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Merlino F, Secondo A, Mitidieri E, Sorrentino R, Bellavita R, Grasso N, Chatenet D, Pannaccione A, Grieco P, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Carotenuto A. Expanding Structure-Activity Relationships of Human Urotensin II Peptide Analogues: A Proposed Key Role of the N-Terminal Region for Novel Urotensin II Receptor Modulators. J Med Chem 2024; 67:13879-13890. [PMID: 39096311 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
While the urotensinergic system plays a role in influencing various pathologies, its potential remains untapped because of the absence of therapeutically effective urotensin II receptor (UTR) modulators. Herein, we developed analogues of human urotensin II (hU-II) peptide in which, along with well-known antagonist-oriented modifications, the Glu1 residue was subjected to single-point mutations. The generated library was tested by a calcium mobilization assay and ex vivo experiments, also in competition with selected ligands. Interestingly, many derivatives showed noncompetitive modulation that was rationalized by the lateral allostery concept applied to a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) multimeric model. UPG-108 showed an unprecedented ability to double the efficacy of hU-II, while UPG-109 and UPG-111 turned out to be negative allosteric modulators of UTR. Overall, our investigation will serve to explore and highlight the expanding possibilities of modulating the UTR system through N-terminally modified hU-II analogues and, furthermore, will aim to elucidate the intricate nature of such a GPCR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi "Carlo Pedone" (CIRPeB), University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emma Mitidieri
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sorrentino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Grasso
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - David Chatenet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, H7 V 1B7 Québec, Canada
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi "Carlo Pedone" (CIRPeB), University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi "Carlo Pedone" (CIRPeB), University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
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Wei X, Diarra S, Douchez A, Cunico Dallagnol JC, Hébert TE, Chatenet D, Lubell WD. Urotensin II Receptor Modulation with 1,3,4-Benzotriazepin-2-one Tetrapeptide Mimics. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14241-14262. [PMID: 37800680 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II receptor (UT) modulators that differentiate the effects of the endogenous cyclic peptide ligands urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP) offer potential for dissecting their respective biological roles in disease etiology. Selective modulators of hUII and URP activities were obtained using 1,3,4-benzotriazepin-2-one mimics of a purported bioactive γ-turn conformation about the Bip-Lys-Tyr tripeptide sequence of urocontrin ([Bip4]URP). Considering an active β-turn conformer about the shared Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr sequence of UII and URP, 8-substituted 1,3,4-benzotriazepin-2-ones were designed to mimic the Phe-Bip-Lys-Tyr tetrapeptide sequence of urocontrin, synthesized, and examined for biological activity. Subtle 5- and 8-position modifications resulted in biased signaling and selective modulation of hUII- or URP-induced vasoconstriction. For example, p-hydroxyphenethyl analogs 17b-d were strong Gα13 and βarr1 activators devoid of Gαq-mediated signaling. Tertiary amides 15d and 17d negatively modulated hUII-induced vasoconstriction without affecting URP-mediated responses. Benzotriazepinone carboxamides proved to be exceptional tools for elucidating the pharmacological complexity of UT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozheng Wei
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, 1375 Ave. Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2V 0B3
| | - Sitan Diarra
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada H7V 1B7
| | - Antoine Douchez
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, 1375 Ave. Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2V 0B3
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada H7V 1B7
| | - Juliana C Cunico Dallagnol
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade SirWilliam Osler, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada H7V 1B7
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade SirWilliam Osler, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6
| | - David Chatenet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada H7V 1B7
| | - William D Lubell
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, 1375 Ave. Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2V 0B3
