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Sherman ER, Li J, Cahill EN. No impairment of contextual fear memory consolidation by oxytocin receptor antagonism in male rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 279:114545. [PMID: 38580203 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide released into brain regions associated with the processing of aversive memory and threat responses. Given the expression of oxytocin receptors across this vigilance surveillance system of the brain, we investigated whether pharmacological antagonism of the receptor would impact contextual aversive conditioning and memory. Adult male rats were conditioned to form an aversive contextual memory. The effects of peripheral administration of either the competitive antagonist Atosiban or noncompetitive antagonist L-368,899 were compared to saline controls. Oxytocin receptor antagonism treatment did not significantly impact the consolidation of aversive contextual memory in any of the groups. We conclude that peripheral antagonism of oxytocin signalling did not impact the formation of aversive memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Sherman
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Jialu Li
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
| | - Emma N Cahill
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK; School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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2
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Bester B, Koslowa K, Gronau AC, Mietens A, Nowell C, Whittaker MR, Pilatz A, Wagenlehner F, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. The oxytocin antagonist cligosiban reduces human prostate contractility: Implications for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38676555 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With increasing life expectancy, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) consequently affects more ageing men, illustrating the urgent need for advancements in BPH therapy. One emerging possibility may be the use of oxytocin antagonists to relax smooth muscle cells in the prostate, similar to the currently used (although often associated with side effects) α1-adrenoceptor blockers. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH For the first time we used live-imaging, combined with a novel image analysis method, to investigate the multidirectional contractions of the human prostate and determine their changes in response to oxytocin and the oxytocin antagonists atosiban and cligosiban. Human prostate samples were obtained and compared from patients undergoing prostatectomy due to prostate cancer as well as from patients with transurethral resection of prostate tissue due to severe BPH. KEY RESULTS The two cohorts of tissue samples showed spontaneous multidirectional contractions, which significantly increased after the addition of oxytocin. Different to atosiban, which showed ambiguous effects of short duration, only long-acting cligosiban reliably prevented, as well as counteracted, any contractile oxytocin effect. Furthermore, cligosiban visibly reduced not only oxytocin-induced contractions, but also showed intrinsic activity to relax prostatic tissue. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Thus, the oxytocin antagonist cligosiban could be an interesting candidate in the search for novel BPH treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Bester
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kristina Koslowa
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ann-Catherine Gronau
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Mietens
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Cameron Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael R Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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3
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Kalaba P, Sanchez de la Rosa C, Möller A, Alewood PF, Muttenthaler M. Targeting the Oxytocin Receptor for Breast Cancer Management: A Niche for Peptide Tracers. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1625-1640. [PMID: 38235665 PMCID: PMC10859963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women, and its management highly depends on early disease diagnosis and monitoring. This remains challenging due to breast cancer's heterogeneity and a scarcity of specific biomarkers that could predict responses to therapy and enable personalized treatment. This Perspective describes the diagnostic landscape for breast cancer management, molecular strategies targeting receptors overexpressed in tumors, the theranostic potential of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) as an emerging breast cancer target, and the development of OTR-specific optical and nuclear tracers to study, visualize, and treat tumors. A special focus is on the chemistry and pharmacology underpinning OTR tracer development, preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, challenges, and future directions. The use of peptide-based tracers targeting upregulated receptors in cancer is a highly promising strategy complementing current diagnostics and therapies and providing new opportunities to improve cancer management and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Kalaba
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andreas Möller
- QIMR
Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- The
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Jurek B, Denk L, Schäfer N, Salehi MS, Pandamooz S, Haerteis S. Oxytocin accelerates tight junction formation and impairs cellular migration in 3D spheroids: evidence from Gapmer-induced exon skipping. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1000538. [PMID: 36263085 PMCID: PMC9574052 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that has been associated with neurological diseases like autism, a strong regulating activity on anxiety and stress-related behavior, physiological effects during pregnancy and parenting, and various cellular effects in neoplastic tissue. In this study, we aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism that OXT employs to regulate cell-cell contacts, spheroid formation, and cellular migration in a 3D culture model of human MLS-402 cells. We have generated a labeled OXT receptor (OXTR) overexpressing cell line cultivated in spheroids that were treated with the OXTR agonists OXT, Atosiban, and Thr4-Gly7-oxytocin (TGOT); with or without a pre-treatment of antisense oligos (Gapmers) that induce exon skipping in the human OXTR gene. This exon skipping leads to the exclusion of exon 4 and therefore a receptor that lost its intracellular G-protein-binding domain. Sensitive digital PCR (dPCR) provided us with the means to differentiate between wild type and truncated OXTR in our cellular model. OXTR truncation differentially activated intracellular signaling cascades related to cell-cell attachment and proliferation like Akt, ERK1/2-RSK1/2, HSP27, STAT1/5, and CREB, as assessed by a Kinase Profiler Assay. Digital and transmission electron microscopy revealed increased tight junction formation and well-organized cellular protrusions into an enlarged extracellular space after OXT treatment, resulting in increased cellular survival. In summary, OXT decreases cellular migration but increases cell-cell contacts and therefore improves nutrient supply. These data reveal a novel cellular effect of OXT that might have implications for degenerating CNS diseases and tumor formation in various tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucia Denk
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Schäfer
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Experimental Orthopaedics, Centre for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), Bio Park 1, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mohammad Saied Salehi
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sareh Pandamooz
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Silke Haerteis
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Silke Haerteis
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5
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Jang M, Jung T, Jeong Y, Byun Y, Noh J. Oxytocin modulation in the medial prefrontal cortex of pair-exposed rats during fear conditioning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105752. [PMID: 35367716 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social buffering is the phenomenon, in which stress and fear reactions caused by exposure to stressful stimuli when animals are exposed to homogeneous relationships are attenuated. Social buffering reduces fear memory behavior such as escape, avoidance, and freezing behavior in rodents due to social existence. Here, we aimed to determine alterations of fear behavior and neural activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in response to the presence of another rat in fear-exposed conditions and to confirm the role of oxytocin in mPFC in regulating social buffering. METHODS We performed a passive avoidance test and determined positive c-Fos expression in single- and pair-exposed rats. Anisomycin (a protein synthesis inhibitor) and oxytocin receptor regulators (carbetocin; agonist and atosiban; antagonist) were microinjected into the mPFC to clarify the role of oxytocin in the mPFC. RESULTS While single-exposed rats showed a significant increase in both freezing and passive avoidance behaviors compared to control rats, pair-exposed rats showed significantly less fear behavior compared to single-exposed rats. The c-Fos expression in the prelimbic (PL) mPFC was significantly increased in pair-exposed rats compared to that in control and single-exposed rats. The pair-exposed effect was blocked by anisomycin injections into the PL mPFC of pair-exposed rats. Furthermore, when a carbetocin was injected into the PL mPFC in single-exposed rats, fear behavior was decreased, and these changes were blocked by atosiban. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that reduction of fear-related behavior induced by acute pair-exposure is mediated by oxytocin receptors in the PL mPFC. Pair exposure with conspecifics during fear-inducing situations helps coping with fear by significantly increasing the role of oxytocin in the PL mPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Jang
- Department of Science Education, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 16890, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesub Jung
- Department of Science Education, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 16890, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujeong Jeong
- Department of Science Education, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 16890, Republic of Korea
| | - Younsoo Byun
- Department of Science Education, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 16890, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Noh
- Department of Science Education, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 16890, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Integrated Network Pharmacology Approach for Drug Combination Discovery: A Multi-Cancer Case Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14082043. [PMID: 35454948 PMCID: PMC9028433 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14082043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite remarkable efforts of computational and predictive pharmacology to improve therapeutic strategies for complex diseases, only in a few cases have the predictions been eventually employed in the clinics. One of the reasons behind this drawback is that current predictive approaches are based only on the integration of molecular perturbation of a certain disease with drug sensitivity signatures, neglecting intrinsic properties of the drugs. Here we integrate mechanistic and chemocentric approaches to drug repositioning by developing an innovative network pharmacology strategy. We developed a multilayer network-based computational framework integrating perturbational signatures of the disease as well as intrinsic characteristics of the drugs, such as their mechanism of action and chemical structure. We present five case studies carried out on public data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, including invasive breast cancer, colon adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. Our results highlight paclitaxel as a suitable drug for combination therapy for many of the considered cancer types. In addition, several non-cancer-related genes representing unusual drug targets were identified as potential candidates for pharmacological treatment of cancer.
