ANTAGONIST AND AGONIST ACTIVITIES OF THE MOUSE AGOUTI PROTEIN FRAGMENT (91–131) AT THE MELANOCORTIN-1 RECEPTOR

Antagonist and agonist activities of chemically synthetized mouse agouti protein fragment (91–131) (AP_91–131) at the melanocortin type-1 receptor (MC1-R) were assessed using B16-F1 mouse melanoma cells in vitro and the following assay systems: (i) receptor binding, (ii) adenylate cyclase, (iii) tyrosinase, (iv) melanin production, and (v) cell proliferation. In competition binding studies AP_91–131 was about 3-fold less potent than the natural agonist α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in displacing the radioligand [¹²⁵I]-[Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH (K_i 6.5±0.8 nmol/l). α-MSH-induced tyrosinase activation and melanin production were completely inhibited by a 100-fold higher concentration of AP_91–131; the IC₅₀ values for AP_91–131 in the two assay systems were 91±22 nM and 95±15 nM respectively. Basal melanin production and adenylate cyclase activity in the absence of agonist were decreased by AP_91–131 with IC₅₀ values of 9.6±1.8 nM and 5.0±2.4 nM, respectively. This indicates inverse agonist activity of AP_91–131 similar to that of native AP. The presence of 10 nM melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) slightly potentiated the inhibitory activity of AP_91–131 in the adenylate cyclase and melanin assays. On the other hand, AP_91–131 inhibited cell growth similar to α-MSH (IC₅₀ 11.0±2.1 nM; maximal inhibition 1.8-fold higher than that of α-MSH). Furthermore, MC1-R was down-regulated by AP_91–131 with about the same potency and time-course as with α-MSH. These results demonstrate that AP_91–131 displays both agonist and antagonist activities at the MC1-R and hence that it is the cysteine-rich region of agouti protein which inhibits and mimics the different α-MSH functions, most likely by simultaneous modulation of different intracellular signalling pathways.     

Interaction of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), neuropeptide E-I (NEI), neuropeptide G-E (NGE), and alpha-MSH with melanocortin and MCH receptors on mouse B16 melanoma cells.

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) are known to exhibit mostly functionally antagonistic, but in some cases agonistic activities, e.g., in pigment cells and in the brain. Neuropeptide E-I (NEI) displays functional MCH-antagonist and MSH-agonist activity in different behavioral paradigms; the role of neuropeptide G-E (NGE) is not known. This study addressed the question of possible molecular interactions between alpha-MSH, MCH and the MCH-precursor-derived peptides NEI and NGE at the level of the pigment cell MCH receptor subtype (MCH-Rpc) and the different melanocortin (MC) receptors. Radioreceptor assays using [125I]MCH, [125l]alpha-MSH and [125I]NEI as radioligands and bioassays were performed with MCI-R-positive and MC1-R-negative mouse B16 melanoma cells and with COS cells expressing the different MC receptors. The IC50s of alpha-MSH and NEI or NGE for [125I]MCH displacement from mouse MCH-Rpc were 80-fold and, respectively, >300-fold higher than that of MCH, and the IC50s for MCH and NEI or NGE for [125I]alpha-MSH displacement from mouse MC1-R were 50,000-fold and >200,000-fold higher than that of alpha-MSH. No high-affinity binding sites for NEI were detected on B16 melanoma cells and there was no significant displacement of [1251]alpha-MSH by MCH, NEI or NGE with MC3-R, MC4-R and MC5-R expressed in COS cells. At concentrations of 100 nM to 10 microM, however, MCH, NEI and NGE induced cAMP formation and melanin synthesis which could be blocked by agouti protein or inhibitors of adenylate cyclase or protein kinase A. This shows that mammalian MCH-precursor-derived peptides may mimic MSH signalling via MC1-R activation at relatively high, but physiologically still relevant concentrations, as e.g. found in autocrine/paracrine signalling mechanisms.     

