Publications
79 results found
Ast J, Arvaniti A, Fine NHF, et al., 2020, Author Correction: Super-resolution microscopy compatible fluorescent probes reveal endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor distribution and dynamics., Nature Communications, Vol: 11, Pages: 1-1, ISSN: 2041-1723
Correction to: Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14309-w, published online 24 January 2020.
Anand U, Jones B, Korchev Y, et al., 2020, CBD effects on TRPV1 signaling pathways in cultured DRG neurons, Journal of Pain Research, Vol: 2020, Pages: 2269-2278, ISSN: 1178-7090
Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) is reported to produce pain relief, but the clinically relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms remain uncertain. The TRPV1 receptor integrates noxious stimuli and plays a key role in pain signaling. Hence, we conducted in vitro studies, to elucidate the efficacy and mechanisms of CBD for inhibiting neuronal hypersensitivity in cultured rat sensory neurons, following activation of TRPV1. Methods: Adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were cultured, and supplemented with the neurotrophic factors NGF and GDNF, in an established model of neuronal hypersensitivity. 48 h after plating, neurons were stimulated with CBD (Adven 150, EMMAC Life Sciences) at 1, 10, 100 nMol/L and 1, 10 and 50 µMol/L. In separate experiments, DRG neurons were also stimulated with capsaicin with or without CBD (1 nMol/L to10 µMol/L), in a functional calcium imaging assay. The effects of the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin were determined. We also measured forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels, without and after treatment with CBD, using a homogenous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay. The results were analysed using Student’s t-test. Results: DRG neurons treated with 10 and 50 µMol/L CBD showed calcium influx, but not at lower doses. Neurons treated with capsaicin demonstrated robust calcium influx, which was dose-dependently reduced in the presence of low dose CBD (IC50 = 100 nMol/L). The inhibition or desensitization by CBD was reversed in the presence of forskolin and cyclosporin. Forskolin stimulated cAMP levels were significantly reduced in CBD treated neurons.Conclusions: CBD at low doses corresponding to plasma concentrations observed physiologically, inhibits or desensitizes neuronal TRPV1 signalling by inhibiting the adenylyl cyclase – cAMP pathway, which is essential for maintaining TRPV1 phosphorylation and sensitization. CBD also facilitated calcineurin-med
Pickford P, Lucey M, Fang Z, et al., 2020, Signalling, trafficking and glucoregulatory properties of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists exendin-4 and lixisenatide., British Journal of Pharmacology, Vol: 177, Pages: 3905-3923, ISSN: 0007-1188
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Amino acid substitutions at the N-termini of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) peptides result in distinct patterns of intracellular signalling, sub-cellular trafficking and efficacy in vivo. Here we aimed to determine whether sequence differences at the ligand C-termini of clinically approved GLP-1RAs exendin-4 and lixisenatide lead to similar phenomena. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Exendin-4, lixisenatide, and N-terminally substituted analogues with biased signalling characteristics were compared across a range of in vitro trafficking and signalling assays in different cell types. Fluorescent ligands and new time-resolved FRET approaches were developed to study agonist behaviours at the cellular and sub-cellular level. Anti-hyperglycaemic and anorectic effects of each parent ligand, and their biased derivatives, were assessed in mice. KEY RESULTS: Lixisenatide and exendin-4 showed equal binding affinity, but lixisenatide was 5-fold less potent for cAMP signalling. Both peptides induced extensive GLP-1R clustering in the plasma membrane and were rapidly endocytosed, but the GLP-1R recycled more slowly to the cell surface after lixisenatide treatment. These combined deficits resulted in reduced maximal sustained insulin secretion and reduced anti-hyperglycaemic and anorectic effects in mice with lixisenatide. N-terminal substitution of His1 by Phe1 to both ligands had favourable effects on their pharmacology, resulting in improved insulin release and lowering of blood glucose. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Changes to the C-terminus of exendin-4 affect signalling potency and GLP-1R trafficking via mechanisms unrelated to GLP-1R occupancy. These differences were associated with changes in their ability to control blood glucose and therefore may be therapeutically relevant.
