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Negus SS, St. Onge CM, Lee YK, Li M, Rice KC, Zhang Y. Effects of Selective and Mixed-Action Kappa and Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists on Pain-Related Behavioral Depression in Mice. Molecules 2024; 29:3331. [PMID: 39064909 PMCID: PMC11279860 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29143331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We recently developed a series of nalfurafine analogs (TK10, TK33, and TK35) that may serve as non-addictive candidate analgesics. These compounds are mixed-action agonists at the kappa and delta opioid receptors (KOR and DOR, respectively) and produce antinociception in a mouse warm-water tail-immersion test while failing to produce typical mu opioid receptor (MOR)-mediated side effects. The warm-water tail-immersion test is an assay of pain-stimulated behavior vulnerable to false-positive analgesic-like effects by drugs that produce motor impairment. Accordingly, this study evaluated TK10, TK33, and TK35 in a recently validated assay of pain-related behavioral depression in mice that are less vulnerable to false-positive effects. For comparison, we also evaluated the effects of the MOR agonist/analgesic hydrocodone (positive control), the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist aprepitant (negative control), nalfurafine as a selective KOR agonist, SNC80 as a selective DOR agonist, and a nalfurafine/SNC80 mixture. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (IP lactic acid) served as a noxious stimulus to depress vertical and horizontal locomotor activity in male and female ICR mice. IP lactic acid-induced locomotor depression was alleviated by hydrocodone but not by aprepitant, nalfurafine, SNC80, the nalfurafine/SNC80 mixture, or the KOR/DOR agonists. These results suggest that caution is warranted in advancing mixed-action KOR/DOR agonists as candidate analgesics.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Mice
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Pain/drug therapy
- Pain/metabolism
- Male
- Depression/drug therapy
- Depression/etiology
- Morphinans/pharmacology
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Spiro Compounds/pharmacology
- Spiro Compounds/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Celsey M. St. Onge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (C.M.S.O.); (M.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Young K. Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Mengchu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (C.M.S.O.); (M.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Kenner C. Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (C.M.S.O.); (M.L.); (Y.Z.)
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Blaine AT, van Rijn RM. Receptor expression and signaling properties in the brain, and structural ligand motifs that contribute to delta opioid receptor agonist-induced seizures. Neuropharmacology 2023; 232:109526. [PMID: 37004753 PMCID: PMC11078570 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The δ opioid receptor (δOR) is a therapeutic target for the treatment of various neurological disorders, such as migraines, chronic pain, alcohol use, and mood disorders. Relative to μ opioid receptor agonists, δOR agonists show lower abuse liability and may be potentially safer analgesic alternatives. However, currently no δOR agonists are approved for clinical use. A small number of δOR agonists reached Phase II trials, but ultimately failed to progress due to lack of efficacy. One side effect of δOR agonism that remains poorly understood is the ability of δOR agonists to produce seizures. The lack of a clear mechanism of action is partly driven by the fact that δOR agonists range in their propensity to induce seizure behavior, with multiple δOR agonists reportedly not causing seizures. There is a significant gap in our current understanding of why certain δOR agonists are more likely to induce seizures, and what signal-transduction pathway and/or brain area is engaged to produce these seizures. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge of δOR agonist-mediated seizures. The review was structured to highlight which agonists produce seizures, which brain regions have been implicated and which signaling mediators have been examined in this behavior. Our hope is that this review will spur future studies that are carefully designed and aimed to solve the question why certain δOR agonists are seizurogenic. Obtaining such insight may expedite the development of novel δOR clinical candidates without the risk of inducing seizures. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Opioid-induced changes in addiction and pain circuits".
