Molecular properties of the PTH/PTHrP receptor

Etiological Mechanisms and Genetic/Biological Modulation Related to PTH1R in Primary Failure of Tooth Eruption

Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a rare disorder that is characterized by the inability of a molar tooth/teeth to erupt to the occlusal plane or to normally react to orthodontic force. This condition is related to hereditary factors and has been extensively researched over many years. However, the etiological mechanisms of pathogenesis are still not fully understood. Evidence from studies on PFE cases has shown that PFE patients may carry parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) gene mutations, and genetic detection can be used to diagnose PFE at an early stage. PTH1R variants can lead to altered protein structure, impaired protein function, and abnormal biological activities of the cells, which may ultimately impact the behavior of teeth, as observed in PFE. Dental follicle cells play a critical role in tooth eruption and root development and are regulated by parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP)-PTH1R signaling in their differentiation and other activities. PTHrP-PTH1R signaling also regulates the activity of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and odontoclasts during tooth development and eruption. When interference occurs in the PTHrP-PTH1R signaling pathway, the normal function of dental follicles and bone remodeling are impaired. This review provides an overview of PTH1R variants and their correlation with PFE, and highlights that a disruption of PTHrP-PTH1R signaling impairs the normal process of tooth development and eruption, thus providing insight into the underlying mechanisms related to PTH1R and its role in driving PFE.

Novel insights of EZH2-mediated epigenetic modifications in degenerative musculoskeletal diseases

Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases (Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Spinal Disease and Sarcopenia) are pathological conditions that affect the function and pain of tissues such as bone, cartilage, and muscles, and are closely associated with ageing and long-term degeneration. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), an important epigenetic regulator, regulates gene expression mainly through the PRC2-dependent trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Increasing evidence suggests that EZH2 is involved in several biological processes closely related to degenerative musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteogenic-adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclast activation, chondrocyte functional status, and satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, mainly through epigenetic regulation (H3K27me3). Therefore, the synthesis and elucidation of the role of EZH2 in degenerative musculoskeletal diseases have attracted increasing attention. In addition, although EZH2 inhibitors have been approved for clinical use, whether they can be repurposed for the treatment of degenerative musculoskeletal diseases needs to be considered. Here, we reviewed the role of EZH2 in the development of degenerative musculoskeletal diseases and brought forward prospects of its pharmacological inhibitors in the improvement of the treatment of the diseases.

Effects of PTH glandular and external dosing patterns on bone cell activity using a two-state receptor model-Implications for bone disease progression and treatment

Temporal aspects of ligand specificity have been shown to play a significant role in the case of pulsatile hormone secretion, as exemplified by parathyroid hormone (PTH) binding to its receptor (PTH1R), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on surfaces of osteoblasts and osteocytes. The latter binding reaction regulates intracellular signalling and subsequently modulates skeletal homeostasis via bone remodelling. PTH glandular secretion patterns dictate bone cellular activity. In healthy humans, 70% of PTH is secreted in a tonic fashion, whereas 30% is secreted in low-amplitude and high-frequency bursts occurring every 10-20 min, superimposed on the tonic secretion. Changes in the PTH secretion patterns have been associated with various bone diseases. In this paper, we analyse PTH glandular secretion patterns for healthy and pathological states and their link to bone cellular responsiveness (αR). We utilise a two-state receptor ligand binding model of PTH to PTH1R together with a cellular activity function which is able to distinguish various aspects of the stimulation signal including peak dose, time of ligand exposure, and exposure period. Formulating and solving several constrained optimisation problems, we investigate the potential of pharmacological manipulation of the diseased glandular secretion and via clinical approved external PTH injections to restore healthy bone cellular responsiveness. Based on the mean experimentally reported data, our simulation results indicate cellular responsiveness in healthy subjects is sensitive to the tonic baseline stimulus and it is 28% of the computed maximum responsiveness. Simulation results for pathological cases of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, initial and steady state hypocalcemia clamp tests indicate αR values significantly larger than the healthy baseline (1.7, 2.2, 4.9 and 1.9-times, respectively). Manipulation of the pulsatile glandular secretion pattern, while keeping the mean PTH concentration constant, allowed restoration of healthy baseline values from these catabolic bone diseases. Conversely, PTH glandular diseases that led to maximum bone cellular responsiveness below the healthy baseline value can't be restored to baseline via glandular manipulation. However, external PTH injections allowed restoration of these latter cases.

Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein/Parathyroid Hormone Receptor 1 Signaling in Cancer and Metastasis

PTHrP exerts its effects by binding to its receptor, PTH1R, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), activating the downstream cAMP signaling pathway. As an autocrine, paracrine, or intracrine factor, PTHrP has been found to stimulate cancer cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, and promote tumor-induced osteolysis of bone. Despite these findings, attempts to develop PTHrP and PTH1R as drug targets have not produced successful results in the clinic. Nevertheless, the efficacy of blocking PTHrP and PTH1R has been shown in various types of cancer, suggesting its potential for therapeutic applications. In light of these conflicting data, we conducted a comprehensive review of the studies of PTHrP/PTH1R in cancer progression and metastasis and highlighted the strengths and limitations of targeting PTHrP or PTH1R in cancer therapy. This review also offers our perspectives for future research in this field.

A Novel Heterozygous Missense Variant in Parathyroid Hormone 1 is Related to the Occurrence of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Introduction: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common diseases in the pediatric orthopedics, with an incidence of 1-5%. Genetic factors are the bases of the pathogenesis of DDH, but the pathogenic variants and pathogenesis of DDH are still unknown. There are no key accurate diagnostic or prognostic molecular markers for DDH. The purpose of our study was to screen for genetic variant associated with DDH and explore its pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: The genetic variation of DDH was tested by variant NGS-based exome analyses, verified by the Sanger sequencing. Results: A four-generation family in which DDH was present in three generations was recruited. A novel heterozygous missense variant c.629C>T (p.(Ala210Val)) in exon 7/8 of the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) gene was identified through screening of two affected and one unaffected family members. The candidate variant was validated in all available family members with all three affected members being positive for the PTH1R variant. Conclusion: Our results are highly supportive of PTH1R as a novel candidate gene for DDH and demonstrated that the combination of pedigree information and next-generation sequencing is an effective method for identifying pathogenic variants associated with DDH.

The pro-sequence of parathyroid hormone prevents premature amyloid fibril formation

The parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates the calcium and phosphate level in blood after secretion from parathyroid chief cells. The pre- and pro-sequences of precursor preproPTH get cleaved during PTH maturation. In secretory granules, PTH forms functional amyloids. Using thioflavin T fibrillation assays, circular dichroism, NMR spectroscopy, and cellular cAMP activation, we show that the pro-sequence prevents premature fibrillation by impairing primary nucleation because of Coulomb repulsion of positively charged residues. Under seeding or high salt conditions or in the presence of heparin at pH 5.5, proPTH fibril formation is delayed, but the monomer release properties are conserved. ProPTH can still activate in cellulo PTH receptor 1 but with impaired potency. These findings give some perspectives on medical applications of PTH in hormone therapy.

Regulation of Stanniocalcin Secretion by Calcium and PTHrP in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

Calcium balance is of paramount importance for vertebrates. In fish, the endocrine modulators of calcium homeostasis include the stanniocalcin (STC), and some members of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) family, such as the PTH-related protein (PTHrP), acting as antagonists. STC is ubiquitously expressed in higher vertebrates. In turn, bony fish exhibit specific STC-producing glands named the corpuscles of Stannius (CS). Previous studies pointed to a calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) involvement in the secretion of STC, but little is known of the involvement of other putative regulators. The CS provides a unique model to deepen the study of STC secretion. We developed an ex vivo assay to culture CS of fish and a competitive ELISA method to measure STC concentrations. As expected, STC released from the CS responds to CaSR stimulation by calcium, calcimimetics, and calcilytic drugs. Moreover, we uncover the presence (by PCR) of two PTHrP receptors in the CS, e.g., PTH1R and PTH3R. Thus, ex vivo incubations revealed a dose-response inhibition of STC secretion in response to PTHrP at basal Ca2+ concentrations. This inhibition is achieved through specific and reversible second messenger pathways (transmembrane adenylyl cyclases and phospholipase C), as the use of specific inhibitors highlights. Together, these results provide evidence for endocrine modulation between two antagonist hormones, STC and PTHrP.

