1
|
Guo L, Zhang Y, Fang G, Tie L, Zhuang Y, Xue C, Liu Q, Zhang M, Zhu K, You C, Xu P, Yuan Q, Zhang C, Liu L, Rong N, Peng S, Liu Y, Wang C, Luo X, Lv Z, Kang D, Yu X, Zhang C, Jiang Y, Dong X, Zhou J, Liu Z, Yang F, Eric Xu H, Sun JP. Ligand recognition and G protein coupling of the human itch receptor MRGPRX1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5004. [PMID: 37591889 PMCID: PMC10435460 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40705-z] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
MRGPRX1, a Mas-related GPCR (MRGPR), is a key receptor for itch perception and targeting MRGPRX1 may have potential to treat both chronic itch and pain. Here we report cryo-EM structures of the MRGPRX1-Gi1 and MRGPRX1-Gq trimers in complex with two peptide ligands, BAM8-22 and CNF-Tx2. These structures reveal a shallow orthosteric pocket and its conformational plasticity for sensing multiple different peptidic itch allergens. Distinct from MRGPRX2, MRGPRX1 contains a unique pocket feature at the extracellular ends of TM3 and TM4 to accommodate the peptide C-terminal "RF/RY" motif, which could serve as key mechanisms for peptidic allergen recognition. Below the ligand binding pocket, the G6.48XP6.50F6.51G6.52X(2)F/W6.55 motif is essential for the inward tilting of the upper end of TM6 to induce receptor activation. Moreover, structural features inside the ligand pocket and on the cytoplasmic side of MRGPRX1 are identified as key elements for both Gi and Gq signaling. Collectively, our studies provide structural insights into understanding itch sensation, MRGPRX1 activation, and downstream G protein signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Guo
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yumu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Guoxing Fang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Tie
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuming Zhuang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chenyang Xue
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kongkai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chongzhao You
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingning Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Naikang Rong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shengxuan Peng
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanzheng Wang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zongyao Lv
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiuyao Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhongmin Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - H Eric Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Y, Cao C, Huang XP, Gumpper RH, Rachman MM, Shih SL, Krumm BE, Zhang S, Shoichet BK, Fay JF, Roth BL. Ligand recognition and allosteric modulation of the human MRGPRX1 receptor. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:416-422. [PMID: 36302898 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01173-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The human MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor X1 (MRGPRX1) is preferentially expressed in the small-diameter primary sensory neurons and involved in the mediation of nociception and pruritus. Central activation of MRGPRX1 by the endogenous opioid peptide fragment BAM8-22 and its positive allosteric modulator ML382 has been shown to effectively inhibit persistent pain, making MRGPRX1 a promising target for non-opioid pain treatment. However, the activation mechanism of MRGPRX1 is still largely unknown. Here we report three high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy structures of MRGPRX1-Gαq in complex with BAM8-22 alone, with BAM8-22 and ML382 simultaneously as well as with a synthetic agonist compound-16. These structures reveal the agonist binding mode for MRGPRX1 and illuminate the structural requirements for positive allosteric modulation. Collectively, our findings provide a molecular understanding of the activation and allosteric modulation of the MRGPRX1 receptor, which could facilitate the structure-based design of non-opioid pain-relieving drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Can Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ryan H Gumpper
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Moira M Rachman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sheng-Luen Shih
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brian E Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brian K Shoichet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan F Fay
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
New N- and C-modified RGD-hemorphins as potential biomedical application on Ti-surface materials: synthesis, characterization and antinociceptive activity. Mol Divers 2023; 27:263-280. [PMID: 35438429 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10428-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript presented the synthesis and characterization of two new N- and C-modified analogues of VV-hemorphin-7 containing RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) residues as potential nociceptive agents and bioactive materials. It has been shown that the addition of one or two RGD sequences to natural VV-hemorphin-7 increases its effect on acute nociception, but the reduction of the inflammatory phase depends on the concentration of the peptide. The structure-property relationship of the new peptide derivatives was highlighted by electrochemical and FT-IR methods of analysis. Because of the proven bone-structural bonds of hydroxyapatite, the simultaneous deposition of peptide/hydroxyapatite on the surface of a titanium surface was investigated. The deposition was performed in a medium of gelatin solution containing dissolved amounts of peptide and hydroxyapatite using ultrasound. SEM-EDS analyzes confirmed the presence of a layer of the studied system.
