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Fan X, Gong M, Zhang S, Niu W, Sun S, Yu H, Chen X, Fang Z. Blocking Palmitoylation of Apelin Receptor Alleviates Morphine Tolerance in Neuropathic Cancer Pain. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:47-60. [PMID: 38164190 PMCID: PMC10750292 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.86888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic cancer pain (NCP) is an important symptom in patients with cancer. However, significant analgesic tolerance and other side effects critically hamper the administration of morphine. Protein palmitoylation mediated by the DHHC family may be involved in the glial activation and inflammatory responses underlying organ failure. In this study, we investigated the key role of protein palmitoylation in cancer pain and sought to target palmitoylation to suppress morphine tolerance. We found that long-term use of morphine led to the accumulation of the morphine metabolite, morphine-3-glucuronide, in vivo and activated ERK1/2 and microglia to release inflammatory factors through the apelin receptor APLNR. Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC9 was upregulated in NCP, and APLNR was palmitylated to protect it from lysosomal degradation and to maintain its stability. We also designed competitive inhibitors of APLNR palmitoylation to inhibit the development of NCP, release of inflammatory factors, and attenuation of morphine tolerance. Therefore, targeting APLNR palmitoylation in combination with morphine is a potent method for cancer pain treatment. Our data provide a basis for the future clinical use of related drugs combined with morphine for the treatment of cancer-related pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Fan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), No. 17, Lu Jiang Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Meiting Gong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Wanxiang Niu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Suling Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Huihan Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Xueran Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Zhiyou Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
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Zheng S, Tan W, Li X, Wang L, Zhu C, Pyle WG, Chen J, Wu J, Ren X, Chen H, Zou Y, Backx PH, Yang FH. Apelin receptor inhibition in ischemia-reperfused mouse hearts protected by endogenous n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1145413. [PMID: 37942483 PMCID: PMC10628527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1145413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: While the protective effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury have been previously reported, limited data are available regarding how these fatty acids affect membrane receptors and their downstream signaling following IR injury. We aimed to identify potential receptors activated by n-3 PUFAs in IR hearts to understand the regulatory mechanisms of these receptors. Methods: We used fat-1 mice, which naturally have elevated levels of n-3 PUFAs, and C57BL/6J mice as a control group to create a myocardial IR injury model through Langendorff perfusion. We assessed the impact of endogenous n-3 PUFAs on left ventricular function, myocardial infarct size, myocardial apoptosis, and ATP production. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to identify molecular targets affected by n-3 PUFAs. Based on these analyses we then treated IR hearts of WT and fat-1 mice with an antagonist (ML221) or an agonist (apelin-13) for the predicted receptor to assess cardiac contractile function and intracellular signaling pathways. An in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) model was also used to confirm the effects of n-3 PUFAs on the examined intracellular signaling pathways. Results: Endogenous n-3 PUFAs protected cardiac structure and function in post-IR hearts, and modulated phosphorylation patterns in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways. RNA-seq analysis revealed that n-3 PUFAs affected multiple biological processes as well as levels of the apelin receptor (APLNR). Consistent with a role for the PLNNR, ML221 synchronized the activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling axis, suppressed the expression of PKCδ and phosphorylated p38α, upregulated PKCε expression, upregulated or restored the phosphorylation of myofilaments, and prevented myocardial injury and contractile dysfunction in WT IR hearts. By contrast, apelin-13 disrupted the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling axis in post-IR fat-1 hearts. The phosphorylation signaling targeted by APLNR inhibition in post-IR fat-1 hearts was also observed after treating HR cells with eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA). Conclusion: Endogenous n-3 PUFAs protect against post-IR injury and preserve cardiac contractile function possibly through APLNR inhibition. This inhibition synchronizes the PI3K-AKT-mTOR axis, suppresses detrimental phosphorylation signaling, and restores or increases myofilament phosphorylation in post-IR hearts. The beneficial effects observed in fat-1 transgenic mouse hearts can be attributed, at least in part, to elevated EPA levels. This study is the first to demonstrate that n-3 PUFAs protect hearts against IR injury through APLNR inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijiang Tan
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijing Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiyi Zhu
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - W. Glen Pyle
- IMPART Investigator Team, Dalhousie Medicine, Saint John, NB, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jianxin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuecong Ren
