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Frankowska M, Wydra K, Suder A, Zaniewska M, Gawliński D, Miszkiel J, Furgała-Wojas A, Sałat K, Filip M, Müller CE, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Kotańska M. Novel GPR18 Ligands in Rodent Pharmacological Tests: Effects on Mood, Pain, and Eating Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109046. [PMID: 37240392 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of selective pharmacological tools has limited the full unraveling of G protein-coupled receptor 18 (GPR18) functions. The present study was aimed at discovering the activities of three novel preferential or selective GPR18 ligands, one agonist (PSB-KK-1415) and two antagonists (PSB-CB-5 and PSB-CB-27). We investigated these ligands in several screening tests, considering the relationship between GPR18 and the cannabinoid (CB) receptor system, and the control of endoCB signaling over emotions, food intake, pain sensation, and thermoregulation. We also assessed whether the novel compounds could modulate the subjective effects evoked by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Male mice or rats were pretreated with the GPR18 ligands, and locomotor activity, depression- and anxiety-like symptoms, pain threshold, core temperature, food intake, and THC-vehicle discrimination were measured. Our screening analyses indicated that GPR18 activation partly results in effects that are similar to those of CB receptor activation, considering the impact on emotional behavior, food intake, and pain activity. Thus, the orphan GPR18 may provide a novel therapeutic target for mood, pain, and/or eating disorders, and further investigation is warranted to better discern its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Frankowska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Suder
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zaniewska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Miszkiel
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Furgała-Wojas
- Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Sałat
- Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Christa E Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Chair of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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2
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Structure Prediction, Evaluation, and Validation of GPR18 Lipid Receptor Using Free Programs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147917. [PMID: 35887268 PMCID: PMC9319093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The GPR18 receptor, often referred to as the N-arachidonylglycine receptor, although assigned (along with GPR55 and GPR119) to the new class A GPCR subfamily-lipid receptors, officially still has the status of a class A GPCR orphan. While its signaling pathways and biological significance have not yet been fully elucidated, increasing evidence points to the therapeutic potential of GPR18 in relation to immune, neurodegenerative, and cancer processes to name a few. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the interactions of potential ligands with the receptor and the influence of particular structural elements on their activity. Thus, given the lack of an experimentally solved structure, the goal of the present study was to obtain a homology model of the GPR18 receptor in the inactive state, meeting all requirements in terms of protein structure quality and recognition of active ligands. To increase the reliability and precision of the predictions, different contemporary protein structure prediction methods and software were used and compared herein. To test the usability of the resulting models, we optimized and compared the selected structures followed by the assessment of the ability to recognize known, active ligands. The stability of the predicted poses was then evaluated by means of molecular dynamics simulations. On the other hand, most of the best-ranking contemporary CADD software/platforms for its full usability require rather expensive licenses. To overcome this down-to-earth obstacle, the overarching goal of these studies was to test whether it is possible to perform the thorough CADD experiments with high scientific confidence while using only license-free/academic software and online platforms. The obtained results indicate that a wide range of freely available software and/or academic licenses allow us to carry out meaningful molecular modelling/docking studies.
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3
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Kozłowska H, Malinowska B, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Kusaczuk M, Nesterowicz M, Kozłowski M, Müller CE, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Schlicker E. GPR18-Mediated Relaxation of Human Isolated Pulmonary Arteries. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031427. [PMID: 35163351 PMCID: PMC8836012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR18 receptor protein was detected in the heart and vasculature and appears to play a functional role in the cardiovascular system. We investigated the effects of the new GPR18 agonists PSB-MZ-1415 and PSB-MZ-1440 and the new GPR18 antagonist PSB-CB-27 on isolated human pulmonary arteries (hPAs) and compared their effects with the previously proposed, but unconfirmed, GPR18 ligands NAGly, Abn-CBD (agonists) and O-1918 (antagonist). GPR18 expression in hPAs was shown at the mRNA level. PSB-MZ-1415, PSB-MZ-1440, NAGly and Abn-CBD fully relaxed endothelium-intact hPAs precontracted with the thromboxane A2 analog U46619. PSB-CB-27 shifted the concentration-response curves (CRCs) of PSB-MZ-1415, PSB-MZ-1440, NAGly and Abn-CBD to the right; O-1918 caused rightward shifts of the CRCs of PSB-MZ-1415 and NAGly. Endothelium removal diminished the potency and the maximum effect of PSB-MZ-1415. The potency of PSB-MZ-1415 or NAGly was reduced in male patients, smokers and patients with hypercholesterolemia. In conclusion, the novel GPR18 agonists, PSB-MZ-1415 and PSB-MZ-1440, relax hPAs and the effect is inhibited by the new GPR18 antagonist PSB-CB-27. GPR18, which appears to exhibit lower activity in hPAs from male, smoking or hypercholesterolemic patients, may become a new target for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kozłowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (B.M.); (M.B.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-85-7485699
| | - Barbara Malinowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (B.M.); (M.B.-K.)
| | - Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (B.M.); (M.B.-K.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kusaczuk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Miłosz Nesterowicz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Białystok, ul. M.C. Skłodowska 4A, 15-276 Białystok, Poland; (M.N.); (M.K.)
| | - Mirosław Kozłowski
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Białystok, ul. M.C. Skłodowska 4A, 15-276 Białystok, Poland; (M.N.); (M.K.)
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany;
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, ul. Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Eberhard Schlicker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
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Kotańska M, Kubacka M, Bednarski M, Nicosia N, Szafarz M, Jawień W, Müller CE, Kieć-Kononowicz K. The GPR18 Agonist PSB-KD-107 Exerts Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxant Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080799. [PMID: 34451896 PMCID: PMC8398562 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR18 is an orphan GPCR that is activated by the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Emerging evidence indicates its involvement in the control of cardiovascular functions, including heart rate, contractility, vascular tone, as well as blood pressure. Therefore, we investigated the effects of selective GPR18 receptor ligands, namely PSB-KD-107 (agonist) and PSB-CB-92 (antagonist), on blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and vascular dilatation in vitro and in vivo, as well as their anti-oxidative potential in in vitro ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical (DPPH) assays. Our results clearly show that PSB-KD-107 dilates blood vessels. This effect is related to its activation of GPR18 as it can be blocked by the GPR18 antagonist PSB-CB-92. Moreover, our finding confirms the presence of GPR18 in blood vessels. The mechanism of the vasorelaxant activity of PSB-KD-107 is mainly related to endothelial nitric oxide generation; however, we cannot exclude additional nitric oxide-independent mechanisms or a direct influence on K+ channels. PSB-KD-107 may affect blood pressure and heart function after a single administration; however, this effect was no longer observed after repeated administrations once daily for eight days. PSB-KD-107 does not affect platelet aggregation-an important feature considering the safety of its administration. PSB-KD-107 also shows a significant anti-oxidant effect and further studies of its antioxidant activity in vivo are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (M.B.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Monika Kubacka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Marek Bednarski
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (M.B.); (N.N.)
| | - Noemi Nicosia
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland; (M.B.); (N.N.)
- Foundation “Prof. Antonio Imbesi”, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Małgorzata Szafarz
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Jawień
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Pharma Center Bonn, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
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5
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Mastromarino M, Lacivita E, Colabufo NA, Leopoldo M. G-Protein Coupled Receptors Involved in the Resolution of Inflammation: Ligands and Therapeutic Perspectives. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 20:2090-2103. [PMID: 32682373 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200719014433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated inflammation is a central pathological process in diverse disease states, including neurodegenerative disorders. The recent concept of "resolution of inflammation" is offering a conceptual change for the diagnosis and the development of new therapeutic approaches for chronic inflammatory diseases. Resolution of inflammation terminates the inflammatory response promoting the return to tissue homeostasis through the action of several classes of mediators, termed specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), that include lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins. SPMs provide "stop signals" that reduce the number of immune cells at the site of insult and increase the clearance of apoptotic cells through phagocytosis. SPMs elicit their effects through the interaction with specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The elucidation of the pathways downstream of the GPCRs involved in the resolution of chronic inflammation is opening novel opportunities to generate novel anti-inflammatory agents. This review focuses on the SPMs and the receptors through which their effects are mediated. The medicinal chemistry of the modulators of the GPCRs involved in the resolution of inflammation will be illustrated, by highlighting the potential for developing new antiinflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Mastromarino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Universita degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Universita degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola A Colabufo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Universita degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Universita degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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6
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Kotańska M, Mika K, Szafarz M, Kubacka M, Müller CE, Sapa J, Kieć-Kononowicz K. Effects of GPR18 Ligands on Body Weight and Metabolic Parameters in a Female Rat Model of Excessive Eating. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030270. [PMID: 33809564 PMCID: PMC8002110 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR18 has been proposed to play a role in the progression of metabolic disease and obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of selective GRP18 ligands (the antagonists PSB-CB5 and PSB-CB27 and the agonist PSB-KK1415) on body mass and the development of metabolic disorders commonly accompanying obesity. Experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats. In order to determine the anorectic activity of the investigated ligands, their effect on food and water intake in a model of excessive eating was assessed. Lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels as well as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in plasma were also evaluated. Potential side effects were examined in rat models of pica behavior and conditioned taste aversion. Animals treated with different ligands gained significantly less weight than rats from the obese control group. Effects of GPR18 antagonists on food intake and body weight were specific and unrelated to visceral illness, stress or changes in spontaneous activity. However, the GPR18 agonist is likely to affect body weight by inducing gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea. The presented preliminary data support the idea that the search for selective GPR18 antagonists for the treatment of obesity might be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-12-6205530
