Elasmobranchs express separate cholecystokinin and gastrin genes

Neglected function of gastrin to reduce feeding in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) via cholecystokinin receptor B

Gastrin is an important intragastrointestinal hormone, but reports on its regulation of feeding behavior in fish are still scarce. This study aimed to determine the feeding regulatory function of gastrin in sturgeon. In this study, a gastrin/cholecystokinin-like peptide was identified in the genomes of sturgeon and proved to be gastrin by evolutionary tree analysis. Tissue distribution of gastrin and its receptor, cholecystokinin receptor B (CCKRB), showed that both had high mRNA abundance in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract. In the duodenum, gastrin and CCKRB mRNAs were reduced at 1 h of fasting, and both were also observed in the stomach and hypothalamus in response to changes in feeding status. Sulfated gastrin 17 is the major form of gastrin in vivo. Therefore, we investigated the effect of sulfated gastrin 17 on feeding by intraperitoneal injection into Siberian sturgeon using sulfated gastrin 17. The results showed that gastrin 17 significantly reduced the cumulative feeding of Siberian sturgeon in the short term (1, 3 and 6 h) and long term (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days). Finally, we explored the potential mechanism of feeding inhibition after intraperitoneal injection of gastrin 17 for 7 consecutive days. The results showed that gastrin 17 treatment significantly increased the mRNA levels of anorexigenic peptides (cart, cck and pyy), while it had no significant effect on the mRNA abundance of orexigenic peptides (npy and agrp). In addition, gastrin 17 treatment significantly affected the expression of appetite signaling pathways in the hypothalamus, such that the mRNA expression of ampkα1 was significantly reduced, whereas the mRNA abundance of stat3, mtor and s6k was significantly increased. In conclusion, the present study confirmed the anorectic effect of gastrin on Siberian sturgeon.

Cholecystokinin in the central nervous system of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus: precursor identification and neuroanatomical relationships with other neuronal signalling systems

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide that modulates processes such as digestion, satiety, and anxiety. CCK-type peptides have been characterized in jawed vertebrates and invertebrates, but little is known about CCK-type signalling in the most ancient group of vertebrates, the agnathans. Here, we have cloned and sequenced a cDNA encoding a sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus L.) CCK-type precursor (PmCCK), which contains a CCK-type octapeptide sequence (PmCCK-8) that is highly similar to gnathostome CCKs. Using mRNA in situ hybridization, the distribution of PmCCK-expressing neurons was mapped in the CNS of P. marinus. This revealed PmCCK-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus, posterior tubercle, prethalamus, nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus, midbrain tegmentum, isthmus, rhombencephalic reticular formation, and the putative nucleus of the solitary tract. Some PmCCK-expressing neuronal populations were only observed in adults, revealing important differences with larvae. We generated an antiserum to PmCCK-8 to enable immunohistochemical analysis of CCK expression, which revealed that GABA or glutamate, but not serotonin, tyrosine hydroxylase or neuropeptide Y, is co-expressed in some PmCCK-8-immunoreactive (ir) neurons. Importantly, this is the first demonstration of co-localization of GABA and CCK in neurons of a non-mammalian vertebrate. We also characterized extensive cholecystokinergic fibre systems of the CNS, including innervation of habenular subnuclei. A conspicuous PmCCK-8-ir tract ascending in the lateral rhombencephalon selectively innervates a glutamatergic population in the dorsal isthmic grey. Interestingly, this tract is reminiscent of the secondary gustatory/visceral tract of teleosts. In conclusion, this study provides important new information on the evolution of the cholecystokinergic system in vertebrates.

