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Carman BL, Qin S, Predescu DN, Jana M, Cortese R, Aldred MA, Gozal D, Mokhlesi B, Predescu SA. Dysregulation of the Long Non-coding RNA Xist Expression in Male Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00166-4. [PMID: 38705381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a sex-biased disease with female gender as a significant risk factor. Recently, we reported that increased expression of the long non-coding (lnc)RNA Xist, as induced by an intersectin-1s protein fragment with proliferative potential (EHITSN), may explain the sexual dimorphism of female pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs) and at least in part, the imbalance sex/ratio of PAH. Xist is essential for X-chromosome inactivation and dosage compensation of X-linked genes. Increased Xist expression was also detected in a subset of ECs and lung tissue samples of male PAH patients. The role of different Xist expression levels in ECs of male PAH patients (ECPAH) was studied in several lines of male ECPAH in conjunction with molecular, biochemical, morphological, and functional approaches. Male ECPAH showed on average 10.3-fold increase in high Xist vs. low Xist, a significant association between Xist levels and their proliferative potential, and a heterogeneous methylation of the Xist/Tsix locus. Interestingly, Xist up-regulation in male ECPAH decreases the expression of Klf2, via EHITSN interaction with EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2. Moreover, the studies demonstrate that EHITSN-triggered p38/Elk1/c-Fos signaling is a pathological mechanism central to ECPAH proliferation and the dynamic crosstalk with cell cycle regulatory proteins ccna1/ccnd2, and Xist-EZH2-Klf2 interaction participate directly and differentially in establishing the proliferative profile of male ECPAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon L Carman
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Shanshan Qin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Dan N Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Malabendu Jana
- Department of Neurological Science, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Rene Cortese
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Missouri, Colombia, MO
| | - Micheala A Aldred
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - David Gozal
- Joan C, Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV
| | - Babak Mokhlesi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
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2
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Williams TL, Nyimanu D, Kuc RE, Foster R, Glen RC, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. The biased apelin receptor agonist, MM07, reverses Sugen/hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension as effectively as the endothelin antagonist macitentan. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1369489. [PMID: 38655187 PMCID: PMC11035786 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1369489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by endothelial dysfunction and pathological vascular remodelling, resulting in the occlusion of pulmonary arteries and arterioles, right ventricular hypertrophy, and eventually fatal heart failure. Targeting the apelin receptor with the novel, G protein-biased peptide agonist, MM07, is hypothesised to reverse the developed symptoms of elevated right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy. Here, the effects of MM07 were compared with the clinical standard-of-care endothelin receptor antagonist macitentan. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised and treated with either normoxia/saline, or Sugen/hypoxia (SuHx) to induce an established model of PAH, before subsequent treatment with either saline, macitentan (30 mg/kg), or MM07 (10 mg/kg). Rats were then anaesthetised and catheterised for haemodynamic measurements, and tissues collected for histopathological assessment. Results: The SuHx/saline group presented with significant increases in right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular systolic pressure, and muscularization of pulmonary arteries compared to normoxic/saline controls. Critically, MM07 was as at least as effective as macitentan in significantly reversing detrimental structural and haemodynamic changes after 4 weeks of treatment. Discussion: These results support the development of G protein-biased apelin receptor agonists with improved pharmacokinetic profiles for use in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rhoda E. Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Foster
- School of Chemistry, Astbury Centre for Structural Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Robert C. Glen
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Molecular Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Biomolecular Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet J. Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony P. Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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3
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Wang WW, Ji SY, Zhang W, Zhang J, Cai C, Hu R, Zang SK, Miao L, Xu H, Chen LN, Yang Z, Guo J, Qin J, Shen DD, Liang P, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Structure-based design of non-hypertrophic apelin receptor modulator. Cell 2024; 187:1460-1475.e20. [PMID: 38428423 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.004] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Apelin is a key hormone in cardiovascular homeostasis that activates the apelin receptor (APLNR), which is regarded as a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. However, adverse effects through the β-arrestin pathway limit its pharmacological use. Here, we report cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of APLNR-Gi1 complexes bound to three agonists with divergent signaling profiles. Combined with functional assays, we have identified "twin hotspots" in APLNR as key determinants for signaling bias, guiding the rational design of two exclusive G-protein-biased agonists WN353 and WN561. Cryo-EM structures of WN353- and WN561-stimulated APLNR-G protein complexes further confirm that the designed ligands adopt the desired poses. Pathophysiological experiments have provided evidence that WN561 demonstrates superior therapeutic effects against cardiac hypertrophy and reduced adverse effects compared with the established APLNR agonists. In summary, our designed APLNR modulator may facilitate the development of next-generation cardiovascular medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Center for Structural Pharmacology and Therapeutics Development, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Su-Yu Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Center for Structural Pharmacology and Therapeutics Development, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Wenjia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing 100191, China; Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junxia Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing 100191, China; Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chenxi Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rubi Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shao-Kun Zang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Luwei Miao
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Haomang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Center for Structural Pharmacology and Therapeutics Development, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Li-Nan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zongkuai Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jiao Qin
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Dan-Dan Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Ping Liang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing 100191, China; Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Center for Structural Pharmacology and Therapeutics Development, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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4
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Chapman FA, Maguire JJ, Newby DE, Davenport AP, Dhaun N. Targeting the apelin system for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2683-2696. [PMID: 37956047 PMCID: PMC10757586 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Its prevalence is rising due to ageing populations and the increasing incidence of diseases such as chronic kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes that are associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. Despite currently available treatments, there remains a huge burden of cardiovascular disease-associated morbidity for patients and healthcare systems, and newer treatments are needed. The apelin system, comprising the apelin receptor and its two endogenous ligands apelin and elabela, is a broad regulator of physiology that opposes the actions of the renin-angiotensin and vasopressin systems. Activation of the apelin receptor promotes endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and inotropy, lowers blood pressure, and promotes angiogenesis. The apelin system appears to protect against arrhythmias, inhibits thrombosis, and has broad anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. It also promotes aqueous diuresis through direct and indirect (central) effects in the kidney. Thus, the apelin system offers therapeutic promise for a range of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. This review will discuss current cardiovascular disease targets of the apelin system and future clinical utility of apelin receptor agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona A Chapman
- BHF/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David E Newby
- BHF/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Neeraj Dhaun
- BHF/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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5
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Monastero R, Magro D, Venezia M, Pisano C, Balistreri CR. A promising therapeutic peptide and preventive/diagnostic biomarker for age-related diseases: The Elabela/Apela/Toddler peptide. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102076. [PMID: 37776977 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Elabela (ELA), Apela or Toddler peptide is a hormone peptide belonging to the adipokine group and a component of apelinergic system, discovered in 2013-2014. Given its high homology with apelin, the first ligand of APJ receptor, ELA likely mediates similar effects. Increasing evidence shows that ELA has a critical function not only in embryonic development, but also in adulthood, contributing to physiological and pathological conditions, such as the onset of age-related diseases (ARD). However, still little is known about the mechanisms and molecular pathways of ELA, as well as its precise functions in ARD pathophysiology. Here, we report the mechanisms by which ELA/APJ signaling acts in a very complex network of pathways for the maintenance of physiological functions of human tissue and organs, as well as in the onset of some ARD, where it appears to play a central role. Therefore, we describe the possibility to use the ELA/APJ pathway, as novel biomarker (predictive and diagnostic) and target for personalized treatments of ARD. Its potentiality as an optimal peptide candidate for therapeutic ARD treatments is largely described, also detailing potential current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Monastero
- Section of Neurology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele Magro
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marika Venezia
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134, Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogera Pisano
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134, Palermo, Italy.