Poc P, Gutzeit VA, Ast J, et al., 2020, Interrogating surfaceversusintracellular transmembrane receptor populations using cell-impermeable SNAP-tag substrates, Chemical Science, Vol: 11, Pages: 7871-7883, ISSN: 2041-6520
Employing self-labelling protein tags for the attachment of fluorescent dyes has become a routine and powerful technique in optical microscopy to visualize and track fused proteins. However, membrane permeability of the dyes and the associated background signals can interfere with the analysis of extracellular labelling sites. Here we describe a novel approach to improve extracellular labelling by functionalizing the SNAP-tag substrate benzyl guanine (“BG”) with a charged sulfonate (“SBG”). This chemical manipulation can be applied to any SNAP-tag substrate, improves solubility, reduces non-specific staining and renders the bioconjugation handle impermeable while leaving its cargo untouched. We report SBG-conjugated fluorophores across the visible spectrum, which cleanly label SNAP-fused proteins in the plasma membrane of living cells. We demonstrate the utility of SBG-conjugated fluorophores to interrogate class A, B and C G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using a range of imaging approaches including nanoscopic superresolution imaging, analysis of GPCR trafficking from intra- and extracellular pools, in vivo labelling in mouse brain and analysis of receptor stoichiometry using single molecule pull down.
Jones B, Pickford P, Lucey M, et al., 2020, Disconnect between signalling potency and in vivo efficacy of pharmacokinetically optimised biased glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, Molecular Metabolism, Vol: 37, ISSN: 2212-8778
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine how pharmacokinetically advantageous acylation impacts on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signal bias, trafficking, anti-hyperglycaemic efficacy, and appetite suppression.MethodsIn vitro signalling responses were measured using biochemical and biosensor assays. GLP-1R trafficking was determined by confocal microscopy and diffusion-enhanced resonance energy transfer. Pharmacokinetics, glucoregulatory effects, and appetite suppression were measured in acute, sub-chronic, and chronic settings in mice.ResultsA C-terminally acylated ligand, [F1,K⁴⁰.C16 diacid]exendin-4, was identified that showed undetectable β-arrestin recruitment and GLP-1R internalisation. Depending on the cellular system used, this molecule was up to 1000-fold less potent than the comparator [D3,K⁴⁰.C16 diacid]exendin-4 for cyclic AMP signalling, yet was considerably more effective in vivo, particularly for glucose regulation.ConclusionsC-terminal acylation of biased GLP-1R agonists increases their degree of signal bias in favour of cAMP production and improves their therapeutic potential.
Jones B, McGlone ER, Fang Z, et al., 2020, Signal bias at glucagon family receptors: rationale and downstream impacts
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Receptors for the peptide hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon (GCG) are important regulators of insulin secretion and energy metabolism. Recently described GLP-1 receptor agonists showing signal bias in favour of cyclic AMP over β-arrestin-2 recruitment have delivered promising results in preclinical studies. Here we first sought to establish the role of β-arrestins in the control of intracellular signalling and trafficking responses at the closely related GLP-1, GIP and GCG receptors, through studies performed in cells depleted of both β-arrestin isoforms. We also generated analogues of GLP-1, GCG and GIP which in some cases showed selective reduction in β-arrestin-2 recruitment <jats:italic>versus</jats:italic> cAMP signalling compared to the parent peptide. Despite reduced acute signalling potency and/or efficacy, some biased GLP-1 and GIP analogues increased maximal sustained insulin secretion from INS-1 832/3 clonal beta cells, although only at high agonist concentrations. Biased GCG analogues did not affect maximal insulin release, or glucose output in hepatocytes.</jats:p>
Ma Y, Ratnasabapathy R, De Backer I, et al., 2020, Glucose in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus regulates GLP-1 release, JCI insight, Vol: 5, ISSN: 2379-3708
Glucokinase (GK) is highly expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN); however, its role is currently unknown. We found that GK in the PVN acts as part of a glucose-sensing mechanism within the PVN that regulates glucose homeostasis by controlling glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) release. GLP-1 is released from enteroendocrine L cells in response to oral glucose. Here we identify a brain mechanism critical to the release of GLP-1 in response to oral glucose. We show that increasing expression of GK or injection of glucose into the PVN increases GLP-1 release in response to oral glucose. On the contrary, decreasing expression of GK or injection of nonmetabolizable glucose into the PVN prevents GLP-1 release. Our results demonstrate that gluco-sensitive GK neurons in the PVN are critical to the response to oral glucose and subsequent release of GLP-1.