The diversity and evolution of anuran skin peptides

Amphibians exhibit various, characteristic adaptations related to their "incomplete" shift from the aquatic to the terrestrial habitat. In particular, the integument was subject to a number of specialized modifications during the evolution of these animals. In this review, we place special emphasis on endogenous host-defence skin peptides from the cuteanous granular glands anuran amphibians (frogs and toads). The overview on the two broad groups of neuroactive and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) goes beyond a simple itemization in that we provide a new perspective into the evolution and function of anuran AMPs. Briefly, these cationic, amphipathic and α-helical peptides are traditionally viewed as being part of the innate immune system, protecting the moist skin against invading microorganisms through their cytolytic action. However, the complete record of anuran species investigated to date suggests that AMPs are distributed sporadically (i.e., non-universally) across Anura. Together with the intriguing observation that virtually all anurans known to produce neuropeptides in their granular glands also co-secrete cytolytic peptides, we call the traditional role for AMPs as being purely antimicrobial into question and present an alternative scenario. We hypothesize AMPs to assist neuroactive peptides in their antipredator role through their cytolytic action increasing the delivery of the latter to the endocrine and nervous system of the predator. Thus, AMPs are more accurately viewed as cytolysins and their contribution to the immune system is better regarded as an accessory benefit.

Pre- and postprandial changes in orexigenic and anorexigenic factors in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Ghrelin (GRLN), cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and cholecystokinin (CCK) are neuropeptides involved in the regulation of appetite and feeding in vertebrates. We examined pre- and postprandial changes in the expression of plasma GHRL and mRNAs encoding GRLN, CART, NPY, and CCK in channel catfish. Fish were entrained to eat at 0900 h for 2 weeks. Fish were then sampled at 0700, 0800, and 0900 h. Remaining fish were either offered feed at 0900 h (Fed) or fasted (Unfed). Fish sampling continued at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h post feeding. Feeding increased abundance of whole brain CART mRNA out to 4 h with no effect observed in unfed fish. Whole brain NPY expression peaked at 0.5 h in both treatments. NPY expression then declined in fed fish but remained elevated in unfed fish. No differences in plasma or stomach GRLN expression were observed. Two separate cDNAs for CCK were identified. Brain CCKa and CCKb expression increased after feeding. These results suggest CART, NPY, and CCK play roles in the regulation of channel catfish feeding. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the neural and gastroenteric mechanisms regulating appetite in channel catfish.

Molecular and functional characterization of cionin receptors in the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis: the evolutionary origin of the vertebrate cholecystokinin/gastrin family

Cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin are vertebrate brain-gut peptides featured by a sulfated tyrosine residue and a C-terminally amidated tetrapeptide consensus sequence. Cionin, identified in the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis, the closest species to vertebrates, harbors two sulfated tyrosines and the CCK/gastrin consensus tetrapeptide sequence. While a putative cionin receptor, cior, was cloned, the ligand-receptor relationship between cionin and CioR remains unidentified. Here, we identify two cionin receptors, CioR1 and CioR2, which are the aforementioned putative cionin receptor and its novel paralog respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CioRs are homologous to vertebrate CCK receptors (CCKRs) and diverged from a common ancestor in the Ciona-specific lineage. Cionin activates intracellular calcium mobilization in cultured cells expressing CioR1 or CioR2. Monosulfated and nonsulfated cionin exhibited less potent or no activity, indicating that CioRs possess pharmacological features similar to the vertebrate CCK-specific receptor CCK1R, rather than its subtype CCK2R, given that a sulfated tyrosine in CCK is required for binding to CCK1R, but not to CCK2R. Collectively, the present data reveal that CioRs share a common ancestor with vertebrate CCKRs and indicate that CCK and CCK1R form the ancestral ligand-receptor pair in the vertebrate CCK/gastrin system. Cionin is expressed in the neural complex, digestive organs, oral siphon and atrial siphons, whereas the expression of ciors was detected mainly in these tissues and the ovary. Furthermore, cioninergic neurons innervate both of the siphons. These results suggest that cionin is involved in the regulation of siphonal functions.

Evolution of gastrointestinal hormones: the cholecystokinin/gastrin family

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe recent advances in our understanding of the evolution of gastrointestinal hormones, with the gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK) family as a model.

