Identification and characterization of select oxysterols as ligands for GPR17.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: G-protein coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) is an orphan receptor involved in the process of myelination, due to its ability to inhibit the maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) into myelinating oligodendrocytes. Despite multiple claims that the biological ligand has been identified, it remains an orphan receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Seventy-seven oxysterols were screened in a cell-free [35 S]GTPγS binding assay using membranes from cells expressing GPR17. The positive hits were characterized using adenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), inositol monophosphate (IP1) and calcium mobilization assays, with results confirmed in rat primary oligodendrocytes. Rat and pig brain extracts were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and endogenous activator(s) were identified in receptor activation assays. Gene expression studies of GPR17, and CYP46A1 (cytochrome P450 family 46 subfamily A member 1) enzymes responsible for the conversion of cholesterol into specific oxysterols, were performed using quantitative real-time PCR. KEY RESULTS: Five oxysterols were able to stimulate GPR17 activity, including the brain cholesterol, 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC). A specific brain fraction from rat and pig extracts containing 24S-HC activates GPR17 in vitro. Expression of Gpr17 during mouse brain development correlates with the expression of Cyp46a1 and the levels of 24S-HC itself. Other active oxysterols have low brain concentrations below effective ranges. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Oxysterols, including but not limited to 24S-HC, could be physiological activators for GPR17 and thus potentially regulate OPC differentiation and myelination through activation of the receptor.

The PAR2 signal peptide prevents premature receptor cleavage and activation.

Unlike closely related GPCRs, protease-activated receptors (PAR1, PAR2, PAR3, and PAR4) have a predicted signal peptide at their N-terminus, which is encoded by a separate exon, suggesting that the signal peptides of PARs may serve an important and unique function, specific for PARs. In this report, we show that the PAR2 signal peptide, when fused to the N-terminus of IgG-Fc, effectively induced IgG-Fc secretion into culture medium, thus behaving like a classical signal peptide. The presence of PAR2 signal peptide has a strong effect on PAR2 cell surface expression, as deletion of the signal peptide (PAR2ΔSP) led to dramatic reduction of the cell surface expression and decreased responses to trypsin or the synthetic peptide ligand (SLIGKV). However, further deletion of the tethered ligand region (SLIGKV) at the N-terminus rescued the cell surface receptor expression and the response to the synthetic peptide ligand, suggesting that the signal peptide of PAR2 may be involved in preventing PAR2 from intracellular protease activation before reaching the cell surface. Supporting this hypothesis, an Arg36Ala mutation on PAR2ΔSP, which disabled the trypsin activation site, increased the receptor cell surface expression and the response to ligand stimulation. Similar effects were observed when PAR2ΔSP expressing cells were treated with protease inhibitors. Our findings indicated that there is a role of the PAR2 signal peptide in preventing the premature activation of PAR2 from intracellular protease cleavage before reaching the cells surface. The same mechanism may also apply to PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4.

GPR139 and Dopamine D2 Receptor Co-express in the Same Cells of the Brain and May Functionally Interact.

GPR139, a Gq-coupled receptor that is activated by the essential amino acids L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine, is predominantly expressed in the brain and pituitary. The physiological function of GPR139 remains elusive despite the availability of pharmacological tool agonist compounds and knock-out mice. Whole tissue RNA sequencing data from human, mouse and rat tissues revealed that GPR139 and the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) exhibited some similarities in their distribution patterns in the brain and pituitary gland. To determine if there was true co-expression of these two receptors, we applied double in situ hybridization in mouse tissues using the RNAscope® technique. GPR139 and DRD2 mRNA co-expressed in a majority of same cells within part of the dopaminergic mesolimbic pathways (ventral tegmental area and olfactory tubercle), the nigrostriatal pathway (compact part of substantia nigra and caudate putamen), and also the tuberoinfundibular pathway (arcuate hypothalamic nucleus and anterior lobe of pituitary). Both receptors mRNA also co-express in the same cells of the brain regions involved in responses to negative stimulus and stress, such as lateral habenula, lateral septum, interpeduncular nucleus, and medial raphe nuclei. GPR139 mRNA expression was detected in the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus as well as the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. The functional interaction between GPR139 and DRD2 was studied in vitro using a calcium mobilization assay in cells co-transfected with both receptors from several species (human, rat, and mouse). The dopamine DRD2 agonist did not stimulate calcium response in cells expressing DRD2 alone consistent with the Gi signaling transduction pathway of this receptor. In cells co-transfected with DRD2 and GPR139 the DRD2 agonist was able to stimulate calcium response and its effect was blocked by either a DRD2 or a GPR139 antagonist supporting an in vitro interaction between GPR139 and DRD2. Taken together, these data showed that GPR139 and DRD2 are in position to functionally interact in native tissue.