INTERACTION OF MELANIN-CONCENTRATING HORMONE (MCH), NEUROPEPTIDE E-I (NEI), NEUROPEPTIDE G-E (NGE), AND α-MSH WITH MELANOCORTIN AND MCH RECEPTORS ON MOUSE B16 MELANOMA CELLS

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) are known to exhibit mostly functionally antagonistic, but in some cases agonistic activities, e.g., in pigment cells and in the brain. Neuropeptide E-I (NEI) displays functional MCH-antagonist and MSH-agonist activity in different behavioral paradigms; the role of neuropeptide G-E (NGE) is not known. This study addressed the question of possible molecular interactions between α-MSH, MCH and the MCH-precursor-derived peptides NEI and NGE at the level of the pigment cell MCH receptor subtype (MCH-R_pc) and the different melanocortin (MC) receptors. Radioreceptor assays using [¹²⁵I]MCH, [¹²⁵I]α-MSH and [¹²⁵I]NEI as radioligands and bioassays were performed with MC1-R-positive and MC1-R-negative mouse B16 melanoma cells and with COS cells expressing the different MC receptors. The IC₅₀s of α-MSH and NEI or NGE for [¹²⁵I]MCH displacement from mouse MCH-R_pc were 80-fold and, respectively, > 300-fold higher than that of MCH, and the IC₅₀s for MCH and NEI or NGE for [¹²⁵I]α-MSH displacement from mouse MC1-R were 50,000-fold and > 200,000-fold higher than that of α-MSH. No high-affinity binding sites for NEI were detected on B16 melanoma cells and there was no significant displacement of [¹²⁵I]α-MSH by MCH, NEI or NGE with MC3-R, MC4-R and MC5-R expressed in COS cells. At concentrations of 100 nM to 10 μM, however, MCH, NEI and NGE induced cAMP formation and melanin synthesis which could be blocked by agouti protein or inhibitors of adenylate cyclase or protein kinase A. This shows that mammalian MCH-precursor-derived peptides may mimic MSH signalling via MC1-R activation at relatively high, but physiologically still relevant concentrations, as e.g. found in autocrine/paracrine signalling mechanisms.     

beta-MSH: a functional ligand that regulated energy homeostasis via hypothalamic MC4-R?

alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) has generally been assumed to be the endogenous ligand acting at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R), activation of which in the hypothalamus leads to reduced feeding. However, beta-MSH is also capable of activating MC4-R and inhibiting feeding. Here, we investigated the possibility that beta-MSH acts as an endogenous MC4-R agonist and that this melanocortin peptide plays a role in the regulation of feeding and energy balance. We found that beta-MSH had significantly higher affinities than alpha-MSH at both human MC4-R transfected into CHO cells (K(i): beta-MSH, 11.4+/-0.4 nmol/l versus alpha-MSH, 324+/-16 nmol/l, P<0.001) and MC4-R in rat hypothalamic homogenates (K(i): beta-MSH, 5.0+/-0.4 nmol/l versus alpha-MSH, 22.5+/-2.3 nmol/l, P<0.001). Incubation of brain slices with 5 microM beta-MSH significantly increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding by 140-160% (P<0.001), indicating activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), in the hypothalamic ventromedial (VMH), dorsomedial (DMH), arcuate (ARC) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei. These sites match the distribution of beta-MSH immunoreactive fibres and also the distribution of MC4-R binding sites which we and others previously reported. Food-restriction significantly increased beta-MSH levels in the VMH, DMH and ARC (all P<0.05) above freely-fed controls, whilst alpha-MSH concentrations were unchanged. We propose that increased beta-MSH concentrations reflect blockade of the peptide's release in these sites, consistent with the increased hunger and the known up-regulation of MC4-R in the same nuclei. Thus, we conclude that (1). beta-MSH has higher affinity at MC4-R than alpha-MSH; (2). beta-MSH activates GPCR in these sites, which are rich in MC4-R; and (3). beta-MSH is present in hypothalamic nuclei that regulate feeding and its concentrations alter with nutritional state. We suggest that beta-MSH rather than alpha-MSH is the key ligand at the MC4-R populations that regulate feeding, and that inhibition of tonic release of beta-MSH is one mechanism contributing to hunger in under-feeding.     

Changes in hypothalamic agouti-related protein (AGRP), but not alpha-MSH or pro-opiomelanocortin concentrations in dietary-obese and food-restricted rats.

