Rational design of a peptide agonist that interacts selectively with the orphan receptor, bombesin receptor subtype 3

Application of Alanine Scanning to Determination of Amino Acids Essential for Peptide Adsorption at the Solid/Solution Interface and Binding to the Receptor: Surface-Enhanced Raman/Infrared Spectroscopy versus Bioactivity Assays

The article describes the application of the alanine-scanning technique used in combination with Raman, surface-enhanced Raman, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared, and surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopies, which allowed defining the role of individual amino acid residues in the C-terminal 6-14 fragment of the bombesin chain (BN6-14) on the path of its adsorption on the surface of Ag (AgNPs) and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). A reliable analysis of the SEIRA spectra of these peptides was possible, thanks to a curve fitting of these spectra. By combining alanine-scanning with biological activity studies using cell lines overexpressing bombesin receptors and the intracellular inositol monophosphate assay, it was possible to determine which peptide side chains play a significant role in binding a peptide to membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Based on the analysis of spectral profiles and bioactivity results, conclusions for the specific peptide-metal and peptide-GPCR interactions were drawn and compared.

Is the Use of Surface-Enhanced Infrared Spectroscopy Justified in the Selection of Peptide Fragments That Play a Role in Substrate-Receptor Interactions? Adsorption of Amino Acids and Neurotransmitters on Colloidal Ag and Au Nanoparticles

This paper describes an application of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy (SEIRA) to characterize the selective adsorption of four peptides present in body fluids such as neuromedin B (NMB), bombesin (BN), neurotensin (NT), and bradykinin (BK), which are known as markers for various human carcinomas. To perform a reliable analysis of the SERIA spectra of these peptides, curve fitting of these spectra in the spectral region above 1500 cm^–1 and SEIRA measurements of sulfur-containing and aromatic amino acids were performed. On the basis of the analyses of the spectral profiles, specific conclusions were drawn regarding specific molecule–metal interactions and changes in the interaction during the substrate change from the surface of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Bombesin Receptor Family Activation and CNS/Neural Tumors: Review of Evidence Supporting Possible Role for Novel Targeted Therapy

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are increasingly being considered as possible therapeutic targets in cancers. Activation of GPCR on tumors can have prominent growth effects, and GPCRs are frequently over-/ectopically expressed on tumors and thus can be used for targeted therapy. CNS/neural tumors are receiving increasing attention using this approach. Gliomas are the most frequent primary malignant brain/CNS tumor with glioblastoma having a 10-year survival <1%; neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumor in children with long-term survival<40%, and medulloblastomas are less common, but one subgroup has a 5-year survival <60%. Thus, there is an increased need for more effective treatments of these tumors. The Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs) is one of the GPCRs that are most frequently over/ectopically expressed by common tumors and is receiving particular attention as a possible therapeutic target in several tumors, particularly in prostate, breast, and lung cancer. We review in this paper evidence suggesting why a similar approach in some CNS/neural tumors (gliomas, neuroblastomas, medulloblastomas) should also be considered.

Development and Characterization of a Novel, High-Affinity, Specific, Radiolabeled Ligand for BRS-3 Receptors

Bombesin (Bn) receptor subtype 3(BRS-3) is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor of the Bn family, which does not bind any natural Bn peptide with high affinity. Receptor knockout studies show that the animals develop diabetes, obesity, altered temperature control, and other central nervous system (CNS)/endocrine/gastrointestinal changes. It is present in CNS, peripheral tissues, and tumors; however, its role in normal physiology/pathophysiology, as well as its receptor localization/pharmacology is largely unknown, in part due to the lack of a convenient, specific, direct radiolabeled ligand. This study was designed to address this problem and to develop and characterize a specific radiolabeled ligand for BRS-3. The peptide antagonist Bantag-1 had >10,000-fold selectivity for human BRS-3 (hBRS-3) over other mammalian Bn receptors (BnRs) [i.e., gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and neuromedin B receptor (NMBR)]. Using iodogen and basic conditions, it was radiolabeled to high specific activity (2200 Ci/mmol) and found to bind with high affinity/specificity to hBRS-3. Binding was saturable, rapid, and reversible. The ligand only interacted with known BRS-3 ligands, and not with other specific GRPR/NMBR ligands or ligands for unrelated receptors. The magnitude of 125I-Bantag-1 binding correlated with BRS-3 mRNA expression and the magnitude of activation of phospholipase C in lung cancer cells, as well as readily identifying BRS-3 in lung cancer cells and normal tissues, allowing the direct assessment of BRS-3 receptor pharmacology/numbers on cells containing BRS-3 with other BnRs, which is usually the case. This circumvents the need for subtraction assays, which are now frequently used to assess BRS-3 indirectly using radiolabeled pan-ligands, which interact with all BnRs.

Ions-free electrochemically synthetized in aqueous media flake-like CuO nanostructures as SERS reproducible substrates for the detection of neurotransmitters

The process of catalytic destruction of tumor cells can be strengthened by introducing copper(II) oxide nanostructures (CuONSs) with receptor's agonists/antagonists immobilized on their surface. Here we show a simple and reliable electrochemical method for the fabrication ions-free flake-like CuO nanostructures in a surfactant/ions free aqueous environment. For the determination of the metal surface plasmon, size, rheology, and structure of the fabricated nanostructures ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman, and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (HDTEM-EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used. The fabricated nanostructures were used as highly sensitive, uniform, and reproducible sensors of a natural ligand (bombesin) of some types of metabotropic seven transmembrane G protein-coupled superfamily receptors (GPCRs), which are over-express on the surface of many malignant tumors. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was used to monitor the geometry of adsorbate, separate, enrich, and detect various bombesin C-terminal fragments. It has been shown that the type of used substrate, surface development, and ions present in the solution have little effect on the mode of adsorption.

Breast Cancer Takes up 99mTc Bombesin. A Preliminary Report

Background

Several tumors including lung, prostate, ovarian, colon, and exocrine pancreatic cancer show receptors for the amphibian neurotransmitter and growth factor bombesin (BN) and its mammalian counterparts gastrin-releasing peptide and neuromedin B. Also breast cancer has been reported to show such receptors: the presence of BN receptors in primary breast cancer has been demonstrated on cultured cells and by autoradiography on breast tissue samples. Authors who have studied BN receptors in breast cancer do not agree on their frequency in primary cancer, but indicate that 100% of metastatic breast cancers show such receptors.

Methods

We examined three primary breast cancer patients with 99mTc BN and 99mTc sestamibi one week before surgery. One of them showed axillary node invasion. The same acquisition technique was used for breast and chest imaging with both radiopharmaceuticals, whereas total body images were acquired only with 99mTc BN. Also the administered radioactivity was different: 20 mCi of 99mTc sestamibi and 5-8 mCi of 99mTc BN. Dynamic images were acquired for 20 mins after iv injection with the patient in ventral decubitus and the gamma camera positioned in lateral view, as is generally done in Khakhali's prone scintimammography. Anterior chest images were acquired for 30 mins. Prone scintimammography was performed one hour after administration of both tracers. ROIs were drawn on tumors and surrounding breast with the same technique in order to calculate the tumor to breast ratio (T/B). In addition, total body scan was performed one hour and three hours after 99mTc BN administration. All three patients underwent breast conserving surgery with lymphadenectomy. Postoperative pathologic assessment showed the following T and N stages in the three patients: T1bN0, T1cN0. and T1cN1.