Mutagenesis of GPR139 reveals ways to create gain or loss of function receptors.

GPR139 is a Gq-coupled receptor activated by the essential amino acids L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and L-phenylalanine (L-Phe). We carried out mutagenesis studies of the human GPR139 receptor to identify the critical structural motifs required for GPR139 activation. We applied site-directed and high throughput random mutagenesis approaches using a double addition normalization strategy to identify novel GPR139 sequences coding receptors that have altered sensitivity to endogenous ligands. This approach resulted in GPR139 clones with gain-of-function, reduction-of-function or loss-of-function mutations. The agonist pharmacology of these mutant receptors was characterized and compared to wild-type receptor using calcium mobilization, radioligand binding, and protein expression assays. The structure-activity data were incorporated into a homology model which highlights that many of the gain-of-function mutations are either in or immediately adjacent to the purported orthosteric ligand binding site, whereas the loss-of-function mutations were largely in the intracellular G-protein binding area or were disrupters of the helix integrity. There were also some reduction-of-function mutations in the orthosteric ligand binding site. These findings may not only facilitate the rational design of novel agonists and antagonists of GPR139, but also may guide the design of transgenic animal models to study the physiological function of GPR139.

Re-evaluation of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Activation of GPR139 in Vitro.

It is now well established that GPR139, a G-protein coupled receptor exclusively expressed in the brain and pituitary, is activated by the essential amino acids L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) via Gαq-coupling. The in vitro affinity and potency values of L-Trp and L-Phe are within the physiological concentration ranges of L-Trp and L-Phe. A recent paper suggests that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), α and ß melanocyte stimulating hormones (α-MSH and ß-MSH) and derivatives α-MSH1-9/α-MSH1-10 can also activate GPR139 in vitro. We tested this hypothesis using guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate binding (GTPγS), calcium mobilization and [3H]JNJ-63533054 radioligand binding assays. In the GTPγS binding assay, α-MSH, α-MSH1-9/α-MSH1-10, and ß-MSH had no effect on [35S]GTPγS incorporation in cell membranes expressing GPR139 up to 30 µM in contrast to the concentration dependent activation produced by L-Trp, JNJ-63533054, and TC-09311 (two small molecule GPR139 agonists). ACTH slightly decreased the basal level of [35S]GTPγS incorporation at 30 µM. In the GPR139 radioligand binding assay, a moderate displacement of [3H]JNJ-63533054 binding by ACTH and ß-MSH was observed at 30 µM (40 and 30%, respectively); α-MSH, α-MSH1-9/α-MSH1-10 did not displace any specific binding at 30 µM. In three different host cell lines stably expressing GPR139, α-MSH, and ß-MSH did not stimulate calcium mobilization in contrast to L-Trp, JNJ-63533054, and TC-09311. ACTH, α-MSH1-9/α-MSH1-10 only weakly stimulated calcium mobilization at 30 µM (<50% of EC100). We then co-transfected GPR139 with the three melanocortin (MC) receptors (MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R) to test the hypothesis that ACTH, α-MSH, and ß-MSH might stimulate calcium mobilization through a MCR/GPR139 interaction. All three MC peptides stimulated calcium response in cells co-transfected with GPR139 and MC3R, MC4R, or MC5R. The MC peptides did not stimulate calcium response in cells expressing MC3R or MC5R alone consistent with the Gs signaling transduction pathway of these receptors. In agreement with the previously reported multiple signaling pathways of MC4R, including Gq transduction pathway, the MC peptides produced a calcium response in cells expressing MC4R alone. Together, our findings do not support that GPR139 is activated by ACTH, α-MSH, and ß-MSH at physiologically relevant concentration but we did unravel an in vitro interaction between GPR139 and the MCRs.