| | - Kamil Mika
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Małgorzata Szafarz
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688, Krakow, Poland;
| | - Monika Kubacka
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Jacek Sapa
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (K.M.); (M.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland;
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7
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Schoeder CT, Mahardhika AB, Drabczyńska A, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Müller CE. Discovery of Tricyclic Xanthines as Agonists of the Cannabinoid-Activated Orphan G-Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR18. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2024-2031. [PMID: 33062188 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR18 is a rhodopsin-like orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is activated by the natural cannabinoid (CB) Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is highly expressed in immune cells and represents a promising new drug target. However, THC is much more potent in activating CB receptors than GPR18, and several other proposed lipidic agonists for GPR18 have not been independently confirmed. Herein we describe the first non-lipid-like agonists for GPR18 based on a tricyclic xanthine-derived scaffold, along with initial structure-activity relationships. PSB-KD107 (5) and PSB-KD477 (16) displayed significantly higher potency and efficacy than THC, determined in a GPR18-dependent β-arrestin recruitment assay, and were found to be selective versus the CB-sensitive receptors CB1, CB2, and GPR55. Structure-activity relationships were steep, and indole substitution was crucial for biological activity. These first selective agonists, which are structurally distinct from the lipidic agonist(s), will allow target validation studies and may eventually contribute to the deorphanization of GPR18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara T. Schoeder
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andhika B. Mahardhika
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Drabczyńska
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany
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8
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Morales P, Lago-Fernandez A, Hurst DP, Sotudeh N, Brailoiu E, Reggio PH, Abood ME, Jagerovic N. Therapeutic Exploitation of GPR18: Beyond the Cannabinoids? J Med Chem 2020; 63:14216-14227. [PMID: 32914978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
GPR18 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that belongs to the orphan class A family. Even though it shares low sequence homology with the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R, a growing body of research suggests its relationship with the endocannabinoid system, not only because it is able to recognize cannabinoid ligands but also because of its expression and ability to heteromerize with CBRs. In this review, we aim to analyze the biological relevance, reported modulators, and structural features of GPR18. In order to guide future drug design in this field, highlights from molecular modeling of GPR18 will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Lago-Fernandez
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dow P Hurst
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, United States
| | - Noori Sotudeh
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, United States
| | - Eugen Brailoiu
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Patricia H Reggio
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27412, United States
| | - Mary E Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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9
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Computational Investigations on the Binding Mode of Ligands for the Cannabinoid-Activated G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR18. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050686. [PMID: 32365486 PMCID: PMC7277601 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR18 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed in cells of the immune system. It is activated by the cannabinoid receptor (CB) agonist ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Several further lipids have been proposed to act as GPR18 agonists, but these results still require unambiguous confirmation. In the present study, we constructed a homology model of the human GPR18 based on an ensemble of three GPCR crystal structures to investigate the binding modes of the agonist THC and the recently reported antagonists which feature an imidazothiazinone core to which a (substituted) phenyl ring is connected via a lipophilic linker. Docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed. As a result, a hydrophobic binding pocket is predicted to accommodate the imidazothiazinone core, while the terminal phenyl ring projects towards an aromatic pocket. Hydrophobic interaction of Cys251 with substituents on the phenyl ring could explain the high potency of the most potent derivatives. Molecular dynamics simulation studies suggest that the binding of imidazothiazinone antagonists stabilizes transmembrane regions TM1, TM6 and TM7 of the receptor through a salt bridge between Asp118 and Lys133. The agonist THC is presumed to bind differently to GPR18 than to the distantly related CB receptors. This study provides insights into the binding mode of GPR18 agonists and antagonists which will facilitate future drug design for this promising potential drug target.
