PACAP activates PKA, PKC and Ca(2+) signaling cascades in rat neuroepithelial cells.

Several studies have reported that the PAC(1) receptor (PAC1-R), the specific receptor for PACAP, is expressed at early developmental stages. Here, we describe that the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was increased by PACAP, but not VIP, in a concentration range from 10(-12) to 10(-8) M via the PAC(1)-R in isolated single cells from the rat neural fold. This activation of the cells by PACAP was mimicked by agonists and inhibited by antagonists of the cAMP/PKA and PLC/PKC cascades. These data indicate that PACAP/PAC(1)-R is linked to [Ca(2+)](i) signaling via two G-protein-coupled protein kinase pathways and may thereby play an important role in early neurodevelopment.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazole-based small molecule antagonists of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R)

A novel series of imidazole-based small molecule antagonists of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) is reported. Members of this series have been identified, which exhibit sub-micromolar binding affinity for the MC4-R, functional potency <100nM, and good oral exposure in rat. Antagonists of the MC4-R are potentially useful in the therapeutic treatment of involuntary weight loss due to advanced age or disease (e.g. cancer or AIDS), an area of large, unmet medical need.     

Ontogeny of PAC1-R and VPAC1-R in the frog, Rana esculenta

The distribution of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and PACAP receptors in the brain of amphibians has been previously described. In the present study, we have investigated the ontogeny of the selective PACAP receptor, PAC1-R, and the PACAP-vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) mutual receptor, VPAC1-R, in frog embryos by whole-mount in situ hybridization histochemistry. At stage 20, expression of PAC1-R and/or VPAC1-R mRNAs was detected in the brain, the auditory vesicles, the external gills, the buds of the lateral lines and the coelomatic cavity. At stage 25, PAC1-R and/or VPAC1-R mRNAs were observed in the buds of the orbital lateral line, the pancreas and heart. At stage 30, PAC1-R and VPAC1-R mRNAs were widely distributed in the telencephalon and diencephalon as well as in the bud of the lateral line, the heart and the pancreas. The anatomical distribution of PAC1-R and VPAC1-R mRNAs, although similar, did not totally overlap, indicating that PACAP and VIP may exert differential effects in frog during development.     

Expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and the PACAP-selective receptor in cultured rat astrocytes, human brain tumors, and in response to acute intracranial injury

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a bioactive peptide with diverse activities in the nervous system. In addition to its more classic role as a neurotransmitter, PACAP functions as a neurotrophic factor. PACAP exerts these activities by binding to PACAP-selective (PAC1) or nonselective (VPAC1, VPAC2) receptors (-R). Glial cells also exhibit PACAP binding, which is associated with the increased proliferation of astrocytes. The present report demonstrates a distinct spatiotemporal regulation of PACAP, PAC1-R, VPAC1-R, and VPAC2-R expression in primary cultured rat astrocytes. To determine the role of PACAP and PAC1-R expression on glial proliferation, two in vivo models were examined--human brain tumors of glial origin and the reactive gliosis induced by a penetrating stab wound to the mature rat brain. Relative to normal human brain, PAC1-R expression is significantly upregulated in glioma, particularly oligodendrogliomas. While similar polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis does not detect PACAP expression, in situ hybridization studies reveal PACAP expression in a limited number of cells within the tumor. In sharp contrast, neither PACAP nor PAC1-R expression are upregulated consequent to injury. These results suggest a distinct role for PACAP and PAC1-R in glioma development and nervous system response to injury.     