Results

All three cancers were imaged with both tracers. The T/B of 99mTc BN was always higher than that of 99mTc sestamibi. Chest uptake was always much higher with 99mTc sestamibi than with 99mTc BN. Comparison between 99mTc BN and 99mTc sestamibi images gave other intriguing results: in the N1 patient both tracers clearly imaged the invaded node, but on the 99mTc BN image the primary tumor was larger than on the 99mTc sestamibi image and the node was smaller. It is known that 99mTc BN is not taken up by vessels and inflammatory tissue. The time activity curves of the two tracers were significantly different in all patients, with an increase in 99mTc BN uptake in the first three to five minutes, followed by a less sharp uprise of the curve, quite similar to a plateau.

Conclusions

Our first impression is that 99mTc BN is a useful breast cancer seeking agent and very promising for lymph node staging.

A Selective Bombesin Receptor Subtype 3 Agonist Promotes Weight Loss in Male Diet-Induced-Obese Rats With Circadian Rhythm Change

Bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor. Based on the obese phenotype of male BRS-3-deficient mice, BRS-3 has been considered an attractive target for obesity treatment. Here, we developed a selective BRS-3 agonist (compound-A) and evaluated its antiobesity effects. Compound-A showed anorectic effects and enhanced energy expenditure in diet-induced-obese (DIO)-F344 rats. Moreover, repeated oral administration of compound-A for 7 days resulted in a significant body weight reduction in DIO-F344 rats. We also evaluated compound-A for cardiovascular side effects using telemeterized Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Oral administration of compound-A resulted in transient blood pressure increases in SD rats. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of BRS-3 agonist effects, we focused on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the main control center of circadian rhythms in the hypothalamus, also regulating sympathetic nervous system. Compound-A significantly increased the messenger RNA expression of Brs-3, c-fos, and circadian rhythm genes in SCN of DIO-F344 rats. Because SCN also controls the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, we evaluated the relationship between BRS-3 and the HPA axis. Oral administration of compound-A caused a significant increase of plasma corticosterone levels in DIO-F344 rats. On this basis, energy expenditure enhancement by compound-A may be due to a circadian rhythm change in central and peripheral tissues, enhancement of peripheral lipid metabolism, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Furthermore, the blood pressure increase by compound-A could be associated with sympathetic nervous system stimulation via SCN and elevation of plasma corticosterone levels through activation of the HPA axis.

Interaction of bombesin and its fragments with gold nanoparticles analyzed using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

This work demonstrates the application of commercially available stable surface composed of gold nanograins with diameters ranging from 70 to 226nm deposited onto silicon wafer for surface-enhanced Raman scattering investigations of biologically active compounds, such as bombesin (BN) and its fragments. BN is an important neurotransmitter involved in a complex signaling pathways and biological responses; for instance, hypertensive action, contractive on uterus, colon or ileum, locomotor activity, stimulation of gastric and insulin secretion as well as growth promotion of various tumor cell lines, including: lung, prostate, stomach, colon, and breast. It has also been shown that 8-14 BN C-terminal fragment partially retains the biological activity of BN. The SERS results for BN and its fragment demonstrated that (1) three amino acids from these peptides sequence; i.e., l-histidine, l-methionine, and l-tryptophan, are involved in the interaction with gold coated silicon wafer and (2) the strength of these interactions depends upon the aforementioned amino acids position in the peptide sequence.

Molecular basis for high affinity and selectivity of peptide antagonist, Bantag-1, for the orphan BB3 receptor

Bombesin-receptor-subtype-3 (BB3 receptor) is a G-protein-coupled-orphan-receptor classified in the mammalian Bombesin-family because of high homology to gastrin-releasing peptide (BB2 receptor)/neuromedin-B receptors (BB1 receptor). There is increased interest in BB3 receptor because studies primarily from knockout-mice suggest it plays roles in energy/glucose metabolism, insulin-secretion, as well as motility and tumor-growth. Investigations into its roles in physiological/pathophysiological processes are limited because of lack of selective ligands. Recently, a selective, peptide-antagonist, Bantag-1, was described. However, because BB3 receptor has low-affinity for all natural, Bn-related peptides, little is known of the molecular basis of its high-affinity/selectivity. This was systematically investigated in this study for Bantag-1 using a chimeric-approach making both Bantag-1 loss-/gain-of-affinity-chimeras, by exchanging extracellular (EC) domains of BB3/BB2 receptor, and using site-directed-mutagenesis. Receptors were transiently expressed and affinities determined by binding studies. Bantag-1 had >5000-fold selectivity for BB3 receptor over BB2/BB1 receptors and substitution of the first EC-domain (EC1) in loss-/gain-of affinity-chimeras greatly affected affinity. Mutagenesis of each amino acid difference in EC1 between BB3 receptor/BB2 receptor showed replacement of His(107) in BB3 receptor by Lys(107) (H107K-BB3 receptor-mutant) from BB2 receptor, decreased affinity 60-fold, and three replacements [H107K, E11D, G112R] decreased affinity 500-fold. Mutagenesis in EC1's surrounding transmembrane-regions (TMs) demonstrated TM2 differences were not important, but R127Q in TM3 alone decreased affinity 400-fold. Additional mutants in EC1/TM3 explored the molecular basis for these changes demonstrated in EC1, particularly important is the presence of aromatic-interactions by His(107), rather than hydrogen-bonding or charge-charge interactions, for determining Bantag-1 high affinity/selectivity. In regard to Arg(127) in TM3, both hydrogen-bonding and charge-charge interactions contribute to the high-affinity/selectivity for Bantag-1.

Toward the Optimization of Bombesin-Based Radiotracers for Tumor Targeting

The peptide bombesin (BBN) is a peptide with high affinity for the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr), a receptor that is overexpressed by, for example, breast and prostate cancers. Thus, GRPr agonists can be used as cancer-targeting vectors to shuttle diagnostic and therapeutic agents into tumor cells. With the aim of optimizing the tumor targeting properties of a radiolabeled [Nle(14)]BBN(7-14) moiety, novel BBN(7-14)- and BBN(6-14)-based radioconjugates were synthesized, labeled with Lu-177, and fully evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The effect of residue and backbone modification on several parameters such as the internalization of the radiolabeled peptides into PC3 and AR42J tumor cells, their affinity toward the human GRPr, metabolic stability in blood plasma, and biodistribution in mice bearing GRPr-expressing PC3 xenografts was studied. As a result of our investigations, a novel radiolabeled GRPr agonist with a high tumor uptake and a high tumor-to-kidney ratio was identified.

Novel chiral-diazepines function as specific, selective receptor agonists with variable coupling and species variability in human, mouse and rat BRS-3 receptor cells

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor which is classified in the bombesin receptor (BnR) family with which it shares high homology. It is present widely in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and primarily receptor-knockout studies suggest it is involved in metabolic-glucose-insulin homeostasis, feeding and other CNS behaviors, gastrointestinal motility and cancer growth. However, the role of BRS-3 physiologically or in pathologic disorders has been not well defined because the natural ligand is unknown. Until recently, no selective agonists/antagonists were available; however, recently synthetic high-affinity agonists, chiral-diazepines nonpeptide-analogs (3F, 9D, 9F, 9G) with low CNS penetrance, were described, but are not well-categorized pharmacologically or in different labarotory species. The present study characterizes the affinities, potencies, selectivities of the chiral-diazepine BRS-3 agonists in human and rodents (mice,rat). In human BRS-3 receptors, the relative affinities of the chiral-diazepines was 9G>9D>9F>3F; each was selective for BRS-3. For stimulating PLC activity, in h-BRS-3 each of the four chiral diazepine analogs was fully efficacious and their relative potencies were: 9G (EC50: 9 nM)>9D (EC50: 9.4 nM)>9F (EC50: 39 nM)>3F (EC50: 48 nM). None of the four chiral diazepine analogs activated r,m,h-GRPR/NMBR. The nonpeptide agonists showed marked differences from each other and a peptide agonist in receptor-coupling-stiochiometry and in affinities/potencies in different species. These results demonstrate that chiral diazepine analogs (9G, 9D, 9F, 3F) have high/affinity/potency for the BRS-3 receptor in human and rodent cells, but different coupling-relationships and species differences from a peptide agonist.

