Chimeric peptide EP45 as a dual agonist at GLP-1 and NPY2R receptors

Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 28;8(1):3749. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-22106-1.

Abstract

We report the design and target validation of chimeric peptide EP45, a novel 45 amino acid monomeric dual agonist peptide that contains amino acid sequence motifs present within the blood glucose-lowering agent exendin-4 (Ex-4) and the appetite-suppressing agent PYY(3-36). In a new high-throughput FRET assay that provides real-time kinetic information concerning levels of cAMP in living cells, EP45 recapitulates the action of Ex-4 to stimulate cAMP production via the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), while also recapitulating the action of PYY(3-36) to inhibit cAMP production via the neuropeptide Y2 receptor (NPY2R). EP45 fails to activate glucagon or GIP receptors, whereas for cells that co-express NPY2R and adenosine A2B receptors, EP45 acts in an NPY2R-mediated manner to suppress stimulatory effects of adenosine on cAMP production. Collectively, such findings are remarkable in that they suggest a new strategy in which the co-existing metabolic disorders of type 2 diabetes and obesity will be treatable using a single peptide such as EP45 that lowers levels of blood glucose by virtue of its GLP-1R-mediated effect, while simultaneously suppressing appetite by virtue of its NPY2R-mediated effect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / agonists*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Neuropeptide Y / agonists*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Receptors, Neuropeptide Y
  • neuropeptide Y2 receptor
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1