Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhiqiang Guo, Xiaobai He, Chaohui Jiang, Ying Shi, Naiming Zhou
Summary: RYamides are a newly identified family of neuropeptides in insects playing important roles in physiological regulation. This study cloned the RYamide receptor BNGR-A19 from Bombyx mori larvae and uncovered its signaling mechanism and physiological functions, shedding light on its potential roles in feeding, water homeostasis, and testis development in insects.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiaoyue Guo, Ningrong Chen, Kalp Patel, Mei Wan, Junying Zheng, Xu Cao
Summary: Microgravity in spaceflight has a primary impact on human physiology, particularly bone loss and disturbances in the central nervous system. This research reveals that hindlimb unloading in mice stimulates the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the hypothalamus, leading to bone loss and altered fat metabolism. The reduced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated interoceptive signaling of skeletal interoception is the underlying mechanism. Sympathetic antagonist propranolol or deletion of Adrb2 in osteocytes can rescue bone loss in this unloading model. Additionally, depletion of TH+ sympathetic nerves or inhibition of norepinephrine release can improve bone resorption. Inhibiting NPY expression in hypothalamic neurons reduces food intake and alters energy expenditure, while its effect on bone is limited. This indicates that the hypothalamic neuroendocrine factor NPY facilitates bone formation through the activity of sympathetic TH.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Di Xie, Bernardo Stutz, Feng Li, Fan Chen, Haining Lv, Matija Sestan-Pesa, Jonatas Catarino, Jianlei Gu, Hongyu Zhao, Christopher E. Stoddard, Gordon G. Carmichael, Marya Shanabrough, Hugh S. Taylor, Zhong-Wu Liu, Xiao-Bing Gao, Tamas L. Horvath, Yingqun Huang
Summary: The research reveals that TET3 plays a critical central role in regulating appetite and energy metabolism in adult mouse AGRP neurons, and also has an unexpected dual role in controlling other complex behaviors through AGRP neurons.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanan Tian, Chaohui Jiang, Yi Pan, Zhiqiang Guo, Weiwei Wang, Xumei Luo, Zheng Cao, Bing Zhang, Jingwen Yang, Ying Shi, Naiming Zhou, Xiaobai He
Summary: Two newly identified CCHamide receptors, BommoCCHaR-1 and -2, have been cloned and their specific endogenous ligands, CCHamide-1 and CCHamide-2, respectively, have been characterized. The receptors exhibit different signaling pathways upon activation, with BNGR-A14 eliciting increases in CRE-driven luciferase activity, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, while BNGR-A15 leads to intracellular accumulation of cAMP, Ca2+ mobilization, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Additionally, CCHamides are shown to require intrachain disulfide bonds for activation, and CCHamide-1 may regulate feeding behavior and growth through BNGR-A15, while CCHamide-2 plays a crucial role in multiple physiological processes.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Siyuan Shen, Chang Zhao, Chao Wu, Suyue Sun, Ziyan Li, Wei Yan, Zhenhua Shao
Summary: GPCRs, as the largest family of transmembrane proteins, regulate various physiological processes. However, their complicated signal transduction pathways and difficulties in drug development have presented challenges. By identifying new ligands that bind to allosteric sites, safer drugs for treating various diseases can be designed.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Haoran Jiang, Daniella Galtes, Jialu Wang, Howard A. Rockman