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) density is thought to be regulated by synaptic availability of endogenous agonist, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and also by agouti-related protein (AGRP), which acts as a competitive antagonist. As hypothalamic MC4-R have been implicated in the regulation of energy balance, we examined concentrations of alpha-MSH and AGRP in hypothalami of dietary-obese and food-restricted rats. In dietary-obese rats, AGRP concentrations were significantly increased by 43% (p < 0.01) above lean controls, whereas a 91% (p < 0.01) reduction was observed in food-restricted rats. Surprisingly, hypothalamic concentrations of alpha-MSH and its precursor peptide, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), did not differ significantly from controls in either model. In conclusion, we suggest that MC4-R activity may not be regulated by changes in agonist (alpha-MSH) but by changes in the antagonist (AGRP) availability, which may modulate background activation of the receptor by tonic alpha-MSH release. AGRP may be an important modulator of feeding behaviour.     

Stimulation of Cloudman melanoma tyrosinase activity occurs predominantly in G2 phase of the cell cycle

A widely accepted notion is that an increasing cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration is prerequisite for increasing tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis and for regulating proliferation of pigment cells. alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) increases cAMP and tyrosinase activity in Cloudman melanoma cells. Prostaglandins (PGs) E1 and E2 increase melanoma cell tyrosinase activity and inhibit proliferation. Both PGs, but not alpha-MSH, block the progression of Cloudman melanoma cells from G2 phase of the cell cycle into M or G1. Only PGE1 and not PGE2 causes an elevation of cellular cAMP concentrations. The adenylate cyclase inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA) at 5 x 10(-4) M effectively blocks the increased cAMP synthesis by cells treated with 10 micrograms/ml PGE1. The addition of DDA, however, enhances the melanogenic response of melanoma cells to 10 micrograms/ml PGE1 or PGE2, 10(-7) M alpha-MSH, 10(-4) M isobutylmethylxanthine, 10(-4) M dibutyryl cyclic AMP. DDA also augments the effects of PGE1 or PGE2 on the melanoma cell cycle. Moreover, when DDA is added concomitantly with alpha-MSH, more cells are recruited into G2 than observed in untreated controls. Neither alpha-MSH nor DDA alone has any effect on the cell cycle. These findings undermine the role of cAMP in the melanogenic process and suggest that blocking melanoma cells in G2 may be required for the remarkable stimulation of tyrosinase activity observed with PGE1 or PGE2 alone or in combination with DDA. The observed block in G2 may be essential for the synthesis of sufficient mRNA, which is required for stimulation of tyrosinase activity.     

ACTH1-17 is a more potent agonist at the human MC1 receptor than alpha-MSH.

The melanocortin receptor MC1 is expressed on melanocytes and is an important control point for melanogenesis and other responses. Alpha-MSH, which is considered to be the major ligand at the human melanocortin (MC)1 receptor (hMC1R), is produced from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in the pituitary and in the skin by melanocytes and keratinocytes. Other POMC peptides are also produced in the skin and their concentrations exceed those of alpha-MSH by several fold. One of the most abundant is ACTH1-17. We have shown that adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)1-17 is more potent than alpha-MSH in stimulating melanogenesis in human melanocytes and unlike alpha-MSH produces a biphasic dose response curve. In this study we have examined the ability of ACTH1-17 to function as a ligand at the hMC1R. Competitive binding assays with [125I]Nle4 DPhe7 alpha-MSH as labelled ligand were carried out in HEK 293 cells transfected with the hMC1R. ACTH1-17 showed high affinity for the hMC1R with a Ki value of 0.21 +/- 0.03 nM which was slightly higher than that of 0.13 +/- 0.005 nM for alpha-MSH. ACTH1-17 was, however, more potent than alpha-MSH in increasing cAMP and IP3 production in the transfected cells. Our results demonstrate that ACTH1-17 is a potent agonist at the hMC1R. It is therefore possible that ACTH1-17, which is found in the skin in greater concentrations than alpha-MSH, has an important role in the regulation of human melanocytes and other cell types that express the hMC1R.     

Synthesis of 153N-6 analogues and structure-function analysis at murine melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptors.