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6
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Gao S, Chen H. Therapeutic potential of apelin and Elabela in cardiovascular disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115268. [PMID: 37562237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin and Elabela (Ela) are peptides encoded by APLN and APELA, respectively, which act on their receptor APJ and play crucial roles in the body. Recent research has shown that they not only have important effects on the endocrine system, but also promote vascular development and maintain the homeostasis of myocardial cells. From a molecular biology perspective, we explored the roles of Ela and apelin in the cardiovascular system and summarized the mechanisms of apelin-APJ signaling in the progression of myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, preeclampsia, and congenital heart disease. Evidences indicated that apelin and Ela play important roles in cardiovascular diseases, and there are many studies focused on developing apelin, Ela, and their analogues for clinical treatments. However, the literature on the therapeutic potential of apelin, Ela and their analogues and other APJ agonists in the cardiovascular system is still limited. This review summarized the regulatory pathways of apelin/ELA-APJ axis in cardiovascular function and cardiovascular-related diseases, and the therapeutic effects of their analogues in cardiovascular diseases were also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghan Gao
- Department of Histology and embryology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Hongping Chen
- Department of Histology and embryology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
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7
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Rossin D, Vanni R, Lo Iacono M, Cristallini C, Giachino C, Rastaldo R. APJ as Promising Therapeutic Target of Peptide Analogues in Myocardial Infarction- and Hypertension-Induced Heart Failure. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051408. [PMID: 37242650 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051408] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The widely expressed G protein-coupled apelin receptor (APJ) is activated by two bioactive endogenous peptides, apelin and ELABELA (ELA). The apelin/ELA-APJ-related pathway has been found involved in the regulation of many physiological and pathological cardiovascular processes. Increasing studies are deepening the role of the APJ pathway in limiting hypertension and myocardial ischaemia, thus reducing cardiac fibrosis and adverse tissue remodelling, outlining APJ regulation as a potential therapeutic target for heart failure prevention. However, the low plasma half-life of native apelin and ELABELA isoforms lowered their potential for pharmacological applications. In recent years, many research groups focused their attention on studying how APJ ligand modifications could affect receptor structure and dynamics as well as its downstream signalling. This review summarises the novel insights regarding the role of APJ-related pathways in myocardial infarction and hypertension. Furthermore, recent progress in designing synthetic compounds or analogues of APJ ligands able to fully activate the apelinergic pathway is reported. Determining how to exogenously regulate the APJ activation could help to outline a promising therapy for cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rossin
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Roberto Vanni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Marco Lo Iacono
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Caterina Cristallini
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, IPCF ss Pisa, CNR, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Giachino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Rastaldo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
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8
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Pang B, Jiang YR, Xu JY, Shao DX, Hao LY. Apelin/ELABELA-APJ system in cardiac hypertrophy: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175727. [PMID: 37062502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure is one of the most significant public health problems faced by millions of medical researchers worldwide. And pathological cardiac hypertrophy is considered one of the possible factors of increasing the risk of heart failure. Here, we introduce apelin/ELABELA-APJ system as a novel therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy, bringing about new directions in clinical treatment. Apelin has been proven to regulate cardiac hypertrophy through various pathways. And an increasing number of studies on ELABELA, the newly discovered endogenous ligand, suggest it can alleviate cardiac hypertrophy through mechanisms similar or different to apelin. In this review, we elaborate on the role that apelin/ELABELA-APJ system plays in cardiac hypertrophy and the intricate mechanisms that apelin/ELABELA-APJ affect cardiac hypertrophy. We also illuminate and make comparisons of the newly designed peptides and small molecules as agonists and antagonists for APJ, updating the breakthroughs in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pang
- China Medical University-The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Yin-Ru Jiang
- China Medical University-The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Jia-Yao Xu
- China Medical University-The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Dong-Xue Shao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Li-Ying Hao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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9
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Murali S, Aradhyam GK. Structure-function relationship and physiological role of apelin and its G protein coupled receptor. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:127-143. [PMID: 36919024 PMCID: PMC9995629 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin receptor (APJR) is a class A peptide (apelin) binding G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure, cardiac output, and maintenance of fluid homeostasis. It is activated by a wide range of endogenous peptide isoforms of apelin and elabela. The apelin peptide isoforms contain distinct structural features that aid in ligand recognition and activation of the receptor. Site-directed mutagenesis and structure-based studies have revealed the involvement of extracellular and transmembrane regions of the receptor in binding to the peptide isoforms. The structural features of APJR activation of the receptor as well as mediating G-protein and β-arrestin-mediated signaling are delineated by multiple mutagenesis studies. There is increasing evidence that the structural requirements of APJR to activate G-proteins and β-arrestins are different, leading to biased signaling. APJR also responds to mechanical stimuli in a ligand-independent manner. A multitude of studies has focused on developing both peptide and non-peptide agonists and antagonists specific to APJR. Apelin/elabela-activated APJR orchestrates major signaling pathways such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERKs), protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), and p70S. This review focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of apelin, elabela, APJR, and their interactions involved in the binding and activation of the downstream signaling cascade. We also focus on the diverse signaling profile of APJR and its ligands and their involvement in various physiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashree Murali
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Gopala Krishna Aradhyam
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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10
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Luo H, Gu X, Tong G, Han L. Research progress of apelin in acute ischemic brain injury. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:7260-7267. [PMID: 36398257 PMCID: PMC9641465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Acute ischemic brain injury is a cerebrovascular disease with high clinical incidence. An increasing number of preclinical evidence has verified the complex interaction between autophagy disorder and mitochondrial damage. Endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress and excessive neuroinflammation are the main mechanisms of the neural injury induced by acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Apelin and its receptors are widely distributed in various tissues and organs in the human body. Increasing evidence has suggested that apelin has a neuroprotective effect against excitatory toxicity injury, oxidative stress injury and induction of neuronal apoptosis, and it can play a neuroprotective role after acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This review summarizes the progress of the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of apelin, aiming to provide evidence for its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiqing Luo
- Department of Physiology, Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical UniversityChangsha 410219, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparation, Changsha Medical UniversityChangsha 410219, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Gu
- Department of Physiology, Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical UniversityChangsha 410219, Hunan, China
| | - Guoxiang Tong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Changsha Medical UniversityChangsha 410219, Hunan, China
| | - Li Han
