1
|
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: A Stress Hormone-Receptor System's Emerging Role in Mediating Sex-Specific Signaling. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040839. [PMID: 32244319 PMCID: PMC7226788 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
No organ in the body is impervious to the effects of stress, and a coordinated response from all organs is essential to deal with stressors. A dysregulated stress response that fails to bring systems back to homeostasis leads to compromised function and ultimately a diseased state. The components of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, an ancient and evolutionarily conserved stress hormone-receptor system, helps both initiate stress responses and bring systems back to homeostasis once the stressors are removed. The mammalian CRF family comprises of four known agonists, CRF and urocortins (UCN1–3), and two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Evolutionarily, precursors of CRF- and urocortin-like peptides and their receptors were involved in osmoregulation/diuretic functions, in addition to nutrient sensing. Both CRF and UCN1 peptide hormones as well as their receptors appeared after a duplication event nearly 400 million years ago. All four agonists and both CRF receptors show sex-specific changes in expression and/or function, and single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with a plethora of human diseases. CRF receptors harbor N-terminal cleavable peptide sequences, conferring biased ligand properties. CRF receptors have the ability to heteromerize with each other as well as with other GPCRs. Taken together, CRF receptors and their agonists due to their versatile functional adaptability mediate nuanced responses and are uniquely positioned to orchestrate sex-specific signaling and function in several tissues.
Collapse
|
2
|
Squillacioti C, Pelagalli A, Liguori G, Mirabella N. Urocortins in the mammalian endocrine system. Acta Vet Scand 2019; 61:46. [PMID: 31585551 PMCID: PMC6778379 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-019-0480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortins (Ucns), peptides belonging to the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family, are classified into Ucn1, Ucn2, and Ucn3. They are involved in regulating several body functions by binding to two G protein-coupled receptors: receptor type 1 (CRHR1) and type 2 (CRHR2). In this review, we provide a historical overview of research on Ucns and their receptors in the mammalian endocrine system. Although the literature on the topic is limited, we focused our attention particularly on the main role of Ucns and their receptors in regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and thyroid axes, reproductive organs, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues characterized by “diffuse” endocrine cells in mammals. The prominent function of these peptides in health conditions led us to also hypothesize an action of Ucn agonists/antagonists in stress and in various diseases with its critical consequences on behavior and physiology. The potential role of the urocortinergic system is an intriguing topic that deserves further in-depth investigations to develop novel strategies for preventing stress-related conditions and treating endocrine diseases.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou H, Ge C, Chen A, Lu W. Dynamic Expression and Regulation of Urotensin I and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors in Ovary of Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1045. [PMID: 31456701 PMCID: PMC6700326 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin I (UI), a fish corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) like peptide, has been found throughout vertebrate species that has great effects on adaptive physiology comprising stress-related responses, and osmotic regulation by binding with CRH type I receptor (CRHR1) and CRH type II receptor (CRHR2) in fish. Dynamic expression and regulation of UI and CRH receptors in the olive flounder ovarian follicle were studied so as to make further efforts to understand the role of UI in the development of teleost ovary. The results showed that stage-specific change in UI mRNA levels in ovarian follicles of olive flounder. UI and CRHR1 mRNA levels were higher in stage III follicles (300∼500 μm diameter) compared to stage II (90∼300 μm diameter) and IV (500∼800 μm diameter) follicles, however, the levels of CRHR2 mRNA were decreased in line with the ovarian development from stage II to stage IV. A strong signal of UI protein was observed in the follicular cells and oocyte in stage III and IV follicles by immunohistochemistry. In vitro treatment of olive flounder ovarian follicles with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) showed that the mRNA expression of UI increased significantly at low concentration and decreased at high concentration at 6 h, but the CRHR1 and CRHR2 mRNA did not change obviously. In addition, the results of incubation with 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-oregnen-3-one (DHP) show that UI and CRHR1 mRNA expression were elevated with increasing concentrations at 9 h. All above results indicated that UI and CRH receptors may have a vital effect on olive flounder ovarian development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunmei Ge
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aqin Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqun Lu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Takahashi K. Distribution of urocortins and corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in the cardiovascular system. Int J Endocrinol 2012; 2012:395284. [PMID: 22675352 PMCID: PMC3362921 DOI: 10.1155/2012/395284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortins are human homologues of urotensin I, a fish corticotropin-releasing-factor- (CRF-) like peptide secreted from the urophysis. There are three urocortins: urocortin 1, urocortin 2, and urocortin 3 in mammals. We have shown that urocortin 1 and urocortin 3 are endogenously synthesized in the myocardial cells of human heart and may act on CRF type 2 receptor (CRFR2) expressed in the heart. Expression levels of urocortin 1 in the heart and plasma urocortin 1 levels are elevated in patients with heart failure. Recent studies have shown that urocortins have various biological actions in the cardiovascular system, such as a vasodilator action, a positive inotropic action, a cardioprotective action against ischemia/reperfusion injury, and suppressive actions against the renin angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system. Urocortins and CRFR2 may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Takahashi
