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Orlandi P, Banchi M, Vaglini F, Carli M, Aringhieri S, Bandini A, Pardini C, Viaggi C, Lai M, Alì G, Ottani A, Vandini E, Guidi P, Bernardeschi M, La Rocca V, Francia G, Fontanini G, Pistello M, Frenzilli G, Giuliani D, Scarselli M, Bocci G. Melanocortin receptor 4 as a new target in melanoma therapy: Anticancer activity of the inhibitor ML00253764 alone and in association with B-raf inhibitor vemurafenib. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115952. [PMID: 38036189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115952] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study is to investigate in vitro and in vivo MC4R as a novel target in melanoma using the selective antagonist ML00253764 (ML) alone and in combination with vemurafenib, a B-rafV600E inhibitor. The human melanoma B-raf mutated A-2058 and WM 266-4 cell lines were used. An MC4R null A-2058 cell line was generated using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. MC4R protein expression was analysed by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Proliferation and apoptotic assays were performed with ML00253764, whereas the synergism with vemurafenib was evaluated by the combination index (CI) and Loewe methods. ERK1/2 phosphorylation and BCL-XL expression were quantified by western blot. In vivo experiments were performed in Athymic Nude-Foxn1nu male mice, injecting subcutaneously melanoma cells, and treating animals with ML, vemurafenib and their concomitant combination. Comet and cytome assays were performed. Our results show that human melanoma cell lines A-2058 and WM 266-4, and melanoma human tissue, express functional MC4R receptors on their surface. MC4R receptors on melanoma cells can be inhibited by the selective antagonist ML, causing antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity through the inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and a reduction of BCL-XL. The concomitant combination of vemurafenib and ML caused a synergistic effect on melanoma cells in vitro and inhibited in vivo tumor growth in a preclinical model, without causing mouse weight loss or genotoxicity. Our original research contributes to the landscape of pharmacological treatments for melanoma, providing MC4R antagonists as drugs that can be added to established therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Orlandi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Banchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Vaglini
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Carli
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Aringhieri
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arianna Bandini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla Pardini
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Viaggi
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Lai
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Greta Alì
- Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica, Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ottani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia e Medicina Molecolare, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vandini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia e Medicina Molecolare, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Guidi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Veronica La Rocca
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Francia
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Gabriella Fontanini
- Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica, Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giada Frenzilli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Sezione di Farmacologia e Medicina Molecolare, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Bocci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Mueller A, Lam I, Kishor K, Lee RK, Bhattacharya S. Secondary glaucoma: Toward interventions based on molecular underpinnings. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1628. [PMID: 37669762 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of progressive diseases that leads to irreversible blindness. Secondary glaucoma refers to glaucoma caused by a known underlying condition. Pseudoexfoliation and pigment dispersion syndromes are common causes of secondary glaucoma. Their respective deposits may obstruct the trabecular meshwork, leading to aqueous humor outflow resistance, ocular hypertension, and optic neuropathy. There are no disease-specific interventions available for either. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is characterized by fibrillar deposits (pseudoexfoliative material) on anterior segment structures. Over a decade of multiomics analyses taken together with the current knowledge on pseudoexfoliative glaucoma warrant a re-think of mechanistic possibilities. We propose that the presence of nucleation centers (e.g., vitamin D binding protein), crosslinking enzymes (e.g., transglutaminase 2), aberrant extracellular matrix, flawed endocytosis, and abnormal aqueous-blood barrier contribute to the formation of proteolytically resistant pseudoexfoliative material. Pigment dispersion syndrome is characterized by abnormal iridolenticular contact that disrupts iris pigment epithelium and liberates melanin granules. Iris melanogenesis is aberrant in this condition. Cytotoxic melanogenesis intermediates leak out of melanosomes and cause iris melanocyte and pigment epithelium cell death. Targeting melanogenesis can likely decrease the risk of pigmentary glaucoma. Skin and melanoma research provides insights into potential therapeutics. We propose that specific prostanoid agonists and fenofibrates may reduce melanogenesis by inhibiting cholesterol internalization and de novo synthesis. Additionally, melatonin is a potent melanogenesis suppressor, antioxidant, and hypotensive agent, rendering it a valuable agent for pigmentary glaucoma. In pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, where environmental insults drive pseudoexfoliative material formation, melatonin's antioxidant and hypotensive properties may offer adjunct therapeutic benefits. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mueller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Isabel Lam
- Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meridian, Idaho, USA
| | - Krishna Kishor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Richard K Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sanjoy Bhattacharya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Gravina AG, Pellegrino R, Durante T, Palladino G, Imperio G, D'Amico G, Trotta MC, Dallio M, Romeo M, D'Amico M, Federico A. The Melanocortin System in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Insights into Its Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials. Cells 2023; 12:1889. [PMID: 37508552 PMCID: PMC10378568 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141889] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system is a complex set of molecular mediators and receptors involved in many physiological and homeostatic processes. These include the regulation of melanogenesis, steroidogenesis, neuromodulation and the modulation of inflammatory processes. In the latter context, the system has assumed importance in conditions of chronic digestive inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), in which numerous experiences have been accumulated in mouse models of colitis. Indeed, information on how such a system can counteract colitis inflammation and intervene in the complex cytokine imbalance in the intestinal microenvironment affected by chronic inflammatory damage has emerged. This review summarises the evidence acquired so far and highlights that molecules interfering with the melanocortin system could represent new drugs for treating IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Gerarda Gravina
- Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pellegrino
- Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Tommaso Durante
- Mental Health Department, S. Pio Hospital, Via dell'Angelo, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Giovanna Palladino
- Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Imperio
- Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Dallio
- Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Romeo
- Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Federico
- Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Wu CLS, Cioanca AV, Gelmi MC, Wen L, Di Girolamo N, Zhu L, Natoli R, Conway RM, Petsoglou C, Jager MJ, McCluskey PJ, Madigan MC. The multifunctional human ocular melanocortin system. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101187. [PMID: 37217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Immune privilege in the eye involves physical barriers, immune regulation and secreted proteins that together limit the damaging effects of intraocular immune responses and inflammation. The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) normally circulates in the aqueous humour of the anterior chamber and the vitreous fluid, secreted by iris and ciliary epithelium, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). α-MSH plays an important role in maintaining ocular immune privilege by helping the development of suppressor immune cells and by activating regulatory T-cells. α-MSH functions by binding to and activating melanocortin receptors (MC1R to MC5R) and receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs) that work in concert with antagonists, otherwise known as the melanocortin system. As well as controlling immune responses and inflammation, a broad range of biological functions is increasingly recognised to be orchestrated by the melanocortin system within ocular tissues. This includes maintaining corneal transparency and immune privilege by limiting corneal (lymph)angiogenesis, sustaining corneal epithelial integrity, protecting corneal endothelium and potentially enhancing corneal graft survival, regulating aqueous tear secretion with implications for dry eye disease, facilitating retinal homeostasis via maintaining blood-retinal barriers, providing neuroprotection in the retina, and controlling abnormal new vessel growth in the choroid and retina. The role of melanocortin signalling in uveal melanocyte melanogenesis however remains unclear compared to its established role in skin melanogenesis. The early application of a melanocortin agonist to downregulate systemic inflammation used adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-based repository cortisone injection (RCI), but adverse side effects including hypertension, edema, and weight gain, related to increased adrenal gland corticosteroid production, impacted clinical uptake. Compared to ACTH, melanocortin peptides that target MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and/or MC5R, but not adrenal gland MC2R, induce minimal corticosteroid production with fewer amdverse systemic effects. Pharmacological advances in synthesising MCR-specific targeted peptides provide further opportunities for treating ocular (and systemic) inflammatory diseases. Following from these observations and a renewed clinical and pharmacological interest in the diverse biological roles of the melanocortin system, this review highlights the physiological and disease-related involvement of this system within human eye tissues. We also review the emerging benefits and versatility of melanocortin receptor targeted peptides as non-steroidal alternatives for inflammatory eye diseases such as non-infectious uveitis and dry eye disease, and translational applications in promoting ocular homeostasis, for example, in corneal transplantation and diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Lin Stanley Wu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Optometry, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Adrian V Cioanca
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia
| | - Maria C Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Li Wen
- New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia
| | - R Max Conway
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Constantinos Petsoglou
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Martine J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J McCluskey
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Fernandes B, Cavaco-Paulo A, Matamá T. A Comprehensive Review of Mammalian Pigmentation: Paving the Way for Innovative Hair Colour-Changing Cosmetics. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020290. [PMID: 36829566 PMCID: PMC9953601 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The natural colour of hair shafts is formed at the bulb of hair follicles, and it is coupled to the hair growth cycle. Three critical processes must happen for efficient pigmentation: (1) melanosome biogenesis in neural crest-derived melanocytes, (2) the biochemical synthesis of melanins (melanogenesis) inside melanosomes, and (3) the transfer of melanin granules to surrounding pre-cortical keratinocytes for their incorporation into nascent hair fibres. All these steps are under complex genetic control. The array of natural hair colour shades are ascribed to polymorphisms in several pigmentary genes. A myriad of factors acting via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms also contributes for hair colour diversity. Given the enormous social and cosmetic importance attributed to hair colour, hair dyeing is today a common practice. Nonetheless, the adverse effects of the long-term usage of such cosmetic procedures demand the development of new methods for colour change. In this context, case reports of hair lightening, darkening and repigmentation as a side-effect of the therapeutic usage of many drugs substantiate the possibility to tune hair colour by interfering with the biology of follicular pigmentary units. By scrutinizing mammalian pigmentation, this review pinpoints key targetable processes for the development of innovative cosmetics that can safely change the hair colour from the inside out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fernandes
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Artur Cavaco-Paulo
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.C.-P.); (T.M.); Tel.: +351-253-604-409 (A.C.-P.); +351-253-601-599 (T.M.)
| | - Teresa Matamá
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.C.-P.); (T.M.); Tel.: +351-253-604-409 (A.C.-P.); +351-253-601-599 (T.M.)