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Affiliation(s)
- Arryn T Blaine
- Purdue University, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science graduate program, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Purdue University, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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3
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Pisanò CA, Mercatelli D, Mazzocchi M, Brugnoli A, Morella I, Fasano S, Zaveri NT, Brambilla R, O'Keeffe GW, Neubig RR, Morari M. Regulator of G-Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) negatively modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid receptor signalling: Implication for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:927-942. [PMID: 34767639 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Regulator of G-protein signalling 4 (RGS4) is a signal transduction protein that accelerates intrinsic GTPase activity of Gαi/o and Gαq subunits, suppressing GPCR signalling. Here, we investigate whether RGS4 modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) opioid (NOP) receptor signalling and if this modulation has relevance for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK293T cells transfected with NOP, NOP/RGS4 or NOP/RGS19 were challenged with N/OFQ and the small-molecule NOP agonist AT-403, using D1-stimulated cAMP levels as a readout. Primary rat striatal neurons and adult mouse striatal slices were challenged with either N/OFQ or AT-403 in the presence of the experimental RGS4 chemical probe, CCG-203920, and D1-stimulated cAMP or phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK) responses were monitored. In vivo, CCG-203920 was co-administered with AT-403 and l-Dopa to 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats, and dyskinetic movements, striatal biochemical correlates of dyskinesia (pERK and pGluR1 levels) and striatal RGS4 levels were measured. KEY RESULTS RGS4 expression reduced NOFQ and AT-403 potency and efficacy in HEK293T cells. CCG-203920 increased N/OFQ potency in primary rat striatal neurons and potentiated AT-403 response in mouse striatal slices. CCG-203920 enhanced AT-403-mediated inhibition of dyskinesia and its biochemical correlates, without compromising its motor-improving effects. Unilateral dopamine depletion caused bilateral reduction of RGS4 levels, which was reversed by l-Dopa. l-Dopa acutely up-regulated RGS4 in the lesioned striatum. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS RGS4 physiologically inhibits NOP receptor signalling. CCG-203920 enhanced NOP responses and improved the antidyskinetic potential of NOP receptor agonists, mitigating the effects of striatal RGS4 up-regulation occurring during dyskinesia expression. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa A Pisanò
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Mazzocchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alberto Brugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Medicinal Chemistry Division, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Blaine AT, Miao Y, Yuan J, Palant S, Liu RJ, Zhang ZY, van Rijn RM. Exploration of beta-arrestin isoform signaling pathways in delta opioid receptor agonist-induced convulsions. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:914651. [PMID: 36059958 PMCID: PMC9428791 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.914651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The δ-opioid receptor (δOR) has been considered as a therapeutic target in multiple neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders particularly as δOR agonists are deemed safer alternatives relative to the more abuse-liable µ-opioid receptor drugs. Clinical development of δOR agonists, however, has been challenging in part due to the seizure-inducing effects of certain δOR agonists. Especially agonists that resemble the δOR-selective agonist SNC80 have well-established convulsive activity. Close inspection suggests that many of those seizurogenic δOR agonists efficaciously recruit β-arrestin, yet surprisingly, SNC80 displays enhanced seizure activity in β-arrestin 1 knockout mice. This finding led us to hypothesize that perhaps β-arrestin 1 is protective against, whereas β-arrestin 2 is detrimental for δOR-agonist-induced seizures. To investigate our hypothesis, we characterized three different δOR agonists (SNC80, ADL5859, ARM390) in cellular assays and in vivo in wild-type and β-arrestin 1 and β-arrestin 2 knockout mice for seizure activity. We also investigated downstream kinases associated with β-arrestin-dependent signal transduction. We discovered that δOR agonist-induced seizure activity strongly and positively correlates with β-arrestin 2 efficacy for the agonist, but that indirect inhibition of ERK activation using the MEK inhibitor SL327 did not inhibit seizure potency and duration. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling with honokiol but not PQR530, attenuated SNC80 seizure duration in β-arrestin 1 knockout, but honokiol did not reduce SNC80-induced seizures in wild-type mice. Ultimately, our results indicate that β-arrestin 2 is correlated with δOR agonist-induced seizure intensity, but that global β-arrestin 1 knockout mice are a poor model system to investigate their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arryn T. Blaine
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Yiming Miao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jinling Yuan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sophia Palant
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Rebecca J. Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue University Cancer Center, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Richard. M. van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue University Cancer Center, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard. M. van Rijn,
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5
