Modulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor signaling by naturally occurring and synthetic flavonoids

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011 Feb;336(2):540-50. doi: 10.1124/jpet.110.176362. Epub 2010 Nov 12.

Abstract

The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a promising target for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus because of its role in metabolic homeostasis. In recent years, difficulties with peptide therapies have driven the search for small-molecule compounds to modulate the activity of this receptor. We recently identified quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, as a probe-dependent, pathway-selective allosteric modulator of GLP-1R-mediated signaling. Using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human GLP-1R, we have now extended this work to identify the structural requirements of flavonoids to modify GLP-1R binding and signaling (cAMP formation and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization) of each of the GLP-1R endogenous agonists, as well as the clinically used exogenous peptide mimetic exendin-4. This study identified a chemical series of hydroxyl flavonols with the ability to selectively augment calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling in a peptide agonist-specific manner, with effects only on truncated GLP-1 peptides [GLP-1(7-36)NH(2) and GLP-1(7-37)] and exendin-4, but not on oxyntomodulin or full-length GLP-1 peptides [GLP-1(1-36)NH(2) and GLP-1(1-37)]. In addition, the 3-hydroxyl group on the flavone backbone (i.e., a flavonol) was essential for this activity, however insufficient on its own, to produce the allosteric effects. In contrast to hydroxyl flavonols, catechin had no effect on peptide-mediated Ca(2+) signaling but negatively modulated peptide-mediated cAMP formation in a probe-dependent manner. These data represent a detailed examination of the action of different flavonoids on peptide agonists at the GLP-1R and may aid in the development of future small molecule compounds targeted at this receptor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Calcium Signaling / drug effects
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Glucagon / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Glucagon / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Flavonoids
  • GLP1R protein, human
  • Glp1r protein, mouse
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Receptors, Glucagon
  • Catechin