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Recognition of Melanocytes in Immuno-Neuroendocrinology and Circadian Rhythms: Beyond the Conventional Melanin Synthesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132082. [PMID: 35805166 PMCID: PMC9266247 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanocytes produce melanin to protect the skin from UV-B radiation. Notwithstanding, the spectrum of their functions extends far beyond their well-known role as melanin production factories. Melanocytes have been considered as sensory and computational cells. The neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and other hormones produced by melanocytes make them part of the skin’s well-orchestrated and complex neuroendocrine network, counteracting environmental stressors. Melanocytes can also actively mediate the epidermal immune response. Melanocytes are equipped with ectopic sensory systems similar to the eye and nose and can sense light and odor. The ubiquitous inner circadian rhythm controls the body’s basic physiological processes. Light not only affects skin photoaging, but also regulates inner circadian rhythms and communicates with the local neuroendocrine system. Do melanocytes “see” light and play a unique role in photoentrainment of the local circadian clock system? Why, then, are melanocytes responsible for so many mysterious functions? Do these complex functional devices work to maintain homeostasis locally and throughout the body? In addition, melanocytes have also been shown to be localized in internal sites such as the inner ear, brain, and heart, locations not stimulated by sunlight. Thus, what can the observation of extracutaneous melanocytes tell us about the “secret identity” of melanocytes? While the answers to some of these intriguing questions remain to be discovered, here we summarize and weave a thread around available data to explore the established and potential roles of melanocytes in the biological communication of skin and systemic homeostasis, and elaborate on important open issues and propose ways forward.
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Gregoric N, Groselj U, Bratina N, Debeljak M, Zerjav Tansek M, Suput Omladic J, Kovac J, Battelino T, Kotnik P, Avbelj Stefanija M. Two Cases With an Early Presented Proopiomelanocortin Deficiency-A Long-Term Follow-Up and Systematic Literature Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:689387. [PMID: 34177811 PMCID: PMC8220084 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.689387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency is an extremely rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe obesity, adrenal insufficiency, skin hypopigmentation, and red hair. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the POMC gene that codes the proopiomelanocortin polypeptide which is cleaved to several peptides; the most notable ones are adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), alpha- and beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-MSH and β-MSH); the latter two are crucial in melanogenesis and the energy balance by regulating feeding behavior and energy homeostasis through melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R). The lack of its regulation leads to polyphagia and early onset severe obesity. A novel MC4R agonist, setmelanotide, has shown promising results regarding weight loss in patients with POMC deficiency. A systematic review on previously published clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with POMC deficiency and additional data obtained from two unrelated patients in our care was performed. A 25-year-old male patient, partly previously reported, was remarkable for childhood developed type 1 diabetes (T1D), transient growth hormone deficiency, and delayed puberty. The second case is a girl with an unusual presentation with central hypothyroidism and normal pigmentation of skin and hair. Of all evaluated cases, only 50% of patients had characteristic red hair, fair skin, and eye phenotype. Central hypothyroidism was reported in 36% of patients; furthermore, scarce adolescent data indicate possible growth axis dysbalance and central hypogonadism. T1D was unexpectedly prevalent in POMC deficiency, reported in 14% of patients, which could be an underestimation. POMC deficiency reveals to be a syndrome with several endocrinological abnormalities, some of which may become apparent with time. Apart from timely diagnosis, careful clinical follow-up of patients through childhood and adolescence for possible additional disease manifestations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadan Gregoric
- Department for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urh Groselj
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Bratina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marusa Debeljak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Zerjav Tansek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jasna Suput Omladic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Kovac
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primoz Kotnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Magdalena Avbelj Stefanija
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Magdalena Avbelj Stefanija,
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Bharti S, Vadlamudi HC. A strategic review on the involvement of receptors, transcription factors and hormones in acne pathogenesis. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 41:105-116. [PMID: 32787477 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1805626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a very common pilosebaceous inflammatory disease occurring primarily on the face and also rare on the upper arms, trunk, and back, which is caused by Propionibacterium, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and other species. Pathophysiology of acne comprises of irregular keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, increased sebum output, bacterial antigens and cytokines induced inflammatory response. Treatment of acne requires proper knowledge on the pathophysiology then only the clinician can come out with a proper therapeutic dosage regimen. Understanding the pathophysiology not only includes the mechanism but also involvement of receptors. Thus, this review is framed in such a way that the authors have focused on the disease acne vulgaris, pathophysiology, transcription factors viz. the Forkhead Box O1 (FoxO1) Transcription Factor, hormones like androgens and receptors such as Histamine receptors, Retinoic receptor, Fibroblast growth factor receptors, Toll like receptor, Androgen receptor, Liver X-receptor, Melanocortin receptor, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and epidermal growth factor receptors involvement in the progression of acne vulgaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Bharti
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, India
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Serre C, Busuttil V, Botto JM. Intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of human skin melanogenesis and pigmentation. Int J Cosmet Sci 2018; 40:328-347. [PMID: 29752874 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In human skin, melanogenesis is a tightly regulated process. Indeed, several extracellular signals are transduced via dedicated signalling pathways and mostly converge to MITF, a transcription factor integrating upstream signalling and regulating downstream genes involved in the various inherent mechanisms modulating melanogenesis. The synthesis of melanin pigments occurs in melanocytes inside melanosomes where melanogenic enzymes (tyrosinase and related proteins) are addressed with the help of specific protein complexes. The melanosomes loaded with melanin are then transferred to keratinocytes. A more elaborate level of melanogenesis regulation comes into play via the action of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, lncRNAs). Besides this canonical regulation, melanogenesis can also be modulated by other non-specific intrinsic pathways (hormonal environment, inflammation) and by extrinsic factors (solar irradiation such as ultraviolet irradiation, environmental pollution). We developed a bioinformatic interaction network gathering the multiple aspects of melanogenesis and skin pigmentation as a resource to better understand and study skin pigmentation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Serre
- Global Skin Research Center, Ashland, 655, route du Pin Montard, Sophia Antipolis, 06904, France
