, as occurs with IGF-1 and its receptor. The results identify a unique receptor site in the IGF-1 receptor from which this enhancement derives. The selective substitution of this specific IGF-1 receptor sequence into the homologous site in the insulin receptor generated a chimeric receptor that was equally capable of signaling with insulin or IGF-1. This novel receptor proved to enhance the potency of lower affinity insulin ligands when they were supplemented with the IGF-1 connecting peptide that similarly enhanced IGF-1 activity at its receptor. The chimeric insulin receptor demonstrated no further enhancement of potency for native insulin when it was similarly prepared as a single-chain analogue with a native IGF-1 connecting peptide. These results suggest a more highly evolved insulin receptor structure where the requirement for an additional structural element to achieve high potency interaction as demonstrated for IGF-1 is no longer required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Pengyun Li
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Vasily Gelfanov
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - John Mayer
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Richard DiMarchi
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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36
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Olivera BM, Raghuraman S, Schmidt EW, Safavi-Hemami H. Linking neuroethology to the chemical biology of natural products: interactions between cone snails and their fish prey, a case study. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 203:717-735. [PMID: 28551870 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
From a biological perspective, a natural product can be defined as a compound evolved by an organism for chemical interactions with another organism including prey, predator, competitor, pathogen, symbiont or host. Natural products hold tremendous potential as drug leads and have been extensively studied by chemists and biochemists in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the biological purpose for which a natural product evolved is rarely addressed. By focusing on a well-studied group of natural products-venom components from predatory marine cone snails-this review provides a rationale for why a better understanding of the evolution, biology and biochemistry of natural products will facilitate both neuroscience and the potential for drug leads. The larger goal is to establish a new sub-discipline in the broader field of neuroethology that we refer to as "Chemical Neuroethology", linking the substantial work carried out by chemists on natural products with accelerating advances in neuroethology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA. .,Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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37
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Thalluri K, Kou B, Yang X, Zaykov AN, Mayer JP, Gelfanov VM, Liu F, DiMarchi RD. Synthesis of relaxin‐2 and insulin‐like peptide 5 enabled by novel tethering and traceless chemical excision. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:455-465. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Thalluri
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University Bloomington IN 47405 USA
| | - Binbin Kou
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University Bloomington IN 47405 USA
| | - Alexander N. Zaykov
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
| | - John P. Mayer
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
| | - Vasily M. Gelfanov
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis IN 46241 USA
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38
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Wu F, Mayer JP, Gelfanov VM, Liu F, DiMarchi RD. Synthesis of Four-Disulfide Insulin Analogs via Sequential Disulfide Bond Formation. J Org Chem 2017; 82:3506-3512. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b03078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Wu
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - John P. Mayer
- Novo Nordisk
Research
Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Vasily M. Gelfanov
- Novo Nordisk
Research
Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk
Research
Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Richard D. DiMarchi
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
- Novo Nordisk
Research
Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
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39
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Templeman NM, Skovsø S, Page MM, Lim GE, Johnson JD. A causal role for hyperinsulinemia in obesity. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:R173-R183. [PMID: 28052999 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Insulin modulates the biochemical pathways controlling lipid uptake, lipolysis and lipogenesis at multiple levels. Elevated insulin levels are associated with obesity, and conversely, dietary and pharmacological manipulations that reduce insulin have occasionally been reported to cause weight loss. However, the causal role of insulin hypersecretion in the development of mammalian obesity remained controversial in the absence of direct loss-of-function experiments. Here, we discuss theoretical considerations around the causal role of excess insulin for obesity, as well as recent studies employing mice that are genetically incapable of the rapid and sustained hyperinsulinemia that normally accompanies a high-fat diet. We also discuss new evidence demonstrating that modest reductions in circulating insulin prevent weight gain, with sustained effects that can persist after insulin levels normalize. Importantly, evidence from long-term studies reveals that a modest reduction in circulating insulin is not associated with impaired glucose homeostasis, meaning that body weight and lipid homeostasis are actually more sensitive to small changes in circulating insulin than glucose homeostasis in these models. Collectively, the evidence from new studies on genetic loss-of-function models forces a re-evaluation of current paradigms related to obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. The potential for translation of these findings to humans is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Templeman
