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Bayer H, Bertoglio LJ, Maren S, Stern CAJ. Windows of change: Revisiting temporal and molecular dynamics of memory reconsolidation and persistence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2025; 174:106198. [PMID: 40354954 PMCID: PMC12119219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2025] [Revised: 03/16/2025] [Accepted: 05/04/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025]
Abstract
Retrieval can bring memories to a labile state, creating a window to modify its content during reconsolidation. Numerous studies have investigated this period to elucidate reconsolidation mechanisms, understand long-term memory persistence, and develop therapeutic strategies for memory-related psychiatric disorders. However, the temporal dynamics of post-retrieval memory processes have been largely overlooked, leading to mixed findings and hindering the development of targeted interventions. This review discusses retrieval-related cellular and molecular events and how they develop in series and parallel across time. Emerging evidence suggests that some mechanisms triggered after fear memory retrieval can influence either reconsolidation or persistence in different time windows. The temporal boundaries of these post-retrieval processes are still unclear. Further research integrating behavioral and molecular approaches to a deeper understanding of reconsolidation and persistence temporal dynamics is essential to address current debates, including which system/pathway offers the most effective therapeutic window of opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Bayer
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Leandro J. Bertoglio
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Stephen Maren
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Cristina A. J. Stern
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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2
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Chen M, Li J, Shan W, Yang J, Zuo Z. Auditory fear memory retrieval requires BLA-LS and LS-VMH circuitries via GABAergic and dopaminergic neurons. EMBO Rep 2025; 26:1816-1834. [PMID: 40055468 PMCID: PMC11977213 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-025-00403-x] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2025] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Fear and associated learning and memory are critical for developing defensive behavior. Excessive fear and anxiety are important components of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the neurobiology of fear conditioning, especially tone-related fear memory retrieval, has not been clearly defined, which limits specific intervention development for patients with excessive fear and anxiety. Here, we show that auditory fear memory retrieval stimuli activate multiple brain regions including the lateral septum (LS). Inhibition of the LS and the connection between basolateral amygdala (BLA) and LS or between LS and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) attenuates tone-related fear conditioning and memory retrieval. Inhibiting GABAergic neurons or dopaminergic neurons in the LS also attenuates tone-related fear conditioning. Our data further show that fear conditioning is inhibited by blocking orexin B signaling in the LS. Our results indicate that the neural circuitries BLA-LS and LS-VMH are critical for tone-related fear conditioning and memory retrieval, and that GABAergic neurons, dopaminergic neurons and orexin signaling in the LS participate in this auditory fear conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Weiran Shan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhiyi Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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3
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Thotamune W, Ubeysinghe S, Rajarathna C, Kankanamge D, Olupothage K, Chandu A, Copits BA, Karunarathne A. AGS3-based optogenetic GDI induces GPCR-independent Gβγ signalling and macrophage migration. Open Biol 2025; 15:240181. [PMID: 39904370 PMCID: PMC11793977 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240181] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 11/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 02/06/2025] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are efficient guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and exchange GDP to GTP on the Gα subunit of G-protein heterotrimers in response to various extracellular stimuli, including neurotransmitters and light. GPCRs primarily broadcast signals through activated G proteins, GαGTP and free Gβγ and are major disease drivers. Evidence shows that the ambient low threshold signalling required for cells is likely supplemented by signalling regulators such as non-GPCR GEFs and guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs). Activators of G-protein signalling 3 (AGS3) are recognized as a GDI involved in multiple health and disease-related processes. Nevertheless, understanding of AGS3 is limited, and no significant information is available on its structure-function relationship or signalling regulation in living cells. Here, we employed in silico structure-guided engineering of a novel optogenetic GDI, based on the AGS3's G-protein regulatory motif, to understand its GDI activity and induce standalone Gβγ signalling in living cells on optical command. Our results demonstrate that plasma membrane recruitment of OptoGDI efficiently releases Gβγ, and its subcellular targeting generated localized PIP3 and triggered macrophage migration. Therefore, we propose OptoGDI as a powerful tool for optically dissecting GDI-mediated signalling pathways and triggering GPCR-independent Gβγ signalling in cells and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waruna Thotamune
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