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Degrandmaison J, Grisé O, Parent JL, Gendron L. Differential barcoding of opioid receptors trafficking. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:99-128. [PMID: 34559903 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past several years, studies have highlighted the δ-opioid receptor (DOPr) as a promising therapeutic target for chronic pain management. While exhibiting milder undesired effects than most currently prescribed opioids, its specific agonists elicit effective analgesic responses in numerous animal models of chronic pain, including inflammatory, neuropathic, diabetic, and cancer-related pain. However, as compared with the extensively studied μ-opioid receptor, the molecular mechanisms governing its trafficking remain elusive. Recent advances have denoted several significant particularities in the regulation of DOPr intracellular routing, setting it apart from the other members of the opioid receptor family. Although they share high homology, each opioid receptor subtype displays specific amino acid patterns potentially involved in the regulation of its trafficking. These precise motifs or "barcodes" are selectively recognized by regulatory proteins and therefore dictate several aspects of the itinerary of a receptor, including its anterograde transport, internalization, recycling, and degradation. With a specific focus on the regulation of DOPr trafficking, this review will discuss previously reported, as well as potential novel trafficking barcodes within the opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide receptors, and their impact in determining distinct interactomes and physiological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Degrandmaison
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Quebec Network of Junior Pain Investigators, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Grisé
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Parent
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Louis Gendron
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Quebec Pain Research Network, QC, Canada
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6
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Hillhouse TM, Olson KM, Hallahan JE, Rysztak LG, Sears BF, Meurice C, Ostovar M, Koppenhaver PO, West JL, Jutkiewicz EM, Husbands SM, Traynor JR. The Buprenorphine Analogue BU10119 Attenuates Drug-Primed and Stress-Induced Cocaine Reinstatement in Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 378:287-299. [PMID: 34183434 PMCID: PMC11047085 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for cocaine use disorder, including relapse. The μ-opioid receptor (MOPr) partial agonist buprenorphine alone or in combination with naltrexone has been shown to reduce cocaine-positive urine tests and cocaine seeking in rodents. However, there are concerns over the abuse liability of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine's partial agonist and antagonist activity at the nociception receptor (NOPr) and κ-opioid receptor (KOPr), respectively, may contribute to its ability to inhibit cocaine seeking. Thus, we hypothesized that a buprenorphine derivative that exhibits antagonist activity at MOPr and KOPr with enhanced agonist activity at the NOPr could provide a more effective treatment. Here we compare the pharmacology of buprenorphine and two analogs, BU10119 and BU12004, in assays for antinociception and for cocaine- and stress-primed reinstatement in the conditioned place preference paradigm. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that BU10119 acts as an antagonist at MOPr, KOPr, and δ-opioid receptor (DOPr) and a partial agonist at NOPr, whereas BU12004 showed MOPr partial agonist activity and DOPr, KOPr, and NOPr antagonism. BU10119 and buprenorphine but not BU12004 lessened cocaine-primed reinstatement. In contrast, BU10119, BU12004, and buprenorphine blocked stress-primed reinstatement. The selective NOPr agonist SCH221510 but not naloxone decreased cocaine-primed reinstatement. Together, these findings are consistent with the concept that NOPr agonism contributes to the ability of BU10119 and buprenorphine to attenuate reinstatement of cocaine-conditioned place preference in mice. The findings support the development of buprenorphine analogs lacking MOPr agonism with increased NOPr agonism for relapse prevention to cocaine addiction. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: There are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for cocaine use disorder. Buprenorphine has shown promise as a treatment for cocaine relapse prevention; however, there are concerns over the abuse liability of buprenorphine. Here we show a buprenorphine analogue, BU10119, which lacks μ-opioid receptor agonism and inhibits cocaine-primed and stress-primed reinstatement in a conditioned place-preference paradigm. The results suggest the development of BU10119 for the management of relapse to cocaine seeking.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Buprenorphine/pharmacology
- Buprenorphine/analogs & derivatives
- Mice
- Male
- Cocaine/pharmacology
- Stress, Psychological/drug therapy
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Cocaine-Related Disorders/drug therapy
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Drug-Seeking Behavior/drug effects
- Humans
- Receptors, Opioid/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid/agonists
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Hillhouse
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Keith M Olson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - James E Hallahan
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Lauren G Rysztak
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Bryan F Sears
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Claire Meurice
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Mehrnoosh Ostovar
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Peyton O Koppenhaver
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Joshua L West
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Emily M Jutkiewicz
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - Stephen M Husbands
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin (T.M.H., P.O.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.M.O., J.E.H., L.G.R., B.F.S., C.M., J.W., E.M.J., J.R.T.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (M.O., S.M.H.); and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (J.R.T.)
