Paracrine orchestration of intestinal tumorigenesis by a mesenchymal niche.

The initiation of an intestinal tumour is a probabilistic process that depends on the competition between mutant and normal epithelial stem cells in crypts1. Intestinal stem cells are closely associated with a diverse but poorly characterized network of mesenchymal cell types2,3. However, whether the physiological mesenchymal microenvironment of mutant stem cells affects tumour initiation remains unknown. Here we provide in vivo evidence that the mesenchymal niche controls tumour initiation in trans. By characterizing the heterogeneity of the intestinal mesenchyme using single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified a population of rare pericryptal Ptgs2-expressing fibroblasts that constitutively process arachidonic acid into highly labile prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Specific ablation of Ptgs2 in fibroblasts was sufficient to prevent tumour initiation in two different models of sporadic, autochthonous tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses of a mesenchymal niche model showed that fibroblast-derived PGE2 drives the expansion οf a population of Sca-1+ reserve-like stem cells. These express a strong regenerative/tumorigenic program, driven by the Hippo pathway effector Yap. In vivo, Yap is indispensable for Sca-1+ cell expansion and early tumour initiation and displays a nuclear localization in both mouse and human adenomas. Using organoid experiments, we identified a molecular mechanism whereby PGE2 promotes Yap dephosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity by signalling through the receptor Ptger4. Epithelial-specific ablation of Ptger4 misdirected the regenerative reprogramming of stem cells and prevented Sca-1+ cell expansion and sporadic tumour initiation in mutant mice, thereby demonstrating the robust paracrine control of tumour-initiating stem cells by PGE2-Ptger4. Analyses of patient-derived organoids established that PGE2-PTGER4 also regulates stem-cell function in humans. Our study demonstrates that initiation of colorectal cancer is orchestrated by the mesenchymal niche and reveals a mechanism by which rare pericryptal Ptgs2-expressing fibroblasts exert paracrine control over tumour-initiating stem cells via the druggable PGE2-Ptger4-Yap signalling axis.

Metabolic regulation by prostaglandin E2 impairs lung group 2 innate lymphoid cell responses.

BACKGROUND: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a critical role in asthma pathogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is associated with reduced signaling via EP2, a receptor for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ). However, the respective roles for the PGE2 receptors EP2 and EP4 (both share same downstream signaling) in the regulation of lung ILC2 responses has yet been deciphered. METHODS: The roles of PGE2 receptors EP2 and EP4 on ILC2-mediated lung inflammation were investigated using genetically modified mouse lines and pharmacological approaches in IL-33-induced lung allergy model. The effects of PGE2 receptors and downstream signals on ILC2 metabolic activation and effector function were examined using in vitro cell cultures. RESULTS: Deficiency of EP2 rather than EP4 augments IL-33-induced mouse lung ILC2 responses and eosinophilic inflammation in vivo. In contrast, exogenous agonism of EP4 and EP2 or inhibition of phosphodiesterase markedly restricts IL-33-induced lung ILC2 responses. Mechanistically, PGE2 directly suppresses IL-33-dependent ILC2 activation through the EP2/EP4-cAMP pathway, which downregulates STAT5 and MYC pathway gene expression and ILC2 energy metabolism. Blocking glycolysis diminishes IL-33-dependent ILC2 responses in mice where endogenous PG synthesis or EP2 signaling is blocked but not in mice with intact PGE2 -EP2 signaling. CONCLUSION: We have defined a mechanism for optimal suppression of mouse lung ILC2 responses by endogenous PGE2 -EP2 signaling which underpins the clinical findings of defective EP2 signaling in patients with NERD. Our findings also indicate that exogenously targeting the PGE2 -EP4-cAMP and energy metabolic pathways may provide novel opportunities for treating the ILC2-initiated lung inflammation in asthma and NERD.

DP1 Activation Reverses Age-Related Hypertension Via NEDD4L-Mediated T-Bet Degradation in T Cells.