RECENT FINDINGS

The release of 11 genomic sequences in the last year has provided a wealth of additional information on peptide hormone sequences. The alternative approach of reverse genetics has identified a separate class of CCK receptor ligands in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

SUMMARY

Three classes of ligands, insect sulfakinins, nematode neuropeptide-like proteins and vertebrate gastrins/cholecystokinins, have now been described for the family of CCK receptors. Although all terminate in an amidated phenylalanine, similarity between the three classes is minimal elsewhere in the sequences. The occurrence of separate gastrin and CCK genes in the dogfish Squalus acanthias dates the divergence of gastrin and CCK to at least 528 +/- 56 Myr ago. The presence of a polyglutamate sequence in marsupial gastrins suggests that the ability to bind ferric ions, which is a critical determinant of biological activity for nonamidated gastrins, was acquired at least 173 +/- 12 Myr ago. Comparison of gastrin or CCK sequences between species suggests that, apart from the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide that is required for receptor binding, conservation is largely restricted to the dibasic processing sites and to the C-terminal flanking peptides of gastrin and CCK. The independent conservation of the latter peptide may be either a consequence of a requirement for precise processing, or may indicate a separate function.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and cholecystokinin (CCK) in winter skate (Raja ocellata): cDNA cloning, tissue distribution and mRNA expression responses to fasting

cDNAs encoding for neuropeptide Y (NPY), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and cholecystokinin (CCK) were cloned in an elasmobranch fish, the winter skate. mRNA tissue distribution was examined for the three peptides as well as the effects of two weeks of fasting on their expression. Skate NPY, CART and CCK sequences display similarities with sequences for teleost fish but in general the degree of identity is relatively low (50%). All three peptides are present in brain and in several peripheral tissues, including gut and gonads. Within the brain, the three peptides are expressed in the hypothalamus, telencephalon, optic tectum and cerebellum. Two weeks of fasting induced an increase in telencephalon NPY and an increase in CCK in the gut but had no effects on hypothalamic NPY, CART and CCK, or on telencephalon CART. Our results provide basis for further investigation into the regulation of feeding in winter skate.

Cloning of two melanocortin (MC) receptors in spiny dogfish: MC3 receptor in cartilaginous fish shows high affinity to ACTH-derived peptides while it has lower preference to gamma-MSH

We report the cloning and characterization of two melanocortin receptors (MCRs) from the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) (Sac). Phylogenetic analysis shows that these shark receptors are orthologues of the MC3R and MC5R subtypes, sharing 65% and 70% overall amino acid identity with the human counterparts, respectively. The SacMC3R was expressed and pharmacologically characterized in HEK293 cells. The radioligand binding results show that this receptor has high affinity for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-derived peptides while it has comparable affinity for alpha- and beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), and slightly lower affinity for gamma-MSH when compared with the human orthologue. ACTH(1-24) has high potency in a second-messenger cAMP assay while alpha- and gamma-MSH had slightly lower potency in cells expressing the SacMC3R. We used receptor-enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) fusion to show the presence of SacMC3R in plasma membrane of Chinese hamster ovary and HEK293 cells but the SacMC5R was retained in intracellular compartments of these cells hindering pharmacological characterization. The anatomical distribution of the receptors were determined using reverse transcription PCR. The results showed that the SacMC3R is expressed in the hypothalamus, brain stem and telencephalon, optic tectum and olfactory bulbs, but not in the cerebellum of the spiny dogfish while the SacMC5R was found only in the same central regions. This report describes the first molecular characterization of a MC3R in fish. The study indicates that many of the important elements of the MC system existed before radiation of gnathostomes, early in vertebrate evolution, at least 450 million years ago.