Fang Z, Chen S, Pickford P, et al., 2020, The influence of peptide context on signaling and trafficking of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor biased agonists, ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, Vol: 3, Pages: 345-360, ISSN: 2575-9108
Signal bias and membrane trafficking have recently emerged as important considerations in the therapeutic targeting of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in type 2 diabetes and obesity. In the present study, we have evaluated a peptide series with varying sequence homology between native GLP-1 and exendin-4, the archetypal ligands on which approved GLP-1R agonists are based. We find notable differences in agonist-mediated cyclic AMP signaling, recruitment of β-arrestins, endocytosis, and recycling, dependent both on the introduction of a His → Phe switch at position 1 and the specific midpeptide helical regions and C-termini of the two agonists. These observations were linked to insulin secretion in a beta cell model and provide insights into how ligand factors influence GLP-1R function at the cellular level.
Tomas A, Jones B, Leech C, 2020, New insights into beta cell GLP-1 receptor and cAMP signaling, Journal of Molecular Biology, Vol: 432, Pages: 1347-1366, ISSN: 0022-2836
Harnessing the translational potential of the GLP-1/GLP-1R system in pancreatic beta cells has led to the development of established GLP-1R-based therapies for the long-term preservation of beta cell function. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the current research on the GLP-1/GLP-1R system in beta cells, including the regulation of signaling by endocytic trafficking as well as the application of concepts such as signal bias, allosteric modulation, dual agonism, polymorphic receptor variants, spatial compartmentalization of cAMP signaling and new downstream signaling targets involved in the control of beta cell function.
Poc P, Gutzeit VA, Ast J, et al., 2020, Interrogating surface versus intracellular transmembrane receptor populations using cell-impermeable SNAP-tag substrates
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Employing self-labelling protein tags for the attachment of fluorescent dyes has become a routine and powerful technique in optical microscopy to visualize and track fused proteins. However, membrane permeability of the dyes and the associated background signals can interfere with the analysis of extracellular labeling sites. Here we describe a novel approach to improve extracellular labeling by functionalizing the SNAP-tag substrate benzyl guanine (“BG”) with a charged sulfonate (“SBG”). This chemical manipulation improves solubility, reduces non-specific staining and renders the bioconjugation handle impermeable while leaving its cargo untouched. We report SBG-conjugated fluorophores across the visible spectrum, which cleanly label SNAP-fused proteins in the plasma membrane of living cells. We demonstrate the utility of SBG-conjugated fluorophores to interrogate class A, B and C G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using a range of imaging approaches including nanoscopic super-resolution imaging, analysis of GPCR trafficking from intra- and extracellular pools, <jats:italic>in vivo</jats:italic> labelling in mouse brain and analysis of receptor stoichiometry using single molecule pull down.</jats:p>
Ast J, Arvaniti A, Fine NHF, et al., 2020, Super-resolution microscopy compatible fluorescent probes reveal endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor distribution and dynamics, Nature Communications, Vol: 11, ISSN: 2041-1723
The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in metabolism. Presently, its visualization is limited to genetic manipulation, antibody detection or the use of probes that stimulate receptor activation. Herein, we present LUXendin645, a far-red fluorescent GLP1R antagonistic peptide label. LUXendin645 produces intense and specific membrane labeling throughout live and fixed tissue. GLP1R signaling can additionally be evoked when the receptor is allosterically modulated in the presence of LUXendin645. Using LUXendin645 and LUXendin651, we describe islet, brain and hESC-derived β-like cell GLP1R expression patterns, reveal higher-order GLP1R organization including membrane nanodomains, and track single receptor subpopulations. We furthermore show that the LUXendin backbone can be optimized for intravital two-photon imaging by installing a red fluorophore. Thus, our super-resolution compatible labeling probes allow visualization of endogenous GLP1R, and provide insight into class B GPCR distribution and dynamics both in vitro and in vivo.