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure often rises with aging, but exact mechanisms are still not completely understood. With aging, the level of proinflammatory cytokines increases in T lymphocytes. Prostaglandin D2, a proresolution mediator, suppresses Type 1 T helper (Th1) cytokines through D-prostanoid receptor 1 (DP1). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the prostaglandin D2/DP1 axis in T cells on age-related hypertension. METHODS: To clarify the physiological and pathophysiological roles of DP1 in T cells with aging, peripheral blood samples were collected from young and older male participants, and CD4+ T cells were sorted for gene expression, prostaglandin production, and Western blot assays. Mice blood pressure was quantified by invasive telemetric monitor. RESULTS: The prostaglandin D2/DP1 axis was downregulated in CD4+ T cells from older humans and aged mice. DP1 deletion in CD4+ T cells augmented age-related hypertension in aged male mice by enhancing Th1 cytokine secretion, vascular remodeling, CD4+ T cells infiltration, and superoxide production in vasculature and kidneys. Conversely, forced expression of exogenous DP1 in T cells retarded age-associated hypertension in mice by reducing Th1 cytokine secretion. Tumor necrosis factor α neutralization or interferon γ deletion ameliorated the age-related hypertension in DP1 deletion in CD4+ T cells mice. Mechanistically, DP1 inhibited Th1 activity via the PKA (protein kinase A)/p-Sp1 (phosphorylated specificity protein 1)/neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L) pathway-mediated T-box-expressed-in-T-cells (T-bet) ubiquitination. T-bet deletion or forced NEDD4L expression in CD4+ T cells attenuated age-related hypertension in CD4+ T cell-specific DP1-deficient mice. DP1 receptor activation by BW245C prevented age-associated blood pressure elevation and reduced vascular/renal superoxide production in male mice. CONCLUSIONS: The prostaglandin D2/DP1 axis suppresses age-related Th1 activation and subsequent hypertensive response in male mice through increase of NEDD4L-mediated T-bet degradation by ubiquitination. Therefore, the T cell DP1 receptor may be an attractive therapeutic target for age-related hypertension.

Excessive EP4 Signaling in Smooth Muscle Cells Induces Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Amplifying Inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive prostaglandin E2 production is a hallmark of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Enhanced expression of prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 (prostaglandin E receptor 4) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been demonstrated in human AAAs. Although moderate expression of EP4 contributes to vascular homeostasis, the roles of excessive EP4 in vascular pathology remain uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether EP4 overexpression in VSMCs exacerbates AAAs. Approach and Results: We constructed mice with EP4 overexpressed selectively in VSMCs under an SM22α promoter (EP4-Tg). Most EP4-Tg mice died within 2 weeks of Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion due to AAA, while nontransgenic mice given Ang II displayed no overt phenotype. EP4-Tg developed much larger AAAs than nontransgenic mice after periaortic CaCl2 application. In contrast, EP4fl/+;SM22-Cre;ApoE-/- and EP4fl/+;SM22-Cre mice, which are EP4 heterozygous knockout in VSMCs, rarely exhibited AAA after Ang II or CaCl2 treatment, respectively. In Ang II-infused EP4-Tg aorta, Ly6Chi inflammatory monocyte/macrophage infiltration and MMP-9 (matrix metalloprotease-9) activation were enhanced. An unbiased analysis revealed that EP4 stimulation positively regulated the genes binding cytokine receptors in VSMCs, in which IL (interleukin)-6 was the most strongly upregulated. In VSMCs of EP4-Tg and human AAAs, EP4 stimulation caused marked IL-6 production via TAK1 (transforming growth factor-ß-activated kinase 1), NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and p38. Inhibition of IL-6 prevented Ang II-induced AAA formation in EP4-Tg. In addition, EP4 stimulation decreased elastin/collagen cross-linking protein LOX (lysyl oxidase) in both human and mouse VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS: Dysregulated EP4 overexpression in VSMCs promotes inflammatory monocyte/macrophage infiltration and attenuates elastin/collagen fiber formation, leading to AAA exacerbation.

Loss of DP1 Aggravates Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension via mTORC1 Signaling.