Distinct molecular mechanisms for agonist peptide binding to types A and B cholecystokinin receptors demonstrated using fluorescence spectroscopy

Fluorescence spectroscopy provides a direct method for evaluating the environment of a fluorescent ligand bound to its receptor. We utilized this methodology to determine the environment of Alexa within a cholecystokinin (CCK)-like probe (Alexa488-Gly-[(Nle(28,31))CCK-26-33]; CCK-8 probe) bound to the type A CCK receptor (Harikumar, K. G., Pinon, D. L., Wessels, W. S., Prendergast, F. G., and Miller, L. J. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 18552-18560). Here, we study this probe at the type B CCK receptor and develop another probe with its fluorophore closer to the carboxyl-terminal pharmacophore of type B receptor ligands (Alexa488-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2; CCK-4 probe). Both probes bound to type B CCK receptors in a saturable and specific manner and represented full agonists. Similar to the type A receptor, at the type B receptor these probes exhibited shorter lifetimes and lower anisotropy when the receptor was in the active conformation than when it was shifted to its inactive, G protein-uncoupled state using guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]-triphosphate trisodium salt. Absolute values for lifetime and anisotropy were lower for the CCK-8 probe bound to the type B receptor than for this probe bound to the type A receptor, and Alexa fluorescence was more easily quenched by iodide at the type B receptor. This represents the first direct evidence that, despite having identical affinities for binding and potencies for activating type A and B receptors, CCK is docked via distinct mechanisms, with the amino terminus more exposed to the aqueous milieu when bound to the type B CCK receptor than to the type A CCK receptor. Of interest, despite this difference in binding, activation of both receptors results in analogous direction of movement of the fluorescent indicator probes.

Secretagogue activities in cod (Gadus morhua) and shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) extracts and alcalase hydrolysates determined in AR4-2J pancreatic tumour cells

Peptides with gastrin immunoreactivity were measured in cod muscle (Gadus morhua) and shrimp heads (Penaeus aztecus) extracts and alcalase hydrolysates and separated by two chromatographic steps. Secretagogue activities present in crude extracts fractions were examined with or without specific antagonists of CCK receptors in AR4-2J cells. Several sub-fractions significantly stimulate amylase release, up to 110%. These stimulatory effects could be completely inhibited by the presence of L 365, 260 specific antagonist of CCKB receptors. After hydrolysis of the raw material, the samples were partially fractionated by two chromatographic steps and potential active fractions detected by a gastrin-CCK radioimmunoassay. The molecular masses of the active fractions were lower than for the extracts. Stimulation of amylase release was higher than with extracts, and the inhibition by L 365, 260, less pronounced. These results show that some peptides remaining after hydrolysis or extraction still exert biological activities and have to be tested in nutritional studies.

Identification of gastrin and multiple cholecystokinin genes in teleost

To identify the teleost gastrin, CCK/gastrin family genes were isolated from puffer and flounder. The cDNA of puffer gastrin, CCK1 and CCK2 were 678, 752 and 533bp, respectively. Puffer gastrin gene consists of three exons, in contrast, CCKs consist of four exons. Flounder gastrin mRNA (526bp) was expressed in the intestine but not in the brain. It was developed synchronously with the stomach differentiation in the larval stage. The phylogenetic analysis shows that puffer and flounder gastrin classified into the vertebrate gastrin cluster and two types of CCK were probably produced by the genome duplication occurred in teleost phylogeny.

Presence of melanocortin (MC4) receptor in spiny dogfish suggests an ancient vertebrate origin of central melanocortin system

We report the cloning, expression, pharmacological characterization and tissue distribution of a melanocortin (MC) receptor gene in a shark, the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) (Sac). Phylogenetic analysis showed that this receptor is an ortholog of the MC4 subtype, sharing 71% overall amino acid identity with the human (Hsa) MC4 receptor. When expressed and characterized by radioligand binding assay for the natural MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) peptides alpha-, beta-, and gamma-MSH, the SacMC4 receptor showed pharmacological properties very similar to the HsaMC4 receptor. Stimulation of SacMC4 receptor transfected cells with alpha-MSH caused a dose-dependent increase in intracellular cAMP levels. The SacMC4 receptor has Ala in position 59 where all other cloned MC receptors have Glu. We confirmed that this was not due to individual polymorphism and subsequently mutated the residue 'back' to Glu but the mutation did not affect the pharmacological properties of the receptor. SacMC4 receptor mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in the optic tectum, hypothalamus, brain stem, telencephalon and olfactory bulb but not in cerebellum or in peripheral tissues. This study describes the first characterization of an MC receptor in a cartilaginous fish, the most distant MC receptor gene cloned to date. Conservation of gene structure, pharmacological properties and tissue distribution suggests that this receptor may have similar roles in sharks as in mammals and that these were established more than 450 million years ago.