153N-6 (H-[Met5,Pro6,D-Phe7,D-Trp9,Phe10]-MSH(5-13)) has emerged as the most potent antagonist of alpha-MSH activity on Xenopus laevis melanophores, from a library of 32 360 peptides based on alpha-MSH(5-13) [22]. A recent report has confirmed our observation that 153N-6 also binds to mammalian melanocortin receptors. Here we report the receptor-binding affinities and biologic activities of 153N-6 and 17 selected alpha-MSH analogues at the native MCI receptor expressed by murine B16 melanoma cells. Our intention is to determine the structural requirements for agonism and competitive antagonism of melanocortin activity at the MC1-R and to discover more potent antagonists. 153N-6 was able to inhibit the action of native alpha-MSH and the potent synthetic agonist, [Nle4,D-Phe7]alpha-MSH, at the murine MC1-R. However, the Ki of 153N-6 was 439 times higher than that of alpha-MSH and 4475 times higher than that of [Nle4,D-Phe7]alpha-MSH; too high to allow 153N-6 to be considered as a practical antagonist for use in vivo (Ki of 153N-6 = 9.0 X 10(-6) M). Because Met4 is an important component of alpha-MSH binding at the MC1-R, we investigated alpha-MSH(1-13) and alpha-MSH(4-13) analogues to produce compounds with higher MC1-R-binding affinity than 153N-6. The binding affinity of 153N-6 was not significantly different from alpha-MSH(5-13), but it was 232 times lower than alpha-MSH(4-13). Coupling of H-Nle (as an isosteric replacement for Met) or acetyl-Nle to the N-terminus of 153N-6 raised the binding affinity by a factor of 46, but this and all full-length alpha-MSH analogues with Met or Nle in position 4 were full agonists of the MC1-R. A full-length alpha-MSH(1-13) derivative of 153N-6 with Ala4 did not exhibit significantly greater binding affinity than 153N-6 and appeared to be a partial agonist at the MC1-R in the cAMP assay. These data suggest that Met4 is an important determinant of the intrinsic efficacy of melanocortins as well as their binding affinity at the MCI-R. Pro6 and Phe10 (with respect to alpha-MSH) were found to be the most influential substitutions that determined the antagonist activity of 153N-6.     

α2-Adrenergic and Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors Have Oposing Actions on Cyclic AMP Levels in SK-N-SH Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Forskolin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were shown to increase cyclic AMP accumulation in a human neuroblastoma cell line, SK-N-SH cells. The alpha 2-adrenergic agonist UK 14304 decreased forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP levels by 40 +/- 2%, with an EC50 of 83 +/- 20 nM. This response was blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PT) (EC50 = 1 ng/ml) or by the alpha 2-antagonists yohimbine, idazoxan, and phentolamine. Antagonist IC50 values were 0.3 +/- 0.1, 2.2 +/- 0.3, and 1.4 +/- 0.1 microM, respectively. This finding suggests the presence of normal inhibitory coupling of SK-N-SH cell alpha 2-adrenergic receptors to adenylate cyclase via the inhibitory GTP-binding protein species, Gi. Muscarinic receptors in many target cell types are coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase. However, in SK-N-SH cells, muscarinic agonists synergistically increased (67-95%) the level of cyclic AMP accumulation elicited by forskolin or VIP. EC50 values for carbamylcholine (CCh) and oxotremorine facilitation of the forskolin response were 1.2 +/- 0.2 and 0.3 +/- 0.1 microM, respectively. Pharmacological studies using the muscarinic receptor subtype-preferring antagonists 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine, pirenzepine, and AF-DX 116 indicated mediation of this response by the M3 subtype. IC50 values were 14 +/- 1, 16,857 +/- 757, and 148,043 +/- 16,209 nM, respectively. CCh-elicited responses were unaffected by PT pretreatment. Muscarinic agonist binding affinity was indirectly measured by the ability of CCh to compete for [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding sites on SK-N-SH cell membranes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Isolation and characterization of antagonist and agonist peptides to the human melanocortin 1 receptor