GRPR-targeted Protein Contrast Agents for Molecular Imaging of Receptor Expression in Cancers by MRI

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is differentially expressed on the surfaces of various diseased cells, including prostate and lung cancer. However, monitoring temporal and spatial expression of GRPR in vivo by clinical MRI is severely hampered by the lack of contrast agents with high relaxivity, targeting capability and tumor penetration. Here, we report the development of a GRPR-targeted MRI contrast agent by grafting the GRPR targeting moiety into a scaffold protein with a designed Gd³⁺ binding site (ProCA1.GRPR). In addition to its strong binding affinity for GRPR (K_d = 2.7 nM), ProCA1.GRPR has high relaxivity (r₁ = 42.0 mM⁻¹s⁻¹ at 1.5 T and 25 °C) and strong Gd³⁺ selectivity over physiological metal ions. ProCA1.GRPR enables in vivo detection of GRPR expression and spatial distribution in both PC3 and H441 tumors in mice using MRI. ProCA1.GRPR is expected to have important preclinical and clinical implications for the early detection of cancer and for monitoring treatment effects.

Insights into bombesin receptors and ligands: Highlighting recent advances

This following article is written for Prof. Abba Kastin's Festschrift, to add to the tribute to his important role in the advancement of the role of peptides in physiological, as well as pathophysiological processes. There have been many advances during the 35 years of his prominent role in the Peptide field, not only as editor of the journal Peptides, but also as a scientific investigator and editor of two volumes of the Handbook of Biological Active Peptides [146,147]. Similar to the advances with many different peptides, during this 35 year period, there have been much progress made in the understanding of the pharmacology, cell biology and the role of (bombesin) Bn receptors and their ligands in various disease states, since the original isolation of bombesin from skin of the European frog Bombina bombina in 1970 [76]. This paper will briefly review some of these advances over the time period of Prof. Kastin 35 years in the peptide field concentrating on the advances since 2007 when many of the results from earlier studies were summarized [128,129]. It is appropriate to do this because there have been 280 articles published in Peptides during this time on bombesin-related peptides and it accounts for almost 5% of all publications. Furthermore, 22 Bn publications we have been involved in have been published in either Peptides [14,39,55,58,81,92,93,119,152,216,225,226,231,280,302,309,355,361,362] or in Prof. Kastin's Handbook of Biological Active Peptides [137,138,331].

Bombesin receptor subtype 3 as a potential target for obesity and diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are important health issues; increasing in prevalence, both in the USA and globally. There are only limited pharmacological treatments, and although bariatric surgery is effective, new effective pharmacologic treatments would be of great value. This review covers one area of increasing interest that could yield new novel treatments of obesity/diabetes mellitus. It involves recognition of the central role the G-protein-coupled receptor, bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) plays in energy/glucose metabolism.

AREAS COVERED

Since the initial observation that BRS-3 knockout mice develop obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism and hyperphagia, there have been numerous studies of the mechanisms involved and the development of selective BRS-3 agonists/antagonists, which have marked effects on body weight, feeding and glucose/insulin homeostasis. In this review, each of these areas is briefly reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

BRS-3 plays an important role in glucose/energy homeostasis. The development of potent, selective BRS-3 agonists demonstrates promise as a novel approach to treat obesity/diabetic states. One important question that needs to be addressed is whether BRS-3 agonists need to be centrally acting. This is particularly important in light of recent animal and human studies that report transient cardiovascular side effects with centrally acting oral BRS agonists.

RC-3095, a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist, synergizes with gemcitabine to inhibit the growth of human pancreatic cancer CFPAC-1 in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a combination of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist RC-3095 and gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer CFPAC-1.

METHODS

The antiproliferation effects of RC-3095, gemcitabine, or the combination on pancreatic cancer were monitored in vitro. Nude mice bearing xenografts of CFPAC-1 cell received injections of the vehicle (control), RC-3095 (20 μg, subcutaneously, daily), gemcitabine (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, every 3 days), or the combination of RC-3095 and gemcitabine for 4 weeks. The histological changes and protein expression were tested using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Treatment with the combination in culture exhibited a powerful inhibition effect on CFPAC-1 cell proliferation. In xenograft mice model, RC-3095 or gemcitabine significantly reduced the volume and weight of tumors after 4 weeks of treatment, as compared with controls. The combination more potently inhibited the tumor growth than either agent used individually. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed gastrin-releasing peptide receptor/bombesin receptor subtype-3 positive cells and protein expression in tumors decreased by treatment with RC-3095 or gemcitabine alone or greater in combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that the combination could be considered for the possible new approaches for treatment of pancreatic cancers.

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3), a novel candidate as therapeutic molecular target in obesity and diabetes

BRS-3 KO-mice developed obesity and unbalanced glucose metabolism, suggesting an important role of BRS-3 receptor in glucose homeostasis. We explored BRS-3 expression in skeletal muscle from normal, obese or type-2 diabetic (T2D) patients, and the effect of [D-Phe(6), β-Ala(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]bombesin(6-14)-BRS-3-agonist-peptide (BRS-3-AP) - on glucose-related effects, before or after BRS-3 gene silencing. In muscle tissue and primary cultured myocytes from altered metabolic states, BRS-3 gene/protein expressions were down-regulated. In normal, obese and T2D cells: A) BRS-3-AP as insulin enhanced BRS-3 and GLUT-4 mRNA/protein levels; improving glucotransporter translocation to plasma membrane, and B) BRS-3-AP caused a concentration-related-stimulation of glucose transport, being obese and T2D myocytes more sensitive to the ligand than normal. Wortmannin and PD98059, but not rapamycin, abolished the stimulatory action of BRS-3-AP on glucose transport. BRS-3 plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and could be use as a molecular target, and/or its ligand, as a therapeutic agent for obesity and diabetes treatments.

The molecular basis for high affinity of a universal ligand for human bombesin receptor (BnR) family members

There is increased interest in the Bn-receptor family because they are frequently over/ectopically expressed by tumors and thus useful as targets for imaging or receptor-targeted-cytotoxicity. The synthetic Bn-analog, [D-Tyr(6), β-Ala(11), Phe(13), Nle(14)]Bn(6-14) [Univ.Lig] has the unique property of having high affinity for all three human BNRs (GRPR, NMBR, BRS-3), and thus could be especially useful for this approach. However, the molecular basis of this property is unclear and is the subject of this study. To accomplish this, site-directed mutagenesis was used after identifying potentially important amino acids using sequence homology analysis of all BnRs with high affinity for Univ.Lig compared to the Cholecystokinin-receptor (CCK(A)R), which has low affinity. Using various criteria 74 amino acids were identified and 101 mutations made in GRPR by changing each to those of CCK(A)R or to alanine. 22 GRPR mutations showed a significant decrease in affinity for Univ.Lig (>2-fold) with 2 in EC2[D97N, G112V], 1 in UTM6[Y284A], 2 in EC4[R287N, H300S] showing >10-fold decrease in Univ.Lig affinity. Additional mutations were made to explore the molecular basis for these changes. Our results show that high affinity for Univ.Lig by human Bn-receptors requires positively charged amino acids in extracellular (EC)-domain 4 and to a lesser extent EC2 and EC3 suggesting charge-charge interactions may be particularly important for determining the general high affinity of this ligand. Furthermore, transmembrane amino acids particularly in UTM6 are important contributing both charge-charge interactions as well as interaction with a tyrosine residue in close proximity suggesting possible receptor-peptide cation-π or H-bonding interactions are also important for determining its high affinity.