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7
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Andersen DB, Holst JJ. Peptides in the regulation of glucagon secretion. Peptides 2022; 148:170683. [PMID: 34748791 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glucose homeostasis is maintained by the glucoregulatory hormones, glucagon, insulin and somatostatin, secreted from the islets of Langerhans. Glucagon is the body's most important anti-hypoglycemic hormone, mobilizing glucose from glycogen stores in the liver in response to fasting, thus maintaining plasma glucose levels within healthy limits. Glucagon secretion is regulated by both circulating nutrients, hormones and neuronal inputs. Hormones that may regulate glucagon secretion include locally produced insulin and somatostatin, but also urocortin-3, amylin and pancreatic polypeptide, and from outside the pancreas glucagon-like peptide-1 and 2, peptide tyrosine tyrosine and oxyntomodulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, neurotensin and ghrelin, as well as the hypothalamic hormones arginine-vasopressin and oxytocin, and calcitonin from the thyroid. Each of these hormones have distinct effects, ranging from regulating blood glucose, to regulating appetite, stomach emptying rate and intestinal motility, which makes them interesting targets for treating metabolic diseases. Awareness regarding the potential effects of the hormones on glucagon secretion is important since secretory abnormalities could manifest as hyperglycemia or even lethal hypoglycemia. Here, we review the effects of each individual hormone on glucagon secretion, their interplay, and how treatments aimed at modulating the plasma levels of these hormones may also influence glucagon secretion and glycemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Andersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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8
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Abstract
Oxytocin and oxytocin receptors are synthesized in the periphery where paracrine/autocrine actions have been described alongside endocrine actions effected by central release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary. In the female reproductive system, classical actions of uterine contraction and milk ejection from mammary glands are accompanied by actions in the ovaries where roles in steroidogenesis, follicle recruitment and ovulation have been described. Steroidogenesis, contractile activity, and gamete health are similarly affected by oxytocin in the male reproductive tract. In the cardiovascular system, a local oxytocinergic system appears to play an important cardio-protective role. This role is likely associated with emerging evidence that peripheral oxytocin is an important hormone in the endocrinology of glucose homeostasis due to its actions in adipose, the pancreas, and the largely ignored oxytocinergic systems of the adrenal glands and liver. Gene polymorphisms are shown to be associated with a number of reported traits, not least factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Assinder
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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9
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Ghazy AA, Soliman OA, Elbahnasi AI, Alawy AY, Mansour AM, Gowayed MA. Role of Oxytocin in Different Neuropsychiatric, Neurodegenerative, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 186:95-134. [PMID: 36416982 DOI: 10.1007/112_2022_72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has recently gained significant attention because of its role in the pathophysiology and management of dominant neuropsychiatric disorders. Oxytocin, a peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus, is released into different brain regions, acting as a neurotransmitter. Receptors for oxytocin are present in many areas of the brain, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens, which have been involved in the pathophysiology of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Animal studies have spotlighted the role of oxytocin in social, behavioral, pair bonding, and mother-infant bonding. Furthermore, oxytocin protects fetal neurons against injury during childbirth and affects various behaviors, assuming its possible neuroprotective characteristics. In this review, we discuss some of the concepts and mechanisms related to the role of oxytocin in the pathophysiology and management of some neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya A Ghazy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Omar A Soliman
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aya I Elbahnasi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aya Y Alawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira Ma Mansour
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
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10
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Bazaz A, Ghanbari A, Vafaei AA, Khaleghian A, Rashidy-Pour A. Oxytocin in dorsal hippocampus facilitates auditory fear memory extinction in rats. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108844. [PMID: 34687711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fear extinction is impaired in some psychiatric disorders. Any treatment that facilitates the extinction of fear is a way to advance the treatment of related psychiatric disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the role of oxytocin (OT) in fear extinction, but the endogenous release of OT during fear extinction in the dorsal hippocampal (dHPC) is not clear. We investigated the release of OT during fear extinction and the role of the HPC - medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) circuit and BDNF in the effects of exogenous OT on auditory fear conditioning in male rats. We found that the release of endogenous OT in the dHPC is significantly increased during the fear extinction process as measured by the microdialysis method. Increased freezing response in the OT-treated rats compared to saline-treated rats showed that exogenous OT in the dHPC enhanced the fear extinction. Injection of BDNF antagonist (ANA-12) into the infralimbic (IL) blocked the effect of exogenous OT on the dHPC. Following OT injection, BDNF levels increased in the dHPC, ventral HPC, and IL cortex; but decreased in the prelimbic cortex (PL). Finally, OT microinjected into the dHPC significantly increased neural activity of pyramidal neurons of the CA1-vHPC and IL but decreased the neural activity in the PL cortex. Our findings strongly support that the dHPC endogenous OT plays a crucial role in enhancing fear extinction. It seems that the activation of the HPC-mPFC pathway, and consequently, the release of BDNF in the IL cortex mediates the enhancing effects of OT on fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Bazaz
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Department of physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Khaleghian
- Department of Biochemistry, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Belém-Filho IJA, Brasil TFS, Fortaleza EAT, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Corrêa FMA. A functional selective effect of oxytocin secreted under restraint stress in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 904:174182. [PMID: 34004212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Restraint stress (RS) is an unavoidable stress model that triggers activation of the autonomic nervous system, endocrine activity, and behavioral changes in rodents. Furthermore, RS induces secretion of oxytocin into the bloodstream, indicating a possible physiological role in the stress response in this model. The presence of oxytocin receptors in vessels and heart favors this possible idea. However, the role of oxytocin secreted in RS and effects on the cardiovascular system are still unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of oxytocin on cardiovascular effects during RS sessions. Rats were subjected to pharmacological (blockade of either oxytocin, vasopressin, or muscarinic receptors) or surgical (hypophysectomy or sinoaortic denervation) approaches to study the functional role of oxytocin and its receptor during RS. Plasma levels of oxytocin and vasopressin were measured after RS. RS increased arterial pressure, heart rate, and plasma oxytocin content, but not vasopressin. Treatment with atosiban (a Gi biased agonist) inhibited restraint-evoked tachycardia without affecting blood pressure. However, this effect was no longer observed after sinoaortic denervation, homatropine (M2 muscarinic antagonist) treatment or hypophysectomy, indicating that parasympathetic activation mediated by oxytocin secreted to the periphery is responsible for blocking the increase in tachycardic responses observed in the atosiban-treated group. Corroborating this, L-368,899 (oxytocin antagonist) treatment showed an opposite effect to atosiban, increasing tachycardic responses to restraint. Thus, this provides evidence that oxytocin secreted to the periphery attenuates tachycardic responses evoked by restraint via increased parasympathetic activity, promoting cardioprotection by reducing the stress-evoked heart rate increase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taíz Francine Silva Brasil
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José Antunes-Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Morgan Aguiar Corrêa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Kodama Y, Tanaka I, Sato T, Hori K, Gen S, Morise M, Matsubara D, Sato M, Sekido Y, Hashimoto N. Oxytocin receptor is a promising therapeutic target of malignant mesothelioma. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3520-3532. [PMID: 34115916 PMCID: PMC8409407 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is one of the most aggressive tumors. We conducted bioinformatics analysis using Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) datasets to identify new molecular markers in MM. Overexpression of oxytocin receptor (OXTR), which is a G‐protein–coupled receptor for the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin, mRNA was distinctively identified in MM cell lines. Therefore, we assessed the role of OXTR and its clinical relevance in MM. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied to assess the association between overall survival and OXTR mRNA expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The function of OXTR and the efficacy of its antagonists were investigated in vitro and in vivo using MM cell lines. Consistent with the findings from CCLE datasets analysis, OXTR mRNA expression was highly increased in MM tissues compared with other cancer types in the TCGA datasets, and MM cases with high OXTR expression showed poor overall survival. Moreover, OXTR knockdown dramatically decreased MM cell proliferation in cells with high OXTR expression via tumor cell cycle disturbance, whereas oxytocin treatment significantly increased MM cell growth. OXTR antagonists, which have high selectivity for OXTR, inhibited the growth of MM cell lines with high OXTR expression, and oral administration of the OXTR antagonist, cligosiban, significantly suppressed MM tumor progression in a xenograft model. Our findings suggest that OXTR plays a crucial role in MM cell proliferation and is a promising therapeutic target that may broaden potential therapeutic options and could be a prognostic biomarker of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kodama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ichidai Tanaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Sato
- Division of Cancer Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazumi Hori
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Soei Gen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morise
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsubara
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Sato
- Department of Pathophysiological Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sekido
- Division of Cancer Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naozumi Hashimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Orr-Burks N, Murray J, Todd KV, Bakre A, Tripp RA. G-Protein-Coupled Receptor and Ion Channel Genes Used by Influenza Virus for Replication. J Virol 2021; 95:e02410-20. [PMID: 33536179 PMCID: PMC8104092 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02410-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus causes epidemics and sporadic pandemics resulting in morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. Influenza viruses require host genes to replicate. RNA interference (RNAi) screens can identify host genes coopted by influenza virus for replication. Targeting these proinfluenza genes can provide therapeutic strategies to reduce virus replication. Nineteen proinfluenza G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and 13 proinfluenza ion channel genes were identified in human lung (A549) cells by use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These proinfluenza genes were authenticated by testing influenza virus A/WSN/33-, A/CA/04/09-, and B/Yamagata/16/1988-infected A549 cells, resulting in the validation of 16 proinfluenza GPCR and 5 proinfluenza ion channel genes. These findings showed that several GPCR and ion channel genes are needed for the production of infectious influenza virus. These data provide potential targets for the development of host-directed therapeutic strategies to impede the influenza virus productive cycle so as to limit infection.IMPORTANCE Influenza epidemics result in morbidity and mortality each year. Vaccines are the most effective preventive measure but require annual reformulation, since a mismatch of vaccine strains can result in vaccine failure. Antiviral measures are desirable particularly when vaccines fail. In this study, we used RNAi screening to identify several GPCR and ion channel genes needed for influenza virus replication. Understanding the host genes usurped by influenza virus during viral replication can help identify host genes that can be targeted for drug repurposing or for the development of antiviral drugs. The targeting of host genes is refractory to drug resistance generated by viral mutations, as well as providing a platform for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Orr-Burks
