Evaluation of a rare glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor variant in a patient with diabetes.

AIMS: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone that augments insulin secretion in pancreatic ß-cells via its glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR). Recent genome-wide association studies identified a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in the GIPR encoding gene (GIPR), rs1800437, that is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. In the present study, we tested whether GIPR variants contribute to obesity and disturb glucose homeostasis or diabetes in specific patient populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Exon sequencing of GIPR was performed in 164 children with obesity and insulin resistance and in 80 children with paediatric-onset diabetes of unknown origin. The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) cohort, comprising 8320 adults, was screened for the GIPR variant Arg217Leu. GIPR variants were expressed in COS-7 cells and cAMP production was measured upon stimulation with GIP. Cell surface expression was determined by ELISA. Protein homology modelling of the GIPR variants was performed to extract three-dimensional information of the receptor. RESULTS: A heterozygous missense GIPR variant Arg217Leu (rs200485112) was identified in a patient of Asian ancestry. Functional characterization of Arg217Leu revealed reduced surface expression and signalling after GIP challenge. The homology model of the GIPR structure supports the observed functional relevance of Arg217Leu. CONCLUSION: In vitro functional studies and protein homology modelling indicate a potential relevance of the GIPR variant Arg217Leu in receptor function. The heterozygous variant displayed partial co-segregation with diabetes. Based on these findings, we suggest that GIPR variants may play a role in disturbed glucose homeostasis and may be of clinical relevance in homozygous patients.

Evidence of G-protein-coupled receptor and substrate transporter heteromerization at a single molecule level.

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can constitute complexes with non-GPCR integral membrane proteins, while such interaction has not been demonstrated at a single molecule level so far. We here investigated the potential interaction between the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), a member of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). Both the proteins are expressed endogenously on the basolateral plasma membrane of the thyrocytes and are involved in stimulation of thyroid hormone production and release. Indeed, we demonstrate strong interaction between both the proteins which causes a suppressed activation of Gq/11 by TSH-stimulated TSHR. Thus, we provide not only evidence for a novel interaction between the TSHR and MCT8, but could also prove this interaction on a single molecule level. Moreover, this interaction forces biased signaling at the TSHR. These results are of general interest for both the GPCR and the MFS research fields.

L-carnitine reduces in human conjunctival epithelial cells hypertonic-induced shrinkage through interacting with TRPV1 channels.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ocular surface health depends on conjunctival epithelial (HCjE) layer integrity since it protects against pathogenic infiltration and contributes to tissue hydration maintenance. As the same increases in tear film hyperosmolarity described in dry eye disease can increase corneal epithelial transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel activity, we evaluated its involvement in mediating an osmoprotective effect by L-carnitine against such stress. METHODS: Using siRNA gene silencing, Ca(2+) imaging, planar patch-clamping and relative cell volume measurements, we determined if the protective effects of this osmolyte stem from its interaction with TRPV1. RESULTS: TRPV1 activation by capsaicin (CAP) and an increase in osmolarity to ≈ 450 mOsM both induced increases in Ca(2+) levels. In contrast, blocking TRPV1 activation with capsazepine (CPZ) fully reversed this response. Similarly, L-carnitine (1 mM) also reduced underlying whole-cell currents. In calcein-AM loaded cells, hypertonic-induced relative cell volume shrinkage was fully blocked during exposure to L-carnitine. On the other hand, in TRPV1 gene-silenced cells, this protective effect by L-carnitine was obviated. CONCLUSION: The described L-carnitine osmoprotective effect is elicited through suppression of hypertonic-induced TRPV1 activation leading to increases in L-carnitine uptake through a described Na(+)-dependent L-carnitine transporter.

Chronic Mg2+ Deficiency Does Not Impair Insulin Secretion in Mice.