| | - V Busuttil
- Global Skin Research Center, Ashland, 655, route du Pin Montard, Sophia Antipolis, 06904, France
| | - J-M Botto
- Global Skin Research Center, Ashland, 655, route du Pin Montard, Sophia Antipolis, 06904, France
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11
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Chuamanochan M, Haws AL, Pattanaprichakul P. Reticulate hyperpigmentation in systemic sclerosis: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2015; 9:219. [PMID: 26412076 PMCID: PMC4584480 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-015-0697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a systemic connective tissue disease with variable cutaneous presentations. Although pigmentary disturbances have been described in systemic sclerosis, a reticulate hyperpigmentation has only been reported in one case of systemic sclerosis to date. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a previously healthy 51-year-old Thai woman who presented with a reticulate hyperpigmentation affecting her trunk and extremities, together with sclerodactyly and proximal sclerosis, resulting in a new diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS To date, the pathogenesis of reticulate hyperpigmentation in systemic sclerosis remains unclear. Increased melanin synthesis and altered thermoregulatory mechanism are proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of this presentation. This case represents an unusual cutaneous feature of reticulate hyperpigmentation in the setting of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mati Chuamanochan
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Rd, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Andrea L Haws
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6655 Travis St., Suite 980, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Penvadee Pattanaprichakul
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Rd, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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12
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Minder EI, Schneider-Yin X. Afamelanotide (CUV1647) in dermal phototoxicity of erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2014; 8:43-53. [DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2014.956089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Background:Neuropathic pain is characterised by spontaneous ongoing or shooting pain and evoked amplified pain responses after noxious or non-noxious stimuli. Neuropathic pain develops as a result of lesions or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system either in the periphery or centrally. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in the initiation of neuropathic pain but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.Methods:Adult male Wistar rats were given chronic constriction injury (CCI) or sham operations. Part of CCI rats were intrathecally treated with HS014 (MC4R antagonist) or SB203580 (p38MAPK inhibitor). On the third, seventh and fourteenth day, the thermal threshold of operated paws was tested. In addition, the MC4R or phosphorylated p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) levels of lumbar spinal cord were tested with ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), western blot and immunohistochemistry.Results:Here we demonstrate that (1) both HS014 and SB203580 reduced CCI reduced hyperalgesia (2) p-p38MAPK was increased after CCI with a time course parallel to that of the MC4R change, (3) The p38 activation was prevented by blocking MC4R with an antagonist HS014, but MC4R-IR was not prevented by SB203580. (4) MC4R and p-p38MAPK were located in the same cells.Conclusion:The mechanisms of neuropathic pain mediated by MC4R is related to the inhibition of p38MAPK activation. P38MAPK may be a downstream of MC4R.
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Caruso C, Carniglia L, Durand D, Scimonelli TN, Lasaga M. Astrocytes: new targets of melanocortin 4 receptor actions. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 51:R33-50. [PMID: 23881919 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes exert a wide variety of functions with paramount importance in brain physiology. After injury or infection, astrocytes become reactive and they respond by producing a variety of inflammatory mediators that help maintain brain homeostasis. Loss of astrocyte functions as well as their excessive activation can contribute to disease processes; thus, it is important to modulate reactive astrocyte response. Melanocortins are peptides with well-recognized anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity. Although melanocortin efficacy was shown in systemic models of inflammatory disease, mechanisms involved in their effects have not yet been fully elucidated. Central anti-inflammatory effects of melanocortins and their mechanisms are even less well known, and, in particular, the effects of melanocortins in glial cells are poorly understood. Of the five known melanocortin receptors (MCRs), only subtype 4 is present in astrocytes. MC4R has been shown to mediate melanocortin effects on energy homeostasis, reproduction, inflammation, and neuroprotection and, recently, to modulate astrocyte functions. In this review, we will describe MC4R involvement in anti-inflammatory, anorexigenic, and anti-apoptotic effects of melanocortins in the brain. We will highlight MC4R action in astrocytes and discuss their possible mechanisms of action. Melanocortin effects on astrocytes provide a new means of treating inflammation, obesity, and neurodegeneration, making them attractive targets for therapeutic interventions in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caruso
- School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155 piso 10, 1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina IFEC (CONICET) Department of Pharmacology, School of Chemistry, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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15
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Gene amplification and functional diversification of melanocortin 4 receptor at an extremely polymorphic locus controlling sexual maturation in the platyfish. Genetics 2013; 195:1337-52. [PMID: 24077304 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.113.155952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In two swordtail species of the genus Xiphophorus, the onset of puberty has been shown to be modulated at the P locus by sequence polymorphism and gene copy-number variation affecting the type 4 melanocortin hormone receptor Mc4r. The system works through the interaction of two allelic types, one encoding wild type and the other dominant-negative receptors. We have analyzed the structure and evolution of the P locus in the platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus, where as many as nine alleles of P determining the onset of sexual maturity in males and females, fecundity in females, and adult size in males are located on both the X and Y chromosomes in a region linked to the master sex-determining locus. In this species, mc4r has been amplified to up to 10 copies on both the X and Y chromosomes through recent large serial duplications. Subsequently, mc4r paralogues have diverged considerably into many different subtypes. Certain copies have acquired new untranslated regions through genomic rearrangements, and transposable element insertions and other mutations have accumulated in promoter regions, possibly explaining observed deviations from the classical mc4r transcriptional pattern. In the mc4r-coding sequence, in-frame insertions and deletions as well as nonsense and missense mutations have generated a high diversity of Mc4r-predicted proteins. Most of these variants are expressed in embryos, adults, and/or tumors. Functional receptor characterization demonstrated major divergence in pharmacological behavior for Mc4r receptors encoded by different copies of platyfish mc4r, with differences in constitutive activity as well as binding and stimulation by hormones. The high degree of allelic and copy-number variation observed between individuals can explain the high level of polymorphism for sexual maturation, fecundity, and body size in the platyfish: multiple combinations of Mc4r variants with different biochemical properties might interact to modulate the melanocortin signaling that regulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.
