近年來，腸促胰島素類藥物胰高血糖素樣肽－1受體（GLP-1R）激動劑（如liraglutide，exenatide）和二肽基肽酶-4（DPP-4）抑制劑（如sitagliptin，vildagliptin）在2型糖尿病治療中得到廣泛應用。然而，2型糖尿病患者中腸促胰島素效應嚴重受損。研究表明，2型糖尿病患者的腸促胰島素激素（GLP-1和GIP）分泌並不顯著降低，因此腸促胰島素效應受損主要是由於2型糖尿病患者中β細胞對腸促胰島素激素反應性降低。GIP在2型糖尿病患者中刺激胰島素分泌的功能幾乎完全消失。相比較，GLP-1刺激胰島素分泌功能在2型糖尿病患者中部分保留。2型糖尿病中腸促胰島素效應受損的具體機制目前仍不清楚。本論文主要從2型糖尿病患者的腸促胰島素效應受損的機理及對腸促胰島素類藥物療效的影響上進行相關研究。 / 我們較早的研究發現高血糖能降低胰島β細胞GLP-1R受體的表達，從而損傷胰島β細胞GLP-1R信號通路是2型糖尿中腸促胰島素受損的部分原因。由於高血脂和高血糖都是糖尿病的主要特徵，我進一步研究了高血脂對β細胞的腸促胰島素信號通路的影響。體外實驗表明，棕櫚酸能降低胰島β細胞中GLP-1R的表達，並且抑制了GLP-1刺激的cAMP產生及CREB的磷酸化；在β細胞中外源性表達GLP-1R能部分恢復棕櫚酸損傷的GLP-1刺激cAMP產生及CREB的磷酸化。此外，在db/db小鼠和HFD誘導的肥胖及糖尿病小鼠模型中，降脂藥bezafibrate和niacin 能顯著提高腸促胰島素類藥物sitagliptin 和exendin-4的降糖效果，並且伴隨著對胰島形態結構的改善以及增加胰島β細胞質量。 / 另一方面，2型糖尿病患者胰島β細胞的功能和品質持續性的減少。其中慢性的高血糖和高血脂是兩個主要因素。臨床研究發現sitagliptin的降糖效果隨著糖尿病持續的時間增加而降低，而具體機理並不清楚。我們以前研究發現高血糖損傷胰島β細胞GLP-1R的表達及其信號通路是2型糖尿病腸促胰島素效應受損的重要原因。我進一步探討了exendin-4在STZ-HFD 誘導的較輕程度糖尿病（MH）小鼠（相對較輕的高血糖以及β細胞質量減少）和重度糖尿病(SH)小鼠（嚴重高血糖以及β細胞質量減少）的治療效果。研究發現， exendin-4只在MH小鼠中顯著降低血糖，改善糖耐量，恢復正常胰島結構及增加β細胞質量。而在兩組小鼠中exendin-4 都能降低體重，增加胰腺重量，但對食都沒影響。儘管exendin-4能顯著降低MH小鼠中胰島素耐量實驗葡萄糖水平，但HORM-IR無顯著差異。此外，exendin-4處理對胰島素刺激的肝臟及肌肉組織中磷酸化AKT和GSK水準在兩組小鼠中都無明顯改變。 / 總之，我的研究強調了血糖血脂的控制在2型糖尿病患者中的重要作用。我也發現高血糖、高血脂導致2型糖尿病患者β細胞功能持續受損的同時也損傷了GLP-1R信號通路，以至腸促胰島素類藥物療效的降低。我們的研究對腸促胰島素類藥物在2型糖尿病患者中的合理使用提供了重要資訊。 / Incretin-based drugs, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (e.g. liraglutide and exenatide) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (e.g. sitagliptin and vildagliptin), which inhibit degrading intact GLP-1, have been a novel therapeutics for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced incretin effects. The underlying mechanism, however, is not well understood. / Our previous studies showed that hyperglycemia downregulates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) which potentially contributes to the impaired incretin responses in cells. Whereas the effects of hyperlipidemia, another common clinical feature of T2DM, on GLP-1 response is largely unknown. In this study, I investigated the effects of free fatty acids (FFA) on incretin receptor signalings, and examined the glucose-lowering efficacy of incretin-based drugs in combination with lipid-lowering agents. I found that palmitate treatment decreased GLP-1R expression in rodent insulinoma cell lines, which was associated with impaired GLP-1 stimulated cAMP production and phosphorylation of CREB. Over-expression of GLP-1R restored the cAMP production and the phosphorylation of CREB. Treatment with bezafibrate or niacin in combination with des-fluoro-sitagliptin or exendin-4 produced more robust glycemic control associated with improved pancreatic islet morphology and islet cell function in db/db mice and HFD-fed mice. / On the other hand, chronic hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia can cause a progressive deterioration in pancreatic beta-cell function and mass in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has been reported that the efficacy of incretin-based therapeutics is attenuated with the duration of diabetes. In our previous study, we have shown that hyperglycemia downregulates GLP-1 receptor which in turn may contribute to the impaired incretin effect in type 2 diabetes. In this study, I further investigated the efficacy of GLP-1 based drug exendin-4 in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes with different degrees of hyperglycemia and reduction of beta cell mass. I found that in moderate hyperglycemia (MH) group but not in severe hyperglycemia (SH) group, exendin-4 treatment significantly reduced fed glucose levels and plasma lipid profiles, improved glucose tolerance and glucose stimulated insulin secretion, and was associated with restored islets morphology and increased beta cell mass. Exendin-4 significantly decreased body weight gain and increased pancreatic mass both in MH and SH group. Although glucose levels were significantly reduced in MH group with exentin-4 treatment during insulin tolerance test, exendin-4 had no effects on HORM-IR, food intake, and insulin stimulated p-AKT/p-GSK in liver and muscle in both MH and SH group. / In summary, my findings highlight the importance of comprehensive lipid and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. I found that factors including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia that cause progressive decline in beta cell failure impaired beta cell GLP-1R signaling as well as the efficacy of incretin-based therapies. These results add to our knowledge regarding the mechanism of incretin-based therapy in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients and provide new insights in designing treatment strategies including incretin-based therapy for type 2 diabetic patients. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Kang, Zhanfang. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-123). / Abstract also in Chinese. / 論文摘要 --- p.viii / Impaired Incretin Effects in Type 2 Diabetes: Mechanism and Therapeutic Implication --- p.1 / DECLARATION --- p.i / ACKNOWLEGEMENTS --- p.ii / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.iii / PUBLICATIONS AND AWARDS --- p.v / Chapter 1 --- Abstract --- p.vi / Chapter 2 --- Chapter : Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2.1 --- The history of incretin discovery --- p.1 / Chapter 2.2 --- The incretin hormones:GLP-1 and GIP --- p.1 / Chapter 2.3 --- Gene structure and regulation of incretin hormone gene expression --- p.2 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Gene structure and regulation of GLP-1 gene expression --- p.2 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Gene structure and regulation of GIP gene expression --- p.5 / Chapter 2.4 --- Secretion and metabolism of GLP-1 and GIP --- p.5 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Regulation of GLP-1 and GIP secretion --- p.5 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Degradation of GLP-1 and GIP by DPP-4 enzyme --- p.8 / Chapter 2.5 --- GLP-1 and GIP receptor --- p.10 / Chapter 2.6 --- biological actions of GLP-1 and GIP --- p.11 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Actions of GLP-1 in peripheral tissues --- p.12 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Actions of GIP in peripheral tissues --- p.17 / Chapter 2.7 --- Impaired incretin effect in type 2 diabetes patients --- p.17 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- Secretion of incretin hormones in patients with type 2 diabetes --- p.18 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- Impaired the responsiveness to GLP-1 and GIP in pancreatic beta cells --- p.19 / Chapter 2.8 --- Incretin-based drugs --- p.19 / Chapter 2.9 --- Type 2 diabetes and beta cell failure --- p.21 / Chapter 2.9.1 --- Natural history of type 2 diabetes --- p.21 / Chapter 2.9.2 --- Decline of beta cell function and mass in type 2 diabetes --- p.22 / Chapter 2.9.3 --- Factors for progressive loss of beta cell function and mass --- p.24 / Chapter 3 --- Chapter: Pharmacological reduction of free fatty acids restores the efficacy of incretin-based therapies in diabetic mouse models through beta cell GLP-1 receptor signalings --- p.30 / Chapter 3.1 --- Summary --- p.30 / Chapter 3.2 --- Introduction --- p.32 / Chapter 3.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.35 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Chemicals and Reagents --- p.35 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Preparation of 8 mM sodium palmitate solution with 10.5% BSA --- p.35 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Construct of an adenoviral vector for expressing mouse GLP-1R --- p.36 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Cell culture and treatment --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- RNA extraction and quantitative RT-PCR --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Analysis of phosphorylation of CREB --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- Measurement of insulin secretion --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.8 --- RT-PCR analysis of mouse GLP-1R expression --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.9 --- Measurement of cAMP production --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.10 --- Animals and experimental protocols --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.11 --- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.12 --- Acute glucose-lowering actions of Ex-4 and D-GIP in db/db Mice --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.13 --- Lipid levels measurement --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.14 --- Histological analysis --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.15 --- Statistical analysis --- p.42 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.43 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Reduced expression of GLP-1R in palmitate-treated b cells and islets of hyperlipedemic db/db mice. --- p.43 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Palmitate impairs GLP-1 stimulated cAMP production and p-CREB in rodent insulinoma cell lines --- p.45 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Palmitate reduced GLP-1 and GIP stimulated insulin secretion in rat INS-1E cells --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Mouse GLP-1R mRNA is expressed in rat INS-1E cells after infected with Ad-GLP-1R --- p.47 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Expression of exogenous GLP-1R restores GLP-1 stimulated cAMP production and p-CREB in palmitate-treated rodent insulinoma cell lines --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Lipid lowering enhances the efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitor des-fluoro-sitagliptin in db/db mice --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4.7 --- Lipid-lowering enhances the efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitor des-flouro-sitagliptin in HFD-fed mice --- p.56 / Chapter 3.4.8 --- Lipid lowering enhances the efficacy of an agonist to GLP-1R (Ex-4) but not to GIPR (D-GIP) in db/db mice --- p.59 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.67 / Chapter 4 --- Chapter : Further study on the impairment of incretin effect by hyperglycemia in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes --- p.71 / Chapter 4.1 --- Summary --- p.71 / Chapter 4.2 --- Introduction --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Animals and treatment --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Oral glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Plasma parameters --- p.77 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Histological staining and quantification of beta cell mass --- p.77 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Insulin signaling analysis --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Western blot analysis --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.79 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.80 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Exendin-4 reduced fed glucose levels in MH mice but not in SH mice --- p.80 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Exendin-4 reduced body weight gain and did not affect food intake in both MH mice and SH mice --- p.81 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Exendin-4 improved glucose tolerance and glucose stimulated insulin secretion in MH mice but not in SH mice --- p.83 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Effects of exendin-4 on insulin sensitivity in MH and SH mice --- p.84 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Effects of exendin-4 on lipid profiles in MH and SH mice --- p.86 / Chapter 4.4.6 --- Effects of exendin-4 on tissues weight in MH and SH mice --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4.7 --- Pancreatic islet morphology and analysis of beta cell mass --- p.88 / Chapter 4.4.8 --- Exendin-4 had no significant effects on insulin signaling pathway in liver and muscle --- p.91 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.94 / Chapter 5 --- Chapter : Summary --- p.100 / Chapter 6 --- References --- p.103

Die Bittergeschmacksrezeptoren stellen in der Superfamilie der G-Protein-gekoppelten Rezeptoren eine besondere Gruppe dar. Im Menschen können die 25 Rezeptoren eine große Anzahl unterschiedlichster Bittergeschmacksstoffe detektieren. Diese Substanzen können sowohl schädlich, wie etwa Strychnin, als auch der Gesundheit förderliche Arzneistoffe, wie etwa Chloramphenicol sein. Unter den Bittergeschmacksrezeptoren des Menschen gibt es eine Gruppe von drei Rezeptoren, die besonders viele Bitterstoffe detektieren können. Einer von ihnen ist der Rezeptor hTAS2R10. In dieser Arbeit konnte sowohl experimentell als auch durch computergestützte Modellierung gezeigt werden, dass der hTAS2R10 nur eine Bindungstasche besitzt. Das stimmt mit den bisher ausführlich experimentell und in silico untersuchten Rezeptoren hTAS2R1, -R16, -R38 und -R46 überein. Die für die Agonisteninteraktionen nachweislich