| | - Sithurandi Ubeysinghe
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
| | - Chathuri Rajarathna
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
| | - Dinesh Kankanamge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110, USA
| | - Koshala Olupothage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH43606, USA
| | - Aditya Chandu
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
| | - Bryan A. Copits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110, USA
| | - Ajith Karunarathne
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO63103, USA
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Zhao H, Li H, Meng L, Du P, Mo X, Gong M, Chen J, Liao Y. Disrupting heroin-associated memory reconsolidation through actin polymerization inhibition in the nucleus accumbens core. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 28:pyae065. [PMID: 39716383 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding drug addiction as a disorder of maladaptive learning, where drug-associated or environmental cues trigger drug cravings and seeking, is crucial for developing effective treatments. Actin polymerization, a biochemical process, plays a crucial role in drug-related memory formation, particularly evident in conditioned place preference paradigms involving drugs like morphine and methamphetamine. However, the role of actin polymerization in the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memories remains understudied. METHODS This study employed a rodent model of self-administered heroin to investigate the involvement of actin polymerization in the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memories. Rats underwent ten days of intravenous heroin self-administration paired with conditioned cues. Subsequently, a 10-day extinction phase aimed to reduce heroin-seeking behaviors. Following this, rats participated in a 15-minute retrieval trial with or without cues. Immediately post-retrieval, rats received bilateral injections of the actin polymerization inhibitor Latrunculin A (Lat A) into the nucleus accumbens core (NACc), a critical brain region for memory reconsolidation. RESULTS Immediate administration of Lat A into the NACc post-retrieval significantly reduced cue-induced and heroin-primed reinstatement of heroin-seeking behavior for at least 28 days. However, administering Lat A 6-hour post-retrieval or without a retrieval trial, as well as administering Jasplakionlide prior to memory reactivation did not affect heroin-seeking behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Inhibiting actin polymerization during the reconsolidation window disrupts heroin-associated memory reconsolidation, leading to decreased heroin-seeking behavior and prevention of relapse. These effects are contingent upon the presence of a retrieval trial and exhibit temporal specificity, shedding light on addiction mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiting Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoyu Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Meng
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xin Mo
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mengqi Gong
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiwei Liao
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Soares LA, Nascimento LMM, Guimarães FS, Gazarini L, Bertoglio LJ. Dual-step pharmacological intervention for traumatic-like memories: implications from D-cycloserine and cannabidiol or clonidine in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1827-1840. [PMID: 38691149 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06596-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Therapeutic approaches to mitigating traumatic memories have often faced resistance. Exploring safe reconsolidation blockers, drugs capable of reducing the emotional valence of the memory upon brief retrieval and reactivation, emerges as a promising pharmacological strategy. Towards this objective, preclinical investigations should focus on aversive memories resulting in maladaptive outcomes and consider sex-related differences to enhance their translatability. OBJECTIVES After selecting a relatively high training magnitude leading to the formation of a more intense and generalized fear memory in adult female and male rats, we investigated whether two clinically approved drugs disrupting its reconsolidation remain effective. RESULTS We found resistant reconsolidation impairment by the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine or cannabidiol, a major non-psychotomimetic Cannabis sativa component. However, pre-retrieval administration of D-cycloserine, a partial agonist at the glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex, facilitated their impairing effects on reconsolidation. A similar reconsolidation blockade by clonidine or cannabidiol was achieved following exposure to a non-conditioned but generalized context after D-cycloserine administration. This suggests that sufficient memory destabilization can accompany generalized fear expression. Combining clonidine with cannabidiol without potentiating memory destabilization by D-cycloserine was ineffective. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of NMDA receptor signaling in memory destabilization and underscore the efficacy of a dual-step pharmacological intervention in attenuating traumatic-like memories, even in a context different from the original learning environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane A Soares
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Laura M M Nascimento
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Gazarini
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Três Lagoas, MS, Brazil
| | - Leandro J Bertoglio
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Três Lagoas, MS, Brazil.
- Depto. de Farmacologia, CCB, UFSC, Campus Universitário S/N, Florianópolis, SC, 88049-900, Brazil.