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Valette M, Bellisle F, Carette C, Poitou C, Dubern B, Paradis G, Hercberg S, Muzard L, Clément K, Czernichow S. Eating behaviour in obese patients with melanocortin-4 receptor mutations: a literature review. Int J Obes (Lond) 2012; 37:1027-35. [PMID: 23147118 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2012.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) mutations are the most common known cause of monogenic obesity and an important contributor to polygenic obesity. MC4R mutations with partial or total loss of function, as well as the variant rs17782313 mapped near MC4R, are positively associated with obesity. MC4R is involved in the leptin-melanocortin signalling system, located in hypothalamic nuclei, that controls food intake via both anorexigenic or orexigenic signals. Impairment in this receptor might affect eating behaviours. Thus, in the case of MC4R mutation carriers, obesity could be related, at least partly, to inadequate control over eating behaviours. Many published studies address eating behaviours in MC4R mutation carriers. Most studies focus on binge eating disorder, whereas others examine various aspects of intake and motivation. Up to now, no evaluation of this literature has been performed. In this review, we examine the available literature on eating behaviours in carriers of MC4R mutations and variant rs17782313 near MC4R gene. We address binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, mealtime hyperphagia, snacking, psychological factors, satiety responsiveness and intake of energy and macro/micronutrient. In a small number of studies, MC4R mutations seem to impair eating behaviours or motivation, but no clear causal effects can be found in the balance of the evidence presented. Improvements in methodologies will be necessary to clarify the behavioural effects of MC4R mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valette
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Unit-UMR U557 INSERM, Paris 13 University, CRNH-IdF, Bobigny, France
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17
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Neumann Andersen G, Andersen M, Nagaeva O, Wikberg JES, Mincheva-Nilsson L. Dermal Melanocortin Receptor Rebound in Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis after Anti-TGFβ1 Antibody Therapy. Scand J Immunol 2012; 76:478-82. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2012.02757.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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18
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Bradamante M, Turčić P, Štambuk N, Konjevoda P, Aralica G, Alerić I, Kozmar A. Cytoprotective effects of β-melanocortin in the rat gastrointestinal tract. Molecules 2012; 17:11680-92. [PMID: 23027369 PMCID: PMC6268491 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171011680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently discovered anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of melanocortin peptides led to the conclusion that they might serve as new anti-inflammatory therapeutics. The purpose of this work was to examine the effectiveness of β-melanocortin (β-MSH) in two experimental models: ethanol-induced gastric lesions and TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid)-induced colitis in male Wistar rats. Three progressive doses of β-MSH were used: 0.125, 0.250 and 0.500 mg/kg. Our results suggest that β-MSH acts as a protective substance in the gastric lesions model, which can be seen as a statistically significant reduction of hemorrhagic lesions at all three doses, compared to the control group. The most efficient dose was 0.250 mg/kg. Statistically significant reduction in mucosal surface affected by necrosis and the reduction of overall degree of inflammation in the colitis model indicates an anti-inflammatory effect of β-MSH at a dose of 0.250 mg/kg. The results justify further research on β-MSH peptide and its derivates in the inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, and point out the possibility of using β-MSH in studies of digestive system pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Bradamante
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Šalata 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Petra Turčić
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Domagojeva 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Nikola Štambuk
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; (N.Š.); (P.K.); Tel./Fax: +385-1-468-0193
| | - Paško Konjevoda
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; (N.Š.); (P.K.); Tel./Fax: +385-1-468-0193
| | - Gorana Aralica
- University Hospital Dubrava, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ivan Alerić
- Department of Pulmology, University Hospital Canter Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ana Kozmar
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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Böhm M, Grässel S. Role of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and their receptors in the osteoarticular system: from basic to translational research. Endocr Rev 2012; 33:623-51. [PMID: 22736674 PMCID: PMC3410228 DOI: 10.1210/er.2011-1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides such as melanocortins and β-endorphin (β-ED) exert their pleiotropic effects via binding to melanocortin receptors (MCR) and opioid receptors (OR). There is now compelling evidence for the existence of a functional POMC system within the osteoarticular system. Accordingly, distinct cell types of the synovial tissue and bone have been identified to generate POMC-derived peptides like β-ED, ACTH, or α-MSH. MCR subtypes, especially MC1R, MC2R (the ACTH receptor), MC3R, and MC4R, but also the μ-OR and δ-OR, have been detected in various cells of the synovium, cartilage, and bone. The respective ligands of these POMC-derived peptide receptors mediate an increasing number of newly recognized biological effects in the osteoarticular system. These include bone mineralization and longitudinal growth, cell proliferation and differentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis, osteoprotection, and immunomodulation. Importantly, bone formation is also regulated by the central melanocortin system via a complex hormonal interplay with other organs and tissues involved in energy metabolism. Among the POMC-derived peptides examined in cell culture systems from osteoarticular tissue and in animal models of experimentally induced arthritis, α-MSH, ACTH, and MC3R-specific agonists appear to have the most promising antiinflammatory actions. The effects of these melanocortin peptides may be exploited in future for the treatment of patients with inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Böhm
- Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology of the Skin and Interdisciplinary Endocrinology, Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Von Esmarch-Strasse 58, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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20
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Morpurgo G, Fioretti B, Catacuzzeno L. The increased incidence of malignant melanoma in obese individuals is due to impaired melanogenesis and melanocyte DNA repair. Med Hypotheses 2012; 78:533-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Caruso C, Carniglia L, Durand D, Gonzalez PV, Scimonelli TN, Lasaga M. Melanocortin 4 receptor activation induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in rat astrocytes through cyclic AMP-protein kinase A pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 348:47-54. [PMID: 21803120 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) are mainly expressed in the brain. We previously showed that the anti-inflammatory action of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in rat hypothalamus and in cultured astrocytes involved MC4R activation. However, MC4R mechanisms of action remain undetermined. Since brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be mediating MC4R hypothalamic anorexigenic actions, we determined melanocortin effects on BDNF expression in rat cultured astrocytes and certain mechanisms involved in MC4R signaling. α-MSH and its analogue NDP-MSH, induced production of cAMP in astrocytes. This effect was completely blocked by the MC4R antagonist, HS024. We found that NDP-MSH increased BDNF mRNA and protein levels in astrocytes. The effect of NDP-MSH on BDNF expression was abolished by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536, and decreased by the PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMP. Since melanocortins are immunomodulators, we investigated their actions with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulus. Although both α-MSH and LPS+IFN-γ increased cAMP responding element binding protein (CREB) activation, LPS+IFN-γ did not modify BDNF expression. On the other hand, α-MSH did not modify basal or LPS+IFN-γ-induced nuclear factor-κB activation. Our results show for the first time that MC4R activation in astrocytes induces BDNF expression through cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway without involving NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caruso
- Research Institute for Reproduction, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Zhang L, Li WH, Anthonavage M, Pappas A, Rossetti D, Cavender D, Seiberg M, Eisinger M. Melanocortin-5 receptor and sebogenesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 660:202-6. [PMID: 21215742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.10.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortins (α-MSH, β-MSH, γ-MSH, and ACTH) bind to the melanocortin receptors and signal through increases in cyclic adenosine monophosphate to induce biological effects. The melanocortin MC(5) and MC(1) receptors are expressed in human sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, a lipid mixture of squalene, wax esters, triglycerides, cholesterol esters, and free fatty acids that is secreted onto the skin. Excessive sebum production is one of the major factors in the pathogenesis of acne. The expression of melanocortin MC(5) receptor has been associated with sebocyte differentiation and sebum production. Sebaceous lipids are down-regulated in melanocortin MC(5) receptor-deficient mice, consistent with the observation that α-MSH acts as a sebotropic hormone in rodents. These findings, which suggest that melanocortins stimulate sebaceous lipid production through the MC(5) receptor, led to our search for MC(5) receptor antagonists as potential sebum-suppressive agents. As predicted, an antagonist was shown to inhibit sebocyte differentiation in vitro, and to reduce sebum production in human skin transplanted onto immunodeficient mice. The melanocortin MC(5) receptor antagonists may prove to be clinically useful for the treatment of sebaceous disorders with excessive sebum production, such as acne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- The Johnson & Johnson Skin Research Center, Consumer Product Worldwide, a unit of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.,199 Grandview Rd., Skillman, NJ 08558, USA.
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23
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Chang TS, Lin JJ. Inhibitory effect of danazol on melanogenesis in mouse B16 melanoma cells. Arch Pharm Res 2010; 33:1959-65. [PMID: 21191761 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-010-1211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 05/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, more than 200 generic drugs were screened to verify their applicability as a skin-lightening agent using mouse B16 melanoma cells. Of the numerous agents, danazol was found to inhibit melanogenesis in B16 cells in a dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 9.3 μM. In addition, danazol reduced cellular tyrosinase activity in B16 cells but did not directly inhibit the murine tyrosinase activity in the cell-free system. Western blotting analysis confirmed that danazol downregulated the levels of tyrosinase protein in B16 cells, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that danazol did not downregulate the levels of tyrosinase mRNA in the cells. These results indicate that danazol inhibits melanogenesis in B16 cells via reducing the tyrosinase activity by post-transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Sheng Chang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan 700, Taiwan.