wichtigen Transmembrandomänen sind in den bisher untersuchten Bittergeschmacksrezeptoren, wie auch im hTAS2R10, die Transmembrandomänen 3, 5, 6 und 7. Die Untersuchungen zeigten, dass die Bindungstasche des hTAS2R10 in der oberen Hälfte des zum extrazellulären Raum gerichteten Bereichs lokalisiert ist. Insbesondere konnte für die untersuchten Agonisten Strychnin, Parthenolid und Denatoniumbenzoat gezeigt werden, dass die Seitenketten der Aminosäuren in Position 3.29 und 5.40 ausgeprägte agonistenselektive Wechselwirkungen eingehen. Weitere Untersuchungen haben ergeben, dass das weitgefächerte Agonistenspektrum des hTAS2R10 zu Lasten der Sensitivität für einzelne Bitterstoffe geht. Der Vergleich wichtiger Positionen im hTAS2R10, hTAS2R46 und mTas2r105 hat deutlich gemacht, dass sich die Bindungsmodi zwischen diesen Rezeptoren unterscheiden. Dies deutet auf eine getrennte evolutionäre Entwicklung der Bindungseigenschaften dieser Rezeptoren hin. Gleichfalls zeigten die Untersuchungen, dass einige Positionen wie z.B. 7.39 die Funktion aller untersuchten Bittergeschmacksrezeptoren prägen, sich jedoch die genaue Bedeutung im jeweiligen Rezeptor unterscheiden kann. Einzelne dieser Positionen konnten auch bei der Agonisteninteraktion des Rhodopsins und des β2-adrenergen Rezeptors beobachtet werden. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit helfen dabei die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Bitterstoffen und den Bittergeschmacksrezeptoren zu verstehen und geben erste Einblicke in die Entwicklung der Rezeptoren in Hinblick auf ihren Funktionsmechanismus. Diese Erkenntnisse können genutzt werden, um Inhibitoren zu entwickeln, die sowohl ein wichtiges Werkzeug in der Rezeptoranalytik wären, als auch dazu genutzt werden könnten, den unerwünschten bitteren Geschmack von Medikamenten oder gesundheitsfördernden sekundären Pflanzenstoffen zu mindern. Damit könnte ein Beitrag zur Gesundheit der Menschen geleistet werden. / In the Superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors the bitter taste receptors form a notable group. The 25 human receptors are able to detect a large group of structurally diverse bitter compounds. These compounds can be toxic – like strychnine – or have beneficial effects on health – like the pharmacological agent chloramphenicol. Three of these bitter taste receptors show a strikingly broad agonist spectrum. One of them is the hTAS2R10. It was shown empirically and by computational modelling that the hTAS2R10 has only one binding pocket. This agrees with the findings of studies on the bitter taste receptors hTAS2R1, -R16, -R38 and -R46. The domains important for agonist interaction in these receptors, as well as in the hTAS2R10, are the transmembrane domains 3, 5, 6 and 7. The results of this thesis show that the binding pocket of the hTAS210 is located in the upper part of the receptor which points into the direction of the extracellular area. Interestingly, it has been shown for the amino acid side chains in the positions 3.29 and 5.40, that they can interact with the analysed agonists strychnine, parthenolide and denatonium benzoate in an agonist-selective way. Further analyses showed that the broad tuning of the hTAS2R10 goes at the expense of the sensitivity to single agonists. The comparison of crucial positions in the hTAS2R10, hTAS2R46 and the mTas2r105 reveal that these receptors differ in their binding mode. These could be evidence that the binding abilities of these receptors evolved independently. However, the results show that some positions, e.g. 7.39, influence the receptor activity in all analysed receptors, but the function of these positions in the receptors could be different. Some of these positions also have an influence on the agonist-receptor interaction of Rhodopsin and the β2-adrenergic receptor. The findings in this thesis contribute to the knowledge about interaction between bitter receptors and bitter compounds. The results also provide insight into the evolvement of receptor functions. These outcomes can be of use for the development of inhibitors which could serve as analytical tools in taste research. Furthermore, such inhibitors could be used to reduce the bitter taste of medicine and healthy plant compounds and thus increase palatability. This could contribute to improve human well-being.