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7
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Saavedra JS, Garrett PI, Honeycutt SC, Peterson AM, White JW, Hillhouse TM. Assessment of the rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects of dextromethorphan in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 197:173003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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8
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Michaelides M, Miller ML, Egervari G, Primeaux SD, Gomez JL, Ellis RJ, Landry JA, Szutorisz H, Hoffman AF, Lupica CR, Loos RJF, Thanos PK, Bray GA, Neumaier JF, Zachariou V, Wang GJ, Volkow ND, Hurd YL. Striatal Rgs4 regulates feeding and susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2058-2069. [PMID: 29955167 PMCID: PMC6310669 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of high fat, high sugar (western) diets is a major contributor to the current high levels of obesity. Here, we used a multidisciplinary approach to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying susceptibility to diet-induced obesity (DIO). Using positron emission tomography (PET), we identified the dorsal striatum as the brain area most altered in DIO-susceptible rats and molecular studies within this region highlighted regulator of G-protein signaling 4 (Rgs4) within laser-capture micro-dissected striatonigral (SN) and striatopallidal (SP) medium spiny neurons (MSNs) as playing a key role. Rgs4 is a GTPase accelerating enzyme implicated in plasticity mechanisms of SP MSNs, which are known to regulate feeding and disturbances of which are associated with obesity. Compared to DIO-resistant rats, DIO-susceptible rats exhibited increased striatal Rgs4 with mRNA expression levels enriched in SP MSNs. siRNA-mediated knockdown of striatal Rgs4 in DIO-susceptible rats decreased food intake to levels comparable to DIO-resistant animals. Finally, we demonstrated that the human Rgs4 gene locus is associated with increased body weight and obesity susceptibility phenotypes, and that overweight humans exhibit increased striatal Rgs4 protein. Our findings highlight a novel role for involvement of Rgs4 in SP MSNs in feeding and DIO-susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Michaelides
- Departments of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Biobehavioral Imaging & Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Biobehavioral Imaging & Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Michael L Miller
- Departments of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Gabor Egervari
- Departments of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Stefany D Primeaux
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Juan L Gomez
- Biobehavioral Imaging & Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Randall J Ellis
- Biobehavioral Imaging & Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Joseph A Landry
- Departments of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Henrietta Szutorisz
- Departments of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Alexander F Hoffman
- Electrophysiology Research Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Carl R Lupica
- Electrophysiology Research Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ruth J F Loos
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, The Genetics of Obesity and Related Metabolic Traits Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - George A Bray
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - John F Neumaier
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Departments of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Gene-Jack Wang
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Departments of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Departments of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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9
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Regulators of G protein signalling as pharmacological targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105148. [PMID: 32858121 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, a specific type of chronic pain resulting from persistent nervous tissue lesions, is a debilitating condition that affects about 7% of the population. This condition remains particularly difficult to treat because of the poor understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Drugs currently used to alleviate this chronic pain syndrome are of limited benefit due to their lack of efficacy and the elevated risk of side effects, especially after a prolonged period of treatment. Although drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) also have several limitations, such as progressive loss of efficacy due to receptor desensitization or unavoidable side effects due to wide receptor distribution, the identification