Biology and pharmacology of bombesin receptor subtype-3

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the results of recent studies regarding the biology and pharmacology of novel synthetic agonists and antagonists of the bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3).

RECENT FINDINGS

All three mammalian bombesin receptors including gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, the neuromedin B receptor, and the BRS-3 have been shown to regulate energy balance and appetite and satiety. Studies indicate that the orphan BRS-3 is an important regulator of body weight, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis. Endogenous bombesin-like peptides bombesin, gastrin-releasing peptide, and neuromedin B receptor do not bind to BRS-3 and the endogenous BRS-3 ligand remains unknown. The novel synthesis of selective, high-affinity BRS-3 agonists and antagonists has recently been accomplished and showed that BRS-3 regulates energy balance independent of other established pathways and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the pancreatic islet cells. The availability of new BRS-3 selective agonists and antagonists will facilitate further elucidation of its role in energy homeostasis, and provides a potential approach for the pharmacological treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SUMMARY

The native ligand of the G protein-coupled BRS-3 has not been identified as of now. However, novel synthesis of small-molecule, high-affinity agonists and antagonists on the BRS-3 was used in the recent studies and demonstrated an important role of BRS-3 in the regulation of energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism.

Appetite-modifying effects of bombesin receptor subtype-3 agonists

Studies on bombesin-like peptides (BLP) and their respective mammalian receptors (Bn-r) have demonstrated a significant biological impact on a broad array of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Pharmacological experiments in vitro and in vivo as well as utilization of genetic rodent models of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R/BB2-receptor), neuromedin B receptor (NMB-R/BB1-receptor), and the bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3/BB3-receptor) further delineated their role in health and disease. All three mammalian bombesin receptors have been shown to possess some role in the regulation of energy balance and appetite and satiety. Compelling experimental evidence has accumulated indicating that the orphan BRS-3 is an important regulator of body weight, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis. BRS-3 possesses no high affinity to the endogenous bombesin-like peptides (BLP) bombesin, GRP, and NMB, and its endogenous ligand remains unknown. Recently, the synthesis of novel, selective high-affinity BRS-3 agonists and antagonists has been accomplished and has demonstrated that BRS-3 regulates energy balance independent of other established pathways. Accordingly, the availability of new BRS-3 selective agonists and antagonists will facilitate further elucidation of its role in energy homeostasis and provides a potential approach for the pharmacological treatment of obesity.

Pharmacology and selectivity of various natural and synthetic bombesin related peptide agonists for human and rat bombesin receptors differs

The mammalian bombesin (Bn)-receptor family [gastrin-releasing peptide-receptor (GRPR-receptor), neuromedin B-receptor (NMB receptor)], their natural ligands, GRP/NMB, as well as the related orphan receptor, BRS-3, are widely distributed, and frequently overexpressed by tumors. There is increased interest in agonists for this receptor family to explore their roles in physiological/pathophysiological processes, and for receptor-imaging/cytotoxicity in tumors. However, there is minimal data on human pharmacology of Bn receptor agonists and most results are based on nonhuman receptor studies, particular rodent-receptors, which with other receptors frequently differ from human-receptors. To address this issue we compared hNMB-/GRP-receptor affinities and potencies/efficacies of cell activation (assessing phospholipase C activity) for 24 putative Bn-agonists (12 natural, 12 synthetic) in four different cells with these receptors, containing native receptors or receptors expressed at physiological densities, and compared the results to native rat GRP-receptor containing cells (AR42J-cells) or rat NMB receptor cells (C6-glioblastoma cells). There were close correlations (r=0.92-99, p<0.0001) between their affinities/potencies for the two hGRP- or hNMB-receptor cells. Twelve analogs had high affinities (≤ 1 nM) for hGRP receptor with 15 selective for it (greatest=GRP, NMC), eight had high affinity/potencies for hNMB receptors and four were selective for it. Only synthetic Bn analogs containing β-alanine(11) had high affinity for hBRS-3, but also had high affinities/potencies for all GRP-/hNMB-receptor cells. There was no correlation between affinities for human GRP receptors and rat GRP receptors (r=0.131, p=0.54), but hNMB receptor results correlated with rat NMB receptor (r=0.71, p<0.0001). These results elucidate the human and rat GRP-receptor pharmacophore for agonists differs markedly, whereas they do not for NMB receptors, therefore potential GRP-receptor agonists for human studies (such as Bn receptor-imaging/cytotoxicity) must be assessed on human Bn receptors. The current study provides affinities/potencies on a large number of potential agonists that might be useful for human studies.

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 agonists stimulate the growth of lung cancer cells and increase EGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation

The effects of bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) agonists were investigated on lung cancer cells. The BRS-3 agonist (DTyr(6), (Ala(11), Phe(13), Nle(14)) bombesin(6-14) (BA1), but not gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) or neuromedin B (NMB) increased significantly the clonal growth of NCI-H1299 cells stably transfected with BRS-3 (NCI-H1299-BRS-3). Also, BA1 addition to NCI-H727 or NCI-H1299-BRS-3 cells caused Tyr(1068) phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Similarly, (DTyr(6), R-Apa(11), Phe(13), Nle(14)) bombesin(6-14) (BA2) and (DTyr(6), R-Apa(11), 4-Cl,Phe(13), Nle(14)) bombesin(6-14) (BA3) but not gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) or neuromedin B (NMB) caused EGFR transactivation in NCI-H1299-BRS-3 cells. BA1-induced EGFR or ERK tyrosine phosphorylation was not inhibited by addition of BW2258U89 (BB(2)R antagonist) or PD168368 (BB(1)R antagonist) but was blocked by (DNal-Cys-Tyr-DTrp-Lys-Val-Cys-Nal)NH(2) (BRS-3 ant.). The BRS-3 ant. reduced clonal growth of NCI-H1299-BRS-3 cells. BA1, BA2, BA3 and BRS-3 ant. inhibit specific (125)I-BA1 binding to NCI-H1299-BRS-3 cells with an IC(50) values of 1.1, 21, 15 and 750nM, respectively. The ability of BRS-3 to regulate EGFR transactivation in NCI-H1299-BRS-3 cells was reduced by AG1478 or gefitinib (EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors), GM6001 (matrix metalloprotease inhibitor), PP2 (Src inhibitor), N-acetylcysteine (anti-oxidant), Tiron (superoxide scavenger) and DPI (NADPH oxidase inhibitor). These results demonstrate that BRS-3 agonists may stimulate lung cancer growth as a result of EGFR transactivation and that the transactivation is regulated by BRS-3 in a Src-, reactive oxygen and matrix metalloprotease-dependent manner.

Pyridinesulfonylureas and pyridinesulfonamides as selective bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) agonists

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor belonging to the subfamily of bombesin-like receptors. BRS-3 is implicated in the development of obesity and diabetes. We report here small-molecule agonists that are based on a 4-(alkylamino)pyridine-3-sulfonamide core. We describe the discovery of 2a, which has mid-nanomolar potency, selectivity for human BRS-3 versus the other bombesin-like receptors, and good bioavailability.

