Amylin and Adrenomedullin both belong to the calcitonin peptide family. While amylin plays an important role in maintaining glucose and energy homeostasis, adrenomedullin is primarily known for its beneficial vasoactive effects.
We hypothesize that combining the glucoregulatory and anti-obesity properties of amylin with the cardioprotective effects of adrenomedullin could be an effective treatment strategy to address type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases in one molecule. Here we report the design and receptor potencies of unimolecular peptide agonists with dual activity at the amylin and adrenomedullin receptors.
Using solid-phase peptide synthesis, an array of hybrid peptides was rationally designed by substituting amino acids essential for amylin activity into the native adrenomedullin sequence. The pharmacokinetic profile was optimized by lipidation with a C20 diacid. Functional activities of the analogues were measured using a cAMP accumulation assay in cells overexpressing the human amylin receptor subtype 3 (hAMY3-R) or human adrenomedullin receptor subtype 1 (hAM1-R).
All analogues were full agonists on both receptors. hAMY3R potencies were comparable to human native amylin, whereas hAM1-R potencies ranged from equipotent to 100-fold less potent compared to human native adrenomedullin.
In summary, we have synthesized novel hybrid amylin-adrenomedullin peptide agonists with dual activity at the hAMY3R and hAM1-R. Ongoing studies address in vivo efficacy and potency of amylin-adrenomedullin dual agonists in rodent models of obesity and diabetes.
L.S. Dalboege: None. P. Magotti: None. N. Buch-Månson: None. E.M. Bech: None. L.N. Fink: Employee; Self; Gubra. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. S.L. Pedersen: None. K. Fosgerau: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Gubra.