Summary: This review explores the signaling pathways, dynamic structures, and physiological relevance of the three most important GPCR signaling effectors in the cardiovascular system: heterotrimeric G proteins, GPCR kinases (GRKs), and 8-arrestins. It summarizes their prominent roles in GPCR pharmacology before transitioning into less well-explored areas. The application of new technologies has contributed to an increasing understanding of GPCR structure and downstream effectors.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chris Cook, Nicolas Nunn, Amy A. Worth, David A. Bechtold, Todd Suter, Susan Gackeheimer, Lisa Foltz, Paul J. Emmerson, Michael A. Statnick, Simon M. Luckman
Summary: This study shows that central administration of QRFP increases food intake and locomotor activity without affecting energy expenditure or reward. Knocking out both QRFP receptor orthologs does not produce a metabolic phenotype, but both receptors are required for the effect of centrally administered QRFP. QRFP and orexin have overlapping effects on behavior, but QRFP also affects other appetitive behaviors. The feeding response to QRFP is dependent on orexin/hypocretin receptor signaling.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiao Tang, Yaolin Hou, Thue W. Schwartz, Jesper Z. Haeggstrom
Summary: Eicosanoids, derived from arachidonic acid, are bioactive compounds that play crucial roles in physiology and disease, particularly in inflammatory conditions of multiple organ systems. Recent research has shown that G-protein coupled receptors can sense extracellular metabolites and regulate inflammatory responses, including eicosanoid production.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jaana van Gastel, Hanne Leysen, Jan Boddaert, Laura Vangenechten, Louis M. Luttrell, Bronwen Martin, Stuart Maudsley
Summary: Aging is a complex molecular process that affects almost all tissue systems in humans and is the primary risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. With the current focus on GPCR-targeted therapeutics dominating the pharmacopeia, searching for effective anti-aging treatments in this area may be beneficial. A nuanced understanding of GPCR signaling diversity could lead to the development of therapeutics with selective signaling activities to impact the complex aberrations of the aging process.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Abigail R. Walker, Camilla B. Larsen, Samit Kundu, Christina Stavrinidis, Sung Hye Kim, Asuka Inoue, David F. Woodward, Yun S. Lee, Roberta Migale, David A. Macntyre, Vasso Terzidou, Francesca Fanelli, Shirin Khanjani, Philip R. Bennet, Aylin C. Hanyaloglu
Summary: Current strategies to manage preterm labor focus on inhibiting uterine contractions, but do not improve neonatal outcomes. This study identifies a mechanism in which activated oxytocin receptor reprograms prostaglandin E2 receptor to promote pro-labor/inflammatory responses during human labor. It suggests a potential therapeutic solution by exploiting the functional associations between these receptors to delay preterm labor.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Miguel Pineiro, Wilson J. Mena, John J. Ewer, Patricio J. Orio
Summary: The study found that the activity of CCAP neurons is closely related to that of motoneurons during pupal ecdysis in fruit flies, suggesting an active role of CCAP neurons in the process. A new sub-phase of ecdysis behavior was identified, and a quantitative framework was developed to study the relationships between neuronal activity and motor behavior during this highly stereotyped motor sequence.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Trisha Lala, Randy A. Hall
Summary: Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (AGPCRs) are a diverse family of receptors in humans that play crucial roles in adhesion, signaling, mechanosensation, and chemical stimulation.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Mei-Mei Li, Qi Yang, Li-Hui Chen, Yan-Ying Li, Jun-Xiang Wu, Xiang-Li Xu
Summary: The study identified and cloned sNPF and its receptors from Mythimna separata, an infamous pest that threatens cereal crops. It was found that sNPF signaling plays a vital role in the feeding regulation of this pest, suggesting it as a potential target for pest control.