Structural pharmacology of PTH and PTHrP

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) regulate extracellular phosphate and calcium homeostasis as well as bone remodeling. PTH is a classic endocrine peptide hormone whose synthesis and negative feedback by multiple factors control release from the parathyroid glands. PTHrP is ubiquitously expressed (pre- and postnatally) and acts in an autocrine/paracrine manner. This review considers the structural pharmacology and actions of PTH and PTHrP, biological consequences of inherited mutations, engineered analogs that illuminate similarities and differences in physiologic actions, and targeted therapeutic opportunities.

Spatial bias in cAMP generation determines biological responses to PTH type 1 receptor activation

[Figure: see text].

Signaling Pathways in Bone Development and Their Related Skeletal Dysplasia

Bone development is a tightly regulated process. Several integrated signaling pathways including HH, PTHrP, WNT, NOTCH, TGF-β, BMP, FGF and the transcription factors SOX9, RUNX2 and OSX are essential for proper skeletal development. Misregulation of these signaling pathways can cause a large spectrum of congenital conditions categorized as skeletal dysplasia. Since the signaling pathways involved in skeletal dysplasia interact at multiple levels and have a different role depending on the time of action (early or late in chondrogenesis and osteoblastogenesis), it is still difficult to precisely explain the physiopathological mechanisms of skeletal disorders. However, in recent years, significant progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of these signaling pathways and genotype-phenotype correlations have helped to elucidate their role in skeletogenesis. Here, we review the principal signaling pathways involved in bone development and their associated skeletal dysplasia.

Inactivation of parathyroid hormone: perspectives of drug discovery to combating hyperparathyroidism

Hormonal coordination is tightly regulated within the human body and thus regulates human physiology. The parathyroid hormone (PTH), a member of the endocrine system, regulates the calcium and phosphate level within the human body. Under non-physiological conditions, PTH levels get upregulated (hyperparathyroidism) or downregulated (hypoparathyroidism) due to external or internal factors. In the case of hyperparathyroidism, elevated PTH stimulates cellular receptors present in the bones, kidneys, and intestines to increase the blood calcium level, leading to calcium deposition. This eventually causes various symptoms including kidney stones. Currently, there is no known medication that directly targets PTH in order to suppress its function. Therefore, it is of great interest to find novel small molecules or any other means that can modulate PTH function. The molecular signaling of PTH starts by binding of its N-terminus to the G-protein coupled PTH1/2 receptor. Therefore, any intervention that affects the N-terminus of PTH could be a lead candidate for treating hyperparathyroidism. As a proof-of-concept, there are various possibilities to inhibit molecular PTH function by (i) a small molecule, (ii) N-terminal PTH phosphorylation, (iii) fibril formation and (iv) residue-specific mutations. These modifications put PTH into an inactive state, which will be discussed in detail in this review article. We anticipate that exploring small molecules or other means that affect the N-terminus of PTH could be lead candidates in combating hyperparathyroidism.

Role of PTHrP nuclear localization and carboxyl terminus sequences in postnatal spinal cord development

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) acts under physiological conditions to regulate normal development of several tissues and organs. The role of PTHrP in spinal cord development has not been characterized. Pthrp knock in (Pthrp KI) mice were genetically modified to produce PTHrP in which there is a deficiency of the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and C-terminus. Using this genetically modified mouse model, we have characterized its effect on spinal cord development early postnatally. The spinal cords from Pthrp KI mice displayed a significant reduction in its length, weight, and cross-sectional area compared to wild-type controls. Histologically, there was a decreased development of neurons and glial cells that caused decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. The neural stem cells (NSCs) cultures also revealed decreased cell proliferation and differentiation and increased apoptosis. The proposed mechanism of delayed spinal cord development in Pthrp KI mice may be due to alteration in associated pathways in regulation of cell-division cycles and apoptosis. There was significant downregulation of Bmi-1 and upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p27, p21, and p16 in Pthrp KI animals. We conclude that NLS and C-terminus peptide segments of PTHrP play an important role in inhibiting cell apoptosis and stimulation of cellular proliferation necessary for normal spinal cord development.

Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases: A Systemic Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with the development of mineral bone disorder (MBD), osteoporosis, and fragility fractures. Among CKD patients, adynamic bone disease or low bone turnover is the most common type of renal osteodystrophy. The consequences of CKD-MBD include increased fracture risk, greater morbidity, and mortality. Thus, the goal is to prevent the occurrences of fractures by means of alleviating CKD-induced MBD and treating subsequent osteoporosis. Changes in mineral and humoral metabolism as well as bone structure develop early in the course of CKD. CKD-MBD includes abnormalities of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, and/or vitamin D; abnormalities in bone turnover, mineralization, volume, linear growth, or strength; and/or vascular or other soft tissue calcification. In patients with CKD-MBD, using either DXA or FRAX to screen fracture risk should be considered. Biomarkers such as bALP and iPTH may assist to assess bone turnover. Before initiating an antiresorptive or anabolic agent to treat osteoporosis in CKD patients, lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, calcium, and vitamin D supplementation, smoking cessation, and avoidance of excessive alcohol intake are important. Managing hyperphosphatemia and SHPT are also crucial. Understanding the complex pathogenesis of CKD-MBD is crucial in improving one's short- and long-term outcomes. Treatment strategies for CKD-associated osteoporosis should be patient-centered to determine the type of renal osteodystrophy. This review focuses on the mechanism, evaluation and management of patients with CKD-MBD. However, further studies are needed to explore more details regarding the underlying pathophysiology and to assess the safety and efficacy of agents for treating CKD-MBD.

Allosteric interactions in the parathyroid hormone GPCR-arrestin complex formation

Peptide ligands of class B G-protein-coupled receptors act via a two-step binding process, but the essential mechanisms that link their extracellular binding to intracellular receptor-arrestin interactions are not fully understood. Using NMR, crosslinking coupled to mass spectrometry, signaling experiments and computational approaches on the parathyroid hormone (PTH) type 1 receptor (PTHR), we show that initial binding of the PTH C-terminal part constrains the conformation of the flexible PTH N-terminal signaling epitope before a second binding event occurs. A 'hot-spot' PTH residue, His9, that inserts into the PTHR transmembrane domain at this second step allosterically engages receptor-arrestin coupling. A conformational change in PTHR intracellular loop 3 permits favorable interactions with β-arrestin's finger loop. These results unveil structural determinants for PTHR-arrestin complex formation and reveal that the two-step binding mechanism proceeds via cooperative fluctuations between ligand and receptor, which extend to other class B G-protein-coupled receptors.

PTH/PTHrP Receptor Signaling, Allostery, and Structures

The parathyroid hormone (PTH) type 1 receptor (PTHR) is the canonical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) for PTH and PTH-related protein (PTHrP) and the key regulator of calcium homeostasis and bone turnover. PTHR function is critical for human health to maintain homeostatic control of ionized serum Ca²⁺ levels and has several unusual signaling features, such as endosomal cAMP signaling, that are well-studied but not structurally understood. In this review, we discuss how recently solved high resolution near-atomic structures of hormone-bound PTHR in its inactive and active signaling states and discovery of extracellular Ca²⁺ allosterism shed light on the structural basis for PTHR signaling and function.

Proteolytic Regulation of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein: Functional Implications for Skeletal Malignancy

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), with isoforms ranging from 139 to 173 amino acids, has long been implicated in the development and regulation of multiple tissues, including that of the skeleton, via paracrine and autocrine signaling. PTHrP is also known as a potent mediator of cancer-induced bone disease, contributing to a vicious cycle between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment that drives the formation and progression of metastatic lesions. The abundance of roles ascribed to PTHrP have largely been attributed to the N-terminal 1-36 amino acid region, however, activities for mid-region and C-terminal products as well as additional shorter N-terminal species have also been described. Studies of the protein sequence have indicated that PTHrP is susceptible to post-translational proteolytic cleavage by multiple classes of proteases with emerging evidence pointing to novel functional roles for these PTHrP products in regulating cell behavior in homeostatic and pathological contexts. As a consequence, PTHrP products are also being explored as potential biomarkers of disease. Taken together, our enhanced understanding of the post-translational regulation of PTHrP bioactivity could assist in developing new therapeutic approaches that can effectively treat skeletal malignancies.