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Zhao S, Gu ZL, Yue YN, Zhang X, Dong Y. Cannabinoids and monoaminergic system: implications for learning and memory. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1425532. [PMID: 39206116 PMCID: PMC11349573 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) have been intensively studied for their neuroregulatory roles in the central nervous system (CNS), especially in regulating learning and memory. However, many experimental and clinical studies obtained conflicting results indicating a complex network of interaction underlying the regulation of learning and memory by different cannabinoids and the ECS. The ECS influences neuronal synaptic communications, and therefore may exert different regulation via their different impact on other neurotransmitters. The monoaminergic system includes a variety of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which play important roles in regulating mood, cognition, and reward. The interaction among cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system has drawn particular attention, especially their contributions to learning and memory. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of how cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system contribute to the process of learning and memory, and discussed the influences of monoaminergic neurotransmission by cannabinoids and ECS during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Zhao
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Nan Yue
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Marchi M, Grenzi P, Boks MP. Clonidine for post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review of the current evidence. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2366049. [PMID: 38941125 PMCID: PMC11216257 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2366049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Clonidine is a centrally acting anti-adrenergic agent that may have applications in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly for sleep.Objective: In this systematic review, we aimed to summarize the effect of clonidine on sleep quality and duration, nightmares, and PTSD symptom severity in adults with PTSD.Method: PubMed (Medline), Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched up to April 2023. Studies on clonidine use in adult PTSD patients reporting data on the effect on sleep, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms were included. A narrative summary and a meta-analysis of the study findings are presented.Results: Ten reports, accounting for N = 569 patients with PTSD (145 on clonidine and 436 controls), were included in the final selection. There were four case reports, four observational studies, one non-blind clinical trial, and one crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT). Median clonidine dose was 0.15 mg/day (range: 0.1-0.5 mg/day). Median follow-up time was 31 days (range: 3 days to 19 months). The quality of the evidence was rated from very low to low. There was marked between-study heterogeneity and low power in the individual studies, but many reported improved sleep quality, nightmare reduction, and improvement of PTSD symptoms for patients treated with clonidine. Meta-analysis was only possible for two studies reporting the effect of clonidine on nightmares, and showed no difference from the comparator (i.e. prazosin or terazosin) (odds ratio: 1.16; 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 2.05), potentially pointing towards non-inferiority between these medications.Conclusions: Future research, such as well-powered RCTs, is needed to identify the efficacy in the lower dose range and the most suitable treatment group, and to obtain good evidence on the effects of clonidine in the treatment of sleep disorders related to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Marchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pietro Grenzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco P. Boks
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Thotamune W, Ubeysinghe S, Rajarathna C, Kankanamge D, Olupothage K, Chandu A, Copits BA, Karunarathne A. AGS3-based optogenetic GDI induces GPCR-independent Gβγ signaling and macrophage migration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.04.597473. [PMID: 38895415 PMCID: PMC11185739 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.04.597473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are efficient Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and exchange GDP to GTP on the Gα subunit of G protein heterotrimers in response to various extracellular stimuli, including neurotransmitters and light. GPCRs primarily broadcast signals through activated G proteins, GαGTP, and free Gβγ, and are major disease drivers. Evidence shows that the ambient low threshold signaling required for cells is likely supplemented by signaling regulators such as non-GPCR GEFs and Guanine nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors (GDIs). Activators of G protein Signaling 3 (AGS3) are recognized as a GDI involved in multiple health and disease-related processes. Nevertheless, understanding of AGS3 is limited, and no significant information is available on its structure-function relationship or signaling regulation in living cells. Here, we employed in silico structure-guided engineering of a novel optogenetic GDI, based on the AGS3's G protein regulatory (GPR) motif, to understand its GDI activity and induce standalone Gβγ signaling in living cells on optical command. Our results demonstrate that plasma membrane recruitment of OptoGDI efficiently releases Gβγ, and its subcellular targeting generated localized PIP3 and triggered macrophage migration. Therefore, we propose OptoGDI as a powerful tool for optically dissecting GDI-mediated signaling pathways and triggering GPCR-independent Gβγ signaling in cells and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waruna Thotamune
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Sithurandi Ubeysinghe
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Chathuri Rajarathna
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Dinesh Kankanamge
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Koshala Olupothage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Aditya Chandu
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Bryan A. Copits
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Ajith Karunarathne
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
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