Cholecystokinin gene transcription: promoter elements, transcription factors and signaling pathways

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide expressed in the small intestine and in the central and peripheral nervous system. CCK gene expression is both spatially and temporally regulated. In neurons CCK production is increased by growth factors, cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP), dopamine, estrogen, and injury situations, while intestinal CCK expression is mainly regulated by food intake. The function of the proximal CCK promoter has been examined by transfection of human CCK-CAT reporter constructs in cultured cells, DNase I footprinting and gel shift assays. These studies have led to the identification of regulatory elements and transcription factors important for basal and stimulated gene expression and depicted the signaling pathways involved in growth factor and cAMP induced CCK transcription. The review outlines the current knowledge of the regulation of CCK transcription and describes the role of putative transcription factors in tissue-specific CCK gene expression.

Ontogeny of cholecystokinin-immunoreactive cells in the digestive tract of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, larvae

The appearance and distribution of cholecystokinin (CCK)-producing cells were investigated in the digestive tract of developing larvae of cultured Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus. The CCK-producing cells were detected immunohistochemically, by use of a primary antiserum against CCK cloned for the Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. No CCK-immunoreactive (IR) cells were detected in first-feeding larvae (33 days after hatching, DAH). Forty-five DAH or 12 days after first feeding, there were a few scattered CCK-IR cells in the epithelium of the anterior midgut in about 30% of the examined larvae. All larvae older than 52 DAH had CCK-IR cells in the anterior midgut, particularly frequent in the most anterior region adjacent to the pyloric caeca. No CCK-IR cells were detected in the foregut, the hindgut, or the midgut posterior to the first curvature. The CCK-IR cells spanned the intestinal epithelium from the basal lamina to the lumen and were triangular in shape, with the nucleus in the basal part and a thin apex toward the lumen. The mechanisms controlling release of bile, pancreatic enzymes, and peristalsis during the 12 days between first feeding and the first detection of CCK-IR cells remain to be clarified.

Identification and distribution of CCK-related peptides and mRNAs in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Peptides homologous to mammalian cholecystokinin (CCK), and their corresponding cDNAs, have been isolated and sequenced from the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Three cDNAs encoding CCK-like preprohormones were identified from the brain. The cDNAs encode three different putative CCK-8 peptides containing Asn, Leu or Thr, in position 6 (counting from the C-terminus). Hence, the trout CCKs are named CCK-N, CCK-L and CCK-T respectively. RT-PCR showed differential expression of the three mRNAs although all were detected in the brain and intestine, similar to the expression pattern of CCK in tetrapods. In situ hybridization on trout brain sections using (35)S-labeled gene-specific antisense oligonucleotides showed that the three mRNAs were present in different parts, suggesting that the three CCK peptides may have different functions in the brain. Purification of CCK-immunoreactive material from the trout brain resulted in two CCK octapeptides: DYNGWMDF(.)NH2 (CCK-N) and DYLGWMDF(.)NH2 (CCK-L) present in equal amounts. In the pyloric caeca, three forms of CCK-L were identified, consisting of 7, 8 and 21 residues, respectively. The last was dominating and had the sequence ASGPGPSHKIKDRDYLGWMDF(.)NH2. All isolated peptides were fully sulfated. The trout is the first species in which three different CCK-like cDNAs have been identified.