The Role of PTHLH in Ovarian Follicle Selection, Its Transcriptional Regulation and Genetic Effects on Egg Laying Traits in Hens

In hens, follicle selection is an important process affecting egg laying traits. This study investigated the role of parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH) in chicken follicle selection, its transcriptional regulation and genetic effects on egg laying traits. PTHLH and its receptor PTH1R were mainly expressed in follicles of 6–8 mm in diameter, exhibits differential expression pattern in the theca and granulosa cells of pre- and hierarchal follicles. PTHLH stimulates the proliferation of follicular granulosa and theca cells, the expression of StAR and CYP11A1 mRNA and the production of progesterone (P4) in pre-hierarchal follicles. Treatment with FSH increased PTHLH mRNA expression in pre-hierarchal follicular theca cells and hierarchal follicular granulosa cells. Two critical regions regulating chicken PTHLH transcription were revealed, each of which harbored a SNP: C>T (chr1: 72530014) for AP-1 and a SNP: A>G (chr1: 72531676). Hens with diplotype AC/GT were younger at first laying and laid more eggs at 32 weeks. The haplotype (G^-1827T^-165) with double mutations had the greatest promoter activity of chicken PTHLH transcription. Collectively, PTHLH plays an important role in chicken follicle selection by stimulating cell proliferation and steroidogenesis. Polymorphisms in chicken PTHLH promoter region are associated with egg laying traits by affecting the binding of transcription factor AP-1.

Parathyroid Hormone Causes Endothelial Dysfunction by Inducing Mitochondrial ROS and Specific Oxidative Signal Transduction Modifications

Vitamin D deficiency contributes to cardiovascular risk (CVR), with hyperparathyroidism advocated as a putative mechanism. Indeed, mounting evidence supports the hypothesis that parathyroid hormone (PTH) impairs endothelial function, even though mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The present study was designed to verify in vitro the ability of sustained exposure to PTH to cause endothelial dysfunction, exploring the underlying mechanisms. In bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), we evaluated the effects of PTH exposure (0.1 nM–24 hours) on both endothelial response to vasodilators, such as bradykinin (Bk (30 nM)) and acetylcholine (Ach (1 μM)), and angiogenic competence. Pretreatment with PTH impaired endothelial response to Bk but not to Ach, in terms of cytosolic calcium fluxes and NO production. In order to explore the underlying mechanisms, we assessed the production of total and mitochondrial ROS (tROS and mROS, respectively) in response to PTH (at 1 and 3 hours). PTH increased ROS generation, to an extent high enough to determine oxidation of Bk receptor B2. Conversely, the oxidation levels of M1 and M3 Ach receptors were not affected by PTH. A mROS selective scavenger (MitoTEMPO (5 μM)) restored the endothelial responsiveness to Bk while the well-known antioxidant properties of vitamin D (100 nM) failed to counteract PTH-mediated oxidative stress. PTH determined mitochondrial calcium fluxes ([Ca²⁺]_mt) and the mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibitor Ru360 (10 μM) reduced mROS production and prevented the PTH-mediated endothelial dysfunction. Angiogenic competence was evaluated as tubular formations in the endothelial Matrigel assay and showed a significant impairment in PTH-pretreated cells (0.1 nM–24 hours), despite the increase in VEGF transcriptional levels. VEGFR2 oxidation occurred in response to PTH, suggesting that even the impairment of angiogenesis was due to the ROS surge. These results indicate that PTH affects endothelial function through ROS production, driven by mitochondrial calcium overload. PTH-induced oxidative stress might act as signaling modifiers, altering specific pathways (Bk and VEGF) and preserving others (Ach).

In vivo evidence for an interplay of FGF23/Klotho/PTH axis on the phosphate handling in renal proximal tubules

Phosphate homeostasis is primarily maintained in the renal proximal tubules, where the expression of sodium/phosphate cotransporters (Npt2a and Npt2c) is modified by the endocrine actions of both fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, the specific contribution of each regulatory pathway in the proximal tubules has not been fully elucidated in vivo. We have previously demonstrated that proximal tubule-specific deletion of the FGF23 coreceptor Klotho results in mild hyperphosphatemia with little to no change in serum levels of FGF23, 1,25(OH)2D3, and PTH. In the present study, we characterized mice in which the PTH receptor PTH1R was specifically deleted from the proximal tubules, either alone or in combination with Klotho ( PT-PTH1R-/- and PT-PTH1R/KL-/-, respectively). PT-PTH1R-/- mice showed significant increases in serum FGF23 and PTH levels, whereas serum phosphate levels were maintained in the normal range, and Npt2a and Npt2c expression in brush border membrane (BBM) did not change compared with control mice. In contrast, PT-PTH1R/KL-/- mice displayed hyperphosphatemia and an increased abundance of Npt2a and Npt2c in the renal BBM, along with increased circulating FGF23 levels. While serum calcium was normal, 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were significantly decreased, leading to extremely high levels of PTH. Collectively, mice with a deletion of PTH1R alone in proximal tubules results in only minor changes in phosphate regulation, whereas deletion of both PTH1R and Klotho leads to a severe disturbance, including hyperphosphatemia with increased sodium/phosphate cotransporter expression in BBM. These results suggest an important interplay between the PTH/PTH1R and FGF23/Klotho pathways to affect renal phosphate handling in the proximal tubules.

Reliable Strategy for Analysis of Complex Biosensor Data

When using biosensors, analyte biomolecules of several different concentrations are percolated over a chip with immobilized ligand molecules that form complexes with analytes. However, in many cases of biological interest, e.g., in antibody interactions, complex formation steady-state is not reached. The data measured are so-called sensorgram, one for each analyte concentration, with total complex concentration vs time. Here we present a new four-step strategy for more reliable processing of this complex kinetic binding data and compare it with the standard global fitting procedure. In our strategy, we first calculate a dissociation graph to reveal if there are any heterogeneous interactions. Thereafter, a new numerical algorithm, AIDA, is used to get the number of different complex formation reactions for each analyte concentration level. This information is then used to estimate the corresponding complex formation rate constants by fitting to the measured sensorgram one by one. Finally, all estimated rate constants are plotted and clustered, where each cluster represents a complex formation. Synthetic and experimental data obtained from three different QCM biosensor experimental systems having fast (close to steady-state), moderate, and slow kinetics (far from steady-state) were evaluated using the four-step strategy and standard global fitting. The new strategy allowed us to more reliably estimate the number of different complex formations, especially for cases of complex and slow dissociation kinetics. Moreover, the new strategy proved to be more robust as it enables one to handle system drift, i.e., data from biosensor chips that deteriorate over time.

Murine models of osteosarcoma: A piece of the translational puzzle

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common cancer of bone in children and young adults. Despite extensive research efforts, there has been no significant improvement in patient outcome for many years. An improved understanding of the biology of this cancer and how genes frequently mutated contribute to OS may help improve outcomes for patients. While our knowledge of the mutational burden of OS is approaching saturation, our understanding of how these mutations contribute to OS initiation and maintenance is less clear. Murine models of OS have now been demonstrated to be highly valid recapitulations of human OS. These models were originally based on the frequent disruption of p53 and Rb in familial OS syndromes, which are also common mutations in sporadic OS. They have been applied to significantly improve our understanding about the functions of recurrently mutated genes in disease. The murine models can be used as a platform for preclinical testing and identifying new therapeutic targets, in addition to testing the role of additional mutations in vivo. Most recently these models have begun to be used for discovery based approaches and screens, which hold significant promise in furthering our understanding of the genetic and therapeutic sensitivities of OS. In this review, we discuss the mouse models of OS that have been reported in the last 3-5 years and newly identified pathways from these studies. Finally, we discuss the preclinical utilization of the mouse models of OS for identifying and validating actionable targets to improve patient outcome.