Magnesium is an essential mediator of a vast number of critical enzymatic cellular reactions in the human body. Some clinical epidemiological studies suggest that hypomagnesemia accounts for declines in insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the results of various experimental studies do not support this notion. To address this discrepancy, we assessed the short- and long-term effects of hypomagnesemia on ß-cell function and insulin secretion in primary mouse islets of Langerhans and in a mouse model of hypomagnesemia known as Trpm6Δ17 /fl;Villin1-Cre mice. We found that lowering the extracellular Mg2+ concentration from 1.2 mM to either 0.6 or 0.1 mM remarkably increased glucose-induced insulin secretion (GIIS) in primary islets isolated from C57BL/6 mice. Similarly, both the plasma insulin levels and GIIS rose in isolated islets of Trpm6Δ17 /fl;Villin1-Cre mice. We attribute these rises to augmented increases in intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic ß-cells. However, the glycemic metabolic profile was not impaired in Trpm6Δ17 /fl;Villin1-Cre mice, suggesting that chronic hypomagnesemia does not lead to insulin resistance. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that neither acute nor chronic Mg2+ deficiency suppresses glucose-induced rises in insulin secretion. Even though hypomagnesemia can be symptomatic of T2D, such deficiency may not account for declines in insulin release in this disease.

TRPM7 kinase is required for insulin production and compensatory islet responses during obesity.

Most overweight individuals do not develop diabetes due to compensatory islet responses to restore glucose homeostasis. Therefore, regulatory pathways that promote ß cell compensation are potential targets for treatment of diabetes. The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 protein (TRPM7), harboring a cation channel and a serine/threonine kinase, has been implicated in controlling cell growth and proliferation. Here, we report that selective deletion of Trpm7 in ß cells disrupted insulin secretion and led to progressive glucose intolerance. We indicate that the diminished insulinotropic response in ß cell-specific Trpm7-knockout mice was caused by decreased insulin production because of impaired enzymatic activity of this protein. Accordingly, high-fat-fed mice with a genetic loss of TRPM7 kinase activity displayed a marked glucose intolerance accompanied by hyperglycemia. These detrimental glucoregulatory effects were engendered by reduced compensatory ß cell responses because of mitigated protein kinase B (AKT)/ERK signaling. Collectively, our data identify TRPM7 kinase as a potentially novel regulator of insulin synthesis, ß cell dynamics, and glucose homeostasis under obesogenic diet.

3-Iodothyronamine Activates a Set of Membrane Proteins in Murine Hypothalamic Cell Lines.

3-Iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) is an endogenous thyroid hormone metabolite. The profound pharmacological effects of 3-T1AM on energy metabolism and thermal homeostasis have raised interest to elucidate its signaling properties in tissues that pertain to metabolic regulation and thermogenesis. Previous studies identified G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) as targets of 3-T1AM in different cell types. These two superfamilies of membrane proteins are largely expressed in tissue which influences energy balance and metabolism. As the first indication that 3-T1AM virtually modulates the function of the neurons in hypothalamus, we observed that intraperitoneal administration of 50 mg/kg bodyweight of 3-T1AM significantly increased the c-FOS activation in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of C57BL/6 mice. To elucidate the underlying mechanism behind this 3-T1AM-induced signalosome, we used three different murine hypothalamic cell lines, which are all known to express PVN markers, GT1-7, mHypoE-N39 (N39) and mHypoE-N41 (N41). Various aminergic GPCRs, which are the known targets of 3-T1AM, as well as numerous members of TRP channel superfamily, are expressed in these cell lines. Effects of 3-T1AM on activation of GPCRs were tested for the two major signaling pathways, the action of Gαs/adenylyl cyclase and Gi/o. Here, we demonstrated that this thyroid hormone metabolite has no significant effect on Gi/o signaling and only a minor effect on the Gαs/adenylyl cyclase pathway, despite the expression of known GPCR targets of 3-T1AM. Next, to test for other potential mechanisms involved in 3-T1AM-induced c-FOS activation in PVN, we evaluated the effect of 3-T1AM on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and whole-cell currents. The fluorescence-optic measurements showed a significant increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the three cell lines in the presence of 10 µM 3-T1AM. Furthermore, this thyroid hormone metabolite led to an increase of whole-cell currents in N41 cells. Interestingly, the TRPM8 selective inhibitor (10 µM AMTB) reduced the 3-T1AM stimulatory effects on cytosolic Ca2+ and whole-cell currents. Our results suggest that the profound pharmacological effects of 3-T1AM on selected brain nuclei of murine hypothalamus, which are known to be involved in energy metabolism and thermoregulation, might be partially attributable to TRP channel activation in hypothalamic cells.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Induced Downstream Responses to Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and 3-Iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) in Human Corneal Keratocytes.