of several molecular partners that contribute to the fine-tuning of receptor activity has raised new opportunities for the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. Regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) act intracellularly by influencing the coupling process and activity of G proteins, and are amongst the best-characterized physiological modulators of GPCR. Changes in RGS expression have been documented in a range of models of neuropathic pain, or after prolonged treatment with diverse analgesics, and could participate in altered pain processing as well as impaired physiological or pharmacological control of nociceptive signals. The present review summarizes the experimental data that implicates RGS in the development of pain with focus on the pathological mechanisms of neuropathic pain, including the impact of neuropathic lesions on RGS expression and, reciprocally, the influence of modifying RGS on GPCRs involved in the modulation of nociception as well as on the outcome of pain. In this context, we address the question of the relevance of RGS as promising targets in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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10
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Dripps IJ, Chen R, Shafer AM, Livingston KE, Disney A, Husbands SM, Traynor JR, Rice KC, Jutkiewicz EM. Pharmacological Properties of δ-Opioid Receptor-Mediated Behaviors: Agonist Efficacy and Receptor Reserve. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:319-330. [PMID: 32467352 PMCID: PMC7372918 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.262717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
δ-Opioid receptor (δ-receptor) agonists produce antihyperalgesia, antidepressant-like effects, and convulsions in animals. However, the role of agonist efficacy in generating different δ-receptor-mediated behaviors has not been thoroughly investigated. To this end, efficacy requirements for δ-receptor-mediated antihyperalgesia, antidepressant-like effects, and convulsions were evaluated by comparing the effects of the partial agonist BU48 and the full agonist SNC80 and changes in the potency of SNC80 after δ-receptor elimination. Antihyperalgesia was measured in a nitroglycerin-induced thermal hyperalgesia assay. An antidepressant-like effect was evaluated in the forced swim test. Mice were observed for convulsions after treatment with SNC80 or the δ-opioid receptor partial agonist BU48. Ligand-induced G protein activation was measured by [35S]guanosine 5'-O-[γ-thio]triphosphate binding in mouse forebrain tissue, and δ-receptor number was measured by [3H]D-Pen2,5-enkephalin saturation binding. BU48 produced antidepressant-like effects and convulsions but antagonized SNC80-induced antihyperalgesia and G protein activation. The potency of SNC80 was shifted to the right in δ-receptor heterozygous knockout mice and naltrindole-5'-isothiocyanate-treated mice, and the magnitude of potency shift differed across assays, with the largest shift occurring in the thermal hyperalgesia assay, followed by the forced swim test and then convulsion observation. Naltrindole antagonized these SNC80-induced behaviors with similar potencies, suggesting that these effects are mediated by the same type of δ-receptor. These data suggest that δ-receptor-mediated behaviors display a rank order of efficacy requirement, with antihyperalgesia having the highest requirement, followed by antidepressant-like effects and then convulsions. These findings further our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms mediating the in vivo effects of δ-opioid receptor agonists. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: δ-Opioid receptor (δ-receptor) agonists produce antihyperalgesia, antidepressant-like effects, and convulsions in animal models. This study evaluates pharmacological properties, specifically the role of agonist efficacy and receptor reserve, underlying these δ-receptor-mediated behaviors. These data suggest that δ-receptor-mediated behaviors display a rank order of efficacy requirement, with antihyperalgesia having the highest requirement, followed by antidepressant-like effects and then convulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac J Dripps
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Ruizhuo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Amanda M Shafer
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Kathryn E Livingston
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Alexander Disney
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Stephen M Husbands
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Emily M Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (I.J.D., R.C., A.M.S., K.E.L., J.R.T., E.M.J.); Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom (A.D., S.M.H.); and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland (K.C.R.)