Expression of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHRP) in ameloblastomas

BACKGROUND

Presence of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) might suggest that ameloblastomas recapitulate features of the enamel epithelium and induce bone resorption, which would facilitate their growth and local invasion. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of PTHrP in ameloblastomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational research study was designed including 39 cases of histologically diagnosed ameloblastomas (39 out of 42 patients gave consent for the use of their medical records and all data required for this study). Gender, age, tumor location, histological type and subtype of the tumor were recorded and PTHrP expression was determined by indirect immunohistochemistry using monoclonal anti-human PTHrP (1D1 / Santa Cruz Biotechnology). Protein expression and intensity were evaluated under light microscope and finally data recorded and statistically analyzed. This research was approved by the Caracas West General Hospital review board.

RESULTS

39 cases of ameloblastomas were evenly distributed between genders (49% male and 51% female) with a mean age of 33 ± 3.53 years, mainly affecting the posterior mandible. 20 cases (51.28%) showed positive cytoplasmic immunoreactivity to PTHrP. 8 out of 15 cases of solid/multicystic ameloblastomas and 12 out of 23 cases of unicystic ameloblastomas were PTHrP positive. Intense expression of PTHrP was observed in 4 unicystic ameloblastomas (all luminal subtype) and in 5 cases of conventional ameloblastomas.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study PTHrP expression in solid multicystic and unicystic ameloblastoma suggests its possible function in the biological behavior of the tumor. More studies are needed in order to determine the possible role of this protein related to bone invasion processes. Key words:Parathyroid hormone related protein, PTHrP, ameloblastoma, bone.

Induced GnasR201H expression from the endogenous Gnas locus causes fibrous dysplasia by up-regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Fibrous dysplasia (FD; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man no. 174800) is a crippling skeletal disease caused by activating mutations of the GNAS gene, which encodes the stimulatory G protein Gα_s FD can lead to severe adverse conditions such as bone deformity, fracture, and severe pain, leading to functional impairment and wheelchair confinement. So far there is no cure, as the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown and the lack of appropriate animal models has severely hampered FD research. Here we have investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying FD and tested its potential treatment by establishing a mouse model in which the human FD mutation (R201H) has been conditionally knocked into the corresponding mouse Gnas locus. We found that the germ-line FD mutant was embryonic lethal, and Cre-induced Gnas FD mutant expression in early osteochondral progenitors, osteoblast cells, or bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) recapitulated FD features. In addition, mosaic expression of FD mutant Gα_s in BMSCs induced bone marrow fibrosis both cell autonomously and non-cell autonomously. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was up-regulated in FD mutant mouse bone and BMSCs undergoing osteogenic differentiation, as we have found in FD human tissue previously. Reduction of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by removing one Lrp6 copy in an FD mutant line significantly rescued the phenotypes. We demonstrate that induced expression of the FD Gα_s mutant from the mouse endogenous Gnas locus exhibits human FD phenotypes in vivo, and that inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may be repurposed for treating FD and other bone diseases caused by Gα_s activation.

Molecular characterisation and expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein in the caudal neurosecretory system of the euryhaline flounder, Platichthys flesus

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is a hypercalcemic factor in fish, but the source of circulating PTHrP remains unclear. In this study investigation of the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS), considered one of major sources of PTHrP in fish, provided valuable insights into this regulatory system. We report pthrpa and pthrpb gene cloning, characterization, expression, and responses to low salinity and hypocalcemia challenge in flounder. The pthrpa and pthrpb precursors, isolated from a European flounder CNSS library, consist of 166 and 192 amino acid residues, respectively, with an overall homology of approximately 59.2%. Both precursors contain a signal peptide and a mature peptide with cleavage and amidation sites. The flounder PTHrPA and PTHrPB peptides share only 41% sequence identity with human PTHrPA. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that the bone and bladder, are respectively major sites of pthrpa and pthrpb expression in flounder. Urophysectomy confirmed the CNSS as a likely contributor to circulating PTHrP peptides. There were no significant differences in CNSS pthrpa and pthrpb mRNA expression or plasma PTHrP levels between seawater (SW) and freshwater (FW)-adapted fish, though plasma total calcium concentrations were higher in FW animals. The intraperitonial administration of EGTA rapidly induced hypocalcemia and concomitant elevation in plasma PTHrP accompanied by increases in both pthrpa and pthrpb expression in the CNSS. Together, these findings support an evolutionary conserved role for PTHrP in the endocrine regulation of calcium.

Positioning novel biologicals in CKD-mineral and bone disorders

Renal osteodystrophy (ROD), the histologic bone lesions of chronic kidney disease (CKD), is now included in a wider syndrome with laboratory abnormalities of mineral metabolism and extra-skeletal calcifications or CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD), to highlight the increased burden of mortality. Aging people, frequently identified as early CKD, could suffer from either the classical age-related osteoporosis (OP) or ROD. Distinguishing between these two bone diseases may not be easy without bone biopsy. In any case, besides classical therapies for ROD, nephrologists are now challenged by the possibility of using new drugs developed for OP. Importantly, while therapies for ROD mostly aim at controlling parathyroid secretion with bone effects regarded as indirect, new drugs for OP directly modulate bone cells activity. Thus, their action could be useful in specific types of ROD. Parathyroid hormone therapy, which is anabolic in OP, could be useful in renal patients with low turnover bone disease. Denosumab, the monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANK-L) that inhibits osteoclast activity and proliferation, could be beneficial in cases with high turnover bone. Use of romosozumab, the monoclonal antibody against sclerostin, which both stimulates osteoblasts and inhibits osteoclasts, could allow both anabolic and anti-resorptive effects. However, we should not forget the systemic role now attributed to CKD-MBD. In fact, therapies targeting bone cells activity could also result in unpredicted extra-bone effects and affect cardiovascular outcomes. In conclusion, the new biologicals established for OP could be useful in renal patients with either OP or ROD. In addition, their potential non-bone effects warrant investigation.

Pth4, an ancient parathyroid hormone lost in eutherian mammals, reveals a new brain-to-bone signaling pathway

Regulation of bone development, growth, and remodeling traditionally has been thought to depend on endocrine and autocrine/paracrine modulators. Recently, however, brain-derived signals have emerged as key regulators of bone metabolism, although their mechanisms of action have been poorly understood. We reveal the existence of an ancient parathyroid hormone (Pth)4 in zebrafish that was secondarily lost in the eutherian mammals' lineage, including humans, and that is specifically expressed in neurons of the hypothalamus and appears to be a central neural regulator of bone development and mineral homeostasis. Transgenic fish lines enabled mapping of axonal projections leading from the hypothalamus to the brainstem and spinal cord. Targeted laser ablation demonstrated an essential role for of pth4-expressing neurons in larval bone mineralization. Moreover, we show that Runx2 is a direct regulator of pth4 expression and that Pth4 can activate cAMP signaling mediated by Pth receptors. Finally, gain-of-function experiments show that Pth4 can alter calcium/phosphorus levels and affect expression of genes involved in phosphate homeostasis. Based on our discovery and characterization of Pth4, we propose a model for evolution of bone homeostasis in the context of the vertebrate transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle.-Suarez-Bregua, P., Torres-Nuñez, E., Saxena, A., Guerreiro, P., Braasch, I., Prober, D. A., Moran, P., Cerda-Reverter, J. M., Du, S. J., Adrio, F., Power, D. M., Canario, A. V. M., Postlethwait, J. H., Bronner, M E., Cañestro, C., Rotllant, J. Pth4, an ancient parathyroid hormone lost in eutherian mammals, reveals a new brain-to-bone signaling pathway.