Fluoro analogs of bioactive oxy-sterols: Synthesis of an EBI2 agonist with enhanced metabolic stability.

Synthesis of several 7-hydroxy oxysterols and their potential roles as signaling molecules in the innate and adaptive immune responses is discussed. Discovery of a new, fluorinated, synthetic analog of the 7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol-the endogenous ligand of GPR 183 (EBI2), a G-protein coupled receptor highly expressed upon Epstein-Barr virus infection is described. Fluoro oxysterol 12 showed good metabolic stability while maintaining excellent EBI2 agonist activity.

GPR139, an Orphan Receptor Highly Enriched in the Habenula and Septum, Is Activated by the Essential Amino Acids L-Tryptophan and L-Phenylalanine.

GPR139 is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in the central nervous system. To identify its physiologic ligand, we measured GPR139 receptor activity from recombinant cells after treatment with amino acids, orphan ligands, serum, and tissue extracts. GPR139 activity was measured using guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)-triphosphate binding, calcium mobilization, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases phosphorylation assays. Amino acids L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) activated GPR139, with EC50 values in the 30- to 300-µM range, consistent with the physiologic concentrations of L-Trp and L-Phe in tissues. Chromatography of rat brain, rat serum, and human serum extracts revealed two peaks of GPR139 activity, which corresponded to the elution peaks of L-Trp and L-Phe. With the purpose of identifying novel tools to study GPR139 function, a high-throughput screening campaign led to the identification of a selective small-molecule agonist [JNJ-63533054, (S)-3-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-((1-phenylethyl)amino)ethyl) benzamide]. The tritium-labeled JNJ-63533054 bound to cell membranes expressing GPR139 and could be specifically displaced by L-Trp and L-Phe. Sequence alignment revealed that GPR139 is highly conserved across species, and RNA sequencing studies of rat and human tissues indicated its exclusive expression in the brain and pituitary gland. Immunohistochemical analysis showed specific expression of the receptor in circumventricular regions of the habenula and septum in mice. Together, these findings suggest that L-Trp and L-Phe are candidate physiologic ligands for GPR139, and we hypothesize that this receptor may act as a sensor to detect dynamic changes of L-Trp and L-Phe in the brain.

Identification and SAR of Glycine Benzamides as Potent Agonists for the GPR139 Receptor.

A focused high throughput screening for GPR139 was completed for a select 100K compounds, and new agonist leads were identified. Subsequent analysis and structure-activity relationship studies identified (S)-3-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-((1-phenylethyl)amino)ethyl)benzamide 7c as a potent and selective agonist of hGPR139 with an EC50 = 16 nM. The compound was found to cross the blood-brain barrier and have good drug-like properties amenable for oral dosing in rat.

Oxysterols are agonist ligands of RORγt and drive Th17 cell differentiation.

The RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) is a nuclear receptor required for generating IL-17-producing CD4(+) Th17 T cells, which are essential in host defense and may play key pathogenic roles in autoimmune diseases. Oxysterols elicit profound effects on immune and inflammatory responses as well as on cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Here, we describe the identification of several naturally occurring oxysterols as RORγt agonists. The most potent and selective activator for RORγt is 7ß, 27-dihydroxycholesterol (7ß, 27-OHC). We show that these oxysterols reverse the inhibitory effect of an RORγt antagonist, ursolic acid, in RORγ- or RORγt-dependent cell-based reporter assays. These ligands bind directly to recombinant RORγ ligand binding domain (LBD), promote recruitment of a coactivator peptide, and reduce binding of a corepressor peptide to RORγ LBD. In primary cells, 7ß, 27-OHC and 7α, 27-OHC enhance the differentiation of murine and human IL-17-producing Th17 cells in an RORγt-dependent manner. Importantly, we showed that Th17, but not Th1 cells, preferentially produce these two oxysterols. In vivo, administration of 7ß, 27-OHC in mice enhanced IL-17 production. Mice deficient in CYP27A1, a key enzyme in generating these oxysterols, showed significant reduction of IL-17-producing cells, including CD4(+) and γδ(+) T cells, similar to the deficiency observed in RORγt knockout mice. Our results reveal a previously unknown mechanism for selected oxysterols as immune modulators and a direct role for CYP27A1 in generating these RORγt agonist ligands, which we propose as RORγt endogenous ligands, driving both innate and adaptive IL-17-dependent immune responses.