Rationale: Vascular remodeling, including smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and proliferation, is the key pathological feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Prostaglandin I2 analogs (beraprost, iloprost, and treprostinil) are effective in the treatment of PAH. Of note, the clinically favorable effects of treprostinil in severe PAH may be attributable to concomitant activation of DP1 (D prostanoid receptor subtype 1).Objectives: To study the role of DP1 in the progression of PAH and its underlying mechanism.Methods: DP1 levels were examined in pulmonary arteries of patients and animals with PAH. Multiple genetic and pharmacologic approaches were used to investigate DP1-mediated signaling in PAH.Measurements and Main Results: DP1 expression was downregulated in hypoxia-treated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and in pulmonary arteries from rodent PAH models and patients with idiopathic PAH. DP1 deletion exacerbated pulmonary artery remodeling in hypoxia-induced PAH, whereas pharmacological activation or forced expression of the DP1 receptor had the opposite effect in different rodent models. DP1 deficiency promoted pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and proliferation in response to hypoxia via induction of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) activity. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, alleviated the hypoxia-induced exacerbation of PAH in DP1-knockout mice. DP1 activation facilitated raptor dissociation from mTORC1 and suppressed mTORC1 activity through PKA (protein kinase A)-dependent phosphorylation of raptor at Ser791. Moreover, treprostinil treatment blocked the progression of hypoxia-induced PAH in mice in part by targeting the DP1 receptor.Conclusions: DP1 activation attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery remodeling and PAH through PKA-mediated dissociation of raptor from mTORC1. These results suggest that the DP1 receptor may serve as a therapeutic target for the management of PAH.

Protective Role of mPGES-1 (Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1)-Derived PGE2 (Prostaglandin E2) and the Endothelial EP4 (Prostaglandin E Receptor) in Vascular Responses to Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Deletion of mPGES-1 (microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1)-an anti-inflammatory target alternative to COX (cyclooxygenase)-2-attenuates injury-induced neointima formation in mice. This is attributable to the augmented levels of PGI2 (prostacyclin)-a known restraint of the vascular response to injury, acting via IP (I prostanoid receptor). To examine the role of mPGES-1-derived PGE2 (prostaglandin E2) in vascular remodeling without the IP. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Mice deficient in both IP and mPGES-1 (DKO [double knockout] and littermate controls [IP KO (knockout)]) were subjected to angioplasty wire injury. Compared with the deletion of IP alone, coincident deletion of IP and mPGES-1 increased neointima formation, without affecting media area. Early pathological changes include impaired reendothelialization and increased leukocyte invasion in neointima. Endothelial cells (ECs), but not vascular smooth muscle cells, isolated from DKOs exhibited impaired cell proliferation. Activation of EP (E prostanoid receptor) 4 (and EP2, to a lesser extent), but not of EP1 or EP3, promoted EC proliferation. EP4 antagonism inhibited proliferation of mPGES-1-competent ECs, but not of mPGES-1-deficient ECs, which showed suppressed PGE2 production. EP4 activation inhibited leukocyte adhesion to ECs in vitro, promoted reendothelialization, and limited neointima formation post-injury in the mouse. Endothelium-restricted deletion of EP4 in mice suppressed reendothelialization, increased neointimal leukocytes, and exacerbated neointimal formation. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the IP receptors unmasks a protective role of mPGES-1-derived PGE2 in limiting injury-induced vascular hyperplasia. EP4, in the endothelial compartment, is essential to promote reendothelialization and restrain neointimal formation after injury. Activating EP4 bears therapeutic potential to prevent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