Preparation and Characterization of a Phospholipid Membrane-Bound Tetrapeptide That Corresponds to the C-Terminus of the Gastrin/Cholecystokinin Hormone Family

The present work deals with the synthesis of a hydrophobized peptide and its localization at the membrane surface, after its incorporation into phospholipid vesicles. The tetrapeptide, Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH(2), which corresponds to the C-terminus of the cholecystokinin/gastrin hormone family, is conjugated to N-glutaryldioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine using a carbodiimide-catalyzed reaction method. Sonication of the lipophilized hormone in the presence of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine results in a strong sequestration of the conjugate in the artificial membrane structures that are formed. More detailed information on the localization of the peptide moiety with respect to the membrane surface is gathered from fluorescence measurements. Both the observed blue shift in the fluorescence spectra and the quenching of Trp emission in the presence of potassium iodide point to a partial screening of the hormone moiety from the surrounding aqueous phase. The different parameters that may influence the physicochemical behavior of a hydrophobized peptide in a membrane structure are briefly discussed Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Identification and expression of gastrin and cholecystokinin mRNAs from the turtle, Pseudemys scripta: evidence of tissue-specific tyrosyl sulfation(1)

Gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are related peptide hormones expressed in the brain and gut of vertebrates. In this study, complementary DNAs have been characterised from the red-eared slider turtle, Pseudemys scripta. The encoded preproCCK contains mono and dibasic endoproteolytic processing sites for formation of the previously identified CCK-70, CCK-40 and CCK-8 products, whereas preprogastrin contains two dibasic processing sites for the generation of gastrin-52. Alignment of the predicted preprohormone structures with those of other species, showed that preproCCK has been well conserved among all vertebrates, whereas progastrin is less conserved. Both gastrin and CCK mRNA display expression patterns similar to their mammalian counterparts, with CCK being expressed in the brain, duodenum and small intestine, and gastrin in the antrum. Heterologous expression of turtle preprogastrin in a mammalian endocrine cell line led to production of carboxyamidated gastrin-52 as observed in turtle antrum. However, in contrast to the non-sulfated endogenous peptide, the heterologously expressed gastrin was completely Tyr sulfated. Consequently, it appears that either gastrin producing cells in the turtle gut do not express tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases or the enzyme(s) present in turtle antrum is unable to sulfate turtle gastrin.

Negative cooperativity between juxtaposed E-box and cAMP/TPA responsive elements in the cholecystokinin gene promoter

The promoter of the cholecystokinin (CCK) gene possesses evolutionary conserved juxtaposed E-box and cAMP/TPA responsive elements (CRE/TRE). We have examined the functional interaction of these two sites. As previously noted, c-Jun/c-Fos heterodimers greatly increase promoter activity through association with the CRE/TRE. Mutation of the E-box enhanced the activation by c-Jun/c-Fos, as well as stimulation by forskolin and bFGF, that acts through the CRE/TRE site. Moreover, c-Jun/c-Fos stimulation was inhibited by co-expression of c-Myc and Max. The results indicate that factors associating with the E-box exhibit a negative cooperative effect on the activation via the CRE/TRE element. We propose that this mechanism plays a significant role in CCK gene transcription and other genes with juxtaposed E-box and CRE/TRE.

Gastrin and cholecystokinin of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, have distinct effects on gallbladder motility and gastric acid secretion in vitro

Many regulatory peptides form families with at least two homologous members. For several such families the divergence of the individual members from a common ancestor can be dated to early in vertebrate history. Cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin were originally identified in mammals. Recently, two distinct members of the CCK/gastrin family were identified in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), termed CCK and gastrin. Frog gastrin is very similar to CCK in the region defining biological activity. To evaluate whether the two endogenous peptides have distinct properties, their effects were studied in typical target organs. While porcine gallbladder responded equally to frog gastrin-8 and CCK-8, EC50 values for stimulation of bullfrog gallbladder contractions were 490 nM (gastrin) and 69 nM (CCK). In contrast, gastrin appeared to be a more potent stimulant of acid secretion than CCK; the estimated EC50 values are 3.1 and 17.2 nM, respectively. Furthermore, gastrin had a significantly higher efficacy than CCK-8s. Thus, in spite of their close structural resemblance, there are clear differences between the two endogenous peptides in their action on gallbladder and gastric mucosa. It is concluded that there are distinct gastrin and CCK functions already at the amphibian level of evolution.