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Wei X, Douchez A, Lubell WD. 1,3,5,8-Tetrasubstituted 1,3,4-Benzotriazepin-2-one Scaffolds for β-Turn Mimicry without Stereogenic Carbon Centers: Synthesis and Conformational Analysis. J Org Chem 2023; 88:4633-4648. [PMID: 36930829 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Topological mimicry of peptide β-turn secondary structures has been investigated using a 1,3,5,8-tetrasubstituted 1,3,4-benzotriazepin-2-one scaffold. Approaches were conceived for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted benzotriazepinones from 4-acetyl-3-aminobenzoate based on aza-amino acid chemistry and different orthogonal protection strategies. Installation of an 8-position carboxylate on the aromatic ring enabled a diverse array of substituents to be introduced for mimicry of the i-position residue. Benzotriazepin-2-one crystallization and X-ray analysis demonstrated that in spite the absence of a stereogenic carbon center, the scaffold could serve as type I and I' β-turn mimics, because pyramidalization of the N3-nitrogen in the benzotriazepin-2-one provides potential for adoptive chirality. 1,3,5,8-Tetrasubstituted 1,3,4-benzotriazepin-2-one scaffolds offer interesting potential for the cost-effective synthesis of nonpeptide β-turn surrogates for peptide mimicry in various recognition events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozheng Wei
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, 1375 Ave. Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Antoine Douchez
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, 1375 Ave. Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - William D Lubell
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, 1375 Ave. Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec H2V 0B3, Canada
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Billard E, Hébert TE, Chatenet D. EXPLORATION OF THE UROCONTRIN A SCAFFOLD YIELDS NEW UROTENSINERGIC SYSTEM ALLOSTERIC MODULATOR AND COMPETITIVE ANTAGONISTS. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115485. [PMID: 36889446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The urotensinergic system, involved in the development and/or progression of numerous pathological conditions, is composed of one G protein-coupled receptor (UT) and two endogenous ligands known as urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP). These two structurally related hormones, which exert common and divergent effects, are thought to play specific biological roles. In recent years, we have characterized an analog termed urocontrin A (UCA), i.e. [Pep4]URP, which is capable of discriminating the effects of UII from URP. Such an action could allow the delineation of the respective functions of these two endogenous ligands. In an effort to define the molecular determinants involved in this behavior and to improve the pharmacological profile of UCA, we introduced modifications from urantide, considered for some time as a lead compound for the development of UT antagonists, into UCA and assessed the binding, contractile activity and G protein signaling of these newly developed compounds. Our results show that UCA and its derivatives exert probe-dependent effects on UT antagonism, and we have further identified [Pen2, Pep4]URP as a Gq biased ligand with an insurmountable antagonism in our aortic ring contraction assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Billard
- INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada.
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Mannes M, Martin C, Menet C, Ballet S. Wandering beyond small molecules: peptides as allosteric protein modulators. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 43:406-423. [PMID: 34857409 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen the rise of allosteric modulation as an innovative approach for drug design and discovery, efforts which culminated in the development of several clinical candidates. Allosteric modulation of many drug targets, including mainly membrane-embedded receptors, have been vastly explored through small molecule screening campaigns, but much less attention has been paid to peptide-based allosteric modulators. However, peptides have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry due to the typically higher potency and selectivity for their targets, as compared with small molecule therapeutics. Therefore, peptides represent one of the most promising classes of molecules that can modulate key biological pathways. Here, we report on the allosteric modulation of proteins (ranging from G protein-coupled receptors to specific protein-protein interactions) by peptides for applications in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Mannes
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Christel Menet
- Confo Therapeutics N.V., Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 30, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium.