The effect of the EP3 antagonist DG-041 on male mice with diet-induced obesity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) EP3 receptor has a multifaceted role in metabolism. Drugs targeting EP3 have been proposed as therapeutics for diabetes; however, studies utilizing global EP3 knockout mice suggest that EP3 blockade increases obesity and insulin resistance. The present studies attempt to determine the effect of acute EP3 antagonist treatment on the diabetic phenotype. METHODS: DG-041 was confirmed to be a high affinity antagonist at the mouse EP3 receptor by competition radioligand binding and by blockade of EP3-mediated responses. DG-041 pharmacokinetic studies were performed to determine the most efficacious route of administration. Male C57BL/6 × BALB/c (CB6F1) mice were fed diets containing 10%, 45%, or 60% calories from fat to induce obesity. Changes to the metabolic phenotype in these mice were evaluated after one week treatment with DG-041. RESULTS: Subcutaneous injections of DG-041 at 20 mg/kg blocked the sulprostone-evoked rise in mean arterial pressure confirming the efficacy of this administration regime. Seven day treatment with DG-041 had minimal effect on body composition or glycemic control. DG-041 administration caused a reduction in skeletal muscle triglyceride content while showing a trend toward increased hepatic triglycerides. CONCLUSION: Short term EP3 administration of DG-041 produced effective blockade of the EP3 receptor and decreased skeletal muscle triglyceride content but had no significant effects on the diabetic phenotype.

Differential stem- and progenitor-cell trafficking by prostaglandin E2.

To maintain lifelong production of blood cells, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tightly regulated by inherent programs and extrinsic regulatory signals received from their microenvironmental niche. Long-term repopulating HSCs reside in several, perhaps overlapping, niches that produce regulatory molecules and signals necessary for homeostasis and for increased output after stress or injury. Despite considerable advances in the specific cellular or molecular mechanisms governing HSC-niche interactions, little is known about the regulatory function in the intact mammalian haematopoietic niche. Recently, we and others described a positive regulatory role for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on HSC function ex vivo. Here we show that inhibition of endogenous PGE2 by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment in mice results in modest HSC egress from the bone marrow. Surprisingly, this was independent of the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis implicated in stem-cell migration. Stem and progenitor cells were found to have differing mechanisms of egress, with HSC transit to the periphery dependent on niche attenuation and reduction in the retentive molecule osteopontin. Haematopoietic grafts mobilized with NSAIDs had superior repopulating ability and long-term engraftment. Treatment of non-human primates and healthy human volunteers confirmed NSAID-mediated egress in other species. PGE2 receptor knockout mice demonstrated that progenitor expansion and stem/progenitor egress resulted from reduced E-prostanoid 4 (EP4) receptor signalling. These results not only uncover unique regulatory roles for EP4 signalling in HSC retention in the niche, but also define a rapidly translatable strategy to enhance transplantation therapeutically.

Prostaglandin E2 stimulates adaptive IL-22 production and promotes allergic contact dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are both forms of eczema and are common inflammatory skin diseases with a central role of T cell-derived IL-22 in their pathogenesis. Although prostaglandin (PG) E2 is known to promote inflammation, little is known about its role in processes related to AD and ACD development, including IL-22 upregulation. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate whether PGE2 has a role in IL-22 induction and development of ACD, which has increased prevalence in patients with AD. METHODS: T-cell cultures and in vivo sensitization of mice with haptens were used to assess the role of PGE2 in IL-22 production. The involvement of PGE2 receptors and their downstream signals was also examined. The effects of PGE2 were evaluated by using the oxazolone-induced ACD mouse model. The relationship of PGE2 and IL-22 signaling pathways in skin inflammation were also investigated by using genomic profiling in human lesional AD skin. RESULTS: PGE2 induces IL-22 from T cells through its receptors, E prostanoid receptor (EP) 2 and EP4, and involves cyclic AMP signaling. Selective deletion of EP4 in T cells prevents hapten-induced IL-22 production in vivo, and limits atopic-like skin inflammation in the oxazolone-induced ACD model. Moreover, both PGE2 and IL-22 pathway genes were coordinately upregulated in human AD lesional skin but were at less than significant detection levels after corticosteroid or UVB treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Our results define a crucial role for PGE2 in promoting ACD by facilitating IL-22 production from T cells.

Niacin Promotes Cardiac Healing after Myocardial Infarction through Activation of the Myeloid Prostaglandin D2 Receptor Subtype 1.