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jackelyn Murray
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Kyle V Todd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Abhijeet Bakre
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ralph A Tripp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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14
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Lemel L, Nieścierowicz K, García-Fernández MD, Darré L, Durroux T, Busnelli M, Pezet M, Rébeillé F, Jouhet J, Mouillac B, Domene C, Chini B, Cherezov V, Moreau CJ. The ligand-bound state of a G protein-coupled receptor stabilizes the interaction of functional cholesterol molecules. J Lipid Res 2021; 62:100059. [PMID: 33647276 PMCID: PMC8050779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is a major component of mammalian plasma membranes that not only affects the physical properties of the lipid bilayer but also is the function of many membrane proteins including G protein-coupled receptors. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is involved in parturition and lactation of mammals and in their emotional and social behaviors. Cholesterol acts on OXTR as an allosteric modulator inducing a high-affinity state for orthosteric ligands through a molecular mechanism that has yet to be determined. Using the ion channel-coupled receptor technology, we developed a functional assay of cholesterol modulation of G protein-coupled receptors that is independent of intracellular signaling pathways and operational in living cells. Using this assay, we discovered a stable binding of cholesterol molecules to the receptor when it adopts an orthosteric ligand-bound state. This stable interaction preserves the cholesterol-dependent activity of the receptor in cholesterol-depleted membranes. This mechanism was confirmed using time-resolved FRET experiments on WT OXTR expressed in CHO cells. Consequently, a positive cross-regulation sequentially occurs in OXTR between cholesterol and orthosteric ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lemel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, Grenoble, France
| | | | | | - Leonardo Darré
- Functional Genomics Laboratory and Biomolecular Simulations Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Thierry Durroux
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Marta Busnelli
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, U28 and NeuroMI Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Vedano al Lambro (MB), Italy
| | - Mylène Pezet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Fabrice Rébeillé
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, Grenoble, France
| | - Juliette Jouhet
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, Grenoble, France
| | - Bernard Mouillac
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Carmen Domene
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom; Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bice Chini
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, U28 and NeuroMI Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Vedano al Lambro (MB), Italy
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- Bridge Institute, Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Che X, Cai J, Liu Y, Xu T, Yang J, Wu C. Oxytocin signaling in the treatment of drug addiction: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107820. [PMID: 33600854 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite great advances were achieved in understanding the neurobiology of drug addiction, the therapeutic options are severely limited, with poor effectiveness and serious side effects. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well known for its effects on uterine contraction, sexual/maternal behaviors, social affiliation, stress and learning/memory by interacting with the OXT receptor and other neuromodulators. Emerging evidence suggests that the acute or chronic exposure to drugs can affect the OXT system. Additionally, OXT administration can ameliorate a wide range of abused drug-induced neurobehavioral changes. Overall, OXT not only suppresses drug reward in the binge stage of drug addiction, but also reduces stress responses and social impairments during the withdrawal stage and, finally, prevents drug/cue/stress-induced reinstatement. More importantly, clinical studies have also shown that OXT can exert beneficial effects on reducing substance use disorders of a series of drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, alcohol, cannabis and nicotine. Thus, the present review focuses on the role of OXT in treating drug addiction, including the preclinical and clinical therapeutic potential of OXT and its analogs on the neurobiological perspectives of drugs, to provide a better insight of the efficacy of OXT as a clinical addiction therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Che
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jialing Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yueyang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Tianyu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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16
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Stadler B, Whittaker MR, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. Oxytocin in the Male Reproductive Tract; The Therapeutic Potential of Oxytocin-Agonists and-Antagonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:565731. [PMID: 33193084 PMCID: PMC7642622 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.565731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the role of oxytocin and oxytocin-like agents (acting via the oxytocin receptor and belonging to the oxytocin-family) in the male reproductive tract is considered. Previous research (dating back over 60 years) is revised and connected with recently found aspects of the role oxytocin plays in male reproductive health. The local expression of oxytocin and its receptor in the male reproductive tract of different species is summarized. Colocalization and possible crosstalk to other agents and receptors and their resulting effects are discussed. The role of the newly reported oxytocin focused signaling pathways in the male reproductive tract, other than mediating contractility, is critically examined. The structure and effect of the most promising oxytocin-agonists and -antagonists are reviewed for their potential in treating male disorders with origins in the male reproductive tract such as prostate diseases and ejaculatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Stadler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael R. Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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17
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Liu H, Gruber CW, Alewood PF, Möller A, Muttenthaler M. The oxytocin receptor signalling system and breast cancer: a critical review. Oncogene 2020; 39:5917-5932. [PMID: 32782397 PMCID: PMC7483001 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is making up one-quarter of all new female cancer cases diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer surgeries, radiation therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapies and targeted therapies have made significant progress and play a dominant role in breast cancer patient management. However, many challenges remain, including resistance to systemic therapies, tumour recurrence and metastasis. The cyclic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) elicits a plethora of biological responses via the oxytocin receptor (OTR) in both the central and peripheral nervous system, including social bonding, stress, maternal behaviour, sexual activity, uterus contraction, milk ejection and cancer. As a typical member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, OTR represents also an intriguing target for cancer therapy. There is emerging evidence that OTR plays a role in breast cancer development and progression, and several breast cancer cell lines express OTR. However, despite supporting evidence that OT lowers breast cancer risks, its mechanistic role in breast cancer development and the related signalling pathways are not fully understood. Here, we review the current knowledge of the OT/OTR signalling system in healthy breast tissue as well as in breast cancer, and discuss OTR as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Liu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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18
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Davenport AP, Scully CCG, de Graaf C, Brown AJH, Maguire JJ. Advances in therapeutic peptides targeting G protein-coupled receptors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:389-413. [PMID: 32494050 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0062-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of peptide-activated pathways causes a range of diseases, fostering the discovery and clinical development of peptide drugs. Many endogenous peptides activate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) - nearly 50 GPCR peptide drugs have been approved to date, most of them for metabolic disease or oncology, and more than 10 potentially first-in-class peptide therapeutics are in the pipeline. The majority of existing peptide therapeutics are agonists, which reflects the currently dominant strategy of modifying the endogenous peptide sequence of ligands for peptide-binding GPCRs. Increasingly, novel strategies are being employed to develop both agonists and antagonists, to both introduce chemical novelty and improve drug-like properties. Pharmacodynamic improvements are evolving to allow biasing ligands to activate specific downstream signalling pathways, in order to optimize efficacy and reduce side effects. In pharmacokinetics, modifications that increase plasma half-life have been revolutionary. Here, we discuss the current status of the peptide drugs targeting GPCRs, with a focus on evolving strategies to improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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19
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Pierce ML, French JA, Murray TF. Comparison of the pharmacologic profiles of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin analogs at marmoset, titi monkey, macaque, and human oxytocin receptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109832. [PMID: 32018219 PMCID: PMC7196279 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin-arginine vasopressin (OT-AVP) ligand-receptor family influences a variety of physiological, behavioral, and social behavioral processes in the brain and periphery. The OT-AVP family is highly conserved in mammals, but recent discoveries have revealed remarkable diversity in OT ligands and receptors in New World Monkeys (NWMs) providing a unique opportunity to assess the effects of genetic variation on pharmacological signatures of peptide ligands. The consensus mammalian OT sequence has leucine in the 8th position (Leu8-OT), whereas a number of NWMs, including the marmoset, have proline in the 8th position (Pro8-OT) resulting in a more rigid tail structure. OT and AVP bind to OT’s cognate G-protein coupled receptor (OTR), which couples to various G-proteins (Gi/o, Gq, Gs) to stimulate diverse signaling pathways. CHO cells expressing marmoset (mOTR), titi monkey (tOTR), macaque (qOTR), or human (hOTR) OT receptors were used to compare AVP and OT analog-induced signaling. Assessment of Gq-mediated increase in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) demonstrated that AVP was less potent than OT analogs at OTRs from species whose endogenous ligand is Leu8-OT (tOTR, qOTR, hOTR), relative to Pro8-OT. Likewise, AVP-induced membrane hyperpolarization was less potent at these same OTRs. Evaluation of (Ca2+)-activated potassium (K+) channels using the inhibitors apamin, paxilline, and TRAM-34 demonstrated that both intermediate and large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels contributed to membrane hyperpolarization, with different pharmacological profiles identified for distinct ligand-receptor combinations. Understanding more fully the contributions of structure activity relationships for these peptide ligands at vasopressin and OT receptors will help guide the development of OT-mediated therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha L Pierce
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, 555 31St., Downers Grove, IL, 60515, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE, 68182, USA.