We identified a large number of peptide mimotopes of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) to analyze better the structure-function relationships of these hormones with the human MC1 receptor (hMC1R). We have investigated the use of phage-display technology to isolate specific peptides of this receptor by using three monoclonal anti-ACTH antibodies (mAbs). A library of 10(8) phage-peptides displaying randomized decapeptides was constructed and used to select phage-peptides that bind to mAbs. Forty-five phage-peptides have been isolated and from their amino acid sequences, we have identified two consensus sequences, EXFRWGKPA and WGXPVGKP, corresponding to the regions 5-13 and 9-16 of ACTH, respectively. A biological assay on cells expressing the hMC1-R was developed to determine the capacity of phage-peptides to stimulate the receptor. Only two phage-peptides showed detectable activity. Thirty-one peptides were synthesized to analyze their biological effect. We identified two weak agonists, EC50=16 and 11 microM, two strong agonists, EC50=25 and 14 nM and a partial antagonist, IC50=36 microM. This work confirmed the modulator agonist role of the regions 11-12 of alpha-MSH and ACTH, and the importance of the methionine residue at position 4 for the stimulation of the hMC1-R. We also identified analogues of the regions 8-17 of ACTH that exhibited a weak activator effect, and of one analogue of the N-terminal regions 1-9 of ACTH and alpha-MSH having a partial antagonist effect. These results may be useful in the development of potential agonists or antagonists of the hMC1R.     

Paraventricular hypothalamic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and MTII reduce feeding without causing aversive effects

alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) appears to play a tonic inhibitory role in feeding and energy storage. MTII, a specific synthetic MC3-R/MC4-R agonist, has similar effects on feeding in rats. The current studies demonstrate that PVN administration of alpha-MSH or MTII decreases nocturnal and NPY-stimulated food intake without causing aversive effects. Co-administration with NPY of 600 pmol alpha-MSH or 1 pmol MTII into the PVN caused a significant decrease in NPY-induced feeding. PVN administration of MTII or alpha-MSH at doses effective to suppress feeding did not cause conditioned taste aversion (CTA). ICV administration of alpha-MSH, however, did cause weak CTA. These results indicate that the potent effects on feeding of MC3-R and MC4-R agonists when injected into the PVN are not due to aversive effects.     

Anxiety-like behavior induced by IL-1beta is modulated by alpha-MSH through central melanocortin-4 receptors

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) influences neuroendocrine activity and produces other effects, including fever and behavioral changes such as anxiety. The melanocortin neuropeptides, such as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), antagonize many actions of IL-1, including fever, anorexia and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation through specific melanocortin receptors (MC-R) in the central nervous system. The objective of the present study was to establish the effect of MSH peptides on IL-1beta-induced anxiety-like behavior and the melanocortin receptors involved. We evaluated the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of IL-1beta (30 ng) and melanocortin receptor agonists: alpha-MSH, an MC3/MC4-R agonist (0.2 microg) or gamma-MSH, an MC3-R agonist (2 microg) or HS014, an MC4-R antagonist (2 microg), on an elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. Injection of IL-1beta induced an anxiogenic-like response, as indicated by reduced open arms entries and time spent on open arms. The administration of alpha-MSH reversed IL-1beta-induced anxiety with co-administration of HS014 inhibiting the effect of alpha-MSH. However, the associated treatment with gamma-MSH did not affect the anxiety response to IL-1beta. These data suggest that alpha-MSH, through central MC4-R can modulate the anxiety-like behavior induced by IL-1beta.     

Agouti-related protein has an inhibitory paracrine role in the rat adrenal gland

alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating-hormone (alpha-MSH) is an agonist at the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3-R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R). alpha-MSH stimulates corticosterone release from rat adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro. Agouti-related protein (AgRP) an endogenous antagonist at the MC3-R and MC4-R, is expressed in the adrenal gland. We investigated the expression of the MC3-R and MC4-R and the role of AgRP in the adrenal gland. MC3-R and MC4-R expression was detected in rat adrenal gland using RT-PCR. The effect of AgRP on alpha-MSH-induced corticosterone release was investigated using dispersed rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. AgRP administered alone did not affect corticosterone release, but co-administration of AgRP and alpha-MSH attenuated alpha-MSH-induced corticosterone release. To investigate glucocorticoid feedback, adrenal AgRP expression was compared in rats treated with dexamethasone to controls. AgRP mRNA was increased in rats treated with dexamethasone treatment compared to controls. Our findings demonstrate that adrenal AgRP mRNA is regulated by glucocorticoids. AgRP acting via the MC3-R or MC4-R may have an inhibitory paracrine role, blocking alpha-MSH-induced corticosterone secretion.     