Niacin is a well established drug used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease events. However, niacin also causes cutaneous flushing side effects due to release of the proresolution mediator prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that addition of niacin with laropiprant [a PGD2 receptor subtype 1 (DP1) blocker] to statin-based therapies does not significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease events, but increases the risk of serious adverse events. Here, we tested whether, and how, niacin beneficial effects on myocardial ischemia require the activation of the PGD2/DP1 axis. Myocardial infarction (MI) was reproduced by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in mice. We found that niacin increased PGD2 release in macrophages and shifted macrophages to M2 polarization both in vitro and in vivo by activation of DP1 and accelerated inflammation resolution in zymosan-induced peritonitis in mice. Moreover, niacin treatment facilitated wound healing and improved cardiac function after MI through DP1-mediated M2 bias and timely resolution of inflammation in infarcted hearts. In addition, we found that niacin intake also stimulated M2 polarization of peripheral monocytes in humans. Collectively, niacin promoted cardiac functional recovery after ischemic myocardial infarction through DP1-mediated M2 polarization and timely resolution of inflammation in hearts. These results indicated that DP1 inhibition may attenuate the cardiovascular benefits of niacin.

Cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 promotes injury-induced vascular neointimal hyperplasia through the E-prostanoid 3 receptor.

RATIONALE: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation are the hallmarks of restenosis pathogenesis after angioplasty. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandin (PG) E2 is implicated in the vascular remodeling response to injury. However, its precise molecular role remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of COX-2-derived PGE2 on neointima formation after injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vascular remodeling was induced by wire injury in femoral arteries of mice. Both neointima formation and the restenosis ratio were diminished in COX-2 knockout mice as compared with controls, whereas these parameters were enhanced in COX-1>COX-2 mice, in which COX-1 is governed by COX-2 regulatory elements. PG profile analysis revealed that the reduced PGE2 by COX-2 deficiency, but not PGI2, could be rescued by COX-1 replacement, indicating COX-2-derived PGE2 enhanced neointima formation. Through multiple approaches, the EP3 receptor was identified to mediate the VSMC migration response to various stimuli. Disruption of EP3 impaired VSMC polarity for directional migration by decreasing small GTPase activity and restricted vascular neointimal hyperplasia, whereas overexpression of EP3α and EP3ß aggravated neointima formation. Inhibition or deletion of EP3α/ß, a Gαi protein-coupled receptor, activated the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway and decreased activation of RhoA in VSMCs. PGE2 could stimulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase3ß signaling in VSMCs through Gßγ subunits on EP3α/ß activation. Ablation of EP3 suppressed phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling and reduced GTPase activity in VSMCs and altered cell polarity and directional migration. CONCLUSIONS: COX-2-derived PGE2 facilitated the neointimal hyperplasia response to injury through EP3α/ß-mediated cAMP/protein kinase A and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways, indicating EP3 inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Blockade of prostaglandin E2 signaling through EP1 and EP3 receptors attenuates Flt3L-dependent dendritic cell development from hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Dendritic cell (DC) homeostasis, like all mature blood cells, is maintained via hierarchal generation from hematopoietic precursors; however, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms governing DC generation. Here, we show that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is required for optimal Flt3 ligand-mediated DC development and regulates expression of the Flt3 receptor on DC-committed progenitor cells. Inhibition of PGE(2) biosynthesis reduces Flt3-mediated activation of STAT3 and expression of the antiapoptotic protein survivin, resulting in increased apoptosis of DC-committed progenitor cells. Reduced DC development caused by diminished PGE(2) signaling is reversed by overexpression of Flt3 or survivin in DC progenitors and conversely is mimicked by STAT3 inhibition. PGE(2) regulation of DC generation is specifically mediated through the EP1 and EP3 G protein PGE(2) receptors. These studies define a novel DC progenitor regulatory pathway in which PGE(2) signaling through EP1/EP3 receptors regulates Flt3 expression and downstream STAT3 activation and survivin expression, required for optimal DC progenitor survival and DC development in vivo.

Spatiotemporal EP4-fibulin-1 expression is associated with vascular intimal hyperplasia.