| | - Thomas F Murray
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
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20
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Duerrauer L, Muratspahić E, Gattringer J, Keov P, Mendel HC, Pfleger KDG, Muttenthaler M, Gruber CW. I8-arachnotocin-an arthropod-derived G protein-biased ligand of the human vasopressin V 2 receptor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19295. [PMID: 31848378 PMCID: PMC6917733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) and their G protein-coupled receptors OTR, V1aR, V1bR, and V2R form an important and widely-distributed neuroendocrine signaling system. In mammals, this signaling system regulates water homeostasis, blood pressure, reproduction, as well as social behaviors such as pair bonding, trust and aggression. There exists high demand for ligands with differing pharmacological profiles to study the physiological and pathological functions of the individual receptor subtypes. Here, we present the pharmacological characterization of an arthropod (Metaseiulus occidentalis) OT/VP-like nonapeptide across the human OT/VP receptors. I8-arachnotocin is a full agonist with respect to second messenger signaling at human V2R (EC50 34 nM) and V1bR (EC50 1.2 µM), a partial agonist at OTR (EC50 790 nM), and a competitive antagonist at V1aR [pA2 6.25 (558 nM)]. Intriguingly, I8-arachnotocin activated the Gαs pathway of V2R without recruiting either β-arrestin-1 or β-arrestin-2. I8-arachnotocin might thus be a novel pharmacological tool to study the (patho)physiological relevance of β-arrestin-1 or -2 recruitment to the V2R. These findings furthermore highlight arthropods as a novel, vast and untapped source for the discovery of novel pharmacological probes and potential drug leads targeting neurohormone receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Duerrauer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Gattringer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen C Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin D G Pfleger
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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21
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Fan XY, Shi G, Zhao P. Methylation in Syn and Psd95 genes underlie the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on oxycodone-induced conditioned place preference. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1464-1475. [PMID: 31735530 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxycodone (Oxy) is one of the most effective analgesics in medicine, but is associated with the development of dependence. Recent studies demonstrating epigenetic changes in the brain after exposure to opiates have provided an insight into possible mechanisms underlying addiction. Oxytocin (OT), an endogenous neuropeptide well known for preventing drug abuse, is a promising pharmacotherapy to counteract addiction. Therefore, we explored the mechanism of Oxy addiction and the role of OT in Oxy-induced epigenetic alterations. In this study, drug-induced changes in conditioned place preference (CPP), i.e. the expression of synaptic proteins and synaptic density in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured. We also sought to identify DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), ten-eleven translocations (TETs), global 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), and DNA methylation of two genes implicated in plasticity (Synaptophysin, Syn; Post-synaptic density protein 95, Psd95). Oxy (3.0 mg/kg, i.p.) induced CPP acquisition in Sprague-Dawley rats. Oxy down-regulated DNMT1 and up-regulated TET1-3, leading to a decrease in global 5-mC levels and differential demethylation at exon 1 of Syn and exon 2 of Psd95. These changes in DNA methylation of Syn and Psd95 elevated the expression of synaptic proteins (SYN, PSD95) and synaptic density in the VTA. Pretreatment with OT (2.5 µg, i.c.v.) via its receptor specifically blocked Oxy CPP, normalized synaptic density, and regulated DNMT1 and TET2-3 causing reverse of DNA demethylation of Syn and Psd95. DNA methylation is an important gene regulation mechanism underlying Oxy CPP, and OT - via its receptor - could specifically inhibit Oxy addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Guang Shi
- Department of Neurology, Liaoning Provincial People's Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, 110004, Shenyang, China.
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22
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Bafor EE, Ukpebor F, Omoruyi O, Ochoyama E, Omogiade G, Ekufu J, Edrada-Ebel R. Tocolytic activity assessment of the methanol leaf extract of Justicia flava Vahl (Acanthaceae) on mouse myometrial contractility and preliminary mass spectrometric determination of secondary metabolites. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 243:112087. [PMID: 31310827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The leaves of Justicia flava are traditionally used in the South of Nigeria to prevent preterm births. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, the activity of the methanol leaf extract of J. flava (JF) was investigated on uterine contractility in non-pregnant and pregnant isolated mouse tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effects on spontaneous, oxytocin, and KCl-induced contractions were determined. The effects in calcium-free media were also determined. Possible mechanisms of activity were investigated using receptor and channel modulators. Mass spectrometric analysis was additionally performed on the leaf extract to identify secondary metabolites. RESULTS JF was observed to inhibit spontaneous, oxytocin and high KCl-induced uterine contractility. JF also inhibited contractions in Ca2+-free media. JF was found to exert its inhibitory effect via interaction with inositol triphosphate and ryanodine receptors and also through modulation of K+- channels. Lignans and alkaloids were identified with the lignans being the most abundant in JF. CONCLUSION JF has been shown to potently inhibit uterine contractions in non-pregnant and pregnant isolated mouse uterus. The inhibitory activity of JF has been shown to occur via blockade of extracellular and intracellular calcium entry and these effects may be due to the lignans identified in - JF. JF has therefore been shown in this study to be a lead plant in the discovery of new drugs with uterine inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enitome E Bafor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
| | - Faith Ukpebor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
| | - Osemelomen Omoruyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Ejiro Ochoyama
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Glory Omogiade
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Jude Ekufu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
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23
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Chruścicka B, Wallace Fitzsimons SE, Borroto-Escuela DO, Druelle C, Stamou P, Nally K, Dinan TG, Cryan JF, Fuxe K, Schellekens H. Attenuation of Oxytocin and Serotonin 2A Receptor Signaling through Novel Heteroreceptor Formation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3225-3240. [PMID: 31038917 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OTR) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HTR2A) are expressed in similar brain regions modulating central pathways critical for social and cognition-related behaviors. Signaling crosstalk between their endogenous ligands, oxytocin (OT) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), highlights the complex interplay between these two neurotransmitter systems and may be indicative of the formation of heteroreceptor complexes with subsequent downstream signaling changes. In this study, we assess the possible formation of OTR-5HTR2A heteromers in living cells and the functional downstream consequences of this receptor-receptor interaction. First, we demonstrated the existence of a physical interaction between the OTR and 5-HTR2A in vitro, using a flow cytometry-based FRET approach and confocal microscopy. Furthermore, we investigated the formation of this specific heteroreceptor complex ex vivo in the brain sections using the Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA). The OTR-5HTR2A heteroreceptor complexes were identified in limbic regions (including hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and nucleus accumbens), key regions associated with cognition and social-related behaviors. Next, functional cellular-based assays to assess the OTR-5HTR2A downstream signaling crosstalk showed a reduction in potency and efficacy of OT and OTR synthetic agonists, carbetocin and WAY267464, on OTR-mediated Gαq signaling. Similarly, the activation of 5-HTR2A by the endogenous agonist, 5-HT, also revealed attenuation in Gαq-mediated signaling. Finally, altered receptor trafficking within the cell was demonstrated, indicative of cotrafficking of the OTR/5-HTR2A pair. Overall, these results constitute a novel mechanism of specific interaction between the OT and 5-HT neurotransmitters via OTR-5HTR2A heteroreceptor formation and provide potential new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of social and cognition-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Chruścicka
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Shauna E. Wallace Fitzsimons
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Clémentine Druelle
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Kenneth Nally
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G. Dinan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F. Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Retzius väg 8, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Harriët Schellekens
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Thakur P, Shrivastava R, Shrivastava VK. Effects of exogenous oxytocin and atosiban antagonist on GABA in different region of brain. IBRO Rep 2019; 6:185-189. [PMID: 31211283 PMCID: PMC6562178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebral central nervous system. It functions by altering the membrane conductance of Cl- ions, maintaining the membrane potential close to the resting potential. The hormone oxytocin (OT) has a central action where it acts as a neuromodulatory peptide and exerts its action depending upon the distribution of OT receptors (OTR) in the target site. OTRs are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprising different subunits (Gq, Gi, and Gs). The G- protein isoforms have the ability to activate different pathways, but specific agonists and antagonists may show different affinities to OTRs, depending on the specific G-protein isoform to which they are coupled. It is well documented that OTR distribution varies with age and species and in regions of the brain. In this study, we attempted to observe the impact of OT and atosiban (OTA), an OT antagonist, on GABA levels in different regions of the brain. Study animals were exposed intraperitoneally (i.p.) to normal saline (0.89%), OT 0.0116 mg/kg, and OTA 1 mg/kg in different combinations, for 30days. It was observed that OT and OTA administration modulated GABA levels in different regions of brain, while normal saline had no effect. It may be due to OTR receptor expression in different regions of the brain. This is significant because region-specific expression of different receptors could be important in the development of new drugs targeting specific neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Thakur
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462026, India
| | - Renu Shrivastava
- Sri Satya Sai College for Women BHEL, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462024, India
| | - Vinoy K. Shrivastava
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462026, India
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25