- Department of Cellular and Physiological SciencesDiabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Søs Skovsø
- Department of Cellular and Physiological SciencesDiabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa M Page
- Department of Cellular and Physiological SciencesDiabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gareth E Lim
- Department of Cellular and Physiological SciencesDiabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James D Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological SciencesDiabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute for Personalized Therapeutic NutritionVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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40
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Lin F, Hossain MA, Post S, Karashchuk G, Tatar M, De Meyts P, Wade JD. Total Solid-Phase Synthesis of Biologically Active Drosophila Insulin-Like Peptide 2 (DILP2). Aust J Chem 2016; 70:208-212. [PMID: 29491510 DOI: 10.1071/ch16626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, there are eight insulin-like peptides (DILPs) with DILPs 1-7 interacting with a sole insulin-like receptor tyrosine kinase (DInR) while DILP8 interacts with a single G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Lgr3. Loss-of-function dilp mutation studies show that the neuropeptide DILP2 has a key role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as longevity and reproduction. A better understanding of the processes whereby DILP2 mediates its specific actions is required. Consequently we undertook to prepare DILP2 as part of a larger, detailed structure-function relationship study. Use of our well-established insulin-like peptide synthesis protocol that entails separate solid phase assembly of each of the A- and B-chains with selective cysteine S-protection followed by sequential S-deprotection and simultaneous disulfide bond formation produced DILP2 in good overall yield and high purity. The synthetic DILP2 was shown to induce significant DInR phosphorylation and downstream signalling, with it being more potent than human insulin. This peptide will be a valuable tool to provide further insights into its binding to the insulin receptor, the subsequent cell signalling and role in insect metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lin
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,School of Chemistry University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephanie Post
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Galina Karashchuk
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Marc Tatar
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Pierre De Meyts
- de Duve Institute, 1200 Brussels, Belgium and Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - John D Wade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,School of Chemistry University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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41
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Safavi-Hemami H, Lu A, Li Q, Fedosov AE, Biggs J, Showers Corneli P, Seger J, Yandell M, Olivera BM. Venom Insulins of Cone Snails Diversify Rapidly and Track Prey Taxa. Mol Biol Evol 2016; 33:2924-2934. [PMID: 27524826 PMCID: PMC5062327 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msw174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A specialized insulin was recently found in the venom of a fish-hunting cone snail, Conus geographus Here we show that many worm-hunting and snail-hunting cones also express venom insulins, and that this novel gene family has diversified explosively. Cone snails express a highly conserved insulin in their nerve ring; presumably this conventional signaling insulin is finely tuned to the Conus insulin receptor, which also evolves very slowly. By contrast, the venom insulins diverge rapidly, apparently in response to biotic interactions with prey and also possibly the cones' own predators and competitors. Thus, the inwardly directed signaling insulins appear to experience predominantly purifying sele\ction to target an internal receptor that seldom changes, while the outwardly directed venom insulins frequently experience directional selection to target heterospecific insulin receptors in a changing mix of prey, predators and competitors. Prey insulin receptors may often be constrained in ways that prevent their evolutionary escape from targeted venom insulins, if amino-acid substitutions that result in escape also degrade the receptor's signaling functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aiping Lu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Li
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Alexander E Fedosov
- A.N. Severtzov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Science, Leninsky Prospect, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jason Biggs
- University of Guam Marine Laboratory, Agana, Guam
| | | | - Jon Seger
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USTAR Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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42