AIMS: Cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is thought to promote vascular intimal hyperplasia (IH). It has been reported that the PGE2 receptor EP4 is upregulated in injured vessels, and that EP4 signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) promotes IH. In contrast, EP4 in endothelial cells has been demonstrated to restrain IH. We aimed to investigate spatiotemporal expression of EP4 and whether modulating EP4 signaling could be a viable therapeutic strategy. METHODS AND RESULTS: We generated EP4 reporter mice (Ptger4-IRES-nlsLacZ) and found temporary but prominent EP4 expression in VSMCs of the proliferative neointima 2 weeks after femoral artery wire injury. Injury-induced IH was diminished in VSMC-targeted EP4 heterozygous deficient mice (Ptger4fl/+; SM22-Cre) 2 and 4 weeks after vascular injury compared to that in SM22-Cre, whereas injury-induced IH was exacerbated in VSMC-targeted EP4-overexpressing mice (Ptger4-Tg) compared to controls (non-Tg). We then investigated the downstream signaling of EP4 in VSMCs. Stimulation of EP4 increased mRNA and protein levels of the glycoprotein fibulin-1 in Ptger4-Tg VSMCs. Fibulin-1C recombinant proteins increased VSMC proliferation and migration through transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß/Smad3, and EP4-mediated proliferation and migration were attenuated in Fbln1fl/fl; SM22-Cre VSMCs and in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Fbln1 knockdown in Ptger4-Tg VSMCs. We generated multiple deletion mutants of fibulin-1C and found that EGF-like modules 6-8 appear to be involved in fibulin-1-mediated proliferation. Among binding partners of fibulin-1, extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) was also upregulated by EP4 stimulation, and fibulin-1C and ECM1 proteins additively enhanced VSMC proliferation and migration. Injury-induced IH was attenuated in VSMC-targeted fibulin-1 deletion mice (Fbln1fl/fl; SM22-Cre) compared to Fbln1fl/fl. Furthermore, systemic EP4 antagonist administration reduced injury-induced IH in wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: EP4 was upregulated in VSMCs of proliferative IH, and EP4 signaling promoted IH, at least in part through fibulin-1. An EP4 antagonist might be considered as a therapeutic strategy for IH.

Prostaglandin E2-mediated attenuation of mesocortical dopaminergic pathway is critical for susceptibility to repeated social defeat stress in mice.

Various kinds of stress are thought to precipitate psychiatric disorders, such as major depression. Whereas studies in rodents have suggested a critical role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in stress susceptibility, the mechanism of how stress susceptibility is determined through mPFC remains unknown. Here we show a critical role of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a bioactive lipid derived from arachidonic acid, in repeated social defeat stress in mice. Repeated social defeat increased the PGE(2) level in the subcortical region of the brain, and mice lacking either COX-1, a prostaglandin synthase, or EP1, a PGE receptor, were impaired in induction of social avoidance by repeated social defeat. Given the reported action of EP1 that augments GABAergic inputs to midbrain dopamine neurons, we analyzed dopaminergic response upon social defeat. Analyses of c-Fos expression of VTA dopamine neurons and dopamine turnover in mPFC showed that mesocortical dopaminergic pathway is activated upon social defeat and attenuated with repetition of social defeat in wild-type mice. EP1 deficiency abolished such repeated stress-induced attenuation of mesocortical dopaminergic pathway. Blockade of dopamine D1-like receptor during social defeat restored social avoidance in EP1-deficient mice, suggesting that disinhibited dopaminergic response during social defeat blocks induction of social avoidance. Furthermore, mPFC dopaminergic lesion by local injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, which mimicked the action of EP1 during repeated stress, facilitated induction of social avoidance upon social defeat. Taken together, our data suggest that PGE(2)-EP1 signaling is critical for susceptibility to repeated social defeat stress in mice through attenuation of mesocortical dopaminergic pathway.

Extracellular loop II modulates GTP sensitivity of the prostaglandin EP3 receptor.