Koch M, Cegla J, Jones B, et al., 2019, The effects of dyslipidaemia and cholesterol modulation on erythrocyte susceptibility to malaria parasite infection, Malaria Journal, Vol: 18, ISSN: 1475-2875
BackgroundMalaria disease commences when blood-stage parasites, called merozoites, invade human erythrocytes. Whilst the process of invasion is traditionally seen as being entirely merozoite-driven, emerging data suggests erythrocyte biophysical properties markedly influence invasion. Cholesterol is a major determinant of cell membrane biophysical properties demanding its interrogation as a potential mediator of resistance to merozoite invasion of the erythrocyte. MethodsBiophysical measurements of erythrocyte deformability by flicker spectroscopy were used to assess changes in erythrocyte bending modulus on forced integration of cholesterol and how these artificial changes affect invasion by human Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. To validate these observations in a natural context, either murine Plasmodium berghei or human Plasmodium falciparum merozoites were tested for their ability to invade erythrocytes from a hypercholesterolaemic mouse model or human clinical erythrocyte samples deriving from patients with a range of serum cholesterol concentrations, respectively. ResultsErythrocyte bending modulus (a measure of deformability) was shown to be markedly affected by artificial modulation of cholesterol content and negatively correlated with merozoite invasion efficiency. In an in vitro infection context, however, erythrocytes taken from hypercholesterolaemic mice or from human clinical samples with varying serum cholesterol levels showed little difference in their susceptibility to merozoite invasion. Explaining this, membrane cholesterol levels in both mouse and human hypercholesterolaemia erythrocytes were subsequently found to be no different from matched normal serum controls.ConclusionsBased on these observations, serum cholesterol does not appear to impact on erythrocyte susceptibility to merozoite entry. Indeed, no relationship between serum cholesterol and cholesterol content of the erythrocyte is apparent. This work, nonetheless, suggests that native p
Lucey M, Pickford P, Minnion J, et al., 2019, Disconnect between signalling potency and <i>in vivo</i> efficacy of pharmacokinetically optimised biased glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Objective</jats:title><jats:p>To determine how pharmacokinetically advantageous acylation impacts on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signal bias, trafficking, anti-hyperglycaemic efficacy and appetite suppression.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>In vitro</jats:italic> signalling responses were measured using biochemical and biosensor assays. GLP-1 receptor trafficking was determined by confocal microscopy and diffusion-enhanced resonance energy transfer. Pharmacokinetics, glucoregulatory effects and appetite suppression were measured in acute, sub-chronic and chronic settings in mice.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>A C-terminally acylated ligand, exendin-phe1-C16, was identified with undetectable β-arrestin recruitment and GLP-1R internalisation. Depending on the cellular system used, this molecule was up to 1000-fold less potent than the comparator exendin-asp-3-C16 for cyclic AMP signalling, yet was considerably more effective <jats:italic>in vivo</jats:italic>, particularly for glucose regulation.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>C-terminal acylation of biased GLP-1R agonists increases their degree of signal bias in favour of cAMP production and improves their therapeutic potential.</jats:p></jats:sec>
Fremaux J, Venin C, Mauran L, et al., 2019, Ureidopeptide GLP-1 analogues with prolonged activity in vivo via signal bias and altered receptor trafficking, Chemical Science, Vol: 42, Pages: 9872-9879, ISSN: 2041-6520
The high demand of the pharmaceutical industry for new modalities to address the diversification of biological targets with large surfaces of interaction led us to investigate the replacement of α-amino acid residues with ureido units at selected positions in peptides to improve potency and generate effective incretin mimics. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, N-terminally modified GLP-1 analogues with a ureido residue replacement at position 2 were synthesized and showed preservation of agonist activity while exhibiting a substantial increase in stability. This enabling platform was applied to exenatide and lixisenatide analogues to generate two new ureidopeptides with antidiabetic properties and longer duration of action. Further analyses demonstrated that the improvement was due mainly to differences in signal bias and trafficking of the GLP-1 receptor. This study demonstrates the efficacy of single α-amino acid substitution with ureido residues to design long lasting peptides.