- Departments of Endocrinology and Applied Medical Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kaprara A, Pazaitou-Panayiotou K, Kortsaris A, Chatzaki E. The corticotropin releasing factor system in cancer: expression and pathophysiological implications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:1293-306. [PMID: 20143250 PMCID: PMC11115652 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malignant tumors express multiple factors that have some role in the regulating networks supporting their ectopic growth. Recently, increased interest has been developing in the expression and biological role of the neuropeptides and receptors of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system, the principal neuroendocrine mediator of the stress response, especially in the light of several R&D programs for small molecule antagonists that could present some anticancer therapeutic benefit. In the present article, we review the literature suggesting that the CRF system could be involved in the regulation of human cancer development. Potential implication in growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, or immune parameters via activation of locally expressed receptors could be clinically exploited by presenting targets of new therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandros Kortsaris
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Thrace Greece
| | - Ekaterini Chatzaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gu X, Qi P, Zhou F, Ji Q, Wang H, Dou T, Zhao Y, Gao C. An intronic polymorphism in the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 gene increases susceptibility to HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese population. Hum Genet 2009; 127:75-81. [PMID: 19813023 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-009-0750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) plays a role in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system. CRHR2 together with its ligands, urocortins (Ucns) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), functions as a mediator of inflammatory response and inhibitor of angiogenesis. Recently, it has been reported to be expressed in many human cancers. An association between rs2267716 polymorphism in the CRHR2 gene and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was found in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In the present study we analyzed, using a polymerase chain reaction-ligation detection reaction (PCR-LDR), the rs2267716 polymorphism in 364 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients, 196 non-HCC patients with HBV infection, and 404 healthy controls. The aim was to detect the possible association of this single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with susceptibility to HBV-related HCC. Significant differences of rs2267716 allele were detected between HBV-related HCC patients and healthy controls (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.13-2.15, P = 0.007) or non-HCC patients with HBV infection (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.13-2.31, P = 0.009). These results suggest that the rs2267716 polymorphism in the CRHR2 gene might influence the risk of developing HCC in patients with HBV infection in Chinese population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 200438 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Minas V, Rolaki A, Kalantaridou SN, Sidiropoulos J, Mitrou S, Petsas G, Jeschke U, Paraskevaidis EA, Fountzilas G, Chrousos GP, Pavlidis N, Makrigiannakis A. Intratumoral CRH modulates immuno-escape of ovarian cancer cells through FasL regulation. Br J Cancer 2007; 97:637-45. [PMID: 17667919 PMCID: PMC2360374 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and Fas ligand (FasL) have been documented in ovarian carcinoma, a clear association with tumour progression and immuno-escape has not been established. FasL plays an important role in promoting tumour cells' ability to counterattack immune cells. Here, we examined immunohistochemically the expression of CRH, CRHR1, CRHR2 and FasL in 47 human ovarian cancer cases. The ovarian cancer cell lines OvCa3 and A2780 were further used to test the hypothesis that CRH might contribute to the immune privilege of ovarian tumours, by modulating FasL expression on the cancer cells. We found that CRH, CRHR1, CRHR2 and FasL were expressed in 68.1, 70.2, 63.8 and 63.8% of the cases respectively. Positivity for CRH or FasL expression was associated with higher tumour stage. Finally, CRH increased the expression of FasL in OvCa3 and A2780 cells through CRHR1 thereby potentiated their ability to induce apoptosis of activated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Corticotropin-releasing hormone produced by human ovarian cancer might favour survival and progression of the tumour by promoting its immune privilege. These findings support the hypothesis that CRHR1 antagonists could potentially be used against ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Minas
- Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - A Rolaki
- Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - S N Kalantaridou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45100, Greece
| | - J Sidiropoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45100, Greece
| | - S Mitrou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45100, Greece
| | - G Petsas
- Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - U Jeschke
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich 45100, Germany
| | - E A Paraskevaidis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45100, Greece
| | - G Fountzilas
- School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - N Pavlidis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45100, Greece
| | - A Makrigiannakis
- Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
- E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fekete ÉM, Zorrilla EP. Physiology, pharmacology, and therapeutic relevance of urocortins in mammals: ancient CRF paralogs. Front Neuroendocrinol 2007; 28:1-27. [PMID: 17083971 PMCID: PMC2730896 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2006.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Urocortins, three paralogs of the stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) found in bony fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals, have unique phylogenies, pharmacologies, and tissue distributions. As a result and despite a structural family resemblance, the natural functions of urocortins and CRF in mammalian homeostatic responses differ substantially. Endogenous urocortins are neither simply counterpoints nor mimics of endogenous CRF action. In their own right, urocortins may be clinically relevant molecules in the pathogenesis or management of many conditions, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, active gastritis, gastroparesis, and rheumatoid arthritis), atopic/allergic disorders (dermatitis, urticaria, and asthma), pregnancy and parturition (preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, onset, and maintenance of effective labor), major depression and obesity. Safety trials for intravenous urocortin treatment have already begun for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Further understanding the unique functions of urocortin 1, urocortin 2, and urocortin 3 action may uncover other therapeutic opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Éva M. Fekete
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Pécs University Medical School, 7602 Pécs,
Hungary
| | - Eric P. Zorrilla
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Harold L. Dorris Neurological Research Institute, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|