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A N Eberle

Publications and source records attributed to A N Eberle.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Region- and stage-specific patterns of melanocortin receptor ontogeny in rat central nervous system, cranial nerve ganglia and sympathetic ganglia.

Observations on developmental actions of melanotropic peptides in nervous system have been difficult to interpret in the absence of data on receptor ontogeny. We investigated binding of [125I]Nle4,D-Phe7-alpha-MSH ([125I]NDP) in developing Long Evans rats from gestational day (E) 13 by quantitative autoradiography. Regional [125I]NDP binding characteristics were assessed by competition experiments in early postnatal brain. The study revealed region- and stage-specific, often transient ontogenetic patterns. Sympathetic ganglia exhibit high [125I]NDP binding from E13, with a peak in superior cervical ganglion at E16-E18. The first central [125I]NDP binding sites transiently appear in parts of thalamus between E13 and E15. The early fetal period is characterized by prominent peaks of receptor density in somatosensory and viscerosensory nuclei (trigeminal sensory nuclei, solitary tract nucleus), paralleled by receptor expression in 5th, 7th, 9th and 10th cranial nerve ganglia. During late fetal life, receptor density peaks in dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and inferior olive; binding sites transiently appear in cerebellum. Caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle and septohippocampal nucleus show a high perinatal maximum. Starting with late fetal piriform cortex, [125I]NDP binding peaks sequentially in cerebral cortical areas, with highest levels in entorhinal cortex. Preoptic, septal, hypothalamic and amygdaloid areas known for elevated receptor densities in adulthood, exhibit a slow, peri- and postnatal receptor ontogeny. Temporal relations to regional developmental processes support the idea of a role of melanocortins during ontogeny.

Affinity Labels↗

Agouti protein inhibits growth of B16 melanoma cells in vitro by acting through melanocortin receptors.

Agouti protein is known to antagonize cAMP formation, tyrosinase activation and melanogenesis in mouse B16-F1 melanoma cells induced by alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). We now demonstrate that although agouti binds to the melanocortin receptor MC1-R with an almost identical affinity to that of alpha-MSH, it does not antagonize the inhibitory action of alpha-MSH on the growth of B16-F1 cells. Instead it has a similar antiproliferative action with a half-maximal effective concentration of 13 nM. In G4F cells lacking MC1-R, agouti is without effect. Agouti was also found to induce MC1-R down-regulation with identical kinetics and magnitude as alpha-MSH. Thus, the different effects of agouti on B16-F1 cells proceed via interaction with MC1-R but are not exclusively antagonistic.

Agouti Signaling Protein↗

Induction of constitutive melanogenesis in amelanotic mouse melanoma cells by transfection of the human melanocortin-1 receptor gene.

The human melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptor was stably expressed in the amelanotic mouse melanoma cell clone B16-G4F which does not express its own (mouse) MC1 receptor and hence is unresponsive to alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha MSH). From several stable transfectant cell lines expressing the human MC1 receptor in relatively high numbers, three melanin producing clones (G4F-12, 14, and 15) and one amelanotic clone (G4F-7) were further analyzed in competition binding experiments and in cAMP and melanin assays. The dissociation constants (KD) for [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha MSH in all four clones ranged from 0.187 to 0.705 nmol/l, thus corresponding to the KD observed with the different human melanoma cell lines so far studied. Intracellular cAMP content was 3- to 5-fold higher than that of control cells, and alpha MSH induced an additional 1.5- to 1.7-fold increase. G4F-15 cells secreted melanin into the medium whereas the other clones did not secrete melanin. The extent of melanin secretion was similar to that of fully alpha MSH-stimulated B16-F1 mouse melanoma cells but the onset of secretion was delayed. alpha MSH induced an additional dose-related increase (up to 1.3-fold) in melanin production which could be suppressed by the addition of specific alpha MSH antibodies without altering the constitutive part of melanogenesis. Human and mouse agouti proteins, which inhibit basal and alpha MSH-induced melanogenesis in B16-F1 cells, both reduced alpha MSH-induced melanin production in G4F-15 cells but did not affect the constitutive melanogenesis. These results indicate that human MC1 receptor expressed in mouse B16-G4F cells induces constitutive activation of the signalling pathway controlling melanogenesis, most likely by tightly coupling to Gs alpha, in a similar manner to that reported for constitutively active receptor mutants in other systems.

Agouti Signaling Protein↗

Melanin-concentrating hormone binding to mouse melanoma cells in vitro.