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honghua Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter H. Backx
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Feng Hua Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
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Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liu Z, Wang N, Zhao X, Guo R. DNMT1 mediates proliferation, migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblasts by regulating the methylation level of APLNR. Placenta 2023; 138:33-43. [PMID: 37167781 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proliferation, migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) play an important role in the progression of preeclampsia (PE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which DNA methylase regulates the transcription level of APLNR and affects the phenotypic function of EVTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS PE mice model and H/R model in HTR8/Svneo cells were constructed. Clinical samples of normal pregnant women and PE patients were collected. Expression and methylation level of APLNR in vivo and in vitro were detected. ChIP-qPCR was used to detect the binding of DNA methyltransferase at the APLNR promoter. The expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), NO and eNOS in vitro were detected. EVTs proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro were detected. RESULTS In placental tissues or HTR8/Svneo cells of the PE model group, the expression of APLNR was reduced and APLNR methylation level was up-regulated. There was no significant difference in the APLNR expression in placental tissues between normal pregnant women and PE patients. H/R conditions only promote the binding of DNMT1 at the APLNR promoter. DNMT1 interference decreased the enrichment degree of DNMT1 in APLNR promoter region and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of APLNR in vivo and in vitro. The activation of APLNR by Elabela (ELA) can promote eNOS transcription, thereby promoting cell proliferation and NO level, while eNOS inhibitor can reverse this effect. DNMT1 down-regulation inhibted APLNR methylation level, promoted eNOS transcription, and promoted EVTs proliferation, migration and invasion, which could be revised by the interference of APLNR. DISCUSSION DNMT1 promotes eNOS transcription by inhibting APLNR methylation level, and promotes EVTs proliferation, migration and invasion, thus providing a new and broad application prospect for PE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zheng Zhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zheng Zhou, 450052, China
| | - Zhuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zheng Zhou, 450052, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zheng Zhou, 450052, China
| | - Xianlan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zheng Zhou, 450052, China
| | - Ruixia Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zheng Zhou, 450052, China.
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Javier Cano-Martínez L, De Los Santos S, Mauricio Coral-Vázquez R, Pablo Méndez J, Trejo S, Roque-Ramírez B, Carlos Pérez-Razo J, Canto P. Variations in protein levels of the apelinergic system in adipose tissue of hypertensive individuals with class 3 obesity. Gene X 2023; 854:147107. [PMID: 36513190 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of apelin (APLN) and its receptor (APLNR) in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and its effect on the downstream expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in individuals with class 3 obesity, with or without hypertension. Seventy-five unrelated individuals presenting obesity class 3 with or without hypertension were included. Gene expression of APLN, and APLNR were analyzed in VAT, by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The APLN, APLNR and eNOS (total and phosphorylated) levels in VAT were evaluated by Western blot. Analysis of differences between groups of APLN, APLNR and eNOS were performed by a logistic regression adjusting by confounding factors. Forty-five individuals with hypertension formed the case group, and 30 individuals constituted the control group. The APLN mRNA and protein levels were higher in the group of individuals with hypertension versus individuals without hypertension (p = 0.027 and p = 0.036, respectively). Meanwhile, APLNR mRNA and protein levels in subjects with hypertension were lower versus the group of subjects without hypertension (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Further, the group with hypertension presented a lower level of phosphorylation of eNOS Ser1177, compared to the control group (p = 0.002). In conclusion, individuals with class 3 obesity and hypertension present a modified APLN/APLNR expression in visceral adipose tissue, which could be secondary to reduced eNOS phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Javier Cano-Martínez
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sergio De Los Santos
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ramón Mauricio Coral-Vázquez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Juan Pablo Méndez
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de México, México
| | - Silvia Trejo
- Clínica Integral de Cirugía para la Obesidad y Enfermedades Metabólicas. Hospital General "Dr. Rubén Leñero", CDMX, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Bladimir Roque-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Nutrigenética y Nutrigenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica CDMX, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Juan Carlos Pérez-Razo
- División de Medicina Genómica, Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Patricia Canto
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de México, México.