- Department of Physiology, Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical UniversityChangsha 410219, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparation, Changsha Medical UniversityChangsha 410219, Hunan, China
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11
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Pham T, Tran K, Taberner AJ, Loiselle DS, Han JC. Crossbridge thermodynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertensive right-ventricular failure. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 132:1338-1349. [PMID: 35482327 PMCID: PMC9208464 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00014.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Right-ventricular (RV) failure is an event consequent to pathological RV hypertrophy commonly resulting from pulmonary arterial hypertension. This pathology is well characterized by RV diastolic dysfunction, impaired ejection, and reduced mechanical efficiency. However, whether the dynamic stiffness and cross-bridge thermodynamics in the failing RV muscles are compromised remains uncertain. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was induced in the rat by injection of monocrotaline, and RV trabeculae were isolated from RV failing rats. Cross-bridge mechano-energetics were characterized by subjecting the trabeculae to two interventions: 1) force-length work-loop contractions over a range of afterloads while measuring heat output, followed by careful partitioning of heat components into activation heat and cross-bridge heat to separately assess mechanical efficiency and cross-bridge efficiency, and 2) sinusoidal-perturbation of muscle length while trabeculae were actively contracting to interrogate cross-bridge dynamic stiffness. We found that reduced mechanical efficiency is correlated with increased passive stress, reduced shortening, and elevated activation heat. In contrast, the thermodynamics, specifically the efficiency of, and the stiffness characteristics of, cross bridges did not differ between the control and failing trabeculae and were not correlated with elevated passive stress or reduced shortening. We thus conclude that, despite diastolic dysfunction and mechanical inefficiency, cross-bridge stiffness and thermodynamics are unaffected in RV failure following pulmonary arterial hypertension. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study characterizes cross-bridge mechano-energetics and dynamic stiffness of right-ventricular trabeculae isolated from a rat model of pulmonary hypertensive right-ventricular failure. Failing trabeculae showed increased passive force but normal active force. Their lower mechanical efficiency is found to be driven by an increase in the energy expenditure arising from contractile activation. This does not reflect a change in their cross-bridge stiffness and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toan Pham
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kenneth Tran
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew J Taberner
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Denis S Loiselle
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - June-Chiew Han
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Andre P, Joshi SR, Briscoe SD, Alexander MJ, Li G, Kumar R. Therapeutic Approaches for Treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by Correcting Imbalanced TGF-β Superfamily Signaling. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:814222. [PMID: 35141256 PMCID: PMC8818880 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.814222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation driven by pathological remodeling of distal pulmonary arteries, leading typically to death by right ventricular failure. Available treatments improve physical activity and slow disease progression, but they act primarily as vasodilators and have limited effects on the biological cause of the disease—the uncontrolled proliferation of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Imbalanced signaling by the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily contributes extensively to dysregulated vascular cell proliferation in PAH, with overactive pro-proliferative SMAD2/3 signaling occurring alongside deficient anti-proliferative SMAD1/5/8 signaling. We review the TGF-β superfamily mechanisms underlying PAH pathogenesis, superfamily interactions with inflammation and mechanobiological forces, and therapeutic strategies under development that aim to restore SMAD signaling balance in the diseased pulmonary arterial vessels. These strategies could potentially reverse pulmonary arterial remodeling in PAH by targeting causative mechanisms and therefore hold significant promise for the PAH patient population.
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13
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Tran K, Sainsily X, Côté J, Coquerel D, Couvineau P, Saibi S, Haroune L, Besserer-Offroy É, Flynn-Robitaille J, Resua Rojas M, Murza A, Longpré JM, Auger-Messier M, Lesur O, Bouvier M, Marsault É, Boudreault PL, Sarret P. Size-Reduced Macrocyclic Analogues of [Pyr 1]-apelin-13 Showing Negative Gα 12 Bias Still Produce Prolonged Cardiac Effects. J Med Chem 2022; 65:531-551. [PMID: 34982553 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported a series of macrocyclic analogues of [Pyr1]-apelin-13 (Ape13) with increased plasma stability and potent APJ agonist properties. Based on the most promising compound in this series, we synthesized and then evaluated novel macrocyclic compounds of Ape13 to identify agonists with specific pharmacological profiles. These efforts led to the development of analogues 39 and 40, which possess reduced molecular weight (MW 1020 Da vs Ape13, 1534 Da). Interestingly, compound 39 (Ki 0.6 nM), which does not activate the Gα12 signaling pathway while maintaining potency and efficacy similar to Ape13 to activate Gαi1 (EC50 0.8 nM) and β-arrestin2 recruitment (EC50 31 nM), still exerts cardiac actions. In addition, analogue 40 (Ki 5.6 nM), exhibiting a favorable Gα12-biased signaling and an increased in vivo half-life (t1/2 3.7 h vs <1 min of Ape13), produces a sustained cardiac response up to 6 h after a single subcutaneous bolus injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kien Tran
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Xavier Sainsily
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - David Coquerel
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Couvineau
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et en Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal H3T 1J4, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabrina Saibi
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Lounès Haroune
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Élie Besserer-Offroy
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | | | - Martin Resua Rojas
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Murza
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Mannix Auger-Messier
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivier Lesur
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et en Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal H3T 1J4, Québec, Canada
| | - Éric Marsault
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
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14
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Gaddam RR, Kim Y, Jacobs JS, Yoon J, Li Q, Cai A, Shankaiahgari H, London B, Irani K, Vikram A. The microRNA-204-5p inhibits APJ signalling and confers resistance to cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e693. [PMID: 35060347 PMCID: PMC8777385 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs regulate cardiac hypertrophy development, which precedes and predicts the risk of heart failure. microRNA-204-5p (miR-204) is well expressed in cardiomyocytes, but its role in developing cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction (CH/CD) remains poorly understood. METHODS We performed RNA-sequencing, echocardiographic, and molecular/morphometric analysis of the heart of mice lacking or overexpressing miR-204 five weeks after trans-aortic constriction (TAC). The neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, H9C2, and HEK293 cells were used to determine the mechanistic role of miR-204. RESULTS The stretch induces miR-204 expression, and miR-204 inhibits the stretch-induced hypertrophic response of H9C2 cells. The mice lacking miR-204 displayed a higher susceptibility to CH/CD during pressure overload, which was reversed by the adeno-associated virus serotype-9-mediated cardioselective miR-204 overexpression. Bioinformatic analysis of the cardiac transcriptomics of miR-204 knockout mice following pressure overload suggested deregulation of apelin-receptor (APJ) signalling. We found that the stretch-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and hypertrophy-related genes expression depend on the APJ, and both of these effects are subject to miR-204 levels. The dynamin inhibitor dynasore inhibited both stretch-induced APJ endocytosis and ERK1/2 activation. In contrast, the miR-204-induced APJ endocytosis was neither inhibited by dynamin inhibitors (dynasore and dyngo) nor associated with ERK1/2 activation. We find that the miR-204 increases the expression of ras-associated binding proteins (e.g., Rab5a, Rab7) that regulate cellular endocytosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that miR-204 regulates trafficking of APJ and confers resistance to pressure overload-induced CH/CD, and boosting miR-204 can inhibit the development of CH/CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Young‐Rae Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Julia S. Jacobs
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Jin‐Young Yoon