Pickford P, Lucey M, Fang Z, et al., 2019, Differences in signalling, trafficking and glucoregulatory properties of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists exendin-4 and lixisenatide
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background and purpose</jats:title><jats:p>Amino acid substitutions at the N-termini of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) peptides result in distinct patterns of intracellular signalling, sub-cellular trafficking and efficacy<jats:italic>in vivo</jats:italic>. Here we aimed to determine whether sequence differences at the ligand C-termini of clinically approved GLP-1RAs exendin-4 and lixisenatide lead to similar phenomena. We also sought to establish the impact of the C-terminus on signal bias resulting from modifications elsewhere in the molecule.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Experimental approach</jats:title><jats:p>Exendin-4, lixisenatide, and N-terminally substituted analogues with biased signalling characteristics were compared across a range of<jats:italic>in vitro</jats:italic>trafficking and signalling assays in different cell types. Fluorescent ligands and new time-resolved FRET approaches were developed to study agonist behaviours at the cellular and sub-cellular level. Anti-hyperglycaemic and anorectic effects of each parent ligand, and their biased derivatives, were assessed in mice.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Key results</jats:title><jats:p>Lixisenatide and exendin-4 showed equal binding affinity, but lixisenatide was 5-fold less potent for cAMP signalling. Both peptides were rapidly endocytosed, but the GLP-1R recycled more slowly to the plasma membrane after lixisenatide treatment. These combined deficits resulted in reduced maximal sustained insulin secretion and reduced anti-hyperglycaemic and anorectic effects in mice. N-terminal substitutions to both ligands had favourable effects on their pharmacology, resulting in improved insulin release and lowering of blood glucose.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><
Buenaventura T, Bitsi S, Laughlin WE, et al., 2019, Agonist-induced membrane nanodomain clustering drives GLP-1 receptor responses in pancreatic beta cells., PLoS Biology, Vol: 17, Pages: 1-40, ISSN: 1544-9173
The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a key pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, undergoes rapid endocytosis after stimulation by endogenous and therapeutic agonists. We have previously highlighted the relevance of this process in fine-tuning GLP-1R responses in pancreatic beta cells to control insulin secretion. In the present study, we demonstrate an important role for the translocation of active GLP-1Rs into liquid-ordered plasma membrane nanodomains, which act as hotspots for optimal coordination of intracellular signaling and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This process is dynamically regulated by agonist binding through palmitoylation of the GLP-1R at its carboxyl-terminal tail. Biased GLP-1R agonists and small molecule allosteric modulation both influence GLP-1R palmitoylation, clustering, nanodomain signaling, and internalization. Downstream effects on insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells indicate that these processes are relevant to GLP-1R physiological actions and might be therapeutically targetable.
Humphries SE, Cooper JA, Capps N, et al., 2019, Coronary heart disease mortality in severe vs. non-severe familial hypercholesterolaemia in the Simon Broome Register, Atherosclerosis, Vol: 281, Pages: 207-212, ISSN: 0021-9150
Background and aimsThe International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) has proposed that patients with “severe” FH (SFH) would warrant early and more aggressive cholesterol-lowering treatment such as with PCSK9 inhibitors. SFH is diagnosed if LDL-cholesterol (LDLC) > 10 mmol/L, or LDLC >8.0 mmol/L plus one high-risk feature, or LDLC >5 mmol/L plus two high-risk features. Here we compare CHD mortality in SFH and non-SFH (NSFH) patients in the UK prospective Simon Broome Register since 1991, when statin use became routine.Methods2929 definite or possible PFH patients (51% women) aged 20–79 years were recruited from 21 UK lipid clinics and followed prospectively between 1992 and 2016. The excess CHD standardised mortality ratio (SMR) compared to the England and Wales population was calculated (with 95% confidence intervals).Results1982 (67.7%) patients met the SFH definition. Compared to the non-SFH, significantly (p < 0.001) more SFH patients had diagnosed CHD at baseline (24.6% vs. 17.5%), were current smokers (21.9% vs 10.2%) and had a BMI > 30 kg/m2 (14.9% vs. 7.8%). The SMR for CHD mortality was significantly (p = 0.007) higher for SFH (220 (184–261) (34,134 person years, 129 deaths observed, vs. 59 expected) compared to NSFH of 144 (98–203) (15,432 person years, 32 observed vs. 22 expected). After adjustment for traditional risk factors, the Hazard Ratio for CHD mortality in SFH vs. NSFH was 1.22 (0.80–1.87) p = 0.36, indicating that the excess risk was largely accounted for by these factors.ConclusionsCHD mortality remains elevated in treated FH, especially for SFH, emphasising the importance of optimal lipid-lowering and management of other risk factors.