A structure–function study of PACAP using conformationally restricted analogs: Identification of PAC1 receptor-selective PACAP agonists

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has widespread physiological/pathophysiological actions and there is increased interest for its use therapeutically, especially in the CNS (neuroprotection). Unfortunately, no selective PACAP-analogs exist for PACAP-preferring PAC1-receptors, primarily because of its high sequence identity to VIP and particularly, because of the inability of structure–function studies to separate the pharmacophore of PAC1-R from VPAC1-R, which has high affinity for PACAP and VIP. The present study attempted to develop PAC1-R-selective agonists primarily by making conformationally restricted PACAP-analogs in positions important for receptor-selectivity/affinity. Forty-six PACAP-related-analogs were synthesized with substitutions in positions 1–4, 14–17, 20–22, 28, 34, 38 and receptor-selectivity determined in PAC1-R,VPAC1-R,VPAC2-R-transfected or native cells from binding or cAMP-generation experiments. Fifteen PACAP-analogs had 6–78-fold higher affinities for PAC1-R than VPAC1-R and 13 were agonists. Although binding-affinities correlated significantly with agonist potency, the degree of receptor-spareness varied markedly for the different PACAP-analogs, resulting in selective potencies for activating the PAC1 receptor over the VPAC1 receptor from 0- to 103-fold. In addition, a number of PACAP-analogs were identified that had high selectivity for PAC1-R over VPAC2-R as well as PACAP-analogs that could prove more useful therapeutically because of substitutions known to extend their half-lives (substitutions at potential sites of proteolysis and attachment of long-chain fatty acids). This study provides for the first time a separation of the pharmacophores for PAC1-R and VPAC1-R, resulting in PACAP-related analogs that are PAC1-R-preferring. Some of these analogs, or their modifications, could prove useful as therapeutic agents for various diseases.     

Secreted key regulators (Fgf1, Bmp4, Gdf3) are expressed by PAC1-immunopositive retinal ganglion cells in the postnatal rat retina

Identified as a member of the secretin/glucagon/VIP superfamily, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP1-38) has been recognized as a hormone, neurohormone, transmitter, trophic factor, and known to be involved in diverse and multiple developmental processes. PACAP1-38 was reported to regulate the production of important morphogens (Fgf1, Bmp4, Gdf3) through PAC1-receptor in the newborn rat retina. To follow up, we aimed to reveal the identity of retinal cells responsible for the production and secretion of Fgf1, Bmp4, and Gdf3 in response to PACAP1-38 treatment. Newborn (P1) rats were treated with 100 pmol PACAP1-38 intravitreally. After 24 h, retinas were dissected and processed for immunohistochemistry performed either on flat-mounted retinas or cryosections. Brn3a and PAC1-R double labeling revealed that 90% of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) expressed PAC1-receptor. We showed that RGCs were Fgf1, Bmp4, and Gdf3- immunopositive and PAC1-R was co-expressed with each protein. To elucidate if RGCs release these secreted regulators, the key components for vesicle release were examined. No labeling was detected for synaptophysin, Exo70, or NESP55 in RGCs but an intense Rab3a-immunoreactivity was detected in their cell bodies. We found that the vast majority of RGCs are responsive to PACAP, which in turn could have a significant impact on their development or/and physiology. Although Fgf1, Bmp4, and Gdf3 were abundantly expressed in PAC1-positive RGCs, the cells lack synaptophysin and Exo70 in the newborn retina thus unable to release these proteins. These proteins could regulate postnatal RGC development acting through intracrine pathways.Key words: PAC1 receptor, Fgf1, Bmp4, Gdf3, retinal ganglion cell     

启动子荧光素酶报告系统检测低浓度过氧化氢激活神经肽PACAP特异受体PAC1-R启动子的作用

垂体腺苷酸环化酶激活多肽（pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide,PACAP）特异受体PAC1-R (PACAP receptor 1)是神经系统疾病药物开发的重要靶点。为了研究其表达的生物学机制,本研究克隆了PAC1-R基因转录起始位点上游从-2 500到+26的2 526 bp启动子片段,构建PAC1-R启动子驱动的荧光素酶基因报告载体pGL3-PAC1-Rp,并确证PAC1-R启动子荧光素酶报告系统在小鼠脑神经瘤细胞Neuro-2a和人神经母细胞瘤细胞SH-SY5Y中工作正常。运用此PAC1-R启动子荧光素酶报告系统,首次发现低浓度过氧化氢（hydrogen peroxide,H2O2）有效激活PAC1-R启动子,此作用可被转录因子特化蛋白1（specificity protein 1,SP1）抑制剂光神霉素A（mithramycin A）所抑制,提示SP1参与介导H2O2对PAC1-R启动子的激活作用。生物信息学分析显示,PAC1-R启动子含有多个SP1结合位点。PAC1-R启动子的荧光素酶报告系统的构建为深入探索PAC1-R高表达的作用与机制奠定了基础,低浓度H2O2对PAC1-R启动子激活作用的发现有助于深入诠释低浓度活性氧的生理学作用。     