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Qiuxia Li
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Angela Cai
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Hamsitha Shankaiahgari
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Barry London
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Kaikobad Irani
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Ajit Vikram
- Department of Internal MedicineCarver College of Medicine University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
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15
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de Oliveira AA, Vergara A, Wang X, Vederas JC, Oudit GY. Apelin pathway in cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases: Therapeutic role of apelin analogs and apelin receptor agonists. Peptides 2022; 147:170697. [PMID: 34801627 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The apelin/apelin receptor (ApelinR) signal transduction pathway exerts essential biological roles, particularly in the cardiovascular system. Disturbances in the apelin/ApelinR axis are linked to vascular, heart, kidney, and metabolic disorders. Therefore, the apelinergic system has surfaced as a critical therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases (including pulmonary arterial hypertension), kidney disease, insulin resistance, hyponatremia, preeclampsia, and erectile dysfunction. However, apelin peptides are susceptible to rapid degradation through endogenous peptidases, limiting their use as therapeutic tools and translational potential. These proteases include angiotensin converting enzyme 2, neutral endopeptidase, and kallikrein thereby linking the apelin pathway with other peptide systems. In this context, apelin analogs with enhanced proteolytic stability and synthetic ApelinR agonists emerged as promising pharmacological alternatives. In this review, we focus on discussing the putative roles of the apelin pathway in various physiological systems from function to dysfunction, and emphasizing the therapeutic potential of newly generated metabolically stable apelin analogs and non-peptide ApelinR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A de Oliveira
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ander Vergara
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiaopu Wang
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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16
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Meng W, Pi Z, Brigance R, Rossi KA, Schumacher WA, Bostwick JS, Gargalovic PS, Onorato JM, Luk CE, Generaux CN, Wang T, Wexler RR, Finlay HJ. Identification of a Hydroxypyrimidinone Compound ( 21) as a Potent APJ Receptor Agonist for the Potential Treatment of Heart Failure. J Med Chem 2021; 64:18102-18113. [PMID: 34855405 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes our continued efforts in the area of small-molecule apelin receptor agonists. Recently disclosed compound 2 showed an acceptable metabolic stability but demonstrated monodemethylation of the dimethoxyphenyl group to generate atropisomer metabolites in vitro. In this article, we extended the structure-activity relationship at the C2 position that led to the identification of potent pyrazole analogues with excellent metabolic stability. Due to the increased polarity at C2, the permeability for these compounds decreased. Further adjustment of the polarity by replacing the N1 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl group with a 2,6-diethylphenyl group and reoptimization for the potency of the C5 pyrroloamides resulted in potent compounds with improved permeability. Compound 21 displayed excellent pharmacokinetic profiles in rat, monkey, and dog models and robust pharmacodynamic efficacy in the rodent heart failure model. Compound 21 also showed an acceptable safety profile in preclinical toxicology studies and was selected as a backup development candidate for the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Meng
- Departments of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Zulan Pi
- Departments of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Robert Brigance
- Departments of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Karen A Rossi
- Computer-Assisted Drug Design, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - William A Schumacher
- Cardiovascular Drug Discovery Biology, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Jeffrey S Bostwick
- Cardiovascular Drug Discovery Biology, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Peter S Gargalovic
- Cardiovascular Drug Discovery Biology, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Joelle M Onorato
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Chiuwa E Luk
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Claudia N Generaux
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Tao Wang
- Leads Discovery and Optimization, Research and Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Ruth R Wexler
- Departments of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Heather J Finlay
- Departments of Discovery Chemistry, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
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17
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Tettey A, Jiang Y, Li X, Li Y. Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Glance on Nitric Oxide Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:767002. [PMID: 34867394 PMCID: PMC8633825 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.767002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease with a resultant increase of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual death. Research in recent years has produced various therapeutic options for its clinical management but the high mortality even under treatment remains a big challenge attributed to the complex pathophysiology. Studies from clinical and non-clinical experiments have revealed that the nitric oxide (NO) pathway is one of the key pathways underlying the pathophysiology of PAH. Many of the essential drugs used in the management of PAH act on this pathway highlighting its significant role in PAH. Meanwhile, several novel compounds targeting on NO pathway exhibits great potential to become future therapy medications. Furthermore, the NO pathway is found to interact with other crucial pathways. Understanding such interactions could be helpful in the discovery of new drug that provide better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Tettey
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yujie Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory for Bioanalysis of Complex Matrix Samples, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Health Management, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory for Bioanalysis of Complex Matrix Samples, Changsha, China
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18
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Qin S, Predescu D, Carman B, Patel P, Chen J, Kim M, Lahm T, Geraci M, Predescu SA. Up-Regulation of the Long Noncoding RNA X-Inactive-Specific Transcript and the Sex Bias in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1135-1150. [PMID: 33836164 PMCID: PMC8176134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a sex-biased disease. Increased expression and activity of the long-noncoding RNA X-inactive-specific transcript (Xist), essential for X-chromosome inactivation and dosage compensation of X-linked genes, may explain the sex bias of PAH. The present studies used a murine model of plexiform PAH, the intersectin-1s (ITSN) heterozygous knockout (KOITSN+/-) mouse transduced with an ITSN fragment (EHITSN) possessing endothelial cell proliferative activity, in conjunction with molecular, cell biology, biochemical, morphologic, and functional approaches. The data demonstrate significant sex-centered differences with regard to EHITSN-induced alterations in pulmonary artery remodeling, lung hemodynamics, and p38/ETS domain containing protein/c-Fos signaling, altogether leading to a more severe female lung PAH phenotype. Moreover, the long-noncoding RNA-Xist is up-regulated in the lungs of female EHITSN-KOITSN+/- mice compared with that in female wild-type mice, leading to sex-specific modulation of the X-linked gene ETS domain containing protein and its target, two molecular events also characteristic to female human PAH lung. More importantly, cyclin A1 expression in the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle of synchronized pulmonary artery endothelial cells of female PAH patients is greater versus controls, suggesting functional hyperproliferation. Thus, Xist up-regulation leading to female pulmonary artery endothelial cell sexual dimorphic behavior may provide a better understanding of the origin of sex bias in PAH. Notably, the EHITSN-KOITSN+/- mouse is a unique experimental animal model of PAH that recapitulates most of the sexually dimorphic characteristics of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Qin
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Quantitative Data Science Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dan Predescu
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Quantitative Data Science Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brandon Carman
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Quantitative Data Science Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Priyam Patel
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jiwang Chen
- Pulmonary Critical Care Sleep and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Miran Kim
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tim Lahm
- Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Geraci
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois.