Pharmacology of putative selective hBRS-3 receptor agonists for human bombesin receptors (BnR): affinities, potencies and selectivity in multiple native and BnR transfected cells

The orphan receptor, bombesin receptor subtype-3(BRS-3) is a G-protein-coupled receptor classified in the bombesin (Bn) receptor family because of its high homology (47-51%) with other members of this family [gastrin-releasing peptide receptor [GRPR] and neuromedin B receptor [NMBR]]. There is increasing interest in BRS-3, because primarily from receptor knockout studies, it seems important in energy metabolism, glucose control, insulin secretion, motility and tumor growth. Pharmacological tools to study the role of BRS-3 in physiology/pathophysiology are limited because the natural ligand is unknown and BRS-3 has low affinity for all naturally occurring Bn-related peptides. However, a few years ago a synthetic high-affinity agonist [dTyr(6),betaAla(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]Bn-(6-14) was described but was nonselective for BRS-3 over other Bn receptors. Based on this peptide, in various studies a number of putative selective, high-potency hBRS-3 agonists were described, however the results on their selectivity are conflicting in a number of cases. The purpose of the present study was to thoroughly study the pharmacology of four of the most select/potent putative hBRS-3 agonists (#2-4, 16a). Each was studied in multiple well-characterized Bn receptor-transfected cells and native Bn receptor bearing cells, using binding studies, alterations in cellular signaling (PLC, PKD) and changes in cellular function(growth). Two peptides (#2, #3) had nM affinities/potencies for hBRS-3, peptide #4 had low affinity/potency, and peptide #16a very low (>3000 nM). Peptide#3 had the highest selectivity for hBRS-3 (100-fold), whereas #2, 4 had lower selectivity. Peptide #16a's selectivity could not be determined because of its low affinity/potencies for all hBn receptors. These results show that peptide #3 is the preferred hBRS-3 agonist for studies at present, although its selectivity of only 100-fold may limit its utility in some cases. This study underscores the importance of full pharmacological characterization of newly reported selective agonists.

Molecular basis for agonism in the BB3 receptor: an epitope located on the interface of transmembrane-III, -VI, and -VII

Epitopes determining the agonist property of two structurally distinct selective ligands for the human bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BB3), [D-Tyr6,(R)-Apa11,Phe13, Nle14]-bombesin(6-14) (Pep-1) and Ac-Phe-Trp-Ala-His(TauBzl)-Nip-Gly-Arg-NH2 (Pep-2), were mapped through systematic mutagenesis of the main ligand-binding pocket of the receptor. The mutational map for the smaller Pep-2 spanned the entire binding pocket of the BB3 receptor. In contrast, the much fewer mutational hits for the larger Pep-1 were confined to the center of the pocket, i.e., the opposing faces of the extracellular segments of transmembrane (TM)-III, TM-VI, and TM-VII. All the residues, which upon mutation affected Pep-1, were also hits for Pep-2 and included those that were most essential for the function of Pep-2: LeuIII:04 (Leu(123)), TyrVI:16 (Tyr(291)), and ArgVII:06 (Arg(316)). The BB3 receptor was found to signal with 12% ligand-independent activity that was strongly influenced both positively and negatively by several mutations in the binding pocket. The substitutions, which decreased the constitutive signaling, included not only the major mutational hits for the peptide agonists but also mutations more superficially located in the receptor. It is concluded that activation of the BB3 receptor is dependent upon an epitope in the main ligand-binding pocket at the interface between TM-III, TM-VI, and TM-VII that corresponds to the site where, for example, activating metal ion sites have been constructed previously in 7TM receptors.

Potential-dependent studies on the interaction between phenylalanine-substituted bombesin fragments and roughened Ag, Au, and Cu electrode surfaces

In this work, we report systematic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and generalized two-dimensional correlation analysis (G2DCA) studies of the structures of five specifically modified phenylalanine-substituted C-terminal bombesin 6-14 fragments (BN(6-14)). The fragments studied have all been tested as chemotherapeutic agents in cancer therapy, and they form amino acid sequences in bombesin: cyclo[d-Phe(6),His(7),Leu(14)]BN(6-14), [D-Phe(6),Leu-NHEt(13),des-Met(14)]BN(6-14), [D-Phe(6),Leu(13)-((R))-p-Cl-Phe(14)]BN(6-14), [D-Phe(6),beta-Ala(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]BN(6-14), and [D-Tyr(6),beta-Ala(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]BN(6-14). We adsorbed these fragments onto roughened Ag, Au, and Cu electrode surfaces, using a potential range from -1.200 to 0.400 V, at physiological pH. We compared the adsorption mechanism of each fragment on these substrates, as well any changes observed with varying electrode potential, to determine the relationship between adsorption strength and geometry of each of the peptides wherever it was possible. For example, we showed that none of these fragments directly interact with the Ag, Au, and Cu surfaces via residues of Phe (phenylalanine) and Trp(8) (L-tryptophane at position 8 of the BN amino acid sequence) or by an amide bond, due to a very small shift in wavenumber of their characteristic vibrations. Specific interactions were recognized from the broadening, wavenumber shift, and increase in intensity of the W18 Trp(8) mode near 759 cm(-1) and decrease in nu(12) vibration frequency of the Phe residue. In general, more intense SERS bands were observed due to the Phe ring, compared with the Trp(8) ring, which suggested a preferential adsorption of phenylalanine over tryptophane. For [D-Tyr(6),beta-Ala(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]BN(6-14), the data also suggest some interaction of a D-Tyr(6) residue (D-tyrosine at position 6). Finally, only slight rearrangements of these moieties on the substrates are observed with changes in electrode potential.

Characterization of putative GRP- and NMB-receptor antagonist's interaction with human receptors

The mammalian bombesin (Bn) peptides neuromedin B (NMB) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) actions are mediated by two receptors (NMB-receptor, GRP-receptor) which are widely distributed in the GI tract and CNS. From primarily animal studies NMB/GRP-receptor activation has physiological/pathophysiological effects in the CNS and GI tract including stimulating of growth of cancers and normal tissues. Whereas these Bn-receptors' effects have been extensively studied in nonhuman cells and animals, little is known of the physiological/pathological role(s) in humans, largely due to lack of potent antagonists. To address this issue we compared NMB/GRP-receptor affinity/potency of 10 chemical classes of putative antagonists (35 compounds) for human Bn-receptors by performing binding studies or assessing abilities to activate hGRP/hNMB-receptor [assessing phospholipase C activation] in four different cells containing native Bn-receptors or transfected receptors. From binding studies 23 were GRP-receptor-preferring, 4 were NMB-receptor, and 8 nonselective. For the hGRP-receptor-preferring analogues none showed hGRP-receptor agonist activity, but 13 were full or partial hNMB-receptor agonists at hNMB-receptors. For hNMB-receptor-preferring analogues none were agonists. Analogue #24 ([(3-Ph-Pr(6)), His(7), d-Ala(11), d-Pro(13), Psi(13-14), Phe(14)]Bn(6-14)NH2) and analogue #7 [d-Phe(6), Leu(13), Psi(CH(2)NH), Cpa(14)]Bn(6-14) were the most potent (0.2-1.4nM) and selective (>10,000-fold) for the hGRP-receptor with analogue #7.5 [d-Tpi(6), Leu(13), Psi(CH2NH), Leu(14)]Bn(6-14)[RC-3095] (0.2-1.4nM) slightly less selective. Analogue #34 (PD168368) had the highest affinity for hNMB-receptor (1.32-1.58nM) and the greatest selectivity (2298-6952-fold) for the hNMB-receptor. These results demonstrate numerous putative hGRP/hNMB-receptor antagonists identified in nonhuman cells and/or animals have agonist activity at the hNMB-receptor, limiting their potential usefulness. However, a number were identified which were potent/selective for human Bn-receptors and should be useful for investigating their roles in human physiological/pathophysiological conditions.