Interactions of α-Melanotropin and Agouti on B16 Melanoma Cells: Evidence for Inverse Agonism of Agouti

Abstract

α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH, α-melanotropin) and agouti control the switch between eumelanin and pheomelanin synthesis in mammalian melanocytes. Here we investigated interactions between α-MSH, agouti protein, cAMP elevating agents and phorbol ester on mouse B16 melanoma cells. Agouti (K_d 3.7nmol/l) and α-MSH (K_d 2.3 nmol/l) had similar affinities to the MC1 melanocortin receptor. Both α-MSH and agouti induced MC1 receptor down-regulation. Agouti antagonized melanogenesis induced by α-MSH, forskolin, cholera toxin (CT), and pertussis toxin (PT). It also reduced the constitutive melanin formation of long-term cultures. Cell proliferation was inhibited by agouti (43% at 100 nM). This effect was reversed by α-MSH, forskolin, or CT. B16-G4F cells, a cell variant that lacks the MC1 receptor, did not respond to agouti. From these results we conclude that agouti shows the characteristics of an inverse agonist acting through the MC1 receptor.     

Regulation of the human melanocortin 1 receptor expression in epidermal melanocytes by paracrine and endocrine factors and by ultraviolet radiation

The aim of this study is to investigate the regulation of the human melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) expression in cultured normal human melanocytes (NHM) by specific paracrine and endocrine factors, and by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Treatment of NHM with alpha-melanotropin [alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)] increased MC1R mRNA level; the response was often more pronounced in NHM with a low (NHM-c) than in NHM with a high melanin content (NHM-b). Endothelin-1 increased MC1R mRNA level in NHM regardless of their melanin content. Basic fibroblast growth factor consistently up regulated MC1R mRNA level in NHM-b but not in NHM-c. Activation of protein kinase C by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate slightly increased, while stimulation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin markedly up-regulated the MC1R mRNA level. beta-Estradiol increased, and combined treatment with beta-estradiol and alpha-MSH further elevated, MC1R mRNA level in NHM-c and NHM-b. Testosterone reduced, while progesterone had no effect on, MC1R mRNA level. Agouti signaling protein reduced, and UVR down regulated dose-dependently MC1R mRNA level in NHM-b and NHM-c. This effect was reversed 24 h after irradiation with the lower doses of 7 or 14 mJ/cm2, but not after exposure to a higher, more cytotoxic dose of UVR. We conclude that the MC1R is regulated by paracrine factors, including its own ligands, by specific endocrine sex hormones, and by UVR. Differences in the responses of NHM to some of these factors suggest differential regulation of MC1R gene expression, which may contribute to the variation in constitutive and UV-induced cutaneous pigmentation in humans.     

Synthetic peptides comprising the amino-terminal sequence of a parathyroid hormone-like protein from human malignancies. Binding to parathyroid hormone receptors and activation of adenylate cyclase in bone cells and kidney

A tumor-derived protein with a spectrum of biologic activities remarkably similar to that of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has recently been purified and its sequence deduced from cloned cDNA. This PTH-like protein (PLP) has substantial sequence homology with PTH only in the amino-terminal 1-13 region and shows little similarity to other regions of PTH thought to be important for binding to receptors. In the present study, we compared the actions of two synthetic PLP peptides, PLP-(1-34)amide and [Tyr36]PLP-(1-36)amide, with those of bovine parathyroid hormone (bPTH)-(1-34) on receptors and adenylate cyclase in bone cells and in renal membranes. Synthetic PLP peptides were potent activators of adenylate cyclase in canine renal membranes (EC50 = 3.0 nM) and in UMR-106 osteosarcoma cells (EC50 = 0.05 nM). Bovine PTH-(1-34) was 6-fold more potent than the PLP peptides in renal membranes, but was 2-fold less potent in UMR-106 cells. A competitive PTH receptor antagonist, [Tyr34]bPTH-(7-34)amide, rapidly and fully inhibited adenylate cyclase stimulation by the PLP peptides as well as bPTH-(1-34). Competitive binding experiments with 125I-labeled PLP peptides revealed the presence of high affinity PLP receptors in UMR-106 cells IC50 = 3-4 nM) and in renal membranes (IC50 = 0.3 nM). There was no evidence of heterogeneity of PLP receptors. Bovine PTH-(1-34) was equipotent with the PLP peptides in binding to PLP receptors. Likewise, PLP peptides and bPTH-(1-34) were equipotent in competing with 125I-bPTH-(1-34) for binding to PTH receptors in renal membranes. Photoaffinity cross-linking experiments revealed that PTH and PLP peptides both interact with a major 85-kDa and minor 55- and 130-kDa components of canine renal membranes. We conclude that PTH and PLP activate adenylate cyclase by binding to common receptors in bone and kidney. The results further imply that subtle differences exist between PTH and PLP peptides in their ability to induce receptor-adenylate cyclase coupling.     