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19
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Coquerel D, Delile E, Dumont L, Chagnon F, Murza A, Sainsily X, Salvail D, Sarret P, Marsault E, Auger-Messier M, Lesur O. Gαi-biased apelin analog protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1646-H1656. [PMID: 33635165 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00688.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Apelin receptor (APJ) activation by apelin-13 (APLN-13) engages both Gαi proteins and β-arrestins, stimulating distinct intracellular pathways and triggering physiological responses like enhanced cardiac contractility. Substituting the C-terminal phenylalanine of APLN-13 with α-methyl-l-phenylalanine [(l-α-Me)Phe] or p-benzoyl-l-phenylalanine (Bpa) generates biased analogs inducing APJ functional selectivity toward Gαi proteins. Using these original analogs, we proposed to investigate how the canonical Gαi signaling of APJ regulates the cardiac function and to assess their therapeutic impact in a rat model of isoproterenol-induced myocardial dysfunction. In vivo and ex vivo infusions of either Bpa or (l-α-Me)Phe analogs failed to enhance rats' left ventricular (LV) contractility compared with APLN-13. Inhibition of Gαi with pertussis toxin injection optimized the cardiotropic effect of APLN-13 and revealed the inotropic impact of Bpa. Moreover, both APLN-13 and Bpa efficiently limited the forskolin-induced and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of phospholamban at the Ser16 in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. However, only Bpa significantly reduced the inotropic effect of forskolin infusion in isolated-perfused heart, highlighting its efficient bias toward Gαi. Compared with APLN-13, Bpa also markedly improved isoproterenol-induced myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. Bpa prevented cardiac weight increase, normalized both ANP and BNP mRNA expressions, and decreased LV fibrosis in isoproterenol-treated rats. Our results show that APJ-driven Gαi/adenylyl cyclase signaling is functional in cardiomyocytes and acts as negative feedback of the APLN-APJ-dependent inotropic response. Biased APJ signaling toward Gαi over the β-arrestin pathway offers a promising strategy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases related to myocardial hypertrophy and high catecholamine levels.NEW & NOTEWORTHY By using more potent Gαi-biased APJ agonists that strongly inhibit cAMP production, these data point to the negative inotropic effect of APJ-mediated Gαi signaling in the heart and highlight the potential protective impact of APJ-dependent Gαi signaling in cardiovascular diseases associated with left ventricular hypertrophy.
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MESH Headings
- Adenylyl Cyclases/metabolism
- Animals
- Apelin/analogs & derivatives
- Apelin/pharmacology
- Apelin Receptors/agonists
- Apelin Receptors/metabolism
- Calcium-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits/metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/pharmacology
- Isolated Heart Preparation
- Isoproterenol
- Ligands
- Male
- Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Signal Transduction
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/chemically induced
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/physiopathology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/prevention & control
- Ventricular Function, Left/drug effects
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- David Coquerel
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Eugénie Delile
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Lauralyne Dumont
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Frédéric Chagnon
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Murza
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Xavier Sainsily
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Dany Salvail
- IPS Therapeutique Inc., Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric Marsault
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Mannix Auger-Messier
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivier Lesur
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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20
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Bhatt LK, Selokar I, Raut D, Hussain T. Novel Targets for Hypertension Drug Discovery. Curr Hypertens Rep 2021; 23:19. [PMID: 33783647 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-021-01137-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite the availability of various medications and prescribing combination therapies, uncontrolled blood pressure and resistance are observed in more than 40% of patients. The purpose of this review is to discuss emerging novel approaches for the treatment of hypertension and propose future research and clinical directions. RECENT FINDINGS Hypertension is a common disease of the cardiovascular system which may arise solely or as a comorbidity of other disorders. It is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, renal failure, and stroke. The results from current literature regarding the novel approaches showed several targets that could be explored as potential therapeutic options. These include toll-like receptor 4, a critical regulator of angiotensin II-induced hypertension; protease-activated receptor 2, which promotes collagen deposition and inflammatory responses; chemerin, which causes metabolic and obesity-associated hypertension; apelin receptor; transient receptor potential melastatin; urotensin-II; and Tie2 receptor. This review discusses various targets and pathways that could be emerging pharmacological therapies for hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's DR. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India.