Identification of key phosphorylation sites in PTH1R that determine arrestin3 binding and fine-tune receptor signaling

The parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTH1R) is a member of family B of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), predominantly expressed in bone and kidney where it modulates extracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis and bone turnover. It is well established that phosphorylation of GPCRs constitutes a key event in regulating receptor function by promoting arrestin recruitment and coupling to G-protein-independent signaling pathways. Mapping phosphorylation sites on PTH1R would provide insights into how phosphorylation at specific sites regulates cell signaling responses and also open the possibility of developing therapeutic agents that could target specific receptor functions. Here, we have used mass spectrometry to identify nine sites of phosphorylation in the C-terminal tail of PTH1R. Mutational analysis revealed identified two clusters of serine and threonine residues (Ser489–Ser495 and Ser501–Thr506) specifically responsible for the majority of PTH(1–34)-induced receptor phosphorylation. Mutation of these residues to alanine did not affect negatively on the ability of the receptor to couple to G-proteins or activate extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer to monitor PTH(1–34)-induced interaction of PTH1R with arrestin3, we show that the first cluster Ser489–Ser495 and the second cluster Ser501–Thr506 operated in concert to mediate both the efficacy and potency of ligand-induced arrestin3 recruitment. We further demonstrate that Ser503 and Thr504 in the second cluster are responsible for 70% of arrestin3 recruitment and are key determinants for interaction of arrestin with the receptor. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the pattern of C-terminal tail phosphorylation on PTH1R may determine the signaling outcome following receptor activation.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type I-b with neurological involvement is associated with a homozygous PTH1R mutation

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b (PHP1b) is characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH), and no skeletal or developmental abnormalities. The goal of this study was to perform a full characterization of a familial case of PHP1b with neurological involvement and to identify the genetic cause of disease. The initial laboratory profile of the proband showed severe hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and normal levels of PTH, which was considered to be compatible with primary hypoparathyroidism. With disease progression the patient developed cognitive disturbance, PTH levels were found to be slightly elevated and a picture of PTH resistance syndrome seemed more probable. The diagnosis of PHP1b was established after the study of family members and blunted urinary cAMP results were obtained in a PTH stimulation test. Integration of whole genome genotyping and exome sequencing data supported this diagnosis by revealing a novel homozygous missense mutation in PTH1R (p.Arg186His) completely segregating with the disease. Here, we demonstrate segregation of a novel mutation in PTH1R with a phenotype of PHP1b presenting with neurological symptoms, but no bone defects. This case represents the extreme end of the spectrum of cognitive impairment in PTH dysfunction and defines a possible novel form of PHP1b resulting from the impaired interaction between PTH and PTH1R.

Activation of PTHrP-cAMP-CREB1 signaling following p53 loss is essential for osteosarcoma initiation and maintenance

Mutations in the P53 pathway are a hallmark of human cancer. The identification of pathways upon which p53-deficient cells depend could reveal therapeutic targets that may spare normal cells with intact p53. In contrast to P53 point mutations in other cancer, complete loss of P53 is a frequent event in osteosarcoma (OS), the most common cancer of bone. The consequences of p53 loss for osteoblastic cells and OS development are poorly understood. Here we use murine OS models to demonstrate that elevated Pthlh (Pthrp), cAMP levels and signalling via CREB1 are characteristic of both p53-deficient osteoblasts and OS. Normal osteoblasts survive depletion of both PTHrP and CREB1. In contrast, p53-deficient osteoblasts and OS depend upon continuous activation of this pathway and undergo proliferation arrest and apoptosis in the absence of PTHrP or CREB1. Our results identify the PTHrP-cAMP-CREB1 axis as an attractive pathway for therapeutic inhibition in OS.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13446.001

Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) is caused by mutations in certain genes, which results in cells growing and dividing uncontrollably. In particular, a gene that produces a protein called P53 in humans is lost in all bone cancers. However, we don’t understand what happens to the bone cells when they lose P53. Although a number of studies have identified several molecular pathways that are changed in bone cancers – such as the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway – how these interact to cause a cancer is not well understood.

Walia et al. compared bone-forming cells from normal mice with cells from mutant mice from which the gene that produces the mouse p53 protein could be removed. This revealed that the loss of p53 causes these cells to grow faster. The activity of the cAMP pathway also increases in p53-deficient cells. Further investigation revealed that the cells grow faster only if they are able to activate the cAMP pathway, and that this pathway needs to stay active for bone cancer cells to grow and survive. This suggests that inhibiting this pathway could present a new way to treat bone cancer.

Walia et al. confirmed several of their findings in human cells. Future studies will now investigate how the loss of the P53 protein in humans activates the cAMP pathway, which will be important for understanding how this cancer forms. It will also be worthwhile to begin testing ways to block this pathway to determine whether it is a useful target for therapies.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13446.002

Structural Determinants of Binding the Seven-transmembrane Domain of the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP-1R)

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) belongs to the secretin-like (class B) family of G protein-coupled receptors. Members of the class B family are distinguished by their large extracellular domain, which works cooperatively with the canonical seven-transmembrane (7TM) helical domain to signal in response to binding of various peptide hormones. We have combined structure-based site-specific mutational studies with molecular dynamics simulations of a full-length model of GLP-1R bound to multiple peptide ligand variants. Despite the high sequence similarity between GLP-1R and its closest structural homologue, the glucagon receptor (GCGR), nearly half of the 62 stably expressed mutants affected GLP-1R in a different manner than the corresponding mutants in GCGR. The molecular dynamics simulations of wild-type and mutant GLP-1R·ligand complexes provided molecular insights into GLP-1R-specific recognition mechanisms for the N terminus of GLP-1 by residues in the 7TM pocket and explained how glucagon-mimicking GLP-1 mutants restored binding affinity for (GCGR-mimicking) GLP-1R mutants. Structural analysis of the simulations suggested that peptide ligand binding mode variations in the 7TM binding pocket are facilitated by movement of the extracellular domain relative to the 7TM bundle. These differences in binding modes may account for the pharmacological differences between GLP-1 peptide variants.

Small Molecule Inhibited Parathyroid Hormone Mediated cAMP Response by N-Terminal Peptide Binding

Ligand binding to certain classes of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) stimulates the rapid synthesis of cAMP through G protein. Human parathyroid hormone (PTH), a member of class B GPCRs, binds to its receptor via its N–terminal domain, thereby activating the pathway to this secondary messenger inside cells. Presently, GPCRs are the target of many pharmaceuticals however, these drugs target only a small fraction of structurally known GPCRs (about 10%). Coordination complexes are gaining interest due to their wide applications in the medicinal field. In the present studies we explored the potential of a coordination complex of Zn(II) and anthracenyl–terpyridine as a modulator of the parathyroid hormone response. Preferential interactions at the N–terminal domain of the peptide hormone were manifested by suppressed cAMP generation inside the cells. These observations contribute a regulatory component to the current GPCR–cAMP paradigm, where not the receptor itself, but the activating hormone is a target. To our knowledge, this is the first report about a coordination complex modulating GPCR activity at the level of deactivating its agonist. Developing such molecules might help in the control of pathogenic PTH function such as hyperparathyroidism, where control of excess hormonal activity is essentially required.

The effect of parathyroid hormones on hair follicle physiology: implications for treatment of chemotherapy-induced alopecia

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) influence hair follicles through paracrine and intracrine routes. There is significant evidence that PTH and PTHrP influence the proliferation and differentiation of hair follicle cells. The PTH/PTHrP receptor signalling plays an important role in the hair follicle cycle and may induce premature catagen-telogen transition. Transgenic mice with an overexpression or blockade (PTH/PTHrP receptor knockout mice) of PTHrP activity revealed impaired or increased hair growth, respectively. Some findings also suggest that PTHrP may additionally influence the hair cycle by inhibiting angiogenesis. Antagonists of the PTH/PTHrP receptor have been shown to stimulate proliferation of hair follicle cells and hair growth. A hair-stimulating effect of a PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist applied topically to the skin has been observed in hairless mice, as well as in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. These data indicate that the PTH/PTHrP receptor may serve as a potential target for new (topical) hair growth-stimulating drugs, especially for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