Protected peptide nanoparticles: experiments and brownian dynamics simulations of the energetics of assembly

Soluble peptides, susceptible to degradation and clearance in therapeutic applications, have been formulated into protected nanoparticles for the first time through the process of kinetically controlled, block copolymer directed rapid precipitation using Flash NanoPrecipitation. Complementary Brownian dynamics simulations qualitatively model the nanoparticle formation process. The simulations corroborate the hypothesis that the size of nanoparticles decreases with increasing supersaturation. Additionally, the influence of the polymer-peptide interaction energy on the efficiency of nanoparticle protection by polymer surface coverage is elucidated in both experiments and simulations.

In vitro binding evaluation of 177Lu-AMBA, a novel 177Lu-labeled GRP-R agonist for systemic radiotherapy in human tissues

Members of the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) family and its analogs bombesin (BBN) have been implicated in the biology of several human cancers including prostate, breast, colon and lung. To date, three mammalian GRP/BBN receptor subtypes have been cloned and characterized: the neuromedin B receptor (NMBR), the GRP receptor (GRPR) and the BBN-receptor subtype 3 (BB(3)). The fourth BBN receptor subtype, BB(4), has only been identified in amphibian and at present no mammalian equivalent of this receptor has been described. GRPR analogs have been used as carriers to deliver drugs, radionuclides and cytotoxins to target various cancer types that are GRPR positive. We investigated the in vitro binding properties of (177)Lu-AMBA, a novel radiolabelled BBN analog currently undergoing clinical trial as systemic radiotherapy for hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) patients. Pharmacological analyses of the (177)Lu-AMBA was determined using in vitro binding studies using membrane target system containing specific receptor subtypes. We investigated the distribution of binding sites for (177)Lu-AMBA by receptor autoradiography on human neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues. Pharmacological characterizations of (177)Lu-AMBA shows, high affinity towards NMB and GRP receptors, while little or no affinity towards BB(3) receptor. Among the 40 different types of non-neoplastic tissues tested seven of them showed limited but specific binding of (177)Lu-AMBA. Fourteen of 17 primary prostate cancers, six of 13 primary breast cancers expressed binding sites for (177)Lu-AMBA. Furthermore, no apparent differences in (177)Lu-AMBA-binding sites expression were observed between matched pairs (primary vs. secondary) of prostate and breast cancer tissues. These data represent the molecular basis for clinical applications of (177)Lu-AMBA for diagnosis and treatment of GRP-R and NMB-R positive tumors.

Structures and bonding on a colloidal silver surface of the various length carboxyl terminal fragments of bombesin

Raman (RS) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra (SERS) were measured for various length carboxyl terminal fragments (X-14 of amino acid sequence) of bombesin ( BN): BN13-14, BN12-14, BN11-14, BN10-14, BN9-14, and BN8-14 in silver colloidal solutions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of Raman wavenumbers and intensities with extended basis sets (B3LYP/6-31++G**) were performed with the aim of providing the definitive band allocations to the normal coordinates. The proposed band assignment is consistent with the assignment for similar compounds reported in the literature. The nonadsorbed and adsorbed molecular structures were deducted by detailed spectral analysis of the RS and SERS spectra, respectively. This analysis also allowed us to propose the particular surface geometry and orientation of these peptides on silver surface, and their specific interaction with the surface. For example, a SERS spectrum of BN8-14 indicates that the interaction of a thioether atom and Trp8 with the silver surface is favorable and may dictate the orientation and conformation of adsorbed peptide. One of the most prominent and common features in all of the fragments' SERS spectra is a approximately 692 cm (-1) band due to nu(C-S) accompanied by two or three bands of different C-S conformers for all, except BN8-14, which suggests that all of the above-mentioned compounds adsorb on the silver surface through the thioether atom and that the attachment of Trp8 produces limitation in a number of possible C-S conformers adopted on this surface. Our results also show clearly that His12 and CO do not interact with the colloid surface, which supports our earlier results.

International Union of Pharmacology. LXVIII. Mammalian bombesin receptors: nomenclature, distribution, pharmacology, signaling, and functions in normal and disease states

The mammalian bombesin receptor family comprises three G protein-coupled heptahelical receptors: the neuromedin B (NMB) receptor (BB(1)), the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor (BB(2)), and the orphan receptor bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) (BB(3)). Each receptor is widely distributed, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and central nervous system (CNS), and the receptors have a large range of effects in both normal physiology and pathophysiological conditions. The mammalian bombesin peptides, GRP and NMB, demonstrate a broad spectrum of pharmacological/biological responses. GRP stimulates smooth muscle contraction and GI motility, release of numerous GI hormones/neurotransmitters, and secretion and/or hormone release from the pancreas, stomach, colon, and numerous endocrine organs and has potent effects on immune cells, potent growth effects on both normal tissues and tumors, potent CNS effects, including regulation of circadian rhythm, thermoregulation; anxiety/fear responses, food intake, and numerous CNS effects on the GI tract as well as the spinal transmission of chronic pruritus. NMB causes contraction of smooth muscle, has growth effects in various tissues, has CNS effects, including effects on feeding and thermoregulation, regulates thyroid-stimulating hormone release, stimulates various CNS neurons, has behavioral effects, and has effects on spinal sensory transmission. GRP, and to a lesser extent NMB, affects growth and/or differentiation of various human tumors, including colon, prostate, lung, and some gynecologic cancers. Knockout studies show that BB(3) has important effects in energy balance, glucose homeostasis, control of body weight, lung development and response to injury, tumor growth, and perhaps GI motility. This review summarizes advances in our understanding of the biology/pharmacology of these receptors, including their classification, structure, pharmacology, physiology, and role in pathophysiological conditions.

Bombesin-related peptides and their receptors: recent advances in their role in physiology and disease states

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mammalian bombesin-related peptides, gastrin-releasing peptide and neuromedin B actions are mediated by two receptors (BB1-receptor, BB2-receptor), which are closely related to the orphan receptor BRS-3 (BB3-receptor). The purpose of this review is to highlight advances in the understanding of these peptides in physiology/disease states.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pharmacologic/receptor-knockout studies show involvement of these receptors in a number of new processes/diseases. Neuromedin B/BB1-receptor is an important physiological regulator of pituitary-thyroid function; in mediating behavior, especially feas/anxiety; in mediating satiety through different cascades than gastrin-releasing peptide/BB2 receptors and for its autocrine tumor-growth effects. Gastrin-releasing peptide/BB2-receptor plays important roles in mediating signals for pruritus, lung development/injury, small intestinal mucosal defense, and central nervous system processes such as learning/memory. The signaling mechanisms of its potent growth effects are being elucidated and their possible therapeutic targets identified. BB3-receptor knockout mice provided insights for their obesity/glucose intolerance and demonstrated that this receptor may be important in the lung response to injury, tumor growth and gastrointestinal motility. Each receptor is frequently overexpressed in human tumors and has potent growth effects. This effect is being explored to develop new antitumor treatments, such as bombesin-receptor ligands conjugated to cytotoxic agents.