Identification of structural motifs critical for epstein-barr virus-induced molecule 2 function and homology modeling of the ligand docking site.

Epstein-Barr virus-induced molecule 2 (EBI2) (also known as G-protein-coupled receptor 183) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is best known for its role in B cell migration and localization. Our recent deorphanization effort led to the discovery of 7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol (7α,25-OHC) as the endogenous ligand for EBI2, which provides a tool for mechanistic studies of EBI2 function. Because EBI2 is the first GPCR known to bind and to be activated by an oxysterol, the goal of this study was to understand the molecular and structural bases for its ligand-dependent activation; this was achieved by identifying structural moieties in EBI2 or in 7α,25-OHC that might affect receptor-ligand interactions. By using a series of chemically related OHC analogs, we demonstrated that all three hydroxyl groups in 7α,25-OHC contributed to ligand-induced activation of the receptor. To determine the location and composition of the ligand binding domain in EBI2, we used a site-directed mutagenesis approach and generated mutant receptors with single amino acid substitutions at selected positions of interest. Biochemical and pharmacological profiling of these mutant receptors allowed for structure-function analyses and revealed critical motifs that likely interact with 7α,25-OHC. By using a hybrid ß(2)-adrenergic receptor-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 structure as a template, we created a homology model for EBI2 and optimized the docking of 7α,25-OHC into the putative ligand binding site, so that the hydroxyl groups interact with residues Arg87, Asn114, and Glu183. This model of ligand docking yields important structural insight into the molecular mechanisms mediating EBI2 function and may facilitate future efforts to design novel therapeutic agents that target EBI2.

3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid, a specific agonist for hydroxycarboxylic acid 1, inhibits lipolysis in adipocytes.

Niacin raises high-density lipoprotein and lowers low-density lipoprotein through the activation of the ß-hydroxybutyrate receptor hydroxycarboxylic acid 2 (HCA2) (aka GPR109a) but with an unwanted side effect of cutaneous flushing caused by vascular dilation because of the stimulation of HCA2 receptors in Langerhans cells in skin. HCA1 (aka GPR81), predominantly expressed in adipocytes, was recently identified as a receptor for lactate. Activation of HCA1 in adipocytes by lactate results in the inhibition of lipolysis, suggesting that agonists for HCA1 may be useful for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Lactate is a metabolite of glucose, suggesting that HCA1 may also be involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism. The low potency of lactate to activate HCA1, coupled with its fast turnover rate in vivo, render it an inadequate tool for studying the biological role of lactate/HCA1 in vivo. In this article, we demonstrate the identification of 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3-HBA) as an agonist for both HCA2 and HCA1, whereas 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) is a specific agonist for only HCA1 (EC(50) ∼150 µM). 3,5-DHBA inhibits lipolysis in wild-type mouse adipocytes but not in HCA1-deficient adipocytes. Therefore, 3,5-DHBA is a useful tool for the in vivo study of HCA1 function and offers a base for further HCA1 agonist design. Because 3-HBA and 3,5-DHBA are polyphenolic acids found in many natural products, such as fruits, berries, and coffee, it is intriguing to speculate that other heretofore undiscovered natural substances may have therapeutic benefits.

Identification of Hydroxybenzoic Acids as Selective Lactate Receptor (GPR81) Agonists with Antilipolytic Effects.

Following the characterization of the lactate receptor (GPR81), a focused screening effort afforded 3-hydroxybenzoic acid 1 as a weak agonist of both GPR81 and GPR109a (niacin receptor). An examination of structurally similar arylhydroxy acids led to the identification of 3-chloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid 2, a selective GPR81 agonist that exhibited favorable in vivo effects on lipolysis in a mouse model of obesity.

Study of GPR81, the lactate receptor, from distant species identifies residues and motifs critical for GPR81 functions.