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Jayakody T, Marwari S, Lakshminarayanan R, Tan FCK, Johannes CW, Dymock BW, Poulsen A, Herr DR, Dawe GS. Hydrocarbon stapled B chain analogues of relaxin-3 retain biological activity. Peptides 2016; 84:44-57. [PMID: 27498038 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin-3 or insulin-like peptide 7 (INSL7) is the most recently discovered relaxin/insulin-like family peptide. Mature relaxin-3 consists of an A chain and a B chain held by disulphide bonds. According to structure activity relationship studies, the relaxin-3 B chain is more important in binding and activating the receptor. RXFP3 (also known as Relaxin-3 receptor 1, GPCR 135, somatostatin- and angiotensin- like peptide receptor or SALPR) was identified as the cognate receptor for relaxin-3 by expression profiles and binding studies. Recent studies imply roles of this system in mediating stress and anxiety, feeding, metabolism and cognition. Stapling of peptides is a technique used to develop peptide drugs for otherwise undruggable targets. The main advantages of stapling include, increased activity due to reduced proteolysis, increased affinity to receptors and increased cell permeability. Stable agonists and antagonists of RXFP3 are crucial for understanding the physiological significance of this system. So far, agonists and antagonists of RXFP3 are peptides. In this study, for the first time, we have introduced stapling of the relaxin-3 B chain at 14th and 18th positions (14s18) and 18th and 22nd position (18s22). These stapled peptides showed greater helicity than the unstapled relaxin-3 B chain in circular dichroism analysis. Both stapled peptides bound RXFP3 and activated RXFP3 as observed in an inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP assay and a ERK1/2 activation assay, although with different potencies. Therefore, we conclude that stapling of the relaxin3 B chain does not compromise its ability to activate RXFP3 and is a promising method for developing stable peptide agonists and antagonists of RXFP3 to aid relaxin-3/RXFP3 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharindunee Jayakody
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Neurobiology and Ageing Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Subhi Marwari
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Francis Chee Kuan Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charles William Johannes
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Brian William Dymock
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anders Poulsen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Deron Raymond Herr
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gavin Stewart Dawe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Neurobiology and Ageing Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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43
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Wu F, Mayer JP, Zaykov AN, Zhang F, Liu F, DiMarchi RD. Chemical Synthesis of Human Insulin-Like Peptide-6. Chemistry 2016; 22:9777-83. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201601410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Wu
- Department of Chemistry; Indiana University Bloomington; 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington Indiana 47405 USA
| | - John P. Mayer
- Department of Chemistry; Indiana University Bloomington; 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington Indiana 47405 USA
| | - Alexander N. Zaykov
- Department of Chemistry; Indiana University Bloomington; 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington Indiana 47405 USA
| | - Fa Zhang
- Department of Chemistry; Indiana University Bloomington; 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington Indiana 47405 USA
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis; 5225 Exploration Drive Indianapolis Indiana 46241 USA
| | - Richard D. DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry; Indiana University Bloomington; 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington Indiana 47405 USA
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44
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Liu F, Zaykov AN, Levy JJ, DiMarchi RD, Mayer JP. Chemical synthesis of peptides within the insulin superfamily. J Pept Sci 2016; 22:260-70. [PMID: 26910514 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of insulin has inspired fundamental advances in the art of peptide science while simultaneously revealing the structure-function relationship of this centrally important metabolic hormone. This review highlights milestones in the chemical synthesis of insulin that can be divided into two separate approaches: (i) disulfide bond formation driven by protein folding and (ii) chemical reactivity-directed sequential disulfide bond formation. Common to the two approaches are the persistent challenges presented by the hydrophobic nature of the individual A-chain and B-chain and the need for selective disulfide formation under mildly oxidative conditions. The extension and elaboration of these synthetic approaches have been ongoing within the broader insulin superfamily. These structurally similar peptides include the insulin-like growth factors and also the related peptides such as relaxin that signal through G-protein-coupled receptors. After a half-century of advances in insulin chemistry, we have reached a point where synthesis is no longer limiting structural and biological investigation within this family of peptide hormones. The future will increasingly focus on the refinement of structure to meet medicinal purposes that have long been pursued, such as the development of a glucose-sensitive insulin. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Liu
- Calibrium LLC, 11711 N. Meridian Street, Carmel, IN, 46032, USA
| | - Alexander N Zaykov
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Jay J Levy
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Richard D DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - John P Mayer