Discovery, synthesis and SAR analysis of novel selective small molecule S1P4-R agonists based on a (2Z,5Z)-5-((pyrrol-3-yl)methylene)-3-alkyl-2-(alkylimino)thiazolidin-4-one chemotype

High affinity and selective S1P(4) receptor (S1P(4)-R) small molecule agonists may be important proof-of-principle tools used to clarify the receptor biological function and effects to assess the therapeutic potential of the S1P(4)-R in diverse disease areas including treatment of viral infections and thrombocytopenia. A high-throughput screening campaign of the Molecular Libraries-Small Molecule Repository was carried out by our laboratories and identified (2Z,5Z)-5-((1-(2-fluorophenyl)-2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)methylene)-3-methyl-2-(methylimino) thiazolidin-4-one as a promising S1P(4)-R agonist hit distinct from literature S1P(4)-R modulators. Rational chemical modifications of the hit allowed the identification of a promising lead molecule with low nanomolar S1P(4)-R agonist activity and exquisite selectivity over the other S1P(1-3,5)-Rs family members. The lead molecule herein disclosed constitutes a valuable pharmacological tool to explore the effects of the S1P(4)-R signaling cascade and elucidate the molecular basis of the receptor function.     

Bridged bicyclic vasopressin receptor antagonists with V(2)-selective or dual V(1a)/V(2) activity

The synthesis and biological testing of a novel series of nonpeptide vasopressin receptor antagonists, containing a bridged bicyclic nucleus, are reported. Variation of substituents (R(1)-R(3)) in general formula 3, and the configuration of the stereocenter, resulted in potent V(2)-selective (e.g., 5) and balanced dual V(1a)/V(2) (e.g., 10) compounds. Data from receptor binding, cell-based functional, and in vivo assays are presented [corrected]     

Expression of PAC1 receptor in rat thymus after irradiation

In the present work, PAC1-R (G-protein-coupled receptor specific for PACAP) was detected on cells in the normal thymus. Immunohistochemically PAC1-R was expressed strongly in stromal cells of the thymic medulla. Positive cells were also observed in the thymus of fetal and old adult rats. After 8 Gy irradiation to 9-week-old rats, PAC1-R expressions in the thymus decreased and almost recovered by day 21. The expression of PAC1-R mRNA was weak in the thymus and decreased further after irradiation. The expression almost recovered by day 28. Hip and hip/hop variants, which were not expressed in the normal thymus, were expressed in the thymus on days 3, 5 and 21 after irradiation. The expressions of IL-6 and IL-10 tended to increase initially after irradiation then decreased. Histologically, the thymic structures were destroyed on day 3 after irradiation and the thymus almost recovered by day 21. Thus PACAP is thought to be one of the important factors for cross-talk between cells involved in thymic regeneration.     

The structure-based 3D-QSAR study of MCH1 receptor antagonists

Melanin-concentrating hormone 1 receptor (MCH1-R) mediates the orexigenic effects of melanin-concentrating hormone and its antagonists are considered as potential targets for the treatment of obesity. To design more potent and selective MCH1-R antagonists, at first, we built up the homology structure of MCH1-R. Then, we carried out the receptor based three dimensional Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (3D-QSAR) using comparative molecular field analysis and Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) for a series of scaffold of MCH1-R antagonists and the docking study for MCH1-R. These models are proved as statistically valid models with a good correlative and predictive power. Based on these models, we are going to develop more potent and selective MCH1-R antagonists.     