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11
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Abstract
This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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12
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Senese NB, Kandasamy R, Kochan KE, Traynor JR. Regulator of G-Protein Signaling (RGS) Protein Modulation of Opioid Receptor Signaling as a Potential Target for Pain Management. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:5. [PMID: 32038168 PMCID: PMC6992652 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid drugs are the gold standard for the management of pain, but their use is severely limited by dangerous and unpleasant side effects. All clinically available opioid analgesics bind to and activate the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), a heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptor, to produce analgesia. The activity of these receptors is modulated by a family of intracellular RGS proteins or regulators of G-protein signaling proteins, characterized by the presence of a conserved RGS Homology (RH) domain. These proteins act as negative regulators of G-protein signaling by serving as GTPase accelerating proteins or GAPS to switch off signaling by both the Gα and βγ subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Consequently, knockdown or knockout of RGS protein activity enhances signaling downstream of MOR. In this review we discuss current knowledge of how this activity, across the different families of RGS proteins, modulates MOR activity, as well as activity of other members of the opioid receptor family, and so pain and analgesia in animal models, with particular emphasis on RGS4 and RGS9 families. We discuss inhibition of RGS proteins with small molecule inhibitors that bind to sensitive cysteine moieties in the RH domain and the potential for targeting this family of intracellular proteins as adjuncts to provide an opioid sparing effect or as standalone analgesics by promoting the activity of endogenous opioid peptides. Overall, we conclude that RGS proteins may be a novel drug target to provide analgesia with reduced opioid-like side effects, but that much basic work is needed to define the roles for specific RGS proteins, particularly in chronic pain, as well as a need to develop newer inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas B Senese
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ram Kandasamy
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Psychology, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, United States
| | - Kelsey E Kochan
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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13
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Karoussiotis C, Marti-Solano M, Stepniewski TM, Symeonof A, Selent J, Georgoussi Z. A highly conserved δ-opioid receptor region determines RGS4 interaction. FEBS J 2019; 287:736-748. [PMID: 31386272 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The δ-opioid receptor (δ-OR) couples to Gi/Go proteins to modulate a variety of responses in the nervous system. Τhe regulator of G protein signalling 4 (RGS4) was previously shown to directly interact within the C-terminal region of δ-OR using its N-terminal domain to negatively modulate opioid receptor signalling. Herein, using molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro pull-down experiments we delimit this interaction to 12 helix 8 residues of δ-ΟR and to the first 17 N-terminal residues (NT) of RGS4. Monitoring the complex arrangement and stabilization between RGS4 and δ-OR by molecular dynamics simulations combined with mutagenesis studies, we defined that two critical interactions are formed: one between Phe329 of helix8 of δ-ΟR and Pro9 of the NT of RGS4 and the other a salt bridge between Glu323 of δ-ΟR and Lys17 of RGS4. Our observations allow drafting for the first time a structural model of a ternary complex including the δ-opioid receptor, a G protein and a RGS protein. Furthermore, the high degree of conservation among opioid receptors of the RGS4-binding region, points to a conserved interaction mode between opioid receptors and this important regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Karoussiotis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Marti-Solano
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexandra Symeonof
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Jana Selent
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
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14
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Jeske NA. Dynamic Opioid Receptor Regulation in the Periphery. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 95:463-467. [PMID: 30723091 PMCID: PMC6442319 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.114637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids serve a vital role in the current analgesic array of treatment options. They are useful in acute instances involving severe pain associated with trauma, surgery, and terminal diseases such as cancer. In the past three decades, multiple receptor isoforms and conformations have been reported throughout literature. Most of these studies conducted systemic analyses of opioid receptor function, often generalizing findings from receptor systems in central nervous tissue or exogenously expressing immortalized cell lines as common mechanisms throughout physiology. However, a culmination of innovative experimental data indicates that opioid receptor systems are differentially modulated depending on their anatomic expression profile. Importantly, opioid receptors expressed in the peripheral nervous system undergo regulation uncommon to similar receptors expressed in central nervous system tissues. This distinctive characteristic begs one to question whether peripheral opioid receptors maintain anatomically unique roles, and whether they may serve an analgesic advantage in providing pain relief without promoting addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel A Jeske