An analogue of human melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) suitable for radioiodination was designed in which Tyr13 was replaced by Phe and Val19 by Tyr. The resulting monoiodinated [125I] [Phe13,Tyr19]-MCH radioligand was biologically active and led to the discovery of high-affinity binding sites on mouse B16-F1, G4F and G4F-7 melanoma cells. Saturation binding analysis with G4F-7 cells revealed 1090 MCH receptors per cell and a KD of 1.18 x 10(-10) mol/l. Receptors for MCH were also found on rat PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells, human RE melanoma cells and COS-7 cells. Competition binding analyses with other peptides such as alpha-MSH, NPY and PACAP demonstrated that MCH receptor binding is specific. rANF(1-28) was found to be a weak competitor of MCH, indicating topological similarities between MCH and rANF(1-28) when interacting with MCH receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of BIM26226, a potent and specific bombesin receptor antagonist, on amylase release and binding of bombesin-like peptides to AR4-2J cells.

Using AR4-2J rat pancreatic carcinoma cells, the effects of a novel bombesin (BN) receptor antagonist [D-F5Phe6, D-Ala11]BN(6-13)OMe (BIM26226) on BN- or GRP-stimulated amylase release and binding of radio-labeled bombesin-like peptides to these cells were examined and compared to [D-Phe6,Leu13 psi(CH2NH)Leu14]BN(6-14) (Psi Bn(6-14)), one of the most potent BN receptor antagonists presently known. BN and GRP both stimulated amylase release with EC50 values in the nanomolar range. Both antagonists were devoid of agonist activity when tested alone. BIM26226 was most potent, antagonizing BN- or GRP-stimulated amylase release with IC50 values in the nanomolar range, whereas Psi Bn(6-14) was approximately ten times less potent. With 125I-[Tyr15]GRP bound to these cells, the binding affinities were BIM26226 > GRP > Psi Bn(6-14) >> neuromedin B. BIM 22626 was not able to inhibit binding of radio-labeled CCK-33, gastrin-17 or VIP. These results suggest that BIM26226 is one of the most potent and specific bombesin receptor antagonists in vitro and seems to be a useful tool to define the physiologic role of GRP in vivo.

Amylases↗

[111In]-DTPA-labeled analogues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone for melanoma targeting: receptor binding in vitro and in vivo.

Six alpha-MSH(4-10) [Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-amide] derivatives carrying 2 or 1 or no 2,3-dihydroxy-(2S)-propyl (DHP) groups on the Lys10 amino side chain were coupled to diethylene-triaminopentaacetic acid (DTPA, a chelator for 111In) in monomeric and dimeric forms and tested for their binding activity and bioactivity in vitro with mouse and human melanoma cell lines and by receptor autoradiography to tumor sections, as well as in vivo with normal and melanoma-bearing mice: DTPA-[Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys(bis-DHP)10]-alpha-MSH(4-10),DTPA-[Nle4, Asp5, D-Phe7,Lys(mono-DHP)10]-alpha-MSH(4-10), DTPA[Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys10]-alpha-MSH(4-10), DTPA-bis-([Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys(bis-DHP)10]-alpha-MSH(4-10)), DTPA-bis[([Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys(mono-DHP)10]-alpha-MSH(4-10)) and DTPA-bis-([Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys10]-alpha-MSH(4-10)). In the receptor-binding assays with B16-F1 mouse and D10 human melanoma cells, the KD values ranged between 0.76 and 31.17 nM and in the melanin bioassay the results were similar (EC50 values between 0.15 and 4.40 nM). The tissue distribution of the 111In-labeled compounds in C57Bl/6J mice showed that the dimeric [111In]-DTPA-bis([Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys10]-alpha-MSH(4-10)) and the monomeric [111In]-DTPA-[Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys(bis-DHP)10]-alpha-MSH(4-10) exhibited the lowest non-specific binding. In mice carrying B16-F1 melanoma tumors, the monomeric compound displayed 2-fold higher 111In uptake by the tumor and a much lower non-specific uptake by the liver (12-fold) and the kidneys (2.5-fold) than the dimeric derivative. This demonstrates that modification of the Lys10 side chain by DHP is a promising lead for new MSH radiopharmaceuticals for melanoma targeting.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Homologous and heterologous regulation of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptors in human and mouse melanoma cell lines.