This study was undertaken to determine if crosstalk among the transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin 8 (TRPM8), TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor triad modulates VEGF-induced Ca2+ signaling in human corneal keratocytes. Using RT-PCR, qPCR and immunohistochemistry, we determined TRPV1 and TRPM8 gene and protein coexpression in a human corneal keratocyte cell line (HCK) and human corneal cross sections. Fluorescence Ca2+ imaging using both a photomultiplier and a single cell digital imaging system as well as planar patch-clamping measured relative intracellular Ca2+ levels and underlying whole-cell currents. The TRPV1 agonist capsaicin increased both intracellular Ca2+ levels and whole-cell currents, while the antagonist capsazepine (CPZ) inhibited them. VEGF-induced Ca2+ transients and rises in whole-cell currents were suppressed by CPZ, whereas a selective TRPM8 antagonist, AMTB, increased VEGF signaling. In contrast, an endogenous thyroid hormone-derived metabolite 3-Iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) suppressed increases in the VEGF-induced current. The TRPM8 agonist menthol increased the currents, while AMTB suppressed this response. The VEGF-induced increases in Ca2+ influx and their underlying ionic currents stem from crosstalk between VEGFR and TRPV1, which can be impeded by 3-T1AM-induced TRPM8 activation. Such suppression in turn blocks VEGF-induced TRPV1 activation. Therefore, crosstalk between TRPM8 and TRPV1 inhibits VEGFR-induced activation of TRPV1.

An incretin-based tri-agonist promotes superior insulin secretion from murine pancreatic islets via PLC activation.

Recently, a unimolecular tri-agonist with activity at glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R), glucose dependent insulinotropic receptor, and the glucagon receptor was reported to improve glycemic control in mice. Here, we defined the underlying molecular mechanisms of enhanced insulin secretion in murine pancreatic islets for a specific tri-agonist. The tri-agonist induced an increase in insulin secretion from murine islets compared to the respective mono-agonists. GLP-1R mainly signals via activation of the Gαs pathway, but inhibition of protein kinase A (H89) and exchange protein activation by cAMP (EPAC) (ESI-09) could not completely block insulin release induced by tri-agonist. Electrophysiological observations identified a strong increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and whole-cell currents induced by tri-agonist via transient receptor potential channels (TRPs). Although, EPAC activation mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ via TRPs, the TRPs blockers (La3+ and Ruthenium Red) had a larger inhibitory impact than ESI-09 on tri-agonist stimulatory effects. To test for other potential mechanisms, we blocked PLC activity (U73122) which reduced the superior effect of tri-agonist to induce insulin secretion, and partially inhibited the induced Ca2+ influx. This result suggests that the relative effect of tri-agonist on insulin secretion caused by GLP-1R agonism is mediated mainly via Gαs signaling and partially by activation of PLC. Therefore, the large portion of the increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the enhanced whole-cell currents induced by tri-agonist might be attributable to TRP channel activation resulting from signaling through multiple G-proteins. Here, we suggest that broadened intracellular signaling may account for the superior in vivo effects observed with tri-agonism.

3-Iodothyronamine, a Novel Endogenous Modulator of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8?

The decarboxylated and deiodinated thyroid hormone (TH) derivative, 3-iodothyronamine (3-T1AM), is suggested to be involved in energy metabolism and thermoregulation. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are known as the main targets for 3-T1AM; however, transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) were also recently identified as new targets of 3-T1AM. This article reviews the current knowledge of a putative novel role of 3-T1AM in the modulation of TRPs. Specifically, the TRP melastatin 8 (TRPM8) was identified as a target of 3-T1AM in different cell types including neoplastic cells, whereby 3-T1AM significantly increased cytosolic Ca2+ through TRPM8 activation. Similarly, the ß-adrenergic receptor is involved in 3-T1AM-induced Ca2+ influx. Therefore, it has been suggested that 3-T1AM-induced Ca2+ mobilization might be due to ß-adrenergic receptor/TRPM8 channel interaction, which adds to the complexity of GPCR regulation by TRPs. It has been revealed that TRPM8 activation leads to a decline in TRPV1 activity, which may be of therapeutic benefit in clinical circumstances such as treatment of TRPV1-mediated inflammatory hyperalgesia, colitis, and dry eye syndrome. This review also summarizes the inverse association between changes in TRPM8 and TRPV1 activity after 3-T1AM stimulation. This finding prompted further detailed investigations of the interplay between 3-T1AM and the GPCR/TRPM8 axis and indicated the probability of additional GPCR/TRP constellations that are modulated by this TH derivative.

Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity by Rationally Designed Peptide Agonists Functioning at Multiple Metabolic Receptors.

Obesity and its comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes constitute major worldwide health threats, and the identification of an effective medical intervention has emerged as a global priority. The limited effectiveness of historical, anti-obesity treatments is commonly attributed to the complexity of the disease and the redundancy of metabolic regulatory mechanisms that sustain body weight. At the forefront of obesity research is the development of combinational drug therapies that simultaneously target multiple regulatory pathways, which promote dysfunctional metabolism. Recently, molecularly crafted unimolecular "multi-agonism" of balanced activity at 3 key receptors involved in metabolism and specifically the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon receptor was reported as superior to conventional monoagonist therapy. These mixed peptide agonists are designed to pharmacologically integrate the insulinotropic and anorexigenic effects of GLP-1, the thermogenic and lipolytic activities of glucagon, and the insulinotropic and insulin sensitizing properties of GIP. The molecular mechanism of these purposefully promiscuous ligands is not completely understood, however, recent studies in pancreatic beta cells point to the prospect of a complex signaling network that can magnify the signaling of multi-agonist ligands. The activation of this signalosome might explain the additional therapeutic benefit inherent to simultaneous cellular activation through multiple metabolic receptors.

Role of TRPV channels in regulating various pancreatic ß-cell functions: Lessons from in vitro studies.

Pancreatic ß-cell functions are regulated by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors. Calcium is one of the most potent triggers of ß-cell growth, insulin production and exocytosis. Recently, others and we showed that TRPV channels are expressed in insulin producing cell lines and/or primary ß-cells. These channels modulate calcium ions, insulin secretion and cell proliferation. Besides the classical roles of TRPV channels in the sensory system, there are also novel functions described in non-excitable cells such as in insulin-producing ß-cells. This review summarises the current knowledge about the expression and the role of TRPV channels in controlling ß-cell functions based upon studies performed in isolated primary ß-cells as well as permanent ß-cell models.

3-Iodothyronamine Decreases Expression of Genes Involved in Iodide Metabolism in Mouse Thyroids and Inhibits Iodide Uptake in PCCL3 Thyrocytes.

BACKGROUND: 3-Iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) is an endogenous decarboxylated thyroid hormone (TH) metabolite. Pharmacological doses of 3-T1AM decrease heart rate, body temperature, and metabolic rate in rodents-effects that are contrary to classic TH excess. Furthermore, a single dose of 3-T1AM was shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in rats. It was hypothesized that 3-T1AM might play a role in the fine-tuning of TH action and might have a direct regulatory effect on the thyroid gland. METHODS: This study tested whether repeated 3-T1AM treatment interfered with thyroid function and the HPT axis in mice. Therefore, male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg of 3-T1AM or vehicle daily for seven days. Additionally, the effects of 3-T1AM on the differentiated rat thyrocyte cell line PCCL3 were analyzed. RESULTS: Repeated administration of 3-T1AM decreased thyroidal mRNA content of the sodium iodide symporter (Nis), thyroglobulin, and pendrin in mice. No interference with the HPT axis was observed, as determined by unaltered pituitary mRNA levels of triiodothyronine-responsive genes, including thyrotropin subunit ß. Furthermore, 3-T1AM treatment did not change transcript levels of hepatic triiodothyronine-responsive genes, such as deiodinase 1. In line with this, serum TH concentrations were not changed after the treatment period of seven days. In concordance with the in vivo findings, 3-T1AM decreased the thyrotropin-dependent expression of Nis and functional iodide uptake in PCCL3 cells in vitro. Additionally, uptake and metabolism of 3-T1AM by PCCL3 cells was observed, as well as 3-T1AM-dependent changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration that might be involved in mediating the reported effects. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 3-T1AM application decreased expression of selected TH synthesis genes by acting directly on the thyroid gland, and it might therefore affect TH synthesis without involvement of the HPT axis.

Somatic mutations and progressive monosomy modify SAMD9-related phenotypes in humans.