Article
Immunology
Keqiang Chen, Wanghua Gong, Jiaqiang Huang, Teizo Yoshimura, Ji Ming Wang
Summary: FPR2 is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family with dual functions of activating or inhibiting intracellular signal pathways. It controls a wide range of developmental and homeostatic signaling cascades and is expressed in various cell types. Recent research has found that FPR2 plays a significant role in diseases, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
David J. Marcus, Michael R. Bruchas
Summary: Despite the fact that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targeted by about 40% of FDA-approved drugs, there is still a lack of understanding of their physiological and functional roles at the systems level. Classic pharmacological experiments and in vitro assays have provided insights into GPCR signaling cascades, but the interaction of these cascades across different cell types, tissues, and organ systems remains unclear. The development of optical tools has allowed researchers to investigate GPCR signaling in vivo and in vitro, providing temporal and spatial resolution. These tools have been used to explore the functional roles of different populations of GPCRs and their signaling cascades at the systems level.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Achla Gupta, Srinivas Gullapalli, Hui Pan, Dinah L. Ramos-Ortolaza, Michael D. Hayward, Malcom J. Low, John E. Pintar, Lakshmi A. Devi, Ivone Gomes
Summary: Activation of mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors by endogenous opioid peptides plays a crucial role in regulating emotional and physiological responses. Knockout experiments showed that the absence of endogenous opioid peptides significantly affects the levels of Leu-enkephalin, highlighting the importance of proenkephalin as the major source of this peptide. Additionally, the lack of beta-endorphin and/or proenkephalin leads to differential modulation of opioid receptors in a region- and gender-specific manner. These findings demonstrate the importance of endogenous opioid peptides in modulating the expression and activity of opioid receptors in the brain.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Andrea S. Heimann, Camila S. Dale, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Ricardo A. M. Reis, Ami Navon, Michal A. Shmuelov, Vanessa Rioli, Ivone Gomes, Lakshmi L. Devi, Emer S. Ferro
Summary: Hemopressin, derived from hemoglobin alpha-chain, exhibits diverse cannabinoid receptor activities and may have pharmacological effects by interacting with intracellular mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors. The peptide influences physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, appetite, learning, and memory, and shows potential applications in drug delivery systems.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Y. Pandey, A. R. Pooja, H. Lakshmi Devi, N. Singh Jalmeria, Meeti Punetha, S. Kumar, A. Paul, K. Kumar, Arvind Sonawane, H. A. Samad, G. Singh, S. Bag, M. Sarkar, V. S. Chouhan
Summary: The study demonstrates that the expression of IGFs in placentome is a site-specific phenomenon in water buffaloes, indicating autocrine/paracrine and endocrine functions. Additionally, the in vitro findings support the critical role of IGF1 in placental development by promoting angiogenesis, steroid synthesis, and cell proliferation during early pregnancy.
Article
Biology
Mariana Lemos Duarte, Nikita A. Trimbake, Achla Gupta, Christine Tumanut, Xiaomin Fan, Catherine Woods, Akila Ram, Ivone Gomes, Erin N. Bobeck, Deborah Schechtman, Lakshmi A. Devi
Summary: Duarte and colleagues describe a strategy for generating, validating, and utilizing highly-specific recombinant antibodies specific to opioid-induced signaling. Their antibody-based tools are crucial for understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of opioid signaling.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mariana Rae, Mariana Lemos Duarte, Ivone Gomes, Rosana Camarini, Lakshmi A. Devi
Summary: OT and AVP exhibit opposite roles in modulating stress, anxiety, and social behaviors, potentially due to their high sequence homology with their receptors. The crosstalk between these peptides and receptors in vivo remains unclear, but understanding this interaction is essential for elucidating the roles of OT and AVP, as well as for therapeutic targets in treating human disorders.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Durga Prasad Behera, Prabhu Kolandhasamy, Sivaraj Sigamani, Lakshmi Prabha Devi, Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
Summary: The study conducted on Mandvi beach in Gujarat, India, revealed various types of plastic litter, including gutkha pouches, food wrappers, plastic straws, cutleries, and fragments of different dimensions and thicknesses. The major contributing factors to the abundance of debris on the beach are land-based sources and recreational activities.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jennifer M. Kunselman, Achla Gupta, Ivone Gomes, Lakshmi A. Devi, Manojkumar A. Puthenveedu
Summary: The study shows that while multiple physiological agonists can activate the same receptor, it may not necessarily be true redundancy, but rather a way to regulate downstream signaling specificity by controlling the spatiotemporal profile of signaling molecules.
Article
Anesthesiology
Elaine F. Toniolo, Achla Gupta, Adriano C. Franciosi, Ivone Gomes, Lakshmi A. Devi, Camila S. Dale
Summary: The interaction between CB1R and opioid receptors may be targeted for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. CB1R-MOR and CB1R-DOR complexes are involved in diabetic neuropathy, and the peptide endocannabinoid hemopressin shows potential as a therapeutic for this condition.