Haemonchus contortus is a blood feeding parasitic nematode infecting ruminants causing anemia and poor health at great economic cost. The ability to pharmaceutically control infection has been challenged by the rapid development and spread of drug resistance. The discovery of new targets is therefore required for sustainable parasite control. UNC-49 is a nematode ligand-gated ion channel that plays an important role in muscle contraction required for normal locomotion. However, little is known regarding its sensitivity to different agonists and how they interact with the binding site. This thesis describes an investigation into the efficacy of a range of classical GABA receptor agonists on Hco-UNC-49 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The results of our electrophysiological recordings indicate that there is a size requirement for full agonism of the Hco-UNC-49 binding site. Furthermore, a number of molecules that are known to act on vertebrate GABA receptors have no effect on Hco-UNC-49. This suggests that the binding site of nematode GABA receptors does exhibit some unique properties. These findings could possibly be exploited to develop new drugs that specifically target GABA receptors from parasitic nematodes. / UOIT

Ph.D.

A scourge of Type I and Type II diabetes impacts the health of hundreds of millions worldwide. The number and prevalence of diabetics are expected to rise dramatically in the next two decades. Diabetes is defined by chronic hyperglycemia which can result in a number of detrimental and costly metabolic, renal, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Identification of at risk individuals and effective blood glucose management are critical to improving diabetic outcomes and preventing hyperglycemic complications. Diabetes prevention and treatment is limited by the understanding of islet function and mass in the diabetogenic and diabetic state. The islets of Langerhans are dispersed throughout the pancreas and comprise <2% of the pancreatic mass. The reclusive nature of islet cells presents unique challenges understanding disease development. No agent capable of exclusively targeting pancreatic β-cells within the islet has been discovered and the lack of targeting agent specificity impedes efforts to: quantify β-cell mass and develop novel therapeutics. We propose β-cell targeting can be improved by targeting unique combinations of receptors simultaneously with multivalent ligands. A synthetic multivalent agent composed of two β-cell specific diabetic therapeutics, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glibenclamide (Glb), targeted against the GLP-1R and the sulfonylurea-1 receptor (SUR1) is a lead compound for the development of specific bi-functional islet cell targeting agents for use in the in vivo detection and treatment of β -cells. Herein, we describe the synthesis and initial characterization of a heterobivalent ligand composed of GLP-1 coupled to Glb. The heterobivalent ligand binds to an unaltered β-cell line with increased specificity relative to a human pancreatic exocrine cell line. Additionally, receptor cross-linking modifies β-cell signaling. Exposure of β-cells to the heterobivalent ligand results in antagonism of SUR1-Ca²⁺ signaling and equipotent agonism of GLP-1R-cAMP signaling, in comparison to the cognate monomeric ligands (Glb and GLP-1). Perturbations in intracellular signaling modifies β-cell insulin secretion resulting in decreased basal insulin secretion and with maintained yet reduced ability to potentiate β-cell glucose stimulated insulin secretion. GLP-1/Glb β-cell specificity and functional modulation suggests combinatorial receptor targeting is an effective strategy for the development of bi-functional cell-specific targeting agents, warranting further investigation and optimization.