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Ivanov MN, Stoyanov DS, Pavlov SP, Tonchev AB. Distribution, Function, and Expression of the Apelinergic System in the Healthy and Diseased Mammalian Brain. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2172. [PMID: 36421846 PMCID: PMC9690544 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin, a peptide initially isolated from bovine stomach extract, is an endogenous ligand for the Apelin Receptor (APLNR). Subsequently, a second peptide, ELABELA, that can bind to the receptor has been identified. The Apelin receptor and its endogenous ligands are widely distributed in mammalian organs. A growing body of evidence suggests that this system participates in various signaling cascades that can regulate cell proliferation, blood pressure, fluid homeostasis, feeding behavior, and pituitary hormone release. Additional research has been done to elucidate the system's potential role in neurogenesis, the pathophysiology of Glioblastoma multiforme, and the protective effects of apelin peptides on some neurological and psychiatric disorders-ischemic stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. This review discusses the current knowledge on the apelinergic system's involvement in brain physiology in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N. Ivanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Dimo S. Stoyanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Stoyan P. Pavlov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Anton. B. Tonchev
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
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Yang Y, Chen M, Qiu Y, Li X, Huang Y, Zhang W. The Apelin/ APLNR system modulates tumor immune response by reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Gene X 2022; 834:146564. [PMID: 35598689 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the Apelin receptor (APLNR), a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, which is widely distributed in human tissue. The Apelin/APLNR system is involved in regulating several physiological and pathological processes. The Apelin expression is increased in a variety of cancer and the Apelin/APLNR system could regulate the development of tumors through mediating autophagy, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and other biological processes to regulate tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The Apelin/APLNR system also participates in immune response and immune regulation through PI3K-Akt, ERK-MAPK, and other signal pathways. The latest research points out that there is a negative regulatory relationship between APLNR and immune checkpoint PD-L1. In this review, we outline the significance of the Apelin/APLNR signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and its immune regulation. These endeavors provide new insights into the translational application of Apelin/APLNR in cancer and may contribute to the promotion of more effective treatments for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Meilin Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Yanbing Qiu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410013, PR China.
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Liu Y, Ma X, Yang H, Li X, Ma Y, Ason B, Liu S, Hu L. APLNR regulates IFN-γ signaling via β-arrestin 1 mediated JAK-STAT1 pathway in melanoma cells. Biochem J 2022:BCJ20210813. [PMID: 35084016 DOI: 10.1042/BCJ20210813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APLNR) regulates many biological processes including metabolism, angiogenesis, circulating blood volume and cardiovascular function. Additionally, APLNR is overexpressed in various types of cancer and influences cancer progression. APLNR is reported to regulate tumor recognition during immune surveillance by modulating the IFN-γ response. However, the mechanism of APLNR crosstalk with intratumoral IFN-γ signaling remains unknown. Here, we show that activation of APLNR upregulates IFN-γ signaling in melanoma cells through APLNR mediated β-arrestin 1 but not β-arrestin 2 recruitment. Our data suggests that β-arrestin 1 directly interacts with STAT1 to inhibit STAT1 phosphorylation to attenuate IFN-γ signaling. The APLNR mutant receptor, I109A, which is deficient in β-arrestins recruitment, is unable to enhance intratumoral IFN-γ signaling. While APLNR N112G, a constitutively active mutant receptor, increases intratumoral sensitivity to IFN-γ signaling by enhancing STAT1 phosphorylation