| | - Ishant Selokar
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's DR. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Dezaree Raut
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's DR. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Tahir Hussain
- College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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21
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Owen NE, Nyimanu D, Kuc RE, Upton PD, Morrell NW, Alexander GJ, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Plasma levels of apelin are reduced in patients with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis but are not correlated with circulating levels of bone morphogenetic protein 9 and 10. Peptides 2021; 136:170440. [PMID: 33171278 PMCID: PMC7883214 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peptide apelin is expressed in human healthy livers and is implicated in the development of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR-II) result in reduced plasma levels of apelin in patients with heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension. Ligands for BMPR-II include bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9), highly expressed in liver, and BMP10, expressed in heart and to a lesser extent liver. However, it is not known whether reductions in BMP9 and/or BMP10, with associated reduction in BMPR-II signalling, correlate with altered levels of apelin in patients with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. METHODS Plasma from patients with liver fibrosis (n = 14), cirrhosis (n = 56), and healthy controls (n = 25) was solid-phase extracted using a method optimised for recovery of apelin, which was measured by ELISA. RESULTS Plasma apelin was significantly reduced in liver fibrosis (8.3 ± 1.2 pg/ml) and cirrhosis (6.5 ± 0.6 pg/ml) patients compared with controls (15.4 ± 2.0 pg/ml). There was no obvious relationship between apelin and BMP 9 or BMP10 previously measured in these patients. Within the cirrhotic group, there was no significant correlation between apelin levels and disease severity scores, age, sex, or treatment with β-blockers. CONCLUSIONS Apelin was significantly reduced in plasma of patients with both early (fibrosis) and late-stage (cirrhosis) liver disease. Fibrosis is more easily reversible and may represent a potential target for new therapeutic interventions. However, it remains unclear whether apelin signalling is detrimental in liver disease or is beneficial and therefore, whether an apelin antagonist or agonist have clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola E Owen
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Rhoda E Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Paul D Upton
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Graeme J Alexander
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Upper 3rd Floor, Division of Medicine, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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22
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Read C, Nyimanu D, Yang P, Kuc RE, Williams TL, Fitzpatrick CM, Foster R, Glen RC, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. The G Protein Biased Small Molecule Apelin Agonist CMF-019 is Disease Modifying in Endothelial Cell Apoptosis In Vitro and Induces Vasodilatation Without Desensitisation In Vivo. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:588669. [PMID: 33716722 PMCID: PMC7944139 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.588669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling through the apelin receptor is beneficial for a number of diseases including pulmonary arterial hypertension. The endogenous small peptides, apelin and elabela/toddler, are downregulated in pulmonary arterial hypertension but are not suitable for exogenous administration owing to a lack of bioavailability, proteolytic instability and susceptibility to renal clearance. CMF-019, a small molecule apelin agonist that displays strong bias towards G protein signaling over β-arrestin (∼400 fold), may be more suitable. This study demonstrates that in addition to being a positive inotrope, CMF-019 caused dose-dependent vasodilatation in vivo (50 nmol 4.16 ± 1.18 mmHg, **p < 0.01; 500 nmol 6.62 ± 1.85 mmHg, **p < 0.01), without receptor desensitization. Furthermore, CMF-019 rescues human pulmonary artery endothelial cells from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor α and cycloheximide (5.66 ± 0.97%, **p < 0.01) by approximately 50% of that observable with rhVEGF (11.59 ± 1.85%, **p < 0.01), suggesting it has disease-modifying potential in vitro. CMF-019 displays remarkable bias at the apelin receptor for a small molecule and importantly recapitulates all aspects of the cardiovascular responses to the endogenous ligand, [Pyr1]apelin-13, in vivo. Additionally, it is able to protect human pulmonary artery endothelial cells from apoptosis, suggesting that the beneficial effects observed with apelin agonists extend beyond hemodynamic alleviation and address disease etiology itself. These findings support CMF-019 as a G protein biased small molecule apelin agonist in vitro and in vivo that could form the basis for the design of novel therapeutic agents in chronic diseases, such as, pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Read
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Peiran Yang
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rhoda E Kuc
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas L Williams
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M Fitzpatrick
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Foster
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Robert C Glen
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Molecular Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Yang Y, Lin F, Xiao Z, Sun B, Wei Z, Liu B, Xue L, Xiong C. Investigational pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension: An update. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110355. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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24
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Read C, Yang P, Kuc RE, Nyimanu D, Williams TL, Glen RC, Holt LJ, Arulanantham H, Smart A, Davenport AP, Maguire JJ. Apelin peptides linked to anti-serum albumin domain antibodies retain affinity in vitro and are efficacious receptor agonists in vivo. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 126 Suppl 6:96-103. [PMID: 30901161 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The apelin receptor is a potential target in the treatment of heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension where levels of endogenous apelin peptides are reduced but significant receptor levels remain. Our aim was to characterise the pharmacology of a modified peptide agonist, MM202, designed to have high affinity for the apelin receptor and resistance to peptidase degradation and linked to an anti-serum albumin domain antibody (AlbudAb) to extend half-life in the blood. In competition, binding experiments in human heart MM202-AlbudAb (pKi = 9.39 ± 0.09) bound with similar high affinity as the endogenous peptides [Pyr1 ]apelin-13 (pKi = 8.83 ± 0.06) and apelin-17 (pKi = 9.57 ± 0.08). [Pyr1 ]apelin-13 was tenfold more potent in the cAMP (pD2 = 9.52 ± 0.05) compared to the β-arrestin (pD2 = 8.53 ± 0.03) assay, whereas apelin-17 (pD2 = 10.31 ± 0.28; pD2 = 10.15 ± 0.13, respectively) and MM202-AlbudAb (pD2 = 9.15 ± 0.12; pD2 = 9.26 ± 0.03, respectively) were equipotent in both assays, with MM202-AlbudAb tenfold less potent than apelin-17. MM202-AlbudAb bound to immobilised human serum albumin with high affinity (pKD = 9.02). In anaesthetised, male Sprague Dawley rats, MM202-AlbudAb (5 nmol, n = 15) significantly reduced left ventricular systolic pressure by 6.61 ± 1.46 mm Hg and systolic arterial pressure by 14.12 ± 3.35 mm Hg and significantly increased cardiac contractility by 533 ± 170 mm Hg/s, cardiac output by 1277 ± 190 RVU/min, stroke volume by 3.09 ± 0.47 RVU and heart rate by 4.64 ± 2.24 bpm. This study demonstrates that conjugating an apelin mimetic peptide to the AlbudAb structure retains receptor and in vivo activity and may be a new strategy for development of apelin peptides as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Read
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peiran Yang
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rhoda E Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas L Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert C Glen
- The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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25