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Nassour H, Hoang TA, Martin RD, Dallagnol JCC, Billard É, Létourneau M, Novellino E, Carotenuto A, Allen BG, Tanny JC, Fournier A, Hébert TE, Chatenet D. Lipidated peptides derived from intracellular loops 2 and 3 of the urotensin II receptor act as biased allosteric ligands. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101057. [PMID: 34389356 PMCID: PMC8424217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the urotensinergic system, composed of one G protein-coupled receptor and two endogenous ligands, has garnered significant attention as a promising new target for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, this system is associated with various biomarkers of cardiovascular dysfunctions and is involved in changes in cardiac contractility, fibrosis and hypertrophy contributing, like the angiotensinergic system, to the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure. Significant investment has been made toward the development of clinically relevant UT ligands for therapeutic intervention, but with little or no success to date. This system therefore remains to be therapeutically exploited. Pepducins and other lipidated peptides have been used as both mechanistic probes and potential therapeutics; therefore, pepducins derived from the human urotensin II receptor might represent unique tools to generate signaling bias and study hUT signaling networks. Two hUT-derived pepducins, derived from the second and the third intracellular loop of the receptor (hUT-Pep2 and [Trp1, Leu2]hUT-Pep3, respectively) were synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. Our results demonstrated that hUT-Pep2 and [Trp1, Leu2]hUT-Pep3 acted as biased ago-allosteric modulators, triggered ERK1/2 phosphorylation and to a lesser extent, IP1 production and stimulated cell proliferation yet were devoid of contractile activity. Interestingly, both hUT-derived pepducins were able to modulate human urotensin II (hUII)- and urotensin II-related peptide (URP)-mediated contraction albeit to different extents. These new derivatives represent unique tools to reveal the intricacies of hUT signaling and also a novel avenue for the design of allosteric ligands selectively targeting hUT signaling potentially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nassour
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Tuan Anh Hoang
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Ryan D Martin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Juliana C C Dallagnol
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Étienne Billard
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Myriam Létourneau
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Bruce G Allen
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jason C Tanny
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Fournier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Konno N, Takano M, Miura K, Miyazato M, Nakamachi T, Matsuda K, Kaiya H. Identification and signaling characterization of four urotensin II receptor subtypes in the western clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113586. [PMID: 32828811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is involved, via the UII receptor (UTR), in many physiological and pathological processes, including vasoconstriction, locomotion, osmoregulation, immune response, and metabolic syndrome. In silico studies have revealed the presence of four or five distinct UTR (UTR1-UTR5) gene sequences in nonmammalian vertebrates. However, the functionality of these receptor subtypes and their associations to signaling pathways are unclear. In this study, full-length cDNAs encoding four distinct UTR subtypes (UTR1, UTR3, UTR4, and UTR5) were isolated from the western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis). In functional analyses, homologous Xenopus UII stimulation of cells expressing UTR1 or UTR5 induced intracellular calcoum mobilization and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Cells expressing UTR3 or UTR4 did not show this response. Furthermore, UII induced the phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) through the UII-UTR1/5 system. However, intracellular cAMP accumulation was not observed, suggesting that UII-induced CREB phosphorylation is caused by a signaling pathway different from that involving Gs protein. In contrast, the administration of UII to cells increased the phosphorylation of guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEF-H1) and myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) in all UTR subtypes. These results define four distinct UTR functional subtypes and are consistent with the molecular evolution of UTR subtypes in vertebrates. Further understanding of signaling properties associated with UTR subtypes may help in clarifying the functional roles associated with UII-UTR interactions in nonmammalian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norifumi Konno
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555, Japan.
| | - Moe Takano
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Koichi Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 6-1 Kishibe-shinmachi, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mikiya Miyazato
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 6-1 Kishibe-shinmachi, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakamachi
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kouhei Matsuda
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kaiya
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 6-1 Kishibe-shinmachi, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
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Billard E, Chatenet D. Insights into the Molecular Determinants Involved in Urocontrin and Urocontrin A Action. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1717-1722. [PMID: 32944139 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, we have identified two allosteric modulators of the urotensinergic system with probe-dependent action, termed Urocontrin (UC) and Urocontrin A (UCA). Such action is atypical and important since it will allow us to understand the specific function of the functionally selective cognate ligands of this system, namely urotensin II and urotensin II-related peptide. Delineating the molecular determinants involved in this particular behavior would represent an important step toward designing small molecules suitable for pharmacologic and/or therapeutic intervention. Hence, we undertook an exploratory research by replacing the Trp4 residue of URP with several para-substituted phenylalanine amino acids in order to get a grasp on the required nature, distance, and orientation of the side chain of this residue for allosteric modulatory action. We found that the position of the second aromatic group is crucial, and we identified two new allosteric modulators: [Trip4]URP and [Phe(pPy-4)4]URP with probe-dependent action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Billard