Anti-obesity effects of small molecule melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists

Over the past ten years, tremendous advances in our understanding of the role of the hypothalamic neurohormone, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), and its involvement in the regulation of food intake and body weight have been achieved. The MCHR1 receptor has been actively targeted as a much-needed, novel treatment for obesity, a disease of epidemic proportion in the United States. Numerous companies have joined the competition to be the first to produce a small molecule antagonist targeting MCHR1 receptors in the race for therapeutics for this disease. This review details the rising need for new treatments for obesity; the rationale and target validation of MCHR1 receptor antagonists as potential treatments for this disease; and the current status of the numerous small molecule MCHR1 antagonists in development by different companies. MCHR1 antagonists might find an additional usage in the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders. The rationale and current status of this effort by several companies is also reviewed.     

The discovery of potent antagonists of NPBWR1 (GPR7)

The synthesis and evaluation of small molecule antagonists of the G protein-coupled receptor NPBWR1 (GPR7) are reported for the first time. [4-(5-Chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl][(1S,2S,4R)-4-{[(1R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino}-2-(thiophen-3-yl)cyclohexyl]methanone (1) emerged as a hit from a high-throughput screen. Examination of substituents that focused on replacing the 5-chloropyridine and 4-methoxybenzylamino groups of 1 led to the identification of compounds that exhibited subnanomolar potencies as low as 660pM (9k) in the functional assay and 200pM in the binding assay (9i).     

Specific interaction between the hop1 intracellular loop 3 domain of the human PAC(1) receptor and ARF

The PAC(1), VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptors are members of the secretin (Group II) family of G protein-coupled receptors. All members of this family activate adenylate cyclase and several have also been shown to activate phospholipase C. We have recently reported that the rat VPAC(1), VPAC(2) and PAC(1) receptors activate phospholipase D and that distinct pathways are utilised by two intracellular loop 3 splice variants of PAC(1), one of which is ARF-dependent. Phospholipase D activation by the hop1, but not the null (short), form of the PAC(1) receptor is sensitive to brefeldin A, an inhibitor of GTP exchange at ARF. We have expressed the null and hop1 intracellular loop 3 domains of the human PAC(1) receptor in bacteria as GST-fusion proteins and used them as peptide affinity matrices to determine whether a functional interaction exists between these domains and ARF. Using this GST pull-down assay, we have shown binding of the small G protein ARF6 to the hop1 but not the null domain of this receptor.     

Benzimidazoles as non-peptide luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists. Part 3: Discovery of 1-(1H-benzimidazol-5-yl)-3-tert-butylurea derivatives

1-(1H-Benzimidazol-5-yl)-3-tert-butylurea derivatives have been identified as a novel class of non-peptide luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists. Herein, we disclose the synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of this class resulting in the identification of compound 12c, with dual functional activity on human and rat receptors (rat LHRH: IC50=120 nM; human LHRH: IC50=18 nM). These SAR studies suggest that 1-(1H-benzimidazol-5-yl)-3-tert-butylurea is a new pharmacophore for small molecule LHRH antagonists.     

Receptor-G protein gamma specificity: gamma11 shows unique potency for A(1) adenosine and 5-HT(1A) receptors