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pharmacology, and Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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15
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Gendron L, Nagi K, Zeghal M, Giguère PM, Pineyro G. Molecular aspects of delta opioid receptors. OPIOID HORMONES 2019; 111:49-90. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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16
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Mohammadi M, Mohammadiarani H, Shaw VS, Neubig RR, Vashisth H. Interplay of cysteine exposure and global protein dynamics in small-molecule recognition by a regulator of G-protein signaling protein. Proteins 2018; 87:146-156. [PMID: 30521141 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins play a pivotal role in regulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and are therefore becoming an increasingly important therapeutic target. Recently discovered thiadiazolidinone (TDZD) compounds that target cysteine residues have shown different levels of specificities and potencies for the RGS4 protein, thereby suggesting intrinsic differences in dynamics of this protein upon binding of these compounds. In this work, we investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations the effect of binding of several small-molecule inhibitors on perturbations and dynamical motions in RGS4. Specifically, we studied two conformational models of RGS4 in which a buried cysteine residue is solvent-exposed due to side-chain motions or due to flexibility in neighboring helices. We found that TDZD compounds with aromatic functional groups perturb the RGS4 structure more than compounds with aliphatic functional groups. Moreover, small-molecules with aromatic functional groups but lacking sulfur atoms only transiently reside within the protein and spontaneously dissociate to the solvent. We further measured inhibitory effects of TDZD compounds using a protein-protein interaction assay on a single-cysteine RGS4 protein showing trends in potencies of compounds consistent with our simulation studies. Thermodynamic analyses of RGS4 conformations in the apo-state and on binding to TDZD compounds revealed links between both conformational models of RGS4. The exposure of cysteine side-chains appears to facilitate initial binding of TDZD compounds followed by migration of the compound into a bundle of four helices, thereby causing allosteric perturbations in the RGS/Gα protein-protein interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vincent S Shaw
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
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17
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Senese NB, Rasenick MM, Traynor JR. The Role of G-proteins and G-protein Regulating Proteins in Depressive Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1289. [PMID: 30483131 PMCID: PMC6244039 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress toward new antidepressant therapies has been relatively slow over the past few decades, with the result that individuals suffering from depression often struggle to find an effective treatment – a process often requiring months. Furthermore, the neural factors that contribute to depression remain poorly understood, and there are many open questions regarding the mechanism of action of existing antidepressants. A better understanding of the molecular processes that underlie depression and contribute to antidepressant efficacy is therefore badly needed. In this review we highlight research investigating the role of G-proteins and the regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins, two protein families that are intimately involved in both the genesis of depressive states and the action of antidepressant drugs. Many antidepressants are known to indirectly affect the function of these proteins. Conversely, dysfunction of the G-protein and RGS systems can affect antidepressant efficacy. However, a great deal remains unknown about how these proteins interact with antidepressants. Findings pertinent to each individual G-protein and RGS protein are summarized from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas B Senese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mark M Rasenick
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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18
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Dripps IJ, Boyer BT, Neubig RR, Rice KC, Traynor JR, Jutkiewicz EM. Role of signalling molecules in behaviours mediated by the δ opioid receptor agonist SNC80. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:891-901. [PMID: 29278419 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE GPCRs exist in multiple conformations that can engage distinct signalling mechanisms which in turn may lead to diverse behavioural outputs. In rodent models, activation of the δ opioid receptor (δ-receptor) has been shown to elicit antihyperalgesia, antidepressant-like effects and convulsions. We recently showed that these δ-receptor-mediated behaviours are differentially regulated by the GTPase-activating protein regulator of G protein signalling 4 (RGS4), which facilitates termination of G protein signalling. To further evaluate the signalling mechanisms underlying δ-receptor-mediated antihyperalgesia, antidepressant-like effects and convulsions, we observed how changes in Gαo or arrestin proteins in vivo affected behaviours elicited by the δ-receptor agonist SNC80 in mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Transgenic mice with altered expression of various signalling molecules were used in the current studies. Antihyperalgesia was measured in a nitroglycerin-induced thermal hyperalgesia assay. Antidepressant-like effects were evaluated in the forced swim test. Mice were also observed for convulsive activity following SNC80 treatment. KEY RESULTS In Gαo RGS-insensitive heterozygous knock-in mice, the potency of SNC80 to produce antihyperalgesia and antidepressant-like effects was enhanced with no change in SNC80-induced convulsions. Conversely, in Gαo heterozygous knockout mice, SNC80-induced antihyperalgesia was abolished while antidepressant-like effects and convulsions were unaltered. No changes in SNC80-induced behaviours were observed in arrestin 3 knockout mice. SNC80-induced convulsions were potentiated in arrestin 2 knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, these findings suggest that different signalling molecules may underlie the convulsive effects of the δ-receptor relative to its antihyperalgesic and antidepressant-like effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac J Dripps
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brett T Boyer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, North Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily M Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Doyen PJ, Vergouts M, Pochet A, Desmet N, van Neerven S, Brook G, Hermans E. Inflammation-associated regulation of RGS in astrocytes and putative implication in neuropathic pain. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:209. [PMID: 29078779 PMCID: PMC5658970 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0971-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) are major physiological modulators of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) signaling. Several GPCRs expressed in both neurons and astrocytes participate in the central control of pain processing, and the reduced efficacy of analgesics in neuropathic pain conditions may rely on alterations in RGS function. The expression and the regulation of RGS in astrocytes is poorly documented, and we herein hypothesized that neuroinflammation which is commonly observed in neuropathic pain could influence RGS expression in astrocytes. Methods In a validated model of neuropathic pain, the spared nerve injury (SNI), the regulation of RGS2, RGS3, RGS4, and RGS7 messenger RNA (mRNA) was examined up to 3 weeks after the lesion. Changes in the expression of the same RGS were also studied in cultured astrocytes exposed to defined activation protocols or to inflammatory cytokines. Results We evidenced a differential regulation of these RGS in the lumbar spinal cord of animals undergoing SNI. In particular, RGS3 appeared upregulated at early stages after the lesion whereas expression of RGS2 and RGS4 was decreased at later stages. Decrease in RGS7 expression was already observed after 3 days and outlasted until 21 days after the lesion. In cultured astrocytes, we observed that changes in the culture conditions distinctly influenced the constitutive expression of these RGS. Also, brief exposures (4 to 8 h) to either interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, or tumor necrosis factor α caused rapid changes in the mRNA levels of the RGS, which however did not strictly recapitulate the regulations observed in the spinal cord of lesioned animals. Longer exposure (48 h) to inflammatory cytokines barely influenced RGS expression, confirming the rapid but transient regulation of these cell signaling modulators. Conclusion Changes in the environment of astrocytes mimicking the inflammation observed in the model of neuropathic pain can affect RGS expression. Considering the role of astrocytes in the onset and progression of neuropathic pain, we propose that the inflammation-mediated modulation of RGS in astrocytes constitutes an adaptive mechanism in a context of neuroinflammation and may participate in the regulation of nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre J Doyen
- Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Vergouts
- Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amandine Pochet
- Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Desmet
- Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabien van Neerven
- Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gary Brook
- Institute for Neuropathology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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Abstract
Depression is a pervasive and debilitating mental disorder that is inadequately treated by current pharmacotherapies in a majority of patients. Although opioids have long been known to regulate mood states, the use of opioids to treat depression is rarely discussed. This chapter explores the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the antidepressant-like effects of opioid ligands, and in particular, delta opioid receptor (DOR) agonists. DOR agonists have been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects in a number of animal models. Some DOR agonists also produce convulsions which has limited their clinical utility. However, DOR agonists that generate antidepressant-like effects without convulsions have recently been developed and these drugs are beginning to be evaluated in humans. Work investigating potential mechanisms of action for the antidepressant-like effects of DOR agonists is also explored. Understanding mechanisms that give rise to DOR-mediated behaviors is critical for the development of DOR drugs with improved safety and clinical utility, and future work should be devoted to elucidating these pathways.
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