SUMMARY

This receptor family is involved in an increasing number of central nervous system/peripheral processes physiologically and in disease states, and increased understanding of its role may lead to novel treatments.

Molecular basis for agonist selectivity and activation of the orphan bombesin receptor subtype 3 receptor

Bombesin receptor subtype (BRS)-3, a G-protein-coupled orphan receptor, shares 51% identity with the mammalian bombesin (Bn) receptor for gastrin-releasing peptide. There is increasing interest in BRS-3 because it is important in energy metabolism, glucose control, motility, and tumor growth. BRS-3 has low affinity for all Bn-related peptides; however, recently synthetic high-affinity agonists, [d-Tyr(6)/d-Phe(6),betaAla(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]Bn-(6-14), were described, but they are nonselective for BRS-3 over other Bn receptors. Based on these peptides, three BRS-3-selective ligands were developed: peptide 2, [d-Tyr(6)(R)-3-amino-propionic acid(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]Bn(6-14); peptide 3, [d-Tyr(6),(R)-Apa(11),4Cl-Phe(13),Nle(14)]Bn(6-14); and peptide 4, acetyl-Phe-Trp-Ala-His-(tBzl)-piperidine-3 carboxylic acid-Gly-Arg-NH(2). Their molecular determinants of selectivity/high affinity for BRS-3 are unknown. To address this, we used a chimeric/site mutagenesis approach. Substitution of extracellular domain 2 (EC2) of BRS-3 by the comparable gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) domain decreased 26-, 4-, and 0-fold affinity for peptides 4, 3, and 2. Substitution of EC3 decreased affinity 4-, 11-, and 0-fold affinity for peptides 2 to 4. Ten-point mutations in the EC2 and adjacent transmembrane regions (TM2) 2 and 3 of BRS-3 were made. His107 (EC2-BRS-3) for lysine (H107K) (EC2-GRPR) decreased affinity (25- and 0-fold) for peptides 4 and 1; however, it could not be activated by either peptide. Its combination with Val101 (TM2), Gly112 (EC2), and Arg127 (TM3) resulted in complete loss-of-affinity of peptide 4. Receptor-modeling showed that each of these residues face inward and are within 4 A of the binding pocket. These results demonstrate that Val101, His107, Gly112, and Arg127 in the EC2/adjacent upper TMs of BRS-3 are critical for the high BRS3 selectivity of peptide 4. His107 in EC2 is essential for BRS-3 activation, suggesting amino-aromatic ligand/receptor interactions with peptide 4 are critical for both binding and activation. Furthermore, these result demonstrate that even though these three BRS-3-selective agonists were developed from the same template peptide, [d-Phe(6),betaAla(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]Bn-(6-14), their molecular determinants of selectivity/high affinity varied considerably.

Identification of bombesin receptor subtype-specific ligands: effect of N-methyl scanning, truncation, substitution, and evaluation of putative reported selective ligands

Mammalian bombesin (Bn) receptors include the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, neuromedin B receptor, and bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3). These receptors are involved in a variety of physiological/pathologic processes, including thermoregulation, secretion, motility, chemotaxis, and mitogenic effects on both normal and malignant cells. Tumors frequently overexpress these receptors, and their presence is now used for imaging and receptor-mediated cytotoxicity. For these reasons, there is an increased need to develop synthetic, selective receptor subtype-specific ligands, especially agonists for these receptors. In this study, we used a number of strategies to identify useful receptor subtype-selective ligands, including synthesizing new analogs (N-methyl-substituted constrained analogs, truncations, and substitutions) in [d-Tyr(6),betaAla(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]Bn(6-14), which has high affinity for all Bn receptors and is metabolically stable, as well as completely pharmacologically characterized analogs recently reported to be selective for these receptors in [Ca(2+)](i) assays. Affinities and potencies of each analog were determined for each human Bn receptor subtype. N-Methyl substitutions in positions 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, and 8 did not result in selective analogs, with the exception of position 11, which markedly decreased affinity/potency. N-Terminal truncations or position 12 substitutions did not increase selectivity as previously reported by others. Of the four shortened analogs of [d-Phe(6),betaAla(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]Bn(6-14) reported to be potent selective BRS-3 ligands on [Ca(2+)](i) assays, only AcPhe,Trp,Ala,His(tauBzl),Nip,Gly,Arg-NH(2) had moderate selectivity for hBRS-3; however, it was less selective than previously reported Apa(11) analogs, demonstrating these are still the most selective BRS-3 analogs available. However, both of these analogs should be useful templates to develop more selective BRS-3 ligands.

Bombesin inhibits alveolarization and promotes pulmonary fibrosis in newborn mice

RATIONALE

Bombesin-like peptides promote fetal lung development. Normally, levels of mammalian bombesin (gastrin-releasing peptide [GRP]) drop postnatally, but these levels are elevated in newborns that develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease characterized by arrested alveolarization. In premature baboons with BPD, antibombesin antibodies reduce lung injury and promote alveolarization.

OBJECTIVES

The present study tests whether exogenous bombesin or GRP given perinatally alters alveolar development in newborn mice.

METHODS

Mice were given peptides intraperitoneally twice daily on Postnatal Days 1-3. On Day 14 lungs were inflation-fixed for histopathologic analyses of alveolarization.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Bombesin had multiple effects on Day 14 lung, when alveolarization was about half complete. First, bombesin induced alveolar myofibroblast proliferation and increased alveolar wall thickness compared with saline-treated control animals. Second, bombesin diminished alveolarization in C57BL/6 (but not Swiss-Webster) mice. We used receptor-null mice to explore which receptors might mediate these effects. Compared with wild-type littermates, bombesin-treated GRP receptor (GRPR)-null mice had increased interstitial fibrosis but reduced defects in alveolarization. Neuromedin B (NMB) receptor-null and bombesin receptor subtype 3-null mice had the same responses as their wild-type littermates. GRP had the same effects as bombesin, whereas neither NMB nor a synthetic bombesin receptor type 3 ligand had any effect. All effects of GRP were abrogated in GRPR-null mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Bombesin/GRP can induce features of BPD, including interstitial fibrosis and diminished alveolarization. GRPR appears to mediate all effects of GRP, but only part of the bombesin effect on alveolarization, suggesting that novel receptors may mediate some effects of bombesin in newborn lung.

Gastrin-releasing peptide and cancer

Over the past 20 years, abundant evidence has been collected to suggest that gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptors play an important role in the development of a variety of cancers. In fact, the detection of GRP and the GRP receptor in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), and the demonstration that anti-GRP antibodies inhibited proliferation in SCLC cell lines, established GRP as the prototypical autocrine growth factor. All forms of GRP are generated by processing of a 125-amino acid prohormone; recent studies indicate that C-terminal amidation of GRP18-27 is not essential for bioactivity, and that peptides derived from residues 31 to 125 of the prohormone are present in normal tissue and in tumors. GRP receptors can be divided into four classes, all of which belong to the 7 transmembrane domain family and bind GRP and/or GRP analogues with affinities in the nM range. Over-expression of GRP and its receptors has been demonstrated at both the mRNA and protein level in many types of tumors including lung, prostate, breast, stomach, pancreas and colon. GRP has also been shown to act as a potent mitogen for cancer cells of diverse origin both in vitro and in animal models of carcinogenesis. Other actions of GRP relevant to carcinogenesis include effects on morphogenesis, angiogenesis, cell migration and cell adhesion. Future prospects for the use of radiolabelled and cytotoxic GRP analogues and antagonists for cancer diagnosis and therapy appear promising.