Buenaventura T, Laughlin WE, Bitsi S, et al., 2018, Agonist binding affinity determines palmitoylation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and its functional interaction with plasma membrane nanodomains in pancreatic beta cells
<jats:p>The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a key pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes and obesity, is known to undergo palmitoylation by covalent ligation of an acyl chain to cysteine 438 in its carboxyl-terminal tail. Work with other GPCRs indicates that palmitoylation can be dynamically regulated to allow receptors to partition into plasma membrane nanodomains that act as signaling hotspots. Here, we demonstrate that the palmitoylated state of the GLP-1R is increased by agonist binding, leading to its segregation and clustering into plasma membrane signaling nanodomains before undergoing internalization in a clathrin-dependent manner. Both GLP-1R signaling and trafficking are modulated by strategies targeting nanodomain segregation and cluster formation, including depletion of cholesterol or expression of a palmitoylation-defective GLP-1R mutant. Differences in receptor binding affinity exhibited by biased GLP-1R agonists, and modulation of binding kinetics with the positive allosteric modulator BETP, influence GLP-1R palmitoylation, clustering, nanodomain signaling, and internalization. Downstream effects on insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells indicate that these processes are relevant to GLP-1R physiological actions and might be therapeutically targetable.</jats:p>
Humphries SE, Cooper JA, Seed M, et al., 2018, Coronary heart disease mortality in treated familial hypercholesterolaemia: Update of the UK Simon Broome FH register, ATHEROSCLEROSIS, Vol: 274, Pages: 41-46, ISSN: 0021-9150
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Cochran BJ, Pinheiro D, Prendecki M, et al., 2018, PRO-ATHEROSCLEROTIC LOW-DENSITY NEUTROPHILS ARE PRESENT IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA, International Symposium on Atherosclerosis (ISA), Publisher: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD, Pages: 39-40, ISSN: 1567-5688
Anand U, Yiangou Y, Akbar A, et al., 2018, Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression by nerve fibres in inflammatory bowel disease and functional effects in cultured neurons, PLoS ONE, Vol: 13, ISSN: 1932-6203
IntroductionGlucagon like-peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists diminish appetite and may contribute to the weight loss in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine, for the first time, the expression of GLP-1R by colon nerve fibres in patients with IBD, and functional effects of its agonists in cultured rat and human sensory neurons.MethodsGLP-1R and other nerve markers were studied by immunohistochemistry in colon biopsies from patients with IBD (n = 16) and controls (n = 8), human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissue, and in GLP-1R transfected HEK293 cells. The morphological effects of incretin hormones oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 and glucagon were studied on neurite extension in cultured DRG neurons, and their functional effects on capsaicin and ATP signalling, using calcium imaging.ResultsSignificantly increased numbers of colonic mucosal nerve fibres were observed in IBD biopsies expressing GLP-1R (p = 0.0013), the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5 (p = 0.0008), and sensory neuropeptide CGRP (p = 0.0014). An increase of GLP-1R positive nerve fibres in IBD colon was confirmed with a different antibody to GLP-1R (p = 0.016). GLP-1R immunostaining was intensely positive in small and medium-sized neurons in human DRG, and in human and rat DRG cultured neurons. Co-localization of GLP-1R expression with neuronal markers in colon and DRG confirmed the neural expression of GLP-1R, and antibody specificity was confirmed in HEK293 cells transfected with the GLP-1R. Treatment with oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 and GLP-1 increased neurite length in cultured neurons compared with controls, but did not stimulate calcium influx directly, or affect capsaicin responses. However, exendin-4 significantly enhanced ATP responses in human DRG neurons.ConclusionOur results show that increased GLP-1R innervation in IBD bowel could mediate enhanced visceral afferent signalling, and provide a peripheral target for therapeutic intervention. The differential effect of