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Seyedabadi M, Ghahremani MH, Albert PR. Biased signaling of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs): Molecular determinants of GPCR/transducer selectivity and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 200:148-178. [PMID: 31075355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) convey signals across membranes via interaction with G proteins. Originally, an individual GPCR was thought to signal through one G protein family, comprising cognate G proteins that mediate canonical receptor signaling. However, several deviations from canonical signaling pathways for GPCRs have been described. It is now clear that GPCRs can engage with multiple G proteins and the line between cognate and non-cognate signaling is increasingly blurred. Furthermore, GPCRs couple to non-G protein transducers, including β-arrestins or other scaffold proteins, to initiate additional signaling cascades. Receptor/transducer selectivity is dictated by agonist-induced receptor conformations as well as by collateral factors. In particular, ligands stabilize distinct receptor conformations to preferentially activate certain pathways, designated 'biased signaling'. In this regard, receptor sequence alignment and mutagenesis have helped to identify key receptor domains for receptor/transducer specificity. Furthermore, molecular structures of GPCRs bound to different ligands or transducers have provided detailed insights into mechanisms of coupling selectivity. However, receptor dimerization, compartmentalization, and trafficking, receptor-transducer-effector stoichiometry, and ligand residence and exposure times can each affect GPCR coupling. Extrinsic factors including cell type or assay conditions can also influence receptor signaling. Understanding these factors may lead to the development of improved biased ligands with the potential to enhance therapeutic benefit, while minimizing adverse effects. In this review, evidence for ligand-specific GPCR signaling toward different transducers or pathways is elaborated. Furthermore, molecular determinants of biased signaling toward these pathways and relevant examples of the potential clinical benefits and pitfalls of biased ligands are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Seyedabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Education Development Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Paul R Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Neuroscience, University of Ottawa, Canada.
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26
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Targeting the Oxytocin System: New Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:22-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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27
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Expanding neuropeptide signalling by multiplying receptor functional states and sub-cellular locations. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:49-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2923-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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28
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Lerman B, Harricharran T, Ogunwobi OO. Oxytocin and cancer: An emerging link. World J Clin Oncol 2018; 9:74-82. [PMID: 30254962 PMCID: PMC6153127 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v9.i5.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin, which is released from the posterior pituitary gland, is involved in a number of physiological processes. Understanding of its effects is gradually increasing due to new research in this area. While mostly recognized as a reproductive system hormone, oxytocin also regulates other organ systems such as the brain and cardiovascular system. Recently, research has focused on unraveling its involvement in cancer, and emerging evidence suggests a potential role for oxytocin as a cancer biomarker. This review summarizes observations linking oxytocin and cancer, with a special emphasis on prostate cancer, where it may promote cell proliferation. Research suggests that oxytocin effects may depend on cell type, concentration of the hormone, its interactions with other hormones in the microenvironment, and the precise localization of its receptor on the cell membrane. Future research is needed to further elucidate the involvement of oxytocin in cancer, and whether it could be a clinical cancer biomarker or therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Lerman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Trisheena Harricharran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- the Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- the Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
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29
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Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1805-1908. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gαior Gαqproteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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30
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Duque-Wilckens N, Steinman MQ, Busnelli M, Chini B, Yokoyama S, Pham M, Laredo SA, Hao R, Perkeybile AM, Minie VA, Tan PB, Bales KL, Trainor BC. Oxytocin Receptors in the Anteromedial Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Promote Stress-Induced Social Avoidance in Female California Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:203-213. [PMID: 29066224 PMCID: PMC5743604 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is a key regulator of social and emotional behaviors. The effects of OT are context dependent, and it has been proposed that OT increases the salience of both positive and negative social cues. Here we tested whether the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) mediates anxiogenic effects of OT. METHODS First, we studied the effects of systemic administration of an OT receptor (OTR) antagonist L-368,899 on social behavior in male and female California mice exposed to social defeat. We examined the effect of L-368,899 on G protein activation and used early growth response factor 1 immunohistochemistry to identify potential sites of OTR action. Finally, we examined the effects of L-368,899 infused in the BNST on behavior. RESULTS A single dose of systemic L-368,899 increased social approach in stressed female mice and decreased social approach in male mice naïve to defeat. L-368,899 prevented OT activation of G proteins and did not activate G proteins in the absence of OT. Intranasal OT, which reduces social approach in female mice but not male mice, increased early growth response factor 1 immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens core and anteromedial BNST in female mice but not in male mice. Stressed female mice that received an infusion of L-368,899 into the anteromedial BNST but not the nucleus accumbens core increased social approach and decreased social vigilance responses. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that OTR activation in anteromedial BNST induces a vigilance response in which individuals avoid, yet attend to, unfamiliar social contexts. Our results suggest that OTR antagonists may have unappreciated therapeutic potential for stress-induced psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Q Steinman
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Marta Busnelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Bice Chini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sae Yokoyama
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Mary Pham
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Sarah A Laredo
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Rebecca Hao
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | | | - Vanessa A Minie
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Phillip B Tan
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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31
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Muttenthaler M, Andersson Å, Vetter I, Menon R, Busnelli M, Ragnarsson L, Bergmayr C, Arrowsmith S, Deuis JR, Chiu HS, Palpant NJ, O'Brien M, Smith TJ, Wray S, Neumann ID, Gruber CW, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. Subtle modifications to oxytocin produce ligands that retain potency and improved selectivity across species. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/508/eaan3398. [PMID: 29208680 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aan3398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin mediate various physiological functions that are important for osmoregulation, reproduction, cardiovascular function, social behavior, memory, and learning through four G protein-coupled receptors that are also implicated in high-profile disorders. Targeting these receptors is challenging because of the difficulty in obtaining ligands that retain selectivity across rodents and humans for translational studies. We identified a selective and more stable oxytocin receptor (OTR) agonist by subtly modifying the pharmacophore framework of human oxytocin and vasopressin. [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH displayed similar potency to oxytocin but improved selectivity for OTR, an effect that was retained in mice. Centrally infused [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH potently reversed social fear in mice, confirming that this action was mediated by OTR and not by V1a or V1b vasopressin receptors. In addition, [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH produced a more regular contraction pattern than did oxytocin in a preclinical labor induction and augmentation model using myometrial strips from cesarean sections. [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH had no activity in human cardiomyocytes, indicating a potentially improved safety profile and therapeutic window compared to those of clinically used oxytocin. In conclusion, [Se-Se]-oxytocin-OH is a novel probe for validating OTR as a therapeutic target in various biological systems and is a promising new lead for therapeutic development. Our medicinal chemistry approach may also be applicable to other peptidergic signaling systems with similar selectivity issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. .,Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Åsa Andersson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4104, Australia
| | - Rohit Menon
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marta Busnelli
- CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christian Bergmayr
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Arrowsmith
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Han Sheng Chiu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nathan J Palpant
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Margaret O'Brien
- National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Terry J Smith
- National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Susan Wray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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32
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Chini B, Verhage M, Grinevich V. The Action Radius of Oxytocin Release in the Mammalian CNS: From Single Vesicles to Behavior. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 38:982-991. [PMID: 28899620 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has attracted the attention both of the scientific community and a general audience because of its prosocial effects in mammals, and OT is now seen as a facilitator of mammalian species propagation. Furthermore, OT is a candidate for the treatment of social deficits in several neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. Despite such possibilities and a long history of studies on OT behavioral effects, the mechanisms of OT actions in the brain remain poorly understood. In the present review, based on anatomical, biochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral studies, we propose a novel model of local OT actions in the central nervous system (CNS) via focused axonal release, which initiates intracellular signaling cascades in specific OT-sensitive neuronal populations and coordinated brain region-specific behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bice Chini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy; Equal contributions.
| | - Matthijs Verhage
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) and VU Medical Center (VUmc), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Equal contributions.