Collapse
|
4
|
Franchini L, Orlandi C. Probing the orphan receptors: Tools and directions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 195:47-76. [PMID: 36707155 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous ligands activating a large fraction of the G Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) family members have yet to be identified. These receptors are commonly labeled as orphans (oGPCRs), and because of the absence of available pharmacological tools they are currently understudied. Nonetheless, genome wide association studies, together with research using animal models identified many physiological functions regulated by oGPCRs. Similarly, mutations in some oGPCRs have been associated with rare genetic disorders or with an increased risk of developing pathologies. The once underestimated pharmacological potential of targeting oGPCRs is increasingly being exploited by the development of novel tools to understand their biology and by drug discovery endeavors aimed at identifying new modulators of their activity. Here, we summarize recent advancements in the field of oGPCRs and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Franchini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Cesare Orlandi
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
MAS-related G protein-coupled receptors X (MRGPRX): Orphan GPCRs with potential as targets for future drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108259. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
6
|
Structural insight into the activation mechanism of MrgD with heterotrimeric Gi-protein revealed by cryo-EM. Commun Biol 2022; 5:707. [PMID: 35840655 PMCID: PMC9287403 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03668-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MrgD, a member of the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (MRGPR) family, has high basal activity for Gi activation. It recognizes endogenous ligands, such as β-alanine, and is involved in pain and itch signaling. The lack of a high-resolution structure for MrgD hinders our understanding of whether its activation is ligand-dependent or constitutive. Here, we report two cryo-EM structures of the MrgD-Gi complex in the β-alanine-bound and apo states at 3.1 Å and 2.8 Å resolution, respectively. These structures show that β-alanine is bound to a shallow pocket at the extracellular domains. The extracellular half of the sixth transmembrane helix undergoes a significant movement and is tightly packed into the third transmembrane helix through hydrophobic residues, creating the active form. Our structures demonstrate a structural basis for the characteristic ligand recognition of MrgD. These findings provide a framework to guide drug designs targeting the MrgD receptor. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals the structure and activation mechanism of MrgD, a member of the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor family of GPCRs involved in itch and nociception.
Collapse
|
7
|
Arora R, Van Theemsche KM, Van Remoortel S, Snyders DJ, Labro AJ, Timmermans JP. Constitutive, Basal, and β-Alanine-Mediated Activation of the Human Mas-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor D Induces Release of the Inflammatory Cytokine IL-6 and Is Dependent on NF-κB Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413254. [PMID: 34948051 PMCID: PMC8703779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as key players in regulating (patho)physiological processes, including inflammation. Members of the Mas-related G protein coupled receptors (MRGPRs), a subfamily of GPCRs, are largely expressed by sensory neurons and known to modulate itch and pain. Several members of MRGPRs are also expressed in mast cells, macrophages, and in cardiovascular tissue, linking them to pseudo-allergic drug reactions and suggesting a pivotal role in the cardiovascular system. However, involvement of the human Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor D (MRGPRD) in the regulation of the inflammatory mediator interleukin 6 (IL-6) has not been demonstrated to date. By stimulating human MRGPRD-expressing HeLa cells with the agonist β-alanine, we observed a release of IL-6. β-alanine-induced signaling through MRGPRD was investigated further by probing downstream signaling effectors along the Gαq/Phospholipase C (PLC) pathway, which results in an IkB kinases (IKK)-mediated canonical activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and stimulation of IL-6 release. This IL-6 release could be blocked by a Gαq inhibitor (YM-254890), an IKK complex inhibitor (IKK-16), and partly by a PLC inhibitor (U-73122). Additionally, we investigated the constitutive (ligand-independent) and basal activity of MRGPRD and concluded that the observed basal activity of MRGPRD is dependent on the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the culture medium. Consequently, the dynamic range for IL-6 detection as an assay for β-alanine-mediated activation of MRGPRD is substantially increased by culturing the cells in FBS free medium before treatment. Overall, the observation that MRGPRD mediates the release of IL-6 in an in vitro system, hints at a role as an inflammatory mediator and supports the notion that IL-6 can be used as a marker for MRGPRD activation in an in vitro drug screening assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Arora
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (R.A.); (S.V.R.)
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Kenny M. Van Theemsche
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Samuel Van Remoortel
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (R.A.); (S.V.R.)
| | - Dirk J. Snyders
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Alain J. Labro
- Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.M.V.T.); (D.J.S.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (A.J.L.); (J.-P.T.); Tel.: +32-9-3320034 (A.J.L.); +32-3-2653327 (J.-P.T.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (R.A.); (S.V.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.J.L.); (J.-P.T.); Tel.: +32-9-3320034 (A.J.L.); +32-3-2653327 (J.-P.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hemorphins Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030225. [PMID: 33799973 PMCID: PMC7998264 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030225] [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: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorphins are short peptides produced by the proteolysis of the beta subunit of hemoglobin. These peptides have diverse physiological effects especially in the nervous and the renin-angiotensin systems. Such effects occur through the modulation of a diverse range of proteins including enzymes and receptors. In this review, we focus on pharmacological and functional targeting of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by hemorphins and their implication in physiology and pathophysiology. Among GPCRs, the opioid receptors constitute the first set of targets of hemorphins with implication in analgesia. Subsequently, several other GPCRs have been reported to be directly or indirectly involved in hemorphins’ action. This includes the receptors for angiotensin II, oxytocin, bombesin, and bradykinin, as well as the human MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor X1. Interestingly, both orthosteric activation and allosteric modulation of GPCRs by hemorphins have been reported. This review links hemorphins with GPCR pharmacology and signaling, supporting the implication of GPCRs in hemorphins’ effects. Thus, this aids a better understanding of the molecular basis of the action of hemorphins and further demonstrates that hemorphin-GPCR axis constitutes a valid target for therapeutic intervention in different systems.