It is well established that somatic genomic changes can influence phenotypes in cancer, but the role of adaptive changes in developmental disorders is less well understood. Here we have used next-generation sequencing approaches to identify de novo heterozygous mutations in sterile α motif domain-containing protein 9 (SAMD9, located on chromosome 7q21.2) in 8 children with a multisystem disorder termed MIRAGE syndrome that is characterized by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with gonadal, adrenal, and bone marrow failure, predisposition to infections, and high mortality. These mutations result in gain of function of the growth repressor product SAMD9. Progressive loss of mutated SAMD9 through the development of monosomy 7 (-7), deletions of 7q (7q-), and secondary somatic loss-of-function (nonsense and frameshift) mutations in SAMD9 rescued the growth-restricting effects of mutant SAMD9 proteins in bone marrow and was associated with increased length of survival. However, 2 patients with -7 and 7q- developed myelodysplastic syndrome, most likely due to haploinsufficiency of related 7q21.2 genes. Taken together, these findings provide strong evidence that progressive somatic changes can occur in specific tissues and can subsequently modify disease phenotype and influence survival. Such tissue-specific adaptability may be a more common mechanism modifying the expression of human genetic conditions than is currently recognized.

TRPV6 modulates proliferation of human pancreatic neuroendocrine BON-1 tumour cells.

Highly Ca(2+) permeable receptor potential channel vanilloid type 6 (TRPV6) modulates a variety of biological functions including calcium-dependent cell growth and apoptosis. So far, the role of TRPV6 in controlling growth of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (NET) cells is unknown. In the present study, we characterize the expression of TRPV6 in pancreatic BON-1 and QGP-1 NET cells. Furthermore, we evaluate the impact of TRPV6 on intracellular calcium, the activity of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and proliferation of BON-1 cells. TRPV6 expression was assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot. TRPV6 mRNA expression and protein production were down-regulated by siRNA. Changes in intracellular calcium levels were detected by fluorescence calcium imaging (fura-2/AM). NFAT activity was studied by NFAT reporter assay; cell proliferation by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), MTT and propidium iodine staining. TRPV6 mRNA and protein are present in BON-1 and QGP-1 NET-cells. Down-regulation of TRPV6 attenuates BON-1 cell proliferation. TRPV6 down-regulation is associated with decreased Ca(2+) response pattern and reduced NFAT activity. In conclusion, TRPV6 is expressed in pancreatic NETs and modulates cell proliferation via Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism, which is accompanied by NFAT activation.

Upregulation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type-1 Channel Activity and Ca2+ Influx Dysfunction in Human Pterygial Cells.

PURPOSE: The heat-sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel (i.e., capsaicin [CAP] receptor) is upregulated in numerous cancers. This study determined if this response occurs in fresh and cultured hyperplastic human pterygial epithelial tissues. METHODS: Reverse transcriptase PCR and quantitative real-time PCR, along with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, characterized TRPV1 expression patterns in pterygial and healthy conjunctival tissue, primary and immortalized pterygial cells (hPtEC), and primary and immortalized conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjEC). Imaging of Ca2+ and planar whole-cell patch-clamping evaluated TRP channel activity. An MTS assay measured cell metabolic activity and a cell growth assay monitored proliferation. RESULTS: Capsaicin (20 µM) and elevating bath temperature above 43°C activated Ca2+ transients more in hPtEC than HCjEC. Capsaicin induced corresponding changes in inward currents that were inhibited by 20 µM capsazepine (CPZ). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) also increased Ca2+-influx and induced corresponding inward currents more in hPtEC than in HCjEC, whereas CPZ (20 µM), BCTC (20 µM), or La3+ (500 µM) reduced these responses, respectively. Whereas epidermal growth factor (EGF) increased proliferation more in hPtEC than in HCjEC, VEGF had no effect on this response. Capsazepine suppressed hPtEC proliferation induced by EGF and VEGF, whereas it was cytotoxic to HCjEC. CONCLUSIONS: Mitogenic responses to EGF and VEGF are mediated through TRPV1 transactivation. Only in hPtEC do the increases in proliferation induced by EGF exceed those in HCjEC. Therefore, TRPV1 is a potential drug target whose clinical relevance in treating pterygium warrants further assessment.

3-Iodothyronamine increases transient receptor potential melastatin channel 8 (TRPM8) activity in immortalized human corneal epithelial cells.