Unlike the majority of G protein-coupled receptors, the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) E-prostanoid 3 (EP3) receptor binds agonist with high affinity that is insensitive to the presence of guanosine 5[prime]-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPγS). We report the identification of mutations that confer GTPγS sensitivity to agonist binding. Seven point mutations were introduced into the conserved motif in the second extracellular loop (ECII) of EP3, resulting in acquisition of GTP-sensitive agonist binding. One receptor mutation W203A was studied in detail. Loss of agonist binding was observed on intact human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing the W203A receptor, conditions where high GTP levels are present; however, high affinity binding [(3)H]PGE(2) was observed in broken cell preparations washed free of GTP. The [(3)H]PGE(2) binding of W203A in broken cell membrane fractions was inhibited by addition of GTPγS (IC(50) 21 ± 1.8 nM). Taken together, these results suggest that the wild-type EP3 receptor displays unusual characteristics of the complex coupled equilibria between agonist-receptor and receptor-G protein interaction. Moreover, mutation of ECII can alter this coupled equilibrium from GTP-insensitive agonist binding to more conventional GTP-sensitive binding. This suggests that for the mutant receptors, ECII plays a critical role in linking the agonist bound receptor conformation to the G protein nucleotide bound state.

Inflammatory prostaglandin E2 signaling in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVE: There is significant evidence for a central role of inflammation in the development of Alzheimer disease (AD). Epidemiological studies indicate that chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the risk of developing AD in healthy aging populations. As NSAIDs inhibit the enzymatic activity of the inflammatory cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2, these findings suggest that downstream prostaglandin signaling pathways function in the preclinical development of AD. Here, we investigate the function of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ) signaling through its EP3 receptor in the neuroinflammatory response to Aß peptide. METHODS: The function of PGE(2) signaling through its EP3 receptor was examined in vivo in a model of subacute neuroinflammation induced by administration of Aß(42) peptides. Our findings were then confirmed in young adult APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice. RESULTS: Deletion of the PGE(2) EP3 receptor in a model of Aß(42) peptide-induced neuroinflammation reduced proinflammatory gene expression, cytokine production, and oxidative stress. In the APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 model of familial AD, deletion of the EP3 receptor blocked induction of proinflammatory gene and protein expression and lipid peroxidation. In addition, levels of Aß peptides were significantly decreased, as were ß-secretase and ß C-terminal fragment levels, suggesting that generation of Aß peptides may be increased as a result of proinflammatory EP3 signaling. Finally, deletion of EP3 receptor significantly reversed the decline in presynaptic proteins seen in APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 mice. INTERPRETATION: Our findings identify the PGE(2) EP3 receptor as a novel proinflammatory, proamyloidogenic, and synaptotoxic signaling pathway, and suggest a role for COX-PGE(2) -EP3 signaling in the development of AD.

Eicosanoid receptor subtype-mediated opposing regulation of TLR-stimulated expression of astrocyte glial-derived neurotrophic factor.

A major therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease (PD) is providing increased glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to dopaminergic neurons. We tested the hypothesis that innate immune activation increases astrocyte GDNF production and that this is regulated by specific eicosanoid receptors. Innate immune-activated primary murine astrocytes were assayed for GDNF expression and secretion. Controls were agent vehicle exposure and wild-type mice. Rank order for up to 10-fold selectively increased GDNF expression was activators of TLR3 > TLR2 or TLR4 > TLR9. TLR3 activator-stimulated GDNF expression was selectively JNK-dependent, followed cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, was coincident with membranous PGE(2) synthase, and was not significantly altered by a nonspecific COX- or a COX-2-selective inhibitor. Specific eicosanoid receptors had opposing effects on TLR3 activator-induced GDNF expression: ∼60% enhancement by blocking or ablating of PGE(2) receptor subtype 1 (EP1), ∼30% enhancement by activating PGF(2α) receptor or thromboxane receptor, or ∼15% enhancement by activating EP4. These results demonstrate functionally antagonistic eicosanoid receptor subtype regulation of innate immunity-induced astrocyte GDNF expression and suggest that selective inhibition of EP1 signaling might be a means to augment astrocyte GDNF secretion in the context of innate immune activation in diseased regions of brain in PD.