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hung HY, Chow LH, Kotlinska JH, Drabik A, Silberring J, Chen YH, Huang EYK. LVV-hemorphin-7 (LVV-H7) plays a role in antinociception in a rat model of alcohol-induced pain disorders. Peptides 2021; 136:170455. [PMID: 33253777 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol can increase the sensitivity to painful stimulation or convert insensibility to pain at different stages. We hypothesized that chronic alcohol consumption changes the level of LVV-hemorphin-7 (abbreviated as LVV-H7, an opioid-like peptide generated from hemoglobin β-chain), thereby affecting pain sensation. We established a chronic alcohol-exposed rat model to investigate the effects of LVV-H7. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 % ethanol (w/v) at 0.5 g/kg for 15 days and subsequent alcohol withdrawal for 5 days. Using different pharmacological strategies to affect the LVV-H7 level, we investigated the correlation between LVV-H7 and pain-related behavior. Tail-flick and hot plate tests were employed to investigate alcohol-induced pain-related behavioral changes. The serum level of LVV-H7 was determined by ELISA. Our results showed that alcohol first induced an analgesia followed by a hyperalgesia during alcohol withdrawal, which could be driven by the quantitative change of LVV-H7. A positive correlation between the level of LVV-H7 and Δtail-flick latency (measured latency minus basal latency) confirmed this finding. Moreover, we revealed that the LVV-H7 levels were determined by the activity of cathepsin D and red blood cell/hemoglobin counts, which could be affected by alcohol. These results suggest that the deterioration of anti-nociception induced by alcohol is correlated to the decreased level of LVV-H7, and this could be due to alcohol-induced anemia. This study may help to develop LVV-H7 structure-based novel analgesics for treating alcohol-induced pain disorders and thus ameliorate the complications in alcoholics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Yuan Hung
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lok-Hi Chow
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jolanta H Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy With Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Drabik
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Silberring
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Yuan-Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eagle Yi-Kung Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ali A, Alzeyoudi SAR, Almutawa SA, Alnajjar AN, Vijayan R. Molecular basis of the therapeutic properties of hemorphins. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104855. [PMID: 32438036 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hemorphins are endogenous peptides, 4-10 amino acids long, belonging to the family of atypical opioid peptides released during the sequential cleavage of hemoglobin protein. Hemorphins have been shown to exhibit diverse therapeutic effects in both human and animal models. However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in such effects remain elusive. In this review, we summarize and propose potential mechanisms based on studies that investigated the biological activity of hemorphins of different lengths on multiple therapeutic targets. Special emphasis is given to molecular events related to renin-angiotensin system (RAS), opioid receptors and insulin-regulated aminopeptidase receptor (IRAP). This review provides a comprehensive coverage of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the therapeutic potential of hemorphins. Furthermore, it highlights the role of various hemorphin residues in pathological conditions, which could be explored further for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanat Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Shamma Abdulla Almutawa
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alya Nasir Alnajjar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ranjit Vijayan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Herzig KH. Kazuhiko Tatemoto - A homage to an outstanding scientist in peptide research. Peptides 2020; 123:170235. [PMID: 31857105 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Herzig
- Institute of Biomedicine, Medical Research Center and Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Espino SS, Robinson SD, Safavi-Hemami H, Gajewiak J, Yang W, Olivera BM, Liu Q. Conopeptides promote itch through human itch receptor hMgprX1. Toxicon 2018; 154:28-34. [PMID: 30243794 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Members of Mas related G-protein coupled receptors (Mrgpr) are known to mediate itch. To date, several compounds have been shown to activate these receptors, including chloroquine, a common antimalarial drug, and peptides of the RF-amide family. However, specific ligands for these receptors are still lacking and there is a need for novel compounds that can be used to modulate the receptors in order to understand the cellular and molecular mechanism in which they mediate itch. Some cone snail venoms were previously shown to induce itch in mice. Here, we show that the venom of Conus textile induces itch through activation of itch-sensing sensory neurons, marked by their sensitivity to chloroquine. Two RF-amide peptides, CNF-Tx1 and CNF-Tx2, were identified in a C. textile venom gland transcriptome. These belong to the conorfamide family of peptides which includes previously described peptides from the venoms of Conus victoriae (CNF-Vc1) and Conus spurius (CNF-Sr1 and CNF-Sr2). We show that CNF-Vc1 and CNF-Sr1 activate MrgprC11 whereas CNF-Vc1 and CNF-Tx2 activate the human MrgprX1 (hMrgprX1). The peptides CNF-Tx1 and CNF-Sr2 do not activate MrgprC11 or hMrgprX1. Intradermal injection of CNF-Vc1 and CNF-Tx2 into the cheek of a transgenic mouse expressing hMrgprX1 instead of endogenous mouse Mrgprs resulted in itch-related scratching thus demonstrating the in vivo activity of these peptides. Using truncated analogues of CNF-Vc1, we identified amino acids at positions 7-14 as important for activity against hMrgprX1. The conopeptides reported here are tools that can be used to advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanism of itch mediated by Mrgprs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Espino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City UT 84112, USA
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City UT 84112, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City UT 84112, USA
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City UT 84112, USA
| | - Weishan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Qin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|