Receptors from distant species may have conserved functions despite significant differences in protein sequences. Whereas the noncritical residues are often changed in distant species, the amino acids critical in receptor functions are often conserved. Studying the conserved residues between receptors from distant species offers valuable information to probe the roles of residues in receptor function. We identified two zebrafish receptors (zGPR81-1 and zGPR81-2) that show approximately 60% identity to human GPR81, GPR109a, and GPR109b but respond only to l-lactate and not to the GPR109a ligands. Protein sequence comparison among zebrafish GPR81s, mammalian GPR81s, GPR109a, and GPR109b identified a common structure (six Cys residues at the extracellular domains that potentially form three disulfide bonds) in this subfamily of receptors. In addition, a number of residues conserved in all GPR81s but not in GPR109s have been identified. Furthermore, we identified a conserved motif, C165-E166-S167-F168, at the second extracellular loop of GPR81. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that Arg71 at the transmembrane domain 2 is very critical for GPR81 function. In addition, we demonstrated that the C165-E166-S167-F168 motif at the second extracellular loop is critical for GPR81 function, and the conserved six Cys residues at the extracellular regions are necessary for GPR81 function. It is important to mention that for those residues important for GPR81 function, the corresponding residues or motifs in GPR109a are also critical for GPR109a function. These findings help us better understand the interaction between lactate and GPR81 and provide useful information for GPR81 ligand design.

Oxysterols direct B-cell migration through EBI2.

EBI2 (also called GPR183) is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor that is highly expressed in spleen and upregulated upon Epstein-Barr-virus infection. Recent studies indicated that this receptor controls follicular B-cell migration and T-cell-dependent antibody production. Oxysterols elicit profound effects on immune and inflammatory responses as well as on cholesterol metabolism. The biological effects of oxysterols have largely been credited to the activation of nuclear hormone receptors. Here we isolate oxysterols from porcine spleen extracts and show that they are endogenous ligands for EBI2. The most potent ligand and activator is 7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol (OHC), with a dissociation constant of 450 pM for EBI2. In vitro, 7α,25-OHC stimulated the migration of EBI2-expressing mouse B and T cells with half-maximum effective concentration values around 500 pM, but had no effect on EBI2-deficient cells. In vivo, EBI2-deficient B cells or normal B cells desensitized by 7α,25-OHC pre-treatment showed reduced homing to follicular areas of the spleen. Blocking the synthesis of 7α,25-OHC in vivo with clotrimazole, a CYP7B1 inhibitor, reduced the content of 7α,25-OHC in the mouse spleen and promoted the migration of adoptively transferred pre-activated B cells to the T/B boundary (the boundary between the T-zone and B-zone in the spleen follicle), mimicking the phenotype of pre-activated B cells from EBI2-deficient mice. Our results show an unexpected causal link between EBI2, an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor controlling B-cell migration, and the known immunological effects of certain oxysterols, thus uncovering a previously unknown role for this class of molecules.

Modulation of hippocampal theta oscillations and spatial memory by relaxin-3 neurons of the nucleus incertus.

Hippocampal theta rhythm is thought to underlie learning and memory, and it is well established that "pacemaker" neurons in medial septum (MS) modulate theta activity. Recent studies in the rat demonstrated that brainstem-generated theta rhythm occurs through a multisynaptic pathway via the nucleus incertus (NI), which is the primary source of the neuropeptide relaxin-3 (RLN3). Therefore, this study examined the possible contribution of RLN3 to MS activity, and associated hippocampal theta activity and spatial memory. In anesthetized and conscious rats, we identified the ability of intraseptal RLN3 signaling to modulate neuronal activity in the MS and hippocampus and promote hippocampal theta rhythm. Behavioral studies in a spontaneous alternation task indicated that endogenous RLN3 signaling within MS promoted spatial memory and exploratory activity significantly increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in RLN3-producing NI neurons. Anatomical studies demonstrated axons/terminals from NI/RLN3 neurons make close contact with septal GABAergic (and cholinergic) neurons, including those that project to the hippocampus. In summary, RLN3 neurons of the NI can modulate spatial memory and underlying hippocampal theta activity through axonal projections to pacemaker neurons of the MS. NI/RLN3 neurons are highly responsive to stress and express corticotropin-releasing factor type-1 receptors, suggesting that the effects observed could be an important component of memory processing associated with stress responses.