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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Doty KA, Wilburn DB, Bowen KE, Feldhoff PW, Feldhoff RC. Co-option and evolution of non-olfactory proteinaceous pheromones in a terrestrial lungless salamander. J Proteomics 2015; 135:101-111. [PMID: 26385001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene co-option is a major force in the evolution of novel biological functions. In plethodontid salamanders, males deliver proteinaceous courtship pheromones to the female olfactory system or transdermally to the bloodstream. Molecular studies identified three families of highly duplicated, rapidly evolving pheromones (PRF, PMF, and SPF). Analyses for Plethodon salamanders revealed pheromone mixtures of primarily PRF and PMF. The current study demonstrates that in Desmognathus ocoee--a plesiomorphic species with transdermal delivery--SPF is the major pheromone component representing >30% of total protein. Chromatographic profiles of D. ocoee pheromones were consistent from May through October. LC/MS-MS analysis suggested uniform SPF isoform expression between individual male D. ocoee. A gene ancestry for SPF with the Three-Finger Protein superfamily was supported by intron-exon boundaries, but not by the disulfide bonding pattern. Further analysis of the pheromone mixture revealed paralogs to peptide hormones that contained mutations in receptor binding regions, such that these novel molecules may alter female physiology by acting as hormone agonists/antagonists. Cumulatively, gene co-option, duplication, and neofunctionalization have permitted recruitment of additional gene families for pheromone activity. Such independent co-option events may be playing a key role in salamander speciation by altering male traits that influence reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Doty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Department of Genome Sciences,University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
| | - Kathleen E Bowen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Pamela W Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Richard C Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
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Hossain MA, Haugaard-Kedström LM, Rosengren KJ, Bathgate RAD, Wade JD. Chemically synthesized dicarba H2 relaxin analogues retain strong RXFP1 receptor activity but show an unexpected loss of in vitro serum stability. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:10895-903. [PMID: 26368576 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob01539a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins are now acknowledged as viable alternatives to small molecules as potential therapeutic agents. A primary limitation to their more widespread acceptance is their generally short in vivo half-lives due to serum enzyme susceptibility and rapid renal clearance. Numerous chemical approaches to address this concern have been undertaken in recent years. The replacement of disulfide bonds with non-reducible elements has been demonstrated to be one effective means by eliminating the deleterious effect of serum reductases. In particular, substitution with dicarba bonds via ring closure metathesis has been increasingly applied to many bioactive cystine-rich peptides. We used this approach for the replacement of the A-chain intramolecular disulfide bond of human relaxin 2 (H2 relaxin), an insulin-like peptide that has important regulatory roles in cardiovascular and connective tissue homeostasis that has led to successful Phase IIIa clinical trials for the treatment of acute heart failure. Use of efficient solid phase synthesis of the two peptide chains was followed by on-resin ring closure metathesis and formation of the dicarba bond within the A-chain and then by off-resin combination with the B-chain via sequential directed inter-chain disulfide bond formation. After purification and comprehensive chemical characterization, the two isomeric synthetic H2 relaxin analogues were shown to retain near-equipotent RXFP1 receptor binding and activation propensity. Unexpectedly, the in vitro serum stability of the analogues was greatly reduced compared with the native peptide. Circular dichroism spectroscopy studies showed subtle differences in the secondary structures between dicarba analogues and H2 relaxin suggesting that, although the overall fold is retained, it may be destabilized which could account for rapid degradation of dicarba analogues in serum. Caution is therefore recommended when using ring closure metathesis as a general approach to enhance peptide stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Luckhart S, Pakpour N, Giulivi C. Host-pathogen interactions in malaria: cross-kingdom signaling and mitochondrial regulation. Curr Opin Immunol 2015. [PMID: 26210301 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasite-host interactions are complex and have confounded available drugs and the development of vaccines. Further, we now appreciate that interventions for malaria elimination and eradication must include therapeutics with intrinsic transmission blocking activity to treat the patient and prevent disease spread. Studies over the past 15 years have revealed significant conservation in the response to infection in mosquito and human hosts. More recently, we have recognized that conserved cell signaling cascades in mosquitoes and humans dictate infection outcome through the regulation of mitochondrial function and biogenesis, which feed back to host immunity, basic intermediary metabolism, and stress responses. These responses - reflected clearly in the primeval insect host - provide fertile ground for innovative strategies for both treatment and transmission blocking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis CA 95616, United States.