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7 V 1B7, Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP), Université du Québec, Ville de Laval, Québec H7 V 1B7, Canada
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Davenport AP, Scully CCG, de Graaf C, Brown AJH, Maguire JJ. Advances in therapeutic peptides targeting G protein-coupled receptors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:389-413. [PMID: 32494050 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0062-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of peptide-activated pathways causes a range of diseases, fostering the discovery and clinical development of peptide drugs. Many endogenous peptides activate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) - nearly 50 GPCR peptide drugs have been approved to date, most of them for metabolic disease or oncology, and more than 10 potentially first-in-class peptide therapeutics are in the pipeline. The majority of existing peptide therapeutics are agonists, which reflects the currently dominant strategy of modifying the endogenous peptide sequence of ligands for peptide-binding GPCRs. Increasingly, novel strategies are being employed to develop both agonists and antagonists, to both introduce chemical novelty and improve drug-like properties. Pharmacodynamic improvements are evolving to allow biasing ligands to activate specific downstream signalling pathways, in order to optimize efficacy and reduce side effects. In pharmacokinetics, modifications that increase plasma half-life have been revolutionary. Here, we discuss the current status of the peptide drugs targeting GPCRs, with a focus on evolving strategies to improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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10
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Nassour H, Iddir M, Chatenet D. Towards Targeting the Urotensinergic System: Overview and Challenges. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:725-734. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Pereira-Castro J, Brás-Silva C, Fontes-Sousa AP. Novel insights into the role of urotensin II in cardiovascular disease. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:2170-2180. [PMID: 31430542 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide that interacts with a specific receptor called the UT receptor. UII has been implicated in cardiovascular regulation, with promising therapeutic applications based on UT receptor antagonism. The endogenous ligands of the UT receptor: UII and urotensin-related peptide (URP), differentially bind and activate this receptor. Also, the receptor localization is not restricted to the plasma membrane, possibly inducing different physiological responses that could support its inconsistent, but potent, vasoactive activity. These properties could explain the disappointing outcomes in clinical studies, in contrast to the positive preclinical results regarding heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. These aspects should be considered in future investigations to a better comprehension of the role of UII as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pereira-Castro
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, UnIC - Cardiovascular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia, Centro de Investigação Farmacológica e Inovação Medicamentosa (MedInUP), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.
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Merlino F, Billard É, Yousif AM, Di Maro S, Brancaccio D, Abate L, Carotenuto A, Bellavita R, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Santicioli P, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Hébert TE, Lubell WD, Chatenet D, Grieco P. Functional Selectivity Revealed by N-Methylation Scanning of Human Urotensin II and Related Peptides. J Med Chem 2019; 62:1455-1467. [PMID: 30615452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In accordance with their common but also divergent physiological actions, human urotensin II (1) and urotensin II-related peptide (2) could stabilize specific urotensin II receptor (UTR) conformations, thereby activating different signaling pathways, a feature referred to as biased agonism or functional selectivity. Sequential N-methylation of the amides in the conserved core sequence of 1, 2, and fragment U-II4-11 (3) shed light on structural requirements involved in their functional selectivity. Thus, 18 N-methylated UTR ligands were synthesized and their biological profiles evaluated using in vitro competition binding assays, ex vivo rat aortic ring bioassays and BRET-based biosensor experiments. Biological activity diverged from that of the parent structures contingent on the location of amide methylation, indicating relevant hydrogen-bond interactions for the function of the endogenous peptides. Conformational analysis of selected N-methyl analogs indicated the importance of specific amide residues of 2 for the distinct pharmacology relative to 1 and 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Étienne Billard
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP) , Université du Québec , 531 Boulevard des Prairies , Ville de Laval , Québec H7V 1B7 , Canada
| | - Ali M Yousif
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Luigi Abate
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | | | - Paolo Santicioli
- Department of Pharmacology , Menarini Ricerche , via Rismondo 12/A , Florence 50131 , Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics , McGill University , Montréal , Québec H3A 1A3 , Canada
| | - William D Lubell
- Département de Chimie , Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Station Centre-ville , Montréal , Québec H3C 3J7 , Canada
| | - David Chatenet
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Groupe de Recherche en Ingénierie des Peptides et en Pharmacothérapie (GRIPP) , Université du Québec , 531 Boulevard des Prairies , Ville de Laval , Québec H7V 1B7 , Canada
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Naples "Federico II" , via D. Montesano 49 , Naples 80131 , Italy
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