7TM Domain Structure of Adhesion GPCRs

Schematic presentation of the overall adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor (aGPCR) structure and functional domains, covering an extracellular N-terminal fragment (NTF), a membrane-spanning C-terminal fragment (CTF) and a GPCR proteolysis site (GPS). (Left side) aGPCR model constructed based on the seven-transmembrane (7TM) structure (blue) of secretin family glucagon receptor (GCGR) (PDB, 4L6R) [11] and the GPCR autoproteolysis inducing (GAIN) domain (magenta) structure of latrophilin 1 (PDB, 4DLQ) [9]. The β-13 strand residues are depicted in green. (Right side) The experimentally validated full-length secretin family GCGR structure combining structural and experimental information from the GCGR 7TM crystal structure (PDB, 4L6R) (blue), the GCGR extracellular domain (ECD) structure (PDB, 4ERS) (magenta) and the ECD structure of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-bound glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) (PDB, 3IOL) (green), complemented by site-directed mutagenesis, electron microscopy (EM), hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) and cross-linking studies [11-13]) Despite the recent breakthroughs in the elucidation of the three-dimensional structures of the seven transmembrane (7TM) domain of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, a corresponding structure of a member of the adhesion GPCR (aGPCR) family has not yet been solved. In this chapter, we give an overview of the current knowledge of the 7TM domain of aGPCRs by comparative structure-based sequence similarity analyses between aGPCRs and GPCRs with known crystal structure. Of the GPCR superfamily, only the secretin family shares some sequence similarity with aGPCRs. This chapter will therefore emphasize on the comparison of these two GPCR families. Two 7TM domain structures of secretin family GPCRs are known that provide insight into the structure-function relationships of conserved sequence motifs that play important roles and are also present in most aGPCRs. This suggests that the 7TM domains of aGPCRs and secretin family GPCRs share a similar structural fold and that the conserved residues in both families may be involved in similar intermolecular interaction networks and facilitate similar conformational changes. Comparison of the residues that line the large peptide hormone binding pocket in the 7TM domain of secretin family GPCRs with corresponding residues in aGPCRs indicates that in the latter, the corresponding pocket in the 7TM domain is relatively hydrophobic and may be even larger. Improved knowledge on these conserved sequence motifs will help to understand the interactions of the aGPCR 7TM domain with ligands and gain insight into the activation mechanism of aGPCRs.

Parathyroid hormone 1 receptor is essential to induce FGF23 production and maintain systemic mineral ion homeostasis

Parathyroid-hormone-type 1 receptor (PTH1R) is extensively expressed in key regulatory organs for systemic mineral ion homeostasis, including kidney and bone. We investigated the bone-specific functions of PTH1R in modulating mineral ion homeostasis by generating a novel mouse model in which PTH1R is ablated in the limb mesenchyme using Prx1Cre transgenic mice. Such ablation decreased FGF23 protein and serum levels by 50%, despite normal Fgf23 mRNA levels in long bones. Circulating calcium and PTH levels were unchanged, but inorganic phosphate and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were significantly decreased and accompanied by elevated urinary calcium and phosphate wasting. Key renal genes for balancing mineral ion homeostasis, calbindinD28k, Klotho, and Napi2a were suppressed by 30-40%. Intermittent hPTH(1-34) injections increased Fgf23 mRNA (7.3-fold), Nurr1 mRNA (3.1-fold), and serum intact-FGF23 (1.6-fold) in controls, but failed to induce Fgf23, Nurr1 mRNA, or intact FGF23 production in mutants. Moreover, a significant elevation in serum C-terminal-FGF23 levels (4-fold) was detected in both genotypes. PTH markedly downregulated Galnt3 expression (2.7-fold) in controls but not in mutants. These results demonstrate the pivotal role of PTH1R in long bones to regulate systemic mineral ion homeostasis and the direct induction of FGF23 by PTH1R signaling.

Species-specific action of (Pro3)GIP - a full agonist at human GIP receptors, but a partial agonist and competitive antagonist at rat and mouse GIP receptors

Background and Purpose

Specific, high potency receptor antagonists are valuable tools when evaluating animal and human physiology. Within the glucose‐dependent, insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) system, considerable attention has been given to the presumed GIP receptor antagonist, (Pro3)GIP, and its effect in murine studies. We conducted a pharmacological analysis of this ligand including interspecies differences between the rodent and human GIP system.

Experimental Approach

Transiently transfected COS‐7 cells were assessed for cAMP accumulation upon ligand stimulation and assayed in competition binding using ¹²⁵I‐human GIP. Using isolated perfused pancreata both from wild type and GIP receptor‐deficient rodents, insulin‐releasing, glucagon‐releasing and somatostatin‐releasing properties in response to species‐specific GIP and (Pro3)GIP analogues were evaluated.

Key Results

Human (Pro3)GIP is a full agonist at human GIP receptors with similar efficacy (E_max) for cAMP production as human GIP, while both rat and mouse(Pro3)GIP were partial agonists on their corresponding receptors. Rodent GIPs are more potent and efficacious at their receptors than human GIP. In perfused pancreata in the presence of 7 mM glucose, both rodent (Pro3)GIP analogues induced modest insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion, corresponding to the partial agonist activities observed in cAMP production.

Conclusions and Implications

When evaluating new compounds, it is important to consider interspecies differences both at the receptor and ligand level. Thus, in rodent models, human GIP is a comparatively weak partial agonist. Human (Pro3)GIP was not an antagonist at human GIP receptors, so there is still a need for a potent antagonist in order to elucidate the physiology of human GIP.

Transmembrane signal transduction by peptide hormones via family B G protein-coupled receptors

Although family B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) contain only 15 members, they play key roles in transmembrane signal transduction of hormones. Family B GPCRs are drug targets for developing therapeutics for diseases ranging from metabolic to neurological disorders. Despite their importance, the molecular mechanism of activation of family B GPCRs remains largely unexplored due to the challenges in expression and purification of functional receptors to the quantity for biophysical characterization. Currently, there is no crystal structure available of a full-length family B GPCR. However, structures of key domains, including the extracellular ligand binding regions and seven-helical transmembrane regions, have been solved by X-ray crystallography and NMR, providing insights into the mechanisms of ligand recognition and selectivity, and helical arrangements within the cell membrane. Moreover, biophysical and biochemical methods have been used to explore functions, key residues for signaling, and the kinetics and dynamics of signaling processes. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the signal transduction mechanism of family B GPCRs at the molecular level and comments on the challenges and outlook for mechanistic studies of family B GPCRs.

Functional Pairing of Class B1 Ligand-GPCR in Cephalochordate Provides Evidence of the Origin of PTH and PACAP/Glucagon Receptor Family

Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the origin and evolution of the secretin family of peptides and receptors. However, identification of homologous ligand-receptor pairs in invertebrates and vertebrates is difficult because of the low levels of sequence identity between orthologs of distant species. In this study, five receptors structurally related to the vertebrate class B1 G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family were characterized from amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae). Phylogenetic analysis showed that they clustered with vertebrate parathyroid hormone receptors (PTHR) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)/glucagon receptors. These PTHR-like receptors shared synteny with several PTH and PACAP/glucagon receptors identified in spotted gar, Xenopus, and human, indicating that amphioxus preserves the ancestral chordate genomic organization of these receptor subfamilies. According to recent data by Mirabeau and Joly, amphioxus also expresses putative peptide ligands including homologs of PTH (bfPTH1 and 2) and PACAP/GLUC-like peptides (bfPACAP/GLUCs) that may interact with these receptors. Functional analyses showed that bfPTH1 and bfPTH2 activated one of the amphioxus receptors (bf98C) whereas bfPACAP/GLUCs strongly interacted with bf95. In summary, our data confirm the presence of PTH and PACAP/GLUC ligand-receptor pairs in amphioxus, demonstrating that functional homologs of vertebrate PTH and PACAP/glucagon GPCR subfamilies arose before the cephalochordate divergence from the ancestor of tunicates and vertebrates.

PTHrP regulates water absorption and aquaporin expression in the intestine of the marine sea bream (Sparus aurata, L.)