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), CellNetworks Cluster of Excellence at the University of Heidelberg, and Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; Equal contributions.
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33
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DIAZ DIANA, DONATO MICHELE, NGUYEN TIN, DRAGHICI SORIN. MICRORNA-AUGMENTED PATHWAYS (mirAP) AND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO PATHWAY ANALYSIS AND DISEASE SUBTYPING. PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON BIOCOMPUTING. PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON BIOCOMPUTING 2017; 22:390-401. [PMID: 27896992 PMCID: PMC5147738 DOI: 10.1142/9789813207813_0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs play important roles in the development of many complex diseases. Because of their importance, the analysis of signaling pathways including miRNA interactions holds the potential for unveiling the mechanisms underlying such diseases. However, current signaling pathway databases are limited to interactions between genes and ignore miRNAs. Here, we use the information on miRNA targets to build a database of miRNA-augmented pathways (mirAP), and we show its application in the contexts of integrative pathway analysis and disease subtyping. Our miRNA-mRNA integrative pathway analysis pipeline incorporates a topology-aware approach that we previously implemented. Our integrative disease subtyping pipeline takes into account survival data, gene and miRNA expression, and knowledge of the interactions among genes. We demonstrate the advantages of our approach by analyzing nine sample-matched datasets that provide both miRNA and mRNA expression. We show that integrating miRNAs into pathway analysis results in greater statistical power, and provides a more comprehensive view of the underlying phenomena. We also compare our disease subtyping method with the state-of-the-art integrative analysis by analyzing a colorectal cancer database from TCGA. The colorectal cancer subtypes identified by our approach are significantly different in terms of their survival expectation. These miRNA-augmented pathways offer a more comprehensive view and a deeper understanding of biological pathways. A better understanding of the molecular processes associated with patients' survival can help to a better prognosis and an appropriate treatment for each subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- DIANA DIAZ
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, U.S.A
| | - MICHELE DONATO
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A
| | - TIN NGUYEN
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, U.S.A
| | - SORIN DRAGHICI
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, U.S.A
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, U.S.A
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34
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Molecular Basis of Oxytocin Receptor Signalling in the Brain: What We Know and What We Need to Know. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 35:3-29. [PMID: 28812263 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a hypothalamic neuropeptide involved in regulating the social behaviour of all vertebrates, has been proposed as a treatment for a number of neuropsychiatric disorders characterised by deficits in the social domain. Over the last few decades, advances focused on understanding the social effects of OT and its role in physiological conditions and brain diseases, but much less has been done to clarify the molecular cascade of events involved in mediating such effects and in particular the cellular and molecular pharmacology of OT and its target receptor (OTR) in neuronal and glial cells.The entity and persistence of OT activity in the brain is closely related to the expression and regulation of the OTR expressed on the cell surface, which transmits the signal intracellularly and permits OT to affect cell function. Understanding the various signalling mechanisms mediating OTR-induced cell responses is crucial to determine the different responses in different cells and brain regions, and the success of OT and OT-derived analogues in the treatment of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases depends on how well we can control such responses. In this review, we will consider the most important aspects of OT/OTR signalling by focusing on the molecular events involved in OT binding and coupling, on the main signalling pathways activated by the OTR in neuronal cells and on intracellular and plasma membrane OTR trafficking, all of which contribute to the quantitative and qualitative features of OT responses in the brain.
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35
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Stoop R, Hegoburu C, van den Burg E. New opportunities in vasopressin and oxytocin research: a perspective from the amygdala. Annu Rev Neurosci 2016; 38:369-88. [PMID: 26154981 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-071714-033904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the present review, we discuss how the evolution of oxytocin and vasopressin from a single ancestor peptide after gene duplication has stimulated the development of the vertebrate social brain. Separate production sites became possible with a hypothalamic development, which, interestingly, is triggered by the same transcription factors that underlie the development of various subcortical regions where vasopressin and oxytocin receptors are adjacently expressed and which are connected by inhibitory circuits. The opposite modulation of their output by vasopressin and oxytocin could thus create a dynamic equilibrium for rapid responsiveness to external stimuli. At the level of the individual, nurturing early in life can long-lastingly program oxytocin signaling, maintaining a capability of learning and sensitivity to external stimuli that contributes to development of social behavior in adulthood. Oxytocin and vasopressin are thus important for the development of a vertebrate brain that supports bonding between individuals and building of an interactive community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Stoop
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital, 1008 Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland;
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36
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Kim SH, MacIntyre DA, Hanyaloglu AC, Blanks AM, Thornton S, Bennett PR, Terzidou V. The oxytocin receptor antagonist, Atosiban, activates pro-inflammatory pathways in human amnion via G(αi) signalling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:11-23. [PMID: 26586210 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in the onset of human labour by stimulating uterine contractions and promoting prostaglandin/inflammatory cytokine synthesis in amnion via oxytocin receptor (OTR) coupling. The OTR-antagonist, Atosiban, is widely used as a tocolytic for the management of acute preterm labour. We found that in primary human amniocytes, Atosiban (10 μM) signals via PTX-sensitive Gαi to activate transcription factor NF-κB p65, ERK1/2, and p38 which subsequently drives upregulation of the prostaglandin synthesis enzymes, COX-2 and phospho-cPLA2 and excretion of prostaglandins (PGE2) (n = 6; p < 0.05, ANOVA). Moreover, Atosiban treatment increased expression and excretion of the inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and CCL5. We also showed that OT-simulated activation of NF-κB, ERK1/2, and p38 and subsequent prostaglandin and inflammatory cytokine synthesis is via Gαi-2 and Gαi-3 but not Gαq, and is not inhibited by Atosiban. Activation or exacerbation of inflammation is not a desirable effect of tocolytics. Therefore therapeutic modulation of the OT/OTR system for clinical management of term/preterm labour should consider the effects of differential G-protein coupling of the OTR and the role of OT or selective OTR agonists/antagonists in activating proinflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hye Kim
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Aylin C Hanyaloglu
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Andrew M Blanks
- University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, UHCW, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Steven Thornton
- The University of Exeter Medical School, Main Medical School Building, St Luke's Campus, Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Vasso Terzidou
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK; Academic Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College School of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK.