Somatostatin (SST) is a peptide hormone that was originally identified in the hypothalamus and subsequently found throughout the central nervous system and in various peripheral organs. Generally classified as an inhibitory factor, SST is secreted by endocrine, neuronal and immune cells and acts to regulate cell secretion, neurotransmission and cell proliferation. There are five receptor-subtypes known to engage SST, termed SSTR1-5, all belonging to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Within the past few years, there has been a prepondef8:llce of evidence to suggest the importance of GPCR dimerization in receptor-biogenesis, regulation and pharmacology. It has been previously reported in our laboratory, that human (h) SSTR5 homo- and heterodimerizes with hSSTR1 in an agonist-regulated manner. However, it was unclear as to the contribution of each subtype in the formation of the hSSTR1/hSSTR5 heterodimer, the possible molecular determinants involved and the effects of heterodimerization on the pharmacology of the receptors. Furthermore, the dimerization properties of other hSSTRs including their heterodimerization remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrate that agonist binding to hSSTR5 and not hSSTR1 modulates the formation of the heterodimer, with particular emphasis on its carboxyl-terminal tail in specifying the interaction. We also determined the mechanics of the hSSTR2 homodimer, unlike the previous hSSTRs investigated, forms constitutive dimers that dissociate into monomers following activation with agonist. This feature is important for receptor trafficking, as preventing their dissociation impairs agonist-mediated endocytosis. Lastly, we investigated the heterodimerization of hSSTR2 and hSSTR5, an interaction that, like the hSSTR1/hSSTR5 heterodimer, is subtype-specific, requiring selective-activation of hSSTR2 and not hSSTR5. The heterodimer exhibited enhanced signalling characteristics including, prolonged activation of MAP kinases and an increase in the induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1. These enhanced properties of the heterodimer conferred an extended growth inhibitory response. Dimerization of GPCRs, with particular emphasis on heterodimers, generates novel receptors with unique properties distinct from those of the individual receptor monomers/homodimers. An understanding on the mechanisms involved in GPCR dimerization could provide a rationale in future drug design.

No description available.

Neonatal ventral hippocampus (nVH) lesioned animals show molecular and behavioral abnormalities analogous to those described in schizophrenia. As an extension to previous studies that showed an increase in ligand binding of cortical alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (AR) and a dysfunction in alpha-1 AR regulation of mesolimbic dopamine functions in post-pubertal nVH lesioned rats, we investigated the subcellular expression and activity of protein kinase C (PKC)---a second messenger in alpha-1 AR signaling---in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) of post-pubertal nVH lesioned rats. Western blot analysis of membrane and cytosolic fractions showed complex changes in lesioned animals in the expression of different PKC subtypes following saline or alpha-1 AR agonist (cirazoline i.p.) injection. Among these changes, nVH lesioned animals showed a significant increase in membrane bound PKC alpha and phospho-PKC, and a decrease in cytosolic PKC gamma and PKC betaII in the PFC in comparison to sham-lesioned controls following saline. Cirazoline increased membrane bound PKC alpha in controls but decreased it in lesioned animals. In the NAcc, lesioned animals showed an increase in membrane bound and cytosolic PKC epsilon and PKC lambda levels following saline. Following cirazoline, lesioned animals showed a decrease in membrane bound PKC epsilon and PKC lambda, while controls showed an increase in cytosolic and membrane fractions of PKC epsilon with no change in PKC lambda. In vitro PKC activity assays showed increased basal activity in PFC slices of lesioned animals compared to controls, with no difference in NAcc slices. alpha-1 AR stimulation by the agonist phenylephrine (PE) increased PKC activity in PFC of controls while decreasing activity substantially in lesioned animals. In the NAcc, high concentrations of PE increased activity in controls, but decreased activity in lesioned animals. This abnormal expression and activity of PKC in the PFC and NAcc of nVH lesioned animals may be related to abnormal alpha-1 AR functions and may modulate some of the abnormal neuronal functions in these animals, such as working memory deficits and hyper neuronal excitability of the PFC and the NAcc.