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10
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Foster JR, Ueno S, Chen MX, Harvey J, Dowell SJ, Irving AJ, Brown AJ. N-Palmitoylglycine and other N-acylamides activate the lipid receptor G2A/GPR132. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00542. [PMID: 31768260 PMCID: PMC6868653 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled receptor GPR132, also known as G2A, is activated by 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE) and other oxidized fatty acids. Other suggested GPR132 agonists including lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) have not been readily reproduced. Here, we identify N-acylamides in particular N-acylglycines, as lipid activators of GPR132 with comparable activity to 9-HODE. The order-of-potency is N-palmitoylglycine > 9-HODE ≈ N-linoleoylglycine > linoleamide > N-oleoylglycine ≈ N-stereoylglycine > N-arachidonoylglycine > N-docosehexanoylglycine. Physiological concentrations of N-acylglycines in tissue are sufficient to activate GPR132. N-linoleoylglycine and 9-HODE also activate rat and mouse GPR132, despite limited sequence conservation to human. We describe pharmacological tools for GPR132, identified through drug screening. SKF-95667 is a novel GPR132 agonist. SB-583831 and SB-583355 are peptidomimetic molecules containing core amino acids (glycine and phenylalanine, respectively), and structurally related to previously described ligands. A telmisartan analog, GSK1820795A, antagonizes the actions of N-acylamides at GPR132. The synthetic cannabinoid CP-55 940 also activates GPR132. Molecular docking to a homology model suggested a site for lipid binding, predicting the acyl side-chain to extend into the membrane bilayer between TM4 and TM5 of GPR132. Small-molecule ligands are envisaged to occupy a "classical" site encapsulated in the 7TM bundle. Structure-directed mutagenesis indicates a critical role for arginine at position 203 in transmembrane domain 5 to mediate GPR132 activation by N-acylamides. Our data suggest distinct modes of binding for small-molecule and lipid agonists to the GPR132 receptor. Antagonists, such as those described here, will be vital to understand the physiological role of this long-studied target.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Foster
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Medicines Research CentreStevenageUK
- School of MedicineNinewells Hospital and Medical SchoolDundee UniversityDundeeUK
| | - Shohta Ueno
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Medicines Research CentreStevenageUK
- Present address:
RegeneronUxbridgeUK
| | - Mao Xiang Chen
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Medicines Research CentreStevenageUK
| | - Jenni Harvey
- School of MedicineNinewells Hospital and Medical SchoolDundee UniversityDundeeUK
| | - Simon J. Dowell
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Medicines Research CentreStevenageUK
| | - Andrew J. Irving
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceThe Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Andrew J. Brown
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Medicines Research CentreStevenageUK
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Effects of Cannabidiol on Diabetes Outcomes and Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Comorbidities in Middle-Aged Rats. Neurotox Res 2018; 35:463-474. [PMID: 30430393 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9972-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes and aging are risk factors for cognitive impairments after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid present in the Cannabis sativa plant. It has beneficial effects on both cerebral ischemic diseases and diabetes. We have recently reported that diabetes interacted synergistically with aging to increase neuroinflammation and memory deficits in rats subjected to CCH. The present study investigated whether CBD would alleviate cognitive decline and affect markers of inflammation and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus in middle-aged diabetic rats submitted to CCH. Diabetes was induced in middle-aged rats (14 months old) by intravenous streptozotocin (SZT) administration. Thirty days later, the diabetic animals were subjected to sham or CCH surgeries and treated with CBD (10 mg/kg, once a day) during 30 days. Diabetes exacerbated cognitive deficits induced by CCH in middle-aged rats. Repeated CBD treatment decreased body weight in both sham- and CCH-operated animals. Cannabidiol improved memory performance and reduced hippocampal levels of inflammation markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and arginase 1). Cannabidiol attenuated the decrease in hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor induced by CCH in diabetic animals, but it did not affect the levels of neuroplasticity markers (growth-associated protein-43 and synaptophysin) in middle-aged diabetic rats. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effects of CBD in middle-aged diabetic rats subjected to CCH are related to a reduction in neuroinflammation. However, they seemed to occur independently of hippocampal neuroplasticity changes.
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