upon IFN-γ exposure. We also demonstrate in a co-culture system that APLNR regulates tumor survival rate. Taken together, our findings reveal that APLNR modulates IFN-γ signaling in melanoma cells and suggests that APLNR may be a potential target to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Kälin RE, Glass R. APLN/ APLNR Signaling Controls Key Pathological Parameters of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3899. [PMID: 34359800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The neurovascular peptide Apelin and its receptor APLNR are upregulated during glioblastoma pathology. Here we summarize their role in the brain tumor microenvironment composed of neurons, astrocytes, and the vascular and immune systems. Targeting APLN/APLNR signaling promises to unfold multimodal actions in future GBM therapy, acting as an anti-angiogenic and an anti-invasive treatment, and offering the possibility to reduce neurological symptoms and increase overall survival simultaneously. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. GBM-expansion depends on a dense vascular network and, coherently, GBMs are highly angiogenic. However, new intratumoral blood vessels are often aberrant with consequences for blood-flow and vascular barrier function. Hence, the delivery of chemotherapeutics into GBM can be compromised. Furthermore, leaky vessels support edema-formation, which can result in severe neurological deficits. The secreted signaling peptide Apelin (APLN) plays an important role in the formation of GBM blood vessels. Both APLN and the Apelin receptor (APLNR) are upregulated in GBM cells and control tumor cell invasiveness. Here we summarize the current evidence on the role of APLN/APLNR signaling during brain tumor pathology. We show that targeting APLN/APLNR can induce anti-angiogenic effects in GBM and simultaneously blunt GBM cell infiltration. In addition, we discuss how manipulation of APLN/APLNR signaling in GBM leads to the normalization of tumor vessels and thereby supports chemotherapy, reduces edema, and improves anti-tumorigenic immune reactions. Hence, therapeutic targeting of APLN/APLNR signaling offers an interesting option to address different pathological hallmarks of GBM.
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Jackson M, Fidanza A, Taylor AH, Rybtsov S, Axton R, Kydonaki M, Meek S, Burdon T, Medvinsky A, Forrester LM. Modulation of APLNR Signaling Is Required during the Development and Maintenance of the Hematopoietic System. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:727-740. [PMID: 33667414 PMCID: PMC8072025 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin receptor (APLNR/AGTRLl1/APJ) marks a transient cell population during the differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from pluripotent stem cells, but its function during the production and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells is not clear. We generated an Aplnr-tdTomato reporter mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line and showed that HSPCs are generated exclusively from mesodermal cells that express Aplnr-tdTomato. HSPC production from mESCs was impaired when Aplnr was deleted, implying that this pathway is required for their production. To address the role of APLNR signaling in HSPC maintenance, we added APELIN ligands to ex vivo AGM cultures. Activation of the APLNR pathway in this system impaired the generation of long-term reconstituting HSPCs and appeared to drive myeloid differentiation. Our data suggest that the APLNR signaling is required for the generation of cells that give rise to HSCs, but that its subsequent downregulation is required for their maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melany Jackson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Antonella Fidanza
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - A Helen Taylor
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Stanislav Rybtsov
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Richard Axton
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Maria Kydonaki
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Stephen Meek
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Tom Burdon
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Alexander Medvinsky
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Institute for Stem Cell Research, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Lesley M Forrester
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK.