Cochran BJ, Pinheiro D, Prendecki M, et al., 2018, Pro-atherosclerotic Low-density Neutrophils Are Present in Hypercholesterolemia, Scientific Sessions of the American-Heart-Association on Vascular Discovery - From Genes to Medicine, Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, ISSN: 1079-5642
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Jones B, Buenaventura T, Kanda N, et al., 2018, Targeting GLP-1 receptor trafficking to improve agonist efficacy, Nature Communications, Vol: 9, ISSN: 2041-1723
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, causes weight loss, and is an important pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Like other G protein-coupled receptors, the GLP-1R undergoes agonist-mediated endocytosis, but the functional and therapeutic consequences of modulating GLP-1R endocytic trafficking have not been clearly defined. Here, we investigate a novel series of biased GLP-1R agonists with variable propensities for GLP-1R internalization and recycling. Compared to a panel of FDA-approved GLP-1 mimetics, compounds that retain GLP-1R at the plasma membrane produce greater long-term insulin release, which is dependent on a reduction in β-arrestin recruitment and faster agonist dissociation rates. Such molecules elicit glycemic benefits in mice without concomitant increases in signs of nausea, a common side effect of GLP-1 therapies. Our study identifies a set of agents with specific GLP-1R trafficking profiles and the potential for greater efficacy and tolerability as T2D treatments.
Jones B, Bloom S, Buenaventura T, et al., 2018, Control of insulin secretion by GLP-1, Peptides, Vol: 100, Pages: 75-84, ISSN: 0196-9781
Stimulation of insulin secretion by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and other gut-derived peptides is central to the incretin response to ingesting nutriments. Analogues of GLP-1, and inhibitors of its breakdown, have found widespread clinical use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. The release of these peptides underlies the improvements in glycaemic control and disease remission after bariatric surgery. Given therapeutically, GLP-1 analogues can lead to side effects including nausea, which limit dosage. Greater understanding of the interactions between the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and both the endogenous and artificial ligands therefore holds promise to provide more efficacious compounds. Here, we discuss recent findings concerning the signalling and trafficking of the GLP-1R in pancreatic beta cells. Leveraging “bias” at the receptor towards cAMP generation versus the recruitment of β-arrestins and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) activation may allow the development of new analogues with significantly improved clinical efficacy. We describe how, unexpectedly, relatively low-affinity agonists, which prompt less receptor internalisation than the parent compound, provoke greater insulin secretion and consequent improvements in glycaemia.
Podewin T, Ast J, Broichhagen J, et al., 2018, Conditional and reversible activation of class A and B G protein-coupled receptors using tethered pharmacology, ACS Central Science, Vol: 4, Pages: 166-179, ISSN: 2374-7943
Understanding the activation and internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using conditional approaches is paramount to developing new therapeutic strategies. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and testing of ExONatide, a benzylguanine-linked peptide agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR required for maintenance of glucose levels in humans. ExONatide covalently binds to SNAP-tagged GLP-1R-expressing cells, leading to prolonged cAMP generation, Ca2+ rises, and intracellular retention of the receptor. These effects were readily switched OFF following cleavage of the introduced disulfide bridge using the cell-permeable reducing agent beta-mercaptoethanol (BME). A similar approach could be extended to a class A GPCR using GhrelON, a benzylguanine-linked peptide agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), which is involved in food intake and growth. Thus, ExONatide and GhrelON allow SNAP-tag-directed activation of class A and B GPCRs involved in gut hormone signaling in a reversible manner. This tactic, termed reductively cleavable agONist (RECON), may be useful for understanding GLP-1R and GHS-R1a function both in vitro and in vivo, with applicability across GPCRs.