G protein coupled receptors activate signal transducing guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), which consist of an alpha subunit and a betagamma dimer. Whole cell studies have reported that receptors signal through specific betagamma subtypes. Membrane reconstitution studies with the adenosine A(1) and alpha(2A) adrenergic receptors have reached a similar conclusion. We aimed to test the generality of this finding by comparing the gamma subtype specificity for four G(i)-coupled receptors: alpha(2A) adrenergic; A1 adenosine (A(1)-R); 5-hydroxytryptamine(1A) (5-HT(1A)-R); mu opioid. Membranes were reconstituted with Galpha(i)(1) and five gamma subtypes (dimerized to beta1). Using a sensitive alpha-betagamma binding assay, we show that all recombinant betagamma (except beta1gamma1) had comparable affinity for alpha(i)(1). Using high affinity agonist binding as a measure of receptor-G protein coupling, betagamma-containing gamma11 was the most potent for A(1)-R and 5-HT(1A)-R (p < 0.05, one way ANOVA) while gamma7 was most potent for the other two receptors. gamma11 was 3-8-fold more potent for the A(1)-R than were the other gamma subtypes. Also, gamma11 was 2-8-fold more potent for A(1)-R than at the other receptors, suggesting a unique coupling specificity of the A(1)-R for gamma11. In contrast, the discrimination by receptors for the other betagamma subtypes (beta1 and gamma1, gamma2, gamma7, and gamma10) was limited (2-3-fold). Thus the exquisite betagamma specificity of individual receptors reported in whole cell studies may depend on in vivo mechanisms beyond direct receptor recognition of betagamma subtypes.     

Identification by photoaffinity labeling of the extracellular N-terminal domain of PAC1 receptor as the major binding site for PACAP

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts many crucial biological functions through the interaction with its specific PAC1 receptor (PAC1-R), a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). To identify the binding sites of PACAP in the PAC1-R, three peptide derivatives containing a photoreactive p-benzoyl-phenylalanine (Bpa) residue were developed. These photosensitive PACAP analogs were fully biologically active and competent to displace radiolabeled Ac-PACAP27 from the PAC1-R. Subsequently, the ¹²⁵I-labeled photoprobes were used to anchor the PAC1-R expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Photolabeling led to the formation of two protein complexes of 76 and 67 kDa, representing different glycosylated forms of the receptor. Proteinase and chemical cleavages of the peptide-receptor complexes revealed that ¹²⁵I[Bpa⁰, Nle¹⁷]PACAP27, ¹²⁵I[Bpa⁶, Nle¹⁷]PACAP27 and ¹²⁵I[Nle¹⁷, Bpa²²]PACAP27 covalently labeled the Ser⁹⁸ - Met¹¹¹ segment, the Ser¹²⁴ - Glu¹²⁵ dipeptide and the Ser¹⁴¹ - Met¹⁷² fragment, respectively. Taking into account the topology of the PAC1-R, these segments are mainly located within the extracellular N-terminal domain, indicating that this PAC1-R domain is the major binding site of PACAP27. The present study constitutes the first characterization of the binding domains of PACAP to its specific receptor and suggests heterogeneity within the binding mode of peptide ligands to class B GPCRs.     

Cytosolic Ca2+ responses to sub-picomolar and nanomolar PACAP in pancreatic beta-cells are mediated by VPAC2 and PAC1 receptors

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) potentiates glucose-induced insulin release and increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in islet beta-cells in a concentration-dependent manner with two peaks at 10(-13) and 10(-9) M. PAC1 receptor (PAC1-R) and VPAC2 receptor (VPAC2-R) are expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and thought to be involved in insulin release. We aimed to determine the receptor types involved in the [Ca2+]i responses to 10(-13) and 10(-9) M PACAP. We measured [Ca2+]i in beta-cells and examined comparative effects of PAC1-R-selective agonist maxadilan, its antagonist M65, VPAC2-R-selective agonist Ro25-1553, and native ligands of PACAP and VIP. In the presence of 8.3 mM glucose, maxadilan, Ro25-1553, PACAP, and VIP at 10(-13) and 10(-9) M all increased [Ca2+]i. PACAP and maxadilan elicited greater effects at 10(-9) M than at 10(-13) M both in the incidence and amplitude of [Ca2+]i responses. For VIP and Ro25-1553, in contrast, the effects at 10(-9) and 10(-13) M were comparable. Furthermore, the amplitude of [Ca2+]i responses to 10(-9) M PACAP, but not 10(-13) M PACAP, was suppressed by M65. The results suggest that VPAC2-R and PAC1-R contribute equally to [Ca2+]i responses to sub-picomolar concentrations of PACAP, while PAC1-R has greater contribution to [Ca2+]i responses to nanomolar concentrations of this peptide.