Article
Andrology
Abhishek Kumar, Subrata Kumar Ghosh, Rahul Katiyar, Amare Eshetu Gemeda, Rupali Rautela, Amarjeet Bisla, Neeraj Srivastava, Sanjeev Kumar Bhure, Huidrom Lakshmi Devi, Vikash Chandra
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Mito TEMPO and acetovanillone on the freezability of buffalo spermatozoa. The results showed that the addition of these compounds, either individually or in combination, significantly improved post-thaw semen quality.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Seshat M. Mack, Ivone Gomes, Amanda K. Fakira, Mariana Lemos Duarte, Achla Gupta, Lloyd Fricker, Lakshmi A. Devi
Summary: PEN is an abundant neuropeptide that activates G protein-coupled receptor 83, playing a role in regulating feeding, reward, and anxiety-related behaviors. Different forms of PEN peptides and procholecystokinin-derived peptides can differentially activate GPR83, showing bias in signal transduction pathways.
MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatriz C. Moraes, Helder Ribeiro-Filho, Allan P. Roldao, Elaine F. Toniolo, Gustavo P. B. Carretero, German G. Sgro, Fernanda A. H. Batista, Damian E. Berardi, Victoria R. S. Oliveira, Rebeka Tomasin, Felipe M. Vieceli, Dimitrius T. Pramio, Alexandre B. Cardoso, Ana C. M. Figueira, Shaker C. Farah, Lakshmi A. Devi, Camila S. Dale, Paulo S. L. de Oliveira, Deborah Schechtman
Summary: Chronic pain is a major health issue, and finding new analgesics is important due to the addictive properties and side effects of opioids. This study investigated mutations in a gene associated with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) to identify potential drug targets. They developed a cell-permeable phosphopeptide that inhibited a specific signaling pathway and demonstrated pain relief effects.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lakshmi H. Devi, Shital D. Nagargoje, Shriti Pandey, T. Yasotha, Vikash Chandra, Taru G. Sharma
Summary: This study investigates the impact of buffalo uterine epithelial cells and their conditioned medium on in vitro embryo production. The results show that co-culture of embryos with steroid treated UECs and their CM improves blastocyst and hatching rate.
Article
Neurosciences
Lloyd D. Fricker, Mariana Lemos Duarte, Andrei Jeltyi, Lindsay Lueptow, Amanda K. Fakira, Alexandre K. Tashima, Ute Hochgeschwender, William C. Wetsel, Lakshmi A. Devi
Summary: Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is not a rate-limiting enzyme in the production of most neuropeptides, contrary to previous claims that small decreases in CPE activity contribute to obesity and other physiological effects.
Article
Optics
R. Reddappa, L. Lakshmi Devi, Ch Basavapoornima, Shobha Rani Depuru, J. Kaewkhao, Wisanu Pecharapa, C. K. Jayasankar
Summary: Di-calcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) phosphors doped with various Ln(3+) ions were prepared using a high temperature solid-state reaction technique. The raw materials were derived from renewable sources instead of non-renewable minerals. The resulting phosphors exhibited strong and characteristic photoluminescence peaks, and their emission characteristics were quantified and found to be better than other phosphors derived from non-renewable minerals. Therefore, Ca2SiO4:Ln(3+) phosphors have the potential to be used in low-cost solid-state lighting devices while utilizing renewable agricultural and food waste materials effectively.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Deepapriya, John D. Rodney, S. Jerome Das, S. Lakshmi Devi, P. Nagaraju, J. R. Anusha, Suresh Perumal, J. Ermine Jose, C. Justin Raj
Summary: The advancement of modern technologies has led to a ten-fold increase in air pollution over the past decade, prompting the research community to develop variable gas sensing materials. The lanthanum-substituted Ni-Zn-Cu-Co ferrite nanocomposite has been synthesized and utilized as an ammonia gas sensor, showing excellent sensing capabilities and biocompatibility.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