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Qin S, Predescu DN, Patel M, Drazkowski P, Ganesh B, Predescu SA. Sex differences in the proliferation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells: implications for plexiform arteriopathy. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/9/jcs237776. [PMID: 32409569 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.237776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex-biased disease pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by the proliferation and overgrowth of dysfunctional pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). During inflammation associated with PAH, granzyme B cleaves intersectin-1 to produce N-terminal (EHITSN) and C-terminal (SH3A-EITSN) protein fragments. In a murine model of PAH, EHITSN triggers plexiform arteriopathy via p38-ELK1-c-Fos signaling. The SH3A-EITSN fragment also influences signaling, having dominant-negative effects on ERK1 and ERK2 (also known as MAPK3 and MAPK1, respectively). Using PAECs engineered to express tagged versions of EHITSN and SH3A-EITSN, we demonstrate that the two ITSN fragments increase both p38-ELK1 activation and the ratio of p38 to ERK1 and ERK2 activity, leading to PAEC proliferation, with female cells being more responsive than male cells. Furthermore, expression of EHITSN substantially upregulates the expression and activity of the long non-coding RNA Xist in female PAECs, which in turn upregulates the X-linked gene ELK1 and represses expression of krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). These events are recapitulated by the PAECs of female idiopathic PAH patients, and may account for their proliferative phenotype. Thus, upregulation of Xist could be an important factor in explaining sexual dimorphism in the proliferative response of PAECs and the imbalanced sex ratio of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Qin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dan N Predescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Monal Patel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick Drazkowski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Balaji Ganesh
- Division of Bioanalytics, Biophysics and Cytomics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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26
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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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27
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O'Harte FPM, Parthsarathy V, Flatt PR. Chronic apelin analogue administration is more effective than established incretin therapies for alleviating metabolic dysfunction in diabetic db/db mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 504:110695. [PMID: 31904406 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Stable apelin-13 peptide analogues have shown promising acute antidiabetic effects in mice with diet-induced obesity diabetes. Here the efficacy of (pGlu)apelin-13 amide (apelin amide) and the acylated analogue (pGlu)(Lys8GluPAL)apelin-13 amide (apelin FA), were examined following chronic administration in db/db mice, a genetic model of degenerative diabetes. Groups of 9-week old male db/db mice (n = 8) received twice daily injections (09:00 and 17:00 h; i.p.) or saline vehicle, apelin amide, apelin FA, or the established incretin therapies, exendin-4(1-39) or liraglutide, all at 25 nmol/kg body weight for 21 days. Control C57BL/6J mice were given saline twice daily. No changes in body weight or food intake were observed with either apelin or liraglutide treatments, but exendin-4 showed a reduction in cumulative food intake (p < 0.01) compared with saline-treated db/db mice. Apelin analogues and incretin mimetics induced sustained improvements of glycaemia (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001, from day 9-21), lowered HbA1c at 21 days (p < 0.05) and raised plasma insulin concentrations. The treatments also improved OGTT and ipGTT with enhanced insulin responses compared with saline-treated control db/db mice (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Apelin amide was superior to incretin mimetics in lowering plasma triglycerides by 34% (p < 0.05). Apelin analogues unlike both incretin mimetics reduced pancreatic α-cell area (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) and all peptide treatments enhanced pancreatic insulin content (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). In conclusion, longer-term administration of apelin-13 analogues, induced similar and in some respects more effective metabolic improvements than incretin mimetics in db/db mice, providing a viable alternative approach for counteracting metabolic dysfunction for mild and more degenerative forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finbarr P M O'Harte
- The SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Vadivel Parthsarathy
- The SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Peter R Flatt
- The SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
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28
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Nyimanu D, Kay RG, Sulentic P, Kuc RE, Ambery P, Jermutus L, Reimann F, Gribble FM, Cheriyan J, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for detection and quantification of in vivo derived metabolites of [Pyr 1]apelin-13 in humans. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19934. [PMID: 31882594 PMCID: PMC6934825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56157-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
[Pyr1]apelin-13 is the predominant apelin peptide isoform in the human cardiovascular system and plasma. To date, few studies have investigated [Pyr1]apelin-13 metabolism in vivo in rats with no studies examining its stability in humans. We therefore aimed to develop an LC-MS/MS method for detection and quantification of intact [Pyr1]apelin-13 and have used this method to identify the metabolites generated in vivo in humans. [Pyr1]apelin-13 (135 nmol/min) was infused into six healthy human volunteers for 120 minutes and blood collected at time 0 and 120 minutes after infusion. Plasma was extracted in the presence of guanidine hydrochloride and analysed by LC-MS/MS. Here we report a highly sensitive, robust and reproducible method for quantification of intact [Pyr1]apelin-13 and its metabolites in human plasma. Using this method, we showed that the circulating concentration of intact peptide was 58.3 ± 10.5 ng/ml after 120 minutes infusion. We demonstrated for the first time that in humans, [Pyr1]apelin-13 was cleaved from both termini but the C-terminal was more susceptible to cleavage. Consequently, of the metabolites identified, [Pyr1]apelin-13(1-12), [Pyr1]apelin-13(1-10) and [Pyr1]apelin-13(1-6) were the most abundant. These data suggest that apelin peptides designed for use as cardiovascular therapeutics, should include modifications that minimise C-terminal cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Richard G Kay
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Sciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Petra Sulentic
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Rhoda E Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Philip Ambery
- Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Reimann
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Sciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Sciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Joseph Cheriyan
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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29
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Nyimanu D, Kuc RE, Williams TL, Bednarek M, Ambery P, Jermutus L, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Apelin-36-[L28A] and Apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] peptides that improve diet induced obesity are G protein biased ligands at the apelin receptor. Peptides 2019; 121:170139. [PMID: 31472173 PMCID: PMC6838674 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apelin signalling pathways have important cardiovascular and metabolic functions. Recently, apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)], were reported to function independent of the apelin receptor in vivo to produce beneficial metabolic effects without modulating blood pressure. We aimed to show that these peptides bound to the apelin receptor and to further characterise their pharmacology in vitro at the human apelin receptor. METHODS [Pyr1]apelin-13 saturation binding experiments and competition binding experiments were performed in rat and human heart homogenates using [125I]apelin-13 (0.1 nM), and/or increasing concentrations of apelin-36, apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] (50pM-100μM). Apelin-36 and its analogues apelin-36-[F36A], apelin-36-[L28A], apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)], apelin-36-[A28 A13] and [40kDa-PEG]-apelin-36 were tested in forskolin-induced cAMP inhibition and β-arrestin assays in CHO-K1 cells heterologously expressing the human apelin receptor. Bias signaling was quantified using the operational model for bias. RESULTS In both species, [Pyr1]apelin-13 had comparable subnanomolar affinity and the apelin receptor density was similar. Apelin-36, apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] competed for binding of [125I]apelin-13 with nanomolar affinities. Apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] inhibited forskolin-induced cAMP release, with nanomolar potencies but they were less potent compared to apelin-36 at recruiting β-arrestin. Bias analysis suggested that these peptides were G protein biased. Additionally, [40kDa-PEG]-apelin-36 and apelin-36-[F36A] retained nanomolar potencies in both cAMP and β-arrestin assays whilst apelin-36-[A13 A28] exhibited a similar profile to apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] in the β-arrestin assay but was more potent in the cAMP assay. CONCLUSIONS Apelin-36-[L28A] and apelin-36-[L28C(30kDa-PEG)] are G protein biased ligands of the apelin receptor, suggesting that the apelin receptor is an important therapeutic target in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Rhoda E. Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Thomas L. Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Maria Bednarek
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philip Ambery
- Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet J. Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Anthony P. Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Corresponding authors.