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10
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Wang X, Liu X, Song Z, Shen X, Lu S, Ling Y, Kuang H. Emerging roles of APLN and APELA in the physiology and pathology of the female reproductive system. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10245. [PMID: 33240613 PMCID: PMC7666558 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
APLN, APELA and their common receptor APLNR (composing the apelinergic axis) have been described in various species with extensive body distribution and multiple physiological functions. Recent studies have witnessed emerging intracellular cascades triggered by APLN and APELA which play crucial roles in female reproductive organs, including hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, ovary, oviduct, uterus and placenta. However, a comprehensive summary of APLN and APELA roles in physiology and pathology of female reproductive system has not been reported to date. In this review, we aim to concentrate on the general characteristics of APLN and APELA, as well as their specific physiological roles in female reproductive system. Meanwhile, the pathological contexts of apelinergic axis dysregulation in the obstetrics and gynecology are also summarized here, suggesting its potential prospect as a diagnostic biomarker and/or therapeutic intervention in the polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cancer, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Wang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Queen Mary, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Queen Mary, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zifan Song
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Shen
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Siying Lu
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan Ling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital affiliated Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Haibin Kuang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Medical Experimental Teaching Center of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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11
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Frisch A, Kälin S, Monk R, Radke J, Heppner FL, Kälin RE. Apelin Controls Angiogenesis-Dependent Glioblastoma Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4179. [PMID: 32545380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) present with an abundant and aberrant tumor neo-vasculature. While rapid growth of solid tumors depends on the initiation of tumor angiogenesis, GBM also progress by infiltrative growth and vascular co-option. The angiogenic factor apelin (APLN) and its receptor (APLNR) are upregulated in GBM patient samples as compared to normal brain tissue. Here, we studied the role of apelin/APLNR signaling in GBM angiogenesis and growth. By functional analysis of apelin in orthotopic GBM mouse models, we found that apelin/APLNR signaling is required for in vivo tumor angiogenesis. Knockdown of tumor cell-derived APLN massively reduced the tumor vasculature. Additional loss of the apelin signal in endothelial tip cells using the APLN-knockout (KO) mouse led to a further reduction of GBM angiogenesis. Direct infusion of the bioactive peptide apelin-13 rescued the vascular loss-of-function phenotype specifically. In addition, APLN depletion massively reduced angiogenesis-dependent tumor growth. Consequently, survival of GBM-bearing mice was significantly increased when APLN expression was missing in the brain tumor microenvironment. Thus, we suggest that targeting vascular apelin may serve as an alternative strategy for anti-angiogenesis in GBM.
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12
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Narayanan S, Vasukuttan V, Rajagopal S, Maitra R, Runyon SP. Identification of potent pyrazole based APELIN receptor (APJ) agonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 28:115237. [PMID: 31948845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The apelinergic system comprises the apelin receptor and its cognate apelin and elabela peptide ligands of various lengths. This system has become an increasingly attractive target for pulmonary and cardiometabolic diseases. Small molecule regulators of this receptor with good drug-like properties are needed. Recently, we discovered a novel pyrazole based small molecule agonist 8 of the apelin receptor (EC50 = 21.5 µM, Ki = 5.2 µM) through focused screening which was further optimized to initial lead 9 (EC50 = 0.800 µM, Ki = 1.3 µM). In our efforts to synthesize more potent agonists and to explore the structural features important for apelin receptor agonism, we carried out structural modifications at N1 of the pyrazole core as well as the amino acid side-chain of 9. Systematic modifications at these two positions provided potent small molecule agonists exhibiting EC50 values of <100 nM. Recruitment of β-arrestin as a measure of desensitization potential of select compounds was also investigated. Functional selectivity was a feature of several compounds with a bias towards calcium mobilization over β-arrestin recruitment. These compounds may be suitable as tools for in vivo studies of apelin receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanju Narayanan
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Vineetha Vasukuttan
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Sudarshan Rajagopal
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Scott P Runyon
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
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13
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Mercati F, Scocco P, Maranesi M, Acuti G, Petrucci L, Cocci P, Renzi A, De Felice E, Dall'Aglio C. Apelin system detection in the reproductive apparatus of ewes grazing on semi-natural pasture. Theriogenology 2019; 139:156-66. [PMID: 31412301 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Apelin (APLN) is an adipokine with pleiotropic effects involved in the regulation of metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and electrolyte balance function. Recent studies demonstrated a pivotal role in the regulation of male and female reproduction. APLN and its receptor (APLNR) were found in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis tissues, regulating gonadotropin release and steroidogenesis. However, to date, there are no studies that describe APLN system in the reproductive apparatus of the sheep. The study was performed on 10 Comisana x Appenninica adult dry ewes reared in a semi-natural pasture. Organ samples were collected from five animals in the two pasture functional phases: after maximum pasture flowering (Group 1) and after maximum pasture dryness (Group 2). Experiments were devised to characterize the gene expression and protein localization of the APLN/APLNR system in ewe reproductive apparatus; in addition, the concentration of plasma APLN was evaluated during the trial. Through immunohistochemical analysis, a positive staining for APLN was observed in the large luteal cells, in the epithelial cell coat of the ampulla, in the uterus epithelial lining and in the uterine glands. APLNR was observed in the granulosa cells, in the large luteal cells, in the secreting cells of the ampulla, in the uterus epithelial lining and uterine glands. The transcripts for APLN and APLNR were evidenced in all organ tissues examined. The highest level of APLN mRNA was detected in the Group 2 ewes in the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle compared to Group 1 ewes in the anestrous one. The relative content of APLN transcript was respectively twofold higher in the ovary (P < 0.05) and uterus (P < 0.05) and threefold higher in the ampulla (P < 0.05) in the Group 2 vs Group 1. The same trend of APLN transcript was evaluated for APLNR mRNA in uterus (P < 0.05) and ovary (P < 0.05). No difference was evidenced between Group 1 and Group 2 for APLNR mRNA levels. The plasma APLN level was fairly constant during the trial period. In conclusion, the present data suggest that the apelinergic system is involved in the reproduction function of ewes, being differentially distributed and expressed in the organs of the reproductive apparatus of ewes; these variations could be related to the sexual cycle and to the cyclic activity of the reproductive apparatus.