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Nensey NK, Bodager J, Gehrand AL, Raff H. Effect of Novel Melanocortin Type 2 Receptor Antagonists on the Corticosterone Response to ACTH in the Neonatal Rat Adrenal Gland In Vivo and In Vitro. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:23. [PMID: 27047449 PMCID: PMC4800183 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress-induced increases in neonatal corticosterone demonstrate a unique shift from ACTH independence to ACTH dependence between postnatal day 2 (PD2) and day 8 (PD8) in newborn rats. This shift could be due to the binding of a bioactive, non--immunoreactive plasma ligand to the adrenocortical melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) (ACTH receptor). A potent MC2R antagonist would be useful to evaluate this phenomenon in the neonate. Therefore, we investigated the acute corticosterone response to ACTH(1-39) injection in rat pups pretreated with newly developed MC2R antagonists (GPS1573 and GPS1574), which have not been tested in vivo. The doses used in vivo were based on their in vitro potency, with GP1573 being more potent than GPS1574. GPS1573 (PD2 and PD8), GPS1574 (PD2 only), or vehicle were injected intraperitoneally (ip) 10 min before baseline sampling. Then, 0.001 mg/kg of ACTH(1-39) was injected ip, and subsequent blood samples obtained for the measurement of plasma corticosterone. Pretreatment of PD2 pups with GPS1573 demonstrated augmentation, rather than inhibition, of the corticosterone response to ACTH. In PD8 pups, pretreatment with 0.1 mg/kg GPS1573, but not 4 mg/kg, augmented the corticosterone response to ACTH. Pretreatment with GPS1574 attenuated the plasma corticosterone response to ACTH at 30 min in PD2 pups. The activity of these two compounds in vivo do not match their potency in vitro, with GPS1573 leading to a small augmentation of the corticosterone response to ACTH in vivo while GPS1574 resulted in inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasha K. Nensey
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jonathan Bodager
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ashley L. Gehrand
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Hershel Raff
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- *Correspondence: Hershel Raff,
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Gonzalez-Reyes A, Menaouar A, Yip D, Danalache B, Plante E, Noiseux N, Gutkowska J, Jankowski M. Molecular mechanisms underlying oxytocin-induced cardiomyocyte protection from simulated ischemia-reperfusion. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 412:170-81. [PMID: 25963797 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) stimulates cardioprotection. Here we investigated heart-derived H9c2 cells in simulated ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) experiments in order to examine the mechanism of OT protection. I-R was induced in an anoxic chamber for 2 hours and followed by 2 h of reperfusion. In comparison to normoxia, I-R resulted in decrease of formazan production by H9c2 cells to 63.5 ± 1.7% (MTT assay) and in enhanced apoptosis from 1.7 ± 0.3% to 2.8 ± 0.4% (Tunel test). Using these assays it was observed that treatment with OT (1-500 nM) exerted significant protection during I-R, especially when OT was added at the time of ischemia or reperfusion. Using the CM-H2DCFDA probe we found that OT triggers a short-lived burst in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells but reduces ROS production evoked by I-R. In cells treated with OT, Western-blot revealed the phosphorylation of Akt (Thr 308, p-Akt), eNOS and ERK 1/2. Microscopy showed translocation of p-Akt and eNOS into the nuclear and perinuclear area and NO production in cells treated with OT. The OT-induced protection against I-R was abrogated by an OT antagonist, the Pi3K inhibitor Wortmannin, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor, KT5823, as well as soluble guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitor, ODQ, and particulate GC antagonist, A71915. In conditions of I-R, the cells with siRNA-mediated reduction in OT receptor (OTR) expression responded to OT treatment by enhanced apoptosis. In conclusion, the OTR protected H9c2 cells against I-R, especially if activated at the onset of ischemia or reperfusion. The OTR-transduced signals include pro-survival kinases, such as Akt and PKG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Gonzalez-Reyes
- Cardiovascular Biochemistry Laboratory, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University
| | - Ahmed Menaouar
- Cardiovascular Biochemistry Laboratory, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Denis Yip
- Cardiovascular Biochemistry Laboratory, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University
| | - Bogdan Danalache
- Cardiovascular Biochemistry Laboratory, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric Plante
- Cardiovascular Biochemistry Laboratory, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Noiseux
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal
| | - Jolanta Gutkowska
- Cardiovascular Biochemistry Laboratory, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal
| | - Marek Jankowski
- Cardiovascular Biochemistry Laboratory, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal.
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Assinder SJ, Davies K, Surija J, Liu-Fu F. Oxytocin differentially effects 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-reductase activities in prostate cancer cell lines. Peptides 2015. [PMID: 26211892 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It is known that oxytocin stimulates steroidogenesis in several organs by modulating activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD3B) and steroid 5α-reductases (SRD5A). However, this has not been established in prostate cancer where these enzymes, key to local production of androgens, are increased. Analysis of both HSD3B and SRD5A activities using a live cell in situ colourimetric assay demonstrated that in PC-3 cells HSD3B activity was significantly increased by oxytocin whilst SRD5A activity was unchanged. This was confirmed in ELISA based assays of conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone and testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in cell lysates following treatment. In contrast, oxytocin significantly inhibited HSD3B activity in LNCaPs, but significantly increased activity of SRD5A, as confirmed by ELISA assays. Analysis of both cell lines by microarray and qRT-PCR determined that these changes were not due to altered gene transcription. This study demonstrates differential effects of oxytocin on the activities of key de novo steroidogenic enzymes in prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Assinder
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Kathryn Davies
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathan Surija
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Frank Liu-Fu
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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A New Combinatorial Optimization Approach for Integrated Feature Selection Using Different Datasets: A Prostate Cancer Transcriptomic Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127702. [PMID: 26106884 PMCID: PMC4480358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The joint study of multiple datasets has become a common technique for increasing statistical power in detecting biomarkers obtained from smaller studies. The approach generally followed is based on the fact that as the total number of samples increases, we expect to have greater power to detect associations of interest. This methodology has been applied to genome-wide association and transcriptomic studies due to the availability of datasets in the public domain. While this approach is well established in biostatistics, the introduction of new combinatorial optimization models to address this issue has not been explored in depth. In this study, we introduce a new model for the integration of multiple datasets and we show its application in transcriptomics. Methods We propose a new combinatorial optimization problem that addresses the core issue of biomarker detection in integrated datasets. Optimal solutions for this model deliver a feature selection from a panel of prospective biomarkers. The model we propose is a generalised version of the (α,β)-k-Feature Set problem. We illustrate the performance of this new methodology via a challenging meta-analysis task involving six prostate cancer microarray datasets. The results are then compared to the popular RankProd meta-analysis tool and to what can be obtained by analysing the individual datasets by statistical and combinatorial methods alone. Results Application of the integrated method resulted in a more informative signature than the rank-based meta-analysis or individual dataset results, and overcomes problems arising from real world datasets. The set of genes identified is highly significant in the context of prostate cancer. The method used does not rely on homogenisation or transformation of values to a common scale, and at the same time is able to capture markers associated with subgroups of the disease.
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Madi A, Bransburg-Zabary S, Maayan-Metzger A, Dar G, Ben-Jacob E, Cohen IR. Tumor-associated and disease-associated autoantibody repertoires in healthy colostrum and maternal and newborn cord sera. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 194:5272-81. [PMID: 25917091 PMCID: PMC4432729 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we studied autoantibody repertoires and Ig isotypes in 71 mothers and their 104 healthy newborns (including twins and triplets delivered term or premature). Newborns receive maternal IgG Abs via the placenta before birth, but developing infants must produce their own IgM and IgA Abs. We used an Ag microarray analysis to detect binding to a selection of 295 self-Ags, compared with 27 standard foreign Ags. The magnitude of binding to specific self-Ags was found to be not less than that to the foreign Ags. As expected, each newborn shared with its mother a similar IgG repertoire-manifest as early as the 24th week of gestation. IgM and IgA autoantibody repertoires in cord sera were highly correlated among the newborns and differed from their mothers' repertoires; the latter differed in sera and milk. The autoantibodies bound to self-Ags known to be associated with tumors and to autoimmune diseases. Thus, autoantibody repertoires in healthy humans--the immunological homunculus--arise congenitally, differ in maternal milk and sera, and mark the potential of the immune system to attack tumors, beneficially, or healthy tissues, harmfully; regulation of the tissue site, the dynamics, and the response phenotype of homuncular autoimmunity very likely affects health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Madi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Neonatology, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, 5262100 Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Sharron Bransburg-Zabary
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ayala Maayan-Metzger
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Neonatology, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, 5262100 Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gittit Dar
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eshel Ben-Jacob
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005; and
| | - Irun R Cohen
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Abstract
Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that is produced centrally by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is released directly into higher brain centres and into the peripheral circulation where it produces a multitude of effects. Classically, oxytocin is known for inducing uterine contractions at parturition and milk ejection during suckling. Oxytocin also acts in a species and gender specific manner as an important neuromodulator. It can affect behaviours associated with stress and anxiety, as well social behaviours including sexual and relationship behaviours, and maternal care. Additionally, oxytocin has been shown to have a variety of physiological roles in peripheral tissues, many of which appear to be modulated largely by locally produced oxytocin, dispelling the notion that oxytocin is a purely neurohypophyseal hormone. Oxytocin levels are altered in several diseases and the use of oxytocin or its antagonists have been identified as a possible clinical intervention in the treatment of mood disorders and pain conditions, some cancers, benign prostatic disease and osteoporosis. Indeed, oxytocin has already been successful in clinical trials to treat autism and schizophrenia. This review will report briefly on the known functions of oxytocin, it will discuss in depth the data from recent clinical trials and highlight future targets for oxytocinergic modulation.
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Imanieh MH, Bagheri F, Alizadeh AM, Ashkani-Esfahani S. Oxytocin has therapeutic effects on cancer, a hypothesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 741:112-23. [PMID: 25094035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is the first peptide hormone structurally assessed and chemically synthesized in biologically active form. This hormone acts as an important factor in a human reproductive system particularly during pregnancy and lactation in women. So far, different therapeutic roles for OT have been identified as a spectrum from central and peripheral actions on male and female reproductive systems, circulatory system, musculoskeletal system, etc. Some in vitro and in vivo studies also revealed that OT is responsible for bivariate biological functions involved in cancer as following. By activating OT receptor in tumoral cells, OT enacts as a growth regulator, whether activator or inhibitor. Regarding the increase of OT in some conditions such as breastfeeding, exercise, and multiparity, we can relate the effect of these conditions on cancer with OT effects. Based on this hypothesis, we present a review on the effects of this neuropeptide on various types of cancer and also the influence of these conditions on the same cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fereshte Bagheri
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Alizadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1419733141, Tehran, Iran.