Water ingestion by drinking is fundamental for ion homeostasis in marine fish. However, the fluid ingested requires processing to allow net water absorption in the intestine. The formation of luminal carbonate aggregates impacts on calcium homeostasis and requires epithelial HCO3(-) secretion to enable water absorption. In light of its endocrine importance in calcium handling and the indication of involvement in HCO3(-) secretion the present study was designed to expose the role of the parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in HCO3(-) secretion, water absorption and the regulation of aqp1 gene expression in the anterior intestine of the sea bream. HCO3(-) secretion rapidly decreased when PTHrP(1-34) was added to anterior intestine of the sea bream mounted in Ussing chambers. The effect achieved a maximum inhibition of 60% of basal secretion rates, showing a threshold effective dose of 0.1 ng ml(-1) compatible with reported plasma values of PTHrP. When applied in combination with the adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22.536, 100 μmol l(-1)) or the phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122, 10 μmol l(-1)) the effect of PTHrP(1-34) on HCO3(-) secretion was reduced by about 50% in both cases. In parallel, bulk water absorption measured in intestinal sacs was sensitive to inhibition by PTHrP. The inhibitory action conforms to a typical dose-response curve in the range of 0.1-1000 ng ml(-1), achieves a maximal effect of 60-65% inhibition from basal rates and shows threshold significant effects at hormone levels of 0.1 ng ml(-1). The action of PTHrP in water absorption was completely abolished in the presence of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22.536, 100 μmol l(-1)) and was insensitive to the phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122, 10 μmol l(-1)). In vivo injections of PTHrP(1-34) or the PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist PTHrP(7-34) evoked respectively, a significant decrease or increase of aqp1ab, but not aqp1a. Overall the present results suggest that PTHrP acts as a key regulator of carbonate aggregate formation in the intestine of marine fish via its actions on water absorption, calcium regulation and HCO3(-) secretion.

N-terminal phosphorylation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) abolishes its receptor activity

The parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an 84-residue peptide, which regulates the blood Ca(2+) level via GPCR binding and subsequent activation of intracellular signaling cascades. PTH is posttranslationally phosphorylated in the parathyroid glands; however, the functional significance of this processes is not well characterized. In the present study, mass spectrometric analysis revealed three sites of phosphorylation, and NMR spectroscopy assigned Ser1, Ser3, and Ser17 as modified sites. These sites are located at the N-terminus of the hormone, which is important for receptor recognition and activation. NMR shows further that the three phosphate groups remotely disturb the α-helical propensity up to Ala36. An intracellular cAMP accumulation assay elucidated the biological significance of this phosphorylation because it ablated the PTH-mediated signaling. Our studies thus shed light on functional implications of phosphorylation at native PTH as an additional level of regulation.

Knockdown of PTHR1 in osteosarcoma cells decreases invasion and growth and increases tumor differentiation in vivo

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common cancer of bone. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium homeostasis and bone development, while the paracrine/autocrine PTH-related protein (PTHrP) has central roles in endochondral bone formation and bone remodeling. Using a murine OS model, we found that OS cells express PTHrP and the common PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTHR1). To investigate the role of PTHR1 signaling in OS cell behavior, we used shRNA to reduce PTHR1 expression. This only mildly inhibited proliferation in vitro, but markedly reduced invasion through collagen and reduced expression of RANK ligand (RANKL). Administration of PTH(1-34) did not stimulate OS proliferation in vivo but, strikingly, PTHR1 knockdown resulted in a profound growth inhibition and increased differentiation/mineralization of the tumors. Treatment with neutralizing antibody to PTHrP did not recapitulate the knockdown of PTHR1. Consistent with this lack of activity, PTHrP was predominantly intracellular in OS cells. Knockdown of PTHR1 resulted in increased expression of late osteoblast differentiation genes and upregulation of Wnt antagonists. RANKL production was reduced in knockdown tumors, providing for reduced homotypic signaling through the receptor, RANK. Loss of PTHR1 resulted in the coordinated loss of gene signatures associated with the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Using Ezh2 inhibitors, we demonstrate that the increased expression of osteoblast maturation markers is in part mediated by the loss of PRC2 activity. Collectively these results demonstrate that PTHR1 signaling is important in maintaining OS proliferation and undifferentiated state. This is in part mediated by intracellular PTHrP and through regulation of the OS epigenome.

Downregulation of renal type IIa sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter during lipopolysaccharide-induced acute inflammation

The type IIa sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter (Npt2a) plays a critical role in reabsorption of inorganic phosphate (Pi) by renal proximal tubular cells. Pi abnormalities during early stages of sepsis have been reported, but the mechanisms regulating Pi homeostasis during acute inflammation are poorly understood. We examined the regulation of Pi metabolism and renal Npt2a expression during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in mice. Dose-response and time-course studies with LPS showed significant increases of plasma Pi and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels and renal Pi excretion, while renal calcium excretion was significantly decreased. There was no difference in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, but the induction of plasma intact fibroblast growth factor 23 levels peaked 3 h after LPS treatment. Western blotting, immunostaining, and quantitative real-time PCR showed that LPS administration significantly decreased Npt2a protein expression in the brush border membrane (BBM) 3 h after injection, but there was no change in renal Npt2a mRNA levels. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-α injection also increased plasma iPTH and decreased renal BBM Npt2a expression. Importantly, we revealed that parathyroidectomized rats had impaired renal Pi excretion and BBM Npt2a expression in response to LPS. These results suggest that the downregulation of Npt2a expression in renal BBM through induction of plasma iPTH levels alter Pi homeostasis during LPS-induced acute inflammation.

Insights into the structure of class B GPCRs

The secretin-like (class B) family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key players in hormonal homeostasis and are interesting drug targets for the treatment of several metabolic disorders (such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity) and nervous system diseases (such as migraine, anxiety, and depression). The recently solved crystal structures of the transmembrane domains of the human glucagon receptor and human corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 have opened up new opportunities to study the structure and function of class B GPCRs. The current review shows how these structures offer more detailed explanations to previous biochemical and pharmacological studies of class B GPCRs, and provides new insights into their interactions with ligands.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1-84 in animals

To study the plasma pharmacokinetics and accumulation of the recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH) (1-84) in rhesus monkeys, and the tissue distribution and excretion profiles of (125)I-rhPTH (1-84) in rats. The concentration of rhPTH (1-84) in plasma samples were determined by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method after subcutaneous and intravenous bolus injection. The tissue distribution and urinary, fecal and biliary excretion patterns of (125)I-rhPTH (1-84) were investigated by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation method. Following subcutaneous (sc) administration rhPTH (1-84) in rhesus monkeys, rhPTH (1-84) exhibited rapid absorption and elimination and had no accumulated tendency after successive sc administration. Following sc administration (125)I-rhPTH (1-84) in rats, the TCA-precipitated radioactivity was widely distributed and rapidly diminished in most tissues. Approximately 83.9 and 6.8 % of the total radioactivity was recovered in urine and feces by 72 h postdosing, respectively; whereas 4.1 % excreted into bile up to 24 h postdosing. The pharmacokinetics of rhPTH (1-84) complied with linear kinetics within the examined dose range following a single sc administration had no accumulated tendency following multiple sc administration in rhesus monkeys. The accumulation of (125)I-rhPTH (1-84) in tissues/organs examined, appeared to be low in rats. The major elimination route was by urinary excretion.

Urinary calcium and oxalate excretion in healthy adult cats are not affected by increasing dietary levels of bone meal in a canned diet

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), derived from bone meal, on the feline urine composition and the urinary pH, allowing a risk assessment for the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths in cats. Eight healthy adult cats received 3 canned diets, containing 12.2 (A), 18.5 (B) and 27.0 g Ca/kg dry matter (C) and 16.1 (A), 17.6 (B) and 21.1 g P/kg dry matter (C). Each diet was fed over 17 days. After a 7 dayś adaptation period, urine and faeces were collected over 2×4 days (with a two-day rest between), and blood samples were taken. Urinary and faecal minerals, urinary oxalate (Ox), the urinary pH and the concentrations of serum Ca, phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were analyzed. Moreover, the urine was microscopically examined for CaOx uroliths. The results demonstrated that increasing levels of dietary Ca led to decreased serum PTH and Ca and increased faecal Ca and P concentrations, but did not affect the urinary Ca or Ox concentrations or the urinary fasting pH. The urinary postprandial pH slightly increased when the diet C was compared to the diet B. No CaOx crystals were detected in the urine of the cats. In conclusion, urinary Ca excretion in cats seems to be widely independent of the dietary Ca levels when Ca is added as bone meal to a typical canned diet, implicating that raw materials with higher contents of bones are of subordinate importance as risk factors for the formation of urinary CaOx crystals.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide domains contributing to activation of different PTH receptor-mediated signaling pathways