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14
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Apostolidis SA, Stifano G, Tabib T, Rice LM, Morse CM, Kahaleh B, Lafyatis R. Single Cell RNA Sequencing Identifies HSPG2 and APLNR as Markers of Endothelial Cell Injury in Systemic Sclerosis Skin. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2191. [PMID: 30327649 PMCID: PMC6174292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The mechanisms that lead to endothelial cell (EC) injury and propagate the vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) are not well understood. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), our goal was to identify EC markers and signature pathways associated with vascular injury in SSc skin. Methods: We implemented single cell sorting and subsequent RNA sequencing of cells isolated from SSc and healthy control skin. We used t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) to identify the various cell types. We performed pathway analysis using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Finally, we independently verified distinct markers using immunohistochemistry on skin biopsies and qPCR in primary ECs from SSc and healthy skin. Results: By combining the t-SNE analysis with the expression of known EC markers, we positively identified ECs among the sorted cells. Subsequently, we examined the differential expression profile between the ECs from healthy and SSc skin. Using GSEA and IPA analysis, we demonstrated that the SSc endothelial cell expression profile is enriched in processes associated with extracellular matrix generation, negative regulation of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Two of the top differentially expressed genes, HSPG2 and APLNR, were independently verified using immunohistochemistry staining and real-time qPCR analysis. Conclusion: ScRNA-seq, differential gene expression and pathway analysis revealed that ECs from SSc patients show a discrete pattern of gene expression associated with vascular injury and activation, extracellular matrix generation and negative regulation of angiogenesis. HSPG2 and APLNR were identified as two of the top markers of EC injury in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokratis A Apostolidis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lisa M Rice
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christina M Morse
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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15
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Zhang J, Zhou Y, Wu C, Wan Y, Fang C, Li J, Fang W, Yi R, Zhu G, Li J, Wang Y. Characterization of the Apelin/Elabela Receptors ( APLNR) in Chickens, Turtles, and Zebrafish: Identification of a Novel Apelin-Specific Receptor in Teleosts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:756. [PMID: 30631305 PMCID: PMC6315173 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin receptor(s) (APLNR) are suggested to mediate the actions of apelin and Elabela (ELA) peptides in many physiological processes, including cardiovascular development and food intake in vertebrates. However, the functionality of APLNR has not been examined in most vertebrate groups. Here, we characterized two APLNRs APLNR1, APLNR2) in chickens and red-eared sliders, and three APLNRs in zebrafish (APLNR2a, APLNR2b, APLNR3a), which are homologous to human APLNR. Using luciferase-reporter assays or Western blot, we demonstrated that in chickens, APLNR1 (not APLNR2) expressed in HEK293 cells was potently activated by chicken apelin-36 and ELA-32 and coupled to Gi-cAMP and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, indicating a crucial role of APLNR1 in mediating apelin/ELA actions; in red-eared sliders, APLNR2 (not APLNR1) was potently activated by apelin-36/ELA-32, suggesting that APLNR2 may mediate apelin/ELA actions; in zebrafish, both APLNR2a and APLNR2b were potently activated by apelin-36/ELA-32 and coupled to Gi-cAMP signaling pathway, as previously proposed, whereas the novel APLNR3a was specifically and potently activated by apelin. Similarly, an apelin-specific receptor (APLNR3b) sharing 57% sequence identity with zebrafish APLNR3a was identified in Nile tilapia. Collectively, our data facilitates the uncovering of the roles of APLNR signaling in different vertebrate groups and suggests a key functional switch between APLNR1 and APLNR2/3 in mediating the actions of ELA and apelin during vertebrate evolution.