Protease-Activated Receptors (PARs) belong to an unusual family of G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). Each of the four known members is activated by its own N-terminus exposed by proteolytic cleavage and there is no other endogenous agonist known to date. PAR2 is the second member of the family and it has been implicated in wide range of pathophysiological conditions, particularly in various inflammatory diseases and cancers. In contrast, very little is known about the PAR2 receptor itself despite having been discovered more than 10 years ago. The purpose of this project was to improve our understanding of PAR2 regulation by discovering new agonists and antagonists and using them to probe the structural and functional properties of the receptor. Chapter 1 provides a brief literature overview of the initial discovery of PAR2, what is known about the mechanism of receptor activation, information on the structures and properties of current agonists and an antagonist for PAR2, and the putative physiological roles of human PAR2. As well, it summarizes the aims of this thesis. Chapter 2 investigates the regulation of gene expression by two different agonists of PAR2, a synthetic hexapeptide, 2f-LIGRLO-NH2, and the endogenous activator, trypsin, the idea being that genes up- or down- regulated by both agonists may more accurately profile PAR2-selective events. The effects of PAR2 activation on gene transcription in the human kidney HEK293 cell line were studied using a DNA microarray consisting of 19,000 human genes in an attempt to broadly cover the human genome and associated cell pathways with PAR2 activation. About 2,500 genes were regulated similarly by both agonists and, for genes expressed more than 5-fold, the mRNA results were further analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR techniques. PAR2 activation was shown to be associated with cellular metabolism, cell cycle, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, histone deacetylase and sirtuin enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and anti-complement function. Chapter 3 described a range of molecular events surrounding the activation of the receptor. PAR2 mRNA expression was quantitated by qRT-PCR and cross-checked with an intracellular Ca2+ assay. In this way whole cell PAR2 could be correlated with cell surface expression of PAR2. Three cell lines expressing high levels of PAR2 were chosen for subsequent experiments, these being colorectal carcinoma HT29, lung carcinoma A549 and human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells. Receptor activation, internalization, desensitization and resensitization assays were carried out on these cell lines to define some key functions relevant for investigating inhibitors in subsequent chapters. Chapter 4 reports a PAR2 mutagenesis study designed to identify the location of the binding site on PAR2 for a specific peptide agonist. A homology model of PAR2 based on bovine rhodopsin was used for docking of an agonist ligand, and the docking results were then investigated via two successive rounds of PAR2 mutagenesis in which the effect of each mutation (20 in all) was separately investigated by changes in agonist potency in the intracellular calcium release assay. Five PAR2 mutants showed more than a 5-fold reduction in agonist potency, while three others showed up to a 7-fold reduction. Mutations found to be important for agonist activity were mapped back to the model. Because there was extensive clustering of these key mutated amino acids, it is likely that this study has pinpointed the precise binding site of the agonist peptide in PAR2. Interestingly, this site is within the transmembrane region of the receptor. Chapter 5 reports the design, discovery and development of novel PAR2 agonists and antagonists and their regulatory effects in a diverse array of cell types. Structure-activity relationships were used to examine influences on the first, sixth and seventh positions of a PAR2 agonist peptide. At least five compounds were found herein to be equiopotent with the most potent PAR2 agonist reported. Knowledge obtained from this study was then used to create the first non-peptidic agonists for PAR2. The most potent nonpeptidic agonist (retaining one natural amino acid) was at least equipotent with the best peptide agonists. Conversion to nonpeptidic antagonists proved to be successful and this chapter reports the most potent known nonpeptide antagonist, which was selective for PAR2 and active at low micromolar concentrations. It inhibited intracellular Ca2+ release induced by different PAR2 agonists (trypsin, 2f-LIGRLO-NH2, nonpeptide agonists) in multiple cell lines (HT29, Panc-1, A549, MKN1, MKN45, MDA-MB-231, HUVEC) that have been physiologically associated with PAR2. It also inhibited release of inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-6 and shows antiproliferative activity against primary human cells. The antagonist is competitive, reversible and surmountable (pA2 6.11). This thesis summarizes a large body of work that provides valuable molecular insights to PAR2 regulation, and lays the groundwork for rational design and development of novel nonpeptidic agonists and antagonists of PAR2 as potentially valuable pharmacological probes in vivo and as useful leads to development of therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and cancers.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed Feb. 7, 2008). Includes bibliographical references.