Development of muscarinic cholinergic inhibition of adenylate cyclase in embryonic chick heart. Its relationship to changes in the inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein

Parasympathetic and sympathetic innervation of the embryonic chick heart proceed non-coordinately. beta-Adrenergic agonists mediate an increase in beating rate in embryonic chick heart prior to ingrowth of the vagus nerve (Culver, N. G., and Fishman, D. A. (1977) Am. J. Physiol. 232, R116-R123) while muscarinic agonists exert relatively little effect on beating rate in hearts 2-4 days in ovo (Papanno, A. J. (1979) Pharmacol. Rev. 29, 3-33). Studies of developmental changes in the ability of muscarinic agonists to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity and their relationship to the development of a physiologic response of the embryonic chick heart to muscarinic stimulation have been inconclusive. In the current studies the ability of isoproterenol to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity did not change during development. Maximum stimulation above basal was 760 pmol of cAMP/10 min/mg of proterin with an IC50 of 1.5 X 10(-6) M for isoproterenol in homogenates of hearts 2 1/2, 3 1/2, and 10 days in ovo and 3 days posthatching. However, inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity by carbamylcholine increased from 7.6% with a IC50 for carbamylcholine of 16 +/- 5.0 microM at day 2 1/2 in ovo to 29% with an IC50 of 0.4 +/- 0.1 microM at day 10 in ovo and to 43% with a IC50 of 0.6 +/- 0.1 microM at 3 days posthatching. Since previous data had demonstrated the presence of muscarinic receptors as early as 2 1/2 days in ovo (Galper, J. B., Klein, W., and Catterall, W. A. (1977) J. Biol. Chem. 252, 8692-8699), studies of developmental changes in guanine nucleotide-coupling proteins were carried out to determine whether early in development muscarinic receptors were uncoupled from a physiologic response. Studies of pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of homogenates of embryonic chick heart with [32P]NAD demonstrated the presence of two ADP-ribosylated proteins at 39,000 and 41,000 kDa, respectively. Both ADP-ribosylation and immunoblotting of homogenates with an antibody to the 39-kDa guanine nucleotide-binding protein in bovine brain demonstrated that the 39-kDa alpha protein increased 1.8-fold between days 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 in ovo and another 1.8-fold from day 3 1/2 to 10 in ovo in parallel with the increase in the extent of muscarinic inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

alpha -melanocyte-stimulating hormone is a novel regulator of bone

alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a 13-amino acid peptide produced in the brain and pituitary gland, is a regulator of appetite and body weight, and its production is regulated by leptin, a factor that affects bone mass when administered centrally. alpha-MSH acts via melanocortin receptors. Humans deficient in melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4-R) have increased bone mass, and MC4-R has been identified in an osteoblast-like cell line. Thus alpha-MSH may act directly on the skeleton, a question addressed by the present studies. In primary cultures of osteoblasts and chondrocytes, alpha-MSH dose dependently (>or=10(-9) M) stimulated cell proliferation. In bone marrow cultures, alpha-MSH (>10(-9) M) stimulated osteoclastogenesis. Systemic administration of alpha-MSH to mice (20 injections of 4.5 microg/day) decreased the trabecular bone volume in the proximal tibiae from 19.5 +/- 1.8 to 15.2 +/- 1.4% (P = 0.03) and reduced trabecular number (P = 0.001). Radiographic indexes of trabecular bone, assessed by phase-contrast X-ray imaging, confirmed the bone loss. It is concluded that alpha-MSH acts directly on bone, increasing bone turnover, and, when administered systemically, it decreases bone volume. The latter result may also be contributed to by alpha-MSH effects elsewhere, such as the adipocyte, pancreatic beta-cell, or central nervous system.