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16
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Wang P, Wang C, Li S, Wang B, Xiong L, Tu X, Wang QK, Xu CQ. Lack of association between the APLNR variant rs9943582 with ischemic stroke in the Chinese Han GeneID population. Oncotarget 2017; 8:107678-84. [PMID: 29296197 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Genetic risk factors have been found to play important roles in the pathology of ischemic stroke. In a previous genome-wide association study, a functional variant (rs9943582, –154G/A) in the 5’ flanking region of the apelin receptor gene (APLNR) was shown to be significantly associated with stroke in the Japanese population. However, the association required validation in other ethnicities. To validate the genetic relationship between APLNR and ischemic stroke in the Chinese Han population, we genotyped rs9943582 in a case–control population containing 1,158 ischemic stroke patients and 1,265 common controls enrolled from the GeneID database, and performed a genetic association study. We detected no allelic or genotypic associations between rs9943582 and ischemic stroke in the Chinese Han GeneID population, although the study population provided sufficient statistical power. This finding indicates that the association between the APLNR variant and ischemic stroke or atherosclerosis may need further validation.
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17
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Zhang X, Chen Y, Ye Y, Wang J, Wang H, Yuan G, Lin Z, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Lin X. Wnt signaling promotes hindgut fate commitment through regulating multi-lineage genes during hESC differentiation. Cell Signal 2016; 29:12-22. [PMID: 27693749 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays essential roles in both embryonic pattern formation and postembryonic tissue homoestasis. High levels of Wnt activity repress foregut identity and facilitate hindgut fate through forming a gradient of Wnt signaling activity along the anterior-posterior axis. Here, we examined the mechanisms of Wnt signaling in hindgut development by differentiating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into the hindgut progenitors. We observed severe morphological changes when Wnt signaling was blocked by using Wnt antagonist Dkk1. We performed deep-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and identified 240 Wnt-activated genes and 2023 Wnt-repressed genes, respectively. Clusters of Wnt targets showed enrichment in specific biological functions, such as "gastrointestinal or skeletal development" in the Wnt-activated targets and "neural or immune system development" in the Wnt-repressed targets. Moreover, we adopted a high-throughput chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) approach to identify the genomic regions through which Wnt-activated transcription factor TCF7L2 regulated transcription. We identified 83 Wnt direct target candidates, including the hindgut marker CDX2 and the genes relevant to morphogenesis (MSX1, MSX2, LEF1, T, PDGFRB etc.) through combinatorial analysis of the RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data. Together, our study identified a series of direct and indirect Wnt targets in hindgut differentiation, and uncovered the diverse mechanisms of Wnt signaling in regulating multi-lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Core Genomic Facility, CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences & Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guohong Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yihui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Narayanan S, Maitra R, Deschamps JR, Bortoff K, Thomas JB, Zhang Y, Warner K, Vasukuttan V, Decker A, Runyon SP. Discovery of a novel small molecule agonist scaffold for the APJ receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:3758-70. [PMID: 27369451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The apelinergic system includes a series of endogenous peptides apelin, ELABELA/TODDLER and their 7-transmembrane G-protein coupled apelin receptor (APJ, AGTRL-1, APLNR). The APJ receptor is an attractive therapeutic target because of its involvement in cardiovascular diseases and potentially other disorders including liver fibrosis, obesity, diabetes, and neuroprotection. To date, pharmacological characterization of the APJ receptor has been limited due to the lack of small molecule functional agonists or antagonists. Through focused screening we identified a drug-like small molecule agonist hit 1 with a functional EC50 value of 21.5±5μM and binding affinity (Ki) of 5.2±0.5μM. Initial structure-activity studies afforded compound 22 having a 27-fold enhancement in potency and the first sub-micromolar full agonist with an EC50 value of 800±0.1nM and Ki of 1.3±0.3μM. Preliminary SAR, synthetic methodology, and in vitro pharmacological characterization indicate this scaffold will serve as a favorable starting point for further refinement of APJ potency and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanju Narayanan
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Jeffery R Deschamps