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) induces angiogenesis and the specific GRP blocker 77427 inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo

Angiogenesis is becoming a major target for antitumor therapies, and identifying new angiogenic factors and their specific inhibitors may provide new avenues for tumor management. Here we identify gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) as a new angiogenic molecule that is secreted by tumors and acts directly upon GRP receptors in the endothelial cells. Addition of GRP increases endothelial cell migration and cord formation in vitro, and induces angiogenesis in an in vivo assay. We have recently identified a small molecule GRP blocker, compound 77427. This inhibitor significantly reduced endothelial cell cord formation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. Conversely, when applied to VEGF-induced angiogenesis, the small molecule did not have any effect, demonstrating its specificity. Furthermore, this GRP blocker was able to reduce lung tumor cell growth in vitro as demonstrated by MTT and clonogenic assays. When applied to a xenograft model with lung cancer cells, compound 77427 reduced tumor volume to undetectable sizes, although when the treatment was suspended, tumors began to grow again at normal rates. Our collective observations indicate that GRP is a new angiogenic peptide and that its inhibition offers an attractive tool to reduce tumor burden.

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 is expressed by the enteric nervous system and by interstitial cells of Cajal in the rat gastrointestinal tract

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3), a G-protein-coupled orphan receptor, shares 47% and 55% homology with other known mammalian bombesin receptors. Despite the molecular characterization of BRS-3, its function remains unclear as a consequence of its low affinity for bombesin and the absence of an identified natural ligand. Although the other mammalian bombesin receptors are widely distributed in the gut and central nervous system, expression of BRS-3 in the gastrointestinal tract has not been previously described. We report the expression of BRS-3 mRNA and protein in the tunica muscularis of the rat gastrointestinal tract. The mRNA expression pattern was studied by reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To identify the cellular sites of expression of BRS-3, we performed immunocytochemistry by using a N-terminus-specific affinity-purified antiserum. BRS-3 was found to be widely expressed in the rat gastrointestinal tract at both the mRNA and protein levels. BRS-3-like immunoreactivity (BRS-3-LI) was localized in neurons of the myenteric and submucosal ganglia, being primarily concentrated near the neuronal plasma membrane, and in fibers distributed in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers. In addition, BRS-3-LI was observed in the cell bodies and processes of c-kit+ interstitial cells of Cajal. These data have functional applications for the effects mediated by the activation of BRS-3 on gut motility through distinct neuronal and non-neuronal pathways.

Identification of key amino acids in the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) responsible for high affinity binding of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)

The bombesin (Bn) receptor family includes the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRPR) and neuromedin B (NMBR) receptors, Bn receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) and Bn receptor subtype 4 (BB(4)). They share 50% homology, yet their affinities for gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) differ. The determinants of GRP high affinity for GRPR and BB(4), and low affinity for BRS-3 are largely unknown. To address this question we made an analysis of structural homologies in Bn receptor members correlated with their affinities for GRP to develop criteria to identify amino acids important for GRP selectivity. Fourteen differences were identified and each was mutated singly in GRPR to that found in hBRS-3. Eleven mutants had a loss of GRP affinity. Furthermore, three of four amino acids in the GRPR selected used a similar approach and previously reported to be important for high affinity Bn binding, were important for GRP affinity. Some GRPR mutants containing combinations of these mutations had greater decreases in GRP affinity than any single mutation. Particularly important for GRP selectivity were K101, Q121, A198, P199, S293, R288, T297 in GRPR. These results were confirmed by making the reverse mutations in BRS-3 to make GRP gain of affinity mutants. Modeling studies demonstrated a number of the important amino acids had side-chains oriented inward and within 6A of the binding pocket. These results demonstrated this approach could identify amino acids needed for GRP affinity and complemented results from chimera/mutagenesis studies by identifying which differences in the extracellular domains of Bn receptors were important for GRP affinity.

The design of a new potent and selective ligand for the orphan bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS3)

Extensive SAR studies on the unselective BRS3 agonist, [H-D-Phe6,beta-Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]-bombesin-(6-14)-nonapeptide amide, have highlighted structural features important for BRS3 activity and have provided guidance as to the design of selective agonists. A radically modified heptapeptide agonist, maintaining only the Trp-Ala moiety of the parent [H-D-Phe6,betaAla11,Phe13,Nle14]-peptide amide, and with a very different carboxyl terminal region, has been produced which was potent at BRS3 and essentially had no NMB or GRP receptor activity. Its structure is Ac-Phe-Trp-Ala-His(tauBzl)-Nip-Gly-Arg-NH2.

Gastrin-releasing peptide is a modulatory neurotransmitter of the descending phase of the peristaltic reflex

The physiological role of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and of its cognate receptors in regulating the intestinal peristaltic reflex was examined in a three-compartment flat-sheet preparation of rat colon. Mucosal stimulation applied to the central compartment at high, but not low levels of intensity, induced GRP release in the caudad compartment where descending relaxation was measured, but not into the ascending compartment where ascending contraction was measured or into the central compartment where the stimuli were applied. The selective GRP (BB(2)) receptor antagonist, [D-Phe(6),des-Met(14)]bombesin(6-14), inhibited descending relaxation and VIP release in the caudad compartment induced by high but not by low levels of stimulation applied to the mucosa in the central compartment. The selective neuromedin B (BB(1)) receptor antagonist, BIM-23127, had no effect on descending relaxation or VIP release. Neither the BB(1) nor the BB(2) antagonist had any effect on ascending contraction or substance P release in the orad compartment. Consistent with the effects of the antagonists on the peristaltic reflex, the BB(2) antagonist but not the BB(1) antagonist decreased the velocity of propulsion of artificial fecal pellets through isolated segments of guinea pig distal colon. The results indicate that GRP is selectively released from myenteric neurons in descending pathways during the peristaltic reflex and that it acts via BB(2) receptors to augment the descending phase of the peristaltic reflex and propulsion.

Development of bombesin analogs with conformationally restricted amino acid substitutions with enhanced selectivity for the orphan receptor human bombesin receptor subtype 3

The human bombesin receptor subtype 3 (hBRS-3) orphan receptor, which has a high homology to bombesin (Bn) receptors [gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and neuromedin B (NMB) receptors], is widely distributed in the rat central nervous system. Its natural ligand or role in physiology is unknown due to lack of selective ligands. Its target disruption leads to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. A synthetic high-affinity agonist, [D-Tyr6,beta-Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]Bn(6-14), has been described, but it is nonselective for hBRS-3 over other Bn receptors; however, substitution of (R)- or (S)-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid (Apa) for beta-Ala11 resulted in a modestly selective ligand. In the present study, we have attempted to develop a more selective hBRS-3 ligand by using two strategies: substitutions on phenyl ring of Apa11 and the substitution of other conformationally restricted amino acids into position 11 of [D-Tyr6,beta-Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]Bn(6-14). Fifteen analogs were synthesized and affinities were determined for hBRS-3 and Bn receptors (hGRP-R and hNMB-R). Selective analogs were tested for their ability to activate each receptor by stimulating phospholipase C. One analog, [D-Tyr6,Apa-4Cl,Phe13,Nle14]Bn(6-14), retained high affinity for the hBRS-3 (Ki=8 nM) and had enhanced selectivity (>230-fold) for hBRS-3 over hGRP-R or hNMB-R. This analog specifically interacted with hBRS-3, fully activated hBRS-3 receptors, and was a potent agonist at the hBRS-3 receptor. This enhanced selectivity should allow this analog to be useful for investigating the possible role of hBRS-3 in physiological or pathological processes.