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), acting through the osteoblast PTH1 receptor (PTH1R), play important roles in bone remodeling. Intermittent administration of PTH(1-34) (teriparatide) leads to bone formation, whereas continuous administration paradoxically leads to bone resorption. Activation of PTH1R promotes regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including G(s)/cAMP/protein kinase A, G(q)/calcium/protein kinase C, β-arrestin recruitment, and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation, as well as receptor internalization, but their role in promoting anabolic and catabolic actions of PTH(1-34) are unclear. In the present investigation, a collection of PTH(1-34) and PTHrP(1-34) peptide analogs were evaluated in orthogonal human PTH1R (hPTH1R) functional assays capturing G(s)- and G(q)-signaling, β-arrestin recruitment, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and receptor internalization to further define the patterns of PTH1R signaling that they stimulate and further establish peptide domains contributing to agonist activity. Results indicate that both N- and C-terminal domains of PTH and PTHrP are critical for activation of signaling pathways. However, modifications of both regions lead to more substantial decreases in agonist potency and efficacy to stimulate G(q)-signaling, β-arrestin recruitment, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and receptor internalization than to stimulate G(s)-signaling. The substantial contribution of the peptide C-terminal domain in activation of hPTH1R signaling suggests a role in positioning of the peptide N-terminal region into the receptor J-domain. Several PTH and PTHrP peptides evaluated in this study promote different patterns of biased agonist signaling and may serve as useful tools to further elucidate therapeutically relevant PTH1R signaling in osteoblasts. With a better understanding of therapeutically relevant signaling, novel biased peptides with desired signaling could be designed for safer and more effective treatment of osteoporosis.

PTH replacement therapy of hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by hypocalcemia with inappropriately low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Bone turnover is abnormally low and bone mineral density (BMD) is typically increased. Plasma calcium levels can be normalized by treatment with calcium supplements and vitamin D analogs, but bone turnover remains low and patients complain of a reduced quality of life (QoL). During recent years, a number of studies have shown that PTH replacement therapy (PTH-RT) may maintain calcium levels within the normal range, while the need for calcium and vitamin D supplements is reduced. In the initial response to subcutaneous PTH injections once or twice daily, bone turnover is overstimulated. BMD increases in cancellous bone, but decreases in cortical bone due to an increased porosity. Microcomputed tomography scans and histomorphometric studies on bone biopsies have shown changes similar to the well-known bone anabolic effects of PTH treatment in osteoporosis rather than a normalization of bone remodeling balancing the anabolic and catabolic effects of PTH. Most recently, continuous PTH delivery by pump was shown to increase the levels of bone markers into the normal range (without overstimulation of bone turnover) and with a normalization of renal calcium excretion. As PTH has a short plasma half-life, these findings indicate that exposure to PTH once or twice daily is not sufficient to reestablish a calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism that resembles normal physiology. Further studies should assess the effects of continuous PTH exposure by pump delivery (or multiple daily injections) on BMD and bone histology, as well as the effects of PTH-RT on indices of QoL.

β-catenin regulates parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein receptor signals and chondrocyte hypertrophy through binding to the intracellular C-terminal region of the receptor

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of action and functional relevance of β-catenin in chondrocytes, by examining the role of β-catenin as a novel protein that interacts with the intracellular C-terminal portion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor type 1 (PTHR-1).

METHODS

The β-catenin-PTHR-1 binding region was determined with deletion and mutagenesis analyses of the PTHR1 C-terminus, using a mammalian two-hybrid assay. Physical interactions between these 2 molecules were examined with an in situ proximity ligation assay and immunostaining. To assess the effects of gain- and loss-of-function of β-catenin, transfection experiments were performed to induce overexpression of the constitutively active form of β-catenin (ca-β-catenin) and to block β-catenin activity with small interfering RNA, in cells cotransfected with either wild-type PTHR1 or mutant forms (lacking binding to β-catenin). Activation of the G protein α subunits G(αs) and G(αq) in the cells was determined by measurement of the intracellular cAMP accumulation and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, while activation of canonical Wnt pathways was assessed using a TOPflash reporter assay.

RESULTS

In differentiated chondrocytes, β-catenin physically interacted and colocalized with the cell membrane-specific region of PTHR-1 (584-589). Binding of β-catenin to PTHR-1 caused suppression of the G(αs)/cAMP pathway and enhancement of the G(αq)/Ca(2+) pathway, without affecting the canonical Wnt pathway. Inhibition of Col10a1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by PTH was restored by overexpression of ca-β-catenin, even after blockade of the canonical Wnt pathway, and Col10a1 mRNA expression was further decreased by knockout of β-catenin (via the Cre recombinase) in chondrocytes from β-catenin-floxed mice. Mutagenesis analyses to block the binding of β-catenin to PTHR1 caused an inhibition of chondrocyte hypertrophy markers.

CONCLUSION

β-catenin binds to the PTHR-1 C-tail and switches the downstream signaling pathway from G(αs)/cAMP to G(αq)/Ca(2+), which is a possible mechanism by which chondrocyte hypertrophy may be regulated through the PTH/PTHrP signal independent of the canonical Wnt pathway.

Functional characterization and evolution of PTH/PTHrP receptors: insights from the chicken

BACKGROUND

The parathyroid hormone (PTH)-family consists of a group of structurally related factors that regulate calcium and bone homeostasis and are also involved in development of organs such as the heart, mammary gland and immune system. They interact with specific members of family 2 B1 G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which have been characterised in teleosts and mammals. Two PTH/PTHrP receptors, PTH1R and PTH2R exist in mammals and in teleost fish a further receptor PTH3R has also been identified. Recently in chicken, PTH-family members involved in calcium transport were characterized and specific PTHRs are suggested to exist although they have not yet been isolated or functionally characterized. The aim of this study is to further explore the evolution and function of the vertebrate PTH/PTHrP system through the isolation, phylogenetic analysis and functional characterization of the chicken receptors.

RESULTS

Two PTHRs were isolated in chicken and sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis indicate that the chicken receptors correspond to PTH1R and PTH3R, which emerged prior to the teleost/tetrapod divergence since they are present in cartilaginous fish. The vertebrate PTH2R receptor and its ligand TIP39 have been lost from bird genomes. Chicken PTH1R and PTH3R have a divergent and widespread tissue expression and are also evident in very early embryonic stages of development. Receptor stimulation studies using HEK293 cells stably expressing the chicken PTH1R and PTH3R and monitoring cAMP production revealed they are activated by chicken 1-34 N-terminal PTH-family peptides in a dose dependent manner. PTH-L and PTHrP were the most effective peptides in activating PTH1R (EC(50) = 7.7 nM and EC(50) = 22.7 nM, respectively). In contrast, PTH-L (100 nM) produced a small cAMP accumulation on activation of PTH3R but PTHrP and PTH (EC(50) = 2.5 nM and EC(50) = 22.1 nM, respectively) readily activated the receptor. PTHrP also stimulated intracellular Ca(2+) accumulation on activation of PTH1R but not PTH3R.

CONCLUSION

Two PTHR homologues of the vertebrate PTH1R and PTH3R were isolated and functionally characterized in chicken. Their distinct pattern of expression during embryo development and in adult tissues, together with their ligand preference, suggests that they have acquired specific functions, which have contributed to their maintenance in the genome. PTH2R and its activating ligand, TIP39, are absent from bird genomes. Nonetheless identification of putative PTH2R and TIP39 in the genome of an ancient agnathan, lamprey, suggests the PTH/PTHrP ligand and receptor family was already present in an early basal paraphyletic group of vertebrates and during the vertebrate radiation diverged via gene/genome duplication and deletion events. Knowledge of the role PTH/PTHrP system in early vertebrates will help to establish evolution of function.

Non-canonical signaling of the PTH receptor

The classical model of arrestin-mediated desensitization of cell-surface G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is thought to be universal. However, this paradigm is incompatible with recent reports that the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor (PTHR), a crucial GPCR for bone and mineral ion metabolism, sustains G(S) activity and continues to generate cAMP for prolonged periods after ligand washout; during these periods the receptor is observed mainly in endosomes, associated with the bound ligand, G(S) and β-arrestins. In this review we discuss possible molecular mechanisms underlying sustained signaling by the PTHR, including modes of signal generation and attenuation within endosomes, as well as the biological relevance of such non-canonical signaling.