The new biology of gastrointestinal hormones

The classic concept of gastrointestinal endocrinology is that of a few peptides released to the circulation from endocrine cells, which are interspersed among other mucosal cells in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Today more than 30 peptide hormone genes are known to be expressed throughout the digestive tract, which makes the gut the largest endocrine organ in the body. Moreover, development in cell and molecular biology now makes it feasible to describe a new biology for gastrointestinal hormones based on five characteristics. 1) The structural homology groups the hormones into families, each of which is assumed to originate from a common ancestral gene. 2) The individual hormone gene is often expressed in multiple bioactive peptides due to tandem genes encoding different hormonal peptides, alternative splicing of the primary transcript, or differentiated processing of the primary translation product. By these mechanisms, more than 100 different hormonally active peptides are produced in the gastrointestinal tract. 3) In addition, gut hormone genes are widely expressed, also outside the gut. Some are expressed only in neuroendocrine cells, whereas others are expressed in a multitude of different cells, including cancer cells. 4) The different cell types often express different products of the same gene, "cell-specific expression." 5) Finally, gastrointestinal hormone-producing cells release the peptides in different ways, so the same peptide may act as an acute blood-borne hormone, as a local growth factor, as a neurotransmitter, and as a fertility factor. The new biology suggests that gastrointestinal hormones should be conceived as intercellular messengers of general physiological impact rather than as local regulators of the upper digestive tract.

Phylogeny of the cholecystokinin/gastrin family

The neuroendocrine peptides cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin, originally identified in mammals, are characterized by a common amidated C-terminal tetrapeptide sequence, Trp-Met-Asp-Phe.NH2, which also constitutes the minimal structure necessary for biological activity of both. Hence, it has been proposed that CCK and gastrin have evolved from a common ancestor. Although the occurrence of CCK/gastrin-related peptides has been suggested in representatives of several invertebrate phyla, the evidence, mostly based on immunoreactivity, has not been substantiated by peptide identification. Instead, CCK/gastrin-specific antibodies might be cross-reacting with Asp-Phe-amides, like the lymnaDFamides, isolated from the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Cionin, isolated from Ciona intestinalis, a representative of the protochordates that occupy a key position at the transition to vertebrates, so far represents the oldest genuine member of the CCK/gastrin family, dating the emergence of these peptides back to at least 500 million years ago. The CCK/gastrin family appears to be represented in the whole chordate phylum, and in addition to mammals, CCK and gastrin have recently been identified in a number of nonmammalian species representing the major vertebrate classes, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. This now makes it possible to consider the CCK/gastrin phylogeny based on structural information. A duplication of the ancestral gene appears to have already occurred before or during the appearance of cartilaginous fish, giving rise to two peptides most likely homologous to mammalian CCK and gastrin. Indicative of a function of gastrin, the acid secretory system appears to have developed concomitantly in sharks. The segregation of CCK and gastrin early in vertebrate evolution resembles the situation in other peptide families, in accordance with a suggested widespread pattern of multiplication within vertebrate peptide and protein families around 400 million years ago. At the amphibian level, two separate peptide systems, resembling mammalian CCK and gastrin, have been characterized by identification of the mature bioactive peptides, cDNAs, gene structures, primary and secondary sites of gene expression, and their physiological actions. The overall gene structure, including exon/intron organization, is similar in all mammalian and nonmammalian CCK/gastrin genes. CCK is well conserved in all vertebrate species investigated, while the mammalian gastrins at first sight appear as a distinct group with little similarity to the nonmammalian gastrins outside the invariant C-terminal tetrapeptide and the C-terminal flanking peptide of the prohormone. However, evidence indicates that the transition from nonmammalian to mammalian gastrin may not be as dramatic as first anticipated. In conclusion, the CCK/gastrin family appears to be represented in most, if not all, chordates, to which group it may also be limited. The two major classes, CCK and gastrin, probably arose as distinct peptide systems early in vertebrate history. While CCK is well conserved in all vertebrates, a major structural change of gastrin accompanied the transition to mammals.