| | - Nazzy Pakpour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis CA 95616, United States
| | - Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, and Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis CA 95616, United States
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RLN2 Is a Positive Regulator of AKT-2-Induced Gene Expression Required for Osteosarcoma Cells Invasion and Chemoresistance. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:147468. [PMID: 26229955 PMCID: PMC4503584 DOI: 10.1155/2015/147468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of H2 relaxin (RLN2) on invasion, migration, and chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human osteosarcoma U2-OS and MG-63 cells and then to investigate the effect of RLN2 on the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. The expression of RLN2, p-AKT (Ser473), and p-ERK1/2 (Phospho-Thr202/Tyr204) proteins was detected by western blot in OS tissues from 21 patients with pulmonary metastatic disease, and the correlation between RLN2 and p-AKT or RLN2 and p-ERK1/2 expression was investigated. RLN2 expression was inhibited by RLN2 siRNA transfection in the MG-63 cells. RLN2 was overexpressed in the U2-OS cells by treatment with recombinant relaxin. The results showed that positive relation was found between RLN2 and p-AKT expression in tissues of OS. Silencing RLN2 inhibited cell migratory and invasive ability and angiogenesis formation and increased the chemosensitivity to cisplatin in MG-63 cells. RLN2 overexpression promoted migratory and invasive ability and angiogenesis and increased the chemoresistance to cisplatin in U2-OS cells. Silencing RLN2 inhibited the activity of AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in MG-63 cells, and vice versa. Blockage of both pathways by specific inhibitors abrogated RLN2-induced survival and invasion of OS cells, and vice versa. Our results indicated RLN2 confers to migratory and invasive ability, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance to cisplatin via modulating the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro.
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Ensafi AA, Khoddami E, Rezaei B, Jafari-Asl M. A supported liquid membrane for microextraction of insulin, and its determination with a pencil graphite electrode modified with RuO2-graphene oxide. Mikrochim Acta 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-015-1478-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Synthetic covalently linked dimeric form of H2 relaxin retains native RXFP1 activity and has improved in vitro serum stability. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:731852. [PMID: 25685807 PMCID: PMC4317577 DOI: 10.1155/2015/731852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human (H2) relaxin is a two-chain peptide member of the insulin superfamily and possesses potent pleiotropic roles including regulation of connective tissue remodeling and systemic and renal vasodilation. These effects are mediated through interaction with its cognate G-protein-coupled receptor, RXFP1. H2 relaxin recently passed Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of congestive heart failure. However, its in vivo half-life is short due to its susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and renal clearance. To increase its residence time, a covalent dimer of H2 relaxin was designed and assembled through solid phase synthesis of the two chains, including a judiciously monoalkyne sited B-chain, followed by their combination through regioselective disulfide bond formation. Use of a bisazido PEG7 linker and "click" chemistry afforded a dimeric H2 relaxin with its active site structurally unhindered. The resulting peptide possessed a similar secondary structure to the native monomeric H2 relaxin and bound to and activated RXFP1 equally well. It had fewer propensities to activate RXFP2, the receptor for the related insulin-like peptide 3. In human serum, the dimer had a modestly increased half-life compared to the monomeric H2 relaxin suggesting that additional oligomerization may be a viable strategy for producing longer acting variants of H2 relaxin.
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