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Holloway PM, Smith HK, Renshaw D, Flower RJ, Getting SJ, Gavins FNE. Targeting the melanocortin receptor system for anti-stroke therapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2010; 32:90-8. [PMID: 21185610 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2010.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin receptors are a subfamily of G-protein-coupled, rhodopsin-like receptors that are rapidly being acknowledged as an extremely promising target for pharmacological intervention in a variety of different inflammatory pathologies, including stroke. Stroke continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, with risk factors including smoking, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The pathophysiology of stroke is highly complex: reintroduction of blood flow to the infarcted brain region is paramount in limiting ischaemic damage caused by stroke, yet a concomitant inflammatory response can compound tissue damage. The possibilities of pro-resolving treatments that target this inflammatory response have only recently begun to be explored. This review discusses the endogenous roles of the melanocortin system in reducing characterized aspects of inflammation, and how these, together with potent neuroprotective actions, suggest its potential as a therapeutic target in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Holloway
- Wolfson Neuroscience Laboratories, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
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25
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Schallreuter KU, Salem MMAEL, Hasse S, Rokos H. The redox--biochemistry of human hair pigmentation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2010; 24:51-62. [PMID: 20958953 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2010.00794.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The biochemistry of hair pigmentation is a complex field involving a plethora of protein and peptide mechanisms. The in loco factory for melanin formation is the hair follicle melanocyte, but it is common knowledge that melanogenesis results from a fine tuned concerted interaction between the cells of the entire dermal papilla in the anagen hair follicle. The key enzyme is tyrosinase to initiate the active pigmentation machinery. Hence, an intricate understanding from transcription of mRNA to enzyme activity, including enzyme kinetics, substrate supply, optimal pH, cAMP signaling, is a must. Moreover, the role of reactive oxygen species on enzyme regulation and functionality needs to be taken into account. So far our knowledge on the entire hair cycle relies on the murine model of the C57BL/6 mouse. Whether this data can be translated into humans still needs to be shown. This article aims to focus on the effect of H(2)O(2)-redox homeostasis on hair follicle pigmentation via tyrosinase, its substrate supply and signal transduction as well as the role of methionine sulfoxide repair via methionine sulfoxide reductases A and B (MSRA and B).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin U Schallreuter
- Institute for Pigmentary Disorders in Association with EM Arndt University Greifswald, Biotechnikum, Greifswald, Germany.
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Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was cloned in 1993 by degenerate PCR; however, its function was unknown. Subsequent studies suggest that the MC4R might be involved in regulating energy homeostasis. This hypothesis was confirmed in 1997 by a series of seminal studies in mice. In 1998, human genetic studies demonstrated that mutations in the MC4R gene can cause monogenic obesity. We now know that mutations in the MC4R are the most common monogenic form of obesity, with more than 150 distinct mutations reported thus far. This review will summarize the studies on the MC4R, from its cloning and tissue distribution to its physiological roles in regulating energy homeostasis, cachexia, cardiovascular function, glucose and lipid homeostasis, reproduction and sexual function, drug abuse, pain perception, brain inflammation, and anxiety. I will then review the studies on the pharmacology of the receptor, including ligand binding and receptor activation, signaling pathways, as well as its regulation. Finally, the pathophysiology of the MC4R in obesity pathogenesis will be reviewed. Functional studies of the mutant MC4Rs and the therapeutic implications, including small molecules in correcting binding and signaling defect, and their potential as pharmacological chaperones in rescuing intracellularly retained mutants, will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5519, USA.
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Fridmanis D, Petrovska R, Kalnina I, Slaidina M, Peculis R, Schiöth HB, Klovins J. Identification of domains responsible for specific membrane transport and ligand specificity of the ACTH receptor (MC2R). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 321:175-83. [PMID: 20206229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) receptor has highly specific membrane expression that is limited to adrenal cells; in other cell types the polypeptide fails to be transported to the cell surface. Unlike other evolutionarily related members of the melanocortin receptor family (MC1R-MC5R) that recognize different melanocortin peptides, ACTHR (MC2R) binds only ACTH. We used a mutagenesis approach involving systematic construction of chimeric ACTHR/MC4R receptors to identify the domains determining the selectivity of ACTHR membrane transport and ACTH binding. In total 15 chimeric receptors were created by replacement of selected domains of human ACTHR with the corresponding regions of human MC4R. We developed an analytical method to accurately quantify cell-membrane localization of recombinant receptors fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The chimeric receptors were also tested for their ability to bind ACTH (1-24) and the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) analog, Nle4, DPhe7-alpha-MSH, and to induce a cAMP response. Our results indicate that substitution of the MC4R N-terminal segment with the homologous segment of ACTHR significantly decreased membrane transport. We also identified another signal localized in the third and fourth transmembrane regions as the main determinant of ACTHR intracellular retention. In addition, we found that the fourth and fifth transmembrane domains of the ACTHR are involved in ACTH binding selectivity. We discuss the mechanisms involved in bypassing these arrest signals via an interaction with melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) and the possible mechanisms that determine the high ligand-binding specificity of ACTHR.