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Wisler JW, Xiao K, Thomsen ARB, Lefkowitz RJ. Recent developments in biased agonism. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2014; 27:18-24. [PMID: 24680426 PMCID: PMC3971386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The classic paradigm of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation was based on the understanding that agonist binding to a receptor induces or stabilizes a conformational change to an 'active' conformation. In the past decade, however, it has been appreciated that ligands can induce distinct 'active' receptor conformations with unique downstream functional signaling profiles. Building on the initial recognition of the existence of such 'biased ligands', recent years have witnessed significant developments in several areas of GPCR biology. These include increased understanding of structural and biophysical mechanisms underlying biased agonism, improvements in characterization and quantification of ligand efficacy, as well as clinical development of these novel ligands. Here we review recent major developments in these areas over the past several years.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Wisler
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kunhong Xiao
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alex R B Thomsen
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Robert J Lefkowitz
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Mizutani S, Tsunemi T, Mizutani E, Hattori A, Tsujimoto M, Kobayashi H. New insights into the role of aminopeptidases in the treatment for both preeclampsia and preterm labor. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22:1425-36. [PMID: 23931642 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2013.825248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence elucidating the pathophysiology and pharmacology of conventional drugs, β-2 stimulants and magnesium sulfate, on safety and effectiveness for preeclampsia and preterm labor are rarely found. Both compounds pass through the placental barrier and could exert their adverse effects on the fetus. Exposure to these agents could be problematic long after the birth, and possibly result in diseases such as autism and cardiomyopathy. Since 1970 the possible roles of placental aminopeptidases, which degrade peptide hormones, in preeclampsia and preterm labor have been studied. AREAS COVERED Many studies reveal that the fetus secretes peptide hormones, such as angiotensin II, vasopressin, and oxytocin, under hypoxia (stress) during the course of its growth, suggesting the critical effects these hormones have during pregnancy. The roles of placental aminopeptidases, the enzymes which degrade fetal hormones without passing through the placental barrier, were clarified. A first-step production system for recombinant aminopeptidases was established, by which engineered recombinant aminopeptidases were used for further experiments testing expected efficacy on controlling the level of hormones. EXPERT OPINION The authors conclude that both aminopeptidase A and placental leucine aminopeptidase could be potentially safe and effective drugs for patients and their babies in the treatment of preeclampsia and preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiko Mizutani
- Daiya Building Ladys' Clinic , 1F, No.2, 3-15-1, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, 450-0002 , Japan
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Abstract
Ligand bias refers to the ability of a drug at a receptor to activate selectively particular cell signalling pathways over others, in a way that cannot be explained by traditional models of receptor theory. For a physiologically and therapeutically important GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor) such as the MOPr (μ-opioid receptor), the role of ligand bias is currently being explored, not only in order to understand the molecular function of this receptor, but also with a view to developing better analgesic drugs with fewer adverse effects. In this short review, the ways to detect and quantify agonist bias at MOPr are discussed, along with the possible significance of MOPr ligand bias in the therapeutic use of opioid drugs. An important conclusion of this work is that attempts to define ligand bias at any GPCR on the basis of the visual inspection of concentration-response curves or comparison of maximum response (Emax) values can be misleading. Instead, reliable estimations of relative agonist efficacy are needed to calculate bias effectively.
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Busnelli M, Bulgheroni E, Manning M, Kleinau G, Chini B. Selective and potent agonists and antagonists for investigating the role of mouse oxytocin receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 346:318-27. [PMID: 23723434 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.202994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) have been shown to play a central role in social behaviors; as a consequence, they have been recognized as potential drugs to treat neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders characterized by impaired social interactions. However, despite the basic and preclinical relevance of mouse strains carrying genetic alterations in the OT/AVP systems to basic and preclinical translational neuroscience, the pharmacological profile of mouse OT/AVP receptor subtypes has not been fully characterized. To fill in this gap, we have characterized a number of OT and AVP agonists and antagonists at three murine OT/AVP receptors expressed in the nervous system as follows: the oxytocin (mOTR) and vasopressin V1a (mV1aR) and V1b (mV1bR) subtypes. These three receptors were transiently expressed in vitro for binding and intracellular signaling assays, and then a homology model of the mOTR structure was constructed to investigate how its molecular features compare with human and rat OTR orthologs. Our data indicate that the selectivity profile of the natural ligands, OT and AVP, is conserved in humans, rats, and mice. Furthermore, we found that the synthetic peptide [Thr(4)Gly(7)]OT (TGOT) is remarkably selective for the mOTR and, like the endogenous OT ligand, activates Gq and Gi and recruits β-arrestins. Finally, we report three antagonists that exhibit remarkably high affinities and selectivities at mOTRs. These highly selective pharmacological tools will contribute to the investigation of the specific physiologic and pathologic roles of mOTR for the development of selective OT-based therapeutics.
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Kwiatkowska A, Lewandowska M, Borovičková L, Slaninová J, Lammek B, Prahl A. Design, Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship of New Arginine Vasopressin Analogues Containing Proline Derivatives in Position 2. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Bakos J, Strbak V, Paulikova H, Krajnakova L, Lestanova Z, Bacova Z. Oxytocin receptor ligands induce changes in cytoskeleton in neuroblastoma cells. J Mol Neurosci 2013; 50:462-8. [PMID: 23335033 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-013-9960-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of ligands of oxytocin receptors on gene expression of neurofilament proteins (nestin and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2)) associated with neuronal differentiation and growth factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)) related to neuronal growth. Fluorescent staining of F-actin was used to observe morphology of cells. Co-treatment with oxytocin and oxytocin receptor antagonist--atosiban--resulted in significant increase of MAP2 gene expression in SK-N-SH cells. There was no effect of oxytocin on gene expression of growth factors BDNF and NGF. Surprisingly, oxytocin with atosiban significantly increased mRNA levels for both BDNF and NGF. Gene expression of vasopressin receptor (V1aR) significantly decreased in response to vasopressin. Atosiban decreased mRNA levels for oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and V1aR. Oxytocin significantly decreased OXTR and nestin mRNA levels and increased mRNA levels for BDNF and NGF in U-87 MG cells. The densest recruitment of F-actin filaments was observed in apical parts of filopodia in SK-N-SH cells incubated in oxytocin presence. Present data demonstrate complex role of ligands of oxytocin receptors in regulation of gene expression of intermediate filaments and thus, oxytocin might be considered as a growth factor in neuronal type of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Vlarska 3, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Gigoux V, Fourmy D. Acting on Hormone Receptors with Minimal Side Effect on Cell Proliferation: A Timely Challenge Illustrated with GLP-1R and GPER. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:50. [PMID: 23641235 PMCID: PMC3638125 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a large family of receptors that sense molecules outside the cell and activate inside signal transduction pathways and cellular responses. GPCR are involved in a wide variety of physiological processes, including in the neuroendocrine system. GPCR are also involved in many diseases and are the target of 30% of marketed medicinal drugs. Whereas the majority of the GPCR-targeting drugs have proved their therapeutic benefit, some of them were associated with undesired effects. We develop two examples of used drugs whose therapeutic benefits are tarnished by carcinogenesis risks. The chronic administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs widely used to treat type-2 diabetes was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic or thyroid cancers. The long-term treatment with the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen, developed to target breast cancer overexpressing estrogen receptors ER, presents agonist activity on the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor which is associated with an increased incidence of endometrial cancer and breast cancer resistance to hormonotherapy. We point out and discuss the need of pharmacological studies to understand and overcome the undesired effects associated with the chronic administration of GPCR ligands. In fact, biological effects triggered by GPCR often result from the activation of multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Deciphering which signaling networks are engaged following GPCR activation appears to be primordial to unveil their contribution in the physiological and physiopathological processes. The development of biased agonists to elucidate the role of the different signaling mechanisms mediated by GPCR activation will allow the generation of new therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. In this regard, the identification of GLP-1R biased ligands promoting insulin secretion without inducing pro-tumoral effects would offer therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Gigoux
- Université de Toulouse, Université Paul SabatierToulouse, France
- *Correspondence: Véronique Gigoux, CHU Rangueil – INSERM, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, EA4552, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhès, BP 84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France. e-mail:
| | - Daniel Fourmy
- Université de Toulouse, Université Paul SabatierToulouse, France
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