Buenaventura T, Kanda N, Douzenis PC, et al., 2017, A targeted RNAi screen identifies endocytic trafficking factors that control GLP-1 receptor signaling in pancreatic beta cells, Diabetes, Vol: 67, Pages: 385-399, ISSN: 0012-1797
The GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a key target for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. Since endocytic trafficking of agonist-bound receptors is one of the most important routes for regulation of receptor signaling, a better understanding of this process may facilitate the development of new T2D therapeutic strategies. Here, we have screened 29 proteins with known functions in G protein-coupled receptor trafficking for their role in GLP-1R potentiation of insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. We identify five (clathrin, dynamin1, AP2, SNX27 and SNX1) that increase and four (HIP1, HIP14, GASP-1 and Nedd4) that decrease insulin secretion from murine insulinoma MIN6B1 cells in response to the GLP-1 analogue exendin-4. The roles of Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) and the endosomal sorting nexins SNX1 and SNX27 were further characterized in mouse and human beta cell lines and human islets. While HIP1 was required for the coupling of cell surface GLP-1R activation with clathrin-dependent endocytosis, the sorting nexins were found to control the balance between GLP-1R plasma membrane recycling and lysosomal degradation, and, in doing so, determine the overall beta cell incretin responses. We thus identify key modulators of GLP-1R trafficking and signaling that might provide novel targets to enhance insulin secretion in T2D.
Cegla J, Walji S, Jones B, et al., 2017, PCSK9 INHIBITION: "REAL WORLD" EXPERIENCE FROM THE HAMMERSMITH HOSPITAL LIPID CLINIC, LONDON, 85th Congress of the European-Atherosclerosis-Society (EAS), Publisher: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD, Pages: E244-E245, ISSN: 0021-9150
Cegla J, Jones BJ, Gardiner JV, et al., 2017, RAMP2 influences glucagon receptor pharmacology via trafficking and signaling, Endocrinology, Vol: 158, Pages: 2680-2693, ISSN: 0013-7227
Endogenous satiety hormones provide an attractive target for obesity drugs. Glucagon causes weight loss by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. To further understand the cellular mechanisms by which glucagon and related ligands activate the glucagon receptor (GCGR), we investigated the interaction of the GCGR with receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP)2, a member of the family of receptor activity modifying proteins. We used a combination of competition binding experiments, cell surface enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, functional assays assessing the Gαs and Gαq pathways and β-arrestin recruitment, and small interfering RNA knockdown to examine the effect of RAMP2 on the GCGR. Ligands tested were glucagon; glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1); oxyntomodulin; and analog G(X), a GLP-1/glucagon coagonist developed in-house. Confocal microscopy was used to assess whether RAMP2 affects the subcellular distribution of GCGR. Here we demonstrate that coexpression of RAMP2 and the GCGR results in reduced cell surface expression of the GCGR. This was confirmed by confocal microscopy, which demonstrated that RAMP2 colocalizes with the GCGR and causes significant GCGR cellular redistribution. Furthermore, the presence of RAMP2 influences signaling through the Gαs and Gαq pathways, as well as recruitment of β-arrestin. This work suggests that RAMP2 may modify the agonist activity and trafficking of the GCGR, with potential relevance to production of new peptide analogs with selective agonist activities.
Jones BJ, Scopelliti R, Tomas A, et al., 2017, Potent prearranged positive allosteric modulators of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, ChemistryOpen, Vol: 6, Pages: 501-505, ISSN: 2191-1363
Drugs that allosterically modulate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activity display higher specificity and may improve disease treatment. However, the rational design of compounds that target the allosteric site is difficult, as conformations required for receptor activation are poorly understood. Guided by photopharmacology, a set of prearranged positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) with restricted degrees of freedom was designed and tested against the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a GPCR involved in glucose homeostasis. Compounds incorporating a trans-stilbene comprehensively outperformed those with a cis-stilbene, as well as the benchmark BETP, as GLP-1R PAMs. We also identified major effects of ligand conformation on GLP-1R binding kinetics and signal bias. Thus, we describe a photopharmacology-directed approach for rational drug design, and introduce a new class of stilbene-containing PAM for the specific regulation of GPCR activity.
Howard JW, Kay RG, Jones B, et al., 2017, Development of a UHPLC-MS/MS (SRM) method for the quantitation of endogenous glucagon and dosed GLP-1 from human plasma, BIOANALYSIS, Vol: 9, Pages: 733-751, ISSN: 1757-6180
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