Probing the functional domains of relaxin-3 and the creation of a selective antagonist for RXFP3/GPCR135 over relaxin receptor RXFP1/LGR7.

Both relaxin-3 and its receptor (RXFP3, also known as GPCR135) are predominantly expressed in brain regions known to play important roles in processing sensory signals. Recent studies have shown that relaxin-3 is involved in the regulation of stress and feeding behaviors. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of relaxin-3/RXFP3 in the regulation of stress, feeding, and other potential functions remain to be studied. Since relaxin-3 also activates the relaxin receptor (RXFP1, also known as LGR7), which is also expressed in the brain, selective RXFP3 agonists and antagonists are crucial for study of the physiological functions of relaxin-3 and RXFP3 in vivo. The finding that the B chain of relaxin-3 is an agonist for RXFP3 (albeit at low potency) but not RXFP1 suggests that the B chain of relaxin-3 plays a dominant role for RXFP3 binding and activation. Chimeric peptide studies using the B chain from relaxin-3 and the A chains from different members of the insulin and relaxin family have confirmed this hypothesis and led to the generation of R3/I5 (a chimeric peptide with relaxin-3 B chain and INSL5 A chain) as a selective agonist for RXFP3 over RXFP1. Truncation of the C-terminus of the B chain of R3/I5 results in a high-affinity antagonist, R3(BDelta23-27)R/I5, for RXFP3 over RXFP1. R3(BDelta23-27)R/I5 has pA2 values of 9.15 and 9.6 for human and rat RXFP3, respectively, but has no affinity or agonistic activity for the human and rat RXFP1. Ongoing and future in vivo studies using the selective agonist and antagonist for RXFP3 will shed light on the physiological role of the relaxin-3 system.

Metabolic and neuroendocrine responses to RXFP3 modulation in the central nervous system.

Neuroanatomical studies have shown relaxin-3 neurons, primarily found in the rodent nucleus incertus (NI), project widely into a large number of areas expressing the relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3), and these data suggest relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling modulates sensory, emotional, and neuroendocrine processing. The similar distribution of this receptor-ligand pair in the rat, mouse, and monkey brain suggests that experimental findings obtained in lower species will translate to higher species. A role for relaxin-3 and RXFP3 in modulating stress responses is strongly suggested by the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor R1 (CRF-R1) by NI cells, increased relaxin-3 expression in the NI after stress or CRF injection, and hormonal responses to intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) relaxin-3 injection. Recent data are consistent with a further role for this ligand-receptor pair in modulating memory. In addition, relaxin-3 has been reported to modulate feeding and body weight control. Acute or chronic central (i.c.v. or intraparaventricular) injections of relaxin-3 have shown a consistent stimulatory effect on food consumption while relaxin was inactive, suggesting the phagic effect of relaxin-3 is mediated by RXFP3. We have confirmed the role of RXFP3 in modulating feeding and body weight by using a selective RXFP3 agonist (R3/I5) and antagonist [R3(Delta23-27)R/I5], collecting feeding, body weight, hormone, and body composition data. In addition, we have preliminary body weight and magnetic resonance imaging data from relaxin-3 knockout mice, which on a 129S5:B6 background are smaller and leaner than congenic controls. These data suggest relaxin-3, acting through RXFP3, is involved in coordinating stress, learning and memory, and feeding responses as predicted on the basis of neuroanatomy.

Lactate inhibits lipolysis in fat cells through activation of an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR81.

Lactic acid is a well known metabolic by-product of intense exercise, particularly under anaerobic conditions. Lactate is also a key source of energy and an important metabolic substrate, and it has also been hypothesized to be a signaling molecule directing metabolic activity. Here we show that GPR81, an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in fat, is in fact a sensor for lactate. Lactate activates GPR81 in its physiological concentration range of 1-20 mM and suppresses lipolysis in mouse, rat, and human adipocytes as well as in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Adipocytes from GPR81-deficient mice lack an antilipolytic response to lactate but are responsive to other antilipolytic agents. Lactate specifically induces internalization of GPR81 after receptor activation. Site-directed mutagenesis of GPR81 coupled with homology modeling demonstrates that classically conserved key residues in the transmembrane binding domains are responsible for interacting with lactate. Our results indicate that lactate suppresses lipolysis in adipose tissue through a direct activation of GPR81. GPR81 may thus be an attractive target for the treatment of dyslipidemia and other metabolic disorders.