3-Iodothyronamine (3T1AM) is an endogenous thyroid hormone metabolite that interacts with the human trace amine-associated receptor 1 (hTAAR1), a G-protein-coupled receptor, to induce numerous physiological responses including dose-dependent body temperature lowering in rodents. 3T1AM also directly activates cold-sensitive transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channels in human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjEC) at constant temperature as well as reducing rises in IL-6 release induced by transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation by capsaicin (CAP). Here, we describe that 3T1AM-induced TRPM8 activation suppresses through crosstalk TRPV1 activation in immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC). RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining identified TRPM8 gene and protein expression. Increases in Ca(2+) influx induced by the TRPM8 agonists either 3T1AM (0.1-10 µM), menthol (500 µM), icilin (15-60 µM) or temperature lowering (either <17°C or >17°C) were all blocked by 10-20 µM BCTC, a mixed TRPV1/TRPM8 antagonist. BCTC blocked 3T1AM-induced recombinant TRPM8 activation of Ca(2+) transients in an osteosarcoma heterologous expression system. The effects of BCTC in HCEC were attributable to selective TRPM8 inhibition since whole-cell patch-clamp currents underlying Ca(2+) rises induced by 20 µM CAP were BCTC insensitive. On the other hand, Ca(2+) transients induced by activating TRPV1 with either CAP or a hyperosmolar medium were suppressed during exposure to either 1 µM 3T1AM or 15 µM icilin. All of these modulatory effects on intracellular Ca(2+) regulation induced by the aforementioned agents were attributable to changes in underlying inward and outward current. Taken together, TRPM8 activation by 3T1AM markedly attenuates and even eliminates hyperosmolar and CAP induced TRPV1 activation through crosstalk.

The Multitarget Ligand 3-Iodothyronamine Modulates ß-Adrenergic Receptor 2 Signaling.

BACKGROUND: 3-Iodothyronamine (3-T1AM), a signaling molecule with structural similarities to thyroid hormones, induces numerous physiological responses including reversible body temperature decline. One target of 3-T1AM is the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), which is a member of the rhodopsin-like family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Interestingly, the effects of 3-T1AM remain detectable in TAAR1 knockout mice, suggesting further targets for 3-T1AM such as adrenergic receptors. Therefore, we evaluated whether ß-adrenergic receptor 1 (ADRB1) and 2 (ADRB2) signaling is affected by 3-T1AM in HEK293 cells and in human conjunctival epithelial cells (IOBA-NHC), where these receptors are highly expressed endogenously. METHODS: A label-free EPIC system for prescreening the 3-T1AM-induced effects on ADRB1 and ADRB2 in transfected HEK293 cells was used. In addition, ADRB1 and ADRB2 activation was analyzed using a cyclic AMP assay and a MAPK reporter gene assay. Finally, fluorescence Ca(2+) imaging was utilized to delineate 3-T1AM-induced Ca(2+) signaling. RESULTS: 3-T1AM (10(-5)-10(-10)M) enhanced isoprenaline-induced ADRB2-mediated Gs signaling but not that of ADRB1-mediated signaling. MAPK signaling remained unaffected for both receptors. In IOBA-NHC cells, norepinephrine-induced Ca(2+) influxes were blocked by the nonselective ADRB blocker timolol (10 µM), indicating that ADRBs are most likely linked with Ca(2+) channels. Notably, timolol was also found to block 3-T1AM (10(-5)M)-induced Ca(2+) influx. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data support that 3-T1AM directly modulates ß-adrenergic receptor signaling. The relationship between 3-T1AM and ß-adrenergic signaling also reveals a potential therapeutic value for suppressing Ca(2+) channel-mediated inflammation processes, occurring in eye diseases such as conjunctivitis.

Thyronamine induces TRPM8 channel activation in human conjunctival epithelial cells.