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Read C, Nyimanu D, Williams TL, Huggins DJ, Sulentic P, Macrae RGC, Yang P, Glen RC, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CVII. Structure and Pharmacology of the Apelin Receptor with a Recommendation that Elabela/Toddler Is a Second Endogenous Peptide Ligand. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 71:467-502. [PMID: 31492821 PMCID: PMC6731456 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.017533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The predicted protein encoded by the APJ gene discovered in 1993 was originally classified as a class A G protein-coupled orphan receptor but was subsequently paired with a novel peptide ligand, apelin-36 in 1998. Substantial research identified a family of shorter peptides activating the apelin receptor, including apelin-17, apelin-13, and [Pyr1]apelin-13, with the latter peptide predominating in human plasma and cardiovascular system. A range of pharmacological tools have been developed, including radiolabeled ligands, analogs with improved plasma stability, peptides, and small molecules including biased agonists and antagonists, leading to the recommendation that the APJ gene be renamed APLNR and encode the apelin receptor protein. Recently, a second endogenous ligand has been identified and called Elabela/Toddler, a 54-amino acid peptide originally identified in the genomes of fish and humans but misclassified as noncoding. This precursor is also able to be cleaved to shorter sequences (32, 21, and 11 amino acids), and all are able to activate the apelin receptor and are blocked by apelin receptor antagonists. This review summarizes the pharmacology of these ligands and the apelin receptor, highlights the emerging physiologic and pathophysiological roles in a number of diseases, and recommends that Elabela/Toddler is a second endogenous peptide ligand of the apelin receptor protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Read
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Thomas L Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - David J Huggins
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Petra Sulentic
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Robyn G C Macrae
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Peiran Yang
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Robert C Glen
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.R., D.N., T.L.W., D.J.H., P.S., R.G.C.M., P.Y., J.J.M., A.P.D.); The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.J.H., R.C.G.); and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (R.C.G.)
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Yang P, Read C, Kuc RE, Nyimanu D, Williams TL, Crosby A, Buonincontri G, Southwood M, Sawiak SJ, Glen RC, Morrell NW, Davenport AP, Maguire JJ. A novel cyclic biased agonist of the apelin receptor, MM07, is disease modifying in the rat monocrotaline model of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:1206-1221. [PMID: 30710493 PMCID: PMC6468262 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Apelin is an endogenous vasodilatory and inotropic peptide that is down-regulated in human pulmonary arterial hypertension, although the density of the apelin receptor is not significantly attenuated. We hypothesised that a G protein-biased apelin analogue MM07, which is more stable than the endogenous apelin peptide, may be beneficial in this condition with the advantage of reduced β-arrestin-mediated receptor internalisation with chronic use. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either monocrotaline to induce pulmonary arterial hypertension or saline and then daily i.p. injections of either MM07 or saline for 21 days. The extent of disease was assessed by right ventricular catheterisation, cardiac MRI, and histological analysis of the pulmonary vasculature. The effect of MM07 on signalling, proliferation, and apoptosis of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells was investigated. KEY RESULTS MM07 significantly reduced the elevation of right ventricular systolic pressure and hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline. Monocrotaline-induced changes in cardiac structure and function, including right ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume, were attenuated by MM07. MM07 also significantly reduced monocrotaline-induced muscularisation of small pulmonary blood vessels. MM07 stimulated endothelial NOS phosphorylation and expression, promoted proliferation, and attenuated apoptosis of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in vitro. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that chronic treatment with MM07 is beneficial in this animal model of pulmonary arterial hypertension by addressing disease aetiology. These data support the development of G protein-biased apelin receptor agonists with improved pharmacokinetic profiles for use in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Yang
- Experimental Medicine and ImmunotherapeuticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Cai Read
- Experimental Medicine and ImmunotherapeuticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Rhoda E. Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and ImmunotherapeuticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and ImmunotherapeuticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Thomas L. Williams
- Experimental Medicine and ImmunotherapeuticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Alexi Crosby
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Guido Buonincontri
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Mark Southwood
- Department of PathologyPapworth Hospital NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Stephen J. Sawiak
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Robert C. Glen
- The Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeUK and Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College LondonUK
| | | | | | - Janet J. Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and ImmunotherapeuticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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Zhang CF, Zhao FY, Xu SL, Liu J, Xing XQ, Yang J. Autophagy in pulmonary hypertension: Emerging roles and therapeutic implications. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:16755-16767. [PMID: 30932199 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28531] [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] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is an important mechanism for cellular self-digestion and basal homeostasis. This gene- and modulator-regulated pathway is conserved in cells. Recently, several studies have shown that autophagic dysfunction is associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the relationship between autophagy and PH remains controversial. In this review, we mainly introduce the effects of autophagy-related genes and some regulatory molecules on PH and the relationship between autophagy and PH under the conditions of hypoxia, monocrotaline injection, thromboembolic stress, oxidative stress, and other drugs and toxins. The effects of other autophagy-related drugs, such as chloroquine, 3-methyladenine, rapamycin, and other potential therapeutic drugs and targets, in PH are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Fang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fang-Yun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Yan'An Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuang-Lan Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xi-Qian Xing
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- First Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Davenport AP, Kuc RE, Southan C, Maguire JJ. New drugs and emerging therapeutic targets in the endothelin signaling pathway and prospects for personalized precision medicine. Physiol Res 2018; 67:S37-S54. [PMID: 29947527 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last thirty years since the discovery of endothelin-1, the therapeutic strategy that has evolved in the clinic, mainly in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, is to block the action of the peptide either at the ET(A) subtype or both receptors using orally active small molecule antagonists. Recently, there has been a rapid expansion in research targeting ET receptors using chemical entities other than small molecules, particularly monoclonal antibody antagonists and selective peptide agonists and antagonists. While usually sacrificing oral bio-availability, these compounds have other therapeutic advantages with the potential to considerably expand drug targets in the endothelin pathway and extend treatment to other pathophysiological conditions. Where the small molecule approach has been retained, a novel strategy to combine two vasoconstrictor targets, the angiotensin AT(1) receptor as well as the ET(A) receptor in the dual antagonist sparsentan has been developed. A second emerging strategy is to combine drugs that have two different targets, the ET(A) antagonist ambrisentan with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor tadalafil, to improve the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The solving of the crystal structure of the ET(B) receptor has the potential to identify allosteric binding sites for novel ligands. A further key advance is the experimental validation of a single nucleotide polymorphism that has genome wide significance in five vascular diseases and that significantly increases the amount of big endothelin-1 precursor in the plasma. This observation provides a rationale for testing this single nucleotide polymorphism to stratify patients for allocation to treatment with endothelin agents and highlights the potential to use personalized precision medicine in the endothelin field.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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