Identification of the domains in RXFP4 (GPCR142) responsible for the high affinity binding and agonistic activity of INSL5 at RXFP4 compared to RXFP3 (GPCR135).

Relaxin-3 is a potent agonist for both G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) RXFP3 (also known as GPCR135) and RXFP4 (also known as GPCR142) while insulin-like peptides 5 (INSL5) is a selective RXFP4 agonist. INSL5 is also a weak (low affinity) RXFP3 antagonist. RXFP3 and RXFP4 share about 50% homology. We have used gain-of-function (RXFP3 --> RXFP4) and loss-of-function (RXFP4 --> RXFP3) chimeras to identify the domains critical for the binding and activation induced by INSL5. Replacing extracellular loop (EL) 1 or EL3 of RXFP3 with the corresponding domains from RXFP4 does not change the RXFP3 pharmacological profile. Exchanging the N-terminus and EL2 of RXFP3 with these of RXFP4 results in a chimeric receptor (CR5) with a high affinity for INSL5. However, in contrast to native RXFP4, INSL5 does not elicit an agonist response from CR5. Conversely, replacing the N-terminus and EL2 of RXFP4 with counterparts from RXFP3 (CR15) results in a chimeric receptor for which relaxin-3 and INSL5 are high and low affinity agonists, respectively. Further mutagenesis studies indicate that transmembrane (TM) domains 2, 3 and 5 of RXFP4 are critical determinants of functional receptor activation by INSL5. Replacement of TM2, 3, and 5 of RXFP3 with equivalent domains from RXFP4 results in a chimeric receptor that can be activated by INSL5. These results suggest that the N-terminus and EL2 domains of RXFP3 and RXFP4 are involved in ligand binding while TM2, 3, and 5 are critical for receptor activation.

R3(BDelta23 27)R/I5 chimeric peptide, a selective antagonist for GPCR135 and GPCR142 over relaxin receptor LGR7: in vitro and in vivo characterization.

Both relaxin-3 and its receptor (GPCR135) are expressed predominantly in brain regions known to play important roles in processing sensory signals. Recent studies have shown that relaxin-3 is involved in the regulation of stress and feeding behaviors. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of relaxin-3/GPCR135 in the regulation of stress, feeding, and other potential functions remain to be studied. Because relaxin-3 also activates the relaxin receptor (LGR7), which is also expressed in the brain, selective GPCR135 agonists and antagonists are crucial to the study of the physiological functions of relaxin-3 and GPCR135 in vivo. Previously, we reported the creation of a selective GPCR135 agonist (a chimeric relaxin-3/INSL5 peptide designated R3/I5). In this report, we describe the creation of a high affinity antagonist for GPCR135 and GPCR142 over LGR7. This GPCR135 antagonist, R3(BDelta23-27)R/I5, consists of the relaxin-3 B-chain with a replacement of Gly23 to Arg, a truncation at the C terminus (Gly24-Trp27 deleted), and the A-chain of INSL5. In vitro pharmacological studies showed that R3(BDelta23-27)R/I5 binds to human GPCR135 (IC50=0.67 nM) and GPCR142 (IC50=2.29 nM) with high affinity and is a potent functional GPCR135 antagonist (pA2=9.15) but is not a human LGR7 ligand. Furthermore, R3(BDelta23-27)R/I5 had a similar binding profile at the rat GPCR135 receptor (IC50=0.25 nM, pA2=9.6) and lacked affinity for the rat LGR7 receptor. When administered to rats intracerebroventricularly, R3(BDelta23-27)R/I5 blocked food intake induced by the GPCR135 selective agonist R3/I5. Thus, R3(BDelta23-27)R/I5 should prove a useful tool for the further delineation of the functions of the relaxin-3/GPCR135 system.