3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM), an endogenous thyroid hormone (TH) metabolite, induces numerous responses including a spontaneously reversible body temperature decline. As such an effect is associated in the eye with increases in basal tear flow and thermosensitive transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel activation, we determined in human conjunctival epithelial cells (IOBA-NHC) if T1AM also acts as a cooling agent to directly affect TRPM8 activation at a constant temperature. RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) along with immunocytochemistry probed for TRPM8 gene and protein expression whereas functional activity was evaluated by comparing the effects of T1AM with those of TRPM8 mediators on intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) and whole-cell currents. TRPM8 gene and protein expression was evident and icilin (20µM), a TRPM8 agonist, increased Ca(2+) influx as well as whole-cell currents whereas BCTC (10µM), a TRPM8 antagonist, suppressed these effects. Similarly, either temperature lowering below 23°C or T1AM (1µM) induced Ca(2+) transients that were blocked by this antagonist. TRPM8 activation by both 1µM T1AM and 20µM icilin prevented capsaicin (CAP) (20µM) from inducing increases in Ca(2+) influx through TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation, whereas BCTC did not block this response. CAP (20µM) induced a 2.5-fold increase in IL-6 release whereas during exposure to 20µM capsazepine this rise was completely blocked. Similarly, T1AM (1µM) prevented this response. Taken together, T1AM like icilin is a cooling agent since they both directly elicit TRPM8 activation at a constant temperature. Moreover, there is an inverse association between changes in TRPM8 and TRPV1 activity since these cooling agents blocked both CAP-induced TRPV1 activation and downstream rises in IL-6 release.

Role of Somatic Testicular Cells during Mouse Spermatogenesis in Three-Dimensional Collagen Gel Culture System.

OBJECTIVE: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only cell type that can restore fertility to an infertile recipient following transplantation. Much effort has been made to develop a protocol for differentiating isolated SSCs in vitro. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) culture system has been introduced as an appropriate microenvironment for clonal expansion and differentiation of SSCs. This system provides structural support and multiple options for several manipulation such as addition of different cells. Somatic cells have a critical role in stimulating spermatogenesis. They provide complex cell to cell interaction, transport proteins and produce enzymes and regulatory factors. This study aimed to optimize the culture condition by adding somatic testicular cells to the collagen gel culture system in order to induce spermatogenesis progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, the disassociation of SSCs was performed by using a two-step enzymatic digestion of type I collagenase, hyaluronidase and DNase. Somatic testicular cells including Sertoli cells and peritubular cells were obtained after the second digestion. SSCs were isolated by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) using GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (Gfrα-1) antibody. Two experimental designs were investigated. 1. Gfrα-1 positive SSCs were cultured in a collagen solution. 2. Somatic testicular cells were added to the Gfrα-1 positive SSCs in a collagen solution. Spermatogenesis progression was determined after three weeks by staining of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3)-positive cells. Semi-quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR was undertaken for SCP3 as a meiotic marker and, Crem and Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1) as post meiotic markers. For statistical analysis student t test was performed. RESULTS: Testicular supporter cells increased the expression of meiotic and post meiotic markers and had a positive effect on extensive colony formation. CONCLUSION: Collagen gel culture system supported by somatic testicular cells provides a microenvironment that mimics seminiferous epithelium and induces spermatogenesis in vitro.

Calcium regulation by temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels in human uveal melanoma cells.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is both the most common and fatal intraocular cancer among adults worldwide. As with all types of neoplasia, changes in Ca(2+) channel regulation can contribute to the onset and progression of this pathological condition. Transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) are two different types of Ca(2+) permeation pathways that can be dysregulated during neoplasia. We determined in malignant human UM and healthy uvea and four different UM cell lines whether there is gene and functional expression of TRP subtypes and CB1 since they could serve as drug targets to either prevent or inhibit initiation and progression of UM. RT-PCR, Ca(2+) transients, immunohistochemistry and planar patch-clamp analysis probed for their gene expression and functional activity, respectively. In UM cells, TRPV1 and TRPM8 gene expression was identified. Capsaicin (CAP), menthol or icilin induced Ca(2+) transients as well as changes in ion current behavior characteristic of TRPV1 and TRPM8 expression. Such effects were blocked with either La(3+), capsazepine (CPZ) or BCTC. TRPA1 and CB1 are highly expressed in human uvea, but TRPA1 is not expressed in all UM cell lines. In UM cells, the CB1 agonist, WIN 55,212-2, induced Ca(2+) transients, which were suppressed by La(3+) and CPZ whereas CAP-induced Ca(2+) transients could also be suppressed by CB1 activation. Identification of functional TRPV1, TRPM8, TRPA1 and CB1 expression in these tissues may provide novel drug targets for treatment of this aggressive neoplastic disease.