Inactivation of the E-prostanoid 3 receptor attenuates the angiotensin II pressor response via decreasing arterial contractility.

OBJECTIVE: The present studies aimed at elucidating the role of prostaglandin E(2) receptor subtype 3 (E-prostanoid [EP] 3) in regulating blood pressure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice bearing a genetic disruption of the EP3 gene (EP(3)(-/-)) exhibited reduced baseline mean arterial pressure monitored by both tail-cuff and carotid arterial catheterization. The pressor responses induced by EP3 agonists M&B28767 and sulprostone were markedly attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice, whereas the reduction of blood pressure induced by prostaglandin E(2) was comparable in both genotypes. Vasopressor effect of acute or chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) was attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice. Ang II-induced vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries decreased in EP3(-/-) group. In mesenteric arteries from wild-type mice, Ang II-induced vasoconstriction was inhibited by EP3 selective antagonist DG-041 or L798106. The expression of Arhgef-1 is attenuated in EP3 deficient mesenteric arteries. EP3 antagonist DG-041 diminished Ang II-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain 20 and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 in isolated mesenteric arteries. Furthermore, in vascular smooth muscle cells, Ang II-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase was potentiated by EP3 agonist sulprostone but inhibited by DG-041. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of the EP3 receptor raises baseline blood pressure and contributes to Ang II-dependent hypertension at least partially via enhancing Ca(2+) sensitivity and intracellular calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells. Selective targeting of the EP3 receptor may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.

Development of an in vivo active, dual EP1 and EP3 selective antagonist based on a novel acyl sulfonamide bioisostere.

Recent preclinical studies demonstrate a role for the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) subtype 1 (EP1) receptor in mediating, at least in part, the pathophysiology of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A series of amide and N-acylsulfonamide analogs of a previously described picolinic acid-based human EP1 receptor antagonist (7) were prepared. Each analog had improved selectivity at the mouse EP1 receptor over the mouse thromboxane receptor (TP). A subset of analogs gained affinity for the mouse PGE(2) subtype 3 (EP3) receptor, another potential therapeutic target. One analog (17) possessed equal selectivity for EP1 and EP3, displayed a sufficient in vivo residence time in mice, and lacked the potential for acyl glucuronide formation common to compound 7. Treatment of mice with 17 significantly attenuated the vasopressor activity resulting from an acute infusion of EP1 and EP3 receptor agonists. Compound 17 represents a potentially novel therapeutic in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Regulation of calcium channels and exocytosis in mouse adrenal chromaffin cells by prostaglandin EP3 receptors.

Prostaglandin (PG) E(2) controls numerous physiological functions through a family of cognate G protein-coupled receptors (EP1-EP4). Targeting specific EP receptors might be therapeutically useful and reduce side effects associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors that block prostanoid synthesis. Systemic immune challenge and inflammatory cytokines have been shown to increase expression of the synthetic enzymes for PGE(2) in the adrenal gland. Catecholamines and other hormones, released from adrenal chromaffin cells in response to Ca(2+) influx through voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, play central roles in homeostatic function and the coordinated stress response. However, long-term elevation of circulating catecholamines contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension and heart failure. Here, we investigated the EP receptor(s) and cellular mechanisms by which PGE(2) might modulate chromaffin cell function. PGE(2) did not alter resting intracellular [Ca(2+)] or the peak amplitude of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor currents, but it did inhibit Ca(V)2 voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel currents (I(Ca)). This inhibition was voltage-dependent and mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, consistent with a direct Gßγ subunit-mediated mechanism common to other G(i/o)-coupled receptors. mRNA for all four EP receptors was detected, but using selective pharmacological tools and EP receptor knockout mice, we demonstrated that EP3 receptors mediate the inhibition of I(Ca). Finally, changes in membrane capacitance showed that Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis was reduced in parallel with I(Ca). To our knowledge, this is the first study of EP receptor signaling in mouse chromaffin cells and identifies a molecular mechanism for paracrine regulation of neuroendocrine function by PGE(2).