Specific high-affinity receptors for alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) are found in variable abundance on many melanoma cell lines. We have examined melanocortin peptides and other factors for their ability to regulate the number of MSH receptors in eleven human and two mouse melanoma cell lines. MSH induced up-regulation of its own receptors in three human cell lines and down-regulation in six human and two mouse melanoma cell lines. No regulation was observed in two human lines. Scatchard analysis revealed modulation of the number of receptors per cell without any change in affinity. The concentrations inducing half-maximal response for up- and down-regulation were 1.6 nM and 0.23 nM, respectively. ACTH1-17 and [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH were more potent, whereas ACTH1-24, desacetyl-alpha-MSH, and [Nle4]-alpha-MSH were less potent in receptor up-regulation as compared to alpha-MSH. Down-regulation but not up-regulation could be fully mimicked by Gs-protein activation and partially by elevation of cellular cAMP. Combination of different agents which increase cAMP was found to be counterregulatory. TPA and retinoic acid generally down-regulated MSH receptors but had no effect on HBL cells. Several protein kinase inhibitors increased MSH binding in B16 cells. MSH-induced receptor down-regulation and melanin synthesis were most effectively antagonized by selective inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in these cells. Taken together, MSH receptors on melanoma cells are both positively and negatively regulated. Whereas cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation seems to be involved in down-regulation, the mechanism responsible for up-regulation remains to be elucidated.

Animals↗

B16-G4F mouse melanoma cells: an MSH receptor-deficient cell clone.

The two mouse melanoma cell lines B16-F1 and B16-G4F retain their melanogenic capacity when cultured in vitro. Melanotropic peptides such as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) induce formation and release of melanin pigment in B16-F1 cells. In contrast, B16-G4F cells do not respond to alpha-MSH. Using receptor-binding analysis and photoaffinity crosslinking we demonstrate that the lack of response of B16-G4F cells to alpha-MSH is due to the absence of functional MSH receptors from the cell surface. Northern blot analysis of receptor mRNA revealed that MSH receptor mRNA is not expressed in B16-G4F cells. These cells represent a new tool for the study of signal pathways related to the control of melanogenesis in melanoma cells.

Animals↗

Alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha MSH) stimulates normal human melanocyte growth by binding to high-affinity receptors.

The combined action of cholera toxin (CT)-dependent activation of the adenylate cyclase signaling pathway, stimulation of protein kinase C, and activation of the tyrosine kinase activity of cell surface receptors and proto-oncogene products, have been shown to stimulate melanocyte proliferation. However, natural factors responsible for the optimal stimulation of normal human melanocyte growth, either isolated or co-cultured with keratinocytes, remain largely unknown. alpha MSH (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone) has previously been shown to bind to murine and human melanoma cells and to stimulate their adenylate cyclase and tyrosinase activity. In contrast, very little is known about the presence and function of alpha MSH receptors in normal human melanocytes. We now report that alpha MSH: (i) binds to normal human melanocytes through a single class of high-affinity receptors; (ii) does not induce per se melanocytes to enter the S-phase of the cell cycle; (iii) does indeed stimulate melanocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion; but its stimulatory effect requires bFGF and/or the activation of protein kinase C.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Peptides containing multiple photolabels: a new tool for the analysis of ligand-receptor interactions. Reversible long-lasting stimulation and inhibition of MSH receptors by multiple photocrosslinks with alpha-MSH.

Crosslinking of MSH receptors on melanophores of the lizard Anolis carolinensis with analogues of alpha-MSH containing a photoreactive group in position 1, 7, 9 or 13 leads to long-lasting receptor stimulation. Reversibility of this long-lasting stimulation is obtained by employing a disulfide-containing photoreactive group which can be cleaved from the receptor by thiol reagents [Ref. 3]. When two photoreactive groups are simultaneously present on the alpha-MSH molecule (e.g in positions 1 + 9; 1 + 13; 7 + 13, or 9 + 13), identical results were obtained and long-lasting receptor stimulation was not altered after cleavage of one single crosslink. alpha-MSH analogues with three photoreactive groups in positions 1 + 7 + 13 led to irreversible receptor stimulation whereas one compound with the photoreactive groups in positions 1 + 9 + 13 induced reversible receptor inactivation which could be changed into long-lasting stimulation by cleaving the crosslink at position 1 of alpha-MSH. These results demonstrate that one and the same peptide ligand may contain structural information for both receptor activation and inhibition and that the receptor may become arrested in an activated or inhibited state by multiple photocrosslinking, depending on the relative positions of these crosslinks.

Affinity Labels↗

Synthesis and biological properties of a biotinylated derivative of ACTH1-17 for MSH receptor studies.