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Blagaić V, Houra K, Turčić P, Štambuk N, Konjevoda P, Boban-Blagaić A, Kelava T, Kos M, Aralica G, Čulo F. The influence of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormone on acetaminophen induced liver lesions in male CBA mice. Molecules 2010; 15:1232-41. [PMID: 20335976 PMCID: PMC6257183 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15031232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research over the past decade has indicated that melanocortin peptides are potent inhibitors of inflammation and a promising source of new anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective therapies. The purpose of the present paper is to compare protective effects of α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone on acetaminophen induced liver lesions in male CBA mice. Acetaminophen was applied intragastrically in a dose of 150 mg/kg, and tested substances were applied intraperitoneally 1 hour before acetaminophen. Mice were sacrificed after 24 hours and intensity of liver injury was estimated by measurement of plasma transaminase activity (AST and ALT) and histopathological grading of lesions. It was found that α-, β-, and γ-MSH decrease intensity of lesions by both criteria in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Blagaić
- University Hospital “Sveti Duh”, Sveti Duh 64, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mail: (V.B.)
| | - Karlo Houra
- University Hospital “Sestre milosrdnice”, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mails: (K.H.); (M.K.)
| | - Petra Turčić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Domagojeva 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mail: (P.T.)
| | - Nikola Štambuk
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (N.Š.); (P.K.)
| | - Paško Konjevoda
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (N.Š.); (P.K.)
| | - Alenka Boban-Blagaić
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mail: (A.B.-B.)
| | - Tomislav Kelava
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mails: (T.K.); (F.Č.)
| | - Marina Kos
- University Hospital “Sestre milosrdnice”, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mails: (K.H.); (M.K.)
| | - Gorana Aralica
- University Hospital Dubrava, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mail: (G.A.)
| | - Filip Čulo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mails: (T.K.); (F.Č.)
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30
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Abstract
More than 15 years ago, we have proposed that melanocytes are sensory and regulatory cells with computing capability, which transform external and/or internal signals/energy into organized regulatory network(s) for the maintenance of the cutaneous homeostasis. This concept is substantiated by accumulating evidence that melanocytes produce classical stress neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones, express corresponding receptors and these processes are modified and/or regulated by ultraviolet radiation, biological factors or stress. Examples of the above are catecholamines, serotonin, N-acetyl-serotonin, melatonin, proopiomelanocortin-derived adrenocorticotropic hormone, beta-endorphin or melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides, corticotropin releasing factor, related urocortins and corticosteroids including cortisol and corticosterone as well as their precursors. Furthermore, their production is not random, but hierarchical and follows the structures of classical neuroendocrine organizations such as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, serotoninergic, melatoninergic and catecholaminergic systems. An example of an intrinsic but overlooked neuroendocrine activity is production and secretion of melanogenesis intermediates including l-DOPA or its derivatives that could enter circulation and act on distant sites. Such capabilities have defined melanocytes as neuroendocrine cells that not only coordinate cutaneous but also can affect a global homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Slominski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Schallreuter KU, Hasse S, Rokos H, Chavan B, Shalbaf M, Spencer JD, Wood JM. Cholesterol regulates melanogenesis in human epidermal melanocytes and melanoma cells. Exp Dermatol 2009; 18:680-8. [PMID: 19469904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2009.00850.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol is important for membrane stability and is the key substrate for the synthesis of steroid hormones and vitamin D. Furthermore, it is a major component of the lipid barrier in the stratum corneum of the human epidermis. Considering that steroid hormone synthesis is taking place in epidermal melanocytes, we tested whether downstream oestrogen receptor/cAMP signalling via MITF/tyrosine hydroxylase/tyrosinase/pigmentation could be possibly modulated by cholesterol. For this purpose, we utilized human primary melanocyte cell cultures and human melanoma cells with different pigmentation capacity applying immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, Western blotting and determination of melanin content. Our in situ and in vitro results demonstrated that melanocytes can synthesize cholesterol via HMG-CoA reductase and transport cholesterol via LDL/Apo-B100/LDLR. Moreover, we show that cholesterol increases melanogenesis in these cells and in human melanoma cells of intermediate pigmentation (FM55) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cellular cholesterol levels in melanoma cells with different pigmentation patterns, epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes do not differ except in the amelanotic (FM3) melanoma cell line. This result is in agreement with decreasing cholesterol content versus increasing pigmentation in melanosomes. Cholesterol induces cAMP in a biphasic manner i.e. after 30 min and later after 6 and 24 h, meanwhile protein expression of oestrogen receptor beta, CREB, MITF, tyrosine hydroxylase and tyrosinase is induced after 72 h. Taken together, we show that human epidermal melanocytes have the capacity of cholesterol signalling via LDL/Apo-B100/LDL receptor and that cholesterol under in vitro conditions increases melanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin U Schallreuter
- Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK.
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