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6930, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Katherine Bortoff
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - James B Thomas
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Keith Warner
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Vineetha Vasukuttan
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Ann Decker
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Scott P Runyon
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
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19
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Guo C, Liu Y, Zhao W, Wei S, Zhang X, Wang W, Zeng X. Apelin promotes diabetic nephropathy by inducing podocyte dysfunction via inhibiting proteasome activities. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2273-85. [PMID: 26103809 PMCID: PMC4568931 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocyte injuries are associated with progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Apelin, an adipocyte-derived peptide, has been reported to be a promoting factor for DN. In this study, we aim to determine whether apelin promotes progression of DN by inducing podocyte dysfunction. kk-Ay mice were used as models for DN. Apelin and its antagonist, F13A were intraperitoneally administered for 4 weeks, respectively. Renal function and foot process proteins were analysed to evaluate the effects of apelin on kk-Ay mice and podocytes. Apelin increased albuminuria and decreased podocyte foot process proteins expression in kk-Ay mice, which is consistent with the results that apelin receptor (APLNR) levels increased in glomeruli of patients or mice with DN. In cultured podocytes, high glucose increased APLNR expression and apelin administration was associated with increased permeability and decreased foot process proteins levels. All these dysfunctions were associated with decreased 26S proteasome activities and increased polyubiquitinated proteins in both kk-Ay mice and cultured podocytes, as demonstrated by 26S proteasome activation with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or oleuropein. These effects seemed to be related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as apelin increased C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and peiFα levels while cAMP or oleuropein reduced it in high glucose and apelin treated podocytes. These results suggest that apelin induces podocyte dysfunction in DN through ER stress which was induced by decreased proteasome activities in podocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology and Pathology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology and Pathology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology and Pathology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology and Pathology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology and Pathology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Wang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Zeng
- Department of Pathophysiology and Pathology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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20
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Chapman NA, Dupré DJ, Rainey JK. The apelin receptor: physiology, pathology, cell signalling, and ligand modulation of a peptide-activated class A GPCR. Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 92:431-40. [PMID: 25275559 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The apelin receptor (AR or APJ) is a class A (rhodopsin-like) G-protein-coupled receptor with wide distribution throughout the human body. Activation of the AR by its cognate peptide ligand, apelin, induces diverse physiological effects including vasoconstriction and dilation, strengthening of heart muscle contractility, angiogenesis, and regulation of energy metabolism and fluid homeostasis. Recently, another endogenous peptidic activator of the AR, Toddler/ELABELA, was identified as having a crucial role in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryonic development. The AR is also implicated in pathologies including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, making it a promising therapeutic target. Despite its established importance, the precise roles of AR signalling remain poorly understood. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms of peptide-AR activation. Additional complexity arises from modulation of the AR by 2 endogenous peptide ligands, both with multiple bioactive isoforms of variable length and distribution. The various apelin and Toddler/ELABELA isoforms may also produce distinct cellular effects. Further complexity arises through formation of functionally distinct heterodimers between the AR and other G-protein-coupled receptors. This minireview outlines key (patho)physiological actions of the AR, addresses what is known about signal transduction downstream of AR activation, and concludes by discussing unique properties of the endogenous peptidic ligands of the AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel A Chapman
- a Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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