A biotinylated derivative of [beta-Ala1,Lys17]-ACTH1-17-NH-(CH2)4-NH2 (ACTH1-17) was synthesized and biologically characterized. The heptadecapeptide with free N-terminus and blocked side-chains was prepared by the solid-phase method using TentaGel resin and a 4-aminobutylamide linker. Biotinyl-beta-Ala-OH was then coupled to the terminal amino group and the resulting [N alpha-(biotinyl-beta-alanyl)-beta-Ala1,Lys17]-ACTH1-17-NH-(CH2)4-N H2 (Bio-ACTH1-17) cleaved from the resin, purified and analyzed. Competition binding assays with mouse B16-F1 and human D10 and HBL melanoma cells using [125I]-alpha-MSH as radioligand gave dissociation constants for Bio-ACTH1-17 of 1.67 +/- 0.07 nM (B16-F1), 0.02 +/- 0.005 nM (D10) and 0.21 +/- 0.02 nM (HBL). The EC50 for Bio-ACTH1-17 in the B16 melanin assay was 4.15 +/- 1.0 nM. Analysis of the binding characteristics of [125I]-Bio-ACTH1-17 demonstrated that in human melanoma cells this radioligand was displaced by ACTH1-17 as well as alpha-MSH whereas in B16-F1 cells the tracer was only displaced from the binding site by ACTH1-17. Studies of Bio-ACTH1-17 with streptavidin showed that the peptide is to a large extent trapped specifically through reaction with biotin. These results demonstrate that (1) the biological characteristics of Bio-ACTH1-17 are almost identical to those of ACTH1-17, (2) Bio-ACTH1-17 is bound by avidin, and (3) Bio-ACTH1-17 may become a useful tool for MSH receptor targeting.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Receptor binding and biological activity of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-1 beta analogues and an IL-1 antagonist in A375 human melanoma cells.

A receptor binding assay for IL-1 peptides on human melanoma cells of the A 375 cell line is reported. Strains differing in their sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of IL-1 beta were compared. In both strains, binding equilibrium at temperatures between 0 degrees and 37 degrees C was reached after 4 to 8 hours. At 37 degrees C, most of the bound ligand was rapidly internalized leaving a constant level of surface receptors. Scatchard analysis at 0 degrees C revealed a single class of high affinity receptors with a similar KD in both IL-1 resistant (0.18 +/- 0.07 nM) and sensitive strains (0.14 +/- 0.06 nM) but a 10-fold difference in the number of binding sites. Whereas > 1000 binding sites per cell were regularly observed in all resistant strains, only 100-200 sites could be detected on the IL-1 sensitive cells. In displacement assays, IL-1 beta was found to be slightly more potent than IL-1 alpha in both strains. In an attempt to further characterize the IL-1 binding site in these cells, the binding characteristics and biological activity of 20 point mutations of IL-1 beta were examined. EC50 values similar to those of the wild type peptide were found in all these analogues with the exception R11S and E128K: their EC50 was increased by a factor of 10 but the biological activity was reduced 1000-fold as compared to IL-1 beta. The relative potency of an IL-1 receptor antagonist was similar to that of IL-1 beta in the displacement binding assay but a 100-fold higher concentration was required to completely block the cytotoxic effects of IL-1 beta. These results show that A375 human melanoma cells are useful for screening the binding and biological properties of analogues of the IL-1 family of peptides.

Binding, Competitive↗

Homologous regulation of the MSH receptor in melanoma cells.

We have examined the mechanism of homologous regulation of MSH receptor binding and receptor-mediated adenylate cyclase activation in three human and two mouse melanoma cell lines. Pretreatment with alpha-MSH resulted in a time- and dose-dependent up-regulation of MSH receptors in human D10 and 205 melanoma cells whereas in human HBL and in mouse B16-F1 and Cloudman S91 cells alpha-MSH induced receptor down-regulation. Up-regulation of receptors was maximal after a 24-h incubation period and an alpha-MSH concentration of 100 nM (EC50 = 2.4 nM). The increase in alpha-MSH binding was independent of adenylate cyclase activation and protein synthesis and appeared to be caused by recruitment of spare receptors. The structural requirements of the peptide for triggering this process differed from those found in receptor-binding analyses. Receptor down-regulation was maximal after 12 h and hence more rapid than up-regulation. In B16-F1 cells, 10 nM alpha-MSH caused the disappearance of 85-90% of the MSH receptors, the EC50 of 0.23 nM lying exactly between that for alpha-MSH-induced melanogenesis (0.027 nM) and the dissociation constant of receptor binding (1.31 nM). Down-regulation in B16-F1 cells appears to be the consequence of receptor internalization following MSH binding and seems to be initiated during an early step in MSH signalling, preceding the activation of adenylate cyclase and the cAMP signal. Receptor up- and down-regulation were not accompanied by an alteration in affinity to alpha-MSH, as demonstrated by Scatchard analysis of the binding curves.

Animals↗